Going for our 1st dressage competition - any tips?

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Horseymumma

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After much deliberation and had a good talking to my horse about his behaviour he is now staying and not being sold on.... His behaviour has actually been impeccable ever since so I think he must have taken my words on board! :D

I have been talked into going in for our first dressage competition this weekend :eek: only an intro test and just to finish and have fun would be great although I am getting a bit nervous.

Just wondered if anyone has any tips for our 1st test that might help us get through it?
 
I try to think of it as just more schooling, rather than being a "test" as such. After all, there's nothing in it that suddenly becomes more difficult away from home.
Remember to breathe, look on it as an experience rather than an ordeal! For my first test, my aim was just to get in the arena and anything else was a bonus. It's meant to be fun and it's only as serious as you make it.
Also, I found ignoring what everyone else was doing/saying/looking like helped. I didn't plait or bathe the horse and it didn't matter! We were clean and tidy. At intro level you don't need to turn out looking like you're about to ride at the Olympics. Clean tack, clean horse, tidy rider.
Overall, enjoy it. I look at it as part of riding and improving; I'll never be a dedicated dressage rider, but after years saying I'd never do it, I found its fun and strangely addictive!
 
Get someone to call your test for you (if comp rules allow this) _ you may think you know it but when you are nervous it is easy to lose your way
Try and be as accurate as you can - transitions at the letter, well shaped circles. Even if horse is going like a giraffe you can pick up extra marks if you are accurate.
Try and get a good free walk ( double marks in most tests)
Remember each movent is marked separately - if something goes wrong don't dwell on it - move on to the next movement. You may get a low mark for that movent but its only one of many.
Dont forget to halt at the end (in the correct place) and salute the judge.
And remember to breath during your test!
Good luck x
 
Be absolutely confident in your test - it will make you feel loads better.

When you get there, say hello to the organiser, and tell them it's your first time - they ought to be extremely supportive and it really reduces the nerves!

Smile lots. Focus on all the positives.

Good luck! :)
 
Thanks! And good tip about breathing, I am terrible one for going tense and holding my breath when things don't go to plan and it definitely makes a difference.

I will try not to stress and just enjoy the experience. :)
 
Second theocat - be totally confident that you know the test - and then get a caller as well. I've done a few tests where i've either 1) not looked at the test at all beforehand and had a friend call it (was talked into doing a prelim after the intro i'd planned!) 2) knew the test and no caller 3) knew the test impeccably and had a caller. Goes without saying that 2) is great and 3) is better :-)
 
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