How do you know when it's time to move up a level?

PucciNPoni

PucciNPoni

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I'm sure this question has been done to death, but would like to know, based on the following vids whether or not we look like we're ready to move up a level?

Here's vid from yesterday's RC dressage - P18 came first - did a nice enough test but at the time I didn't think it felt that great. Got amazing scores (75%! and came second out of about 20) including my first ever 8's on the collectives (3 of, and a 7 on impulsion).



Then came P12. I thought it was better (s/o to canter were smoother perhaps but the down trans a bit ropey). I think we just weren't forward enough so we had some contact issues. We are still working hard to get him more on his hocks and improvement being made little by little. Different judge, very different set of scores - 64% and about equal 7th out of 20).



One of the issues we have at home is that he tends to go quarters in on Left Canter, but no comment about that on either test - now it's quaters in on RIGHT canter? Think we over fixed the Left Canter? LOL Got better scores for Left Canter.

Do we look ready to do some Novice yet? Medium trot not established, though the canter is coming along. Lateral work is a bit rough round the edges (I know this doesn't come til later) but we are using it to straight up the canter work.

Never have won a dressage test - lots of seconds and thirds. Scores mainly high sixties - and yesterday was my first ever dip in to the 70s!
 
Dressage is my least favourite bit , so probably not much help, but have done some novice and elementary. In novice you have to "show some lengthened strides" so not sure if not having medium established is a huge deal. Guess it depends how competitive you are/want to be. Personally I'd go for it, but I always do want to sprint before I can crawl!
 
Dur, just realised "pics" were links to the vids!!! As you say little bit of a contact issue but don't look too bad at all, why don't you get your trainer to run through a couple of novice tests with you, then go for it.
 
Yes go for it, my dressage isnt great, but we get better marks at Novice than Prelim, as it keeps my mare busy!!!! Just get some lengthened strides sorted, you just need to show some difference to start with, and work from there!!! Good luck
 
Agree it probably depends how competitive you want to be! We play around with laterals at home with my older boy and the amount of medium trot/canter that we need for novices is fairly do-able so we moved up. Funnily enough I don't think I ever won a prelim either but we have won novices! And even when I have stepped down and done a prelim for whatever reason (after long break, or because that was all that was available) we still don't win!
No harm in giving it a go, maybe go and do one prelim and one novice somewhere?
 
Agree with what everyone has said might as well, just find a test that suits you and your horse. My guy tends to go better when more to do, generally because I actually ride! Whether at prelim, nov or elem tend to get similar scores if not get better as go up levels. Good luck.
 
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