How long before a comp do you learn/start working on a dressage test?

Sunny_Star

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As in title really, I wondered how long people gave to learn and prepare their horse for a dressage test.

I have a ODE in a months time, have already learnt the dressage test but wondered how long before the actual event I should practise it on my horse.
I'm guessing as long as I know the test and can perform the movements in it then I don't need to practise the test on my horse till nearer the event.

It's only an intro, so very simple movements that I do in my dressage lessons anyway.
 
I never practise the test! Normal schooling sessions should include what is in standard tests anyway, eg shapes, transitions etc.
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Practising tests can cause probs as then the horse starts to anticipate!!
 
well i aim to learn it about a week before and practice once or twice max as otherwise buster starts to anticipate, but in general i seem to learn it in the lorry on the way to the event!
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Im really bad for not learning them till im on my way there or sometimes when i get there! Dont usually ride through them before unless its a very hard test or an important competition.
 
I learn them when I decide that i'm going to do the test which is normally a few weeks before the competition. I practice the test once a few days before and by that time i've forgotten the test!
 
oh dear, I learn them over a month before and practise them to death, or at least all the seperate moves, thankfully George isn't all that bright and doesn't seem to anticipate the moves!
 
It takes me about a week to learn one, though the BE tests are easier to learn as there's only a few different ones and you tend to remember them more easily.

It doesn't matter whether I practice them over and over as my mare doesn't remember them or pre-empt the next movement which is great, as I need to ride them a lot!!
 
If it will make you feel better, ride through it a few times. Preferably with your instructor on the ground to give you pointers and honest opinions.

When I first started doing Dressage I would have to learn my test for days and days beforehand. Then I would ride it and still I would be wobbley doing the test.

Now I tend to pick up the test a day or two before. Draw it out on a piece of paper and I lay in bed before I go to sleep and ride it in my head.

That pretty much ingrains it in to my brain for the day.

So, what I am trying to say is, do what you think is best.
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Maybe 1-2 weeks before, I like to know the test myself really well but I only practise a couple of the harder movements and would put them in the wrong sequence otherwise I have "helpful horsey" learning it better then me!
 
I'm more worried about forgetting the test, as I have done that before and as well as losing marks it demoralises you and makes the rest of the test horrible.
Shall practise the movements but not do the full test I think.
Thanks everyone
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When I was eventing I never learnt my tests beforehand. I have actually been known to be tacked up and then have the 'b**ger, I've not learnt my test'. Pick it up read through it and it sinks straight in. My sister who competed with me though just couldn't do this and would have to learn hers a few days beforehand. Just depends what works best for you, as long as you don't forget the test halfway through there's no right or wrong answer.
 
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oh dear, I learn them over a month before and practise them to death, or at least all the seperate moves, thankfully George isn't all that bright and doesn't seem to anticipate the moves!

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I have to learn mine ages before time too. I have only just strted doing comps and have to know my test inside out or I panic.
 
I tend to learn the test at some point between 24h and 15 mins prior to the test!

Very rarely practise the test. Often in the warm up I'll run through a couple of movements
 
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