I am a complete t*t somtimes

[parsley]

I had my first dressage test for ages today - only 2 unaffiliated classes at a lovely low key place near me. I felt really really nervous (why!

) and made him canter on the wrong leg at least three times in the first test - makes me wonder why we usually find counter canter almost impossible

and he was on his forehand so much I though he was going to fall over at one point - I had to laugh by now so at least nerves went.

2nd test - I was all geared up to do better and was just running through the test at a mutter while waiting for the horse in the arena to finish when a lady (to who I shall be eternally grateful) told me I had a got a bit wrong - I then realised I had learnt the wrong test

cue shock horror and a worse ridden test. How could I be so dim!!! - I checked the schedule a couple of times before finding out the right test sheets

No point to this post, I just can't believe I did this

OH came to watch me - hes just learning to ride - I reckon he will be buying some competition clothes soon then I can be relegated to groom

 

[RachelB]

At least you can laugh about it!

Never mind, better luck next time!

 

[catembi]

Don't feel too bad - at least you noticed in time. I once started riding the wrong test as I didn't realise it had been recently superseded. I went up the centre line, halted, saluted...& the judge rang the bell, & I was like, ????? I haven't had a chance to go wrong yet!!

Then o/h had to borrow a sheet off the writer & I had to do it 'blind'.

Whoops!

 

[jesterfaerie]

Oops!
Don't worry about it too much, least you can sit back and have a laugh about it.
The best competitions are the ones you have a laugh at, even if it is at your own expense. Yes it is nice to go in not mess up and win but not everything goes to plan.

 

[Laafet]

Atleast you went out and did it. Well done for getting out there. Just laugh it off. I haven't competed for 18 months and am sure I will do something stupid when I start to take out Tarquin.

 

[Chumsmum]

Well done for giving the test a go! I watched a friend doing a walk and trot test today - there is no way I'm even ready for that

 

[parsley]

Having re read the sheets I realise that I also waved my whip at the judge when saluting

I remember being slightly surprised to find myself halted someway to the right of the centre line, and thinking that I would like to just slink out, and then doing a quick salute forgetting to put my whip in my other hand

 

[Madcow]

Don't worry, believe me, the judge saw far more howling mistakes than that I can tell you! (I will tell you when I see you next!)