Ideas of things to do before first intro test later on in the year!

caitlineloise

caitlineloise

Well-Known Member
Joined
15 December 2010
Messages
602
Location
Blaby, Leicestershire
Visit site
Basically, my first goal is to do an intro dressage test in April (I know it's ages away!!)

I want a bit more experience before diving into it (even though I know it's not much!) so wondered what all your suggestions where for things to do beforehand.

You see when I do my first intro, it will be in front of everybody I know at my yard, as it is at my yard the competition is held at, and I cant help them being nosey! I would be too, but it'll be my first time, and the pressure will be on! Not because they expect anything of me, but I don't want to make a fool of myself.

Thanks!
 
Lots of lessons.

See i f you can find the test being held somewhere else, so you can have ago without being in front of your whole yard if it bothers you.

Remember that everyone else at your yard will be nervous themselves.

Remember that its for fun!
 
Im doing my first walk/trot test at the end of the month on my ex racer. I know that she still tongue lolls when trying to accept the contact, we are still stiff on right rein and can be excitable. But we all have to start somewhere!

My test is at my yard too, so yup, will have all the sticky beaks watching. I don't care, this test is for experience, I know our areas to work on and that we will not get as much marks in some areas, but I feel that now we are working in a non neurotic manner that it is about time we gave it ago.

I could put it off until we are perfect, but that may take a very long time!

What have you got to lose? That is what I am saying to myself.

In the meantime, agree - lessons. Also lots of transitions to get the horse sharp to the aids, practice walk on a free rein and esnure no resistance when taking the rein back up. Practice being straight on centre lines and diagonals. Also trot at say k, walk at e e.t.c. make sure you are sharp on your actions at the letters. Also make sure circles are circles! Ours are sometimes balloons!

Good luck!
 
asterid said:
Im doing my first walk/trot test at the end of the month on my ex racer. I know that she still tongue lolls when trying to accept the contact, we are still stiff on right rein and can be excitable. But we all have to start somewhere!

My test is at my yard too, so yup, will have all the sticky beaks watching. I don't care, this test is for experience, I know our areas to work on and that we will not get as much marks in some areas, but I feel that now we are working in a non neurotic manner that it is about time we gave it ago.

I could put it off until we are perfect, but that may take a very long time!

What have you got to lose? That is what I am saying to myself.

In the meantime, agree - lessons. Also lots of transitions to get the horse sharp to the aids, practice walk on a free rein and esnure no resistance when taking the rein back up. Practice being straight on centre lines and diagonals. Also trot at say k, walk at e e.t.c. make sure you are sharp on your actions at the letters. Also make sure circles are circles! Ours are sometimes balloons!

Good luck!
Click to expand...

Thank you, hope your test goes well! :)
 
I started dressage last year. I started with the intro's and loved it. My horse can be difficult at times depending on his mood and at new venues he can be very very nosey. However, I still have a go like most people do. I really enjoy it and will continue too do so. I can remember my horse being really wound up at a new venue once and he actually done some sideway cantering steps in a 'trot down the centre line' move. (intro) lol. It doesnt matter. If you make a mistake just carry on and you will be surprised. I still make the odd mistake now and im sure many other people do as well. Any hooooows, I have now managed to get up to 65 % in prelim and have won the most improved dressage challenge trophy at my riding club. Still a lot of room for improvement but thats half the fun of it.
 
They will all be wanting you to do well so try not to worry about them and I'm guessing that they have seen you ride before so try not to put your self under pressure on the day. It may help to get someone to help you warm up so you are kept busy. But most of all ENJOY IT!!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top