Introductory A Dressage, a few questions.

N

nia1994

Member
Joined
1 August 2010
Messages
15
Location
Gloucestershire
Visit site
I'm not sure if this is in the right part of the forum, but anyways.

I'm doing my first dressage on my loan pony at the end of the month, at a large local show. We're just going to go for the W&T Intro A (2008) to start us off.

So I've got a few questions. :)
Firstly, what is the judge looking for in my horse for a test like this? Should I get him working in an outline and things or is this not completely neccessary in a simple W&T? He does work well eventually (kind of!) but takes a heck of a lot of warming up beforehand, and even then our outline isn't by any means perfect. :/

Secondly, I only have brown boots and chaps - this will be fine wont it? I have a navy hat and navy jacket.

Thirdly, it's held on British Riding Club rules, can I find these online somewhere? (if not, what does these entail?)

Thank you! xxx
 
Hi.

Intro tests are designed for horses and riders in the initial stages of their training - so technically they don't need to work in a proper outline at this level (or prelim really - which is also designed for early stages of training). Unfortunately, nowadays people don't seem to push themselves as much, and will stay at lower levels just to get rosettes. So you may find horses in the class that do work really well!

If you look at the end of the test, there are points 13-17 that are marked on the way that the horse goes - this includes rhythm, tempo, bend round corners, suppleness etc. They are looking for a relaxed, supple horse working forward from behind in a regular tempo. These are the things you need to work on, and also accuracy of the test movements at this level - make sure you get the transititions exactly where they should be, and that you really get 3-7 steps of walk etc (I was teaching someone this test the other days, and they were doing 7 steps of walk , then asking for trot, rather than trotting before the 8th step..)

See if you can perform the test in a lesson and have your instructor comment on how you're doing..

Good luck! Enjoy yourself..x
 
As above really. If you are hoping to be placed the judge will expect to see your horse working correctly into the contact. If you are going to get the experience of competing and are not worried about not getting placed you will not be eliminated for not being in an outline - most judges are savvy enough to spot the difference between a horse with his head pulled in to create an 'outline' versus one that is on the bit.

Brown boots are definitely allowed but British Dressage rules state that the chaps must be of e identical leather to the boot which rules out suede chaps.

Don't forget that you also need to wear pale coloured gloves and remove the rubber bit rings if you normally use them.

Afraid I can't help you with the riding club rules but they may well check you flu/tet is up to date.
 
Ah I see, thank you very much! :)

edit: So I'm not allowed suede chaps? Ahh I think a shopping trip is in order haha.

So would the pony going like this be satisfactory? He's not the most forward going of things. :/
37610_413603522373_595867373_4864588_5320979_n.jpg

I might just play it by ear and if he's in the right mood to go well then I will but if it's not working it won't be the end of the world..


I'm such a dressage-newbie haha, you can tell why they call it stressage! Haha.
 
Last edited:
the riding club rules are just the basics i believe, no martigales, bit guards, illegal bits (i.e pelham) boots or bandages etc.

for the w/t you just need to be able to ride the test, don't worry about being on the bit (unless you want to) the way to get the best marks into help your horse (and yourself) be relaxed, as everything will follow. good luck and have fun
 
The pony looks to be going lovely in the picture. He is tracking up - they don't have to be going fast to do this..

(Definately no martingale, whip or boots on the horse. Snaffle bit.)
 
Nia1994 you both look fine to me. Your pony looks nice and active and you look to be an effective rider. I think you will probably really enjoy your introduction to dressage.

As a rule it is considered correct to plait as a show of respect to the judge. Also don't forget to have your hair tied back, preferably in a hair net.

My only comment on your riding is that your strirrups look a little short causing you to grip up so your heel has risen above the level of the stirrup. This won't be an issue for your test but it may help you as you progress.

If you enjoy your test, definitely give Preliminary a go. I know it has canter but I think they are actually easier to ride than the walk/trot tests.
 
What a lovely looking horse you have! If he goes the way he is in that picture for your Dressage test, I'm sure you'll do brilliantly! He certainly looks like he tracks up nicely. With regards to the boots, you could always ride without the chaps if they don't match your boots. Don't forget to take your martingale off too - one of the girls at my yard forgot to take hers off and was promptly eliminated! Good luck and let us know how it goes! :)
 
Ah thank you! Yeah, I'm hoping to try a Prelim next time, yet our canter transitions leave much to be desired, so we're going to have to do a lot of work on them before attempting a Prelim :P

Thank you all :)
 
At my first show I decided to have a go at a intro and a prelim. I was surprised how nicely the prelim came together. Me and my horse are terrible in canter (think - motorbiking round corners and transistions with much to be desired) but we came joint 5th after coming 3rd in the intro! I was so chuffed. Have my next competition lined up for the 22nd. Can't wait.
I found the prelim didn't seem to last as long, maybe because the walking and trotting is broken up by the canter, and they seemed easier to remember.

Good luck, relax and just enjoy it. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top