Need some dressage tips please...

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Gingernags

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Got the second test in my riding club series on Sunday - Prelim 14. Its a bit more complex than I've done in the first or the one last year.

Have decided - am using my GP saddle as the show one was too flat and shiny and I felt "perched" rather than sitting into a nice seat. Did a quick school in the field on Sunday and it was way better in the GP!

However, I have no school, its too dark to school in the field when I get home on a night so I can only hack, but need some tips for a couple of the movements -

I have two working trot sections where I have to return to walk for 2-5 strides, and a trot section where I have to give and re-take the reins...

Now for the walk - I figure on aiming for 3 strides, then if I'm out by a stride either way I'm still OK! Any good hints though?

And for the give and re-take the reins - is this for a certain amount of strides or seconds?

I'll be grateful for any helpful hints!!!

J x
 
with the give and retake make sure that it is clear and i normally count to 3 slowly. Push your hands towards your horses head, about a foot from where you normally hold them. I always over exaggerate this movement, as you wont get marked down for showing it more, but you wll if you dont show enough.

the walk trot/trot walk transition needs to be smooth and make sure the walk steps are active, with a spring from behind back into trot again. You need to make sure your horses hind quarters are under her in the downwards transition, which will give a better walk, and thus a better upwards transition.
 
Hi! I would do about 4 strides of walk at that level, aim for smooth, uphill transitions where he stays on the bit in a good contact.

With give and re-take the reins does it not say on the test sheet? I don't know at prelim level but at elementary it is for a couple of strides or so, just make sure that you clearly give (push forward a little at this moment to get him to stretch into the contact but remain on the bridle) then sit up and take the reins back again being sure to ride forwards.

It isn't something to worry about, just make sure you clearly show it.

Even if you can only hack you should be able to do a prelim test, simple things like shoulder in on a track each way will help him be supple and listen to you so try not to worry!

Have fun! Ride forward and aim for a soft but definate contact and active paces.

Diana
 
Just a slight crib with the above advice............

In the give and retake of reins the judge is looking for a CLEAR RELEASE of the contact, not just pushing/lifting the hands and keeping the contact, aka cheating
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I hope I'm explaining this well, it's SO much easier to show!
The idea being that the horse remains in balance/outline when the contact is given for those strides. The horse should NOT seek the contact as in the exercise of 'give the rein and allow the horse to stretch' seen in trot and canter or as in the free walk on a long rein.

I also aim for three strides if possible, think 1 is the give, 2 is the 'see judgey how in balance, (or not
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) my horse is' and 3 is the smooth retake.

Practise by giving alternate reins away until you're both confident and then try both together.

Good Luck!
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[ QUOTE ]

With give and re-take the reins does it not say on the test sheet?


[/ QUOTE ]

Hmmmmm... a friend gave me a copy and TBH I think its just the score sheet but it tells you the movements... I've drawn them out myself! It just says "give and take - see rule book"

Will try to order the full copy in time...
 
The give and retake should be one continous movement, so you dont need to keep them forward for a number of strides/seconds. Stay sitting up through the movement and push hand towards horses mouth to clearly release the contact (not lift hands- which doesn't release the contact)

For the Trot, Walk, trot- aim for smooth transition and keep the energy. Also make sure you actually walk. I judge ALOT of tests where people start to ride the transition to walk, feel the jog before the actual walk steps and then trot again, there must be CLEAR walk steps
 
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