Oh boy entered a walk and trot test on Sunday - advice please?

[Pidge]

Ok so I've only done one dressage test this year (when couldn't jump due to hock spavin and spent most of time trying to stop him cantering as it was a walk and trot test

) as Pidge's flatwork is still very much work in progress

As jump saddle is still away being sorted out by my saddler, I can't therefore jump, so have entered the walk and trot dressage and am also aiming to do the inhand 4 year old and over. So any tips gratefully received please? Also he goes better at sitting trot than rising, is it acceptable to do sitting trot in a walk and trot test?

 

[Mungali]

Hmmm...sorry no tips, but good luck

 

[Baggybreeches]

Same thing here, but I have entered an Elementary, I am now cacking it big time!!!
Good luck I am sure you will be fine, at least youve only got 2 speeds to remember, I have walk, 3 different trots and 3 different canters, aswell as sideways things going on. PLus I have to remember it, its in a 60 x 20m so I deffo wont be able to hear in that!
Enjoy and remember to smile!

 

[Blizzard]

ooh how exciting!

Good Luck Sue, get piccies!!

 

[Pidge]

Oh boy and I thought it was bad enough trying to remember my test! Last time I only managed a grimace at the judge as was desperately trying not to canter down the centre line

bless Pidge he does get a bit excited, I haven't the heart to tell him he can't jump

 

[Pidge]

nerve racking more like it, and will have the embarrassment of it being caught on camera as mum and dad are here this time

oh well its the taking part that counts isn't it?

 

[Blizzard]

Im sure you will have a great time!! Just remember to whisper to Pidge that its walk and trot, not canter LOL!

 

[Pidge]

thanks, I've already had a word with him but don't think he was listening!

 

[Baggybreeches]

Ooooo! The parent pressure, luckily (or not) mine is a horsey mum, but she is banned from watching because my horses are all mesmerised by her! Maybe we can compare vids/piccys to see if they really look as bad as it feels???

Oh and by the way I bet you dont come last, but I can guarantee I will!

 

[kerilli]

yes, of course you can do sitting trot if he goes better. try to make everything in there seem slow and easy, prepare ahead of everything, think of doing a small half-halt before every bend, turn, transition. this'll make you look a lot more prepared and organised and balanced than everyone else! very best of luck.
oh, and sit up, smile a lot, remember to breathe, and have FUN! think of the judge as your friend who you're showing your wonderful horse off to.

be positive, not defensive, about your performance and how good you both look together.

 

[Nats_uk]

We run walk/trot tests at our local riding club. We always treat them as a intro to dressage so don't worry if he isn't 100% in an outline, just focus on riding accurately e.g. 20m circles not squares etc.

Also it does help to smile at the judge when you do the final salute! (Well except for the one time the judge didn't smile back at me - I felt so small!)

 

[Pidge]

I know the feeling as have pics of jumping and you can see Pidge has clocked mum by the fact his eye is on her! thankfully she will be taking the pictures from a distance

Oh now that would be interesting comparing vids and piccys, we could do a "how not to ride a dressage test" me and a "how to ride a dressage test" you

 

[Pidge]

Oh fantastic

he seems to go much better when I put my legs and thighs on which is easier for me in sitting trot, so perhaps we won't do too much of a giraffe impression

thanks for the tips, much appreciated. As he can lean on the bit, currently in cherry roller, am I better with loose ring kk or fulmer kk?

 

[Pidge]

thanks for that, makes me feel better as we can do accuracy but not outline all the time.

 

[Baggybreeches]

[ QUOTE ]
Oh now that would be interesting comparing vids and piccys, we could do a "how not to ride a dressage test" me and a "how to ride a dressage test" you

[/ QUOTE ]
More like 'this is what racehorses do in a dressage arena' me!

 

[kerilli]

fulmer, i'd say. good luck!

 

[Gorgeous George]

oh good for you, no words of wisdom as I'm already nervous about mine and it's a month away! Like the advice about thinking of the judge as your friend! George doesn't really do 'going in an outline', so we will work on accuracy and not being scared of the arena/dressage markers (more me than him I suspect!)

Have a great day, good luck and enjoy and remember to post pics!

 

[Pidge]

oh well at least we can compare wooden spoons eh

 

[Pidge]

thanks will use the fulmer then

 

[Pidge]

Aw thanks Trish, will try not to demolish the white boards as we fly round

By the way think its great how well your doing with George and entering your first show as well

not that I'm biased towards those that have chestnut horses

 

[Nats_uk]

Oh forgot to say good luck!