Prelim and Novice tests

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rachk89

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So as the riding course I wanted to go on isnt happening now for me sadly, I am going to go to a dressage competition night at a local eventing yard for some fun. Its a really relaxed night, you just dress casually and can even have boots on your horse if you want (my boots are bright blue so I think we will leave them behind).

I was going to do the Intro test (Intro A) and the Prelim test (Prelim 12), but I just got my tests from BD (I bought the set of intro, prelim and novice) and the Novice (Novice 28) doesnt actually look that bad. Worst bit is a half 15m circle in canter where you turn back on yourself to change the rein. I have done those before with him, in trot though, and he's managed fine.

I think I am going to practice them this weekend and see, but I think even if I have to collect him and hold him together a lot for that part, I still might do it since its a relaxed evening and its more or less a training session where you get feedback from a judge.

He's done loads of serpentines before and manages them fine as well so I dont see that aspect of it being a problem (only slightly issue might be if I judge distances wrong but I usually get it right, of course now I wont).

Seem like a good idea? He's never done a novice before and isnt even schooling at that level, but I dont really like the Intro test if I'm honest, think it asks a bit too much for that level.

Not really sure what to wear either. It does just say casual so I'm guessing the black jacket would look stupid. Was thinking of just wearing my black jodhpurs that have a bit of white on them and a black top. That sound alright? It does say casual, dont even need to plait (yay!).
 
The 1/2 15m circle in canter is far more tricky that it seems as you are starting to do some counter canter before the transition to trot, it is nothing like doing it in trot so make sure you practice and ensure you ride the 1/2 circle really deep, almost to the end of the school before starting to straighten up towards the track otherwise you will end up running out of space and the trot transition will be muddled.

I don't see much point in doing an intro when you are well established and happy in canter so go for the prelim and novice treating them as a training exercise with the feedback being a really useful idea.
 
be positive said:
The 1/2 15m circle in canter is far more tricky that it seems as you are starting to do some counter canter before the transition to trot, it is nothing like doing it in trot so make sure you practice and ensure you ride the 1/2 circle really deep, almost to the end of the school before starting to straighten up towards the track otherwise you will end up running out of space and the trot transition will be muddled.

I don't see much point in doing an intro when you are well established and happy in canter so go for the prelim and novice treating them as a training exercise with the feedback being a really useful idea.
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Oh I know it wont be easy, he'll probably trip over his feet. :P But figured its probably a good idea to do it now while its basically a training session rather than going into an actual show, you know?
 
I agree with what be positive says. The half circle back to the track does show some counter canter (although on the plus side you do have the side of the arena to help you). Give yourself as much space as you can with the 1/2 circle. The judges are looking to see that your horse can keep its balance. A good tip I was given by a Danish trainer was to glance down the outside shoulder as you come out of the 1/2 circle and start to head towards the track. Don't make your return angle to the track too steep.

I don't like the Intro tests so I would definitely go for the prelim and novice!
 
As the others have said, if your horse is established in canter then you should have a go at the novice - after all it sounds like a relaxed environment to try stepping up a level so it sounds perfect to try something new. The Intro tests are a bit boring and the Prelim & Novice tests give the horse more to think about which often can be beneficial as it keeps them more occupied, hence more on your aids, rather than getting bored trotting around in circles and having a nosey at what else is going on!

Good luck!
 
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