Prelim Dressage Test - am I mad???

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Gorgeous George

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Ok I've done it I've posted my entry for the prelim dressage test on the 24th and I think I am mad
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I will be doing the w&t again as a warm up followed by the prelim (assuming my nerves don't get the better of me
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). It is just an unaffiliated local event, and part of me doesn't care what people think, but part of me is proud and I don't want to look a complete prat! My problem is that George doesn't always canter when i ask (although we are improving), and on the right rein he often canters on the wrong leg and I don't always notice
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I am also worried that when we canter we may end up outside the white boards
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Having said all this I do want to give it a go because I can't go to many shows as I have to hack there, but.......................
 
Yay, really pleased you've entered! Go for it! You still have 2 weeks to practise your canter and anyway, if it doesn't work out the best on the day (when nerves are involved) then just make the most of your trot work.
At home maybe try working on the inside track rather than sticking to the outside, this will give you an ability to have control over where you place his shoulders and you won't find it so hard to keep within the markers!
 
Go for it- My fist show with Pip he went on the wrong leg, and stopped before he was meant to- whats the worst that can happen, not much! Its all fun!
 
just go for it! i am also entering a very local test (just walk and trot) my mare wont even take a bit (ride in a hackamore)that well so am just going for a bit of a day out as have some friends attempting it too so we can all hide when we get the mickey taken too! just remember that you are doing it for fun and dont take it too seriously. i did my first sj comp for 15 years in dec and loved it - even tho i did a 2ft course on my thoroughbred and all the other entries where 10 year old kids on shetlands....(now that was embarassing...)
 
No not mad at all.
Try not to put any pressure on yourself just go and enjoy it.
Hopefully you will get lots of useful comments which will help.
 
Go for it. If you don't try you'll never succeed.

Most people are practicing their own dressage and not worried about you. It's not like the show jumping where everyone gathers round.

You'll love it

Post up how you did feel after.
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You'll be fine!!! I spent the first 11 months cantering on the wrong lead with my TB..... you can easily make up your marks on making sure the rest of your walk and trot work is good and that you are accurate throughout your test..... good luck!
 
you'll be fine, have fun, and im sure george will be a star. anyway if the canter does go abit wrong, then just remember that its only one movement, and only one mark, and the world wont end! i bet youll have a brilliant time
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P & C is quite right. Don't worry about just one aspect of the test. I used to do quite a lot of writing for the dressage judges at our local pony club and believe me we saw all sorts of mishaps but the judges were always fair and didn't judge the whole test on one move.
Go and enjoy yourselves - you are an inspiration to me cos I know you have battled with your confidence and I feel if you and George can do this then me and Jerry should have a go too!
Let us know how you get on!
 
Go for it .... and most importantly enjoy it.

My last dressage test the judge put a comment that my horse was "unhinged" ...... now that'll take some beating.
The sad thing was, I thought he was going pretty well!!!!!
 
go and have a go!! if you don't you will kick yourself! i wouldn't worry about the canter at this level, just do your best, you can make up marks on good accurate trot work, i take a cob out for dressage, it is built to pull a cart so likes to "bear down" and throw it's self onto the forehand, but i still enjoy it! don't worry what other people will think - most will have nerves just like you! good luck!
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That is really brilliant news! Everyone has to start somewhere. I love to see a genuine prelim rider/horse combination doing a prelim. Go and have a go. Think of it as a posh word for schooling and go for accuracy on the bits you know you can do well! And dont forget the report afterwards!!
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That's brilliant, Trish!

I've done a few tests now, and have had great fun. Now, I'm not the world's greatest rider, but the judges have been really encouraging and I have learnt an awful lot from doing them.

Isabelle
 
I completely agree with Isabelle J. I hate doing these tests but took my ned out last summer to his 1st show and was just terrified!!!! Hard to tell who was more worried, Ryan or me. I have had major confidence issues with Ryan after spending 2yrs nearly getting killed regularly before his kissing spine was diagnosed so for me it was about moving forward.

We did 3 shows in the end and the judges were all lovely and very constructive so I learnt a lot and it did heaps of good for both of our confidence. Our reoccurring comment was - "Lovely horse loads of potential if he can learn to relax!" So I figure that is probably my fault so that is for me to work on this year!

Just make sure you pick venues that are well run, the worst thing is to go out to start off with to a big show where they run late and you are hanging around on board for 1/2hr waiting your turn, that is bound to wind you both up.

Best of luck, am sure you will do brilliantly!
 
Just go for it - believe me you won't be the only one wondering if they should have entered. What's more if it goes wrong just remember it goes wrong on occasions for the top riders. Remember to breathe, enjoy it ride the test as accurately as possible. Good luck
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