So I've entered my first BD competition....

AFlapjack

AFlapjack

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.....now what do I do?! :eek:

Have entered Prelim 15 on November 20th (our first test in a long arena - possibly a bad idea?)

Any last minute tips? Breathe, breathe......

Also anything I should/shouldn't wear?

I've got a navy jacket, white stock & shirt, navy hat, cream gloves, beige jodhpurs, black long boots, spurs, whip and 2 competition number disks (either side of bridle, right?)

Anything else I'm missing?
 
Breathe is a good start :p
You will love the long arena tests once you don one - SOOO much more room! I much prefer them now but felt like you the first time
Yes either side for bridle number - you only need to wear one actually.
White saddle cloth and smile
 
Find a long arena (if you dont have one) to work in and ride throught the test at least once in before the day.

Smile at judge! and at least fake that your are enjoying it!!

Never heard 2 x bridle discs tbh- 1 is fine

Pack a camera- (and camera person) to take lots of pics for a report!
 
Do practice in a long arena if poss, it does make a difference. I use a 20x60 and have to shrink it 20x40, that extra 20m makes huge difference!
 
Make sure you check the rules for tack. No boots, bandages etc in the test. I would advise you to get someone to call the test for you even though you know it as it will give you more confidence on the day. Good luck and enjoy.
 
Best of luck A_F! Did our first in June, and was impressed by how constructive the judge's remarks were - as well as underlining the bits of the movements we weren't doing well (eg 'fluency and throughness in transition'), she had ticked the bits we did do well (eg 'straightness of centre line'), which I felt was very helpful. Looking forward to seeing your report. Enjoy yourself!
 
Sounds like you are really organised and prepared, just wanted to say good luck :) we did our first BD test earlier this year and found the judges comments extra helpful.

I too will be doing Prelim 15 on the 26th, my first attempt at a long arena, but it does seem like a nice test.
 
Thanks everyone! I'm really excited but equally ridiculously nervous!! :o

The only reason I have two bridle disks is because they came in a pack of two ;) :D

I will definitely try and fit in a practice session in a long arena and check the rule book for tack etc.

Thanks again x
 
I have judged and competed dressage lots and never seen anyone in two numbers. Wear one but when you enter the arena make sure you ride past the judge at least once in the direction so the judge can read your number disc.
Try the spare one on your horse once just in case he objects to the white disc
Smile as you go down the centre line and smile at the judge as you halt and salute. Don't ride the whole test with a grin slapped on your face as
1 your face will hurt
2 the judge will think your mad/drunck/on drugs or all 3
3 your lip will stick to your teeth (I know as I tried it once)
4 you might forget the test as you will be thinking so much about smiling


Breath and breath again practice breathing in rythm to your horses gaits at home ie in trot breath in 4 steps and out 4 steps, This unknowingly keeps your horses rythm and tempo and will stop you rushing your test.

Finally at this level accuracy wins every time. Make your circles round when you are going large go in to the corners and make the short end of the arena look different if you are on the track or doing a circle. Make turns and movements start and finish as your leg reaches the letter marker. Good luck
 
Yep, one number only for me too, never seen people in two.

Prelim 15 is nice, plenty of time to set up for the movements and simple so you can concentrate on the quality of the paces.
 
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