Talk to me about online dressage.....

littlefluffball

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Anyone do it?? Good and bad points? tips??

The ex racer and I are going to enter a c ouple of very simple tests :) I only very recently found out online dressage even exists (I am not much of a dressage fan - I prefer to jump, but the ex racer can't jump so dressage it is for us!)

The aim is to eventually get him out to some small local comps but that will take a bit of time and work due to his "dispositiion" but in the meantime I thought some simple tests would be a good target to work towards. I have signed up to the website but as yet have not recieved the confirmation email which is frustrating when you just want to get stuck in.....
 
Hi, I did some with my previous horse as He was a bit tricky in a busy warm up. I did Interdressage via my RC and tbh I wouldn't recommend it. They don't use BD tests and some of the tests are a bit odd (just my opinion) I also found the marking a bit odd too, you can go online and have a look at some of the tests and the marks they receive and form your own opinion. Dressage Anywhere does use BD tests and they also use experienced listed judges so if I were doing t again, this is what I'd choose especially with an ex racer who might show some tension. Good luck, I wish I had done more with my old boy but I wasn't very organised!
 
I did a year of it, entered most months and did quite well. I'd definitely do it again if I couldn't get out and about, the judge's notes are usually more extensive than at a real show as they have a bit more time (and I guess they can watch several times if needed) so the feedback is usually quite useful. It's lovely getting a rosette in the post too!

I did it all as a bit of fun so didn't take it too seriously and didn't notice any bad points. It's easiest if you can get someone to video for you rather than propping your phone at the end of the school. Have fun!

ETA - I did Dressage Anywhere :)
 
Thanks for the replies. Dressage Anywher eis the site I have signed up to and have already enlisted my Brother to film us when the time comes! This may be the first time I have ever been excited about dressage :):) I think it will be a while before we get any rosettes though!
 
I’ve done some videoing for a friend who was competing in Dressage Anywhere. She had very positive reports - said the whole process was really straightforward and the feedback was great.

I’d suggest you and your camera person have a read through the rules and the how-to-film guide - all very helpful!
 
Op if you fancy a days showing with your exracer I know of a great wee show at the end of July in Fife just for exracehorses and standardbreds 😉 no dressage or jumping in that bit but the show centre is putting on a combined training open to all the same day on their surfaced arenas 😉
 
Op if you fancy a days showing with your exracer I know of a great wee show at the end of July in Fife just for exracehorses and standardbreds 😉 no dressage or jumping in that bit but the show centre is putting on a combined training open to all the same day on their surfaced arenas 😉


Oh this sounds interesting. Is it likely to be a big/busy event? As he hasn't been off the yard in a long time and we have only had him really back in work since Xmas time. Plan is to get him out to local shows but don't want the first one to be too much for him lol
 
I've been doing it for a few years now. So much easier than taking horse to a show.

Get together with a couple of friends, we video the tests ( and re video them when it goes wrong) then upload and submit.

We use Dressage4all. They have lovely rosettes, and you get a little bag of sweets with your sheets! Plus if the classes are well subscribed, you get prize money :)
 
We did DressageAnywhere for the RDA tests. I had a tripod set up on a pile of pallets at C. It was brilliant for us as lots of our ponies don't travel.

I would definitely try it with my cobbus once his feet are back in shape.
 
I taught someone who did Dressage Anywhere quite a few times, she thought it was really worthwhile.
 
My son and his pony have done quite a few and really enjoyed them. Means I don't have to subject my 8yo and his 12hh pony to a busy warm up full of big horses..

We joined an under 16 site though, so can't actually recommend one for you and your TB...

Fiona
 
I’ve used Dressage Anywhere a lot. I found it a great way to learn how to ride a test and prepare myself and my mare (both new to competition) to going out for real. It’s a lovely way to keep a track of your progress and I found the judging to be very high standard. There are a couple of judges who really go the extra mile with the feedback. They have a ROR section. Also really good if you have any questions, Ruth responds quickly.
It can get addictive though...
 
Can anyone help me with getting the test? I presumed that once you paid an entry fee you would recieve the appropriate test - but it turns out you have to go to another site to purchase a test then register? So can you do any test from the dressagediagrams site as long as it is the correct level? Doesn't everyone in the "class" need to do the same? Sorry if I am being daft I am so new to this
 
The sites will specify which test you need to do that month.

Dressage diagrams are good because the tests remain in your portfolio and you can refer to them anytime.

You can Google the tests but check its the right year, as sometimes the tests change.
 
Can anyone help me with getting the test? I presumed that once you paid an entry fee you would recieve the appropriate test - but it turns out you have to go to another site to purchase a test then register? So can you do any test from the dressagediagrams site as long as it is the correct level? Doesn't everyone in the "class" need to do the same? Sorry if I am being daft I am so new to this

In Dressage Anywhere, there are two options.
1. Enter the 'class' that month - they will say what test is required that month at that level and you then ride/film/enter it.
2. Do a training class, where you can enter any BD test - but then you are not competing (you get more detailed judge feedback so this is good to test yourself at a higher level).

For Dressage Anywhere all the tests are the current BD tests - you need to buy these (paper versions from the BD website or subscribe to the BD app). If you plan on competing in person, you need the tests anyway.

I've not used others so can't comment on them I'm afraid.
 
I did some showing classes with Interdressage some years ago, I found their system worked well and the overall environment was friendly and inclusive. They choose not to run dressage under BD rules so as not to exclude horses ridden in bitless bridles.
 
I do the Haygrazer E-riders one - lots of choice of tests - they have open and restricted classes and you can compete in a league. Each month there are none BD test fun classes which helps to mix it up (pairs, poles, cobs only etc). You get your results the day after the deadline, rosettes up to 10th place (they split the classes if there are a lot of entries) and you get your sheets, rosettes and sweets(!!) about 2 weeks later. They have a group which is very friendly and supportive. I really enjoy, I totally lost my confidence going out after falling off a few times so I find it a nice way to get feedback on what we are working on and still get a bit of that competitive element too!
 
I do the Haygrazer E-riders one - lots of choice of tests - they have open and restricted classes and you can compete in a league. Each month there are none BD test fun classes which helps to mix it up (pairs, poles, cobs only etc). You get your results the day after the deadline, rosettes up to 10th place (they split the classes if there are a lot of entries) and you get your sheets, rosettes and sweets(!!) about 2 weeks later. They have a group which is very friendly and supportive. I really enjoy, I totally lost my confidence going out after falling off a few times so I find it a nice way to get feedback on what we are working on and still get a bit of that competitive element too!

I'll be roping you in to video me at some point, just so you know!
 
I did some showing classes with Interdressage some years ago, I found their system worked well and the overall environment was friendly and inclusive. They choose not to run dressage under BD rules so as not to exclude horses ridden in bitless bridles.

I see that Dressage4all have a specific bitless class.
 
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