Tension in Dressage Help Please!

[Skhosu]

So, last two events we have pulled up several placings, into the rosettes on a double clear, but down because of crap dressage!
Basically he is tense, hollowing, not working at all and rubbish when we're at events.
Had two really good training sessions last week but did not help on the day at all. Any suggestions?

 

[TURBOBERT]

Do as many tests as you can (RC, unaffilliated, anywhere) until both you and the horse are bored to death with them - and remember to breathe and try to relax. We all suffer from nerves from time to time and of course our poor chaps are the first to notice - very difficult to hide from them.........

 

[Taboo1968]

Rescue rememdy for you and the horse! Worth a try.... and as Turbobert suggests, dressage your socks off until you are bored to death with dressage!

 

[Toby_Zaphod]

Are you tense at these events...if you are it will transfer to your horse...any tenseness in the reins will affect his way of going.

The best advice really is relax in yourself & get out to as many shows as possible...even if you don't compoete there, just go along & get him used to the sights, sounds & atmosphere. The more often he does things the more relaxed & comfortable both your horse & you will be. Good Luck

 

[Skhosu]

See, I'm not tense anymore. Last year I was, but no such luck this eyar as it would be easy to remedy, he just refuses to settle! Would warming up for like 40-50mins help do you think? I generally do about 20mins

 

[siennamum]

You'll probably find tht as the season wears on he'll settle anyway, Sienna's tests improve by about 10 per cent from April to June!!
The best tactic though is to work in twice. Get off the box & warm up normally, ending in a 'mock' test close to where test will actuallly hapen. Then act as if all is finished, give big rewards put back on box or whatever, have a cup of tea, & do it all again half an hour later finishing with the proper test.