the dreaded dressage

madhector

madhector

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Joined
12 December 2006
Messages
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Location
soon to be up north!
www.darlingdressage.co.uk
Having spent the last year hunter trialing and showjumping, I have sort of managed to avoid the oh so evil dressage
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but have to face the music sometime, and if I want to event my new chap I need to get back into it sooner rather the later

So my lovely boss decided to enter me in a ODE at Isleham next sunday, now I have no problems with the xc or the sj, but am getting a little bit panicy about the dressage, so please help me!
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I know once Ive been out and done it, I will be fine next time, but its been almost a year since I last evented and the dressage is going to be my downfall I fear(and the horses too as she hates it aswell
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So any tips, pointers to keep me focused and get me through the nasty bit much appreciated
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no advice MH but ash is also going to isleham (same class as you i think ) and neither her or her horse has ever done dressage in there lives! not only that she only decided to enter last week !! otto is ridden in a dutch gag 2nd hole and has a martingale as well, (he only needs the 2nd hole for jumping really to give him his due ) the last two times she has ridden him she has had the reins on the snaffle ring and no martingale and hes been ok ...so far... took her for a SJ lesson yesterday ...and they did dressage lol. if you see a horse doing handstands in the dressage when hes supposed to be cantering that will be otto! ash hasnt even learnt the test properly yet . might see you there, i think there is a few entered from the forum.
 
oh you'l be fine make sure you know the test or have a arranged caller??
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. im going aswell so look forward to seeing everyone. ill be the one with the wasp hatsilk with a pom pom lol
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Firstly stop dreading it!!
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A good dressage score will put you in good stead to do well plus supple your horse up for the things that you love most XC and SJ.

You will need to do regular schooling, lots of walming up, suppling work, changes of pace, direction, tempo, etc. Flex and counter flex your horse, then you will be able to work through the tests no problem at all, in fact have the tests in your mind when you are schooling too, but allow the horse to play too, so really teach her to give her all in the medium canter, then you sit up and teach her to come back to you on the aids etc, she will soon learn to enjoy it and trust you more.

You will also then get a great score!

Diana
 
thanks for your advice, very useful
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The problem is I have never had a chance to school this mare before, as all I get to do is hack her, as no where to school, she isnt mine, so just do as Im told
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she hates schooling aparently, I am fine at home,. but lose it when I have to do a dressage test for some reason
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Just try to get through it with a sense of humour! We event and like you, I dont worry about the jumping bits - its the stressage which is dreaded! I just make sure I know it well and do my best. I dont even practice the test much at home TBH because I know once Im in there it all changes!

I guess your not allowed a caller in eventing because usually you only have 1 test to learn. Although saying that I do see the odd rider (usually a pro with youngsters) entering 5 horses in different classes! How on earth they manage I have no idea. Insane.
 
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