Tips for 1st dressage test tomorrow

Ginger Bear

Ginger Bear

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I've entered a biginners dressage test (walk & trot) tomorrow, it's the first one for me & my tb.. does anyone have any good tips to give me? I have quite a stressy tb, so much will depend on whether he gets out of bed calm or stressy..(it could go either way!) lol. I've obviously practiced, been having dressage lessons & know the test but any helpful advice would be much appreciated!
 
Not really a tip as such but just go and enjoy yourself stay relaxed and it will be fine. If you can get someone to call the test for you will help for your first time. Hope you get on well.
 
Accuracy!
Sod where his head is! correctly timed transitions, turn ontime etc will stil get you decent marks :)
Relax and enjoy your day out. The walk and trot tests are lovely little tests :)
 
Yes am definately having the test read this time, just so I can relax a bit..thankfully I'm quite lucky with his head..because he is quite stressy he really relies on me riding confidently and searches for the contact.
 
accuracy and rythm.

If you sing a slow song in your head, you will slow your rising in trot etc and your horse will calm down and get on the same rythm.

But most important tip is to enjoy it. Get the first test out of the way and then work on improving it when you now excately what to expect on your next outing.

Good luck!!
 
As the others have said you can gain so much from being accurate.

Also if you do find yourselve getting a bit wobbly Rescue Remedy is a life saver! :D

Best of luck!
 
Make sure you give yourself enough time to warm up.

Also, if they're using white boards for the arena, when you enter the ring make sure you make the most of the time between entering and starting to let your horse get used to the boards and surroundings.

Breathe and smile!
 
Ditto what the others have said - if you can remember, give the judge an absolutely beaming smile as you go down the centre line at the beginning and end - believe me it can make a real difference, plus it brightens up the judges day!!

Enjoy it and good luck!
 
Smile...breathe...enjoy it...be accurate...ride it like you are having a lesson or are practising at home...dont keep your mouth open so flies can go in! Have a hip flas at hand but dont take it in with you!
Good luck!
 
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