Tips for first ever competative outing please!!

Ben2684

Ben2684

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So, it's finally upon us! Feel slightly green at the thought but S and I are finally heading to my first ever dressage (or any discipline) competition. Local unaff dressage... I've Always wanted to do it, but never had the guts to actually enter! So, tips needed please, at the grand old age of 31 I don't want to look like a complete idiot that hasn't a clue what he's doing, even though that's pretty much the case!

Main stresses so far are:

Turnout, I have white breeches, black boots, black jacket (borrowed) can I just wear a regular shirt?? I have brown tack and only one saddle-its a jump saddle, does this matter? Also, horse is grey and I only have black saddlecloths, do I need to buy a white one??

Erm, well and pretty much EVERYTHING that happens I haven't a clue!!

I'm going with YO who basically said "you're coming, end of" and I think it was the kick up the bum I needed-so hopefully she will help me put a bit but she's in the novice class so may not be there the whole time.

God I feel sick already!!
 
You can wear a regular shirt but you will need a stock. If you haven't time to buy a stock a tie will be absolutely fine but isn't correct. Jump saddle is fine as is a black saddle cloth as long as it's plain. Just make sure your both clean and tidy.

You will need to warm up for your class so allow time for this. A steward will call you when the previous test to yours is underway. If there is no steward then make sure you know who is in before you. If you think you may forget the test then a caller would be a good idea. Walk into the arena and walk past the judges so they can see your number. The bell will ring, or car hooter, but don't rush as you have about 60 secs I think it is the enter the arena, and off you go!

Your first comp will seem daunting but an unaffiliated dressage competition is great as they are generally quiet and very friendly. Don't worry about others watching because I can guarantee they are concentrating on what they are doing, not what your doing!!
And above all enjoy your day. Try and smile and breathe even tho you may be nervous!! I hope you thoroughly enjoy it and you must tell us how it went. Good luck x
 
Thank you :) very daunting indeed but hopefully I will learn a few things.. And glad you told me about the gloves-I didn't know that! What colour... White??
 
White gloves ideally, but nobody is going to be that fussed at local unaffiliated. And I would say definitely see if you can get someone to call the test for you if you can.
My first proper test away from home, I was very proud of myself because I had learned the test and didn't have a caller. The judge made a mistake and stopped me part way through because she thought I had gone wrong. I hadn't, but that was all it took to make the rest of the test totally vanish from my feeble brain! She was very nice about it, and ended up pretty much calling the rest of the test for me. Actually I found it quite funny (we were never going to be placed anyway), but afterwards I always tried to arrange a caller, one less thing to stress about!
Good on you for giving it a go!
My only other bit of advice is to check your time when you arrive in case they are running early or late. If you're a bit nervous anyway you don't want to find out when you're 5 minutes into your 20 minute working in plan that you're next to go!
Best of luck, and do tell us how you get on!
 
White or dark are fine. I always wear black gloves as then my hands arnt so obvious!! If you carry a whip make sure you salute with the OTHER hand!! If you do happen to go wrong don't worry. You will only loose marks for that particular movement. And remember not to talk to your horse!! If you really need to do it whilst your back is to the judge!!
 
No plaiting necessary!! Just make sure your both clean and tidy. Also make sure your tack is all dressage legal. Have a look at a few tests on you tube, they will put your mind at ease! X
 
Ben2684 said:
Thank you :) very daunting indeed but hopefully I will learn a few things.. And glad you told me about the gloves-I didn't know that! What colour... White??
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Black is ok at this level. I prefer wearing black gloves as they hide a multitude of sins. I also wear a black saddle cloth, but my horse is black so it looks ok. Youde look smarter in a stock - if you have time get a ready tied one off ebay (second hand) and a stock pin too (or borrow one if you can). Or if you get a stock bib you dont need to worry about a shirt underneath - a t-shirt is fine as you cant see it. Just watch that your tack is dressage legal, and your bit too. Oh and if you prefer to use a neck strap, thats fine and loads of people use them.
If you can, get there in plenty of time and suss out whats what. The organisers should be v friendly and more than happy to explain how it all works. Dont be intimidated by people in the warm up ring - ignore other people and just do whatever you need to do, being mindful of others of course. And be aware of warm-up ring etiquette. Finally dont put any pressure on yourself. Its supposed to be fun so just enjoy the moment with your pony who im sure will do his/her absolute best for you. Enjoy :-)
 
Micropony said:
My only other bit of advice is to check your time when you arrive in case they are running early or late. If you're a bit nervous anyway you don't want to find out when you're 5 minutes into your 20 minute working in plan that you're next to go!
Best of luck, and do tell us how you get on!
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They won't insist you come in before your allocated time - you can follow your warm up plan. always worth making sure they aren't running late, though!
 
God-so much to remember!! All my tuck is dressage legal, will just have to remove the running martingale. My horse should be fine, he did it all with his last owner, just need to control my nerves!! I'm embarrassed to admit I threw up just before a blummin clear round-that's as close as I have gotten to competing before this, will let you know how I get on!! :)
 
Dose yourself up on Rescue Remedy beforehand. You'll be less nervous and less likely your horse picks up on it. Ride as accurately as you can, make your 20m circles 20m and circles, your straight lines straight, and your transitions of pace prepare in time and execute on the spot if you can - you'll gain marks even if your not making such a pretty picture yourself. Smile at the judge at the end as though you enjoyed it.
 
Ben2684 said:
God-so much to remember!! All my tuck is dressage legal, will just have to remove the running martingale. My horse should be fine, he did it all with his last owner, just need to control my nerves!! I'm embarrassed to admit I threw up just before a blummin clear round-that's as close as I have gotten to competing before this, will let you know how I get on!! :)
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You don't even 'have' to go in the ring. It's not life or death. Just learn your tests thoroughly, take your horse, warm up, and if you're not feeling it, load up and go home. There will be plenty more. Don't put pressure on yourself 😊
 
Well I did it! And I didn't do too badly!!

Despite horrendous nerves (I was shaking-and I think I took about four breaths the whole test) i got through with no mistakes! My riding wasn't the best it could have been and due to said nerves I didn't push him forward enough, losing the canter in the corner once and taking a little too long to correct wrong canter lead when he set off wrong. However, I enjoyed it, S behaved impeccable and just took it all in with no problems.. And I came EIGHTH!!! Out of fifteen!!! Couldn't bloody believe it :) 62.25% and only 1 or two marks off being placed so extremely happy. Have a few bits to work on but surely the first is always the worst nerve wise??

One very happy and proud horse owner :)
 
That is an absolutely brilliant score especially for a first outing!!! Massive well done!! Have you caught the bug???!!! There is always plenty to work on even when you compete at higher levels which keeps dressage so interesting!! So pleased for you and we'll done first getting out there and doing it!! Can't say your nerves will disappear but they will be redirected into wanting to do better each time rather than just praying you get through the test!!
 
Very well done!! I was a bag of nerves first time (only intro!) and rode like a sack of spuds.

Brilliant result! When's your next one?!
 
Remi'sMum said:
Very well done!! I was a bag of nerves first time (only intro!) and rode like a sack of spuds.

Brilliant result! When's your next one?!
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Same. It didnt help my horse was being an idiot in the warm up arena, but then turned into the gentleman he normally is in front of the judge. I even made my first mistake ever in a test because I was so nervous, and I never make mistakes. Was so furious with myself but hey ho.

Well done though Ben, and you need to go out competing more. Need more people in dressage. :)
 
Thank you :) I'm still buzzing! I was very pleased. Hoping to head to another on the 28th Feb... Best start practicing! Now, just need to pluck up the courage to try a little showjumping event!!! Ha
 
I have been following this with interest as my little girl is screwing up her nerves to do her first dressage test at the end of the month and I am as nervous as she is! Neither myself or my daughters have ever competed before as we couldn't afford it at livery and we are utterly clueless and terrified of looking like muppets in front of proper horsey people! When you enter a competition, do they give you the test you are supposed to do?
 
Hi indiat, I was very fortunate to be goIng with someone who knew what they were doing!! You can find tests online I believe? The best thing you could do is contact the organisers beforehand and let them know it's your first time.. I did this and the riding club ladies that were there were amazing! Supportive and encouraging and made me feel really welcome. I completely cocked up timings but rather than eliminate me they allowed me to go one person later than I should have. Everyone was really helpful and they explained what was happening and what I'd need to do, and I've now joined!! :) I was MAJORLY worries about my plaits and thought I'd be a laughing stock as I had never done it before but after a few trusty YouTube videos I have it a go. He may not have had the best ones but it was commented on favourable that I had made the effort.

I think everyone is in the same boat, and it's easy to say now (that I've done it!!) that all the stress and worry beforehand really wasn't warranted

Just have fun, ask questions if you are not sure and try (very difficult I know) to enjoy it, now I've got that one under my belt I'm looking forward to the next one!!
 
Oh and a word of advice, from a now seasoned competition attendee (hahahah) learn the test! I was so stressed that any mistakes I made meant I lost concentration and I didn't hear what my caller said-luckily I had learnt it and knew where I should be going but would have been clueless if I had been relying on him only!! :)
 
Depends what you mean by give you the test. Yes they tell you which one to do. No, you have to buy the test instruction sheet. It costs a couple of pounds from British Dressage, or you can get ones with diagrams from another site. Not sure which as I don't use them but I'm sure somebody will be along in a minute who will know.

Take the test sheet along with you so you can remind yourself before you go in, or have somebody read it for you. If you are reading for your daughter remember that you are only allowed to say exactly what is on the sheet, and you can only say it once, so you need to time it right and shout loudly! :-)
 
Thank you for that, Ben and Cowpony. I have thrown myself on the mercy of the organisers in an email where the word "numpty" has been at least three times! I am terrified and I am not the one competing!
 
Well done Ben. What a great score for a first attempt. Having a caller really helps me but you can't always rely on them as they may not get the timing right for you so it is best to learn the test really well and just have the caller as a back up.
 
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