unaffiliated dressage, whats involved?

[Harveybear23]

so what kind of moves and level of skill is expected in an unaffiliated test? complete newbie to this type of competition just would like more information before i throw myself and my horse into the world of dressage!

 

[Rebels]

Depends what class. I'm assuming you would start with either an Intro which is walk and trot or prelim which is walk trot and canter. As for standard, I've seen a wide range of abilities!

 

[Kadastorm]

As above, depends on the test. you see a wide range of abilities from novice riders to experienced at local unaffiliated level. I would love to affiliate but havent got the money, transport and dont own the horse i usually ride at DR so have to stick to local stuff for now...

 

[sophiebailey]

Walk, free walk on a long rein, working trot, medium trot, working canter, medium canter, 10m, 20m circles, half circles (figures of 8) serpentines. This is up to novice level, not sure what's expected of riders above this level not got there yet!!

 

[Nancykitt]

The actual tests at unaffiliated level are usually the same as affiliated - ie, they are all British Dressage tests. The main difference is that unaffiliated dressage competitions are usually run by riding clubs who choose their own judges (not always 'listed' BD judges, although some may be very good.)
There are two intro (walk and trot) tests; next level is prelim, which includes canter. The basic moves are not difficult as such but I find it really tricky to get all the transitions in exactly the right place, make sure the circles are the right size, etc -but that's the fun of it! I've only ever competed at unaffiliated level but would love to be good enough to affiliate one day...

 

[jenz87]

The tests are the same tests but different judges. Generally speaking unaff judges are less harsh and ive found mark approx 5% higher than affiliated. They GENERALLY are more encouraging although ive met some that arent!

 

[Theocat]

The best thing to do would be to go along to your local riding club and watch a few tests at their next event.

At prelim you won't do anything more difficult that half a ten metre circle - it's nearly all twenty metre circles and changes of rein across the diagonal. You'll see a massive variation in the ability level of both horses and riders, but as long as you can walk, trot and canter a circle, any rider and horse can have a crack at Prelim, and you should find people are very supportive, especially for those just starting out.

 

[Greylegs]

Yes, definitely go along and watch a event and then have a go. If you're nervous, get a friend to read the test to you which saves you having to remember it while you're riding and is a good confidence booster on the day. Make every effort to turn out properly depending on your horse as well ... As much as anything because if you feel smart you'll be more confident ( works for me anyway!).

I've always found that judges are friendly and helpful and even if you really mess up (which you wont of course) will find something positive to say to help you next time. Our club regularly uses a listed judge who does BD and BE to a high level, but she's lovely and sticks around afterwards to talk through your sheet and give you advice about how you could have done it better, which is brilliant.

So go along and have a go. Above all else, remember that it's supposed to be fun!!