Very first dressage test!

[emma.is]

It's my very first dressage test on the 9th of next month.

Unaff, prelim13.

What do I need to know for my first ever go?

Ponio wears; black bridle, flash nose band and wilkie bit, white square pad and a fluffy half pad, black dressage saddle, black girth and a fluffy black girth sleeve.
I plan to plait his mane and tail because he'll need a red ribbon on.

I'm going to wear a white shirt, bright red tie, navy jacket, black tall boots, black whip, cream gloves, navy hat and cream jods.

Is this ok? And any tips for warming up a stressy animal who hates confined spaces and horses getting too near?

Having a little panic about the warm up. At least we'll be hacking there so half warmed up and no travelling stress!

 

[whirlwind]

Wilkie bit not allowed i don't think. Snaffles only. Everything else sounds fine, if you've hacked there and he's going to be a tit in the warm up then just don't bother. As long as you manage to have a trot or even a bit of a canter on the way there he'll be absolutley fine. Think it's WFP who has to take one of his off the lorry and staight into the test so i'm sure yours wil survive for prelim. Just means one less thing for you to be worrying about.

Personally, i'd have a caller for your first go, as even if you think you know the test, nerves can always manage to make the mind go blank!

As for tips for the test, try and make sure you are as accurate as possible in all your transitions, circles ect. This is an easy way to pick up marks and one not many people seem to take advantage of! Make sure your circles are 20mtrs - not 17mtrs or almost 20mtrs! Also make sure they are round in shape, not egg or diamond like. Remember free walks are double marks, so it's worth practising these and making sure you're walk's nice and purposeful with a proper stretch. Lastly, remember smile as you come down the centre line, it creates a nice first impression and at least makes a pretence that you are enjoying this!

Anything else you need to know feel free to pm.

 

[emma.is]

Better dig out my eggbutt then... oh no. Hahaha!

Thank you for all your advice :')

 

[Sol]

As whirlwind said really, if you are hacking there, then I would not worry too much about the warm up! I had one who hated warm ups too, just used to keep it brief tbh. On your hack there, just try to make sure he's concentrating on you, do lots of transitions, make sure he's soft & working! (although if you have miles to go, watch you don't tire him out!). If you're very close to the venue, you could always have a 15-20min warm up at home first.
I would add though, perhaps make sure you have 10mins or so when you arrive to let him just soak up the atmosphere? If he's not done much competing before it might be worth giving him a chance to have a breather & get used to it quietly! If you have longer or he's warm, perhaps give him a walk in hand rather than take him in the warm up? When you're called in, I'd do a few walk/trot transitions just to check he's not fallen asleep, then you're ready! Remember to breathe & smile!!

Accuracy is definitely your best friend. And if it does all go pear shaped? Don't panic. Just carry on as if it didn't happen! Praise your pony for anything good - it's perfectly allowed & will help both of you relax, even if you just give him a quick scratch on the withers with 1 hand its amazing how much it helps mentally

Good luck & let us know how you get on!!