What advice should I give my daughter? (also in comp)

Y

YummyHorses

Well-Known Member
Joined
4 April 2009
Messages
596
Visit site
Whilst mucking out this morning, my 10 year old daughter asked me what she should aim for during 2013 with her new dressage pony. As I show jump I struggled to respond other than the standard answer of 'enjoy and have fun!'

She hasn't done a great deal as her first pony turned out to be a bit of a sod, knocking her confidence so its only in the last couple of months that she has really focussed and started having lessons again.

She is currently schooling to the Intro tests and plans to compete in the New Year. But where should we go after that? How many times should you compete at the same test? Should you wait till you get a satisfactory percentage before moving onto the next test? And do you go in any sequence? And what should I suggest to her as goals for 2013? Sorry for all the questions but I am new to dressage - fine on BS but rubbish on BD.

I will chat with her trainer tomorrow as I am sure she will have views but keen to hear others experience and suggestions as well.

Thanks.
 
why don't you suggest she does some BYRDS training, there are regions up and down and wouuld think they would all do something.
Could try and qualify for trailblazers champs or the dengie (but think its getting a little late for this this year)
have a mooch about as see whats around.
 
I would say once she gets a 1st, 2nd or 3rd then move onto prelim tests, start with the easiest ones and if she's acheiving 60%+ then move onto a harder test with the aim of getting a 60%+ in a prelim 13 at the end of the year or something?

And maybe some fun goals like learn how to do running plaits, learn how to trot bareback, learn how to bandage?

Sorry if the ideas are no good :) I'm 21 and the dressage aims were my ones for the season just gone hehe! X
 
They are great ideas thanks all.

I will investigate the BYRD but probably not yet. I want her confidence up there and have some results. I like the idea of trailblazers etc so will investigate that more.

Also other goals - good ideas on the bandaging, plaits etc as that helps her all round knowledge and capability with the ponies. She is weak in this area - having a horsie mother who just does - is not always a benefit! I have stopped helping as much recently and she has had to get on with it and do it herself and to be fair has done well.
 
Yeah I think stable skills are invaluable! Maybe teach her throughout the year and create a little yard skills exam she can take, if she passes she gets a trip to the tack shop or something? :)
 
Personally I don't think a 10 year old should concentrate on one discipline.....perhaps include some basic dressage comps, but also have her try a number of other disciplines, show hunter (no needles!!!), intro eventing, show jumping, games, endurance, trail rides. Is she involved with Pony Club? They will have all sorts on offer. And a couple of basic natural horsemanship courses would be an excellent way of extending her ideas!!!! Not forgetting, simple hacks and exploring the countryside!! The important thing for all of you, her, her pony and you - is to have FUN!! If it's fun she will carry on, if it's not fun she will give up.....
 
I have a 9 year old daughter. She has a pony who is essentially an M&M ridden showing pony and this is where their strength really lies, she loves showing and he totally knows his job although is still work in progress! However we don't just focus on this as they would get very bored and stale. Last summer alongside the showing we did some dressage, once she was consistently getting 1sts and 2nds at intro (and getting bored with the tests!) We moved up to some simple prelims. They also entered showjumping competitions and did quite well, loads of hacking and tried x country. They have had so much fun and have also now just had a go at a mounted games comp. I agree if you can find a good PC this is a great idea they can aim towards their PC tests, my daughter always loves camp and they can have a go at a whole range of disciplines! My daughters goals this year are to have a go at some bigger county shows and to get onto her PC dressage team! Definitely mix it up though I think its important to have a go at a wide range of different activities for both ponies and young riders. Hope she has a great 2013!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top