what competitions can I do with my horse?

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eva

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Hi guys,

I have a 5 yo Andalusian gelding and I'd like to start participating in any sort of competitions, but as I have never done any I have no idea where to start. I suspect we could mostly go into dressage, but again - how do we start? How do you decide which test to do and will they take us if we've never ever done anything? BD website was not very helpful, where can I look? The yard where we are is showjumping only so no opportunities there so far. Thanks!
 
Are their any local riding clubs? IF there are then they'll run unaffiliated dressage comps and I'd enter one of those (Go for W and T test or prelim or novice if you've never done it before) and then ask ask ask when you're there and people will help you to the next level /where to go next.

Blitz
 
If I were you I would join a local riding club. That way you can take part in a variety of competitions so you can find what suits you. It is also a good way to make horsey friends.
 
if you look up The Riding Diary, it lists all the events (well pretty much) in different regions and different disciplines - so you can search and have a look at differing options.

I would suggest you take yourself down to some unaffiliiated dressage competitions to get an idea of the venue/dress etc. The new walk/trot tests are a good way to get a young horse out and getting arena experience and you then step upto Prelim. All the tests are numbered and become more difficult as you go through the steps - so Prelim 1 is a straightforward test. Prelim 15 is much harder because at the stage you are getting upto be ready for Novice. You don't need to join a riding club to join in at unaffiliated shows but its a good way to meet people and, should you want to ride affiliated (i.e join a body such as British Dressage), then often there is a reduction on membership fees should you want to join.

Do you have lessons? or go to clinics? because your trainer should be able to help/advise you when you are ready too!
 
Another vote for your local riding club! Or google your local comp centres to see what their event schedule is like. Where are you based?
 
Have a look at local riding centres and livery yards. They often run unaffiliated dressage which is a really good way to start. I love doing unaffiliated. No pressure and everyone I've met has been really helpful and friendly..
 
Thanks everyone! Seems like I need to find a local riding club! I'm in Harefield now, but might soon relocate to Elstree, it's just so scary to start competing! I'm afraid everyone will laugh at me as soon as I submit my entry :) Riding Diary is a great resource, thanks!
Also - how do you know what's in the test before you submit your entry? Is there an infinite number of tests or are they sort of standartized and you can download them and decide what's feasible?
 
Hiya, when you decide on venues youll need to get hold of schedules they will have set tests for that day, the best way to get a copy of all the tests is through the BHS you can do that online where you can buy them, the best ones to go for are the laminated ones that way your not going to waste your money on sheets that are going to ruined if there rained on.
Another place to get schedules for local shows will be your local tackshop/feed store they will probaly have a range!:)
 
Great, will do that. Also - can any breed of horse participate in any competition? And would it be ok if the rider does not have a British pasport?
 
Yer dressage, any horse breed can compete, as with showjumping, they only thing where breeds are limited is showing in the breed classes obvioulsy only the breed speacified can show in that class. No it doesnt matter if you havnt got a british passport. :)
 
Why not go along to local dressage comp on foot? You will learn a lot just by watching.

I got my dressage tests off ebay, you can buy a book of laminated BD intro and prelim tests for about £15.

Also have a look on YouTube. If you search Intro or Prelim dressage loads of people have videoed their tests and posted them, so you can watch away! I used Youtube a lot to help me learn my tests when I first started as I'm a visual learner.

Once you get into it make sure you have lessons and see if you can write for a judge - you'll learn loads.
Good luck!
 
i would also say join the loacl riding club aswell they will do training sessions for you to learn and then comps as well :D
 
Luci07 said:
if you look up The Riding Diary, it lists all the events (well pretty much) in different regions and different disciplines
Well unless you're in Scotland ;) where apparently there are only 2 events this month in the whole of Scotland - lol!

I would suggest (as others) joining a Riding Club - they provide lots of things to do, competitions and training in different disiplines.
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eva said:
Hi guys,

I have a 5 yo Andalusian gelding and I'd like to start participating in any sort of competitions, but as I have never done any I have no idea where to start. I suspect we could mostly go into dressage, but again - how do we start? How do you decide which test to do and will they take us if we've never ever done anything? BD website was not very helpful, where can I look? The yard where we are is showjumping only so no opportunities there so far. Thanks!
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You can do anything you like with your Andalusian. My PRE events, shows, SJs, HT,pleasure rides and a bit of dressage. They are very versatile and not just poncy pretty things just for dressage. Good lucki
 
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