What dressage classes does my 5yo go in?

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georgiatwaddell

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Hello!

I have a 16.1hh British warmblood 5yr old and I'm not sure which classes I should be putting her into, I just want to know which ones she can do and if they qualify for anything!

Thanks:)
Georgia x:)
 
Age isn't really a pre cursor in dressage. It's all about what your way if going is like and what movements you can do. Start at Pre Lim and work your way up.
 
I mean young horse classes, like all the different type of classes such as potential international dressage horse and all them, they're confusing! Sorry for not saying that:) x
 
I'm sure your instructor could help you with this info if you feel you are both ready for the junior horse classes. If you are still young it might be worth speaking to your local byrds trainers as they will have an idea what level tests are appropriate for you both at the time.
 
I think this is the biggest one - http://www.britishdressage.co.uk/uploads/File/Qualifications-Young-Horse-Classes.pdf

You will be up against MAJOR competition going into this one, past winners include Valegro and Woodlander Farouche, a lot of the pro's go for this as I dont think its limited to certain rider groups. Most pro riders cant compete at lower levels (which is what a young horse needs) so they take their youngsters out in these young horse classes. But that link should explain all the info you need about how to qualify etc.

Here is another you can do - http://www.badmintondressage.co.uk/class-1.html

I think this is unaff but dont quote me on that - probably a good idea to give them a ring or spend a bit of time on the website looking at the rules.

This is another BD ran competition - http://www.dressageathickstead.com/young-horse-champs/

They are the 3 main ones I'm aware of - personally if you are an amateur I wouldnt bother with young horse classes, as I mentioned above the pro's use them so often that really you dont stand much of a chance. Their only opportunity to ride young horses is in these classes because of their BD rider groupings, if they wanted to send a young horse to a Novice or Elem for example they'd have to send one of their stable jockies as they cant ride at those levels themselves - so the pro riders use these young horse classes as an opportunity for them to get to know their youngsters in a competition environment, ready for when the horse has come up through the levels in the future when the pro can take up the ride full time.

I'd just focus on Prelim and Novice for your 5 year old and aiming for an area festival/regionals qualification, you stand a far better chance of actually qualifying and doing well there. But by all means, if you fancy playing with the big boys give it a try - you never know what could happen!
 
georgiatwaddell said:
I'm talking about the 5 year old classes you can do, there's seems to be lots of them I'm not sure which ones I'm supposed to be entering, thanks :)
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It is quite possible you shouldn't enter any of them!
If you really feel like you have a good performing 5yo then your trainer is best placed to help you with this type of competition aim.
 
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