What's required in an intro dressage test

[shannonandtay]

As above, daughter and pony going to try unaffiliated dressage again after previously being a bit put off by it all a few months ago. So it's only intro a and I've told her to just enjoy it and have fun, but she takes it very seriously! Can anyone tell me what exactly judges are looking for in an intro test. Daughter has been working on getting pony working in a better outline and this hasn't been easy as I didn't want to start using gadgets that I know nothing about and a determined pony who likes to stick his nose out lol. Anyway this has come along well although he does still have a tendency to go above the bit. Anything else that judges are looking for?

 

[catwithclaws]

Don't worry too much with an outline for intro, focus more on balance, rhythm and being accurate. There is only walk and trot, and free walk on a long rein. 20 metre circles and half 10 metre circles, and that's about it

 

[TandD]

Forwards-ness.....not a speedy test but pony must not be labouring along
Not a false, pulled in out line....much better comes above the bit but works forwards
Tracking up
Rhythm
Good transitions, on the marker
Accuracy.... I.e a circle is circular and corners look like corners

At this level a judge should focus lesson the outline and more on the willingness of the horse to work forwards, be in balance for that level, and be able to show that progression in training is being made.

 

[shannonandtay]

Thank you, I think daughter has become obsessed with outline as in her last test the judge was very critical about this lol. We've been working gently on it and hasn't been an overnight thing as I didn't want to rush him into working in a better outline and instructor has also helped with this. Forwardness is something else they've been working on in lessons.

 

[Madali]

Don't worry to much I took my baby out for her first outing and did an intro B. After doing 3 of the first 4 movements in gallop and then a minute pit stop to nap we managed to complete. The judge made lots of positive comments and we actually got. 7 near the end. I think it's the collective marks that you need to concentrate on at this stage. It was completely hilarious, my husband had his head in his hands. Horse was very pleased with herself though so that's all that matters!

 

[nic85]

Don't worry to much I took my baby out for her first outing and did an intro B. After doing 3 of the first 4 movements in gallop and then a minute pit stop to nap we managed to complete. The judge made lots of positive comments and we actually got. 7 near the end. I think it's the collective marks that you need to concentrate on at this stage. It was completely hilarious, my husband had his head in his hands. Horse was very pleased with herself though so that's all that matters!

You really don't know how reassuring it is to read that! Im taking my 4 year old to her very first dressage test (Intro A) in a couple of weeks so Im expecting fireworks

OP, I haven't done an Intro yet so cant really comment but good luck to your Daughter!

 

[shannonandtay]

Don't worry to much I took my baby out for her first outing and did an intro B. After doing 3 of the first 4 movements in gallop and then a minute pit stop to nap we managed to complete. The judge made lots of positive comments and we actually got. 7 near the end. I think it's the collective marks that you need to concentrate on at this stage. It was completely hilarious, my husband had his head in his hands. Horse was very pleased with herself though so that's all that matters!

That's so funny bless her, I try to tell my daughter to relax and enjoy but she has a very determined look on her face as she is going round, doesn't look like she's enjoying it at all lol.

 

[shannonandtay]

You really don't know how reassuring it is to read that! Im taking my 4 year old to her very first dressage test (Intro A) in a couple of weeks so Im expecting fireworks

OP, I haven't done an Intro yet so cant really comment but good luck to your Daughter!

Thank you, good luck to you too, she is also doing intro A, let us know how you get on.

 

[Madali]

Well all I can say is there was plenty of forwardness in my test. I will up date you after our next outing. Not too hopeful as it's a young horse test so it includes canter. God help us!
Good luck to you all. Keep us updated