When should i try a unaff novice?????whats easiest 1st test

[mickey17]

Hi, looking to take the next step and try a unaff novice dressage test soon but not sure if im ready??? my horse works softly in walk trot canter does directional transitions started counter canter quite able to show some meduim trot ( thats his favourite bit!! ) lenghens in canter, im not looking to go out and win just want the experience as really want to affiliate spring/summer ( with lots of lessons) but not sure if level is alot higher than prelim ( probably sound quite thick now but really am new to dressage ! prefered to showjump in past ) and what kind of level to expect at a novice comp, dont want to feel totally out my depth! any advice to when you know your ready welcome!!

 

[Taboo1968]

NOW!!!!!

 

[mickey17]

Trying to pin an instructor down for a lesson when im not slaving away doing my 6o hr week is a challenge in itself then i could get some advice!!

 

[nikki_07766]

Why not try now, i'm taking my younster out to do a novice at the end of the month he works sort, but is still green, he has stated some medium work but it's far from perfect, my theory is if you don't go and try you can't improve, there's no harm in trying

 

[mickey17]

I think your right, just worried ill make total idiot out of myself, done a few prelim and after getting to grips with steering mickey round the small space ( his big striding 17hh ) we have been placed everytime out what do you think is the most straight forward non demanding test?

 

[_April_]

You are ready now! It's worth giving it a go.

Each Novice test has different moments so you can pick and choose, movements I have come across include Medium trot, counter canter, loops in canter and giving and retaking the reins

 

[piebaldsparkle]

Go for it, most people doing unaffiliated Novice can't do a true Medium Trot. Nov 21 is generally thought to be the easiest test, as only has one Medium trot in it!!!

 

[dianchi]

Sounds like your ready! I would do novice 28 as your first as this has just replaced novice 21 and the final halt is from walk not trot! Also it has no rein back!

 

[mickey17]

Think im going to do a prelim this month to get back in the swing and take a pop at the novice in feb, just worry cause you see pic's of fab houses doing novice and i feel a little embaressed!!