Words of Wisdom Required-First Dressage Test

[maddielove]

Well..I have been asked if i would like to represtent my school[allong with 2 other riders..or should i say basically the only 2 other riders at my school!] in a team at a inter school's thing which involves dressage and showjumping next month.
I have said yes as it's my first chance to really compete[only ever done shows at my yard and another local gymkhana].

Problem is....i've never done a dressage test before and i was wondering if anyone had any tips..just in general..

haven't even got the test or anything yet but i want to plan in advance!

v.v excited!

thanks in advance.

 

[RachaelV]

Well done for volunteering! Do you know which test you will be doing?

 

[CastleMouse]

Enter at A with a smile on your face

 

[maddielove]

Not yet but hoping to find out this week..praying it's not too complicated..i have a tendacy to get in a tizz!

 

[CrazyCob]

dont assume the test has started when you go in wait for the judge to ttell you dont get 2/3 of the way through the test like a certain someone when the judge shouts ok start now! (

guess who

)

 

[maddielove]

oh dear! thats the kind of thing i'd do...or not hear being told it had started...i shall be calm and cool...

 

[madhector]

enjoy it!

these things are supposed to be fun

 

[Gwenneh]

Breathe!!

I have a habit of not breathing when I get into the ring, I get so nervous! So breathe, relax, and smile.

 

[Trucker]

Be proud - it makes you sit taller in the saddle and comes across in your riding, and try not to get too nervous - lets face it the worse that can happen is that you make a fool of yourself - and hey that only hurts your pride - and we've all made fools of ourselves in the past - that's why horses are such great levellers!!
Enjoy - and if you have problems learning the test you can have someone read it for you - mind you check the rules in relation to your actual competition.