|
Post by oldschooler on Sept 5, 2014 18:58:11 GMT
Need some advice. I'm doing my first ever dressage test this Sunday on my 14hh coloured traditional, (Charlotte has a lot to answer for.) I'm afraid it is Introductory A but promise I will do more next time if things go okay. My old showjumping mates would be staggered at this direction. Some questions. 1. Can I wear spurs? 2. Will my blue jacket be okay? I have only ever worn it for CHAPS evening performance and I would love to have a change from my tweed. But he will not be plaited, mane is much too long. I am quite exited and it does prove you can teach an old dog new tricks. But my husband thinks it is the slippery slope to dementia, and my next step will be a Highland! (Sorry Highland owners but it comes from them being ridden by OAPs when we were showing ridden Cs many, many moons ago. I keep telling him things have changed but I don't think he believes me.) Advice would be appreciated, I intend going to the monthly dressage competitions through the winter so want to get it right. Will let you know how I get on.
|
|
|
Post by comanchediva on Sept 5, 2014 19:06:41 GMT
You can wear your spurs and your blue jacket is fine. You can also use a schooling / dressage whip. There's nothing wrong with the intro tests they are a good place to start for the first time.
Remember to breathe and enjoy! Let us know how it goes x
|
|
sarahp
Happy to help
Posts: 9,510
|
Post by sarahp on Sept 6, 2014 6:33:28 GMT
And remember each movement is marked independently, so if something goes wrong in one, don't dwell on it, but make all the rest as good as you can, don't just throw in the towel! Good luck and enjoy.
|
|
|
Post by oldschooler on Sept 6, 2014 14:35:13 GMT
And remember each movement is marked independently, so if something goes wrong in one, don't dwell on it, but make all the rest as good as you can, don't just throw in the towel! Good luck and enjoy. Thanks for both responses. Cannot believe how much I am looking forward to it. I suffer badly with showring nerves, so this is far more comfortable for me. Going with the blue jacket, and definitely will try to remember to breathe. I am most worried about forgetting the test as don't know anyone to call for me, but have been working hard getting the pattern in my head.
|
|
|
Post by comanchediva on Sept 6, 2014 17:52:32 GMT
I'm sure if you ask another competitor they'll lend their caller to you. I've called for other people at various events and always found people at dressage shows to be very friendly x
|
|
sarahp
Happy to help
Posts: 9,510
|
Post by sarahp on Sept 7, 2014 6:55:53 GMT
You might be like me and find it easier to learn the test from a diagram of its floor plan, available on line. Or draw it out yourself, using different colours for walk and trot. Then practise it on your feet.
|
|
|
Post by Louise Dixon on Sept 7, 2014 7:06:50 GMT
But my husband thinks it is the slippery slope to dementia, and my next step will be a Highland! (Sorry Highland owners but it comes from them being ridden by OAPs when we were showing ridden Cs many, many moons ago. I keep telling him things have changed but I don't think he believes me.) That's hilarious, I used to have TBs, I now have ten highlands, there is no hope for me at all and I am only in my 30s. I think it will be fine to wear your blue jacket, and also fine not plaited, although I do tend to do a running plait to keep my pony cool and I think the judge can maybe see what is going on a bit better. Some people can learn the test fine from the letters, I do it Sarah P's way, I don't even think about the letters, just learn the shapes instead. Have fun!
|
|
|
Post by lucynlizzysmum on Sept 7, 2014 8:00:13 GMT
And remember each movement is marked independently, so if something goes wrong in one, don't dwell on it, but make all the rest as good as you can, don't just throw in the towel! Good luck and enjoy. Thanks for both responses. Cannot believe how much I am looking forward to it. I suffer badly with showring nerves, so this is far more comfortable for me. Going with the blue jacket, and definitely will try to remember to breathe. I am most worried about forgetting the test as don't know anyone to call for me, but have been working hard getting the pattern in my head. Good luck and enjoy. My dayghter suffers with showing nerves, and having had a pretty traumatic year losing her horse and being unable to find a replacement, we have had our 4 yr old coloured backed in June and they did their first ever ridden competition which was dressage yesterday. We had a lovely morning, relaxed atmosphere and she loved it!
|
|
|
Post by oldschooler on Sept 11, 2014 20:00:03 GMT
Just to let you know it went really well. No we didn't win but we didn't disgrace ourselves. Someone volunteered to be caller, but i think i would have remembered anyway as I had spent so long drawing it out and walking it. It was so relaxed compared to showing, and will certainly continue going through the winter. I know we could have done a better test, but my lad did go well. He was a little overawed by the mirrors, and pricked up his ears everytime we turned to his dad - my better half. Next time I will ride more positively, now I know the way things go. It was great to get the feedback on the test sheet. I can see why people get hooked though, it was so convenient to have a time for my test, and not to have to wait for hours for classes to finish. I did blue jacket, it was good to have a change. A lot to recommend.
|
|
|
Post by comanchediva on Sept 12, 2014 7:00:17 GMT
Well done oldschooler . I'm so glad you enjoyed the experience. We do winter dressage with the young ponies and I think it's a great way to start them off getting used to being ridden at shows (some have a different view on it but that's another story lol). Also as you say so much more civilised, you know what time youre in the ring and can usually be home for lunchtime! Let us know how the next one goes
|
|
|
Post by flee on Sept 12, 2014 18:18:24 GMT
Well done , and if you do get hooked then be sure to consider acquiring one of those Highlands . I do BD on natives and two of my highlands competed at Elementary, earned points at that level and were always placed. Highlands rule ! Long manes look nice in a stallion plait ( sometimes called a ' bread' plait ) done high up along the crest line , it flatters the neck and stops you getting your hands tangled up - quick and easy to do too . Good luck !
|
|