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Post by geeup on Jun 26, 2007 20:32:40 GMT 1
I have contemplated dressage for some time but am only a casual rider of my dughters 14.1 pony, but have now been told by several people that pony would make fantastic dressage pony, daughter not interested so thougth I'd give it a start. Trouble is I know nothing about dressage, can I start at walk and trot as not into cantering yet (had nasty fall whilst jumping a trial pony for daughter, not got nerves back).
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cubic
Grand Prix Poster
Posts: 2,286
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Post by cubic on Jun 26, 2007 23:36:40 GMT 1
Ofcourse you can start at walk and trot - have a go, see if you like in and how you get on. If you're unsure what to expect, why don't you go to watch a local dressage competition, or ask to write for a reccomended judge (you can learn alot from a knowledgable, friendly one). Dressage isn't that scary really, and best of all it's all over in 4 minutes and you can relax!
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Post by Chestnutmare on Jun 26, 2007 23:54:27 GMT 1
I was very nervous on my first test i had never watched dressage before i did my first test i had threw myself in the deep end and i enjoyed every minute of it.I always have a caller just incase i forget the route.I'm sure you will enjoy it just as much as i did,ive never looked back and improving all the time  |
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pip
Grand Prix Poster
Posts: 3,797
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Post by pip on Jun 27, 2007 15:20:10 GMT 1
A dressage test is simply doing walk trot and canter at certain markers. There are walk and trot tests.
Contact your local riding club, or equestrian centre, they are certain to be running dressage competitions during the year.
Practice riding in an arena shape - 20 m x 40 m and practice making the transitions by the markers (when the rider is opposite the marker). Practice doing nice round circles and if you are not sure of the sizes of circles, etc. measure them. There are a few books around that give you some tips, or visit a competition and see what goes on and how people are turned out.
If you are calm and accurate that is a good start.
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Post by geeup on Jun 30, 2007 13:30:09 GMT 1
Thanks everyone, took her into menage today for first time (for me, usally hack). I was pleased she did a reasonable good 20m circle, a straight line, even if we did start it a bit early, some of that shoulder in stuff? and we even tried a turn on the forehand, I'd looked that one up, not sure both front feet moved or not but they stayed in the same place! She even halted on the marker. Full credit to my daughter whos been lighteneing her reins and teaching her about seat bone movement, she was only broken in this Autumn. This time I could ride her without using reins at all just on legs and weight. Still no sign of head carriage, how do you get them to lift their backs?
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Post by nich on Jul 3, 2007 8:04:49 GMT 1
if you are starting at prelim level (or below, if you are not going to canter) you won't be needing shoulder in, or even proper 'outline'. sadly some judges even at prelim level do comment on lack of it though.
with a horse only broken in the last year is it worth worrying about head carriage? I'd get shapes and accuracy right for your first few, then worry about the rest later! good luck!
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Post by geeup on Jul 4, 2007 7:57:38 GMT 1
good advice,
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Post by bellaboo on Jul 5, 2007 14:52:00 GMT 1
There is a new website called inter dressage, someone videos you doing your dressage test at home then you send the video in and you still get judge and win prizes etc but it take the stress of a competion out, and you can video it many times and just send the one that you are happy with in. May be an idea?
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Post by geeup on Jul 6, 2007 7:32:26 GMT 1
Its amazing what you can do these days! A good idea though and worth thinking about, where abouts in Dorset are you? I spent my child hood there memember of the South Dorset Pony Club.
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Post by chocolate on Jul 6, 2007 11:18:51 GMT 1
How about doing the Classical Dressage walk trot test?
Theres no canter so it's a nice test to start with.
It includes some 15 & 20 meter circles in walk and trot.
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gizzypop
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Post by gizzypop on Jul 16, 2007 22:39:38 GMT 1
we started with a local riding clubs 'have a go dressage' its not a competion its just what it says on the tin have a go, theres no rules on tack or dress although they expect hat and boots, you get a written test sheet and the one I went to you even got a rossette.
I've gone on to do a few tests since and have a great time. I also have a horse that sticks his nose out, but I know that and I know we're working on it so its not something that bothers me when they put it on the sheet. My view is its about improving through the year not competing to win and thats one thing you can do in dressage. The only problem is different judges mark differently but I know if the test I rode was better or worse then the last one and thats what I go on.
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