So, you are ready for your first dressage show. First, you should pick a small show for your very first show experience. The test you choose should be simple for your horse and yourself. You should always be schooling a level above what you decide to show. This way it is a pleasant experience for both yourself and your horse.
To prepare for your test, get a copy of the current USEF or FEI tests. You will want to run through the test a few times so that you know how it rides. You will want to make sure you do not practice it too many times, otherwise your horse may anticipate the upcoming movements.
When you ride your test, be as accurate as possible. This will help your score go up. The movement begins when your shoulder hits the letter, you may have a reader call your test for you for any test level Fourth level and below. The reader may only read what is written in the test and only one time. The reader should read loaud and clear and not too quickly. Make sure that you still know your test in the case that you cannot hear what your reader is saying.
The day of the show it is important that you give yourself plenty of time to get you and your horse ready. Your horse should be braided as a courtesy to the judge. During warm up, try to stay as calm and focused as possible. Ride your horse as you would at home. Keep your eyes up, so you do not run into another horse. You may find yourself in an arena with many other schooling horses. You need to keep an eye on your ride time and make sure you are ready to go at the time given, this time is usually accurate so you must be ready to ride your test at the assigned time.
At your given time, trot around the outside of the arena. When the judge blows the whistle, you have forty five seconds to enter the arena. Enter the arena and begin your test. If you go off course, the judge will blow the whistle and let you know where you went wrong. You will then be allowed to start the movement over and try to ride as though it didn’t happen. After your ride, walk out of the area. When you pick up your test study what the judge says and try to use the comments to improve your next test.
Your first show experience should be fun and rewarding, try to keep a clear mind and stay focused and you will have a great time. The more you show, the more relaxed you will become.
Tracy Masterson is a competitive dressage rider who has ridden with top trainers such as Betsy Steiner and Silke Rembacz. Tracy has trained Grand Prix horses and her technique and style are highly sought after in a trainer.. For more equestrian or show information, check out her website at http://www.dressageamerica.com and she trains at http://www.highlifefarms.com.
