| You have finally found your perfect horse, but riding | | | | 'gear check steward' will tell you what the problem is |
| around at home has started to get a bit boring. You | | | | and whether it requires immediate attention. Don't |
| have had a couple of dressage lessons and it seems | | | | panic! If there is a problem, just try to rectify it quickly, |
| to be the style of riding that suits your new best friend. | | | | most of your fellow competitors will have spare |
| Your instructor has suggested that you start entering a | | | | equipment/tack to help you out in a emergency. |
| few competitions, what a great idea; you may meet | | | | Generally each arena will have 2 judges in attendance, |
| some other horse mad people and have a bit of fun. | | | | usually sitting in their cars at the far or C end. When |
| First off you need to find a competition that is being | | | | the competitor before you has finished and has left |
| held in your area and that is at your level. The | | | | the arena, start to ride your horse around the outside. |
| beginning level of dressage is Preliminary, but most | | | | This gives you and your horse the opportunity to relax |
| clubs will also hold walk/trot tests (no canter) which | | | | and see the area you will be riding in. It also gives the |
| are great for first timers. Your instructor maybe able | | | | judges the chance to finish up the last competitors test |
| to help out with finding a competition to attend, | | | | sheets. Some judges can be slow at this while others |
| otherwise talk to your local saddlery shop or local riding | | | | are fast, have a look at previous competitors to gauge |
| clubs. | | | | how much time you will have. |
| Once you have selected the right one and entered | | | | Once the judge (usually the middle one) is ready for |
| (most competitions are almost always pre entry, usual | | | | you, they acknowledge you. But keep an eye on them |
| about 2 weeks in advanced), you should have a | | | | too see when they are ready. When they are ride |
| practice of your required test (tests are conducted in a | | | | over to center car in a timely fashion. Remember that |
| set area called a dressage arena with designated | | | | first impressions count. Generally it is best to side up to |
| markers, your instructor can help you out with this). | | | | the car, facing the arena. |
| Don't over practice as your horse may start to | | | | You will be asked you name and horses name, try to |
| anticipate the transitions (change from one gait to | | | | be clear and courteous. From this point the judge will |
| another on his/her own), but instead practice the | | | | tell you that they are ready. And you will normally have |
| individual movements. Make sure that when you ask | | | | 60 seconds to enter the arena after they toot there |
| your horse to trot, it does, like wise with halt, canter | | | | car horn (or bell). |
| and any other movements required. | | | | Ride down the out side of the arena, then start to |
| Some times you maybe able to have a 'caller'. This is | | | | circle (usually about a 15 to 10 m radius) at the gate |
| someone who stands beside the dressage arena | | | | (ride so that you are aiming straight at the gate way, |
| (usually they stand on the outside of the arena at the | | | | this allows you to make a good entrance). |
| markers E or B), and calls out, the required movement | | | | By this stage your 'caller' will be in place and may have |
| before you perform it. Even if you know your test | | | | called the first movement (E.g. A enter working trot, X |
| really well, it can be a great comfort to have someone | | | | halt salute). You should of previously practiced you |
| there beside the arena with the reminder, just in case. It | | | | salute at home, watch some other riders to get an |
| is great if you have someone you know. But at most | | | | idea of what is required. |
| competitions there will be someone available, if you | | | | Take a deep breath, relax and ride confidently into the |
| can't find someone willing. | | | | arena. If things go wrong don't panic, it's not the end of |
| Make sure you have all the correct equipment/turnout | | | | the world. Remember to breath - I have hyper |
| and clothing required. Once again your instructor, | | | | ventilated in a test! If the judge toots there horn while |
| knowledgeable friend or saddlery shop will be able to | | | | you are still competing, it means that either you have |
| assist you. | | | | done something incorrectly or there is something the |
| Sometimes the club (or organizing committee) will post | | | | judge is concerned about. Ride to the judge (while still |
| out to you a copy of 'the draw'. The draw will set out | | | | in the arena) and see what the problem is. Try not to |
| all the competitors' names, tests to be ridden, arenas | | | | ride out of the arena till you have finished, as this will |
| and approximate competing times. If the club does not | | | | incur elimination. |
| post one out, then check to ensure your entries were | | | | Once you have finished your test, leave the arena at a |
| received and didn't get lost in the mail! When you | | | | walk and reward your horse. Some judges will take |
| receive your draw check to see that you are entered | | | | note of you leaving and the way you treat your horse. |
| in the correct test. Take note of your approximate | | | | Remember to thank you 'caller' for a great job and |
| starting time and arena number. | | | | return to your float (depending on what other tests |
| When first starting out, I would suggest that you arrive | | | | you may have to do). |
| to the competition grounds early in the morning too | | | | At the end of the day (or earlier if you are lucky) your |
| allow you to find out where you will be competing (you | | | | test results will be available. Both of the judges will |
| may have to pick up your competitors number). This | | | | have filled out a test sheet on your performance. |
| lets your horse relax in a strange environment and | | | | There will be comments and a score out of 10 for |
| allows you the opportunity to see other people | | | | each movement. |
| competing. Keep an eye on the time, your arena and | | | | You may need you instructor to help with reading |
| the draw, so that you know where they are up to and | | | | some of this. |
| how close to time they are running. You may need to | | | | Most commonly you will receive a total percentage % |
| be ready to ride a bit earlier or they maybe behind | | | | for your test (both judges marks combined), the |
| time. | | | | highest percentage score will be deemed the winner. |
| Everyone's horse is different and will require a | | | | Awards for all the prize winners will be awarded at |
| different amount of warm-up. Your horse needs to be | | | | the end of competition. Even if you don't win anything it |
| relaxed, calm and responsive before you start the test. | | | | is still nice to support those that did. |
| Between you and your instructor you should be able | | | | Now that you have successfully negotiated your first |
| to prepare a warm up program. Remember to warm | | | | dressage competition you can look forward to |
| up in the designated area; there should be signs or | | | | competing at many more. |
| someone to tell you. | | | | Remember to enjoy yourself! Relax and smile |
| Most clubs also require you to have a 'gear check' | | | | throughout the day. Good Luck! |
| completed before you enter the competion area. This | | | | Happy Horsing, |
| is a simple check that allows them to make sure you | | | | Tina Williamson BAppSci (Equine) |
| have the correct equipment and that your tack is in | | | | Editor of Horse Lover Gifts. |
| good working order. If there are any problems the | | | | |