First Dressage Test?

Question

I am riding in a mini event in September at the beginner novice level for the first time and my horse has never done it either. We have the cross country and the show jumping down but we are stuggling with our dressage.

Does anyone have any tips on how to keep her collected (she fights framing up) and anything that will make it easier? Also, i can't find a recent copy of the 2008 beginner novice test. Is it just me or can you guys find a copy?

Answer 1

For beginner novice, your horse is not really expected to be collected.  They will be looking for things like forward moving, obedient, accepting contact, etc.  When you find the test online (try USEA's website), read the bottom section and it will tell you what they are looking for in your horse.  If you are really nervous and the event allows it, you might want to use a reader - that's someone to call out the movements of the test while you ride.  That way you don't have to worry about remembering it along with everything else.  A recognized event or one at a higher level will not allow this, but some lower level schooling events will.

Answer 2

Driver's right, collection is not required until like Prelim or Intermediate, or whatever's equivalant to Second Level! I would just worry about bringing your horse forward and making all of the power come from the hind end. See if you're doing something wrong too, are you pulling or holding her mouth and you don't realize it? Have a ground person look at you while your riding and see if you're doing something that could possibly anger her.

As for the tests, there is no 2008 Beginner Novice tests, they just released a new set of tests in 2006 and if it's anything like dressage then they update these tests every three years. Here's a link to the 2006 Beginner Novice Test A: http://sunsethilleventing.net/ShowsEvent...

Answer 3

for a warm up try walk her on loose reins, then trot with loose reins, if you are comfortable try to canter. then after the warm up keep your outside rein, not pulling but don't let it go, and keep her inside rein to turn, also when she begins to put her head up bring her inside rein toward your hip, hold, then release,  KEEP THE OUTSIDE REIN, and she will be calm and collected. also do not tug on the rein. work and your posture, back straight, elbows bent, and chin up.  

Answer 4

id say its hard to have the jumping "down" is she struggles with the basics(dressage) maybe u arent ready for the show? =S

Answer 5

Just talk to her and reasure her while practicing.  

Obviously, if someone thinks jumpings the hard part, they're not knowledgable about Dressage.

As far as the test, sorry, can't help you.

Just relax and remember, practice, and you can always do it again.

Good Luck