Going From Jumping to Dressage!?

Question

I have ridden all my life and have decided (after competing at local level in showjumping and cross country) that I would like to give dressage a go. My horse has competed at dressage before and has apparently done quite well on a local level. Does anyone have any tips and/or advice on riding a dressage test and any preparations? Thanks! Claire x

Answer 1

Well, they do say that good showjumping is all in the ground work so it shouldn't be too hard a transition.  If the horse has done dressage before then it shouldn't be too difficult as long as he/she's ridden properly.  Apparently it's all about keeping the hands soft and using the legs (like most good riding really).  If you've got a warm blood they round up really nicely and easily so look great in dressage, if it's a thoroughbred then it's best not to worry about the rounding up too much and just get the paces going nicely.  My mum has a thoroughbred and finds that trying to get him rounded is just hard work but he moves really nicely which makes up for it

Answer 2

hey i dont do dressage!! but id get someone to ride my pony or watch me someone that does dressage to seehow you feel about it im a rider that hacks and plays cross country dressage not thrilling enough it is amazing to watch!!!! let me knw!!!!

Answer 3

While your riding the test, SMILE!!! When you smile it looks like you are having a good ride and it feels good, which is what the judge is looking for. Every test that I've ridden where I've gotten a good score I've smiled!

If you s***w up, just keep on going like it never happened! If your horse acts up and does a little buck/rear in the middle of your 20 meter canter circle ( like what happened to me) just correct him politely and canter on! If you go off course, don't worry about it and just continue on where the judge asks you to go.

For your first few tests, have a reader, just in case, and even if you know the test by heart. It's just a nice thing to have for your first time out and you can focus more on your ride instead of worrying about your test. Then you can practice at home with doing the tests in your head and riding them at the same time.

Always say thank you to the judge when you are done, they like that sort of thing because it makes them feel as if you appreciate them for sitting out in the rain, heat, cold, wind, etc. just to see you ride, which you are, but it makes them feel better. And always go by the judges stand before the bell rings or the whistle blows at least once each direction. The worset thing you want is your horse to spook at the judges stand while your riding your test.

Know the rules! You should know how long your whip can be, and what kind of bit you can use.

Dressage is an awesome sport that I love and hopefully you will too! Good luck!!

Answer 4

keep him in a nice outline and keep his work varied but consistent! :)

and try to practice lots of different tests and see which one is the most successful!

hope this helps!!