How to get into or start training for eventing?

Question

hi i'd really like to get into eventing. i've mostly done hunter/jumper stuff, cross country and western. i have the show jumping and cross country down. but how do i go about starting dressage training? (like the basics?) i know it takes time but since im starting out elem. i,m already keeping an eye out for this combined test i want to go to at the end of sept. please dont tell me to go get a trainer. thats why im asking on here! i've had a couple dressage lessons but havent learned much but the whole frame thing. please help me with any and every detail :) oh and i am having a trainer come out in the beginning of september. i just want to learn for myself if i can first.

my horse is a pleasure horse and is GREAT at cross country. although he is still learning to bend..

Answer 1

You can get a copy of the dressage test you'll need to do from USEF or USEA web site and start working on the movements. At Beginner Novice, you are not really expected to have the horse in too much of a frame. He just needs to be quiet and relaxed and your figures need to be accurate.

Your probably not going to be able to progress much at dressage without the help of an instructor. Its just not the kind of thing that can be learned from a book or YA.  You can learn some of the theory in the dressage in the books by the German National Federation.  

Answer 2

Sweetie you need a dressage trainer if you really want to go about this the right way. Reading books and taking tips from a ton of people who all ride differently may really not help you. Someone who gives you a tip may ride a way that wont benifit you or your horse. You need to find a trainer you like in your area. It took me 4 trainers and 1 year to find the right trainer. I love my dressage instructor Im already sad that she is retiring in 6 years. I've been riding with her for 5 years and she is amazing. I dont want to discourage you in any way eventing is an awesome avenue to go down with riding that truly tests you and your horses strength as a team. But to do it right you need a trainer, even though i know that isnt what you wanted to hear.

Answer 3

You should work on extending and collecting starting at the walk then moving to the trot and canter. You can really work on this by putting your leg on while pulling back on the reins equally so that it pushes your horse forward but also holds him back so he becomes round. Sitting trot is much easier to work on your horses bending and collecting. Posting the trot is easiest for extending. You really want to get your horses to stretch their heads down so that they use the muscles in their back and strengthen their backs. Hope this helps!

Answer 4

well certianly dont listen to anyone on here...lol..find a trainer and READ LOTS OF BOOKS =]]

good luck

Answer 5

I know this isn't what you want to here but a dressage trainer is what you need,

Find an FEI certifeid instructor. I take lessons from one and it is learning actually how to get your horse to the next level. Most my lessons my horse runs around with his head up in the air and when i get him home and ask to put him together he moves very well.

Your right dressage is so much more then a head set.

Well in truth dressage is not a headset or a postion in wich a horse carries his head. It is a type of training. A type of training based of the german training prymaid. (look it up online) that is what dressage is. It is basic rythem, relaxation, suppleness and free foward movement.

Don't rush anything you need a trainer who is going to help you get on the correct track and let you know where you are. To many people think they can do it themselves and if that was true then we wouldn't need instructors and they would be out a job. We as a riding community need knowledable people to sit and watch us and give us correct advice on how to become better. not us hoping we are becoming better.

good luck