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At 19:10:57 on 07.01.10, Zoe and Paddy wrote: I'm doing a dressage series in February (it will be my 2nd dressage test) and was wondering if anybody had tips for me. My pony works in an outline and I'm slowing him down so he works in to his corners...any more tips?Thanks
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At 21:25:09 on 09.01.10, NMH wrote: Good for you aiming to slow him down. I think lots of little squeezes on the outside rein, especially before corners so he balances himself & can go deeper into the corner. Meanwhile supporting him & pushing forward into that contact with bum & both legs, especially a long, strong inside leg. Then if you've got that good connection with the outside rein you have the essential for control of all the important things! speed, direction, bend, & indirectly then outline too which should follow, but naturally, without force or fiddling. If it's working well, little squeezes on that outside rein will be a help before changes of pace, direction etc too.Good luck, let's hear how it goes & if it works !!!!
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At 22:24:03 on 11.01.10, Angelalain wrote: When I wrote for a good dressage trainer who was judging at our PC camp she said to me, after about 4 ponies had done thier tests 'Do they have any idea why they are riding dressage tests?' I suppose most of the kids would have said 'because we were told to!' The answer was of course, to achieve a better way of going with your horse, which would then enable them to reach a higher level at jumping etc as well as dressage itself. If you think about this when you are considering and learning your test, you can approach it in a different way. Everything NMH says is true, if you want a really good description of riding a good test, talk to Dazzle and Farasi. Dazzle has judged alot and Farasi has also done a great deal, they can both tell you what a judge is really after. The judge wants to see that, even if it doesn't work perfectly, that you understand what you are trying to achieve. Rhythm, obedience and balance. Get the bend right, ride your corners, make your transitions at the right place, look where you are going and prepare your pony for each movement. Don't rush, and make sure you arrive in good time to get ready and work in without gettting flustered, being late is very bad for the nerves! Best of luck, hope the weather is good and let us know how it goes.
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At 13:39:55 on 14.01.10, CarolineP wrote: Hi Zoe! You might find it helps your nerves to think about this not as a "test" but as an opportunity to get some really helpful and constructive comments on your riding - like a riding lesson. Judges are (usually!) very knowledgeable people and they're looking to encourage you and point out areas that you can work on to improve things even more. Have fun! Caroline http://www.enjoyriding.com
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At 09:23:38 on 31.01.10, Skirt13596 wrote: Hi Zoe! Good Luck for your test, I'm not sure when it was if I missed it. To help him have a rounded outline try squeezing with your inside leg on the girth and pull slightly on the inside rein, keep the outside rein firm and put your outside leg behing the girth to encourage him not to swing his bum out, if done correctly it should encourage him to have a rounded outline around corners and circles. I am lucky to have a horse that has trained extensively on dressage (and qualified Gran Prix and Prix St. George level) that does it all for me, Good Luck and the most important thing is Have Fun! :)
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