How to Prepare for Your First Dressage Test
Prepare to ride your first test in front of a judge by choosing and entering the dressage tests that you will want to perform at a show., Purchase a current booklet that covers the dressage tests for the level you are riding at., Practice the...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Prepare to ride your first test in front of a judge by choosing and entering the dressage tests that you will want to perform at a show.
Although you may be performing the tests under an instructor, performing under a judge will help you see which movements of the test are your best, and which will need some work.
The judges will often make comments on your score card that will help you improve when you next ride in front of a judge.
Look for a show that has different divisions such as open, amateur, and youth.
This way you can enter a class that fits your specific riding level.
Shows may be found in your local horse publications, which are found at feed and tack stores.
The back of breed magazines will also list the shows for that breed, often divided up into geographic areas.
You may also look for shows online or ask your instructor to recommend a show.
You may want to look into performing your first dressage ride under a judge at a schooling show.
These types of shows are often less formal than the open shows and are designed to help beginning riders become comfortable with what is required at a dressage show. -
Step 2: Purchase a current booklet that covers the dressage tests for the level you are riding at.
Booklets may be purchased through dressage equipment supply catalogs or online at various dressage associations.
Dressage tests change every 4 years, and the last changes were published at the beginning of
2011. , Work on the geometry of the dressage tests.
Make straight lines down the center line, halt squarely at the X, make correct 20-meter circles, and change gaits on command. , This may include vaccinating the horse against common ailments and getting a health paper if you will cross state lines.
Do this at least 4 weeks before riding your first dressage test.
Check your horse's feet, and have them trimmed or re-shod as needed.
Do not try to trim or shoe the week of the show in case the farrier "quicks" the horse or drives a nail too close to the white line, causing the horse to go lame. , You need a dressage coat, helmet, stock tie and pin, white breeches, white gloves, and boots.
Many of these things can be borrowed for the class you are riding in, such as the tie, pin, and coat.
However, good fitting boots and helmet are very important for your safety and should fit correctly. , In dressage, the horse's tail is left free flowing; however, the mane and forelock will need to be braided and you will need rubber bands the color of the mane as well as combs, gel, or yarn. , Clean tack will create a good impression for the judge, and if you do it the day before, this will save you work and worry on the day of the show. ,,,, A reader will read the test to you as you ride.
A reader can be anyone, such as instructor, but make sure your reader is familiar with reading tests during a show.
Even though you may have memorized your test for the show, you may want to have a reader just in case.
It is very easy to become nervous, lose your focus for a moment, and forget where you are in the sequence of movements.
The presence of a reader allows you to hear the next movement in case this occurs. -
Step 3: Practice the movements of the dressage test on a lesson horse or at home with your own horse.
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Step 4: Ensure that the health of the horse your plan to ride is up-to-date.
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Step 5: Obtain the proper show clothes.
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Step 6: Examine your grooming utensils and products to be sure you have enough of everything.
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Step 7: Clean your tack thoroughly the day before riding your first dressage test.
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Step 8: Pack the trailer the day before the show with the cleaned tack
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Step 9: clothes
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Step 10: and grooming utensils that you will need at the show.
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Step 11: Arrive at the show several hours before your ride time to properly groom the horse and prepare yourself.
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Step 12: Schedule at least 30 minutes in the warm-up arena to prepare your horse and for you to relax before your scheduled ride time.
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Step 13: Contract with a reader to be at the arena at your ride time.
Detailed Guide
Although you may be performing the tests under an instructor, performing under a judge will help you see which movements of the test are your best, and which will need some work.
The judges will often make comments on your score card that will help you improve when you next ride in front of a judge.
Look for a show that has different divisions such as open, amateur, and youth.
This way you can enter a class that fits your specific riding level.
Shows may be found in your local horse publications, which are found at feed and tack stores.
The back of breed magazines will also list the shows for that breed, often divided up into geographic areas.
You may also look for shows online or ask your instructor to recommend a show.
You may want to look into performing your first dressage ride under a judge at a schooling show.
These types of shows are often less formal than the open shows and are designed to help beginning riders become comfortable with what is required at a dressage show.
Booklets may be purchased through dressage equipment supply catalogs or online at various dressage associations.
Dressage tests change every 4 years, and the last changes were published at the beginning of
2011. , Work on the geometry of the dressage tests.
Make straight lines down the center line, halt squarely at the X, make correct 20-meter circles, and change gaits on command. , This may include vaccinating the horse against common ailments and getting a health paper if you will cross state lines.
Do this at least 4 weeks before riding your first dressage test.
Check your horse's feet, and have them trimmed or re-shod as needed.
Do not try to trim or shoe the week of the show in case the farrier "quicks" the horse or drives a nail too close to the white line, causing the horse to go lame. , You need a dressage coat, helmet, stock tie and pin, white breeches, white gloves, and boots.
Many of these things can be borrowed for the class you are riding in, such as the tie, pin, and coat.
However, good fitting boots and helmet are very important for your safety and should fit correctly. , In dressage, the horse's tail is left free flowing; however, the mane and forelock will need to be braided and you will need rubber bands the color of the mane as well as combs, gel, or yarn. , Clean tack will create a good impression for the judge, and if you do it the day before, this will save you work and worry on the day of the show. ,,,, A reader will read the test to you as you ride.
A reader can be anyone, such as instructor, but make sure your reader is familiar with reading tests during a show.
Even though you may have memorized your test for the show, you may want to have a reader just in case.
It is very easy to become nervous, lose your focus for a moment, and forget where you are in the sequence of movements.
The presence of a reader allows you to hear the next movement in case this occurs.
About the Author
Danielle Kim
A passionate writer with expertise in organization topics. Loves sharing practical knowledge.
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