Your First Dressage Competition

Registered Miniature Mediterranean Donkeys

Donkey, Mule, Horse Tack, Equipment,

Gifts, and Supplies

100% Pure Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth

Welcome to Our World....

Registered Miniature Donkeys playing-Shadow Ridge Donkeys

Home - About Us - FAQS - Products - Classifieds - Contact Us - Picture Gallery - Donkey Info & Links - Donkey Rescues - Search

Visit our Product Page for links to more items

Annie Caswell Donkey Prints, Tote Bags and Checkbook Covers

Donkey Light Switch Cover or Wall Hanging

MINI-DONK & MINI-HORSE ROPE HALTERS

Old Farmers Never Die

Donkey & Mule T-Shirts:

Designs moved to Zazzle by the Aritist.

Elijah, a Mammoth Jack, at his ranch in North Carolina.

[top]

Title: Your First Dressage Competition

Author: Tina Williamson [Back to Article List]

Article:
You have finally found your perfect horse, but riding around at
home has started to get a bit boring. You have had a couple of
dressage lessons and it seems to be the style of riding that
suits your new best friend. Your instructor has suggested that
you start entering a few competitions, what a great idea; you
may meet some other horse mad people and have a bit of fun.

First off you need to find a competition that is being held in
your area and that is at your level. The beginning level of
dressage is Preliminary, but most clubs will also hold walk/trot
tests (no canter) which are great for first timers. Your
instructor maybe able to help out with finding a competition to
attend, otherwise talk to your local saddlery shop or local
riding clubs.

Once you have selected the right one and entered (most
competitions are almost always pre entry, usual about 2 weeks in
advanced), you should have a practice of your required test
(tests are conducted in a set area called a dressage arena with
designated markers, your instructor can help you out with this).

Don't over practice as your horse may start to anticipate the
transitions (change from one gait to another on his/her own),
but instead practice the individual movements. Make sure that
when you ask your horse to trot, it does, like wise with halt,
canter and any other movements required.

Some times you maybe able to have a 'caller'. This is someone
who stands beside the dressage arena (usually they stand on the
outside of the arena at the markers E or B), and calls out, the
required movement before you perform it. Even if you know your
test really well, it can be a great comfort to have someone
there beside the arena with the reminder, just in case. It is
great if you have someone you know. But at most competitions
there will be someone available, if you can't find someone
willing.

Make sure you have all the correct equipment/turnout and
clothing required. Once again your instructor, knowledgeable
friend or saddlery shop will be able to assist you.

Sometimes the club (or organizing committee) will post out to
you a copy of 'the draw'. The draw will set out all the
competitors' names, tests to be ridden, arenas and approximate
competing times. If the club does not post one out, then check
to ensure your entries were received and didn't get lost in the
mail! When you receive your draw check to see that you are
entered in the correct test. Take note of your approximate
starting time and arena number.

When first starting out, I would suggest that you arrive to the
competition grounds early in the morning too allow you to find
out where you will be competing (you may have to pick up your
competitors number). This lets your horse relax in a strange
environment and allows you the opportunity to see other people
competing. Keep an eye on the time, your arena and the draw, so
that you know where they are up to and how close to time they
are running. You may need to be ready to ride a bit earlier or
they maybe behind time.

Everyone's horse is different and will require a different
amount of warm-up. Your horse needs to be relaxed, calm and
responsive before you start the test. Between you and your
instructor you should be able to prepare a warm up program.
Remember to warm up in the designated area; there should be
signs or someone to tell you.

Most clubs also require you to have a 'gear check' completed
before you enter the competion area. This is a simple check that
allows them to make sure you have the correct equipment and that
your tack is in good working order. If there are any problems
the 'gear check steward' will tell you what the problem is and
whether it requires immediate attention. Don't panic! If there
is a problem, just try to rectify it quickly, most of your
fellow competitors will have spare equipment/tack to help you
out in a emergency.

Generally each arena will have 2 judges in attendance, usually
sitting in their cars at the far or C end. When the competitor
before you has finished and has left the arena, start to ride
your horse around the outside. This gives you and your horse the
opportunity to relax and see the area you will be riding in. It
also gives the judges the chance to finish up the last
competitors test sheets. Some judges can be slow at this while
others are fast, have a look at previous competitors to gauge
how much time you will have.

Once the judge (usually the middle one) is ready for you, they
acknowledge you. But keep an eye on them too see when they are
ready. When they are ride over to center car in a timely
fashion. Remember that first impressions count. Generally it is
best to side up to the car, facing the arena.

You will be asked you name and horses name, try to be clear and
courteous. From this point the judge will tell you that they are
ready. And you will normally have 60 seconds to enter the arena
after they toot there car horn (or bell).

Ride down the out side of the arena, then start to circle
(usually about a 15 to 10 m radius) at the gate (ride so that
you are aiming straight at the gate way, this allows you to make
a good entrance).

By this stage your 'caller' will be in place and may have
called the first movement (E.g. A enter working trot, X halt
salute). You should of previously practiced you salute at home,
watch some other riders to get an idea of what is required.

Take a deep breath, relax and ride confidently into the arena.
If things go wrong don't panic, it's not the end of the world.
Remember to breath - I have hyper ventilated in a test! If the
judge toots there horn while you are still competing, it means
that either you have done something incorrectly or there is
something the judge is concerned about. Ride to the judge (while
still in the arena) and see what the problem is. Try not to ride
out of the arena till you have finished, as this will incur
elimination.

Once you have finished your test, leave the arena at a walk and
reward your horse. Some judges will take note of you leaving and
the way you treat your horse. Remember to thank you 'caller' for
a great job and return to your float (depending on what other
tests you may have to do).

At the end of the day (or earlier if you are lucky) your test
results will be available. Both of the judges will have filled
out a test sheet on your performance. There will be comments and
a score out of 10 for each movement.

You may need you instructor to help with reading some of this.

Most commonly you will receive a total percentage % for your
test (both judges marks combined), the highest percentage score
will be deemed the winner. Awards for all the prize winners will
be awarded at the end of competition. Even if you don't win
anything it is still nice to support those that did.

Now that you have successfully negotiated your first dressage
competition you can look forward to competing at many more.

Remember to enjoy yourself! Relax and smile throughout the day.
Good Luck

Happy Horsing

Tina Williamson BAppSci (Equine)

Editor of Horse Lover Gifts.

About the author:
Tina is a professional horse trainer and horse lover. She has a
degree in Equine Science and is absolutely passionate about
everything Horse.

Disclaimer
Opinions expressed in articles on this website are those of the author(s) of each story or article and not necessarily those of Shadow Ridge. Shadow Ridge does not necessarily agree with, support, or endorse any definitions, treatments, opinions or statistics stated by these authors. They are entirely responsible for the content of their respective story(s) or article(s).

[top] [back to article list]

Your continuing support of our products and affiliate links throughout this site help us inform and promote the Miniature Donkey breed and Donkeys everywhere whether you are just starting out or

have your loved one already. Thanks so much! Cheryl and Chris

We are shipping only to USA addresses at this time. International orders may contact us for additional shipping charges.

Home | About Us | Products | Contact Us | Donkey & Mule Information

Donkey Rescues | Picture Gallery | FAQS | Privacy Policy | Site Map