Dressage is both an art and a sport, where the horse and rider work to improve the horse's athleticism, will to perform and riding potential. The United States Dressage Federation requires students and their horses to pass introductory tests A and B to prove their understanding of the fundamentals of the sport. Both tests require the following gaits: free walk, medium walk, working trot rising, 20 meter circle and halt through walk.
Test Preparation
If you and your horse are preparing for your first introductory test, the first tip Jane Savoie gives in her blog is memorize your test. This will enable you to focus on how well you are going to do rather than what you are going to do. One way of memorizing the test is by setting up your home arena like the particular test you are taking.
Test Practice
When you repetitively practice your test, your horse is going to eventually memorize the routine. This may seem like a good thing but can be detrimental to your performance during the test if it anticipates instead of responding to your commands. Practice the test in parts by switching the test up a little. For example, do the first part last and the middle part first. This will allow you to both memorize the test and teach your horse to follow your directions.
Training Yourself
Your horse listens best when you keep good posture and relax. That means sit straight with your ear, shoulder, hip and heal in line. Your horse can feel when you are uncomfortable and that makes it uncomfortable as well. Also, practice your halt and salute at both the assigned area and other places around the arena. YoungRider.com suggests that you practice halting from both the walk and the trot to make sure you and your horse don't fidget.
During the Test
Above everything else, keep a positive attitude. This reflects in your riding as well as your posture. The judges will be able to tell if you or your horse are not happy with what is going on. With simple gestures such as smiling during the test and rewarding your horse with a pat at the end, you will not only find that your horse will be happier but you will be more satisfied with your performance.
Member Comments