Dressage is all about creating a harmony between horse and rider. A horse and rider that work together should produce a test which looks both effortless and accurate. This is not easy to produce and will take a lot of hard work, however there are many ways in which you can ease yourself slowly into the world of dressage.
Whatever level you compete at, looking elegant is an important factor when you are in the arena. Being well turned out can increase your chances of gaining an extra mark or two. To make sure you are prepared for your big debut EquestrianClearance.com are on hand to give top tips on how to ease yourself into the world of dressage successfully.
Getting Started in Dressage with EquestrianClearance.com
Where To Get Started
There are several different affiliations which are perfect for someone wanting to get started in dressage including Trailblazers and British Dressage. Both offer tests catered for individuals starting out in dressage.
You can become a member of Trailblazers for free. This will enable you to compete in first and second round competitions at the 60 plus approved Trailblazer centres situated across Britain. At second round competitions competitors can qualify for the Trailblazers championships which are held at Stoneleigh, providing achievable goals for you to work towards.
You do not have to be a member of British Dressage if you compete in the open sections of preliminary classes at affiliated dressage competitions. This provides you with a taste of the sport before you become a fully fledged member. You can also buy a day ticket for £6 which will give you the benefits of competing against regular competitors. If you choose to become a member, your horse will be eligible to receive BD points and qualifications. If you are already a member of a Riding Club or Pony Club membership is cheaper.
Training
When you are training for a dressage test, firstly assess if your horse has established the basics on the flat. A dressage arena is small therefore your horse needs to be well balanced to be able to cope with the questions he will be asked. He will also need to be responsive to the leg as movements have to be performed at specific markers. He will also require impulsion and enthusiasm in the arena to be able to impress the judge.
Training is a must if you want to improve in dressage. Having someone on the floor assessing how you and your horse are performing together can give you an insight into what a judge will see. When you are starting out in dressage, lessons from Event riders or Show jumpers can be beneficial as basic ground work training lays the foundation for any top competition horse. However if you want to rise up the levels, specialist lessons from a Dressage trainer will help you improve as the movements become more complicated to perform.
Before the Competition
Another top tip when preparing for a dressage competition is to learn your dressage test of by heart. Some competitions allow you to have a reader, however this can mean that your full attention is not on your horse and can lead to you being under prepared for different movements making your test look rushed and untidy.
Always arrive at the competition in good time to make sure your horse is warmed up well. You want to make sure he is loose and supple as well as listening to your commands. Although you want enthusiasm in the test you also want your horse to behave, therefore if he is feeling fresh when you arrive you may need some extra time to prepare.
Horse Turnout
Turnout of your horse is extremely important as you are trying to create an image that will impress the judges. Therefore all horses must be neatly plaited and well groomed before going in the arena.
To produce a polished performance you need clean tack. Having clean tack will put you in the right frame of mind and complete the picture of elegance.
When you are starting out in dressage the requirement in most tests is a snaffle bridle. You can use a flash or drop noseband if you need to as an additional aid for control.
A general purpose saddle or a dressage saddle is required to perform a good test. Dressage saddles allow you to sit deeper on the horse, which gives you the tools to create energy and power in the horse’s movements. Dressage saddles also help put you in the correct position allowing better use of your leg.
The normal look for a dressage horse is a white saddle cloth under the saddle. However a black or brown numnah is also acceptable.
Rider Wear
Riders, like their horses, must also be well turned out. Firstly you should wear a smart navy or black velvet hat, this can be with or without a chin strap. Ladies hair must be neatly tied back.
A stock shirt and stock is normally worn with a waistcoat, with a black or navy jacket. Riders normally wear white or cream gloves, however black or brown gloves are also acceptable, with white breeches or jodhpurs with long black boots.
A dressage whip can be carried and spurs can be worn to be used as an additional aid to help with the horse’s way of going.
Visit EquestrianClearance.com for their full range of competition wear and saddlery items and accessories to help you achieve elegance in the dressage arena. Browse through top brands including Caldene, Dublin, Harry Hall, K*TY, Wintec, Cottage Craft, Bates and many more.
Eventing is a demanding discipline that requires knowledge, determination and a great relationship with your horse. A one or three day event requires competitors to perform a dressage test, ride a cross country course and jump cleanly in the show jumping phase.
Therefore Eventing can seem quite a daunting discipline to get started in. However help is on hand from EquestrianClearance.com sponsored rider Harriet Morris-Baumber on what to wear in all three phases to help you achieve success.
Getting Started in Eventing with EquestrianClearance.com
Becoming a member
To get a taste of the Eventing scene you can purchase up to four day tickets a year with British Eventing. This means you can experience the thrill of Eventing without paying for a full or half membership. If you feel this discipline is for you, you can easily take out a membership which will allow you to enter as many competitions as you feel necessary around the country.
Training
It is essential that you and your horse are fully prepared for the questions asked, therefore correct training is paramount to your chances of success. Go for lessons with trainers that specialise in dressage and show jumping because they can help you find an edge that other competitors may lack, but it is important not to lose focus on Eventing.
Cross Country can play an important role in whether you win or lose an Event so having lessons with an Event rider will also benefit your training in all three disciplines. The will also have more knowledge about the overall discipline which can be very helpful.
However, if you plan to have several trainers to give you specialist advice in each phase then they may have conflicting advice and tips. This can become very confusing therefore you need to remember to take their opinions on board and experiment to see what works best for you and your horse.
The Horse
Make sure your horse is prepared with all the right equipment allowing him to compete at his best. For each phase it may be necessary to invest in different equipment to aid your chances of success, but a lot will depend on how high a level you want to reach.
In the dressage you and your horse are trying to achieve elegance, therefore turnout is extremely important. Horses should be plaited up and well groomed for this phase.
The correct tack for dressage is a snaffle bridle without a martingale. There are several different snaffle bits that you can experiment with to find the perfect fit for your horse to help you achieve the softness that is desired in the test.
When starting out a general purpose saddle with a white or neutral coloured numnah will be good enough for your early tests. For riders who are planning on progressing up the levels quickly I would recommend investing in a dressage saddle. Dressage saddles help with your position in the saddle, and allow you to sit deeper on the horse which should mean you will get more from your horse resulting in a better test.
For the jumping phases, depending on the horse, I may change the bit if I need more control, whether I am show jumping or going cross country. It is important that the horse is listening to me. I may also use a martingale as an additional aid for control.
When you are starting out at competitions a general purpose saddle that you feel comfortable jumping in is ideal, but as you proceed up the levels I strongly recommend investing in a close contact jumping saddle. This will help your position over a fence allowing you to ride with shorter stirrups and sit lightly on the horse allowing them to jump easier.
For the show jumping phase I leave the plaits in because you still want your horse to look smart, however I take these out for the cross country phase because sometimes you may need to grab hold of the mane for support.
I will also add jumping boots to my horse’s legs for the Show Jumping and the Cross Country phase. In the Show Jumping phase I like to use open fronted tendon boots, these protect the horses legs whilst at the same time encourage the horse to jump cleanly as they will still feel it if they hit a fence. For the Cross Country phase I use boots that protect the front of the leg as well because you do not want your horse to sustain any knocks when jumping a solid fence. If my horse requires over reach boots I would also use these. The last thing I would do before my horse goes Cross Country is add grease to my horse’s legs so that they slide off the fences easily.
The Rider
In the dressage phase the rider must look elegant. To make sure you look the part, you can wear a riding hat which has a chin strap or one without. Lady riders must make sure their hair is tied back and a hairnet is used.
I always wear a white stock on a stock shirt and a navy jacket with a waistcoat to make sure my upper half looks really smart. Always finish off the appearance with gloves, these can be black, brown or white. I prefer white as it looks more professional. I also wear clean white or beige breeches and long black boots, these really help with use of my lower leg. If your horse is behind the leg you can also wear spurs as another aid to improve your test.
For the show jumping phase, I normally stay in similar clothes to what I wear in the dressage. I will always carry a whip, and if you are not feeling confident you can always wear a body protector.
The major change for this phase is the hat though. In both jumping phases the riding hat worn must have a Kite mark and must be checked by officials and tagged before you compete in your first event.
The cross country is my favourite phase and my favourite outfit change. The rider should wear what they are comfortable in. I always wear long boots, white breeches, spurs and a stock. I change the silk on my skull cap to match my cross country jumper. You must wear a body protector, and I always carry a whip. Another piece of vital information you must take with you on the cross country is your medical card, you attach this to your arm or leg.
The Horsebox
Remember to pack your horse box with lots of rugs, spare tack, grooming equipment, water, hay, First Aid treatment and anything else you think is essential to make sure your day goes without a hitch.
EquestrianClearance.com has a wide selection of competition clothing, footwear, accessories, saddery items and bits as well as a great range of rugs and essential items you will need to prepare and cool for horses off after an event.
Choose from a great variety of brands including Mark Todd, Harry Hall, Wintec saddles, Bates saddles, Caldene and many more.
Last year the team at EquestrianClearance.com joined the fundraising and awareness initiative of the Breast Cancer Campaign Wear it Pink.
And support from EquestrianClearance.com customers raised a fantastic £1,004 for the charity.
The team at EquestrianClearance.com put together a number of pink themed products at great prices with a percentage of the sales donated to this very worthwhile cause.
Said Lorraine Meadowcroft of EquestrianClearance.com: “We were delighted to help with fundraising for the Breast Cancer Campaign and very pleased with the number of customers who took part by purchasing the nominated products.
“Wear it Pink is a great idea and the more money that is raised the better to help with this wonderful cause.”
The Breast Cancer Campaign’s mission is to beat breast cancer by funding innovative world-class research to understand how breast cancer develops, leading to improved diagnosis, treatment, prevention and cure.
“We take out charity work very seriously. There are many fantastic charities out there all doing a great job. We decided on the Breast Cancer Campaign because more than 45 000 people are diagnosed with the illness each year and it is extremely important that cures and treatments are improved as it effects so many people’s lives,” added Lorraine.
For further information please contact www.equestrianclearance.com
Left to right – Lee Marriott of EquestrianClearance.com, Lorraine Meadowcroft of EquestrianClearance.com, Andrea Membe – Cancer Research UK Area Volunteer Manager and James Lewin of EquestrianClearance.com
With little money in your wallet or purse after the christmas period and the colder, wet weather stopping you from enjoying your horse, you can sometimes feel like you are haemorrhaging cash.
In this issue help is on hand from young event rider Harriet Morris-Baumber and her sponsor’s EquestrianClearance.com to help make February more bearable.
Surviving on a budget
With the purse strings tightening, try and save money on bedding and feed costs. If you have little time to work your horse in the winter, give him a holiday in the field. Even if you are still riding your horse, let him spend the day in the field when you are at work, this will give him a change of scene and help him relax but will also reduce the amount of bedding needed.
Turning your horse out, even in the coldest of weather, has never been so easy. It is important that he is kept warm and comfortable during his holiday to help prevent health problems and weight loss. Check him over every day for cuts and scrapes and if any arise treat them immediately with slightly salted water, before assessing further action.
To keep your horse warm and dry EquestrainClearance.com has a wide range of turnout rugs at great prices. Do not be fussy about the colour at the end of the day your horse will soon have his rug covered in mud anyway.
As it is the winter months when grass is in shorter supply your horse or pony will no doubt be fed hay whether he is in the field or in the stable. Often this can end up being mixed with his shavings or trampled in the mud. Try feeding little and often so it is not wasted. If you cannot visit your horse that regularly during the day EquestrianClearance.com has specialist small holed nets from as little as £1.99 which will also do the job.
Surviving when riding!
If you are still competing or riding your horse at the weekends when the daylight allows, make sure your horse is given some work during the week to stop him feeling fresh and keep him fit enough for his weekend excursions.
During the weekday give your horse a 20 minute lunging session. This is equivalent to one hour’s ridden work and allows your horse to get the correct amount of exercise whilst saving you time in the evening, and allowing you to enjoy yourself when you eventually get in the saddle.
If you are lucky enough to find the time to ride regularly but the light is always dim, visit EquestrainClearance.com to find reflective gear and fluorescent clothing for you and your horse, to make sure other road users will see you in the dark.
Surviving with your health!
It is important to keep warm during the winter to keep the illnesses away. Make sure you eat plenty of fruit and vegetables so that the essential vitamins and minerals will help your immune system throughout the winter.
Especially if you work in an office the contrasting conditions from a warm office to the chilly outdoors can make you more susceptible to colds and flu so make sure you wrap up really well before going outside.
EquestrianClearance.com has a wide selection of coats, gilets, waterproofs, thermals and socks as well as footwear at cost effective prices. Once again do not be fussy on colour, your health and bank balance at times might need to come before looking good!
EquestrianClearance.com is on hand to offer some useful tips and handy hints to help you and your horse through the cold winter months.
The experienced customer service team behind EquestrianClearance.com offer advice on beating the cold.
Equestrianclearance.com stock a wide selection of winter riding wear and cosy coats, not to mention numerous thermal items such as Caldene Thermal Leggings, Dublin Thermal Socks, Dublin Thermals Trousers and K*TY Thermal Jodhpurs.
There’s nothing worse than dark, cold winter nights and having to spend far too long at the stables when you could be at home round the fire. In this issue EquestrianClearance.com offer some time saving tips to get you through the winter months.
Time Saving Tips from EquestrianClearance.com
As the nights get darker earlier, it becomes nearly impossible to fit in enough time with your horse before the last rays of daylight fade. Also the bitter weather makes it all the harder to spend hours at the yard when the warmth of home calls.
With this in mind the team at EquestrianClearance.com have come up with some top tips to maximise your time this winter.
Save time when feeding your horse – Buy several haynets and fill them all at once. Also make up all your weekly feeds on one day and store them individually in clean, rodent-proof containers with lids to save time in the morning and evening.
Reduce the amount of time you spend sweeping the yard – When bringing your horse in from the field, pick his feet out into a rubber skip to stop the mud from spreading round the yard. When mucking out cover the wheelbarrow with a sheet or a blanket to prevent the muck from spilling out over the yard.
Save time mucking out - During the week deep litter your horse’s stable to reduce the amount of time you spend mucking out. When you have more time at the weekend remove all the wet, disinfect and leave to dry. To maximise the time you spend riding on an evening, muck out in the morning and turn your horse out for the day, if the weather permits, leaving a clean stable for when you come in from riding.
Keep essentials in your car – Keep a headcollar, lead rope and torch in your car so you can go straight to the field to bring your horse in. The torch comes in useful when trying to find your horse in the dark and to check for any lumps or cuts that may need treating. Also keep overalls and outdoor boots in your car so you can protect your clothes when around your horse. This means you do not need to go home to change before or after tending to your horse during the week.
Save grooming time – Invest in a turnout rug with a neck cover for when your horse is in the field. This will prevent your horse from getting dirty resulting in more time riding and less time brushing. When your horse is in the stable, put a summer sheet under his stable rug. A summer sheet is much easier to clean than a large rug so your horse will stay cleaner for longer.
Keep variety in your horse’s work - A horse needs to be kept active throughout the winter to keep him fit and healthy and to prevent boredom. However, if time is tight try lunging your horse instead. A 20 minute lunging session is equivalent to one hour’s ridden work, this allows your horse to get the correct amount of exercise whilst saving you time in the evening.
Lastly - try sharing jobs with other horse owners on your yard. For example, take it in turn to bring horses in and out the field, feed up and so on. These are small, time consuming jobs that do not need several individuals doing them, so work out a rota to save everyone time.
When trying to save time, also think about trying to save money.
EquestrianClearance.com offer top brands at affordable prices. They have a massive range of turnout rugs, with and without neck covers, at great prices. EquestrianClearance.com is your one stop shop for all your horsey items to save you time this winter including overalls, haynets, buckets and tubs.
Welcome to the EquestrianClearance.com blog! We have decided to incorporate a new blog section for our site that will help to keep you up-to-date with Equestrian news, products and life here at EquestrianClearance.com. We hope you enjoy what we have to share with you and we are keen to hear your opinions! All the best, the ECW Team
