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.
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