What test to ride?

[Soldier06]

As a fun experience (I guess that's what you'd call it) I'm thinking of taking Soldier to a little dressage show. There's a spot on the trailer and the show grounds are beautiful so why not?

Now I'm undecided about what test to ride. I would prefer to ride a test with some really nice movements and some not so great vs. a solid test. I want to challenge this horse, and push him for some of his harder movements vs. doing the things I know he can. Training level would be somewhat silly as I and my mom feel that that should be easy for him (he's my children's hunter).

I need to look at the tests to make more of a decision, but what test would you enter a solid w/t/c, counter canter, turn on the forehand, turn on the haunches, simple change, and leg yield horse in? He understands lengthenings (canter is great, trot can get a little quick) and shoulder in's/haunches in but they aren't his strong points. Probably score more 4-6's on those.

Pretty steady in the bridle, can adjust his frame/stride length easily, and the whole idea of being at a new place is no biggie for him.

My mom and I were thinking a 1st level test. Which is your favorite (flow wise, movement wise ect...) which do you think would be the most benefical training "tool"? (I want to bring out the good, the bad, and the ugly ;))

Again the goal is to challenge the horse and I, I'm fine with a not so great score but some good comments. I want to bring out his weak points in order to strengthen them. :) I'm riding him for the training experience, not the score (it's not even my discipline, the judge will never see me again! :lol:)

[class]

if you want to challenge your horse, and get some training tools, and bring out his weak points, and get a training experience, then take a lesson with someone. that's not what shows are designed for.

[Melissa.Hare.Jones]

Why don't you run through all of the First Level tests for practice and make a decision that way? (And do remember you must sit the trot for the entirety.)

Have fun!

(If you're feeling class's opinion was a bit of a downer... consider how you'd respond to a kid who had never been in the hunter ring announcing she was going to do a Children's division "just for fun".)
;)

[Ibex]

if you want to challenge your horse, and get some training tools, and bring out his weak points, and get a training experience, then take a lesson with someone. that's not what shows are designed for.

Now THERE'S a way to encourage interest in the sport! Way to go! :rolleyes:

To the OP: You said it's a little show, so I'm assuming a schooling show as opposed to a rated show? I'd take the advice and run all the tests and see what you like. For what it's worth, I really enjoy 1-4 since it has a bunch of different things in it. A first level frame needs to be rounder than training level, but you don't need the level of collection that 2nd level requires. Yes, it's supposed to be a stepping stone TO 2nd, but at a schooling show I wouldn't worry about it.

I agree with the thought of taking a dressage lesson or two, but comments in a show environment are also invaluable.

[Soldier06]

I looked over the tests, and I really like 1-2 and 1-3. I like the half moon roll backs in 1-1 and 1-3 as I have been asked to do that in an eq. class before, so it's something that I need to know (and know well). In 1-2 I like the leg yield into the canter, that's been a very benefical exercise to set Soldier up for the canter. I don't love the lengthening right after the centerline in 1-4 and I think that could get him a little tense (he's never been in a dressage ring before) if it was right at the beg. since that is a harder element for him. I want to ride them all, and see which I like best.

I don't mind class's comment, I agree a lesson would be a great training tool as well, but I like the idea of getting 1 chance to do the movement and getting judged that second. I ride w/my mom who has trained her horse up through FEI so I do understand the benefits of riding in a "lesson" like situation.

In all the tests 1 through 3 there isn't a single movement that he can't do and hasn't done at home, just not in that order. ;)

I want a different experience for him and me, if I was braver I'd take him to an event, but I'm a wimp so we stick to jumping little logs. :lol:

[slc2]

Actually, I would suggest you don't do this. It sounds like a really bad way to approach showing. There aren't any rollbacks in first level (or any other dressage level), I don't think you understand the tests enough to show them right now, to me it doesn't matter if it's a schooling show or not. I'd suggest getting some lessons and reviewing what's in the tests, practicing them with an instructor, and making a decision what level to ride with a dressage trainer or instructor who can evaluate where you and the horse are at. Otherwise it doesn't really sound like you will do very well. Alot of people say they don't care about how well someone does...til the next thread, where they complain about bad riding at shows....:lol:

I don't feell shows are for 'challenging' horses, and again, I don't care if they're schooling or recognized, that makes no difference to me. I think riding lessons are for challenging horses.

[Ibex]

Actually, I would suggest you don't do this. It sounds like a really bad way to approach showing. There aren't any rollbacks in first level (or any other dressage level), I don't think you understand the tests enough to show them right now, to me it doesn't matter if it's a schooling show or not. I'd suggest getting some lessons and reviewing what's in the tests, practicing them with an instructor, and making a decision what level to ride with a dressage trainer or instructor who can evaluate where you and the horse are at. Otherwise it doesn't really sound like you will do very well. Alot of people say they don't care about how well someone does...til the next thread, where they complain about bad riding at shows....:lol:

I don't feell shows are for 'challenging' horses, and again, I don't care if they're schooling or recognized, that makes no difference to me. I think riding lessons are for challenging horses.

Apparently you missed the part where she says her mother is at an FEI level. If everyone listened to crap like this none of us would ever show. First level and Eq courses are a lovely compliment to each other. :rolleyes:

OP: If your mom rides at FEI dressage, I'm sure she has the situation well covered. Have fun at the show, and I hope you kick ass!

[Sabine]

from what you describe- 1.2 or 1.3 would be great for you to be challenged and for you to test your horse. 1.1 is kind of boring and 1.4 requires a bit more precision and very solid skills for that level...can't wait to hear your show report...wouldn't be surprised if you nailed it...LOL! good luck!

[slc2]

her mom can get her thru the dressage rollbacks, then.

[poltroon]

her mom can get her thru the dressage rollbacks, then.

I think she is just using the term rollback as slang. I feel confident that she is not doing a true western-style rollback in the allotted 15 m. ;)

I am all for going to a schooling show and jumping in the deep end. As long as the horse and rider are confident and won't be hurt, it's a great way to learn more about your horse and about riding. It might be fun, it might be a slap in the face, it might be world-opening. But it will be an adventure.

[merrygoround]

Her Mom has trained thru FEI, and can't help place her daughter in a class?

Not to be snarky, but has her mother competed at FEI? :)

[cinder88]

I Like 1-2, myself.

Just go, have fun and see what happens. You may give up the hunter life for dressage!

I once went to a schooling event with my dressage horse. We prefer to keep all four hooves on the ground at all times, so I asked if it was OK to do the test and then just canter around the outdoor event course, not actually jumping any...just for fun...as we don't have any large fields to canter in at my farm.

The answer was..."Of course! Come have fun! That's what it's all about."

So, we kicked everyone's butt in dressage, then had a lovely canter around a huge area with rolling hills, were eliminated, the announcer had a lot of fun with our round over the loud speaker, and got applause and a lot of laughter when we went through the finish line. :)

Just go, have fun and ignore the rest.

Cinder

[Soldier06]

My mom left the choice of test up to me. I just wanted other's opinions on what they liked, maybe that wasn't the best idea...
My mom has shown her horse thru PSG (5th at NEDA year-ends last year) and is moving up to I1 this season, I didn't feel I needed to say it, but maybe a lot of people say the do the FEI stuff and don't (I honestly don't know)????

Anyways thank you to the people who have been helpful and given suggestions. :) I plan to ride a couple this weekend while my mom's in Saratoga, then let her rip me apart when she comes home. ;)

ETA-The rollback thing was just what I called it, I know that's not what it says in the test, but in an eq. class most times they've said something along the lines of "turn to the inside and rollback to the rail".