My First Dressage Show

[rizzodm]

I have been coming to this board and receiving advice for getting ready for my first show. A week before the show the mare I had been riding goes to the vet for AI not to return for several weeks:(I tell myself this will just make me a better rider(which it has). I practiced every day on my new mount until show day.
I was sooooo nervous. These were the most down to earth people running this show! I had so much fun and got to know the other people from my barn(I hardly ever see them we ride at different times). I was still nervous for my test but about half way through I was feeling confident and then my 3 min. of glory were over:)I scored 56.9.
I loved getting my test and reading the judges remarks. I got to see the what and why. So for the last couple of weeks I have been practicing on what the judge commented on. I have a lesson today so hopefully my trainer will notice our hard work:)
Thanks for reading.

Dawn

[caddym]

that was fun to read! Thats why I love to show. The comments really keep me honest in what I am doing. (Its easy to stay home and pretend that everything is amazing.)

[rizzodm]

My husband did video for me too. That was also an eyeopener:eek:

Dawn

[Hazelnut]

My husband did video for me too. That was also an eyeopener:eek:

Dawn

Oh video...the best tool and the hardest to swallow!

I too loved your overview of your first show - thanks!

[Long Spot]

Agreed on video being a great tool. And hard to swallow sometimes. But when you can put what it feels like you are doing together with what you are actually doing, it's an eye opening experience. And eventually you get a video and are pleasantly suprised by what you see. When YOU as your harshest critic can't find much to pick on.

I believe after 30 years of riding, I have a total of THREE of those type of videos, where I look much better than it felt. And I treasure those three. :lol: And trot them out once a year or so for "review" (AKA pat myself on the back).

Congrats on your first show! And on a horse new to you, to boot. You're a brave soul! So happy you enjoyed the people and the experience, and getting to read your comments. It's what it's all about.

[rizzodm]

Thanks all. I will be taking lunge lessons next week to begin improvments on my seat. I am excited even though I know I will be sore.:)

Dawn