I am coming over to the dark side

[Smithereens]

...and loving every minute of it! I have decided after many years in the H/J world that I have been completely seduced by dressage, again (I started out as a dressage kid many years ago.) I have a 3 yr old with solid gaits that I will be working with, hopefully for many years to come. I am a little nervous about the change, only because I am so comfortable in H/J world; know the people, know the way things work, etc. I have a great trainer to work with, that has given us a great start, but she will be south all winter, unfortunately, but the baby is going to have time off and I have a few people to contact that give lessons and have schoolmasters.

So to get to my real question, for anyone who has made the switch or anybody that would like to comment, are there any helpful pieces of information you can give me? I know the real obvious things, but I know there are a lot of things that aren't always clearly stated that I should know. Fire it at me! I am very excited for the future!

[Arizona DQ]

Have lots of fun!!! I came back to dressage after a 10 year hiatus and am loving every minute of it!! Welcome !!!:cool:

[slc2]

All any one ever needs:

More rein contact. More leg. Sit up straight. Forward, forward, forward.

[Hiddenacresmi]

having made the switch from H/J (30 year worth) then to Dressage for the last 7yrs... all I can say is ... sit up, chest out, long leg... sit up, chest out... long leg...old habits hard to break! Good luck and have fun. It is a great feeling to "dance".

[alicen]

Don't forget to breath and don't stiffen up.

[DustInTime04]

I made the switch from Eventing to Dressage early this year, and haven't looked back... totally where I should be! The one thing I found that's been vital in my switch is the geometry and how important it is to the quality of your riding and scores. Something never stressed to me enough while Eventing!

Wish you luck and have lots of fun. There are lots of beautiful horses to see and wonderful people to meet along the way.

[Petstorejunkie]

I think what will help the most are pilates leg circles to loosen up your pelvis.
Muah ah ah, welcome :)

[Smithereens]

Thanks so much everyone! Yes petstorejunkie, loosening the pelvis is VERY hard for me! After trying to not move for many years.... I think this will be he perfect move for me though! I was feeling very unenthusiastic about riding until I decided to make the change; I am now feeling a renewed amount of excitement to ride!

[BohemianRN]

All any one ever needs:

More rein contact. More leg. Sit up straight. Forward, forward, forward.

LOL! So true!