Should I try a novice dressage comp?

[MiaLloyd]

Hey everyone, I'm new here so this is my 1st thread. I've been thinking alot lately of starting to do some dressage with my Tb mare, I think she could really do quite well at it :). I myslef have never competed in dressage as i have always been more showjumping, and I dont know wether Pebbles has either considering she wasn't schooled enough when I bought her. Can anyone suggest which test i should try for the 1st time and any tips etc? Ill post a couple of pictures of her if i can work out how to :lol:
Mia x

[MiaLloyd]

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs208.snc3/21577_107644995913419_100000037583446_203363_17857 80_n.jpg

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v1670/23/11/524559595/n524559595_1124903_5598.jpg

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v1670/23/11/524559595/n524559595_1124911_3752.jpg Please excuse my bad position in this one haha!

[CityLights]

Most places will do two prelim tests, i would for the first time just got do the two prelims and then see how you get on, a novice test inst that hard for the horse but can if your not used to riding them be tricky for the rider sometimes things can come very early,

As a general rule the lower the number the easier the test so try aim for one of the lower number novices i think they start at 20

[MiaLloyd]

Ahhh thank you :) Ahhh prelim, thats what i was thinking of but said novice aha! :o x

[Catg]

Hi Mia, pebbles is a very pretty girl, I think she would do well at dressage too.

Prelim 4 was the first dressage test I ever did, it's a very nice flowing test, definitely a good one to start off with. Private message me your email address if u want it and I'll try and fish out a copy for you so you can practice with it.

Try and learn the test as best you can. You will be allowed to have someone call out the test for you but if you already have a good idea of what the next move is going to be you can concentrate more on your riding.

Enjoy and good luck

Cat x

[doodledoo]

yes i agree with the above, you are better to start with the preliminary tests first then work your way up. good luck!

[Smoke on the Water]

Of course you should try a dressage test!! Agree, as you already corrected yourself, to start off with prelim. The main thing to remember about dressage is that it is only schooling your horse, like you do at home, but infront of a judge! And whatever happens you should get some really good constructive criticism from the judge on what you can be working on to get better!

Let us know how you get on!