YOUR FIRST
WESTERN DRESSAGE SHOW
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Continued...
If you are thinking of trying a competition which is known as a test (free
on the WDAA site) here are some things that we have learned along
the way. Things that we like to call “you don’t know what you don’t
know.” If you have a trainer or coach that is experienced with dressage
you can probably stop right here. A true professional will tell you all this
information and much more. But if you DIY, like the two of us, perhaps
our lessons learned will help you get started and cut through some of
the ‘unwritten’ procedures and lingo that stumped us from the start.
Before Showing:
• Go watch a show even if it is a classical event with no western
classes. Search for a show with local or state dressage groups. About
five days before the event ‘ride times’ will be posted. Each test takes
about five minutes and tests are grouped together by level and the
tests within that level.
• Watch and take notes as to what people are doing both before and
after they do a test. You will notice a high degree of concentration on
the part of the exhibitors. Therefore if you want to ask questions talk
to someone not competing. You will notice the absence of announcing
both before, during, and after each test as well as the calmness of the
show. Riders know and are held accountable for reporting to the warm
up ring and when to ride their test. Scoresheets and results are available
at the entry booth about 20 minutes after all of the horses in the
same level and test have ridden. You will also notice that unlike some
‘western horse shows’ you will not hear whistling, hooting, and cheering.
Dressage events are ‘proper’ like having tea with the Queen.
•Observe the warm-up (outside the show arena) and schooling areas.
This will help you learn the etiquette. Learn what is meant by ‘left to left’
in the schooling arena. To put it simply go the same direction as the
other horses, circle if you need to pass, and if you are going the opposite
directions pass left shoulder to left shoulder. The track is the ‘lane’
along the boards or the edge of the arena. You will see people that are
riding their horse at the walk staying off the track. If they are trotting
or cantering they stay on the track. . If they need to adjust equipment,
talk to someone, etc. they exit the arena. If you need to lunge DO NOT
do it near the show arena and try and avoid the schooling area. Above
all you will see people being polite, courteous, focused on riding their
horse and not on their phones.
Preparing For Your First Show:
• Have yourself and your horse in great physical condition. It takes a
great deal of energy to ride a dressage test.
• Buy a Dressage Illustrated book (under educational material on
WDAA) for the level
you are interested in
trying (Intro is walk/
trot, Basic is walk/trot
/canter/lope).
• Educate yourself. Yes it is
possible to do this yourself.
However don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek help.
• Free articles on the web, clinics and demonstrations are some of the
resources but nothing will ever replace talking face to face with a highly
trained, experienced professional. One of the reasons we had the courage
to try western dressage was because of Lynn Palm. We saw her
presentation on western dressage at a trade show. After the presentation
we went to her booth. Lynn was willing to answer our many questions.
She is an amazing horsewoman and generous with her knowledge.
If you ever need a source for information on properly training
your horse, I highly recommend her book The Rider’s Guide to Real
Collection: Achieve Willingness, Balance and the Perfect Frame
with Performance Horses as well as any of her other resources.
• Read the rule book (link on WDAA website). Know if your equipment
is legal.
• Learn your test. You may have a caller. If you choose to have a caller
make sure you understand that process. It is your responsibility not that
of the show management.
• Practice drawing the test. Paper and dry erase boards work equally
as well.
• Find a place to practice both on and off the horse. Walking the tests
on foot is very eye opening for learning your spacing and is also good
exercise for the rider.
• You don’t need a fancy arena. We ride in our fields and use laundry
bottles and milk jugs for markers. I use the saying All Fat Pretty Black
Red Mother Cats Have Seven Eight Vicious Kittens to remember where
the letters are located the large 20 x 60 court AFPBRMCHSEVK. For
the small court, 20 x 40, try the mnemonic A Fat Black Mother Cat Had
Eight Kittens for AFBMCHEK. Going the other direction AKEHCMBF
All King Edward’s Horses Can Make Big Fences. You can also make
up your own. Do what suits your learning style. We also don’t have the
dressage boards (rail/fence) as we ride out in the open and do things
like weave the markers as well as trotting, cantering, and backing
around them. We also put poles for ranch riding and trail class close to
them on the outside. There is so much you can do when you are not
‘fenced in’!
….A DIY EXPERIENCE
If you are reading this you are probably at the same point my husband and I
were three years ago. It was at this time that we wanted to try something different
with our horses. Something that would complement our trail riding as
well as the ranch riding classes we were showing. We wanted something that
would build on the training we have always done with our horses here on our
farm. We also wanted something to stimulate our senior brains; a challenge
for both memory and learning. We wanted something that was, like our trail
riding and ranch shows, an event where the class or activity was warm up
the horse and go. We also wanted something a two hour or less drive from
our home so that it was not an overnight trip. Yes, even retired people still
have responsibilities at home. Most importantly we wanted something that
was good for the horse; awards and ‘being the winner’ was never the objective.
Western Dressage has proven to be all of the above for us and more!
A Fat Black Mother
Cat Had Eight Kittens
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