Our Top Test Tips

Dont be late - arrive early enough to warm up properly & know the layout of the event
Remember Your Competitor Number - When you ring for your times, get your rider number
Ask about Lunging - Ask in advance if you need to lunge your horse
Know your Test - It helps to know your test, but we do normally have someone to 'call' for you, if you dont have a friend to bring
Horse & Rider are in Correct Attire - If you arent sure, ask someone to check your tack & make sure it is 'dressage legal'
Display your Number - We often have spares, just ask if you dont have one with you
Warm Up in Time - Dont forget to take your horses boots or bandages off after warming up
Courtesy - Ride Left Shoulder to Left Shoulder when warming up & passing other competitors & dont Hog the Warm Up area, or stand about taking up room when others are working
Start on the correct Rein - When you enter the arena before your test, ride on the rein you will start the test on.
Smile - and look confident, you are portraying a partnership with your horse.
Dont talk to your horse - You will lose marks if you use your voice in a test.
Exact Movements - Ride a circle, not a square - Ride a corner not an oval.
Increase your Marks - Work on your Free Walk on a long rein to save losing easy marks & gain important ones.
Dont panic - if you go wrong, the judge will tell you where to start again
Salute the judge at the end of your test
Wait - until you leave the arena before unbuttoning your jacket or removing it
Take a deep breath, its a fun day to measure your improvement
Wait for your results!

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