What to expect at a low-key Dressage show?

I hope you have fun at your first dressage show.

Yes, one person at a time will ride, and they should tell you what time you are expected to ride a couple of days before the show. This is called a ride time. At recognized shows, ride times are assigned so that all riders doing the same test (say Training Level Test 2) will all be in a row. Most schooling shows will also follow this pattern. However, I have been to some schooling shows where you just told them about what time you wanted to ride and what tests you wanted to do and they would try and schedule you as close to your wanted times as possible. (These were super convenient since you could just pop in ride and go, although results for any particular test might not be available until the end of the day if there was a late rider doing the same test.)

Anyone you choose can call your test. It can be your instructor, spouse, friends, a kind stranger that you ran into on the way to the ring, anyone. The choice is yours, but I suggest choosing someone who actually knows how to call a test like your instructor.

Walk/trot tests are usually about 2-3 minutes and are very simple. Usually the required movements are a 20 m circle at the trot to the left and to the right, a change of rein, some medium walk, free walk on the long rein, and a halt and salute. Since the tests are standardized and are published every four years, you can get your test anytime from the UDSF or USEF web site.

Classes are usually divided up by the test you are doing and whether you are a junior, senior, or professional (open). So, you will only be compared to other senior riders doing the same test you are such as Green as Grass Test 1.

There are only two USDF walk/trot test, test A and test B. You should be able to find out in advance what test you will be doing and you can practice before you do it.

There will most likely be a warmup ring, or at least a time where you will be able to ride your horse and practice before the show starts.

Usually dressage shows start with the lowest tests (which would be work trot) and work their way up to training 1, 2, 3, 4, then first, etc. You will most likely be given a number and a time when you will be required to do your test. When you enter the ring you should be the only horse and rider in there. Normally you walk around the ring until the judge rings a bell (or blows a whistle). You then have 60 seconds to begin your test by going down the center line towards the judge. You CAN have the test read to you, but you should notify you want this done beforehand.

I think it's wonderful you are taking a rescue horse in a schooling show. :) Just have fun. I absolutely LOVE schooling dressage shows because they are so relaxed and calm. Usually the judge will talk to you after you ride your test -- tell you things you did well and things you can improve on.

Best of luck! I bet you and your horse will have a blast.

It's hard to say what they will do, but like all the shows i've been to you can pretty much go up to anyone either showing or in the office and ask them what's going on and if they can help you. I think horse people are some of the friendly-est people in the world (: The main part is that you just have fun and enjoy riding. I'm sure the tests won't be as hard as you think, and if they are then the show will be good experience! It all depends on the judges and type of show.

They're usually lots of fun and very relaxed.. The links below are the two tests you'll get to choose from, Intro A and Intro B. Both are quite straightforward..nothing too complicated. You can have a caller if you'd like..

http://www.usdf.org/docs/tests/dressage/introa.pdf

http://www.usdf.org/docs/tests/dressage/introb.pdf

Well, dressage shows are brown down into levels~ Training level, level one, level two, level three, level four, then grand prix i think.

In training level (which is what i assume youre doing) there's test one, test two, etc. You can find the tests for 2010 online. You can have the option to have a caller. Training level is easy, but there is cantering. :/ It doesnt go any lower than training level test one.

Ask your instructor about the rest.

Good luck!

Abbey

you should already know the test and they should be online, it sounds like you would do intro test A or B. they never provide a person to call test that is up to you if they allow it which they should but the tests are easy you can memorize them. you should wear a polo and white or tan breeches. as for riding yes they do care what lead your on ... your getting judged on that. it will be judged the same as a regular dressage show but the atmosphere is less competitive ... there will be a lot of green horses and a lot of beginner riders.

I would look into local 4H shows, they're usually laid back and usually comprised of flat and over fences classes anywhere from 12'' to 3'. You do all the flat as a group, then break up into singles for jumping. I would take her a little lower then what your comfortable schooling if you do decide to go over fences.