If I can get a 50% I'll be pretty happy because I know I'm going to flub something. I did a dress rehearsal last weekend that went very badly. I got confused about the ride times, I thought I was supposed to get on the horse at a certain time, but I was actually supposed to ride the test at that time. Yeah, so it comes out a 10 minute warmup is not enough. For either of us. Good thing it was a dress rehearsal. Hopefully I got the crappy riding out of the way last weekend so I can ride normally again this weekend.
Even if I do ride like crap, I'm thankful that I'll have my local trainer there to keep me on track and that I'll be riding a horse that doesn't get show nerves. It's much better to start out that way than completely on my own with a horse that may or may not freak out.
Does anyone have any show tips they'd like to share?
While we're on the topic of dressage shows, has anyone watched any of the Dressage Festival of Champions coverage? You can watch the tests individually and, get this, the videos include the judges' scores on each movement. That way you can feel like you're playing along. Give each movement a score and see how you measure up. Personally I thought the judges were being generous, but I'm not an FEI judge so what do I know?
I recommend watching Steffen Peters and Legolas. His passage was amazeballs and his piaffe was one of the best I've ever seen in competition. Check it out:
You can also catch Heather Blitz's ride on Paragon. Some of you may recall that I thought Paragon looked a little off lately, but he seemed a bit better last weekend. He still can't pull off the collected movements nearly as well as some of the other horses but he does have gorgeous extensions. That horse can move!
Good luck Shannon - I'm sure you and the friesan will do beautifully. Pictures please! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you and will do. The husband already knows he's on camera duty ;)
DeleteGood luck! Hope everything goes well. I second the need for pictures :)
ReplyDeleteOkay, photos of a handsome friesian will be forthcoming.
DeleteGood Luck!! Bring a cooler with stuff to drink! It has been a lifesaver at our shows. And pictures, lots of pictures:)
ReplyDeleteOoh, good idea, thanks!
Delete2nd that-coconut water is the BEST to keep hydrated!
DeleteHave fun-get lots of pics!
Good luck at the show, I'm sure you'll do just fine. Remember, you've already got a big part of it conquered with a horse who doesn't have show nerves and who's good at his job. The only thing that can throw the day a little off are your nerves. And what have you got to be nervous about, after all you know your job too and it's only a schooling show. Don't even think about scores, just have fun and ride relaxed and calm. A schooling show is just what it says, a show to help you see how far you've come and what you need to work on in the future. Have fun and take pictures.
ReplyDeleteBest. Advice. Ever. You are so right, I'll keep this in mind.
DeleteI am so excited for you!! I will be sending positive thoughts your way on Saturday. I don't know much about shows, but I second what GHM says. :-) You are going to have so much fun!
ReplyDeleteThanks, I don't know much about shows either, I think that's why I'm nervous. Actually- I think I'm more worried about the warm-up ring than anything else. I've heard terrible stories about those!
DeleteJust have fun and enjoy the moment. Schooling shows are great places to get mileage. Bring water and keep breathing. Keep track of your time, so you don't get rushed.
ReplyDeleteAt dressage shows I tend to set a personal goal like being accurate and doing transitions on time so I have something acheivable to aim for.
Ditto on the pictures. I love Friesans.
Setting achievable goals is a good idea. I'll keep that in mind.
DeleteMy tips:
ReplyDelete1. Breathe and center yourself whenever you can.
2. If something goes wrong, correct it within that movement (between whatever letters it is) and do whatever you have to do. That way, a low score will be applied to that movement only rather than to two in a row.
3. As you know, the movements come quickly. So let the last movement go and focus on the one you're on and the one coming up. It's just as if you were jumping a course -- whether it's a great jump or a lousy jump, if you keep thinking about the last jump, you risk ruining the next jump. If you focus on the jump that's coming up, you're giving your horse the best chance to perform well.
5. This advice comes from Robert Dover: When you enter the show ring, you're on the most amazing and wonderful horse that ever existed. Be proud and show him off.
Thank you Katie, this is awesome advice :)
DeleteEat! Skipping breakfast because of nerves is tempting but not a good idea. Bring something that will up your glucose level and eat it while you get your horse ready (I used to bring glucose sweets), your brain uses 25% of your body's glucose store and you don't want to start riding with a low blood sugar level.
DeleteWhen I used to ride dressage, my trainer always told me to think positive words after every movement: good! and excellent! Even, or perhaps especially, when you make a mistake. Try it, it worked for me..Good luck, and enjoy!