Competing can be a very rewarding experience. There is the excitement of the preparation and arrival at the venue, the competition itself where you get a measure of all your hard work, the feedback for your future schooling sessions and hopefully a rosette or two if it’s been a good outing! It is very addictive and you can easily start to move up the levels and enter teams as you improve. Here are some ideas and tips for you if you are just starting out:

1. Online Dressage

If you are completely new to dressage, or can’t get to a venue, this is an excellent way to start. All you need is as arena or field that is marked out, a friend with a phone that can video your test. It’s a great way to get the feedback you need from riding a test, so you know what scores you are likely to get when you do go to a venue. Remember of course, you can keep videoing your test as often as you want, until you are happy with final ‘take’ before submitting it!

www.dressage4all.co.uk   can give you all the help and advice you need.

2. Be working at home at a slightly higher level than the classes you enter.