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Help !?

1K views 7 replies 5 participants last post by  alexischristina 
#1 ·
So... my question is on LEVELS!

I'm attending my "first ever" dressage show next month (I've attended schooling shows at my previous lesson barn, on provided tests), and I'm not quite sure where I sit. The show is on the 17th, and I haven't started practising any actual tests, because I just found out about the show, and now I'm stuck.

I wanted to try out the training level test 4, instead of jumping right into first level, because it's a bit "intimidating" for a first time... but then I got to thinking.

The levels apply more to horses, don't they? Does the training level apply to horses in training? The horse I'm riding is 12 years old, an "ex" very flashy, VERY well trained show pony... is that appropriate? Does it apply more to the rider, or more to the horse?
AH!
 
#2 ·
It never hurts to keep the bar a little lower the first time out if you're at all unsure. On the other hand, if you and your horse can do training level test 4 in your sleep, than by all means go for it. Sounds like your horse can do whatever is asked of him. Only you know how you'll react in a new situation.
 
#3 ·
I've been out of lessons for awhile ): So I REALLY need to brush up on dressage and what-not. My new (as in, we've only had 2 lessons) "coach" (she's retired, but she's friends with my mom so we get her at half price, woo!) just got back (from a FREE trip to SPAIN, while it was pouring here) so I'll talk to her about it... I just... don't know what to do.
 
#4 ·
The names of the levels are just names. Originally there was only first through fourth levels, so when "training" level was developed they couldn't call it "zeroth level". Same with Intro. The names are inconsequential.

In order to decide what level you are going to ride, the best thing to do is to read through the directives on the top of the test and make a mental checklist of things listed there that you can/cannot do.

The levels apply to horse/rider combinations. You cannot simply throw a first level rider on a PSG horse and go show PSG, nor can you throw a PSG rider on a first level horse and do the same. The level you show is dictated by the "weakest link", so to speak.

Good luck!
 
#5 ·
Seeing how its your first "real" dressage show. I would suggest doing all four training level tests and then maybe the first first level test... I'm doing a really big show this year and although me and my horse are capable of doing the first level tests I'm just doing one so I can get a better feel on how it's judged.
 
#6 ·
Arksly: Are you saying SHOW all 4 + first level? Because at the cost of a dressage test, as a broke working teenager that'd totally empty one of my paychecks. ):

HOWEVER, I'll probably practise all 4 of the training tests AT LEAST, and then consider first level, seeing how I do.
I never thought of that, thank you!
 
#7 ·
Standard acceptability of where you should be is....... one level below where you are training at.

Riders doing first level are practicing second level, and those showing second level are working on third.

The levels apply to the COMBINATION of horse and rider and what anebel said re the weakest link will pull you down, so to show where that weakest is barely at usually provides a scene for failure at worst and the bottom 50% (of the class) at best.
 
#8 ·
You see, I have no doubt I could easily do first level... but this would be the first show of the year, I'm not confident I could be comfortable with the test by then, so I'll probably end up doing the training test.
I'm worried it'll be full of little kids, but hey... oh well I guess.
 
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