GUNNING ACROSS THE DIAGONAL
November 9, 2015
IMPROVING FEEL
August 5, 20167 STEPS TO STRESS FREE COMPETITIONS
When it comes to competing you can be blessed with a relaxed horse, who’s behaviour changes only minimally or you may be in a different position. You may get to a competition and find yourself with a spaced out horse, who lacks focus and is difficult to control.
Some of you, depending on your horses temperament may be able to skip steps. [See important note at end]
STEP ONE
Working at home your horse must be completely focused. Working at home you must be completely focused. Too often both rider and horse ride along only half focused. You must also have done plenty of ground work too. Your horse should be easy to handle, focussed on you and in its own body! If at home the horse is agitated and unfocused when being handled it will be at nightmare at competitions.To help I recommend using the ground work course put together by Mary Wanless BHSI and Ali Wakelin – I have seen phenomenal emotional changes occur in horses using this system. They become more aware of the handler, rider and learn to focus on both. The course is available to members of Dressage Training TV as part of The Well Trained Horse series
STEP TWO
Riding at home with friends. Can you maintain your horses attention and focus at home both on top, and on the ground with some other horses working in?STEP THREE
Book a 1hr use of an arena at a different venue. The same tasks apply. You need to be able to work the horse in ridden and handle him successfully on the ground.STEP FOUR*
Book a 1hr use of an arena at a different venue and take some friends along. The same tasks apply. You need to be able to work the horse in ridden and handle him successfully on the ground.* Step 3 & 4 may be swapped depending on your horse. He may be more distracted alone, or with friends.
STEP FIVE+
Book yourself into a dressage practice day. A typical format you should look for is that you have a 20-30 minute slot with the judge to do the test and discuss it afterwards. This will put you in a place with strange horses but there should not be too many others warming in. Remember ground work is also important.STEP SIX+
The same as above but with Friends. Having horses around that your horse knows can add in extra stress due to separation issues. But sometimes it also works in your favour.+ Step 5 & 6 may be swapped.
STEP SEVEN
A full blown competition. Try to start out at a local quiet venue and work you way up from there.Good luck!
