prelim - whip?

[salexis]

Hi

If all continues to go well, I am considering entering my first ever prelim dressage comp this summer (at some local small event).

I never carry a whip with Moo, she doesn't need it and when I do it just winds her up. Do I need to carry one for show in the prelim dressage? if so I guess i better get her used to me carrying one.

Also, do you just keep it in the same hand during the test, the left one?

(oh and as well, do I have to plait her tail ~?)

Ta for any advice on this.

[maximum]

no you dont have to carry one so since you dont normally dont start now.

if you are plaiting her mane its best to plait her tail but if it is only a small local event you will be fine.

[tina]

I never plait my horses tail (nor is it pulled) and I'm doing afflicted dressage lol, they won't mark you down for it.

[Maes Seren]

I wont plait for unaffiliated tests, something about being lazy, but i will be plaiting when i finally get round to going affiliated in the near future. ;D - Manes that is, i dont do tails!

[arumanii]

I always plait everything as just makes me *feel* like we're goin in ther to be stars -usually doesn't end out that way but hey ho! Ther's no *need* to do it as far as I'm aware tho. Just makes me feel better and it also gives u a bit more time spent with ur partner before you head off out.

Have fun and good luck

[maximum]

I always feel that no matter what the level it is manners to be as well turned out as you can be since people have gone to the bother of running the show.

[Maes Seren]

True, but the dressage i enter is literally on my door step... out the barn where Gem is, and im infront of the school.
I dont want to plait her as i want her to take it as just schooling, dont want to hype her up

[fimacg]

I once won a dressage pad from blue chip and it does have the blue chip logo on it, but its really nice and I used to use it when doing dressage with Figaro. At one dressage test I wander around to the arena to start warming up and see all these big fancy lorries, my heart sinks as I think OMG lots of fancy £20,000 horses (as it was that kind of place) and here is little old me on my little cob.

But as I pass one of these lorries someone climbs out sees the Blue Chip dressage pad, and turns to their companion and I heard them say "just what we need, sponsored riders"

Goes to show how we make snap judgements based on appearences

[shearer]

I always plait, with the exception of Scally because his mane is like a mop and i would be shot if i even went near it with a comb!

My old pony used to tense up from the moment she was plaited because she knew she was going somewhere!

[aimee]

Hey while we are on the subject, do you have to change your whip over to other hand when you change rein? I do anyway but I was just wondering if you would get marked down for not doing it? Its been a while..and I cant remember! lol

[Maes Seren]

i dont in dressage, they would rather see it in the wrong hand and the horse being calm etc

[shearer]

When i change my whip over on Shearer he jumps in the air lol.... so no

[duckles]

In my first ever dressage test, the judge told me not to change whip over but to carry it in left hand. Don't know if that is a rule or not. You don't have to carry a whip (I don't usually) and I wouldn't change her routine especially on the day of a test when you both will be a bit more anxious. I see here that everyone is advising plaiting the tail. Have to say, I only ever plait the mane but must admit I don't do dressage to any high standard (or indeed to any standard). I have seen a lot of pulled tails but not that many plaited ones.

[Maes Seren]

I carry my whip in my right hand because the right rein is Gems weaker rein and i find it easier to carry it there to help her balance.
Her tail was only plaited because my friend can plait tails, otherwise i also wouldnt bother.