Prelim Dressage - more marks for horse or rider?

[salexis]

I know the ideal is for the horse to perform beautifully while the rider looks like they are just sat there (even though they're not) but Me and Moo are just not anywhere near that yet.

So, when judges are marking prelim - do they prefer to see the rider doing everything they can to correct and improve the horse, or do they give more marks for the rider sitting pretty even though the horse is not going in any sort of outline for very long?

Its just that with my mare she has a million tricks to go tense, avoid the contact, fall out through her shoulders etc etc. With our lessons we are getting more consistent but she takes a lot of riding - the sit and look pretty while she carries herself nicely and relaxed do happen but they take some riding in the inbetween bits.

I imagine at our first ever dressage I'll be tense, and she'll be full of her tricks. So what do you think?

[Maes Seren]

They look for a consistent rhythm and correct riding of the movements.

At prelim, the better outline your horse is in the higher the placing, but they expect a basic schooled horse and would rather a horse be forward going and unrestricted than in a restricted outline trying to look pretty.

[tina]

The only marks you are given for riding is in the collectives at the bottom.

You do need to be accurate as you can lose 1 mark per movement if you are not (from experience as a dressage writer). Your horse's pace need to be consistant, no variations within it. Your horses outline should be longer and lower than at the higher levels and I have been marked down in the past for my horse having a more advanced outline. Ensure your horse is going forward but not rushing and on the forehand. Sit up, look ahead and smile.

Good luck

[maximum]

also a lot will depend on the judge but if you are riding well and correcting the horse the horse should go better anyway.

the best thing is to get out there and do it!! practice makes perfect!