In 1971, I took 5 dressage lessons. Since then I have pretty much just supported my kids and grandkid in their dressage pursuits. However, that has included occasionally working their 3-Day horses in dressage when they lived at home (not for 10 years). Other than that, I fox hunt, and do a little Mounted Archery.
November DD gave me a horse (Hugh Jackman=HJ) she’d had showing in 3 day for 7-8 years, rather successfully --dressage in the 30s to 40s I think that translates to 60s-70s in Dressage scoring). He was no longer suitable for jumping, and was left with me possibly for MA, but that didn’t work out. Instead, I rediscovered dressage! (We still have a large dressage ring, nicely maintained).
Starting in April, after a winter of loafing, HJ was put to work. He is spot on. A true joy to ride. We got as far as walk-trot; could not figure out how to cue canter --so took a lesson. Instant success --now he lifts off nicely when asks and maintains a beautiful canter.
We have signed up for a show August 13, very local, likely very small. By July 13, I need to decide what classes to enter.
Questions: We can and do clearly rock Intro A, B, and C. This week we are working to Training Level 1-2-3 movements --serpentines and all that. We work in the dressage ring practicing transitions, lines, and circles 2-3 days a week (for about 40-50 minutes). The 3 other days we do trail riding and just keep ourselves fit. So WHAT DO I ENTER?
Intro A B C sound comfortable and safe . . Should I do Training Level? Push myself? I in theory could do First Level --but wow! It looks HARD (for me --I am sure HJ was schooling much higher with daughter, likely 3rd level 3-Day Prelim to Intermediate).
I can do 4 tests --what to pick? One easy? two moderate? one difficult? BUT I recall a rule about how many different levels one can do at any show --like Intro and Training OK but a horse showing Intro can’t do First Level –
I want to 1) have fun 2) be successful --but I don’t want to ridiculously under challenge myself - or over challenge myself. I have arranged for a groom to come with me to hold HJ between classes, and I’ve arranged for a stall for him, even though I live only 7 miles from the venue.
Last question --I am told that someone can READ the tests aloud to me --true? I would think this is an excellent idea even if I know them --just-in-case --again, thoughts?
Thank you!!!