Ok, so I got a top hat and tailcoat for Xmas. We’re perfecting the tempis but have everything else down pat. I don’t really have a trainer so I was just wondering what I should expect at PSG. I’d probably do a show at 4th and then move up in the summer, depending on how eveerything goes. I know I’ll need to pay some more membership fees, but what all organizations do I need to be in? Do I need to get my horse registered with them too? I don’t really care about tracking points and whatnot, just the bare necessities. Is the judging dramatically harder than at 4th? I heard someone say the PSG test was actually easier than 4th 3. Any advice would be welcome as well, especially counting tips for 4s (they seem harder than 3s for some reason). 
what to expect??? this is what mine was like:
complete and utter nerves going around the ring… smiling at the judge… then, the bell.
Halt, salute… and the nerves went away, and it was just silent. I was in the zone… and it was he and I and that was it.
Then, at the final salute, tears.
It wasn’t perfect… but there’s only one “first” with that.
Good luck.
You just need the usual USDF and USEA numbers. (if you are doing CDI’s you would need an FEI passport).
The class fee for FEI is a bit more than the USEA classes
PSG was easier for me. In 4th3, the patern with the pirouettes was very difficult - my horse really struggles with the CP. The canter half passes are easier for me in 4th3 as my horse finds it easier to halfpass Left (its easier to do the hard side first then flying change to the easier side then visa versa). My horses flying changes / tempes are very good so doing 3 tempe changes vs 5 didn’t matter to me.
If you have a horse with very good canter pirouettes but a bit of struggle with the tempe’s you may find 4-3 easier.
Another difference is the class size. PSG is very popular. In a couple of shows this year, the PSG would last the better part of the day - where 4th 3 would have 4 or 5 entries
You should try to get your silver medal. You just need 2 4th level scores above 60% and 2 PSG scores above 60%
oh, just read that last bit. I also find the 4’s harder than the 3’s and 2’s. (1’s are another challenge) I think with the 4 time changes the horse doesn’t “feel” the rhythm so the changes have no relation to each other.
You absolutely need to get Kyra Kyrklund’s DVD “training with Kyra canter movements volume 6” She breaks down the flying changes and tempes and explains the counting.
I found PSG easier to ride than 4/3, but the expectation for collection is a bit higher than at Fourth Level–they are a little more forgiving when they see movements for the first time in a test as well. I showed my young horse 4th this past year and found that pirouette sequence challenging, but some people like it because doing the pirouettes facing the rail helps to collect the horse. I personally find doing five tempi changes easier to center over X on the diagonal than three tempi changes. And I think the trot lateral work in PSG sets you up better for success than the trot lateral work in 4/3. OTOH, 4/1 is pretty similar to 3/3–I found it a huge jump from 4/1 to 4/3 for my young horse, but I don’t think 4/3 to PSG is as big a leap–you just should have collection pretty solid before you do it.
My last trainer, a seasoned international rider, told everyone that it takes about six times riding PSG to really learn to ride it. I think that’s probably right. I was pretty impressed by riding FEI the first time I rode it, and actually the first few times I rode it I stayed impressed and my nerves did get the better of me.
And yes, the PSG classes tend to be much larger than 4/3. 4/1 is also a pretty popular test.
Quest 52
You nailed it!!
Golly, if you do not have any type of instructor, you might want to get one before trying PSG. Or at least take a couple lessons or clinics with a good instructor to really find out if you are ready. The judges really do expect a higher and more consistent level of collection and self carriage at this level. Even world class riders have someone on the ground to help them.
Mickeydoodle’s probably right, at this level a trainer could be really helpful. But… it’s not mandatory – I took my first horse to FEI without ever having a single lesson on him. I didn’t have money for show fees and lessons, so I had to pick one or the other. (I fit my first double bridle by studying the photos in the Dressage Extensions catalogue, lol.) I did do a few test runs at schooling shows though, in case there were some glaring problems I wasn’t aware of, before I did my first PSG at a recognized show. You might feel more comfortable if you tried something like that first…? It’s also much cheaper.
Otherwise I agree with what others said – the pattern of 4-3 may be a little harder, but the standards of PSG are tougher, so it’s hard to really compare the two.
Have fun and good luck. If you’ve already made it this far by yourself, that’s quite an accomplishment!
This is a really interesting thread for me,
cos I’m in the same boat, almost.
I rode 4th level including several attempts at 4/3 last year, and I do get regular lessons, which helps.
But I school on my own (with mirrors), I am working with one of the clinicians I usually ride with to arrange to be at the same shows as he is next year so that I can get help before the test, but it’s still a big jump!
Are you in Region 1? Maybe we’ll bump into each other!
In the hunting world they put a green ribbon in the tail of young horses out on their first hunt, maybe we need to wear something green at our first FEI class!
MW
[QUOTE=RiverOaksFarm;4599597]
Have fun and good luck. If you’ve already made it this far by yourself, that’s quite an accomplishment![/QUOTE]Ditto! and good luck!
Make sure that your walk work is PSG level as well. Clearly show extended walk and transitions with in the walk. Diagonal pairs Rein Back and marching walk pirouettes. Walk is actually makes up quite a % of the final score. It’s not that flashy, but don’t underestimate it = a score is a score especially if it is a coefficient.
Also make sure that your transitions are as sharp as you can get them.
I would ditto to go to the clinic and run your PSG affront of the clinician - I did it this summer and it’s so different than riding at home at your own pace, all of the sudden you are being critiqued + people are watching you and the pressure is on.
[QUOTE=Cowgirl;4598920]
I found PSG easier to ride than 4/3, but the expectation for collection is a bit higher than at Fourth Level–they are a little more forgiving when they see movements for the first time in a test as well. I showed my young horse 4th this past year and found that pirouette sequence challenging, but some people like it because doing the pirouettes facing the rail helps to collect the horse. I personally find doing five tempi changes easier to center over X on the diagonal than three tempi changes. And I think the trot lateral work in PSG sets you up better for success than the trot lateral work in 4/3. OTOH, 4/1 is pretty similar to 3/3–I found it a huge jump from 4/1 to 4/3 for my young horse, but I don’t think 4/3 to PSG is as big a leap–you just should have collection pretty solid before you do it.
My last trainer, a seasoned international rider, told everyone that it takes about six times riding PSG to really learn to ride it. I think that’s probably right. I was pretty impressed by riding FEI the first time I rode it, and actually the first few times I rode it I stayed impressed and my nerves did get the better of me.
And yes, the PSG classes tend to be much larger than 4/3. 4/1 is also a pretty popular test.[/QUOTE]I agree with everything Cowgirl wrote. While a higher level of self carriage may be required at PSG, it may still be easier for some horses than 4th-2&3 because of the way the movements are set up and the areas where you horse excels or is weak.
Personally, I would rather do the half pirouette at X coming off the long diagonal than to have to do it on the short diagonal following an 8m circle (as in 4th-2).
The trot work at PSG is easier and flows better (imo) making it easier to get some good marks that could offset any lower marks you might get on the pirouettes or changes.
I think that the quality of PSG rides these days is pretty darn good and one stands out like a sore thumb if they are not up to the job. Ask me how I know:)
schooling shows
Join your local organization and do schooling shows galore:lol:
For recognized shows you need to join USDF and USEF as well as be a member of a GMO or be a PM (Participating Member) of USDF or pay the extra cost. Horse should be lifetime recorded with USDF & USEF or pay them more $$$.
I had my first time adventures of 4th & PSG this summer. Those changes are my nemesis. But I do have fleeting seconds of counting correctly in practice and usually lose it at the shows.
Melyni, I’m in region 2, but it’s nice to know I’m not the only one worried about this. 
I do get instruction (as in 3 whole lessons in '09) but it just isn’t frequent enough that i want to spend precious lesson time talking about logistics and show nerves. I also videotape many of my rides (at shows and at home) and pour over my tests from shows while watching the vid.
I was more asking about the logistics than the actual riding part of it, although any help I can get is greatly appreciated! Caddym, why do I need to be a USEA member? 
Jcotton, this is very helpful. Is USDF participating membership the normal one I already have to show recognized at 4th? I don’t think my horse is lifetime recorded with either organization, unless it was free. And he doesn’t need a passport, correct? I heard those were expensive.
I showed PSG for the first time last year. My horse has lifetime registration numbers with both USEF (USEA) & USDF but only an HID registry number is required. If you are not trying to qualify for regionals or year end awards your horse does not have to be lifetime registered. I also had only a GMO membership for USDF last year because of $. I had no intention of going for any awards last year so there was no requirement for a participating membership. I am/was a member with USEF but I could have just as easily paid the nonmember fees for each show if I had chose to do so (I just show enough to make “that” more expensive so I maintain my senior membership with USEF). Other than the classes themselves being a bit more expensive there are no other requirements that I am aware of as long as we’re talking about open recognized dressage shows. If we’re talking about CDI classes/FEI sanctioned classes then that’s a whole 'nuther ball game altogether. I think most of us assume that you are not talking about that level of competition since you are acknowledging that this is your first time out at FEI level.
No you don’t need to have a USEA #.
Here is what you need :
Current USDF and USEF membership
And registration for your horse with the USDF and USEF.
If you are planning on going to several shows or to try to get any kind of award (Horse of the year, Bronze medal, …) You need lifetime registrations.
You will need a passport if you want to enter a CDI, but you don’t need one for regular shows.
To get your rider medals you do not have to have your horses lifetime registered. Mine just happen to be but because it’s a RIDER award your mount only has to have HIDs to be eligible to show. The horse I earned my bronze on was never registered with USEF. You also do not have to have a current USEF membership if you choose to pay the nonmember fee for each show you enter.
