We are heading out next month for our first attempt at our 2nd Level scores. We are a bit rusty after winter so I’m in the great debate of what my show strategy is. It’s a 2 shows in one weekend type show so we could possibly get our scores if we are on our game. Do I a) enter only 1 class each day of the same test and really REALLY know it and practice those movements or b) enter 2 and try to memorize both and tune up everything needed for both. Option A gives us a much better chance at putting in a nice, relaxed test but means we only get one shot at getting our scores. Option B gives us two tries each day but at the risk of bombing both. My gut says A. Really perfect those particular movements and have a nice, relaxed test without me stressing about getting lost and remembering both. Pony won’t be tired for her 2nd class and she will know a little more what to expect so she can relax too. Does anyone else do this or do most of you suck it up, quit being a chicken and ride multiple tests a day? At Intro-First I could remember a few tests no problem and they were so similar in movements it wasn’t a big deal for either of us. Now at 2nd level they are a little more complicated and movements are fairly different in each test and I’m having a really hard time memorizing them and am super nervous I’m going to blank out mid-test! If we bring what we can do at home we could probably get our scores at any of the tests…but that’s at home MOST days. Of course we have off days as well as you never quite know what’s coming down centerline at a show. 
Just curious if anyone else throws all their eggs in one basket.
At 2nd/3rd, I usually did 2 classes the first day, and only one the second. I usually rode for Regional qualifying scores, so that test (highest test of the level)would be both days, with an extra lower test of the level on the first day in the hopes that it would be scheduled before the qualifier ride as a kind of warmup and intro to the facility. Wasn’t always scheduled that way, but it also got us scores to fulfill the number of tests required for awards.
Starting at 4th and now at FEI, I only do one test each day (currently at I1). That’s mostly because by then my horses have been older and I don’t want to wear them out!
I usually did the highest test of the level and the first test of a level I was working up to. When I was riding training and first I would do 3 tests one the first day and usually 2 on the second and perhaps one on the last. At second I was strictly 2 per day. Only when I was just starting did I do anything but test 4
when you say “get your scores” are you working towards the USDF medal or certificate? You dont have to submit scores from different tests of the level, just different rides
and of course you can always have a reader. There is usually someone willing to read for you, just ask
I would strive for 2 rides each day and you can repeat the test if that is your comfort place. Aim for working your way up the tests by the end of the year.
All depends on you and your horse. If you are worried about remembering the tests, you can always use a reader? The bigger question would be - if you end up with two tests one hour apart, how will your horse hold up to TWO warm ups back to back?
A lot of people do 2 tests. Personally, I do 2 at Training and First level, but by 2nd level, I may back down to a single test because the warm up is that much more (and we have hot weather, so I don’t WANT to push my horse through 2 long warm ups).
You could always try 2 tests on the first day when your horse is fresher, and one test on the 2nd day when he’s more tired?
At Training Level last year, I rode, consistently, two tests on day one of a two day show, and one test on the second day.
This year at First Level, I have switched and only ridden one test each day, as do nearly everyone in our stable.
It has nothing to do with test memorization or confusion. I have probably eight tests memorized. Not to say I can’t get rattled by outside distractions and go off course.
Instead it is because I have very much the opposite of a hot horse. I don’t ride two times in one day at home, ever. And it seemed that when I was doing the three rides over two days, she was very wrung out by the end of the show weekend.
But you know your horse, and there are many people who ride two per day and whose horses remain very up at the shows. It works for a lot of people.
It definitely takes less time to get to qualifying levels of various scores when you ride twice per day.
I’m going for my Bronze level scores right now so I can get them from any test. With it being a 2 shows in 1 we could potentially get them in this one weekend even riding the same test. Wouldn’t that be great!
I don’t have a reader and am worried about not being able to find one so I need to anticipate riding from memory. i don’t know why I’m finding it so hard to not mix up these tests 1/2 way through…kind of merging them into my own version! LOL. I’m using my iPhone apps, trotting around my living room…I still keep getting them mixed up! Perhaps I can sign up for two tests each day, learn one inside/out and if I get my score on the first ride I can just scratch the 2nd. If we screw up the first ride we can go for the second and i can try to find a reader? She generally hates two warm-ups and I’ve scratched before due to where my tests fell. It’s our first show of the year after a long, cold winter so I don’t want to push her too hard. I’ve just never gone to a show and only gone in one class! Seems like so much money for just one ride a day! But…perhaps better to enjoy that one ride rather than be stressed and push it for two. Decisions decisions!!
I will sign up for all three tests at whatever level and then decide what to ride at the show, depending on times of the rides, weather etc. ,lots of options that way.
Riddle me this. I see a USEF Test of Choice class. Will that count towards medal scores? Might be a great option to sign up for that and ride the same test twice a day if I can’t get these tests memorized behind I sign up next week!
Unless you already have your 1st and 3rd level scores for your bronze, I wouldn’t worry about trying to get your 2nd level scores in one weekend. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to get two scores in the 60’s before moving up to 3rd. Do what test makes you feel most confident for your first show at 2nd and will give you and your horse the best experience. Use the TOC class to enter the same class twice if you feel that will limit your show day stress. Congrats on the pending move up!
[QUOTE=flyracing;8622965]
Unless you already have your 1st and 3rd level scores for your bronze, I wouldn’t worry about trying to get your 2nd level scores in one weekend. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to get two scores in the 60’s before moving up to 3rd. Do what test makes you feel most confident for your first show at 2nd and will give you and your horse the best experience. Use the TOC class to enter the same class twice if you feel that will limit your show day stress. Congrats on the pending move up![/QUOTE]
This!
Far more important to ride well than to worry about getting both scores in one weekend. Yes it totally sucks to enter another show if you only get one score, but riding two tests each day doesn’t mean you’ll get 2 scores. What if both of your tests on Day 1 rock (but then only one counts), and both tests on Day 2 suck? You still have to show again! So focus on what works for you and your horse.
[QUOTE=Keg-A-Bacchus;8622941]
Riddle me this. I see a USEF Test of Choice class. Will that count towards medal scores? Might be a great option to sign up for that and ride the same test twice a day if I can’t get these tests memorized behind I sign up next week![/QUOTE]
Test of Choice is typically only tested not otherwise offered. It isn’t an opportunity to ride the same test a second time.
I ride one test per day per horse - unless it’s a real green bean that I think will benefit from a second ride (typically at training level).
[QUOTE=joiedevie99;8623991]
Test of Choice is typically only tested not otherwise offered. It isn’t an opportunity to ride the same test a second time.[/QUOTE]
Only if specified as tests not otherwise offered. Otherwise, it is exactly that - a chance to ride the same test again.
[QUOTE=Keg-A-Bacchus;8622941]
Riddle me this. I see a USEF Test of Choice class. Will that count towards medal scores? Might be a great option to sign up for that and ride the same test twice a day if I can’t get these tests memorized behind I sign up next week![/QUOTE]
I think that is an issue for ribbons - pretty sure show management can’t “combine” tests to create a single class - they have to “ribbon” each tests separately.
[QUOTE=MysticOakRanch;8624239]
I think that is an issue for ribbons - pretty sure show management can’t “combine” tests to create a single class - they have to “ribbon” each tests separately.[/QUOTE]
No. A Test of Choice class is just that, a test of your choice. Ribbons may be separated by AA,Open, and Jr/YR, but otherwise, placements are given by score, not test. Most shows group by USEF or FEI Tests of Choice, but if not otherwise specified as such, a First Level ride can beat a Grand Prix ride in a TOC class.
Here’s a TOC class from Global, placed by division (AA, Open), not test. http://www.foxvillage.com/fvdshowresults/(S(ksdwicjfhrrafe452gnmshys))/Class.aspx?sh=3761&cl=127
And an FEI TOC class: http://www.foxvillage.com/fvdshowresults/(S(ksdwicjfhrrafe452gnmshys))/Class.aspx?sh=3761&cl=126
Whatever works for you and your horse.
Like many here, Training and First I rode 2 tests a day.
Second Level, sometimes. I would often schedule 2 a day for 2 days with the idea in mind that I could scratch depending on things were going. My horse is high energy so 2 a day were not an issue.
You could always solicit for a reader. We pay $10/test to my trainers assistant. Perhaps put a sign up inside the bathroom/portapotty with your ride time(s) and cell number. That way you can concentrate on your riding more instead of remembering your tests if someone responds. Or, email show management ahead of time and see if they can recommend anyone who would do it for $10/test.
I just started riding second this year and for a two day show (that’s not a championship show) i ride 2tests/day.
Shoot, around here, it is very easy to hand someone a test and ask if they would please read. I have found most are very accommodating
I just wanted to update anyone interested that I contacted USDF and the Test of Choice DOES count towards Rider Awards and medal scores! Yay! I only need to focus on one test at this show and can still get two shots a day at getting our scores towards our Bronze! SUCH a relief and now we can relax! 
I am trying for my bronze scores as well. I do not have a reader, so the best way that I have found, is ride the least complicated test of the level twice, each day. I enter in the open class and the TOC. Over two days I get four try’s at my needed score. My memory is horrific, and it really allows me to focus on the task at hand. My horse is capable, but I am learning the ropes myself on riding tests. Financially, it’s more cost effective…as long as your scores are from different judges. I am really trying to get my bronze though as cost effective as possible. I will say that my horse struggles with the two tests in one day, as she is fairly lazy. I adjust my warm up and would not hesitate to drop a class if we received our scores. I also make sure she is fit enough and really turn up our training program about 3-4 months out from showing. Good luck!
If you are still a month out from the show, and you have previously ridden two traning/first level tests in a day, then I’d say “go for it.” You have plenty of time to practice. You shouldn’t be so worried about perfecting a certain test. Ride to be really competent at all the SKILLS in the level - then putting them into a certain test is just memorization, not a riding skill. Do most of your work on memorizing the test OFF of the horse. Trace the pattern out on paper, visualize yourself riding it, walk it in your living room, talk through it in plain english. When you feel like it is memorized, the do it on horseback a couple times a few days apart.
Take a week or so to focus on one test. Then after you really feel like you know it, forget about that test, and take a week or so to focus on the second test. Then, a week later test out whether you still remember them both and get to where you can ride both in the same day.