Is it safe to assume it is probably one of the beginner novice tests or have you ever seen one of the USDF intro tests at a USEA recognized intro level event?
I’ve seen schooling shows do both, but I wasn’t sure for a recognized event.
I’ve definitely seen the Intro tests at recognized events that offer 18" and 2’3, for the 18" division.
Well, “USEA Intro Level” is kind of a contradiction in terms.
For Beginner Novice HT, the Dressage Test will be one of the BN Tests.
For an Intro HT (run as a test, not a HT), anything goes, but an Intro Dressage Test would not be surprising.
Janet
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I have seen it be Intro B (which has more trotting than Intro A) or BN A. Some organizers believe if you’re going to be jumping you’d better be cantering in the dressage ring. Others think riders that level will most likely canter very little over fences and a WT test is fine.
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Around here there’s been an attempt to approximately standardize the pre-USEA levels and have a season-end championship. Description is at http://schoolinghtc.com/riders--coaches.html, but it basically amounts to Intro (just about always Intro B) for 18" (aka “pre-Elementary”) and a BN test (usually BN A) for 2’-2’3".
Of course I’m expecting the FEI get involved at the 18" level any day now, and they’ll have their own tests.
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I would assume nothing. Since any levels below BN would not (I think) be included in the “recognized” part of the show, it would be at the show’s discretion what dressage test to use. I’m aiming for a non-recognized “derby” outing at the end of the month. The “Baby” class asks for USDF Intro A, “Big Kid” Intro B, “Green as Grass” Intro C, “Goldilocks” USEF BN A, Beginner Novice USEF BN B.
USEF BN A and USDF intro C and the two I’ve seen at starter at recognized events.
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I’ve been looking at the omnibus for area 1 events last year, and I’ve only really seen those two for starter/intro level, at least at the recognized events.
I was hoping to find a walk/trot outing to build confidence for my new guys first event, and the dates of my local recognized outings in Area 1 work better than the dates of the local schooling shows, plus there’s the added bonus of my trainer would already be at the recognized outings.
Still, I am quite sure we can manage to do w/t/c and stay in the dressage arena or maybe I’ll wait a bit longer and hit a later lower key schooling show.
Hey, if you just want a good experience and don’t care about the score, don’t even do the full 20m canter circles then and take the ding.
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As an Area 1 secretary, the USEA events that I’ve been involved with which offer a starter/intro/tadpole divisions typically use a BN dressage test. For schooling show/combined tests/etc, I’ve seen more use of the USDF Intro A/B/C. Whatever show you are looking at, the dressage test for your division should be stipulated in that shows prizelist or omnibus listing.
Interesting. If I skip the canter circles (or I guess do them at a trot) won’t I get the bell for error of the course?
Grey Gelding - I hadn’t seen any of the dressage tests listed yet in the omnibus, but looking at last year’s omnibus I think I can expect do BN test.
Yes you probably will get an error and the bel if you make no attempt to canter at all. You can explain to the judge beforehand that you are opting not to canter-- most of them will hopefully be understanding and just score you very low or give you a zero but maybe not the error. I’ve shown some pretty green horses, some of whom had an iffy lead or other canter issued, but personally I would wait until they are far enough along I felt comfortable at least attempting to canter before I paid for an event. Can’t you find a dressage/hunter show or smaller CT to start with?
I know there are smaller dressage shows in the area that offer a walk/trot division, but the dates aren’t good for me. I’m in Fairfield, CT and I haven’t found a lot of low-key shows in any discipline close by, so I don’t feel like I have a big selection.
I’m about 90% confident in my horse’s ability to complete the full BN A or B test. He’s certainly capable at home! But I know he gets tense in a show atmosphere and I want to build his confidence, so I’d rather wait until I’m closer to 100% confident in his ability to perform the BN tests. I’m fairly confident after one outing (or maybe two) I’ll have no problem cantering in our test.
I think I’ll keep a close eye on local shows - I’m sure more schooling shows will be added to the area 1 schedule as we get closer to spring. It would likely mean going without my regular trainer, unless the stars align and she is available.
I will also try trailering out for lessons rather than doing them at home. It’s still not as intense as a show, but it would definitely not hurt to school away from home more regularly.
