We get it, affiliated pageant in any equestrian self-discipline may also be daunting, and dressage is definitely no other. If you’re new to affiliated dressage – this is, competitions run below the United Kingdom’s governing frame, British Dressage (BD), or should you’ve been a BD member for some time however there’s some belongings you’ve by no means rather were given your head round, we’re right here to lend a hand.
1. Do I want to be using at a definite degree earlier than I will be able to compete affiliated?
Affiliated dressage is open to horse and riders of any degree, with a spread of categories designed to supply alternatives for all skills. The BD ranges start with intro, wherein most effective stroll and trot are required, and pass as much as grand prix, the perfect degree of dressage. Other exams are to be had at every degree, to be ridden in both a brief area (20x40m) or an extended area (20x60m), and every take a look at is numbered for differentiation.
2. Am I allowed to hold a whip in affiliated dressage?
Sure, at maximum BD presentations, you’ll be able to lift a whip whilst you experience your dressage take a look at. Whips are prohibited whilst competing at maximum championships, together with Space Fairs and regionals, and in some younger horse championships, however they’re accepted at common presentations and in qualifiers, in addition to at Premier Leagues and Top Profile presentations.
3. Do I want to experience in a snaffle at BD presentations?
A snaffle is allowed in any respect BD ranges, from intro as much as grand prix – with the exception of for cases the place workforce selectors would possibly request a horse be ridden in a double bridle. Double bridles are accepted at ranges from basic upwards, and for seven-year-old younger horse categories (doubles don’t seem to be allowed in age categories for four-, five- or six-year-old horses).
4. What do bronze, silver and gold imply, and the way do I do know which I’m?
All of the jargon can get complicated, so allow us to wreck it down for you: every of the BD affiliated dressage ranges, eg newbie, is divided into divisions: bronze, silver and gold. Bronze sections are for much less skilled horses and riders who’re new to that degree; silver sections are for the ones combos who’re not new to the extent however nonetheless growing their enjoy or skill; gold sections are open to all, however designed for combos who’re competent on the degree or riders who’ve in the past competed at upper ranges however are on much less skilled horses. To decide which phase you and your horse must compete in at your preferred degree, use the tick list equipped within the BD rulebook.
5. Do I’ve to do sitting trot in a British Dressage take a look at?
Mastering sitting trot is a problem for plenty of riders. The excellent news is, that during affiliated dressage exams, riders can use emerging trot as much as basic degree, in all trot actions during the take a look at. At medium degree, the trotwork should be ridden in sitting trot, with the exception of for in medium or prolonged trot, in which you will pass emerging if you wish to. At complicated medium degree and above, all trotwork should be ridden sitting.
6. Am I allowed to have a caller at British Dressage presentations?
Sure, you might be allowed a caller in affiliated dressage, in maximum cases. Callers, or commanders, are accepted in all common categories and qualifiers, however no longer at maximum championships, corresponding to nationwide and wintry weather championships, Space Fairs, regionals or Related Championships. Callers also are no longer accepted at Premier Leagues, regardless that they’re allowed at Top Profile presentations. Commanders might most effective learn out the precise phrases at the take a look at sheet, with out emphasis on any a part of the command, and it’s the rider’s accountability to supply a caller in the event that they require one.
7. What if I put out of your mind the place I’m going part-way thru my take a look at?
It’s came about to the most productive people, so to begin with, don’t panic. When you pass incorrect on your take a look at, the pass judgement on at C will ring their bell (or sound their horn) to sign to you to pause the take a look at. Normally, they’re going to then give an explanation for to you the place you went incorrect, and assist you to know from the place you must re-start the take a look at and the following motion to execute. In some scenarios, you could possibly introduce a caller mid-way throughout the take a look at; that is on the pass judgement on’s discretion. Every time you pass incorrect within the take a look at, referred to as an error in fact, is penalised: through two issues for the primary time, and through 4 issues for the second one in the similar take a look at. When you pass incorrect a 3rd time, you’ll be eradicated.
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