BRITISH DRESSAGE COMPETITION WORKSHOP
DECEMBER 11 2005

We are getting along fine and when I saw the competition workshop in the newsletter, I discussed it with my trainer who thought it would be a very good experience, as it was planned to be just the type of day that would benefit us.

The freezing cold day arrived and, full of trepidation and mild panic (because the lorry failed to start and needed first aid), we got to Battle Barn where it was being held, in one piece. So far so good!

The day comprised a welcome and briefing, followed by a riding lesson, in two groups with the two trainers Liz West and Daniel Watson.
Liz took my group who were doing preliminary and Daniel took the other group who were going to do a Novice test.
The lesson was helpful and served the dual purpose of getting extra tips on warming up at shows, cooling off and correction of riding faults (extremely useful for me), but also settling us and the horses down, getting us used to the different environment – again really useful for Axel and me because this was the first time we had been ANYWHERE.

Liz clearly knew her stuff and was very approachable with a warm and clear approach which was very good. It is always useful to hear what your own trainer is saying to you repeated by another but perhaps in a slightly different way.
After the lesson we put the horses away and there was a session on competition presentation, with questions and answers, followed by a theory piece whilst we had lunch. This was comprehensive covering all aspects of competing and preparation, together with riding the test. There was a lot of it but the trainers enlivened it with illustration from their own experience and some humorous stories! We each had a hefty pack full of notes and useful information to go back to later as a ‘take-away’.
The next phase was working in and then riding the test. Daniel worked us in for about 15-20 minutes before we did our tests on a one to one basis then we were on. This bit absolutely whizzed past but we all emerged relatively unscathed and wishing we could do it all again – only better.
The places and rosettes were given out in the ring, to practice mounted presentations – and the test sheets and helpful pointers for each rider afterward. Both the trainers were easy to talk to and very honest I felt when asked direct questions.

I took a lot from this day - long workshop, and the results have definitely improved my riding and my confidence levels. Apparently there was a distinct difference to the way I rode after this. I would recommend anybody new to dressage, with a new horse or perhaps planning to go up a level to participate in something like this. I certainly felt very, supported and my thanks go to Diane who was there to give me a welcome hand as well.