How do you know when you’re ready for Novice?

[casper]

This is our first year competing and Casper and I have done maybe 10 – 15 prelim tests so far since February – with mixed results – we’ve only been placed twice but 3rd and 5th out of a large class was pretty good. He always gets lovely comments for his trot although canter can be a bit hit or miss and walk is terrible and we generally end up in the top 3rd of the placings.

Up until a few weeks ago when I was unwell he was going extremely well and our new instructor is getting the best out of us but we've hit a bit of a bad patch just now hopefully just due to the lack of schooling I've been doing.

I think I’ve ridden every prelim at least once (some several times) and tbh although we’ve not perfected things and we’re not exactly winning every class – far from it – I am finding the prelim’s a little boring.

For those of you that made the step from prelim to novice how did you decide you are ready – I know that there is soooooo much in the novice test’s that we can’t do but part of me thinks I’d enjoy the challenge but the other part says I should fix some of the basics first before we try and push ourselves. I know that we are perfectly entitled to compete in both but I’d hate to embarrass ourselves by getting in over our heads!

[lisal]

For me prelims are rather boring and dont require much thought on the horses part and they can often switch off and lose focus. A novice test is pretty much basic schooling but the movements come quicker. All the movements are things that you would/should be doing at home anway and its often good to set yourself a challenge plus the harder movements often improve the basic schooling. I see dressage as a competition against yourself and your previous test so placings never bother me. Ive only ever done a few prelims with a horse then moved up to novice. Lenny is 6 now and has only done a few intros so far but is now physically and mentally capable of going straight to novice which i think will suit him better as he needs to be kept busy.

You could give one a bash and see what you think

[casper]

Thanks - I think I'll have a look at some of the tests, pick a few that don't terrify me and then check the winter leagues to see if anyone is running those tests!

[Magic]

K I think if I've learnt anything this year its just to go for it! I really think you should give them a shot only difference is really, its faster, the circles can be smaller, the medium trot and give and retake reins.


I did horrendous at prelim. Magic found it so boring and would do her own interpretation which was interesting!

I think the point of dressage is to grow and learn from everything with your horse. I have loved every minute of stretching myself and although we are nowhere near perfect, we are loving every minute and thats the most important thing! ;D

Good luck tonight btw

[SusanK]

I much prefer Novice tests to prelimb as more happens in them, go for it and give it a try, its scarry how much faster the movements are lol

[Kath the Magic Dragon]

Why not try a few Novices anyway? As has been said the Prelims get quite boring after a while, and you often find that when you try something new & a bit more challenging, you both find it easier
Doesnt mean you cant still do Prelims too mind

[casper]

Thanks guys - it was suggested that I look at some of the BE Novice tests (never seen a BD one) to give me an indication of what's involved - I have to say it looks way more interesting than a prelim - you can only w/t/c and circle on both reins so often before it gets dull.

Possibly going to try the Novice at SNEC on the 16th October - no idea what it is yet so as long as it's not rediculous difficult I'll go for it!

[niknkia]

Go for it!!!

Your both capable of it!!! Do you know if there is any prelims on on the 16th???

Nikki xxx

[casper]

Sept 25, 2009 13:06:20 GMT said:

Go for it!!!

Your both capable of it!!! Do you know if there is any prelims on on the 16th???

Nikki xxx

Yes there will be - it's just been added recently but they don't have a schedule yet so will ask them tonight.

[niknkia]

Cool hun whens your times???

I will be there from 7 onwards for piccies and general groom duties am reading prelim for heather and her mate have got camera fully charged and ready!!!

Nikki xxx ;D

[casper]

Sept 25, 2009 14:39:22 GMT said:

Cool hun whens your times???

I will be there from 7 onwards for piccies and general groom duties am reading prelim for heather and her mate have got camera fully charged and ready!!!

Nikki xxx ;D

We're last - not on until 8:30 pm but no idea how early Laura wants to head to let T settle!

You reading tests - God help them lol ;D ;D ;D

[oldmoss]

I would defo go for it.

I've made the decision to do elementary dressage from now on and that is even after a disastorous summer league of novices - but yet I'm still moving up as had some very consistent scores in novice before that and feel that after so long you really have to push yourself and your horse otherwise they end up switching off (well my lad definitely does )

We still cannot achieve medium trot so I know that in elementary when the medium is expected marker to marker and not just 'show a few strides' so I realise my scores will not be up there but I just think that is only one movement and I really feel that Toby actually works better at elementary than novice.

There is absolutely no harm whatsoever in trying the next level - everyone has to start somewhere so do not let your % nor your placings put you off. I've had some fantastic scores and then some horrific ones - as long as you know how you've done and know what to work on that is what it is all about

Enjoy and let us know how you get on at your first novice ;D

[casper]

Thank you all - I've decided to enter novice 20 @ SNEC in two weeks.

[niknkia]

woohoo!!!

I'll be there doing prelim ( I hope) so will be cheering you on!!

Nikki xxxx ;D