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Western Dressage: Preparing For Your Test
by Lynn Palm
When it comes to practicing your dressage test, you can use a “call person” or memorize the test. The choice is yours. The length of a dressage test can be very intimidating to remember, but I think it is always better to memorize the test. One good thing to know is that when competing a dressage test, if you forget or go off pattern, you will not be disqualified. You will receive a 2-point penalty and be allowed to regain your correct spot and continue. You will receive a normal score and can still place at the show. Of course, you really don’t want to go off pattern during competition, as it can be disturbing to your test. A call person can serve as extra support during your test. Having a call person may help you concentrate more on your horse and your performance. When you have shown the test a few times, you will feel more comfortable with the test and be able to complete it without a call person. Here are my tips and suggestions on how to learn dressage tests: 1. Learn the test by reading the test and following it on a blank dressage ring. 2. Using an erasable pen, draw the test on the laminated blank dressage ring. Draw each component one by one. The dressage test books that we have will also let you see each component so you can really learn how to be accurate when riding the figures and transitions.
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