If you’re thinking 2010 might be the year to go to a recognized USDF/USEF dressage show, then here’s what you need to have.

I’ve made a list for you of what you’ll need for documentation

once you arrive at the competition grounds.



Just filling out the entries before the show can feel like you’re

Submitting government documents with the paper trail being long and… Continue

Bomb Proof Your Horse Before The Show

Tackle the Monsters before they Tackle You



With over 35 years show experience I’ve come to know exactly what is going to upset a horse new to competition.



If the horse eating monsters are handled on the front end, you will have a huge advantage while competing, and definitely have a much,much better over all show experience and confidence builder for both you and your partner.



Just because your horse appears to have a… Continue

10 Monsters To Tackle Before The Show



This week I have a list of suggestions to make sure your horse is mentally ready for the environment of a horse show.



Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security that your horse is laid back without first practicing the following list.



Making sure he’s ready will save you time,money,heartache. and headache.



ARENA ACCESSORIES



1.) If your arena doesn’t currently have bright flowers and bushes boarding… Continue

This week I’ve set up a complete list of everything you need to take with you to the competition. I know it looks a little overwhelming, but you’ll find most of it can be kept in your trailer for the season.

Needing only to pack and unpack the perishables before and after your trip.

I keep this printed and on a clip board in my trailer for quick reference. If I run out of something at the show I put it on my clip board to replace when I get home.

This way, getting ready to travel… Continue

Last week I talked about the warm-up and how to make sure you know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, exactly how much time it will take to warm up your horse before you actually ride the test



This week we’re going to progress to the actual test and how you can improve your test score while at the show. Here we go.





1.) Canter Around The Outside Of The Arena Before Entering.



You will have a beautiful forward trot to enter with and make a fantastic entry and first… Continue

The warm up is the most crucial part of any competition. It's where the test is won or lost.

Too much warm up and your horse may be dull and less reactive to your aids.

Too little warm up and your horse may be more "exuberant" than you anticipate.



In this weeks installment I've listed exactly what you need to do in order to take the mistery out of the warm up.You never know how your horse will react to new settings until you expose him to them.



Don't wait until… Continue

Ten Actions You Must Take Before the Dressage Test



If you have never competed before in a Dressage Test,your first experience can be an overwhelming task. In the coming weeks I have a blog series designed to simplify the process and break it down into bite size pieces that will lend itself to a safe and fun experience for both you and your horse.The following are 10 simple steps to help you be prepared for the Dressage Arena:

1.)Have a little “dress rehearsal” at home before… Continue