On Wednesday 14th November 2007,

RDA groups from around Dorset took part in a

Regional Dressage Competition held at Kingston Maurward, Dorchester.

The overall winner took home this Trophy:

Report and pictures of the day:

Spectators                     Mounting Up                  Warm Up Area

A dressage test is where the rider manoeuvres the horse according to a set sequence of moves.  For example; turning the horse on an accurate 20 metre diameter circle, changing direction accurately between two set points, changing the pace (speed) of the horse between set points (both faster and slower) etc. 

Into the corners         At the trot 

The manoeuvres are listed and arranged in an order so each rider follows the same test.  Some tests are more difficult than others.  Some have more manoeuvres, some have more transitions between paces, etc.

Any last questions?         Concentration around a circle !

Judges score in regard to the accuracy of manoeuvres, accurate transitions between paces (speeds), the general ‘going’ of the horse etc. – even assessing an accurate and ‘square’ halt. 

There is usually at least ten criteria which to score!

Keep it straight        Keep the bend !

To aid navigation, letters are placed around a 20m x 40m arena to mark commencement/ending points of particular movements.

Moving clockwise, in the sequence and at the quarter marks, A, K, E, H, C, M, B, F with X in the middle.  (So these have to be remembered – A, B, C, D etc would be too easy !?)

The riders first introduce themselves to the Judge and the score keeper and then enter the arena at A.

"Hello Judges"                    The Judges                          I'm next !

A test usually starts in the middle of the arena (X) with a salute to the Judge by the rider and finishes at the same place with a final bow to the Judge.

A horsey bow                   Ready to start

Dressage tests are challenging, because, not only do riders have to control the horse, its direction, speed and presentation; but they also have to remember the test course, start and stop positions and manoeuvres. Each test is different. Different moves, different speeds and different routes.

 "In a straight line"                    Across at X                          Going nicely !

Rosettes were presented to riders in each test from 1^st to 6^th place.  The best overall mark also received the ‘Rampant Horse Trophy’.

And the overall winner was . . . . .

John, riding Dillon

But good fun was had by all !

" What a good boy ! "