Dressage tips from Jo Bates

Get the dressage mark you deserve with top rider, Jo Bates

Jo, a former Young Rider Dressage Champion runs a busy yard in Banbury with her daughter Holly Bates.  The pair compete successfully in both dressage and the show ring.   Jo gave us her advice for Trailblazers dressage competitions.  Her focus is both on competing successfully and having fun. 

Ideally, at home you want to be working at the level above that which you will be competing at.  For example, if we are taking a horse out competing at novice level, he will be happy performing elementary movements at home.  The atmosphere at a show will be that bit more exciting than at home, so we find it really helps to have a horse that is well established at the level we are asking him to perform at.

To ride the Trailblazers dressage test at the level you wish, there is much that can be done with correct training to improve your horse/pony’s way of going.  I always encourage my clients to focus on accuracy, transitions and riding the test movements correctly.

Sometimes when teaching at home, I will put a barrel just inside the corner of the school for the horse and rider to go around.  This really ensures that they go into the corner properly, which is not only correct when it comes to riding a dressage test, but it also gives the horse and rider more room in the arena and more space to set up for the next movement.

Lessons will also be of great benefit. It can be very helpful as well to run through the test you are going to perform with your instructor so they can offer their advice. Also, ask a friend to video your tests – both when you are practising and at a show.

The 58% needed to progress from a first round Trailblazers competition to the second round is achievable.  The horse or pony will need to have good balance, rhythm, an even contact and correct bend to gain this type of score. We find that practising lots of transitions helps hugely.

Should you not achieve the results you are looking for at your first attempt at Trailblazers make sure you focus on the positives from the outing.  Always look at your test sheet and see what the judge has written.  The next time you have a lesson remember to bring your test sheet for your trainer to have a look at so they can give their observations.

Remember, above all to go out and make sure both you and your horse have fun!