Dressage is a sport that requires correct attention to detail, with every move being perfect. However as we all know a perfect score is practically impossible, but improving your current score is not. Here are a few simple tricks to keep in mind when in the arena that will boost your performance on show.
It is important to create a benchmark from the first step in dressage and so it’s imperative to nail your first halt. In order to do this you will need to break it into components to ensure a champion score.
Most people underestimate the importance of transitions in their dressage score. If you look at the Grand Prix, quickly you will see that 13 of the 33 movements in the Judges directives on the score sheet highlight transitions within the pace, or in or out of a movement. Practice hard on your transitions to make them as perfect as possible and this is an easy way to improve your score!
It is a common problem for riders at all levels, even professionals to be lacking in accuracy in the dressage test. If you strive to improve and stand out from the standard of your level in accuracy this is a sure way to help your performance. Each movement should be executed with precision and aim.
Corners provide a valuable opportunity to correct if needed. A lot of riders miss this in their eagerness in focusing on the next marker. You should make use of every corner by using it to do a small half holt pulling everything together and coming out of the corner ready to start the next movement as prepared as possible.
It is vital to visualize the arena you are riding in as this will make you feel more familiar and at ease in the competition arena. You need to visualize your test in real time. Go through each movement sitting down and place emphasis on your breathing when you think about it.