Start small.  Your first dressage test should be something to give you experience and confidence. If you want to ride in a prestigous competition, make sure that you get some smaller, more casual events under your belt first and work your way up.  There are many valuable lessons that you need to learn from your first few tests.  Just reading this article won't prepare you.  Many riding schools or the local pony club will run in-house events, which are quite casual and social while still giving you a good idea of what is required on the day. 

Once you've decided on the event - check which tests will be required on the day.  Usually the tests are listed on the flyer (or however the competition was advertised) but if you are unsure phone the organiser and ask.  Most countries have several current books of dressage tests from various equestrian bodies.  In NZ there are 2 - The NZ Equestrian Federation book and the Pony Clubs book of tests. The individual tests are identified i.e. 'preliminary 1.1' is only in the NZEF book, tests called junior riders or "JR" are from the NZPC booklet.  You can purchase either (both) of these books from most equestrian (saddlery, feed etc) supplies stores.

Take a look at all the tests that are available and decide which one you can\want to ride.  You can enter as many as you like but be realistic, if its your first test, its best to stick to one and choose one that is well within your riding ability and your horse's ability.  Remember your first few tests are for you and your horse to get used to the process, don't let your ego get the best of you and choose a hard test just to prove something.

Now you are ready to register your entry.  You should contact the organiser for the correct details, such as the start time and what dress standard and horse preparation (braids etc) is required.  For a social competition, it may be very casual or you may need a jacket and more formal riding wear.  The test book will tell you whether the horse should be in a simple snaffle or double bridle.

Often you will be asked to send off your entry fee and details - your name, your horse's name and the test you wish to enter - and a stamped self-addressed envelope.  The organiser will then return your draw number and other event details to you.  Your draw number is the position you will ride in, this is important as you need to work out when to start your warm-up and when you need to be in the arena based on this.  Some competitions will allow you to register on the day\night but make sure you check this beforehand.

Learning the test

OK now you're entered.  Your training should now be directed toward the elements you will need in the test.  Don't assume that just because you can do what's required that the test will be easy.  Practice all the movements and transitions and run through the whole test several times.  Most lower level tests will allow a caller (someone who can call out the instructions from the sideline while you ride the test) but don't rely on this.  A windy or noisy environment can make your caller hard to hear, or they may even make a mistake.  Learn the test.  Be prepared for a change in arena size - many tests can be performed in either 40 or 60m arenas - so don't freeze up if you turn up on the day and its different from the one you practised in.

Training for the competition environment

If you normally hack out and then practice your dressage in your paddock, or your horse is used to a nice quiet environment then training for the things that happen outside of the arena might have a very important effect on your test.

If you need to travel to the event, make sure that your horse will float calmly.  Try to practice working with other horses and distractions around, on different surfaces, with strange objects such as flower pots on the side of the arena.  Most of all, be prepared to not compete at your first couple of competitions. 

If you have a nervous or excitable horse, introduce him\her by arriving and leading around the area or performing a warm-up then give him a treat and return home.  The travel then becomes less daunting, you aren't angry or dissapointed because you planned the trip that way and your horse will be much happier next time.

On the Day of the Test

Turn up early enough so that you have time to check-in with the organiser\secretary and check the times and draw for your event. Make sure that you have allowed plenty of time to groom and tack up your horse and then dress yourself.  Don't forget to allow time to catch your horse and travel to the venue!  If you are required to braid your horse you will need to be familiar with how to do this and allow enough time for it.

Find out where you can warm up and if you will be called for your event.  If not, then it is up to you to work out your warm up time and be ready to go near the arena at the appointed time. The test book will tell you how long each test takes (approx) a prelim (first level) test will take about 5-6 mins.  So if your event starts at 10am and you are 5th in the draw, you should expect to be in the arena at around 10.25.  In most well organised tests you will be given a 'draw' which is the list of competitors, the starting order and expected starting times, your number

Find out where you can collect your test results from at the end of the day and if there are any other special instructions.

Warming Up

This is one of the most important things you need to practice and will improve with each test.  How much time do you need to warm up to have your horse in top form.  How will he\she react to working in a new environment and with many other horses who may or may not also be feeling nervous or excited?   Be prepared for anything!  If you horse turns into a frightened mess, find a quiet corner, perform as close to your normal warm up routine as possible.  If you have to, don't compete, just keep calmly warming up until he settles then call it a day and give him a pat.  He'll remember this for next time.

Try to keep your warmup routine as similar as possible to what you do at home. If you need 20mins to warmup, work back from your scheduled test time - you are allowed a minute to work in prior to entering the arena but this is only enough for a quick couple of circles and then you must begin your test.

The Collecting Ring and performing the Test

The collecting ring is a small area just outside the arena where you will perform your test. It is only for the use of the rider who is due to ride their test next.  The collecting ring may be either a small area (usually only 20x20m) at the entrance to the arena or it may be a track which runs around the outside of the arena (usually this occurs only at higher levels). Sometimes you may enter the collecting area as soon as the rider in front of you begins their test but you must check with the organisers first.  At best this will give you 8 mins until you are called in so do not rely on this for your warmup.  You will get 2-3 mins from the time the previous competitor exits until you must begin your test.  When the judge rings the bell you should enter as quickly as possible.

What if it all goes wrong?

If you lose your way during the test you will hear the judges bell ring for a course error, at lower level tests the judge will usually call out your course error and correct you.  You can then restart from the next movement.  If you make too many course errors (4) you will be eliminated.  If you don't make course errors but just have problems with making transitions, performing the movements or even if your horse throws a major tantrum, stay cool and keep going.  You will only lose points on the movements you have problems with and its good for you and your horse if you keep going no matter what.

Don't despair if you didn't score as highly as you hoped, simply competing in your first test is a great milestone and fabulous chance to learn many things.  Think about all of the positives rather than dwelling on negatives, look carefully at the remarks as well as the score. Judges will generally give you helpful and objective remarks, esp in training shows where they hope to encourage new riders.  Remember that nerves and inexperience will have played a part so it is reasonable to expect improvement with each further test.  Consider your own performance and that of your horse, if he was overwhelmed by the whole experience but you kept your cool and rode well, pat yourself on the back.

After you've finished

Look after your horse first, make sure he\she is happy, safe, cooled down before you go off to find your marks.  At most competitions you can collect your marks within a few minutes of your event finishing.  Generally your scoresheet will be provided along with the placings on a separate sheet.  At bigger shows prizes and ribbons may be awarded in a formal prizegiving.