We ran an in-house dressage competition on Sunday. The recurring theme with competitions are riders turning up late for their riding time, missing their riding time, tack not being cleaned, not being correctly dressed or having the wrong equipment so here are some tips for the next competition.

1. Time management is key – work backwards from your riding time. If you are meant to be doing your dressage test at 9am, and you need half an hour to warm up, you need to be on your horse at 8.30am. How long do you need to groom him and get him tacked up? Has he been plaited? If you are plaiting him yourself (which all riders should know how to do), how long will this take you? (How to plait video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4owsPlbXJA) How long do you need to get yourself ready and changed into your competition gear? Do you have an extra 10 – 15 minutes as a contingency back up? Keep working backwards until you get to a start time where you know if you start at this time, you will have enough time to do everything you need to do.
2. Clean your tack the day before and clean your tack after your ride. Your tack should be spotless for competition. Make sure you clean and oil your gear the day before. Give your tack a wipe after the competition. (You should be wiping your tack after each ride!). Do not try NEW gear on the day of the competition.
3. Know your test(s) – you need to know your test – that includes the tangent points of the arena figures you are meant to ride. Know what is being asked for in the test. Going out to the dressage arena and walking your test on foot is a good way to remember your test and to be clear on where you need to go. Accuracy is important! Visualising your test or your jumping course is a really good tool to use.
4. Link to use for dressage tests diagrams : https://www.dressage.net.au/australiatests.html 
5. Make sure your horse is clean – Good presentation makes a good first impression. Your horse should be thoroughly shampooed the day before the competition, especially the mane and tail. Apply some Showsheen to his body to keep him cleaner but avoid spraying Showsheen on the mane and tail if you are plaiting. On the day of the competition, make sure your horse is clean with no grass / dung stains etc. A grey horse should look grey and not green.
6. Pick up your horse number for the competition
7. Check and make sure you have the latest riding order. Riding orders can change so make sure you check again the morning of the competition
8. Check that you have the correct attire and your horse has the correct equipment – Gloves are compulsory for dressage. Horse boots are not allowed in dressage. If you are jumping, a jumping or GP saddle is recommended. Horse boots are also recommended. Jackets may be compulsory if it is a sponsored event. If you are not sure, ask your coach or the event organiser
9. Know the rules – you should know the basic rules for the discipline that you are competing in. Check the FEI or Equestrian Australia website if you are unsure.
10. Make sure you are clean, tidy and well presented when you get on your horse to warm up. Wipe off your boots, wear a hairnet if necessary, do up your buttons especially the ones around your neck, tuck in your shirt, clean the horse gunk off your white jodhs as much as possible
11. Remember to salute the judge
12. Remember to be courteous and say thank you to the officials, stewards, volunteers etc
13. After you compete, look after your horse and put your gear away. Remove his plaits if any, wash him off, keep your equipment
14. Check if there is a prize giving. Peter Abisheganden writes more about prize giving etiquette in this link. https://www.pbitg.com/prize-giving-etiquette-and-dress/
15. If things did not go the way you planned in competition, regroup and put it behind you. Speak to your coach about a plan going forward. Whatever you do, do not blame your horse.
16. Most of all, have fun!