Maat's Blog Post # 2: 3 Tips to Improve Your Dressage Score

There's several tricks I use when doing a test to improve my score and counter balance those scores which might not be so great. Here's 3 to help you finish on your best dressage score possible!

1. Think shoulder-fore down the centerline and look at C for a straight halt.

This is an oft-overlooked area to instantly improve your score. First impressions matter, and if your first entrance down the centerline is impressive, it sets the tone for the rest of your test. I think shoulder-fore before I enter at A and halt at X to ensure my centerline is as straight as possible and my horse is straight as I halt.

2. Use your corners to your advantage!

Set your horse up for that curve after the corner by using your inside leg to outside rein, or use them to ensure your horse gets the correct canter lead. For example, in both Beginner Novice tests, start working on the bend for your 20m circles at A in the corners before A. This will ensure your bend is correct by the time you start your circle.

3. Use the free walk to your advantage.

Since the free walk is a double coefficient, use the free walk to your advantage. Judges are looking for a free walk in which the horse uses its whole body in the walk. Don't just drop the reins, ask your horse to lower his head and push from behind. Use the corner to ask for some bend in the corner to encourage him to come through a little.