What to Focus on for Your First Ever Dressage Test

Some of us ride our first dressage test as children; others come to it later in life. No matter where you fall on that scale, just taking part is an achievement in itself. Dressage isn’t easy—there’s a lot to think about when you’re in that arena! But the beauty of the sport is that it's a constant learning process, and every test you ride is a step forward.

It’s a Lot to Juggle…

When you're riding a test, you're not just steering your horse from letter to letter. You're trying to:

• Ride each movement at the right marker

• Maintain a correct pace and rhythm

• Keep your position balanced and effective

• Encourage suppleness and connection

• Help your horse stay relaxed and listening

And that’s just scratching the surface! So if your head is spinning, you’re not alone—we’ve all been there.

Experience is Everything

The truth is, the only way to get better at riding dressage tests... is to keep riding them. The more you compete, the more natural it becomes. Little things like remembering your test, knowing where the judge is sitting, or understanding how to prepare each movement in time—they all get easier with mileage.

If you’re lucky enough to be at a supportive show (like a No Stress Equine Event, of course!), you’ll get positive, constructive feedback from the judge. That feedback is gold—take it home, work on it, and you’ll come back stronger every time.

The Best First-Timer Advice?

Smile and breathe.Seriously. These two things sound simple, but they make all the difference. Smiling helps you relax (and the judge will appreciate it too), and breathing... well, you’ll definitely need to do that if you want to make it to your final halt!

It’s perfectly okay to be nervous. Just remember—every single rider, from beginners to Grand Prix champions, had a first test. You’re not alone, and you're doing something amazing by just giving it a go.

What’s Next?

In my next post, I’ll walk you through a priority list of what to focus on in your first few dressage tests—starting with the most important and working our way down. That way, you’ll know where to put your energy and how to build your confidence one ride at a time.

Until then—keep smiling, keep breathing, and enjoy the journey!