Prix Caprilli

Prix Caprilli isn't a new thing in dressage.  It's been around for a long time, it's just not that popular in the United States.  It's basically a dressage test with a few jumps. 

MDS will offer Prix Caprilli tests.  We'll be using these tests:  http://swfda.org/Forms%20PDF/PRIX-CAPRILLI%20TEST.pdf

Jump heights.
Intro: 18" cross rails
Training Level: 2'
First Level: 2'3"

Right now we have one rider who's doing the Intro and Training Levels for our April show.

My first show!

Managing shows I get these emails all the time:

I'm so sorry to bother you, but I've never shown dressage.  I'm normally a (fill in blank usually hunter) rider but this looks cool (or my hunter/jumper horse is trying to kill me and I need a less dangerous sport).  

First off never be sorry to ask questions!  That's how we learn.  I was in the same boat as you.  I was a hunter/jumper rider who dabbled in dressage.  My mare who is a very scopy jumper was a dirty ducker.  So I ended up in the dirt way too much and so I needed something less dangerous.  I always liked dressage but when forced with a career change I started to love it.  

Here are often the questions I get asked:

What do I wear?

You'll see that some people will always wear full show attire.  But you don't have too.  For dressage that's a dressage jacket (usually black), helmet (approved!), white breeches, white gloves, tall boots, stocktie, and pin.

But we're a schooling show.  My friend Danica (showing at Quantico) is wearing suitable attire for this level.  Polo shirt, breeches, and tall boots.

Paddock boots and Half-chaps are perfectly fine.  

Braiding is optional.  

Another common question.

Where can I get the tests?  

I always recommend for someone who's never shown to enter intro level.  It's a nice way to learn the letters, to learn the sport and get your feet wet.  

USDF manages Intro level tests and some specialty tests: USDF Dressage Tests

USEF manages Training levels-4th Level .  

Now there are another organization that has dressage test, FEI.  But normally most folks use the USDF and USEF tests at schooling show level.  

Gaited Tests: http://www.nwha.com/dressage.html

Western Dressage: http://www.westerndressageassociation.org/western-dressage-rules-tests/

USEA: http://useventing.com/competitions/dressage

Prix Caprilli (dressage tests with jumps): http://www.dreamrider.org/PRIX-CAPRILLI%20TEST.pdf

Arena layout

Two arena types.  Intro levels and most USEA tests are done in the small arena.

I hope that helps!  

Planning a horse show is easy!

         Well yes and no.

                Anyone who can plan can easily run a horse show.  I've been to some horse shows that were poorly run and still went off well.  But I'm an INTJ.  My personality type means that I'm anal retentive and when I do something I tend to plan things in advanced.  Ask my best friend; I have been planning our 30th birthday vacation (we're 3 days apart) starting last year.  We don't turn 30 until next year. 

                I first started managing horse shows for Quantico Riding Club back in 2005.  I took over the failing horse show series.  They tried doing a series like PWHA or Back to Basic, half western and half English.  The problem was at the core: whoever had it before just copied the old class list, but didn't know how to execute.

                With any business, you have to know what you're doing.  I had started getting into dressage then.  So I started volunteering at VADA/NOVA and eventually I changed the shows to two separate series: dressage and western gymkhana.   Both series were successful; I think the dressage slightly more. 

                My motto as a show manager: the only person who should be stressed is me. 

                And it's hard to stress me out.  The worst time I was ever stressed was when two volunteers didn't show. So I was managing, scribing, and coordinating our volunteers from the judge's booth.   Not ideal.  But the show must go on.   

                But I have to say I thoroughly enjoy managing horse shows.  Everyone has different goals.  Some folks just want to do it as a social event, getting with friends and having fun.  Others are using these shows to prep our young horses or to see where we stand before going to a licensed show.

                Regardless of what your goals are for you and your horse, I'm really excited to see everyone at our first show!  I've started my anti-rain dance for the show season. 

36 days!