WHICH TEST CAN I DO?
You can pick any test and submit it for judging.
Juniors (under 16) can ride any test.
Lead rope is permitted for Walk only and Intro ONLY. Lead rope classes will be judged separately to standard tests.
Make sure when you introduce yourself before starting your test that you say which test you are riding, your name and the name of your horse as well as the date - please speak loudly and clearly or have your camera operator introduce you as we need to be able to hear it!
All classes are open to anyone on any type of horse! If entries allow we will split them in to the following categories so it is important when you make your video introduction before your test that you give the relevant information to enter the correct class: Lead Rein (Walk Only and Intro classes only), Junior Rider (under 16's), Veteran Rider (50 Years and Over), Young Horse (4 - 9 Years), Veteran Horse (16 - 20), Super Veteran Horse( 21+).
ENTRIES AND DEADLINES:
Entries are £10 per test and can be made via the Confident Rider FB page or directly via this website (use the Paypal link for making payment).
It is important when you enter to give us your full name and address for your rosette and test sheet to be sent to you (you can put this info on your Paypal payment or send to us via messenger at Confident Rider - see link at the bottom of this page).
Entries run from the beginning of each month, videos of your test must be submitted by 12 noon (GMT) on the last day of each month. Entries received after this date will be rolled over to the next month for judging.
Watch our Tutorials via these YouTube links:
How to film
What to wear
What does my horse need
FILMING YOUR DRESSAGE TEST
You can watch our tutorials about filming your test on the Confident Rider FB page (@confidentriderhuo) or on the dressage tab if you are unsure.
1. You can use any kind of device to film as long as it can be uploaded for judging and provides a clear image for judging.
2. The camera or person filming must do so from behind C, preferably dead centre! Film in landscape mode (i.e. on a phone, hold it long ways!)
3. You can zoom in when filming the A end of the school but the horse, rider and some of the school must remain in shot so that the test can be viewed properly.
4. You must introduce yourself (full name), your horse (name and age) and the date as well as the test you are doing at the beginning of the film and the sound must be on throughout. i.e. "Sally Smith and Pegasus age 9, 1st January 2021, Confident Rider Intro Test 1."
5. You may not cut or edit or alter the film in any way. It must be shot in one go!
6. When you salute at the end of the test, you must do so with the hand NOT holding the whip.
7. When you have finished the test, where possible, leave the arena on a long rein.
8. You must set out an arena of 20m x 40m with letter markers (AKEHCMBF).
9. THE VIDEO MUST BE CLEAR, THE JUDGE CANNOT MARK WHAT HE CANNOT SEE!
NON-STANDARD ARENA TESTS
1. You can film in a non-standard arena and ride any of our tests at any level.
2. When you enter the class you must state "non- standard arena" in your personal introduction.
3. Non-standard Arena tests will be marked just like any normal test with the same judging criteria. The only difference is if you are asked, for example, to ride a 20m circle but your arena is say, 15m wide and you can't, as long as you ride the circle as large as you can (up to 20m) you will not be marked down for size. You will not be penalised for length or size of any movement provided it is to the maximum capacity of your arena space available and not larger than the dimensions stated in the test. The judge will be looking for balance, accuracy, bend, way of going, suppleness etc, all the normal criteria but making exceptions for the size of school.
WHAT TO WEAR/TACK
You can watch our tutorials about tack and turnout on the FB page (@confidentriderhuo on Facebook).
1. Any tack is permitted in the Walk Only test, but for Intro up, your tack must be British Dressage legal (if you are unsure, see their online handbook for rules). Although we are not affiliated in any way to BD, their ruling on tack is sensible for the given levels and we therefore adhere to that guidance for horse and rider safety.
2. You may ride your horse bitless at Walk Only and Intro but you will be expected to use a properly fitting bit from Prelim up.
3. Your horse may have boots or bandages on for the test.
4. No exercise sheets or similar items are permitted during the test.
5. The rider must be smart but you do not have to be in competition gear unless you want to! We recommend for warm weather that a smart polo shirt or sleeveless top and jodhpurs or riding tights is perfect and for cold/wet weather you may wear a jacket or short coat. No long coats.
6. You may wear jodhpur boots and chaps or long boots. Under 16’s may wear short jodhpur boots with not leg covering if preferred. Boots must be suitable for riding and have a small heel for safety.
7. You must wear a hat (properly fitting and done up at the chin strap) and gloves. Spurs or a whip (or both) is up to you. You may not wear comb spurs or spurs with sharp rowels or edges.
MARK DEDUCTIONS
We want you to have fun so don’t worry, but marks will be deducted for the following:
1. Failure to introduce yourself at the start of the test (minus 2 marks)
2. Saluting with the whip in hand (minus 2 marks)
3. Error on course (see sheets)
4. Breaking any rule above (minus 2 marks)
SCORES, PLACINGS AND TEST SHEETS/ROSETTES
We will issue you with a rider number when you enter.
Your rider number will likely change each time your enter.
We will put this on your score sheet along with an overall placing in your group.
It is up to you if you choose to share this information, but given many of our riders are novice or nervous, for now, placings will be kept private.
Test sheets/rosettes and prizes will be sent in the post.
Placings will be published on the Confident Rider FB page but to keep riders scores private at the lower levels we will not publish your name.
For example, the results could read like this:
1st Place, Rider 9 - 66.69%
2nd Place, Rider 1 - 63.08%
3rd Place, Rider 4 - 52.49% and so on.
FAQ:
Do I need a proper arena? No, if you have access to one it will be easier no doubt, but you can film anywhere that you can mark out a suitable "school" 20x40m unless competing in our "non-standard arena tests" in which case you can use the biggest area you can (up to 20x40m).
Must I have dressage letters around the edge? Yes, whether you use a traditional purpose built arena or a home made one, you must have dressage marker letters appropriately placed around the edge. (AKEHCMBF). If you don't have proper markers you can make them from up-side-down buckets or plant pots with the relevant letter painted on it or something similar.
Can more than rider compete the same horse? Yes, provided the higher level being competed is no more than 2 levels above the lowest level.
Can I ride bareback, bitless, with a hacakamore or in western, Iberian or treeless saddle? No to bareback at any level but for Walk Only Tests you can use the other types of tack. After that level you must adhere to British Dressage rules with the exception of western or Iberian saddles for overseas (non UK) riders that do not have an alternative.
Can I have a commander? Yes, you can have someone reading the test at any level and you will not be penalised in any way for doing so.
Can I use gadgets, i.e. straps to hold the stirrups in place, martingales etc? No, unless you have a disability in which case message us to discuss special dispensation.
Can I use a whip? Yes, you may carry a whip at any level.
Can I wear spurs? Yes, you can at any level provided they are not sharp.
Do I need competition clothing? No, not unless you want to!
Do I need to plait my horse? No, but if you want to turn out to that level, feel free, it will make the judges happy to see a smart horse but you will not gain or lose marks for this.
Why must I introduce myself and my horse? It is important that the judge and the admin team know who you are so we can send your sheet and rosette. It is useful for the judge to know the horse age too.
Why don't you publish results in the normal way with names? Some of our riders are novice, nervous and don't want that extra pressure. We give everyone a rider number each time you compete and we publish the results in that format to preserve privacy. Of course you an share your results on our confident rider page and group if you would like!
Can I pick any test and submit it? Yes, you can.
Can I pick the same test every month? Yes, if you would like.
Is there a cut off where I have to move up a level? In normal circumstances we request that if you are consistently scoring 75% or more it would be good to move up a level. However, you are not obliged to do so. If you are comfortable at a level or you/your horse is not capable of moving up, then you can stay where you are with no questions asked. We want to make you and your horse feel comfortable so no pressure to move up but if you are able, please consider it.
The Judges word is final! The Judge is only marking what they can see at that moment in time. The Judges want to encourage you but they must be honest and fair when marking a test. Comments are not personal and every care is taken to write in a constructive way to help you and your horse improve. Take on board the comments where you need to make changes and use them to improve as well as enjoying the positive comments. Perfection takes time and practice so never feel upset if you aren't scoring tens just yet!
Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for full information.
If I have any problems or further questions can I contact anyone for help? Yes, of course, please read the info available on this website but if you still need further help, contact us using the link below or via the contact us tab.
Link to our Confident Rider FB page: https://www.facebook.com/confidentriderhuo
You can pick any test and submit it for judging.
Juniors (under 16) can ride any test.
Lead rope is permitted for Walk only and Intro ONLY. Lead rope classes will be judged separately to standard tests.
Make sure when you introduce yourself before starting your test that you say which test you are riding, your name and the name of your horse as well as the date - please speak loudly and clearly or have your camera operator introduce you as we need to be able to hear it!
All classes are open to anyone on any type of horse! If entries allow we will split them in to the following categories so it is important when you make your video introduction before your test that you give the relevant information to enter the correct class: Lead Rein (Walk Only and Intro classes only), Junior Rider (under 16's), Veteran Rider (50 Years and Over), Young Horse (4 - 9 Years), Veteran Horse (16 - 20), Super Veteran Horse( 21+).
ENTRIES AND DEADLINES:
Entries are £10 per test and can be made via the Confident Rider FB page or directly via this website (use the Paypal link for making payment).
It is important when you enter to give us your full name and address for your rosette and test sheet to be sent to you (you can put this info on your Paypal payment or send to us via messenger at Confident Rider - see link at the bottom of this page).
Entries run from the beginning of each month, videos of your test must be submitted by 12 noon (GMT) on the last day of each month. Entries received after this date will be rolled over to the next month for judging.
Watch our Tutorials via these YouTube links:
How to film
What to wear
What does my horse need
FILMING YOUR DRESSAGE TEST
You can watch our tutorials about filming your test on the Confident Rider FB page (@confidentriderhuo) or on the dressage tab if you are unsure.
1. You can use any kind of device to film as long as it can be uploaded for judging and provides a clear image for judging.
2. The camera or person filming must do so from behind C, preferably dead centre! Film in landscape mode (i.e. on a phone, hold it long ways!)
3. You can zoom in when filming the A end of the school but the horse, rider and some of the school must remain in shot so that the test can be viewed properly.
4. You must introduce yourself (full name), your horse (name and age) and the date as well as the test you are doing at the beginning of the film and the sound must be on throughout. i.e. "Sally Smith and Pegasus age 9, 1st January 2021, Confident Rider Intro Test 1."
5. You may not cut or edit or alter the film in any way. It must be shot in one go!
6. When you salute at the end of the test, you must do so with the hand NOT holding the whip.
7. When you have finished the test, where possible, leave the arena on a long rein.
8. You must set out an arena of 20m x 40m with letter markers (AKEHCMBF).
9. THE VIDEO MUST BE CLEAR, THE JUDGE CANNOT MARK WHAT HE CANNOT SEE!
NON-STANDARD ARENA TESTS
1. You can film in a non-standard arena and ride any of our tests at any level.
2. When you enter the class you must state "non- standard arena" in your personal introduction.
3. Non-standard Arena tests will be marked just like any normal test with the same judging criteria. The only difference is if you are asked, for example, to ride a 20m circle but your arena is say, 15m wide and you can't, as long as you ride the circle as large as you can (up to 20m) you will not be marked down for size. You will not be penalised for length or size of any movement provided it is to the maximum capacity of your arena space available and not larger than the dimensions stated in the test. The judge will be looking for balance, accuracy, bend, way of going, suppleness etc, all the normal criteria but making exceptions for the size of school.
WHAT TO WEAR/TACK
You can watch our tutorials about tack and turnout on the FB page (@confidentriderhuo on Facebook).
1. Any tack is permitted in the Walk Only test, but for Intro up, your tack must be British Dressage legal (if you are unsure, see their online handbook for rules). Although we are not affiliated in any way to BD, their ruling on tack is sensible for the given levels and we therefore adhere to that guidance for horse and rider safety.
2. You may ride your horse bitless at Walk Only and Intro but you will be expected to use a properly fitting bit from Prelim up.
3. Your horse may have boots or bandages on for the test.
4. No exercise sheets or similar items are permitted during the test.
5. The rider must be smart but you do not have to be in competition gear unless you want to! We recommend for warm weather that a smart polo shirt or sleeveless top and jodhpurs or riding tights is perfect and for cold/wet weather you may wear a jacket or short coat. No long coats.
6. You may wear jodhpur boots and chaps or long boots. Under 16’s may wear short jodhpur boots with not leg covering if preferred. Boots must be suitable for riding and have a small heel for safety.
7. You must wear a hat (properly fitting and done up at the chin strap) and gloves. Spurs or a whip (or both) is up to you. You may not wear comb spurs or spurs with sharp rowels or edges.
MARK DEDUCTIONS
We want you to have fun so don’t worry, but marks will be deducted for the following:
1. Failure to introduce yourself at the start of the test (minus 2 marks)
2. Saluting with the whip in hand (minus 2 marks)
3. Error on course (see sheets)
4. Breaking any rule above (minus 2 marks)
SCORES, PLACINGS AND TEST SHEETS/ROSETTES
We will issue you with a rider number when you enter.
Your rider number will likely change each time your enter.
We will put this on your score sheet along with an overall placing in your group.
It is up to you if you choose to share this information, but given many of our riders are novice or nervous, for now, placings will be kept private.
Test sheets/rosettes and prizes will be sent in the post.
Placings will be published on the Confident Rider FB page but to keep riders scores private at the lower levels we will not publish your name.
For example, the results could read like this:
1st Place, Rider 9 - 66.69%
2nd Place, Rider 1 - 63.08%
3rd Place, Rider 4 - 52.49% and so on.
FAQ:
Do I need a proper arena? No, if you have access to one it will be easier no doubt, but you can film anywhere that you can mark out a suitable "school" 20x40m unless competing in our "non-standard arena tests" in which case you can use the biggest area you can (up to 20x40m).
Must I have dressage letters around the edge? Yes, whether you use a traditional purpose built arena or a home made one, you must have dressage marker letters appropriately placed around the edge. (AKEHCMBF). If you don't have proper markers you can make them from up-side-down buckets or plant pots with the relevant letter painted on it or something similar.
Can more than rider compete the same horse? Yes, provided the higher level being competed is no more than 2 levels above the lowest level.
Can I ride bareback, bitless, with a hacakamore or in western, Iberian or treeless saddle? No to bareback at any level but for Walk Only Tests you can use the other types of tack. After that level you must adhere to British Dressage rules with the exception of western or Iberian saddles for overseas (non UK) riders that do not have an alternative.
Can I have a commander? Yes, you can have someone reading the test at any level and you will not be penalised in any way for doing so.
Can I use gadgets, i.e. straps to hold the stirrups in place, martingales etc? No, unless you have a disability in which case message us to discuss special dispensation.
Can I use a whip? Yes, you may carry a whip at any level.
Can I wear spurs? Yes, you can at any level provided they are not sharp.
Do I need competition clothing? No, not unless you want to!
Do I need to plait my horse? No, but if you want to turn out to that level, feel free, it will make the judges happy to see a smart horse but you will not gain or lose marks for this.
Why must I introduce myself and my horse? It is important that the judge and the admin team know who you are so we can send your sheet and rosette. It is useful for the judge to know the horse age too.
Why don't you publish results in the normal way with names? Some of our riders are novice, nervous and don't want that extra pressure. We give everyone a rider number each time you compete and we publish the results in that format to preserve privacy. Of course you an share your results on our confident rider page and group if you would like!
Can I pick any test and submit it? Yes, you can.
Can I pick the same test every month? Yes, if you would like.
Is there a cut off where I have to move up a level? In normal circumstances we request that if you are consistently scoring 75% or more it would be good to move up a level. However, you are not obliged to do so. If you are comfortable at a level or you/your horse is not capable of moving up, then you can stay where you are with no questions asked. We want to make you and your horse feel comfortable so no pressure to move up but if you are able, please consider it.
The Judges word is final! The Judge is only marking what they can see at that moment in time. The Judges want to encourage you but they must be honest and fair when marking a test. Comments are not personal and every care is taken to write in a constructive way to help you and your horse improve. Take on board the comments where you need to make changes and use them to improve as well as enjoying the positive comments. Perfection takes time and practice so never feel upset if you aren't scoring tens just yet!
Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for full information.
If I have any problems or further questions can I contact anyone for help? Yes, of course, please read the info available on this website but if you still need further help, contact us using the link below or via the contact us tab.
Link to our Confident Rider FB page: https://www.facebook.com/confidentriderhuo
Some lovely comments from our dressage test competitors:
"So I put on my brave pants and did the walk only test. I'm so happy I did as I received some really nice feedback and encouraging words from the judge and it also gave me the boost I needed to do the Intro test in August. Love how it was anonymous so no pressure to worry about placings, it's just a starting point. I'd defo recommend if you’re thinking about it, you also don't need to plait etc if not wanted, I just wanted to feel like it was a show environment. Thanks confident rider team!" Sara M.
"Thank you Confident Rider and H U Owen, I never thought I could compete and you have held my hand all the way! I think I am addicted to dressage now and can't wait to do the tests next month". Jayne R.
"We did it, our first ever dressage and we loved it! Thank you so much for encouraging us, walk only this time but hopefully we can eventually move up now we have found we can do it!" Chelsea C.
"So I put on my brave pants and did the walk only test. I'm so happy I did as I received some really nice feedback and encouraging words from the judge and it also gave me the boost I needed to do the Intro test in August. Love how it was anonymous so no pressure to worry about placings, it's just a starting point. I'd defo recommend if you’re thinking about it, you also don't need to plait etc if not wanted, I just wanted to feel like it was a show environment. Thanks confident rider team!" Sara M.
"Thank you Confident Rider and H U Owen, I never thought I could compete and you have held my hand all the way! I think I am addicted to dressage now and can't wait to do the tests next month". Jayne R.
"We did it, our first ever dressage and we loved it! Thank you so much for encouraging us, walk only this time but hopefully we can eventually move up now we have found we can do it!" Chelsea C.