Sadly, the 2025 show season has come to an end. But this time of year is a great opportunity to review your season, take some down time, and plan for what’s next.
A sensible place to start is to review the show season. If you competed a little or a lot (or maybe not at all), this is a good time to look back at the things that are going well, what needs work, and where you want to go in the near future.
Review your tests and score sheets
Sit down with your coach and go through your test papers, focusing on the scores and judge’s comments for each movement. Keep in mind the comment and the score work together; for each comment suggesting what to improve, it is likely to reflect 0.5-1.0 points that can be earned next time out.
Note where your best moments were, how they were scored, and the judge’s suggestions for improvement. Also note where any mistakes occurred and see how it affected the overall score. For example, a mistake in a co-efficient (movements that are x2) is very costly, but it is also a windfall if these movements are your specialty! This is especially important as you move up the levels, where co-efficients are used more often.
Highlight recurring issues (bend, transitions, contact, etc.). Note the things that worked well. If you have ridden the same test a few times during the season, you should see trends. Even your pre-class preparation may affect your scores up or down. Reflect back to your time in the warm-up ring: how did you and your horse manage the weather, the venue, your nerves/excitement?
Lastly, how did you feel about your rides, no matter what the judge’s opinion? Always remember that this is a subjective sport and our horses have their own minds, which means sometimes a better ride does not always translate into a better score on paper.
If you didn’t compete, review your riding journal. What are your most recent training successes, and what new things have you been working on, or would like to incorporate next season?
Review Health and Fitness
Do you or your horse need a change to your fitness plan? Is your horse aging gracefully and able to handle the work load with their current nutrition and veterinary care? Which vaccinations, dental work, supplements, or complementary therapy support (massage, chiropractic, acupuncture, etc.) is needed?
Equipment Check
How is your saddle fit? You should have it looked at by a pro saddle fitter, as the off-season is a good opportunity to have the fit, balance, flocking and stitching inspected – especially if you use the same saddle on multiple horses. Something that also tends to be overlooked is bridle and bit-fitting – particularly important if you are moving your horse up to a double bridle.
Looking Forward
- What’s next? Are you proficient at your current level (consistently scoring above 65%) and considering moving up a level next year, or are you looking to solidify your current level to improve your performance next year? You shouldn’t necessarily expect to be able to move up a level every year.
- Taking into consideration your test reviews from above, you can map out a game plan with your coach to work on key aspects. You can also ask your coach to honestly tell you, “What would prevent me from riding the next level test well today?”
- If you are looking to move up, identify new level requirements. Read the tests to see the progression from test 1 to test 3, as well as the combination of movements that you will be showing. Outline movement-by-movement goals. What needs to be learned, improved, confirmed?
Dressage is subjective and judges are only human. The most important thing is you are basically competing with your previous rides and aiming to improve – all while having fun and enjoying your partnership with your horse along the way!
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