Not knowing the test

“So many riders rely on callers these days, but it’s really important to know your test inside out,” says Kirsty. “One of the most common issues I see is the caller announcing the next movement just as the rider is getting to the marker, which is too late to make a good attempt at it, resulting in mistakes and low marks.”

Your caller being ill on the day, windy weather making it impossible to hear them, someone else calling in the next arena and confusing you — these are other reasons to learn the test.

“Having a caller as a backup in case of a mind blank is OK, but know the test too,” advises Kirsty. “Remember you can’t have a caller at regionals or championships, so it’s worth finding a way to memorise your tests early on.”

How to fix it

■1 Practise your test at home more than once. If your horse learns to anticipate and tries to do his own thing, ride the test in sections, doing a different exercise in between to keep him listening.

■2 Find an off-horse way of learning your tests that you can use wherever you are. Close your eyes and visualise riding through the test. Draw a diagram on a piece of paper and trace the test with your finger. Ride it on foot in your arena or garden.

■3 Download the Test pro British Dressage app, which offers a number of ways to learn a test. It’s easy to use and mobile.

■4 Moments before your test, visualise your arena entry in your mind and double check which way you turn at C. This will get you off to a strong start.