~Running Free~ said:
Oh an i am sure you already know this, but show food tastes like crap.

Equuleus said:
I'd say just go for it. Lower level western dressage is good for a baby, just don't push too hard. I'd say don't do more than a walk trot or walk trot canter test. No lengthenings, no leg yields, no changes of lead through the trot yet. Keep it easy for her. I'd say have fun and don't take it too seriously to start off... Oh, but thank your judge after your test! They appreciate it. I don't do western dressage, but I know a couple of people who do. I think you'll be fine, and you'll have a better idea of what to do after you get feedback from the judge the first time. It's pretty similar to English dressage overall.

Brackenfield said:

Equuleus said:
I'd say just go for it. Lower level western dressage is good for a baby, just don't push too hard. I'd say don't do more than a walk trot or walk trot canter test. No lengthenings, no leg yields, no changes of lead through the trot yet. Keep it easy for her. I'd say have fun and don't take it too seriously to start off... Oh, but thank your judge after your test! They appreciate it. I don't do western dressage, but I know a couple of people who do. I think you'll be fine, and you'll have a better idea of what to do after you get feedback from the judge the first time. It's pretty similar to English dressage overall.

Nothing wrong with starting small lateral movements - worked in a top dressage stable and all 3 year olds recently broken in could leg yield and do shoulder in. It's not pushing them. My unbroken rising 3 year old gelding can leg yield and shoulder in on the ground already.