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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

First Level

10/13/2014

12 Comments

 
I am hoping (my fingers and toes are all crossed) that I will get to do my First Level debut at the Ventura County Chapter of the California Dressage Society's (VCC-CDS) schooling show in early November. I need to check on Chemaine's schedule and verify that the show is still a go, but if the stars align, we'll get to see where we're at for First Level.

First Level introduces only a few new movements, most of which I've been schooling during the summer. That doesn't mean I am schooling them correctly though. We need to be able to do ... 
  • a 10-meter half circle at trot without the motorcycle lean
  • a 15-meter canter circle that is not an oval
  • a lengthening of stride in trot and canter (it doesn't say it has to be HUGE)
  • A leg yield that isn't a zig-zag
  • a change of lead through trot which we haven't schooled at all
  • the counter canter loop which we've been doing for a solid six months
Right now, I am focusing on the 10-meter half circle, the 15-meter canter circle, and the leg yield. We can do all of them, but they definitely need work. I haven't addressed the lengthenings, but the canter won't be an issue. The trot lengthening is going to cause us as much trouble as the stretchy trot did, which by the way is getting pretty good.

First Level Test 1 is relatively easy, and I say that with the utmost respect. As the test is written right now (new tests are due in 2015) each movement follows in a well thought out progression that seems to be setting the rider up for success. None of the new movements are back to back and they are spaced out with a walk or a working trot.

I like the E-X half circle left into the X-B half circle right. It's much easier to do on a small horse like Speedy G than on a larger warmblood. Getting my geometry right is the hard part for us since I don't have a real court. We are practicing it though.

The stretchy circle is now at C, right in front of the judge. Since working with Chemaine at the championship show I am feeling better about that movement, so it's not a big deal. 

The next new movement is the 15-meter canter circle, but again, it's a little easier to do on a smaller horse, and it's really just the geometry that I need to focus on. Speedy can do the circle; I just have to watch where we're going.  

Speedy likes to lengthen the canter. Getting him smoothly back into a working canter is something we need to continue to work on.

Our trot lengthening is non-existent, but I can feel it in there. Speedy LOVES to trot across the diagonal and naturally wants to zoom. I just need to show him how to zoom without moving his legs faster!

We have about three weeks until the schooling show. I am not anxious about moving to First Level; instead I am looking forward to trying something new. 
12 Comments
Tracy link
10/12/2014 11:19:21 pm

Woohoo! I really hope that the "stars align" as you said, and you get to do your First level debut!!

Reply
Lauren link
10/13/2014 12:46:39 am

Oh exciting to move up!

Reply
jenj
10/13/2014 01:32:08 am

Moving up is sooo exciting! We're having the same issues with the lengthen trot and coming back from the canter... brakes + impulsion are important!

Reply
Genny link
10/13/2014 03:04:03 am

So excited for you two! I hope it all comes together :)

Reply
Katharine Marie Wiebe link
10/13/2014 04:13:20 am

Exciting! I'm also hoping everything lines up and you get to move up as planned. You've worked hard for it! :D

Reply
Austen link
10/13/2014 04:34:27 am

Eee! Excited for you! You guys will tackle this fabulously, I'm sure. You already show a lot of the consistency you need to succeed at First in your Training Level work. You'll get it! :)

Reply
Sarah link
10/13/2014 09:27:48 am

Woohoo! Let me know when you confirm show details. I didn't realize 1st level had so many fun elements! Guess I should read the tests again...

Reply
Bakersfield Dressage link
10/13/2014 11:50:13 am

Of course I'll let you know what our schedule is. If you're available, dinner would be great!!!!!

Reply
Bakersfield Dressage link
10/13/2014 11:49:23 am

Thanks all. It doesn't feel like any big deal to me; I am just BORED with Training Level. :0)

Reply
emma link
10/14/2014 03:51:50 am

very exciting! good luck

Reply
Tarra
10/14/2014 08:13:20 am

I remember the first time I rode a 1st level test and kept thinking how hard it would be (after putting around training level). Once I came out of my test I thought "wow that really wasnt bad at all, can I do 2nd level now?!". Im sure you guys will do great! Lengthenings will come. We had an ah-ha moment one day with them and havent looked back since!

Reply
Bakersfield Dressage link
10/14/2014 10:36:01 am

Thanks, Tarra - that's really encouraging. :0)

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    About the Writer and Rider

    ​I am a lifelong rider. 
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  • Home
  • About
  • My Horses
    • Horses
    • Imperioso
    • G Ima Starr FA
    • Sunshine
    • Nakota and Gideon
    • Corky
    • Sassy
    • Montoya DSA
    • Mickey Dee
    • Sydney
  • Show Results
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012
    • 2011
    • 2010
  • Dressage Organizations
    • Dressage Organizations
    • Memberships
    • 2019 Dressage Tests
  • Local
    • Shopping List
  • Home