Not-So-Speedy Dressage

First Show in a Long While - TMC Spring Mountain Dressage

5/27/2014

I should be thrilled with my scores, and I am, but I am horrified by the video. I do not ride this horse with the same deep seat that I ride Sydney. After watching the video, and seriously cringing, I rode Speedy on Monday and addressed two of my most obvious weaknesses: my forward lean and my busy hands.

Speedy asks so politely that I always just give the reins back to him. I have got to quit doing that. I don't dare do it with Sydney or we'd be in the next county. Since Speedy doesn't bolt, rear, or melt down, his polite little root, root always achieve what he wants.

So on Sunday, I sat deep and tall and quit fussing with my hands, I resisted his polite but persistent habit of pulling the reins and added leg instead. I did a fair number of trot to canter to trot transitions and felt that just by sitting up and keeping my hands quiet I improved my position noticeably, and as a result, his way of going.

Before you watch, keep in mind that Speedy hasn't been shown since July of 2013 and has had several months off. He only just started back to work a few weeks ago. We had done only a handful of canter transitions before the show. I was really worried that we had lost all of our training (such as it was), but I was actually relatively pleased by his performance. He showed more maturity, and his submissiveness was hugely improved. He was willing and listened even when I was fussing with his mouth and over-bending him.

The California Dressage Society's Regional Adult Amateur Competition may be on the books for us after all. I earned two scores and now just need one more score to be qualified. I had wanted to qualify at First Level, but I'd be happy showing at Training Level.

Here's the Training Level Test 2 video ...

Mia link

5/26/2014 10:54:50 pm

I had to really look for it, but I did see him politely rooting to get the reins longer. That was a good way to describe it.. "politely". haha.

I'm not sure I understood some of the judges scoring. I think the high scores were deserved, but some of the 6.5's... I didn't understand why she gave you a 6.5 for the free walk. He was marching, and overstepping. He probably could've followed the bit down more, but I'm not sure that should've dropped the score to a 6.5. Just seemed low to me.

That trot right after the stretchy circle, at A, was to die for. He's really getting some impulsion to his trot. :)

And his bend is beautiful. Every circle he had nice bend through his entire body. I always see people just bend through the neck, but your guy had wonderful bend through his whole body. He was a bit fussy with the head, but you can fix that. The bend is hard to train though. You've done a wonderful job with him.

Bakersfield Dressage link

5/27/2014 10:46:41 am

Aw, Mia, you're always so supportive (and kind) in your assessment of our … efforts. But thanks; you certainly made me feel all warm and fuzzy. A girl needs that. :0)

Tracy link

5/27/2014 12:00:26 am

For me, shows always point out where I'm lacking. That's why I love to video my rounds, because it shows me what I need to work on the most. I think Speedy looked great, considering all that's been going on! And try not to give yourself such a hard time, it's been a while since you've ridden Speedy too!!

5/27/2014 10:48:18 am

Thanks, Tracy. I hadn't really considered that I might be rusty on my Speedy boy. But you're right; I've hardly ridden him since February. We've done a LOT of walking, but that's about it. But truthfully, it's not like we looked great last summer either! :0)

Lauren link

5/27/2014 04:41:01 am

At least he is polite? I know what you mean though. Sometimes I let stuff slip because my horse is always a gentleman, but that doesn't mean he isn't trying to get away with something. Congrats on getting back in the ring!

5/27/2014 10:49:04 am

So yah for politeness. I'll take that over a jerk of a horse for sure. :0)

Val

5/27/2014 05:36:16 am

Wow! Speedy was so relaxed and chill throughout the test. He is a new horse.

5/27/2014 10:50:50 am

There was much that I didn't like, but what I really liked was how loose his back looked. That boy just sauntered around swinging his back and hind end like he had a hula hoop on. :0)

He definitely felt much more relaxed and much less braced through his neck. It wasn't perfect, but even I can see progress.

Austen link

5/27/2014 06:25:23 am

I'm struck again by how lovely Speedy is. What a pretty horse!

I think you're right. He's definitely looking for more support from your contact, especially in the outside rein. However, I'd stay he hasn't really lost much at all during his break. :) In fact, that downward transition that scored an 8 showed Speedy executing a gorgeous forward downward transition. He really stepped under himself!

One thing I do see is him dropping his outside shoulder in turns. That's probably due to inconsistent contact, but it's certainly something to focus on as you work towards 1st.

Great job

5/27/2014 10:52:40 am

Thanks for the feedback, Austen. This horse is so hard to ride because he wants to be light which makes it hard to get him to take the bit. I definitely need to work on figuring out the right amount of contact so that he is happy with it.

Sarah link

5/27/2014 09:53:43 am

Wow. AWESOME test! I agree with Mia - I think the scores were a bit harsh.

5/27/2014 10:53:36 am

And that's what friends are for. Thanks, Sarah. I always love having you in my court. :0)

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First Show in a Long While - TMC Spring Mountain Dressage

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