Ride-a-Test

Karen riding Sydney at Intro B - Photo by Edyta

Sign me up for one of these again!  That was by far the best $25 that I've ever spent.

I only had one teensy-weensy little problem with Sydney loading in the trailer, but I resolved that issue in less than 10 minutes.  The rest of the morning went smashingly!

I pulled into the "show" site a few minutes after 7:00 a.m. and unloaded a very interested Sydney.  His head was a bit high and he was taking things in, but he stayed by my side and walked politely.  I led him around the dressage court and warm up area and before we made it back the trailer, he was soft and quiet.

I tacked him up without any issues and even left him tied up while I changed into my Ride-a-Test clothes (half show/half schooling apparel).  I led Sydney over to the warm up area and used a small wooden crate as a mounting block.  He stood perfectly still and waited for my forward cue.  What a good boy - I couldn't be more proud!  I warmed him up for a few minutes and gave the judge an okay, I'm ready nod.

I decided to ride Intro A and B because these two tests are walk/trot only.  I wasn't worried about our performance.  My only goal for the day was to get Sydney through a "show" in a relaxed and happy fashion. He couldn't have done a better job.  Our two rides weren't ridden perfectly, but Sydney did a fabulous job considering that he and I have never practiced these tests, and we've never been in a dressage court together. I doubt he's been in one without me either.

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Judge Mary Meyer playfully donned regal robes, a witchy hat, and the all important judge's scarf.

At the end of each test, the judge came out from her tent and talked about the scores she gave me and why.  She also explained what judges are looking for and how that differs from level to level. She also took some time to clarify a few technical things like how to score more points by fixing some of my geometry issues and what is meant by performing a movement at a specific letter.

Here is the video for both tests.  I love how floppy Sydney's ears are at the Intro A test.  I also love how hard he's trying to be a good boy.  I am not happy with my "broken wrists" and overly raised right hand.  Cha Ching's mom has pointed out many times that I am too hard on myself.  So, even though there are things I would love to fix, I am going to say that overall I am happy with how we did and leave it at that!

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All photos on this page were taken by Edyta.  Here are a few more photos of our ride ...

Our left bend really needs some work.

Looking pretty nice here!

Sydney looks great, but my leg is too far forward.