Not-So-Speedy Dressage

Spring Mountain Dressage - T2

6/28/2012

If you are reading this expecting something not show related, I apologize. I know I said that I would have something else on Thursday other than score sheets, but Speedy's little tummy ache on Monday night threw off my blogging schedule. If you're bored with score sheets, stop right here and come back tomorrow, or go back and read about Speedy's tummy.

The second test of the day went about the same as the first except we actually cantered when we were supposed to. I didn't earn any 8s, but there were no 3s either. In fact, one of the few 5s was for the ... anyone, anyone? You got it - that bloody stretchy trot. I promise you, we WILL get the stretch.

I was quite happy with the overall score: seven 7s, six 6s, and only three 5s. The collective marks were also good. We've worked really hard on getting more activity from behind and the judge noticed. She commented that Speedy was "nicely forward." He "often braces through the neck" as well, but we can work on that later. One step at a time!

Our final score was 63.214% (177 points) which was good enough for a second out of four riders. The first place rider scored 178 points. She beat me by one point out of 280. How close is that? Click images to enlarge.

Training Level Test 2 - so close to a first place!

Sharon T

6/27/2012 11:16:26 pm

You'll get that stretchy trot yet.

Karen

6/28/2012 04:07:16 am

Thanks for the vote of confidence! My trainer says the same thing. :0)

Val

6/27/2012 11:47:03 pm

I agree. Look out stretchy trot!

6/28/2012 04:08:05 am

Thanks, Val! He can do it during turnout. Now we need to do it under saddle!

lytha

6/28/2012 02:00:24 am

you're making me miss doing dressage tests. really! wouldn't it be ironic if i actually did a dressage show in germany? seeing as how i cannot seem to find an endurance horse to save my life?

6/28/2012 04:06:47 am

Lytha - I hope that is a good thing. Are their any shows close by to where you've been taking lessons? It might be fun to ride a test with the horse you've been schooling. Did you ride dressage on Baasha, or did you ride tests on another horse? Maybe you've blogged about it already, but if not, that's a post I'd love to read - the disciplines you've ridden and on which horses. :0)

Sarah link

6/28/2012 04:25:58 am

Fabulous! Thanks for sharing =)

6/28/2012 04:38:21 am

:0)

nowthatsatrot link

6/29/2012 12:49:19 am

Nicely done, on both tests! The stretchy trot will come. If it makes you feel any better, getting the stretchy work out of greenies is one of my specialties, but I have YET to nail it where needed in an actual test... But that's what makes it a horse show, right?

6/29/2012 04:36:25 am

It is difficult, but I can clearly see how necessary it is for future movements. If they can reach for the contact, then they are truly on the bit. There is no faking it. And you are so right - doing it at a show is a whole different deal. It's a LOT easier at home than it is at a show when you have to do it RIGHT NOW rather than let's circle one more time.

I am not in a hurry to move to showing first level. I want to make sure I have the requirements of training level down pat. What's the hurry? It's not like Speedy and I are candidates for Grand Prix. If we rush this level, we may not ever make it past first. If we take our time here, it might enable us to reach third level. He's only 8 so he has plenty of time to work on the stretchy trot!

Thanks for the encouragement!

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Spring Mountain Dressage - T2

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