TMC Dressage Show - First Level Test 3

The second test of the day rode much like the first. We didn't make any glaring errors, like we had in the walk, which bumped our score to a slightly improved 61.320%. Again, not a brilliant score, but still satisfactory.

It's hard to be upset over a list of 6s and 6.5s. I could do without those three 5.5s however. Had they been at least 6s, my score would have been half of a percent higher, and every little bit helps.

To the good, I either upped my game, or the other two ladies had less brilliant rides than earlier as they beat me by a narrower margin than in the first test. 

Click the image to actually read the scores.

I am not sure any of the test was brilliantly ridden, but I thought we put in a steady ride. The first trot lengthening wasn't great, but you can see him trying.

and still curled - 6.0 "energetic but nose & front legs need 2 b more out"

The judge was a little critical of our 10-meter trot circles, we earned 6s for both directions, but I was pretty pleased with them.

circle right 10-meters - 6.0 "needs better prepar. and bend"

I also felt like the canter loops were decent, but we earned a 5.5 for the first one. Speedy doesn't feel like he's struggling to hold the lead, but I think the judge wanted him to be more supple.

One loop maintaining the right lead - 5.5 "fell R in corner" ?

We only scored 6s for the canter lengthenings, but at least she didn't call them conservative. This had been one of the hardest First Level movements for us. In the past, Speedy couldn't/wouldn't come back to a working canter because he was too much on the forehand. So while they look rough on the video, they are improved over 2015 when we last attempted First Level. (He was intermittently lame for most of 2016).

Lengthen stride in canter - 6.0 - "let inner shoulder more out"

Being "too curled" was still the theme of the day. For this test, the judge made the comment at least nine times. I really like her further remarks though as they are very constructive. She writes: find a half halt that brings the poll up. Nice mover, will be a lot nicer with less "curl" (struck out) or "overbridled."

I get what she's saying, and I hope that Chemaine can help us with that. I think that Speedy will probably always struggle with being too low in the poll if he wants to lift his back. I think the canter photo just above shows that he's trying to sit and lift his withers, but to do it, he needs to go deep in the bridle.

The trot lengthening though is a fake out on his part (that photo is above). I got a bit of a lengthened stride in front, but he's clearly not sitting and pushing from behind. So ... maybe he can sit better in the canter than he can in the trot?

Halt, salute - 6.5 "soft in turn but 2 low straight halt"

In the end, I've got a horse with a big heart with lots to learn. In return, he gets a persistent and dedicated rider with just as much to learn. Good thing he doesn't keep score!