TMC Mid-Summer Dressage Show - Part 2

Holy smokes! I can't believe the amazing feedback you all offered yesterday. I know we're improving, very slowly, but often times it feels like it's all in my head. I loved it that so many people could actually SEE the improvement just through some photos. That speaks volumes. From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for acknowledging our progress.

My second test was less than a half an hour after the first so I just walked around on the buckle. Speedy would have been grouchy had I gone back to the warm-up. It was a toasty day, high 90s, and I just didn't want to burn up his last bit of energy.

While my score was very good for the first test (67.679%), I wasn't really happy with the ride, so rather than working on "go" and "bend," I decided to focus just on improving the inside bend. With the heat building, I knew that Speedy would get resentful if I kept insisting that he trot bigger and with more expression. It simply wasn't going to happen.

Riding photos by Cecile Audinet (used by permission)

My score was a bit lower for Training Level Test 3 than it was for T2 (65.800%), but I was happier with how I rode it. My first loop at the trot was weak (5.5), completely my fault, but I fixed it for the second one (7.0). The judge noticed as well, better shape and energy. 

Another very flat moment in the canter.

We didn't get nearly as many sevens for this test (ten as compared to seventeen), but this test only has 13 movements as compared to the 16 in Test 2. We did improve our halts though from the first test to the second. We earned sixes on Test 2 and seven point fives for Test 3.

This one is better.

Even though our score was lower, I liked how Speedy felt for this test. He was listening better and was more receptive to my aids. I am also really happy about the canter to trot transition at C (right in front of the judge). We've earned a seven there the last three times I've ridden this test. Since that is a downward transition on a right lead canter, the side we struggle with most, I am happy to see such a solid score.

With that, here is the score sheet.

I hate those fives!

The second half of the test rode better than the first. It looks like the free walk really helped him to relax.

The judge really liked our free walk which is nice as it has a double coefficient.

What kind and generous comments!

For Test 2, the judge said that we had a very steady test. I think a very fluid test is an improvement, but it could simply be the judge's way of saying the same thing! It's his final words that are particularly nice to read, consistently harmonious throughout. That's what it felt like to me.