Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Dressage at the Palace - The Videos

I admit, watching Training Level tests is sort of like watching grass grow, but I have them so I'll share them.

Day 1, Training Level Test 2

This was our super tense but obedient ride. I'm OK with that for a start.

 
Day 1, Training Level Test 3

Note the error. Oops.

Day 2, Training Level Test 2 (cut short 'cause Hubby's phone died)

This was actually my favorite test, because the scores were consistently higher and nothing below a 6.0. Progress!

Day 2, Training Level Test 3

Not as many 7s, but the 8s make up for it.

I'm sure y'all will notice that he's behind the vertical. Trust me, the judges noticed too. :) He thinks this is a great evasion whenI hold him with my seat and don't let him charge around. We're really working on having him come up into my hand instead of falling behind, but it's going to take time and better timing on my part. It's always something!

You may also notice that I'm sitting the trot in all the tests - at this level, you're allowed to choose between sitting trot and rising trot. It would be better if I posted, because he's freer in his back. However, he's got a quick stride so posting makes him look even faster, and I can't regulate his tempo very well yet at a posting trot (rider failing), so sitting means a more consistent tempo. 

Overall, I feel like our tests look much more polished than they did just a month ago. We still have a LOT of work to do around balance at the canter, but it's starting to happen. I don't think I'm going to do any more shows until the fall (I could do one in June but it's hot and whyyyy?) so we have the whole summer to work on things. And maybe this fall... First Level?

18 comments:

  1. Look at all those 8s!!! You guys look awesome. His canter has improved so much since this last fall, he's so much better balanced and looks like he's just more comfortable doing what you're asking him to do.

    Yes First level this fall, I can't wait!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The canter is getting better, but I am just not good enough yet to really hold him together for very long, or to fix it when it starts going south. This summer will be canter boot camp for sure!

      Delete
  2. You guys are making such great improvements a summer of training will make your next tests even awesomer (yep new word ☺)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Definitely more obedient!!! And very fluid too. Great scores!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Now we just have to work on staying IN FRONT of the vertical, lol!

      Delete
  4. The Palace. LOL. That's what I'm calling it from now on. Just dropping the Rose right out. Great tests though, definitely looking more consistent.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I really do like those showgrounds. Good footing, nice arenas, good-sized permanents stalls and MARGARITAS RIGHT NEXT DOOR. Yes please.

      Delete
  5. Last test. Movement 11. Scribe writes "poor use of corn." I think, why the fuck does she have corn with her?

    I'll just be going back to bed now ...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Don't you just love trying to read the judge's shorthand? :-)

      Delete
    2. Paddy wants more corn for sure.

      Delete
  6. I do love reading the score cards that go with the videos though. Always very informative.

    ReplyDelete
  7. definitely looking more obedient and consistent - nice work!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We were trying for obedience above all, since that seems to be a small issue for us... ;)

      Delete
  8. Lovely! You two look fantastic!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! Definitely work in progress...

      Delete
  9. Even to my uneducated eye I think Paddy is looking overall more balanced and not AS rushy as before. Sure, he can be a freight train, but you've done a wonderful job schooling him and he's much more accepting of your "SLOW DOWN" than he was before :)

    ReplyDelete