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glenatronSo I have accidentally entered Zorro and I in our first dressage competition in a couple of weeks.
We ran through the test ( absolute beginners stuff, walk and trot, nothing complicated ) on Saturday to see how we're doing on that front. Judging by that we're only going to really have a problem with accuracy, transitions, gaits, impulsion, round circles, staying within five metres of the track, remembering which letter is where, distinguishing left and right and creating the harmonious impression that horse and rider aren't actually currently engaged in a punch-up. And this was in our calm, familliar school at home, not in the local riding club show field...
Ulp.
Still, one has to start somewhere and this is a great way to get me thinking about- and working on - details. If we get to the show and perform a dressage test and nobody dies, that will pretty much be a win as far as I'm concerned. If we perform the correct dressage test, that is extra double high score...
This also is likely to result in some hilarious photos of me dressed up like an equestrian instead of slobbing around in jeans and a jumper. Why yes, I do have cream breeches, and yes, since you mention it, they are exceedingly camp.
We ran through the test ( absolute beginners stuff, walk and trot, nothing complicated ) on Saturday to see how we're doing on that front. Judging by that we're only going to really have a problem with accuracy, transitions, gaits, impulsion, round circles, staying within five metres of the track, remembering which letter is where, distinguishing left and right and creating the harmonious impression that horse and rider aren't actually currently engaged in a punch-up. And this was in our calm, familliar school at home, not in the local riding club show field...
Ulp.
Still, one has to start somewhere and this is a great way to get me thinking about- and working on - details. If we get to the show and perform a dressage test and nobody dies, that will pretty much be a win as far as I'm concerned. If we perform the correct dressage test, that is extra double high score...
This also is likely to result in some hilarious photos of me dressed up like an equestrian instead of slobbing around in jeans and a jumper. Why yes, I do have cream breeches, and yes, since you mention it, they are exceedingly camp.
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no subject
Date: 14 Apr 2009 23:13 (UTC)tee hee.
but would very much like to see you in competition! would be awesome. you've gotta start somewhere.
no subject
Date: 14 Apr 2009 23:24 (UTC)no subject
Date: 14 Apr 2009 23:20 (UTC)no subject
Date: 14 Apr 2009 23:23 (UTC)no subject
Date: 14 Apr 2009 23:28 (UTC)No, but seriously, you guys will have so much fun! Have you done any practice with the low dressage ring fences/chains/whatever they might use?
no subject
Date: 15 Apr 2009 07:03 (UTC)no subject
Date: 15 Apr 2009 07:10 (UTC)no subject
Date: 15 Apr 2009 19:12 (UTC)no subject
Date: 15 Apr 2009 10:59 (UTC)and pay for it alldidn't give me the vapors...no subject
Date: 15 Apr 2009 19:10 (UTC)no subject
Date: 15 Apr 2009 19:57 (UTC)no subject
Date: 14 Apr 2009 23:50 (UTC)Seriously though, good luck!
no subject
Date: 15 Apr 2009 00:21 (UTC)Details, details...
If UK dressage tests are anything like US dressage tests, accurate figures, steady rhythm, and a consistent shape will put you ahead of 90% of the other entries, especially at the low levels.
Breathing is recommended. (But not, I have conclusively proven, actually required.)
Have fun!
no subject
Date: 15 Apr 2009 04:00 (UTC)no subject
Date: 15 Apr 2009 11:04 (UTC)(You can do the same thing looking at the changes in movements/figures from one test/level to the next. Starts to put what you yourself are working on at the moment into context.)
So I d'know what the UK tests look like. But the required impulsion at our Intro level is generally less power-and-suspension than "the horse should probably show some desire to move forward because otherwise that free walk is going to take for-freakin'-ever." (Which, y'know, on the bright side, gives the scribe plenty of time to write!)
no subject
Date: 15 Apr 2009 13:08 (UTC)no subject
Date: 15 Apr 2009 13:42 (UTC)Meanwhile, i have encouraged/allowd Danny to lose all impulsion so that I can work on my riding...encouraging him to be pokey.
I think it's time for a change. :-/
no subject
Date: 15 Apr 2009 07:06 (UTC)Of course, working on grass may have the opposite effect...
no subject
Date: 15 Apr 2009 11:05 (UTC)no subject
Date: 15 Apr 2009 01:47 (UTC)Ignore Hannah - I failed to breathe and fell off - just passed right out at A - mortifying doesn't begin to cover it.
no subject
Date: 15 Apr 2009 15:02 (UTC)They expect the test to take about 4:15, with our typically high-speed, high energy cob gaits I would expect that to come in at around 22:40 and I'm just not sure I can hold my breath that long.
no subject
Date: 15 Apr 2009 02:55 (UTC)no subject
Date: 15 Apr 2009 04:36 (UTC)And, I find that if one's horse is *not* interested in behaving, the least you can do is make it entertaining for those around you while simultaneously trying to save your own neck. :]
no subject
Date: 15 Apr 2009 07:00 (UTC)no subject
Date: 15 Apr 2009 11:06 (UTC)no subject
Date: 15 Apr 2009 05:53 (UTC)And I can add that I've ridden a number of dressage tests, and I only have a vague idea of which letter goes where; I learn programmes by sketches and forget the letters.
no subject
Date: 15 Apr 2009 15:58 (UTC)no subject
Date: 15 Apr 2009 18:58 (UTC)no subject
Date: 15 Apr 2009 19:54 (UTC)no subject
Date: 15 Apr 2009 20:27 (UTC)PS give me a shout and let me know what time you'll be in. If we can get over there to watch and bring the uber camera for stunning action shots we will. I have to clear up a hall after a friends wedding reception saturday morning so no idea what time i'll be around though :(
no subject
Date: 19 Apr 2009 21:47 (UTC)no subject
Date: 19 Apr 2009 21:25 (UTC)If its not far would love to come watch! but its only because im nosey.
no subject
Date: 19 Apr 2009 21:46 (UTC)