First test was 85 which I haven't ridden in competition before and just once in training. In the warmup worked on hotting up the canter as we did in our lesson the night before. In the test I tried to concentrate on getting the more forwards trot we worked on in our lesson a few weeks ago. As a result we did lose softness a little bit at times but this is all part of the journey towards a better quality trot. I was also struggling with a sore back which makes sitting trot rather more of a challenge. He got a bit confused in the canter HP's and I think he was anticipating changes so they were both a bit messy which is a shame as the right one has been coming on nicely recently. The first simple change from counter canter to true canter at C was lovely. The second one was spoilt by him spooking in the counter canter so losing the rhythm/balance and rather falling into walk. Both flying changes happened on the aids though and I didn't forget where I was going!
Very chuffed to see a score of 63.824%. He got 7.5 for his medium walk, 7's for walk to canter, medium canter, first simple change, transitions in and out of extended canter and the final down the centre line/halt. 5.5's for the canter HP both ways and the 2nd flying change, otherwise all 6's and 6.5's. 7, 6.5, 6.0, 6.5 for collectives. "Paces regular. Horse needs to work in a more uphill self carriage for more engagement of the hindleg" - Mary Robley. Video shows he jumped together behind in the second change which is something we are working on but generally very happy for a first attempt.
Had just over an hour before 2nd test so he chilled out with some grass and then I went to watch a friend's test. Quick warm up reminding him to take me forwards and in for AM92 - second attempt at this test. Again, the forwards trot was essential. Kept him a bit more on the bridle in the extended walk. This time I pulled off the canter HP's but royally messed up all the changes! So hard to get everything right, especially when it all comes up so quick. First change he launched into, then need to quickly get into the HP to centre line, round the corner and across the short diagonal for a change right to left and he just launched in the air and didn't change at all so had to walk to get the correct lead in order to have a go at the 2nd change which was clean but hollow and same with the final one. Once one goes wrong, the whole thing kind of falls apart!
Considering the mistakes pretty chuffed with 63.243% as so much more to come once we get it all more polished. Managed another 7.5 for medium walk with 7's for the extended walk, the extended canter and the transitions in and out of the extended canter. 5's for the 3rd and 4th changes - late/close behind. Amusingly the first two got 6's which is impressive considering I walked through the second one as it didn't happen at all! Everything else 6/6.5. A generous 6 for our extended trot which we don't actually have. 7.0, 6.0, 6.5, 6.5 for collectives. "Horse has regular paces but needs to be more engaged from the hindleg to develop more balance and self carriage" - Mary Robley.
So, that's a shiny 4 Advanced Medium points on our record now. Half qualified for Winter Regionals and qualified for Area Festivals in one go. And loads more to come with more practice. Go Monts!
Next up, back to basics for the BE100 dressage champs at Blenheim on Thursday. Hoping my back holds out for the arena eventing champs on Sunday too.
Photos from AM92:
Photos from the warmup:
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