Time to test out the new dressage saddle! Conclusion - wow - love it :) It has left dirty black marks on my new beige breeches though!
Started warmup with a nice stretchy walk then picked up into a slightly stretchy trot and canter. Walk break and then pick up into competition outline trot/canter remembering to keep hands up in front - still a work in progress, but much better than before looking at the videos.
Went in for BE95 first. Spooky end of the arena so had a few probs getting him through the corner he doesn't like but managed to convince him to soften before the bell rang. Concentrated on keeping him up in front and soft. Must remember not to pull back or down when asking for flexion. Whole new way of going for him but looks so much better from the vids - he looks like a proper dressage horse! Judge called us over at the end to say how much we had improved since he last judged us a month ago so that was a pleasant surprise :) Ended up winning the class on 68% (32 in eventing scores). We got an 8 for our first half 20m cicle in trot, 6's for both canter circles as needed more energy, 8 for transition from canter to trot on the right rein, 6's for his walk work as he didn't really stretch out much and 6 for final halt which was well wonky! Rest was all 7's. Collectives: 8767 "What a lovely presentable test with some good rhythm shown. On occasions just lost a little outline when not forward"
Had a little break and a chit chat to a few people then back on for 20mins before next test. Worked on getting more energy in the canter, did some on and back, spiralling in and out on the circle which he did nicely. In for next test - BE106 - new BE test not ridden it before. Thought he did a fair attempt - not quite as soft in the contact a first test and canter didn't feel great - think I tried too hard to create more energy and fluffed it a bit, but generally still pleased with him. Marks a bit random but they always are with this judge. Got an 8 for his free walk which he totally didn't deserve as someone was walking across the gallery and he was gawping at them. Got a nice mix of 6's and 7's but then only got straight 6's in collectives :( Got a 7 for a walk trot transition that he completely hopped and hollowed in then only a 6 for the canter transition which was lovely and comment was hollowed - very back to front. 7's for both centre lines though - we appear to have cracked this straightness thing now :) 7's for most of his canter work, 6's for the trot work. Need to get him more used to me carrying my hands higher and responding to flexion requests in the right way, getting forwards without rushing. Comments: "Accurately ridden. Just lacking a little softness and suppleness. Could have a rounder outline. Be careful not to allow horse to become hurried" Looking at the video I dont want him rounder at all as that would put him behind the vertical. Ended up on 64% and 7th out of 10 which is rather disappointing as he went nicely and so much better than last time we were there. Will mark that one down for experience as really just wanted a chance to ride through that test.
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