P13 was indoors and it was ok, but did feel like he was going to grind to a halt by 2/3 of the way through. He was quite soft and obedient but it definitely lacked any sparkle. He got 68.33% and came 2nd out of 14.
Tried to wake him up a bit for P19 which was outdoors in a slightly spooky, exposed arena. He was still backwards and in an effort to get him more forwards we lost some softness. Still managed 67.73% and 3rd out of 14.
Felt a bit unenthusiastic about taking him to more dressage today as he was so lacklustre yesterday. Fortunately today was a lot cooler and I think that really helped. He was much better in the warmup in terms of forwardness although still lacking a bit of softness. Went in and gave him a canter around the arena and then in for N37. His trot work was a bit noddy and not soft enough although much more forwards. Medium trots didn't happen. Pleased with the canter work though. Really chuffed to get 68.21% and come 2nd in the restricted section (out of 13), 4th overall (out of 21). We were 8marks off the overall winner. Lost a couple when he went walk to canter instead of walk to trot and definitely has the potential to make up those other marks and top 70%. Last he did that test was back in March and only managed 63%. This time got 8's for his FWLR, canter right into medium canter and canter right 20m circle. Those 8's for right canter coming more and more now - yay! 7767 for collectives. "A good partnership. Today he needed to be softer and rounder in the trot work, and working with more suppleness. Lots to like though"
Had been seriously debating whether to do E53 but he went well in the Novice so decided to give it a go. Considering never ridden the test before we did ok - I could have ridden some things better as it comes up very quickly and he needs to be more supple and softer but not a bad attempt. Over the moon to get 65.29%. He was in the Training section but if competing he would have been 2nd in the Restricted (out of 10) and 3rd overall (out of 12). Oh, and he beat the horse who won the Novice overall (and was 8marks ahead of us) by 4 marks - woohoo! Very pleased with that as so much more to come from him - he is not back to full strength yet and not truly working consistently at that level. Got all 6's and 7's. 7667 collectives - "You rode positively but he needs to be more supple and lighter on forehand" Judge not known for being generous and last time we had her back in March we only managed 63% at Novice.
Next is Novice and Elem music on Wednesday at Pachesham - will make a dressage diva out of him yet!
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