FSM - Med/AM - Merrist Wood 21-11-15

We started with the Medium Freestyle and came 3rd with our joint highest score at this level of 67.33%.  Bit of a mistake in the right canter half pass and our trot music needs a bit of tweaking so actually capable of upping that to nearly 69% without too much effort which is encouraging!  Feeling much more established at this level than on our first attempt a year ago.  Comment from Debbie Pateman was "Charming horse with lovely attitude"  7's for harmony, choreography, degree of difficulty with 6.5 for rhythm and music.  All marks between 6.5 and 8 in the test except the right canter HP which got 5.  All the half passes needed clearer bend with the SI needing more engagement.  7.5 for extended walk and an 8 for his first halt.

Onwards to our first go at Advanced Medium Freestyle.  Was pleased to just get round managing all the moves where I planned them.  Only one change didn't come off which was the most difficult one changing from counter canter to counter canter, otherwise all went to plan.  Same music issues with it all being a bit quick for him now so need to tweak but otherwise a good start.  Sadly judge isn't Monty's biggest fan.  Marion Terry couldn't think of anything nice to say about anything in the test.  His best mark of 6.5 came for his left to right changes.  Otherwise 5's to 6's.  Even his walk only got 6's.  SI got 6's, HP got 5's.  Needs more bend, suppleness, bend, bend etc.  6.5 for choreography and music. 6 for difficulty, rhythm and harmony.  Onwards and upwards.  59.5% is a start at least but it's actually his lowest mark at Advanced Medium and music normally allows some higher marks.