This Gives Me Lots To Work With :)
I wasn't going to post this, as it isn't our best effort :), but then I thought, it's a genuine record of where we are at this point in time, and if I only post good examples the videos will be few and far between. As noted in my last post, I'm riding Training Level Test One, so I can critique it and plan my preparation for the show season. It's the first time in about 10 days it's been dry enough to ride in the riding ring, so we're both a little rough. The biggest problem, and I've written about this before, is the lack of forwardness. With forwardness a lot of the issues we have in the video would be fixed - woobly on the center line, me being jerky in an effort to keep him going, etc. He's been more forward than this almost all spring, so it was too bad he wasn't for this. All in all I think we're on the right track though.Feedback is welcome.
My goals from this are to work on building strength in his hind quarters, REALLY focus on forward and to improve the quality of the connection, especially in canter, and the trot canter trot transitions. Also, to polish steering in the stretchy circle and free walk and to get a straight, square halt. I'm going to ride tests two and three as well in the next few days.
Rogo turns six on Mon. I can't believe it. It seems like just a year ago he arrived as an ugly duckling two year old. Maybe it's just my adoration, but I think he gets handsomer all the time :)
Comments
keep it up! you are moving ahead and can do it!
My trainer always reminds me that forward fixes most problems - especially with straightness. As you know - dressage takes time. There's no use hurrying.
You guys look great together, and your farm is beautiful!! Happy birthday to Rogo - that handsome devil. Did he almost mow down your videographer?! ;)
I think Rogo looks great. You can be very proud. You have backed him and now he is here and it is perfect. It is where he is supposed to be now. He is so handsome and trying so hard. I know you don't want to see him alternate from head up and fast to slow and head down - it is uneven, but it will work out and get consistent. His transitions will get smoother and he will learn to find that consistency. I'm with Calm, Forward, Straight - there is no use in hurrying.
My favorite part of the video probably makes you mad, but I like when you trot out to the center in the beginning and halt and square up and he moves his hinds out to his right ever so slightly - (your left leg? your rein? your seat? his decision?) whatever caused it, it reminded me of Pie - listening soooo well and responding to the tiniest of messages, even when I didn't mean to send it. That tells me how amazing Rogo will be! He is great now and headed to even more greatness. What a nice dressage horse you have!
Now, to get my elbows freed up and continue to patiently (?) work on forward.
As you know the biggest problem was lack of forward. I wonder why he wasn't when he has been lately. Maybe your nerves in front of the camera? I get very tense in front of a camera.
The only thing I noticed with you was the elbow thing, although I couldn't quite figure out what I was seeing so I'm glad Teresa knew and pointed it out. It almost looked like you were just tense throughout your shoulders. Maybe try doing some stretches in the saddle before you ride (if he's okay with your swinging your arms around lol). Otherwise you looked fantastic! You've definitely done great with your leg. I'm amazed at how you can recognize a problem and then fix it. Very good job. :)