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

Oak Creek Ranch said…
He is VERY handsome. Seems like you guys are on the right track.
TeresaA said…
He is very handsome and you two looked will matched. I love how you can keep your legs down and long. He also has a very calm air which will be invaluable in the show ring. The two biggest things I see is that he's not forward and that your elbows appear locked so your hands go up and down with the posting. This is likely contributing to his lack of forward but not all of it.

keep it up! you are moving ahead and can do it!
Carol, it's so funny - that video could be Val and I. We're definitely working on the same issues these days.

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?! ;)
juliette said…
Carol,
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!
Carol said…
I'm a big old goof because I can feel myself getting a little lump in my throat as I read your comments :) Thanks for the kind words and great feedback. I'm going to read and re-read how Teresa said I can keep my legs long and down lol. Remember, that was an equitation goal in March - I was curling them up before to try to hold him in the canter. And Juliette reminding me I backed him and how is where he should be, and CFS telling me it could be her and Val (I've seen her videos and it's striking) and Annette telling me he's handsome. Yes!
Now, to get my elbows freed up and continue to patiently (?) work on forward.
Carol said…
Oh yes, he did almost run over Doug :)
Karen said…
Well I just ADORE your horse! He is so lovely and you have clearly made him into a solid citizen. :) My only comments are what you already know - more forward. (do 1000s of walk, trot, walk transitions) More bend in the ribcage. But that stuff will come. You guys are a great pair!
Kitanna said…
Great job Carol! Looks good :)
Rising Rainbow said…
When I look at the lack of forward, the first thing that came to my mind was ground work. If it were me, I'd be working the horse in the long lines and really working on him being consistent with his forward. Sometimes removing the rider from the equation makes it easier for the horse to understand that forward is the goal.
smazourek said…
I just wanted to add that you look quite slim in the video :)
Jan said…
Carol, This is a lovely video! Both you and Rogo look great! I see a good horse and rider team in harmony- Rogo is working well with you, no tail swishing, or antics, and you look very attached to him, riding in concert with him. That's wonderful to see. I know you may wish he did a few things better, but overall, the harmony and connection that I see with you two is quite remarkable. And you have time to add improvements to this amazing connection you have now. Good work, Rogo (and you, too, Carol!)>
Achieve1dream said…
You guys look great! And he's so handsome! And your farm and arena are great and I laughed out loud when he almost ran over Doug. So funny. :) I'm glad you shared the video.

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. :)