“Unlevel” dressage comment?

[Hippoloosa]

Anyone know what this means? Assuming different from a vet saying unlevel as we got great scores. I think it’s possibly when on tight corners and small circles he’s still a bit unbalanced and loses the rhythm, so possibly related to that? I’m just a bit worried now that my horse looks lame

 

[ihatework]

It means the judge thinks your horse took some lame steps but isn’t allowed to say lame.

If I got unlevel comments, I’d get the vet to check horse.

 

[SusieT]

as above.

 

[Hippoloosa]

Why aren’t they allowed to say lame? I’m surprised they’d let me continue if they thought he looked lame?

 

[CanteringCarrot]

Yeah, I came here to say the same thing as ihatework.

 

[ihatework]

They aren’t allowed to say lame because they aren’t vets.

The horse would need to be consistently lame for a judge to pull the test.

If just showing slightly on a turn at some points, provided the horse didn’t look distressed most judges wouldn’t stop the test.

 

[Hippoloosa]

Ah ok I see. Hmm. He is still very weak behind so I think this is probably what it is as he’s been passed as fit and sound to restart proper schooling recently after a stifle injury, but it’ll take a while for him to be fully strong and balanced. Hes a large native breed too so it’s trickier. I’ll video myself schooling and see what I can spot and consult the vet if needs be.
Thanks all.

 

[ycbm]

Check yourself on the video as well, I was a dab hand at creating bridle lameness by being tighter in one hand than the other, especially when trying to make the horse look good! I used to cause my horses to hop.

I hope it's nothing.
.

 

[blood_magik]

Could, as you say, be lack of balance in the corners. My big, lanky horse used the be the same when he was coming back after injury.

Always worth getting them checked if you’re worried. Then you at least know it’s just lack of strength/balance