BD Intro B test - Quick question

[krushby]

Hi

I'm taking my youngster out for our first outing on Saturday for intro and prelim dressage. Having had a break from having a horse for a few years, this is the first time I've done one of the Intro tests.

The movement says in working trot "Circle right 20m and allow the horse to stretch, taking up the reins before returning to A".

How much should you release the contact and how long for? I'm guessing more than a give and retake, less than a free walk on a long rein? Or is it an extended give and retake? Does it matter as long as they show some willingness to stretch.

If anyone has any tips, it would be much appreciated.

If he's engaged enough to want to stretch, and not too busy watching everything going on around him, I'll be chuffed anyway!!

 

[andraste]

It's more than an extended give and retake. They are looking for the horse to stretch and seek the contact downwards, pretty much for the duration of the circle, while maintaining rhythm, balance etc. Think of it as the same type of movement as the free walk on a long rein rather than a give and retake. Hope this helps.

 

[soulfull]

echo above, they really really want to see horse stretch down nicely

 

[krushby]

Thanks very much guys. That has answered my question. Like I said, he will do when he's going nicely at home, but whether we'll achieve this on Saturday is a whole different question!

 

[ecrozier]

Lol mine did NOT get this when we did intro B - like you I'd never done walk trot tests before as they didn't exist when my older boy was at that level. Roo thought the idea of nice lon reins was to give him more opportunity to gawk at his surroundings! But at home instructor said to think of it a bit like free trot on a long rein!
Best of luck!

ETA can't believe I have been so blonde as have seen your threads before but I have just worked out who you are! And have commented on your boy on facebook - he looks lovely - report and pics from weekend please. Equestrian world is a small place isn't it (altho perhaps not as small as the world of rowing )

 

[krushby]

Lol think there will be much gawking going on based on tonight. I also have a case of dressagetest-itis. As soon as entries go in I forget everything I've ever learnt about how to ride.

I wasn't sure whether you knew or not! It's a very small world. Haven't been back in a rowing boat since our last race at Henley. 4 legs are much more fun! Think our youngsters are much the same age although mine's a bit smaller by the sounds of things! Yours look lovely - I've been following progress with interest. Hhhm not sure I'll promise report - depends how it goes!! Will at least try to get some photos as only have the couple that are on FB

 

[ecrozier]

I tend to look on competitions mainly as photo opportunities with roo! He'll be 5 in July so yes I think same age? Never intended to get something quite so big, he was meant to be for OH who then lost interest! Had him almost 2 years now tho amazingly.
I haven't been in a boat since my last race at Henley either! Amazing when something is so much part of your life and then completely ends. But horses definately fill the gap very nicely!
Good luck tomorrow, def need to see some pics!

 

[scribble]

As you start the circle from A and come off the track i then gave mine a long rein to buckle end and they are supposed to stay trotting and not clear off etc then between the centre line and A pick up your reins again so you are ready to ride the next movement. When you actually ride it it happens very quickly anyway so dont worry.

 

[mystiandsunny]

Would it work if you rode this as if it was 'long and low'? I'm doing this test on Sunday and can't decide whether to try the 'long and low' approach, or just go for a longer rein and have her stretch forward?