Billy Elliot @ Dressage competition *Pics*

Zijdeglans

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Had a very very busy weekend! Poooh...

Yesterday I was at a stallionshow with Toots which was hled on the otherside of Holland, 3 hour trailer ride.:eek:

Today it was Billy's first outdoor competition. I've only been competing him in indoor, because it was the indoor season when I started competing. So, he was very sharp and active. But hey, it worked out very well!
First test was a drama, white fence was very scary and so much going on around him! Scored 59% in that test.
Second test was more relaxed and he was very sharp, which got us a score of 64%. Very happy with my chap, good practise for him.

Here are the pics!
Warming up
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First test
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Scary white fence!:eek:
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The second test!
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Tulips in the background :D Typical Holland!
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Stunning pics - what level was the competition? He looks a lot more advanced in the pics than most I see scoring around the late 50's early 60's.
 
He looks much better in the second test pics, more relaxed. Isn't it difficult though when you get them all warmed up and relaxed indoors and then you go outside and they forget everything!!
 
Farma, it's probably different standards too .. if it's anything like Germany, tests score about 10% lower than they would in the UK!

A huge well done on your scores and I love, love, love the photo with the tulip fields in the background!
 
He is just so stunning! You look great together. Congrats and best of luck for the future, look forward to seeing many more reports.
 
He looks great! I have to agree with Farma, from the pics you'd be expecting much higher marks - are judges particularly tough in Holland or is the level of competition just disproportionately higher than what you'd see in the UK?
 
Am interested to hear the replies of the scoring system....

Well done!! You both look lovely, as usual!! :p I do LOVE Billy! Your comment about tulips/typical Holland made me chuckle!

Out of curiosity - how far do you usually travel for competing? When I was showing, we used to think a 4hr trip was pretty decent.... But with dressage we don't go anywhere (unless it's a qualifier/regionals etc) over 1 1/2 hour max....
 
@ Farma
I compete in the L2, no idea what the UK equivalant is. But the judges over here are very strict, you need to ride absolutely perfect is you want 65% and over.

@OnInAMillion
It's very annoying! He was going very well, but once outside, everything was more important than me. :rolleyes:

@Booboos
The judges are higher and the competition is tougher. Very frustrating sometimes!:D

@Nikkimariet
My max is 2 hours, but for important competitions 4 hours. I usually just stay local in the winter, in the summer I'm out and about all the time.

Everyone else, thanks! :D
 
Lovely pix - he looks like he went really well.


And on %s - my sister lived in sweden for 2 years and said the same thing - marking is harder on the continent
 
Thanks for clarifying that! I am sure glad I don't compete in the Netherlands because R is out and about at the equivalent of L2 but comparing with the photos of your boy, R would be getting about 30% in the Netherlands!!!! Luckily for me the level in France appears to be lower than the UK so I expect greatness when I am finally back in the saddle again! :)
 
Booboos I dearly hope that's the case for you but don't be disappointed if it isn't.
In Italy the standard of horses and riders is lower than in the UK but judges are still extremely strict, it's so rare to get a single 8 here and most percentages are between the lower 50s and the lower 60s. At all levels!

I think it's a question of the judges' attitude rather than the standards of riding -- it must be British judges who are particularly generous compared to their European colleagues and like to give high marks :D
 
He looks fantastic as usual! I also love the tulip picture :) He looks very established for a youngster, I can't wait for more reports.
 
Well done - shame he wasn't concentrating in the first test, but he does look gorgeous in the photos! Out of interest, what were the scores of the winning competitors?
 
Well done - shame he wasn't concentrating in the first test, but he does look gorgeous in the photos! Out of interest, what were the scores of the winning competitors?

The winner had scores of 73% and 68%, she was absolutely perfect! No faults, everything uphill and elegant, very friendly riding too.
 
The winner had scores of 73% and 68%, she was absolutely perfect! No faults, everything uphill and elegant, very friendly riding too.

I love that quote 'very friendly riding' gives a nice impression of the rider - Ill remember that phrase! x
 
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