Bob and I went dressaging for the first time today....

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_Acolyte_

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We had an absolutely fab time, which some of you might not understand when you see our results....
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The day all ran like clockwork really - I had allowed myself loads of time, so was able to get ready in a leisurely way then have a nice calm drive to the venue (Abbey Dressage, Glos). Bob always takes ages to warm up, so I got on 45 mins before my first test and he was really good
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No spooking or napping, very very tense as expected (him and me
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) but very very well behaved
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Our first test was indoors, in a lovely arena with mirrors at the end.... Bob hasnt been indoors or seen mirrors for over a year now
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Thankfully it was only Prelim 7, so we did our bit and he was much much better than I had expected... but still very tense! So we got (whispers....) 50%
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Our second test was outdoors, Prelim 15, and he was loads better again and more relaxed
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Still tense again mind you, but it felt nicer - we got a slightly better mark, 54.78%
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But despite the rubbish results I am very very happy with him, and had a great day - I cant wait until next weekend when we are out again
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And a HUGE thanks to Zalacca who came & took pics (I will post some later if they arent too embarrasing
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) it was lovely to have someone there for moral support
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Two questions though:

Zalacca suggested I use NAF Magic calmer for Bob to see if it makes him slightly less tense - this has been recommended to me before, but is it dressage/eventing legal?

Also Bob is currently on Alfa A Oil (1 scoop), Speedibeat (1/2 scoop) and Baileys No 4 conditioning cubes (1 scoop) twice a day - has anyone got any suggestions about what I could swap the cubes for, which might make him less excited about life?

Sorry its long, thanks for reading, I feel soooo
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Fab! I've been waiting for this
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Well done!

I think it is better to have a good day and the results not reflect it, than a pants day and have amazing results!
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Eric has just gone on NAF, can't comment on how it has affected him yet, as he hasn't kept a shoe on/been lame/had a hole in his head longer than a day at the moment
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He is also on Calm and Condition to put the weight on him without blowing his head off!
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If he was completely mine I would have him on Nupafeed Calmer, I really rate it, but I don't get much say in these things!
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Aww I'm so glad you had a good time! I love going out, I hadn't done any competing for about 5 years and the past few months we have been out and about and I am loving it - luck you that you can go out most weekends!
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The only way is up
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What about a cooling mix?
 
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I think it is better to have a good day and the results not reflect it, than a pants day and have amazing results!
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That's the way I look at it!
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Ah well done, so glad you had a lot of fun!!!!

NAF stuff is legal for everything, i would second the recommendation for oxyshot...works brilliantly i found. However, bear in mind that he will pick up on you being tense so you can work on that too and that'll help.

Have you got anymore outings planned for him? Can i request pics next time please
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Well Done today.
I am getting great results from D&H Staypower cubes. I struggled to find something that gave B energy without blowing his (tiny) brain. It is only 10% starch so very low compared to a lot of conditioning/competition feeds but he has come out of winter fit and much better covered than last year and has plenty of focussed energy and stamina.
 
Thanks for your lovely comments everyone, I nearly didnt post cos I was so
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about our marks, but I am so happy with him
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And thanks VERY much for the advice, I shall give Oxyshot a go - and I hear what you are saying about my tension too AutumnRose, you are absolutely right of course, not sure how to cure mine as I hate Rescue Remedy and it doesnt work on me
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I shall also investigate the D&H stuff instead of the Baileys No 4, they have done an excellent job at improving his condition but they may well be a contributory factor to blowing his mind
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We are dressaging at Summerhouse next weekend, and Hartpury the weekend after that, with maybe Burrows Court the weekend after that (unless I get my jumping sorted, in which case we will do a hunter trial!) So lots of pics and reports to follow I'm afraid
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Well done. I did my first dressage 2 weeks ago. Pickle went from a chilled out horse at home and in warm up! then tense and very fast in test. I got 50% but like you still had a great day
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Sure your going to have lots of fun this summer.
 
If you want something conditioning but not mindblowing try D&H build up mix or cubes. my loony mare is on them and with them and oxyshot she is a different horse to compete. D&H are really helpful if you ring their helpline.
I'm sure your tension will improve as you go out more, and at least you are aware of it so you can remind yourself to relax etc. Shame you can't tell the horses to relax!!!!
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well done! sounds like a very good day
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as for untenseing yourself, you have to BELIEVE that the rescue remedy is working
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its all about the placebo effect
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Well done !! So pleased to hear that you have gotten out competing at long last, I know that you have dreamt about this for ages!! Sounds like a fab start
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Re feed; would reccomend what Woody has, ( also a tense machine, and this diet seems to be helping) sugar beet, hifi, and Baileys Lo cal Balancer with soya oil with ablib haylage. He holds his weight very well cos the haylage is v.good quality. Will put him on the Baileys Outshine ( which is just oil in pellet form) as well at some point.
 
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well done! sounds like a very good day
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as for untenseing yourself, you have to BELIEVE that the rescue remedy is working
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its all about the placebo effect
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But it tastes yucky as well
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Oh OK, I will buy some more
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[ QUOTE ]
Well done !! So pleased to hear that you have gotten out competing at long last, I know that you have dreamt about this for ages!! Sounds like a fab start
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Re feed; would reccomend what Woody has, ( also a tense machine, and this diet seems to be helping) sugar beet, hifi, and Baileys Lo cal Balancer with soya oil with ablib haylage. He holds his weight very well cos the haylage is v.good quality. Will put him on the Baileys Outshine ( which is just oil in pellet form) as well at some point.

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I see a trip to the feed merchants coming up here
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Thanks for the advice O_B
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And thanks to everyone again for your lovely comments, it shows how nice CR people are that you are so positive and encouraging after such...ahem... interesting results
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All NAF products are Competition legal, the British Olympic teams use them!!!

I use NAF Magic on my mad gelderlander, and it works great, im sure its the only reason he went from competing unaff prelim to Advanced medium affiliated in three years!! It softens his whole topline, his stride lengthens and he is so much softer and less worrried!!

Well done with your results, dressage needs more people that get out there and really enjoy themselves!!
 
Well done, that sounds like brilliant start!

And good for you for posting, I promise to post with my (usually) not so good marks next time I am out
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Isabelle
 
You are quite right - perfectly possible to have a very good day with pants results on paper. My daughter got eliminated twice today ion 2 Eventers Challenge classes, but had a great time. He did the SJ clear, he had a couple of stops at an owl hole type thing, and one at a pallisade (elimination in class 1) BUT he did the water first time, she did get him over the pallisade in the end (kind organiser came and helped her and her friend get over to end on a positive). Second round clear SJ, made it up the steps first time after some determined riding. Had two stops at the steps down (she said it took three goes to get her courage up - nothing to do with pony) and was eliminated at the owl hole after she decided to turn a circle knowing she would be eliminated, but thinking she couldn't do it on the approach she had and wanted a straighter slower approach. Sensible and brave girl with two eliminations, but a smile.

So yes - well done you with your two classes on your first time out. If you enjoyed it, then it was a good and successful day.
 
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