BroadfordQueen
Well-Known Member
I have my first BE novice tomorrow, and have obviously been practising the dressage movements for the last few weeks, with no real problems- her mediums are pretty good, her rein back is a million times better than it was, and he transitions are much sharper. I hadn't practiced much counter canter, as I went through that movement a handful of times on both reins and she was perfect so didn't really feel the need to keep doing it.
However, yesterday I had a dressage lesson, and I went through the main movements in the test. She was brilliant, until we got to the counter canter- she did the loop fine, and was never in risk of breaking to a trot- but on the right rein (her worst) she kept changing when we got to the track!!!
Her flying changes were awsome, and my dressage trainer said dressage pros would kill for them (including herself!), but it isn't what I want her to do! It was hard because I didn't want to tell her off for doing it, as I need her to be good at flying changes for jumping etc. We think the reason she was changing is because it was in an indoor school, and the boards make her back off slightly and change, whereas out in an open field she doesn't do it.
We went back through the movement today, in an open field, and she changed again
I think she has got it in her head now that she is to change instead of staying on the same leg, even though we ended yesterdays session with 3 good counter canters...I am gutted, but have decided not to push it, if she changes tomorrow then theres not a lot I can do, but I was wondering if anyone had any tips for the long run, so I can do better in the future?
Have tried all sorts of exercises such as shallow loops along the long side in canter, but she still sodding changed! My trainer said I don't put enough weight to the right, but even with a near on perfect position from me she threw in the odd change.
Any ideas? I know I wont be able to find a quick fix by tomorrow, but I want to work on it for my next novice. Thanks
However, yesterday I had a dressage lesson, and I went through the main movements in the test. She was brilliant, until we got to the counter canter- she did the loop fine, and was never in risk of breaking to a trot- but on the right rein (her worst) she kept changing when we got to the track!!!
Her flying changes were awsome, and my dressage trainer said dressage pros would kill for them (including herself!), but it isn't what I want her to do! It was hard because I didn't want to tell her off for doing it, as I need her to be good at flying changes for jumping etc. We think the reason she was changing is because it was in an indoor school, and the boards make her back off slightly and change, whereas out in an open field she doesn't do it.
We went back through the movement today, in an open field, and she changed again
Have tried all sorts of exercises such as shallow loops along the long side in canter, but she still sodding changed! My trainer said I don't put enough weight to the right, but even with a near on perfect position from me she threw in the odd change.
Any ideas? I know I wont be able to find a quick fix by tomorrow, but I want to work on it for my next novice. Thanks