children and dressage

[bugbee717]

My seven year old did a walk trot test today, her score was 59.1% which I thought was good.
It is only her second time doing a test, but of course she is now beating her self up that she should have done better ( I am not a pushy parent, she wants to do it ).

Dispite telling her that the top score was only 69% and the fact that she was the only child doing the test. All the women must have been over 25.

I think she did so well, but sometimes I think is it worth it when I can see how upset she gets, she is a really good little rider. kids how would have them !!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[alainax]

Dressage i suppose could be compared to dancing or figure skating, its all about the judges opinion and percentages.

How would she be if it were a more win/lose kinda event, like jumping? Your score is easy for you to work out and you know exactly how to make it better ( ie dont knock poles down!). Kinda like a flat race in athletics, the winner is clear.

Im in no was discouraging her from doing it, as i thinks its fantastic she is doing so well in a discipline alot of children wouldnt have enough patience for! But maybe a mix of a few discipline would hofully not put her off by not winning?

Also if she loves doing it then she will of course get fuistrated when she knows she can do better. Its shows a great deal of maturity to know she can do better and to want to keep trying. I think your doing the rigth thing in gentle encouragement, she'l soo let you know if she doesnt like to anymore!!