Disappointed dressage mum :(

[Jesstickle]

If they really are just doing it for fun (and why not?), then they really shouldn't complain if their fun doesn't actually equal the requirements of the discipline.

Ne'er a truer word said.

Kids should have a bash at everything and see what they like. Somethings they will find more fun than others and those are the ones they should do. It is meant to be fun but a judge is there to do a job. If dressage scores are demoralising and dressage isn't fun next time do something more enjoyable or shrug your shoulders and say 'who wants to be good at boring dressage anyway?' (which is my approach!) or say 'hey, I'm really inspired to work hard and do better next time'

 

[ester]

We do a good line in needs to take more weight behind ATM especially in elems which isn't going to happen at his age/crockness but the judge doesn't know that and it's a valid comment so I smile and tell him not to worry - and work on the bits we can

 

[Lolo]

Ne'er a truer word said.

Kids should have a bash at everything and see what they like. Somethings they will find more fun than others and those are the ones they should do. It is meant to be fun but a judge is there to do a job. If dressage scores are demoralising and dressage isn't fun next time do something more enjoyable or shrug your shoulders and say 'who wants to be good at boring dressage anyway?' (which is my approach!) or say 'hey, I'm really inspired to work hard and do better next time'

This And you can do both options, which seems to have been Al's approach! She wants a good score and works very hard with her horses to ensure they can achieve what she wants them to, and she has realistic expectations of what good is for each individual.

If your daughter is keen, and a reasonably literate, volunteer for dressage writing. You can see exactly where you lose marks, and it has really improved Al's test riding- presenting what you've got well can make a big difference. I managed to eek nearly 60% from a horse who moved very badly, was always very above the bit and never showed any sign of submission or suppleness by presenting the test well...

 

[oldie48]

Having gone through the "I hate dressage" with a daughter who was dead keen to event, it was amazing turnaround when she realised that a well schooled pony was easier to jump, control out hunting and was basically, just a nicer pony to ride. Dressage judging can be very subjective (I know it shouldn't be, but it is, especially at the lower levels) Perhaps we should be helping our younger riders to understand why "doing flatwork" makes everything else easier than criticising judges who give their time freely for nothing other than mileage.