Essex Maverick
Member
Up until a few weeks ago I had no idea there were 2 ways of basic dressage training. I now understand that the most common way is to be taught the German based way. However, following a recent trip to Portugal, my daughter was lucky enough to grab a few lessons with an extremely talented lady, who teaches the French way, and the differences were quite mind blowing, some being the opposite to what my daughter has been taught over the last 5 years. Now firstly I have to say her UK coach is amazing, taking her up through the ranks with some great coaching. However, my daughters pony suffers constantly with a tight back, and being a mare does not always want to do as asked - when asked (all been there yes?). After the two sessions on horses trained the French way she tried a few of the techniques at home and was amazed at how her Pony reacted in a better way. The main part was the fact that everything is slowed right down, rising less, and communicating everything from her core not the leg or the reigns. One of her main problems before has always been balance, the more forward the more unbalanced, however with the French way by slowing it down the balance was beautiful . So collection and softness was her next projects to work on at home.
Here is my issue.
Does she sacrifice balance for forwardness? In the eyes of a dressage judge what would they rather see? A slower more balanced routine or a forward going pony but a little less balanced.??? The problem with changing to this way means she will loose out on some pace?
Thanks for reading.
Here is my issue.
Does she sacrifice balance for forwardness? In the eyes of a dressage judge what would they rather see? A slower more balanced routine or a forward going pony but a little less balanced.??? The problem with changing to this way means she will loose out on some pace?
Thanks for reading.