Dressage test critique anyone?

Michen

Michen

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We are finally improving! Tried a new tactic at Calmsden BE90 today... Not warming up. Made me a bit twitchy as I worry about muscles etc but straight off the trailer and straight into test and it worked. I think he thinks that when he warms up, then goes in for dressage thus "moving" from the warm up that he's going jumping which is what makes him such a lunatic in the dressage.

We got a 33.5 which was slightly above mid range for our section (pleasing as two events ago we got the worst score in our section!)

Any suggestions on where we can improve on in our test from here? Sorry video is portrait. Waiting for my test to be posted to me for the comments.

I am hoping to scrape some pennies from the back of the sofa for a lesson before our last event but looking unlikely!

[video]https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=w6Cvwc-eSeI[/video]

Thanks all xx
 
Nice test!

I was watching from my phone so not able to see much but a couple of things i noted where you could make more marks was; the free walk B-E at the end, he could stretch down more - (if it wasn't FW and should be MW, more contact and slightly more active walk) and the canter transitions could be a bit sharper/ tidier but other wise looked to be a nice accurate test!
 
Thank you! It was a free walk, bit unsure how to get more stretch, he's generally a bit too tense/excited but I guess that will
come with time. Apparently you are supposed to change diagonal on X as well!? Didn't even know that! See you at tweseldown this wkend?
 
Michen said:
Thank you! It was a free walk, bit unsure how to get more stretch, he's generally a bit too tense/excited but I guess that will
come with time. Apparently you are supposed to change diagonal on X as well!? Didn't even know that! See you at tweseldown this wkend?
Click to expand...

I teach mine by going down hill, I ask them to lengthen their neck by pushing the reins out, giving the rein a little twitch to encourage them to follow it not just let the rein go slack. I find by introducing it on a slight downhill gravity plays its part until they get the idea!

Did the judge write about changing diagonal on your sheet? I'd be lucky if o actually remembered to change diagonal atall! I didn't think it was written anywhere that you need to change at a specific point - maybe it's just the judges preference!

Yes to Tweseldown! I'm doing the 80 on Saturday may go up on the Sunday to watch if weather is good as have some friends competing. I offered to volunteer/ fence judge but haven't heard anything yet! What day are you doing?
 
Ooo I will give that a go thanks! I'm so rubbish at dressage!!!

No a friend mentioned it who videoed me. I haven't got my sheet as didn't wait around so they are posting it.

I have offered for them before too and heard nothing (for a different event). Going on the Sunday for the 90. Not sure whether I'm doing the right thing as he loves the big gallopy hilly courses and tweseldown won't be a great XC for him but probably a good test!
 
you can change your diagonal anywhere you like, or wherever is most convenient. most people do so over the middle of the arena but you could do it at the start or the end of the change of rein.... or wherever. There's no penalty for not changing in a specific place :)
 
A quick look as I am at work - naughty :)

Becoming a bit over bent at times - have a look at why - heavy in the hand, not stretching to the contact. It could be related to the reason behind the FW if the contact isn't being taken up properly.

Are the canter trans supposed to be at C? If so they are a little late.

If you are talking the half circles then yes you should change diagonal as you change bend -otherwise you are on the wrong leg. If you are talking diagonals (HXF ect) then you could change leg over X but it would not be incorrect ot change nearer the track (I change as I am taking the bend just before the last letter of the diagonal.

Pretty good test all in all.
 
Overall, a nice test. Your walk is nicely forwards, but trot/canter work does look a little quick and hurried in places - slowing the rhythm down would allow him to take slightly longer strides and make the picture a bit more relaxed, which in turn makes it easier for the judge to give you higher marks :)
 
Batgirl said:
If you are talking the half circles then yes you should change diagonal as you change bend -otherwise you are on the wrong leg. If you are talking diagonals (HXF ect) then you could change leg over X but it would not be incorrect ot change nearer the track (I change as I am taking the bend just before the last letter of the diagonal.
Click to expand...

Just on this (couldn't watch whole video as poop internet service) but on trot diagonals I'm interested in your reply, there was a long thread on the BD forum some time ago about this. (can't get on the judges forum, this was the general one but lots of judges responded.) The consensus was that the rider should not be penalised for being on the wrong diagonal (unless they so disrupted the horse's way of going, presumably then it would be in the rider mark). I believe they rise on the opposite diagonal in some countries too?

(FWIW I can understand the argument for when/where to change, this is just an aside :) )
 
milliepops said:
Just on this (couldn't watch whole video as poop internet service) but on trot diagonals I'm interested in your reply, there was a long thread on the BD forum some time ago about this. (can't get on the judges forum, this was the general one but lots of judges responded.) The consensus was that the rider should not be penalised for being on the wrong diagonal (unless they so disrupted the horse's way of going, presumably then it would be in the rider mark). I believe they rise on the opposite diagonal in some countries too?

(FWIW I can understand the argument for when/where to change, this is just an aside :) )
Click to expand...

This was my understanding too - im probably on the diagonal 50% of the time, an never had anyone mention it!
 
Sweet test. He has come on enormously - well done, you must be so thrilled.

A couple of things things: A lot of your trot work was hurried and he was coming behind the contact - and your outside leg was way back, nagging, not just on the bends. Soften your hands a little, and slow the trot with your rising, at the same time use your calves to really push him up to the bridle. It might help you achieve this if you really concentrate on sitting on your tail bone and pushing your shoulders back - that way you can exercise little half halts, too. Practise on the circle at home - don't worry about tracking up too much to start off with but just work up and down the pace with your rise dictating the pace. Then you can start to 'push' into the contact a bit more.

Set him up for the transitions with a half halt before the transition - just bringing your shoulders back and pushing your weight into your heels (make sure your feet don't swing forward) should do it and he'll be a bit more ready for the transition as he'll be expecting something to happen.

I'd say you could ask for a bit more inside bend on the circles, but don't make him tilt his head.

Others' advice on the walk is what I'd say, too.

Well done, though, you look fab.
 
Fwol isn't a FW. He needs to take the contact forward & down, lengthen his stride & really cover the ground. He is quite inattentive during it which you will lose marks for.

Trans up and down into canter could be better prepared as a bit unbalanced & hurried. Also I think he needs to bend around your inside leg better, esp in turns which can look a little bit rushed. If you can slow the trot down and encourage him to take longer strides, it will improve the whole test as you'll have more time to prepare.

Only picky things though, I'm being super critical, as it was a nice test. It might be worth finding a good pure DR instructor for some pointers (you made a comment earlier in thread about being unsure how to get stretch in fwol), if you don't already. My horse is v similar to yours & getting the perspective of a pure DR teacher has been an epiphany!

Well done though, I think he's lovely & it's a good test (better than you think it is, I think! 😉).
 
good test and i noticed a few things which you could improve on.....transitions both up and down need to be better especially trot to canter, he trotted faster before cantering so he needs to answer the canter aid from a slower trot. downward transitions, he seems to fall into rather than smoothly down and keeping his weight off of the forehand. hands need to be softer and stiller to encourage him not to be overbent,...this is being ultra critical because you did ask for critique however if i had done that test i would be very happy , he is a lovely horse and with a bit of tweaking you could be in the 20's....very well done!!!!!
 
Batgirl said:
A quick look as I am at work - naughty :)

Becoming a bit over bent at times - have a look at why - heavy in the hand, not stretching to the contact. It could be related to the reason behind the FW if the contact isn't being taken up properly.

Are the canter trans supposed to be at C? If so they are a little late.

If you are talking the half circles then yes you should change diagonal as you change bend -otherwise you are on the wrong leg. If you are talking diagonals (HXF ect) then you could change leg over X but it would not be incorrect ot change nearer the track (I change as I am taking the bend just before the last letter of the diagonal.

Pretty good test all in all.
Click to expand...

smja said:
Overall, a nice test. Your walk is nicely forwards, but trot/canter work does look a little quick and hurried in places - slowing the rhythm down would allow him to take slightly longer strides and make the picture a bit more relaxed, which in turn makes it easier for the judge to give you higher marks :)
Click to expand...

HeresHoping said:
Sweet test. He has come on enormously - well done, you must be so thrilled.

A couple of things things: A lot of your trot work was hurried and he was coming behind the contact - and your outside leg was way back, nagging, not just on the bends. Soften your hands a little, and slow the trot with your rising, at the same time use your calves to really push him up to the bridle. It might help you achieve this if you really concentrate on sitting on your tail bone and pushing your shoulders back - that way you can exercise little half halts, too. Practise on the circle at home - don't worry about tracking up too much to start off with but just work up and down the pace with your rise dictating the pace. Then you can start to 'push' into the contact a bit more.

Set him up for the transitions with a half halt before the transition - just bringing your shoulders back and pushing your weight into your heels (make sure your feet don't swing forward) should do it and he'll be a bit more ready for the transition as he'll be expecting something to happen.

I'd say you could ask for a bit more inside bend on the circles, but don't make him tilt his head.

Others' advice on the walk is what I'd say, too.

Well done, though, you look fab.
Click to expand...

chestnut cob said:
Fwol isn't a FW. He needs to take the contact forward & down, lengthen his stride & really cover the ground. He is quite inattentive during it which you will lose marks for.

Trans up and down into canter could be better prepared as a bit unbalanced & hurried. Also I think he needs to bend around your inside leg better, esp in turns which can look a little bit rushed. If you can slow the trot down and encourage him to take longer strides, it will improve the whole test as you'll have more time to prepare.

Only picky things though, I'm being super critical, as it was a nice test. It might be worth finding a good pure DR instructor for some pointers (you made a comment earlier in thread about being unsure how to get stretch in fwol), if you don't already. My horse is v similar to yours & getting the perspective of a pure DR teacher has been an epiphany!

Well done though, I think he's lovely & it's a good test (better than you think it is, I think! ��).
Click to expand...

splashgirl45 said:
good test and i noticed a few things which you could improve on.....transitions both up and down need to be better especially trot to canter, he trotted faster before cantering so he needs to answer the canter aid from a slower trot. downward transitions, he seems to fall into rather than smoothly down and keeping his weight off of the forehand. hands need to be softer and stiller to encourage him not to be overbent,...this is being ultra critical because you did ask for critique however if i had done that test i would be very happy , he is a lovely horse and with a bit of tweaking you could be in the 20's....very well done!!!!!
Click to expand...



Thank you everyone this is all really useful advice. We certainly have a long way to go but I am pleased we are no longer getting disobedient written in our test comments! Plenty to work on over winter. Thank you all so much again for your help and comments, really appreciated. Xx
 
Ignoring way of going (I think there have been enough comments above!), you could pick up more marks by making a clear distinction between how you ride a corner (eg AK, HC, CM etc) and when you are on a half or whole 20m circle from A or C. At the moment I see no difference at all in the way you move between the two markers. These are marks that are easy to gain - or lose!
 
Just a quick note - you should get into the habit of changing your diagonal at either the start or I prefer the end of the diagonal. Once you start having to do medium trots across the diagonal, your horse will struggle to maintain balance with you sitting for two beats :) Also changing diagonal isn't the prettiest thing for a judge to see right over X and often puts the horse out of his rhythm. Otherwise a very smart test with a nice score!
 
Thank you, noted! Though I don't intend to ever be doing a high enough level for medium trot hehe. We just do dressage as the necessary bit to go SJ/XC! Thanks so much for your comments xx

TRCequestrian said:
Just a quick note - you should get into the habit of changing your diagonal at either the start or I prefer the end of the diagonal. Once you start having to do medium trots across the diagonal, your horse will struggle to maintain balance with you sitting for two beats :) Also changing diagonal isn't the prettiest thing for a judge to see right over X and often puts the horse out of his rhythm. Otherwise a very smart test with a nice score!
Click to expand...
 
Thank you, you are totally right! Something I definitely need more practice on xx

gunnergundog said:
Ignoring way of going (I think there have been enough comments above!), you could pick up more marks by making a clear distinction between how you ride a corner (eg AK, HC, CM etc) and when you are on a half or whole 20m circle from A or C. At the moment I see no difference at all in the way you move between the two markers. These are marks that are easy to gain - or lose!
Click to expand...
 
milliepops said:
Just on this (couldn't watch whole video as poop internet service) but on trot diagonals I'm interested in your reply, there was a long thread on the BD forum some time ago about this. (can't get on the judges forum, this was the general one but lots of judges responded.) The consensus was that the rider should not be penalised for being on the wrong diagonal (unless they so disrupted the horse's way of going, presumably then it would be in the rider mark). I believe they rise on the opposite diagonal in some countries too?

(FWIW I can understand the argument for when/where to change, this is just an aside :) )
Click to expand...

Very late reply Milliepops, sorry, been busy!
You are right, checking you are on the crrect diagonal is not something judges actively look for - however a diagonal is like it is in the UK for a reason - it is only really relevant on a bend however and therefore would likely be noticed on a circle for example as it would normally affect the way of going - rising on the 'wrong' diagonal on a circle is actually a suppling exercise.

So, in rambly conclusion - if you WANT to change diagonal there is no 'correct' place on a straight line. For half circles and serpentines it should be on change of bend (or indeed to encourage change of bend. Judges don't specifically look for the 'wrong' diagonal (it doesn't even appear in guidelines or rules)
 
Lovely test to watch, I won't reiterate what others have said. But if I could make a suggestion it would be to lengthen your stirrups by a couple of holes and to slow everything down.
 
blackhor2e said:
Lovely test to watch, I won't reiterate what others have said. But if I could make a suggestion it would be to lengthen your stirrups by a couple of holes and to slow everything down.
Click to expand...

Totally agree with this ^ my thoughts exactly. Once you can ride with a longer leg and a little more strength in your core ( as just getting behind the movement a tad ) things will improve.
Your horse goes sweetly for you but if you work to improve yourself I can imagine there's a lot more potential!
Lots of work on the lunge and without stirrups, good luck x
 
milliepops said:
Just on this (couldn't watch whole video as poop internet service) but on trot diagonals I'm interested in your reply, there was a long thread on the BD forum some time ago about this. (can't get on the judges forum, this was the general one but lots of judges responded.) The consensus was that the rider should not be penalised for being on the wrong diagonal (unless they so disrupted the horse's way of going, presumably then it would be in the rider mark). I believe they rise on the opposite diagonal in some countries too?

(FWIW I can understand the argument for when/where to change, this is just an aside :) )
Click to expand...

When riding in England it was hammered into me to change the diagonal on over X, when I rode in Switzerland it was when you changed bend meeting the track, in France they don't care - all of our tests are ridden sitting ;)
 
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