First Dressage test for baby horse

[monte1]

So, we went and did our very first dressage test last wednesday evening at a lovely, low key and friendly venue close to us.

my main aim was to see how he reacted in the warm up with other horses and when entering the arena to ride the test etc, our transitions and the canter is still a work in progress so I had no expectations with regards to scores etc.

I was travelling alone so had to get him sorted and load/unload without any help and he was just a little star. ( think he enjoys all these outings)

warming up he was a bit tense and slightly nappy but nothing that we couldn't deal with and he settled quite quickly

the test was prelim 18 which i think suits him as he is now quite bendy and finds half circles and serpentines relatively easy.

he was on-side listening to me and did what I asked when I asked, some of the trot work and both canter transitions were rushed and I got the wrong canter lead on right rein ( all my fault) but overall I was really pleased with his attitude to it all, getting on with the job without any silly spooking at the judges car or the photographer.

I had offered to read the next test for my friend and had to jump off him right after my test and leave him with a willing holder and he was just great, stood sensibly watching everything.

lovely judge gave him some good remarks, the score was I thought, a tad on the generous side, we got 70%, I would have scored us more low 60's.

Am half wishing I had also entered a second test on the night, as I think we would have made a better job of it once my nerves settled and I would have sat up and ridden forward a bit more, but hey ho I will know for next time!

here is a link to a photo taken on the night, I realise there is still loads to work on but, loving my baby horse ;-)

 

[Cortez]

I don't know that you have all that much to work on, as he looks just like a well prepared young horse should at this stage. Well done you and baby horse, looking great.

 

[monte1]

thank you Cortez, you are very kind

I just seem to see all the things I do wrong and often don't focus on the good bits enough !

I don't know that you have all that much to work on, as he looks just like a well prepared young horse should at this stage. Well done you and baby horse, looking great.

 

[Bernster]

Yay, that's a nice update. I am following your new boy with interest, as we are in similar situations to some extent, although I'm way behind in terms of where our schooling is at.

He's looking fab and that sounds like it went so well. I reckon it's better to come out and wish you did more, than the other way around and overcook/overface him. Well done you!

 

[Clare85]

Lovely, well done he looks lovely and happy in his job, which is reflected in his behaviour and score all the very best going forward with him.

 

[Newlands]

He is gorgeous!! I have a huge soft spot for blue and white Irish boys, I have an 18 yo maxi cob and a 5 year old who looks quite similar to yours. Sounds like a great outing and I think at this age you have to look at how the whole day went, not just your round or test. He's lovely, I'll look forward to seeing more pics and up dates.