I think I like this dressage malarkey!

[Gingernags]

Session 2 of the riding club dressage league, Prelim 14 (A big step from 7 or 10, the only other 2 I've ever done). Still no practice other than 20 mins "schooling" in a semi dark field last week, so pretty much ridden blind again...

Anyhoo, after being mightily chuffed with a 3rd last time, and 5's and 6's in my scores - this week I got 6's and 7's and got second!!!!

Really, really pleased with the ginger one for being good, though I really need to ride with shorter reins, the get a wee bit loose! I'm so used to hacking with a fairly long rein but a light contact, my idea of short is still way too long!

Friend with us mentioned "washing lines" and have to say looking at some of the photos its oh so true *blushes* oops!

Must try harder next time! But really enjoying it!

 

[TGM]

Wow - you are doing well - congratulations

 

[not_with_it]

The ginger one looks so happy and relaxed. I agree with your comment on your reins being shorter.

 

[Gingernags]

We're going to try novice next time too, so getting a medium trot may be fun! Hoping to get some lessons in, next one isn't til Feb so plenty of time.

The friend who watched and mentioned the reins, is about to get grilled and I may try putting a peice of tape on my reins where she thinks I should have them so I can get used to them, we told her she's our "expert" and as such we will rely on her to put us right!

She did say that working on that long rein though, that it meant Asti didn't fight and was very relaxed which was good, but I guess the washing lines have to go.

I'm too used to just mooching around the countryside aimlessly, we don't do discipline!!!! Ah well, can't be a dressage diva unless I try harder!

 

[star]

it's not really that you need tape on your reins because rein length varies depending on the gait and how the horse is going - you need to learn to take up a contact and keep it. you should always be able to feel her mouth through the reins. you're doing really well already, so get some lessons, learn about taking up a contact properly and you'll be unstoppable!