Numpty question about dressage accuracy and transitions.

[black_n_white]

So...... I'd like to improve my dressage marks and riding a more accurate test seems like a good place to start.

When the test says "transition to walk at K". This normally means I try to walk somewhere in the vicinity of K! But when should I actually I do my transition? When the horse's nose gets there? When the marker is level with me?

Help please!

 

[Perfect_Pirouette]

I always aim for when horse's shoulder is level with marker but start to prepare for it (so sit for a few strides before and half halt) a few strides before get there.

 

[jenbleep]

Your body is meant to be in line with the marker for the transition, so it really all depends on the horse you're riding and how responsive it is when you ask for the transition! It's all practice!

Prelim tests normally say 'transition between A and K' for more novice horses, so it's not so precise

 

[Britestar]

I was always told as your shoulder passes the marker. The other thing to do is make sure your circles are the right size and shape - not squircles!

 

[black_n_white]

Jen bleep am doing be95 at the weekend and one of the walk transitions is at the marker- I was riding through it this morning I wondered what "at" actually meant!!

Britestar good tip on circles too!

Hmm so is it when the horse's shoulder is at the marker or when my body is? Any other ideas?

 

[NaeNae87]

I got told that it's when my horse's shoulder is at the marker.

 

[Britestar]

I do it as My shoulder is at the marker. Often get very accurate written on sheets.

 

[dianchi]

Pure dressage is your body at the marker. TBH I always ask as my horses head it's the marker and I normally get it right!

 

[Mince Pie]

A others have already said the actual transition should be when your shoulder is at the marker, so prepare for it a few strides before.
When coming across diagonals (change the rein FXH for example) aim slightly to the left/right (depending on which diagonal) of the marker so that when you are fully back on the track your shoulder is level with the marker.
When doing FWLR across the diagonal prepare for the transition back to medium walk just before (1/2/3 strides depending on how obedient your horse is!) you get back the to the outside track so that you are in medium walk as soon as your shoulder passes the marker.

HTH

 

[wellsat]

Very very straight centre lines and a good square halt are the first and last things the judge sees and so often I don't think people practise them enough. I do a fair bit of dressage writing and I would say most people turn too late onto the centre line.

 

[camilla4]

Practise corners, corners and more corners!!!!!