Olympia last night - Dressage Freestyle

[Goldenstar]

Interestingly I thought Freestyle’s hind patterns looked almost too flexible! I have never noticed before but noticed on Freestyle her hind fetlocks were often nearly touching the floor! I’ve no idea if this is a good or bad thing!

She’s a specialist bred horse just like a formula one car she won’t last for ever all that flexibility comes at cost .

 

[Bruce17]

there was a fair bit of discussion between farriers incl the team farriers on FB last night hence my (farrier) OH's remark about Duke of Britain's shoeing bill

I am not an expert... I would say that these horses are performing at their limits at these shows so I guess either the shoeing is to add support etc as a preventative or to alleviate little injuries picked up along the way. it's not just heart bars, there were lots of pads and other bits added to the sides etc.

Yes I noticed Duke of Britain has some fairly unusual footwear. But many many of the others had heart bars on.

Edited to add, I'd like to read the discussion actually, if you wouldn't mind linking to it?

 

[Goldenstar]

I think she's an incredible rider but I do enjoy watching Gareth Hughes ride, a lot. He isn't always quite as "neat" as some others but he does make it all look very light and easy, and harmonious I think.

he reminds me of Hubertus Schmitt

 

[Sleighfarer]

I agree, it was the first test of the line up that i thought wow that's how the frame should look, if i could have been any of those riders last night on any of the horses it would be her. Just looked effortless what a star!

I think that was the best I've ever seen Lara ride. Even though she was fourth, I think it must be one of the best marks she's ever got too.

 

[Chianti]

Personally I feel Charlotte strength mars the picture sometimes there are more elegant effortless looking riders

I agree with this. I could only dream of riding like her but I'd rather watch Carl Hester. I was interested in the commentator saying he had a bad back and couldn't ride the horses with a bigger movement like Valegro. I have a bad back but can't ride like him!

 

[Leandy]

One was clearly not very level in places yesterday especially after the extended trots. I'm not going to name but it seemed clear to me and judging by the mutterings in the audience around me, to others too. Not great to see that tolerated in top competition.

 

[Sleighfarer]

Just want to correct my previous post - Lara was fifth last night, not fourth.

 

[Nicnac]

I go every year to the Freestyle thanks to another HHO member who manages to get fantastic tickets. We were second row at B overlooking Steven Clark who drinks a lot of tea!

The British riders really shone last night. There was one rider who I didn't enjoy watching as thought they had very harsh hands and yes, one of the horses had a strange hind movement, almost like stringhalt but wasn't actually lame. We also remarked on the shoeing - a hell of a lot of metal and other bits on show. The shoes were mostly very wide compared to the 'norm'.

Well worth the late arrival back home but gosh I struggled at work today as had a 2 hour each way commute to today's office. My horses saw a grumpy mum this morning!

 

[oldie48]

I am told that shoeing wide behind helps to protect the hocks, something to do with reducing the forces?
Just got home from the afternoon performance and totally knackered. shopping was good as there were things I wanted to look at before purchase, but tbh I was a bit disappointed with the actual performances but probably because I'd seen them all before. The Santa Claus ending was nowhere near as good as I remember it. Perhpas I'm getting old!
Loved watching the GP Freestyle on the red button last night, just wish the music had been louder and the commentary a lot quieter. some beautiful tests with super horses that were ridden well. CDJ was superb and I love that horse, also loved Carl's test and both Laura and Charlotte F's. We have lots of very good dressage riders with lovely horses ATM and I find that very exciting!

 

[shortstuff99]

I think the horse with the weird action was losing the connection and becoming strung out, which was especially highlighted when being asked to do highly collected movements. This made it look unlevel rather then being actually unlevel.

I really do love Lara's horse and enjoyed all the performances last night

 

[Lady Jane]

The Santa Claus ending was nowhere near as good as I remember it. Perhpas I'm getting old!

I've been going for at least 30 years (gulp-am I that old) and the finale is nothing like as good as it used to be when it was put on by the Pony Club. Its a bit glitzy and slick for my taste these days.

 

[milliepops]

Did you get the weird Trump and Boris as shetland ponies video, oldie? Very strange ?

 

[oldie48]

Did you get the weird Trump and Boris as shetland ponies video, oldie? Very strange ?

Yes, just wish Boris and Trump were Shetland ponies, the world might be a nicer place!

 

[Five&Two]

Sorry but I cannot stand CDJ or her sister after knowing them before CDJ became a 'name' pre Valegro. Carl was awesome as usual so is Charlotte Fry

 

[oldie48]

Sorry but I cannot stand CDJ or her sister after knowing them before CDJ became a 'name' pre Valegro. Carl was awesome as usual so is Charlotte Fry

Sorry but I don't know how this is relevant to this thread.

 

[milliepops]

Sorry but I don't know how this is relevant to this thread.

nor me, I don't know either of them personally but I don't need to in order to have the utmost respect for her as a rider.

 

[The Fuzzy Furry]

Sorry but I cannot stand CDJ or her sister after knowing them before CDJ became a 'name' pre Valegro. Carl was awesome as usual so is Charlotte Fry

What a nasty thing to say! ? and as others say, is nothing to do with the thread.

E and C were lovely kids in their BSPS days, I had a lot to do with them as my daughter is similar age and they were all doing same classes, sharing woes and giggles inside and outside the ring.
Many others would also echo that. I haven't seen anyone else ever post such a vile comment.

 

[Roxylola]

I was just ignoring it and assuming they want someone to ask why they felt that way.

I don't know a lot of these folk at all, but they come across very well on social media as ambassadors for our sport which matters a lot these days. Often people think I am a snob and aloof, the reality is I'm a bit socially awkward and naturally quite introverted so in a group I tend to hang out on the edges and get on with whatever I am doing. I'm old enough and tired enough now that I don't really care - people can like me or not that's their affair. If I had become a top flight rider I'm pretty sure a lot of folk would be saying I was obnoxious and all sorts of other things just because I am a bit rubbish at socialising - I just want to crack on with my beasties to be honest

 

[Skib]

I didnt listen to her talking or being interviewed but I love the way she is with the horses.


At the prize giving a red carpet was rolled out with a sort of entrance between two grey perpendicular blocks. I imagine the idea was for the winner to enter the carpet between two grey blocks and proced down the carpet. CDJ's horse did not want to pass between the blocks. So she was given the presentation where the horse had stopped and without entering down the carpet.
But once that was over, CJD taught the horse not to be frightened of the blocks and to walk between them. She gave the horse time, allowing (or asking for) some piaffe. But gently repeating the request until the horse relaxed and walked through. No hurry no presure but a learning process that would take as long as it took. That was gong to happen right there and then and not be put off till another day.
I learned to ride as an adult and one of the first things one learns in ground work is how to lead a horse through a narrow gap, and to then ride through the same gap.

I also learned (tho I think that is questioned now) that in the end the horse must comply with anything I ask. It may take time and patience but one must not let the horse get away with anything. That has served me well. So lovely to see it being done by a professional before riding her lap of triumph.

And it also reassured me that dressage was designed to produce a good riding horse - not to breed unnatural stilted horses nor win prize money.

 

[humblepie]

I haven't watched any of it yet but have it recorded. How amazing though for Louise Bell on a horse that was bred to show jump and won the workers at the RIHS before starting his dressage career. Came across Louise a few times when I was competing showing and she was always friendly to a mere grass roots person like myself and so pleased for her with what she has done now.

 

[Five&Two]

What a nasty thing to say! ? and as others say, is nothing to do with the thread.

E and C were lovely kids in their BSPS days, I had a lot to do with them as my daughter is similar age and they were all doing same classes, sharing woes and giggles inside and outside the ring.
Many others would also echo that. I haven't seen anyone else ever post such a vile comment.

You clearly never had the same experience as we did, good for you. Many many others on here slag off Showjumpers etc and not a word is said against them. Yet simply say something about 'the precious one' and the 'old guard' are up in arms. How laughable. Do get over yourselves

 

[Roxylola]

Did anyone see the Puissance last night? I caught the last half after I got in from the yard and had walked the dogs. It was always my favourite to watch as a kid.

 

[Fiona]

Did anyone see the Puissance last night? I caught the last half after I got in from the yard and had walked the dogs. It was always my favourite to watch as a kid.

It was great, although to be fair I like the 'normal' and speed classes better.....

Mikey and WW rode amazingly...

Fiona

 

[Roxylola]

And fairly simple tack I thought for show jumpers currently.
Speed is another favourite of mine and I am stoked to get to see it live this Sunday!

What was the class with the Joker in it? Some sort of cumulative point scoring thing, is that still a thing?

 

[Fiona]

And fairly simple tack I thought for show jumpers currently.
Speed is another favourite of mine and I am stoked to get to see it live this Sunday!

What was the class with the Joker in it? Some sort of cumulative point scoring thing, is that still a thing?

An accumulator class normally has a joker fence in it, or a take your own line speed class....

I used to love the masters class, where you selected a fence to go up each time you jumped a clear, and last man standing took all the prize money.

My 8yo son loved this in his lesson on Monday, 12hh ponies jumping 85cm spreads and 1m upright lol....

Mr Blue Sky goes in a snaffle and plain noseband, its lovely to see....

Fiona

 

[Roxylola]

Oh wow that sounds fab Fiona, it's so nice to play like that. I think even kids take it all too seriously too much of the time now

 

[Fiona]

Oh wow that sounds fab Fiona, it's so nice to play like that. I think even kids take it all too seriously too much of the time now

I was in the lesson too at our RC, but was out in round 2.... The three kids continued for another 2 full rounds, and finished off with a puissance competition.

I'll see if I can get the pic up..

Fiona

 

[The Fuzzy Furry]

You clearly never had the same experience as we did, good for you. Many many others on here slag off Showjumpers etc and not a word is said against them. Yet simply say something about 'the precious one' and the 'old guard' are up in arms. How laughable. Do get over yourselves

Insulting comments are unpleasant, please take yourself off for a chat about manners eh?

 

[Fiona]

Child and 12hh pony, 1m fence.

Fiona

 

[Roxylola]

TFF I wouldn't bother, some people just can't be nice and there's no need to invite further comment.
My motto generally is if you can't be nice be quiet, I am quiet a lot lol.

I can't load the pic on this pc Fiona, I'll have a look on my mobile though