Our first ever dressage comp!

[Paint Me Proud]

Chico and I attended our first ever dressage test this morning (well Chicos first, my second).

We hacked to the show ground and he was a bit on his toes but he settled well once we were in the practice ring.

However the show ring was over the other side of the field and being his first time at a show he was a bit unsettled to be leaving the other horses.

As a result he was having a bit of a little boy paddy during the test and not listening to me very well.

However we did it, no major problems and achieved a respectable score of 51.30 - i was very proud of him.

Here's a few snaps for today

He does work on the bit in an nice outline but being a bit worked up he was as hollow as anything! Next time we will do better

 

[Holly Hocks]

For a first test, that's fine! Well done - I hope you enjoyed it and continue to do some more. It gets better, honestly! Once they realise that it's quite boring really and nothing interesting, they get a bit easier to ride!

Lovely horse too!

 

[MardyMare]

Well done - he is lovely and so clean

 

[Gilbey]

Well done to you both! So pleased for you. He looks a lovely horse and it does get easier honest!!

 

[Paint Me Proud]

this is only the second time i've competed. The first time was last year with my mare, i practiced once and then had a go. I was totally dumb struck when we won with 73% (out of 16 riders) - i wasnt expecting any think like that result with Chico.

I had decided i was aiming for over 30% was was more than happy with 51.3%. I hope i can settle him a bit more next time and will be aiming for about 50% now, lol!