Pipster getting back in the swing of things!

Pigeon

Pigeon

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Since our last update we have done two unaffiliated dressages, and he has surprised me by being very well behaved! Had some lovely placings and scores, and apart from an occasional racehorse moment, he's been calm!

Here is the video for Prelim 7 - https://vid.me/O4xk

And here is Novice 30 from a couple of days ago - https://vid.me/h2Qb

I have been overlaying scores and comments on his videos (sorry for shaky footage lol!) and I think it's definitely helping me pinpoint where we need to improve! He's coming behind the vertical at times which wasn't really a problem before, but I think it's a (lack of) strength thing. Also right canter transition needs to be better, and oh my god why can I not ride a round circle or straight centre line?!?!

I think the novice test is much better - lighter on the forehand and a better rhythm. It's an evil test with a halt (where the judge can see all your legs!), change the leg through trot on the diagonal, which is our nemesis, walk to canter and give and retake the reins in trot. I'm just thrilled that we got through all the movements! Still a lot to work on, but he's feeling better all the time!!! :D

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Pippy thinks it's all a bit like hard work ;)

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We are braving a BD on friday, at Summerhouse which is both strict and scary!!!! So keep everything crossed for us!! :D
 
It's good to do scary, what a clever idea with the titles on the vid! V impressed with that idea, can't offer any help as not qualified :D But looks lovely and good luck :D
 
Super looking horse! I only watched bits but it looks very nice on the whole. But I think you will soon be on the side of too nice and quiet perhaps rather than really pushing from behind into the bridle?

Do you work him up in a more advanced outline for periods at home? So really think about getting his ears up (this is how I think of it), and almost a bit poky nosed but still over from the wither? I know you probably feel he isn't strong enough to work more up yet but doing short bits will help him develop that strength and stay out to the bridle but up in his frame.

You both look great together and I suspect you'll be out at Ele shortly. Enjoy Summerhouse, it's nowhere near as scary as that place with an actual table at the end of the arena in your vids! :-0 :-0 I also think what you've done with the videos is super clever and useful!
 
Thanks guys :D

I do tend to work him a bit more forward etc at home, we do most of our schooling on hacks so he is naturally more uphill and forward thinking.

I do have a bit of a mental block about riding 'up' as well. It feels so hollow! Though I think I might just be paranoid :p I think low and even a bit overbent is my happy place because it's easy and I can keep him connected/have a bit more time to recover if he begins to hollow or spook etc. I really need to get out of that habit though!!! Do you think a schoolmaster lesson will help? Or any exercises that promote a bit more push from behind?
 
I think he is forward enough, just needs to come up in his frame now. He really is nice though. I am the same as you about it feeling hollow when you ride them up but you need to get used to it. Try doing short bits with him thinking ears up, really jog the trot in the corners, think about him starting to trot with the hind end first and then sort of develop the jog! He mustn't use your hand to balance and he must stay up in his frame. Then slowly (I am terrible for chasing them a bit here!) ask him forward in the trot, he should stay up and push off the hind end. Don't do too many as v hard work for them! And make sure he stays straight when you jog him so he pushes rather then wriggling.

Looking awesome though I reckon!
 
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