Pony Week - Day 2 - The (first ever!) Stressage Test!

Congrats on the dressage TG - Ive only ever done a handful of dressage tests - its difficult to remember the test when you're nervous!
FWIW there are very few natural riders out there. Whilst, yes, it is most definitely a criticism no matter what way it is intended, it is not something you can change and just because someone is not a natural does mean they cannot learn to be a good and accurate, effective rider.
You see i think what Np is (sort of) trying to say regarding your RS is that they are not really teaching you to the best of your ability - and not really being fair to you. To be fair, from everything that you have posted recently (and I LOVE reading your posts - you enthusiasm is infectious!) I really think they should never have offered to put you on the advanced course - it has placed you under too much pressure and is having a negative effect on your confidence and therefore your happiness. They would have been better off offering you a place on an intermediate course where you could partake in all the activities and enjoy teaching at your own standard. I would think that being told you can do something and then later told - actually you arent up to that standard yet and we cant be a*sed to facilitate you has to be a bit demeaning. I have taught lessons to many kids/teeagers and adults and I have always ensured that if for some reason someone was in a lesson unsuited to their abilities that sufficient time would be devoted to ensuring they (and everyone else) got the most from their lesson.
Up until now i have seen no reason why LE isnt the right place for you - but I think they have screwed up over this camp.

Oh and for what its worth I have been there done that whilst a teenager/kid as regards to helping out/mucking out, turning head over heels for RS and being let down when no one even seems to notice - its very very disappointing. Much as i loved doing it - it also broke my heart when those who just strolled in after mucking out time were asked to ride x,y or z horse (though all the other kids on the yard were older than me and had been there longer - hence why they were asked first).
 
nativeponies said:
I'll pm you MK's number if you like?
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nativeponies said:
oh well, TG..was only trying to help..Best of luck


You may need it.
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I know :( My RS is obviously so so rubbish, I see it now :( I dont know HOW I'll manage to stay on there!:eek:
:rolleyes:

Walrus said:
Hey TG - congrats on doing your dressage test. I know what you feel like with the nerves- my first ever showing show I was riding for someone and the owners of the horse were worried about me because I'd gone a funny grey colour - they thought I was going to faint, straight off their dales pony!

Also FWIW I think your riding school sounds really good (apart from the showjumping bit this week). When I learnt to ride my riding school was truely rubbish, I still had so much fun but I was pretty much taught to be a "kick-pull" rider and I never focused on things like bend and riding a good circle! I get the feeling you're a bit of a perfectionist (as seen from your GCSE results) and it's obvious you want to ride properly and correctly not just any old how. That will be a fantastic foundation, I've had to almost re-learn how to ride to be more refined and accurate (I remember going to a swanky Surrey riding school and the instructor looking a bit horrified, I would have been able to stay on and deal with a naughty horse but schooling exercises that needed accuracy and correct bend and aides and things eluded me!).

I'm currently training my just-broken pony and it's only now I feel that I am really aware of how I ask for bend - and that's because I need to teach him (and my instructor explains it really well to me). The fact that you are focussing on doing things correctly as you learn means you will have a great foundation from which to progress.

Hope you have a good rest of the week :)
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I do feel really lucky to have found my RS (thought that as I exited the arena!), the staff are wonderful (the instructors are tough but v. good, fun and kind as well).

Ive learnt so much there, from being only just able to canter last year, (due to lack of lessons and being quite a nervous rider) to now being confident enough to ride different, difficult horses, jumping a bit, and loving every minute of it!

My stable management has also come on in leaps and bounds, and I can always ask for help in anything.

One of my highlights had to be riding my instructors horse (well 14.2/14.3!), I felt really privileged that she trusted me with him! Hes a fab PC/RC horse, absolutely gorgeous, and she has made him into the horse he is today.

x
We'll see what tomorrow brings!
 
Hmm, I agree the judge having to remind you is not perfect but my worst was when my horse decided (on the initial trot up the centre line) that the judges car contained a horse murderer and spun and galloped out the exit. Now trust me that's bad (v v funny though, I thought I was going to wee myself I was laughing so much)
 
glenruby said:
Congrats on the dressage TG - Ive only ever done a handful of dressage tests - its difficult to remember the test when you're nervous!
FWIW there are very few natural riders out there. Whilst, yes, it is most definitely a criticism no matter what way it is intended, it is not something you can change and just because someone is not a natural does mean they cannot learn to be a good and accurate, effective rider.
You see i think what Np is (sort of) trying to say regarding your RS is that they are not really teaching you to the best of your ability - and not really being fair to you. To be fair, from everything that you have posted recently (and I LOVE reading your posts - you enthusiasm is infectious!) I really think they should never have offered to put you on the advanced course - it has placed you under too much pressure and is having a negative effect on your confidence and therefore your happiness. They would have been better off offering you a place on an intermediate course where you could partake in all the activities and enjoy teaching at your own standard. I would think that being told you can do something and then later told - actually you arent up to that standard yet and we cant be a*sed to facilitate you has to be a bit demeaning. I have taught lessons to many kids/teenagers and adults and I have always ensured that if for some reason someone was in a lesson unsuited to their abilities that sufficient time would be devoted to ensuring they (and everyone else) got the most from their lesson.
Up until now i have seen no reason why the yard isnt the right place for you - but I think they have screwed up over this camp.

Oh and for what its worth I have been there done that whilst a teenager/kid as regards to helping out/mucking out, turning head over heels for RS and being let down when no one even seems to notice - its very very disappointing. Much as i loved doing it - it also broke my heart when those who just strolled in after mucking out time were asked to ride x,y or z horse (though all the other kids on the yard were older than me and had been there longer - hence why they were asked first).
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I think they have a bit as well tbh! But, here I am, and I cant change that, and while I am disappointed I know I'll be a lot better next year, and able to actually jump the XC course!

I do kind of wish they hadnt told me about it! Next year I would've been better prepared, but I am making the most of what Ive got now, and working my ass off to do what I can. The other girls (and one boy!) are all amazing, we're just a big group of friends! They were all lovely when I had a mini-breakdown on the yard (majorly stressed about learning my test, and about my GCSE results) and they all gave me a hug and told me to get back to grooming Bonnie :o

With regards to your last Paragraph, I am quite lucky in that respect. The YM is very strict on everyone sharing duties, making sure everyone has a lunch break, and doesnt have to lead in a lesson too much (I simply cannot jog for two hours!). Its also a big rule that, for the helpers lessons, we ALL help to tack up each others horses, if someone is knackered, or doing another job, then we wait until they are ready, and have a blast!

And of course it cant hurt for the YM/ senior staff to see you doing a job you are asked to do, when you are asked to do it, it does (I hope...!) put you in their good books. (I reaaally hope that I can canter in the field tomorrow...;))

Sorry for that rambling mess! I should really be in bed by know :o xx
 
nativeponies said:
glad you agree..as falling off is one thing that is prominent in your posts TG.
I'll ignore the rollseyes..typical teenager..LOL :)
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Yes, I do seem to like to fall off, dont I?!

My instructors are helping me improve my position and seat (an entire lesson sans stirrups is a killer!) so hopefully Ill be meeting the ground less and less...

0ldmare said:
Hmm, I agree the judge having to remind you is not perfect but my worst was when my horse decided (on the initial trot up the centre line) that the judges car contained a horse murderer and spun and galloped out the exit. Now trust me that's bad (v v funny though, I thought I was going to wee myself I was laughing so much)
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Am I allowed to laugh at that one too?! :D

The best part had to be me pausing, and going "Where on earth do I go know?!" and an instructor rescuing me with a test she had in her pocket :D
MrsMozart said:
Send it to me!

:D

I need all the help I can get.... :D. Oh blast, just remembered m'back. Ah well.

TG is happy where she is hun. One of these days she's going to come up here and sit on the Dizzy one :D
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One day! Depends on where 'here' is though... ;)

Move down sarrfff please! xx
 
I agree. Clearly I am SUCH an awful rider! I just cannot seem to ride without ending up bum up in the sand.

Frankly I dont see why the RS even let me near the horses!

*cue typical teenage :rolleyes:*
 
thelwell_girl said:
I agree. Clearly I am SUCH an awful rider! I just cannot seem to ride without ending up bum up in the sand.

Frankly I dont see why the RS even let me near the horses!

*cue typical teenage :rolleyes:*
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you sound just like my 12yr old neice...she ends up on her arse most of the time too, because "she always knows best"..bless her
 
nativeponies said:
you sound just like my 12yr old neice...she ends up on her arse most of the time too, because "she always knows best"..bless her
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I dont know best, and am first to admit it. What I DO know, is how to listen to the people who care, and use their advice to help me improve.

And for the record, I dont always end up on my arse... I occasionally land on my feet! ;)

You must think I throw myself off the horses or something! Do correct me if I'm wrong. While I have fallen off a few times, its certainly not enough to count on two hands. I like to think I have a reasonably ok seat, though I know it still needs improving.

brighteyes said:
I'm convinced it's a centre of gravity thing.
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Oh really, lets not go into that again. PM me if you want, dont drag it into the forum.
 
thelwell_girl said:
I dont know best, and am first to admit it. What I DO know, is how to listen to the people who care, and use their advice to help me improve.

And for the record, I dont always end up on my arse... I occasionally land on my feet! ;)

You must think I throw myself off the horses or something! Do correct me if I'm wrong. While I have fallen off a few times, its certainly not enough to count on two hands. I like to think I have a reasonably ok seat, though I know it still needs improving.



Oh really, lets not go into that again. PM me if you want, dont drag it into the forum.
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Pardon? :confused: That was actually a perfectly serious comment. It's why I don't fall off smaller ponies but am precarious on 16.2's. Physics in fact. So excuse me.
 
I'm sorry, I'm sat here a bit open mouthed... speechless....

T_G.

You've done fab, you know that. Sometimes being pushed from our comfort zones lets us evaluate our capabilities and spur us on to achieve more. That's a good thing.

To those picking fault with a school girl enjoying her riding school lessons, serious shame on you. You call yourselves adults?? (sorry to drag the tone down T_G, but it had to be said).
 
TG...My advice was intended to be constructive.

It obviously was taken as teenage umbridge but i do wish you well as you have bags of enthusiasm..albeit IMHO the wrong tuition...

take care
 
Ok, I dont normlly reply because I usually can't think of anything worth adding lol so bear with me!!
First of all well done on your first dressage test, you obviously worked very hard. I know it is quite nerve wracking but I love dressage now!!

Second,

nativeponies said:
Well Done.

You don't come across as a natural rider but I really admire you for your enthusiasm and drive.

Looking forwards to your progress.
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if you read the whole comment i don't think the bit about you not being a natural rider was meant as a criticism, more an observation. The rest is positive, it's not worth getting into an argument about.

FWIW I agree that it was a bad idea for your RS to put you on this course then tell you you can't do any jumping, it's not fair to have to watch everyone else doing it and does nothing for your confidence an tbh I would be p*ssed off!!
Hope you enjoy the rest of your week, good luck with your dressage score you deserve to do well :)
 
smirnoff_ice07 said:
Ok, I dont normlly reply because I usually can't think of anything worth adding lol so bear with me!!
First of all well done on your first dressage test, you obviously worked very hard. I know it is quite nerve wracking but I love dressage now!!

Second,



if you read the whole comment i don't think the bit about you not being a natural rider was meant as a criticism, more an observation. The rest is positive, it's not worth getting into an argument about.

FWIW I agree that it was a bad idea for your RS to put you on this course then tell you you can't do any jumping, it's not fair to have to watch everyone else doing it and does nothing for your confidence an tbh I would be p*ssed off!!
Hope you enjoy the rest of your week, good luck with your dressage score you deserve to do well :)
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Thank You

TG's enthusiasm far outweighs her "faults"...and I believe if she got herself a decent tutor, would progress in leaps and bounds.

But I'm sadly, being negative..in typical recent HHO fashion :(
 
smirnoff_ice07 said:
Ok, I dont normlly reply because I usually can't think of anything worth adding lol so bear with me!!
First of all well done on your first dressage test, you obviously worked very hard. I know it is quite nerve wracking but I love dressage now!!

Second,



if you read the whole comment i don't think the bit about you not being a natural rider was meant as a criticism, more an observation. The rest is positive, it's not worth getting into an argument about.

FWIW I agree that it was a bad idea for your RS to put you on this course then tell you you can't do any jumping, it's not fair to have to watch everyone else doing it and does nothing for your confidence an tbh I would be p*ssed off!!
Hope you enjoy the rest of your week, good luck with your dressage score you deserve to do well :)
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I didnt read it as much of a criticism, I didnt understand what nativeponies meant, and they then clarified. Yes, I do find riding hard, a lot harder than some others, but I am working my ass off to get better at it!

I am annoyed too, and Im going to talk to the YM today - If needs be, Ill drag my dad down to the yard to help change the jumps if time is so precious! x

brighteyes said:
Another serious remark coming up - Health and Safety. Tightly connected to insurance and suffocating everything.
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Erm, what?

nativeponies said:
Thank You

TG's enthusiasm far outweighs her "faults"...and I believe if she got herself a decent tutor, would progress in leaps and bounds.

But I'm sadly, being negative..in typical recent HHO fashion :(
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I feel that my instructor is perfect for me. She pushes me to achieve and try different things, all while keeping lessons fun and interesting. My riding has come on more in the last 6 months than the previous 8 years of on-and-off occasional lessons, and I have her to thank for it.

(Cavblacks knows how lovely she is! She tones her teaching to the rider, so Cavblacks got to work on a more advanced horse and do more complicated things, while I get the help and support I need to improve, whether this is bettering my seat by going bareback, or having a lunge lesson in the sand school.)
 
T_G - at some point, I am going to come and visit you and you have to take me to meet the lovely Bonnie!! I may also demand a ride ;) Sounds to me like your riding school is lovely - something I've been trying to find for about 10 years now! (whhhy is it all the way down south?!) And can I just say - yes, I may only be 16 (oh no!) but I've been through a hell of a lot of riding schools/instructors!! But I will come and find out for myself one day :p

As for the fact that you 'fall off a lot' err... tbh, I don't recall the last post you said you fell off in. Maybe I should be sorry for not watching your posts THAT intently?! Hmm. Even if you did fall off every day - so what?! When I bought my first pony, I DID fall off every day! Gradually less often, but still very regularly for about 2yrs. Even after we bought him a saddle ;)
But guess what? It taught me to stay on! I honestly believe that falling off IS the best way to learn to stay on (if you don't break in the process :o) because it actually gives you the determination to get back on and do it right. That, or you give up, go home and say byebye to horses, which you haven't! So that's something :D

Stick with your riding school, where most importantly, you are HAPPY (you may learn more theoretically else where, but if you aren't happy, it's more than likely that you wont learn! I don't see why people have to pull you apart for what seem to me to be rather petty things, but you do what YOU want, and keep riding! :p I love your enthusiasm, and honestly, I never used to have any, to the point riding seemed pretty pointless tbh :( But I found some, and it's brilliant! Definitely the way forward!!

Hope you have fun with the rest of your week, looking forward to saturday!! :D
 
Honestly, I can't believe your RS is happy to have you mucking out rows of stables and doing lots of chores but not letting you jump a couple of smaller fences! Sounds like they'll be getting more out of it than you. I hope they let you have a ride, after all the work you've been putting in.
 
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