Melodra
Well-Known Member
This weekend I did my dressage with my boy. He's a fizzy part bred Arab, he loves his work but is quite excitable and has come from a showjumping background. Our first time out he boiled over, highlights of our test including freestyle cantering down the centre line and an impressive sideways crab across the arena, but this time although he was excited (admittedly bit of a coiled spring) he was completely obedient and I was so happy with the huge improvement and how he went. The judge's comments pretty much reiterated this - lovely horse, shame too much tension today as his work is very promising - but she marked him pretty much on a level with how he was marked on his first time out, and seemed a little bit harsh. That said, I know it is swings and roundabouts with different judges, However, when I looked at the results he was placed below horses that were literally kicked around the arena and on their forehands and lazy but obviously calmer than my boy.
So, I guess my question is...is a horse showing a bit of tension due to excitement, but clearly enjoying himself and totally obedient and responsive, demonstrating quality work really so much worse than a horse that is more relaxed but being booted around the arena, not wanting to be there, not enjoying its work? Would be interested to get everyone's thoughts on this?
So, I guess my question is...is a horse showing a bit of tension due to excitement, but clearly enjoying himself and totally obedient and responsive, demonstrating quality work really so much worse than a horse that is more relaxed but being booted around the arena, not wanting to be there, not enjoying its work? Would be interested to get everyone's thoughts on this?