When did Intro A get so hard!?

LeannePip

LeannePip

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My new 4yo is going quite nicely, nice enough that i thought we may be able to tackle a little intro in 3 weeks time . . just refreshing my memory of Intro A . . . two half 10's in trot!?

May be a little bit adventurous for us for now. At the moment I'm thinking we might be better of doing the prelim 1 test and just attempting the canter!
 
I know I always think that especially as you don't see that movement again until novice!!
It would make so much more sense to be in walk like in prelim level!
I much prefer intro b for doing on something unbalanced!
 
yes i prefer Into B but no where round here seems to be doing it at the moment!

My other compromise would be to do it but just walk the two half 10's and accept the marks
 
Same around here! I had to do the Intro A for a first show on a very wobbly 4yo! And was marked quite harshly as it wasn't that bad of an attempt. But got nice comments over all :)
 
I find the intro tests very perplexing in their design for young/novice horses tbh for the reasons you've already stated. Far better to get them out doing early prelim tests which are far nicer in layout, even if canter isnt all quite together yet its good to get them out cantering in a test situation so that they are *thinking* forward rather than sticking to trot work looking 'pretty'.
 
Ironically me and the little Connie pony find Intro B the toughest of the two - FWLR and a stretchy trot circle is too much! We've actually scored better in prelim!
 
I judge and have done many intro tests now and believe me I barely see anyone do a good job of the 2 1/2 10 mtr circles, they are just too difficult for most people/horses at that level! also the stretchy trot I probably see actually performed by about 1 in 30 horses. I agree with others that most early prelims are easier.
 
I'm glad it isn't just me!

Think i'm going to do the prelim and see what happens, i've got three weeks and a lesson next week so fingers crossed and can manage something resembling a test in that time!
 
Prelim 7 isn't actually as easy as people think. Cantering a straight line for most baby horses in a balanced manner is actually reasonably difficult. Cantering circles is easier for them generally :).
 
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