Two weeks ago she and Odin did their first Elementary together as a pair. They ended up 4th in both classes, with both scores being 65.something%. The classes were big, with some very fancy horses, so I was over the moon with the result.
This weekend was the Easter dressage festival at one of our biggest venues. The big names (well, big in South African terms) were there, with nice horses. Odie was not nearly as cooperative as the last show, but in spite of that they held it together for a respectable 65% in the first class, which netted them a placing. In the second class they got a 63%, and were one out of the placings.
The good:
- The halts are miles and miles better than they were 6 months ago.
- Lateral work, while still not very easy, is pretty solid.
- Simple changes in the last two tests were lovely. Two weeks ago they were lovely at home but very distracted at the show.
- Turns on the haunches and canter lengthenings scored easy 7s, whoop whoop!
The not-so-good:
- There is nearly no medium trot. Not even really a hint of it. Good heavens, this is hard for him and for me. I have pages of tips and exercises and ideas, and so does my instructor. This needs to be a focus point for the rest of this year.
- While the scores for the counter canter work are generally good, he is too heavy and laboured with it for my liking.
- A subtle thing, but he will halt and stand softly on the bit for exactly one nanosecond. Then he clenches his neck and jaw and tugs the reins. So the halt is lovely, and the rein-back is lovely, but the few seconds in between are ugly. So there’s some practice and finesse required there.
Here are some pics. The one where she is saluting just makes me grin every time I look at it.
