I didn't mention yesterday that before we set out for our dressage it was snowing. And today as I write it is raining at 6 degrees C outside, much the kind of weather we could expect in December. Perhaps it goes without saying that I shan't be bothering to ride Radar. Ace can do with the day off anyway after yesterday's exertions.
Our next campaign is expected to be Elementary 40. It doesn't contain anything that isn't in Novice tests, it just all comes a bit quicker, which should be no problem for him. It will be his first in a 60m arena, which will be interesting. I wonder if it will make any difference having new letters to spook at?
I've checked his hips and his muscle development very carefully this afternoon and I can't find any asymmetry at all. When SH isn't asleep on the sofa I'll get him to lead him up and make sure he is moving level too.
I am still so pleased about yesterday's test. I haven't yet begun to ask him for the quality of work that he can do at home, because the more you pressurize him, the more likely it is that he will blow up. Once we are certain that we have consistent controllability I should be able to get more expression into his trot and his canter.
The resistance on the take-up after the free walk was a surprise this time. He doesn't normally do that, so we'll be working on that one. Did you see the anticipation of the trot? It looks almost like he trips with the right hind, but it's actually the beginning of a trot transition, cheeky boy :-) I was pleased he held it together, because he's been a lot worse than that in practice once or twice.
Could someone remind the weather gods for me that it is May this week?
Thanks.
C
Every little potential issue shows up in competitions. So that little extra tension probably caused him to resist that little bit. I'm sure you'll be able to work it all out. He was remarkably well behaved considering some of the blowups you've had in the past. I'd say you should still be smiling today.
ReplyDeleteWhat is with that weather. I am shivering just thinking about it. Here, it's sunny and warm. I keep trying to send it your way, but the weather gods are not cooperating.
Meant to add...I got so I would not practice whole tests on either Toby or Tucker. Anticipation was a real problem. However, it worked a treat in canter lengthenings down the long side as all I had to do was sit up a bit and both Toby and PJ would come right back to collected canter from some really dramatic extensions.
ReplyDeleteYou'll just need to practice tons of transitions everywhere but where you need to do them in the tests. And, when you do practice a test, do the transition late. That way if he does anticipate in the show arena, it will probably be exactly where you want it to be.
Ah, now why did I never think of practising the transition late? What a great idea!
ReplyDeleteI only did the test three times through as a whole, but he does learn so quickly!!
C.