InterDressage Results

The InterDressage competition for June is closed, scores have been posted and I received my score sheet plus tips today.  I'm super pleased.  Lucy and I placed third, out of a closely packed class of seven.  As I mentioned before, I was really happy with out ride.  We weren't perfect but it was as good as we got at that time (and we continue to improve).

Here is a video of our test.

In my mind, I thought we would get a score in the mid-60s.  A little higher from a generous judge and lower from a tough one.  Our score was 69.58% which is definitely on the generous side, but not outrageously so.  And the comments are spot on.  We struggle with the contact; Lucy likes to know I'm there but she doesn't like feeling claustrophobic.  I'm learning; she's learning; we're figuring out how to be harmonious together.  Here's what the judge had to say -- with tips for improvement at the bottom.  I think the tip about remembering to release with my hands is especially true for canter.  Sandy is forever reminding me to ride with soft shoulders and elbows and to follow.  It's a credit to Lucy's love of canter that she remains rhythmic and forward despite my restrictive hands.

INTERMEDIATE DRESSAGE TEST 5

Trot to be ridden in rising trot unless otherwise stated (if possible).

All transitions may be progressive unless otherwise stated.

	NAME AND AGE OF RIDER (IF 16 OR UNDER)	Annette Mikelson
	NAME AND AGE OF HORSE	Lucinda
	JUDGED BY:	Marj Coultous
	TIPS AND ADVICE BY:	Trudi Dempsey

Score;   167               percentage; 69.58%

	MOVEMENTS	Max Mark	JUDGES SCORE
1	A enter at working trot X halt immobility salute proceed at working trot C track left	10	6.5	Head unsteady in the halt – rider leaning to right
2	Between E and K half circle left 15m returning to track at H	10	6.5	Outline varying a little
3	C M B working trot between B and F half circle right 15m returning to track at M	10	6.5	Coming above the contact
4	M C E working trot	10	7.5	More relaxed and settled and showing pleasing steps
5	E commence half circle left 20m diameter and between centre line and B working canter left.	10	7.0	Fairly smooth transition
6	Working canter left B M C H E K A	10	7.0	Nicely forward
7	F X H change rein working canter between X and H working trot	10	7.0	Could have more balance through transition
8	C M B working trot	10	7.5	Pleasing trot steps
9	B commence half circle right 20 m diameter and between centre line and E working canter right	10	7.0	Smooth transition – little tight over the back
10	Working canter right E H C M B	10	7.0	Pleasing balance and rhythm
11	F working trot A medium walk	10	7.0	Fairly smooth transitions – pleasing walk
12	K to B change rein free walk on a long rein b medium walk	10	8.5	Very pleasing relaxation and ground cover
13	M working trot	10	7.0	Little above the contact
14	Change the rein H X F and show some strides of medium trot.	10x2	13	Modest – needs more ground cover
15	A down centre line working trot X halt immobility salute leave arena at walk on a long rein	10	6.0	Against hand in transition and not quite balanced in the halt. Not much free walk seen.
16	Regularity rhythm and freedom of paces	10x2	14	Lovely horse with potentially very nice paces
17	Impulsion (desire to move forwards, elasticity of steps and suppleness of back)	10x2	14	Always forward – could be more supple over the back and neck
18	Submission (acceptance of aids, confidence, balance, lightness and ease of movements)	10x2	14	Much to like – could just be more consistent to the contact
19	Rider’s position and seat; correctness and effect of the aids.	10x2	14	Test improved after a nervous start! Well done.
20	Total score	240	167
	Tips and advice: Annette, some rather lovely work in that test- well done! The trot is rhythmical and the canter balanced- what not to like! I would like to see you leave a little room in the reins- in other words have an elastic contact because you are very capable in the bending but you tend to over manage rather with the hands. Every time that you bend remember the release- feel the rhythm of the pace concentrate on that and your steady breathing and think forwards with the hands so that Lucinda can find her own balance away from your hands. Be a little more effective in your test riding by adding in some thought of shoulder-fore on the long sides so that you are always encouraging that i/s hind under the centre of the body and addressing the ¼’s in by bringing the shoulders more in line with the ¼’s. Once you got going it was a delight to watch, Trudi

SCORING EXPLAINED:0= not performed. 1= very bad.2=fairly bad. 3= bad. 4=insufficient. 5=sufficient. 6=satisfactory.

 7= fairly good. 8=good. 9= very good. 10=excellent HALF MARKS MAY BE USED