Stressage yesterday

[scattymare]

Well we had our first test yesterday. We just did a walk trot test as our canter is still a little erm excitable! So my aim was to do a test in a calm fashion. As you know Eddie gets a bit over excited in company. Well we've had a really great last couple of lessons. Something has clicked and she's calmed down no end and is really starting to work nicely. So we arrived a good 50 minutes before our test, let her have a good look around and worked her in with about 5 other horses in the menage (thankfully nice and big) She was a star. Didn't get over excited at all and was working well. So onto the test. After my mind went blank we did what I felt was a nice test. She was calm, didn't tank round at all and we finished with a great 61%. We unfortunately weren't placed - there were 16 in our class with the highest score being 67.5%. The judges final comments were 'an attractive pony with lovely paces. A little against the hand at times. Try to use half halts to help. Well done'
So I was thrilled. She behaved so well and kept her cool - and so did I!! There was a photographer there. Will post the link when they're on.

[fimacg]

Well done Scatty, onwards and upwards... are you still going to buy her?

[spotti]

That's great news Shame you weren't placed, but if the highest score was 67.5% and you managed 61% then that's not too far off...I'll bet after a few more goes you'll be stealing away all the ribbons

[scattymare]

Thats the plan Fi. Trying to save but it's very hard. I'm putting aside Sancy's livery money each month so thats something. I can't wait til she's all mine. Her owner is lovely and doesn't interfere at all but it's still not the same.

[fleabitten]

that sounds you were up against some tough competition! 67% thats mental. sounds like a good day and im sure you were very proud of her, i know i would have been
did you hack to the place or did you get a lift with someone?

[scattymare]

Yeah Sue gave me a lift. It's a local place and would be hackable but this is the place you have to cross the A1 to get to. I was so chuffed with her. I wasn't expecting a place, just wanted to do it as calmly as possible and that we did. And got what I thought was a great score to boot. Love my hairy fairy.

[solomon]

Fantastic Scatty! Didn't you both do well. Great little girl she is. Do you have the bug now? I fancy another go for sure. Not as stressy as you think is it?

[scattymare]

I'm hoping we'll get another go. Not sure if they've finished for the winter now. There is a little ODE just down the road from me every few weeks but she's not really fit enough for that yet but may see if I can do just the dressage hors concours just for the experience.

[haffyfan]

Fantastic Scatty...well done! And to be only 6 marks off the winning score is fantastic too and 61% is wonderful in any case, even more as it's your first comp.

[duckles]

WOW - I am so impressed at her behaviour at her first show. Its truly impressive and I think you should take the credit as you obviously trained her really well. Yes, great score but her attitude is what really is fantastic. Hope you have some photos

[solomon]

Come on Scatty pics!

[scattymare]

OK OK but they are reeeeally embarrasing. My face looks like thunder!! I was enjoying myself really!! And I seem to have reverted to tipping forwards and holding my hands on her neck. The one of us walking towards the camera would have been nice if I had a smile on my face! And my penguin toes are just dreadful. Oh dear, scuttles back off to Joanne for more lessons!!

www.franceskayphotoevents.co.uk/TT_Dressage_Oct.html
You have to scroll along a bit.

Do you think I look too big on her? I know (hope!) I'm not too heavy but I think we look a little out of proportion.

[fleabitten]

lol scatty, you do look very serious ;D I didnt know you ride her in a pelham now but maybe ive missed something (smacks head lol) Shes riding nicely scatty.
As for the size of you on her, i dont think you are too big on her. I think your stirrups look quite long but maybe its just me.

[solomon]

Ahh the face of concentration! I remember it well. You did brilliantly and Eddie looks so trim, gorgeous. She looks like she is tracking up too. Like Flea I was wondering about the pelham, is she still so strong? Were you HC then? We have to wear light gloves down here too. Good girl Edwina.

[fimacg]

yep definately the concentrating face. I was another surprised by the pelham, even unaffiliated they wont let you go in (even HC) in a pelham up here - I've seen people turned away for it, and I too have had to buy light coloured gloves...

but you both look great, and not to big - look at me on Brave. I am envious of your long legs mine look all short and stubby.

[scattymare]

No because it was a walk trot test it was under the riding centres own rules rather than BD and you could use any bit. The pelham has made such a difference to our control and we have been using it even for schooling of late - she respects it far more and doesn't pull against me - far more pleasant for both of us. Though I am going to have my next lesson back in the snaflle to see if now we're working better she will listen to that. I'd rather she wasn't in the pelham full time, but if it makes riding more pleasant for us both then thats what we'll do (though when we move up to a Prelim test we'll have to be dressage legal)
Gloves again Sol, if I'd done the Prelim, 'correctly' should have been light (though it's quite a relaxed affarir at this place) but again we weren't under BD rules as it was the centres own test. Good job as I only have brown!

[fimacg]

Scatty - I used to con Figaro when it came to dressage tests. for normal riding he was always in a happy mouth pelham, but when it came to a dressage test I swapped it for a happy mouth straight bar hanging cheek on the day, because the mouth piece was identical he would respect for the few hours of the test, try riding him in it for a few days though and we soon lost all brakes...

[solomon]

BTW not too big on her at all if you are then so am I on Mr Pete!

[scattymare]

Good idea Fi. I'll remember that if we need to. I'm hoping that now I'm able to slow her more with my seat we may get away with scooling back in a snaffle. Hacking in company is even getting lots better but she still gets a bit over enthusiastic!!
I just think my legs look really long on her- and thats my stirrups a hole shorter than usual!

[fleabitten]

I have done some dressage tests and havent got said to about wearing light coloured gloves - i always wore navy ones. also the tests at the riding school you would have got away with any bit/noseband etc.

[kitcat]

Well done Scatty, love the pictures! Very serious!

[bonnyben]

You are not too big for her - she looks a lovely horsey and well done you..

The pictures are great, and you look very smart.

Fab all round!! ;D

[shwmaeCP]

Lovely pictures you dont look to big on her!!
very well done!and what lovely comments from the judges xx

[frankiesmum]

i think you look great and hope one day i can be at that stage with China. well done you. annax