5 tips for memorizing dressage tests

I am dreadful at memorizing tests. Then get me stressed and throw me in the arena and it gets even worse! 

So I thought I would share some of the tricks I use to keep those test firmly in my brain.

1. Draw a mini arena and draw the test out with a pencil or pen

2. Make a mini arena with imaginary or real dressage letters and do the test on foot.

3. Watch the test you are going to ride on Youtube. 

4. Visualize yourself riding the test when your falling asleep, board at work, on a bus etc. 

5. Ride the test on your horse. I used to be very opposed to this, because horses seem to be so keen on memorizing the tests, however for me it is absolutely necessary, its very hard to get the feel of riding the movements correctly and in order if you never do it. So use sparingly, but it can really help.

A Fine Bay Mare Came Home Eating Kale

Horse Show

A blurry picture of Whin clean and ready for the show!

I am so proud of Whin today, we went to a little local show, She did so nicely. She is growing up I no longer feel like I am going to die when we ride in crowded  warm up arenas.

We still have a lot to work on but we won both our test with decent scores.  I need to work on the  geometry, that held us back a bit. Our second test was better geometry wise but we were both tired (we both need to get into better shape).

The good: Our halts were respectable no hula butt, and we nailed the trot canter trot transition. Only three strides of trot! Better leg yields than in other tests

The Bad: I got too greedy on what was probably the best lengthening we have ever done, so she broke to canter.

The Beautiful: Whin all clean and braided.

The Ugly:  A Huge spook when the Judge rang the bell.

All and all it was a good day winning both our tests, I think with more mileage for both of us we will get better and better!

All King Edwards Horses Carry Many Brave Fellows

Hula Dancing Horse

So the big accomplishment was a halt, I know I know, but last winter we completely lost the ability to halt. Whin developed what my trainer called a Hula Butt, meaning we halt the haunches swing left, then she shuffles forward and sometimes swings her haunches right. Needless to say we usually score a 5 on the halt.

Yesterday I decided I would run over some things that were in the tests we are going to do this weekend. The halt being one of these movements. I had her trotting nicely I put my legs on took a deep breath and thought about riding each hoof to a halt,

And she did, no Hula Butt every hoof landed and stayed where it was!

I also figured out how to half-halt a bit better, I need to release the pressure (I know duh, that is like the first thing one ever learns about the half halt) even if I didn't feel her round up that little bit more, I think Whin is reacting and I am just not being sensitive enough yet to feel it, then if I want more roundness I just repeat the half halt.

 

 All King Edwards Horses Can Make Best Friends

Wish List Show Season

I started doing these little out fit things... they are so fun, since Whin and I are going to a show next weekend I thought a show wish list would be in order. 

 Cream and Grey (I know the creams vary but I can only hope they would be close enough in real life)

Stock Tie: From Dressage Extensions permanent press stock tie

Dressage Jacket: Cavallo Galathea

Boots: Konig

Helmet: Charles Owen GR8 Black and Charcoal

Breeches: Pikeur Mondega Cream

Fly Hood: KL Select Cream and Grey

Saddle Pad: KL Select Cream and Grey

I think Cream and Grey would look dreamy on a chestnut (or any horse really)

Disclaimer, I am not sure if fly hoods are legal in dressage competitions, in the USA right now.

All King Edwards Horses Canter  Beautifully Forward

Weekend!

Whin was good today, we practiced some of the stuff we worked on in our lesson. We even had a few really nice strides in the haunches in right. (gotta count the baby steps). 

The Canter work was nice, although we were having a tough time getting the the walk right away. maybe I should practice this a little less. Whin over thinks it and gets a bit stressed, they seem to get worse not better if I work on them 3 + times a week maybe once or twice is better.

Yesterday I didn't have time to ride so I just worked in hand nothing big I just wanted to get her brain going. I sure got a work out though, running around with a 16.3 horse is tiring! Its good for me and much needed I am out of shape.

All King Edwards Horses Canter Merrily Between Fences

Happy 4th

My lesson was today, It was good, I have an awesome instructor.  But I thought I would be all cleaver and get Whin going forward by hacking her out on the trail before my lesson.

Fail. She walked at a funeral pace the whole time, and then I didn't have enough time to get her going off my leg before my lesson. Ohh well now I know what not to do.

Other than being behind my leg (and therefore a little more on the forehand than is to be desired) Whin was very good.  We worked on some new things today which is always exciting, we started Renvers and played around with a little half pass.  We have a long way to go but it was fun to introduce new movements.

Just last week in my lesson the shoulder in clicked, we had a light bulb moment and the shoulder in became easy, I am still waiting for that to happen with the Haunches in once I get her bent enough the forward shuts down, I just have to figure out what I am doing to get in the way the haunches in.

Our canter walk transitions are coming along going to the right we get a trot step sometimes, going to the left we stop so fast it would make a reining horse jealous (ok not really).

Happy Independence day

All Fat Bay Mares Can Hardly Ever Kick

Catch up day

Umm.... So I kind of already failed at actually keeping a riding journal here. but I will catch up today. Are break through for Mon. and Tues. Forward is our friend even in lateral work. We have finally managed to go forward through the leg yield and all of a sudden no more wiggling her head around and much better consistency! Hurray.

Despite the heat Whin has been more forward the last little while.  No complaints there.

Next goal Haunches in consistently instead of bend lose bend. gain bend lose tempo ect.

Today will just be a hacking out sort of day so we can be energized for our lesson. what better way to spend the 4th of July than Riding!

All King Edwards Horses Carry Mighty Brave Fellows