Dressage competition at our yard

We entered a dressage competition after a long break – the last one was in July last year. This time my aim was to make sure the routes were accurate, as on this level that is probably what counts the most. 

I have made some nice progress with Rainbow of late, as we've been training with Essi Antila quite intently and I have really grown to love her lessons. As an instructor, I think she is best aligned with my ideologies and wants to always develop the rider and the horse with the view in the horse's physiological and psychological needs; not going against or fighting (or forcing!) the horse, but aiming for a relaxed harmonised pairing where work becomes effortless. I'm sure most instructors, of course, aim for this, but sometimes the way they go about teaching it can be a bit different. 

I have also become really aware of how falsely riders try to gain collection in their horses by forcing them into an outline, where the head is forced behind the vertical and the contact is to used to pull the horse backwards to achieve this. I have been faulty of this. I haven't known better (Sorry Rainbow!). I know I have been taught to keep the horse in a certain shape, almost no matter what … And that makes riding rather hard work, when one tries to fight the horse forcing it into something it doesn't inherently want to do, and especially if it's tense. The aim would be to have a forward going horse who is relaxed enough wanting to reach for the contact, which needs to be there for the horse = solid contact, using the whole arm – elbows – as the 'elastic-band contact', but remaining soft in the hands (which doesn't mean an open palm, btw!) and by little 'persuasion' from the leg and keeping the outside contact and creating a frame for the horse where it works, guiding the horse's movement softly but constantly, but remembering to release (e.g. don't pound with the leg like I tend to do...) but reward the horse by not doing anything when it goes correctly. ... Well, at least that's how I would describe it – clear as mud?! ;)



Going into a competition situation of course is another matter, when the nerves take over and the horse is also tenser. At this level (Helppo C - stands for the 'Easy C', which is the beginner/novice level in Finnish dressage), the aim is to have accurate routes and transitions. Collection is not required but of course it's a nice bonus.

We entered the Class 1, Harrasteluokan Kouluohjelma Helppo C, 2009. The test to me, coming from the UK, where most beginner tests are walk and trot, this actually included cantering, extended trot and medium walk, but also all trotting was in working trot (so no rising), which I thought was a bit much at this level...No? The competition was an unaffiliated competition at our yard, so practice competition in a way. Unusual tack, such as bitless and whips, were allowed in this class. I, however, decided to go 'old school' with a bit (french link). As long as bits are not allowed in higher level dressage competitions, I have to use one when entering a dressage arena, so I reluctantly use it. 

Anyway, our test was Ok, I am actually pleased, as got 55,00% and even though the Class 1 didn't have placings as such, between the five competitors, looking at the percentages we were on a joint second place, only one pony rider got about 66% but she looked great. Very accurate. Hats off, as she was about 12 years old! 

We achieved our goals: accurate routes. Only one comment from the judge was that canter circle was a bit small. I agree. 

Transitions, I need to prepare them better. But now, we can actually work on those and I am already setting my sights to entering another competition. I have come to realise that competing you can only practise by competing, and it's a whole different kettle of fish than practising/training in private.