I guess I should clarify. I understand the principles of dressage and how they apply to everything done under saddle. I am absolutely a proponent of balance, rhythm, and harmony. I work towards those ends with Cuna as I can, BUT the simple fact is that Cuna is in no way conformationally (or mentally) disposed to be a "proper dressage horse". He's a jumper. He likes jumping. He's balanced in his own way.
It's just that after spending so much time on Izzy (who is a bomb diggity dressage horse) nothing I do on Cuna on the flat is all that interesting to either of us.
So anyways. We walked around and he threw a head-flipping fit about the bugs that were out since it was almost 80 degrees.
Hm. I kept the reins loose and just let him stretch long and low and more or less in balance and not rushy at the trot and canter for a few minutes. We walked down to the jump arena and popped over a good sized cross rail a few times. I didn't let myself worry or overthink it, and it was actually super fun.
Have I mentioned that I love this horse? He is wonderful.
PS We are so screwed at the dressage show. I'm hoping they give bonus points for "forward" cuz that's really all we have going for us.
Don't forget points for cute. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's alright. Just go in the dressage ring and smile. Look like you're having a good time. Hope the judges are nice. :)
ReplyDeleteJust try to be accurate with all your lines, markers and shapes. And, as Bella says, just keep smiling! After all, you are doing it for fun, aren't you?
ReplyDeleteHere is my dressage test tip: half of your score is accuracy, which many people are bad at. Making really straight centerlines will put you ahead of the game and know EXACTLY where the markers for a 20 m circle are.
ReplyDeleteYou should get extra bonus points for attitude. If only more people remembered to have fun there would probably be more happy horses and people. Anyway, with that outlook and Cuna's temperment you'll do great.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you and Cuna will do fine :)
ReplyDeleteGood Luck
I only have two goals when I go to shows: 1) Stay on the horse, 2) Get a better score than I did last time I performed that test. Since you and Cuna have never been to a dressage show before, you're sure to get your Best Score Ever! No sweat!
ReplyDeleteSmiling helps, too. Judges do appreciate that. I once messed up pretty royally in the middle of a test and got the giggles. I laughed throughout the rest of the test. I ended up with a 50 something, but the judge's comment was priceless: "Well suited pair, you seem to be having fun together. Needs more organization."
I consider not running the judges over a personal best. Anything after that is icing on the cake. I bet Cuna will surprise you and pull out a decent score.
ReplyDeleteYay have fun! I'm sure you both will do great!
ReplyDeleteSeriously, this ain't grand prix:) Cuna is built better for dressage than most quarter horses....I think you will do better than you think. Have a blast on that gorgeous boy!
ReplyDeleteYou're going to do great! Just trust yourself and Cuna. :D
ReplyDelete