The week in lessons; Dressage

This week in dressage lessons we are going to run through Training Level test 2 or Walk Trot test 2.

The training level test has changed very little from last year, just the addition of the stretchy circle.

Walk trot test 2 is the same as last year.

Diagram of walk/trot test 2

Both tests have the free walk with a bend in the middle. This is not easy to do if you plan for it. The mistake most people make is to not turn enough out of the corner. Let's say the free walk is from FXM. What is common, is for the rider to just turn at F as though heading across the long diagonal to H, the problem with this though, is that you want the turn at X to be smooth, with a moment when you are looking at the judge at C. You are also on long/loose rein, with a long stretchy walk, so your turning radius will be larger than you may expect.

The best way to approach this element, is to turn and aim at between E and H, while keeping C in your peripheral vision. Once you approach the center line, look to C, then look to the right of M. By aiming for the right of M, you are compensating for the horse's natural drift to center, and for the fact the horse's head and neck need room to turn (remember you want your shoulder to reach M). You then shorten your reins as you ask for the bend at M. I find it easiest to shorten the inside rein first to get the bend/lateral tuck, and then take up the slack in the outside rein.

The other element to work on is the transitions on the short side; all too often the rider will work to get the horse into the first corner, but neglect to use enough outside leg to keep the horse's hind end in line and engaged. The horse ends up falling out through the hind quarters and bouncing off the end of the ring. At this same moment the rider is trying to do their transition, which further throws the horse of balance resulting in a cut of second corner.

When riding the transition on the short side, you need to remember a few things;

1) The long and faster the stride you have, the less deep you will want to go into the corners. So if you are on a well balanced and collected horse, your corners may be 6 meter quarter circles at all gaits, if you are on a less balanced/strung out horse, then your corners may be 6 meter quarter circles at walk, 10 meter quarter circles at trot, and 15 meter quarter circles at canter. Find out what your horse is able to do, then plan for it. In the training level 2 test, where your canter transition is in the second corner of the long side, this may mean you have to plan to do a more gentle corner than your first corner which was at trot. If you try to go too deep into the second corner and do the transition, your horse may loose its balance and its forward.

2) You have to remember to BALANCE for turns. All turns, even at the walk. Your horse needs to increase the engagement of its hind end to prepare to turn in a balanced manner. If you do not balance before the turns, your horse will brace and balance on its front end. A horse on its front end is hard to transition upwards!

3) Outside leg. Complete the turn with your outside leg so your horse is sent forward and straight into the short side. Keeping the bum slightly in for an extra stride will help prevent the horse "bouncing' off the short stride and falling in for the second corner.

Karen