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KEEPING THE BASICS IN MIND WHEN MOVING UP
A
big part of moving through the levels successfully in dressage is
mastering new movements and patterns. Often it is easy to get so focused
on the patterns and movements and criteria for moving along that the
purpose of the level gets ignored. Setting goals and a time frame for
moving up the levels is good but only if you are able to perform with
strong basics at the given level.
Some clear
examples are when a rider is able to sit the trot for five minutes First
Level seems the place to be. A more important measure would be the
ability to keep the connection and balance needed for the extra
requirements and lengthenings. The purpose stated on the test is to
confirm that the horse in addition to the requirements of Training Level
has developed thrust and achieved a degree of balance and throughness.
The other obvious
place is when moving to third level as soon as an inkling of a flying
change exist the rider feels ready to compete at third level whether or
not the pair is able to stay supple and through. Again the Purpose
stated on the test is To confirm that the horse having demonstrated that
it has achieved the thrust required in Second Level, now demonstrates in
each movement-especially in medium and extended paces and in the
transitions to/from the collected movements-rhythm, suppleness,
acceptance of the bit, throughness, impulsion, straightness and
collection. …..
The written
purposes on the tests could not make it any clearer that the correct
basics are expected in all movements and transitions. Riding the pattern
accurately is only a modifier and a place to start. Being able to get
through the test with no mistakes is not enough if you and your horse
are not able to achieve with some consistency the stated purpose of the
level.
It pays to be
honest with yourself as you evaluate your skill and ability at a level.
Be sure that you are not only confident with each movement in a test,
but that you are also able to keep a fair amount of correctness in the
test. Again be sure to look under the directive ideas for each movement.
Most directives include the word quality. Yes it is the quality that
counts. If your connection or throughness suffers each time you make a
transition or start a movement perhaps you are not yet confirmed enough
to be competitive at that level. This doesn’t mean that eventually you
won’t be able to perform the test successfully. It just means that you
need to take the time to more thoroughly establish your basics at home
before expecting success in the show ring. There is no shame in staying
at an appropriate level for you and your horse.
Everybody sometimes has an off day however if the comments from the
judges often refer to needing stronger basics it will be worth your time
to heed this advice. The basics are what we refer to when using the
training pyramid. Rhythm, suppleness, acceptance of the bit,
throughness, impulsion, straightness and collection. Sound familiar?
Once you are able
to keep a connected, balanced, supple, active horse through your test at
home you will be ready to ride that test in competition with a true
expectation of success no matter what the level.
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