Dressage Day by Day

We did it! Gadget and I officially made the jump to Prix St. Georges. I felt so incredibly nervous and rode terribly in the warm-up until Kristin literally coached every step to get me to relax and ride the way that I know how. Our first test felt good! I got the fours, but blew the threes. The left pirouette was fairly good, and I got a 6. The right pirouette was way too big (judge described it as "huge.") Overall, I felt like I belonged there. I had lots of mistakes that were purely from inexperience. For instance, I rode the 8 meter trot voltes way too big and lots easy points there. I also let some of Gadget's changes get late after the halfpasses and pirouettes. We ended up with a 58.9% from a tough judge, so I was thrilled with that score for our first test. The next day I felt much more relaxed and the warm-up went well. I nailed my threes and fours in the warm-up. We cantered down centerline just as lightning struck. I was told to dismount in the ring...

Obviously, I am very goal-oriented and I will work harder knowing that I set a certain goal. I also love mentally checking them off through the year. Last year, I set the following goals:   GOALS FOR 2015 Learn how to set up and ride the working canter pirouette.  We are now reliably getting the smaller pirouette canter, but I still don't have a feel for this movement. I need more instruction so that I can feel more confident schooling it at home. Check! Although I haven't been schooling actual half or quarter pirouettes much this year, in the last couple months, they have finally started coming together. I definitely still have a lot to learn in this movement, but we've made huge progress in the pirouettes. Get consistent 3 tempis.  These oddly feel easier than the 4 tempis. However, it still takes me several attempts before I get in the rhythm of the aids and it sure doesn't feel easy yet. I hope these become more flowing this year. Check! The threes are feeli...