Dressage comments from judges - want to improve

[ellewoods]

I had my first ever go at prelim dressage at the weekend :)
I was happy with my marks - 51 and 54 - for my first go, but obviously want to improve for next time.

My consistent criticism from the judges was lack of impulsion, lack of bend, poking nose out - which all go hand-in-hand together.

I've got a fantastic instructor and I know I can improve this, but I would be really interested to hear other people's perspectives, tips, comments, advice etc on how I can do better next time :)

[ellewoods]

Sorry maybe this should be in training of the rider actually; maybe a mod could move this thread? Sorry :o

The pony can definately work beautifully, his owner gets lovely tune out of him; its my inexperience that needs to be worked on!!!!!!! :p

[Cabbitt]

My number 1 tip (and pet peeve!) is make sure you are riding your horse from the BACK to the front. People nowadays get so obsessed with what their horse's neck looks like that they forget about the hind end. Usually when I see a lack of impulsion in a rider, it's because they're trying to use the reins to bring the head and neck back and round, instead of using the horse's impulsion to drive their horse INTO the bridle, which will naturally make them beautiful and round.
Of course, it's impossible to say what you need to work on (even with the judges comments) without having more info, since the comments the judges make can be due to a lot of thing. However, it seems like you may need a stronger and clearer leg, to drive your horse forward and initiate the bend. Spurs can help with this (if you feel comfortable and stable enough to wear them), but strengthening your leg is probably the best bet.

[ellewoods]

My number 1 tip (and pet peeve!) is make sure you are riding your horse from the BACK to the front. People nowadays get so obsessed with what their horse's neck looks like that they forget about the hind end. Usually when I see a lack of impulsion in a rider, it's because they're trying to use the reins to bring the head and neck back and round, instead of using the horse's impulsion to drive their horse INTO the bridle, which will naturally make them beautiful and round.
Of course, it's impossible to say what you need to work on (even with the judges comments) without having more info, since the comments the judges make can be due to a lot of thing. However, it seems like you may need a stronger and clearer leg, to drive your horse forward and initiate the bend. Spurs can help with this (if you feel comfortable and stable enough to wear them), but strengthening your leg is probably the best bet.

Thankyou :)

My instructor has emphasised the riding into the bridle and not worrying about getting him "on the bit" as that will then come naturally - I think its the clearer leg aids that I need to work on.
Also I think he mickey-takes sometimes and I need to get after him and not let him get away with it! Im so convinced any issues are "pilot error" thats it only just dawning on me that he might not be as into dressage as I am...! :o