Do you want to share your Dressage goals for 2008?

[GraceT]

I dont mind sharing:)

I would like to win a Prelim test and start to compete at Novice level with a view to affiliating end 2008/start 2009 :)

Anyone else?

[smartie_pants03]

I'd actually quite like to do one. Its been 4 years since i last did one and to say it was eventful and sort of put me off going to shows and riding myself is an understatement. New instructor seems to think it would be good for me to take one for her horses in 2008 and do some prelim tests before i go back to uni. You may all have to hold me to that one as although i want to do it im probably gonna start coming up with excusses why i shouldnt!

[Rarah]

Mine's pretty simple. I'd just like to enter a Prelim test and get a decent score (7 or above) for our canter.

We did a few walk/trot tests last year and did fairly well for complete novices. We were just about to enter our first prelim comp when Logic had a field accident and has been out of work for a few months so I'd just be happy for her to get back to the stage she was at at the end of summer.

[kat1]

Mine is even simpler. Rosie can do most things now and even did a piaffe (not sure how to spell it) last week but when it comes to riding outdoor dressage tests on grass and you have to cross diagonal on long rein, my comments are either, contact too short or dont let her eat grass! The reason being that giving her more rein is a cue to start eating - very embarrassing!!!!!!!!!

[Lora]

but in fall want to do prelim (first level?) tests to see how we do. Neither charlie nor I are trained real well, but we're schooling every day.

[pineapple]

i would like to do a few prelim tests and possibly a novice test by the end of the year with my new baby horse.

im going to do a new inter dressage tests to start with and then move onto real shows later on, depending on how well we do.

i guess i ll be ready for the real shows when i get about 60% in the inter dressage.. not really sure about how these comptions are judged though.

really looking forward to it though:)

[Jane.A]

I have just affiliated my girl as I now feel she is ready. Its a bit nerve racking when you judge as you worry that if you do badly the competitors will lose some respect/confidence in you as a judge. Never mind the fact that they don't know what a tricky, neurotic beastie you have. I also couldn't see the point in paying affiliated competition fees when I could take her out and test the water in an unaffiliated class with affiliated judges. That's me being typical yorkshire, careful with money. :D. I also wanted to wait till december as the new rules meant I could down grade my rider grouping, (you now have to gain 14 points at a higher level before it affects your rider grouping) and also that horses have more points at each level before having to upgrade. So I guess I would just like to go out affiliated and have my girl justify my faith in her, and show that all these months staying home and training were worth it. I'd like enough money to afford to go out about every 6-8 weeks to compete, be slim enough to get back into my pickeur breeches:o, and to get the training under my belt to go for my list 4 judges upgrade exam next autumn.

[crazyhorse97]

To enter a few prelim tests and not do to atrociousliy! lol ummm, basically have him going like he does in a pelham, only in a snaffle!

xXx

[perkypinky]

i have bought my pony to do dressage - but after 4 months i still cant canter on him without havng a heart attack!!!!
so my goal is just to do a dressage test without having heart failure and dying:o he is a schoolmaster and has the t shirt - im the rubbish one:o:o

[ponylover88]

...

[horse__obsessed]

i would like to enter a dressage test :o

[NZdressage]

Mine are to establish Jets flying changes and compete open med in the new season. Continue with his half steps/piaffe and improve his extended trot. Do really well at young rider in Feb at elementry or medium.

Hopefully by the end of 08 my Krack C filly will be nearly ready to be broken in, so will do a few inhand shows etc to get her out and about.

Continue my lessons on Robert and Cruise (FEI level horses) and maybe take Cruise out to young riders ;)

Other than that just continue training hard and bringing on young horses, the usual lol!!

[Lgd]

Put in a decent performance at the Winter regional champs in February with Tavia and BJ.

For Peri - try and get her fit enough to go competing again, would love one last season with her before she retires to permanent broodie status.

Tavia - qualify for regionals at medium/advanced medium, hopefully have a bash at PSG by the end of the year. They were our goals for this year that got put on the back burner when she injured herself.

BJ - area festival at elementary and medium. Try and get his flying changes established so he can have a bash at advanced medium before he retires. He is rising 18yo and has EPSM so being realistic that he may not have too many years of competition left in him.

[GraceT]

Morning everyone

Its so nice to see that there are people at lots of different levels on here and keen to bring on their horses and not just want to pothunt!

Thoguht of another one as well, I would like to get placed at the OEC Summer or Winter Champs, and not break any toes beforehand this time!!:)

[marsden]

since this is my first year with Skyla i would just like to get her out to Prelim's and take it from there. :D

[GraceT]

I have just affiliated my girl as I now feel she is ready. Its a bit nerve racking when you judge as you worry that if you do badly the competitors will lose some respect/confidence in you as a judge. Never mind the fact that they don't know what a tricky, neurotic beastie you have. I also couldn't see the point in paying affiliated competition fees when I could take her out and test the water in an unaffiliated class with affiliated judges. That's me being typical yorkshire, careful with money. :D. I also wanted to wait till december as the new rules meant I could down grade my rider grouping, (you now have to gain 14 points at a higher level before it affects your rider grouping) and also that horses have more points at each level before having to upgrade. So I guess I would just like to go out affiliated and have my girl justify my faith in her, and show that all these months staying home and training were worth it. I'd like enough money to afford to go out about every 6-8 weeks to compete, be slim enough to get back into my pickeur breeches:o, and to get the training under my belt to go for my list 4 judges upgrade exam next autumn.


Hi Jane

I dont know what repsonse you get at shows but I knwo when I see Judges or RI's I know competing it does put me off a bit beacuse I nautually assume they will wipe the floor with me...and they usually do!:) It must be hard from your point of view as well trying to ensure you 'put on a good show' as it were for your pupils etc
I'd like to be able to afford some pikeur breeches:p

[Sammii]

I'd just like to enter one with Red.

No chance of getting anywhere (unless of course we are the only ones in the class! :D) but it's all in the experience pocket, eh? :)

[coss]

i would love to get the chance to compete in novice dressage more often with harry and work properly at home up to elementary level (but as always its weather permitting leading to ground permitting :rolleyes: and if i can get a lift)

I just want to get dawn to accept "halt"... can get a fair canter to trot, and trot to walk transition (upwards isn't a problem ;)) but she doesn't want to actually stand still :rolleyes:

[Ginger Thing]

My aims are to score over 65% consistently at prelim and 60% at novice - Carlow is not the best horse conformation-wise and struggles with medium strides so that's what we need to work on for novice next year.

I'm actually feeling quite happy with our prelim performances at the moment :D but want to progress - RI reckons he'll prob do ok at elementary with some work, but I know he's not got what it takes to really go any further, but that's where the Ginger Thing enters the equation ;), he's got much better conformation and paces, just need to steal him back off OH! Took him out for first time in nearly 2 years the other week and he got 61% even whilst being very naughty - I didn't even do the one canter, but he still got some 8's. He's so annoying as he's got all the talent but can't be bothered, and works harder trying to get out of work, whereas Carlow tries so hard and is so willing but just hasn't got the 'wow' factor :o:rolleyes:

[GraceT]

I imagine that is annoying, I know someone who never schools or puts any effort in but consistently gets placed just because her horse has fabulous paces (ok I say just cos i'm jealous!) he is just a natural. Now obviously I am pleased for her but it seems a tad unfair when you school 3/4 times a week and then she beats you!:eek::D

[Ginger Thing]

I imagine that is annoying, I know someone who never schools or puts any effort in but consistently gets placed just because her horse has fabulous paces (ok I say just cos i'm jealous!) he is just a natural. Now obviously I am pleased for her but it seems a tad unfair when you school 3/4 times a week and then she beats you!:eek::D

Yes, even more annoying when OH has 'stolen' my talented dressage horse and just wants to gallop and jump him! :rolleyes: And I have to work really hard with the less talented one to get placed! But I suppose we do have that sense of achievement, we work hard for our rosettes! And to be fair, Thomas, although talented, is also very hard work as he'll do anything to avoid working properly, he is the master of evasions!

[GraceT]

Yes, even more annoying when OH has 'stolen' my talented dressage horse and just wants to gallop and jump him! :rolleyes: And I have to work really hard with the less talented one to get placed! But I suppose we do have that sense of achievement, we work hard for our rosettes! And to be fair, Thomas, although talented, is also very hard work as he'll do anything to avoid working properly, he is the master of evasions!


hmm yes I can see that! Cant you share him and do dressage once a month or something? Use the line about all that flatwork improving his jumping;)

[kirky]

Excellent idea for a thread! I would like to do more Novice unaff and have a go at prelim affil. I know I can do the ticket thing but if I pay for everything now it will make me get off my lazy bot and have a go. My ISH Troy is such a trier and kind he deserves to be shown off ( pity about me but he but he can't have everything!) :)

[XdenbyX]

I want to do some Prelims with my cob Dilly (who was placed in a couple of walk&trot tests) and with my new Warmblood i would like to do some Prelims and hopefully get placed because he is a complete schoolmaster with perfect paces and carriage so i know if we dont do well its my fault!!!! lol :p:D

[GraceT]

If anyone wants to put any dressage pics on here feel free as well!

This is my boy-
Summer 07
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y138/gracehollinson/Dressage/Trotting.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y138/gracehollinson/Dressage/Trot4.jpg

[Lgd]

Pics of the gang then

Pre-maternity Peri

http://groups.msn.com/upsaddle2/lgd.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=1501

http://groups.msn.com/upsaddle2/lgd.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=1500

The 'Lil grey mule' aka Tavia before she got injured

http://groups.msn.com/upsaddle2/lgd.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=16242

http://groups.msn.com/upsaddle2/lgd.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=16240

http://groups.msn.com/upsaddle2/lgd.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=16479

http://groups.msn.com/upsaddle2/lgd.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=16480

The evil black one aka BJ - this was our second outing together (I'm competing him for his Mum)

http://groups.msn.com/upsaddle2/lgd.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=17103

[GraceT]

Great pics LGD, how long did it take you to do her mane like that?

[CMR]

Well, my goal is to just get my guy started under saddle, and by the end of the year have a few shows under our belt :D

[Fanshawe]

Ummm to be more organised/get on with it and take her to some competitions. She is amazingly talented and at our one and only comp although we only had 2 mins warm up got placed 2nd! Adore riding her and she is a natural show off so really need to make more of it. All I need now is a four wheel drive a trailer and some help! Lottery here we come! lol

Oh and I really want to get a flying change on my command! How can she do passage but I can't get a flying change? lol think she is trying to tell me something. :)

[Jane.A]

Hi Jane

I dont know what repsonse you get at shows but I knwo when I see Judges or RI's I know competing it does put me off a bit beacuse I nautually assume they will wipe the floor with me...and they usually do!:) It must be hard from your point of view as well trying to ensure you 'put on a good show' as it were for your pupils etc
I'd like to be able to afford some pikeur breeches:p

I rarely wipe the floor, not into housework:D. Seriously my girl has put in some seriously embarrassing performances, going beautifully then takes off out of the arena. She has also been very difficult to bit in something dressage legal. I think I put a lot of pressure on myself as I know what's expected, I also know what she can do well and how hard we've trained. Its going to be even more difficult to qualify than ever this year as you now have to win 2 qualifiers, so I'm aiming for the area festival as I feel comfortable in that company. As to the pikeurs I got them in the sale, amazing as they don't normally have the larger sizes, and now I can't get in them:eek: Oh to be young, supple and slim again:p

[coss]

too wet to do anything this year but previous years...

Harry:
http://file012a.bebo.com/4/large/2006/07/16/22/1359860817a1382805654b780077866l.jpghttp://file012a.bebo.com/4/large/2006/07/16/22/1359860817a1382805584b111272687l.jpg
spooking
http://file012a.bebo.com/4/large/2006/07/16/22/1359860817a1382805528b758690173l.jpghttp://file015a.bebo.com/11/large/2006/08/15/17/1359860817a1712617403b36009504l.jpg

new dressage saddle this year - hoping to get used to it 2008!
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q177/cosspb/Harry%20at%20Dusk/shoulder-in-left.jpghttp://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q177/cosspb/Harry%20at%20Dusk/smudgedtrotting-left-1.jpghttp://file038a.bebo.com/15/large/2007/10/19/22/1359860817a5868817890l.jpg

[coss]

Dawn:

walking :eek:
http://file037a.bebo.com/6/large/2007/11/06/22/1359860817a6041652900l.jpghttp://file037a.bebo.com/6/large/2007/11/06/22/1359860817a6041653625l.jpg

http://file037a.bebo.com/6/large/2007/11/06/22/1359860817a6041652671l.jpghttp://file012a.bebo.com/4/large/2006/07/16/22/1359860817a1382790211b599603424l.jpg
http://file036a.bebo.com/6/large/2007/05/05/14/1359860817a4289112806b838353722l.jpghttp://file036a.bebo.com/6/large/2007/05/05/14/1359860817a4289112919b431583678l.jpg

before i knew what was going on
http://file015a.bebo.com/11/large/2006/07/23/22/1359860817a1446945778b519866225l.jpg

[Lgd]

Great pics LGD, how long did it take you to do her mane like that?

It's surprisingly quick - I can do hers in about 10 minutes provided her mane is already combed through

[NoviceNic]

My goals for Dressage this year are small incomparison to some of yours...:o

I would love to be able to take Captain out and do more Walk and Trot tests. If we master them then I would like to have a go at the simple prelim ones with a bit of canter. And then best goal of all will be Captain listening and me looking like a good rider. :o:D

[beckiWB]

my mare is schooling at medium/advanced medium, but as she will not go any higher than that (conformation wise she struggles) i am just taking her up through the points, she is still only in novice points as they have now changed the BD points system, 120 to get outof novice (ARGH). glad everyne is so into dressage, i love it.

[NZdressage]

Heres my top horse
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a304/mistikstarbelle/canterhalfpass2.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a304/mistikstarbelle/jetamdgchamps2.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a304/mistikstarbelle/halfsteps.jpg

[*OEH*]

Mine is to sort out our canter transitions, I developed a real mental block and make him buck on every canter transition. Got to sort this out so we can begin competing again.

When I bought him in Jan last year he'd done nothing but hunt all his life so I was really pleased when we got 60% in our first (and only so far) prelim. But then the bucking thing started and it really knocked my confidence so we decided to just hunt and hack through the winter and leave the schooling till.......... well till the new year so I suppose I'd better get on with it.

Here are a few pics from THE competition.

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb248/OEH2/16forforum-1.jpg
http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb248/OEH2/21.jpg
http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb248/OEH2/23.jpg

[GraceT]

OEH-oh he is lovley! Good luck for 2008!

NZ Dressage -OH WOW how stunning!!! He is fab!

[Jamey]

Aim 1: Get my knee fixed so I can actually ride again.

Aim 2: Improve Cossack's half steps and work towards a more consistant contact.

Aim 3: Maintain Cossack's desire to go forward and improve his canter.

Aim 4: Get organized and compete more.

Aim 5: Qualify for regionals at Novice Level and possibly move up to Elementary.

[calvo]

Mine are to school Milly (going forward more willingly etc) and also compete in affiliated dressage this year.

I would also hoping to ride another horse in aff dressage for someone but have to wait and see..

I am also going to try and get dressage lessons every fortnight since I havent had a lesson for a few months now

[RachelEvent]

I'd like to compete something in a dressage test this year :o

I'm going to try out a few horses in the next couple of weeks to potentially exercise and even more potentially compete - I'd just love to get out to some unaffiliated tests and receive some feedback.

My old Ferds will probably come back to live with mum in Gloucestershire at the end of this forthcoming eventing season, so who knows - perhaps at the very tail end of the year we can resume our affiliated dressage career when I visit on weekends. We got some BD points at Elementary two years ago, and I''d love to take him on up to Medium level - he is established in the half pass, but there are lots of things that will need a lot of tidying up to be ready!

I'm also going to continue my dressage (and stage 4) training at Huntley, where I have been working on two-time flying changes recently, and would love to get the hang of one-time tempi changes too, as well as playing around with the collected work.

[andreaB]

my aim for the first part of this year is to begin competing affiliated elementary with consistent 60% + scores , i feel we are ready having done some unaff elem in prep , first outing is start of feb

training wise my main aim is to keep working on my horses self carriage & to improve how much weight he is carrying behind , particularly in canter & to improve his medium canter in terms of the openess of his frame & to get more 'jump' into his collected canter

i'll be looking back on this thread in a few months to make sure i've not been slacking off & have managed to make progress;)

[Sophie..*]

Get over 60% all the time in prelim levels, and mvoe on from prelim 1!!

And make sure my flying changes happen everytime not after asking a few times.

[bitsnpieces]

Mine are to get Puz fit again after having a year off for a baby, start a few prelims but pop her up to novice so she doesn't get too bored. Bring on her lateral work and get her more loose through the back and shoulders, hopefully getting a fab teacher my friend has to help me with that one. learn to ride some of the more complicated movements. stop crunching my body on one side. Affiliate at the end of the year!

[NZdressage]

OEH-oh he is lovley! Good luck for 2008!

NZ Dressage -OH WOW how stunning!!! He is fab!

Thanks!!! Hard to believe he was a racehorse off the track when I brought him isnt it, and in barely 2 years of dressage training hes gone from racehorse to advanced medium. I am really proud of both of us considering my dressage experience is as limited as his, apart from having lessons on my trainers grand prix horses sometimes.

[Hollymead]

For me:-
1. Achieve a better lower leg position.
2. Learn to let go with my left hand on the left rein.
3. Stop turning my toes out (:mad:)
For Holly:-
4. Get Holly to pick up right canter consistently.
5. Get her to relax in left canter.
6. To get her to the stage where she doesn't see head tossing as a viable route to go down (she does it when in a strop, it is nothing medical).
For us both:-
7. Compete in a walk/trot test before the summer.
8. Compete in a prelim dressage test before 2009.
Not a lot then, lol :)