Dressage..

[prettybluepony]

Okay first off, meet Lennard.

http://www.xcphotos.co.uk/oneadmin/_files/photogallery/h17022.jpg

Sorry its small, you can't really see us, but you get the idea, and © XC-Photos. Lol, he is around 4 years old, maybe 3, we're not really sure but we're pretty sure he is 4 (very mature and well developed.) Gypsy cob, through and through. If he passes his vetting my mum and me have decided to buy him, if not I'll still continue to school and possibly compete, so that is pure paper work! ;)

I was wondering where it'd be best to start him off at for dressage. We've got accepted the bit down, he works nicely, and is naturally very well balanced. ((See this baby in the field, boy he can move with collection..)) He has got a nice set of paces on him, and is going really well in the school. He can be a bit speedy, but we are slowing down, he works in a nice outline, very good through his back-end, and we're starting to work on jumping and leg-yields etc., now, harder work.

Hopefully later this year if all goes according to plan I will be taking him to a few shows and getting him around a bit more, I was wondering what sort of test I should aim for ((only local at the mo of course, he's just a wee baby..)) and what it would would involve? Plus any tips and advice for me? I always appreciate good advice on my youngsters? Oh and he is only a pony, if I wanted to affiliate in a year or more so time would this be an issue?

Not to mention what do you think of the hoss? :D I really need to come on here more often..

<3
Suzanne

[calvo]

aaww hes abso gorg!! I hope you do get him! If you do, please make a thread full of pictures for all to see! :p:cool:

To start off with, do some Unaff preliminary tests and see what scores and hopefully the judge may pop down what you need to work on etc

A pre test consists of basically 20m circles in walk, trot, canter. Half circle 10m in trot and walk, free walk, change the rein, half 20m circles and so on :)

Once you gaining a good precentage consistenly (I tend to go for 65%+ with my lot) or you feel more than ready to move on.. then move on to affiliated :cool: :)

[prettybluepony]

Thanks he is a pretty little boy.. sounds like we could do that quite soon, as his schooling is going quite well. :) Anything you think he needs to be prepared for in a dressage class?

Also this may seem stupid but would it be okay to french braid his mane and leave his forelock free, as he is a hairy boy..

[calvo]

My mare is a hairy native cobby thing, I french plait her mane and leave her forlock so you should be ok :) ive seen others do it and some just leave it natural (I like my plaits! lol)

When your horse's shoulder hit that letter, he must be doing the next movement then :) Just make sure he seeks the contact and is just generally well schooled for that level :)