Pony Club Introductory 1995 - where to pick up marks?

[colouredcrazy]

Hey,

In a few weeks, I'm entering a one day event, and the test is the Pony Club Introductory 1995 (the link: http://www.pcuk.org/output/disciplines/page_1837.html). Where is best to pick up marks - or how can I pick them up? Foxys walk is not all that great as he is very lazy, but he has a lovely canter.

But also, how can I stop him from doing flying changes? He does them without being asked, but in a few tests that I do at pony club simple changes are required and he occasionally has already done them.

Any tips/advice (and wishes of good luck! I'm terrified!) will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Ellie

[cvb]

the free walk on a long rein is one to watch. make sure you show a clear difference between the start, middle, and then the retake at the end. remember that at F you need to be in medium walk, and you have trot coming quite soon - so pick up as you approach F. A smooth pick up should prevent jiggling into trot ;)

Make sure your circles are accurate. and pan the turns up centre line.

In terms of flying changes - its showing a lack of obedience (in the general marks) as you are asking for a downward transition to trot (i.e. "straight" aids) and he is giving you a change (completely different cue).

It may be that you are not helping - if you are anticipating it going wrong and riding the next corner (mentally) already.

So - try working on canter-trot cues. Perhaps using a serpentine so you go canter - simple change across the centre, canter, simple change etc.

(i.e. "teach" him simple changes ;) )

[colouredcrazy]

OK, thanks. He's good at free walk - his head is practically on the floor, so I don't think there will be too much of a problem distinguishing it from regular walk.

Regarding the changes, I'll try that. Unfortunately, he's so well schooled that he decides that he should change himself - not good when trying to get the idea of counter canter!

Ellie