Carousel Coaching, Nancy Lavoie: June 2010

Dressage

Dressage (a French term meaning "training") is a path and destination of competitive horse training, with competitions held at all levels from amateur to the Olympics. Its fundamental purpose is to develop, through standardized progressive training methods, a horse's natural athletic ability and willingness to perform, thereby maximizing its potential as a riding horse. At the peak of a dressage horse's gymnastic development, it can smoothly respond to a skilled rider's minimal aids by performing the requested movement while remaining relaxed and appearing effortless. Dressage is occasionally referred to as "Horse Ballet." Although the discipline has its roots in classical Greek horsemanship, mainly through the influence of Xenophon, dressage was first recognized as an important equestrian pursuit during the Renaissance in Western Europe. The great European riding masters of that period developed a sequential training system that has changed little since then and classical dressage is still considered the basis of trained modern dressage.

Early European aristocrats displayed their horses' training in equestrian pageants, but in modern dressage competition, successful training at the various levels is demonstrated through the performance of "tests," or prescribed series of movements within a standard arena. Judges evaluate each movement on the basis of an objective standard appropriate to the level of the test and assign each movement a score from zero to ten - zero being "not executed" and ten being "excellent." A score of nine (or "very good") is considered a particularly high mark, while a competitor achieving all sixes (or 60% overall) should be considering moving on to the next level.

Saturday, June 19, 2010

PW

PW is learning so many new things, and she is doing great. Since coming to Massachusetts she is lunging in the indoor perfectly. She learned in Florida about the surcingle, but yesterday she wore a saddle for the first time. She was very grown up about it! She is moving great on the lunge. She was definitly wondering what that funny feeling was, but never got upset or tried to get rid of it, I am happy about that! I hope to have a video up soon.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Congratulations!

Congratulations Ariel, Alyson and Maureen !! Ariel recieved 65% in the Young Rider Prix St. Georges, with a very strong test. Ariel also catch rode Nirvana for Alyson sunday and recieved a 68% ! Alyson back in the saddle only for a short time now did a fantastic job in Training level with Nirvana getting two red ribbons with 62% and 66%! What a way to start the summer! Maureen also achieved her goal of getting over 63 in her Training 3 and 4 recieving 65% and 64% sunday. Well Done everyone!

Saturday, June 5, 2010

New Baby Pictures

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Moving

On our way to Massachusetts! Horses being loaded and we are making our way to our summer home in Pepperell. We will see our summer friends soon! Looking forward also to Mystic Valley Hunt Club Show next weekend!

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