Carousel Coaching
3 Things You Can Do To
Improve Your Dressage Test, Today!!
As I am
here at Regionals and watching some of the horses it makes me realize there are
some really easy changes, that you can make today, that will absolutely bring
you more points.
Before we
get to that, let’s just talk for a minute about relaxation. Breath, Hydrate and
trust your preparation. There is a lot of energy in the warm-up that is not
yours! The only way to control your energy is to identify with it. Sit quietly,
by yourself, where you will not be interrupted. Drink a big glass of water and
focus on your breath. Count the breath in, hold, out, pause, in repeat. You can
use any count that helps you to be relaxed. Box breathing is when you use the
same count for all, but anything that works for you. When your mind gets
distracted just bring your focus back to your breath. Try to give yourself ten
minutes to do this prior to getting on. Remember you have been preparing to be
here. No need to change everything, trust your preparation.
I am not
going to get into how to relax your horse. Only to say that running it crazy on
the lunge line is a recipe for injury and more stress, not less. I can help you
find another way, but we need to meet in person for this. There are also other
awesome people that specialize in this. Seek them out.
What can you
do that will improve your test and score today?
1.
Warm up in a shape that resembles the arena. Most
warm-ups are too big and people use the whole thing! You get into the arena
after thinking you are amazing in the warm-up and two things happen; you get claustrophobic
because the ring is all of a sudden ½ the size of what you were doing in the
warm up, and, you have put a lot of extra miles on your horse! Being on the
centerline every time you are meant to be will add points! Making your circles
the right size…..yes! More points! You can set your own landmarks, ask your
trainer to point out the proper size, or even scope out the warm up area and
make a plan before you get on. Use one fenced long side so you can manage your straight
lines. Create corners in your mind and ride them! Whatever type of corner you
need for the level you are riding. This will really set you up for success in
the show ring!
2.
Use the outside of the arena for training! When
you go around the outside of the arena before your test you are not being
judged! I see so many people losing the connection with their horses, asking
them to be perfect, overreacting if the horse looks at something. You are not
being judged! Don’t worry about the judge, half the time they are still working
on the last test, they are not even looking. Utilize this time to show your
horse in a relaxed way the judges booth, the flowers, the letters etc. Make
transitions, check your brakes and gas pedal. Check in on your own physical
relaxation, can you feel your toes? When you trust that your aids are working
you will not have to ride the parking brake through out the whole test. When
you are confident that your forward aids work you will be able to relax and
make the aids when you need them and then just ride with the forward motion in
between. Pat your horse, check in with your arms and hands.
3.
Keep your lower legs close to your horse. Feel the
hair through your boot. When you come and go too much on the horses sides the
horses get tight and feel like they don’t want to go. Relax the upper leg and
let the horse come up into the withers, support with the lower leg to create relaxation.
No gripping, just soft cuddling legs. Your horse will appreciate this, and the
relaxation will translate into a horse that is more in front of you and
relaxed. Now, I understand this is not the easiest thing to do, however, even
if you focus on it just a little bit your life will change!
I hope this
helps you to have more fun and success in your riding!
Love to
Ride!
Nancy