HomeAbout MeThe Horses - NEW!PicturesVideosDressage for DadFavorite LinksContact

Dressage for Dad is where I like to offer my mistakes as education. Yes, your welcome. I ride like an idiot so maybe you don't have to! :)

I made the first video for my dad, a dressage beginner, so he can better understand how the tests work, so in turn he can better critique my performance... not sure this is such a good idea? I have broken down the movements as they are described and scored in the test; it is not verbatim, but close enough for watching this. Then I have included the score for that movement and any comments from the judges. My translation abilities are limited to what I can remember being told and google for the rest. Any comments of my own I have added in (parenthesis). 

I am no video editor, I'm just trying to learn how to ride. There are different font sizes and styles of text; deal with it. 

The first test is with Countess, an "MB1" test, it's equivalent to USDF 3rd or 4th level. This test is not particularly good, I made a lot of mistakes by creating too much tension. However, it's from the mistakes that I learn, so I hope someone can learn something from this.

This is a link to see the layout, including the letters, of a large dressage arena, like I rode in. More useful info for dressage beginners can be found at www.usdf.org 

Dad, after watching this you are on your way to being a "rail bird", giving you authority to tell other riders what to do and how to do it better, regardless of their riding accomplishments vs. yours. Your first tip to me should be, "you need to release the contact more," to which I will respond, "yes, I know," and hang my head in shame.

March 18, 2012 - My recent Dressage for Dad entry, once again starring the amazing Double Up!

 

Last weekend I took Double Up to his first show. Rather than saying I rode like an idiot, I prefer to call it an educational opportunity, where upon review and reflexion I can learn what not to do next time. 
 
So, I think it would be fun for you, Dad, to watch the regular clip and score the movements, then watch the clip with scores, and see how you rate as a Danish dressage judge? If you gave me a higher score, I'll see if I can hook you up with a job! 

Above the regular version, below the version with scores.