Thursday 9 June 2016

Dressage = Fun

Yep, I'm admitting it, dressage is currently FUN. I pulled Midge out for another dressage lesson last night and she was totally tuned in and responsive again.  I have no idea where the super opinionated, argumentative I-don't-wanna-and-you-can't-make-me Midge went (maybe she only comes out for jumping now? IDK, but she hasn't made an appearance in a flat lesson for months) After over a year of almost daily drama, I am truly grateful for our current peaceful existence.
Although it looks here like she could be thinking of a new plan to rule the world.

 We basically continued on with the exercises from Monday night, tons of shoulder in and travers, followed by lots and lots of trot/canter/trot transitions in which we ask Ms B to use her bum and stay balanced throughout. She'd obviously thought things through from Monday and put in a super effort and once again I had a huge smile on my face almost the entire ride.

I hope I my recent dressage lesson posts don't come across as "wow we are so perfect and awesome!" because that's absolutely not what I'm trying to say. We've got tons of things to work on! The reason I'm so incredibly happy with our dressage lately is because all our hard work of the past year is starting to show dividends. The basics are installed, now we're having fun installing the cool stuff. What we're working on now is all green baby and rider needing to learn to ride better stuff. Normal stuff. Not the "Whoa! Emergency intervention! We seem to have a serious issue here!!" stuff I was previously bringing to almost all my rides ;) 
Booty shot, ha ha not the most flattering angle

 I'm writing that my dressage lessons have been amazing and wonderful and everything felt great because there hasn't been a single moment lately where I don't feel like we're a team and that B isn't putting in her very best effort. It feels like we can do anything together (with a little time and a lot of help!) and that's super empowering and confidence boosting for us both.

More booty. I'm liking the tail and the dapples :)
However, the real world is calling...it's not dressage on the schedule next, it's a hunter/jumper show next weekend. Decisions to be made. Do I scratch and wait until we're in a better place jumping wise, or go and view it as a schooling opportunity? Normally I say go to all the things and learn everything you can from them. The only reason I'm thinking hard on this one is because honestly I'm not sure I can let go enough to truly not care or be tempted to give up and just do dressage forever if we go and have a disastrous day.
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12 comments

  1. I'm so happy for you that dressage is going so well. It sounds like you guys are doing amazing and I am looking forward to having that feeling back with Katai :) I'd say to listen to yourself! Every time that I ignore my feelings like that I'm disappointed in myself. There will be plenty more so if you feel like scratching and sticking to what's feeling good just do it! There's plenty of time to feel more positive in lessons and at home before you put the pressure on yourself to show.

    Either way though, you guys will do great!!

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  2. So glad the Dressage is going well - I'm just getting to that point too where it's fun!

    I would still go to the little show, so long as it's not $$$$. Just go for fun, go to school, and maybe you will come out with some satin!

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    1. I'm so excited for you and mr Finn! I'm tempted to go, but so far haven't committed :)

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  3. New reader here :) Your ponies are super cute! If you don't feel excited for the next show, maybe it's best to skip it? Sounds like the dressage lessons have really sparked your interest...

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  4. So awesome that things are ticking along to well in the flat work! I def know what you mean about feeling conflicted about the show tho. And it really is hard to move on from a disastrous outing even when we promise ourselves it'll be ok. Still tho. It could be fun. Maybe wait to decide until after your next jump school? (And if you don't want a jump school between now and then, maybe there is your answer)

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    1. We actually had a wonderful jump school on Friday...but now I feel superstitious about jinxing it ;)

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  5. She is looking lovely and I'm happy to hear you guys are rocking the dressage! I think you guys should go to the little show and really do everything you can to make it the most fun day for both of you. :)

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    1. Thank you! So wonderful to see you back!

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  6. That ass <3 so glad everything is going well for you!! It's so great when all your hard work starts paying off.

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    1. Love the big pony bums and tails! Thanks, I'm so pleased with her!

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