Out and About Dressage
in the South
The online magazine for dressage riders and enthusiasts
Out and About Dressage
in the South
The online magazine for dressage riders and enthusiasts
Out and About Dressage
in the South
The online magazine for dressage riders and enthusiasts
This show report starts with young riders on schoolmasters making a big impact on the results, talks of longer journeys to a sense of achievement — and concludes with a special young schoolmaster in the making.
Doable choreography to supportive music produced the best results for riders up and down the levels. Otherwise, make it look easy, even when it’s not!
Parwood, Surrey, 29 October 2020
Novice and elementary combinations claimed the highest scores and represented a long line-up of youthful talent.
Image: Georgina Way and Clounties Mr Darcey, a year on from this photo record an Advanced Medium 91 win with a best-to-date 69.62%
Image: A big thank you to all show organisers and volunteers everywhere, especially in doing all the extra work involved in running shows through this difficult season. Above, running the show at Parwood: Veronica (Rudolf) Morris and Lottie (Tree Fairy) Wickington who kept the judges fuelled with hot drinks, collected the sheets and added the scores — with Lucy Christmas, below, in firm control of distanced warm-up.
Image: Anna Miller and Hiawatha scored 66% for their medium freestyle two weeks ago, and 76% this time
Completed questionnaires continue to arrive in Out and About's secure mail box. Thank you! Some people have queried aspects of OAAD's suggestion for new qualifying rules to find gold and silver Regional Champions at all current levels. To explain more clearly:
If you have ever hugged a horse and received comfort you have felt the spiritual connection that can exist between human and equine. We need to be receptive to tune into the horse's mind and body when we ride. Mary-Anne Horn, a List 1 able-bodied judge and an FEI para judge, believes we can forget the magic ingredient of 'feel' as we strive for achievement.
PRIX ST GEORGES is the first senior FEI test and also the FEI Young Rider test, comments formerly Surrey-based List 1 judge Mark Ruddock, at the beginning of his his latest test analysis. He adds: “It is also the only PSG in this country, so anticipation can become a problem. (This test analysis first published in May 2017.)
Human physiotherapist Andy Thomas, who has worked with both British and American equestrian team riders, gave a lecture to a group of coaches at Weymarsh Stud late last year. This is a summary taken from that lecture and will be of as much interest to riders as it is to rider coaches
International dressage rider and trainer, Dan Watson: "I'd say to myself, he's not taking the bit — how can I get what I'm trying to achieve? Some days I'd be on him an hour and a half, just walking, trying to achieve some kind of feeling of connection."
