SC Dressage Tests

[stella]

Well, the SCDCTA(ok, i got it backwards last time, its SC Dressage and Combined Training Assn!) proposed simply changing wherever a trot is called for in their preliminary tests A&B and tests on up, to simply substitute the corto, and in higher level tests, a largo where an extended trot is called for. The canter stays in the same place in higher level tests.(none in preliminary)
This does make it easier to go watch tests at shows or on videos to help memorize the routine. It seems natural, but actually the Tennessee Walking Horse people that thru the one National Assn. have a recognized dressage division of their own, also have devised their tests to be considerably different.

My only objection was, that I would rather see the largo be put into the higher level tests BEFORE the canter, and put the canter in a later test. I pointed out to Diane(which she will bring up at their bd meeting next week)why it was easier for a trotting horse to differentiate between an extended trot and a canter, than between largo and canter(and WE all know WHY people riding trotters would rather teach the canter SOONER anyway!), but that may have to be for next year, to do changes....meantime, we have something easy to follow, readily available, in the preliminary tests.

Anyway, SO FAR Jasmine Farms in Windsor(2 miles from me!) SC will be offering gaited dressage at its 4 shows, Apri 1, June 3, Sept 2, Oct 28;
Marston Plantation in Sumter SC (the pioneer)has them in its show series too, April 1, June 3, Sept 16, Oct 14, Dec 2........both of these will give year end awards in these divisions, and the SCDCTA will also give awards at the state level.
I will try to get a list of shows closer to the Ga and NC borders....I was informed many will add the class if you can guarantee 3 entries. (can be 3 of different gaited breeds, too.)

Anyway, I'd like some input on the cantering, as many may not mind trainng cantering before a good largo. Some horses, such as ones with naturally shorter gaits, it may be easier to train canter before largo. Any opinions?

BTW< in preliminary, you do flat walk, medium walk, and corto....a 20meter circle, a couple turns, and otherwise straightness of movement....

[hast]

I don't know if my horse is special, or if it's a "normal" issue for a horse with brio, but my gelding's brain just "fries" when I've asked for a canter... He associates it with going F-A-S-T and after I've asked for a canter his gait suffers since all he wants to do is to run.


Maybe I have to move to Aiken, I love the thought of riding dressage on my boy :D

[Paso Matchmaker Extraordinaire]

I bet a lot of dressage riders around here will be happy to hear this news.

[Fuego]

I don't know if my horse is special, or if it's a "normal" issue for a horse with brio, but my gelding's brain just "fries" when I've asked for a canter... He associates it with going F-A-S-T and after I've asked for a canter his gait suffers since all he wants to do is to run.

Nothing wrong with your horse's mind. Simply put, a lack of proper training. A trotting breed of horse that did nothing BUT trot for the first 2-5 years under saddle would likely display the same problems.

Maintaining a specific gait, speed , and execution is universal for any horse of any breed. Training is usually needed to do so.

No slam on you hast or your horse, or either of your abilities. Just an answer to your question.

My Paso cortos, largos and canters on the correct lead. He has a low headed, daisy clipper, relaxed WP canter ( so smooth you can't feel the leads) and he has a head up, higher action, high energy canter that the leads are obvious. But it took time and training to get these things.

His initial trainer ( unfamiliar w/pasos) literally tried to run the brio out of him to get him to 'settle down'. When I got him, he knew one speed under saddle, full speed ahead! He was just as bad if not worse then some of the crazy (ruined) gaming horses I've seen . Rider in saddle means full speed ahead, stop for nothing. Not the horse's fault, that's what he was taught, intentionally or not.

[paintedhorizon]

How exciting!!!!!!

[motorgypsy]

Sounds really interesting. It would be better to get largo before canter because it helps them develop their range of gait before doing a lot at canter. We always canter on long rides but not much in the arena. We don't think it hurts the gait but spending a lot of time on the canter just means time you aren't spending on largo and building those gaiting muscles.

By the way - gaming calmed our mare down tremendously because she discovered that it was no longer "bad" to run really fast - in fact we wanted her to - and so it was no long something she wanted to do just to be difficult.

[Tami Pinell]

Stella - would you email me the info on the shows. I will try and make them.

As far as a largo and canter - a paso is no different than a trot horse or pony. The reason a paso does not respond well to canter when asked is usually the result of a rider that has not been taught how to ask a green horse to canter - they just push a horse to go faster until they break into canter (not the ideal way but it works). Most "trained" pasos are taught that when they are "pushed" to just extend the length of stride and increase speed of footfall.... this is NOT how one asks a dressage horse to extend.... what it would require to achieve a "dressage-trained" paso from an already trained one is to go back tothe basics of dressage and start. Which not a bad thing - it is an "added" thing - more education for the horse and rider.... but if you do this with a dressage instructor - don't be upset if you gaiting pasos breaks into a "trot" at times..... it is a different style of movement and carriage for you and your paso.

[stella]

Thanks for everyone's imput - and Tami, I pm'd you, I'd LOVE for you to come down here to join us at the shows! Wait til you see how horsey Aiken is!

[Privatetreaty]

What we are witnessing is history in the making and Stella is helping to create a benchmark for the Paso Fino horse in the Dressage world.

This is give the Paso well deserved prestige, respect and recognition.

Don't worry about a horse not being "special" in order to attend a Dressage show. A horse does need to be conditioned for a Dressage test.

It's imperative that a rider be well versed in Dressage, legs, seat, slight weight shifts. Mouth contact is always present, but never pressure.

The completion itself is different, as each rider enters the ring individually and executes a specific test, according to their category.

Read more facts at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_dressage

See dressage film at:
http://www.dressageclinic.com/

[halfmoonfino]

Does anyone know what tack restrictions apply? Are they the same as a standard USDF test?

[paintedhorizon]

Tack and dress, what is required?

[halfmoonfino]

I'm wondering if these rules will have a more "Fino" flavor, or a more "USDF" flavor, especially relating to tack and attire. Will the rules be standard or will there be allowances for Pasos? For example, would riding in a bosal be permitted? OR will it be limited to snaffles or double bridles?(I'm guessing just snaffles since the tests ar not currently at levels where a double bridle is required/encouraged).

Is the PFHA involved in these proceedings at all?

[Privatetreaty]

When in Rome, do as the Roman's do.

If you wish to compete in Dressage, it's their rules and their tack.
It's like using a cutback saddle in a western pleasure class.
If you truly have a horse schooled in dressage, irregardless of the level,
you should be able to work on a snaffle without loosing gait nor collection.
A fully trained Dressage horse is "finished" in no less than 7 years.

When I said earlier that this will give the Paso Fino prestige, you'll know exactly what I'm referring to once you get into it.

The main concern is having the horse and rider know Dressage.
Without the proper Dressage Master to school you, it's almost impossible.
This is one place you can't fake it.

Get the fact, straight from the horse's mouth-
http://www.usdf.org
.