Jane Armour BHSI (T & SM)

 
A successful afternoon was had by a variety of professional and amature riders at Castlerock Farms, Moorpark, CA. Participants started the afternoon with a short lecture, 'How to Improve Your Dressage Score.' Riders then rode the USDF Introductory Test A, had the test reviewed and then re-rode the test after a short break in an attempt to improve the score.  Everyone improved!  Jane suggested little tips like - ride a more consistent rhythm, make the circle rounder, use the corners or improve the medium walk before the free walk on the long rein.  She stressed the need to learn where transitions were marked and which movements had co-efficient.  Jane said that riding a test was about the rider and horse competing against the judge and the team who designed the test.  "It is the rider's job to not lose any more marks than are necessary."

Comments from participants: "I was nervous to start with, but enjoyed the afternoon as I got to ride the simple test and then talk to Jane and then re-re-ride the same test fifteen minutes later to practice the changes."   "I just watched but feel I would like to try next time."   "The advice between tests has made a difference to my horse when I went back to jumping the next day.  I see that dressage is the basis of all riding."

I did not ride in the workshop, but audited and helped keep score, and that in itself was a tremendous learning experience. Hearing the comments on each horse and rider, then the suggestions and then seeing the resulting improvements in each team was incredibly helpful.  Learning about the scoring, the co-efficients, and that the most subtle movements such as transitions and submission can make or break a test was invaluable.  I'll be riding in the next workshop and can't wait! Claire Massey, CA