I know you guys hate these... But I would love your advice!?

Question

Hey guys!
Wondering if you could do some critique for me XD.
I don't have an instructor- and I can't afford one. So I am pretty much self-taught and always looking for advice and critique of my riding. (and my horse, if you feel like it)

This video was taken about two months ago at a local pony club event...Our last Preliminary dressage test! We've moved up to Novice now! Woo!
Anyway, please have a look and tell me what you think.

(Note: I know I have bad heels- it's been a big fault ever since I started riding- so no need to tell my I need my heels down!)

Here's the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNHjAxQ_UkM

Answer 1

For not having an instructor, you ride beautifully. Below are some nitpicky comments that you can look at and then take another look at your video. Note, I'm talking about picky stuff, and I'm an equitation instructor, not a dressage instructor, so keep that in mind should you see some advice that goes counter to standard dressage riding. :)



1. If you have someone who can longe you, try some isolation exercises-- moving one leg, one arm, your head and body, etc, separately from the rest of yourself as you ride. You still have a little bit of a tendency to engage your entire body when all you need is a nudge of your calf or a half halt with one hand.

2. Your heels aren't really an issue, except that they creep up when you squeeze, which means you are taking your thigh and knee away from the horse and losing some effectiveness of your leg when you cue with it. Try stretching your leg down, then squeezing, to encourage yourself to keep that leg nice and tight against your horse as you use it.

3. As you move up in testing, start looking ahead in your movements and preparing yourself and your horse for transitions. While you don't want the horse to anticipate and jump into a transition too soon, you also want your horse completely ready for your cue so that he/she can be more relaxed and responsive when you ask for a change of direction or gait.

4.Your post bothers me a bit, but I'm not sure if it because I'm used to huntseat, or because of something you are doing. You seem to pop up when you post, while I'm more used to teaching students to post lightly, just moving your hips enough that you are off the back for a beat, instead of bringing your whole body up out of the saddle and back down again. Dressage horses eventually have really big trots, so my vision of a good post might not be a dressage rider's ideal.



These are a few tips to think about as you re-evaluate your own riding. Overall, I love how eager your horse is to do the test, and how happy and responsive he/she appears. I think you have very nice balance, and lovely soft hands. Your horse shows how kind you are as a rider by being willing and relaxed, even when an occasional bobble or mistake occurs. Nice job! :)

Answer 2

you did overall great and your horse looked very relaxed! I would suggest getting your horse a little more forward using your seat and leg. Also, I noticed that when you were posting, your arms were flapping a little. Your legs were also flapping a little as well. try keeping your arms and leg more still and remember that whenever you are riding a test/ showing, always look up. You can tell if you are looking down, and the higher you go, it will start to count. I have the same problem, so almost exaggerate it because its a good habit to get into. Your seat looks great, but remember to to sit up strait as if someone is pulling a string above your head. It helps if you put your shoulders back and suck your stomach in. When you are riding corners, do NOT let your horse fall in. Shorten your reins, and use your inside leg to reinforce the horse that he is not allowed to fall in or pop his shoulder. As for the bad heels, a great exercise you can do daily is go stand on the stairs, and have your toes on the edge, and dip your heels up and down. When I first started riding, I had that problem and it helped me steady my heals better.



You did a great job!!

Answer 3

You're really good! The only thing that was bothering me was that your constant position is leaned just ever so slightly back. You aren't armchairing or getting behind the motion of your horse so it's not a major thing. But especially in the trot you just looked a little reclined lol. Also watch those elbows! Are your hands vertical with your thumbs on top? Make sure you keep your elbows in!



Seriously though, you are brilliant (why are pony club kids so damn good!?) and your horse? AMAZING! He looks so responsive and his gaits are to die for. I'd kill for that wonderful uphill trot of his. Definitely a keeper :)

Answer 4

nooo I love critiquing riding videos!!!!

OK so I couldnt see anything in the beginning cause it was too far away. Good zoom on the camera afterwards, but a little shaky making it hard to see.

SOO Your upper body is really nice, good shoulders back- nice posting THROUGH your elbows instead of posting with your elbows. nice quiet hands. Your lower leg- your heels need to drop down farther and stop going into the horses side everytime you sit in your posting. When you sit in your posting- your heels jab up into his sides. Sink down deep into your heels so when you post- your heels go down deep.

Answer 5

I would say you are doing great, everyone is going to have different opinions but you just need to work out whether you believe them or not.



I would say you just need to just hold your lower leg a little bit stiller. Also coming back from your canter to a trot. dont just let him fall into the trot just keep riding but other then that i dont think you have probs at all. you go girl!

Answer 6

Your doing really well! Especially for being self taught!

Answer 7

I actually thought you did really well. Maybe when you post not going up so far but other then that very good.