Progress not Perfection!

Why would you watch this video? It is not an elegant and seamless execution of the FEI Intermediare 1 dressage test, that’s for sure. It is not a professional video and has just been shot on a smart phone. So why watch it?  Well, this is a video of Biasini and me taking our first complete run through of the Inter 1 test.  We have completed the six weeks no stirrups assignment and had worked up to a full 30 minutes with no stirrups. We had practiced some individual moves from the test during this time and now the moment of truth to put it all together.  Yes, there are lots of mistakes and I go off course a few times but overall I felt it was not bad. But that is not why it is worth watching.

It is worth watching just to listen to the instructions from my Canadian coach, two time Olympian ,Belinda Trussell.  If you are a rider it will all make sense to you and if you are not a rider it will give you an idea of the multitude of things going on that are invisible to the observer.

There are other horses in the arena schooling ,and one of them has a “moment of youthfulness” that Belinda asks the rider about, but you will soon pick out Biasini and me. Take a look….

 

Still photo credit: Connie Gee

Comments

28 responses to “Progress not Perfection!”

  1. […] sharing Leueen Willoughby's fun and instructive blog posts about her lessons with Belinda!  Enjoy this post (and the video) from a couple of weeks ago.  Photo:  Connie […]

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Charlotte Avatar

    I recently listened to a podcast that Belinda did with Patrick King and she has quickly become one of my biggest inspirations! Thanks for sharing a great informative post! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      I also heard the podcast and had to laugh as when she talked about her student that she made do the no stirrups work for 30 minutes she was talking about me! Haha! Glad you enjoyed it. She is a wonderful coach and rider and trainer. I am so fortunate to be able to train with her (even if it means riding with no stirrups!!)

      Like

  3. starboundeq Avatar

    Great ride! I love your trainers tone! So encouraging and great instruction!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      Yes it is a privilege to work with her.

      Like

  4. usathroughoureyes Avatar

    This is so awesome and we are so excited for you. This is an admirable achievement.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. (HorseLover4Ever) Elizabeth Avatar
    (HorseLover4Ever) Elizabeth

    Great for you, Anne and Biasini!!! Looking just wonderful together; GREAT job!!!! ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      Thanks so much for your support.

      Like

  6. melroseequestrianservices Avatar
    melroseequestrianservices

    I love the video. That centreline with the Shoulder In was awesome mate !

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Avery Avatar

    I really like her commentary. Great imagery associated. I can see her riding and saying these things to herself and her horse. Thanks for sharing!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      If you have a chance see if you can find a video of her riding. Her freestyle at tha Adequan global dressage Festival in 2016 is a good one. She always looks like she is just sitting there and going for a lovely ride in the park. But beneath that she is doing something every second.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Avery Avatar

        The way it should be, what we should all be working towards. I will look it up!

        Liked by 1 person

  8. heatherwallace Avatar

    I think we have a tendency to be too hard on ourselves. I too am a perfectionist and become frustrated when I don’t live up to my own expectations. You’re looking great!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      Thank you. I think that in dressage where attention to detail is important we do tend to be highly critical of even the smallest imperfections. I appreciate your comment. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      Thanks for the reblog!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. dray0308 Avatar

        You are welcome!

        Like

  9. youngeventhorseblog Avatar
    youngeventhorseblog

    Looks pretty good to me! What a lovely team you two are

    Liked by 1 person

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      Thank you. I appreciate your comment.

      Like

  10. amelieeventing Avatar

    wow you are amazing at dressage! A.E

    Liked by 1 person

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      Thank you! We’re working at it!

      Like

  11. Donna Zabukovec Avatar
    Donna Zabukovec

    Thanks for sharing

    Liked by 1 person

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      You are most welcome!

      Like

  12. Ben Aqiba Avatar

    Great post 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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