I always like the quote “progress not perfection”. Dressage is an equestrian discipline where perfection is the goal but realistically it cannot be achieved ….at least not in this lifetime. However…..it is very rewarding when progress can be achieved.
I have been working on movements from the Intermediare 1 test for some time now. While I have been in Florida my coach here, Lou Denizard, has an interesting way of giving me exercises that relate to the Inter 1 movements but are not actually the movements. The advantage to this is that I just work on the exercise and don’t bring any expectations or preconceived notions to the exercise. Biasini also does not have a chance to memorize the Inter 1 patterns and start to anticipate.
Lou’s training tips that I have previously posted about.(“tailbone”, “zipper”, “mounting block” ) are all things that have helped me a lot with my position and allowing me to relax and let Biasini move freely.
So here is a video of me running through the Inter 1 test this morning. Lou is speaking to me with a mic system so you cannot really hear his comments but you can see the test. There are lots of bits and pieces I need to tidy up but over all I am very happy with how we are doing and in this first run through it was a clean test (no mistakes!).
Onwards ever onwards! In a week we will be making our debut with this test at a National Show!
HorseAddict 
Yes! progress is what matters. Thanks for sharing.
I have an article that relates to this that you could check out. https://wordpress.com/post/emmanuellove356165818.wordpress.com/15
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Reblogged this on Random Repeat.
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Nice article👍👍
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Thank you for sharing your test run-awesome!! It is easy for us to get caught up in striving for perfection rather than seeking progress. Our horses are great teachers for us in this respect:)) Enjoy your show as you progress through this wonderful passion of dressage!!!
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Thank you for this lovely comment Sandy. It is so true that we must appreciate the fact that our horses work with us and together we have such a gift from them; the chance to communicate with and work with another species .
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I loved watching this. You both look great and good luck for next week. 😊xxx
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Thank you! I appreciate the support.
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Fingers crossed for you!! You are going to do fantastic! 🙂
Something just dawned on me. I think you really tall! I’m sure your guy is not a tiny little thing 😉
And just look how far your legs can hang down and envelope him. Love!
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He is16.1 and i am about 5ft 6 or 7. I have long legs !
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You do!! That’s always helpful 🙂
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😮 wow, each time I see – each time I think how the horse can learn all that…watched the video 🙂 very cool but sure lots of work behind all that
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The trick is that the horse has to develop the muscle and strength to do the movements but cannot be allowed to memorize the sequence or they start to anticipate! Thanks for commenting and I really appreciate that you can see the work involved. Thanks also for taking a look at the video!
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Wow sounds so difficult
but looks so easy when I’m watching 😸
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Thank you. That is what we are trying to achieve.
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Great ride! I was able to hear Lou because I turned the audio up real loud. He likes to emphasize “stability leg”, which is a term I haven’t heard before. Would you like to shed a bit of light on that term so I can grasp better exactly what he means? Thanks–
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Thanks for commentin Alli! I am putting up a post on Saturday about the stability leg or stabilizer leg. It is an interesting concept related to the “riding the mounting block” idea. I find the stability leg very effective but i do not have it on auto pilot yet hence Lou’s reminders!
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You are both looking fantastic!
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Thanks so much! I appreciate your comment. 🙂
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good luck!
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Thank you Avery!
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You and Biasini really are a team. Good luck, will keep my fingers crossed for you!
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Thank you so much Viola!
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You guys look great! Best of luck at the show next week.
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Thank you! It will be fun to get out there and give it a go. It is dressage and subjectively judged so I have learned to not expect anything in terms of scores. I aim to try to do the ride in the ring as we do it at home and if Biasini works well for me and I keep my focus I’ll be happy.
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Good luck with the debut to you and Biasini 😄…
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Thank you Nurul!
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I think you are doing great! Wonderful job!
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Thank you Robyn! I appreciate your support!
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So pretty and so intense! Wow they pack a lot into that test, thank you so much for sharing it was so impressive!
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Thank you Katrin! Things come up pretty quickly in the test. I am so happy with Biasini he has really turned a corner in the last couple of months and he just works so hard for me. Thanks for commenting.
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He looked like he was concentrating so meticulously, it was awesome to watch.
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Yes he is very focused and working hard! Such a great horse! Thanks for this comment Katrin!
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