People refer to the Intermediare II dressage test as the “baby” Grand Prix. This is because the same gaits are required. The horse must show Passage, Piaffe and one tempis ( changes of canter leg every stride). However the directives give some leniency. The Directives are the expectations of what the judges are to look for when marking the test. Where does the leniency come in? For example in the piaffe 8- 10 steps must be seen but the horse can move 1 meter forward while executing those steps. In the Grand Prix there should not be that much forward movement . For the one tempis 11 changes are required as opposed the Grand Prix where it is 15. For horses this test is the intro to the Grand Prix.
Today I had a chance to see my coach Belinda Trussell ride her horse Touch me Marso in the “baby” Grand Prix. This is a new level for Touch. Here are some photos from their test.
They scored 67.304 which is a good score for a horse new to this level .
I would be remiss if I did not thank my husband who drove me the hour and half to the showgrounds. And also Andrew Woodley, the show organizer , who made show golf cart available to get me to the stadium and to his co-worker Beth who drove me back to our car at the end. I am still tottering about with a walker and could not have done it without the golf cart rides.
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