Dressage: What do you think so far?

[Lord_Helpus]

I know that I know nothing and that CdJ and Valegro are outstanding, but does it bother anyone else that Valegro’s right front leg moves forward a lot higher than his left front leg?

In the passage it almost seemed like he was “double bouncing” on the L front leg because it took an extra millisecond for the right front to come back down.

Maybe that is what keeps her from only getting mid 80’s instead of 90’s?

And what about that 2 steps of scoot at the very end, right before the final halt? Would that have marked her down from a 9 to an 8?

[Equibrit]

Start list for the special is up; http://www.normandy2014.com/2014-games/the-disciplines/2/dressage#results

[Equibrit]

@vineyridge;7731726

And the good news is that three of the US riders will go on to the GP Special. It is the top 32, isn’t it?

30

[CatchMeIfUCan]

[QUOTE=Lord Helpus;7732143]
I know that I know nothing and that CdJ and Valegro are outstanding, but does it bother anyone else that Valegro’s right front leg moves forward a lot higher than his left front leg?

In the passage it almost seemed like he was “double bouncing” on the L front leg because it took an extra millisecond for the right front to come back down.

Maybe that is what keeps her from only getting mid 80’s instead of 90’s?

And what about that 2 steps of scoot at the very end, right before the final halt? Would that have marked her down from a 9 to an 8?[/QUOTE]

I don’t see this at all. Maybe the two different colored legs are throwing you off? Watch his knees - they are pretty level. She did seem to loose some of the passage on the centerline. I would imagine she lost a point there.

His walk though - my gosh. It’s beautiful. Everything they do just seems effortless.

[Oberon13]

I almost chuckled at her centerline…I could totally hear the conversation:

Valegro: Halt now?
Charlotte: No, forward.
Valegro: OK! zoom
Charlotte: Not that forward…passage.
Valegro: Oh, okay.
…
Halt now?
Charlotte: No, forward.
Valegro: Okay! zoom
Charlotte: Not that forward…passage.
Valegro: Oh, okay…
…
Halt now?
Charlotte: Yes, halt now.

[Equibrit]

[QUOTE=Lord Helpus;7732143]
I know that I know nothing and that CdJ and Valegro are outstanding, but does it bother anyone else that Valegro’s right front leg moves forward a lot higher than his left front leg?

In the passage it almost seemed like he was “double bouncing” on the L front leg because it took an extra millisecond for the right front to come back down.

Maybe that is what keeps her from only getting mid 80’s instead of 90’s?

And what about that 2 steps of scoot at the very end, right before the final halt? Would that have marked her down from a 9 to an 8?[/QUOTE]

Valegro’s score sheet; http://score.normandie2014.com/results/dressage/DRE-PRI-IND-DG-1.pdf

[vineyridge]

I noticed the difference myself. The right leg definitely comes higher and stays in the air longer than the left leg. In fact, it looked to me as if the RIGHT leg “double clutched” in passage–it went up, then, while up, went a bit MORE up, and then went down.

I asked about that on the dressage board, but no one has answered yet.

[QUOTE=Lord Helpus;7732143]
I know that I know nothing and that CdJ and Valegro are outstanding, but does it bother anyone else that Valegro’s right front leg moves forward a lot higher than his left front leg?

In the passage it almost seemed like he was “double bouncing” on the L front leg because it took an extra millisecond for the right front to come back down.

Maybe that is what keeps her from only getting mid 80’s instead of 90’s?

And what about that 2 steps of scoot at the very end, right before the final halt? Would that have marked her down from a 9 to an 8?[/QUOTE]

[J-Lu]

[QUOTE=Equibrit;7732278]
Valegro’s score sheet; http://score.normandie2014.com/results/dressage/DRE-PRI-IND-DG-1.pdf[/QUOTE]

Thank you so much for this link!!! I haven’t seen any of the rides but I’m enjoying looking at the scores. It’s good to see 9s and 10s on the cards when deserved.

[Cooper]

I just don’t understand Legolas beating Verdades. The issues in the one tempis alone should have dropped them below LG and Verdades. Does the P/P really count for so much that the rest of Legolas (lackluster) test gets a pass?

I admittedly don’t know enough about the scoring to really understand all of this, but there is a clear difference in quality between the two horses. Just not a fan of Legolas. Sorry.

[DownYonder]

[QUOTE=Cooper;7733080]
I just don’t understand Legolas beating Verdades. The issues in the one tempis alone should have dropped them below LG and Verdades. Does the P/P really count for so much that the rest of Legolas (lackluster) test gets a pass?

I admittedly don’t know enough about the scoring to really understand all of this, but there is a clear difference in quality between the two horses. Just not a fan of Legolas. Sorry.[/QUOTE]

Look at the score sheets. http://score.normandie2014.com/results/dressage/DRE-PRI-IND-DG-1.pdf

Peters/Legolas got 3s and 4s for the flubbed single tempis, but it looks like they outscored Graves/Verdades on many other movements. And importantly, many movements with coefficients.

Don’t forget how green Laura and Verdades are, while Steffen has tons of experience riding at the biggest international competitions, and Legolas also has much more experience than Verdades. Steffen knows how to focus on the movements with the coefficients and try to maximize his horse’s abilities in those movements. Laura’s time is coming - barring an unfortunate turn of events (injury, sale, etc.), she and Verdades have a very bright future ahead of them.

[monstrpony]

I also thought Steffen’s test was more accurate than Laura’s, which counts at that level. Very small things–losing the outside haunch momentarily in a corner, a bit disorganized at the start of the zig-zag, little things like that, that Steffen is experienced enough to avoid. And those coefficients make a difference.

I thought both of their tests were lovely (well, except for the unfortunate ones), and I especially enjoyed the go-for-broke innocence of Laura’s test–just a really honest “well, let’s give it our best shot”. The same thing that made Charlotte’s tests so enjoyable two years ago, but that is now gone from her riding, succumbed to the pressure of expectation (not that her ride wasn’t just spectacular).

(and, what do I know, but I thought Laura got robbed on her reinback)

[Coreene]

Special now on, tres divine

[Ginger]

Good morning, Coreene. How was Wizard’s test? Was he a bit tired? He’s been scoring a bit higher lately. Thank you for keeping us updated.

[Crockpot]

Anyone watching who’d like to share some actual :eek: observations of the tests?

(I can watch later but prefer live!!)

I believe verdades up now ,followed by Legolas. I’m a verdades fan. Love him. Nice harmonious team

[DownYonder]

Laura just finished the GPS with a strong 77.101, to put her at the top of the standings. Still 9 super riders left, but WTG, Laura! :yes:

[Applecore]

Vedades and Laura are into the lead with a 77.1%!!! Yes, all the big guns yet to come, but I’m fairly sure that is a personal best. The fairy tale continues!

I only have live scores though, can’t comment on the actual test.

Steffen Peters in now!

[Crockpot]

Amazing! Yes following the live scoring and looking forward to seeing that ride later Love this pair!

[yaya]

Wow. Steffen is third behind Laura!

[DownYonder]

[QUOTE=yaya;7733310]
Wow. Steffen is third behind Laura![/QUOTE]

Yes. Steffen must be grinning to himself, after his comments a few weeks ago how great it was to know he may not have to always be the standard bearer for the U.S. (or words to that effect).

Is it too soon to say, “The torch has been passed”?

[Oberon13]

Laura and Steffen will now be top 10! Well done!