I understand where you are coming from. You are taking it way too personally and I understand that too.
No one here wants to hurt your feelings and no one here wants to put you down.
That is quite an accomplishment to bring along a young horse and I totally admire your commitment. That’s quite a long drive for a lesson.
Please read Beowolfs last post again . It explained it much better than I.
I was approaching it from a more philosophical point.
Riders can and do school their horses up the level s without knowing any more dressage theory than “Outside Leg to Inside Rein”
But unless you can really understand the principles. The “why” , it really doesn’t help you.
Your trainer agreed with you that it wasnt an evasion
I respectfully disagree with your trainer.
Your trainer told you to push the horse into contact, but it hasn’t helped you.
You are going to have to look to yourself and ask the hard questions " what I am doing to cause this?"
If you have a defensive position in the saddle and pump on the gas and hit the brakes at the same time you are going to create a defensive horse that curls behind and then runs because you’ve loosened the reins. He really doesn’t know what he’s supposed to do.
Take a deep breath and slow down. This isn’t a contest and you dont get a medal for moving up the levels the fastest.
Go back and look at the training level test directives.
The judge isn’t just looking at the rider and horses movements , the judge is looking at the movements in context with the directives.
I say training level, because I honestly dont think that you and your horse are ready for first level.
I am not attempting to throw shade on you or belittle your abilities.
I responded because I thought I could give you some advice and some insight.
If you choose not to act on it, it’s okay with me.
It’s been my experience that most of the contact and connection problems arise from the incorrect position of the rider.
Good luck.
