I see lots of supremely lovely pairs - pros on young upper level prospects mostly, with a few very capable amateurs on talented youngsters or accomplished schoolmasters mixed in. Almost no “off-breeds” or even average movers.
As much as it is instructive to see what a really nice pair can do and what we should be aiming for, I would love to also see and hear the judges discuss scoring different types of horses, as well as the specific movements of the new tests.
Yes I had these exact thoughts after the last new test demo 4 years ago. (I haven’t been to any this round.) The pairs I saw were lovely to watch, but difficult to relate to and I wish there was more focus on how to maximize scores for us mere mortals
I do! I loooove to watch and be able to grasp visuals for how it should look. But I feel it’s the amateurs on normal horses who can’t afford to lose points who need these demos the most, and for them showing horses who are more average is more relatable and easier to apply to their own horses.
I’m lucky to have had 9 years with an amazing trainer who would talk through everything and what would develop from different flaws or weaknesses in rides, and he helped me learn how to see things and understand how an international rider on high 6 figure horse related to my mediocre amateur work. There are few teachers that talented out there, so I feel as if most riders simply don’t have a way to relare.
I don’t disagree with you, however, I was recently reminded of what I think is the easiest thing we mere mortals can do to improve our tests that so many fail to do; read the actual test sheet particularly the purpose of the test and the movement directives.
We have 2 decent riders at our barn who are prepping for an upcoming show. Both are learning their tests by reading them on the phone or having the trainer read the movements to them. Yes, there’s some instruction, but nothing like the actual movement directives.
Easiest place, IMO, to not throw points away is a straight square halt.
Dressage has 2 populations. One is the bread and butter amateur who will mostly stay at or below 4th level with your every day movers. The other are the combinations with loftier movers and wallets.
USDF caters to the latter group. This is a mistake.
