The Maestro has written another book

[Dr_Doolittle]

Well , that would be a “penalty score“ in the mid 60’s, so we would hang our head in shame and slink the hell out of there.

[Risuena]

This was our first halt at X in a test that got us a 46%. I got my first 0 on our “A enter working trot” which we did in a sideways canter

(The insecure part of me feels the need to add that we got a 64% in our next test after he had settled)

[J-Lu]

Or matching slippers!!

[paw]

Ooo - Spanish Riding School, here you come!

[BatCoach]

Hey according to NP you are executing a perfect or add in the bottom pic- so you must be an FEI level rider!

[LiberalSnowflake]

@KBC

Taking a stroll out of my basement, bloody hot in this here fluffy robe…

I was looking at these two pics again, ignoring the riders, which horse looks happier?

Who looks like they are carrying tension, and is ‘worried’ for want of a better word. Who looks like they might be having as much fun as their rider, with loose looking ears, and a relaxed face…

But that’s just me in my bath robe.

Oh and neither rider has their hands in their crotch, still have no idea how a person can be in any way effective with hunch back, toes down looking down, and crotch paws?

I thought exactly the same. Lovely floppy ears on the Charlotte pic.

[ASB_Stars]

He doesn’t get that.

[Fiesta01]

Beautiful horse. I actually like “enthusiasm” in a horse. Just needs some tempering.

[BigMama1]

@pony_baloney

Just out of curiosity, what sort of mistakes and bad riding would earn 43%? I don’t show so I don’t see any lower level tests being performed

In this case he just did’t demonstrate any of the requirements of the level shown: no collection, no engagement, no uphill balance, no self-carriage, no suppleness. Throw in a couple of late changes and voila! A score in the 40s.

[Paint_Party]

Clearly @Risuena has been mentored by The Maestro, because she has mastered The Airs.

So I’m wondering, perhaps she can answer:

1. What special tips did Nick share that helped you attain your obvious “reins of silk”?
2. Did Nick force you to stare at old photos of Nuno for inspiration?
3. Despite Nick’s tutelage, you lack his trademark hand position, which shall be forever known as “crotch paws”. How did you avoid that?
4. We’re all curious. How much did Nick charge for his clinics and training? Was it truly free? Did you have to feed him? Where did he stay? (For example: On your couch, in the barn, in his car, etc.)
5. During your lessons, did Nick trash talk Charlotte, or any other World Class rider? Did he ever go so far as to break down in tears and wail, “I coulda’ been a contender”?
6. Furthermore, were you ever treated to a rant regarding bathrobe-clad COTH hausfraus and how they ruined his Equestrian Dream?
7. When you received the 46% for that… flamboyant… test, which expletives did Nick hurl toward the judge on your behalf?
8. Based on that performance, did Nick christen your horse an FEI Schoolmaster?
9. As a token of your bond with Nick, did you receive an autographed copy of his book? Did he throw in a t-shirt?
10. Can we expect a short-lived DAD trophy in your horse’s name?

Inquiring minds want to know these things!

[Nous]

Take a look at the Judges Quick Reference Guide https://www.britishdressage.co.uk/media/3117/british-dressage-judges-guide-july-19-final-05082019.pdf
From about page 48 onwards there’s a reproduction of the FEI guidelines - marking of fundamental mistakes. It will give you an idea of where marks can be lost.

[J-Lu]

In addition, are YOU now an official NP Apprentice ™ and when can we expect your book exclaiming Nick was right about everything and is the most talented trainer you ever met?

[cheektwocheek]

I do have a copy of this “priceless” out of print book. I’m more than happy to pass it along. Sorry, T-Shirt not included.

[Mersidoats]

Well, look at that. A levade, complete with reins of silk.

[KBC]

Judges note:

Levade not required at this, or any other level.

[Paint_Party]

@J-Lu

now an official NP Apprentice ™

Oh no. Don’t give him any ideas.

I can see it now. Anyone who completes a prescribed course of NP clinics, seminars (TED talk not included) and book club readings will receive a printed Certificate of Achievement that proclaims them An Official NP Apprentice

[SuzieQNutter]

I can commiserate. After different co - workers fed a bag of oats to Aztec in a week, as all had the same thought when a bag was donated. I am not feeding that to my horse, Az is quiet he can have it. I learned 2 things.

1. I already knew but they didn’t. Don’t feed other people’s animals.

2. In a dressage test you do not get any marks for entertainment.

… and as above once he was ridden down we came 2nd in the 2nd test with the same judges.

The first one, who knew me said she could not believe it was the same horse and rider, she wanted to put the comment that, it was much better than the first test, but she couldn’t as you are supposed to judge as if you have never seen the horse and rider before.

I flipped over to the 2nd test and in capitals with 2 asterisks both sides written right across the top was MUCH BETTER THAN 1ST TEST.

The next day at the lesson we were out of control again. It took a week for him to come back down to Earth.

[iberianfan]

In all fairness to Mr. Soto, he has most likely just competed in an international level Grand Prix test. That entails a huge amount of pressure on both horse and rider and I would imagine his horse is still pretty amped. On the other hand, Charlotte is clearly schooling and having fun.

[FitzE]

Has the Maestro ever explained Crotch Paws™? Like, has he done one of his word vomit treatises on how Crotch Paws™ is better, more effective, more correct for ‘pure dressage’, etc.?

[Unfforgettable]

@FitzE

Has the Maestro ever explained Crotch Paws™?

I believe it has to do with reins of silk, meaning he’s pulling the silk from his underwear.