Test riding is an art form! It's so different to riding your horse at home where you can take time to perfect a transition, or get your horse through and straight. Riding to markers in a tight space and in a strange environment couldn't be more different. So get help from the best on Horse Hero! Britain's top dressage rider (and triple WEG silver medallist) Laura Bechtolsheimer, works with her father and trainer Dr B to show how it's done! Riding her youngsters Stepdance and Teddy (who make their debut test appearances), Laura performs an Elementary and Novice test under the scrutiny of Dr B who offers advice on 'ring craft'. Putting the theory into practise, you can follow 4* eventer Alex Peternell during his performance in the Advanced dressage test at Highclere Horse Trials. Alex critiques his test and talks about the psychology of his performance. Priceless viewing and lots to practise with your horse!
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Laura & Dr Bechtolsheimer demonstrate a Novice test |
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| Laura Bechtolsheimer and Dr B give a masterclass on riding a Novice dressage test. Dr B tells us what is expected at this level. The first 4 or 5 stages of the scales of training need to be in evidence. The horse should show relaxation, rhythm, a steady contact and a little impulsion, but no collection and movement should not be too flashy. He also offers tips on ring-craft including how to maximise marks on poorer moves and minimise loss of marks on stronger moves. Dr B highlights a few of the questions in Novice 34. Laura then rides the test on her huge youngster Teddy, who gives a premier performance, as this is his first ever dressage test! |
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Laura Bechtolsheimer & Step ride an Elementary test |
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| Dr Bechtolsheimer explains that an Elementary test is still early days in a horse's training. Judges will want to see evidence of the scales of training including relaxation, rhythm and a secure contact. But they will also want more impulsion, better straightness, the first degree of collection and some lateral work. Dr B says making a battle plan at home is essential so you have time to identify your weaknesses and work on them. "You can't expect to perform in a test what you haven't worked on at home. Getting a good mark starts before you enter the arena as judges like to see a confident looking horse and rider." Laura rides 6 year old Step in his first test! |
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Sports Psychology Live at Highclere Horse Trials: Part 1 |
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| Four star eventer Alex Peternell competes in the Advanced class at Highclere on AP Uprising. This is preparation for Blenheim, but he had a fall at Barbury a few weeks earlier which he has to put it out of his mind. Fiona Price talks to Alex before the dressage about his mental prep' and his game plan for each of the three phases. Alex explains about riding in the moment and visualising not just the moves or lines to the fences, but the feel too. He shows us his OCD ritual before getting on, then talks us through his warm-up. We see the test which Alex critiques afterwards. This is a fascinating live insight! (Show jumping & cross country to follow in Part 2.) |
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