Yesterday I took Al to a schooling show at Morven Park Equestrian Center in Leesburg, VA. This was his 3rd show and first time doing Training Level. We did Training 1 and 2. We have been working through the concept of keeping the contact during the canter transitions. Al's idea was that it is OK for contact when you are hunting but not when working on dressage in the arena. We have been getting better this past week but weren't confirmed to say the least. As I was driving to the show I was practicing Training 1 in my head. Suddenly I realized I could only "see" his difficulties in the transitions instead of the calm quiet ones I prefer.
As I was driving I began to change the image so that I could visualize a calm horse, round and on contact during the canter departs. I also visualized the half-halts leading up to the transition. Sometimes Al's stride is so big the rear end runs over the front end and the only way to get the front out of the way is to hollow and fling the front legs up.
I continued my visualization until I got to the show grounds. I got on in plenty of time for my class so that I could continue to practice the new image before the test. While walking on a loose rein I went through the half halts again this time paying attention to my mouth and jaw so that I wouldn't tighten this area. The mouth affects the entire body so it is crucial to remain soft here. Pretty soon I could feel Al listening to my visualization.
We warmed up at the trot and canter, again focusing on the image of good transitions. Finally it was our turn. We got 7's for the canter transitions! We won our second class with a 71%. Very impressive since the canter transition were far from smooth earlier in the week.
Today I am leaving for several weeks of teaching and educational courses. I will continue my visualization of the canter transitions and hopefully Al will also.
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