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!

Comments

Lizzie And Ellie 14 Jul 2010 It is lovely to see show Step has improved so much. These wonderful people are a pleasure to watch thanks HH

Pegasus77 20 Mar 2010 To Fiona and TinkerBell - fair enough! As a judge at a fairly lowly level, I have to say any competitor who comes down the centre line from A at the start of a test will give me 'my first impression', whether the horse has been spooking at a flowerpot before the bell, or like Laura and her lovely horse, exudes harmony and confidence, they will have an equal start. My comment was purely intended as clarification.

TinkerBell 19 Mar 2010 I agree with Dr. B and Fiona, we have only 1 chance to make a first impression. And even though the judges are not suppossed to judge before the rider enters and makes first salute, they are human, they look at the riders and horses, so why lose a chance to make a good 1st impression!

Fiona Price 19 Mar 2010 In fairness, I think that's exactly what Dr B meant. Judges are human and they may well be influenced, (as we all are) by the first picture they see, even though it's not scored. In all walks of life, first impressions count for a lot. So why take the risk?

Pegasus77 19 Mar 2010 Lovely to see such harmony, confidence, energy and elasticity, to me a good way of going already. I have one comment, 'judging begins when the rider enters at A and finishes when the rider moves off from the final salute', see BD Rule 122, I think Dr. B. might have suggested a judge assesses the combination BEFORE they enter at A.