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PURPOSE: Tests provide an introduction to the discipline of Western Dressage; the horse performs only at the walk and jog. The rider should demonstrate correct basic position, use of basic aids, and understanding of the figures. The horse should show relaxation; and harmony between horse and rider is important. The horse accepts the aids and influence of the rider. The jog should be a natural gait within the horse's scope and should demonstrate a swinging back.JUDGERobyn Nunnally
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RIDER #6707
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NAME:Angie Madore
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Max Pts:220
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Final Score: 64.773%
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WDAA INTRO LEVEL TEST 1
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TESTDIRECTIVESPOINTS*TOTALREMARKS
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1A

C
Enter working jog, proceed down center line without halting

Track right, working jog
Straightness; regularity and quality of the jog; balance and bend in the turn.5.55.5could be straighter on C-line. Uneven steps near C
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2B - E

E
Half circle right 20m, working jog

Proceed straight ahead, working jog
Balance and bend on the half circle; straightness; regularity and quality of the jog.6.56.5slightly unsteady in connection
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3Between H & CDevelop working walkWilling, smooth transition; balance and bend in the corners; regularity and quality of the walk.77fluid trans
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4M - E

E
Change rein, free walk

Working walk
Horse willing to freely stretch the neck forward and down; relaxation; swing through the back; ground cover; willing, smooth transition; regularity and quality of the walks.6212show more stretch down. Rhythm could be more clear.
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5KHalt 4 seconds. Proceed working walkBalance in transition to square, straight halt; immobility; willing, smooth transition; regularity and quality of the walk; balance and bend in the corner.7214immobile
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6Between A & FDevelop working jogWilling, smooth transition; balance and bend in the corner, regularity and quality of the jog.77
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7B - E

E
Half circle left 20m, working jog

Proceed straight ahead, working jog
Balance and bend on the half circle; straightness; regularity and quality of the jog.88nicely forward and supple
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8Between K & ADevelop working walkWilling, smooth transition; balance and bend in the corner; regularity and quality of the walk.66late trans
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9F - E

E
Change rein, free walk

Working walk
Horse willing to freely stretch the neck forward and down; relaxation; swing through the back; ground cover; willing, smooth transition; regularity and quality of the walks.6212increased stretch and relaxation will improve clarity of steps
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10HHalt 4 seconds Proceed working walkBalance in transition to square, straight halt; immobility; willing, smooth transition; regularity and quality of the walk.6.5213imnobile but poll high
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11Between C & MDevelop working jogWilling, smooth transition; regularity and quality of the jog; balance and bend in the corner.55resisting leg aids, crooked
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12A

X

G
Down centerline

Working walk

Halt, salute
Balance and bend in the turn; straightness; regularity and quality of the jog; willing, smooth transition; regularity and quality of the walk; balance in downward transition to square, straight halt; immobility.77fairly straight
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Leave arena in free walk. Exit at A.
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COLLECTIVE MARKSPOINTSTOTALREMARKS
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1GaitsFreedom and regularity66walk and jog some uneven steps today
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2ImpulsionDesire to move forward with suppleness of the back and steady tempo.6.56.5fairly energetic; transitions could be more willing
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3Rider’s Position, Seat, and HandsWell-balanced elastic seat demonstrating vertical, centered alignment, with light independent contact from hand(s)77
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4Rider’s Correct and Effective Use of the AidsEvidenced by the horse's responsiveness; steady elastic connection cultivating athletic expression. Accuracy - precise placement of the figures and transitions, the effectiveness of the rider's aids determines the accurate fulfillment of the required movements of the tests66develop more response to aids
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5HarmonyThe horse accepts the aids and influence of the rider with attention, relaxation and confidence; and demonstrates a willing partnership between horse and rider resulting in a free flowing performance7214
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Nicely forward test. Could be steadier in contact overall for improvement.
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POINTS:142.5
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ERRORS:0
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SUBTOTAL:142.5
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SCORE:64.773%
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I enjoyed watching your test. Your horse appears to very obedient and willing.

Your performance will benefit from more energy throughout the test. Work at home to find a tempo that is forward but not quick. Work to make your up transitions flow more willingly with less kicking on your part, find a nice forward speed and make your horse maintain that. Posting is allowed at this level and might help you regulate the tempo.
Straightness upon entry is very important – first impressions and all that! After your salute, keep your horse straight as you approach C. Do not allow the shoulders to fall in either direction. Plan for a smooth, fluid turn at C (not abrupt). If you watch this video, you will see a few uneven steps near C. Practice making this turn from a steady energetic jog with good balance that allows the horse to step evenly.

Another area where your horse’s steps get uneven is in the free walk. As judges, we are constantly warned not to say “almost” lateral – either it is or it isn’t. Your horse is very close to being lateral though! Work on relaxation of the back, stretch the poll down and allow the nose to go out more (allow more rein and ask for the horse to push the bit forward) to help the back and topline to lift and swing. Follow the swing with your hips and gently close your calves to add activity of the steps. I believe this will help with the rhythm and clarity of the footfall of your walk.

Also, work on additional suppling of the jaw and neck prior to asking for transitions and while on circles. He tends to stiffen his neck during these movements, so keep asking him to come rounder and stay more elastic in the connection; this also includes the halt.

I found your position to be secure and well aligned. Your arms are somewhat stiff, so practice really using your elbows to do your half halts. At home, exaggerate the following motions of the walk to get your arms moving. To be effective, our arms must move and follow the bit, yet remain soft. Keeping your elbows bent with your upper arms back a little will help you find this elasticity in the contact.



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