It seems most of us got rained off yesterday (most unusual for me) so Moo had a massage, strapping and stretching session. Now he understands what it's all about he really seems to enjoy it. He does make me laugh when I'm strapping his bum because he lifts up his leg to let me know I have to scratch the bits he can't reach; bit like a dog.
Today was bright and dry so we went in the school to lunge. He was very calm in spite of the howling gale and we played with some trotting poles and it really gave him some *lift*. I'm also playing with the voice aid *up* and by clicking when he responds correctly I can now get him down or up on voice.....just need to work on the aids for mucking out and then I will have the perfect pony!!
So now....drum roll.....I step on to the soap box....
For those of you who have a working knowledge of francais then go to the link below on the French Federation web site. It is a dressage test for what seems to be the lowest *club* competition here in France. There isn't really any unaffiliated here, it's all affiliated to the FFE but this club test is about the level of prelim/novice in the UK (sorry those in the USA I don't know your levels).
I don't have any problems with the test, progressive transitions, working trot, 3 loop serpentine, 1/2 10m circle, leg yield etc BUT read the top. Snaffle bridle, GOGUE ALLOWED (yes I am shouting arrgghh) SPURS OPTIONAL (blimey I'm shouting again) is this the world gone mad??
http://www.ffe.com/66/67/150/File//reprises%20club%20ponam%202009/Club_Pr_liminaire.pdf
Surely this is wrong, riding a test in a gogue (I have my serious reservations about them even for training). Anyway, I'm off to view some of the test in a couple of weeks as they have a *concours* at our club and interestingly there is a young lady I have watched in a lesson who seems permanently to use a Gogue...bet she'll be competing. Watch this space.
7 comments:
Why am I not surprised!!!! I can see the steam from here!!
I'm suspicious of all "gadgets" - too often they're used as a shortcut to avoid taking the time and effort to do proper training, and the end result is never true engagement and flexion. How could anyone think it was OK to compete in a gogue!!! (joins you on soapbox)
And where do you go from here? As the movements/tests get harder and more involved, what 'extra' equipment is allowed. Just wondering if you can carry two whips....
Sheila on a cloudy, chilly MONDAY in MK
ps have been asked to long rein said pony this aft as Lianne wants to get to grips with flat work and lateral moves. Reports to follow.....
Ah Kate, it's (sadly) one of the frustrating things about equitation in France. They have the history but I'm afraid it rather ends there for most :-(
Sheila, think it sounds like you have an interesting project there, you'll have to start a blog.
how completely mad .....whatever one says about stressage over here, as least we know gadgets are totally forbidden in competition!
what are they going to do when they move up? tchah
drat, my initial comment went missing in a page load error...
essentially, agreed with you, of course!
now that's weird... i thought they hadn't posted at all! and now i see you have both my comments. ah well, the joys of internet..
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