Dressage Disaster: No Excuse (Blog In Description)

[@jilldevinesolliday3764]

Bad tests happen to everyone at every level. Both riders kept their cool and rode through it. Be kind, people. Too much nasty in the equestrian world as it is. Let's not add to it. Be supportive of each other.❤

[@DressageHub]

Did you read the description?

[@jilldevinesolliday3764]

@@DressageHub yes, I did.

[@gillmason9616]

I think that if the grey stallion was mine I would have had the rider off the horse and the vet in as soon as it was out of the ring. Sometimes being naughty is the only way a horse can tell you there is a problem. I'm all for being supportive and kind, but lets be supportive and kind to the horses first.

[@sarahwagland1559]

@@jilldevinesolliday3764 Before or after making your comment?

[@caciliawhy5195]

I have to agree here. The grey is spooking. I can see the trees waving around. If this took place in SoCal, the wind is not normal and the horses are not used to it. Dressage should be training but... it happens.

[@janets6474]

Here is an additional thought. The second rider remained very quiet, calm & level headed. Even though her horse was spooky, the rider, by being quiet herself was able to clearly understand and carefully evaluate the horses reactions. She listened and acted on that evaluation. On the other hand, you can see the 1st riders frustrations with the situation and the horse. Once we get to that point (I think we have all experienced that), we should stop. We are no longer adding this situation as a 'teachable" moment; except to add it as a 'negative' experience for the horse. Although we think it's important to "train through it ", if we are getting frustrated, it adds nothing to the horses experience and doesn't 'look good ' to the judges. We need to remember we always need to be aware and evaluate 'our own' emotional state of mind. It's impossible to add anything positive to the horses 'teachable' moments. We all need to be reminded that our horses feel every emotion we have. They are sensitive to us which is what makes them such special animals.

[@MSchipper]

I completely agree with you. The second rider did really good. Her horse seemed inexperienced and spooky. At some point she stopped and rewarded him, which I thought was awesome, considering he was not doing what she asked. The first rider was hard with her hands and forceful with her spurs. The horse seemed fine in the beginning, but spooked at something halfway and she did not help the horse with how she handled it.

[@janets6474]

@@MSchipper Agreed. I like your observation of hands and spurs. Once you get emotionally angry, no matter how you try to hide it the HORSE always feels it. It just completely compounded the problem. The second riders horse, although upset, calmed down somewhat because of the cool handed rider.

[@jinxkrug7000]

@ Janet S I agree with you 100% about being mindful of your own emotions, and also in my case, being a Polio survivor with 15 orthopedic surgeries on my Right leg and back issues, I always had to be mindful of my pain. If I had a very rough start to the day, I would rearrange my plans to allow myself to loosen up. Mentally I would also have to work on my attitude. I had a very sensitive horse who seemed to know my situation each day. I owed him the same consideration. We constantly practiced this at home. If for some reason I felt that I wouldn't be in the game that day or couldn't be a positive influence on my horses training, any of them, babies to GP, I would just groom and either hand graze or go for a hack. Now a show is different, but I would hold to my principles. Not excuses,but just my desire to have only positive experiences with the horses. I didn't withdraw often, but I did withdraw. I realized that the sun did still rise the next day. I know that the judges appreciated it, because they said so. It's as painful for them to watch and score an insufficient and struggling horse/rider combo,as it is for us to struggle. The following riders appreciate the time and the TD's and stewards like the show staying on time. Seems to me everyone benefits from knowing when you should excuse yourself. Just my opinion.

[@jinxkrug7000]

@ Janet S I agree with you 100% about being mindful of your own emotions, and also in my case, being a Polio survivor with 15 orthopedic surgeries on my Right leg and back issues, I always had to be mindful of my pain. If I had a very rough start to the day, I would rearrange my plans to allow myself to loosen up. Mentally I would also have to work on my attitude. I had a very sensitive horse who seemed to know my situation each day. I owed him the same consideration. We constantly practiced this at home. If for some reason I felt that I wouldn't be in the game that day or couldn't be a positive influence on my horses training, any of them, babies to GP, I would just groom and either hand graze or go for a hack. Now a show is different, but I would hold to my principles. Not excuses,but just my desire to have only positive experiences with the horses. I didn't withdraw often, but I did withdraw. I realized that the sun did still rise the next day. I know that the judges appreciated it, because they said so. It's as painful for them to watch and score an insufficient and struggling horse/rider combo,as it is for us to struggle. The following riders appreciate the time and the TD's and stewards like the show staying on time. Seems to me everyone benefits from knowing when you should excuse yourself. Just my opinion.

[@janets6474]

@Jinx Krug That is a wonderful insight. Why do any of these riders think that entering the ring will render them any kind of score worth having? I'm glad some judges feel that way. But they are the ones who should be coming forward to affect change. There is no excuse for allowing abuse. If they can't excuse a rider, then score the ride appropriately. I believe that a lot of this can be laid at the feet of the FEI and judges. If riders realized they wouldn't get away with it they would stop doing it. Thank you for sharing your story. It was inspirational.

[@FoxyBriar]

I feel that todays dressage horses are pushed too hard and have too much expected of them way too soon, before they are solid in the basics. Too often I see horses that are uncomfortable, stressed and /or in pain. There are halts that aren’t immobile , extended trots that are all front end and no drive from the haunches, resistant horses forced into Rolkur…they do not show the beauty of the horses natural ability..and that’s a shame.

[@reasondora2712]

Please be kind . We are all brilliant in our own arenas . First rider allowed her horse to gain confidence through forwards riding and praise . Second rider looks to the judge and asked to retire which was sensible and thoughtful riding .

[@anthecools7266]

indeed, there is already enough negativity in this world. Let's try to encourage each other to be better next time! This happens to anyone and it sucks because you worked your ass of many years, and then somebody telling you there are no excuses for this is just disgusting 😒

[@vibeskouenborg6842]

These problems are not build up this day. There have evolved over time. If you see previous videos, these horses shows huge conflict in mouth and unsteady heads/neck. And that is what happens when horses are over-ruled and signals are not listened to- then the glass fills up.

[@sarahwagland1559]

It was so easy to read the first horse. He was trying so hard and getting so confused, left to anticipate and guess. Bless him.

[@antjehester8760]

The first rider punished the spooking stallion by treating him with the spurs in a rude way. But fierce cannot be stopped with pain. I prefertbe reaction of the second rider.

[@alinebrandau]

Dressage is the toughest sport out there for attention and confidence in the horse. It is not for the faint of heart!

[@alinebrandau]

Most dressage horses have difficult shows until a rider has five or six years with the one horse in the show ring. We see lack of attention, resistance, confusion, and the inability to focus all the time. It is absolutely common in training and as a result, the horses get tense at shows and display resistance. That is why we need to show more. It normalizes the activity and the horse does better and better. Some horses take MUCH longer than others to get comfortable performing in an environment where there are so many tents, trees, other horses and noises. They are away from home, and away from their herd. This bonds them further with their rider, but resistance happens, ALL THE TIME, til the horse becomes an old pro. 👌

[@sunarlyn756]

@@alinebrandau thank you for your thoughtful views. Horses are breathing, feeling animals with their own minds and fears. Even highly trained military horses panic or fail. And riders shouldn't be afraid or ashamed for failing.

[@annallen1842]

Horses did not ask for this... regardless of the "classic" mentality of the rider..if we stuck with classic thought in general women would still not vote. Military mentality may make good soldiers..but what damage is caused by military thinking when many soldiers try to live real life. Or they refuse a command to kill a child and end up in solitary confinement..our egos generally rule when it comes to horses and our reliance on historical association which permits so much "normal".

[@jenann3266]

Such impressive horsemanship under the circumstances! I think it is counterproductive to call these “disasters “. Showing is courageous enough without the fear that you will be dragged through the mud by people who have probably never even shown at that level. Let’s not judge when we aren’t the ones going down the centerline at that moment. Who of us hasn’t made a mistake? Be proud of the horses and the sport and the athletes who compete.

[@janets6474]

I understand what you are saying. But I think its important to talk about situations like these. I don't think it's meant to be critical about the people themselves. It's also good to discuss these types of situations because it will cause us to stop and think about what we will do in a similar situation. Especially those of us who may not have that much experience in the ring at this level. We need more thought provoking dialog and to hear the thoughts of others.

[@icegirl246]

I agree, labeling this as a disaster doesn't seem quite right.. Not saying we shouldn't talk about these things, and the comparison in the description definitely taught me something that I hope I can remember when it comes to being in the show ring. I just feel bad for the how the first rider may feel if she saw this critique. It shouldn't be embarrassing since we've all had days like this with our horses. But anyway, hopefully this video has a positive impact on show ring decision making

[@enzodavid4632]

you all probably dont care but does anyone know of a trick to get back into an Instagram account..? I somehow lost the account password. I would love any tips you can give me

[@kaysengriffin6522]

@Enzo David instablaster ;)

[@enzodavid4632]

@Kaysen Griffin I really appreciate your reply. I found the site through google and I'm trying it out now. Seems to take a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@Manga-tr1qh]

I think what people are realizing is we need to listen to our horses! It’s not about just finishing, sometimes something is wrong and instead of pushing through all the time, hang up your coat and take a loss

[@janets6474]

Thank you. Its always good to hear someone talk about the well being of the animal. Unfortunately, to many times trainers are so focused on 'riding & training' they forget about the horses well being. Frankly horses give us more than we deserve and that aline should demand our respect. Thanks again for your kind remarks. I also left a comment similar to this. 🐎

[@JH-xh6gn]

Well said

[@janets6474]

Gracefully exiting the arena is clearly the best choice. If you have "a" moment of spook or a misstep but your horse will re-engage his mind, great. If not, you are looking at a potential disaster, for any number of reasons. Every moment doesn't have to be a "training" moment. How many 'accidents' could have been avoided simply by listening and not pushing a horse who was clearly distressed (such as these 2 riders faced). On another note, maybe additional training is needed for engaging the mind of the horse. It's not just the physical aspect of the horse but also the mind. Sometimes horses start doing things which are out of character for them. Clearly this could easily be a sign something is 'off'. Excusing yourself & getting off keeps a rider from embarrassing themselves and then you figure out if there is a real problem going on. So many things can be avoided when seeing a potential problem early. Figuring it out is always the right thing to do, for the horses well-being. To many times we miss what our horses are trying to tell us when something isn't right. "Let's just 'push' through it. I've seen it many times. Trainers / riders get so focused on their goals & desires they look right past what a horse is trying to tell them. Ive seen horses pushed into a lameness situation. Then the horse won't be showing at all.. One of the most challenging situations I faced as a care giver was watching a trainer push a horse (even if I noticed a problem & pointed it out), get upset at the behavior and then train them until they were exhausted. To bad we don't watch and listen to the animal more carefully. The first rider accomplished nothing, as you rightly point out, & the owner may not be to happy. Frankly, it was kind of embarrassing. Not that the horse was spooky but the reaction of the rider to the circumstance. If we as horse owners, trainers, riders and caregivers cannot take the time to listen to our horses, we are doing them a great disservice. I would imagine if Charlotte D was faced with a similar situation, she would take the 2nd riders approach. I watched a video of Carl Hester describe the training schedule he has for his horses. It was the best I have seen & heard for a training schedule. He turns his horses out every day. They are hacked and don't go in the ring more than 4x per week. His approach is a forgiving one and is clearly working for them. And the horses on his farm - quiet and happy. That was always my goal - happy horses. In the end it truly is what's best for the horse that matters.

[@jonjonwp]

Quite obvious the first horse had mouth and bit problems. The 2nd horse didn't even look ready for a novice test.

[@isabellaaragon144]

We love this sport because of our friends, our horses. They carry us wherever we want, they jump, they even dance. They give us so much fun and happyness...and sometimes challenges.

[@allid2849]

Unpopular opinion...the first rider was not wrong to finish the test. She handled it tactfully. If this had happened at a WEG or Olympics, she would need to ride through it. If the owners or future buyers are upset at a single 50% being on an otherwise consistently good record, then that’s on them. Not the rider.

[@comesahorseman]

Was the first rider really that tactful with her hands?

[@IvyMPDressage]

@@comesahorseman agreed

[@avaandrews6221]

I worked with horses and tried to achieve all dressage. Never blame a horse. The best way to work with a horse is to get them to trust you from the ground up. You get a new rider on a horse they have to get to know each other and with all the distractions and loud noises the horse can get very uncomfortable. You have to know when to stop on a good note. I knew with my horses over the years. Each one is an awesome individual and what works for one doesn’t work for another. Wish I still had a horse again. Miss working with my own horse horse so much. No money to do it. Just be patient

[@johannapax5233]

One of the best and funniest sentences I heard from a trainer when I was complaining about my horse's inattentiveness: "That's alive!" 😅 I have never forgotten that.

[@KK-mm8ms]

The first rider has a right rein issue. Rider and coach should see this in comments if the judges care enough to address it. Fix the right rein and that test will be much better. No disaster but if habits aren't addressed at home they will be much more exaggerated with show ring nerves. Her horse couldn't bend left🤷‍♀️

[@KristaChristian]

Thanks for your insight. I thought both riders rode their horses very tactfully. The first chose to finish the test and the horse has a low mark on his record. Oh well, it's not the end of the world. Maybe the young rider has more Grand Prix starts, but at 24 years old, she has less life experience than the second rider. We can all make a bad decision in a stressful situation. The excitement of a large venue, a horse's stress, pressure from the horse's owner, the weather and the environment. All of that can be factored into a ride and/or a decision to end a ride. The young rider was not abusive toward her horse at any time during the ride other than perhaps the inability to recognize that the horse needed a reset button and some down time. I can empathize, because I've made a lot of really bad decisions while showing and have got "low point" (aka the worse score of the show) a couple times. One thing this pandemic has taught me is to be more mindful of my horse's needs, anxieties, and joys. I haven't shown or been driven to compete since it started. Nothing wrong with competition or striving for greatness in the show arena, but as task-oriented beings ourselves, sometimes the quest for the great score or the ribbon makes us forget why we were drawn to horses in the first place--because they are mystical, awesome creatures.

[@clara-mariemorin4526]

In my point of view, there is no bad riding here, but only a windy day which completely distracts the horses. If you look closely at the right side of the arena, the wind seems very strong and noisy on the party canopy roof. The horses only want to go far away on their left and I guess the noise and the chaotic movement of the tent roof border are the real culprit in these "dressage disasters".

[@donnaworrall9353]

My horse is thoroughly convinced that the wind gremlins are out to eat him! He is all about the flight and to heck with the fight😳

[@vpinrus]

Абсолютно верно. Очень плохая площадка для соревнований. Многие, даже очень спокойные лошади не выдерживали таких условий. Но видимо, ресторан важнее, чем психологическое состояние лошадей?

[@caciliawhy5195]

In SoCal the wind is crazy and the horses aren't used it it. I would give them this.

[@melpappin5211]

Well we all have bad days. I really don’t think you should be giving them a hard time because you don’t know what was going on unless you are riding that horse .

[@Arichevaux]

Exactly! People are judging so quickly in our sport...The title of the video..

[@comesahorseman]

And that's quite true, and a fair point.

[@sarahwagland1559]

It is useful to read the description which goes with these videos ;)

[@realisticequestrian8229]

Can't you see it's incredibly windy? I think people forget that horses are HORSES. They're going to be spooked every now and then. I think the riders did a great job of trying to get the horses to focus and give them confidence.

[@lynngarza3489]

Exactly, they aren't robots.

[@icegirl246]

Yeah, I think the comment being made in the description isn't that they are bad riders for their horses spooking. It was more so a comparison of the two riders reactions. It seems DressageHub is trying to promote the second riders decision to call it a day if things aren't going to get better. But it's a hard judgement call to make in the moment, especially with the way a lot of riders are taught to not let their horses get away with bring naughty or always finish on a good note. I don't think those concepts are bad, but I do think discretion should be used. The first rider and her horse may have benefitted from removing themselves from the arena instead of finishing, but I think that's hard to say. I feel like DressageHub could've been a lot more clear with the intention of the video since the title seems misleading and everything is in the description. It comes off as negative since the credit given to riders is almost like an aside..

[@mex-prehorses3402]

Beautiful horses & riders. There is so much to deal with besides the test at Global. WELL DONE in my book!!!

[@foureyeddragon00]

I’m not seeing any “no excuse” disasters here. Just two young riders doing the best they could with the horse they had under them that day. Kudos to them for remaining calm under that kind of pressure.

[@zaangels3276]

Thats the beter way to break him and give him in a certain time irreversibles problems in the back, the legs or feet. Is that normal? Is that riding in the respect of the horse? Not for me.

[@zaangels3276]

The rider is not ready, what is she doing there? She's even not able to make her horse engaged into himself and she is asking passage or piaffe. (Sorry my comment cut, the following is just before)

[@quitetidy]

This is a complete disregard to the horse statement. You may as well have said "Who cares about the horse". If one or none of them were properly prepared, there wouldn't be blue tongue or horses wouldn't be frightened in the ring.

[@arrow21OG]

I think the second rider did a great job handling her horse, giving her pats when she got nervous and being patient. You can tell shes a good rider!

[@janinecarson8380]

I could do without the singing chipmunk music.

[@sarahwagland1559]

Use the volume switch ;)

[@rprincess73]

Very proud of the second rider. I know her personally. This was good to see.

[@DressageHub]

She seemed a good sport about it. Smiling in the way out was nice to see. There were a lot of horses spooking at the tent that day.

[@rprincess73]

@@DressageHub looks like the wind was whipping which is not the norm. Again - very happy to see the outcome!!

[@lwolfstar7618]

Its a much better rider that can read that they need to cut things short, which helps keep them both safe and keeps the horses confidence from taking a hard hit, than one who pushes and ignores until they have a horse in a fully preventable meltdown which can really hit the career of both.

[@CloseToExtinction]

The first rider pulled so hard on the bit, that the horse was just looking for release and relief...

[@stacytaddiken7634]

Poor baby got spooked, he's just a horse at heart and a prey animal.

[@theredrover3217]

First off thank you for providing unfortunate examples respectfully for me to view along with the commentary of situation and your point/purpose. I am doubtful I would have watched if I had not first read that commentary. And second whether I would agree or disagree with you this is undeniably a subject for discussion and at this stage of competition clearly best having addressed prior to encountering the situation. Lastly, I find the 40 some comments prior to mine surprising or at least none taking a line I would have expected. And I can think of nothing leading them astray your fault. This is the main reason I am remarking myself. I at least got your point(s) and well done!

[@arlenecollins9095]

What I don’t understand is why the judges ket them continue to ride. Disappointed in the FEI

[@tasialast5624]

If you had my head cranked like that I also would throw firs every so often.

[@aliciaspence9508]

Modern dressage vs Classical dressage...there is your result.

[@cottoncandy4486]

The grey certainly looked more relaxed, to me, he just seem to lose concentration and was a bit confused. You can tell by his ears he looked pretty relaxed just as though they seem to lose it. But better understanding when the horse was not going to salvage the test and bring out any outstanding magic.And bow out gracefully.

[@luannkurfis6750]

I’ve never ridden at this level but from the looks of it I wonder if this is the first show for these particular pairs. Sometimes it takes a while to build up the trust between horse and rider to become a team. Being in the show ring with the judges watching and the practice ring are very different.

[@DressageHub]

Read the description

[@luannkurfis6750]

I did

[@sarahwagland1559]

@@luannkurfis6750 Read it again.

[@ChowChowPups]

Some of these horses are inexperienced youngsters and if you've ever had to ride a "newbie", many still have "baby brain". There is only one way to give the horse experience in competition, and that is to have them compete, but you don't want to get them overwhelmed or they will lose confidence. You really need to be in on the conversations between rider and trainer. They are well-aware that this can happen, and are trying to develop the horse both mentally and physically.

[@DressageHub]

Vaquero is 14, Daphne is 10.

[@jonjonwp]

Absolutely not. You train at home till the horse is secure in the movements.

[@lori5455]

When your partner is that unfocused and stressed it should be your main concern, not finishing a competition you have already blown.

[@chrisblatz5591]

Many times riders and trainers chalk it up to "no not a win, but we finish however ugly" do you really think every training session that is not perfect should end at a mistake?? Why should competition be different? Neither horse was stressed just had a day a misunderstood cues.

[@potsiecyclist4474]

Bad tests happen to everyone. I did notice a big difference between the two riders though not just the difference of one decided to continue and the other exit. The biggest difference is that rider A got more and more frustrated and tense as the test went on while rider B although yes did ultimately exit her attitude from the beginning was very different. But saying that we don't know the behind the scenes scenarios either, nor are we on the horses ourselves. I'm just speaking from a spectators viewpoint.

[@cjsanders7997]

For those who have never ridden at that level under windy conditions outside. Try it some time see how it goes

[@AmyRhianosaurus]

I really don't understand what benefit this video brings to anyone...The title of the video, whilst I understand it is a play on words, is quite click baity and comes across as attacking, as does the rest of the blog. I personally don't see anything wrong with the first rider continuing through the test and she did so tactfully, dropping the curb rein and riding positively forward. She knew she wasn't going to get a good score, so regardless of her reasons for continuing, you can hardly insinuate her 'ego is thirsty'. Fair and constructive criticism or calling out a welfare issue is one thing, but being critical when there is literally nothing to be gained by anyone, is simply unfair. Sorry if this makes me a 'Karen' 😂

[@DressageHub]

Nobody cares Karen. Everyone else has managed to join in the discussion as to when to retire from the test. You are special Karen.

[@AmyRhianosaurus]

@@DressageHub Charming 😂! I'm not questioning that it is good to have a discussion about when is the right time to exit a test and certainly the welfare of the horse should always be placed first, it's just the way in which you have chosen to frame the discussion which is off.

[@DressageHub]

if you say so Karen

[@duskexx798]

@@DressageHub so ironic you're calling out that rider for 'unprofessionalism' yet you act like this to fair criticism. very telling

[@sarahwagland1559]

@@duskexx798 Where's your sense of humour?

[@predatornz.5493]

Some of the most smallest thing can put a horse off .

[@grainianash6880]

Riders hands dreadful - judges should have stopped this rider fro causing such discomfort to this beautiful horse - Rider error big tine - if viewers don't't see this - what hope has competition dressage have only unhappy ruined horses.

[@mandad1015]

I certainly hope when you say "no excuse," you mean the rider. Spur use needs to BE JUDGED.

[@chrizzly8461]

I think the first rider did very well, she stayed calm. much respect to her. Even though we like to believe that pushing through will help the horse, once it is in a state of fear it is not using its thinking brain, only the reacting brain. highly stressful for the horse.

[@carolannlocks]

Yeah I thought both riders rode thru their horses discomfort of wind , new arena etc . Never once did they pull or do anything fast 🙂 they were great riders I thought . Totally different riding in show ring than at home if some of the viewers don’t show .

[@goelenelissen]

1:17

[@arlenecollins9095]

It’s painful to watch these riders continue to ride when they know their horse is lame.

[@betsysmall3576]

Well....I've had this happen to me and my heart goes out to both riders!

[@maryallen2603]

Didn’t think either performances were disasters. Both riders steadied their horse and kept going. Job well done riders. Both horses calmed down and both horses demonstrated the potential for better things to come.

[@PenelopeRoberts9212]

No disaster here, just two less-than-perfect-tests and quite a bit of miscommunication - we all of us have bad days do we not? I can't imagine how I'd have felt way-back-when to think there was some rather vindictive person with a camera filming my mistakes (of which I'm certain there were many). My little horse was a star but spent every one of the 35 years we were partners, trying his very best to murder me.

[@pquarterhorse1]

One thing I like about both tests is that neither of them are trying to RollKeur their horses. Both Riders are staying very patient with their horses and even patting them to offer them some comfort and confidence even after a mistake

[@tropicaoptica]

No one ever rollkurs in the show pen... only at home and in the warm up area

[@pquarterhorse1]

@@tropicaoptica they shouldn't be doing Rolkeur anywhere

[@tropicaoptica]

Palomino Quarterhorse yes I know

[@Manga-tr1qh]

This does not mean a rider is abusing the horse but they need to be listened to!

[@CharliesHopechest]

I've seen trainers ride a horse up until the person that is going to show gets on. that can be a 2 fold problem. One the change of rider and possible differences in cues. Then as many have pointed out the emotional side of how a horse reacts.

[@AB-nd6lo]

The 2nd rider was awesome. If she had gotten upset with her horse, it would have been a disaster.

[@vanished3306]

The horses do not appear to be in physical distress at any time. It looks like there is some miscommunication between mount and rider. The riders did well to complete the test.

[@hallmarkridingponies]

Dressage disaster No excuse (fake news) very unfair characterisation!!

[@DressageHub]

It's a play on words. ;) Breathe. Then read the blog in the description.

[@TheGinny77]

Made you watch though! Lol

[@DressageHub]

Horse people won't watch anything without chaos in the title. 😂

[@brendareed8412]

Music not needed I'm watching, not dancing. :)

[@nathaliewade752]

probally just a bad day they are animals x

[@lwglewis3481]

Yeah, those aren't disasters to me! A disaster to is Meric finally succeeding in killing me.

[@DressageHub]

😂😂

[@nala8223]

Everyone commenting clearly had not read the description

[@JavierBonillaC]

That is one great rider Nd one great horse having a bad day. Respect for those “in the arena”.

[@lottefleck3688]

Talented horses, and riders that should go back to the basics…. Heavy-handed, spurs non-stop. Why do they continue?

[@biddiemutter3481]

I hope riders are allowed to choose to use rubber bits.

[@lillianwetherby5270]

Excellent riding abilities. Good calming of horses.

[@Kholoured]

I applaud the 2nd rider, I believe she made the right call. If you cant get the focus back then you've done nothing but scare and possibly even torment the horse. Granted the grey was much less reactive then the bay. The bay came in spooked, where as the grey was doing pretty decent towards the beginning of the test. So I'd say if it were me I'd have tried to salvage the ride if I was on the grey, just like the rider did, but if I'm doing so poorly and the horse just isnt there with me I'd excuse myself. If I'd been on the bay I'd have done exactly what she did, try to get the focus back but I'd know I'm probably going to excuse myself if i cant get the horse back on track.

[@chrisblatz5591]

Both riders are at an elite level of riding. I cant imagine the training that went into that level of performance. Sometimes the communication becomes muddled, and it is an off day. Heck i have had worse communication with my kids and husband, doesn't mean i stop being a mom, and just walk away. Kudos to both riders for knowing they were the problem and giving their horses space to grow

[@patriciaotoole5930]

Beautiful horses. Be kind to one another. U r both great

[@lucentekids6805]

When does the second rider excuse herself?

[@DressageHub]

When she walks over to the judge

[@carinjacara]

Jeder fängt einmal an. Beide Pferde sind sehr talentiert, der Schimmel zeigt eine perfekte Piaffe - aber die Tiere müssen sich erst einmal an solche Umgebungen gewöhnen.

[@domjutras9791]

Hi can I know the name of the first music please, its beautiful 🙃

[@TriciaBridgesKoontz]

Also, a rider knows her horse better than anyone. Especially better than random observers. It is very likely the 1st rider’s decision to continue was based on her intimate understanding of how he’d be affected in future training by leaving the ring in what he perfectly well knows is a partially finished program. If you understand back chaining that can potentially have very negative consequences, especially for a really intelligent animal. She definitely knew the point consequences, had nothing to gain from continuing except as a (likely important) piece of training. Her decision. Entirely.

[@cynthiaspalding8027]

Poor dear..horses do have their say

[@donnaworrall9353]

As well they should

[@susanaldridge2000]

His feet are sore

[@georgettefedunie9761]

And you know this how?

[@BereiterFN2009]

Super well done by both riders.

[@theica335]

So, what you're saying with your expert opinion is that all riders whose horses spook at a tent should excuse themselves from the competition? This is rich. It's so sad to see that in a community full of judgement, instead of supporting each other, somebody takes the right calling this a "disaster" - this is not bad riding, there is no abuse to the horse. Insinuating that somebody making a decision in moment's time, which is different than you would make from your couch, is a "disaster" is sad and low. Only disaster here is being judgemental towards two young ladies who showed excellent horsemanship and dragging them through the mud. Shame on you publishing this as "educational" content. Only thing educational here is how equestrian community can be horrid to it's members. This is nothing but low and sad.

[@DressageHub]

Actually not saying that at all Karen. Try again.

[@theica335]

@@DressageHub nah, but thanks. Maybe you can try reframing your video to "good horsemanship in a disastrous situation" ;)

[@DressageHub]

Ain't nobody gonna click on that

[@theica335]

@@DressageHub well good for you to get clicks by putting people down!! 🌟 Such an accomplishment, you must be proud to be an ambassador of the bad side of equestrian community! You go, you little judgemental pro, you! 🔥❤️

[@DressageHub]

If you are grumpy, good beat on your horse instead of looking for a fight with random people on KZbin.

[@user-kl5ls8qs4p]

The horse is afraid off his own shadow 🤭

[@tictactoe325]

We can all have our off days. This was one of those days

[@amberblyledge7859]

I don’t see much wrong here. In the first video, I see a horse who is having a bad day and a panicked rider.

[@DressageHub]

Read the description

[@amberblyledge7859]

@@DressageHub I did. I still see a panicked rider. Even in over 60 GP rides, you can still panic. It’s entirely possible that there was something that we don’t know about that made her continue on even with the score failure. Over all, she rides well, and the horse is nice and correct.

[@pamelahiggins2729]

Looks like the horse was shying at his own shadow. Feel so sorry for that rider.

[@TheDressageelite]

Have you ever rode a horse in that environment where you and the horse is in a environment where you can't practise ..they all done well .. Why is this world full off stupid experts Know nothing about anything and anything about nothing .. But they never understand the split second decision you make every moment on a ride As we not riding admire the partnership