Dressage Disaster: Judy Reynolds Debuts Different In The Grand Prix Dressage Freestyle

[@janets6474]

This was an EXCELLENT video drop!! Thank you! Your commentary was spot on! One additional point I would like to make is how well muscled this horse is compared to the rollkur horses. When there is not an independent seat and hands, rider using hands as a prop for lack of good rider position and balance with vice grip legs, lend to a horse not being able to build the proper muscling for this level of riding. Ms. Reynolds is soft, with quiet but following hands and seat. As you rightly point out, she is well prepared for the "horse scoot" without negative reaction. She now has a horse who has learned a valuable lesson, increased his trust in her, and improved his work for the rest of the ride. We can see that this "mistake" pales in comparison to the other disasters we've seen here but you have made it clear to viewers there is distinct difference! Thank you. I always appreciate your content and your belief in classical Dressage.

[@hollyobrien2816]

Amen!

[@tictactoe325]

The rider handled this beautifully. What a huge difference in a horse that is using it’s hind quarters and collecting naturally versus all on the forehand and pulled into collection.

[@theagelessequestrian]

Did you not notice how tight she has that curb rein?! That’s pulling a horse into submission. Have you ever ridden with a double?

[@beautyakimbo4833]

This has made my day. I truly hope that Dressage will return to the days of riders like Dr. Reiner Klimke, who said “My horses are my friends, not my slaves.” and get back to the foundations of classical dressage. When I began my dressage training in the 80's required reading in my pony club was “My Horses, My teaches” and “The Complete Training of Horse and Rider” by Alois Podhajsky, it taught us to ride kindly and not through force. To learn from and with our horses, and grow a true partnership. Something thing that has always stuck with me were these quotes from Xenophon's "The Art of Horsemanship"; “Anything forced is not beautiful” and “To quote a dictum of Simon, what a horse does under compulsion he does blindly, and his performance is no more beautiful than would be that of a ballet-dancer taught by whip and goad.”. Thank you for posting this, truly!

[@nessienala]

Totally agree with all. It's a debut, the horse is relaxed and, Oops, it makes a mistake and, low and behold, turns out he's learned forgive through experience and not some kind of punishment, may I add, mysterious punishment that it has been receiving and knows is coming. I don't know if they are trying to run for their li es or just have a mental breakdown. If you are wicked in any way with school children I think you get the same result. Bravo to this rider, to her te her and all the trainers

[@claudia273]

Completely agree with your commentary. It’s obvious he wants to work for her. He had a little error in his head or she asked a little to much of him, he reacted and she listened. Very impressive moment indeed. It’s always interesting watching Judy ride, there’s so much horsemanship in her. Rare to see these days.

[@amberblyledge7859]

He’s trying sooooo hard, but I don’t think he’s ready for this level of work yet, then again, this is debut. Love to see him in a year or two.

[@janets6474]

Certainly better than the last few who were veterans.

[@maggiepie8810]

He looks like he's got the strength and balance, but then you've got nerves, which are fine in green horses.

[@Romovictorio]

Judy is an exceptional rider & always a pleasure to watch. This is not a “disaster” per se. It shows her professionalism, her calmness of character & her ability to quietly ride through & pick up her test. A great example of how to manage a tricky situation 10 out of 10 & a big cheer from me ❤

[@pearlshark001]

Yay a dressage rider that can balance and actually trained their horse correctly to be able to handle situations and recover. Well done.

[@1mdw63]

There was that tiny prelude but she handled it with grace and her horse replied with the same attitude...nice work.

[@hollyobrien2816]

I love this one! It demonstrates the "trusting, caring relationship", earned throughout the training and handling. If only the whole industry were this. ❤

[@SybalJanssen]

I am not a dressage rider and I never will be as my riding skills are adequate at best. However, watching this was so valuable to me as a demonstration of the value of maintaining trust-able relations with my horse. A solid lesson in real horsemanship.

[@randomvielleuse527]

I am so happy to see this! Well done by horse and rider- together. Wow. So good. Thank you for posting this and for your commentary.

[@peggyfinch]

How can one not admire a horse and rider working together so beautifully as a team. I do wonder why it is necessary to have such a heavy bit which seems restraining. Couldn’t a horse be trained to do these things with a simpler bit or or even no bit at all? Now THAT would be amazing.

[@shirleyspratley1670]

There are plenty of riders who do fabulous relaxed dressageoves with just a strap around the neck, the modern dressage training is absolute abuse and the judges are not stopping it, SHAME on all who practice the cruelty.😢

[@GMcDressage]

Judy is an absolutely lovely lady, on and off a horse. Always makes time to say hello and help if needed. I have such respect for Judy as a fellow Irish Dressage Rider. Im looking forward to hitting GP with my horse.

[@paulinarapicka]

This is how everyone, in competitions especially, should ride a horse!

[@JustMe-sj2oe]

Great video!! As far as Dressage goes, I only scribe (which I love to do) and take home what I learn. This is one video I will keep rewatching!! Thanks!

[@melissawarfield]

Very calm rider. The horse responded quickly and went back to the job. Liked your commentary. Enjoyed the video

[@lindylufromoz5111]

Excellent & accurate commentary. Thank you. L.

[@syzygyfarm]

Lovely riding and clearly, very lovely training! I wish them the best of luck and imagine this horse will only get better with time and experience.

[@rondapauley2353]

This woman seems to care about this horse regardless of his little mistakes

[@jenz4524]

I wouldn't call it a disaster, I would call it the horse wanted to improvise his own debut in grand prix and that included dancing. 😉

[@somepancakewithamustache5200]

I think she did good but it makes me so uncomfortable with the horse neck and reins so tight .

[@echotrash466]

Any tighter and it would be extreme rollkur. Rollkur screws up the horses neck. Also if it wasn't clear before, the riders hands have no slack/give, and when they pull, it really hurts the horses mouth. A loose rein lessens the tensions for the horse so they can relax more. A good rider will sense that the horse is having an issue and slow down so that the horse can collect their thoughts. With a bit of peace, you go back to work. If the person on the horse only cares about trying to get money and ribbons, while forgetting their partners needs, then they more than likely don't deserve any ribbons, or money. Your horse is your partner, they are your friend. But if you treat them dirty, then you'll end up making them blow up. Whether they are just scared, stressed or both. You need to try and understand their needs and work through an issue slowly so they will understand that something is ok.

[@wendypinchin2080]

Does it occur to anyone the horse is maybe uncomfortable? Physically?

[@penelopelopez8296]

What I see is a horse being spurred in the gut and having its mouth yanked to perform movements and gaits that are so unnatural it’s no wonder so many of them end up lame and discarded at feed lots and kill auctions alongside the unwanted and injured race horses, five gaited show horses and open jumpers. This cruelty needs to be outlawed.

[@brittnyhawk8633]

To me this what dressage is all about. Training to get horse to relax and trust the rider. They aren't robots and things happen. Very nicely handled

[@carolynwesolek911]

Good rider. She handled that very tactfully. ❤

[@elkefaber8873]

Thank you for commenting! To much collecting in piaffe leads to levade.

[@bqualitysnake6549]

This is what dressage should be rewarding, and be about -not breeding taller and flashier horses and letting them win just because of their flashy movements regardless of training technique, partership and rider skill. I really hope we get to see more of these two, and riders that follow suit

[@horseygurl143]

What a spectacular pair!!!

[@terryschultz6819]

And why do horses swish their tails? Agitated, and when they are uncomfortable or in pain.

[@alisonjetmar7437]

Enjoyed the analysis 👌....

[@donnasingleton6320]

This is also evidence of a horse, who, through his genetics, wouldn't trigger stack anyway on his worse day. Good genetics makes a talented horse and also give him a sound mind. A talented rider works with what the horse brings in his genetic make up and together they make it look easy. As they compete more often those little hiccups will lessen and likely disappear as their experience and the horse's confidence grows. It was a beautiful ride. I hope to see this pair again.

[@silviaschaffara4808]

Sie ist trotzdem sehr gut geritten, ohne die Fassung zu verlieren. Sie haben einen tollen Job gemacht. Ein Pferd ist ein Partner und Keine Maschine.

[@nancybaumgartner6774]

Lovely horse and rider . Magnificent.

[@rriley2955]

That gallop at the end brought tears! Wow!

[@JESSQH]

🎉🎉🎉🎉 this is what dressage should all be about !! Dammmm !!

[@trevinize]

Common denominator, nose band tight, flexion at the middle of the neck, the horse can stand so much!!!!!!!!!! Fixed them! It is called "Spitting the Bit" DH has many videos on this "Disaster".

[@Witcher14]

Just a point an independent seat and hands allows you to loose you stirrup and carry on with your test unphased. Not only unphased but actually fucking nailed it x

[@karlchenmuller4059]

Why on earth the rollkur?

[@lieke9460]

I don't think that was just a spook. There was something going very wrong there. Ugly.

[@Tina-rc5pt]

Good for this rider.. 🙌👐🙌

[@vibeskouenborg6842]

Why don't any vets mention the huge challenge in horse body when hyperflexed? Everything BTV is hyperflexion and when poll is not highest, the neck make a 'crack' around 2.-3. and 6.-7. vertebrae. THIS have a huge inpact on soft tissue , bones, muscles, tendons and and and.... There is lots of rapports about this - find Kathrin Kienapfel and read what ' she says. Futhermore the horse mouth has huge pressure from curb rein, weight bar. This also causes pain. And when the horse is BTV he cannot resist. People call is ''now he carry himself'' when reins are ''light'' - but the horse just cannot push his nose forward because no muscles exist for that job-. So here the rider has CONTROL and when he is BTV all the damage is going on. Riding is totally misunderstood. The horse cannot carry himself when he is trained with bended neck. He needs to engage the base of the neck- and that only happens when the neck is long and low- and nose in front of vertical- this position 'everybody' calls wrong and bad. There are so many reasons why the horse can be in pain all over the body. And that could be why he spooks. And is in ''control'' when he is BTV. Then people think ''all is good and nice''. So many people should try to learn morte about horses.

[@kadovax6567]

Maybe because vets are competent people who know better?

[@vibeskouenborg6842]

@@kadovax6567 what do you mean?

[@echotrash466]

@@kadovax6567 Nah, vets are happy to take a little extra cash and just let things slide through. If you've heard of Big Lick, many vets would be paid off to not give proper exams. So... Ya... I don't think you should 100% trust a vet when they may've been paid off to not say anything. Similar things could be said about horse racing industry. Saddle seat with the tail nicking and what not.

[@penelopelopez8296]

You say Theresa’s no punishment….I disagree with that. The entire routine and training regime of these dressage horses is punishment. The horse threw its head because it’s tired of being abused and having its mouth yanked on. Hello!! Did you watch the video at all. That is a horse being abused. And wait until she gets that horse home….the real punishment begins. This is disgusting. I can’t believe they allow this on KZbin.

[@cher577]

These horses back is so tight and the riders arms and hands are also contracted and the horse feels it all in the mouth and that's why he reacted.

[@robertabray-enhus3198]

I hope this cruelty will be addressed. Or will it stay in vogue,like that horrible soaring they use in the gaited horses down south.

[@kadovax6567]

I hope you will learn what dressage actually is before leaving such ignorant message 🙄

[@annaminich2479]

Is loosing a stirrup a penalty in dressage?

[@theagelessequestrian]

She’s got that curb rein so tight. No wonder the horse couldn’t go forward.

[@janets6474]

Disagree. Her horse is clearly carrying himself and is not on his forehand. Since this is her first Grand Prix with this horse, it may have been more snug than some would like. But as the narrator clearly points out, she has an independent hand and seat as well as a following hand. So even if the curb is a little snug, she is following his motion and not interfering with his movement.

[@jonjonwp]

That's what I was going to write. She rode the whole test as though she had one rein in each hand. Loosen the curb Judy. He is a nice horse but not the same charisma as Vancouver.

[@animallover4101]

@@jonjonwp you two are armchair athletes. Let’s see you do better 😂

[@trevinize]

The Noseband!

[@beetheequestrian6238]

No!

[@beetheequestrian6238]

What is water skiing??

[@janets6474]

I believe it's leaning back in the saddle with feet pushed forward.

[@beetheequestrian6238]

@@janets6474 ahhhhh thank you so much. I know it as chair seat. That makes sense ☺️😊

[@beccathib3656]

@@janets6474 What does this do to the horse?🙏

[@PercheronAppLVR]

Great commentary !! :) yes

[@jessicaderksen8846]

I don't agree at all. Way to much credit for her test. I see a horse who is not uphill, even worse, al lot of times his back is hollow. Piaffe is not a piaffe how it should be. Absolutely not the case that how the horse presents itself after the miscommunication is proof of good riding. Still a tense horse who could have done it again.

[@wonderland5425]

I feel very sorry that I am not able to share the opinion: "this shows us a positive example of...". I do not like to talk about the rider as I do not know her in person nor do I know how she or someone else trains her horse behind closed doors. The only thing I would like to mention is what the horse reaction is showing to us: it is the state of clearly expecting pain in the mouth as a result of the disagreement both had seconds before (expected punishment). No hate 🍀

[@DressageHub]

You definitely don't have to agree with me to hang out here! I am always open to discussion. Just not personal attacks. Thanks for hanging out.

[@spyderyates4587]

Is this their debut grand prix free style? I don't recognize this test. If it's her freestyle, then she must have already shown the horse in the fei grand prix and scored a 60 or above. At least that's how it works in the united states. I think the horse looks pretty tight, mouth open and low poll.

[@lmarislmarislmaris4271]

Completely missing the point of the video, but thanks for playing.

[@spyderyates4587]

@@lmarislmarislmaris4271 enlighten me. What is the point of this video? Excuses are expressed in the video commentary that this is a "debut" ride at grand prix. In the united states you must first earn a qualifying score for the standard fei grand prix at a recognized show before you're allowed to show grand prix free style. So not really a grand prix "debut". Regarding dressage disasters, horses are horses and sometimes things go wrong. If things go wrong week after week. Yeah thats a problem. Otherwise it was just a bad day / learning experience Regarding this video. I see a horse that is showing beyond his capability. And I'm ok with that. Maybe he will get better. I dont know the horse. Who can say from one video.I just don't see anything exemplary about the ride. It's just a less than perfect ride captured on video. Nothing more.

[@claudia273]

@@spyderyates4587 ​ just check the results, you will see she didn’t compete in the qualification. It’s not that complicated.. And it doesn’t really matter what the rules are in America.. this is in Germany. And you really didn’t get the point of the video. It’s about the way Judy handles it. How she reassured him, have him confidence, instead of making this a bad experience.

[@mariepascale6921]

Désolée mais elle est beaucoup beaucoup trop sur la bride. Et au moment où elle lâche un peu, le cheval passe au-dessus de la main. Elle ne le récupère que grâce à la bride.

[@jessebos5413]

What does trigger stacked mean?

[@AuthenticMage]

Trigger stacking is when scary/ painful events happen over and over again. The first few times they may be able to work through it, but their anxiety is rising. Eventually they make a mistake and can’t handle it anymore and “explode” in dogs it can lead to fear biting, in horses it usually leads to flight being triggered

[@DressageHub]

We have several videos on it. It's when you ad multiple layers of stressful stimulus which results on a traumatic response.

[@DaisyLynny]

Since when are u allowed to ride with a wip in grand prix?...

[@claudia273]

When it’s a national competition. Some countries allow them. This is in Germany, but I believe also in Denmark and Australia for example (correct me if I’m wrong)

[@martylesnick2032]

WOW HER HORSE REALLY TRUSTED HER AFTER HE LOST HIS MIND FOR THOSE FEW SECONDS. Susan

[@Bluemoonfarm17]

What does “trigger stacked” mean?

[@DressageHub]

We have a great video series on trigger stacking if you search the channel you will find it

[@Bluemoonfarm17]

@@DressageHub will do, thank you!

[@suzietoon1032]

I've always loved horses. I'm sixty years old. NEVER heard "trigger stacked" ever. Don't have a clue what that means...?

[@crowkraehenfrau2604]

automatically generated subtitle "pee off" for the word "piaffe" lol :-)))

[@lindajayneclark767]

Back to me as a beautiful ride better than winning.

[@ccdegroot7810]

disgusting! dressage is cruelty! He can t even close his mouth! his mouth is near his chest, they should forbidden this

[@maximusopus1108]

Agreed. It's disgusting.

[@kadovax6567]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ThatBuckskinPony]

Real dressage is not cruel

[@ashleelalasmith2792]

He’s a baby he’s learning

[@jenotteni7889]

poor horse the reins look so tight

[@jillanderson1316]

This is such an incredibly dangerous sport and falling off is pretty awful have fallen three timees once flew over the horses shoulder and landed on my hip second was when the horse jumped straight in the air like a jack in the box and i just flew off and landed on ,y back on hard ground third the horse wanted to go home when i tried to take him for a canter he went on eway and i went the other now according to the experts you need to fall at least 6 times . 3 was enough i didnt break or injure anything i was really really lucky and i dontwant to tempt fate but when they say he is the quietes t horse thats a lie any horse can go dulaly at any time ! Thats why it's dangerous

[@famouskate9071]

You state, after the "mishap," which was the horse objecting to what he was being forced to do, that there was "no punishment." Please, look closely at the horse's mouth. It is open the entire time. Why? PAIN, people. Same reason he threw up his head. THAT is punishment, but, I don't expect dressage riders to see this [ and yes, I used to be one, and I now ride my 1600 pound Friesian in a HALTER].

[@kadovax6567]

LOL. You're not and was never a dressage rider to write such stupidities.

[@claudia273]

His mouth is rarely open, it just looks like it is, due to the foam.

[@famouskate9071]

@@claudia273 Foam is also caused by pain. You don't need to believe me, you can research this if you are interested. It took me decades to learn this stuff. Horses have been my life, all my life, and I am still learning. A full bridle causes intense pain to a horse. Watch Alicia Burton on KZbin. No bridle, no saddle, jumping huge jumps. That's real communication and teamwork. Most people who ride horses simply don't know that their horse will do as they ask, if their horse respects them and they ask nicely. A painful bit is fine for the rider, but do you honestly believe that any horse likes that in his mouth? I made my living training horses, and used rubber snaffles. Toward the end of my career, I went 100% bitless, with humane riding halters. I can communicate everything I need, with not even the posdibility of pain. The horses know the difference, and are grateful to have the bit removed. If you want, watch Rick's Think Like A Horse on KZbin. He's doing a lot for the welfare of horses by teaching how to and why to go bitless. A large amount of dressage riders are also trying to get the rules changed, so that they can compete bitless. In time, and with more education, I expect those rules to be changed.

[@claudia273]

@@famouskate9071 how is foam caused by pain exactly? A horse is in pain while eating? I’ve seen horses foam while ridden bitless. A horse in a correct frame salivates a little more. Foam is just de result of friction. Friction that is caused by slight chewing, that’s just a reflexive response to the salivating.

[@famouskate9071]

@@claudia273 I don't wish to argue, and we have different opinions. I am now very "anti bit" and I know that's not a popular stance. I used to think like "everyone else," but I have, over a lifetime of horses (I have ridden over 5000, often 15 a day, and I trained professionally for.....hm.....close to 40 years ) changed my thoughts greatly. A horse ridden in a proper frame with a halter (yes, it is possible, ask my Friesian mare) will not salivate at all. A bitless horse will be more relaxed, have a softer expression on their face, as they know they won't be hurt. Even the best riders in the world will, accidentally, bang the horse in the mouth, and the horse knows this, and never knows when it is coming. Something as innocent as a small stumble and the horse's mouth gets hurt. A dressage horse is literally squeezed between a very tight rein/bit and spurs. I don't expect you to agree with me and that's OK, we can agree to disagree. But I can tell you this with 100% certainty.....ask ANY horse if he wants a bit in his mouth, and he will day no. He doesn't want spurs, either. The last horses I trained and sold were a 1500 pound Warlander (wish I had kept her, what a great horse, but she went to a female doctor in CA to a 700 acre natural boarding facility, a fantastic place) and an Appy, both 4 year olds, and it was in the sales contract the horses (which went to different states) stay bitless and barefoot, and I am very happy to say the natural boarding place's trainer is now bitless. She even competes in mounted archery at a full gallop on the Warlander in a riding halter. Lots of people will want to argue the bit thing, but, it is my mission in life to get that torture device out of horse's mouths. Again, watch Rick on Think Like A Horse on KZbin. He is more articulate than I am. But both he and I put the horse first. You don't need to agree, and no hard feelings. Oh, back to the foam.......I just did a Google search for you and one reason for foam is hard hands, holding the head too high (remember, a horse does not ever stay in a proper dressage frame on its own for more than a couple of seconds. Yes, it looks pretty and I used to compete in dressage, but there is nothing natural about it) or too tightly, which makes the horse unable to swallow that excess saliva. You will not see a trail horse ridden on a loose rein with a huge amount of foam. You will never see a bitless horse with any foam. Agree to disagree, and my horses will continue to enjoy life without bits, and gallop up to me when they see me approaching with my little halter. Sorry this is so long.

[@aldebaranredstar]

Poor horse. Looks very miserable.

[@fraufenster7339]

She is hating her horse!!

[@naunettemartin7450]

You are do rider Nannette

[@angemoorhead5496]

This is a freestyle test not a pure GP and any rider at this level needs the adjustability of the horse to get correct transitions - there is nothing amazing about the riding or the test

[@spyderyates4587]

Right on!

[@claudia273]

Does it matter whether it’s a freestyle or GP? The riding, compared what is normal these days, is pretty phenomenal. The way she handles him is definitely impressive.

[@spyderyates4587]

@@claudia273 I would say anyone who can navigate a competitive grand prix horse through the standard fei test and not have the horse shut down or blow up is a pretty dam good rider. Freestyles are a little more forgiving to navigate

[@claudia273]

@@spyderyates4587 I wholeheartedly disagree. Riding a test doesn’t make you a good rider. My first GP test was on a horse that had done it multiple times before. I was a pretty terrible rider at that moment.. 😅 Horsemanship is a lifelong journey, I think the only one who could say a rider is good, is the horse that’s ridden, like Nuno said.

[@spyderyates4587]

@@claudia273 we're you competitive on that ride or in the 50%?. If you got in the mid 60% I'm guessing you weren't terrible.(unless your mom was thejudge). Regarding nuno. He would probably puke on the whole dressage scene. Anyway nice talking with you. We just see the world differertly.

[@Eekamouse6]

Disaster? Really?

[@ThatBuckskinPony]

uhhh yes...

[@ErikaDomrowski-gj2lq]

So soll es sein. Oder?

[@alinebrandau3982]

Every horse is different. This horse is very, very calm. Many top horses are not, and are super, super hot. They may NEVER calm down. This is why most riders do not want to ride the "most gifted" horses. Because, many times they are dangerous. To have a wonderful passage and piaffe, a horse must be reactive. Professionals look for highly reactive horses because they WIN. Average riders, myself included, have no idea how hard it is to ride an explosive, reactive horse. I remember watching Steffen with Legolas struggle to complete a victory canter. He couldn't. He couldn't get around one time cantering in the arena at the victory lap.. and it wasn't Steffen, it was the horse. I've seen him ride victory canter with many horses. With Legolas at WEF it wasn't possible. The horse determines how it can be ridden.. Hot horses can be ridden by top riders. Til you get there, maybe have some respect.

[@Lynne2106]

Dressage Hub is so negative and mean. Ugh!

[@DressageHub]

Clearly you didn't read the description. 😂

[@pamelaforrest1622]

so unnatural for the horse but thumbs up to the rider for building trust and confidence in her mount

[@oldageisdumb]

Dressage is unnatural? You realize it’s one of the most natural forms of riding. Every movement is based off of things horses do naturally loose in the field. Collection is correcting a horses natural posture. Be interested to hear you try to justify your comment

[@ThatBuckskinPony]

@@oldageisdumb Modern dressage is unnatural