I CANNOT RIDE THIS TOP DRESSAGE HORSE

And here was me thinking visiting the dressage yard would be the easy video, stay tuned, and hope I sit tight...
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[@malloryalford9808]

"Oy. Just stop piaffing." 🤣 I literally could not stop laughing. We need this displayed on some Elphick Event apparel. Well done, Meg, and well done Otis!

[@dazyv0]

so funny 😂

[@dazyv0]

otis naughty piaffing is the funniest thing i’ve ever seen. dressage horses acting up are next level 😂

[@elphick.event.ponies]

Didn’t realise they’re so spicy to be honest 😂

[@honeymgswtrancehealer7936]

😂🤣😂🤣

[@someonedifferent198]

Him just noping out off canter was amazing, loveble doofus.

[@WAMama84]

@@elphick.event.ponies barely contained chaos is what we like to say LOL

[@nicitanic]

Mine is just like that at the beginning when I’m not warming him up the way he likes it 😂

[@imjustabee]

Absolutely dying over "Stop piaffing!" 😂 He's certainly got lots of character

[@Lottieplayz]

Rich’s laugh whilst he’s riding is everything I can’t help but laugh too 🤣

[@stormskies3861]

Rich’s laugh is everything, so infectious 😂❤

[@honeymgswtrancehealer7936]

He found everything funny 😂🤣😂 even when he was up, lmao I'm watching this again later too funny

[@Morganpies]

Yes!! It’s genuinely adorable it makes me smile 😍 what a horse too 😍

[@sixmercer2504]

Yes I really like watching Righ. He seems like a good time. Thise warmbloods are such characters. I died laughing when he kept hitting the brakes. Omg so funny and when he kicked out at Rich like a bratty little brother who just wants to do it himself. I have always loved the personalities of warmbloods. They're like 6 year old boys. Just always in trouble for something.and trying to sneak around or get away with things blaming it on a sibling who doesn't exist so in turn telling om themselves Or just doing it right in front of you to get a rise and then run away laughing. Ugh yeah. I do love a warmblood.

[@juliettedauterive3745]

so annoying.

[@sixmercer2504]

@@juliettedauterive3745 ?????

[@jesstaylor233]

I love how you include you feeling scared and the bits where you struggle - makes it more relatable and real! I sat on a fancy dressage horse once and could barely get him to walk without exploding so I know the feeling aha

[@SAA-hr9gr]

I couldn't get the dressage horse to canter the first time even...haha so I can relate.

[@Ayorkshiremama]

We all need a Rich as an instructor! The banter is so good and his laugh had me going 🤣

[@Galemor1]

He might be a good instructor, but I wouldn't let him ride my horse, he has no feel in his hands and ride rollkur, which is a weak hand position by the rider.

[@leslieranne8671]

@@Galemor1 I think he's doing just fine without your armchair advice.

[@Galemor1]

@@leslieranne8671 On his horses expense..

[@Yourstruly_amee]

@@Galemor1 from what I saw, this isn’t rolkur. Rolkur is COMPLETELY different from what he’s doing, I think his horse is a little bit behind the vertical but thats not the same.

[@Ameliathehorsegirl]

@@Galemor1that horses mouth is foaming so maybe but it doesn’t look like it to me

[@jennifermcdermott1]

This was so great to watch. Thoroughbreds (jumpers) were my game until I was given an 18.2 Hanoverian a few years back and had the hardest time riding him. His trot is so so huge (big trot seemed an understatement) he would throw me around the tack and I felt like my beginner riders learning to post. I finally woke up and decided I really need dressage training to ride this horse better. I loved the phrasing of this coach - "don't abandon the front" and have the front meet the back. So true but never heard that in previous work. I loved also that they were riding in a simple loose ring snaffle. Dressage is a full contact, without tension, ride that looks effortless. Lovely work both horse and rider!

[@suzanneterrey4499]

I enjoyed your comment about having to get "into dressage" in order to ride that monster's trot...LOL. Hate to tell you but any warmblood "moving forward" at the trot almost requires dressage training as well as people who can help you with YOUR body and relaxation. It's so easy to tense up and so hard to relax and let go when riding. It literally takes years of work just on YOU. Best of luck and remember to enjoy each moment!

[@nancyningard6253]

Thanks

[@plove523]

Watching Meg try to go in canter is like watching a new driver trying to let out the clutch! Loved this video! Great looking belt.

[@elphick.event.ponies]

Hahahaha

[@elphick.event.ponies]

This is honestly the best way to describe it 😂

[@fleetskipper1810]

A perfect analogy, well said.

[@SAA-hr9gr]

@@elphick.event.ponies btw it was kinda nice to see someone so good at riding struggling to get a canter. Literally had the same problems with a dressage horse as well. The first time I got on I couldn't get a canter even if my life depended on it.

[@metalkingtohorses]

totally the horse is like ," what r you asking me to do?"

[@april5666]

Wow, wow, wow -- usually I'm a little jealous of the horses you get lessons on, Meg, but this time, glad it was you and never would be me. What an absolutely gorgeous powerhouse Otis is -- a Ferrari among horses. When Rich was warming him up and the music was playing it actually brought tears to my eyes -- such pure movement and beauty all together, it was so moving for me. Great series, thank you for being so brave on our behalf, Meg. Very nicely done :)

[@elphick.event.ponies]

Awh thank you for this ❤️

[@lovettaquilts]

Wow, wow, wow! Best experience to date.

[@jansparks9807]

Ì8

[@TyLeeslilsis]

Coming from someone who's grown up with instructors who make the learning process loud and the success portions calmer; it is SO HECKING NICE to hear the learning process be spoken like a conversation and the success after be loud and excited. What a fantastic instructor! I'm jealous! LOL! Otis is a beauty too! The tall horses are intimidating, but they're goofballs. They just want to be cute ponies lol.

[@Psychicjacqui]

I agree!!! 😊

[@elliearias3683]

proof a trained horse will show you how trained they are lol! But it also shows how if you do one little movement wrong he will tell you! But dressage horses are so sassy haha!! Well done meg as an upper level dressage rider myself im very impressed with this. Also thank you for showing the RAW moments of the ride! It makes it so much more fun to watch. This is an awesome video and again well done girl!!

[@donalynschumann1275]

What an absolutely horgeous, well trained horse! Very impressed you conquered your fears and brought us this wonderful video. Thank you.👍But I do wonder how he would like to give up all the controlled movements and get to go galloping full out down a beach to his heart's content just once. Jesse Drent in Holland showed his Arabian mare on her 28th birthday doing just that! Actually that was pretty much her favorite gait her entire life. So much so that Jesse was the only one who felt safe riding her LOL 🐎😃

[@sharibolton2271]

my horse is a dressage horse and not sassy at all.

[@allisonvandenberg3032]

Your instructor is an absolute riot: "Don't ride him all fairy like!" I had flashbacks to my own experience trying to transition from walk to canter and ending up in a really lovely big trot each time...But you got it and it was STUNNING! Well done Meg!

[@SaccharinSweet123]

That's where a weight cue comes in handy. I had a western trained horse who could go from a dead stop right into a canter just on how I adjusted my weight. It's a magical feeling 💖

[@KhorneyFishRawrFearMeh]

@@SaccharinSweet123 I was just about to say this. My western horse whom I gotten into dressage training (his siblings are all jumping prospects lol but my boy knocked his dept perception off and can't get him used to big jumps besides two feet) he copied my friends dressage horse while I was working on his movements as a 3 year old and just started adding commands for the new gaits. My boy I taught from any gait was squeeze and kiss to go into a lope if I want a faster gait after the lope it's tap and kiss, clicking and taping also works. And he also know whoa is stop. He is a big gelding now but full of spark. He also knows lead changes. My dumbbutt while riding English forgets that I am suppose to plow rein him and not neck rein. Someone told me my gelding is nice and calm once and would be great for show jumping. Little do they know that Loki is a firecracker.

[@haeleighbrenneman7269]

He said "don't ride him all fairy like" because coaches speak the truth

[@Bas4364]

@@haeleighbrenneman7269 I agree! I have a coach with that type of humor, and he doesn’t mean it rudely, it’s simply the truth. No hate to Meg though, she is a great rider!

[@kristinvinje8608]

The whole entire time I was LAUGHING MY BUT OFF. Otis is just…so incredible, he’s MASSIVE. Otis is literally hilarious and Rich was so funny as well 😂

[@eviecooper-lh5lx]

Agreed 😂😂😂😂😂

[@jesshothersall]

Apart from the joy of watching my boys learn to ride, this is the best lesson I've ever seen! Entertaining and educational on so many levels, and reminded me of going to dressage stables, a few years back. I was put on a calm steady 16.2" for the first two lessons, all went well. When I turned up for the third lesson, I found myself on a purebred Lusitano stallion! I'd never ridden a stallion before, but initially all went very well, until all of a sudden he lunged upwards and forwards while we were in canter, so I pulled him up, he stopped dead, and I asked Kath "what on earth just happened?" She told me he'd done a flying change. On the phone that night I told my mother what he'd done, and she instantly said "You must have moved your leg!" She was spot on, I'd suddenly remembered my instructor the previous week had told me to keep my lower legs further back (I learned to ride in the 60's when we were told to see our toe in front of our knee), so I moved my outside leg back which was further forward, and bingo, I pressed this dressage stallion's flying change button. My mother used to ride dressage, but hadn't ridden for many years at that point. The following week I found myself back on the calm 16.2 :). Otis is just gorgeous, and I could almost 'feel' his smooth paces, loved it...

[@justinepalmer]

DANG GIRL! It must have felt incredible up there! My old dressage trainer would put me on some nice horses and train me very similar to how Rich does. Clicking on beat, giving me seemingly endless commands. So I know that exact feeling of when you finally “get it” and they start moving beautifully. I can’t imagine how that felt on such a high-level horse! They definitely have so many buttons, you did beautifully! Good job for climbing on up and tackling that huge guy all while wearing a smile!

[@luanndavis-jindela3223]

.

[@kelseyk530]

It's not as easy as you'd think. I was on a 17.3hh Westphalen gelding out of the famed stallion Weltmeyer who did Intermediare I & II. He was a canter pirouette machine which were so fun. My trained did 1 tempis and passage on him. I just did 3 tempis thoigh I likely could've done 2. Great trot amd canter half passes. Super easy haunches-in and shoulder-in. The hardest thing was picking up a clean canter from the walk as if you didn't ask absolutely perfectly the way the horse wanted...he was a bit of a shit and would throw tantrums and just stop and refuse to continued once the lesson hit the 40-45 minute mark which was the end...and he would go into haunches-in instead. The owners were listing him for $100,000, so I got to take lessons on him. Then there was another 3 day event horse, an 18hh Hanoverian, that my trainer was bridging up tge dressage levels and he was a solid 3rd.

[@DiiAM00NDx3]

Actually, its a terrible feeling! When I bought my new horse, I was still used to my average old horse with average gaits. My new horse has more gaits and is a really nice dressage horse. But suddenly you feel so stupid, not getting him into canter etc. It can really be a downer because youll feel so stupid lol

[@erkrose]

This was amazing! When you finally got the canter i was clapping and so happy for you. You did such a great job on him! I learnt lots hes a brillant teacher, well done meg!!! XXX

[@elphick.event.ponies]

Awh thank you! Yeh the canter was a long time coming 😂

[@aidanham]

I feel like people often really underestimate how muscular dressage or these "dancing" horses are but muscle wise they are such power houses. From shoulder to hind end, it's incredible how they move with such deliberated grace and control over so much muscle power. What an incredible horse. Another stellar vlogmas episode! Love Rich so much, his riding his teachings and his attitude. Fabulous a true joy to see him ride and teach. Big thanks to the both of you for making this possible.

[@julieelliott-eickenroth7317]

That was really fun to watch! It’s great to see a rider honestly expressing your fears of getting on such a huge, powerful animal, much less a high level dressage horse, and observing a “nuts and bolts” riding lesson. I would love to do that. Well done!

[@ruthkult6536]

Omg. I'm lost for words. OTIS!!! What an incredibly gorgeous boy you are! I could quite literally watch you all day! What a wonderful opportunity this was for you Meg and you did so well! You should be very proud of yourself. Rich you're a fabulous instructor! Thank you all for sharing!

[@ruthkult6536]

Oh! And can I point out how hard Otis tried to figure out this new rider?! Good Boy!!

[@kathi3066]

as a dressage rider this is the funniest thing I've ever seen! and what a beautiful horsie that is, such a good boy! well done Meg❤

[@elphick.event.ponies]

Kudos to you, this stuff is hard 👏🏼😂

[@PinStripe1213]

As a dressage rider I found this quite validating XD

[@MissJools11]

@@elphick.event.ponies Dressage is the hardest Equestrian discipline to learn as it all goes on feel, and that is something a coach can't teach you. Unlike the Jumping disciplines where a coach/trainer can help you place the Horse in the best place in front of a jump to jump it. There is a saying in Dressage, the easier it looks, the harder it is to do.

[@thepaganapostate3208]

@@MissJools11 Wow. I sadly never got that far in dressage, basically still a beginner but was told i had the natural talent for it... though the terminology often threw me off... never quite got the hang of the terms plus action either. I wish I could afford to pick it up again but that's unlikely for awhile, if ever, given our situation.

[@margauxnodvin7478]

@@MissJools11 I’m going to disagree about Dressage being harder to teach than jumping. Yes, some of the Dressage movements are VERY technical and you have to rely a lot on feel. However, I’m a hunter/jumper rider whose trainers always worked with me and my horse on a lot of lateral work (including shoulders/haunches in, and side pass at the trot), turns on forehand and haunches, counter canter, etc. Even had a lovely jumper with a dressage background who I figured out how to do Tempe changes on every two strides and do canter pirouettes. As for jumping, a trainer can tell you ALL day what the “correct” take off spot should be for different types of jumps (stand off a little farther for verticals, get closer to the base of an oxer or “spread” jump to make sure you clear all of the rails), and they can use “placement” poles in lessons to help you practice developing an eye for the correct takeoff distance. However, that only goes so far…. You have to develop your own eye for a distance, and be able to gauge your horse’s speed and impulsion enough to know if you need to steady or push forward to reach the correct distance. There are a lot of aspects that you have to have a feel for, that are almost impossible to teach well. Also, correct pace and correct takeoff spots varies between the hunters and the jumpers. The hunter judges want to see a horse going around a course at a good pace that “looks” like they are just quietly loping along, looking relaxed with slightly stretched down necks and slightly poked out noses and they want the horses to stand off the jumps a bit and leave that “hunter gap” (aka a longer takeoff distance to the jump). In the jumpers, your horse can carry him/her head and neck like a giraffe, and it doesn’t matter. You can’t always keep the same, steady rhythm around the course, as some related distances are set short and some are set long. You have to adjust your pace and striding for that, as well as to pick up extra pace wherever you can to ensure that you remain within the time allowed (or have the fastest time in a jump off). Jumpers usually take off a bit closer to the base of the jumps, especially for large oxers and triple bars. There are a LOT of nuances that you just have to learn the feel for (since, unfortunately, horses don’t have speedometers 😂) and correct take off distances can be affected by so many variables.

[@sianbennett-rodgers]

The joy of riding a horse that has all the buttons and gears. Such a thrill

[@elphick.event.ponies]

That's a good word for it!

[@micheleshelley6156]

The piaffing as a nervous habit is a new one for me, and also, hilarious. What a charming horse! I had a gelding who was very forward, and he use to do lead changes along the rail when he was really stressed out or full of himself.

[@hceventing]

Rick’s laugh is amazing! Love the way he’s just giggling to himself

[@pudupudu9837]

Dressage horses are genuinely bonkers, in the best possible way. He’s such a diva 😂 Well done Meg, another fantastic vlog - and rather you than me!

[@QxeenHazy]

Same ❤

[@Emelem123]

You and Otis arguing over canter was hilarious but really cute because you were both trying to get each other😭😂

[@AromaticsforAnimals]

my horse died 10 years ago and I didn’t ride ever since. Watching this video just made me realise how must I missed it. I could just feel what you must have been feeling. Amazing how the memory is stored in the body. Thank you so much for this video ❤

[@KinleyEquestrian]

Aw I’m so sorry :(

[@lexinicole4317]

My mare passed away many years ago too. It was traumatic and I haven’t been on a horse more than once since. This video being recommended to me nearly brought me to tears with how much I didn’t realize I missed it.

[@thepaganapostate3208]

@@lexinicole4317 I've been missing horse involvement for some time now. Though I've never had the luck of being able to afford a horse of my own.

[@lexinicole4317]

@@thepaganapostate3208 I definitely consider myself blessed. My horses I owned were all free rescues (usually a dollar paid for paperwork reasons). They always came to me with behavioral problems or physical injuries when I got them. I worked through my late teens and early 20s at farms that allowed me free boarding as part of my pay. It was still such an expensive thing, I drove myself into debt trying to provide for those little buggers. Sending internet love! Horses are good for the soul, if only it weren’t so expensive and challenging of a hobby.

[@thepaganapostate3208]

@@lexinicole4317 Oh indeed. I do lament how expensive they can be (any animal really but horses especially). However, I do think this spring and summer I'll volunteer at a local-ish stable and get more hands-on experience that way. Also looking into books to read and videos to watch and learn from. Hopefully that will get me an in... and... my latest interest, wanting to learn how to make costumes for horses. As per a recent visit to Medieval times. I'm aiming to learn better sewing/pattern skills to do that hopefully this year.

[@tracyd27]

Otis is such a diva!! Absolutely love him such a beautiful big boy. Got such a giggle at him piaffing around. Richs laughing was so cute

[@geediddlydang2218]

He looks so shiny!!! Also, I love Rich's laugh, he sounds like he really enjoys what he does!

[@Hellosavvyy]

When the two of you just stopped and laughed trying to canter I was in tears. Great job! 😂

[@keirx01]

I can only imagine how odd yet elegant it must feel on such a fancy dressage horse so much respect for you during this series so far for going out your comfort zone-especially after a very very understandable confidence knock after the fall x

[@chloekhamxox]

I absolutely love the relationship you have with your instructor, it feels so naturally comfortable!

[@mollyequestrian1505]

i love how youve done vlogmas this year! its so lovely to see you riding other peoples horses - especially vossi but thats just me being grey biased..again🫢❤

[@elphick.event.ponies]

Awh thank you!

[@scarlettandtheponies.9239]

It’s so fun to see your ride different horses! Also shows how different all horses are! ❤

[@elphick.event.ponies]

Awh thank you! Yes this series sure has opened my eyes

[@5142Katie]

He did so well with a different rider on him. I'm quite amazed at how well he adapted

[@AccidentallyOnPurpose]

The canter was so funny at first, I've never seen a horse so confused it just plants it's legs and stops. It was amazing to see you two when you started to get it. 💜

[@mylifeeventing204]

I love the new series but the fact the dressage horses are the spiciest is just so funny❤

[@elphick.event.ponies]

Awh thanks! Yeh, I didn't see it coming to be fair 😂

[@EmilyStars2036]

Ohhhh. Trust ME. I ride a spicy mare sometimes. She's bucked everyone but me surprisingly. Although it might have something to do with speaking their language. No, I'm not mad. I can speak their language. (ish)

[@maggiepie8810]

I've heard that top level dressage horses need to spicy, because more energy makes a high level of collection easier. I've also heard that western reining horses should be more laid back, because a super spicy horse will not do well in a high speed sport.

[@julen2380]

I think you did amazingly well, Meg! I'm always completely in awe by how quickly you seem to adapt to a new horse. But I have to admit what I love almost most about this series is to see how much the top level riders love their special quirky horses. Like seriously. A horse that does piaffe and half-backs into a perfect square halt when it's feeling sily, an that likes his tongue held and to eat his bridle... Otis is just beyond but also so gorgeous and talented. Thank you for taking us on this special tour and thank your to Rich and all your other guests for letting us visit with you.

[@IamERIKA111]

What a horseman this gentleman is. Quite impressed by his skills as a rider and trainer.

[@greenecrayon]

I love this series so much! I feel like this has been so educational about more if the ends and outs of how the horses learn. They are so amazing.

[@marybannister4629]

Meg, you rode beautifully. That was seriously one of the best, most interesting pieces of content I have seen. More of this please!!!❤

[@libbycollins6565]

Otus is incredible!! you rode him so well. Dance monkey has never suited a clip more. Love seeing all the diffrent horses and how you ride them!!!

[@laurajanemurphy4278]

What a GLORIOUS experience! You looked lovely on him. Otis is such a character.

[@sarahpost7185]

One of the best things I have seen in ages. I am not riding to anywhere near your standard, it is somewhat heartwarming to watch someone with your ability find it challenging and push through it. Well done to you and thanks for the video both of you.

[@Mollie_Raby-Brown]

Loving this new series and getting to see you ride lots of different horses! You rode him so well, you looked really good on him!

[@philiplangley3779]

This horse is amazing! You rode him beautifully, can’t imagine how hard this must be, just shows how good these top riders are to make it look so effortless🤩

[@maggy1338]

Greetings from Kentucky USA. What a fabulous lesson to publish! It is such a perfect combination of a great trainer and teacher, with tremendous assistance from a horse he has trained beautifully, and knows so well. Add to this a willing ( slightly intimidated) student who trusts the instructor and can take instruction extremely well, and you have all ingredients for the perfect and absolutely brilliant lesson!! So much was accomplished in a very short amount of time for this rider- a joy to watch. Thank you for all the work that was done to make this- in front of and behind the camera !! Much appreciated 🙂

[@charlottegreen9581]

Oh my god I had the exact same struggles with transitioning in to the canter when I used to ride an experienced dressage horse of my old trainers! Very nice to see a good rider having the same struggle as I did :)

[@LeanneWatersAuthor]

This was phenomenal!! I learned so much just from this one vlog and I laughed out loud so many times! Rich has created a stunning MACHINE of a horse. You rode Otis beautifully, and of course Rich just made everything look way too easy 😂 By far THE BEST vlogmas to date, please do this series every year! ❤

[@ninastevenson6306]

I have been loving these vlogs Meg! So creative and different, its really inspiring to see you stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things! As a bit of a nervous rider its pretty cool to see you push yourself and it makes me see that when your do things that may seem a bit scary it actually can be really good for you and have a fun new learning experience!

[@rhythmandblues_alibi]

This was such a joy to watch. I love that you included all the almost-canters! I think it just shows how much we get in our own heads, it's such a common thing with canter too. It was great to see you work through the full process. Amazing when it clicked, so beautiful. Rich is a great instructor! I'm already watching a second time. Absolutely beautiful horse and well ridden! Very brave of you 💜

[@TheLmhampton]

Interesting vid. Nice horse, overall great riding. One question: why is that horse being held behind the vertical 99% of the time? Thats not accepted practice, right? Because it's not good for the horse.

[@Molley113]

I'd love to have Rich as an instructor! He is soo nice and without being bossy

[@sleepy5091]

Omg love Rich, he was so funny and patient with you. Got a bit scared when he almost got kicked 😂😬 You did so well Meg, need to see more of these lessons as loving this vlogmas ❤️❤️❤️

[@andreamurison7225]

I am living for this content!!! I love watching you discover each horse! And seeing you be a bit worried, makes it more relatable! Thank you so much. :)

[@helenlamb6560]

Oh Meg. You looked amazing on Otis! Initially tiny but then the more you rode the less small you looked. How fabulous and what an opportunity 💜🦄

[@allysmith2284]

What I’ve learnt with my daughter is never underestimate riding a highly trained horse to give you take always for your noble steeds!! What a stunner Otis is, rich is fab and Meg you did amazing, all things considered!

[@aliciacullen1901]

I love vlogmas! “It’s the most wonderful time of the year”😆 Merry Christmas to you Megan and all of your ponies❤️🎄🐴

[@wetdewlap8741]

Wow that was amazing to watch. I can imagine that horse is like a fine tuned living machine. Every button is specific and he has a lot of buttons. Like going from a car to a jet.

[@fleetskipper1810]

So now you truly get what “Ride him” really means. The only way to “get” it is to feel it. And now you have. That alone has given you such insight. Your whole understanding has shifted. What a phenomenal gift for your future riding. You did a phenomenal job of riding him. Scared or not, you did. Well done!!!

[@gigglingdingo]

when Otis stopped (ie full square halt)😂 while you were finding canter…. Hilarious. Your face !11 Brilliant! Rich is awesome, like a cheeky wizard! Well done Meg, your riding ability is better than you think - 18 hand horses no problem! 😆

[@Marlee195]

I'm watching this in bed at 2am here in OZ and can't stop my legs and hips moving watching you trying to get canter. You are so brave and did an awesome job but I don't think I heard you breathe at all until you walked again 😂. Loving vlogmas ❤️

[@karenrund8061]

I enjoyed this vlog immensely. I haven't even ridden for about 5 years, and found myself tensing and shifting my seat and legs, watching you ride. It made me miss riding more than I have for ages. Dressage is such a beautifully challenging discipline. I love it. A Grand Prix horse is necessarily highly intelligent, and that makes it more potentially more intimidating to ride them, bc they know more than novice riders do. I had the great honor to ride a schoolmaster Grand Prix gelding ~40 years ago, and I completely understand your hesitancy. I was afraid that I would inadvertently cue him for something I wouldn't be prepared for, and didn't want to mess him up. He was wonderful, though, and my ride on him was a gift. Anyone who ever has an opportunity to ride a Grand Prix level horse should DO IT. It's mind-blowing. Dressage is such an awesome example of the height of partnership that can be achieved between horse and rider. There's nothing like the feeling you get when you and the horse hit that sweet spot and totally connect on a movement! It's as sweet as hitting a perfect line on an in-and-out, and getting the correct lead change over the second fence, on your way to a perfect round. 🥰

[@savvystylelady]

That was soooo WONDERFUL to watch! What a fantastic coach you have…he is amazing and you did a great job working through your terror. Well done! Otis, the sweet mischievous beauty!❤️

[@sabrinademanuele8906]

Love Rick and Otis! ❤❤ People think dressage horses are quiet, they are very sharp. Rick is so sweet!

[@xaviorshideout]

19:41 I never understood what a flying change was until this very point seeing the horse's legs change to what goes out first! Brilliant.I still don't understand quite *how* it happens but it's awesome

[@tessapurcell8250]

This is so unreal to watch, I grew up riding under a coach that was trained in dressage and it truly is in my opinion the most intense. Meg killed it

[@glenjeffs6182]

After riding him your confidence will skyrocket, amazing job,now you won't be so scared of the next horse, lol

[@BDXRDM]

This amazing horse aside, i just couldn’t stop smiling because of your instructor from start to finish! His giggles all along the video had me laughing all along ! Amazing horse, amazing job from Rich, and amazing job from you too Meg! I remember now why I never liked dressage: it’s just sooo hard to ride, such a workout! I bet it felt amazing though and the horse does look incredibly beautiful. Amazing series Meg xx 🇫🇷

[@calista1280]

WISH ALL INSTRUCTORS WERE THIS AMAZING, PATIENT, RELAXED, & FUNNY!!! We can learn so much more & very quickly with humor!!! Of course, a BIG part of this fantastic experience was your AMAZING HORSE, OTIS as well! 👏

[@JBDess]

This was an amazing video! Learned so much just from watching you ride under his instructions. Aand at the same time it was suuuuper relatable to the experiences I've had when trying to ride horses with more advanced buttons than what I'm used to - overall suuuuuper video Meg. Definitely rewatching this several times! Thanks!

[@robertcandage5345]

Wonderful to see you riding at a new level altogether! Well done on many levels. Keep expanding your horizons. You are an amazing young woman on a path to great things!!!

[@janl8683]

What an amazing horse Otis is, kudos to you Meg as that looked difficult finding the right ques to give him. He also looked like he was having himself a little fun too! Great vlog xxx

[@weasleysweek5839]

You rode him soo well but that trying to get him into canter compilation had me stitches 😂 loving this vlogmas ❤

[@meeomelovescookiesandhisto459]

Otis really is beautiful and huge! Props to you for having so much courage and respect for the knowledge of the horse and his usual rider. Such a great attitude and great outfit, might I add. Editing because I totally forgot it's so nice how the love Rich has for Otis and all his quirks really shows. Now that I've stumbled upon this video, I'm going to have to check out your whole channel!

[@cherylnicole9578]

Oh man, I cracked up over and over. You two are hilarious and what a great lesson. It reminds me exactly of my first ride on a PSG horse coming from a hunter jumper background... My first ride was just as hilarious. "Oh no what button did I hit!?" Lol and nowadays, I'm standing on the ground with my son on my horse, and him inadvertently giving cues he doesn't know yet but the horse is so willing. And the only constructive way forward is to just laugh and try again. I love that you aren't trying to glorify and cut a video up to only show perfect clips. This video shows the absolute realities of learning to ride, laughing at the little mess ups here and there, lightheartedly laughing as the horse is too excited at the start and only wants to piaffe. It shows that even the best trained horses have unique personalities and you just have to laugh and say nope not that, let's just walk 🤣 too many people get mad and punish a horse for giving an opinion. But I love how you just gently say ok silly boy but that's not what I'm asking for. The conversation between you two sounds exactly like the one going on inside my own head when I'm riding 🤣 What a great influence you are for all your viewers. I'd love to see more videos like this! 💜

[@catadams3776]

First of your videos I've watched. Rich is just an amazing person, what a lovely personality. Great instruction and patience, perseverance, never lost his awesome demeanor. You did great keeping with it through your fear. It was nice to hear such detailed instruction as you went along. I don't know your experience since this is the first video I've seen, but it was quite entertaining, you really are a nice person, fun to watch, courage through fear. Thanks for the video! I'm living vicariously through others until I'm able to ride again. Best!

[@andystpierre6086]

I liked all the videos from vlogmas this year, but this one has a special place in my heart!!! I’ve ridden my coach (retired) GP horse and I pushed buttons I didn’t even know existed 😅😅😅 keep on the good work

[@Equestrian81]

One of my favourites of all the videos you’ve posted! Rich is hilarious. Otis is gorgeous and didn’t look too big for you at all when you were in the saddle. Granted, he’s huge on the ground, but he really suits you! Well done you 🙌🏻

[@alicowls1605]

Wowwwww!! So many things to say! Well done Meg! You did so well and he was enormous! Love Rich and his comments and laughing at/with you. Really loving this vlogmas such a great series x

[@ArtbyL763]

Dressage horses are so polite and keep it classy even when acting up😂

[@riverbank4126]

Well done! Not an easy ride but a really informative one. It took me back to my feelings of complete incompetence when I started dressage in France and shared a two-person class with a high - level Dressage rider.

[@kitten6062]

Rich has the most wonderful laugh, could listen to him all day

[@EmilyJM12]

Meg this is SO cool!! Absolutely brilliant. Rich is excellent - you should absolutely do more dressage with him on here! Thanks for this, so inspiring. He is an incredible horse 💜

[@MW-tk5nf]

So brilliant. Thank you for posting this video. I've never ridden a GP horse or with a GP trainer and I'm fascinated at seeing demonstrated things I've heard about and read about and never tried myself. I want to invite all my dressage friends I used to ride with to watch this and also all the people I know nowadays who, when I mention "lessons," scoff and say "I already know how to ride. I don't need lessons." I wish they could watch videos like this one! It's also nice to hear someone who rides much better than I do acknowledge that they're terrified. And then go ahead and get on the horse. Well done.

[@emzlovesmanni]

As a dressage rider, this is definitely one of my all time favourite vlogs! Out of curiosity, what did you find scarier/more difficult, riding this horse or cross country at Badminton?

[@theamccarthy7295]

As a strict dressage rider I looooooove this😍😍😍😍 dressage horses can also be a little hot chilli peppers😇

[@shepherds.pie.youtube]

I've only done a tiny bit of dressage, and when I got it right, it was the BEST feeling. All that power, supple and alert. It's amazing on my ottb. I can only imagine what he felt like, Meg!!

[@lisashepherd9409]

Meg... this just highlights what a beautiful rider you are! Loving you riding these wonderful horses.

[@RobinFinnell]

I love how lighthearted this is! Thanks for having a great sense of humor! 🥰

[@ielektra]

What a lovely experience. You've really demonstrated the complexities of communication between horse and rider!

[@hannaparker5434]

This was just incredible. After my accident I had to sell my beautiful micklemburg and she was just the most incredible mare. You have done so well Meg, what an incredible opportunity. Beautiful horse and fantastic instructor!

[@30dayride67]

You just experienced my dream! I enjoyed every second of it as it's something I will never be able to experience myself due to injury. This sounds crazy, but I could actually feel the ride from memory and even activated some muscle memory! Thank you for a Christmas "experience" that was a real blessing for me!

[@awhite7596]

Such a fun video to watch! I loved your honesty with the process, and Rich was great too in his kind firmness And what a stunning, kind, forgiving horse too…seemed like an all-around win-win-win! 👍🏼🐴👏🏼

[@HollyJordan15]

Wow Meg you rode amazing!! A top dressage horse is not easy to ride & you had him doing his moves 🕺 What a beauty he is. Rich is an amazing teacher, he has this great balance of giving you confidence but pushing you through at the same time. That must have felt amazing. x

[@siriusnut36]

Oh so beautiful, Sweet heavens what a glorious opportunity being able to sit a horse of this caliber and have the chance to use so much of your riding skill, learn to use so much of your body, coordinate leg and hand and seat on this level and feel it happen through the horse. BEAUTIFUL Meg, what a wonderful ride for you! Rich is just a doll isn't he? So lovely. And you riding like this is such a wonderful chance to refine your riding and feel more of it because you're on a horse that responds to all the ques and delivers to what your asking...and Rich with the "Come on and ride him" I see so many riders who sit up there and once they get a little something they just...abandon their horse to sort things out while their rider starts with the "I need my shoulders here, my heels here, I want to look right.." and the horse just has mushy nothing from their rider. This was so brilliant!

[@jodyhuston1516]

Otis is just wonderful! Love the way he played during tack up. I agree, sometimes the largest horses, dogs, people seem to focus outward, and normally have little awareness of their size … 😊.

[@helennewey8416]

this horse is constantly behind the vertical and the man has such heavy hands - poor horse with his foaming mouth.

[@KinleyEquestrian]

Ikr. He was probably bucking because he was uncomfortable :(

[@LeopardSsoEdits]

@@KinleyEquestrianthe horse and her don’t know each other plus she does eventing and not dressage and the foam means the horse is relaxed

[@MsAppletreee]

@@LeopardSsoEdits You clearly have no idea what you are talking about, could you please stop defending something you don't unterstand. Hyperflexion is a serious problem for the health and mental state of horses. It's so fucking sad to see so many people still ignoring that and even defending it. Rollkur is nothing less than animal abuse. Ask any health professional you'd like, be it vet or physiotherapist. They will all tell you the same. FEI already banned Rollkur but apparently there still is a long way to go.

[@LeopardSsoEdits]

@@MsAppletreee someone already told me it’s not relaxed and I couldn’t see the difference soo yep

[@piniie]

@@MsAppletreee well.. they actually didn't ban Rollkur or hyperflexion. They just renamed it "LDR" (low deep round)...

[@CaitlinFincham]

what an incredible horse, and an amazing, inspirational owner. think this video and this pair have definitely made me fall in love with dressage and appreciate it much more. absolutely stunning. you rode him amazingly meg, huge well done and hats off to rich for his gorgeous riding and training of this BFG! one of my favourite videos to date.

[@bruvahaze]

Over these last few days I have not been well at all and vlogmas has really cheered me up!!! Thankyou meg!!!🥰🥰🥰

[@user-zp8se6ii9i]

Greatest video ever. I think will want to do dressage !! Love how we could learn how it all works and gain lots of respect for it. You two so fun to watch also and real ,not boring. Loved it!!