I've had my horse for about a year and a half now, and I've shown him in intro and training level dressage. Now that I'm looking at first level, I'm really finding his lack of "forward" is holding him back from being able to really do the tests- he's simply not doing well on the required lengthenings and leg yields, and the level of impulsion that got him OK scores at training level isn't good enough for 1st level.
I know he can do it, physically. It's gorgeous how well he sits down and engages his hind end when he's tearing around the field. But I can't seem to get that from him under saddle.
The other day, DH suggested that I should stop trying to force it and just enjoy him for what he is. This has really got me thinking about it, and wondering if he's right. I don't compete a lot, so that part of it isn't really a problem, but it almost feels like if I'm not working towards some goal then I don't really know what to do.
I have a dressage clinic next weekend that I've really been looking forward to, but now I'm wondering if I'm kind of wasting my time and taking a spot from someone else who has a better suited horse. At this point, I'm kind of thinking that this clinic will make or break whether I continue on trying to bring him along in dressage, or if I back off and just enjoy him as a trail horse.
Honestly, I'm hoping that the lack of 'go' is can be fixed with nutrition or training, but I'm not all that hopeful. My vet suggested I try adding a selenium and vitamin E supplement, which I've ordered, but there really doesn't seem to be any glaring deficiency in his current diet. Unless the dressage clinician has some really good recommendations, I think I'm all tapped out on training ideas, too.
Sorry this is really more of a story than a question, but I'd love to hear others' thoughts and experiences with similar horses.
I know he can do it, physically. It's gorgeous how well he sits down and engages his hind end when he's tearing around the field. But I can't seem to get that from him under saddle.
The other day, DH suggested that I should stop trying to force it and just enjoy him for what he is. This has really got me thinking about it, and wondering if he's right. I don't compete a lot, so that part of it isn't really a problem, but it almost feels like if I'm not working towards some goal then I don't really know what to do.
I have a dressage clinic next weekend that I've really been looking forward to, but now I'm wondering if I'm kind of wasting my time and taking a spot from someone else who has a better suited horse. At this point, I'm kind of thinking that this clinic will make or break whether I continue on trying to bring him along in dressage, or if I back off and just enjoy him as a trail horse.
Honestly, I'm hoping that the lack of 'go' is can be fixed with nutrition or training, but I'm not all that hopeful. My vet suggested I try adding a selenium and vitamin E supplement, which I've ordered, but there really doesn't seem to be any glaring deficiency in his current diet. Unless the dressage clinician has some really good recommendations, I think I'm all tapped out on training ideas, too.
Sorry this is really more of a story than a question, but I'd love to hear others' thoughts and experiences with similar horses.