[lilmidget4eva128]

Hi this is me and my 7 y.o appy I got him 2.5 yrs ago and he was a total mess I had ppl calling my old trainer saying this horse would kill me. He gets tense at shows and even from theses photos he and I have both improved he has started to track underneath himself so I know he needs to track up more in theses pictures and I know my wrist curl sometimes haha my bad habbits but other than that I would like to know what ppl think

This is a picture of him the day I went to pick him up..... sad I know

 

[southerncowgirl93]

He's very pretty. Sadly, I don't know too much about dressage...yet, I want that to change, but I can't critique you very well yet, so....I'll be watching for answers though! He looks great now by the way. All white and pretty.

 

[MyBoyPuck]

Your position looks good. Good shoulder/hip/toe alignment. The only thing that stands out is your wrists which you already mentioned. The problem with it is that it creates automatic tension and it blocks the possibility of soft communication with his mouth. If you get that straightened out, you'll find you can achieve more elastic contact with him. Your half halts will never go through completely until the blockage is elimated. His ears suggest he's listening to you and you're definitely on the right track with him. Just fix those wrists and you should see dramatic improvements in is suppleness. Holding a crop with both hands while you ride will help you straighten them out.

 

[lilmidget4eva128]

thank you like I mentioned improvment have happend sense than but my wrist still come back everynow and than lol its like our monthly visit from our women friend that seems to find us once a month thanks again and will def. keep a better eye on them

 

[riccil0ve]

He is very pretty. =]

My only comment is he looks like he is a little heavy on the forehand and leaning on your hands. Try doing lots of transitions, especially trot transition, to get him to lighten up. And just concentrate on engaging his hindquarters as opposed to keeping a frame. He definitely has what it takes, and is simply beautiful. Good luck and keep us updated! =D

 

[lilmidget4eva128]

thank you very I probably should of mentioned this but when I got him he couldnt even have a bit in his mouth and he would NOT accept contact and he really actually just figuared out that contact isnt bad about a yr ago and this summer something clicked in his head and realized he could start softening to this so its not like he hasnt been doing this long and he is now coming more behind himself and im working on his forehand haha its hard because thats where he wants to be but slow and steady wins the race thanks everyone for the critiques

 

[lilmidget4eva128]

bump

 

[~*~anebel~*~]

It looks like you are "half halt"ing a lot with your hands. Your line of communication has to be very soft and elastic, and right now he is trying to get some elasticity by opening his jaw and coming behind the vertical. You need to become softer and much less reliant on your hands. Trust that he will stay round and on the bit in self carriage. This will also allow his neck to build some much needed muscle. Right now his neck is kinking and the base of the neck is pushing down, adding to the downhill appearance.
You need to sit into the saddle to half halt and really use your abs and back muscles to balance him and bring him to the pace or gait you want. The reins are only for a tiny bit of flexion and otherwise are decoration. Your elbows and shoulders need to relax and sink down, while your hands stay in front of the withers. Really drive your elbows to your hips in order to stabilize your upper body and keep your shoulders down and relaxed.

Good luck!