Horse Update
I heard back from the show secretary on Sunday, and I got into the Heart of the Valley Dressage show weekend after next. It'll be the first show of the year for me. I've been a total flake this winter about getting out to the barn regularly, so I'm totally not prepared, but it's a good kick in the pants for me. I had a great lesson yesterday. We practiced the new Prix St Georges test, which is almost exactly like the old test, but just different enough to be confusing. Mostly the changes are good, but they took out the rein-back (backwards steps), which is one of our best movements. (Monaco would be happy doing the entire test backwards.) On the other hand, they also took out one of the extended trots, and that's one of our worst movements, so it all equals out.
My trainer heard that next year, the use of the double bridle is going to be optional at all shows except the big international ones. That's really great news. The double bridle is an amazingly powerful tool, but if you can do a Grand Prix test in a mild snaffle bit, power to you! Monaco hates the double bridle and is really busy in his mouth whenever I use one on him. On the other hand, the double also really helps me get him uphill and engaged. I can sometimes get the same feeling in a snaffle, but it's much more work and I can't always get there. It would just be really great to have a choice instead of going with the big guns every time.
My trainer heard that next year, the use of the double bridle is going to be optional at all shows except the big international ones. That's really great news. The double bridle is an amazingly powerful tool, but if you can do a Grand Prix test in a mild snaffle bit, power to you! Monaco hates the double bridle and is really busy in his mouth whenever I use one on him. On the other hand, the double also really helps me get him uphill and engaged. I can sometimes get the same feeling in a snaffle, but it's much more work and I can't always get there. It would just be really great to have a choice instead of going with the big guns every time.