Finally, this trot with Nikita is getting to a point where all I have to do is manage the trot, rather than having to create it. Being the laziest dressage rider ever, I much prefer management over actual labor. Yesterday she was very light in the bridle, pushing correctly into the bit, and malleable (which is my litmus test). If I can't get her into a shoulder-in or half pass very easily, then the trot just isn't what I want. We worked on the Prix St. George trot tour, and it was probably the best we've done yet. She's now much more uphill.Here's some video of our trot:
Extended and Extended to Collected Trot:
Collected Trot:
The thing I've learned about FEI dressage is that you have to ride the horse on the edge of control to get the most out their gaits. This is actually a very comfortable place for me, since Nicole, with her explosive personality, is usually on the edge of control, so when Nikita goes to the same place, I'm ok. Both horses are relaxed, but also ready to explode because of the amount of energy coming out of them.
Nicole is much more in the bridle now than she's ever been. For the past 7 months, she's been living mostly outside, and it agrees with her. She's more relaxed and loose in her body, and not quite as tense. She's able to stay more collected for longer periods, and willingly pushes her energy into the bridle. This has allowed me to build up her strength to improve her self-carriage.
