By Jennifer Klitzke
My Spanish Mustang Indian’s Legend (Indy) and I made our first venture to St. George Dressage Academy for a schooling dressage show held July 20, 2013. Perfect weather, friendly people, and a top-knotch facility made for a terrific experience. I loved riding in the enormous well lit indoor arena with fantastic footing and mirrors along the wall as well as riding in the beautifully groomed standard-sized outdoor arena nested between rolling hills and trees. Best of all, dressage judge Jodi Eli provided helpful feedback to riders after each test. She gave specific examples of what was working well and areas that can be improved upon as we move to the next level. Now that’s what I call a schooling show!
Knowing that we would be riding with warmbloods, I came with the attitude of riding our best despite the outcome in the ribbons. Indy and I rode through Training Level tests 1-3 with respectable scores ranging from 64.2% to 66.429%. To my amazement we even placed a first, second and third! Indy piqued peoples’ curiosity as to what kind of horse he is. All of which said, “What a cute horse!”
Judge Jodi commented on how much Indy appears to love his job and what a great team we make. She said he is right where he needs to be for Training Level, and she loves his forwardness. Jodi’s suggestions include working on ways to strengthen Indy’s top line, improve his balance to carry himself more up in the shoulders instead of rushing onto the forehand, and for me to maintain a consistent contact to prevent Indy from getting strung out. She suggested lots of transitions within each gait.
A huge thank you to judge Jodi Ely of Trista Farms and to St George Dressage Academy for hosting and organizing the event.
Video: Training Level Test One
Video: Training Level Test Two
Video: Training Level Test Three