In this week’s video I am going to tell you the #1 secret to improving your test scores this year – and here’s a hint – it’s NOT practicing the test over and over again. Practicing the test badly with the same mistakes will only make things worse!
Let’s take a look at the purpose of the test. Whether you’re showing Training Level or Fourth Level, you will notice that in the top corner of your test, there is a box with the purpose of the test and it says “To confirm that the horse demonstrates correct basics.”
If you’re showing this year, the number one way to boost your scores is to focus on the basics! What are the basics? The basics ARE the Training Scale – Rhythm, Suppleness, Connection, Impulsion, Straightness, and Collection – and in every test you ride and score that you receive, the judge is taking into consideration these basics!
In this week’s video, I show you how to troubleshoot your centerline and halt. Let’s say you’re having trouble with getting your horse straight on the centerline and standing still at the halt while maintaining connection.
Here’s a hint – you’re NOT going to fix this problem by riding centerline after centerline and FORCING your horse to halt. Instead, you need to break it down into pieces and go back to the basics like I show you in the video. Here’s how I would recommend improving your centerline and halt:
- Start by making sure your horse is forward and on the bit,
- Add in some walk-trot-walk transitions
- Practice a few halts on the long-side
- Ride down the centerline without halting
- Test a halt on the centerline! Then go back to the basics…
If you’re having trouble with any movement, break it down into more simple exercises. DO NOT FORCE the movement over and over again.
If you’re serious about your riding and you want to move up the levels, you must understand the Training Scale. The Training Scale Masterclass* is now open for enrollment! But hurry… enrollment ends Sunday, July 2nd. This program really works – you will get bigger results in less time – I guarantee it!
*Sorry! You’ve missed this course enrollment. Don’t worry thought! Click the link and put your name on the list to be notified the next time the course opens again. We would love to have you.
