Last week I posted a virtual show entry video from an amazingly brave woman who continues to allow me to use her material for examples in this blog. Her courage and generosity inspire me and I hope that her open heart and willingness to be visible inspire you too. I hope that some of you readers are able to identify with her as a peer, a rider struggling to understand riding and training her stock horse and that you professionals at least respect her courage. Reaction to the video has been interesting as I hear from professionals and amateurs alike. Criticisms abound of course from the “bouncing” of her seat to “inconsistent” rein contact and losses of balance. I told you it was not perfect. But for some, the video has done the job she and I were hoping for; that some readers would come away from watching it thinking “Hey! I can do that!”
One of the readers that took the time to write had this to say: “Never having attempted dressage, I was given the privilege to watch ******* western dressage test – what a wonderful, beautiful video of horse and rider – so relaxed. I was delighted with each, horse and rider who “performed” so naturally. What a neat way to “take a test” in a relaxed atmosphere where both horse and rider can enjoy, and do their best.” How refreshing! This is exactly the kind of response western dressage engenders in many people who now have the impetus and inspiration to try dressage. With virtual showing, now even the most timid and shy or geographically isolated of riders can participate, receive that oh-so-valuable feedback from judges, and have fun too. The rider herself shares this about her experience of virtual showing: “I like the virtual showing. Everything is more relaxed and you can video when it is best for you, not when a show committee decides you have to go to a show. You can just really have fun with it and produce your best effort in an environment you are comfortable with. This way the judge sees an accurate picture of what you and your horse capable of. “
This weekend I travel to Bend Oregon where I will be teaching a three day western dressage clinic. The first day this group of experienced riders will “Discover Western Dressage”, the second day they will learn how to improve their tests, and the third day the riders have an opportunity to ride in a “fun show.” Is “fun show” an oxymoron?
Why do we show? Some common things people say: “to have fun” “to make me a better rider” “to get feedback from the judge” “to learn more about my sport” “to have fun with friends” “because my trainer says I should” “to make my horse better” “to win” “to become a better competitor” and on and on. Sometimes these statements are followed by things like “but I get so nervous it’s just not fun.”
Certainly some of these are good reasons to show and for some people traditional showing IS fun. In this age of technology the virtual show is a venue that allows everything positive about showing with almost no negatives. Lower travel expenses, less stress on human, horse and vehicle as well as the pocketbook, less chance of contracting the latest and most deadly viruses floating around from venue to venue, reduced competition nerves, fewer distractions and the list can go on. I think the most important benefit however, is judges feedback. Flat out, virtual showing gives every rider the opportunity to learn more about dressage riding and training by having a qualified professional view their best work and help them progress by making pertinent comments.
It is very simple to set up a virtual test recording. It can be done for one person, or set up a “Virtual Show Day” at a barn and tape everyone. If there is not a dressage ring, map out the competition space. Use poles, buckets, cones, whatever is handy, and make letters. Be creative, just observe the proper dimensions so accurate figures can be ridden. It does help to have some helpers: a reader if tests are not memorized and a camera operator. If someone cannot read, memorize the test, you should anyways! If someone cannot man the camera, set it up so the view has the entire arena and ride. The camera should be on a tripod if possible and be set up slightly back from C, the same perspective the judge would have at a show.
NAWD has announced a new virtual show series that starts in September with a new rewards system for participants and a new, user friendly interface. NAWD, USEF, WDAA, and CD tests are welcome. Since all the organizations tests contain many of the same elements, it is actually relatively easy to ride any of them. NAWD tests challenge riders at the highest level of riding and training and CD gave us the super fun tests in the “Challenge Court.” While the WDAA/ USEF tests may become the norm for traditional showing, riding those tests in the virtual shows allows crucial practice time and feedback to riders prior to participation at away venues. Follow the development of the NAWD Virtual Show system online at the website and on Facebook. See you at the movies!
Thank you all for taking the time to read this blog and for your interest in Western Dressage. I welcome your input regarding anything you have read in this blog, your rescue horse’s story as well as your western dressage story at [email protected].
Michelle Binder-Zolezzi is the founder of the Relational Riding Academy. Relational Riding is a program that utilizes dressage as fundamental training for all horses performing in all disciplines. She has been an ARIA certified Instructor since 1989. She is currently working on her second book “Relational Riding: A Horsemanship Tutorial,” and has completed work on two professional video productions, “Any Horse, Any Rider: Relational Riding: A Universal Foundation” and "Understand Riding From the Ground Up."