Some of you may remember me from the "old" board. I am a lifelong member of the "Saddlebred" fan club, and as a small side-hobby thing, I breed Saddlebred/Warmblood crosses (registered as Canadian Sport Horses - no unpapered, backyard crosses here, folks). Have been dabbling in Dressage since I started breeding as I start my own youngsters and I believe starting them in Dressage gives them a correct foundation and enables them to then go on to do pretty much anything.
Some may also recall that shortly before the UDBB went kaput, I had bred and was trying to sell my 2011 bay Oldenburg/ASB filly. She got sold as a long yearling but stayed in the family (my aunt is into horses but was a very rusty-re-rider with no formal lesson background, had only ridden in camps and in backyards bareback as a kid and teen). This enabled me to continue being involved, as the condition of the sale was that I provide free training when she turned 3. Win-win!
Anyways, this is Dora all grown up, now almost 6. Video was taken a few weeks ago. I haven't been able to lesson at all this past winter/spring, so bad habits started to creep in. Was able to get a couple of lessons on her last month, and it helped a lot with little things - more forward, more consistent contact (for example, i tend to drop the reins when I ask for canter, my bad). So, not really looking for a critique as I have a great upper-level coach helping me (when i can afford it), but comments, questions and pm's are always welcome. I am stepping back as of June 1st because my aunt has found a lovely half-leaser to ride her and help with expenses. I've done my job, and I'd like to think I haven't totally messed the mare up, LOL. My aunt feels 100% comfortable riding her, inside and outside, and hacking her alone. She loves her to pieces, and while I occasionally wish she was a in a show home with a talented rider so I could say "hey, I bred that!", in reality I am incredibly grateful that she is loved and extremely well cared for.
Anyways, my training question is: at the end of the video, you'll see that just for fun, I asked for a change in the corner and got it - but I believe this is not a "clean" change per Dressage standards, am I right? It looks like she changes in front first... correct?
https://youtu.be/lPqZjn7660o
