Chantal and Mia had entered a dressage test the weekend after this session. Chantal wanted to look at trot-walk-trot transitions and medium trot in preparation for the test. Don't forget to watch the video of the dressage test and have a look at the judge's comment sheet below! Well done Chantal and Mia!

The session starts with a discussion about 'slingshot' following Chantal and Mia taking part in Session 2 of the 'Collection and Impulsion' course. Ali also talks about 'front tendons' in downward transitions. Chantal focuses on keeping narrow to keep Mia straight and has to remember to keep Mia's legs quick in walk to get her to reach into the reins. Chantal has to think about 'slingshot' in the walk-trot transition to get Mia to sit and push from behind.

To further improve Mia's trot, Ali gets Chantal to think about 'passage' and this gets some fantastic trot. Chantal practices trot-walk-trot transitions trying to think about 'passage'. They then look at medium trot, thinking about 'slingshot' and 'suctioning up'. Chantal has to get a little trot, coil the spring and then let Mia 'down the stair and down the stair' so Mia can lengthen her neck. Mia would much rather canter but does show some lovely strides of medium trot! Chantal needs to keep up with Mia and not fall back to avoid Mia cantering.