(“If the idea is really uncomfortable to you, don’t go crazy.”)

Why? Because people just don’t listen! I’m inclined to aim these remarks at event riders, but maybe they should get a pass since they have bigger issues on their minds. On the other hand, as has been pointed out many times, it’s a lot easier to go to the cross country lying first then to do badly in the dressage and hope everyone else screws up!

The first issue is accuracy. This is less about skill that it is attention to detail. Why give up points because your circle has a corner or your mid-test halt is a horse’s length late? This is stuff that you can rehearse and plan for in the shower or at the kitchen sink.

Then there is the issue of “corners,” as in how deep should you ride them? It’s the same in regular dressage. It depends on the level you are showing. Some lower level riders seem to negotiate the short end of the arena as half a 20 m circle. Even at Intro there should be some straight strides along the short end, even if it’s only 10 m worth. More often I see riders trying diligently to show the corners and making them so deep and sharp that the horse loses his rhythm and balance. That does no good at all! In all the lower levels, even including Prelim, the arc of a corner need not be deeper than the radius of a 10 m circle. That means if you are coming up the centerline and turning onto the long side, you can come 1 meter past G and ride a half circle that brushes the rail at the quarter line and then hits the long side a meter before M or H. That’s plenty deep enough!

Another thing eventors: even if you don’t own a dressage saddle, learn to do your flat work with longer stirrups than your jumping length. If the idea is really uncomfortable to you, don’t go crazy. I don’t mean six holes difference. But two or three can make a big difference in how you are able to use your leg. When I see a rider come down the centerline with his irons jacked up to his knees (which are probably pinching like crazy) it’s not a big surprise that lateral bending and suppling are beyond his reach. A commitment to just a little serious flatwork can go a long way towards success!