On riding a dressage test

After some questions from a bunch of folk about how the dressage test section of the Eventers Challenge went, I thought I’d put the full, gory story out, complete with abbreviations:

BE 90, Test 92

A: Enter at working trot.
Proceed down the centre line without halting.
Track right
6 – Drifting

B: Circle right 20m diameter
6 – Falling off leg, could be rounder

Between F & A: Transition to walk 3-7 steps. Then proceed in working trot
6 – Losing o/l in upwards trans

KXM: Change the rein in working trot
6- Falling off leg, above bit

Between M & C: Working canter left
6 – [unreadable]

C: Circle left 20m diameter
5 – Downhill, needs more inside flex

CHEK: Working canter left. K: Working trot
5 – 1/4s in, above bit

B: Circle left 20m diameter
6 – Above bit, falling off leg

Between M & C: Transition to walk 3-7 steps, then proceed in working trot
6 – Head could be steadier

HXF: Change the rein in working trot
6 – Needs to stay softer [unreadable]

Between F & A: Working canter right
7 [no comment]

A: Circle right 20 diameter
6 – Above bit and downhill

AKEH: Working canter right. H: Working trot. C: Medium walk
5 – Above bit. Unbalanced in downd trans

MXK: Free walk on a long rein
6 – Needs to open frame and take contact fwd and down

K: Medium walk
A: Down the centre line
6 – Not on c/l at start

X: Halt, immobility, salute
7 – Pleasing halt

Collectives:
Paces (freedom and regularity)
6

Impulsion (desire to move forward, elasticity of the steps, suppleness of the back)
6

Submission (attention and confidence, harmony, lightness and ease of the movements, acceptance of the bridle and lightness of the forehand)
6

Position and seat of the rider, correct use of the aids
6

Comments:
A very handsome horse, just needs to stay in front of your leg and remain soft and [unreadable] to the hand.

40.5 penalties