Dressage Disaster: Judy Reynolds Debuts Different In The Grand Prix Dressage Freestyle

Judy Reynolds Debut a new Grand Prix dressage horse and we are thrilled to see her back in the show ring! Every grand prix debut comes with unique challenges and this one was no different for Olympian Judy Reynolds.

While I tend to keep my opinions to myself on the dressage disasters I did want to take the opportunity to walk you through this one.

A few years ago we had a guest do several videos in which we explained trigger stacking and what it looks like in a dressage disaster. The series also talks about why horses ridden in rolkur are more likely to enter the dressage ring trigger stacked.

You can watch those videos here:
To help people understand what we here at Dressage Hub see is happening in this test we posted a few additional videos.

One is a veterinarian talking about Anoxia and fear is triggered in horses that are trained using rolkur. You can watch that video titled - That Horse Is Not Spooking, He Thinks He Is Dying here:

The second video we published discussed trigger stacking and how to understand the elements of fear in horses and how this test is not a simple spook but rather a combination of triggers to send this horse into a state of fear and flight. You can watch the video on the basics of trigger stacking here:

Judy Reynolds shows the dessage community what it looks like to have a healthy training partnership with your dressage horse and how a dressage disaster can easily be averted when you use solid training principles in your program.

While this ride is far from perfect it is representative of how a true horseperson and a well-seasoned professional handles a dressage disaster.

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[janets]

This was an EXCELLENT video drop!! Thank you! Your commentary was spot on!

One additional point I would like to make is how well muscled this horse is compared to the rollkur horses. When there is not an independent seat and hands, rider using hands as a prop for lack of good rider position and balance with vice grip legs, lend to a horse not being able to build the proper muscling for this level of riding.

Ms. Reynolds is soft, with quiet but following hands and seat. As you rightly point out, she is well prepared for the "horse scoot" without negative reaction.

She now has a horse who has learned a valuable lesson, increased his trust in her, and improved his work for the rest of the ride.

We can see that this "mistake" pales in comparison to the other disasters we've seen here but you have made it clear to viewers there is distinct difference!

Thank you. I always appreciate your content and your belief in classical Dressage.

[tictactoe]

The rider handled this beautifully. What a huge difference in a horse that is using it’s hind quarters and collecting naturally versus all on the forehand and pulled into collection.

[beautyakimbo]

This has made my day. I truly hope that Dressage will return to the days of riders like Dr. Reiner Klimke, who said “My horses are my friends, not my slaves.” and get back to the foundations of classical dressage. When I began my dressage training in the 80's required reading in my pony club was “My Horses, My teaches” and “The Complete Training of Horse and Rider” by Alois Podhajsky, it taught us to ride kindly and not through force. To learn from and with our horses, and grow a true partnership.

Something thing that has always stuck with me were these quotes from Xenophon's "The Art of Horsemanship"; “Anything forced is not beautiful” and “To quote a dictum of Simon, what a horse does under compulsion he does blindly, and his performance is no more beautiful than would be that of a ballet-dancer taught by whip and goad.”.


Thank you for posting this, truly!

[claudia]

Completely agree with your commentary. It’s obvious he wants to work for her. He had a little error in his head or she asked a little to much of him, he reacted and she listened. Very impressive moment indeed.
It’s always interesting watching Judy ride, there’s so much horsemanship in her. Rare to see these days.

[Romovictorio]

Judy is an exceptional rider & always a pleasure to watch. This is not a “disaster” per se. It shows her professionalism, her calmness of character & her ability to quietly ride through & pick up her test. A great example of how to manage a tricky situation 10 out of 10 & a big cheer from me ❤

[amberblyledge]

He’s trying hard, but I don’t think he’s ready for this level of work yet, then again, this is debut. Love to see him in a year or two.

[pearlshark]

Yay a dressage rider that can balance and actually trained their horse correctly to be able to handle situations and recover. Well done.

[hollyobrien]

I love this one! It demonstrates the "trusting, caring relationship", earned throughout the training and handling. If only the whole industry were this. ❤

[mdw]

There was that tiny prelude but she handled it with grace and her horse replied with the same attitude...nice work.

[SybalJanssen]

I am not a dressage rider and I never will be as my riding skills are adequate at best. However, watching this was so valuable to me as a demonstration of the value of maintaining trust-able relations with my horse. A solid lesson in real horsemanship.

[randomvielleuse]

I am so happy to see this! Well done by horse and rider- together. Wow. So good. Thank you for posting this and for your commentary.

[peggyfinch]

How can one not admire a horse and rider working together so beautifully as a team. I do wonder why it is necessary to have such a heavy bit which seems restraining. Couldn’t a horse be trained to do these things with a simpler bit or or even no bit at all? Now THAT would be amazing.

[GMcDressage]

Judy is an absolutely lovely lady, on and off a horse. Always makes time to say hello and help if needed. I have such respect for Judy as a fellow Irish Dressage Rider. Im looking forward to hitting GP with my horse.

[paulinarapicka]

This is how everyone, in competitions especially, should ride a horse!

[JustMe-sjoe]

Great video!! As far as Dressage goes, I only scribe (which I love to do) and take home what I learn. This is one video I will keep rewatching!! Thanks!

[lindylufromoz]

Excellent & accurate commentary. Thank you.
L.

[melissawarfield]

Very calm rider. The horse responded quickly and went back to the job. Liked your commentary. Enjoyed the video

[syzygyfarm]

Lovely riding and clearly, very lovely training! I wish them the best of luck and imagine this horse will only get better with time and experience.

[elkefaber]

Thank you for commenting!
To much collecting in piaffe leads to levade.

[rondapauley]

This woman seems to care about this horse regardless of his little mistakes