Bit belated but just wanted to post this photo of my lovely Khalifa Golden Cavalier doing his dressage test at the Welsh Crabbet Show. Classical dressage allows bitless bridles so it was nice to get to do the test in a halter as that is how i ride at home. We had some lovely comments from the judge and scored 69%. I know we arent perfect (overbent ect) but i'm just pleased with this photo as he looks great considering he's really arthritic and out of shape.
I think you look great, and it is a wonderful testament to just how much you can do in just a halter.
AS a matter of interest, I assume that you have a proper rein configuration on it or is it a lead rope passed through the loop at the base of the halter? I have a similar halter and was trying to work out if I can use the lead rope for reins and therefore have a contact both sides. Don't know if i have explained that very well.
A friend of mine had the best years with her old age delinquent of am arab/welsh pony once she converted him to going in a halter. This was a pony that had shut his eyes and ignored every bit known to man if it suited him. And I don't think it was increasing age that made the improvement. Now well over 30 and retired he is every bit as cantankerous to deal with as he ever was!
Have to confess though that I was never willing to get on him in it
Thanks Becky, the lead rope is tied to the loop on the halter under his chin rather than either side. It doesnt seem to make much difference in the way he goes. I ride him equally in a bridle and halter but he definately prefers the halter and i love the rope reins, so much better feel. Michelle
Classical dressage test bitless (photo)
Posted - 25 Nov 2010 : 10:38:09 PM
