Serena Middleton and Winchester won the Novice class in February © Serena Middleton
Virtual lessons or competitions are still a fairly new concept and one that has grown since the outbreak of Covid-19.
EQ Life offers monthly Virtual Dressage Competitions that allow riders to continue competing from home.
Victorian rider Serena Middleton and her beautiful Clydesdale cross gelding Winchester won the February Novice class.
Serena said she and Winchester have now entered six of EQ Life’s virtual competitions.
“We started out in Preliminary and have since worked our way through the Novice series. Winning our last test was a huge thrill!”
“For me, virtual competitions gave us the chance to keep competing and progressing when everything was cancelled due to Covid and we were locked down in Victoria and couldn’t go anywhere.
“The thing l like most about virtual competitions is being able to watch the test and hear the judge’s comments at the same time – the feedback really sinks in.
“Watching other riders is also really helpful, it helps reinforce the feedback, especially when someone really nails a movement. You can watch that and think, ‘yep, she really rode that corner well and that’s why her lengthened trot was so good. I really must work on that’.
One of the major attractions to entering an EQ Life virtual competition is the expert feedback riders receive from dressage rider and judge, Roger Fitzhardinge.
“Getting feedback from such an accomplished and experienced judge – what an amazing opportunity,” said Serena.
“Roger doesn’t miss a thing! He’s drilled into me the importance of a snappy entry, square halts, deep corners, clear transitions, accurate geometry and proper preparation before a movement. Sometimes the feedback has been tough – but it has always been fair and accurate.”
“And l must say I have really enjoyed watching the EQ Life live broadcasts on a Friday and Saturday evening, glass of wine in hand! I’ve never watched so many tests or learnt so much in one sitting!”
If you’re still unsure about whether or not to enter, Serena has some advice for the tentative competitor.
“Just do it! Grab a friend, film your test and get your entry in. The online entry system is easy as pie to use. You’ll be surprised how much you enjoy competing at home!”
“This really is a competition for any rider, at any level, with any horse. No matter where you’re at, you’ll benefit from this experience. Like Rogers says, dressage is for all horses, no matter the shape or size.”
As well as fantastic feedback, competitors have the opportunity to win some seriously great prizes…
$100 RB Sellars gift voucher to the first-place combinations, in each of the five classes.
Boutique Equines SD Design Polished Look package will be awarded to a particularly polished combination, so don’t forget to look your best when filming your test! Boutique Equines will also be awarding a $250 gift voucher to a polished combination, who has competed in both the February and March Competitions in 2021, with the winner being ultimately chosen by Equestrian Life’s Facebook community, by vote!
Hurry! Entries for the Virtual March Competition close tomorrow evening (Sunday, 7 March 2021)!!!
You can register and find out more information on how to enter here.
You can watch past competitions via Equestrian Life’s Facebook page here
Happy riding and good luck!
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