Mixed Signals

Usually the comment, "mixed signals" is followed by a "4" and then maybe, if you are lucky, some redemption later on in the test.  For the first time, though, "mixed signals" was the high point of my test.  It was my mare's Third Level debut, already a proud moment for me, because only two summers ago she did her first dressage class, and I think every comment that entire season was "unsteady".  Alyce and I have developed a working agreement; some would even call it a partnership. As we came to the second flying change I sat a bit taller approaching the centerline, rebalancing before the change.  Alyce came back a bit more than I expected; she had interpreted my seat aid as a walk transition. I asked her to keep cantering, and to my surprise, she cantered on after almost walking.  I prepared the change again, asked for it, and she made a crisp, clean change.  We got a "7", and the comment "mixed signals".  To the judge, it looked like the horse and I weren't on the same page, which was true, but it really was a simple rider error.  I had given a stronger half-halt than the horse needed, and almost caused a mistake.  Alyce was more sensitive than I had anticipated! It was great that she ended on a 67.82%, and Third Level Open Reserve Champion, but better still was the knowledge that my horse had tried so hard to figure out what I wanted from her, despite the distraction of the show atmosphere and the pressure of a test. Go Alyce, and welcome to being a real dressage horse!