Equine·AIRide report · #RIDE-8
FlatworkSovereignty Equestrian
Flatwork Test — Mel
Driftwoods Dark Melody · May 9, 2026 · 42:55 · Outdoor sand — Sovereignty Equestrian, Kelowna
82OVERALL
Coach summary
Strong flatwork test, scored against the FEI 0–10 collective marks. Mel is forward and light — let her carry the energy and use your seat, not your hand, to balance. The right lead corners are the one place to put work.
Judging rubric
FEI Dressage scale
Mark: 8 · Good
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Correct, fluent, and confident.
Score band
Very good
Vs. Competitive
70th percentile
Discipline
Flatwork
Session type
Flatwork Test
Scores · vs. level baselines
Rider — vs. Competitive median
posture85
Competitive median: 84+1 · On level median
seat88
Competitive median: 85+3 · Slightly above median
hands88
Competitive median: 84+4 · Slightly above median
leg76
Competitive median: 82-6 · Slightly below median
balance81
Competitive median: 84-3 · Slightly below median
timing85
Competitive median: 83+2 · Slightly above median
consistency83
Competitive median: 84-1 · On level median
Horse
Rhythm
84
Straightness
80
Impulsion
78
Engagement
76
Adjustability
80
Technique
82
Pair
Harmony
85
Communication
84
Confidence
87
Smoothness
80
Recovery
79
Biomechanics measurements vs. norms
Canter tempo
Working canter rhythm on approach to a 1.10–1.20m fence.
318mpm
Intermediate band
IntAdvComPro
Tempo dropped from 350 → 318 mpm
Reference: USHJA jumper coaching reference
Trunk lean from vertical (landing)
Forward lean of the upper body 1 stride after landing. Lower = more secure.
22°
Advanced band
IntAdvComPro
22° forward lean during downward transition
Reference: Biomechanics of equestrian sport, Clayton
Track deviation post-fence
Lateral drift over the 3 strides following landing.
6in
Competitive band
IntAdvComPro
6 in lateral drift over 3 post-fence strides
Reference: USEF straightness criteria
Strengths & priority fixes
Strengths
- Consistent rhythm across both reins.
- Even contact, soft poll at trot.
- Clean walk-trot-canter transitions on the left lead.
Priority fixes
- Right lead canter lost impulsion in the corners.
- Mel anticipated the downward transition on the long side.
Key timestamps
1:28
Rhythm break between fences 4 and 5
Canter tempo dropped from 350 mpm to 318 mpm in the bending line.
1:55
Downward transition leaning
Slight forward lean during canter-trot transition at A.
2:22
Straighter line to oxer at fence 6
Track straightness improved 14% compared to last session's same line.
Recommended drills
Next session plan
Add shoulder-fore right at trot for the first 10 minutes; then ride 10m circles right at canter to hold the haunches.
Generated for Ava Castellano · May 9, 2026 · StrideIQ