Zonik Zooming - and it's quite nice

[HafDressage]

https://vimeo.com/146639680

I know EG is not always popular on these boards, but this is really quite nice. His hands just look so beautiful and tactful. There are so many really lovely moments in there and I think this is the best I've seen the horse go so far.

[bailey]

I agree with your comments HD, thanks for posting this, some very nice movements and I like his hands/elbows. I really appreciate how he pats the horse, rewards frequently...I'm no expert, but this was fun to watch and helpful.

[demi]

Yeah....I have mixed feelings but he sure can ride. I too like the pats and frequent rewards. The horses I've seen him ride seem to willingly give him all they have.
I think I'll have another Baileys Irish Cream and watch that video again
Thanks for posting that HafDressage.

[ElaPe]

Beautiful ride. Gal as always impeccable as a rider, extraordinary good seat, invisible aids, perfect hand. And on top of that I can feel the same bond between Zonik and Gal as he had with Totilas. Zonik will do everything for Gal, he wants to please him, and Gal is responding with patting him now and then.

[Bats79]

Maybe if people keep hammering the UGLY way he rides poor Undercover then he will keep riding this horse more generously. But I feel for the horse if he decides anything is too hard or he can't do it. Out will come the .....

[demi]

Reality bites. I hate that picture, Bats79, but it puts things in perspective. Sadly.

[ElaPe]

...and on top of all that his grandfather was in Hitlerjugend and his auntie cleaning lady in Mr Hitler's mansion

It is amazing how people can't just appreciate a good ride, well trained horse and perfect rider but always have to dig up skeletons

[galopp]

Remember the horse came from Hegelstrand (4 yo) to HPM (5yo) and perhaps is intended to fill the shoes of Undercover.....

[AmityBee]

...and on top of all that his grandfather was in Hitlerjugend and his auntie cleaning lady in Mr Hitler's mansion

Not likely, since he's dutch and not german.

[oldhag]

''Not likely, since he's dutch and not german. ''

Err, it was an ironic joke - or is that sarcastic?

[Rosie B]

I agree that is a lovely, lovely ride. His hands are incredible. I am not a Gal fan because of all the photos like that shown above, but if the tact and softness that was shown in the video was how he trained when no one was watching I would definitely be in his fan club.

[AmityBee]

''Not likely, since he's dutch and not german. ''

Err, it was an ironic joke - or is that sarcastic?

I know, and definitely...

[Bats79]

It is amazing how people can't just appreciate a good ride, well trained horse and perfect rider but always have to dig up skeletons

It is hardly "a skeleton". It was a couple of months ago at the European championships. And if it was a "perfect rider" then there would be no problematic photos on a different horse!