Earlier this week, my photographer friend and I were talking about a local horse rescue and sanctuary in Rockwall, http://www.throwawayponies.org/ . The owner of the sanctuary, who is also a fulltime nurse, was having to work really hard to solicit money this season because the number of rescues has grown to 37 horses. In fact, just that weekend she had gone to pick up one donkey that has been surrendered and the owner had in fact left her three! She had recently gotten a $500 donation but that month's farrier bill was $600. I guess this is a similar tale for many rescues.
As we talked, I started wondering how I could help besides sending the odd donation here and there. Her big charity golf tournament was at least 6 months away and she could really use some intermediate help. How could I build some awareness for this rescue and raise some funds at the same time? Immediately, I thought of a schooling show to benefit TaPs.
As a dressage rider, I am lucky to have the funds for this sometimes expensive hobby. My horse has never had a day of suffering (he may disagree) neglect or gone without a meal, a vet visit or a warm blanket; if I am lucky, he will never go without. I know many other riders whose horses have had similarly pampered lives. If we've never rescued a horse, I know many who've been touched in some way by someone who does do rescue, maybe has rescued a dog or a cat or taken on a OTTB project. And in these economic times, with unemployment at an all time high, there are many animals out there that are going without and rescue organizations are working harder than ever before, TaPs included. We lucky dressage riders have an opportunity to help out when we can!
So, the plan is to organize a charity schooling show. I've lined up the facility, a show manager, and the judge. Now I just have to iron out all the little details and post the entry form! I am really excited. My goal is to raise enough funds to either cover a couple of months of farrier bills but the sky is the limit. I will post more details as I finalize them.
In the meantime, hug your pony, your puppies or your loved ones and give thanks that we are all heathy and surrounded by people and animals that we love and love us back unconditionally!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
The 20 Meter Circle of Death
About three weeks ago, our trainer was finally able to come out to give lessons after being away for WEG, judging and riding in the Steffen Peters clinic. I guess she'd been gone just long enough for things to go the hell in a handbasket, because before you know it I found myself on the 20m circle. A little wave of hatred, anger and despair usually washes over me when I get told to get back on the 20m circle and stay on it. THIS IS NOT HOW I WANT TO SPEND 45 minutes and $105! But when this happens it is usually because I have lost all control, have started to micromanage bends, legs, shoulders, you name it!
At first, I was going through the motions but then I got tired of being yelled at for not doing it right. Afterall, how can you not do a 20m circle correctly? Apparently, it is possible. Eventually, I asked Sue why the 20m circle? Sue said all the experts tell you to go back on the 20m circle to fix a problem, but no one tells you how to ride the 20m circle. Once I understood why she wanted me on the 20m circle, I embraced the challenge of the 20m Circle of Death. Because the sooner I conquer it, the sooner I can get back to Half Pass, Renvers and all the other stuff that makes dressage more interesting!
You actually ride the 20m Circle of Death (COD) like a diamond with flat sides. You have to hit all your points on the flat sides, where you have a moment/step of straightness before you use your outside aids to turn and head straight to the next 'point'. I've been riding my 20m COD by C so my moments of straighness are at C, I, and the halfway points between H-S and M-R. Somehow, riding the 20m COD and just worrying about hitting all my 'points' I can incorprate all the correct aids for my halt halts, correct flexion, use of the outside aids to 'straighten' the horse. I can find the rhythm and the correct tempo where we are in balance and harmony. AAHHH! The exercise works for me because it gets us on the aids without thinking about 'being on the aids'. It really does all the work for me so that I am not micromanaging my horse. And then once you have the 20m Circle of Death down, you can adjust the circle to the 10m Circle of Pain! And once you've conquered hitting all your points at the walk and trot, you can do it at the canter.
So my new mantra is "nothing bad can happen on the 20m circle!"
I've been incorporating my 20m COD as part of my warm up after our marching walk and our lateral walk exercises, and right before our lateral trot work warm up. By just having that to focus on, it really doesn't matter what is going on because it puts Red and I into the perfect frame of mind, both of us sharp and on the aids!
At first, I was going through the motions but then I got tired of being yelled at for not doing it right. Afterall, how can you not do a 20m circle correctly? Apparently, it is possible. Eventually, I asked Sue why the 20m circle? Sue said all the experts tell you to go back on the 20m circle to fix a problem, but no one tells you how to ride the 20m circle. Once I understood why she wanted me on the 20m circle, I embraced the challenge of the 20m Circle of Death. Because the sooner I conquer it, the sooner I can get back to Half Pass, Renvers and all the other stuff that makes dressage more interesting!
You actually ride the 20m Circle of Death (COD) like a diamond with flat sides. You have to hit all your points on the flat sides, where you have a moment/step of straightness before you use your outside aids to turn and head straight to the next 'point'. I've been riding my 20m COD by C so my moments of straighness are at C, I, and the halfway points between H-S and M-R. Somehow, riding the 20m COD and just worrying about hitting all my 'points' I can incorprate all the correct aids for my halt halts, correct flexion, use of the outside aids to 'straighten' the horse. I can find the rhythm and the correct tempo where we are in balance and harmony. AAHHH! The exercise works for me because it gets us on the aids without thinking about 'being on the aids'. It really does all the work for me so that I am not micromanaging my horse. And then once you have the 20m Circle of Death down, you can adjust the circle to the 10m Circle of Pain! And once you've conquered hitting all your points at the walk and trot, you can do it at the canter.
So my new mantra is "nothing bad can happen on the 20m circle!"
I've been incorporating my 20m COD as part of my warm up after our marching walk and our lateral walk exercises, and right before our lateral trot work warm up. By just having that to focus on, it really doesn't matter what is going on because it puts Red and I into the perfect frame of mind, both of us sharp and on the aids!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Girl Power!
Zenyatta may be the best female athlete ever! It is nice to see CBS' 60 Minutes give such a great profile of this great mare, her trainer, her jockey and her owners:
Here she is arriving in Kentucky, on her way to beat the boys! She travels in style!
Here she is arriving in Kentucky, on her way to beat the boys! She travels in style!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Ready for Adoption: Bailey the Highway Dog
Here is the story about Bailey (new name) aka Scout (the original name) aka Mr. Wiggles (what he likes to do).
Sometime in September, My friend Cheryl and I were leaving the barn where we board at. It was around 8pm. As we were about to get on the highway, Cheryl slammed on her brakes because a little puppy was on the road. We stopped and she opened the door and he jumped right in. We thought he might have been lost but there is a good chance that he was dumped. It was right near the highway, a remote part of east Texas with lots of big pieces of property. Because it was nearly sunset, we know that if he stayed out very long, it was inevitable that he would end up getting hit and killed by a car going 70 mph. He got in the car, and just laid down. (He's a great car dog!). We went to the surrounding properties and asked if anyone was missing a dog. No takers. So someone had dumped him.
So we called Cheryl's husband and asked permission to take him home. She already has 3 dogs and I have 2 dogs and a cat. We received permission as long as we found a home for him ASAP!
We got his shots taken care of, had him tested for HW (negative!). We told everyone we knew on Facebook about him. We thought we found home for him with a woman that had a Great Pyr. She had him for about 3 weeks and decided that he was spending too much time in his crate and she didn't have enough time for him because she worked and because he wasn't potty trained yet. So he came back to us.
By then, he knew his new name. Walked on a leash, was crate trained. Knew how to sit. We knew he was good with other dogs. He would make a good companion to another dog or be good alone. We have just had him neutered. We figured that making him the perfect dog-to-go would get him adopted.
He's mostly black lab with something thrown in because he's got that gorgeously soft lab coat, webbed feet, noble nose and chocolate eyes and lab tail. But he's only 40lbs, and I don't think he will get much bigger. He's got an amazing personality, can be hyper like a puppy but can be calm too. He loves, loves, loves to be petted.
He has now been at Cheryl's for about a month or so. He is in love with Cheryl's dogs (all girls) but being older DQ's like their mom, they are so tired of the young rowdy boy! And since he has been sporting his 'cone of shame' they run from him in terror!
Cheryl says that this is the best dog ever! But he can't stay with her forever. He really needs a home of his own. He would be good with other dogs or even better as an only dog. He is now 100% house trained, will stand near the door and wait to go outside. He's leash and crate trained. He is UTD on shots and neutered! Cheryl and I are located east of Dallas, TX and would be willing to drive him to a new home!
Bailey is free to a good home. We only ask that his new owner be a decent human being, can provide references from a veterinarian, verify a fenced in yard, and maintain him on HW preventative.
I am attaching some more photos of Bailey, but they aren't very good...because he is Mr. Wiggles!
If you are interested in adopting this wonderful puppy, or know of someone who might be interested...please contact me by leaving a comment here on the blog. Thanks!
(who wouldn't want a sous-chef as cute as this!??!)
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Tail Envy
Okay, there are many things that I envy about other riders and their horses...the ability to do tempi changes is one, the access to a truck and trailer is another, but most importantly is a great horse tail! Super thick and full and really long horse tails. So heavy that the horse can barely pick it up with his tail bone!
The welsh cob in the photo above has a great tail. My friend's friesian has a great tail. The horses at the S.P. clinic all had great tails. It is the one thing Red lacks. He has sort of a skimpy tail. And thanks to his great, great great grand daddy Lapis, he likes to carry it really high l It has lots of beautiful blond highlights but they make his tail look really puny. Another thing is that Red loves to rub his tail during the hot sweaty summers and rub off the very tippy top of his tail.
Here's a picture of his short, skimpy tail that he like to carry like an Arab:
But enough was enough! I was no longer going to let his genetics and my laziness get the best of us!
This summer I was very dilligent about taking care of his tail. I started out by saying farewell to the uneven ends of it, banging it, and in doing so it was just below the top of his hocks. (Sniff) Brushing it very infrequently, hand picking it and conditioning it.
A few weeks ago, Aussie WEG eventer and all around cool guy (aren't all Aussies cool?) posted pictures of his 4* horse HJ Hampton (Henny) at the WEG. I have major tail envy. Henny has a great tail, long and thick. It looks so heavy that I don't know how he carries it over the jumps! I was so distracted by Henny's tail that I had to contact Peter on Facebook and ask him how he takes care of Henny's tail. Peter said the following:
I haven't had a chance to try the Ace bandage trick (but I will!). Then the first thing I did was toss out the old tail brush and comb.
I am now using a comb with super long tines, like this one:
The new comb works great! The long tines work nicely through the hair, with less strokes and a lot less hair breakage!
Another piece of advice I got from the DN (who has two horses with really nice full tails) is to, "NEVER EVER USE SHOW SHEEN. IT CONTAINS ALCOHOL!" So now the Show Sheen has been relegated to to the old storage trunk for clipping only.
The coat/tail products I am now using:
Healthy Hair Care Conditioner: This was recommended to me by a pro groom. It is a concentrated formula (mix with water) , contains lanolin and no silicone or alcohol.
Vetrolin Shine: Great for after a bath, wet the tail and coat it. It is also really nice for all over body shine!
The welsh cob in the photo above has a great tail. My friend's friesian has a great tail. The horses at the S.P. clinic all had great tails. It is the one thing Red lacks. He has sort of a skimpy tail. And thanks to his great, great great grand daddy Lapis, he likes to carry it really high l It has lots of beautiful blond highlights but they make his tail look really puny. Another thing is that Red loves to rub his tail during the hot sweaty summers and rub off the very tippy top of his tail.
Here's a picture of his short, skimpy tail that he like to carry like an Arab:
Here is Lapis, his great, great, great grandaddy- an Arab. Red looks just like this when he gets all excited!
This summer I was very dilligent about taking care of his tail. I started out by saying farewell to the uneven ends of it, banging it, and in doing so it was just below the top of his hocks. (Sniff) Brushing it very infrequently, hand picking it and conditioning it.
A few weeks ago, Aussie WEG eventer and all around cool guy (aren't all Aussies cool?) posted pictures of his 4* horse HJ Hampton (Henny) at the WEG. I have major tail envy. Henny has a great tail, long and thick. It looks so heavy that I don't know how he carries it over the jumps! I was so distracted by Henny's tail that I had to contact Peter on Facebook and ask him how he takes care of Henny's tail. Peter said the following:
Henry has an amazing tail to begin with but the thing you saw on the top to have it looking sharp in the ring was an ACE bandage. You can get them at the drug store. All you do is put a little water on the top of his tail so it sticks and w...rap it down, then when you get to the end tuck it into itself and it will hold. Just be careful to not leave them on to long or put them on to tight! As for the fullness of the tail the trick to keeping it that way is to not brush them to much and ALWAYS make sure there is lots of Cowboy magic or some sort of detangler in it when you do brush it. Use a comb to not a hair brush. Hope that helps:)
I haven't had a chance to try the Ace bandage trick (but I will!). Then the first thing I did was toss out the old tail brush and comb.
I am now using a comb with super long tines, like this one:
The new comb works great! The long tines work nicely through the hair, with less strokes and a lot less hair breakage!
Another piece of advice I got from the DN (who has two horses with really nice full tails) is to, "NEVER EVER USE SHOW SHEEN. IT CONTAINS ALCOHOL!" So now the Show Sheen has been relegated to to the old storage trunk for clipping only.
The coat/tail products I am now using:
Healthy Hair Care Conditioner: This was recommended to me by a pro groom. It is a concentrated formula (mix with water) , contains lanolin and no silicone or alcohol.
Cowboy Magic:I think a little silicone (okay- alot- like a silver dollar sized amount) keeps the hair strands slick and makes the comb go through easier!
Vetrolin Shine: Great for after a bath, wet the tail and coat it. It is also really nice for all over body shine!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Twee Thoughts....
One. The Steffen Peters clinic. I know I haven't posted my thoughts/notes on the clinic. I did take copious notes, but it was such a long day that I didn't have the energy to decipher and transfer my notes. I will say that the tailgate was a roaring success and a heck of a good time! So good that my pictures kinda suck but oh well!
Here's Steffen with his totally awesome kickass seat. He was working on Lyndon Rife's Rembrandt, working on passage steps, increasing the cadence or expression.
Here's my trainer riding her 5 years old Gribaldi grand daughter, Elle. Sue doesn't miss a photo opp! LOL!
Here's one more gratuitous photo of S.P. He's got that perfect riders body- all muscle, long legs, slightly toed in from riding. He was a total gentleman, a real pleasure to listen to.
I rode on Sunday evening, keeping a lot of what I learned in mind. I think I had a nice ride- maybe breathing the same air as Steffen Peters helped. We will find out tomorrow when the D.N. (dressage nazi) comes to give us abeatdown lesson!
Two. I finally got my horse blankets washed, dried and delivered to the barn! It sucked 2 hours of my day at the Laundromat (the only one in Rockwall, and outrageously busy on a Sunday morning!) Had I been smart, I would have taken my laptop to post my S.P. clinic notes. Additionally, I did a MUCH better job than the local horse laundry lady...now if I could only sew and repair my blankets! :(
Twee. I did clip the Red monster...Just in time too, his coat was starting to puff up. Decided on a trace clip. I had cleaned my clippers and blades, hoping to get away with the existing blades that I used for Red's Spring clip. Bad Idea! On top of that, I will admit I was on a time crunch. I gave myself 2.5 hours to wash, dry and clip him. I didn't have chalk, so I resorted to a BLUE Sharpie to make the outline. OMG! Red looks like he was clipped by a beauty school drop out! I think it is verging on criminal. I am praying that by December, the mutilation will have grown out so I can hide my crime! Oh well, at least it is done.Here's a pictures of my criminal clip job! LOL!
But at least that is twee things I can cross of my list!
Here's Steffen with his totally awesome kickass seat. He was working on Lyndon Rife's Rembrandt, working on passage steps, increasing the cadence or expression.
Here's one more gratuitous photo of S.P. He's got that perfect riders body- all muscle, long legs, slightly toed in from riding. He was a total gentleman, a real pleasure to listen to.
I rode on Sunday evening, keeping a lot of what I learned in mind. I think I had a nice ride- maybe breathing the same air as Steffen Peters helped. We will find out tomorrow when the D.N. (dressage nazi) comes to give us a
Two. I finally got my horse blankets washed, dried and delivered to the barn! It sucked 2 hours of my day at the Laundromat (the only one in Rockwall, and outrageously busy on a Sunday morning!) Had I been smart, I would have taken my laptop to post my S.P. clinic notes. Additionally, I did a MUCH better job than the local horse laundry lady...now if I could only sew and repair my blankets! :(
Twee. I did clip the Red monster...Just in time too, his coat was starting to puff up. Decided on a trace clip. I had cleaned my clippers and blades, hoping to get away with the existing blades that I used for Red's Spring clip. Bad Idea! On top of that, I will admit I was on a time crunch. I gave myself 2.5 hours to wash, dry and clip him. I didn't have chalk, so I resorted to a BLUE Sharpie to make the outline. OMG! Red looks like he was clipped by a beauty school drop out! I think it is verging on criminal. I am praying that by December, the mutilation will have grown out so I can hide my crime! Oh well, at least it is done.Here's a pictures of my criminal clip job! LOL!
Ignore his filthy face, I did a craptastic ghetto groom on Red tonight. I am embarrassed at how dirty his face is, it is sorta white from him rubbing his face on the fence. uugghh!
AND, I got a 2nd opinion from Cheryl on my ghetto clip job. She said it was pretty good. She said she wouldn't be embarrassed to take the Pumpkin on a hunt...
Friday, October 15, 2010
Countdown to Steffen Peters Clinic
I will have full details Saturday night, with pictures....
To those of you that know me, I will not be doing the full stalkerazzi that I normally do at these things ( I am a dressage groupie).
I will also be providing photos of our tail gate at PNYRDR!
To those of you that know me, I will not be doing the full stalkerazzi that I normally do at these things ( I am a dressage groupie).
I will also be providing photos of our tail gate at PNYRDR!
Monday, October 11, 2010
10 Questions....soliciting help from COTHers....
I want to do series of COTH style "10 questions" interviews in our local newsletter. I thought I would start out with my instructor/trainer since 1) I know her 2) she is an S- level judge 3) has extensive training experience (Florida, made GP horses, etc). I have my own list of questions, but maybe I am missing an opportunity to ask something interesting.
Since I see that some of the traffic (okay, nearly 99.9%) to this blog is from COTH, I would like to ask COTHer's who visit my site what: types of questions they would want to ask or see answered of a GP level trainer?
Please post your questions in the comments section.
Thanks!
Not so ready for the cooler weather!
Well, I AM ready for the welcome change in temperature! But if you don't count monogramming my fleece coolers, I've done a piss poor job of getting ready for cooler weather!
Here's the extent of my winter prep, monogramming!
1. I have NOT washed Red's blankets...they are still sitting in garage, taunting me. I thought I was going to have them done yesterday but my day got sucked away by the black hole that is someone else's schedule! Aack!
2. I have NOT decided whether or not to clip Red. I know I need to because while the latest lesson ride time was great during the summer, it will not be so great in 40 degree temps in December! I am dreading the thought of a sweaty chilly horse at 9pm! I know I need to, but I haven't organized the clippers, figured out what day I am going to dedicate to bathing him, figured out what kind of clip job! Aack #2!
4. I have NOT repaired Red's blanket storage bag for his blanket bar that suffered an injury last year, in which the velcro tore off one of the holders. I really am not relishing the thought of blankets and sheets gathering dust and shavings as they get shoved into the blanket bar!
3. I have NOT done a thorough evaluation of my winter riding wear. I need to get a new pair of Irideon wind pro breeches, because the pair I have is about 6 years old and look about as old and nappy as you can imagine. I need a black riding vest and maybe a new fleeck pullover, maybe brown. Time to call On The Bit for an emergency purchase! On a happy side note, my Ariat windbreaker HAS been monogrammed. LOL!
5. The Corgis are getting their winter coats already (WHAT!?!??) They've had 3 baths, furminated, flea combed...I don't know where this coat is coming from. But the long hair, short legs and wet morning grass is already irritating me. I am SO not ready for the bark- and growlathon that is towel drying corgi bellies at the crack O' dawn! Time to have their bellies shaved! The good thing is their fleece coats are washed and ready to go.
I sure do hope everyone else in the interwebz horseland has done a better job of getting ready for winter!
Here's the extent of my winter prep, monogramming!
1. I have NOT washed Red's blankets...they are still sitting in garage, taunting me. I thought I was going to have them done yesterday but my day got sucked away by the black hole that is someone else's schedule! Aack!
2. I have NOT decided whether or not to clip Red. I know I need to because while the latest lesson ride time was great during the summer, it will not be so great in 40 degree temps in December! I am dreading the thought of a sweaty chilly horse at 9pm! I know I need to, but I haven't organized the clippers, figured out what day I am going to dedicate to bathing him, figured out what kind of clip job! Aack #2!
4. I have NOT repaired Red's blanket storage bag for his blanket bar that suffered an injury last year, in which the velcro tore off one of the holders. I really am not relishing the thought of blankets and sheets gathering dust and shavings as they get shoved into the blanket bar!
3. I have NOT done a thorough evaluation of my winter riding wear. I need to get a new pair of Irideon wind pro breeches, because the pair I have is about 6 years old and look about as old and nappy as you can imagine. I need a black riding vest and maybe a new fleeck pullover, maybe brown. Time to call On The Bit for an emergency purchase! On a happy side note, my Ariat windbreaker HAS been monogrammed. LOL!
5. The Corgis are getting their winter coats already (WHAT!?!??) They've had 3 baths, furminated, flea combed...I don't know where this coat is coming from. But the long hair, short legs and wet morning grass is already irritating me. I am SO not ready for the bark- and growlathon that is towel drying corgi bellies at the crack O' dawn! Time to have their bellies shaved! The good thing is their fleece coats are washed and ready to go.
I sure do hope everyone else in the interwebz horseland has done a better job of getting ready for winter!
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Red the therapy horse!
The summer days are waning. We are taking advantage of as many nice days as possible by riding outside. Today, Red and I took along Alison and Aron to our little arena of paradise. The pond that is near the outdoor arena is now home to a pair of mallards, and my favorite- the Blue Heron. Fall is definately here! Circling above us were the hawks, along with the coyotes, maybe they will keep the mice down this winter.
Aron retained his memories of our fun rides in the arena from last week and treated Alison to his happy relaxed self. I told her as we walked out to just relax, walk on a loose rein and if he looks to pat him on the neck, let him look but keep walking. The only thing he doesn't really like are the big red ant piles (who can blame him!). He stayed close to Red the entire time (keeping the dust up- cough, cough). So I decided to let her enjoy herself in the arena and we worked on our interval training in the field.
Here I am last week riding Aron:
Borrowing from my lesson from Wednesday, I was reminded by Sue that even if we are doing interval training in the field he must still transition nicely....no dropping the back and freight training on the reins. Use the shoulder in to keep him coming up in the shoulders and lifting his back. It made for amazing forward transitions! All we did was canter/trot and trot/canter transitions on 20m. circles and figure eights. At the walk, I made sure to keep him through! Fantastic!
While we were riding, it became a bit of a party. The B.O. came up, my friend Eddie walked up, as well as another boarder along with all the corgis!. Eddie is recoving from very significant surgeries, including double hip replacement. He hasn't ridden in 2 years. He's been coming up to the barn to visit his horse, to walk in the field and get his exercise. Watching everyone, he must have gotten antsy to ride. He asked me if Red was tired enough that he could ride him at the walk. I said sure! -knowing that Red would be on his best behavior outside.
He let Eddie get on, made no faces and just gave him a beautiful medium walk, staying down and round stepping through over his back with beautiful 4 beats and big strides with his back legs. Eddie is very tight in his hips since his surgery and due to not having ridden in so long, so everytime he would tighten his knees or thighs Red's head would creep up. If Eddie leaned forward, Red would start his lazy half trot half jigg. I just told Eddie to relax, lift his rib cage and drape his leg....aahhhh, back to pretty walk. Eddie was getting tired, so I told him to drop his stirrups and I would lead them at the walk...Red was so good. when Eddie relaxed so would my very best Redhead. Eddie was so pleased, getting to get back on a horse again, and enjoying Red's smooth walk. Can you imagine not riding for 2 years!?! :( I can't.
Aron retained his memories of our fun rides in the arena from last week and treated Alison to his happy relaxed self. I told her as we walked out to just relax, walk on a loose rein and if he looks to pat him on the neck, let him look but keep walking. The only thing he doesn't really like are the big red ant piles (who can blame him!). He stayed close to Red the entire time (keeping the dust up- cough, cough). So I decided to let her enjoy herself in the arena and we worked on our interval training in the field.
Here I am last week riding Aron:
Borrowing from my lesson from Wednesday, I was reminded by Sue that even if we are doing interval training in the field he must still transition nicely....no dropping the back and freight training on the reins. Use the shoulder in to keep him coming up in the shoulders and lifting his back. It made for amazing forward transitions! All we did was canter/trot and trot/canter transitions on 20m. circles and figure eights. At the walk, I made sure to keep him through! Fantastic!
While we were riding, it became a bit of a party. The B.O. came up, my friend Eddie walked up, as well as another boarder along with all the corgis!. Eddie is recoving from very significant surgeries, including double hip replacement. He hasn't ridden in 2 years. He's been coming up to the barn to visit his horse, to walk in the field and get his exercise. Watching everyone, he must have gotten antsy to ride. He asked me if Red was tired enough that he could ride him at the walk. I said sure! -knowing that Red would be on his best behavior outside.
He let Eddie get on, made no faces and just gave him a beautiful medium walk, staying down and round stepping through over his back with beautiful 4 beats and big strides with his back legs. Eddie is very tight in his hips since his surgery and due to not having ridden in so long, so everytime he would tighten his knees or thighs Red's head would creep up. If Eddie leaned forward, Red would start his lazy half trot half jigg. I just told Eddie to relax, lift his rib cage and drape his leg....aahhhh, back to pretty walk. Eddie was getting tired, so I told him to drop his stirrups and I would lead them at the walk...Red was so good. when Eddie relaxed so would my very best Redhead. Eddie was so pleased, getting to get back on a horse again, and enjoying Red's smooth walk. Can you imagine not riding for 2 years!?! :( I can't.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Living in Shoulder in
I just need to own the fact that Red and I need to live in this movement or the little brother, shoulder fore.
sigh....long lesson tonight. Sue wrung every ounce of energy out of me and Red. But so proud of my boy.
sigh....long lesson tonight. Sue wrung every ounce of energy out of me and Red. But so proud of my boy.
This Post is Corgi related!
Looord Have Mercy!!!
What is the deal with the fleas this fall? They are out of control!
The corgis have gotten re-infested 3 times in as many weeks.
They seem to be getting it from the barn, because when we leave the barn they are scratching, jingling, and when I look sure enought I am finding fleas.They are on topical preventative but it is not enough. All this because they are addicted to all things cat- cat food, cat poo, cat pee! uggh! If they would leave the cats alone we would all be so much happier.
So much to my dismay, they are going to have to have to stay away until I've got them on Comfortis. AACK! That's practically the cost of a dressage lesson!
Here is a picture of the two flea bags acting like they don't mind that they are dirty flea infested!
What is the deal with the fleas this fall? They are out of control!
The corgis have gotten re-infested 3 times in as many weeks.
They seem to be getting it from the barn, because when we leave the barn they are scratching, jingling, and when I look sure enought I am finding fleas.They are on topical preventative but it is not enough. All this because they are addicted to all things cat- cat food, cat poo, cat pee! uggh! If they would leave the cats alone we would all be so much happier.
So much to my dismay, they are going to have to have to stay away until I've got them on Comfortis. AACK! That's practically the cost of a dressage lesson!
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Red Hot and Fresh!
That is how I would describe Red today.
It was 60 and windy all day today. For a horse that doesn't sweat during the summer, it was like a kid let loose in a candy store! It was too beautiful to ride in doors so we rode in our own little mecca, the outdoor at the top of thie hill. Besides it being cool and breezy, I remembered that I forgot to fly spray him when we were all the way up to the hill! So he was fidgety about the noseeums...uggh.. it was step-step-kick-step-step-kick. Good thing I am not taking these things personally anymore!
He was a bit over stimulated today. He was jiggy, jiggy, jiggy. Any leg aid was too much. For about 10 minutes we did nothing but leg yield. Anything on a straight line wasn't happening so I had to spend some time getting him to flex, bend and relax. flex, one o'clock, lower on the outside. Flex, 12 o'clcok, lower on the outside. Flex, 11 o'clock, lower on the outside. As that is part of our routine, it usually works. but not today. He just wanted to GO!
So I went into halfseat and cantered him. He was a bit strong but forward. He had a beautiful rhythm to his canter. He just didn't want to have anything to do with 20m circles. But we kept at it for a few minutes, and then I brought him down to trot. I could feel him starting to listen, and soften and get over his back. But any leg to ask him to step left or right and vrooom!
Some progress made but dressage was not in the cards! I took him to the grass field that surrounds the arena and walked him out...ahh, flatfooted walk!
I looked around and saw the slight incline up the hill.And maybe I was a little inspired by all the WEG XC, but I decided to channel Red's far off relative Windfall and his great great grand daddy, Burnus and do some interval training.
We walked down the hill, and trotted up the hill and turned around and walked down. A little strong the first time, but by the 2nd trot set he was willing to soften, listen to a half halt and had some impulsion.
Then we moved onto canter. I asked him on a 15m. circle to canter, checked my brakes, good rhythm and some collection and then up the hill we went. I was in a bit of a forward seat with my hands folling him. He was so soft and willing. He was fantastic!
After 10 minutes, he was so relaxed. Not winded, not sweaty but we worked all the muscles in his body as I could see his veins all over his body. What a great boy!
Here are some pictures of the view from today:
It was 60 and windy all day today. For a horse that doesn't sweat during the summer, it was like a kid let loose in a candy store! It was too beautiful to ride in doors so we rode in our own little mecca, the outdoor at the top of thie hill. Besides it being cool and breezy, I remembered that I forgot to fly spray him when we were all the way up to the hill! So he was fidgety about the noseeums...uggh.. it was step-step-kick-step-step-kick. Good thing I am not taking these things personally anymore!
He was a bit over stimulated today. He was jiggy, jiggy, jiggy. Any leg aid was too much. For about 10 minutes we did nothing but leg yield. Anything on a straight line wasn't happening so I had to spend some time getting him to flex, bend and relax. flex, one o'clock, lower on the outside. Flex, 12 o'clcok, lower on the outside. Flex, 11 o'clock, lower on the outside. As that is part of our routine, it usually works. but not today. He just wanted to GO!
So I went into halfseat and cantered him. He was a bit strong but forward. He had a beautiful rhythm to his canter. He just didn't want to have anything to do with 20m circles. But we kept at it for a few minutes, and then I brought him down to trot. I could feel him starting to listen, and soften and get over his back. But any leg to ask him to step left or right and vrooom!
Some progress made but dressage was not in the cards! I took him to the grass field that surrounds the arena and walked him out...ahh, flatfooted walk!
I looked around and saw the slight incline up the hill.And maybe I was a little inspired by all the WEG XC, but I decided to channel Red's far off relative Windfall and his great great grand daddy, Burnus and do some interval training.
We walked down the hill, and trotted up the hill and turned around and walked down. A little strong the first time, but by the 2nd trot set he was willing to soften, listen to a half halt and had some impulsion.
Then we moved onto canter. I asked him on a 15m. circle to canter, checked my brakes, good rhythm and some collection and then up the hill we went. I was in a bit of a forward seat with my hands folling him. He was so soft and willing. He was fantastic!
After 10 minutes, he was so relaxed. Not winded, not sweaty but we worked all the muscles in his body as I could see his veins all over his body. What a great boy!
Here are some pictures of the view from today:
Red is thinking, "hmmm, that pond looks just like Head of the Lake at Rolex! Let's go!"
I should have known when he pinned his ears when we headed towards the arena that this ride was going to be a challenge! Thursday, September 30, 2010
Not taking it personally!
This is the lesson that I've learned in the last 48 hours: don't take it personally! Here's how it happened: While my friend is at WEG, she asked me to rider her friesian while she was away. He's quite a lovely boy, trained to 4th level, very forward. For the most part, he doesn't know how to push my buttons and I don't know what his weaknesses are. Other than wanting to ride him well, I don't have any emotional investment in him.I just work on being correct and he's there. There's a satisfaction in knowing that you can ride a strange horse and do it relatively well. I rode him, for an hour it felt like I was flying. At the end of our ride, we were both pleasantly tired and relaxed. No agenda. No frustration. No second guessing myself. I didn't take it personally.
Sometimes, when I ride my own horse, I have an agenda of what I want to accomplish (totaly Type A/control freak/planner) and I know how well he can do something and I want.to.get.it.right. NOW! I must accomplish something! Sometimes, I don't even know what level of perfection I am trying to achieve, when I get tunnelvisioned like that, I doubt I would recognize perfection when I get it.
So the friesian reminded me to just ride and don't take it personally! I still rode with a plan of the exercises I wanted to work on, but I decided to ride with a little bit less detachment. I think it went really well and at the end of the ride we were both happy tired and happy with each other.
We rode up on the hill at sunset, so I walked red up on a long loose rein making sure he was moving every part of his boddy up the hill. Once we got up to the ring, I asked him to walk long and low and start getting over his back and stay relaxed. From there, our standard warm up of leg yielding, circles, walk halts, turn on the fore hand, shoulder in. Then on to the postin trot work.
Here's what we worked on:
20m circles working trot- spiralling in and out using leg yield. asking him to change his tempo to slow big steps as we make the circle smaller and longer big steps as we leg yield and make the circle bigger.
20 meter circle canter- spiralling in and out. Collecing the canter as we spiral in, asking him to take more weight on the inside hind and stepping up into the contact and coming up in the shoulders. 10 m. circles were great on the left, but on the right I felt him falling on his forehand as we spiralled in...like he lost his balance. From the walk canter, it was much better so I go the feeling and rewarded him with a break.
Then a small walk break- like Sue said...walk with a purpose and a pattern...don't walk aimlessly!
Then I worked on our halfpass. First worked at developing it at the walk, I made a 10m. square in the corners then turned straight on C-line, to ask him to move his haunches with the leg yield and then asking to bend the neck and step into the inside stirrup. This is just about breaking down the pieces of asking the haunches to move over, then bending in the direction you are going while keeping the outside aids.
2nd exercise, from the corner, cross the diagonal, then shoulder in on the diagonal line and then keeping the bend ask him to bring the haunches over. Pretty good HP to the right, it is harder to get and keep the bend to the left but it's there. After doing this for several minutes at the walk I moved into the sitting trot and did the HP across the diagonal. Again, great to the right- I can feel him sitting and bending. It's a bit straighter to the left but he's willing to do it, there is no resistance and it will take time for him to get stronger going in that direction.
We finished with a high note and walked back to the barn all happy and proud of ourselves! He got lots of rewards- cookies, carrots, apple, banana and peeps! He knew he was awesome tonight!
Red wonders, "Is she trying to wear me like last year's Gucci?"
Sometimes, when I ride my own horse, I have an agenda of what I want to accomplish (totaly Type A/control freak/planner) and I know how well he can do something and I want.to.get.it.right. NOW! I must accomplish something! Sometimes, I don't even know what level of perfection I am trying to achieve, when I get tunnelvisioned like that, I doubt I would recognize perfection when I get it.
So the friesian reminded me to just ride and don't take it personally! I still rode with a plan of the exercises I wanted to work on, but I decided to ride with a little bit less detachment. I think it went really well and at the end of the ride we were both happy tired and happy with each other.
We rode up on the hill at sunset, so I walked red up on a long loose rein making sure he was moving every part of his boddy up the hill. Once we got up to the ring, I asked him to walk long and low and start getting over his back and stay relaxed. From there, our standard warm up of leg yielding, circles, walk halts, turn on the fore hand, shoulder in. Then on to the postin trot work.
Here's what we worked on:
20m circles working trot- spiralling in and out using leg yield. asking him to change his tempo to slow big steps as we make the circle smaller and longer big steps as we leg yield and make the circle bigger.
20 meter circle canter- spiralling in and out. Collecing the canter as we spiral in, asking him to take more weight on the inside hind and stepping up into the contact and coming up in the shoulders. 10 m. circles were great on the left, but on the right I felt him falling on his forehand as we spiralled in...like he lost his balance. From the walk canter, it was much better so I go the feeling and rewarded him with a break.
Then a small walk break- like Sue said...walk with a purpose and a pattern...don't walk aimlessly!
Then I worked on our halfpass. First worked at developing it at the walk, I made a 10m. square in the corners then turned straight on C-line, to ask him to move his haunches with the leg yield and then asking to bend the neck and step into the inside stirrup. This is just about breaking down the pieces of asking the haunches to move over, then bending in the direction you are going while keeping the outside aids.
2nd exercise, from the corner, cross the diagonal, then shoulder in on the diagonal line and then keeping the bend ask him to bring the haunches over. Pretty good HP to the right, it is harder to get and keep the bend to the left but it's there. After doing this for several minutes at the walk I moved into the sitting trot and did the HP across the diagonal. Again, great to the right- I can feel him sitting and bending. It's a bit straighter to the left but he's willing to do it, there is no resistance and it will take time for him to get stronger going in that direction.
We finished with a high note and walked back to the barn all happy and proud of ourselves! He got lots of rewards- cookies, carrots, apple, banana and peeps! He knew he was awesome tonight!
Red wonders, "Is she trying to wear me like last year's Gucci?"
Monday, September 27, 2010
There are bigger issues than Rollkur/LDR
So the big topic in dressage is Rollkur or Long-Deep-Round or the hyperextension of the neck. This is a type of training that is considered to be controversial. I won't go into the dirty details but if you need to know more- google it.
Is it attractive? No. Is it ugly. Yes, sometimes. Is it effective? Maybe. Is it cruel? I don't know.
But here is what I do know. The riders who apply it are being given a lot of attention by the arm chair dressage 'experts'. An incredible amount of bandwidth has been dedicated to the development of blogs, discussions, petitions, bulletin board topics to the publicizing and pontifcating of the evil of rollkur/ldr.
The horses that are being so supposedly mistreated are some of the most expensive horses in the world. I could probably by a cottage in Highland Park, a Bentley and a Chanel purse and still have money left over for what one of these horses is worth! These horses are celebrated and being treated to the best care in the world- the best feed, hay, veterinary care with round the clock attention to their every need and traveling first class around the world.
Meanwhile, there are horses that are being starved, beaten, abandoned, abused every day in our own hometowns. Horses (and dogs, and cats, and every other imaginable animal) are being subjected to some of the most cruel forms of abuse. I wish that some of these dressage biddies would spend less time focusing on rollkur and spend some time helping an abandoned or abused horse in their community. Personally, I think that energy would be put to better use there rather than trying to end some nonexistent cruelty to a multimillion dollar dressage horse that is pampered and treated like a national treasure.
So you tell me, what's more abusive, this?
Is it attractive? No. Is it ugly. Yes, sometimes. Is it effective? Maybe. Is it cruel? I don't know.
But here is what I do know. The riders who apply it are being given a lot of attention by the arm chair dressage 'experts'. An incredible amount of bandwidth has been dedicated to the development of blogs, discussions, petitions, bulletin board topics to the publicizing and pontifcating of the evil of rollkur/ldr.
The horses that are being so supposedly mistreated are some of the most expensive horses in the world. I could probably by a cottage in Highland Park, a Bentley and a Chanel purse and still have money left over for what one of these horses is worth! These horses are celebrated and being treated to the best care in the world- the best feed, hay, veterinary care with round the clock attention to their every need and traveling first class around the world.
Meanwhile, there are horses that are being starved, beaten, abandoned, abused every day in our own hometowns. Horses (and dogs, and cats, and every other imaginable animal) are being subjected to some of the most cruel forms of abuse. I wish that some of these dressage biddies would spend less time focusing on rollkur and spend some time helping an abandoned or abused horse in their community. Personally, I think that energy would be put to better use there rather than trying to end some nonexistent cruelty to a multimillion dollar dressage horse that is pampered and treated like a national treasure.
So you tell me, what's more abusive, this?
(photo from St. Georg Magazine, Patrick Kittle riding Scandic)
or this?
World Equestrian Games
Are Happening Now in Kentucky.
In hindsight, a part of me wishes I had gone. But after going to the last three World Cups in Las Vegas, I wasn't in the mood for the clusterf@ck of a massive event like that... as awesome as the experience is, I come back wanting a vacation from my vacation.
BUT if I had gone, I would have gone to see the Dressage Freestyle and the XC. okay, maybe some showjumping. and the shopping, OMG the shopping must be out of control. I don't even think I have a credit card with a sufficient credit limit to cover the damage that I would do! Maybe it's a saving grace I didn't go.
In hindsight, a part of me wishes I had gone. But after going to the last three World Cups in Las Vegas, I wasn't in the mood for the clusterf@ck of a massive event like that... as awesome as the experience is, I come back wanting a vacation from my vacation.
BUT if I had gone, I would have gone to see the Dressage Freestyle and the XC. okay, maybe some showjumping. and the shopping, OMG the shopping must be out of control. I don't even think I have a credit card with a sufficient credit limit to cover the damage that I would do! Maybe it's a saving grace I didn't go.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
There's a feeling in the air...
This time of year.
I love September in North Texas. It may very well be my favorite time of year. Almost instanteously, the days and nights are cooler but it is still so sunny and bright. September means The State Fair of Texas, Greek Festival and Oktoberfest. It also means LSU football and a sweat horse again. aaah! It's time to get back to work.
Even Red is ready for LSU football! Here he's telling Les Miles, "OFFENSE TIGERS!"
I love September in North Texas. It may very well be my favorite time of year. Almost instanteously, the days and nights are cooler but it is still so sunny and bright. September means The State Fair of Texas, Greek Festival and Oktoberfest. It also means LSU football and a sweat horse again. aaah! It's time to get back to work.
Even Red is ready for LSU football! Here he's telling Les Miles, "OFFENSE TIGERS!"
His LSU pad that only comes out on game nights!
Ever since college, this song has always made me happy/sad and ready for Fall, perfect for "this time of year".
Ever since college, this song has always made me happy/sad and ready for Fall, perfect for "this time of year".
'>http://www.youtube.com/v/dVplCH93Jb8?fs=1&hl=en_US"> name="allowFullScreen" value="true">'>http://www.youtube.com/v/dVplCH93Jb8?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385">
iphone video of trot warmup
hehe! This is a video shot by Cheryl. She was trying out her new iphone, and wanted to show me that I was trying to achieve some unachievable level of perfection because he was already going so nicely in our warmup. What a good boy. Sometimes you need a little video proof that everything is okay and you just need to chill. (I don't normally ride sans helmet but on this day I forgot...I was a little distracted on this day...sigh).
Friday, August 27, 2010
I'm a Published Writer! Woo-hoo!
http://www.dallasdressage.org/Transitions_Aug2010PDF.pdf
Riding continues to go well. We've been working on developing our half-pass. I'm learning that I don't like to sit LEFT...oh well, it's a work in progress.
Red has the week off. He got his stifles injected on Tuesday. We go back to work on Sunday...light riding and by the time Sue gets back from Colorado we should be ready to pick up where we left off.
Riding continues to go well. We've been working on developing our half-pass. I'm learning that I don't like to sit LEFT...oh well, it's a work in progress.
Red has the week off. He got his stifles injected on Tuesday. We go back to work on Sunday...light riding and by the time Sue gets back from Colorado we should be ready to pick up where we left off.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Upcoming Fun Stuff: Ride for the Cure North Texas
North Texas Ride for the Cure.
Decatur, Texas
October 30th
http://www.komennorthtexas.org/ride2010.html
Decatur, Texas
October 30th
http://www.komennorthtexas.org/ride2010.html
Of Being on a Roll and More Beatdowns (of a different kind)
First, I just want to say how much I love my Red Foxy Snob. I hate to jinx myself, but we've been on a bit of a roll lately. Making more and more progress and jus being more consistent. As always, it is about being honest in my training and not skipping steps. As I talked about in my earlier post about the warm up, Red and I are now adding some more stuff to the repertoire to get him more through and carrying more weight on his right hind. He's a bit lazier about the right hind.
- sitting trot work along the wall, gradually adding more cadence, and then leg yield from the right hind. He must carry himself on the right side not running through. I reinforce my seat and legs with just a tap tap of the whip. While he's stepping up and leg yielding the front of his body is really bent to the wall. Like Sue said, he CAN'T be TOO close to the wall. At one point, I moved to the quarterline and he started rushing through the left rein...I had stopped using the wall to help him shift back...back to the wall, the whole idea is to get him to shift back onto his right hind. And it's true, a smart horse without a deathwish to conk himself on the head will shift his weight back! Once we have the feeling that he's really carrying and stepping with that right hind maintain that feeling along the short side.
-Walk. there was a time in our most recent past that WALK was our most hated gait...but in dressage, walk is the purest of the gaits. Red was very prone to jigging at the walk. We've been working at this and I am amazed at the overstep and reach that Red has in his walk now! Sue has made me stop DOING SO MUCH WITH MY HANDS. I say this in all caps, because I think Sue talks to me in ALL CAPS. But first, how many of you have had your instructor take the reins from you from the ground and try to pull you and they always say, stop pulling, don't be so tense, relax your arms...well, she did that to me again but this time she pointed something out to me. So when she pulled the reins from me, I just continued to carry my forearm in a relaxed manner and relaxing my hand while still holding my reinsand then holding my LATS (muscles between your shouldes and down to your low back) and really melting my butt into the saddle when she pulled- Red actually shifted back. She showed me this to illustate that I didn't have to have a strong arm or hand. And then on to walk, but just activating my lats when Red pulled on me, he just went down to Low, Deep & Round...and back to the big walk. Honestly, I don't think Red has jigged at the walk in weeks and weeks. I can't tell you how many trainers I've asked to work with me on this and nothing consistently worked. Do you know how many coefficients are in walk transitions!?!?!?!? Giving away points people! As we were doing our walk transitions I noticed something, a jingling of Red's bit. I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THAT BEFORE....Red playing and working the bit! OMG! He was actually relaxed and on the bit lightly playing with the bit in his closed mouth!!!! No tension!
Trot Cadence- How do you make the trot bigger or smaller without going to the hand first? Another thing I've been working on is how to bring Red back in our sitting trot with going to my hand...again, it goes back to the Lats! Maybe it is being so tall and seemingly unwieldy, but I tend to want to make my upper body smaller in the saddle and thus squish my shoulders. Sue is telling me MAKE YOUR SHOULDERS WIDER. POST with SHOULDERS! And it is true, I can really make the trot bigger and smaller without going to my hands except for an occationaly flexion by just posting bigger or smaller with my wide shoulders...maybe this is hard to visualize, but once you do it correctly you will really have the feeling....by doing this, I feel like I am not having to constantly soften soften the jaw because I have been constantly driving the trot with my seat.
To recap, the riding has been going really well. I am really pleased. I've been riding late at night mostly by myself because I just can't ride Redster in the heat. By nightfall, maybe we are both a bit drowsy and relaxed.
Another reason to ride late is because I can avoid any drama. Lately, it seems like the atmosphere at the barn has changed. The barn has been infiltrated by Natural Horsemen devotees. Personally, I don't care about your horse games and carrot sticks- just don't be waving that shit around and making your horse buck and bolt when I am working on getting a sensitive horse! Particularly when you are in a non full size arena, you ARE NOT a boarder, and you've got 20 OTHER acres to being doing that in! There is a reason why USEF requires a seperate lunging area at shows. There was a time at this barn when outside people weren't allowed because it infringed on the boarders. The barn has become a BEATDOWN onto its own. So sad.
I really just need to focus on Red. He's still happy and healthy. He's really giving me his all, and really listening...and as obedient as a redhead can be. He knows biting and pawing aren't allowed, so he just headbutts you for a cookie or he halfheartedly raises his hoof and then sets it down without making a noise so that he can get your attention without actually pawing.
- sitting trot work along the wall, gradually adding more cadence, and then leg yield from the right hind. He must carry himself on the right side not running through. I reinforce my seat and legs with just a tap tap of the whip. While he's stepping up and leg yielding the front of his body is really bent to the wall. Like Sue said, he CAN'T be TOO close to the wall. At one point, I moved to the quarterline and he started rushing through the left rein...I had stopped using the wall to help him shift back...back to the wall, the whole idea is to get him to shift back onto his right hind. And it's true, a smart horse without a deathwish to conk himself on the head will shift his weight back! Once we have the feeling that he's really carrying and stepping with that right hind maintain that feeling along the short side.
-Walk. there was a time in our most recent past that WALK was our most hated gait...but in dressage, walk is the purest of the gaits. Red was very prone to jigging at the walk. We've been working at this and I am amazed at the overstep and reach that Red has in his walk now! Sue has made me stop DOING SO MUCH WITH MY HANDS. I say this in all caps, because I think Sue talks to me in ALL CAPS. But first, how many of you have had your instructor take the reins from you from the ground and try to pull you and they always say, stop pulling, don't be so tense, relax your arms...well, she did that to me again but this time she pointed something out to me. So when she pulled the reins from me, I just continued to carry my forearm in a relaxed manner and relaxing my hand while still holding my reinsand then holding my LATS (muscles between your shouldes and down to your low back) and really melting my butt into the saddle when she pulled- Red actually shifted back. She showed me this to illustate that I didn't have to have a strong arm or hand. And then on to walk, but just activating my lats when Red pulled on me, he just went down to Low, Deep & Round...and back to the big walk. Honestly, I don't think Red has jigged at the walk in weeks and weeks. I can't tell you how many trainers I've asked to work with me on this and nothing consistently worked. Do you know how many coefficients are in walk transitions!?!?!?!? Giving away points people! As we were doing our walk transitions I noticed something, a jingling of Red's bit. I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THAT BEFORE....Red playing and working the bit! OMG! He was actually relaxed and on the bit lightly playing with the bit in his closed mouth!!!! No tension!
Trot Cadence- How do you make the trot bigger or smaller without going to the hand first? Another thing I've been working on is how to bring Red back in our sitting trot with going to my hand...again, it goes back to the Lats! Maybe it is being so tall and seemingly unwieldy, but I tend to want to make my upper body smaller in the saddle and thus squish my shoulders. Sue is telling me MAKE YOUR SHOULDERS WIDER. POST with SHOULDERS! And it is true, I can really make the trot bigger and smaller without going to my hands except for an occationaly flexion by just posting bigger or smaller with my wide shoulders...maybe this is hard to visualize, but once you do it correctly you will really have the feeling....by doing this, I feel like I am not having to constantly soften soften the jaw because I have been constantly driving the trot with my seat.
To recap, the riding has been going really well. I am really pleased. I've been riding late at night mostly by myself because I just can't ride Redster in the heat. By nightfall, maybe we are both a bit drowsy and relaxed.
Another reason to ride late is because I can avoid any drama. Lately, it seems like the atmosphere at the barn has changed. The barn has been infiltrated by Natural Horsemen devotees. Personally, I don't care about your horse games and carrot sticks- just don't be waving that shit around and making your horse buck and bolt when I am working on getting a sensitive horse! Particularly when you are in a non full size arena, you ARE NOT a boarder, and you've got 20 OTHER acres to being doing that in! There is a reason why USEF requires a seperate lunging area at shows. There was a time at this barn when outside people weren't allowed because it infringed on the boarders. The barn has become a BEATDOWN onto its own. So sad.
I really just need to focus on Red. He's still happy and healthy. He's really giving me his all, and really listening...and as obedient as a redhead can be. He knows biting and pawing aren't allowed, so he just headbutts you for a cookie or he halfheartedly raises his hoof and then sets it down without making a noise so that he can get your attention without actually pawing.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Pony Beatdown
Cheryl went ALL the way to Canada to ride Aragon's half brother Not really, but it makes us sound like jetset catchriders! This pony's name is Fiddle and he could be Aragon's twin! oh, Cheryl also went to visit her dear friend Linda,another pony addict, and to drink lots of wine.
Photographic proof of the beatdown!
Please canter! Sue would say, "there's your medium! "
They Survived!
And are still friends! Cheryl can't resist a pony!
Photographic proof of the beatdown!
Please canter! Sue would say, "there's your medium! "
They Survived!
And are still friends! Cheryl can't resist a pony!
The secret language of Lucy & Ethel (Part 1):
Party between the jumps.
Blob on a Cob
Slob on a Cob
Pornonthecob
Redrum
Love the Naughty
The Dome
Come here so I can beat you.
Schnapped
Velocicorgi
CorgiRaptor
Team Corgi
Corgilicious
We need a bigger bit
DTG Dog To Go
Naughty
Go on a drag
cobasaurus
Team Broke
Team Maverick
Make it Pretty
Tap it Out
LTD (Lunge to Death)
Trotathon
Beat it!
Come here so I can beat you
Debbie Downer
Team Red
Ghetto Groom
Day Crew/Night Crew
Blob on a Cob
Slob on a Cob
Pornonthecob
Redrum
Love the Naughty
The Dome
Come here so I can beat you.
Schnapped
Velocicorgi
CorgiRaptor
Team Corgi
Corgilicious
We need a bigger bit
DTG Dog To Go
Naughty
Go on a drag
cobasaurus
Team Broke
Team Maverick
Make it Pretty
Tap it Out
LTD (Lunge to Death)
Trotathon
Beat it!
Come here so I can beat you
Debbie Downer
Team Red
Ghetto Groom
Day Crew/Night Crew
Blast from the Past!
Being riders that have to support their habit with full time jobs, Cheryl and I spend a lot of time on email waiting for 5 o'clock on Friday. Here's a funny email exchange from when we first became friends.
Hey Cheryl, How is it going? I am so depressed. I don’t know what my problem is…I don’t know if I have post vacation blues or if I hate work. I hope it isn’t the latter, because I am still staring down like 30 more years of this and I need the benefits! BTW, do you know any single or recently divorced millionaires who would love to keep me in a manner to which I’ve yet to become accustomed to? Hey, I lost 5 lbs. probably just water weight, but I’ll take it! Only like half a ton left to loose! Woo-hoo! First, did you tell Jason that to be slobbered on by Fang is akin to being blessed by the Pope. I am just so thankful that he didn’t take a boob along with a chunk of your shirt. I can’t afford reconstructive surgery for myself, much less somebody else. Here’s my next purchase: Here’s a description: A simple anti grazing device that makes life easier for the child rider (HA!HA!)
Or Maybe I should get this, maybe more appropriate?
Anyway, I loved the pictures. Is Columbine Aragon’s dad? They totally look alike. That’s what Fabio will look like in 2 years. Grant and Surefire are cuties. Grant looks very happy with his kid. Y’all looked great out in the hunt, you were grinning like crazy. Were you drunk!!?!??! Just kidding! Here’s a picture of Red’s daddy doin’ his thing. He’s in his twenties here, from a couple of years ago. I am also including a picture of Fang, Sr. I think Red looks just like him.
Hey Cheryl, How is it going? I am so depressed. I don’t know what my problem is…I don’t know if I have post vacation blues or if I hate work. I hope it isn’t the latter, because I am still staring down like 30 more years of this and I need the benefits! BTW, do you know any single or recently divorced millionaires who would love to keep me in a manner to which I’ve yet to become accustomed to? Hey, I lost 5 lbs. probably just water weight, but I’ll take it! Only like half a ton left to loose! Woo-hoo! First, did you tell Jason that to be slobbered on by Fang is akin to being blessed by the Pope. I am just so thankful that he didn’t take a boob along with a chunk of your shirt. I can’t afford reconstructive surgery for myself, much less somebody else. Here’s my next purchase: Here’s a description: A simple anti grazing device that makes life easier for the child rider (HA!HA!)
Or Maybe I should get this, maybe more appropriate?
Anyway, I loved the pictures. Is Columbine Aragon’s dad? They totally look alike. That’s what Fabio will look like in 2 years. Grant and Surefire are cuties. Grant looks very happy with his kid. Y’all looked great out in the hunt, you were grinning like crazy. Were you drunk!!?!??! Just kidding! Here’s a picture of Red’s daddy doin’ his thing. He’s in his twenties here, from a couple of years ago. I am also including a picture of Fang, Sr. I think Red looks just like him.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Setting the Tone
If there's one lesson that Sue is beating into my head, it is about being honest in my training and consistent about not skipping steps. Before you even get on your horse, you have to set the tone for the entire ride. Even after a week off because of the heat and a busy schedule, if I can stick to setting the right tone from before I walk into the arena, I can make sure that the ride is productive, progressive and pleasant for both of us.
Like I said, I took the week off because of the heat and I wanted to spend some time at some local clinics. One thing I saw this weekend were some really pleasant outlines. I made it my goal to have a similar out line.
As we walk to the arena, I make sure Red starts focusing on me...does he come back when I take small steps, when I walk out does he walk out? When I mount, even on a long rein I start making sure he's listening to my seat- big steps....little steps. Listening to each rein, giving me his jowl on either side. As I collect the reins, he must do it without any resistence or rooting against me. And then I start on asking for his haunches....does he listen to my right leg and then my left leg. He can be a little sluggish to the right leg. I now go to a halt, asking one step at a time for a turn on the forehand....and then we move on to leg yield. I ask him to continue to give me a long and low neck, even as I take up the reins.
One thing I learned this weekend is about insisting for the horse to stay on the bit and stepping up eveny into the contact. So I added that to my warm up. He must stay on the bit, with a long and low neck and then I ask him to step up with which ever leg is not stepping under. It is really mind opening how just by doing these little things it improves the rest of my ride.
From here, I move onto trot work....alternating the cadence in the trot....bit steps/small steps...always a long and low neck (he tends to want to be giraffe- so asking for a long and low neck is a constant for us) From here, adding legyields from the quarter lines and then onto shoulder fore. Tonight I decided to add haunches in down the longside of the arena....I think it helped him loosen up and bring his back up sooner. From here I went to sitting trot, shoulder in/ haunches in and working on the circle and working our the cadence of the trot. At the sitting trot, I have been really working on using my seat to change the cadence....it's getting better. On the circle, I work on shoulder fore and leg yield before asking him for the canter...again, long low neck and again, I work on the cadence. I just want it to not be tense transitions...it is all about the seat, and the looser my seat (not pinching my knees) the better the transitions from working to medium canter...I work on that 4th level movement, asking for collection and giving the reins...He was awesome at this going to the left! Go Big Red!
As he works more from his hind end, I am having a lot of trouble controlling the balance and tempo in the downward transitions...I think I am going to have Sue help me here.
I've had two weeks off from lessons, but I've been working really hard on all my homework and Red has been ON POINT! So let's home that Sue doesn't tell me crack is wack and I need to go to dressage rehab and 2x a week lessons...I don't think I can handle it!
So anyway, I will report back post lesson on Wednesday- NAMASTE!
Like I said, I took the week off because of the heat and I wanted to spend some time at some local clinics. One thing I saw this weekend were some really pleasant outlines. I made it my goal to have a similar out line.
As we walk to the arena, I make sure Red starts focusing on me...does he come back when I take small steps, when I walk out does he walk out? When I mount, even on a long rein I start making sure he's listening to my seat- big steps....little steps. Listening to each rein, giving me his jowl on either side. As I collect the reins, he must do it without any resistence or rooting against me. And then I start on asking for his haunches....does he listen to my right leg and then my left leg. He can be a little sluggish to the right leg. I now go to a halt, asking one step at a time for a turn on the forehand....and then we move on to leg yield. I ask him to continue to give me a long and low neck, even as I take up the reins.
One thing I learned this weekend is about insisting for the horse to stay on the bit and stepping up eveny into the contact. So I added that to my warm up. He must stay on the bit, with a long and low neck and then I ask him to step up with which ever leg is not stepping under. It is really mind opening how just by doing these little things it improves the rest of my ride.
From here, I move onto trot work....alternating the cadence in the trot....bit steps/small steps...always a long and low neck (he tends to want to be giraffe- so asking for a long and low neck is a constant for us) From here, adding legyields from the quarter lines and then onto shoulder fore. Tonight I decided to add haunches in down the longside of the arena....I think it helped him loosen up and bring his back up sooner. From here I went to sitting trot, shoulder in/ haunches in and working on the circle and working our the cadence of the trot. At the sitting trot, I have been really working on using my seat to change the cadence....it's getting better. On the circle, I work on shoulder fore and leg yield before asking him for the canter...again, long low neck and again, I work on the cadence. I just want it to not be tense transitions...it is all about the seat, and the looser my seat (not pinching my knees) the better the transitions from working to medium canter...I work on that 4th level movement, asking for collection and giving the reins...He was awesome at this going to the left! Go Big Red!
As he works more from his hind end, I am having a lot of trouble controlling the balance and tempo in the downward transitions...I think I am going to have Sue help me here.
I've had two weeks off from lessons, but I've been working really hard on all my homework and Red has been ON POINT! So let's home that Sue doesn't tell me crack is wack and I need to go to dressage rehab and 2x a week lessons...I don't think I can handle it!
So anyway, I will report back post lesson on Wednesday- NAMASTE!
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Texas Summer Riding Survival
Your Horse Called. He wishes he was on a beach chillaxin with this donkey! (a donkey on St. John, Virgin Islands. Photo by Ivy)
Somebody tell my why I live in Texas? It is so freaking hot right now! I've owned Red since 2002 and the first summer I owned him, he stopped sweating from Anhydrosis (the failure to sweat due to the stress caused by excessive heat and humidity). Every summer since that first time he stopped sweating, I got depressed because he looked so miserable. Somewhere along the way, I started to think of it as Red taking a vacation from June to July and giving us both a break because really, who wants to ride in such extreme heat! With my change in attitude, I've learned to manage to keep him sweating just enought to stay in work and we are both so much happier. Needless to say, I've had some time to make a list of things that make riding in the summer a bit more pleasant. Here are some of our favorite things for dealing with the inferno like Texas summers:
Oster Clippers Clipmaster and A5 clippers- Every Spring, Red gets a full body clip. With less coat and less sweat, the easier it is for him to keep cool. I don't think it is necessary to think about what his coat is going to look like if I clip him througout the spring and summer it always comes back very nice! My goal is to keep him cool and comfy. So Oster clip masters make bodyclipping a cinch! And no stripes! Then I use the Oster A5's for face, clean up and for the legs. I find that clipping the legs keeps them from getting the awful stud crud. The A5's clippers are also good for shaving corgi bellies!
Vetrolin linimint- a splash in a bucket and add some water makes a fantastic cooling brace and helps cool down faster. I often start out with sponging Red off before my ride, as well as during and after. Be sure to scrap after sponging- the water that has been warmed from the body heat acts as insulation. Scraping the warrm water off helps them cool faster. Another thing that I do is that I put a frozen water bottle in my vetrolin bucket to keep the water from getting warm. Trainer Sue uses a combo of water, 1/2 rubbing alcohol and a capful of vetrolin.
Gatorade powder- Even though I have Red on electrolites during the summer just to encourage him to drink, I still like to make sure that he's drinking plenty of water. A couple of scoops of Gatorade in the water bucket is a yummy rewarding drink for the redheaded snob...and that way I make sure he's getting hydrated too. This is a great trick for horse shows or when you are away from home and want to ensure that your horse is drinking.
Sweating Supplements- I use One AC, Peak Performance PERSPIRADE and Electrolites. One AC and Perspirade 2x a day and Electrolites 1x a day. I would recommend that you consult the makers of One AC or whomever supplies your supplements for the correct dosage. I also keep a Himalayan Mineral block in his feed bucket.
Riding Schedule- I start changing my riding schedule in the Spring before it gets hot. The earlier and later that I ride, the less stress on his system. I start riding before 10am and after 7pm. I simply don't understand the people that ride their horses between noon and 5pm when the heat index is at it's highest. Maybe I've gotten weak, but how miserable for the human and the horse! By riding before and after the heat of the day, I am conserving both of us! The less stress the better and less chance of heat stroke for either of us!
WOOF Neoprene boots- I prefer to ride with protective boots on Red.I was always a super fan of the fleece lined boots,and they are still great, but during the summer I've been riding in the Neoprene boots, that AJH has turned me onto. I think I've noticed that his legs sweat less with this brand of boots.
Fans- lots of fans! Box fans are weak! I like to get the heavy duty, high velocity fan from Tractor Supply or from a Home Improvement store.
Evening Turnout- If you have this opton at home or where you board your horse please consider it. A nonsweating horse should be inside during the heat of the day, consider it a siesta. Turning your nonsweating horse out at night means less stress because they doing what is natural for horses- grazing- during the coolest parts of the day.
Now for me:
F.I.T.S. half zip riding shirts- cool prints, flattering fit and cool for riding...wicks away sweat. It has a little stock tab on the back of the neck so you can attach your stock tie.
Irideon riding tights- super comfy, and again dries fast in the summer.
Sox Trots- who wants thick socks in hot sweaty boots? Not me! I like these super thin boot socks...with endless prints.
Effax Ledercombi- leather cleaner and conditioner- cleans off the sweat, dirt and grime off of tack, saddle and boots, not to mention the mold that seems to be gathering on tack this extremely humid year.
IRH Elite riding helmet-Courtney K. Dye's accident has reminded me that helmets are necessary for our sport! Every ride, every time! As the temperture creeps up, so does my desire to go helmet free but this super cool and light helmet is light, and so airy! Not to mention stylish!
Frog Togg Chilly Pad towel...soak this thing in water drape it around your neck and it will keep you cool for up to 4 hours. I've got one in pink and I let it sit in the vetrolin bucket and it is so refreshing! I wish they made polos in this fabric! I'd be all over that!
Sunscreen- Lots of squinting in the sun and a freckling leads to premature aging and spending money on botox that you could be spending on lessons and tack. I like using a hypoallergenic sports sunscreen like Bullfrog or Banana Boat (at least #15 or as high as #30) on my face and neck
Smartwater- electrolyte water that tastes just like water. How great! And when you are done, take the empty bottle refill it with tap and freeze it to chill your vetrolin (or if you are AJH- to chill your pony's gatorade).
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Karma
So lets discuss "Karma" or "what comes around goes around" or whatever you want to call it. Do I believe in it? Do you believe in it?
I think maybe what I believe to be karma is really just good old-fashioned, home grown, Catholic guilt. When my actions or thoughts contradict my basic moral upbringing, I think that is when I start worrying about Karma.
This train of thought is the fault of my Mother. I will put this blame on her because she is a Saint. She believes to this day that all people are good and she tried to instill this belief in me. I, on the other hand am much more of a pessimist. I do believe that (most) people are good, but I think I do tend to be very suspicious.
If I say something about someone will lightening really strike me down? What if what I say is true or something that I really believe to be true even if it is ugly or hurtful? Is that worthy of a Karmic debt?
Most of the time when people speak of Karma, they only refer to it as being something negative or a secret weapon that can be used against ones enemies. "I hope Karma bites them" or something to that effect.
So instead of saying, "I hope she breaks a leg" we can call "Karma" on them. In essence, we have hoped ill will against someone, without actually saying it. It is Karmic political correctness. We can remain lily white even though we hope she gets hit by an Escalade as she walks across the Piggly Wiggly parking lot.
It all goes back to Good versus Evil. Yin and Yang. Good things happen and bad things happen It's a roll of the dice. That is what life is all about. I think when someone calls Karma, they just want to take credit for the misfortunes of others and not get dirty doing it.
Life is what you make it, I say Karma can get in line.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Glamorous Pony
I 'wrote' this song last summer to get Cheryl aka Surfyre aka Ethel ready for their First Level debut. It must have worked because she got all of her bronze medal 1st level scores in 1 show! Sweet!
(Sung to the tune of Fergie's "Glamourous")
ARE YOU READY?
IF YOU AIN’T GOT NO PONY TAKE YOUR BROKE ASS HOME
YOU SAY: IF YOU AIN’T GOT NO PONY TAKE YOUR BROKE ASS HOME
P-O-N-Y-R-I-D-E-R, YEAH
P-O-N-Y-R-I-D-E-R
WE RIDIN’ FIRST ONE, UP IN THE RING
GOT THE CHAMPAGNE, TOASTIN MY RIDE
ON THE OUTSIDE AIDS, I WON’T CHANGE
GOT THE GLAMOROUS, OOH THE PONY, PONY
GOT THE GLAMOUROUS, THE GLAMOROUS, GLAMOROUS
GOT THE GLAMOROUS, OOH THE PONY, PONY
GOT THE GLAMOUROUS, THE GLAMOROUS, GLAMOROUS
GOT THE GLAMOROUS, OOH THE PONY, PONY
HULSEBOS, DIAMOND BROWBANDS, UNISITS
ALL THEM THINGS DON’T MEAN A THING
A-BARN TRAINERS AND ALL THAT BLING
SHOPPIN FOR EXPENSIVE TACK
I BE ON THE CADDO SCENE
RIDIN MY PONY, HE’S STILL A LITTLE GREEN
I’M NOT CLEAN, I’M WEARIN JEANS
IM’ NO DRESSAGE QUEEN, HE’S NO MACHINE
I STILL GO TO DOVER SALES
SHOP ON EBAY, BROKE AS HELL
I DON’T CARE I’M STILL REAL
NO MATTER HOW MANY REINS HE BREAKS
AFTER THE SHOW, I’M STILL AN AMMY
I LIKE TO CHILL OUT WITH LIN CAFFY
SIPPIN, REMINISCING ON THE DAYS WHEN I HAD AN AY-RAB
WE RIDIN’ FIRST ONE, UP IN THE RING
GOT THE CHAMPAGNE, TOASTIN MY RIDE
ON THE OUTSIDE AIDS, I WON’T CHANGE
GOT THE GLAMOROUS, OOH THE PONY, PONY
GOT THE GLAMOUROUS, THE GLAMOROUS, GLAMOROUS
GOT THE GLAMOROUS, OOH THE PONY, PONY
GOT THE GLAMOUROUS, THE GLAMOROUS, GLAMOROUS
GOT THE GLAMOROUS, OOH THE PONY, PONY
(LUDA-KATIE)
I’M TALKIN GRAND PRIX WISHES, PIAFFE DREAMS
PONY DESERVES NOTHIN BUT ALL THE FINER THINGS
NOW THIS WORLD HAS NO CLUE WHAT TO DO WITH US
JASON AINT GOT ENOUGH MONEY IN THE BANK FOR THE 2 OF US
FIRST I GOTTA KEEP ENOUGH DUMORS TO SUPPORT YOUR COOKIE FETISH
PONY MANES SO LUXURIOUS, LISA B WILL GET JEALOUS
HALF A MILLION HALF HALTS, CANTER WALKS FROM HERE TO ROME
SO IF YOU AINT GOT NO PONY TAKE YOUR BROKE HORSE HOME
P-O-N-Y-R-I-D-E-R
P-O-N-Y-R-I-D-E-R
WE RIDIN’ FIRST ONE, UP IN THE RING
GOT THE CHAMPAGNE, TOASTIN MY RIDE
ON THE OUTSIDE AIDS, I WON’T CHANGE
GOT THE GLAMOROUS, OOH THE PONY, PONY
GOT THE GLAMOUROUS, THE GLAMOROUS, GLAMOROUS
GOT THE GLAMOROUS, OOH THE PONY, PONY
GOT THE GLAMOUROUS, THE GLAMOROUS, GLAMOROUS
GOT THE GLAMOROUS, OOH THE PONY, PONY
I GOT PROBLEMS UP TO HERE, HIGHGATE B**CHES IN MY EAR,
TELL IN ME THESE CRAZY THING THAT I DON’T WANT TO KNOW
EFF Y’ALL!
AINT GOT NO MONEY IN THE BANK, BUT I’D REALLY LIKE TO THANK
ALL THE CADDO HOOCHIES, I’D LIKE TO THANK, THANK YOU REALLY THO!
CAUSE I REMEMBER YESTERDAY WHEN I DREAMT ABOUT THE DAYS
WHEN I’D ROCK OUT ON THE PONY, WE BE RIDIN DIRTY
DAMN IT’S BEEN A LONG ROAD AND THE BARN IS REALLY COLD
I’M GLAD MY DADDY TOLD ME SO, HE LET DAUGHTER KNOW
IF YOU AINT GOT NO PONY TAKE YOUR BROKE ASS HOME
MY DADDY TOLD ME SO
IF YOU AINT GOT NO PONY TAKE YOUR BROKE ASS HOME
HE LET HIS DAUGHTER KNOW!
IF YOU AINT GOT NO PONY TAKE YOUR BROKE ASS HOME
(Sung to the tune of Fergie's "Glamourous")
ARE YOU READY?
IF YOU AIN’T GOT NO PONY TAKE YOUR BROKE ASS HOME
YOU SAY: IF YOU AIN’T GOT NO PONY TAKE YOUR BROKE ASS HOME
P-O-N-Y-R-I-D-E-R, YEAH
P-O-N-Y-R-I-D-E-R
WE RIDIN’ FIRST ONE, UP IN THE RING
GOT THE CHAMPAGNE, TOASTIN MY RIDE
ON THE OUTSIDE AIDS, I WON’T CHANGE
GOT THE GLAMOROUS, OOH THE PONY, PONY
GOT THE GLAMOUROUS, THE GLAMOROUS, GLAMOROUS
GOT THE GLAMOROUS, OOH THE PONY, PONY
GOT THE GLAMOUROUS, THE GLAMOROUS, GLAMOROUS
GOT THE GLAMOROUS, OOH THE PONY, PONY
HULSEBOS, DIAMOND BROWBANDS, UNISITS
ALL THEM THINGS DON’T MEAN A THING
A-BARN TRAINERS AND ALL THAT BLING
SHOPPIN FOR EXPENSIVE TACK
I BE ON THE CADDO SCENE
RIDIN MY PONY, HE’S STILL A LITTLE GREEN
I’M NOT CLEAN, I’M WEARIN JEANS
IM’ NO DRESSAGE QUEEN, HE’S NO MACHINE
I STILL GO TO DOVER SALES
SHOP ON EBAY, BROKE AS HELL
I DON’T CARE I’M STILL REAL
NO MATTER HOW MANY REINS HE BREAKS
AFTER THE SHOW, I’M STILL AN AMMY
I LIKE TO CHILL OUT WITH LIN CAFFY
SIPPIN, REMINISCING ON THE DAYS WHEN I HAD AN AY-RAB
WE RIDIN’ FIRST ONE, UP IN THE RING
GOT THE CHAMPAGNE, TOASTIN MY RIDE
ON THE OUTSIDE AIDS, I WON’T CHANGE
GOT THE GLAMOROUS, OOH THE PONY, PONY
GOT THE GLAMOUROUS, THE GLAMOROUS, GLAMOROUS
GOT THE GLAMOROUS, OOH THE PONY, PONY
GOT THE GLAMOUROUS, THE GLAMOROUS, GLAMOROUS
GOT THE GLAMOROUS, OOH THE PONY, PONY
(LUDA-KATIE)
I’M TALKIN GRAND PRIX WISHES, PIAFFE DREAMS
PONY DESERVES NOTHIN BUT ALL THE FINER THINGS
NOW THIS WORLD HAS NO CLUE WHAT TO DO WITH US
JASON AINT GOT ENOUGH MONEY IN THE BANK FOR THE 2 OF US
FIRST I GOTTA KEEP ENOUGH DUMORS TO SUPPORT YOUR COOKIE FETISH
PONY MANES SO LUXURIOUS, LISA B WILL GET JEALOUS
HALF A MILLION HALF HALTS, CANTER WALKS FROM HERE TO ROME
SO IF YOU AINT GOT NO PONY TAKE YOUR BROKE HORSE HOME
P-O-N-Y-R-I-D-E-R
P-O-N-Y-R-I-D-E-R
WE RIDIN’ FIRST ONE, UP IN THE RING
GOT THE CHAMPAGNE, TOASTIN MY RIDE
ON THE OUTSIDE AIDS, I WON’T CHANGE
GOT THE GLAMOROUS, OOH THE PONY, PONY
GOT THE GLAMOUROUS, THE GLAMOROUS, GLAMOROUS
GOT THE GLAMOROUS, OOH THE PONY, PONY
GOT THE GLAMOUROUS, THE GLAMOROUS, GLAMOROUS
GOT THE GLAMOROUS, OOH THE PONY, PONY
I GOT PROBLEMS UP TO HERE, HIGHGATE B**CHES IN MY EAR,
TELL IN ME THESE CRAZY THING THAT I DON’T WANT TO KNOW
EFF Y’ALL!
AINT GOT NO MONEY IN THE BANK, BUT I’D REALLY LIKE TO THANK
ALL THE CADDO HOOCHIES, I’D LIKE TO THANK, THANK YOU REALLY THO!
CAUSE I REMEMBER YESTERDAY WHEN I DREAMT ABOUT THE DAYS
WHEN I’D ROCK OUT ON THE PONY, WE BE RIDIN DIRTY
DAMN IT’S BEEN A LONG ROAD AND THE BARN IS REALLY COLD
I’M GLAD MY DADDY TOLD ME SO, HE LET DAUGHTER KNOW
IF YOU AINT GOT NO PONY TAKE YOUR BROKE ASS HOME
MY DADDY TOLD ME SO
IF YOU AINT GOT NO PONY TAKE YOUR BROKE ASS HOME
HE LET HIS DAUGHTER KNOW!
IF YOU AINT GOT NO PONY TAKE YOUR BROKE ASS HOME
Monday, June 21, 2010
The Interwebz....
How do I feel about the Internet and the dressage world?
I definately like how the Internet has brought the international dressage world to my fingertips. I can follow the competitive dressage world and star riders of Europe and Florida with just a few clicks. The rapid speed communication of the Internet has made it possible for us riders to support people like Courtney King Dye as she recovers from her traumatic accident; and, it has also allowed us a platform (or soapbox) to castigate questionable, harmful training (IMHO)like that of Patrick Kittel and the 'blue tongue' debate...maybe the web making it a better world for horse and riders alike.
It has sped up how I learn about dressage: with online blogs like the Incredible Jane Savoie's or dressagetrainingonline, with riding and sales videos on youtube (we can learn from the good and bad), magazine articles and training tools. We can keep online diaries of our own progress and follow and support each other as we make our through the riding journey. I definately like how the web helps me keep in touch with my horse friends, meet similar minded horse people. The Internet has given riders a voice.
Here's what I don't like: I think it has created a lot of online Monday morning quarterbacking. Every rider's journey is different. Every horse is different. Just because it isn't the way you would train or ride, doesn't necessarily mean it isn't right. Who defines what is pure or classical? Horses and riders are different today from when this sport was first conceived some 300 years ago. There's got to be some growth.
I think the Internet has allowed some people to have a soapbox for ridiculous platforms and created "experts" with dubious qualifications. Frankly, I want to be able to receive critiques from REAL WORLD trainers and experts, that I can see in flesh with tangible riding results.
For all of the friends and acquaintences that the Internet has brought me, I hope I never consider the Internet a crutch to avoid making friends in the real world. I will only consider you my REAL friend if I am communicating with you in the Real World. I want to talk with you on the phone, text with you, make some common bonds over a coke and pizza or a 'wine spritzer". I want to pet your horse or scratch your dog and I want you to do the same with me! I want you to see me ride, see me sweat. I want you to watch me make mistakes and correct me to make me honest in my training and my riding.
I don't want to create a make believe world where what I say online isn't what is really happening in the real world. I guess that is another reason why I wanted us (all of us hoochies) to create this blog. To bring us together but to keep it real. Lame, I know... now back to regularly scheduled programming.
Later this week, I hope to post a little bit about my training journey this summer- maybe Cheryl will share too. I had a lesson with our dressage yoda, Sue, last week. Talk about keeping us honest. Cheryl got told something that cut her to the quick, she said it was so bad (not hurtful) that she had to completely void it out. It must have made an impression because by the time I walked into the arena, she and Aragon where getting praises for their lovely trot-canter trannies. I on the otherhand was in need of some triage....in the 2 weeks since my last lesson soemthing if not everything had gone downhill. Sue quickly diagnosed the situation and got us back on track...She wants me to stop waiting every two weeks for a lesson and go back to a lesson a week until we are making progress again....talk about Truth in Training.
Last but not least...it is FREAKIN HOT in Texas. I want to send out some positive vibes and shoutouts to all of our ponies, esp. Christoff who's having a rough time with the heat this year. Red always has a problem with the heat, but we 'may' have it under control...but I don't want to speak too soon.
I definately like how the Internet has brought the international dressage world to my fingertips. I can follow the competitive dressage world and star riders of Europe and Florida with just a few clicks. The rapid speed communication of the Internet has made it possible for us riders to support people like Courtney King Dye as she recovers from her traumatic accident; and, it has also allowed us a platform (or soapbox) to castigate questionable, harmful training (IMHO)like that of Patrick Kittel and the 'blue tongue' debate...maybe the web making it a better world for horse and riders alike.
It has sped up how I learn about dressage: with online blogs like the Incredible Jane Savoie's or dressagetrainingonline, with riding and sales videos on youtube (we can learn from the good and bad), magazine articles and training tools. We can keep online diaries of our own progress and follow and support each other as we make our through the riding journey. I definately like how the web helps me keep in touch with my horse friends, meet similar minded horse people. The Internet has given riders a voice.
Here's what I don't like: I think it has created a lot of online Monday morning quarterbacking. Every rider's journey is different. Every horse is different. Just because it isn't the way you would train or ride, doesn't necessarily mean it isn't right. Who defines what is pure or classical? Horses and riders are different today from when this sport was first conceived some 300 years ago. There's got to be some growth.
I think the Internet has allowed some people to have a soapbox for ridiculous platforms and created "experts" with dubious qualifications. Frankly, I want to be able to receive critiques from REAL WORLD trainers and experts, that I can see in flesh with tangible riding results.
For all of the friends and acquaintences that the Internet has brought me, I hope I never consider the Internet a crutch to avoid making friends in the real world. I will only consider you my REAL friend if I am communicating with you in the Real World. I want to talk with you on the phone, text with you, make some common bonds over a coke and pizza or a 'wine spritzer". I want to pet your horse or scratch your dog and I want you to do the same with me! I want you to see me ride, see me sweat. I want you to watch me make mistakes and correct me to make me honest in my training and my riding.
I don't want to create a make believe world where what I say online isn't what is really happening in the real world. I guess that is another reason why I wanted us (all of us hoochies) to create this blog. To bring us together but to keep it real. Lame, I know... now back to regularly scheduled programming.
Later this week, I hope to post a little bit about my training journey this summer- maybe Cheryl will share too. I had a lesson with our dressage yoda, Sue, last week. Talk about keeping us honest. Cheryl got told something that cut her to the quick, she said it was so bad (not hurtful) that she had to completely void it out. It must have made an impression because by the time I walked into the arena, she and Aragon where getting praises for their lovely trot-canter trannies. I on the otherhand was in need of some triage....in the 2 weeks since my last lesson soemthing if not everything had gone downhill. Sue quickly diagnosed the situation and got us back on track...She wants me to stop waiting every two weeks for a lesson and go back to a lesson a week until we are making progress again....talk about Truth in Training.
Last but not least...it is FREAKIN HOT in Texas. I want to send out some positive vibes and shoutouts to all of our ponies, esp. Christoff who's having a rough time with the heat this year. Red always has a problem with the heat, but we 'may' have it under control...but I don't want to speak too soon.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Identity Crisis
Let me first introduce myself by saying that I am the other half of the "Lucy and Ethel Show;" Cheryl. Although, I am not quite sure if I am Lucy or Ethel. If it were the "Fred and Ricky " show, I could positively tell you that I am Fred and Katie is Ricky. Not that I am a fat, old, balding white man, although I am as white as a coconut. OK and I am a little paunchy and kind of old, but I certainly am not bald, yet! Katie on the other hand is a fiery, Latin, high beige, hoochie mama. She thinks she can sing, but I am not sure she can play the trumpet as well as Ricky!
As I am sure you will discover all too soon that we all have many nicknames for each other depending on the situation at hand. I am most commonly known as Squirrel and Pony Rider. As a group we are known as the CADDO HOOCHIES. There are many others that will be brought to light I am sure whether I like it or not! Best not to wear your emotions on your sleeves with this bunch, they are relentless.
I have been riding Dressage since the Dinosaurs crossed Pangaea. In fact, I was the first Neanderthal to passage a Woolly Mammoth into the new world.
I started riding horses when I was 8 years old in Colorado. I was HELL BENT FOR LEATHER back in those days. If I was riding a horse, it was fast and furious. My first horse was a fat paint pony. In fact, her name was Paint Pony! (Hey! Keep it Simple Stupid). Every weekend I could be found at the Sand Drifters Rodeo going full speed ahead. I hated a saddle, but to rodeo, I had to have one. I would ride that pony in the dark to the arena bareback and my Dad would throw the saddle on right before it was my turn to run! Those were the best of times! Little did I know then, that 35 years later, I would still love everything horsey. It was in my blood.
Later in life, I started riding English. I rode A Circuit Arabians for quite a few years and then through several twists and turns I ended up in a Dressage barn. How the heck did that happen? Gag a maggot! And what is the big deal about a 20 meter circle? Shouldn't that be done at a gallop?
I met my first Dressage trainer there; her name was Treasure. She was a been there done that kind of gal. Jumpers, Endurance, Cross Country. She was in her 60's at the time and still going strong. She was amazing to me and a great inspiration, so I let my guard down and took a few lessons and the rest is history!!!
As I am sure you will discover all too soon that we all have many nicknames for each other depending on the situation at hand. I am most commonly known as Squirrel and Pony Rider. As a group we are known as the CADDO HOOCHIES. There are many others that will be brought to light I am sure whether I like it or not! Best not to wear your emotions on your sleeves with this bunch, they are relentless.
I have been riding Dressage since the Dinosaurs crossed Pangaea. In fact, I was the first Neanderthal to passage a Woolly Mammoth into the new world.
I started riding horses when I was 8 years old in Colorado. I was HELL BENT FOR LEATHER back in those days. If I was riding a horse, it was fast and furious. My first horse was a fat paint pony. In fact, her name was Paint Pony! (Hey! Keep it Simple Stupid). Every weekend I could be found at the Sand Drifters Rodeo going full speed ahead. I hated a saddle, but to rodeo, I had to have one. I would ride that pony in the dark to the arena bareback and my Dad would throw the saddle on right before it was my turn to run! Those were the best of times! Little did I know then, that 35 years later, I would still love everything horsey. It was in my blood.
Later in life, I started riding English. I rode A Circuit Arabians for quite a few years and then through several twists and turns I ended up in a Dressage barn. How the heck did that happen? Gag a maggot! And what is the big deal about a 20 meter circle? Shouldn't that be done at a gallop?
I met my first Dressage trainer there; her name was Treasure. She was a been there done that kind of gal. Jumpers, Endurance, Cross Country. She was in her 60's at the time and still going strong. She was amazing to me and a great inspiration, so I let my guard down and took a few lessons and the rest is history!!!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
What Planet Are Corgis from?
If we are going to the barn, we had better take our trusty companions...the corgis! Otherwise there will be some hurt feelings to deal with later.
I had always wanted a corgi, but Cheryl beat me to it. She got "Sweet Emily" first. And she is truly the sweetest corgi! And then Cheryl found Molly for me because I wasn't ready for a puppy and I remember the day Cheryl called me and told me she found me "Dog, To Go" it was like I had put my order in at the drive-thru! LOL! So for a while that was her nick name...but now she just goes by "Mama Know" cuz she knows everything! A little over a year later, I found Tigger (formerly "Critter"- but that was an awful name) who is the WORST CORGI in the World! Really!
We are gonna have to post some pics of our 'guest' blogger's Jacks. "Christoff" is not a man, but it is the name of her horse...aka Coco Chanel, Count CoCo, Christoff Mess, Cape Cod...it all depends on how the round of jumps go. I hope "Christoff" will share the darker/funner side (as compared to STRESS-age) of show jumping is like...but when we compare our rides, we are often having the same issues...we need to get our horses supple, make them stop leaning on us and in front of our legs! No matter what the discipline the issues are usually so similar! But anyway, I hope to post pics of her Jack's and her two hell cats.
Molly (Tri) and Emily:
Tigger, The Worst Cogi in the World. Here he is getting into the horse treats....
I had always wanted a corgi, but Cheryl beat me to it. She got "Sweet Emily" first. And she is truly the sweetest corgi! And then Cheryl found Molly for me because I wasn't ready for a puppy and I remember the day Cheryl called me and told me she found me "Dog, To Go" it was like I had put my order in at the drive-thru! LOL! So for a while that was her nick name...but now she just goes by "Mama Know" cuz she knows everything! A little over a year later, I found Tigger (formerly "Critter"- but that was an awful name) who is the WORST CORGI in the World! Really!
We are gonna have to post some pics of our 'guest' blogger's Jacks. "Christoff" is not a man, but it is the name of her horse...aka Coco Chanel, Count CoCo, Christoff Mess, Cape Cod...it all depends on how the round of jumps go. I hope "Christoff" will share the darker/funner side (as compared to STRESS-age) of show jumping is like...but when we compare our rides, we are often having the same issues...we need to get our horses supple, make them stop leaning on us and in front of our legs! No matter what the discipline the issues are usually so similar! But anyway, I hope to post pics of her Jack's and her two hell cats.
Molly (Tri) and Emily:
Tigger, The Worst Cogi in the World. Here he is getting into the horse treats....
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
The Lucy and Ethel Show!
Hey Y'all! My name is Katie (one half of this blog) and this is the first entry of our warmbloods and cobs blog. We decided to start this blog because my dear friend Cheryl (the other half of the blog) told me I have six years left before my memory completely disappears! I would hate to forget all of the funny, ridiculous, unbelievable things that happen when you mix women, horses, dogs and an occasional sprinkle of alcohol!
So- enough about the blog...let's talk about MEMEMEME! I'm a single, working full time-part time rider in the dressage wasteland that is East Texas. My equine partner that I've been dragging along for the ride (if it were up to him, we'd be jumping) is a Belgian Warmblood named Red aka Redrum aka Speedfire aka Foxy Snob. We've been mucking about at 2nd level for the last year and this year we've decided to get serious and got a real dressage trainer to whip us into 3rd level-confirmed flying change shape! More on that later, I am sure! Here we are when we are getting along:
I will refrain from posting pictures of when we are not getting along...I would hate for this blog post to end up on some anti-rollkur, arm chair quarterbacking dressage biddies website!
I hope this blog is entertaining and that it will show the lighter side of horses, women and friendship.
So- enough about the blog...let's talk about MEMEMEME! I'm a single, working full time-part time rider in the dressage wasteland that is East Texas. My equine partner that I've been dragging along for the ride (if it were up to him, we'd be jumping) is a Belgian Warmblood named Red aka Redrum aka Speedfire aka Foxy Snob. We've been mucking about at 2nd level for the last year and this year we've decided to get serious and got a real dressage trainer to whip us into 3rd level-confirmed flying change shape! More on that later, I am sure! Here we are when we are getting along:
I will refrain from posting pictures of when we are not getting along...I would hate for this blog post to end up on some anti-rollkur, arm chair quarterbacking dressage biddies website!I hope this blog is entertaining and that it will show the lighter side of horses, women and friendship.
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