Today should have been lesson 22, but since it was about 35 degrees this morning and super windy, Kim and I decided neither of us wanted to be out in the weather today, so we are hopefully rescheduling for tomorrow (weather and health pending).
The last two weeks with Simon I have continued to carry a crop (never actually touching him with it), and it sure has made our warmups more productive! Simon actually moves faster than a snails pace at the trot and he picks up the canter much more easily. He's just so relaxed around me that otherwise he just sighs and exerts as little energy as he possibly can. :)
However, in agreement with my suspicions about him being trained to get his leads over fences using a crop, our leads have been totally messed up on course the last two weeks. I guess either I have stopped whatever automatic signal I was giving him to get the correct lead (it was not a conscious request) while carrying the crop, or he just is so worried about it that he is not focused on the course as much. We'll work that out, I'm sure. I'll just have to consciously ask in a way that he understands (turning his head does not seem to do it - it is more of using my inside leg ahead of the girth, rather than using my outside leg behind the girth - opposite of what I was taught back in the day.)
But we did an "equitation" - type course and jumped the first fence in a line of two, but then turned to go over a fence on the diagonal. It took a few times and Simon had it down pat, so when we actually wanted to do both fences in that line, Simon started to turn left to the diagonal like "what the heck?" We also have been practicing over an "in and out" - uhm, for those of you who are like "is that a kind of bad sex or what?" no, it actually is referring to two fences in a row with only one stride in between them. Normally there are 5-7 strides between the fences, but the in and out requires more balance on the rider's part, and for Simon, it asks him to lengthen his normally shorter stride. And that lead us to a few jumps on course where Simon took off pretty far away from a fence. He has done that before with me, but it has been several months since he has taken off so far away. He usually takes off pretty close rather than far away (or maybe that is my riding style - I can be a bit of a cautious rider at times when I don't see the perfect spot). Also, when we're riding with a crop, his stride is longer, and I can "see" the takeoff spots more easily. But I guess Simon also takes that as his cue to jump a little more aggressively. I did get left behind, but only slightly. I am pretty good at realizing, "Oh, **** he's taking off" and staying almost with him in the air. Kim said she could see it coming and knew what he was going to do. I'll be more prepared tomorrow!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
Lesson 19 - Awesome
Wow - can't believe how long I have been back in the saddle! :)
Last week my lesson was just awesome! It was made perfect by adding one simple aid to the ride - a crop. *sigh* - I hate crops, and I won't actually hit a horse with one, but they often are enough of a "visual" aide to make things go more smoothly. We all know that Simon's normal cadence at the trot while we are warming up is barely a western jog - like a slow motion attempt at jogging, taking tiny steps, barely exerting any effort. Kim handed me the crop from the ground, and Simon turned his head so he could see it out of the corner of his eye. He knew what it was and was not sure what I was going to do with it. But just having it in my hands made him much more responsive to my leg aides, and he trotted off with more energy and length in his stride.
When Kim came to the ring to deliver the crop, the other trainer who has been in Simon's life through several owners came to the side of the ring to have a seat and watch. "Oh, great" I think to myself. Apparently no one has ever used a crop on him - it has never been needed. She probably had other thoughts, but in my mind, of course I feel like I'm being watched to make sure I don't beat the heck out of him. :) Not my style at all, anyways, but only slightly intimidating. I managed not to think about it and just enjoy Simon's energy and newfound respect for my requests for forward movement.
We had such an awesome ride! His energy made it easy to get to a good spot in front of the fences, no molasses-like takeoffs, and a couple beautiful courses. It was great! I never hit him with the crop - he was never disobedient. I did flick my wrist and tap it a few times on my thigh, but that was all it took to wake him up. Eventually, I tapped my leg a little more than I should have and as we came off a corner he seemed irritated and kindof bucked to switch leads. :) Too much, I got the message and gave the crop back to Kim. But Simon maintained his energy and we finished with 3 more beautiful jumps! I am guessing that the only time he has ever been around a crop was when a trainer was trying to teach him to do flying changes (which he really doesn't like to do). He has never been one to have trouble with momentum before me - I guess I make him more relaxed than anyone else ever has. That's a good thing. And now I have a way to wake him back up and make sure he pays attention - and that's right where I want to be.
I think my favorite thing about Simon is how loudly he speaks. I know that sounds weird - for a horse and all - but he makes it clear exactly what he thinks about a situation - especially when he's pissed. :) I guess you also have to be enough of a rider to recognize and understand his "voice" when he is speaking. But I really feel like we've built a partnership over the past 5 months and we work together for the ride - and that Simon actually likes me for a human :). It wouldn't be any fun if we didn't get along, so to speak. Kim continues to say how much he likes me and how good he is for me - maybe I'm the first human who has actually "listened." :)
It all reminded me of another Chestnut colored horse that I loved once - "Monday" was her name. A few of you know exactly who I'm talking about - and how I was the only one that she really listened to and got along with. She'd be over 30 now, but I know that she passed away 5-6 years ago. Funny to think that we almost bought her instead of Sweetie, but I have always known that Sweetie was without a doubt the best decision we ever made. Sweetie and I obviously have that close relationship - even closer than with Monday or Simon. Sweetie's just been a very lucky horse to have an only owner & rider and no one else to compare to. :) (Lucky for me! :) )
Last week my lesson was just awesome! It was made perfect by adding one simple aid to the ride - a crop. *sigh* - I hate crops, and I won't actually hit a horse with one, but they often are enough of a "visual" aide to make things go more smoothly. We all know that Simon's normal cadence at the trot while we are warming up is barely a western jog - like a slow motion attempt at jogging, taking tiny steps, barely exerting any effort. Kim handed me the crop from the ground, and Simon turned his head so he could see it out of the corner of his eye. He knew what it was and was not sure what I was going to do with it. But just having it in my hands made him much more responsive to my leg aides, and he trotted off with more energy and length in his stride.
When Kim came to the ring to deliver the crop, the other trainer who has been in Simon's life through several owners came to the side of the ring to have a seat and watch. "Oh, great" I think to myself. Apparently no one has ever used a crop on him - it has never been needed. She probably had other thoughts, but in my mind, of course I feel like I'm being watched to make sure I don't beat the heck out of him. :) Not my style at all, anyways, but only slightly intimidating. I managed not to think about it and just enjoy Simon's energy and newfound respect for my requests for forward movement.
We had such an awesome ride! His energy made it easy to get to a good spot in front of the fences, no molasses-like takeoffs, and a couple beautiful courses. It was great! I never hit him with the crop - he was never disobedient. I did flick my wrist and tap it a few times on my thigh, but that was all it took to wake him up. Eventually, I tapped my leg a little more than I should have and as we came off a corner he seemed irritated and kindof bucked to switch leads. :) Too much, I got the message and gave the crop back to Kim. But Simon maintained his energy and we finished with 3 more beautiful jumps! I am guessing that the only time he has ever been around a crop was when a trainer was trying to teach him to do flying changes (which he really doesn't like to do). He has never been one to have trouble with momentum before me - I guess I make him more relaxed than anyone else ever has. That's a good thing. And now I have a way to wake him back up and make sure he pays attention - and that's right where I want to be.
I think my favorite thing about Simon is how loudly he speaks. I know that sounds weird - for a horse and all - but he makes it clear exactly what he thinks about a situation - especially when he's pissed. :) I guess you also have to be enough of a rider to recognize and understand his "voice" when he is speaking. But I really feel like we've built a partnership over the past 5 months and we work together for the ride - and that Simon actually likes me for a human :). It wouldn't be any fun if we didn't get along, so to speak. Kim continues to say how much he likes me and how good he is for me - maybe I'm the first human who has actually "listened." :)
It all reminded me of another Chestnut colored horse that I loved once - "Monday" was her name. A few of you know exactly who I'm talking about - and how I was the only one that she really listened to and got along with. She'd be over 30 now, but I know that she passed away 5-6 years ago. Funny to think that we almost bought her instead of Sweetie, but I have always known that Sweetie was without a doubt the best decision we ever made. Sweetie and I obviously have that close relationship - even closer than with Monday or Simon. Sweetie's just been a very lucky horse to have an only owner & rider and no one else to compare to. :) (Lucky for me! :) )
Friday, November 14, 2008
A funny for those of you following my journey :)
I meant to tell you last week - apparently, my two 3rd place ribbons in the Adult Equitation classes at the show in September earned me a 4th place overall year end award in the Texas Schooling Show Association! I now have a beautiful white & purple long ribbon to commemorate the achievement. :) I sure wasn't expecting such a thing, but Kim had it for me last week and we all found it both exciting and amusing. Maybe there were only 4 adults that competed in that division all year. Who knows. But I'm still proud of the effort and am enjoying viewing the ribbons on my wall. :)
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Weekend enjoyment!
Last weekend I rode both Rocky and Sweetie on Saturday morning. My goal was just to have fun and enjoy the rides - nothing flashy, no major goals. And I managed to do just that! :) Rocky was prepared for me to canter, (I could feel him get ready to buck a little), but that wasn't in my gameplan, and we worked through and had a nice trot with lots of circles and bends to keep his attention. It felt great.
And then I rode Sweetie for a short ride - we walked, trotted, and cantered both ways, and just enjoyed the beautiful fall morning. Perfect temperature, with the sun shining bright, a gentle breeze floating through her mane, enjoying her company. Reminded me of what riding is really all about.
And then I rode Sweetie for a short ride - we walked, trotted, and cantered both ways, and just enjoyed the beautiful fall morning. Perfect temperature, with the sun shining bright, a gentle breeze floating through her mane, enjoying her company. Reminded me of what riding is really all about.
Lessons 17 & 18
The last two weeks have been very similar lessons. Simon has learned my signals far too well and is starting to take advantage of me! :) When we are on course, if I take my leg off his sides in the least while headed to a fence (which I sometimes do when I don't see a good "spot"), he slows down like molasses and adds a stride every time. So I have to keep my leg on him, whether or not I am confident of where to take off. He acts similarly on the flat, not working an ounce harder than I ask him to. As soon as I relax and take my leg off, he just slows down and walks and relaxes, too. I think it is a good thing in that we are learning how to understand each other quite specifically, but man, my legs are tired by the end of a lesson! It's good for me, though! And I'm glad to not be bored - as our relationship is changing (i.e., he understands my body language far too well) he is getting more complicated to ride! So here's to perfecting our rides. :) A lifetime ahead of us, I'm sure!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Lesson 16
My goodness! I have not been riding as much as I'd like, but the horses are loving the new barn and have all come to make it their "home" and are completely relaxed when inside.
Last week's lesson was another good one. Simon seems to be getting more lethargic each week - it is taking more leg to keep him going! But we some really nice fences this time, and did several equitation courses making sharper turns and jumping only one fence in a line of two. I like the change and enjoy the challenge!
I need to make it a priority to get back on my own horses now!
My farrier was out yesterday and he said Kiley, my foster horse who has had trust issues, was the most well behaved of the bunch! Amazing! He said she was totally relaxed and the easiest to do this time around. Makes me proud! We did take her to the Expo a few weeks ago, and each time we take her out for the rescue, she shows how much she trusts me. And each time she returns to our farm, she puts more trust in me. Gosh, it will be heartbreaking the day that she gets adopted. I do want her to find her forever home -that is why I do this! But knowing how much trust she has put in me will leave me with pangs of guilt when I help load her up on someone else's trailer. But it will also fill me with happiness to know I have helped another horse find their forever home!
Last week's lesson was another good one. Simon seems to be getting more lethargic each week - it is taking more leg to keep him going! But we some really nice fences this time, and did several equitation courses making sharper turns and jumping only one fence in a line of two. I like the change and enjoy the challenge!
I need to make it a priority to get back on my own horses now!
My farrier was out yesterday and he said Kiley, my foster horse who has had trust issues, was the most well behaved of the bunch! Amazing! He said she was totally relaxed and the easiest to do this time around. Makes me proud! We did take her to the Expo a few weeks ago, and each time we take her out for the rescue, she shows how much she trusts me. And each time she returns to our farm, she puts more trust in me. Gosh, it will be heartbreaking the day that she gets adopted. I do want her to find her forever home -that is why I do this! But knowing how much trust she has put in me will leave me with pangs of guilt when I help load her up on someone else's trailer. But it will also fill me with happiness to know I have helped another horse find their forever home!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Lessons 14 & 15
Lesson 14 was to say, well, not my best riding. :) I had several spots that were just icky - one that I jumped ahead of Simon and then he put in an extra stride and it just looked terrible, I'm sure. We made up for it at the end, but overall, not my best ride.
Lesson 15 last week was much better. I think maybe Simon is getting a little out of shape as time goes on - because I'm the only one riding him, and that's only once a week. He was pretty lethargic, but finally woke up towards the end of the lesson. He comes back to me really quickly when he does get excited, and apparently he doesn't usually respond that well to other riders. We had several really perfect lines of fences, and it was so nice to have such a good ride after last week's.
We spent today celebrating CMav's 5th birthday, so my next lesson will be tomorrow instead. Looking forward to it! I did get to ride Rocky Sunday afternoon - I lunged him w/t/c, and he seemed a little better about the canter, both directions. But I have decided not to ask him to canter under saddle until he is consistently going into the canter without bucking on the lunge line. Today was better, but I'm just not going to chance it again yet. :) Last time I rode him (a week or so ago), I tried asking for the canter while riding, and I could feel him curl up in preparation for a buck, so decided not to. We lunged quite a bit that day though afterwards to make up for it!
I am really enjoying my barn - and I think the horses are, too! They look forward to me coming out there and come right up to the barn whenever I go that way. It's cooler and I've started keeping them in for an hour at least each feeding so that they have time to eat a flake or so of hay before going back out in the field. There is still grass in the field, but it doesn't do as much for heat production as hay does. I'm going to have to find some more hay here shortly to keep up my supply!
Lesson 15 last week was much better. I think maybe Simon is getting a little out of shape as time goes on - because I'm the only one riding him, and that's only once a week. He was pretty lethargic, but finally woke up towards the end of the lesson. He comes back to me really quickly when he does get excited, and apparently he doesn't usually respond that well to other riders. We had several really perfect lines of fences, and it was so nice to have such a good ride after last week's.
We spent today celebrating CMav's 5th birthday, so my next lesson will be tomorrow instead. Looking forward to it! I did get to ride Rocky Sunday afternoon - I lunged him w/t/c, and he seemed a little better about the canter, both directions. But I have decided not to ask him to canter under saddle until he is consistently going into the canter without bucking on the lunge line. Today was better, but I'm just not going to chance it again yet. :) Last time I rode him (a week or so ago), I tried asking for the canter while riding, and I could feel him curl up in preparation for a buck, so decided not to. We lunged quite a bit that day though afterwards to make up for it!
I am really enjoying my barn - and I think the horses are, too! They look forward to me coming out there and come right up to the barn whenever I go that way. It's cooler and I've started keeping them in for an hour at least each feeding so that they have time to eat a flake or so of hay before going back out in the field. There is still grass in the field, but it doesn't do as much for heat production as hay does. I'm going to have to find some more hay here shortly to keep up my supply!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Lesson 13 - What happened to the fences?
Oh, man, I really missed my lesson last week! I wasn't available last Weds. since I was spending time with Harlan before he flew out, and Kim was going to be gone on Thurs, so we planned for Saturday, but I was in the hospital with Christopher... So it was great to ride again today!
2 weeks ago the course was still set from the horse show and we had a really nice time riding the course again (or parts of it anyways). Today, someone had made a mish mosh of the fences - they were at weird angles, and it was hard to put them in a nice hunter course, so we played "jumper" instead and made several tight turns to get where we were going. Simon did great - and somehow always managed to get the correct lead over fences. :) That was nice. The last line of fences was my favorite - it was the perfect cadence, no rushing, and the fences just came to us as part of a stride and it was awesome! I love it when things fall together like that.
I'm about ready to start taking lessons on Rocky here soon. I really want to get him going (finally! after 12 years!) and show him next year. I talked with Kim about different arrangements to make that happen - we'll see what we decide and can afford. :) It sure would be wonderful to finally get to show him - that will is my next goal - to get Rocky to a show next year and at least do a small course of fences in the green division. Wow. That would be SO awesome! Can't wait!
2 weeks ago the course was still set from the horse show and we had a really nice time riding the course again (or parts of it anyways). Today, someone had made a mish mosh of the fences - they were at weird angles, and it was hard to put them in a nice hunter course, so we played "jumper" instead and made several tight turns to get where we were going. Simon did great - and somehow always managed to get the correct lead over fences. :) That was nice. The last line of fences was my favorite - it was the perfect cadence, no rushing, and the fences just came to us as part of a stride and it was awesome! I love it when things fall together like that.
I'm about ready to start taking lessons on Rocky here soon. I really want to get him going (finally! after 12 years!) and show him next year. I talked with Kim about different arrangements to make that happen - we'll see what we decide and can afford. :) It sure would be wonderful to finally get to show him - that will is my next goal - to get Rocky to a show next year and at least do a small course of fences in the green division. Wow. That would be SO awesome! Can't wait!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Feed change - Aussie Logic
I changed my horses' feed to a new brand called "Kool and Kalm" by "Aussie Logic" about 2.5 weeks ago. It is an extruded feed, that is a natural source of nutrients, highly digestible, etc., that has been highly recommended. It is also supposed to increase feed efficiency, keep your horses calmer while also providing positive energy for them.
What has been obvious to me so far is that all of my horses' coats are much softer, shinier, and somehow cleaner? But I didn't think until this morning that maybe Rocky's positive energy Sunday is a byproduct - as well as Sweetie's calming over fences last week. The real tell tale will be next time I work with Kiley to see if she is calmer.
The other thing that I have noticed is that my overweight horses have lost a lot of belly, but no muscling. The nutritionist said that for obese horses, they will lose some of the "ballast" or gut fill once they have been on the feed a while. And I have to say that Charlie's and Penny's bellies no longer look pregnant! Now, I had hoped to see more of a difference in Rocky's belly, but maybe each horse is different and that will just take some time. I've also got Charlie and Penny on the low starch version since both of them seem to be a bit cresty in the neck, and Penny for sure is sensitive to laminitis issues.
Anyways, I am really delighted with the feed so far. I'll keep it in the back of my mind as I notice any other changes and report back! :)
What has been obvious to me so far is that all of my horses' coats are much softer, shinier, and somehow cleaner? But I didn't think until this morning that maybe Rocky's positive energy Sunday is a byproduct - as well as Sweetie's calming over fences last week. The real tell tale will be next time I work with Kiley to see if she is calmer.
The other thing that I have noticed is that my overweight horses have lost a lot of belly, but no muscling. The nutritionist said that for obese horses, they will lose some of the "ballast" or gut fill once they have been on the feed a while. And I have to say that Charlie's and Penny's bellies no longer look pregnant! Now, I had hoped to see more of a difference in Rocky's belly, but maybe each horse is different and that will just take some time. I've also got Charlie and Penny on the low starch version since both of them seem to be a bit cresty in the neck, and Penny for sure is sensitive to laminitis issues.
Anyways, I am really delighted with the feed so far. I'll keep it in the back of my mind as I notice any other changes and report back! :)
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Last week, Lesson 12, Rocky
Last Sunday (the day after the show) I got up early and rode both Rocky (still a little off due to a stone bruise) and Sweetie. Sweetie was great as always, and we trotted over a few fences and she was much more under control - it was easier to post the trot to keep her slow before takeoff. She has been really pulling me to the jumps, so it was nice for her to be more relaxed about it.
On Weds., I had Lesson 12 on Simon! I had two main things I wanted to work on with Simon - 1) using my body instead of my hands to control his speed, and 2) releasing better/not having "chicken wings" (where my elbows stick out when we go over fences. These were both lessons from the show. When we started trotting over fences, I found myself too focused on fixing things, and had to calm down and stop thinking so much. Once I relaxed, we had a group of really nice fences, did about half a course beautifully and quit.
This morning, I rode Rocky. I was hoping his stone bruise had resolved and I was lucky! For the first time in about 2 months, Rocky was completely sound, and energetic! (He had another issue in a back leg about 2 months ago that now looks like an abcess came out at his coronary line on that foot.) Anyways, it was SO fun to ride Rocky today! He had more energy at the trot than he has had in years it seems (I guess he's slowly getting back in shape, and of course, being sound makes a world of difference, too!) I love riding his huge, suspending trot. Oh, my gosh... it is just amazingly wonderful. I then asked him to canter, and although I got a few strides, he wasn't very willing to go into the canter so I dismounted and got my lunge line out and we lunged both directions at the canter until we got 3 nice transitions each way. I worked him pretty hard, but it's important to get it right. I got back on him and walked him out, and decided not to ask for the canter under saddle today again since he needed to cool out.
It is so good to have Rocky back sound again! We talked this morning after my ride about the possibility of taking Rocky to Kim's for boarding/training for a few months. We'll have to see what we can afford... I really hope to be able to take him to some shows next year, and that's the best way to get started!
After all, his show name is "Visions of Fame!" :)
On Weds., I had Lesson 12 on Simon! I had two main things I wanted to work on with Simon - 1) using my body instead of my hands to control his speed, and 2) releasing better/not having "chicken wings" (where my elbows stick out when we go over fences. These were both lessons from the show. When we started trotting over fences, I found myself too focused on fixing things, and had to calm down and stop thinking so much. Once I relaxed, we had a group of really nice fences, did about half a course beautifully and quit.
This morning, I rode Rocky. I was hoping his stone bruise had resolved and I was lucky! For the first time in about 2 months, Rocky was completely sound, and energetic! (He had another issue in a back leg about 2 months ago that now looks like an abcess came out at his coronary line on that foot.) Anyways, it was SO fun to ride Rocky today! He had more energy at the trot than he has had in years it seems (I guess he's slowly getting back in shape, and of course, being sound makes a world of difference, too!) I love riding his huge, suspending trot. Oh, my gosh... it is just amazingly wonderful. I then asked him to canter, and although I got a few strides, he wasn't very willing to go into the canter so I dismounted and got my lunge line out and we lunged both directions at the canter until we got 3 nice transitions each way. I worked him pretty hard, but it's important to get it right. I got back on him and walked him out, and decided not to ask for the canter under saddle today again since he needed to cool out.
It is so good to have Rocky back sound again! We talked this morning after my ride about the possibility of taking Rocky to Kim's for boarding/training for a few months. We'll have to see what we can afford... I really hope to be able to take him to some shows next year, and that's the best way to get started!
After all, his show name is "Visions of Fame!" :)
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Show Day!
Today was my first show since 1995! I'm so proud that I did it! I got there early and gave Simon a bath and got him looking good, and then it turned out I had 2-3 hours before I would get to ride. Once he was dry, I put him back in his stall, and of COURSE the first thing he does is roll. He laid down twice while I was waiting to take his daily beauty naps. :) But thankfully, the vetrolin shine kept him relatively clean and it was easy to "buff" him up before I rode.
I went shopping yesterday - (who can stay away from a tack shop sale? Oh, okay, so it was my first time to the english tack shop in town!) I bought a new pair of britches (I have two pairs - one with holes in the crotch (no that won't work for a show) and the other the knee pads are starting to fray (again, not quite right for a show). I also got a new show shirt. I am amazed at the changes in the britches over the last 15 years (I have not purchased britches in at least that long). They were thinner, lighterweight, more comfortable, and stylish. Even Kim didn't quite recognize me when she first saw me dressed in my boots & britches and shirt. :) It was fun. She was impressed with how good we looked. I still rode in my schooling helmet - I don't have a velvet one right now, and can't afford the whole wardrobe at one time, but since it was a schooling show, I figured I could get away with it.
After warming up over a few fences, our first course was the warm-up class. I knew that Simon wasn't quite awake yet, but we were also in a hurry to get in the ring. The first 3-4 fences were a little lethargic, but the rest of the course was beautiful! And boy, I was surprised how nervous I still got! I had hoped that after giving birth I wouldn't be so nervous. The "fear" of jumping is definitely diminished, but I still got nervous like I always have. But I think my favorite part of the course was after the first or second line and I heard Christopher's voice yell, "Hi, Momma!" Harlan had just arrived with the kids to watch me ride, and he hadn't had a chance to see me yet. It warmed my heart. I just wanted to stop and wave and say, "Hi, Christopher!" but I was in the middle of the course so we continued :). Thanks to Cliff, Dodie, and Mandy who came to see me ride, too!
Our second course (first course in the Adult Equitation) started off well, and then Simon coughed hard around one of the corners (he has allergies). It really pulls me forward a bit when he does that. He coughed again right before the second to last fence and he was anxious going towards it and we ran out - the first time that Simon has done that with me over the last 11 weeks. I could tell he wasn't right, so I was prepared, but I was also disappointed. We circled and came back around to the fence and finished the course without any further trouble.
We did the Adult Eq. under saddle, and had a few coughs there as well. There were 3 riders in our division, and I got 2 3rd places. :) That's okay. The other two riders are regulars on the show circuit and have very nice horses, so I was neither surprised nor disappointed. I was proud that I completed my first division in 13 years!
Next was the Open Hunters, also at 2'6". Our first course, our only major flub was not getting the correct lead over the first fence. But Simon gave me half a flying change, and eventually the back half as well. He got a little forward a few times and I could feel us "fight" a little bit as I was trying to pull him back. Kim mentioned to just let him go and try not to fight with him over his speed (I normally am bettter about that in our lessons) and use my body instead of my hands. The next course was nearly perfect - I let Simon do his thing and stayed out of his mouth, and we got great spots to the fences and he was calm until to the last fence he started to get anxious (the same fence he ran out on) and lifted his head and got faster and we had a close spot to that one, last fence. But the rest was so beautiful. We placed 5th out of 7 in the first course, and 4th out of 7 in the second course. Not bad! I was pleased that I wasn't last. :)
Under saddle in the Open Hunters, Simon was great! He didn't cough at all (bonus!) and did all of our transitions perfectly. He's so funny - when we're in a lesson, he could not be more lethargic at the trot. But he knew that it was a show, and was just waiting for me to ask him to move up into the trot. I could feel his body being more tense than usual at the walk just waiting and anticipating the request to trot and canter. He even did beautiful transitions from the walk to canter - and we placed 3rd out of 7! The two horses that beat us were the same two that did so in the Adult division - and I was so pleased with him for being so good.
What a day! I am so exhausted I can barely move! But it feels so good to have accomplished that! A few months ago I would not have ever considered showing. I still remember my first lesson where I was worried about jumping at all and whether I would remember how to do it! :)
Yay! What a great day!
I went shopping yesterday - (who can stay away from a tack shop sale? Oh, okay, so it was my first time to the english tack shop in town!) I bought a new pair of britches (I have two pairs - one with holes in the crotch (no that won't work for a show) and the other the knee pads are starting to fray (again, not quite right for a show). I also got a new show shirt. I am amazed at the changes in the britches over the last 15 years (I have not purchased britches in at least that long). They were thinner, lighterweight, more comfortable, and stylish. Even Kim didn't quite recognize me when she first saw me dressed in my boots & britches and shirt. :) It was fun. She was impressed with how good we looked. I still rode in my schooling helmet - I don't have a velvet one right now, and can't afford the whole wardrobe at one time, but since it was a schooling show, I figured I could get away with it.
After warming up over a few fences, our first course was the warm-up class. I knew that Simon wasn't quite awake yet, but we were also in a hurry to get in the ring. The first 3-4 fences were a little lethargic, but the rest of the course was beautiful! And boy, I was surprised how nervous I still got! I had hoped that after giving birth I wouldn't be so nervous. The "fear" of jumping is definitely diminished, but I still got nervous like I always have. But I think my favorite part of the course was after the first or second line and I heard Christopher's voice yell, "Hi, Momma!" Harlan had just arrived with the kids to watch me ride, and he hadn't had a chance to see me yet. It warmed my heart. I just wanted to stop and wave and say, "Hi, Christopher!" but I was in the middle of the course so we continued :). Thanks to Cliff, Dodie, and Mandy who came to see me ride, too!
Our second course (first course in the Adult Equitation) started off well, and then Simon coughed hard around one of the corners (he has allergies). It really pulls me forward a bit when he does that. He coughed again right before the second to last fence and he was anxious going towards it and we ran out - the first time that Simon has done that with me over the last 11 weeks. I could tell he wasn't right, so I was prepared, but I was also disappointed. We circled and came back around to the fence and finished the course without any further trouble.
We did the Adult Eq. under saddle, and had a few coughs there as well. There were 3 riders in our division, and I got 2 3rd places. :) That's okay. The other two riders are regulars on the show circuit and have very nice horses, so I was neither surprised nor disappointed. I was proud that I completed my first division in 13 years!
Next was the Open Hunters, also at 2'6". Our first course, our only major flub was not getting the correct lead over the first fence. But Simon gave me half a flying change, and eventually the back half as well. He got a little forward a few times and I could feel us "fight" a little bit as I was trying to pull him back. Kim mentioned to just let him go and try not to fight with him over his speed (I normally am bettter about that in our lessons) and use my body instead of my hands. The next course was nearly perfect - I let Simon do his thing and stayed out of his mouth, and we got great spots to the fences and he was calm until to the last fence he started to get anxious (the same fence he ran out on) and lifted his head and got faster and we had a close spot to that one, last fence. But the rest was so beautiful. We placed 5th out of 7 in the first course, and 4th out of 7 in the second course. Not bad! I was pleased that I wasn't last. :)
Under saddle in the Open Hunters, Simon was great! He didn't cough at all (bonus!) and did all of our transitions perfectly. He's so funny - when we're in a lesson, he could not be more lethargic at the trot. But he knew that it was a show, and was just waiting for me to ask him to move up into the trot. I could feel his body being more tense than usual at the walk just waiting and anticipating the request to trot and canter. He even did beautiful transitions from the walk to canter - and we placed 3rd out of 7! The two horses that beat us were the same two that did so in the Adult division - and I was so pleased with him for being so good.
What a day! I am so exhausted I can barely move! But it feels so good to have accomplished that! A few months ago I would not have ever considered showing. I still remember my first lesson where I was worried about jumping at all and whether I would remember how to do it! :)
Yay! What a great day!
Lesson 11 - pre-show prep
Thursday was Lesson 11 - the show was today (more on that later!) Simon was good, takes a bit to wake up as always. Oh, and we have a new system for mounting up. I leave the girth as loose as possible to mount up, then we walk for a while, and then I tighten the girth about 2-3 holes for the rest of the ride so the saddle doesn't slip. Worked perfectly.
The courses for the show were set up, so I got to jump both courses one time. Simon was great - we got close to a few fences. I have to remember that I really need a good night's sleep before a lesson - getting up at 4am makes me ride a little less thoughtfully I think. :) But Simon was very well behaved and got me over all the fences no problem. It was fun to practice a whole course set up at 2'6"!
After the lesson, Kim helped me clip his ears, muzzle & fetlocks to have him show-ready. He is such a great horse and has given me so much confidence as I'm getting back into the saddle.
The courses for the show were set up, so I got to jump both courses one time. Simon was great - we got close to a few fences. I have to remember that I really need a good night's sleep before a lesson - getting up at 4am makes me ride a little less thoughtfully I think. :) But Simon was very well behaved and got me over all the fences no problem. It was fun to practice a whole course set up at 2'6"!
After the lesson, Kim helped me clip his ears, muzzle & fetlocks to have him show-ready. He is such a great horse and has given me so much confidence as I'm getting back into the saddle.
Jumping on Sweetie again!
Wow - it's been a week since last Sat. when I rode Rocky & Sweetie - they both were great - I worked on cantering even farther around the ring with Rocky, and rode Sweetie for the pleasure of it. I set up two crossrails in the rings (thanks to Dad for the poles!) and she made me giggle - the first time I pointed her towards a fence, she perked her ears and galloped towards it with force - 1, 2, 3 strides and over it! She was a little over excited. I don't know if it's because she is a little out of shape, or she just loves jumping, but it was awesome! I hadn't jumped Sweetie since 2000 - maybe a crossrail or two in Oregon. I can't believe it has been that long!
I only had time for one horse on Monday morning (Labor Day) and so I chose to ride Sweetie - I am just having too much fun with her not to. And we did the crossrails again, and she picked up her knees so big and was very energetic about them again! She is so fun and sensitive to all of my cues - jumping into the canter from the walk each time. I also worked on trotting the fences - holding her to the base of the fence so she didn't go too crazy, but she still jumped them and then even crowhopped around the corner after it. Silly girl. But it was fun!
Weds. night, Harlan came home early and offered to let me ride! So I did - I won't turn down a chance like that! I only had about 20-30 minutes, so I rode Sweetie again. It was dusk - almost dark, and I knew something would probably happen when I got Sweetie out of her stall. She saw me with a halter and quickly turned the other way in her stall and put her but towards me! I though to myself, "Oh, no you don't!" I knew that she didn't really want to be ridden, but I couldn't let her get away with it either. So I tacked her up and went into the ring. She spooked once early on in the ride from the dogs, and later at the canter, she jumped about 6' sideways shying from one of the dogs, and I only jumped about 3'... and... plomp! Down on the sand I went. Nice, soft, soft, sand thank you! It wasn't that bad, and I got right back on and continued. We still jumped a few fences and Sweetie was more responsive to me about waiting to the base of the jump instead of galloping to and over it. But there was still one time where she took the bit in her mouth and said, "I'm going to jump it from Here, Mom!"
Yes, I am having way too much fun - this is the stuff I dream about. Thank you to everyone who is making it possible (my wonderful Husband, Harlan, and the munchkinos!)
Friday, August 29, 2008
Lesson 10!
This is a great photo of Simon with another rider up.Wow! It seems hard to believe I just had my 10th lesson! It was another great ride on Simon. It started a little funny though. I left his girth plenty loose to mount up, and for the first time in at least a month, he wasn't "girthy" when I got on. We went in the ring and he seemed happy - and we walked and trotted, and then suddenly, I he bucked/kicked hard! I screamed a blood-curdling scream at the top of my lungs and everyone stopped what they were doing to look at the crazy re-rider who was still sitting on top of her horse to see what had happened. How embarassing! I couldn't control my own scream - it came out of nowhere, and I was totally fine. So Kim came over to check out my girth, and it was way loose, so she tightened it 3 holes! And Simon was fine after that (thank goodness)!
We had a great round over fences, a few close spots here and there, but overall, very nice. Kim said I have a great eye... I like to hear that. I'm not perfect, but it sure is nice to hear. (But if I have a great eye, it makes me wonder what other people ride like... :) hehe) We did a full course - 5 lines, 7 fences. And then next week they will have the course set up for the show - next weekend!!! Yikes! I am so excited!
Simon's show name is "Aim to Please" - seems perfect to me. I can't wait for the show! :)
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Rocky's Canter!
On Monday, I rode Rocky (17hh DWBx Gelding) at the walk and trot. I was itching to attempt the canter, but thought better of it. I just wanted to ride and have fun, and did not lunge him that day. He was great at the trot - and I felt great, too.
Today, I lunged him first - we did walk/trot/canter both directions. He went into the canter easily on the right lead to the right, and bucked slightly the first time I asked to the left. So I am still wondering if there is something going on with his back and have been reading about stretches I can do to help him limber up. We'll try those next time, for sure.
When I mounted up after lunging, Rocky was ready to go! He had an exhuberant trot today which is so much fun to ride! Well, that is except that I chose to wear my show britches today to see how they fit (they didn't used to fit!) and they fit fine, but the seat was rather slippery in comparison to my normal riding britches. Rocky felt so powerful today. And I had the courage to ask him to canter - I did it to the right first since that seemed to be the way he was easier on, and we cantered a few strides, he came back to the trot, then I asked for the canter again, then he came back to the trot, and I asked again. He got the correct lead each time! I was delighted and considered stopping there, since it was the first time I had cantered on his back in 8 YEARS! Oh, how embarassing it is that he is 12 and still green at the canter... *sigh*... Back to the ride: I decided I had to canter both directions to keep it even. So off to the left we went, and he sort of jumped into the canter on the left lead. I wouldn't call it a buck, but it was more vertical than you would want for a nice departure. He cantered a few strides, then came back to the trot, and I asked again, and we again got the correct lead and cantered around the end of the ring and I lavished praise all over him for not being crazy and dumping me :). He was so good, and what an accomplishment for me! I have had fears about cantering on him for some time now, and I'm just now back in shape enough to give it a whirl. (Having kids kept me out of shape for the last 5 years). I am so looking forward to rides to come with Rocky - cantering around the ring.
Oh, and the latest purchase - my dad bought me some 10' PVC pipes for poles to use with my standards (that he built for me in 1996!) so I can actually set up 2 fences in my ring! I have not jumped at home... well, ever since we have been in Texas! I can't wait to get out there and set them up!
Today, I lunged him first - we did walk/trot/canter both directions. He went into the canter easily on the right lead to the right, and bucked slightly the first time I asked to the left. So I am still wondering if there is something going on with his back and have been reading about stretches I can do to help him limber up. We'll try those next time, for sure.
When I mounted up after lunging, Rocky was ready to go! He had an exhuberant trot today which is so much fun to ride! Well, that is except that I chose to wear my show britches today to see how they fit (they didn't used to fit!) and they fit fine, but the seat was rather slippery in comparison to my normal riding britches. Rocky felt so powerful today. And I had the courage to ask him to canter - I did it to the right first since that seemed to be the way he was easier on, and we cantered a few strides, he came back to the trot, then I asked for the canter again, then he came back to the trot, and I asked again. He got the correct lead each time! I was delighted and considered stopping there, since it was the first time I had cantered on his back in 8 YEARS! Oh, how embarassing it is that he is 12 and still green at the canter... *sigh*... Back to the ride: I decided I had to canter both directions to keep it even. So off to the left we went, and he sort of jumped into the canter on the left lead. I wouldn't call it a buck, but it was more vertical than you would want for a nice departure. He cantered a few strides, then came back to the trot, and I asked again, and we again got the correct lead and cantered around the end of the ring and I lavished praise all over him for not being crazy and dumping me :). He was so good, and what an accomplishment for me! I have had fears about cantering on him for some time now, and I'm just now back in shape enough to give it a whirl. (Having kids kept me out of shape for the last 5 years). I am so looking forward to rides to come with Rocky - cantering around the ring.
Oh, and the latest purchase - my dad bought me some 10' PVC pipes for poles to use with my standards (that he built for me in 1996!) so I can actually set up 2 fences in my ring! I have not jumped at home... well, ever since we have been in Texas! I can't wait to get out there and set them up!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Charlie's Great Day
I rode Charlie this morning - she was the only one that missed out on attention yesterday! :) We have been working on picking up her back feet every time I groom her, and today was her best yet. I put a rope around her pastern, and then say "FOOT" while pulling on the rope, and today she responded really well just to my voice, and I did not have to pull hard on the rope before she lifted her back feet up really well. My goal is to have her safe enough for us to trim her while sedated. She did that a few years ago while she was in training without any trouble, but we have not had much success since then.
We went out to the ring and I started playing the "friendly" game with her, but Charlie was more interested in lunging to show me she knew what to do. We walked and trotted both directions - with Charlie picking a point where she wanted to stop and go the other way on her own. (I try to walk a fine line between making a horse do what I want and combining it with their natural desires, so long as they are not harmful or outright disobedient). Charlie was very laid back at the walk and trot, and did not want to lunge for a long time today. So I mounted up, and she felt very energetic at the walk - like she was excited to have me up, and wanted to show me what she could do! I let her move up into the trot and she seemed delighted to be trotting under saddle. I made sure to ask her to halt before we got all the way around to be sure she was listening, and she was, and then we walked and went back into the trot - this time at my request. It seemed that her "power steering" kicked in today. She listened really well to me asking her to turn - sometimes too well, and I had to be sure not to over correct her when I was working on keeping her straight along the outside of the ring. She likes the side close to the barn better than the other side for some reason. We had a few times around the "open" end of the ring where I had to use a little bit more muscle to steer her, but mostly she was so much better than we started just a few rides ago!
We trotted quite a bit today, and at the end her reward was to walk outside of the ring in the pasture - but then she turned the manual steering back on. :) She just wanted to go back to the barn, and it took some strongarming her to go the other direction. She listened, and finally gave in and understood she had to listen to me. We did some circles in the field both directions, then walked back into the ring to dismount. (Have to make sure she never gets the idea that she can go back to the barn and get out of work!) It overall was a fantastic, fun ride on Charlie. I hope to see Harlan riding her soon!
We went out to the ring and I started playing the "friendly" game with her, but Charlie was more interested in lunging to show me she knew what to do. We walked and trotted both directions - with Charlie picking a point where she wanted to stop and go the other way on her own. (I try to walk a fine line between making a horse do what I want and combining it with their natural desires, so long as they are not harmful or outright disobedient). Charlie was very laid back at the walk and trot, and did not want to lunge for a long time today. So I mounted up, and she felt very energetic at the walk - like she was excited to have me up, and wanted to show me what she could do! I let her move up into the trot and she seemed delighted to be trotting under saddle. I made sure to ask her to halt before we got all the way around to be sure she was listening, and she was, and then we walked and went back into the trot - this time at my request. It seemed that her "power steering" kicked in today. She listened really well to me asking her to turn - sometimes too well, and I had to be sure not to over correct her when I was working on keeping her straight along the outside of the ring. She likes the side close to the barn better than the other side for some reason. We had a few times around the "open" end of the ring where I had to use a little bit more muscle to steer her, but mostly she was so much better than we started just a few rides ago!
We trotted quite a bit today, and at the end her reward was to walk outside of the ring in the pasture - but then she turned the manual steering back on. :) She just wanted to go back to the barn, and it took some strongarming her to go the other direction. She listened, and finally gave in and understood she had to listen to me. We did some circles in the field both directions, then walked back into the ring to dismount. (Have to make sure she never gets the idea that she can go back to the barn and get out of work!) It overall was a fantastic, fun ride on Charlie. I hope to see Harlan riding her soon!
Friday's Rides
Yesterday I got up early and decided it was time to figure out more about Rocky's bucking into the canter departure. I needed to know if it was really soreness or otherwise. His mouth was probably still a little sore from the dentist, so I lunged him in just a halter, with no intention of riding him.
We started off at the walk and trot each direction, no trouble at all. And then I asked for the canter. My error probably was working in an arena that wasn't closed off - but we'll have that fixed soon. (We took down a few boards for the bulldozer to be able to level the arena). When he took off (after being very well behaved at the trot) he took off out the end of the arena and bucked/kicked. And then he calmed down, and we went back to work without fanfare, but I did make him do canter transitions several times both directions. It turns out that the bucking fit was not about any soreness, but rather, an escape mechanism - he just doesn't want to work harder, and he has gotten away with it a few times. We finally got correct leads both directions and quit with that. I will lunge him a few times more before I try doing a canter with me riding him. He needs to be consistent about not bucking - as he was once we were past the first canter departure!
Next, I rode Sweetie, my first horse. And she was wonderful, of course. I think it and she makes it happen. Although she seemed lazy at the walk, as soon as I asked for the trot, she jumped right into it! Ditto for the canter - it was a lot of fun!
Kiley was 3rd (I got to spend more time riding today thanks to my wonderful parents & sister babysitting). We walked and trotted both directions - and she is getting much better about going to the right. But one time she came trotting right towards me, which was too fast, and I lifted the carrot stick quickly to say no, and it scared her. I wanted her to feel like she could get away from me, and I ended up giving her more line than I intended, and she ran off out the open arena around the barn with the line trailing her. She did come back to me and let me catch her, but the level of trust was not there anymore. We went back to the arena and walked/trotted both directions really well, and then quit with that. She didn't come in to me after her escapade. Usually, she goes out on the circle, and then comes in and checks in with me regularly. But after she got free that one time, she did not do that again. I groomed her in the crossties afterwards, but quickly put her back in her stall so that she would have a chance to relax as a reward. We will keep plugging away at her trust issues, and I'll do my best to continue to be calm and unthreatening.
Next we went and got all the kiddos out and groomed Arthur, and then we groomed and rode Penny. Penny was great for Jackson, but she decided that she really didn't like Corey walking along side her while Miley was up. We had to cut Miley's ride a little short because we weren't sure what was bothering Penny, and safety is rule 1. I need to take Penny back to the vet to re-xray her head to see if the tumor in her nose has grown or gotten smaller since last year - if it is starting to affect her demeanor, well, I really don't want to think about that right now. But safety for the kiddos is the most important thing.
It has been great to have Corey here with Jackson and Miley to keep us company - the kids have had a blast, and both of her kids have had a wonderful time around the horses.
We started off at the walk and trot each direction, no trouble at all. And then I asked for the canter. My error probably was working in an arena that wasn't closed off - but we'll have that fixed soon. (We took down a few boards for the bulldozer to be able to level the arena). When he took off (after being very well behaved at the trot) he took off out the end of the arena and bucked/kicked. And then he calmed down, and we went back to work without fanfare, but I did make him do canter transitions several times both directions. It turns out that the bucking fit was not about any soreness, but rather, an escape mechanism - he just doesn't want to work harder, and he has gotten away with it a few times. We finally got correct leads both directions and quit with that. I will lunge him a few times more before I try doing a canter with me riding him. He needs to be consistent about not bucking - as he was once we were past the first canter departure!
Next, I rode Sweetie, my first horse. And she was wonderful, of course. I think it and she makes it happen. Although she seemed lazy at the walk, as soon as I asked for the trot, she jumped right into it! Ditto for the canter - it was a lot of fun!
Kiley was 3rd (I got to spend more time riding today thanks to my wonderful parents & sister babysitting). We walked and trotted both directions - and she is getting much better about going to the right. But one time she came trotting right towards me, which was too fast, and I lifted the carrot stick quickly to say no, and it scared her. I wanted her to feel like she could get away from me, and I ended up giving her more line than I intended, and she ran off out the open arena around the barn with the line trailing her. She did come back to me and let me catch her, but the level of trust was not there anymore. We went back to the arena and walked/trotted both directions really well, and then quit with that. She didn't come in to me after her escapade. Usually, she goes out on the circle, and then comes in and checks in with me regularly. But after she got free that one time, she did not do that again. I groomed her in the crossties afterwards, but quickly put her back in her stall so that she would have a chance to relax as a reward. We will keep plugging away at her trust issues, and I'll do my best to continue to be calm and unthreatening.
Next we went and got all the kiddos out and groomed Arthur, and then we groomed and rode Penny. Penny was great for Jackson, but she decided that she really didn't like Corey walking along side her while Miley was up. We had to cut Miley's ride a little short because we weren't sure what was bothering Penny, and safety is rule 1. I need to take Penny back to the vet to re-xray her head to see if the tumor in her nose has grown or gotten smaller since last year - if it is starting to affect her demeanor, well, I really don't want to think about that right now. But safety for the kiddos is the most important thing.
It has been great to have Corey here with Jackson and Miley to keep us company - the kids have had a blast, and both of her kids have had a wonderful time around the horses.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Charlie & Sweetie
This morning I rode Charlie & Sweetie. Rocky has a day or two off to recover from his dental appointment yesterday.
I started again by lunging Charlie, and today I asked her to trot for a longer period - about 5 minutes. And it made her work! She's so out of shape, and the trot work is good for her to work off some of that belly. I rode her around the ring and she was much more responsive to me asking her for turns at the walk, so I decided to trot while riding her, too! We went around the ring one time each direction at the trot, and she did a great job. I'm really proud of her and that she remembered everything we have done so far. My dad came out to watch me as I was finishing up with Charlie. He said, "You look like you are having way too much fun!" And I have to agree, I was.
Next, I rode Sweetie - and Dad stayed out to watch. Sweetie was so funny today - she did not want to work one iota more than what I asked her do. If I wasn't actively asking her to move forward, she would stop in her tracks and wait until I was serious. She also knows that when I talk to someone (my Dad) that we usually stand still. We walked & trotted both directions, then I asked her to canter around the ring once each way. I love riding Sweetie so much - she knows exactly what I mean when I ask her to do something - it's like I think it and it happens. When I asked her for the canter departure, I wasn't sure if she would do it from the walk, but I asked, and zoom! Off we went! I almost got left behind she took such a strong canter stride at the beginning. I giggled and I think my Dad enjoyed watching us ride. He used to watch us at all of our horse shows 13 years ago - one of my favorite pictures is from behind my dad with him looking over his shoulder, and 3 blue ribbons hanging out of his back pockets. :) That was a good day! Today Dad said that buying Sweetie for me was either the best or the worst decision he ever made for me. Well, it seems awfully clear to me that it was definitely the best! I'd probably have more spending money if I didn't have horses, but I don't think I'd ever be this happy. Money can't buy that, for sure.
I started again by lunging Charlie, and today I asked her to trot for a longer period - about 5 minutes. And it made her work! She's so out of shape, and the trot work is good for her to work off some of that belly. I rode her around the ring and she was much more responsive to me asking her for turns at the walk, so I decided to trot while riding her, too! We went around the ring one time each direction at the trot, and she did a great job. I'm really proud of her and that she remembered everything we have done so far. My dad came out to watch me as I was finishing up with Charlie. He said, "You look like you are having way too much fun!" And I have to agree, I was.
Next, I rode Sweetie - and Dad stayed out to watch. Sweetie was so funny today - she did not want to work one iota more than what I asked her do. If I wasn't actively asking her to move forward, she would stop in her tracks and wait until I was serious. She also knows that when I talk to someone (my Dad) that we usually stand still. We walked & trotted both directions, then I asked her to canter around the ring once each way. I love riding Sweetie so much - she knows exactly what I mean when I ask her to do something - it's like I think it and it happens. When I asked her for the canter departure, I wasn't sure if she would do it from the walk, but I asked, and zoom! Off we went! I almost got left behind she took such a strong canter stride at the beginning. I giggled and I think my Dad enjoyed watching us ride. He used to watch us at all of our horse shows 13 years ago - one of my favorite pictures is from behind my dad with him looking over his shoulder, and 3 blue ribbons hanging out of his back pockets. :) That was a good day! Today Dad said that buying Sweetie for me was either the best or the worst decision he ever made for me. Well, it seems awfully clear to me that it was definitely the best! I'd probably have more spending money if I didn't have horses, but I don't think I'd ever be this happy. Money can't buy that, for sure.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Lesson 9 - Riding between the raindrops
We had our 9th lesson yesterday! I wasn't sure if we would or not due to the weather - it had rained hard between my house and the barn, and I couldn't say for sure which way the rain would go. But I chanced it, and tacked up Simon. I have to say his greeting nicker was more gleeful than it has been before when he first heard my voice. I think we both look forward to working together. And the rain stopped, just in time for my lesson, and it stayed dry until my lesson was over!
After working out our "girthy" issues, we had a really wonderful ride. We did a course of 4 fences (two single lines, and then a line with two fences) several times. I remembered last week and asked Simon to move forward towards the jump and let him take me the perfect spot, and we had such a much better ride than last week! And the other trainer in the ring started raising the fences for her student, and we ended up jumping a fence that was 2'9"! I was a little nervous and moved him up to it and he ended up taking a huge, long jump over the fence! It was insane! Kim called me on it and we did it again, she reminded me that he's done the 3' courses, and he could get me out of a close spot, and to keep the cadence instead of speeding up to the fence. We re-did that one fence and it was perfect - and I was gleeful! It feels so good to be jumping - and all the riding I'm doing at home is really helping me be a better rider overall.
Kim commented that Simon's mom was fine with me showing him on Sept. 6 - and it looks like we will do the Adult Equitation and Open Hunter Divisions at 2'6". Wow! I am so excited and looking forward to my first show!
After working out our "girthy" issues, we had a really wonderful ride. We did a course of 4 fences (two single lines, and then a line with two fences) several times. I remembered last week and asked Simon to move forward towards the jump and let him take me the perfect spot, and we had such a much better ride than last week! And the other trainer in the ring started raising the fences for her student, and we ended up jumping a fence that was 2'9"! I was a little nervous and moved him up to it and he ended up taking a huge, long jump over the fence! It was insane! Kim called me on it and we did it again, she reminded me that he's done the 3' courses, and he could get me out of a close spot, and to keep the cadence instead of speeding up to the fence. We re-did that one fence and it was perfect - and I was gleeful! It feels so good to be jumping - and all the riding I'm doing at home is really helping me be a better rider overall.
Kim commented that Simon's mom was fine with me showing him on Sept. 6 - and it looks like we will do the Adult Equitation and Open Hunter Divisions at 2'6". Wow! I am so excited and looking forward to my first show!
Monday, August 18, 2008
Morning Rides...
So, the barn was officially done Friday afternoon, and all of the horses have finally taken to it quite nicely. This morning they finally got the clue about where breakfast was, and I caught them before they went to the other side of the house to the normal feeding spot, and they all came to the barn instead.
I blogged about Saturday's rides, and I have since also ridden Sunday and Monday!
Sunday I rode Charlie - Harlan's 17hh Belgian/TB mare who had 60 days training. He hasn't ridden her in about a year at least, so I had to take my time. We lunged walk & trot both directions, and then I went to mount up. She started to move the first time I started to mount - surprised that I was really going to ride her! So I stopped, and took my time leaning on her to make sure she knew what I was up to. When I finally mounted, she stood perfectly. My goal was simply to work on steering. Charlie is a very big, very strong horse and she *knows* it. So steering a horse that thinks she should have no trouble muscling her way wherever she wants to go takes a bit of muscle yourself. I was very careful to release every time she turned her head the way I asked, but it took a good 20 minutes of walking and asking for turns before it finally started to get easier. When we finally did a nice trip around the ring without any "bullying" on her part, I stopped immediately to reward her for being so good. I'm hoping she will continue progressing.
The neatest part about working with Charlie is that later in the day, she was seeking out human interaction, approaching the fenceline for pats and with perked curious ears. She hasn't done that much the last year since she hasn't had a lot of work, but that's going to change!
I also pulled out Penny to work with her, and we lunged a little both directions. Penny seemed a bit stiff - doing a very slow "jog" that QH's are known for. She seemd a little sore, so we didn't push it. She's also a tad overweight, so I'll keep working on getting her weight down so she will feel lighter on her feet.
This morning I rode Rocky - and he was great! He felt completely sound to me this morning - the mysterious lameness no more. I guess it's helping to get in shape! Going down the long side of the ring, Rocky had that huge suspending trot that brings pure joy to me. Some may find it hard to believe, but when he does that, I actually giggle out loud because it is so fun to ride. We did lots of circles and serpentines, working on maintaining the trot throughout. Next time I ride, I'll have to lunge him and see what he thinks about the canter again. We need to get past the bucking in the transition so I can ride him at the canter! THAT will be an accomplishment that I haven't done in 8 years! :) Can't wait to get him going in the show ring someday!
I think one of my favorite moments in the barn so far was walking down the aisle, and all 5 horses (and 1 pony!) with their heads out of their stalls looking at me, ears pricked forward, hoping I would pick them to work next. :) That made me giggle, too. I'm just having so much fun out there!
I blogged about Saturday's rides, and I have since also ridden Sunday and Monday!
Sunday I rode Charlie - Harlan's 17hh Belgian/TB mare who had 60 days training. He hasn't ridden her in about a year at least, so I had to take my time. We lunged walk & trot both directions, and then I went to mount up. She started to move the first time I started to mount - surprised that I was really going to ride her! So I stopped, and took my time leaning on her to make sure she knew what I was up to. When I finally mounted, she stood perfectly. My goal was simply to work on steering. Charlie is a very big, very strong horse and she *knows* it. So steering a horse that thinks she should have no trouble muscling her way wherever she wants to go takes a bit of muscle yourself. I was very careful to release every time she turned her head the way I asked, but it took a good 20 minutes of walking and asking for turns before it finally started to get easier. When we finally did a nice trip around the ring without any "bullying" on her part, I stopped immediately to reward her for being so good. I'm hoping she will continue progressing.
The neatest part about working with Charlie is that later in the day, she was seeking out human interaction, approaching the fenceline for pats and with perked curious ears. She hasn't done that much the last year since she hasn't had a lot of work, but that's going to change!
I also pulled out Penny to work with her, and we lunged a little both directions. Penny seemed a bit stiff - doing a very slow "jog" that QH's are known for. She seemd a little sore, so we didn't push it. She's also a tad overweight, so I'll keep working on getting her weight down so she will feel lighter on her feet.
This morning I rode Rocky - and he was great! He felt completely sound to me this morning - the mysterious lameness no more. I guess it's helping to get in shape! Going down the long side of the ring, Rocky had that huge suspending trot that brings pure joy to me. Some may find it hard to believe, but when he does that, I actually giggle out loud because it is so fun to ride. We did lots of circles and serpentines, working on maintaining the trot throughout. Next time I ride, I'll have to lunge him and see what he thinks about the canter again. We need to get past the bucking in the transition so I can ride him at the canter! THAT will be an accomplishment that I haven't done in 8 years! :) Can't wait to get him going in the show ring someday!
I think one of my favorite moments in the barn so far was walking down the aisle, and all 5 horses (and 1 pony!) with their heads out of their stalls looking at me, ears pricked forward, hoping I would pick them to work next. :) That made me giggle, too. I'm just having so much fun out there!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
What a difference a Barn makes!
Check out photos of the barn at http://beverlyranch.blogspot.com !
This morning was the first morning I could use the barn! I used it last night and the horses were a little unsure about it, but this morning they knew what it was all about and were fine. Got everyone into their stalls - Kiley even remembered which one was hers!
Then the fun began! I rode Rocky, then Sweetie, then worked with Kiley!
Rocky has such a big floaty stride - it was a lot of fun. There are a few deep spots in the ring and I could feel him use his muscles over it. We trotted both directions, did serpentines, walked, trotted some more - oh, did I mention we did that in the ring? ! And Rocky was very well behaved - because everyone else was right there in the barn! Yay!
Sweetie was also awesome - we walked and trotted serpentines and around, and then we even cantered around the ring once each direction! And Sweetie was her typical showhorse laid back and calm for the whole thing! She could see everyone in the barn and had nothing to worry about... ahhhh.. that's the way it should be!
Lastly, I worked with Kiley. I wasn't sure if she would let me cross tie her, so I started with just one side, but she was a bit wiggly, so I went ahead and put the other side on - and she stood perfectly still for grooming, let me pick all four feet with no trouble (slight hesitation with the RH that she had been funny about with the farrier). It's just so amazing to see her around me with zero fear - totally calm and not concerned. And then when the farrier or the vet are around, she's always worried. I gave her a good currying and brushed her off, and then we went to the ring to practice lunging. She remembered the last time we did this, and she was perfect to the left - we walked and trotted, and I used my voice commands and she responded well to them! And then to the right, she again was not really comfortable going that way. She'd go to the right for about 1/4 to 1/2 of a circle, then come in. That's okay, I'm patient, and rub her forehead every time, and then ask again. We finally got it all the way around the circle to the right and we quit with that. Cross tied her again in the barn and groomed her again - she loves that and the apple treats! I'm really looking forward to working with her!
So, this morning I headed out to the barn at sunrise - about 7am, picked out stalls from yesterday's meal (was late for dinner or I would've done it then), then set up panels for the paddock on one side of the barn for Penny who was still afraid of the barn last night. I moved the water trough around, and grabbed my mounting block, too - and I was out playing with the horses until 9:30! I think I started riding just before 8, and gave each horse about 30 minutes of attention. Can you believe it?! I know I won't be able to do it that long every morning (Saturdays Harlan stays home), but I should be able to go out, feed the horses, and work at least one horse every day! YAY! I can't wait!
And tonight, a huge dark storm loomed on the horizon, and for the first time since we moved here, I got to go put the horses in the barn to keep them out of the rain! :) THAT was cool! It was almost dinner time anyways, and they're still out there, munching away on their hay totally relaxed in the gorgeous dry barn. :)
Can you tell I'm having fun? :)
This morning was the first morning I could use the barn! I used it last night and the horses were a little unsure about it, but this morning they knew what it was all about and were fine. Got everyone into their stalls - Kiley even remembered which one was hers!
Then the fun began! I rode Rocky, then Sweetie, then worked with Kiley!
Rocky has such a big floaty stride - it was a lot of fun. There are a few deep spots in the ring and I could feel him use his muscles over it. We trotted both directions, did serpentines, walked, trotted some more - oh, did I mention we did that in the ring? ! And Rocky was very well behaved - because everyone else was right there in the barn! Yay!
Sweetie was also awesome - we walked and trotted serpentines and around, and then we even cantered around the ring once each direction! And Sweetie was her typical showhorse laid back and calm for the whole thing! She could see everyone in the barn and had nothing to worry about... ahhhh.. that's the way it should be!
Lastly, I worked with Kiley. I wasn't sure if she would let me cross tie her, so I started with just one side, but she was a bit wiggly, so I went ahead and put the other side on - and she stood perfectly still for grooming, let me pick all four feet with no trouble (slight hesitation with the RH that she had been funny about with the farrier). It's just so amazing to see her around me with zero fear - totally calm and not concerned. And then when the farrier or the vet are around, she's always worried. I gave her a good currying and brushed her off, and then we went to the ring to practice lunging. She remembered the last time we did this, and she was perfect to the left - we walked and trotted, and I used my voice commands and she responded well to them! And then to the right, she again was not really comfortable going that way. She'd go to the right for about 1/4 to 1/2 of a circle, then come in. That's okay, I'm patient, and rub her forehead every time, and then ask again. We finally got it all the way around the circle to the right and we quit with that. Cross tied her again in the barn and groomed her again - she loves that and the apple treats! I'm really looking forward to working with her!
So, this morning I headed out to the barn at sunrise - about 7am, picked out stalls from yesterday's meal (was late for dinner or I would've done it then), then set up panels for the paddock on one side of the barn for Penny who was still afraid of the barn last night. I moved the water trough around, and grabbed my mounting block, too - and I was out playing with the horses until 9:30! I think I started riding just before 8, and gave each horse about 30 minutes of attention. Can you believe it?! I know I won't be able to do it that long every morning (Saturdays Harlan stays home), but I should be able to go out, feed the horses, and work at least one horse every day! YAY! I can't wait!
And tonight, a huge dark storm loomed on the horizon, and for the first time since we moved here, I got to go put the horses in the barn to keep them out of the rain! :) THAT was cool! It was almost dinner time anyways, and they're still out there, munching away on their hay totally relaxed in the gorgeous dry barn. :)
Can you tell I'm having fun? :)
Lesson 8 - Simon's back!
Last week's lesson on Lilly really made me appreciate how great Simon is! It was so good to see him - I opened his stall door and he nickered at me and came right over for me to get him. He is so easy to tack up - stands so still while I do everything, and loves the treats! The bitemark on his back was healing nicely and wasn't really swollen anymore.
He warmed up great with no problems - a little spooky at the help that was watering the plants, but otherwise fine. We trotted over a few fences and then cantered a whole course! I had to do the last 3 fences over a few times to get good spots - we weren't quite as in sync as we had been last time I rode him. But that could be because I woke up at 4am thinking about Aurora and couldn't get back to sleep... But we finally got it. I have to let Simon do his job - he knows it - if I just leave him alone, he'll get me to the right spot every time. I just have to relax and let him do it for me. :) And that is such a treat!
He warmed up great with no problems - a little spooky at the help that was watering the plants, but otherwise fine. We trotted over a few fences and then cantered a whole course! I had to do the last 3 fences over a few times to get good spots - we weren't quite as in sync as we had been last time I rode him. But that could be because I woke up at 4am thinking about Aurora and couldn't get back to sleep... But we finally got it. I have to let Simon do his job - he knows it - if I just leave him alone, he'll get me to the right spot every time. I just have to relax and let him do it for me. :) And that is such a treat!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
"My Alibi" aka "Aurora" 1986-2008
I said goodbye to Aurora yesterday. She's been with us since 1995. When I first met her, I swore I would never buy a horse with her conformation - she was so straight in the hind end. And then I rode her... I had to prepare her to be shown for sale. She was so powerful, and would jump the moon! I think I jumped a few 3'6" fences within the first few days of meeting her, and within the year jumped one or two fences that were at least 4' high! It was terrifying and exhilarating, and obviously I bought her. She was supposed to be a project while Sweetie was pregnant - and I was supposed to sell her later that year after showing her. But you know how things go - she gave me so much confidence over fences, and we did several hunter shows, and even won our first 3' jumper class.
After an amazing year, she started to go lame. The vets couldn't really identify it - but years later I learned it was the onset of DSLD - http://dsldequine.info/ . It is a progressive disease that systemically attacks connective tissue throughout the body - often shown in the rear legs with dropped fetlocks.
Aurora taught my husband to ride, and we went on many memorable trail rides together, most notably to the beach on the Oregon coastline. She was always the babysitter that guests could ride, and when Christopher was born, we (perhaps not very smartly) let him ride with us - in a backpack once, in a frontpack, and just in my husband's lap. Thankfully no harm done. :)
I first recognized that I might need to put her down about 8 years ago when I had the horses in a small 1 acre paddock - the lack of movement made her so stiff and the lameness seem worse. Thankfully, we moved to 23 acres within a few months, and that gave her 8 more years of happiness with us. I firmly believe that turnout is the best thing you can do for these guys to keep them comfortable.
Last week, Aurora started hanging back from the herd - waiting until they were out of sight before trying to catch up with them. And her LH seemed to be bothering her more significantly - she was always resting it. I wanted to make sure she went with dignity, before something catastrophic happened out in the field.
Yesterday afternoon she crossed over peacefully, eating all the treats she wanted, with me at her head, thanking her for all she has done for me and my family. I will miss her dearly, but am so thankful she is no longer in pain.
I know she will say hi to Kelsey for me, and maybe even pin her ears at her like she always did. (Aurora would make the nastiest faces and then suddenly perk her ears and look at you attentively like, "who, me?") Gosh, I learned so much from her. Rest in peace.
After an amazing year, she started to go lame. The vets couldn't really identify it - but years later I learned it was the onset of DSLD - http://dsldequine.info/ . It is a progressive disease that systemically attacks connective tissue throughout the body - often shown in the rear legs with dropped fetlocks.
Aurora taught my husband to ride, and we went on many memorable trail rides together, most notably to the beach on the Oregon coastline. She was always the babysitter that guests could ride, and when Christopher was born, we (perhaps not very smartly) let him ride with us - in a backpack once, in a frontpack, and just in my husband's lap. Thankfully no harm done. :)
I first recognized that I might need to put her down about 8 years ago when I had the horses in a small 1 acre paddock - the lack of movement made her so stiff and the lameness seem worse. Thankfully, we moved to 23 acres within a few months, and that gave her 8 more years of happiness with us. I firmly believe that turnout is the best thing you can do for these guys to keep them comfortable.
Last week, Aurora started hanging back from the herd - waiting until they were out of sight before trying to catch up with them. And her LH seemed to be bothering her more significantly - she was always resting it. I wanted to make sure she went with dignity, before something catastrophic happened out in the field.
Yesterday afternoon she crossed over peacefully, eating all the treats she wanted, with me at her head, thanking her for all she has done for me and my family. I will miss her dearly, but am so thankful she is no longer in pain.
I know she will say hi to Kelsey for me, and maybe even pin her ears at her like she always did. (Aurora would make the nastiest faces and then suddenly perk her ears and look at you attentively like, "who, me?") Gosh, I learned so much from her. Rest in peace.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Great Horsey Morning!
This morning was my "reward" for helping prepare for the party this weekend, so I got up at 8am, woke up Harlan, and went straight out to play with the horses!
I started with Rocky, my 12 yo 17hh DWB/TB gelding. I lunged him last night and the mysterious lameness appeared gone going to the left, and barely there to the right, so I'm not sure what is going on with him, but a little walk couldn't hurt. We started off in the new ring, much to Rocky's chagrin - he really didn't want to be that far away from the herd (can't wait to solve that with the barn next week!!!!). But we did a lot of serpentines, trotted the length of the ring a few times, and then walked out in the pasture for a bit. We've gotta get back into shape. He was great and such a sweet horse.
Next, I rode Sweetie! My 21yo OTTB mare, and she was great! We trotted around in the yard (the horses were too far from the ring to make that work this morning). We did lots of serpentines to keep her attention, and trotted on and off for about 10-15 minutes. Gotta get her in shape, too! But the best part is - I think I'm finally in better shape than my horses so I can outlast them! Now that is something! Well, Sweetie is the eternal TB, so I know she could outlast me for real, but her "quarter was up" before I was ready to quit today. So we did just enough to help get her back into condition and then quit. She was great.
I was going to be done for the morning, but as I let Sweetie go, there was my foster horse, Kiley, watching attentively, looking at me with eyes that said, "is it my turn now?" That's pretty hard to believe coming from Kiley! When she first got here she wouldn't even look at me! So I went back into the garage to get an appropriate sized halter (Kiley is only about 14hh, so the big TB halter would have hung around her nose, I'm sure.)
I got back out and she was waiting for me at the gate still, watching attentively! She was happy to get a few treats, and stood still while I put the halter on, and followed me into the yard. The neat thing is that Kiley was not at all herd-bound. The rest of the herd was out of sight, and she never looked for them or nickered once. She was completely attentive to what I was doing. I groomed her with a gentle curry and picked all four feet - again being deliberate, but gentle, and she gave me her feet easily and without being panicky about it. We did some Ttouches and then I grabbed the saddle pad that I had just used on Rocky and Sweetie. I let her sniff it, and then rubbed it on her neck and put it on her back. Not time to put a saddle on quite yet, but she did really well with the saddle pad! She paid attention, but had no problem with me putting it on her back. So that's a beginning. I thought about what else I could do, but decided the best thing would be to do nothing - and spend some undemanding time with her, since this was the first time she has "asked" to be worked with. We grazed in the yard for 5-10 minutes and then I let her go. And the good news is that I didn't overwhelm her with anything - when I took the halter off, she stood there rather than walking away immediately, and I gave her some more of her favorite treats.
It was a great morning!
I started with Rocky, my 12 yo 17hh DWB/TB gelding. I lunged him last night and the mysterious lameness appeared gone going to the left, and barely there to the right, so I'm not sure what is going on with him, but a little walk couldn't hurt. We started off in the new ring, much to Rocky's chagrin - he really didn't want to be that far away from the herd (can't wait to solve that with the barn next week!!!!). But we did a lot of serpentines, trotted the length of the ring a few times, and then walked out in the pasture for a bit. We've gotta get back into shape. He was great and such a sweet horse.
Next, I rode Sweetie! My 21yo OTTB mare, and she was great! We trotted around in the yard (the horses were too far from the ring to make that work this morning). We did lots of serpentines to keep her attention, and trotted on and off for about 10-15 minutes. Gotta get her in shape, too! But the best part is - I think I'm finally in better shape than my horses so I can outlast them! Now that is something! Well, Sweetie is the eternal TB, so I know she could outlast me for real, but her "quarter was up" before I was ready to quit today. So we did just enough to help get her back into condition and then quit. She was great.
I was going to be done for the morning, but as I let Sweetie go, there was my foster horse, Kiley, watching attentively, looking at me with eyes that said, "is it my turn now?" That's pretty hard to believe coming from Kiley! When she first got here she wouldn't even look at me! So I went back into the garage to get an appropriate sized halter (Kiley is only about 14hh, so the big TB halter would have hung around her nose, I'm sure.)
I got back out and she was waiting for me at the gate still, watching attentively! She was happy to get a few treats, and stood still while I put the halter on, and followed me into the yard. The neat thing is that Kiley was not at all herd-bound. The rest of the herd was out of sight, and she never looked for them or nickered once. She was completely attentive to what I was doing. I groomed her with a gentle curry and picked all four feet - again being deliberate, but gentle, and she gave me her feet easily and without being panicky about it. We did some Ttouches and then I grabbed the saddle pad that I had just used on Rocky and Sweetie. I let her sniff it, and then rubbed it on her neck and put it on her back. Not time to put a saddle on quite yet, but she did really well with the saddle pad! She paid attention, but had no problem with me putting it on her back. So that's a beginning. I thought about what else I could do, but decided the best thing would be to do nothing - and spend some undemanding time with her, since this was the first time she has "asked" to be worked with. We grazed in the yard for 5-10 minutes and then I let her go. And the good news is that I didn't overwhelm her with anything - when I took the halter off, she stood there rather than walking away immediately, and I gave her some more of her favorite treats.
It was a great morning!
Friday, August 8, 2008
Lesson 7: Meet Lilly
I had my 7th lesson yesterday! I got to the barn and pulled Simon out of his stall only to gawk at a huge 6" bite mark on his left side - right under where the saddle would go. And it was swollen... and knowing that Simon was girthy to start with, I showed Kim since I wasn't ready to try and ride him with that boo boo.
So today, Kim introduced me to "Lilly" (please see also: http://www.bitbybitfarms.com/horses_for_sale.htm ), a 4 yo TB/Warmblood cross. Right away I could tell how young she was - while I was tacking her up, she kept wiggling and was very nosey wanting treats as well. But I've ridden my share of green horses in the past, so I wasn't worried, but rather, enjoying the complete oppositeness from Simon. We tacked up and walked into the ring without trouble, and then when we asked for a trot I realized how much suspension she has! Simon moves very flat, and Lilly has quite the boost to the trot! Reminded me of the first time I rode Rocky after having ridden Sweetie all those years...
Lilly was very sweet and willing, and you had to pay close attention to her speed - I had to find that "spot" where you're going just fast enough to not break to a trot - because Lilly gets to a point and she says "I'm done now" and stops whether you want her to or not. Just green bean stuff. But I was impressed with my stamina as we trotted and cantered quite a bit before we jumped, and I had plenty of energy for it!
We started trotting over a crossrail, and Lilly as such a suspenseful trot that it's hard to feel when she starts to take off over a fence, so I got left behind just a little the first few times. She takes off further back from the fence than Simon would and it caught me off guard a few times. But we worked through it - and it was much easier to find my spots at the canter instead of the trot.
The other thing about Lilly is that she is still learning her flying changes, so we often had to break to the trot in a corner after a line of fences when she landed on the wrong lead. The lesson for me for the day was to make sure that we corrected the lead if necessary, and then continued cantering out of the corner. Lilly had gotten used to trotting after a fence, and wanted to break to the trot in the middle of the course. My bad, but I will do it better next time.
And yay me for riding a green bean! It was fun. Oh, and I found myself talking to her in a soothing voice almost the whole time. I'm not sure but it was complete instinct to do it on her since she's green. I don't normally do that when I'm riding Simon, but I couldn't stop myself while I was riding Lilly. She's such a sweet mare, and I don't think she minded my soliloquy a bit! Until next time...
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Promise not to laugh?
Okay, no, I'm not going to take any pictures of myself, but right now I am wearing my tall riding boots that I haven't worn in at least 13 years (my last show was in 1995). And.. shorts and a t-shirt. LOL! I tried on my old riding shirts & jackets - I have two of each. Let's just say that one of each fit! YAY! That is, if I don't have to breathe anyways. Actually, it's not that bad. If I had to, I could actually wear them today and not look horrible. So the countdown begins! I've gotta lose a few more pounds before Sept. 6 and everything will be just perfect. And I figured I should wear the boots around a little to get them out of their flattened configuration that they have been packed away in for the last 13 years. *sigh* This is going to be cool. So do you think I should try the exercise bike in the boots? Hehehe... well, don't look in my windows, because you just might see something funny!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Lesson 6 - The Best Yet!
Today's lesson was absolutely awesome! I don't know what clicked between me and Simon today, but we were in sync and had a perfect ride over fences - not a bad spot to be found, all the leads were correct, he didn't get overly excited while jumping - it was hard to beat. Now I have set my standard... heheh.. punny... "standard" as in jumping standard... lol.. I crack myself up. Anyways, I set my standard high! I'm getting a reputation out there, and compliments galore from my instructor and another instructor on how well I ride Simon and how much he likes me. He actually nickered today when he saw me coming to get him. :) That was nice. And although he seemed girthy at the beginning, just for a second, he warmed up right out of it and was fine.
So, I am setting myself a goal to ride Simon in a schooling show there at the barn on Sept. 6 (Simon's owner permitting). I'll have to pull out my boots - I haven't worn them in 13 years! Yikes. :) They're still in my tack box in their boot bags just waiting for me. I might wait another week to attempt that one. LOL. I know I can get my riding jackets on - uh, just barely, but I can button them up now! And that's an improvement!
I can't tell you how elated I am to be riding again! I feel so great physically, mentally, and spiritually!
So, I am setting myself a goal to ride Simon in a schooling show there at the barn on Sept. 6 (Simon's owner permitting). I'll have to pull out my boots - I haven't worn them in 13 years! Yikes. :) They're still in my tack box in their boot bags just waiting for me. I might wait another week to attempt that one. LOL. I know I can get my riding jackets on - uh, just barely, but I can button them up now! And that's an improvement!
I can't tell you how elated I am to be riding again! I feel so great physically, mentally, and spiritually!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
We're Building a Barn!
I don't know if I can explain how exciting it is to finally begin the process of building a barn! We have been waiting over 7 years to do it, and it is finally happening! They did the dirtwork today, and while they were here, we had them level the arena and add some Nice fill sand. OMG, it is awesome!
I couldn't just look at it and not try it out the first day! So I had 30 minutes to ride, and I hopped on Sweetie, my first horse, for a test ride! She was excited, mostly because we were riding away from the herd (they were all waiting for dinner on the other side of the house - that will change when the barn is up!!!) The footing is Awesome! And 21yo Sweetie was prancing around like a big dressage horse, full of energy, arching her neck on the bit, huge trot. I didn't dare let her break into a canter because she could quickly get out of hand (and the fall after her buck in January is still burned into my mind). But the trot was awesome. We rode for about 20 minutes, and it was elating to ride in MY ring next to where MY barn is going to be built soon! OH, I can hardly wait!
Now after being exhausted all day from getting about 4 hours of sleep last night, I'm pumped and wide awake from such an awesome ride!
I couldn't just look at it and not try it out the first day! So I had 30 minutes to ride, and I hopped on Sweetie, my first horse, for a test ride! She was excited, mostly because we were riding away from the herd (they were all waiting for dinner on the other side of the house - that will change when the barn is up!!!) The footing is Awesome! And 21yo Sweetie was prancing around like a big dressage horse, full of energy, arching her neck on the bit, huge trot. I didn't dare let her break into a canter because she could quickly get out of hand (and the fall after her buck in January is still burned into my mind). But the trot was awesome. We rode for about 20 minutes, and it was elating to ride in MY ring next to where MY barn is going to be built soon! OH, I can hardly wait!
Now after being exhausted all day from getting about 4 hours of sleep last night, I'm pumped and wide awake from such an awesome ride!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Awesome Trailride!!
Me & Sweetie, my OTTB of 18 years - she 's 21 this year!
Nan & Lady - Lady is now 27 and Nan has owned her for 25 of those years!
Ricke & her beautiful QH mare.
Janeene & Darienne on the lovely arabians!
It has been at least 8 years since I have been on a trailride with Sweetie - the last time was in Oregon, with Harlan riding Aurora when she was still sound. It brought back memories of lots of trail rides, as well as that wonderful ride on the beach back in 2000.
Trailrides are a wonderful way to share an experience with your horse - and today reminded me of that, but also brought on a new feeling - that of enjoying camaraderie with friends. I am not sure if I have ever really been on a trail ride with a group of friends before. It is so fun to hear the stories about all the other horses you're riding with, learning about their history and their relationship with their owner. Nan's stories always amaze me - everything she has done with dear 27 yo Lady. I hope that Sweetie is still around when she is 27 (and I will continue to hope that she has calmed down by then! I thought she would be relaxed today. :) ) But even moreso, I hope that when I am 73 I have a horse that takes as good care of me as Lady takes care of Nan. I admire their relationship, and hope I am as lucky as they are at their respective ages. :)
Nan & Lady - Lady is now 27 and Nan has owned her for 25 of those years!
Ricke & her beautiful QH mare.
Janeene & Darienne on the lovely arabians!
It has been at least 8 years since I have been on a trailride with Sweetie - the last time was in Oregon, with Harlan riding Aurora when she was still sound. It brought back memories of lots of trail rides, as well as that wonderful ride on the beach back in 2000.
Trailrides are a wonderful way to share an experience with your horse - and today reminded me of that, but also brought on a new feeling - that of enjoying camaraderie with friends. I am not sure if I have ever really been on a trail ride with a group of friends before. It is so fun to hear the stories about all the other horses you're riding with, learning about their history and their relationship with their owner. Nan's stories always amaze me - everything she has done with dear 27 yo Lady. I hope that Sweetie is still around when she is 27 (and I will continue to hope that she has calmed down by then! I thought she would be relaxed today. :) ) But even moreso, I hope that when I am 73 I have a horse that takes as good care of me as Lady takes care of Nan. I admire their relationship, and hope I am as lucky as they are at their respective ages. :)
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Lesson 5 - "Girthy"
So I have heard of "girthy" horses, and had been warned that Simon didn't like his girth too tight. So each time I've ridden him, his girth has been just tight enough to keep the saddle on - and maybe not quite that tight, or so I've thougth. Today, I again followed the same method for putting the girth on, stretched his front legs to makesure no skin was pinching under the girth, and mounted up - carefully - as to not let the saddle slip. We walked into the ring and I could feel he was very stiff. He was okay walking to the left, but every time I tried turning him to the right, he semi-bucked! I had no idea what was causing it, so I hopped off, loosened the girth just in case, got back on and had the same experience. He was pissed. Every time I tried to turn his head to the right, he bucked (not huge, but enough to rattle me a little in the saddle). So I hopped off. And then I found Kim, who loosened the girth another hole (now we are 2 holes looser than what I already thought was loose), and she hopped on him and he was fine. I got back on, and he was fine. So, Simon is seriously girthy! I had never experienced that before. And he was totally fine the rest of the lesson.
In fact, he was even better since I added a pad under the saddle to help even out the saddle pressure. I had noticed after our last ride, that the saddle had left some pressure spots under the pad - where there was no sweat, and I figured it couldn't be that comfortable, especially since I could loose a few more pounds. This lesson, with the pad, he trotted out bigger from the very beginning, and seemed to have a bigger stride throughout. He again did well getting the correct lead around the corners, except maybe once that we had to slow down and trot to change leads. Simon gets so excited once you start jumping and loves to gallop off. I worked on figuring out a method for getting him to slow down while on course since he gets so excited. There were two ways that seemed to work - the better seemed to be to keep my hands higher - lifting my inside rein in particular, especially around a corner. The other was half-halts, but I have to put a lot into them in order to slow him down. The other thing I had to work on was not slowing him down too much when approaching a fence. It is good to slow him down around a corner, but then let him go and let the fence come to me. So we'll keep working on my confidence.
Overall, another totally fun lesson. I love jumping again - it is such a blast!
In fact, he was even better since I added a pad under the saddle to help even out the saddle pressure. I had noticed after our last ride, that the saddle had left some pressure spots under the pad - where there was no sweat, and I figured it couldn't be that comfortable, especially since I could loose a few more pounds. This lesson, with the pad, he trotted out bigger from the very beginning, and seemed to have a bigger stride throughout. He again did well getting the correct lead around the corners, except maybe once that we had to slow down and trot to change leads. Simon gets so excited once you start jumping and loves to gallop off. I worked on figuring out a method for getting him to slow down while on course since he gets so excited. There were two ways that seemed to work - the better seemed to be to keep my hands higher - lifting my inside rein in particular, especially around a corner. The other was half-halts, but I have to put a lot into them in order to slow him down. The other thing I had to work on was not slowing him down too much when approaching a fence. It is good to slow him down around a corner, but then let him go and let the fence come to me. So we'll keep working on my confidence.
Overall, another totally fun lesson. I love jumping again - it is such a blast!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Lesson 4
Today was another great ride on Simon. It was very busy in the ring with all of the campers - they're so cute learning to trot and post on the ponies. We warmed up in all the madness without any trouble. Simon doesn't seem to care when other horses get close to him - he doesn't flinch or move or anything.
The fences today averaged about 2'3" maybe a few 2'6". After trotting the small blue gate a few times, we trotted in and cantered down the outside line. If you were to canter in, it should be a long 4 strides. If you trot in, it should be 5 strides. But you know Simon - he gets there eventually and the first 2 times we did it we squeezed in 6 strides! Finally I asked with enough leg and he did it in 5. We did another line the same way and it was lovely. At the end, we put a total of 5 fences together: an outside line, a diagonal rolltop, to the other outside line. The first two lines were perfect, and then with the last outside line, we got close to both fences - and made it 5 strides when it could have been four. We tried it a couple times again, but the 4 just seemed too long to me, and we finally did a really nice even 5.
I don't have much to say about flying changes - we just didn't do any today. Every time except once, Simon always picked the correct lead around the corner so I didn't have to ask. The one time he didn't, there wasn't enough straightaway to ask for a flying change, so we broke to a trot to fix it.
The best part was the compliments - "He really loves you!" Well, that's something I hope to hear about my husband, and I certainly have been known to love a horse before, but I've never heard the reverse - the horse loves ME? Apparently, he continues to do really good things for me that he won't do for other riders. I'm not sure exactly what I do differently - other than leave him alone and let him do his thing. But he's also so responsive when I ask him to move up to get a better spot. Apparently he's not always like that. :) I'd like to think that another part of it is the treats and the long grazes after a lesson, but I don't know. The other thing Kim said is that I'm not intimidating, and I don't force Simon to do things my way, but rather let him do it the way he likes. I'm still not sure what that means, but I'll take it!
Kim is taking a well-deserved vacation next week, so I will be anxious to ride again in two weeks! I'll have to "practice" on one of my own here at home. :) Until next time...
The fences today averaged about 2'3" maybe a few 2'6". After trotting the small blue gate a few times, we trotted in and cantered down the outside line. If you were to canter in, it should be a long 4 strides. If you trot in, it should be 5 strides. But you know Simon - he gets there eventually and the first 2 times we did it we squeezed in 6 strides! Finally I asked with enough leg and he did it in 5. We did another line the same way and it was lovely. At the end, we put a total of 5 fences together: an outside line, a diagonal rolltop, to the other outside line. The first two lines were perfect, and then with the last outside line, we got close to both fences - and made it 5 strides when it could have been four. We tried it a couple times again, but the 4 just seemed too long to me, and we finally did a really nice even 5.
I don't have much to say about flying changes - we just didn't do any today. Every time except once, Simon always picked the correct lead around the corner so I didn't have to ask. The one time he didn't, there wasn't enough straightaway to ask for a flying change, so we broke to a trot to fix it.
The best part was the compliments - "He really loves you!" Well, that's something I hope to hear about my husband, and I certainly have been known to love a horse before, but I've never heard the reverse - the horse loves ME? Apparently, he continues to do really good things for me that he won't do for other riders. I'm not sure exactly what I do differently - other than leave him alone and let him do his thing. But he's also so responsive when I ask him to move up to get a better spot. Apparently he's not always like that. :) I'd like to think that another part of it is the treats and the long grazes after a lesson, but I don't know. The other thing Kim said is that I'm not intimidating, and I don't force Simon to do things my way, but rather let him do it the way he likes. I'm still not sure what that means, but I'll take it!
Kim is taking a well-deserved vacation next week, so I will be anxious to ride again in two weeks! I'll have to "practice" on one of my own here at home. :) Until next time...
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Walking the Line
After seeing how much trust Kiley has put in me this weekend, I decided it was finally a good time to work with her a little more, see if we could lunge at all.
I brought her into the ring to groom her and she stood very well, still a little sensitive below the hocks/knees, but she was very good about letting me pick out her feet. In the past, she has cowered away from you when you get below the knees, pulling her leg up tightly away from you and towards her body. But for me tonight, she was great. I was very slow, deliberate and gentle, and she was calm and easy to pick her feet.
She has figured out that I usually keep treats around, and she absolutely adores the apple-flavored wafers that Manna Pro makes. I took her to the middle of the roundpen to do a combination of Parelli's circle game and lunging. Using the four levels of "asking" her to do something. The key here is finding the line where you are just firm enough to get her to do what you want without scaring her. Kiley often acts like she is expecting to be hurt - and I don't want to lose the trust we have built.
The best part of our session is that Kiley was completely attentive, and "joined up" with me often - at the circle game she would take a few steps the right direction and then very quickly turn and face me like "was that it?" We did lots of 1/4 circles each direction with Kiley going out on the circle and immediately coming back in to check in with me - which is good! Each time I rubbed her forehead and relaxed for a moment before I asked her to go the other way.
I finally was a bit firmer in my requests, and got a quick trot on the circle to he left. She did go all the way around without any trouble. And she is very sensitive to my signals - it doesn't take much at all and she was out there trotting. But she was also quick to come back to me as soon as I stopped asking for forward movement.
To the right, we weren't quite as good. They say all horses are one-sided to some point. I knew she liked going to the left the first day I met her at the Expo when that's all she would do - circle around me to the left. When we finally got a whole circle to the right and a few yields to the carrot stick, I took off the halter to let her go. She immediately walked away from me to graze and clean up some grain that had been dropped (by another horse) in the roundpen.
Kiley really wants to please, but it is still very stressful for her. Maybe I first learned about giving her a break from Penny Stone when we did Ttouch with her the first time - Kiley was good and well behaved, but didn't really want to be with us - and Penny gave her a break in the middle of our session to let her get away and relax. For me, that was her reward today for being so good. I did go over to my grooming box and pick up some treats and shake the bag - and Kiley did come over and take one treat, but as soon as it was in her mouth, she again walked away quickly (unlike my other horses that would hound me for more). It's just her personality - it's almost like she's holding her breath (not literally) and as soon as you release her she feels safe and can breathe again. It's strange because she tries so hard to be good when she's got a halter on, but it is obvious when you take it off that she feels more secure away from you.
Kiley still stops when I let her go after mealtimes and lets me scratch her withers for her for a few moments before she walks away. It's almost like she's fighting her instinct - wanting the attention and at the same time is afraid of bad things that could happen.
We'll keep working through it. And I'll keep walking the line of just enough pressure to get her to do what I ask, without doing anything to betray her trust in me.
I brought her into the ring to groom her and she stood very well, still a little sensitive below the hocks/knees, but she was very good about letting me pick out her feet. In the past, she has cowered away from you when you get below the knees, pulling her leg up tightly away from you and towards her body. But for me tonight, she was great. I was very slow, deliberate and gentle, and she was calm and easy to pick her feet.
She has figured out that I usually keep treats around, and she absolutely adores the apple-flavored wafers that Manna Pro makes. I took her to the middle of the roundpen to do a combination of Parelli's circle game and lunging. Using the four levels of "asking" her to do something. The key here is finding the line where you are just firm enough to get her to do what you want without scaring her. Kiley often acts like she is expecting to be hurt - and I don't want to lose the trust we have built.
The best part of our session is that Kiley was completely attentive, and "joined up" with me often - at the circle game she would take a few steps the right direction and then very quickly turn and face me like "was that it?" We did lots of 1/4 circles each direction with Kiley going out on the circle and immediately coming back in to check in with me - which is good! Each time I rubbed her forehead and relaxed for a moment before I asked her to go the other way.
I finally was a bit firmer in my requests, and got a quick trot on the circle to he left. She did go all the way around without any trouble. And she is very sensitive to my signals - it doesn't take much at all and she was out there trotting. But she was also quick to come back to me as soon as I stopped asking for forward movement.
To the right, we weren't quite as good. They say all horses are one-sided to some point. I knew she liked going to the left the first day I met her at the Expo when that's all she would do - circle around me to the left. When we finally got a whole circle to the right and a few yields to the carrot stick, I took off the halter to let her go. She immediately walked away from me to graze and clean up some grain that had been dropped (by another horse) in the roundpen.
Kiley really wants to please, but it is still very stressful for her. Maybe I first learned about giving her a break from Penny Stone when we did Ttouch with her the first time - Kiley was good and well behaved, but didn't really want to be with us - and Penny gave her a break in the middle of our session to let her get away and relax. For me, that was her reward today for being so good. I did go over to my grooming box and pick up some treats and shake the bag - and Kiley did come over and take one treat, but as soon as it was in her mouth, she again walked away quickly (unlike my other horses that would hound me for more). It's just her personality - it's almost like she's holding her breath (not literally) and as soon as you release her she feels safe and can breathe again. It's strange because she tries so hard to be good when she's got a halter on, but it is obvious when you take it off that she feels more secure away from you.
Kiley still stops when I let her go after mealtimes and lets me scratch her withers for her for a few moments before she walks away. It's almost like she's fighting her instinct - wanting the attention and at the same time is afraid of bad things that could happen.
We'll keep working through it. And I'll keep walking the line of just enough pressure to get her to do what I ask, without doing anything to betray her trust in me.
Lesson 3
Yes! It really is Lesson #3 and boy, it was great! I was not nearly as sore after my last lesson, and it was even easier for me to keep a posting trot longer today - we went around the ring 2 or 3 times each direction before I wanted to walk and relax a bit. We also cantered each direction at 2 point at least 2 times around the ring, and although I was a bit winded, I still had plenty of energy to keep going! It felt great to know that my body was getting back those "riding" muscles and making it easier to do what I love.
We jumped quite a bit today. Starting over the blue gate, and then turning right to a diagonal line. Fences were about 2' - 2'3" today, no big deal. It took several tries, but I finally had a beautiful course, got the correct leads, and nice spots to all the fences.
What I learned today was to remember that there is so much more to focus on than just the fences. I have to remember to go straight after a fence, no mattter what lead, and then I can ask for a flying change when Simon is straight. When I ask for a lead over the fence, I tend to turn too soon and put Simon off balance enough so that he can't do the flying change. Also, when I am in "fear" mode over fences, especially when I am having trouble judging a distance to the fence, I sometimes let Simon slow down as we approach and end up adding a stride. So the lesson is to keep the momentum, keep leg on him and let the jump come to you - don't let him slow down, and the distance will be there. Once I figured that out, we had a bunch of great jumps!
The other thing I worked on this time was the walk-canter transition that we had so much trouble with last week. I don't know if he's finally understanding me, or if I'm being more clear in my direction, but we had several very nice walk-canter transitions. AND I also got 3 or 4 flying changes from Simon - once he even kicked out with one of his hind legs like a mini-buck that I rode just fine.
Kim again commented on how much Simon likes me - she says he really doesn't do flying changes for anyone else, and he listens to me really well when we're on course - moving up or slowing down when I ask. It makes me proud to hear it, and of course, Simon again got plenty of treats and a nice walk to graze after the lesson. He really loves that.
Overall, a great lesson! I was physically fit enough to do lots of riding and jumping and it felt great!
We jumped quite a bit today. Starting over the blue gate, and then turning right to a diagonal line. Fences were about 2' - 2'3" today, no big deal. It took several tries, but I finally had a beautiful course, got the correct leads, and nice spots to all the fences.
What I learned today was to remember that there is so much more to focus on than just the fences. I have to remember to go straight after a fence, no mattter what lead, and then I can ask for a flying change when Simon is straight. When I ask for a lead over the fence, I tend to turn too soon and put Simon off balance enough so that he can't do the flying change. Also, when I am in "fear" mode over fences, especially when I am having trouble judging a distance to the fence, I sometimes let Simon slow down as we approach and end up adding a stride. So the lesson is to keep the momentum, keep leg on him and let the jump come to you - don't let him slow down, and the distance will be there. Once I figured that out, we had a bunch of great jumps!
The other thing I worked on this time was the walk-canter transition that we had so much trouble with last week. I don't know if he's finally understanding me, or if I'm being more clear in my direction, but we had several very nice walk-canter transitions. AND I also got 3 or 4 flying changes from Simon - once he even kicked out with one of his hind legs like a mini-buck that I rode just fine.
Kim again commented on how much Simon likes me - she says he really doesn't do flying changes for anyone else, and he listens to me really well when we're on course - moving up or slowing down when I ask. It makes me proud to hear it, and of course, Simon again got plenty of treats and a nice walk to graze after the lesson. He really loves that.
Overall, a great lesson! I was physically fit enough to do lots of riding and jumping and it felt great!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Herd Dynamics
This is "Goose" nka "Goliath." He was born to our PMU mare "Charlie" who we purchased as a riding horse for my husband 3 years ago. He is a gorgeous, huge, draft horse, that I didn't have enough time to ride, and now that I'm getting into hunters again, he is not exactly "hunter-type." :)
Goose has a wonderful personality - he loves attention and is always alert and brave - and sometimes gets into your personal space which can be intimidating to a novice horseman if you don't know how to get him back into his own space (and it is also dangerous around young children who don't have a clue).
I sold Goose about 3 weeks ago, and delivered him to his new home this weekend. He couldn't have found a better home - his new mom is a very experienced horsewoman and has all sorts of plans for him!
But now, he's gone.
The herd just isn't the same. It's so quiet out there. It used to be that I would call them with a loud "come on" for feeding time and they would all come galloping up from the field. Now I can't get them to even break into a trot! The rest of the herd just moseys on up to the feeding area now - not one of them is in a "hurry" anymore. Goose was the youngest in the herd, and everyone except my foster horse, Kiley, is 9 or older, and Kiley is pretty laid back in the field.
Anyways, I miss him. He is the first horse I ever sold, and I couldn't be happier for him, but I definitely notice he is missing when I'm outside with the horses. He was always up to something.
I hope he's behaving himself! :)
Sunday, June 29, 2008
She trusts me!
Yesterday was a fantastic adoptathon for BEHS. I trailered my foster horse, Kiley, to the event, as well as another foster horse "Nike." (My personal horse, Goose, nka Goliath, also came for the ride to his new home).
The experience was great for everyone - but mostly I am struck by how much Kiley has grown to trust me over the last 8 months. When I first met her at the Expo last year, she was very nervous, and wouldn't even look at me. She never turned her head to see me with both eyes - even when I sat outside her stall with the door open for 30 minutes, she never approached me or turned to look at me. When I handled her for our parade of foster horses, she was nervous, would constantly circle around me, and would only turn left.
At the adoptathon, when we came out of the trailer to a new place she had never been, she was a little slow, but she completely trusted me and followed me in to the barn and into her stall with little hesitation. When I walked her for the parade of horses into the ring, you could tell she was nervous, but she stood perfectly in line and waited for all of my cues. She walked somewhat nervously but stayed at my side the entire time - no circles at all. She was very well behaved and kept turning to me to get her cues, and you could sense she trusted me to keep her safe.
It was a very rewarding experience. I knew that she trusted me more, but I didn't realize quite how much until this experience. She's so funny - she has her limits of how much stress she can handle. When we got home and I opened the trailer, she jumped out into the field and galloped away. She deserved it!
The experience was great for everyone - but mostly I am struck by how much Kiley has grown to trust me over the last 8 months. When I first met her at the Expo last year, she was very nervous, and wouldn't even look at me. She never turned her head to see me with both eyes - even when I sat outside her stall with the door open for 30 minutes, she never approached me or turned to look at me. When I handled her for our parade of foster horses, she was nervous, would constantly circle around me, and would only turn left.
At the adoptathon, when we came out of the trailer to a new place she had never been, she was a little slow, but she completely trusted me and followed me in to the barn and into her stall with little hesitation. When I walked her for the parade of horses into the ring, you could tell she was nervous, but she stood perfectly in line and waited for all of my cues. She walked somewhat nervously but stayed at my side the entire time - no circles at all. She was very well behaved and kept turning to me to get her cues, and you could sense she trusted me to keep her safe.
It was a very rewarding experience. I knew that she trusted me more, but I didn't realize quite how much until this experience. She's so funny - she has her limits of how much stress she can handle. When we got home and I opened the trailer, she jumped out into the field and galloped away. She deserved it!
How to get a 1400lb draft horse in a trailer...
So how do you force a 1400 lb draft horse in a trailer? You can't. He outweighs you by, oh, say, at least 1200 lbs and he will go wherever he chooses. There is no forcing that big an animal. No whips, or butt ropes, or scary sheets will work (especially when he's not scared of anything). (If he doesn't like the way you are treating him, he will simply rear - straight up - to get away.) Nothing like looking up in the sky and seeing two plate-sized hooves near your head.
You simply have to make him want to. It's a good thing that draft horses always have a hungry stomach. You can coax him in with sweet feed or treats. But always be gentle! And then he will learn to trust you and will follow you anywhere for a treat!
You simply have to make him want to. It's a good thing that draft horses always have a hungry stomach. You can coax him in with sweet feed or treats. But always be gentle! And then he will learn to trust you and will follow you anywhere for a treat!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Lesson 2
After my first lesson, it was clear that Simon and I were a good match - he was steady and reliable, and gave me the confidence I needed as I was starting to ride again. Kim was there when I arrived and made sure I knew where Simon's stall was, and left it up to me to do everything this time. No problem.
I brought my own saddle this time - a nice flat panel close contact saddle I purchased back in 2000. I had no idea it was "out of style" in today's hunter ring - apparently knee rolls are the "in" thing nowadays. I've never owned a saddle with knee rolls, but I suspect the next time I buy a saddle, it will have them. I really enjoyed riding in the Stueben (with knee rolls) last week, but the stirrups were too narrow, and if I put my foot where it felt comfortable, my feet started to get stuck, and that is not a safe thing when riding. So, maybe next week we can get some bigger stirrups on the Stueben and everything will be perfect. :)
I got to his stall and you could tell he remembered me - his ears perked foward as I walked into his stall and he lifted his head to take a good look at me. He was already hoping for a treat as soon as I put him in the wash stall - you could tell as he was leaning towards me to see what I might have. Of course I was prepared with a bucket of apple flavored horse treats, and I gave him a few as I groomed him. He wasn't quite as filthy as last week, thank goodness, but still needed a good grooming.
Once we were tacked up, we headed out to the ring. I knew where the mounting block was, at least, but now I had a new obstacle - someone had closed the gate to the ring. They had a summer camp class going on down at the near end of the ring, and I wasn't sure if they would open the gate when I got there for me already mounted or not. But once I was in the saddle, I looked down to the far end of the ring where the other adults were riding, and gratefully I saw that there was another gate at the far end that was wide open. Whew!
The ring was very busy. There were at least 4 campers at one end, and 4 adults at the other end. Well, two 30+ adults including myself and two ~18yo's. Kim was already working with one of the "youngsters" and told me to go ahead and warm up while she finished working with the other young lady. As I was trotting around the ring, I anxiously watched the other instructor raise the fences to 2'3" and 2'6". And the little crossrail got moved up, too. I hoped that Kim would put them back down for me, but I wasn't convinced that would happen.
Simon again has a very slow almost lethargic trot when you first start riding him. He takes a good bit of leg to keep his momentum going, but no trouble. I tried a couple of walk-canter transitions, and realized that Simon didn't know my signals quite well enough to make that happen successfully - I ended up with a quick trot, and then brought him back a bit and asked for a trot-canter transition which worked perfectly. I noticed that my legs felt too long in the stirrups so I raised them a hole - Simon is not nearly as wide as Rocky - and they felt much better up higher.
Thankfully, Kim took the top rail off the blue gate (only about a 1' fence) and we trotted back and forth over it a few times. Then we trotted over the gate and turned right to trot into and canter out of the outside line. We added a stride, but it was better to be safe than sorry. Then we did the same 3 fences a few more times but keeping the canter around the corner into the line. Finally, the finale of the day, we added another diagonal line at the end for 5 fences in a row! It was awesome! We had to trot in to the last line due to some ring traffic, but Simon went up and over no problem - I'm sure the second fence in the last 2 lines were 2'6" - that is crazy! I could hardly believe I was jumping that size fence already - but Simon was smooth and steady. He gets a little excited when you start jumping and is more "exhuberant." He especially likes it when you tell him "good boy" and pat him - I think it makes him go even faster in glee. :) He's so much fun.
Kim again commented how much Simon likes me - she says he doesn't get along with everyone. He did at least 3 flying changes for me. (I'm not really sure that I asked for them, but I must have been well balanced enough for him to do them himself. )
After the lesson, we went for a short trail ride with my neighbor, Jodi, down alongside the fields to cool out. It was really nice to relax like that - I love trail rides, and I it was a special treat to get to do that!
I brought my own saddle this time - a nice flat panel close contact saddle I purchased back in 2000. I had no idea it was "out of style" in today's hunter ring - apparently knee rolls are the "in" thing nowadays. I've never owned a saddle with knee rolls, but I suspect the next time I buy a saddle, it will have them. I really enjoyed riding in the Stueben (with knee rolls) last week, but the stirrups were too narrow, and if I put my foot where it felt comfortable, my feet started to get stuck, and that is not a safe thing when riding. So, maybe next week we can get some bigger stirrups on the Stueben and everything will be perfect. :)
I got to his stall and you could tell he remembered me - his ears perked foward as I walked into his stall and he lifted his head to take a good look at me. He was already hoping for a treat as soon as I put him in the wash stall - you could tell as he was leaning towards me to see what I might have. Of course I was prepared with a bucket of apple flavored horse treats, and I gave him a few as I groomed him. He wasn't quite as filthy as last week, thank goodness, but still needed a good grooming.
Once we were tacked up, we headed out to the ring. I knew where the mounting block was, at least, but now I had a new obstacle - someone had closed the gate to the ring. They had a summer camp class going on down at the near end of the ring, and I wasn't sure if they would open the gate when I got there for me already mounted or not. But once I was in the saddle, I looked down to the far end of the ring where the other adults were riding, and gratefully I saw that there was another gate at the far end that was wide open. Whew!
The ring was very busy. There were at least 4 campers at one end, and 4 adults at the other end. Well, two 30+ adults including myself and two ~18yo's. Kim was already working with one of the "youngsters" and told me to go ahead and warm up while she finished working with the other young lady. As I was trotting around the ring, I anxiously watched the other instructor raise the fences to 2'3" and 2'6". And the little crossrail got moved up, too. I hoped that Kim would put them back down for me, but I wasn't convinced that would happen.
Simon again has a very slow almost lethargic trot when you first start riding him. He takes a good bit of leg to keep his momentum going, but no trouble. I tried a couple of walk-canter transitions, and realized that Simon didn't know my signals quite well enough to make that happen successfully - I ended up with a quick trot, and then brought him back a bit and asked for a trot-canter transition which worked perfectly. I noticed that my legs felt too long in the stirrups so I raised them a hole - Simon is not nearly as wide as Rocky - and they felt much better up higher.
Thankfully, Kim took the top rail off the blue gate (only about a 1' fence) and we trotted back and forth over it a few times. Then we trotted over the gate and turned right to trot into and canter out of the outside line. We added a stride, but it was better to be safe than sorry. Then we did the same 3 fences a few more times but keeping the canter around the corner into the line. Finally, the finale of the day, we added another diagonal line at the end for 5 fences in a row! It was awesome! We had to trot in to the last line due to some ring traffic, but Simon went up and over no problem - I'm sure the second fence in the last 2 lines were 2'6" - that is crazy! I could hardly believe I was jumping that size fence already - but Simon was smooth and steady. He gets a little excited when you start jumping and is more "exhuberant." He especially likes it when you tell him "good boy" and pat him - I think it makes him go even faster in glee. :) He's so much fun.
Kim again commented how much Simon likes me - she says he doesn't get along with everyone. He did at least 3 flying changes for me. (I'm not really sure that I asked for them, but I must have been well balanced enough for him to do them himself. )
After the lesson, we went for a short trail ride with my neighbor, Jodi, down alongside the fields to cool out. It was really nice to relax like that - I love trail rides, and I it was a special treat to get to do that!
Pain!
I hadn't mentioned yet how sore I was after my first lesson - every single muscle up and down my back, butt, and legs absolutely ached for the next 3 days. But it felt wonderful! I spent the days trying to figure out how I had been missing those muscles during my workouts, but instead decided to enjoy the pain as it reminded me of riding, and I was looking forward to next week!
Lesson 1
I was so excited to go to my first lesson. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect, whether I would even get to jump on the first lesson, but I was prepared to practice over a few crossrails. My farrier was going to arrive (for my personal horses) right before I had to leave home for the barn with the kids, (only way our schedule would work - it's the first time he did them without me there), and he was a few minutes late. But we had planned ahead and still managed to get out of the driveway almost on time. Once I dropped the kids off at my MIL's, I suddenly felt the excitement of getting to ride - on my own. No kids to worry about, no rushing back in to the house as soon as I was done. I had about 2.5 hours coming up to myself and I intended to enjoy every minute.
I arrived at the barn and Kim was still finishing up her last lesson. She waved to me and soon came up to show me the horse I would be riding, a 16+hh chestnut TB gelding named "Simon." She pulled him out of his stall, and handed him to me in the aisleway, and showed me the wash stall where to tack him up, and pulled out tack for me to use, and pointed to the brushes, and walked off to finish her lesson. It seems my first lesson would also test my grooming talents, as it had clearly been a few days since Simon had seen a brush. But it didn't bother me at all - I have learned to really enjoy grooming, and got busy currying. I intended for Simon to be gleaming in my lesson, one way or another.
My first impressions of Simon were that he clearly knew his job - he had spent many hours in the wash stall getting ready for lessons before, and stood quietly while I brushed everywhere head to hoof. Kim mentioned Simon didn't like his girth too tight - so I was careful to make the girth just tight enough to keep the saddle on safely.
I lead him out towards the arena looking for a mounting block in the arena. I looked around for at least 2 minutes, in fact, standing near the gate. They didn't really expect me to mount this giant from the ground, did they? I saw a couple of hay bales in the ring, but that didn't look right. Finally, I realized I had already walked past the mounting block about 20 yards behind me - a large hand built wooden block with plenty of room to maneuver. Embarassed, I turned Simon away from the ring and went back to mount up. Thankfully, he stood very still as I mounted, and we turned back to the ring. Kim was there and I thought to myself - the last time she saw me ride I was a mess. Oh, geez. And then a little excitement - because although I told Kim I had been going to the gym, I was the only one that knew I was in much better shape, and she didn't. :)
"When you're ready, pick up a posting trot." And before I had made a large circle she added, "I know you're probably out of shape, so walk when you need to." I wasn't about to take the easy road here. Simon had a slow, steady trot, and needed quite a bit of leg to keep him going (I began to remember a school horse I once knew...) I pushed as hard as I could and when I felt I had gotten around as much as another student would, I came back to a walk. We trotted the other way, and cantered both directions. While I was cantering - at 2 point - Kim commented, "Have you been riding a lot? You look great!" I replied that I had been going to the gym since January, but not riding as much as I'd like. I was so proud, though, to hear that the workouts were finally paying off. Another time around the ring at 2 point and I began to realize there were muscles in my legs that I had not been using in my workouts. But I was determined to push through until I heard Kim say, "When you're ready, come back to a trot." I tried not to do it immediately, and when we transitioned to trot, I confess it was only a few seconds before I asked Simon to walk so I could relax.
There was another woman and her daughter taking a lesson from the other instructor at the same time as I was, and we started chatting while we were walking around. Turns out they are my neighbors and live right down the road from me! Small world!
Kim then asked the ultimate question, "So, do you think you want to jump today?" I nodded in cautious excitement, "Mhmm."
I watched anxiously when I saw Kim moving standards around and set up a crossrail. My neighbors took their turn first. It looked easy enough. Kim said, "Let's try trotting over this crossrail - and don't worry, it will all come back to you." I wondered to myself - was jumping really like riding a bike? What if Simon knew I wasn't convinced we would get over the fence? He had his slow steady trot - but was it really enough to get him over those little crossrails? And before I knew it, we were at the base of the fence, and I automatically gave a squeeze, went into jumping position and prayed, and over the fence we went! No trouble at all! Kim asked, "tell me again how long it has been since you jumped a fence?" I replied, "Oh, about 10 years. Since 1999 for sure." Neither Kim nor my neighbors believed that was possible. :)
We went back and forth over the crossrail several times, getting better and relaxing more each time. And Simon finally started to pick up his trot now that we were jumping - he had more energy! Forward impulsion always makes me more comfortable when heading towards a fence.
Then the other instructor asked her students to trot over the rolltop. I thought to myself - is Kim really going to ask me to go over the rolltop? That might be a whole 2 feet high! Yikes! Would Simon really go over it? And of course, Kim asked me to follow along. I'm thinking to myself how I would feel so much more secure cantering over any rolltop. What if Simon stops? He must have felt my anxiousness, or maybe I purposely asked him for more stride, but he picked up more energy and over we went! We did it!
My final test for the lesson was to canter the rolltop (on a diagonal) and turn to the right to do an outside line. I looked at the second fence in the line, and surely that was up to 2'3". But no time to worry. We chipped in a little at the second fence in the line (I was still learning my distances). But the next time we did it, it was perfect! Kim said, "That was awesome! You can either stop with that or we can chance doing it one more time." I decided it was safer to end on a great note than push it. Or at least that's what I told Kim. My legs were like jelly and I wasn't taking any chances. :)
After my lesson, I hosed Simon down, gave him carrots, and hand grazed him while he dried off. He seemed delighted. I noticed that was not the normal practice around here - most students kept their horses in the grooming/wash stalls to dry. But part of what I loved about my lessons so long ago was the ability to bond with a horse after the lesson - take them out to graze and relax, and that's what we did. One of my first instructors once told me, "You know, the horses remember you when you let them graze like that." And I knew that Simon would remember me.
I arrived at the barn and Kim was still finishing up her last lesson. She waved to me and soon came up to show me the horse I would be riding, a 16+hh chestnut TB gelding named "Simon." She pulled him out of his stall, and handed him to me in the aisleway, and showed me the wash stall where to tack him up, and pulled out tack for me to use, and pointed to the brushes, and walked off to finish her lesson. It seems my first lesson would also test my grooming talents, as it had clearly been a few days since Simon had seen a brush. But it didn't bother me at all - I have learned to really enjoy grooming, and got busy currying. I intended for Simon to be gleaming in my lesson, one way or another.
My first impressions of Simon were that he clearly knew his job - he had spent many hours in the wash stall getting ready for lessons before, and stood quietly while I brushed everywhere head to hoof. Kim mentioned Simon didn't like his girth too tight - so I was careful to make the girth just tight enough to keep the saddle on safely.
I lead him out towards the arena looking for a mounting block in the arena. I looked around for at least 2 minutes, in fact, standing near the gate. They didn't really expect me to mount this giant from the ground, did they? I saw a couple of hay bales in the ring, but that didn't look right. Finally, I realized I had already walked past the mounting block about 20 yards behind me - a large hand built wooden block with plenty of room to maneuver. Embarassed, I turned Simon away from the ring and went back to mount up. Thankfully, he stood very still as I mounted, and we turned back to the ring. Kim was there and I thought to myself - the last time she saw me ride I was a mess. Oh, geez. And then a little excitement - because although I told Kim I had been going to the gym, I was the only one that knew I was in much better shape, and she didn't. :)
"When you're ready, pick up a posting trot." And before I had made a large circle she added, "I know you're probably out of shape, so walk when you need to." I wasn't about to take the easy road here. Simon had a slow, steady trot, and needed quite a bit of leg to keep him going (I began to remember a school horse I once knew...) I pushed as hard as I could and when I felt I had gotten around as much as another student would, I came back to a walk. We trotted the other way, and cantered both directions. While I was cantering - at 2 point - Kim commented, "Have you been riding a lot? You look great!" I replied that I had been going to the gym since January, but not riding as much as I'd like. I was so proud, though, to hear that the workouts were finally paying off. Another time around the ring at 2 point and I began to realize there were muscles in my legs that I had not been using in my workouts. But I was determined to push through until I heard Kim say, "When you're ready, come back to a trot." I tried not to do it immediately, and when we transitioned to trot, I confess it was only a few seconds before I asked Simon to walk so I could relax.
There was another woman and her daughter taking a lesson from the other instructor at the same time as I was, and we started chatting while we were walking around. Turns out they are my neighbors and live right down the road from me! Small world!
Kim then asked the ultimate question, "So, do you think you want to jump today?" I nodded in cautious excitement, "Mhmm."
I watched anxiously when I saw Kim moving standards around and set up a crossrail. My neighbors took their turn first. It looked easy enough. Kim said, "Let's try trotting over this crossrail - and don't worry, it will all come back to you." I wondered to myself - was jumping really like riding a bike? What if Simon knew I wasn't convinced we would get over the fence? He had his slow steady trot - but was it really enough to get him over those little crossrails? And before I knew it, we were at the base of the fence, and I automatically gave a squeeze, went into jumping position and prayed, and over the fence we went! No trouble at all! Kim asked, "tell me again how long it has been since you jumped a fence?" I replied, "Oh, about 10 years. Since 1999 for sure." Neither Kim nor my neighbors believed that was possible. :)
We went back and forth over the crossrail several times, getting better and relaxing more each time. And Simon finally started to pick up his trot now that we were jumping - he had more energy! Forward impulsion always makes me more comfortable when heading towards a fence.
Then the other instructor asked her students to trot over the rolltop. I thought to myself - is Kim really going to ask me to go over the rolltop? That might be a whole 2 feet high! Yikes! Would Simon really go over it? And of course, Kim asked me to follow along. I'm thinking to myself how I would feel so much more secure cantering over any rolltop. What if Simon stops? He must have felt my anxiousness, or maybe I purposely asked him for more stride, but he picked up more energy and over we went! We did it!
My final test for the lesson was to canter the rolltop (on a diagonal) and turn to the right to do an outside line. I looked at the second fence in the line, and surely that was up to 2'3". But no time to worry. We chipped in a little at the second fence in the line (I was still learning my distances). But the next time we did it, it was perfect! Kim said, "That was awesome! You can either stop with that or we can chance doing it one more time." I decided it was safer to end on a great note than push it. Or at least that's what I told Kim. My legs were like jelly and I wasn't taking any chances. :)
After my lesson, I hosed Simon down, gave him carrots, and hand grazed him while he dried off. He seemed delighted. I noticed that was not the normal practice around here - most students kept their horses in the grooming/wash stalls to dry. But part of what I loved about my lessons so long ago was the ability to bond with a horse after the lesson - take them out to graze and relax, and that's what we did. One of my first instructors once told me, "You know, the horses remember you when you let them graze like that." And I knew that Simon would remember me.
The non-lesson I had 2 years ago...
Okay, okay, so actually, it wasn't my first lesson in 10 years, but close enough. I had asked Kim (my instructor) to come out to my place about 2 years ago to watch/help me ride Rocky. I can't really call it a lesson, as it was more about Kim watching me attempt to ride Rocky - as I was completely out of shape, only a few months after delivering my daughter, and I could hardly keep him at the trot for more than a few minutes before I thought I would die from exhaustion.
She did give me some suggestions about working through the canter, getting him to do it on the lunge line so that if he did buck at the transition, I wasn't on him. And to work through the issue on the lunge line before attempting to do it on his back.
Overall, it was an embarassing experience. I was SO out of shape, absolutely exhausted after about a 20 minute ride, and I was just thankful for how kind Kim was for letting me pay her to watch me struggle in the saddle. I decided then there was no way I would take another lesson until I was really ready - no matter how badly I just wanted to be riding again.
She did give me some suggestions about working through the canter, getting him to do it on the lunge line so that if he did buck at the transition, I wasn't on him. And to work through the issue on the lunge line before attempting to do it on his back.
Overall, it was an embarassing experience. I was SO out of shape, absolutely exhausted after about a 20 minute ride, and I was just thankful for how kind Kim was for letting me pay her to watch me struggle in the saddle. I decided then there was no way I would take another lesson until I was really ready - no matter how badly I just wanted to be riding again.
My History
Welcome to my Blog! I am looking forward to sharing my adventures in re-riding as a 35 yo re-rider taking lessons again for the first time in 10 years.
I started riding when I was 10 at a hunter/jumper lesson barn, and continued through their highest levels until I purchased my own horse and began private lessons and showing. I showed extensively in 1995 in the local circuit, and was Grand Champion Adult Amateur and Pleasure Hunter in two separate local show circuits riding my first horse, "Sweet Persuasion." Sweetie is a TB mare that I have owned since she was 3, and is now 21 years old! Sweetie then took a year off to be mom to "Rocky" who is now 12 and still green... Since then I have gotten married, moved across the nation twice (with Sweetie and Rocky and Aurora), had two children, and been far too busy to really focus on my riding. When I have been riding, I have been working with Rocky, a 16.3 hh DWB/TB gelding who is embarassingly still green.
Back in January, I hopped on Sweetie for a relaxing ride in the field. Of course, I hadn't been riding her regularly (it may have been 6 mo since I had ridden her) and things were going well until I decided to let her break into a canter when the herd started to get silly. Sweetie bucked hard, and then realizing her mistake, immediately came to a halt. As you can imagine, I flipped forward right over her head and landed on my back. It had been years since I had fallen off Sweetie, and I could hardly stand it.
I stood up and realized how out of shape I was. Having two kids had taken its toll, and I hadn't been exercising. So I started going to the gym at least twice a week while my son was in preschool. I have not ridden much in the last few months - my focus has been on getting in shape. But I finally felt physically in control of my body and was ready to get back into riding, so I called a local hunter instructor and set up my first riding lesson in 10 years!
I started riding when I was 10 at a hunter/jumper lesson barn, and continued through their highest levels until I purchased my own horse and began private lessons and showing. I showed extensively in 1995 in the local circuit, and was Grand Champion Adult Amateur and Pleasure Hunter in two separate local show circuits riding my first horse, "Sweet Persuasion." Sweetie is a TB mare that I have owned since she was 3, and is now 21 years old! Sweetie then took a year off to be mom to "Rocky" who is now 12 and still green... Since then I have gotten married, moved across the nation twice (with Sweetie and Rocky and Aurora), had two children, and been far too busy to really focus on my riding. When I have been riding, I have been working with Rocky, a 16.3 hh DWB/TB gelding who is embarassingly still green.
Back in January, I hopped on Sweetie for a relaxing ride in the field. Of course, I hadn't been riding her regularly (it may have been 6 mo since I had ridden her) and things were going well until I decided to let her break into a canter when the herd started to get silly. Sweetie bucked hard, and then realizing her mistake, immediately came to a halt. As you can imagine, I flipped forward right over her head and landed on my back. It had been years since I had fallen off Sweetie, and I could hardly stand it.
I stood up and realized how out of shape I was. Having two kids had taken its toll, and I hadn't been exercising. So I started going to the gym at least twice a week while my son was in preschool. I have not ridden much in the last few months - my focus has been on getting in shape. But I finally felt physically in control of my body and was ready to get back into riding, so I called a local hunter instructor and set up my first riding lesson in 10 years!
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