Today there was a jump set up in the middle of each quarter line when I got to the barn.   I took the poles off the jump, but left the standards set up.  I put the poles on the ground on the quarter line, one in between K and V, and the other in between S and H.  I set the other quarter line the same way.  To warm up, the horses trotted the quarter lines, over the poles at either end of the arena.  Once warmed up, the horses trotted a serpentine, staying to the outside of the poles but going in between the jump standards at E and B.   With the poles and jump standards as guidelines, the goal was for  horse and rider to navigate the same smooth curve each time around the arena, which would allow for concentration on changing the bend and focus on the quality of the movement.

In a lesson on Angel, the emphasis of this exercise was on the steering for a more novice rider.  It was a challenge to keep Angel in the corner, looking the direction she was going (versus keeping her in the corner by pulling the outside rein, which made Angel look at the wall), and then changing the aids to  steer her away from the wall, between the jump standards, and then back to the wall in time to avoid trotting over the pole.  The biggest challenge was often the corner after the serpentine.  As the rider went to bend Angel through the corner, often Angel simply turned again.  By the end of the lesson, the rider had coordinated her aids so she could differentiate turning away from the wall, and bending through the corner but staying on the rail.

In another lesson, Frankie did the same exercise.  With him, the tough part of the exercise was getting him to bend, straighten, bend the other way, straighten, and then bend through the corner.  He is a little stiffer, and quite talented at running through his outside shoulder or motorcycling through turns if the rider does not ride him correctly and keep him connected.  This exercise worked really well to demonstrate when his rider was focused and using all her aids to keep him connected and bending correctly because he instantly gave her a positive result- smooth serpentine!  On the other hand, when things fell apart, it was very hard to even steer Frankie between the jump standards.  This was a great exercise because the rider could clearly tell the difference, which enabled her to get more pro-active about preparing him for the serpentine so that they could ride it smoothly.

I also did the same pattern with Cava.  She started out really fresh, and the pattern was most helpful in making her think about where she was going, and continually changing the bend helped keep her back up and keep her stepping into the outside rein with appropriate contact.  With her, I started out trotting the quarter lines over the poles, then I switched to the serpentines because she was getting strong and rushing going straight over the poles, ignoring my half halts. Once we did the serpentines and she was better balanced and listening, I switched it up by going straight down the quarter line over the first pole, and then leg yielded back to the rail around the second pole.  I also tried to switch it up by leg yielding from the first corner into the quarter line, but as fresh as she was, she kept taking any aid from my outside leg as a canter aid.  So I changed again, and rode the serpentines in the canter, working a few steps of counter-canter as we headed back to the second corner.  This worked really well to get her focused and paying attention in the canter, even through she was having a thoroughbred day and wanted to grab the bit and run!

So, one layout of jump standards and poles worked very effectively for a few different arena patterns, which could be tailored to different horse/rider ability levels.  Even at different levels, everyone was able to benefit from the pattern, and take different things away from it.

Tonight’s episode is brought to you by the letter “D”.

Dramatic.

Disrespectful.

Defiant.

Seems I’m not the only fan of Sesame Street.  Monday night, Sammie conjured up the above adjectives in our workout, reminding me of what used to be one of my favorite childhood TV shows.   I should have predicted the outcome.  It was so predictable that it was practically scripted.  But what seems patently obvious in hindsight is somehow not evident in the moment. 

You might recall from my last post that I finally figured out that Sammie could, and would, respect my leg when I began wearing spurs.  After our successful series of lessons and workouts, I gave Samba a much-deserved day off on Sunday.  Meg and I had scheduled extra lessons all week, in anticipation of the upcoming Thanksgiving week, when Meg would have flown home for the holiday.  Our plans were soon dashed, however, when I discovered a series of bumps on Sammie’s shoulder as I groomed her for our Monday lesson.  At first, I assumed she had just been bitten by a bug.  But no.  More lumps and bumps became evident as I kept brushing, several of which were along Sammie’s back, right where the saddle would put pressure.  HIVES! 

Riding was out of the question.  Night after night, nothing but longeing.  Good workouts for Sammie, but I itched to ride.  The vet came out Friday and left some antihistamine.  With any luck, I would be able to ride by Monday.

Saturday was another day of no work for Sammie, after five solid days of longeing.  I planned on working her Sunday, but the best plans backfire.  Sunday turned out to be the day set aside for Sammie to be clipped.  Her winter coat had grown in, and she needed to shed the shaggy mess.  As Sammie had never before been clipped, I felt that standing still and behaving for the girl doing the clipping was enough for one day.  No sense taxing her baby mind beyond that.

So on Monday, I drove to the barn and took Sammie out to begin grooming her.  She was definitely not happy about leaving her dinner.   She looked adorable, all clipped.  But the sun had set, and the temperature was beginning to drop as a gentle breeze began to stir.  I just knew that Samba would be full of herself.  I prepared to longe her in the roundpen, where I could exercise at least a modicum of control over her antics.  When I learned that the roundpen was not lit, I felt a sense of dread rise in my throat.  Sammie, naked in the outdoor arena, where she had plenty of room to be naughty?  This was a recipe for disaster. 

Sure enough (and likely 99% self-fulfilling prophecy) Sammie was a pistol.  After a few minutes of trying to control her bolting, bucking, semi-rearing antics, I just gave up.  I was alone, and she was starting to scare me.  I was more afraid she would do something to hurt herself, not me.  But either way, I’m sure she sensed that and capitalized on it.  So I unhooked the side reins, attached the longe line as a lead rope, and we walked around the arena…walk/halt, plus a little trot on the lead line…just reestablishing the rules.  She finally relaxed long enough for me to relax, and we had a few minutes of nice peaceful listening and following.  When I put her up and went home, I was ready to cry.  This night felt like such a step backwards!  But last night, I met up with Lisa and shared the story with her.  She (as always!) reminded me about how far we’ve come, and congratulated me to taking a difficult situation and controlling it.  There are worse things than changing your plans from a longeing session to a walk/halt training session!

Today, I’m heading to the barn for a DAYTIME workout in the roundpen, followed by (I hope) Sammie’s first ride since the hives hit.  Fingers crossed the bumps are history, along with Sammie’s ‘tude!

I, like so many USDF members, am on the USDF mailing list. I recived this e-mail in my inbox and it made me very excited!

“In response to a recent incident at an international competition, the USDF Executive Board has issued the following official statement:

The USDF does not approve of training techniques such as hyperflexion especially when taken to an extreme. While we recognize that we can not control how riders train at home, excessive techniques should not be tolerated at competitions. The USDF feels that it is very important that as a sport we police ourselves and encourage the USEF and FEI to call upon their licensed officials to ensure that cruel and abusive riding does not happen at our competitions.

The USDF agrees with and strongly supports the FEI position as stated in the November 17 press release and in particular the statement: “The FEI acknowledges and welcome public opinion and will continue to ensure that the welfare of the horse, which has been central to this debate, will remain its absolute priority.”

Why is this a big deal? Because for so long it has been a “look the other way” method of training in the US. Now that the USDF have come out clearly against it hopefully people will be shunned out of doing it.

For those of you who have not seen the video yet I am posting it below. And for those of you who are not sure why that video is a big deal look at the horses tongue. It is BLUE. That means there is no blood flow to the tongue. I want you to take your pointer finger and grab it with the other hand and squeeze as hard as you can. See how long and how hard you have to hold before it turns blue? It is disgusting! Poor horse. Oh, and if you look at all 4 and a half minutes of the video you can spot at least 2 other people using rolkur as part of their warm up.

USDF Executive Board Statement on Animal Welfare

In response to a recent incident at an international competition, the USDF Executive Board has issued the following official statement:

The USDF does not approve of training techniques such as hyperflexion especially when taken to an extreme. While we recognize that we can not control how riders train at home, excessive techniques should not be tolerated at competitions. The USDF feels that it is very important that as a sport we police ourselves and encourage the USEF and FEI to call upon their licensed officials to ensure that cruel and abusive riding does not happen at our competitions.

The USDF agrees with and strongly supports the FEI position as stated in the November 17 press release and in particular the statement: “The FEI acknowledges and welcomes public opinion and will continue to ensure that the welfare of the horse, which has been central to this debate, will remain its absolute priority.”

Oliver Townend presented a brilliant evenings demostration at Hadlow College in Kent just over a week ago.

Horsemart was present and enjoyed the Oliver’s wonderful demostration, we manged to catch some of the highlights for you all to enjoy with a selection of How to demos. If you want to treat yours self to a great evening out why not get along to Oliver Townend and Geoff Billington The Champions Tour which starts this month. http://www.thechampionstour.co.uk

Check out some of our Oliver Townend How to demo’s

How to jump angles 

How to teach a young horse Flying Changes

How to lengthen and collect the canter 

How to maintain energy and rythm when jumping 

Loads more How to guides to watch at HorsemartVideos 

I just woke up from the most bizarre dream. Phoenix and I were competing at Devon…in the adult amateur hunter under saddle class. And it was in indoor show. How wierd is that!

So yesterday I did something that I have never done before…I forgot my riding clothes!!!! So instead of heading to the barn to ride Phoenix I ran over to the tack store to buy some more hoof supplement for Gen. Yes, this giant building is a local tack store to me. I know you are jealous. And this is only one of 6 good size shops that are under a 40 minute drive from me.

While there I went into the consignment section of the shop. I got a great deal on these leather reins and this really nice leather girth! I was looking for a used blankie for the fat spotted one, but no such luck. I am so lucky though to have a tack store only 10 minutes from work that I cannot complain about not finding a super cheap blanket.

As I was driving to see Gen I had to stop and take a picture of this old barn. It is falling apart, yet for some reason I think it looks so cool in the darkness.

These are the new boots I got for Gen at the Equine Affaire. So far I am impressed.

My not so happy pony. He is being a cranky old man because it is almost supper time. I asked him to pose for the camera.

But he is clearly not in the mood. I try and plead with him by telling him that I will scratch his butt if he just looks handsome for one picture.

Clearly his bum was not itchy last night. All well. I suppose my horse doesn’t have to pose for pictures everyday. He must be as sick of this photo challenge as I am! I think it would be easier if I had a real camera and not a video camera that will sort of take pictures when it feels like it.

I love looking in at my boy all tucked in at night safe and sound. Having a corner stall with a nice big window is the best! I am very lucky to have found “Hill Farm”. It really is the best.

Here Gen is waiting for his dinner. Can you tell I am loving the black and white picture thing as of late? And so ends my photo challenge posts. It was fun. I hope you all enjoyed. Do you all like my picture posts or my word posts better?

Hi Guys, Well as we said we met up with Liz Halliday at the brand new Chelwood Farm Equestrian Centre in East Sussex, This place was a state of the art equestrian facility you name it and they have got it.

listen to Liz talk about this awesome Equestrian paradise

For more information on Chelwood Farm Equestrian Centre

After clipping the crew last month we thought we’d be good till at least California but noooooooooooooo!  What do they know about the weather forecast for this winter????  Lance got his second clipping yesterday and the others will follow later this week.  I can’t think of another year we clipped twice.  Maybe ’cause last winter was so cold?  We turnout every day, sometimes for just an hour or so, but they go for a little walk each day in their paddocks all bundled up in their multi layered winter duds.  Except if it is -30.  Most years there have been 2-3 days they stayed indoors.  Last year they stayed in 10 days.  So maybe they all figured we’re going to have the same forecast for winter 2010?  Boy are they going to be pleasantly surprized about California!!!

All the plans are ticking along.  The only glitch may be trying to bring a load of hay down with us.  Sounds like a lot of hoops to jump through to cross the border.  Lance and William are best on a very low carb diet and the hay in California has quite a high sugar content in it as they have had a drought for several years.  It seems to be a big quest to find low sugared hay so I thought we’ll just bring down enough for them all for the duration of our stay.   Lindsey has taken on the task of trying to fill out the right forms and talk to the right officials.  Might be easier to buy a load of hay on the trip down, Idaho or Utah?

The farm is looking so beautiful.  Everything has a light dusting of snow…the light just bounces off all the fields, gorgeous.  Easy to take winter like this!

First lesson at 8 so up and at ‘em!!

V

To maximize the benefits of riding circles, you need to use the right bending aids as well as know your reference points for an accurate circle.

Check out the new video clip on the Bending Aids for your dressage horse at: http://www.facebook.com/horse.training?ref=ts

Little Mr Sporty Pants sent us this post via equine mental telepathy–so through psychic intuition I am taking upon myself to transcribe his message to the Featherettes.

” For most of my life the humans I’ve encountered have considered me a grumpy and unwilling horse, although they appreciated (or maybe they haven’t) the fact that I’m at least agreeable enough to tote them around for hours at a time, despite ill fitting saddles and sloppy riders, kids who kick and pull, adults who whip and spur and heavily plop their butts on my back when they try to get me to trot.

I’ve put up with it for most of my 20 years, all the way back to years doing ranch work (and I have a brand on my hip to prove it). Life began to change for me a few years ago when a very sweet and kind girl came into my life after her parents purchased me because I AM a safe and reliable horse. All human children who love horses should be able to get a good start with a gentle horse, and gentle is my middle name (but “Willing” is not my first name).
So many trainers give up on horses that may not be enthusiastic and spirited; ones like me who grump about doing anything more than a trail ride at a snail pace. They think our type will only work when we feel like it. They don’t see the true horse that is hiding inside, nor do they know we dream about galloping across prairies, cavorting with our friends, wanting to stretch our muscles, arch our necks, buck and rear and play. We stand in stalls and paddocks, pastures and feedlots, silent and undemanding, wondering if any human alien out there will ever understand what it is we crave.
This was the story of my life, and I didn’t think anything would change until my young human moved me (as well as her other horse, Breeze) to a new barn. I didn’t think too much about the move until one day I spied a vaguely familiar human walking toward me–I recalled seeing this human where I used to live; she would come and teach my girl human how to ride and train her new horse Breeze. I learned the other horses called this person the Tall One. I saw how she was always observant of every horse in the barn, and even if we weren’t in her class, which I wasn’t at the time, she would give each of us a kind word and a little apple cookie treat. So I was mildly surprised to find her arriving at my new digs. I wondered what was up and would I be involved in anything? To say the least……….

Life has definitely changed. I soon began giving lessons to little ones, easy enough as that is usually just a nice little walk pace around the arena, changing direction and letting the youngsters grasp the idea of leg, seat and rein. But Tall One didn’t stop there. She started including me in the ground work sessions; and before long I was trotting, none too happily at first, and sometimes I even did a little bit of canter. Shortly after I started my ground work training I began helping grown up humans learn how to ride, and this is when I become more resistant and reluctant to do what is asked–I was just sure it would involve pain. But little by little I’m beginning to understand what the Tall One is teaching people to do to help me and all horses. These humans are actually learning to be thoughtful riders and trainers!

Sure, they may have to tap me with the whip, but then they give me a pat to reward me for keeping my pace up, and they help me by having a good seat and balance, kind hands that don’t yank on my mouth, legs that stay softly breathing on my sides, not banging away with their heels, clinching and squeezing. And the beginning riders learn to ask in the same manner, even if they haven’t yet mastered the technique at least I can accept their inconsistencies because the Tall One corrects them and helps them master this language. Time is spent at the beginning of each session with a good warm up, especially helpful for old horses like me in order to loosen and limber our joints and muscles. Classes become kind of fun as I start feeling better.

In fact, I must admit this was a fun week for me. Sure, I gave a few kids’ and adult lessons, but what gave me a big surprise was when a couple of the Featherette ladies decided to go for a trail ride with me and Flicka. I’ve known Flicka for awhile now, but we never went out together on a ride like this. Aunt Stef rode me and knew exactly what she was doing when we set out as I went right into the trot she asked for. Then I forgot all about my usual grumpiness and inhibitions for I suddenly found myself galloping along, aunt Stef was laughing and both of us (well, all four–Flicka and aunt Amy were both laughing because they were in front of us) were feeling good!

This was not an isolated incident. It happened again today when another of the humans, auntie Kristy, decided she would like to go on a little loop along with Flicka and her human.

She hopped on me and I was ready to GO! Although I had already worked because I gave a lesson to a little person (yes, in my book I call that work), I thought I was done for the day and was looking forward to the post lesson treat. But when I realized we were heading to the trails instead of the hitching rail I found myself briskly walking ahead, wanting to be the one in the lead on this ride. Aunt Kristy asked for trot in the same manner as aunt Stef had, and I immediately understood what was requested. Easy! Canter? Yes! This was really fun! Flicka trotted alongside me. She said my strides are short and choppy just as hers used to be, but with the dressage work we do in the Tall One’s sessions I will start lengthening my stride – no one has ever helped me use my rear engine! We had such a time trotting along, I even pricked my ears forward in anticipation of more excitement. Our riders asked us to walk back to the barn on long rein, in a nice stretchy walk (another new thing for me)
and I got a yummy bran mash dessert for my treat before I went to my paddock. Ah, life is good!

Flicka said it doesn’t look like I’m eating lemons anymore, but she also told me if it were not for the Tall One’s teachings her own human would still be riding her in the same old lazy way; instead, aunt Amy is slowly understanding the true meaning of becoming an athletic coach to the horses. All those Raisinettes, oops, Featherettes, are doing the same, because no matter which one of them is riding me, they all ride and request transitions the same way. There might be tiny, subtle differences, but it doesn’t take me too long to figure out the request. I am getting to be a happy horse, and these may truly become my enlightened years.

I overheard both Auntie Stef and Auntie Kristy say that galloping with me reminded each of them of riding their ponies when they were youngsters. It is an honor to think I can take them back to days of youth and freedom. At the same time I am grateful to the Tall One for seeing the potential in every horse and for teaching the humans how to effectively communicate with us. I am getting my own youth back.”

Remember: Patience, Persistence, Praise!

Finding the right instructor is the most important part of learning to ride.  It’s even more critical for adult riders. For one thing, we are way more needy than kids and so you want a coach who is patient and understands that you need a lot of encouragement to get on a 1000 pound animal week after week.  I’m so needy I think I drive my coach crazy sometimes asking for assurance that I’m riding better or that it’s not all my fault if Dody isn’t going to be a dressage superstar by next week.  Linda even tells me that my horse wouldn’t  be progressing faster if she was riding him which I know is a lot of horse hockey!  Still, I really appreciate her telling me that. 

So what do you look for? 

I think it’s important to have a coach who is an adult.  Someone you can relate to and feel comfortable talking to.  My coach and I are the same age.  We’ve become good friends and we can talk to each other about anything.  Sometimes going to the barn is less about riding and more about spending time with people I like.  I start my lesson walking in a 15 meter circle for 1o minutes chatting.  I usually laugh a lot and it relaxes me. 

Trust is a must.  The fear of falling off is scary for anyone, child, teen or adult.  But it can be terrifying for us older folks.  We don’t feel invincible anymore or remotely flexible and we’re sure we’ll break into a million tiny pieces if we hit the ground.  The thing is that if you ride you will fall off so you have to know that your coach will never ask you to do something you’re not skilled enough to do.  If she says you’re ready to trot for the first time it means that you can do it.

Right after trust is patience for all the reasons above.

Finally, find someone you whose horse skills you admire and makes you think someday you’d like to be able to ride just like them.

Don’t be afraid to try out different coaches until you find the right one for you.  It could be the difference between years of fun and missing out on the incredible experiencing of riding horses.

This business card was designed for Dressageforjuniors.com by artist Colleen Adele.  Look for our ad in the California Dressage Society’s December newsletter!

Tuesday, 11/17/09

On Monday night, I lightly longed Selena for about 10 minutes, mostly as a refresher for her. She tends to rush a little on the longe so I encouraged her to do a relaxed trot. She was great!

The weather was so spectacular today (Tuesday) that I took a vacation day and spent some quality time at the barn.

I rode Selena in the outdoor arena. The footing was still wet from the rain but the base was solid enough for some easy walk-trot work. We rode for about 30 minutes and my mom took pictures so I could track our progress and position. Selena was focused and very willing to work. We warmed up with about 10 minutes of walking, followed by walk-trot-walk-halt transitions. I threw in a few shoulder in exercises toward the end of the ride. Selena accepted contact willingly and we had a really nice ride.

Wizard and I rode for about 30 minutes on the trails and Mom hiked with us. He felt a little stiff throughout the ride and his right hind leg/hip was hitching just a bit. He also blew up for a minute on the final leg of the trail. He eventually relaxed, but my concerns are growing about his comfort. When we got back to the barn, a friend ran her fingers down his back and rump to check for soreness. He is not backsore at all but he is very tender all along his hip and croup on both sides. My hopes were that this trail walking regimen (1-2 days of walking on trails and light groundwork on other nights) would build muscle without too much wear and tear, but he is still not as comfortable as he should be. My friend has a therapeutic magnetic horse blanket and she put it on his back for a few hours. It will be interesting to see if it has any good results.

My mom was snacking on almonds while I tacked up. Selena seemed fascinated by the almonds so Mom gave her two. She loved them! She fed two to Wizard and he enjoyed them as well. Due to them not being part of a horse’s naturally digested food, we did not feed any more, but it was amusing to see them enjoying an unusual treat. Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don’t.

There is a warm and awed feeling I get when I am browsing my worn horse book collection.  Seated in a comfy chair with book in hand, a mug of hot chocolate steaming,  and the morning light tracing golden patterns on the maple floor,  I feel embraced by the horse wisdom of ages past.   I open a book and study the grainy black and white photos of uniformed men, effortlessly erect astride airborne white stallions.  Long gone, some had penned their thoughts & experiences – and now timeless on paper their words carry on in my thoughts today.

Imagine what the world was like when horses far outnumbered cars and commute was actually a trail ride to one’s destination.  How much closer to nature, to the rhythms of one’s mount, and perhaps even to oneself one might have felt.   I choose another book written by the founders of Cavalia.   Enjoyed the show a few years ago;  they must experience true oneness with the heart & soul of horses…

There are

so many

fascinating books

and more to come!

I am thrilled  to be able to open a new BOOK SECTION at Just Equus!!!    I have picked a few titles that I love or am interested in.  But I would love your advice to grow a fine selection in our Library.  Please share your favorites with us (post a comment).  We are listening!

Happy Reading,

Karen – Just Equus

Jane Savoie and Moshi

Answer by Jane Savoie: People often ask me to explain the difference between “running” and “lengthenings”. In fact, in this article I’m also going to describe the difference between running, lengthenings, medium gaits, and extended gaits.

1. Running- When you ask your horse to lengthen his strides and frame, and you hear his tempo (the rate of the repetition of the rhythm) get QUICKER, he’s not lengthening. He’s just running.

2. Lengthenings- In a good lengthening, your horse lengthens his stride and frame to the utmost he can at this relatively early stage of training (around 1st Level) WHILE staying in the same rhythm and tempo. He ends up covering more ground with each stride.

Lengthenings are developed from the working trot or canter. Since your horse is in what I call “horizontal balance” in a working gait, his balance will also be in horizontal balance in a lengthening. (i.e. His topline is basically parallel to the ground, and his center of gravity is toward his front legs.)

3. Medium gaits- In medium gaits, your horse lengthens his strides and frame WHILE staying in the same rhythm and tempo. In terms of length of strides and frame, medium gaits are between collected and extended gaits. This movement is “rounder” than that of an extended gait.

Because medium gaits are developed from collected gaits, your horse’s balance is different from his balance in lengthenings. His center of gravity is more toward his hind legs, and his topline looks more uphill than it did when he was in horizontal balance for a lengthening. He looks like a speedboat in the water or an airplane taking off.

4. Extended gaits- In extended gaits, your horse lengthens his strides and frame to his utmost WHILE staying in the same rhythm and tempo. Like medium gaits, extensions are developed from collected gaits. So your horse’s center of gravity is more toward his hind legs, and his balance is uphill.

That’s a description of running, lengthenings, mediums, and extensions in a nutshell.

But if you ask my friend and mentor Robert Dover how to show the difference between medium and extended gaits when you’re competing, he’ll say, “Do the maximum your horse can do for mediums. Then do the same thing for extensions, but make your eyes bigger!” (That was a joke!!)

Are you sick and tired of complicated and confusing training techniques? Are you frustrated by negative emotions like fear and lack of confidence? Would you like to be trained by a Three Time Olympic Coach? Learn how by going to: http://www.janesavoie.com/

Visit Jane’s Membership site: http://dressagementor.com/

Coalition anti colliers à choc