DefinitelyDressage.com

exvet

I really appreciate the support y'all. It's the way of the dressage world and having Welsh Cobs. My choice and I really don't regret it. Blob, I think you're right. One thing is got to happen and that is teaching Junior that he can sit and push from behind including into that right rein; so, as it w...

exvet

Sorry to hear about the disease outbreaks in your area mari. Dealing with such vector borne diseases is so hard especially the ones preventable through vaccination as are the majority we deal with here. AHS is always on our radar for reportable foreign diseases. Thankfully we have dodged that bullet...

exvet

I had a great lesson yesterday with Molly at the show grounds. All of Junior's flying changes were clean and in the air. His contact was pretty solid and we really dug in and got him into that right rein honestly. Most importantly I had a forward pony. When we got to the show today, Junior was as ch...

exvet

Yikes crooked horses..............I raise my hand. I flew home after work and loaded horses after tidying the place up. I know I sound like a broken record but I am SO GRATEFUL that my horses load like champs and put up with a 2.5 hour haul especially knowing what is going on. We have an open house ...

exvet

Appreciate the clinic notes Blob. Sounds like it was a great investment. Hope the weather holds out as expected LSP. SF, it sounds like T and Junior have similar focuses in their work. I was working in our pasture yesterday really demanding that Junior remain forward in his gaits and requiring him t...

exvet

Odin looks like he's like, "I got this....." LOL. Good for you and nice halt. I can't tell you the number of rides/shows/tests that have gone much the same way. It's hard no doubt. I think you have one heck of a nice horse. I've always loved spots.

exvet

I realize that Junior's growing in from a body clip winter coat is quite brittle and am hoping that the rubbing isn't due to a ill fit of saddle. Actually today, Junior found his shoulders like he never knew he could reach his forelegs that far forward. He really galloped for me to day and it was gr...

exvet

Wow heddylamar, sounds like Maia was a very stoic and obedient girl. We occasionally get winds like that here but no barn doors to deal with but the realty signs now those give Junior extra lift in his get-a-long. Few remain in place when we get those type of winds.

exvet

LSP I agree with Blob. It may be that Lynx has a medical issue/soreness but it's also quite possible that he's just weak and is finding an evasion in order not to load where he's weaker. Doing lateral work in the walk I find to be very helpful in teaching a horse where to place their feet and to wei...

exvet

Thank you guys again. As y'all know I wouldn't give up on this guy or find him an alternate path with someone else no matter what - unless things ended up out of my control which is why I broke down and purchased pictures (and of all things a schooling show). Each moment with him is precious, corny ...

exvet

Moutaineer, we've had high winds and warnings of another dramatic weather change here in the higher elevations too. I had a great lesson today with Molly. Really worked on some exercises for forward as well as building the strength to get more jump in the canter. First exercise was to simply get Jun...

exvet

Working on getting some pictures. I definitely miss having my number one groom/photog who moved to North Carolina around the first of the year so I had to buy pictures from the professional photog they booked for the show. She did a really nice job. While waiting for the ones I ordered, I noticed th...

exvet

Thank you LSP! The weather has improved so much today. The high is supposed to be 75 later this afternoon; so I was glad when it hit 50 degrees as my rides were coming up; not too hot and not too cold imo. I felt like my pony was dragging and absolutely dead but the good news is that we scored 65 an...

exvet

Made it out last night with all 3 horses loading like champs in almost white out conditions. Got down to the Valley just as the rain was finishing. Got up this morning and the farrier was right on time. Then I noticed my friend was running late for the dental floats. Called her and she was having a ...

exvet

I pulled the trigger and entered the recognized show at the end of the month. It's a 3 day show but I just entered the one show being held on Sat & Sun due to work. I also decided to just enter 3-3 both days hoping to build both my confidence and Junior's after so many near misses. So, this week...

exvet

LSP, my daughter's first 'real' instructor was also a jack-of-all-trades well rounded horsewoman. My son also got a very broad exposure to multiple disciplines all the while underscoring the importance of good horsemanship. Nice to know there are those types around and willing to take on kids. It wa...

exvet

Good for your daughter LSP! Sounds like she is becoming not only a good rider but is one that her instructor can ride through to help get the lesson horse where he needs to be. That can really pay off in the long run at her age and down the road. Even at her young age, knowing that you're helping a ...

exvet

Chisamba I wonder the same thing as Moutaineer? She looks pretty good in terms of her muscling but given the difference it looks more like a strength issue which at least in theory is fixable. New to me saddle came yesterday late afternoon. It snowed all day yesterday so I wasn't even able to ride l...

exvet

I think a lot of us are dealing with all sorts of precipitation. My new to me saddle is supposed to be delivered tonight and I wake up to several inches of snow. It's likely going to melt tomorrow so hopefully I can try it out. I only have until Wednesday before the entries close on the March recogn...

exvet

LSP, they look great! Nice to have a horse you feel is safe to throw your kid on. Got up this morning and Ace was colicking. Walked him and gave him banamine. He's passing manure and has some gut sounds so keeping fingers crossed that we nipped it in the bud. He was not himself the other morning but...

exvet

I have a schooling show in 2 weeks. Plans are to show what we can in 3-3 and 4-3. Mid-week before is the closing date for the next recognized show which is at the end of March. With another saddle being shipped, supposed to be here Wednesday, I'll wait to see if it fits before spending the cash on a...

exvet

As you all know this go has been mostly a bust for me. I absolutely have to get the entire scab off of Junior's contact and forward issues and then hopefully it will heal so-to-speak. I don't think I can competently accomplish that until I have the saddle issue resolved. I do have another saddle com...

exvet

Well the saddle went back to the seller but I'm finding I might have better luck shopping overseas either in the UK or Australia. Even with shipping, the price for used is much better on the model I want. Since kids riding welsh cobs is much more of an 'in' thing in both places I hope I might get lu...

exvet

I don't know SF. I'm leaning towards keeping the saddle because it really puts me right in the correct spot and gives Junior the shoulder freedom he needs. Unfortunately my gut instinct is correct on the length because he's getting rubs on his croup like he did with my Albion several years ago. I'll...

exvet

Thank you Chisamba but I think the jury is out as to whether or not Junior and I will meet my goals. I think it will all hang on Aleuronx (good luck and knock'em dead). I did get an Ideal Youth (Tonishia Petite) dressage saddle to try that was made to accommodate larger shoulders. As luck would have...

exvet

Blob I really appreciate the offer; but, unfortunately I sold a Passier GG with a wide tree that I loved because it didn't fit anyone I owned including Junior. I used it for many years on my section C Welsh Cob, Morgan, aka the stinker pony. It also looks like the Niedersuss is going to be too narro...

exvet

My friend has a used Stubben Genesis that is 16.5. I measured it and it matches the measurements the fitter took; however, it does not fit! I actually love, love, love the saddle. Yes, it's seat is hard and no there is no thigh block and the knee block is practically non-existent. I was so disappoin...

exvet

Training thoughts. Excellence is in the accomplishment of its purpose. In art for example anyone can put paint in a brush and smear it in a canvas, but not every stroke accomplished the purpose of making a beautiful painting. So each aid is like a stroke of a paint brush. Does it accomplish its pur...

exvet

Exvet, the only N2 I've ridden in was I think a Cardhu. The seat seemed true to size, but definitely a deep, locked in feel. Have you looked at any Patricks? They make some pretty wide saddles, and have a cob tree. Flying Star in FL sells them, and tends to have some used stock. Interesting on the ...

exvet

Rode yesterday despite the rain. Junior and the boys had been stalled two days due to the rain so he was raring to go. I spent most of the ride just taking advantage of the uber forward I had and working on trying to get then keep him supple. I had accidently left my winderen pad in the trailer whic...

exvet

The saddle fitter came and went. The search is still on. She said the Antares WITH the Winderen pad will do for the interim but not the long haul which I kind of figured. It still puts too much pressure on Junior's shoulders and per Molly me in a slight chair seat. She brought a few saddles, all too...

exvet

Thank you Tanga. I realize your situation is also difficult. I consider myself lucky that my brother is afraid of my reach. He's no help but at least he hasn't asked for more money. I will also give him credit for coming and visiting our mother on Thanksgiving though his oldest son paid for the trip...

exvet

To say that today's been a whorl wind would be an understatement and the day isn't even over yet. Last night after work I raced home, fed the beasts and hooked up the truck and trailer. I then raced to the local chapter GMO meeting only to find out that I was elected to find the judges for our last ...

exvet

Y Exvet--sounds like homework is going well. I probably need to do some more hand-galloping with RP, but honestly, he was such a panicked bolter when I first got him that I'm a bit fearful of doing it. We're getting a week of false spring this week and I have a lesson today, so we'll see how it goe...

exvet

Sorry about the Dorothee Schneider clinic, mari. That's truly a bummer.

Excited for you SF. Sounds like you will have it all sorted out relatively soon.

Heading out for Day 4 of our homework with some trail riding at the end.

exvet

Don't get me wrong, I think any opportunity to ride in front of a judge helps shed some light on this sport. Also if it's set up as a ride a test I'm sure there's more to be gained. It sounds like focus won't be totally for the benefit of the L program students and auditors then?

exvet

Moutaineer, I had the 'pleasure' of being a demo rider for the L program once. It was on Junior. My coach at the time asked me to ride because the hosts were begging for volunteers and they didn't have enough when they were only one week out. I agreed and it wasn't a horrible experience but I got th...

exvet

Nice Aleuronx! Glad you found at one solution to the saddle search, SF! Day 2 of homework in the bag. Did a ton more hand gallop today and there's no question that Junior had more shoulder reach and lift. Still not convinced that the Antares is the perfect fit but it's without a doubt much better. I...

exvet

Day 1 of my assigned home work from Molly Martin after the last lesson. So far so good in that I had a lot of opportunity to let Junior simply open up and hand gallop all around the neighborhood. We had snow this week for a couple of days which has made our footing along our trails perfect for going...

exvet

Thanks for the lesson notes ExVet! Do you have a link to Molly's video or YouTube channel? We were working on some similar things with T last weekend - not negotiating quality in the transitions and expecting her to stay IFL and on the bit. https://www.youtube.com/@123MMartin1 Here's her channel. S...

exvet

Update after lesson with Molly this morning. I have to write this stuff down so I don't forget my homework LOL; so, if it helps anyone else fantastic. First, Molly does think the Antares works better than the Prestige in terms of overall balance and where it puts my leg. She stated that Junior's wal...

exvet

Glad the jumping saddle is working, SF. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you on the Erreplus. I hope I'll be done with the saddle search soon but since Troy is turning 3 I have a feeling I won't be so lucky.

exvet

Ooof! Another day of ugly answers until finally he gave in and gave me his back and was forward and was working into the contact on both reins. After a solid 50 minutes of riding in the arena, his reward was a nice long trail ride though he had to stay marching forward and until the last 15 minutes ...

exvet

I've known that once I really started to dip my toe back into the FEI levels that I was going to have to finally pick THAT scab then the saddle issue arose to a point I couldn't ignore it or just make due anymore. You're right Aleuronx, it is a double edge sword. Because I've known that the saddle i...

exvet

We have even been 'frigid' for Arizona though more typical of the elevation which after having an unusually warm fall and winter was a bit of a rude reminder of what the weather is supposed to be like this time of year. We've also broken a record for the longest time without precipitation (officiall...

exvet

That does sound like a fun clinic SF. Good luck to you both! I'm sure third will be no problem 'cause at least you have forward.

exvet

The Frank Baines model is a Reflex mono flap. It’s either a 17 or a 17 1/2 saddle seat with Velcro blocks. It comes with stirrups and short Webbers plus an Aramas bridle and HS Baucher bit. (Flash missing since I didn’t use). Since I no longer need I’ll let it all go for $1500. Its in very good sha...

exvet

Srhorselady thank you for the offer. Do you know the seat size? I can't put anything on Junior that isn't fitted with pony panels if it's over 16.5 inch seat. Fortunately I fit most 16.5 seats regardless of make/model of dressage saddle (though I'm not comfortable in wide twists). I may reach out to...

exvet

Interesting! It sounds like it's worth giving it a few more rides at minimum! I was looking at used DRESSAGE saddles today and in my Googling, ran across a steal of a deal on an Albion Revelation cross country saddle that I couldn't pass up. If I like it, I should be able to get my $$ back selling ...

exvet

It seems to have you more centered. Is it longer/ on his shoulder more? Ultimately listen to the horse tho I do feel much more centered and not fighting the saddle to maintain proper alignment. It's actually shorter and though off the horse it looks like it might be on his shoulders more, when I pa...

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