We're just chillin': November-December goals and progress

[Chisamba]

Wonderful photos Moutaineer!
Well done Flight, what a lovely jumping pic.

I left the house early this morning, drove 40 mins to my lesson, and upon arrival realised I'd forgotten my saddle.

It is " no stirrup November: "

[StraightForward]

Great job Flight! Sounds like quite an adventure, and tough not being able to cruise around more for familiarization. Jingles for Ding; I hope you can get things resolved so he is feeling better!

I was having a perfectly normal ride last night. I was doing a Ride iQ lesson with turn on the forehand and turn on the haunches in motion interspersed with 20m trot circles. We did a few of these, then suddenly T trotted off head-bobbing lame. Got off, decided to untack since she was sweating and it was in the 30's. No rocks in her feet or anything else I could see. Trotted her around a bit and it seemed like she was dropping her left shoulder, but then took some sound steps too. Put her away and of course fretted about it all night. Today she seemed perfectly fine and we had a lovely ride out in the sun. Played a little bit with an exercise I saw on FB, leg yielding to the wall in CC, then doing a simple change. After a bit of that plus some medium down the long side and square corners in canter, T was definitely thinking that a R/L flying change might be a good solution. It was a little sloppy, but I let her go for it. Hoping the next few afternoons the ground will be thawed out enough to ride. After that I took advantage of the relative warmth to give her a bit of a sponge bath so I can get her tail wrapped up and freshen up her trace clip.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone in the US! I'm about to go face-plant into some mac and cheese.

[Moutaineer]

I hope you all had a lovely, peaceful Thanksgiving day, and the opportunity to work off some that turkey today!

We put Potters back in the double earlier in the week, for the first time in well over a year. And trainer has me riding with a Fillis grip, which feels very foreign to me, but because it does feel so foreign it really has me breaking some old habits.

Potters doesn't tune me out. He rather becomes very aware of my every movement. (Which puts a lot of responsibility on me to be a quieter rider.) He's more supple and through. I barely touch the curb, it's just mostly the weight in his mouth. He's very sensitive to it so I have to be super-careful. It was all somewhat breathtaking, really, and makes me realize how far we have come this year.

Lots of things to learn and play with over the winter!

(I'm sitting here feeling that the muscles either side of my spine have had a bit of an unaccustomed workout.)

[exvet]

We had a great Thanksgiving. My step-daughter and her fiance came to visit AND made the entire dinner except dessert was on me. It was so nice to have someone else do all the cooking and it turned out great. My only commitment (other than the clean up detail) was the apple pie. Gave Junior the day off too. Then it was lesson time this morning. I was told that Junior is holding the collected canter for much longer and looking the part but my homework before the January show is to make him crisp, prompt and quick to my leg aids in the transitions. That's easy to do and not. I'm able to work on just that and get him really smart off my legs but when he's stressing out he gets so balled up that it's a chore to get him out of it. I had challenges with several distractions (all other horses) this morning and once I worked him through it for at least 30 minutes, his jaw relaxed and my instructor practically lost her mind when he went from tense compressed spring to an FEI moving well oiled machine with just a breath. I need to figure out how to get him to breathe when he gets so uptight. THAT is my homework.

[heddylamar]

The first ride with the new trainer wsn't a fluke! Maia and I rode with her again yesterday morning, and since we'd mastered everything from the previous ride, we moved right along.

Plus she got to see a teensy taste of spicy red head Colder temps, windy, morning ride ... Maia's always been a bit entertaining to ride in the morning, and I need to go back to 7 AM rides starting Monday.

Thanksgiving with the extended in-law crew was good. We got to catch up with people we haven't seen in 4+ years. The very low key eldest neibling and spouse are hosting now, so no family drama

[Lipsmackerpony88]

Well I survived the virtual lesson with Lauren Spreiser! I dug out my older Pivo, which I'm embarrassed to say I never even tried before. My husband was able to get it all set up for me. I rode in the indoor, just so we would be more likely alone. I don't love the footing in the indoor but it worked out.

The pivo worked perfectly and after while it really was like having Lauren right there for a lesson. We were able to work on a few things that I always need more help on.

I'm still deciding on the actual clinic next weekend. Lauren was wonderful to work with -its more the hauling out part and he gets his feet done the day after the clinic which isn't great timing. But I'm mulling it over still.

Regardless, I'm feeling energized for my lesson with regular instructor tomorrow:)

[StraightForward]

Glad everyone is having some good lessons, virtual and in person!

I gave T more of a stretchy ride today - several leg yields with t/w and c/t transitions, which were good since she seems to be pushing into my right leg a bit lately. I think she was a little sore/tired from yesterday's ride, but overall was giving a good feel, and starting to lift her withers up more in the left lead canter. We did 3 canter cavaletti, and she had a little stop and tantrum, but got over it quickly, and I think the jumping helped her stretch and open up a bit. I was just saying to Susan (Kyra's Mom) that I need to schedule a lesson with one of the locals soon if my instructor can't get an indoor clinic lined up. Of course there are always basics to polish, but I'm starting to get out of my depth and don't want to screw things up.

The arena has been rideable in the afternoons, but I'm not sure how it will be in the evenings this week, so we'll just keep plugging along as we're able.

[mari]

Wonderful photos Moutaineer!
Well done Flight, what a lovely jumping pic.

I left the house early this morning, drove 40 mins to my lesson, and upon arrival realised I'd forgotten my saddle.

It is " no stirrup November: "

I don't mind no stirrups, and I love riding in just a bareback pad. I don't own one though, and without at least a pad I just slip around waaaaay too much to do anything other than walk

[Lipsmackerpony88]

Well, I decided I'm skipping the clinic (although might audit one day of it.) I loved Lauren but I think it's a lot of pressure and money to haul there next weekend. I'd rather be able to haul Lynx out a few more times in more low pressure settings.

I did have a fabulous ride today, worked on our leg yields (which is what I worked on with Lauren.) I think they were much improved today. Working on not letting him take over and rush over.

My trainer will be going out of town for a few weeks so I may try and schedule another virtual lesson with Lauren if it works out.

[exvet]

LSP I think you are wise in your decision. Now if I would only follow suit. I pulled the trigger and made all the arrangements for the show in Indio. I've ridden Junior every day I've been off for the holidays (10) except one. For the most part he's felt great and seems to be getting stronger and more confirmed in the movements. Yesterday was more of a ho hum day, not great, not awful. Today I decided to just focus on keeping his hind legs moving quicker and keeping him up through the shoulders/withers by actually keeping him straight. I had some of the best FCs as a result. Who knows what will happen. Without question, I'm sinking a ton of money into this and may come away with dismal scores but I do feel like we're making progress. Now he gets 3 days off, then it's off to the Valley after work on Thursday for a date with the farrier on Friday. I'll ride after he gets his shoes done and then catch a lesson on Saturday to see if I'm right. I plan to ride Sunday and Monday since I have those days off and looking forward to another lesson the following weekend. Then it will be no more lessons until I get to Indio. I figure at some point the work and expense will pay off.

[Lipsmackerpony88]

Exvet, I think that's an exciting plan and I think all your hard work will pay off! That's pretty exciting!! When exactly is the show? We will be rooting for you.

[exvet]

Exvet, I think that's an exciting plan and I think all your hard work will pay off! That's pretty exciting!! When exactly is the show? We will be rooting for you.

Thanks LSP. It's exciting if we deliver some noticeable improvement otherwise it's another delve into the abyss. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. The show is January 2 - January 5. Though I'm showing in the National Show, it's being held with a CDI so I hope I'll at least get to see some decent upper level rides. Since I'm only showing one test a day I should get ample opportunity to be a spectator (and perhaps an auditor of the warm up which may be of more value if someone leaves their ear buds/pods at home)

[Moutaineer]

Exvet, it was just such an interesting experience to me to be at a big show like that. My biggest disappointment at the November show was that i didn't get to watch much of the CDI as I seemed to spend my life schlepping back and forth between barn and arena and taking care of "stuff." If the barn goes next year I may just go as a spectator!

The barn isn't doing the January show. The timing means that we'd have to be traveling on NYE, and the trip from Northern Utah can be really gnarly at that time of year anyway without the weaving drunks.

[Chisamba]

I have two lessons a week with Stephane Cheret, and obviously Saiph is my primary focus, but I alternate between horses for the second ride, either based on what eye I need, or what horse is going to help me improve myself. So I switch between Fly, Pauletta and Kimba. Of course he says i have too many horses, and I do, but who needs that kind of negativity in their life.

But I haven't spent this much time and money on myself in a decade and I'm both inspired by and loving it.

I really need a lesson horse but neither fly not kimba want to tolerate inconsistency. And I certainly don't need another horse. It's no wonder so few dressage programs provide school horses.

Any suggestions.

[mari]

I have two lessons a week with Stephane Cheret, and obviously Saiph is my primary focus, but I alternate between horses for the second ride, either based on what eye I need, or what horse is going to help me improve myself. So I switch between Fly, Pauletta and Kimba. Of course he says i have too many horses, and I do, but who needs that kind of negativity in their life.

But I haven't spent this much time and money on myself in a decade and I'm both inspired by and loving it.

I really need a lesson horse but neither fly not kimba want to tolerate inconsistency. And I certainly don't need another horse. It's no wonder so few dressage programs provide school horses.

Any suggestions.

I would love to have too many horses!!! I'm so glad you're loving your lessons. I get an absolute kick out of nearly every lesson, even the hard ones. I just enjoy them so much.

I was planning to do a show on Saturday, but the temps are bonkers here. Yesterday hit 41C (Google says that's 105F), and I just cannot. I ride just after 7am most days, and even that has been unpleasant. Odin has been feeling fine at that time of the morning, but I'm so red and sweaty that it feels like heatstroke. My dad helpfully suggested I get checked for early menopause

[blob]

Chisamba, i don't know how many students you have that need a horse, but I wonder if Kimba or Fly would be more willing to play lesson horse if they each only had 1-2 students that rode them. So that way neither was dealing with too much. That's what our current barn does for students that take lessons they each have a set horse they ride so that horse only has one of the trainers plus 1-2 students riding it. I also wonder if any of your boarders would be interested in lowered board rate in exchange for using their horse for some lessons. I know a few people who have done that in the past. of course, it would have to be a horse that made sense and a boarder who was happy for the arrangement.

I'm battling a nasty cough (seems to be my only symptom but it's driving me nuts) and hoping it goes away enough that I can do my clinic this saturday. I did end up signing up, so let's see how it goes.

[Moutaineer]

I've got the damned cough too. Bought it back from California and can't shake it. I guess I should go see someone at this point.

[Lipsmackerpony88]

Well we just got news that the barn will be for sale... I'm not 100% surprised as there were some signs...

At the moment we're sitting tight and seeing what happens but of course I have no idea what will happen. Definitely very sad. And I hate to leave as it's 6 minutes from my house.

Very bittersweet and I'm reminded that life is always ever changing. For good and bad.

[StraightForward]

Oh dang, that is always stressful! I really miss being 8 minutes from the barn, but other things are better at our new place. Maybe it will sell to someone who wants to keep it as a boarding facility, or you'll find a new barn with different perks.

Arena is frozen up here. I scheduled a lesson for tomorrow, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to ride or not. T has enjoyed some taping and laser treatment this week instead, and the BO is doing some limited turnaround now that the pastures are frozen up.

[exvet]

Blob and Moutaineer I hope both of you are feeling better soon.

Poor Junior, he's doing fine but I am blessed to have such a level headed pony. I came home from work Thursday evening and rushed to load everyone in order to head down the mountain to the Valley. The boys followed suit and stuck to the routine right up until I went to load Troy. At the moment I readied to head him on to the trailer, the fire truck and ambulance pulled up to the end of my driveway with sirens and lights blaring. It was for my neighbor. Her health is declining rapidly, not sure but I think she's getting ready to be placed in hospice. My heart went out to she and her family; but, I must admit I was stressed with the contemplation that this could send Troy over the edge..........Nope...........he loaded like a gentleman and off we raced.

Got to the Valley and unloaded, all was well. Met my farrier bright and early and Junior was the first to get his feet done. Pulled of his shoes and Miguel looked at me and said, "Lis (thick Mexican accent) I think we have to stick with a 7 week cycle" - had always been 8 weeks for Junior's entire life until the last 3 due to scheduling challenges between both myself and my farrier. As he was saying this he took each of Junior's back shoes and broke them in 2 I have him in regular shoes in front and aluminum in the back because they give him better traction on the pavement without having to go to borium or studs. He then states, "Lis what you tryin' to do? Play Billy goat?" LOL, I think it's proof that I've been achieving more engagement and collection this last shoeing cycle. The trails up and around Prescott are mostly decomposed granite depending on where you go. While I do trail ride weekly, we've been staying off the really rocky hard to get through areas. Junior's aluminums have always shown the signs of wear at the end of a cycle but this was 7 weeks, not 8 and there was practically nothing left.

After my farrier finished all 3 horses, I rode Junior. He was struggling in the above average temperatures; so, as planned I body clipped him. Due to the Welsh Cob hair coat and less than ideal clipper blades (though brand new according to the store/package) it took close to 6 hours to get him completely done. I did give him breaks but I have the best darn pony. He wasn't happy but never acted up or gave me trouble (so lack of cooperation was NOT the cause of our very slow progress). I started him at 1 pm on Friday and put him away (turned out) at 5:30 pm only to finish on Saturday morning (remaining hind legs and that mane). Once we were finished with the clip, he was back on the trailer to go to a lesson. He wasn't all in and it was again due to the heat despite the fresh body clip. Still he gave me some really good work after each rest break. We're still fine tuning things but my instructor insists that she's seen continued improvement. I loaded Junior to go back to my home in the Valley. Once home, I turned him out for the one hour it took me to re-load the trailer with all that I decided to take back with me (getting ready for the CA show), shower and then get all 3 horses on the trailer. He loaded back on like a champ (always the first one on too). Back up the mountain we went. This morning Junior gets to 'just trail ride'. He's deserves a break.

My instructor is concerned that he may peak before the show; so, I'm going to take the less is more approach. He'll still be worked according to my usual routine but we're going to play more in between the hard stuff, do a little less of the hard stuff and more basics, trail, obstacles, etc. I am finding that all the 'playing' that I've incorporated in order to find the forward in my pony is absolutely necessary to keep him happy and engaged (mind wise). I also am so grateful to my typical British Isle pony. We may look like the curmudgeonly old woman on her well matched and equally curmudgeonly pony but his opinions, resistance, belligerence are and always have been tempered with forgiveness. Each day I interact with Junior, he reminds me how much I'm blessed and despite our many near misses peppered with a couple of competitive successes, he is exactly what I was breeding for back when I could call myself a breeder. Not to be forgotten, Troy's relatively passive but very comical personality underscores why this breed (despite my Morgan upbringing) is the one that fully captured my heart. Lastly my neighbor's recent but second emergency in less than a month (she returns home today on hospice), reminds me to thank the powers-that-be for every day I'm able to put a foot in the stirrup.

[Aleuronx]

Ugh LSP Not what you want to deal with going into winter. Maybe someone better purchases or may you land in a good place. Is it a big boarder group having to relocate?

Rest and recovery to you both Moutaineer and Blob. It's the season for crud.

I feel you Exvet. It can be hard to remember that grateful-ness every day, we are so lucky to have horses. I've been reminded of that multiple times this year.

No updates on the trailer situation yet. Doing some research on options as who knows what will happen to prices of steel and aluminum in 2025...

It's full on looking winter here with a few snow falls in the last couple of days. We took advantage of the good footing and fluffy puff snow this morning to get outside for a play. Kora was so happy to be outside and stretch her legs beyond the 4 walls of the indoor. A reminder that our small work is paying dividends, we just need to keep at it.

Enjoy with sound
https://youtu.be/Ca3cdwM6Fxw?si=xtbIFZPG6Ds8tURM

[StraightForward]

Looking great, Aleu! I'd love to get some snow here. The arena froze up at just the wrong time before it could get worked, so I had to cancel my Saturday lesson. Wouldn't you know, somehow it thawed out today enough to ride. It will be great when the BO gets an arena groomer. Right now we are relying on the neighbor who has a tractor, so timing doesn't always work out. It was still lovely to ride today, after T got her yee-haws out on the lunge line. I was reminded that there is a heck of a passage hiding in there, and hopefully we'll find it in a couple more years. Right lead was feeling more solid than ever, so it seems the week off was not a bad thing. Looking forward to work calming down so I can haul out to ride on weekdays.

[blob]

oh, the snow riding loves so lovely and dreamy, Aleu! but I have to be honest, I'm glad I don't live in a snowy place!

I'm so sorry, LSP, that is very hard. If it makes you feel any better, when the barn I was at closed down, I was really sad because I loved being there, but ended up somehow finding an even better barn set up.

Exvet, sounds like work is going well with Junior even if shoe cycle needs adjusting, and clipping took practically the whole day! I'm sure you end up doing more than one clip cycle with him.

Although I didn't get much riding done last week, I did make it to the clinic on Saturday. Overall it was a good experience and I think I will likely work with him again, given he comes so regularly to this barn. The barn is 2 hours away from my barn, so it's a bit of a schlep for one day, esp since I live in between. But if I do it again, I'll do 2 days and keep RP overnight. The new trainer I've been working with a bit more regularly lately has been very helpful but she is very focused on perfecting one step before moving to anything else. She is an S-judge and holds a high bar on basic quality, which definitely is helping us get better. But it does sometimes feel like she will keep me doing first level stuff forever until she thinks we are 75% quality, which we may NEVER be. So, it was nice to ride with someone else, who's bottom line was: you need to push on to more stuff. I think finding a balance/cadence of both of them could be the best of both worlds, if I can swing it.

Notes from clinic (I only got to watch a few other rides):

*He really wanted all the horses to be fairly up and out into contact. For some the exercises were about getting steadier in the contact, in others it was about accepting a shorter frame, in some opening up and being less curled. For RP he wanted him in 'a more advanced shape'-- more sit behind, but then pushing out and not dipping behind the vertical when he has to use his hind more.

*You want to do enough repetition that the horse understands the ask, but not so much time that you drill or get stuck. Each exercise should be a building block to a next. He had me do 2-3 long sides of SI each way (ideally 2, but 3 if we need to confirm), then 2-3 of HI each way, then he wanted to build on that by having me start in SI and transition halfway through to renvers. Again, did that 2x each way. And then we took that into half pass. I hadn't done any trot HP with RP yet (or renvers for that matter), but I was surprised to see how much the building blocks and pieces were already there. We were in an arena with mirrors and i was so chuffed to see RP just HP right along perfectly perpendicular, legs reaching.

*Building power and sit behind was also a theme across rides. There was one gelding that had a very flashy front end, but didn't use his hind end well. Instead of doing collected trot, where the horse got passage-y, he had the rider go from lengthening (focusing on hind end and not front) to regular working trot to walk to get more hind end use. In another horse who would get too low and heavy in the hand, he had the rider do lots of steps of very collected trot and then back out to working trot. RP we focused on collection in the canter. On a circle we did working canter focusing on creating relaxed tempo with seat and nothing else and then slowly ramping up into collected canter and once it felt really collected, letting him keep it 2-3 slides and then walking. We repeated this 3 times each way.


Overall he seemed to like RP quite a bit. He said it was time to stop wasting my time with baby stuff and start moving him along. He also felt that RP is really ready for the changes and that he wouldn't wait to put them on. So his homework to me was get the change on him, introduce canter HP on him, use that trot lateral building blocks as a foundation, and make sure I am working for the more advanced frame.

[Lipsmackerpony88]

Thanks everyone for the commiserating on the barn stuff. I'm not too worried yet has not been unheard of for barns in the area to take a year or more to sell. So for now, staying focused on what's going on in the present day. It could end up working out for the better in the future, who knows!

Blob- so glad the clinic went so well. It sounds like a really good time that was worth a lot for RP. I hear you on having the two types of instruction to balance each other out. That's why I'm trying to haul Lynx occasionally. I love my trainer but she has her own strengths and weaknesses.

Speaking of Lynx, he gave us the best canter effort in a long time today! I had lunged him last night, specifically working on the canter transitions. I wasn't sure how he was going to be today but I think the work on the lunge paid off a little mentally for him. Yay! He's on Estrone as well so not sure if that's coming into play but he's been good.

[Flight]

Oh wow that snow Alueronx, beautiful. After seeing the autumn vid, it's like looking at a black and white vid. You should make a little video (or pic collage) of you riding in the arena in all seasons.

Summer here and while not as hot as what Mari has been having, mid 30s celsius, makes it too hot to ride in the middle of the day.
But I had the young horse at a trainers, and he's home now so I've been riding him. Norsey is going well, this summer I'm determined to be able to sit to his trot. I've never really been able to. Ding is still lame but improving, not sure if he'll ever come completely sound but I'll just have to wait and see.

Chisamba, maybe get another horse or can you just use kimba or fly for the second lesson for a few months at a time to help with consistency??
Blob, great clinic. I'm one for always trying to push on and not wait for things to be perfect. It's how I find the holes and improve the stuff from earlier.

Norseysummerdam-30 copy.jpeg (87.03 KiB) Viewed 6244 times

[Moutaineer]

What a gorgeous picture, Flight!

Quite cold here, but no snow in sight. Which is fine by me, except we do live in a ski resort so the locals are restless...

Riding in snow is tricky here. Either the thaw/freeze cycle means that you rapidly get to a point where you don't know what's going on underneath, or it's so deep it's untenable.

I had a rare solitary ride this morning. Trainer was sick so I didn't have her in my ear the whole time, and I managed to hit an empty arena. The sun was shining through the windows and Potters was happy and cooperative, so it was rather lovely. We didn't do anything particularly special, but I felt that what we did, we did well! We've been focusing on up and down transitions for a couple of sessions, and I felt like that work really paid off with a lot more lightness and willingness. Probably because I'm not blocking him...

I'd like to do it again tomorrow, except she's just texted she will be back to work. I'm happy she's feeling better, but I did enjoy my peaceful ride today!

[StraightForward]

Love that pic Flight!

Blob, sounds like a productive clinic. I'm also of the mind to introduce new work. After all, it's gymnastics that improve everything else. Lately I've been having a little play with piri steps and half steps with T, even though we are still polishing up 2nd level. It's all helping her strength and ability for the basics.

LSP, great to hear that Lynx is doing well!

The inversion lifted today and the arena thawed out enough to get groomed, so I jetted off early from work and snuck in some grid work. T still has a little tougher time jumping on the right lead, but she's getting better at staying soft, and allowing me to reestablish the bend after the jump. On both leads we practiced turning in a little earlier, and also turning a few strides after the grid, as we both always want to just bomb straight out after a jump. As the sun got low, everything was freezing rapidly, and will probably stay frozen the next couple days. We'll see; the weather forecasters can't seem to forecast much lately.

[mari]

Flight that is a LOVELY picture!

Blob, your clinic notes sound very productive. It's a balance between getting the basics at the level you're in very very good, and pushing for new things. In my (admittedly limited) experience, the messiness of learning new things can weirdly help to elevate the basics.

[khall]

Al fabulous work as usual! I love how excited you are over Kora’s work and I don’t blame you one bit. Pretty snow but thankful it’s something I don’t have to deal with regularly!

Flight love the pic! I hope Ding comes sound. It took Rip quite awhile to. Farrier was finally able to open up where the abscess was. It was drained back in September rip finally grew enough foot to pare the sole enough exposing where the abscess was. It was huge.

Exvet good luck at the show!

Blob sounds like you are having great fun with RP. So happy for you! I hear you on just moving forward in the work. Details are important but progress is too.


We had a great last clinic of the year with Cedar. She’s so good at meeting each horse and rider where they are and giving them information and exercises to improve. Cedar has been such a great mentor to me personally and really has just stepped into the shoes that Mark vacated bringing even more to my learning. So appreciate her teachings.

This was my last lesson of the clinic. Working on piaffe out of bending line RB because Joplin wants to throw her haunches right. So we fix the shoulders to the haunches and RB bent L for sit and HQ control.

https://youtu.be/B078hNKaLlA?feature=shared


We also worked on more HI at the canter to help the changes. To do true to cc change on the quarter line and be able to move a bit sideways as we change. Also intros the neck rope. Good tool for us at WT canter not so much.


Anyway was a great clinic. Started cold for us but warmed up and no rain. Next clinic shouldn’t have that worry with the new covered done by then.

Happy riding all and happy holidays!

[Lipsmackerpony88]

Aleuronex - What a beautiful snowy ride. And I love how encouraging you were to her.

Flight- that's also a stunning photo! I think that one needs framing.

Khall- Joplin Just looks like the sweetest mare. She tries so hard for you, how awesome!

[Aleuronx]

Blob I agree with Mari on this. In training we have to let horses make mistakes to learn, and horses have to be given the space (and grace) to make mistakes so they get that 'try' attitude. Yes to good basics as the building blocks of it all but in the end sometimes you just have to give it a go. Like the first time my training told me to come down the quarter line and ride 3 tempi's and we did. Of course afterwards I cried in the trailer tack room of joy but as riders and horses alike we need that push. Good thoughts from a clinic like that can make an aha moment click.

Kora does love a snow ride and while pretty we don't always get a chance due to ice etc underneath so have to take our opportunities to do so when they arise early in the season. I'd love to avoid it but being a Florida season'r is way above my tax bracket.

Flight that photo is stunning!! A must frame.

Khall, holy crap that exercise looks hard. But what a difference when you can see her hold that right side under.

Good news/bad news. Good news is I bit the bullet and picked up a 2025 Hawk trailer. Blah, blah, it was the right price and new shipment of trailers isn't due until May. Bad news is collision caused ~$12k in damage and dun, dun, dun the roof is cracked in multiple places. Aka totaled. I'm still dealing with back and forth on insurance and likely will for a while because of course but at least I have wheels again. Some of the upgrades on the 2025 are big improvements from my 2008 version. Maybe maiden voyage this weekend depending on the weather.

Riding wise we are just bopping along as she was so stunning on that snow ride I want to give her thinking time on it.

[Lipsmackerpony88]

Aleuronex- it's been amazing seeing the improvements with Kora lately. Definitely seems like you guys are progressing leaps and bounds! Bummer on the old trailer but how exciting for the new trailer! Just so glad Kora and you are okay.

Well my trainer accidentally dropped the bottle of Estrone right before we were going to give it the other day. She felt so bad but it was simply an accident! I emailed the vet to get me another bottle ASAP.

Lynx got Chiropractic yesterday and she said his back looked absolutely fabulous and that he felt stronger to her. So onward and upward here.

[StraightForward]

I've actually been able to ride three days this week, and probably will again tomorrow! T's right lead is feeling really good. Yesterday the ground was hard, so we stuck to more collected work and played with some 1/4 piris. She is falling out of canter when we try to the right, though I did get a good effort at the end and I let her know how brilliant she is.

Today I set up a fun little jumping exercise: a cross rail and pole towards opposite corners of the arena, and 4 trot cavallettis in the middle. I really needed cross rails in all four corners to practice the exercise equally on both leads. But as is, we cantered one jump on the left lead then made a trot transition while bending towards the cavaletti, and pick up the right lead and bend towards the other jump. T was a little naughty and refused the second time I put her to the cavaletti, and then refused one of the crossrails, which had planks, which seem to trigger her when she is in a mood. Once I let her know that yes, we would be jumping this itty bitty things, she was better, and I think the exercise combined a lot of skills and was beneficial overall. It looks like we have some rain coming in, but I'm hoping to be able to get a lesson on Sunday afternoon. Just taking it day by day this time of year!

[Chisamba]

It's below riding weather today and tomorrow. I sometimes hop on over the blanket and just do walk poles and side passes etc, but I'm struggling with a kidney infection so that hurts, might b be time for in hand reindeer game

[StraightForward]

Managed to get a lesson this afternoon. It rained yesterday and last night, so the arena was pretty wet, but we made the best of it. I haven't ridden with this instructor in a couple years, but we see each other around and are FB friends, so she had an idea of where we were at. I got some good input on focusing on putting T's shoulders in front of her haunches, rather than bringing my left leg back to keep her from swinging her haunches left. Played a little with walk HP to the Cl, then half piri and HP back. I need to keep her straighter in the neck when we're going left (her hollow side, duh), and overemphasizing the bend to when working right. Same thing in our SI/Travers/Renvers. Finished playing with a few half steps. After I gave T the reins and let her do her giant zoom around the arena trot, she offered steps from walk on her own, and we got some that were getting more on the spot. Notes were that I need to think more about riding her poll and shoulders up, and asking for slower steps.

So I'm glad I got a couple course corrections and things to work on for awhile weather allowing.

[exvet]

I too had a lesson yesterday. Rode through third 3 after getting Junior warmed up and relatively supple. Overall the lesson went well. Junior is definitely improving his strength and ability to maintain a higher quality canter for longer and longer. I got more pointers on ring craft for the upcoming show (ie, ride the corners expertly, keep him straight and coming up through the withers by keeping his mast upright especially whenever I'm on the center line, keep him soft through the halts, etc.) I was told from an educated observer that I need to get a larger saddle pad for Junior (I use a schooling pad, not my show pads) because the only thing that made it clear that I ride a pony was his tiny, postage stamp pad LOL othewise it was the best she's seen from him...............because of his struggles with heat I try to use as little coverage over his back as possible (if it were easier to get shaped pads I would ride in them more often). I guess my point is that going to Indio there should be few who know me and who knows if I 'dress appropriately' maybe I can fool those watching into thinking I have a horse of quality and not a pony that swallows the broom.

[blob]

sounds like a really productive lesson, Exvet. Re: saddle pads: I have found both the ps of sweden and eq. stockholm 'cob' sized dressage pads are a really good fit for my smaller ones.

I had a lesson yesterday and it was both helpful and frustrating. This is with the new local trainer I'm working with. I know she is helping us get better, but despite us getting good first level scores last year, she is really keeping me in the first level box and not letting us move on to working on second level stuff. I know overall quality is getting better and basics are always good to work on. But I do think one of the challenges is that she doesn't really believe in us. She often will comment that RP doesn't have very good gaits and that is a challenge to overcome. And while, i agree he is not a 10 mover, he typically does score well and most judges and other trainers/judges do seem to be a lot more positive about him. I am remembering that she does not need to believe in us to make us better, but it does make me miss our old trainer. On a positive note, we got some really good canter work in-- including some that felt truly collected and bouncy off my seat. and the lateral work is getting easier and easier, stronger and stronger.

I continue to try to just get MM in shape and enjoy her

[StraightForward]

Blob, I know it can be hard to find good trainers, but I would not thrive with someone who didn't believe in me and my horse. Even with Annabelle, my instructor would reference prepping for changes, extended gaits, etc. Even if we never got there, I learned more that way than if she viewed us in terms of limitations. Similarly, it's been helpful for seeing us through all Tesla's challenges and not suggesting that I should just get a different horse. Now we talk about WHEN she's an FEI horse, which helps keep the wind in my sails for sure.

[exvet]

I agree that it's tough to ride with someone who doesn't believe that your horse and you can do it. I've lived this saga over and over. I have had a few though who are realistic yet don't shut the door. Currently I'm riding with a couple of individuals and between all of them, they are realistic but have not told me, yet, that we can't earn our gold. No, I'm not going to make it to regionals or HOY awards but working on what Junior can do well elevates us and helps make what he doesn't excel at just simply better. In many ways it helps to know this isn't my first rodeo but at the same time it's hard to exist amongst negativity or half-hearted 'yeah boy, that was great'. A friend of mine who I've known for close to 30 years keeps wanting me to help bring in trainers that she loves but I know from experience that they do NOT like Welsh Cobs at all. She wishes it were different but gives me the respect in knowing that if I felt it would be of benefit I'd throw money and will at getting them here but two of the ones she 'loves' (she has dutch warmbloods) I will not throw a penny at. All you can do is hang in there and get the value out of it that is there, stay strong in mind and conviction and keep an eye out for that one trainer who sees the drive and desire. Also, just keep riding what you love and love what you ride............if it has 3 pure gaits and relatively sound conformation then you can go the distance if you're willing because at the end of the day we all know all things being equal that it's the rider that sets the limits, intentionally or unintentionally barring the sh!t happens caveat.

[heddylamar]

It's really disheartening riding with someone who can't see your or your horse's potential.

My barn owner and one time trainer in Texas was great at making every horse and rider sound like they could be great ... but made sure that they knew they had no potential except in some unachievable situation. It was a bit like riding with Eeyore. I didn't ride with her after the first time because she had no clue how to ride a non brain dead warmblood (her variety of warmblood, not my opinion of them in general!) and was absolutely terrified of my way too energetic redheaded mare.

The new trainer absolutely loves Maia — even after spending the first 10 minutes of our last session checking if I was sure it was safe to ride that day — and is trying to convince me I need to get back into showing.

[Moutaineer]

I think my trainer thinks Potters has more potential than I do... and she's right. Which is fine by me!.

But she's also well aware that he's very easy to brain-fry, so she thinks our rate of progression is A-OK for keeping him happy at this stage in his life. We've tried to get greedy a few times and it just doesn't work. He doesn't have that robust "I'll give it a go" attitude that say, Walker, my very fancy but not very talented Appy, had. Put Walker and Potters in a blender and you'd have the perfect horse.

This morning, she said something interesting: As she's progressed and grown as a trainer/horsewoman, (she's in her early 60s, super successful at producing riders and horses to the upper levels,) she realizes that it's all far more about finding out what the horse needs from us in order to shine than it is about what we need from the horse in order to shine.

(Which is why I find her so valuable to work with! )

And Perfect Potters was perfect today, after a few days of expecting better from me than I knew how to give. I guess we've ratcheted things up another level.

[Lipsmackerpony88]

Blob, that's tough. I've ridden with a few trainers like that in my life and I definitely do better if I ride with a trainer that believes in me and my horse. Or at least one of us.

Is it possible to just ride with her sparingly and supplement with someone else? I don't know if you can kind of take what you like and leave the rest with her.

Like I posted before I took a virtual lesson with Lauren Spreiser ( hoping to do it again next week) and I actually got a decent amount out of it. Obviously Lynx is not fancy But I feel like she gave us good tips and her full attention. So I'm not sure if an online lesson might be something you could supplement with too? It was easier than I thought for myself. I was pretty intimidated by the technology but it worked fine at least so far.

[blob]

Thanks, everyone.

LSP, that's a good suggestion of looking into virtual option. I think it would require me coordinating with a second person but not impossible. My hope actually was to try to balance the clinician I rode with earlier this month (he comes every 2 months) and this local trainer. That way I am getting a bit of both. But of course she is likely to be the more frequent one for both logistics, availability, and cost.

One challenge that I will have to find a way to solve for is that I still strongly believe I need to put a change on RP now. The clinician also agreed. I know this trainer will not. However, as I continue to work on it more, it will impact the work I'm doing with her. So, I will need to tell her that I've started putting the change on him, otherwise it will be unfair on RP. But I am very much dreading that conversation as it will probably be filled with 'why did you do that?' and 'you shouldn't have done that, he's not ready.'

[Flight]

Urghh riding life is too short for instructors like that Blob!!

[Lipsmackerpony88]

I know of quite a few good, accomplished trainers that do virtual lessons. It's not exactly the same as having someone right with you but honestly it was pretty close in a lot of ways.

I see the predicament you are in with using her at the moment. That's tough. Maybe just not the right fit, honestly.

[exvet]

Kelo certainly was successful in her journey from training to GP on mostly virtual lessons.

[StraightForward]

Kelo certainly was successful in her journey from training to GP on mostly virtual lessons.

Oh yes! And she clearly wasn't hindered by breed bias. Maybe you could get in touch with her and find out who she worked with!

It was 55 and sunny today, so I managed to sneak away from work and hauled out to ride (arena very wet). T was quite the tense stress monster. By the time she felt calm enough to do some "real" work, she was so sweaty I decided to throw in the towel and go home. Oh well, for the little turnout they've had, plus two days off prior, being able to haul out and get on without lunging and not get killed was something. It was the same arena where I got dumped at the jumping show, and she did a pretty good spook in that same corner, but it wasn't a problem with my butt firmly plugged into the dressage saddle. It is really a long schlep over there though; I wish I could find a closer indoor to haul to.

[Moutaineer]

I had one trainer who got completely fixated on one thing we could not do very well, and just could not move past it. Nor could she give me the tools to fix it. And looking back on it, it was an annoyance rather than a major stumbling block, and by ignoring it and doing other things rather than work on it incessantly week in and week out, it solved itself. Lovely person, still a friend, but just so not a training match, so I understand your frustration, Blob.

Now I'm older and blunter, I would probably have a frank conversation about it, rather than just dragging it out until I finally got fed up and moved on.

[mari]

I had a really lovely final lesson of the year. We got rained on, and had to stand under a tree for a few minutes to wait for the worst to pass. But fortunately it was just drizzly rain with no lightning.

We played a bit with changes on a 20m circle, definitely something we will pick up and refine from early next year. To start with, we just did one every half circle, and then after a few trial-and-error rides we got it together enough to do 3 consecutive changes on each quarter. He was so good and tried so hard, with no flinging around, and no running off.

I've also been really conscious of making trot lateral work part of every ride, the same that transitions are. And it's been paying off. The response to my leg and the step into the position is so much better than it was even a few weeks ago. The stamina to keep the position is poor, but we can switch on/off every few strides, so I think I'm on the right track.

I hope you all have a peaceful holiday time, and that it is full of love and empty of drama. My husband and I are going to the coast to our respective families, and while the house will be a bit overcrowded, I can't wait to be there.

[Lipsmackerpony88]

I'm fairly certain that Kelo worked with Sarah Dodge. Maybe not exclusively but I know that they worked together a bit, virtually.

Jeremy Steinberg actually had a recommended that I train with Sarah as well but that was when she lived in the same state as me. She since moved to the other side of the country. But I've heard nothing but lovely things about her.

Editing to add I only know this because I saw Sarah Dodge tag her on a Facebook post and I was like hey I know that horse and rider!!