2025 Transitions: January/February Goals and progress

[StraightForward]

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 the Pessoa I've been jumping in for the past year, so it won't really ding my DRESSAGE saddle budget. I've had a few Albions over the years and really liked them. I'm pretty certain I'm going to order the Erreplus on trial, but weather is dodgy this time of year and I don't want to end up with a trial period in which I can't ride.

Going away for the weekend with T has been a good experience for her. The haul was about 3.5 hours. She has been the only horse in the barn during the day, so she's a bit lonely, but is managing, and is happier when the others come in at night. Our lessons have been a bit tough, but we had a breakthrough and got her to really unlock and bring it in the trot towards the end of the lesson today. I've got another ride in the morning, and we're hoping that it will be the magic ticket to some nice work. Today was tough with some ice falling off the arena, plus it's a bit spooky with giant farm equipment parked down at one end of the large indoor. I'm hoping to come back and do it again in February and March. Primary message is that I've been settling too much. I kind of knew I needed a kick in the butt as it's easy to get complacent in winter with extenuating circumstances of wet footing and whatnot.

[mari]

Flight - I think I'm going to fall in love with Bear a bit!

[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 the Pessoa I've been jumping in for the past year, so it won't really ding my DRESSAGE saddle budget. I've had a few Albions over the years and really liked them. I'm pretty certain I'm going to order the Erreplus on trial, but weather is dodgy this time of year and I don't want to end up with a trial period in which I can't ride.

Albions have always been my go to saddle but it's very specific models. There's no way I can ride in the original comfort model for example, twist way too wide. Unfortunately I would have to go with a total custom to fit Junior and the wait time isn't feasible. I have a lot of Welsh Cob people recommending I go with Frank Baines or Hulsebos. The models of Frank Baines I've tried in the past (not with Junior but other Welsh Cobs) did not work and I felt like I was being split in half. I've never ridden in Hulsebos. Thoughts anyone? Quality? I see they have a model specific for short wide backs. So often 'those' types of saddles are too wide for me; but, I'm open to suggestions. I am most definitely keeping the Antares and will continue to ride in it with my Winderen pad to help combat pressure points until I find something better.

[Srhorselady]

Exvet, since I’m local to you (although no longer as close) if you want to try another Frank Baines I have one that is looking for a new home. I lost my 29 year old older style Hanoverian a few months ago and the saddle was his. It is older but lightly used. It’s the model that they changed the name of hmmm maybe Piroette or Renaissance? (Saddle is at boarding barn right now so can’t check until later). It fit him (16-3 pretty wide flattish back) and also my 15-1 ranch style quarter horse AND me. Since you and I are built fairly similar maybe…. Any way if you want to try it give me a call.

[blob]

I had a Frank Baines encore model for MM before I switched to the dynamic and i found it insanely comfortable. Probably the most comfortable saddle I've owned. Having said that it did ride like a lot of saddle compared to what i have now which is a lot more close contact feel. But the encore was not a mono-flap and I imagine the FB monflaps give a closer feel.

I had tried and wanted to love the adagio, which is a monoflap, but it didn't fit me very well-- the rep said it was a better fit for those with a long femur. I will say that when I had the rep out and tried 5-6 different FB models, they really did ride quite differently for me. MM went roughly the same in them, but their models really do vary for different rider types/builds

[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 you when we get closer to the actual fitting which is currently scheduled for Feb 10th.

[Tanga]

Oh, you guys are talking about my favorite saddles. I have two ancient Albions and one ancient Baines and I LOVE them.

[Srhorselady]

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 shape.

[Chisamba]

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 palpate under the saddle it actually feels like it gives him more clearance. Today he moved really well and was much more forward and responsive. I'm leaning towards getting this saddle since my Prestige definitely doesn't work and send back the Black Country. They're willing to take my Prestige as a trade in which considering it was semi-custom probably is my best bet to move it along. I will keep my appointment with our local saddle fitter on Feb 10th and have her check out the Antares and try anything else she might have (doubt she has much if any) and at least get her opinion on what would work best for him.

Sounds mostly positve!

[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 shape.

Sounds like a great deal; but, unfortunately it will be too long for Junior's back. Welsh Cobs are kind of like saddle fitting hell. I really appreciate the offer.

[StraightForward]

Well shoot, my post vanished. 3-day clinic recap in short: had fun, hope to do it again next month. Have invites for places to stay, might have a former barnmate come with her mare. Getting out of town was a good experience for T. Homework: HP transitions to medium, HP to HI, then pick up opposing lead. Instructor said T is moving the best she ever has, despite acting like a turn much of the time. Flashes of brilliance when she got over herself and in front of my leg. Said she believes we can make it to third this year. Fingers crossed!

[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.

[StraightForward]

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.

Thanks for the vote of confidence ExVet! I am giving T a break this week, but I think my added goal for February is to find the kind of forward power in canter that I'm able to access in the trot. In my downtime I need to compile some flying change prep exercises.

Flight, glad to see you back on Ding, but I couldn't imagine keeping three going. I don't know how I was doing 2 for so long!

ETA: I just ordered some Equisk bands. I've been trying to lengthen my left side and make it support itself better. I can use the bands on my Home Horse as well as riding. I also just signed up for a 2 week trial of the Prehab app. They have a 12 week core program and comprehensive full body program and issue specific exercises, so I'm hoping it gives me a little more focus on gym days.

[blob]

Oh, boo, i'm sorry you lost your full write-up, SF! But agree it sounds like a great clinic. Glad to hear T is looking her best even if she wasn't her most agreeable!

Exvet-- FB and several others make pony panels, which would make a larger seat size doable. But finding those used is trickier. It does sound like both you and Jr like the antares?

Flight-- so glad to see you back on Ding. How is he feeling? And I love all the baby updates!

My weather related lack of riding despair continues, ha. We're in a cold snap with possibility of second snow today. Saturday we got a ton of rain so it was too wet to ride. Sunday, things were still pretty wet, so I did walk only hacks. And then yesterday was in the teens, so i ended up not riding at all. I know for many teens are standard winter riding weather, but it's so rare for us and with all the recent moisture all the ground was just frozen. My two generally do well in cold and have the wooly coats to prove it. But I worry about lungs in weather that is substantially less than what they're used to--esp MM.

In other news, RP has been feeling really different since his recent SI injections. I think in general he is feeling better/stronger behind. But interestingly, it is resulting in him feeling heavy in the hand for the first time. And not a good--coming into the bit kind of heavy, but a leaning down kind of heavy. I do think it's still a result of him feeling good behind but not knowing how to use his lower back area correctly. But now we maybe have him a good place to learn? I think the next month or so will be really critical in getting right muscle memory and strength build while injections are at their max. Hopefully I can actually get some riding done!

MM is also doing a bit better after her weirdness. She's on a hay stretcher pellet, which someone suggested for the fecal water. So far it's definitely improved the situation and she's a lot less gassy. Still not perfect, but i'm not having to clean her butt every day and she's not passing gas constantly. So i'm sure she's a lot more comfortable. I've also gone to giving her rides, even if they're walk only, a bit more structure. I've been putting the actual bridle on her, instead of just clipping reins on to the halter and making her spend a decent part of the ride on the bit and adding in lateral work, changes of tempo, changes of frame, etc to gymnasticize her more. I think at least part of the issue might be that i had just let her go along not using her body correctly for too long.

[heddylamar]

We had fabulous rides both Friday and Saturday, but now Maia's getting a few days off. Not because it's cold — it is and we both *love* the cold — but because there's no hot water at home. The 12yo hot water heater hit the end of it's lifespan with a bit of drama Friday night. I kinda like showering after riding, and our 54F well water with a boiling water helper just wasn't doing it for me Saturday afternoon! Brr.

[Chisamba]

Well today it hasn't got above single digit temps, so I don't ride. Riding is recreation not an essential so I don't ride in single digits.

I did sled down the hill which prompted most of the horses to self exercise. Lol.apparenrly humans laughing and sliding ar speed are reasons to run.

[khall]

Snowed here in middle Ga today. About 3/4 inches and going to turn icy with well below freezing tonight. Just not used to real winter weather and don’t like it! Makes farm chores take so much longer!!

Gaila is having ulcer issues. Started when I weaned Lani. Thought I had it covered but she turned up yesterday pretty painful. So 28 days of gg is suggested. On sulcralfate too. Poor girl.

Using my covered arena already and I do enjoy having it. So excited!! Still just doing more wih because of time limitations but still excellent work I’m getting.

Happy riding all those who can!

Flights good to see Ding back in action:)

[Moutaineer]

Cold cold cold here. Mostly too cold to ride. He got lunged on Monday and apparently busted out some spectacular moves so I think he just needed to move freely, which he can't do much of in turnout at the moment. We are going to try to move him to a less shaded and therefore less icy turnout next week, and see if that helps him to move a bit more. He may or may not take to it. He's funny about turnouts and has been very happy where he is now, but he's down to about a third of it being usable at the moment, and even that is pretty frozen and lumpy.

I did have a nice ride on Tuesday, if somewhat conservative so as not to break a sweat, but that's been it for this week so far. Should get to ride tomorrow and Saturday, with luck.

[Lipsmackerpony88]

I can commiserate with everybody in these frigid temps!! It finally got into the double digits today. Horses weren't turned out for a few days but thankfully today and yesterday they got out. I decided it would be a little unfair to hop on Lynx today after all that so we did groundwork today. I can't remember if I posted about the cow shoot being added to the indoor arena? There has been some ropers that have been hauling in on Friday nights the past few weeks. Funny enough I think Lynx is the only horse in the barn that doesn't care about it lol. Funny because he's such a cowardly lion! But he is bred for cows...

He looked pretty good on the lunge and was a true gentleman. Then we did some in hand shoulder in and turn on the haunches work. I was very impressed with him today.

Blanketing is such a pain right now. It's not going to get above 34°... But it's sunny. I left Lynx in his 100 gram... Hopefully he doesn't get very hot. Blanketing is not included at our barn So I'm trying to avoid me and my family going out a million times everyday lol! Fingers crossed.

Hopefully everybody warms up soon

[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 (officially, it did rain a tiny amount about one week ago). I just drove to our house down in the Valley to meet my farrier tomorrow morning and hopefully ride more in the Antares. I have a lesson on Monday with Molly before I had back up the mountain. Crossing my fingers that she sees a difference. On a happy note, after rushing home (mountain home) from work, I was very relieved that it took me no time to load. Junior and Ace are always champs but even Troy took less than a couple of minutes to load..............baby steps, always baby steps.

[StraightForward]

Cold here too, but it works out well for the horses to go out on frozen pastures during T's winter vacation. The jumping saddle is supposed to arrive today, so I might need to see if I can haul over and use the indoor at Obie's barn to test it out. I also ordered the Erreplus dressage saddle yesterday, so hopefully it will arrive later next week.

[blob]

Sigh, RP decided to throw a fit when the farrier was here and he wasn't able to get hind shoes on him. I'm a bit frustrated because i was very careful about getting RP comfortable with the shoeing process since he's so sensitive and was getting them new late in life. I cleared schedules to be there every time for the first several shoeings. I did the first time with light sedative and then slowly tapered off, etc etc. And then the first time i wasn't there i double checked how he was and farrier told me he was perfect/great. PHEW.

So then i figured we were good to go. Well, apparently he was not very good last time but the farrier didn't tell me. And then this time he was worse and it couldn't get done. If i'd been told last time he wasn't very good, i would have made sure to be there this time, i would have worked with him in between, i would have sedative on hand just in case, etc etc etc.

The farrier can't come back until tues. Thankfully i don't think he's ouchy without hinds for just hanging out in his pasture, but i am worried about the nail holes breaking/crumbling and making the next shoeing not so great. Also means even more time of NO RIDING now that we're finally warming up.

[Lipsmackerpony88]

Exvet and SF- fingers crossed that you find the perfect saddles soon!!

Blob, that frustrating. I actually have stuck so far with our extremely pricey farrier because he does a good job but even more because Lynx is so good for him. I usually am present for it (although I totally know not everybody can schedule that!) but the few times I wasn't there, my trainer said Lynx was ground tied and snoozing. Lynx actually can be VERY opinionated with certain people and be absolutely unmanageable occasionally so I feel your pain a bit.

Hopefully you can get him more comfortable again. So frustrating and hopefully his feet hold up. I wonder if something like some Venice turpentine or hoof-hardener in the meantime might help?


Speaking of feet, I did notice Lynx was a bit grouchy getting his left hind picked out lately. Although today he was fine. I do feel like he seems tense in his glutes/quadriceps on that side. I wonder if he slipped in the snow. No lameness though.

[Aleuronx]

Just popping in to say same, same and ditto. It's been -10F/-23C mornings and barely getting into single digits in the days for the past week. It's been about survival, aka show up give warm water drink, treats and check blanket. It's mixed bag coming up weather wise so it's just a case of riding when I can.

Good luck with the saddles Exvet and SF. I will say the it's double edged sword Exvet because wow Junior's muscling looks so good and correct in those photos. No wonder he's needing a new fit!

blob that stinks that the farrier wasn't honest with behavior that would have saved everyone a bit of grief. Fingers cross with you there on Tues you can get him sorted.

Today was pre-season check-up with lameness guru Vet. I talked with trainer about having this done as Kora is turning 10 this year and beginning that FEI work load. I just want to ensure we aren't missing anything and catch things before they are big deal issues and she very much agreed and suggested Vet. Long story short, the mare is very sound. No issues on palpation, trot out, lunging or from flexions. He was pleased with her overall muscling but highlighted the glutes as being a place we can improve to support the stifles in the collected work. So we have the stamp to carry on for this summer and will incorporate more pole and hill work. I'm glad I did it, just for the peace of mind. It's only money right?

Because things went so well and Kora didn't need any interventions I was able to slot in a quick 20 minute ride before the afternoon lesson program started. I last rode her on Sunday so 20 minutes was good enough to just move around her body, pop a polite change each way and then do some forward and back within the gaits. Winter, it's the time of lowered expectations for progress.

Stay warm and safe all! We're almost to February.

[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 issue was going to get worse I started doing more ground work and specific exercises to build Junior's topline properly. Now I have a true beer keg. Note I said beer keg because if I had a powder keg my problems wouldn't be near as challenging, in other words I'd have hot and forward instead of a pleasantly and civilly disobedient pony who prefers to go behind the leg so he doesn't have to accept the contact. I think the Antares with a winderen pad is going to do the trick so that I can get back to training in the saddle at least until I have the saddle fitter out. So, today I rode after everyone's feet were done (I feel for you Blob. It is why I gladly drive the 2 hours to meet my farrier every 7 weeks. He is a gem, a friend, and a very skillful guy. I reminded him today that he promised he and I would retire at the same time. My plans are to get my gold and have Troy solidly under saddle before I even have an inkling of retiring from riding). Now that I have better balance and better leg position under me so that I can actually use my calves without drawing my heels up I worked on forward off light aids AND into true, correct contact especially into the right hand. It was NOT pretty, at least at first. Junior had a full-blown temper tantrum when I made it clear I wasn't going to meet his demands. After what seemed like forever but was more like 30 minutes of defining the boundaries and restarts that kept leaving the answer of "I don't want to go forward and work into the hand or give that shoulder on the right side so that I'm truly stepping into the right fore correctly" I was able to succeed in getting Junior to work into the contact and give me some powerful forward off the hind end, over the back, and into the hand softly (with supple!) by literally anchoring my outside elbow at all times regardless of direction/rein and by softening distinctly on the inside rein each time. It was the ONLY compromise Junior was offered. Junior gradually started to realize he wasn't going to die nor fall apart and working into the hand, accepting contact on the outside rein wasn't as claustrophobic as he thought. I can definitely feel that his ability to passage will grow and I think if I can keep fostering that as well as succeed in getting his hind leg quicker (and slow the front end) at the canter the two's and one's might be feasible. I realize that I'm filling in holes I helped create but Junior is coming 11 and seems to be in great shape. I am hoping that this too smart pony's progress will go at light speed once these BASICS get his backing. Neither one of us is getting any younger.

[Moutaineer]

I'm always impressed by how detailed and analytical your posts are, exvet. I feel like I'm just winging it most of the time!

Blob, that is frustrating.

I'm so glad to not be party to the eternal wretched saddle search. Good luck with that!

Potters has hives again. In the arctic January cold spell when no biting creature is alive and we've changed absolutely nothing in his diet or environment, and hes literally blanketed from ears to hocks... so, back on the drugs we go. I'm trying to avoid dex if I can, but I'll have to see how things go.

Maybe the antipsychotic effect of the hydroxyzine, but he was a gem today. We are working on a million transitions between and within the gaits, and thus greater collection in the trot and the canter, which I could imagine might be a bit frustrating for a horse, but he's handling them well, and it's a good focus exercise for me, too. A one-spook indoor arena ride is something to be celebrated on a cold, grey winter day.

If it's not snowing too hard I will hit the barn in the morning, but I'm not optimistic. If I do, I want to pop the odd change if the stars align. The canter was good enough today that I felt the quality was right right there for some tempis. But it sounds like the arena may be a zoo of people trying new saddles, as 'tis the season, apparently.

My new diet and exercise regime is going along. I'm struggling to manage to eat the amount of protein I'm apparently meant to. I'm completely wiped out this evening, it's been a very busy week work and riding-wise and apparently I was too much of a hero at HIIT on Wednesday night. I have just succumbed to a square of chocolate because I'm too tired to care. It didn't taste that good, TBH, which is rather sad.

I'm cold and cranky and need a hot shower and dinner.

[goldhorse]

Mountaineer, a mare at my barn gets hives when we enter blanketing season. The vet thinks she has an allergy to a material in the blanket and suggested finding one with a cloth lining or double blanketing over a cloth sheet. I think it could be the detergent or the chemicals in a new blanket since she also reacts to brand new ones. I have a husband that suffers with the same skin sensitivities.

[Moutaineer]

I'd agree, because I have similar skin sensitivities!

But this crops up both in and out of blanket season, new blankets and old, and all his clothes are washed in baby soap and double rinsed. I even take care there is no soap residue on his tack.

Who knows. They don't appear to distress him. When we did our road trip to California in November he left here (naked) with hives and they'd gone by the time he stepped off the trailer. Same food, same hay, same shavings in the trailer... And they haven't come back until this week.

He tested pretty sensitive to feed mites and I've just opened a new bag. But my feed merchant has a high turnover and is very clean and organized, so I'm not sure what else we could do here.

[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 where I let him go on a loose/free rein he had to accept the contact, light such that it was, but still there.

Had Troy going on the lunge line for the first time with a bridle and side reins (very loose). He wasn't phased by any of it and though still so much of a baby brain - everything goes into his mouth - he was trying to please.

Ace as always just did his job with no muss, no fuss, and happy to do so.

Horses!

[Moutaineer]

I braved the snow and was glad I did this morning. A productive ride after all! The trot work was a bit distracted to start with because there was a lot going on, but it got much better as we went along. We ended up working on canter pirouettes, which is always fun and a useful focus exercise for Mr Distracted. You can't spook when you are on a 3m circle... it also clarifies and solidifies your seat and position really well.

[heddylamar]

Another great lesson on Friday! Mybtrainer asked what I wanted to work on, and despite not riding all week, Maia was super low-key (for her), so we tackled the disaster that is her canter. We're great on the straight away, or in a large field, but 20 meter circles are a hot mess. She wants to bulge in, and I do their weird thing at the canter where I try to get her to bend properly again by doing a near constant give and release on the inside rein. It does not work, and we have a whole lot of energy going everywhere.

So, yeah. Trainer had me cantering a 20 meter square (those straight sides!), then trotting to fix the bulge with inside leg, and half halting on the outside rein. And it worked! I quit the weird rein thing, and Maia was cantering great.

Now I just need to remind my right shoulder that it should stay back

[Chisamba]

I was happily able to ride my girls this afternoon, it warmed up to 20F . Mostly slow work but it was really nice. Both were a bit sluggish of the leg laterally but worked nicely into the outside rein and stretch over the topline.

[StraightForward]

Aleuronx, ugh, I can't fathom doing anything in those temps. Glad Kora's checkup went well, though.

Heddy, glad you are enjoying working with your new trainer!

Moutaineer, sounds like you're carrying on well in the cold.

Exvet, Troy sounds like quite the Good Boy. Can't wait to see him develop. Is he turning three this year?

The Albion jumping saddle is nearly Cinderella's slipper. It looks to fit T like a glove, and the leather is scrumptious (it's their upper Red Line). I was able to sneak in a quick ride yesterday and verify that I didn't have to fight to maintain a 2-point. Also, it has velcro blocks that already happened to be perfectly positioned, so I could comfortably ride with a shorter stirrup. T did throw one bit of attitude at me, almost acting like she was going to go up, but I think it had to do with me demanding forward more, and nothing to do with the saddle. Once she was forward, she did a big, energetic trot, so I think she's comfy with it. I will hold on to the Pessoa until we have a chance to try some jumping, but it seems I've found a needle in the haystack, and for only $1,500. Now fingers crossed the Erreplus fits us as well and I can be done with saddle shopping for several years!

[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]

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 walk is so much better and he actually has the posture as well as movement at the walk for FEI. Because he's not a forward horse at all and because he too easily gets his hind legs too far underneath him and get stuck she gave me some specific exercises to work to develop better use of his hind end. She stated that he's too over developed in the croup and loin that it now makes him look croup high. This is because his hind leg is a little too long and he reaches too far underneath himself.

First exercise is a play on one she's had me doing since Indio and that is work on the forward, do not give him a reason to get behind the leg. The first component to that is that if he isn't prompt in the forward regardless of what I'm asking for, I need to take him down a notch and give him an opportunity to give me a correct answer and then build from there. Anytime the building blocks aren't stacking up towards more forward on a light aid back down we go. So for example, if I ask for walk to trot and he's behind my leg, sticks his nose out, or raises his head I am to halt and immediately ask for walk off of a light aid and if he is prompt and polite into the connect we can go from walk to trot - rinse and repeat as many times as needed and up and forward between the gaits we can go. Then keeping with that vein, when working on canter to trot I am to do more of a turn on the forehand to get him used to (a) bending his inside hind more and engaging it properly to build it up and also (b) not using a half-halt or anything close to closing the door or backward hand to transition down. Junior is to develop the idea that a half-halt means get ready he's likely going to be asked to go forward to do something. Again rinse and repeat. She has a video on her Youtube channel which covers this exercise.

Next exercise has to do with leg yield and again getting him to use his hind legs correctly and not getting them so far under and stuck, plus quickening the hind legs. I start by leg yielding down the long side think nose to the wall. Then I straighten as I get to the end and move his haunches out on a 20 meter circle to head back up the opposite long side then immediately ask for a leg yield across the arena (think grand prix leg yield in terms of slope) and leg yield nose to the wall back to the original corner. When leg yielding the focus is first get side ways then add appropriate contact keeping the focus separate to avoid giving him a reason to get behind the leg. I'm to do this both directions and at trot and canter.

Whether or not I show in March is somewhat up in the air. I still plan to meet with the saddle fitter Feb 10th and will get a lesson with Molly then. Hopefully if we're doing better I may be able to get into the show as a last minute entry or not.

[Lipsmackerpony88]

SF, glad the jump saddle seems to be working so well! Fingers crossed that it is just as wonderful when jumping.

Exvet, I always love your detailed posts and they are very helpful. Lynx can get behind the leg too at times so it's always good to read these things. I have a very similar philosophy about going back to the basics when anything gets funky.

Today was really chilly when I got there (7 degrees) so I was stuck doing groundwork before our farrier appointment. I will say I really think the Estrone makes a big difference and really quickly too! We lunged over some poles then worked on shoulder in, TOH and TOF. He was so good today. I can't wait for the warmer weather coming later this week.

[Tanga]

Big whine here from NorCal. It's cooooooold. Like in the 50's during the day! We are weenies. t's been nice and dried out, so I've been able to work out my new freestyles in the outdoor arena. We really need to get back into more rain, though. The ponds are full, but if we don't get more, we'll be in big trouble, again.

I am actually feeling better and more back into kind of what I used to do. I started being able to walk the horses to and from the pasture and be OK, which I haven't been able to do since August. I am trying to get back in shape and hopefully drop the almost 15 lbs I put on (!) from doing so little for so long. I can ride both and do the work, though my arms and hands are still very weak. Raising my arms above my shoulders is still really hard. My ferritin (iron stores) was up to 450 in December, so I stopped taking iron. So it seems most of the weakness and exhaustion was that. Let's see if it stays up. (That is too high, but probably artificially so.) Next week I have an MRI of my head and neck to see if we can find the arms/hand issue--neurologist thinks more likely a cervical impingement or POTS--I don't think POTS because I don't have the symptoms. And next week I also get my colon. and endoscopy. Whoo Hoo! And I mean that, really. Maybe we can find the cause of my iron being so low for so long, and I can rule our being worried about something in there. I still don't feel right under the right side of my ribs on and off. So glad, for now I can get healthcare! Planning on showing when the shows start, which this year I think will be April soonest. (We lost the shows we had right here Jan. to May.)

I love making freestyles. Quinn has a new GP one with super duper fun and hard stuff that she has no issue with-- enter walk, walk pirouette to canter pir. one tempis up center line, canter pir. to walk pir. to coll. walk. 2 tempis on a serpentine, extended canter to double pir., 2 tempis to ones on a diag., passage, ext trot down CL to piaffe and halt. Taking Quilla down to I-1 she is super happy how easy it is and isn't getting anticipatory and missing her changes. I'm working both only in a snaffle, and I really have very little arm and hand strength, so both have to really carry themselves and be light, which is super nice. I love my horses.

My leasor I let show Quilla last year that got her bronze in two shows has her 3 1/2 year old here. She's not riding her. She's still riding Quilla once a week. It's been fun helping someone do the baby thing. She's like 16.3 and NOT sensitive and is very nice, but tightropes behind and is all weird. Bringing her to this pasture herd and the hills, esp. in winter, is the best thing ever. The other horses made her learn to back off and listen more as well as get stimulation, and she is SO much stronger and more balanced. We pony her off the girls, which at first was a big lesson with both of them getting all over her for not being polite and mouthy. Now she's just part of the herd and can trot and canter while ponying, carries a saddle, goes over and around and every which way over little jumps, hills, everything. She's learned to sit on her ass and slide down muddy hills, and I found a video to show my leasor how to to ground exercises like walking lengthways over a pole to help with proprioception of her hind legs to not tightrope walk--it's making a difference. Since I do SO much of the cues of voice now, she's getting all that, too, learning the gaits, but also back, up to start learning p/p, etc.

[Lipsmackerpony88]

Good to hear from you Tanga! Funny enough when I first started reading your post my mind went to the possibility of POTS, but I'm not a doctor so who knows! I hope you continue to improve and get answers! Glad to hear you're still able to ride and continue on with your mares!

[StraightForward]

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 in walk.

Tanga, so glad you are feeling better! Sounds like a really cool FS, and you're giving your friend's young one a good foundation.

It's weird taking a break and having "free time" after work. Saddle should be here Thursday and it looks like things will thaw out right on cue, but probably along with some precipitation. Hopefully I can work around it to get some trial rides in.

Finished week one of the full body program on the Prehab app and I am sore! I'm not enamored with the app, but the exercises seem effective at hitting things I've been missing. Speaking of which, I ought to get myself off to the gym!

[mari]

Exvet I had to read your LY exercise quite a few times before I could figure it out

We also have some homework this week. We're working on counter canter a lot at the moment. The single changes are pretty established, but he anticipates a lot, and the more complex CC work is to teach him to really pay attention to my seat and leg POSITION, not leg PRESSURE.

In yesterday's lesson we focused on CC on the long side, LY to the inside, LY back. At the start there was lots of flinging himself around. I just had to halt calmly and firmly, and start again. And after a while he settled to the exercise, and started moving his body around more thoughtfully. I'm not sure if "thoughtfully" is the right word, but I want him to process the more complex/subtle positional aids calmly, without just reacting.

We started on the basics of this last week. Because we've been practicing a test that has a canter HP and then a change before the corner, he now really really REALLY wants to change before the corner. We got to a point where we could CC the long side, he would give a very dramatic leap before the corner, but still land in CC It was actually very cute (although my lower back does not think so).

[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. She has a ton of videos and to be honest I haven't had a chance to go through them all to find the specific exercise(s). Hopefully can get to that later this week after work.

[Moutaineer]

Very much looking forward to some warmer weather coming in next week. It has been cold enough that I just hurt all over.

Nothing dramatic going on here. Chipping away at better quality everything. Working on my position, all those good freezing weather so let's not have the horse break a sweat things. Work ia a bit extra at the moment, too, which is distracting me from my riding!

Tanga, good to hear you sounding more chipper!

[Lipsmackerpony88]

Exvet, I watched a few videos of Molly's channel, I was very impressed. Love her teaching style.

[blob]

I always appreciate the lesson details, Exvet--there is so often stuff that I can use or adapt and use.

Good news and bad news on my end:

Good news: weather is warmer; MM has been doing a lot better and I am getting consistent chance to ride her in hopes of getting more in shape; the clinician i worked with in Dec is back in Feb and i'm riding both days this time, excited to get some help with changes from him; have a lesson on the books with the judge trainer as well for next week--first time since the SI injections

Bad news: everything is still wet from snow and more rain is heading this way so everything is a mud bucket; farrier came back for RP and still couldn't get back shoes on and now he is acting hysterical if you tap on his feet at all (nailing was the issue)-- so i have homework to bang on his feet and some dorm gel on hand and we'll try again next week; work is really emotionally draining right now there's no specific reason but i think i am just burnt out

[goldhorse]

I have been making some breakthroughs with my canter seat and not getting into a tug of war with Piggy when he wants to be a freight train. Also he's never been one to do a good stretchy trot. My trainer had a breakthrough with him this week and now that's all he wants to do. Today I got him tacked up and turned my back to him so I could gossip with a friend and she screamed OMG, What is Piggy doing? I turned around to find him in a full downward dog with his nose on the ground.
In other news, I had to put my 17 yo cat to sleep. It was time. DH works for the federal government (NIH) so it's been hell around here. We are going to Hawaii on Saturday. Hopefully, we can turn off the news but I doubt it.

[StraightForward]

Thank you Exvet, I will check out her videos. I also work for the feds and it is just a face palm a minute lately. I had to restock the wine fridge. At some point I'll have to start going and sitting my butt in a cubicle 8 hours a day just because. Some wine and dressage videos might help!

I just went and gave Obie a quick hoof trim. He was not very happy to see me, so at least I don't feel guilty that I don't visit more often. He still has contracted heels and puny frogs, but his white lines are looking about as good as they ever have. There is one part that is still separated, and I'm wondering if I'm brave enough to resect it.

[Moutaineer]

Ugh, I feel badly for you feds. So disturbing.

I felt like wet string today. I did a HIIT session yesterday evening that completely kicked my butt. I don't actually hurt today, which i guess is a step forward, but I'm just physically wiped out. I've just eaten a protein packed dinner and am aiming for an early night with a good book. This 8 week fitness challenge is indeed quite challenging! But I'm 4lbs down already.

This afternoon, I did some ground work, got on Potters, felt out his mood and promptly got off and handed him over to the younger generation. Good move, it turned out. Spring Fever was in the air. He needed a good solid forward ride today and that was not me! I just got to deal with the steaming horse at the end of it.

I do have to say though that I've got him going nicely and he's obviously feeling really well. Once he stops being a handful, he's lovely and soft and supple over his top line, rhythmic and forward. The played around with some passage at the end of the ride and it looked super.

So tomorrow is another day, and we should both be physically and mentally better prepared!

[Chisamba]

My energy is not back to where it should be yet. Wow that covid slammed me.

I have been expending most of my skill and energy on client horses so on my own I have been doing slow walk work sort of French style. Stretch the topline, loosen the poll and have a nice feel in both reins. The advantage being to make minor isometric adjustments to alignment . Then I trot and try to gain and maintain the same contact and alignment. It's better than not riding my girls, and who knows maybe I'll have a big payoff once I feel enough oomph to ride forward again. It is interesting when it's cold, the winds are howling, the doors are rattling, to use slow minor aids to regain attention rather than forward into contact past the distraction.

I have two huge babies in to train. I'm not sure I like getting on a super young horse that is over 17hh and physically gifted

[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 faster than a walk. I also worked more on the two specific exercises she gave me as well as spiraling in and out at the canter which she 'assigned' to me to do every ride (only a couple of times each direction) at the show in Indio. I plan to head to the valley next week to meet the fitter on the following Monday. I already have a follow up lesson scheduled after the fitter. I feel like Junior is getting a better idea of the expectations for light of the leg into forward and coming into the contact and staying there but I'm not ready to celebrate just yet. He definitely moves out better in the Antares.

As for Troy, I can't believe the amount of hair he's got coming off right now. The birds just hang out nearby to wait for me to finish currying him and then start swooping down. While I realize it sounds like we've all been dealing with some true winter weather, it's apparent that spring is just around the corner.

[Aleuronx]

Y’all we made it to February! I feel like that is an accomplishment in itself that everyone can check off. Small wins, right?

I’m feeling for those Fed connections. Some of the pharma companies I work with are based on government funded contracts and to say the least about the last week has been a lot of hands up in the air, questions and stress. Everyone is in the dark and we are figuring it out as we go. However you lean politically there is good money being spend on infectious disease and cancer prevention and cures that would love to have some stability and continued funding to do their work. Stepping off my tiny soapbox…

Sort of the same going on here in terms of riding, ie when we can between temperature drops to unfriendly zones and snow storms. Snowed about 4-5 inches overnight so I took advantage to get outside as footing still safe. Once we get ice out there we’re screwed until the spring melt so enjoying it while we can.

I’ve been using my rides inside to work on the straightness of the changes and multiples. Not focusing on the count but the quality of the canter before, during, after the change and then maybe doing another. Our indoor is on the smaller side and well the corners are full of spooks and horrors so realistically getting a full line of 5 changes is not great. So this pared down work has been super to just focus on the canter and ride a change or more when and if everything is together and straight.

I was very pleased to see getting outside that this work is paying off. Came home and smiled at my tail coat.
https://youtu.be/_lUKohglnfw?si=iP7-2qwFOMrMeSR2