Spring Awakening: March/April Goals and Progress

[Aleuronx]

Manifesting better weather and ride time for all. Let’s crack on!

Have looked at basic show season schedule and will make better plans when trainer returns north. But maybe toe dip a couple early schooling shows at 4-1 to see if multiple changes in a test is doable.

Section goals:
1x week polework
Schooling show/s in April at 4-1
Strengthen the pirouette canter and ease of transition in/out
Keep a running cadence…keep going

[exvet]

I have a schooling show in 2 weeks. Plans are to show what we can in 3-3 and 4-3. Mid-week before is the closing date for the next recognized show which is at the end of March. With another saddle being shipped, supposed to be here Wednesday, I'll wait to see if it fits before spending the cash on a recognized show. I'm going to keep working on the basics and working out/biking to make sure we're both ready once we get the saddle fit issue behind us. Troy is still quite gangly for a Welsh Cob but he's coming 3 this month and Junior turns 11 (gosh where does the time go?). If I can twist my SO"s arm I may take Troy along for the ride to the schooling show. Jury is still out on that one too but it would be a nice opportunity to get him out and more exposure.

All-in-all I feel very lucky despite the frustration of late. As I was riding Junior this morning in our 2 acre pasture/lot, I noticed 3 trucks pull up to my neighbor's house. I recognize one as a large animal vet who works in the area. I watch as the two mares that are kept there (one belongs to the home owner the other belongs to the guy that lives across the street) start running around like they were avoiding being caught. All this time I'm working on conditioning work with Junior. As I make my rounds I see one mare caught, my colleague walk up and then the mares is dead on the ground. As I'm processing all of this the knacker truck pulls up. I later find out that the neighbor across the street decided that his 11 year old quarter horse mare became too difficult and dangerous 2 months ago. He's had health issues and hasn't been riding much and has developed a huge fear of getting thrown partly because he's now on a blood thinner. I guess he decided he didn't want the liability of passing on a difficult mare to someone else but geesh, none of us were prepared for what he decided to have done this morning. I'm so grateful that even in Junior's most reticent moods, he's nothing but safe.

[blob]

Me:
Try to balance work/riding
Eat healthy lunches
Get back to doing exercise at home at least 1x a week

MM:
Keep working on fitness
Keep riding consistent
Take a jump lesson?
Work on lateral work and consistent bend

RP:
Show or clinic?
Crack the code on a more consistent/easy HI
Work on connection in transitions between gaits and within them
Ride through tests
hills for booty strength

[Lipsmackerpony88]

I'm so ready for spring!

My daughter kicked off March by riding Lynx yesterday. I threw her on him after just some hand walking in the equiband. I'm very proud of them both. I can tell they're both a bit on the greener side as far as life goes lol. But they did really well. We did have an accidental canter that turned into a REALLY collected canter but all was well, just a little miscommunication between the two for a second. But they moved on like nothing happened. I'm equally proud of them both. I also can't believe how much my daughter has grown. I barely have to shorten my stirrups for her anymore!

My goals for March are pretty quiet because I have a family member that's due to have a baby any moment. So I don't want to make a lot of plans due to that. I am using the equiband again though and trying to be consistent. Right now I'm doing the 4 weeks of hand walking in it as suggested by a few studies I've read. So for now I use that as a jump start to a warm up before I ride. Or if I don't have time to ride at least run out and hand walk him in it.

April, I'm hoping to get Lynx to a schooling show. I'm not sure if we'll enter, we might just hang out at the trailer and maybe school in the warm up. I don't have a huge desire to show at the moment but I do want him to get out and about and see the world regardless.

[exvet]

LSP, they look great! Nice to have a horse you feel is safe to throw your kid on.

Got up this morning and Ace was colicking. Walked him and gave him banamine. He's passing manure and has some gut sounds so keeping fingers crossed that we nipped it in the bud. He was not himself the other morning but fine yesterday. It's semi-sleeting here this morning. I've always hated March weather.

[Moutaineer]

Eek, Ace! Don't be doing that! I hope you've caught it early, exvet. And yes, people complain about February but March is far worse, in my view.

Nice pic, LSP!

My first order of business for the next 2 months is to get well again. I had a miserable night last night and can barely speak this morning. I just did a flu/covid test which came back negative, so there's that, and I'm not running a fever. But another no-barn day. Sigh.

I don't think it will be all that long before we are back to riding outside. That will be a huge help.

The only thing I have on the agenda really is a clinic with Mette in mid-April. I should be able to get my self together by then!

[StraightForward]

Moutaineer, I hope you're feeling better soon!

LSP, how fun that your daughter can hop on Lyx.

Exvet, I hope Ace is OK, and you can get this saddle stuff sorted out.

So excited for everyone getting ready to level up in the show ring this year!

I think my goal this time around is to get T driving into the bridle in canter the way I can get her in trot. I think that is the power we're going to need to start getting jump to get anything other than haphazard changes.

Also, working on myself in HP. I realized that I am blocking her with my seat bone in HP left. When I take it off, we get the sideways, but my left leg won't cooperate and stay on and not crawl up. So just some work to do to will my body parts into cooperation. It's actually better in canter, trot is the problem. I'll see if riding with the Equi-Bands helps, but need to wait for a day it's safe to do so as the spring crazies are kicking in a bit.

I do have a lesson in a few weeks, and then hopefully a clinic with Carrie Harnden in April.

[StraightForward]

Double post.

[Lipsmackerpony88]

Thank you guys! Here is a little video clip. He's SO different than her lease horse who has been a lesson horse his whole life. But I think for both being out of their element with each other, they both did good. You might be able to see how he's definitely thinking about cantering LOL. And her reins are long, and her seat is a little unbalanced but honestly I think they are good for each other in small doses right now.

https://youtube.com/shorts/n3YhBzkQ1ww? ... JVfjqUao1x

Jingles for you Mountaineer. We were sick a lot the last 2 months so I can empathize with you.

Exvet, I hope Ace is better now.

[heddylamar]

They make a great pair, LSP!

I hope everybody (including Ace) is feeling better.

Maia and I have a lesson Friday morning. She's finally starting to grasp the concept of relaxation and self-carriage. I'm excited to see where we go next!

As for goals:
– Get these muscle spasms figured out (definitely a positive WIP with the new PT). If that happens:
+ Get back to lifting and running trails
+ Jumping lessons
– Continue dressage lessons
– Work on trailering again /sigh

[Moutaineer]

I'm still exhausted, pale and snivelly, but I masked up and tottered down to the barn today to take grain and get out of the house and get some fresh air, and I caught Potters' training ride. He's feeling great. Happy and sound and full of the joys of spring, but not a spooky mess.

I'm going to need to be feeling a lot healthier than I did as I sat and watched to handle that level of general jollity!

I am, however, feeling quite a bit better tonight. Really tired but not dreadful, so I think I'm on the upswing, please God. DH, who is a week ahead of me on this, felt good enough to go to choir practice this evening, so there is light at the end of the tunnel.

[blob]

jingles for horses and humans that are not 100% yet.

Chisamba, how are things going with Siaph cantering up and up and up?

RP had a chiro appointment yesterday, which he gets every 8-12 weeks depending on how he's feeling. Most of the adjustments were things I expected (SI, base of the neck). But we had a weird one where he was quite sore and out in the right side of his withers. The vet that does the chiro said that usually when she seems something in the wither it's on the left side (due to mounting) and so this seemed unsual to both of us. I will keep an eye on the area and might do an appointment in 4-6 weeks instead to make sure something isn't going on.

[Chisamba]

jingles for horses and humans that are not 100% yet.

Chisamba, how are things going with Siaph cantering up and up and up?

I had my first lesson this year and she decided that staying consistently into the contact in relative collection was not that difficult after all. So I think its working.

Letta decided canterbtransirions were a bucking affair but she did well enough that my instructor saw promise

[khall]

Hope all who are dealing with their own or equine medical issues are better. It’s been a problem here in my farm too. February 10 th found Joplin painful again at 3 am. So trip to
UGA again me a horse and 3 dogs. Thankfully Joplin was not as serious as last time. Pain free by the time we got there so discussed what could be the issue. Possibly ulcers so scoped was done. Nope not ulcers but she had eaten shavings to the point of impacting her stomach requiring Coke Zero lavage. Came back home on the 4 th day and made changes to her diet which she approves. Now on Timothy hay and more of it. Plus bedding her on straw which she is not interested in eating. So hard to care for easy keepers!

Rip also had his check up scope. Was worse than last time wanted to add in oral meds but insulin test showed high level 88 so no throat spray (dex) but now on prascend and tried metformin which he won’t eat.

Then Gaila had gastric scope to check on her ulcer status. We had treated but not scoped. She still has them gastric glandular and pyloric. Now on 3 meds.

Plus a friend has brought her mare to foal here she’s also on ulcer meds. Feel like I’m playing nurse to the barn.


As for this go around. Continue with the work we were doing at the clinic. HI at canter on circle changes piaffe RB piaffe lots of fun. Gaila is not far behind Joplin’s training and Chex is just fun and so adorable

Lani turns a year the 15 th. She’s a pretty girl and is a better mover than Joplin. She adores people.

Me it’s weight loss time. My knees are giving me fits. I need to address the issue.

I’ve got a WE clinic this month and Cedar again next month.

May they schooling show in May. DS graduates with his masters first of May. Lots going on. Plus the worries of what’s happening right now in our country

[Lipsmackerpony88]

Chisamba, glad Siaph seems to be on the right path right now. And hopefully Letta drops the bucking into the canter soon.

Khall, I'm glad Joplin is okay. Hopefully she stops eating things that she should not!

I had a wonderful ride today. Lynx was very focused and just relaxed. We had some wonderful stretchy trot to warm up and worked on our leg yields (staying straight and not rushing!) I transitioned into walk within the leg yield which helped him not rush over as much. I think the canter is coming along too. Snails pace but moving along.

When I got back to the barn a fellow boarder paid me a compliment. I said I was such a good rider and my horse has such nice legs yields with great cross over. I was pleased because I had barely ridden the last 2 months and leg yields are always tricky for me to ride well. I'm not sure why. I think doing bending type movements is more my jam, we do work on straightness and leg yields a lot because of that.

Now, snow comes tonight. I really hope it's not much.

[mari]

So much rain here. There is a joke going around that 70% of the earth is covered in water, 69% of it is covering Gauteng currently. Our arenas are all uncovered, and if it's too wet we don't get to use them. And of course I have a show in a few weeks

I took advantage of a few minutes of dry-ish surface yesterday afternoon to ride. First ride in 2 weeks because of being away and the rain. It was a tropical 35C so it was super humid and hot and we only did about 15 minutes of actual work. It went okay. Aside from my more-of-everything mission (which has really made a difference, wish I had woken up sooner...), I'm going to shift the focus to MORE CARRYING OF YOUR OWN GIANT HEAD.

I hope everyone is doing okay. There are a lot of updates about big and small struggles of all kinds, and I'm sending you all good vibes and love!

[exvet]

I think a lot of us are dealing with all sorts of precipitation. My new to me saddle is supposed to be delivered tonight and I wake up to several inches of snow. It's likely going to melt tomorrow so hopefully I can try it out. I only have until Wednesday before the entries close on the March recognized show at the end of that month. Thank you for the well wishes on Ace. He pulled through but of course now that we're still having crazy weather, 60s one day, snow the next, then 50s I'm just biting my lip until spring is here.

I think many of you know I have JRTs and it's for the purpose of rodent control. Well Troy decided to join their pack. Yesterday it was clear when I got home from work (I had all the JRTs with me) that Troy stomped a mouse (to death). Whether he was playing with it (most likely), accidental or out of aggression I don't know; but, he's the biggest and hairiest of them all LOL.

[Chisamba]

So much rain here. There is a joke going around that 70% of the earth is covered in water, 69% of it is covering Gauteng currently. Our arenas are all uncovered, and if it's too wet we don't get to use them. And of course I have a show in a few weeks

I took advantage of a few minutes of dry-ish surface yesterday afternoon to ride. First ride in 2 weeks because of being away and the rain. It was a tropical 35C so it was super humid and hot and we only did about 15 minutes of actual work. It went okay. Aside from my more-of-everything mission (which has really made a difference, wish I had woken up sooner...), I'm going to shift the focus to MORE CARRYING OF YOUR OWN GIANT HEAD.

I hope everyone is doing okay. There are a lot of updates about big and small struggles of all kinds, and I'm sending you all good vibes and love!

I heard there was flooding in Randburg. Are you all ok?

[Chisamba]

A couple of photos to demo my problem, when I ride Saiph more collected she trails behind. When moderately collected she sits better.

[Moutaineer]

Chisamba, do you think she just doesn't have the core muscle yet to be able to connect her back end to her front end in collection?

[StraightForward]

I had a good ride today. She is still liking the new saddle and I'm able to sit pretty well with the new saddle + stiff boots. Our arena is a little chopped up, but not under water like some others. The other day we worked on some cavaletti at a shorter distance. She is starting to get the point of taking the half halt and trotted through with cadence, instead of going flat and flailing. Today we did canter cavalettis, and tried a single trot cavaletti at the higher setting. She still tends to jump over with the front end, but I'll see if we can do a couple raised poles tomorrow. I know she can pick her feet up that high, she just hasn't figured it out yet. I'm still working on sorting out my body in trot HP left, but HP canter both directions is really starting to come along. Hoping SoloShot sends my new tag SOON so I can start getting some video.

Found out that Leslie Morse will be here in early April. I'll try to get a spot if we can manage to avoid a government shutdown next week.

[exvet]

Chisamba I wonder the same thing as Moutaineer? She looks pretty good in terms of her muscling but given the difference it looks more like a strength issue which at least in theory is fixable.

New to me saddle came yesterday late afternoon. It snowed all day yesterday so I wasn't even able to ride let alone try out the saddle. It's a 16.5 Albion K2 with minimal gussets. Length-wise it's not perfect but I'm hoping that the saddle fitter will give it the thumbs up because of where it puts me in the saddle. It does feel and appear that I'm riding Junior's as well as my center of gravity. The skirts are shorter because the saddle was fitted to a kid which yay for me because the saddle is one of the best fits for me yet. It definitely clears Junior's shoulders better than the Antares but I wouldn't say it's perfect for him; however, I really liked the way he went this morning. I bought the saddle out right because I had to get it here from Canada. Luckily with the exchange rate I likely can sell it for as much or more than what I paid for it. I am cautiously optimistic. Junior's mood was good. He wasn't behind my leg and he gave me clean changes. I did not ride it with the Winderen pad; so, again I get the feeling that unless or until I go totally custom made the saddle so far is the closest win-win I've yet to find. I plan to ride the next 2 days and if it's still all positive I may pull the trigger to enter the recognized show. The schooling show is next week end but of course the closing date for the recognized show is before then.

[Lipsmackerpony88]

Fingers crossed for everyone on the saddle fitting stuff!!

Yesterday the weather wasn't great and Lynx worked hard this week so I just did some in hand work and walked over walk poles for his core and booty.

My daughter actually has a lesson really early this morning and the weather wasn't supposed to be good but it decided to be sunny and beautiful. I was kicking myself for not being dressed to ride! So instead I hand walked him around the property (up and down hills) in his equiband. Definitely riding in the beautiful weather tomorrow!! The whole week looks great until about Friday.

My daughter did have a wonderful lesson though. She's been leasing her old guy for two years now and the instructor was saying how it's amazing how he's gotten so much BETTER with her being mostly the only rider on him. He has gained muscle, picks up with canter leads with ease, has a on the spot quality canter transition and just straighter moving. Today the focus was improving the downard transitions because that's the weakest link. He loves to run on the forehand and suddenly get very BTV. They had huge improvements today, really impressed. He's an old lesson horse who wasn't taught much of this stuff and he has a club foot and really uneven shoulders. So it's really not an easy task to get him moving as well as he is. Proud of them.

[exvet]

Good for your daughter LSP! Sounds like she is becoming not only a good rider but is one that her instructor can ride through to help get the lesson horse where he needs to be. That can really pay off in the long run at her age and down the road. Even at her young age, knowing that you're helping a horse use himself better is so much better feedback than any ribbon (though were nice too).

[Lipsmackerpony88]

Exvet, I totally agree. Her instructor isn't a dressage instructor, more just a general all around instructor. But she has rode Dressage, Eventing, Show Jumped, Roped/Ranch Riding, Working Equation. So she just has a good all around the base of knowledge that really works my daughter, especially at her age. They do a little of everything right now.

I told my daughter, making a horse just a little better than it was previously, is a HUGE compliment for all equestrians in my eyes.

[exvet]

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

It was another good day with the Albion K2. Still cautiously optimistic with this one. Feels like the saddle was made for me. No question it sits back off of Junior's shoulders. Maybe I can get some video tomorrow. Will have to see what the winds are like.

[Moutaineer]

I am positively giddy with excitement. Not only will I get to ride tomorrow, for the first time in 2 weeks, but the outdoor arena is groomed and ready for use!

[mari]

I think many of you know I have JRTs and it's for the purpose of rodent control. Well Troy decided to join their pack. Yesterday it was clear when I got home from work (I had all the JRTs with me) that Troy stomped a mouse (to death). Whether he was playing with it (most likely), accidental or out of aggression I don't know; but, he's the biggest and hairiest of them all LOL.

My dear departed old Tb gelding would have joined too! Anything small and in his space was in danger, he HATED chickens...

[mari]

I heard there was flooding in Randburg. Are you all ok?

Yes, thank goodness. I'm more to the North, in Centurion (closer to Pretoria). Here in Centurion there are lots of low bridges, and they flood, and EVERY SINGLE SEASON people try crossing anyway and get washed downriver. Bonkers. My suburb is okay, but there are sinkholes forming in neighbouring suburbs where people had to be evacuated.

[Moutaineer]

First lovely spring day in the outdoor arena, and a Monday, and I'm still feeling a bit translucent, so I let Justin get on first... Rather glad that I did. We were a little exuberant and apparently P was for Poltergeist today.

I got on and walked and trotted for about 15 minutes (still spooking at P--there was still a patch of snow next to it...) and I feel like I just rode around Badminton. I guess I'm not quite fully recovered.

But by gosh, it was nice to be on my horse outside in the sunshine! And I shall do it again tomorrow.

My old horse, Jasper, hated dogs. More than one got chased yelping from his pasture. As they were not my dogs and were on my property, I didn't discourage him. (I did have one outraged neighbor, when I explained to them that my horse was going to kill their dogs if they didn't keep them out of my pasture, say to me "We didn't move to the country to have to keep our dogs locked up!" Well, yeah. Right...)

[Lipsmackerpony88]

Mari, glad you are okay! Sinkholes are terrifying to me!

Mountaineer - glad you are feeling a little better and got on Potters! Lynx did a double take at a pile of snow that was surviving in the shade the other day until he decided it would actually be a really fun thing to play in. Lol

I was running late tonight and so was my trainer so I only did half a lesson. I had wanted to ride outside but of course once I got on I got windy. We were going to try and just ride through it but tumbleweeds were bowing through the arena and scaring Lynx a bit. He was trying to be really brave but we were already pretty sure on time plus I'm kind of deaf so I couldn't hear my trainer over the wind. So into the indoor we went.

Yesterday I had ridden him and worked on transitions (I revisit the subject quite often. Pretty basic stuff just when I put my leg on do you go? And when I breathe out and sit a little deeper do you slow down and or halt off my seat? Well today he clearly remembered that lesson and was even more sharp to my seat and aids.

We also worked on keeping him "straight" or maybe aligned is a better word on a circle. especially a ten meter circle. Sometimes he likes to do this weird thing where he kind of does it turn on the haunches or Walk pirouette instead of just moving through and not crooked. Not sure if that makes sense and it definitely is kind of weird. He's always kind of been prone to doing it for some reason. I think it's a symptom of being a little behind the leg at the walk. I think it's kind of funny that he would think that a turn on the haunches would be easy but he does.

Then he got his feet done. Tomorrow he has a chiropractic appointment. I'm pretty tight on time but I'm hoping to walk him in the equiband in hand before our appointment. Keep this momentum and fitness going!

[mari]

I had a lesson yesterday, we are practicing test riding (3-1). I don't feel great thinking about it, it was pretty ugly riding. I've had Odin for 15 years, and he is totally amazing, and I have become a much better rider and horse-trainer because of him. Both my instructors consider him a proper schoolmaster now. But with all that said, the realisation hit me again yesterday that he is just too strong for me. He is pretty fit and supple and muscled at the moment, at 19 years old, and when he gets rolling it's like I'm just a small distraction.

[exvet]

I pulled the trigger and entered the recognized show at the end of the month. It's a 3 day show but I just entered the one show being held on Sat & Sun due to work. I also decided to just enter 3-3 both days hoping to build both my confidence and Junior's after so many near misses. So, this week looks like - work today, tomorrow and Thursday (rain predicted all 3 days), haul out Thursday night to beat the predicted snow, Farrier first thing Friday morning followed by floating teeth (colleague coming over), then eye doctor for me, take care of my mother's needs, 'relax' Sat & Sun, and finally a lesson with Molly on Monday before heading back up the mountain to go back to work (Tues) and start all over again

[blob]

Glad to hear everyone is surviving weather challenges! We're also expecting some intense weather this weekend, but hopefully things change between now and then.

*Exvet, show sounds exciting though looks like a busy couple of weeks for you!
*Mari, Odin sounds like such a powerful guy, those horses can be difficult, but also rewarding to ride.
*LSP, it's great to hear you, lynx, and your daughter all getting some productive riding in!
*Chisamba, agree with others it could be strength or it could just be that she doesn't fully understand powering into collection and so that moderate place gets you the better balance. Having said that, i think you could probably stay in the 'moderate' collection for most things and slowly build up understanding/strength for more. Have you tried teaching her piaffe inhand? That might also help.

I was also considering signing up for a show for next weekend, but the clinic that was cancelled in Feb is on for March that same weekend. So, I'm picking clinic over show. I am itching to get into show ring and while I think we could make it through a 2-3 test with some good moments, I'm not feeling confident on all the movements. So waiting is also fine. Though it does mean I'll likely aim for the April show that is a bit of a longer haul otherwise I'd be waiting until end of May.

I think RP is also due for a dentist appointment as he's been a bit sticky and reactive on the left rein. So, i've reached out to schedule an appointment. Otherwise, we are working very hard on straightness and straight/correct bending, which some days feel impossible.

MM is doing well. We did a short jumping lesson the other week, which was a lot of fun. Just tiny crossrails mostly, but it was nice to string together a small course and do something different. She was perfect.

[Moutaineer]

Potters was a totally different horse today. Cooperative, happy and just a really good boy. The RL trot and canter have really improved since his shots. I had just the ride i needed today!

Now for a yoga class for me. What doesn't kill us makes us stronger!

[goldhorse]

I think many of you know I have JRTs and it's for the purpose of rodent control. Well Troy decided to join their pack. Yesterday it was clear when I got home from work (I had all the JRTs with me) that Troy stomped a mouse (to death). Whether he was playing with it (most likely), accidental or out of aggression I don't know; but, he's the biggest and hairiest of them all LOL.

My dear departed old Tb gelding would have joined too! Anything small and in his space was in danger, he HATED chickens...

Piggy hates Peacocks. My old barn had a flock and he would attack them whenever he could. Also he would herd them with his ears pinned. Once when lunging, a peacock crossed the circle and Piggy leapt and landed on the poor bird's tail and pulled out most of it. I always thought that my secret weapon at shows would be to load the flock into the trailer and release them at the show. No problem for us but I'm sure it would be chaos for everyone else
And he's not fond of dogs. He'll go after them. Junior, the original goldhorse, grew up with cattle dogs under foot so he would never hurt one although there were a few dogs that I wished he would kick.

[Chisamba]

One of the horses in training will pull the reins out of your hands to try attack the barn cats. But the same horse will nuzzle them on his fence post.

Exvet, sounds positive on the same, I hope it continues so. Good luck with the show.

Mari we have a sink hole in the highway near us. While they were fixing in one of the machines fell through the road to another sink hole. Turns out there are old mine shafts and both the highway and neighborhood are in danger.

LSP sounds like you are about to share your horse.

Moutaineer, so good that you are well enough to be back in the saddle.

Now I know i didn't mention everyone, but I do hope you are all loving spring.

Now as for Saiph. She is 14, she had been training in dressage since she was 4, that's ten years. Still think its strength? Yes she can piaffe, in fact she likes to piaffe to avoid going forward. I personally think it was trained too young, but what do I know? I think her natural conformation makes upper collection uncomfortable and she is not one to tolerate even mild discomfort. You should see her overreact if her mane touches her ears. Having said all that she is the sweetest, most friendly horse. If you go into her pasture or stall she comes over and constantly chooses to interact. She trusts people and enjoys human presence. I am tempted to experiment with five days of bute prophylactically and ride her to see if it's hidden pain that we haven't found.

It's just a thought.

[blob]

Now as for Saiph. She is 14, she had been training in dressage since she was 4, that's ten years. Still think its strength? Yes she can piaffe, in fact she likes to piaffe to avoid going forward. I personally think it was trained too young, but what do I know? I think her natural conformation makes upper collection uncomfortable and she is not one to tolerate even mild discomfort. You should see her overreact if her mane touches her ears. Having said all that she is the sweetest, most friendly horse. If you go into her pasture or stall she comes over and constantly chooses to interact. She trusts people and enjoys human presence. I am tempted to experiment with five days of bute prophylactically and ride her to see if it's hidden pain that we haven't found.

It's just a thought.

RP is similar in his lack of tolerance for discomfort and the fact that I think his conformation will make it so that he will never have the kind of sit that some other horses can have. But that also makes me think what is 'correct collection' for him might look different than other horses. It's possible that the 'moderate collection' you feel with Siaph is her true collection?

Having said that I think doing an experiment with bute makes sense and is fairly risk free. I have done similar things in the past to assess whether an issue was pain related, strength related, training/understanding/willingness related and have found it quite valuable input.

[StraightForward]

It doesn't seem like you have anything to lose with that experiment, Chisamba.

Moutaineer, glad you are back in the saddle, and Exvet, fingers crossed that you've found the right saddle!

T was a little grumpy getting tacked up last night. She never acts girthy, or specifically reactive to the saddle, just gives some shark face when I put the saddle and pad on. She was barely moving in our walk warmup, and then super slow to trot, to the point I thought something might be wrong. She eventually did warm up out of it. She has been turning up her nose at her "grain" and I think maybe not getting all of her ALCAR, so after sitting for a day was probably just stiff? I need to figure out what I can do to make her grain more palatable I guess. But after getting her out of her funk, we did a Ride iQ lesson that includes lots of forward/back transitions in trot and canter, and it went really well. After the walk break she got balky and declined to give a nice w/c transition, but eventually we got there and worked through the simple changes at the end of the lesson. Tonight I'll try to get some jumping in, and then we have more rain on the way, so there might be some days off depending on how much rain.

[Lipsmackerpony88]

Chisamba, sounds like a good plan. I hope you update with us how the bite trial goes.

SF, glad T worked out of it and hopefully she just needs a way to enjoy her ALCAR more. Horses, man.

Lynx got his feet done Monday and chiropractic on Tuesday. The chiropractor said he felt great. Back feels good and much looser in the neck. Still a bit tight in his pelvis and stifles but not alarming. She said his muscling is good over all (especially his topline) But he's still needs improvement in his quadriceps. I'm hoping the equiband helps with that too. Slowly sticking with that although I'm very conservative with it.

Today I showed up again to the wind starting up. So we again had to ride inside which was annoying. Lynx was very good and relaxed mentally. In the canter transition he was a bit more...all over the place. It's SO hard to tell if he's just exuberant or uncomfortable. He's such a happy but smart guy that sometimes it's hard to tell. I did go ahead and text my vet because I really think he's due for his stifles to be injected again. So, hopefully she can get out soon.

We are signed up to ride with Dani Sussman on Tuesday, at our barn. She's a 4* eventer, we ride with her about 2 1/2 years ago for a pole clinic. My trainer suggested it as she's a very positive trainer and my trainer thought she might have good advice or thoughts about how to keep proceeding with Lynx.

[StraightForward]

SF, glad T worked out of it and hopefully she just needs a way to enjoy her ALCAR more. Horses, man.

Yeah, I'm thinking I need to roll it into a cookie along with her Vitamin E.

Last night we had a pretty good jumping session. I set up a bending line with three jumps, which we could get through as x-rails. Moved it up to verticals and we could hit either the in and the out, or the in and the middle. Need to get those lead changes over the fences to be handy enough to make all three and stay organized. Overall, she was being a little sticky coming around the short side to the corner jumps, and I was pleased that I got her over that and she did't refuse any jumps, even the planks that she had developed a bit of an issue with last fall. Overall, we just need to get back in sync, so I'll be trying to at least do some x-rails twice a week to get our sea legs back.

[heddylamar]

Great lesson this morning! And I have video I need to edit that, and post a clip or two, maybe of us not doing weird things

We spent most of today working on incremental changes for me — shifting my weight to the left seat bone tracking left, moving my legs slightly forward so my heels aren't behind my butt, straightening my left arm from elbow to bit. And then we worked on feeling the outside hind, so there was a lot of trotting on the opposite diagonal.

Maia's a very happy mare now that she's figured out how to stretch. So much less tension! She never carried tension in her mouth, so that tight neck was an odd thing, but Sarah has figured it out.

[Flight]

I haven't checked in for a little while, but I'm away for work all week. Get home friday and leave again Sunday. The horses look pretty feral. I try and ride on Saturdays and Sunday morning.
Ding is going well since he was off with his lameness, I've just been getting his flying changes back and consistent.
Poor Norsey now has stringhalt. We get if from a weed in the paddock. Since we've only been here a year I just didn't realise how much of it grew. I've caught it quite early but it means he will be off work for months.
There's always something with someone!!
Bear the young horse, he's doing ok. Just chipping away at consistency. We've got a reasonable right canter strike off, just struggling a bit with the left.

I'll have a coffee and catch up with everyone's else's progress!

[Moutaineer]

We rode inside today as it was snowing again. Sigh. I assumed it would probably be a trainwreck as we have been working outside all week, and when we went in the arena for our lesson today, the snow was coming off the roof. But he was positively angelic, and we had a really nice ride! He's been being a bit silly and spooking at the letter pylons outside, but inside today he just got on with his job. Of course, I was probably riding with more determination and less "fa la, hello trees, hello birdies, let's all be nice and enjoy the spring sunshine." He just needs a full-on mentally and physically engaged ride, or he decides to take over, I guess.

My current mission is getting him truly and willingly in front of my leg, and getting him to lift through the base of his neck. We made solid progress on both fronts today.

My being both fitter and loosing some weight, particularly in my hips and thighs, has I think been a great help. I can truly lengthen my leg around him and give him something to listen to and have some trust in, I hope.

It's nice to be able to shop my closet and get into more of my riding wardrobe, too!

[exvet]

Made it out last night with all 3 horses loading like champs in almost white out conditions. Got down to the Valley just as the rain was finishing. Got up this morning and the farrier was right on time. Then I noticed my friend was running late for the dental floats. Called her and she was having a sh!t Show with a bunch of mares and foals due to the weather, fences down, etc. I told her that she could come do mine in the afternoon if it would help and she jumped at the offer which meant I got to ride before the next round of inclement weather. All 3 boys got their teeth done after my eye doctor appointment. Now I just need to help with my mother (decided tomorrow would be a better day because today she wasn't feeling great more tired than anything else) tomorrow, body clip Junior after a ride, schooling show on Sunday, lesson on Monday and perhaps have a chance to go do some perusing at the second hand tack shop..................never a dull moment. Because of packing so much in a short time-frame my soul goal for today's ride was working on Junior's transitions - prompt and on the bit. He did pretty well though I still need more expression but today I wasn't about to demand it. I was just being grateful for having such an obedient group of horses.

[StraightForward]

Of course, I was probably riding with more determination and less "fa la, hello trees, hello birdies, let's all be nice and enjoy the spring sunshine." He just needs a full-on mentally and physically engaged ride, or he decides to take over, I guess.

Ha, I feel seen. I am trying to decide if I should try to get a spot to ride with Leslie in a few weeks, so today I was a little more fired up, really working on putting T in front of my leg. If I don't do that, there's no point in spending $$$ for lessons. My psyche can't handle as much in the way of harsh criticism right now. T had a minor tantrum about the increased expectation on forward, but then got with the program. Still more to do really being purposeful and expecting her to jump into the bridle. I worked on that expectation with T/C/T transitions, and interestingly, it was harder to get a down transition into forward trot, whereas we could do it on the right. After that, I did two rounds of the sitting trot cues with Lauren Spreiser's Ride iQ lesson, the second time adding the Equisk bands. Whew, that had me huffing and puffing, but was certainly effective!

T has been swapping leads a bit, so I'm going to get some shoes on her this weekend and see if it helps. Not excited about doing this again, but the corrugations in the pasture are pretty worn down, so hopefully it will be easier to keep shoes on for summer. Also switching to Duplos which have metal reinforcement, so I'm hoping that will help with stability and thus shoe retention.

Flight, I didn't know horses could get stringhalt from a plant! Hope Norsey gets better soon.

[Lipsmackerpony88]

Heddylamar- looking forward to seeing some video clips later!

Flight- glad Ding is okay but so sorry to hear about Norsey. Glad you have Ding and Bear to keep you going for now.

Exvet - good luck at the schooling show!! You are superwoman with all your energy.

Mountaineer- Potters always reminds me of Lynx with how you describe him lol. His mind definitely can wonder and start with silly spooks if not mentally and physically engaged enough sometimes. I also was hesitant to ride inside after a few weeks outside but he has been pretty focused lately.

I did groundwork yesterday and gave Lynx the day off today. I'm sick right now and really hoping that I come right by Monday for my lesson and definitely by Tuesday for the clinic. If not I guess my daughter will ride her lease horse in my spot. But really hoping I can kick this crud. This has been the most sickly start to a year I've had.

[exvet]

Thank you LSP! The weather has improved so much today. The high is supposed to be 75 later this afternoon; so I was glad when it hit 50 degrees as my rides were coming up; not too hot and not too cold imo. I felt like my pony was dragging and absolutely dead but the good news is that we scored 65 and change for each of our tests, 3-3 and 4-3 and came in first place both times. There were no skip a changes thankfully though many were croup high but our tempis got a 6. I had just barely enough pony to get all my mediums and extended movements. Thankfully Junior's lateral work is as good as his father's which is really what carried us through each test. Still I'm feeling even more optimistic about the new-to-me saddle. I need to get him more through in the canter but at least now we're getting close, so very close. Much of it is still a contact issue but he's at least mulling it over and not simply giving me the middle hoof. I received lots of compliments and questions on his breeding so I guess we weren't so stinkin' awful. I was really pleased with his easy going nature around a lot of green beans who were screaming and giving their riders more excitement than they wanted.

Lunged Troy yesterday in side reins and tack. He was a good boy but he's still very immature despite officially being 3 years old. What's hilarious is that I can always tell right before i lose his complete attention. He does great and then the upper lip starts to get busy trying to grab the lunge line and I simply stop.............no point in teaching less than wanted things so you might as well just stop and take the wins that you can. He was laying down yesterday and I walked up and climbed on. He could have cared less. In fact he thought it was pretty great and stretched out his neck for me to get better access for scratching it. Silly, silly Welsh Cob but I think this might be another good one

[StraightForward]

Got shoes back on Miss T today, and she seemed happy. Some funkiness here and there in canter, but no swapping leads in back, so I'm hoping that is a good sign that they are giving her some support that she needed.

I got a taste of the ALCAR while making some cookies for her last night, and that crap is very tangy. She was not impressed with the second cookie. I made them with rolled oats, apple butter, molasses and cinnamon, and the tanginess from the ALCAR still shone through, so I'll have to keep working on the recipe. Of course she loves the commercial treats that taste like sawdust, lol.

[blob]

Congrats, Exvet--sounds like a great show! glad the saddle is also seeming like a good fit.

SF--good to hear that T is happy and comfortable in her shoes. I wonder if she would prefer straight sugar or maple syrup in her cookies than molasses? I find molasses polarizing among horses I've known. MM dislikes it in treats, but will happily eat beet pulp with molasses, so who knows.

Lesson today and then clinic this weekend. When I look at the 2-3 test I feel good about most of it except the haunches in, which are still pretty miserable if I'm being honest. And our 'medium trot' is not really what it can/should be. Yes, some of it is strength building, but I think some of it is RP just understanding/uncovering the gear I'm asking for. He gets tight in his shoulders and downhill. But I know he can do a freer/bigger trot. I'm planning to talk to my trainer today about the HI and then in the clinic maybe we can see if we can unlock the medium and work on changes.