Labor Day through the Hunters Moon

[Josette]

Tanga, I'd be happy to help, although Jersey is chock a block full of fancy trainers and the more down to earth variety. But having said that there is a huge divide , everyone south of hwy 80 seem to have stupid money. And everyone north of 80 sometimes has to choose between eating Ramen for a week and paying the vet bill.

I'm in the Ramen category but located near the MacMansions and high tourist shore area. It is so true depending on NJ location as where we are it is an extremely densely populated with very few farms unless you drive west. There is certainly $$$$$$ spent by many who pursue equestrian sports and their yearly trek to FL show season in winter.

Many closer farms near us have very limited stalls and turnout - jamming multiple horses on a small property with only half day turnout. IMO the worse situation is when there are bad winter storms (heavy rains and extreme winds chills) and no available stalls - so horses left out. Thank goodness, I no longer board here as I sadly see how much open space and farms are gone forever.

[khall]

Very happy with Joplin yesterday and our first foray into 3 rd level. Could not ask for her to be any better at dealing with hauling and show atmosphere. Wouldn’t mind just a bit of an energy bump from showing but that is just not Joplin. I just need to ride a bit better for better score. 60% with error and mistakes that were me. I just need to do this more!

https://youtu.be/PQ4bp2zPptw?feature=shared

Got lots of what a pretty horse:) and pictures taken. She does stand out!


Enjoy the rest of your weekend! We have our last hay to throw today

[Tanga]

khall--Joplin reminds me of Quilla. She looks like she is good at getting you to lean a bit forward, and then she rounds and goes on the forehand to avoid the work and you get into that cycle. I've sure has those shows. A tip. I know she can piaffe. Think piaffe into those walk pirouettes--it really helps with the activity and bend (though yours look pretty good.)

[exvet]

khall there's a lot to like!

I had a lesson yesterday and rode through fourth 3. Is it just me or is this cycle of fourth level tests better written and flow better than in years past? Either way I'm happy to report that Junior is really starting to sign up and not just get on my aids but stay there. Of course when I ride better (more up and open and very relaxed through my seat) he's happier and better The need now is for me to improve my seat in such a way that I can dictate his hind end to get quicker (mostly in the canter), stay quicker and not fall into the trap of getting the pokey pony because I'm so busy thinking about my next move. My body or seat hesitates when I get too focused on the next move or what's coming next and my pony follows suit; so, while I don't want to drill the test I need for my muscle memory to allow my seat to dictate the pace throughout the test, leading Junior and him following, without letting my mind get in my way..............if that makes sense. I will say I'd rather have this problem. I think my approach over the next two weeks up until a couple days before the show will be pulling out/dusting off the former fourth level tests and see if that helps me get out of my head and just dam ride without taking the risk of Junior feeling drilled or perhaps I'll just starting riding the PSG test. Since this will be my fourth horse that I've trained through PSG, I still have the test well etched in my memory which may give me a better opportunity to 'just ride'. Molly Martin always told me that when Junior finally 'gets' the changes the rest will start to fall into place. I'm thinking she's right but I don't want to get too ahead of myself since I know how well ponies keep you humble LOL

[Ponichiwa]

These threads are always so fun: so much progress in so many arenas!

For us, a busy Sept and Oct: left western world show with a level championship, a buckle, a jacket, and a score over 70% and that is basically the whole bucket list.

Tried level 5 today at a schooling show, which is an amalgam of 4th/PSG/I-1. Full pirouettes, multiple changes. Tests called for 6 total changes, but I'm pretty sure Queso and I gave them 17+. Changes were everything, everywhere, all at once. Unstoppable. But adorable!

I need a nap.

[Aleuronx]

khall- What a lovely sort Joplin is and a nice first crack. I loved you entering to the Monster mash, that made me chuckle. Yes, getting out and doing it more will help. Get into those corners!! Especially in the canter, really helps increase the engagement and set you up for the movements. No half 20m circles down on the shortside!

Exvet- I do remember the rejoicing when these test cycle came out and they revamped the 4-3 from hell. There was much grumbling about the past version that’s for sure. I feel you on how if we are better, they are better. I can firmly say that smacks me in the face on the daily, a lesson relearned a thousand times over. I agree it’s about muscle memory so we don’t buy into what or where they put it instead of us being the balance driver. If that makes sense.

Ponichiwa- Good to hear from you and wow what a haul! Wear that buckle with pride what a fun accomplishment.

New England was blessed with sunny weekend of 70’s. I’m fairly certain that means we are in for it this winter… Lesson was grand and got some video from a friend, which is both helpful and some hilarious commentary that I will share. It was good ride, worked the single changes for accuracy and promptness. Then working on baby steps to the halfpass zig-zag, correct amount of bend each way, not getting run away with sideways but still getting to centerline just before X and a straight change. That work felt really good, although overall I am sitting too much on the outside in the canter and can see that more than feel on the video. Something to be aware of and change the muscle memory. Then holy cow with the trot! Kora was cooking with gas and we got some really nice feel in the shoulder-in.

https://youtu.be/bdbX6Vmn4jo?si=-8dMyuT-CoLsxJU0

Happy for thoughts and hope everyone had an enjoyable weekend!!

[Moutaineer]

We have a glorious week of weather coming up. I'm going to ride, at least 4 days.

My dear friend's lovely young mare has a serious MCL injury. Guarded prognosis. I'm so sad for her.

So, I'm going to enter the Thermal show. Life is short. We could go.lame this winter and be done forever, so I'm over waiting for perfection. Whatever happens, it'll be an interesting experience and a chance to watch the CDI stuff.

[mari]

Very happy with Joplin yesterday and our first foray into 3 rd level. Could not ask for her to be any better at dealing with hauling and show atmosphere. Wouldn’t mind just a bit of an energy bump from showing but that is just not Joplin. I just need to ride a bit better for better score. 60% with error and mistakes that were me. I just need to do this more!

https://youtu.be/PQ4bp2zPptw?feature=shared

Got lots of what a pretty horse:) and pictures taken. She does stand out!


Enjoy the rest of your weekend! We have our last hay to throw today

She is super pretty, and I'm a sucker for pretty. Like exvet said, a lot to like in that test!

[mari]

Odin and I are carrying on as normal. The sheath is still swollen every day, but looks a lot better after trot/canter work. So we are taking it day by day. He is feeling very full of himself and keen to work, so that is what we are going with.

Today we went back to counter canter after months of playing with the changes, and he only offered one unasked-for change, which both I and my instructor were pleasantly surprised with. Tomorrow, if the arena is not too wet, we'll have a little jump.

Aleuronx - You make such a lovely pair! I'm just now starting on the zigzags, first time for me and Odin. And we are instructed to think towards a medium canter for the HP, so that you can aim for a bigger, flowier sideways step. If you over-collect, then they can't sweep their legs very effectively. So HP in the bigger gait, then collect for a straight step, change, bigger step for sideways.

Moutaineer - You're so right, do NOT wait for perfection. Go out there with a good attitude and get some lovely photos. My friend (a much braver rider than me) used to tell me she LOVED shows, because it was like going on a date with her handsome boy.

[blob]

Exvet-- i haven't looked closely at the new 4th level tests, but I know there was a lot of focus on making them better. I wish they would do the same for 2-3. That test hasn't changed in a couple cycles and it's just SO LONG.

Khall--glad you made it to the show! Several from my barn were there as well. Joplin looks great and agree with others there are some great moments there. I also think there are likely some easy ways to grab some more points next time on getting a bit tighter on accuracy. I think your walk to canter transition was early and also some of your diagonal lines back after the changes. Not every judge is a stickler for stuff like that. But some are and it's an easy way to grab a few points up. But overall, really nice test.

Aleu-- You and Kora look lovely as always. You both look so solid in the work--it's really lovely to see. I feel unqualified to give any real thoughts/feedback. The only thing I did notice is that you do seem to be sitting a bit lower on your right hip in both directions. I wouldn't have noticed if it weren't from the shots from behind. You might be very well aware of this--as I think we all have a side we favor slightly, but in the chance that it hadn't been called out-- I wanted to share.

RP and I are chugging along trying to put together our homework from the lesson. i also want to continue working on the changes on my own. But I am worried of turning him into a change monster and the new trainer saying 'wth, your canter has fallen apart again'.

In less great news, MM seems to not be doing as well off the dex as I had hoped. She did really well with just the 4mg dose, which is quite low, but of course I'd prefer for her to be off it completely. Mold was very high this week, so that might have been it. But I am playing by ear in hopes she can be off it ocmpletely for the winter.

[StraightForward]

Great to see everyone taking advantage of the nice fall weather, getting out to shows and all!

We went to a jump schooling show on Saturday and T just want into it. She jumped fine in the warmup, but said no at the first jump in our 2'3 round. It was an oxer with a short distance going away from the warmup, so kind of a tough question for the first obstacle. We took one vertical in the ring just for posterity, then went to the warmup and she jumped fine after a nervous poo, but somehow seemed a little too quiet and blah, so I scratched and we went home. Watched her for a bit and she seemed fine, and proceeded to whoop it up when she got to the turnout. Better safe than sorry though, especially with the weather changing right now. On the upside, she was a cool cucumber with all the commotion at the in gate, and a loose dog even literally running right under her. Dressage shows shou not be a problem!

Sunday and Monday we had good lessons. Nothing fancy, just working on over bending and transition T/C/T, then repid HI and SI to straight and forward and back in canter. Right lead is still not great, but definitely progress being made. There are some prospects for indoor arenas to use for lessons this winter, so hopefully we can keep up the momentum. Thursday I have a jumping lesson, and entered the equitation flat and over fences on Sunday, so hopefully T gets her groove back!

In other news, Susan (Kyra's mom) will be moving Ms. K to my barn in December, so I'll probably catch ride for her a bit, and it will be fun to have another dressage person around!

[Tanga]

On the 4-3 test, I had to ride through every bad incarnation, including the 10 minute version that had every move and every one was harder than PSG. I always talked to Mike Osinski about this when I scribed for him because he is on the test writing committee. I think they finally got it right! I don't think I ever got to ride the good, new test as I was past it by then. Sigh.

[Moutaineer]

I put in my entry for the Thermal show. By golly, they know how to charge for stuff!

The actual show classes and fees are not too bad. More or less in line with what I would have to pay here. But the stabling and incidentals are eyewatering. Oh well. It's a bucket list item that I am unlikely to ever do again.

Now to find a sanely priced place to stay.

[Aleuronx]

Agreed blob, my left side is my 3x surgery knee so I tend right. It is so nice to get video like this to be able to see that and my overall tendency to sit to the outside in the canter in both directions. Time to focus on sitting balanced!

For your changes in the beginning my trainer would have us work the changes and then go back to a serpentine or even easier broken line just to return to the idea that the rider controls the canter and the aids. It's an instance where the horse needs to learn both ideas at once.

Moutaineer - ain't it just? I did my whole season of truck in showing for less than one stay-away competition. Good for you for doing it, forget about the money and go enjoy it!

SF - How fun to have Susan and Ms. K join you! Nothing like having a good barnmate.

It's a quiet week here, Kora got her hormone shot on Monday and I did a quick ride killing the hindlegs with canter piro work and some half-steps. Today we are field hacking, just waiting for the sun to come up first.

[blob]

For your changes in the beginning my trainer would have us work the changes and then go back to a serpentine or even easier broken line just to return to the idea that the rider controls the canter and the aids. It's an instance where the horse needs to learn both ideas at once.

yes! this is what I'm hoping to achieve. It's a big mistake i made with MM and I don't want to repeat it. I have not yet played with the broken lines or serpentines. But right now I am only playing with changes from CC to true canter and sometimes we CC around for awhile before I ask and sometimes we CC around for just half a longside before I ask. I do think we were doing realy well for a minute and lately we've kind of fallen apart on changes, so that'st he drama i guess.

[exvet]

On the topic of flying changes as we all know Junior and I have been working (struggling) with these for years. I do think I have finally developed the ability to slow down his forehand while speeding up his hind end. Because like so many of us do, I'm thinking of multiple things all at once and not always prioritizing that at the right time we're still a work in progress; but, I will say that we've been successfully (and total light bulb moments) accomplishing clean, in the air FCs with reasonable jump in the hind end by my staying up and straight in my torso (carrying myself) and yet creating the correct movement (and speed) in my seat/hips to achieve all that or better put, allow Junior to achieve all that. We've gone from barreling/rushing/racing in order to keep him in the air to counted, collected canter that is coordinated and not crashing if that makes any sense.

On my previous welsh cobs I've ridden clean changes but I don't think any of them gave me the opportunity to really figure out how to slow the forehand without shutting down the hind because I simply didn't need to..............at least not for the purpose of performing FCs, tempis and the like. I don't think there's any way Junior (and I) could have learned 'both ideas at once.' I guess we're both remedial enough that we must break it all down into every piece of the puzzle, learn them separately and then put it back together. My mother always said I was built for power and speed but in a very uncoordinated, definitely lacking grace sort of way, ie clunky but due to sheer strength can make it across the finish line. Junior isn't so much built for speed but definitely for power. To have both halves of the team used to muscling their way through most everything does create some challenges. Junior keeps reminding me that it truly is all about the journey.

[Tanga]

Sorry to put this here, but this is where everyone is.

Does anyone know how to contact Chancellor? Larvaontheroad is trying to join the board (from NJ) and has been waiting a week and sent three emails and nothing. I messaged her and nothing. I don't think she gets on very often, but I think she's the only one that can approve new people.

[StraightForward]

I do not. I think Phoenix Rising is also a moderator, though she doesn't post often either. Maybe someone has her email and could get a message to her?

The Outreach show this weekend was canceled for lack of interest, so my debut in the Equitation ring will have to wait. Probably for the best because T showed our jumping instructor last night just how she can power down in front of a jump. She was popping over the plain verticals just fine, but planks and fillers of the same size, she was generally just saying "make me." So we did, but I'd rather not put us in that situation at a show. I think our dressage lessons earlier this week upped the ante, which always opens a can of worms with her.

Instead, we will be participating in a working equitation clinic on Sunday, so that should be a fun change of pace.

[Chisamba]

I'll drop her a Facebook message

[Chancellor]

Sorry to put this here, but this is where everyone is.

Does anyone know how to contact Chancellor? Larvaontheroad is trying to join the board (from NJ) and has been waiting a week and sent three emails and nothing. I messaged her and nothing. I don't think she gets on very often, but I think she's the only one that can approve new people.

Thankfully Chisamba reached out to me via Facebook. I never would have seen this here. I don't have to approve new people. Theoretically they should be able to register without my input. However, it looks like the activation emails are not going out. I am working on that today.

THANKS CHISAMBA!

[Tanga]

Thank you. I'll let her know.

[Chisamba]

Sorry to put this here, but this is where everyone is.

Does anyone know how to contact Chancellor? Larvaontheroad is trying to join the board (from NJ) and has been waiting a week and sent three emails and nothing. I messaged her and nothing. I don't think she gets on very often, but I think she's the only one that can approve new people.

Thankfully Chisamba reached out to me via Facebook. I never would have seen this here. I don't have to approve new people. Theoretically they should be able to register without my input. However, it looks like the activation emails are not going out. I am working on that today.

THANKS CHISAMBA!

You do the complicated stuff which allows us to be on the board. All thanks to you

[StraightForward]

T was the star of the show at the WE clinic. Granted, it was all people brand new to WE. But she didn't bat an eye at the cardboard bull, or carrying the garrocha pole. She was pretty patient and did the rope gate nicely both directions. The clinician told the rest of the group to watch how she changed bend through the barrel pattern. There was also lots of standing around while others went, which was good for building T's patience (not always her strong suit).

Afterwards, she moved into her new, roomier stall. She seems to like her new neighbor better than the frienemy mare she was constantly bickering with in her old stall. All in all a good weekend!

[exvet]

Congrats SF. I'm afraid the cardboard bull through Junior for a loop the first time they became acquainted, LOL. He's much more at east when his 'friend' is out watching us work

[khall]

Great fun SF! It’s good cross training for sure. My WE clinic is coining up soon.

Appreciate all the remarks on my first foray into 3 rd level. I fully understand where Exvet is coming from remembering the test actually riding the horse you have under you and being accurate in the process. That is my homework. May try schooling show again in November. Will see. Right now both Gaila and Joplin have the snots. Gaila is coughing too so think will need a vet visit. Not sure if it was Joplin at the show or Gaila at my vet’s that brought the crud home. I just hope no one else shows up with it. I’m working her in hand but not riding her.

I’ve got the WE clinic then Cedar in December. Might have the covered done by Cedar clinic.

We also got our vrbo for kuai trip. Celebrating birthdays and DS graduation with his masters.

Friends and I have also set time for next September to go back to Portugal to the Valenca’s again. We’ve all been wanting to just hadn’t been able to set it up. Now mom is gone I don’t have that worry pulling on me. Had not wanted to travel internationally with mom in her health issues.

Lots to look forward to.

Hope all are having good riding weather! Glorious but dry here. Happy riding all!!

[StraightForward]

Congrats SF. I'm afraid the cardboard bull through Junior for a loop the first time they became acquainted, LOL. He's much more at east when his 'friend' is out watching us work

Oh yeah. An acquaintance who did the Saturday session on her saintly gelding said she almost got dumped because he thought the bull was Very Dangerous.

I'm battling some crud that I brought home from a quick work trip. At least it gave me a respite for the Sunday clinic before taking me out yesterday. I'm hoping I'll have enough left in the tank to get out and ride after work tonight.

Saturday we're doing another jumping clinic. I think we might be up to seven riders this time, so it's starting to gain some momentum. I guess the upside of being at a barn of fairly casual riders is that they are not bothered by our arena takeovers. I will need to think about a jump layout. I've been fairly proud of myself that he's pretty much used what I've set out the last couple times vs. completely rearranging.

[khall]

Not a good night. At UGA with Joplin. Colic. Couldn’t get her comfortable on banamine and sedation so my vet friend had me haul her here to make sure she will be ok. So far they’ve found nothing horrible. Waiting for rectal results.

I sure do hate the 1 am run to the vet school.

Funny though the vet working the case tonight is from Portugal. She loves the Lusitano horses. I concur

[exvet]

Jingles for Joplin. Hope everything turns out okay.

[StraightForward]

Jingling! I just saw this on FB. Hope she is better soon!

[Aleuronx]

Oh no khall!! Jingles it's pesky gas and she's right soon. Keep us posted

[heddylamar]

Oh no, khall. Jingling for for Joplin!

[Tanga]

I hope Joplin is all good. Let us know. We had a turn from hot to quite cold weather here, so we see colicy horses.

[blob]

so sorry to hear this Khall. Give us an update when you have one!

[khall]

Joplin has turned the corner! Got the call just after 4 pm that she was bright and alert and off her sedation. Passed some poo and seems much more herself. Hopefully she stays comfortable over night. They will rework her tomorrow and see if she can start eating some.

She had a displaced colon causing tightened bands and gas pockets which made her extremely painful blowing through 12 cc banamine. Found out my regular vet doesn’t do emergencies after 10 pm anymore. I found Joplin just starting to get painful at 11:30 pm. Yeah I’m a late night barn cleaner and night check. Thank goodness my vet friend was in town came with better drugs and worked her up. Decided to ship her when she got painful again as the rompum wore off. Heavier drugs to ship the 2 1/2 hour trailer ride.

Appreciate the jingles! Was so scared she was going to have to have surgery.

[Tanga]

Yeah for Joplin! How is it always late night with these things?

I'm off to a show for three days, where I am stabling the horses, which I never do at champs. I want to get a jump on scores with so man shows gone in out area next year for champs. Girls are doing great, I am doing OK, and I have Quilla's leasor coming to help me as much as I need. Sleepaway camp! Should be fun.

[Moutaineer]

So happy to hear about Joplins improvement! Colic is all of our worst nightmares.

Good luck, Tanga!

Day off riding for me today. My back is reacting very badly to my recent saddle adjustment, and it has suddenly got very cold and damp. I'm pretty miserable. Hoping for better things tomorrow. We are back in the indoor arena, which requires my "really riding" every stride to keep things focused and safe. Another reason my back is shouting at me, I suspect.

[exvet]

Phew khall what every horse person dreads! Glad it's sounding like she's turned the corner.

Good luck Tanga! I too am leaving tomorrow after work to head for the show. Not sure what our weather is supposed to be.

Moutaineer jingling for your back to heal. I get twinges more often than I used to but hopefully the weather will cooperate for us and not be too hot or too cold.

[Tanga]

Thanks, exvet.

Easternlanddressage is the new person in NJ who can use some guidance from you guys who live that way. Hopefully she'll jump in.

[Easternlanddressage]

Hi everyone! So glad to be here! I live in central jersey and is looking to train and purchase a potential partner to keep peruse dressage. I don’t have a lot of budget but I am willing to see if I need to make a change for how much money I have to have and how realistic it will be to keep doing it. I am also centered riding certified instructor and I love teaching if anyone is looking for a riding instructor.

[texsuze]

Khall, so glad Joplin made it through the colic. Trailering would've added 10x the panic for me--glad you could do it! Those all-important night checks......

And welcome, to the DDBB, E.L.D.!

[Chisamba]

Welcome Easternlanddressage, look forward to your perspective from centered riding!

I had a lovely visit from my brother, we rode together, took a stunning train trip to Montreal, it was so nice.

I'm feeling blue today. Idk why. Beautiful weather, horses all well, brand new hatch of goslings, no good reason to feel glum, but there it is.



Tanga, sleep away shows can be so much fun. I hope your health holds up and your scores are great.

Khall, so happy for you that Joplin did not need surgery. I hope she heals well and returns to robust health.

[Easternlanddressage]

Thank you texsuze and chisamba. I will be gladly share my knowledge of it! I just got certified in Aug this year and I am still learning all of the principles.

[StraightForward]

So glad Joplin is OK!

Good luck to those of you heading off to shows. We are all done for the year except indoor schooling jumping shows, but I have my fingers crossed that we can get our ducks in a row and show throughout next season!

Welcome Eastern!

Tesla is feeling really good. Yes, a little wonkiness in the right lead still, but she seems to be learning to relax into it and I think that is going to be key to building the strength that she needs. I got a cordless work light on a stand and rode with that the last two nights. BO promptly texted me that she is going to get solar arena lights up ASAP! That is sweet of her since I'm the only boarder stupid/crazy enough to be out there in the dark. I've actually noticed that I really feel so much more when I'm riding in semi-darkness.

So I guess this period has come to an end. At the beginning was the surgery, and I'm very happy with how that has turned out. I'll have to post a new pic of the scar later today. It is totally closed up and just needs to grow some hair. I'm really happy with our progress the past two months as well, considering the time off and all. We've even started on some half steps and playing with a few steps of piri and starting to feel strong enough to find the changes, jumped at 2'6" and did a WE clinic. She is turning into quite the mare. I had to buy this pic from the photographer who was at the clinic last weekend. Happy riding all!

[Josette]

khall - so glad to hear Joplin recovered from her colic. One of my worst fears. I highly commend your nerves of steel for the 2+ hr trailer ride to the vet clinic.

SF - what a gorgeous picture in your fall riding colors!

[exvet]

Ooh! I agree with Josette. That is a lovely fall themed picture. You both look great. Heading off to go school at the show grounds. Weather looks pretty reasonable so hopefully Junior is feeling the love today, tomorrow and Sunday LOL.

[Lipsmackerpony88]

Khall-, so glad that your girl is doing better. How frustrating to find out that your regular vet doesn't do true emergency calls anymore. I'm glad you got her feeling better though.

SF- What a wonderful outfit!! Wow.

Tanga- best of luck!!!

Lynx went on a field trip! A fellow boarder was looking for someone to accompany their warmblood mare to a "mini clinic" at another barn with a silver medalist that also specializes in colt starting/problem horses and horsemanship. Lynx and the mare hauled great together. I think it was his first time ever using a ramp on a trailer. He walked right in like nothing. Getting off he was a little more nervous and confused about the ramp (It just has a little bit of movement.) But he figured it out quickly and settled.

I will say that the warmblood seemed like a black lab and he seemed more like a Border Collie! She was just very chill if not a little aloof about it all. Lynx noticed everything and was a very busy boy. A trainer did really like him though although she said he's not necessarily easy. She said he's incredibly smart which is a catch 22 at times. But we got some really good tips for some things and I do plan on going back occasionally to her place. I feel like she read both of us incredibly accurately and quickly. Overall I think it was a positive experience. She did tell me that he's a very sensitive and responsive horse and that the basics he had were good. He's just really good about changing the subject or trying to get that upper hand while seeming like he's "doing what you ask."

Lynx has been a wild man lately. I keep getting reports that he's
very playful in the morning and galloping all around. I have noticed an uptick on spookiness but I do think it's extra energy / feeling good. So it's time to keep upping the work! I also have noticed that the barn has been feeding a bit more alfalfa. Doesn't seem like a lot but he is on a ration balancer. I might take him off the alfalfa for a bit. Because he has been peeing a little bit more too so I wonder if he's just got a little too much protein.

[Lipsmackerpony88]

I've had this picture was adorable. We have some more adventures planned this year

[heddylamar]

Maia is finally back to work! I'm really glad I just waited it out — at the end of September, she was walking and trotting sound in the field, but uncomfortable under saddle. Two weeks ago she was still a bit uncertain. And now, she's sitting, reaching, and back to her happy, bouncy, sassy self We rode this morning to the background racket of graders and pavers — the drive and parking at the barn are getting re-paved.

Welcome, Easternlanddressage!

[StraightForward]

Cute pic of Lynx! I can tell that's a Hawk trailer. It's always funny to see how they respond to the ramp. I wonder if he is just wild with the weather cooling off? The smarts are a blessing and a curse. I certainly have spent plenty of time over the years working on ways to outsmart T, and I'm not always successful.

Heddy, glad to hear Maia is feeling good and sassy as well!

Here is a pic I took yesterday. I think the pink part is about .75x1.5" at this point. It's a little puckery, I probably need to double down on using the myofascial scraper and/or Posture Prep and stay diligent with the Vit E for awhile. It doesn't seem to be restricting her RoM though, which was something I was pretty concerned about.

[Tanga]

Ooof. Interesting first show day. Osierlea is BEAUTIFUL. What a nice place to show. The girls were great driving and warming up yesterday. They spent all Thursday night eating and pooping. I could NOT sleep. I think I did too much physical stuff and I had massive restless leg syndrome (that's a sign of low iron) and woke up about six times and tried everything to sleep, got a few hours and then woke up a few more times. I could not focus. I rode Quilla first and she was Miss lazy--I think she was reacting to my lack of ability to focus. I made too many mistakes in my GP, and forgot in both tests (both Q's) to halt in the correct spot at the end. Got a 57%. Then did her freestyle and I was really out of it and started off really bad and Quilla just stopped and wouldn't move, and thankfully I got eliminated (it would have been a bad score.)

Quinn was a little tight on the GP and I wasn't great at focus and did not halt in the right spot, again, but good and we got %63. She kept tripping a little in her extensions which I really held back on, which is always an issue . The GP freestyle wasn't perfect, but she was much more relaxed, we didn't trip in the extensions, and there was some really nice stuff. Her ones I think were pretty damn good. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-DeMrjTCtk

I just took a three hour nap and will go to bed early and hopefully sleep tonight so I don't embarrass myself again by just not being able to focus tomorrow! And this is me having someone helping me!