Looking forward to having my kids home!

Well, I guess there is always a rainbow after the rain! Just last week I was heartbroken about the end of my project with STB. And now this week it looks like my own two lovely horses will be arriving home in less than a month! I can hardly believe my good fortune now!

The arrangements are fast and furious. And I find myself in a position where I need to raise some extra funds to assist with the shorter than expected time frame to come up with the funds for the transport.

So! I have decided to take on some training horses. Here is what I have posted so far:

"Well! I didn't see this day coming! But as it turns out, I am now accepting training horses. At this point, I am not offering lessons. A wonderful opportunity just fell into my lap to get my two horses hauled up here from Michigan, but I need to do a bit of creative financing. *grins* Which means I need to make some extra income.

This is a temporary opportunity. I will have about a two month window where I will take part time training horses. TJ has been gracious enough to offer her facility for me to do this on a temporary basis. But I am also willing to travel to the horse, as long as the horse is at a convenient location and there is an acceptable area to work the horse. The working area would depend upon the horse's needs. For some horses, this might be a good trail, for others, a round pen, for others, a flat spot in the pasture. That will have to be evaluated on a case by case basis.

If you are looking for long term training, then this is not for you. I do not intend to continue offering training for more than two months. The cost will vary, depending upon where the horse is located (how much driving time for me), and how many days a week you are interested in. Ball park price would be $300 per month for three days per week. That may be adjusted up or down, depending on days and location. I will take up to 3 horses per month, but cannot do more than that. (It does appear that I have one spot taken already, so only 2 spots left.)

If you have questions, please feel free to email me directly. Also, there is a lot of information on my philosphy and background in the older posts on my blog. Many pictures of me with horses I have trained and shown."

Very very sad update

Well, I've stopped spontaneously bursting into tears. So that is good. Those of you who are still checking may have noticed that the updates have kind of dried up. The reason for this is that we have been battling some 'not quite right' issues for a while now. Originally, we thought we were dealing with issues in the right hock. So we ramped up oral supplements. After that time, we moved TBM home. Then he got his feet trimmed, and he was tender on the harder footing at home. Gave him about 10 days off. So, he was moving great on this feet (his soles toughened up very nicely). And then he was gimpy on his left front. And we traced it to a VERY tender spot on his shoulder. *sighs* Unfortunately, he has an old injury in that left shoulder. We did some DMSO every other day for a week. He seemed better. Actually, he was GREAT! He was moving out really well. And then yesterday I went out to tack him up and ride him for the first time since he's moved home. And the leading edge of the dressage saddle flap sits RIGHT on the sore spot on his shoulder. *sighs* Even without his saddle, he was gimpy.

I officially reached the 'I can't do this anymore' point. So, as TBM was walking dutifully around the roundpen, I bawled my eyes out. We didn't have much time together, but the time we did have was great. This horse has touched my heart in a very profound way. He is the consummate gentleman. He never says 'No'. He tries and tries. He is always happy to see me. He has just a tiny bit of 'naughty' in him to be playful, but never over the line. I looked forward to seeing him every day.

There will be a big hole in my life as TBM and I part ways. But I plan, 100%, to breed my thoroughbred mare to him once I get her up here. I want to be sure that I have a part of this amazing horse in my life.

Thanks to everyone who followed our little progress. I'm so sad that I don't have a happier ending. =( I do plan to go out and do a glamor shots day. He's still pretty toned up, and I want to capture that! So, I'll do one more update with the photos when I get them. I want to get at least one photo that is nice enough to frame and add to my 'horses who have touched my life' shelf.

Back to a regular schedule!

Got back to Alaska on Friday. Went out to see TBM on Saturday. The footing in the roundpen is pretty good! The timing of my Vegas trip was perfect. Missed all the mud of breakup, w00t! *laughs* Lunged TBM a bit, tacked him up and lunged in side reins. Did a bit of in hand work, just to see what he remembers. *grins* He looked good, maybe a bit tender on the harder footing than he is used to.

Had planned to go out and ride him on Sunday, but I wussed out from the sprinkles. They changed my schedule at work again on Monday. *sighs* So missed monday, too! I have a doctor's appointment on Tuesday, but should be able to sneak out between my appointment and work. Hope to at least hop on and see how he feels.

I've got my fingers crossed!!!!

2009 World Cup Dressage Finals in Las Vegas

So, I had the amazing pleasure of attending the WC Dressage Finals. History was made and I got to watch it! US rider Steffen Peters on the 11 year old Dutch gelding Ravel won the Grand Prix AND the Freestyle!!! His performances were AMAZING. Correct and harmonious. That pair has only been together for about 14 months, so they are only going to get better! I see them as being a strong anchor for the US team for many years to come.

I also got to watch the retirement ceremony for two wonderful horses. The first one was Brentina, and there was not a dry eye in the entire house. Wow. I also got that on video! So, for those of you who were not able to be there in person, here ya go:




The other retirement ceremony was for Bjorsell's Briar, Jan Brink's international mount for the past 8 years. It was very sad that his final performance was not stronger...sad to end a career on a less than stellar note.

After I get home, I intend to post a few videos with my thoughts on the riding and horses.

I also got some very touching footage of a wonderful tribute to Patrick Swayze from the Arabian Breeders World Cup show that was also in Las Vegas while I was there.

big update

I have been remiss in updating all week! Yipes! I will try to do a quick recap, and then some new stuff.

Last week, by some stroke of incredible luck, we had the arena to ourselves almost every time I went out. In addition, we managed to catch the arena after it had been recently groomed, and I love the difference it makes in the footing. I went back to lunging as part of the warm up, and I was VERY pleased to see some wonderful consistency in tempo developing in the trot, along with lovely stretch into the bridle. After the warm up in side reins on the lunge, I did a bit of in hand work as well. We had been working on leg yield in hand, and I added some shoulder-in. He grasped this right away, and I was really enjoying his responses and reactions. He was really grooving on it and grasping things quickly.

Unfortunately, we were still running into some stiffness on that right hind. Overall, I would say that his level of stiffness has reduced quite a bit since we start into work. Also, I have seen another nice decrease in stiffness since we started the joint supplements. However, that right hind remains a bit of a problem. At first he was working out of it nicely, and I contributed it to arthritis and coming back into work after a long time of inactivity. I still think the stiffness in that right hind is arthritis related, but we are going to play around with some management.

Since I will be gone for two weeks in the middle of April (I am going to Las Vegas to watch the 2009 FEI World Cup Dressage Finals), it was decided to move TBM home a month earlier than originally planned. It didn't make a lot of sense to have him sitting in a paddock, not using the facilities, at a boarding barn when he could be hanging out in a slightly larger paddock at home for a lot less money. I think that the larger paddock may help him stay a bit more limber as well.

So, we loaded everything up, hauled TBM home. He walked off the trailer like a gentleman, never made a peep, and just went to munching. He's such a good boy, I love him to bits. Today I went out and just walked him around the large round pen we will be working in when I get back. It is still pretty sloppy/frozen out there, so not much we can do at the moment. I am planning to ride him down the dirt roads in the area tomorrow, get some good long, straight walking in. That will help strengthen him quite a bit.

So, not much to update for about the next three weeks. Although I may post some updates on the rides I watch while in Vegas.

Missed today. =(

My schedule changed suddenly at work, and so was I not able to get to the barn today. I am not able to go to the barn on Thursdays, so TBM will have two days off. We'll see him again on Friday!

Yay for good days!

Honestly, I was starting to feel the despair of the dressage rider. Bemoaning the lack of rides that make you smile. BUT, today was a wonderful day. I arrived at the barn earlier than normal, as I went and held my mom's horse for the farrier this morning. So I was tacked up and ready to ride around noon. Today there were no lessons being given in the indoor, and only one other person working horses. TBM and had the arena to ourselves for most of the time. In addition, it looked like the footing had been very recently groomed, and it was great!

We did a bunch of lunging, and added sidereins today. I really worked on trot/canter/trot transitions, asking for forward and attentive. We started out slow and sluggish to the aids, and then really progressed to crisp. I was very pleased with TBM. Also, he looked very fluid. The joint supplements are working their magic - YAY!

After lunging in both directions (first without sidereins, and then with), I hopped on. At this point in time, we had the arena to ourselves. I was able to work the track with a BIG swinging walk. Yay, I thought we had lost that walk, but it is back!!! Then I picked him up ever so carefully (wonderfully soft in the hand, a perfect handshake) and into the trot we went. He was not grinchy, he was forward and active. Worked whole arena, added some 15 meter circles, got to work a lot of changes of direction, worked NICE canter transitions from the seat. I was pleased as punch.

We ended the session with a good roll in the sand, then used the blow dryer to clean him up a bit. It was lovely outside, and we spend a bit of time standing in the sun, and him licking snow. He's such a silly boy about that!

Back in the saddle - YAY!

I felt slightly cheated when I got to the barn today...When I left my house in Sutton, the sun was shining, and it was 40 degrees. By the time I got to the other end of the Valley, it was snowing, and 30 degrees. So, my planned ride in the outdoor was not gonna happen.

I pulled TBM out, tacked him up in the aisle way, and headed to the indoor. We shared the arena with three other horses (one tied near the door, one on a lungeline giving a lesson, and one mildy unruly pony having a very good time). TBM stayed nicely focused though the thinly veiled chaos. I lunged him first, and he looks pretty good and loose. I got on him, and he was SOOO soft in the bridle. HUGE payoff from all of the ground work we have been doing! He was also nicely responsive to the leg and staying upright in the shoulder. Did nice long walk, getting the booty goin. Headed to the trot, and he was a bit short, and not all the way there yet. The footing where we were working was less than ideal, so I didn't feel it was fair to really push him for more than he was giving at the time. Went back to walk and worked on being soft to the leg and good halts.

All in all, I was very pleased. This is day #5 on joint supplements, and I see an improvement already. Hopefully we can get into the large outdoor this weekend for some really good leg stretching.

Light at the end of the tunnel?

Today, I feel almost normal. And my voice is almost back all the way, too! Yay! I did manage to get myself out to the barn before work today. I took TBM out for 30 minutes of romping in the outdoor. Gorgeous day, lovely temps in the 40's. I took his heavy blanket off, let him roll and roll in the snow. He did a bit of bouncing around, and I got to see some trot. He has been sitting in his stall/paddock for 4 days, so I expected him to be a bit stiff. BUT!! He was NOT. He looked very good and loose. I am very heartened by this.

Tomorrow, I hope we have good weather again. I am planning to head out and ride in the outdoor. The footing is pretty good out there right now. The snow is soft enough to have good traction. Hopefully we can get into some good forward canter/gallop, really stretch those legs and fill the lungs!

I can't seem to catch a break here...

Man, with the temporary shift of schedule and the stress of learning the new job...and now, I am sick. *sighs* I can't seem to make any headway on things right now. TBM has been great, and I have continued to work on our suppling ground exercises. He started on his joint supps, and I am excited to see the difference. And even more excited to not be sick and be back into some semblance of normal work again. *sighs*

Hittin the trails!

Yesterday was GORGEOUS. So we tacked up and hit the trail again. Had a nice relaxing time, explored the side roads a bit. Threw in a little bit of legyielding here and there to keep the idea that, Yes, we are STILL moving away from the leg. *grins*

Today is Thursday, our day of rest.

Answers to Vic's questions

"What is the dressage go button? Is it repeatedly tapping the horse's ribs with your heal? I noticed this in a dressage video (the only one I've ever seen). It was done when riding a young Fjord for the very first time by a professional (German, I think) dressage trainer. Is that how the go button is developed? Or is the continual heal tapping a part of all dressage? ...as a way to move the horse forward into your hands? Or is it just done in the very beginning? I watched a whole group of imported Fjords being ridden in dressage for their first rides. Most accepted the heal tapping very well, but a few twisted their tail and were annoyed by it. Probably not understanding it. The video I saw had very little talking, so that's why I have the questions."

Ok, Vic. As promised, now that my brain is back and functioning, I'm gonna tackle some of your questions. Ideally, the 'go button' is the seat. The riders seat should be the ultimate communication tool between horse and rider. In the very best of circumstances, an onlooker really shouldn't see the rider doing very much. Here's a good video for training your eye:



This is Reiner Klimke and Ahlerich from the 1984 Olympics in LA. You'll notice that Dr. Klimke doesn't move all that much! He is a bit more 'active' in his riding before he enters the arena, but once he's in that arena, he is VERY quiet.

Here is another video, with great commentary. On a side note, I got to meet Catherine at this show, and watched this ride live. It was very dramatic and FUN!



That is Catherine Haddad performing her Grand Prix freestyle at the 2007 FEI World Cup Dressage Finals. You see she is a bit more active in her riding than Dr. Klimke, but still a VERY quiet rider.

Often, when you are dealing with horses that are new to dressage (or riding at all!), you have to be much more active in your riding and ride with bigger movements. You have to be very clear in what you are asking the horse to do, because they don't know yet! That may explain what you saw in that video of the Fjords.

March 17

Yesterday we shared the arena with two horses, one was a mare who is coming into season and was tied in the arena. TBM did great. He was much more free in his movement and felt much more forward and relaxed. Although we had a hard time not falling in to the right. We spent a fair amount of time reinforcing the idea of moving AWAY from the right leg, instead of INTO it. This seemed very foreign to him! I had Tanya, the lady who was teaching lessons, check to make sure I wasn't completely crooked and hanging off to the left or something, because I was starting to doubt! *laughs*

Today we had the arena to ourselves again, and TBM had a lot of useful energy. We changed our warm up a bit, and I think it is a good change. I wanted to focus on this softness to the leg, and the idea of moving AWAY from pressure, instead of into it. So I started with work from the ground. A few years ago, I had the pleasure of auditing a Karl Mikolka clinic, and one of the exercises he used was full passing. In the western world, this is often called a side pass. The idea is like a full blown leg yield, and it tests the horse's understanding of moving away from the leg. I started this on the ground with TBM, just as we have started the turn on the forehand from the ground to introduce the concept of moving away from the leg. He was resistant to this idea at first, because he didn't quite understand what he was supposed to do. He caught on very quickly, though, and was very soon giving me wonderful full pass from the ground away from the left and the right. I also started to introduce the idea of engaging the hind leg in response to a tap from the whip. He also picked up on this really quickly. We spent probably 10 minutes on this before I mounted. Once I hopped on, we did some long rein walk, then I picked up the reins and did some full pass from the saddle. It took a bit for him to make the connection with what I was asking him undersaddle and what we had just done on the ground, but when the light bulb went off, he was golden. After we had gotten some very nice, soft, relaxed full pass away from the right leg, we went to the trot, and that was very nice. Threw in a bit of canter to freshen the forward, and back to walk and working on full pass from the left and right. Not a very long workout at all, but one I found to be productive. At the end, I also did some leg yielding in the walk, and he staying NICELY straight through the shoulders, not bulging or falling at all. I was VERY pleased with this. I also found myself sitting up more and more, which is only making his job easier.

Tomorrow would be a good day for a trail ride, we will see what is going on with the weather. Today was still kinda windy, but the roads weren't ice like they were the day before. So hopefully tomorrow will be good.

March 16

So, yesterday TBM's mom came out to watch us ride. We had intended to get new video, but I was so late leaving home, I forgot the camera! So no new photos or video this week. Sorry!

As it turned out, there wasn't much to see anyway, as TBM was stiff and VERY lacking in energy. Probably the stiffest he's been since we started. never really got to the point where he loosened up all the way. We do have some joint supps on the way, I think that will make a HUGE difference for him. He spent years as a young horse on the lunge conditioning for halter work, and you can't tell me that doesn't put some torque on young, developing joints...

So, we did a very small bit of work in the indoor, and realized we weren't going to get much. So then we decided to take him for the long awaited trail ride. He was a little wide eyed as we first headed down the driveway, but he settled into things just fine. It was good for him to get out of the indoor and off of the circle. He perked up a bit, but not as much as I had expected. I need to really find a way to get him out on the trail at least once a week, to keep his mind fresh. Endless circles get kinda old....

March 15

Update from March 15:
Yesterday, I went to the barn after work, so arrived around 9:00 pm. There was not a soul at the barn, which was JUST the atmosphere I needed for a good, easy ride. I pulled TBM into the indoor, tacked him up, and hopped on. We did our normal, big long walk on a long rein until I felt the hind legs stepping under nicely and the back starting to soften and swing. Then went to the trot, still on a long rein, just asking for forward, powerful big strides. Took up the contact a bit, started circles and changes of direction to begin bending. And he started to come nicely into my hand, staying relaxed in the back and active in the hind leg. SOOOOO pleased! I even managed to remember how to SIT UP. hehehe. Think that had anything to do with it?

We had a lovely ride, and I started to focus a bit more on the outside bend we get in some corners, and the dropping the inside shoulder. As I was driving home, I realized that instead of focusing on that, what I need to do is start doing 15 and 10 meter circles to build the strength and balance to maintain the upright shoulder that I want. DUH. So, I will be adding that into our rides as well.

Schooled some transitions as well, we had some WONDERFUL trot/canter transitions. I tend to use too much outside leg, and that irritates TBM a bit. He just needs a little seat, and POOF, we're off. As always, less is more.

A funny thing happened when I was going to put him away. Because it was so late at night, and nobody else was around, I didn't close the gate to his paddock or the outdoor arena. Normally, I am a fanatic about closing gates. Anyway, I was leading him back to his paddock, and he was dragging his feet. Just not the normal crisp walk back to the food that we usually get. We were about, oh, 20 feet away from his gate, when I realized there was something in his paddock! It was a moose. *laughs* Well. I couldn't very well put TBM in the paddock when there was a moose in it! I also didn't want to corner it and make it feel threatened. So, I brought TBM back to the arena, tied him, and grabbed a lunge whip.

As I went back to the paddock, I realized how silly it was to get a lunge whip to chase a moose. And I stood there for a moment, trying to think of how to get that darn moose out of the paddock. Finally, I broke down and called the barn owners. Of course, at this point, it is 10:00 pm, and I felt HORRIBLE. Luckily, as I was on the phone with the barn owner, the moose wandered out of the paddock. I hung up the phone, ran across the arena and closed TBM's paddock gate so the moose didn't decide to go back in. Then I waited for the moose to wander around the outdoor, and finally trot out the other gate.

I am typically a person who thinks of every possible consequence from actions. But I NEVER thought that leaving gates open would lead to a moose in a paddock. hehehe. I tend to think of gates for keeping things IN, not keeping things OUT. Let us say that my perspective is slightly altered on the usefulness of gates!

Who said quitters never win?

I have found, that some days, it is best just not to even go there. And today was one of those days.

Up to the point where I was pulling out of the parking lot at work, I wasn't sure if I was going to the barn or not. But it was gorgeous, and I decided I would go and just go for a trail ride. But I am so stressed and worn out right now, I nearly broke down into tears at the barn today. I got TBM out, he was fine. I tacked him up, and took him to the parking lot to mount and head down the driveway. There were horses in the outdoor tearing around, horses loading up after a trailer in lesson, and a lot more activity than we are used to. Which is not a problem, really. TBM was a bit 'up' and very interested in what was going on. Still a total gentleman, and not being naughty at all. But I could feel my fuse getting shorter and shorter. "OH, no, girlfriend, we are NOT going there." I turned us around, and untacked. It was time to admit defeat for the day. I could certainly have gotten on and headed down the trail. But I know myself well enough to realize that it would have been neither pleasant nor productive nor relaxing. It would have been miserable for both TBM and myself, and would have been a setback. I would have been way too negative and prone to strong reprimands for very slight infractions. That is not fair to TBM.

TBM was certainly puzzled when I untacked him and put him back in his paddock. I'm sure everyone else at the barn was just as puzzled. But today, I had to quit in order to win.

Am I disappointed in myself? Yes, and no. Yes, because I don't want to let my life interfere with my riding. No, because I was able to realize where things were heading and avoid that crash course. *sighs* Ideally, I would like to be able to see the router, and take an alternate path. But I just didn't have it in me today.

I have two more days of working this odd shift, and then I am back to my normal shift. It will probably take me a few days to get to feeling normal again. And I am so excited to get back to my schedule. Also, today is day #8 of working. Because of the shift change, I didn't get a weekend in there. And I suspect that may have something to do with me being so tired and stressed as well.

Pooh. Not happy with the last two days at all. And I am not going to the barn tomorrow, either. Friday ought to be interesting...I think I'll plan to just lunge. *sighs*

Ugh. Some days, I just suck as a rider. *sighs*

And today was one of them. TBM was good, as always. I just could not sit up and open to save my soul. I have a bad habit of collapsing in my upper body, slouching. Which has a very negative impact on my ability to ride tactfully. We shared the arena with two horses today, one of which TBM is very fascinated with. I started out with too much hand, right off the bad. DOH! I know better. Well, that made getting him forward so much more difficult. And, in hindsight, I never really got him loosened up and swinging in the back. That is just no good. What a wasted ride. =(

Not his fault at all, I was just not in the game today. Days like this really disappoint me, because I feel like I wasted a great opportunity for progress. I'd like to come up with excuses...I'm tired, the shift change at work, my new position at work, blah blah blah. But, bottom line: I knew I was tired. So I should have planned that into the ride. Today would have been a perfect day to go for a trail ride. Positive, easy, and not a waste.

Now the big question is: How do I fix this tomorrow? Do I go for the trail ride, or do I push myself to ride better? I guess I won't know until I drive into the barn parking lot tomorrow. If I'm feeling as pooped as I did today, out to the trail we head. I am NOT going to waste another day on crappy riding like I did today.

And bless TBM for his patience with me today. He was telling me in no uncertain terms that I was riding like a sack of potatoes, and he wasn't appreciating it. But he still tried for me, sweet boy.

I find that we rarely deserve the breaks that horses give us.

Pictures and video from 3-8-09

Today was video day! Here we are, warts and all. I was so very VERY pleased with our ride today. Quitely, consistently, we progress. A little smidge each day, building progressively on what we did the day before. No fuss, no muss. Just easy and happy. I am blissing over this whole thing!













Oh my goodness. I think I might need to sit up a bit more, eh? hehehe






And, the warts!

Comments regarding the distinction of 'classical dressage'

I posted a little blurb on UDBB, and someone commented about me intending to do 'classical dressage' with TBM. This was my reply, and I felt it was worth sharing here:

===============================
I use that term kinda 'loosely'. We're piddling around with Training Level. So, not like we're going to be hitting Grand Prix and I'm freaking out about being able to piaffe in a snaffle, here. BUT, I feel the need to make a distinction between what happens in competition dressage, and the more traditional/old skool/classical approach. To me, that is an important distinction. We are not dealing with a super talented rider and an imported wow mover of a horse. I am average, the horse is average (in current competitive dressage terms, at least). And the traditional approach can make us both into more than we are right now. I DON'T want to fall into the false frame/big front end/nothing behind/too much hand trap. WHY don't I want to fall into that? Because I have a natural tendency to move there. So, this is an exercise for ME to really be aware of staying within the tenants of what I consider to be classical in nature. We're talking basic basics. But then, that is the joy of dressage. It is ALL basic basics. *grins*
===============================

Also, I am feeling the need to make something very clear here: I am not perfect. I do not profess to be perfect. I make mistakes. I am constantly striving to improve my riding and my understanding of the horse. I do NOT claim to know it all, or have all of the answers. I am not a world class rider, and will never be. I am just a chic working diligently to become a better rider. I love the journey that I am on. I try very hard to learn from the mistakes I make.

Pictures from 2-27-09

I finally got the video from my camera that we took on 2-27. I haven't edited the video yet, but here are some still shots I captured quickly this evening.

You will see that I have very little, if any, contact in most of these pictures. The very VERY first thing we needed to establish was a really good GO button. Active, active, and more active is the name of the game. Gotta keep everything coming in from behind. I am excited to get some more photo and video this weekend, so I can share the progress that has been made since these photos were taken! But, here they are!















(Yes, that is his tongue sticking out. hehehe)

THE UNVEILING!

*laughs* So, obviously there have been some curious people checking the blog to see WHO is this elusive APP C. *grins* So, without further ado, I give to you TBM (The Big Man):

Sully Diamonddust




For those of you who are not familiar with Sully, he is a 17 year old Appaloosa stallion. In his younger years, he had a very successful career as a halter horse.



He is GROOVING on this whole 'dressage horse' thing. I hope to have some updated undersaddle pictures and video to share after this weekend.

Days off make me sad =(

So, tomorrow is Thursday. And Thursday is the official day off of the APP C. Thursdays make me sad. I so look forward to going to the barn and seeing The Big Man. Honestly, from the moment I leave the barn, I am counting the hours until I get to go back. I think I might be a little hooked?!

I have had two stellar rides. I went and audited the last part of the most recent Judy Thocher clinic. I really like the way Judy teaches. In many ways, it was just like listening to my two favorite instructors, Paula and Tracy. Very much to the point, not accepting anything less than your full attention and effort. Things were progressive, positive, and correct. She'll be back for another clinic in April. Unfortunately, I'll be in Las Vegas for the FEI World Cup Dressage Finals. So I will miss out on the opportunity to ride with her in April. Hopefully she'll be back in June and I can schedule three days of riding with her. I think she would really make a wonderful improvement in my riding. Auditing 4 hours of rides certainly made me ride better.

On the good side, after Thursday is Friday! And this Friday will mark the close of the 4th week of the APP C trial. Saturday should be the Official Introduction and Unveiling!

New Look!

So, just today, as I was driving, I was thinking about how great it is to be a girl. And I decided I would change my blog layout to reflect that. Enjoy!

Snow and goals

So, we got a bunch of snow! I didn't quite realize HOW MUCH snow we had gotten when I set out for the barn yesterday. As I got closer and closer to the barn, the roads got worse and worse. There were fewer and fewer cars out there with me. Most of them were trucks with plows! I finally turned down the road to the barn, and it looked there only one or two vehicles had driven down the road since the snow started. Pulled into the barn driveway, and there were the tracks of one vehicle. I plowed my little car through the snow, and it was so deep in the driveway and the parking lot that the snow came up over the hood of my car! I was driving blind there for a bit, couldn't get my wipers going fast enough. But I also couldn't stop, because my car would get stuck. So I just kinda plowed onward, hoping I wasn't driving into the woods or the field. *laughs*

I ended up being the only other person at the barn. And had a GREAT ride! I just love days like that. The new snow muffles everything a bit, and the world seems so snug and cozy. After the ride, on his way back to his paddock APP C had to dive his face into the deep, fluffy stuff. He has taken to this after each ride. He gets the cutest look on his face. He just kinda snuffles around in the snow, likes a little bit.

Today the sun was out, so when we were on our way back to his paddock, we stood for a good 15 minutes. Basking in the sun while he snuffled in the snow. It was so deep, he was buried up to his eyeballs. What a silly pony!

Oh, and today was another great ride. He is getting stronger and more balanced every day. I am also getting stronger and more balanced with every ride. *laughs* And that, in turn, is making his job much easier.

Yesterday I took a look at the 2009 show schedule. Looks like there are 4 USDF shows this summer. I am hoping to hit each of them, and at least the first schooling show. Possibly the second schooling show, but we'll see how the summer is going. Right now I'm aiming for Training Level, and maybe toss in some 1st level towards the end. At this time, I think his strengths are going to be consistency of tempo, free walk, chewy/stretchy circles, submission. Weaknesses will probably be canter work. His canter is very obedient, but tends to be a tad flat right now. A lot of that is just strength, and part of it is that he finds canter easy, so he doesn't think he has to work as hard there. *grins* I plan to introduce a little bit of jumping to get the idea of JUMP in the canter. So, as far as weaknesses go, it's not much of a weakness. *laughs*

Week 3 - Lovely ride!

Today marked the three week point with APP C. And what a day it was! We had a LOVELY ride today. He is getting more and more in shape, and is really trying his heart out for me. This is all work he has NEVER been asked to do before, so there are still moments of confusion. But he tries so hard, I just love that about him.

Today was the first ride where I felt him really step up into the bridle in his transitions, and really keep the hind legs active and R-E-A-C-H-I-N-G in the trot. I am so pleased with his progress.

In one week, we will have the 'unveiling', assuming that APP C's owner and I are in agreement. I will post some pictures and video. After the unveiling, I hope to update with pictures and/or video once a week.

14 days of APP C

Today marked the half way point in the APP C trial. I have ridden him a handful of times now. And he continues to impress me each and every time I interact with him. 14 more days and the final determination will be made if he makes the change from APP Candidiate C to APP.

APP C - Superstar

K, so I haven't had APP C for very long. But I am utterly in love with him. He is SUCH a gentleman, and SUCH a good boy. I love his personality, and he does not know the word 'no'.

Today was the first time I rode him, and he is like riding a big comfy couch. *grins* I'm sure I was asking him things differently than he's been used to, but he tried his heart out for me. We shared the arena with another horse, and he didn't care. We took some video, but I won't be posting pictures or video until the 30 day trial is finished. I want to be sure that everything is settled before making any announcements.

So far, so good!

Two wonderful things today!

Ok, so I know that I said I wasn't going to give details on APP C during the trial, right? Well, today was just too good not to gush over. *laughs* Today, I got to the barn, nobody was around. This was my first opportunity to work him with just the two of us. It was really nice to have it quiet and easy. APP C was SUCH a star, he was focused, attentive, willing, really getting 'into me' (in a good way!). I am just loving his personality. He is such a 'giver' and a gentleman. Everything was so low key and easy today, we are figuring each other out, and finding our fit together. I just really love how he is digging the whole being in work thing. So, that was highlight number one of the day!

Highlight number two: I was poking around on youtube, and came across a wonderful video of the Grand Prix trainer, Mari Monda Zdunic, I was a working student for in Michigan. Had to share, it is a great exhibition ride on a wonderful Arabian stallion, Bay Count. Some of you may be familiar with his name because there was a group of McCoy bred Arabians brought up here in the 90's that are very closely related to Bay Count.

APP C

I have had the opportunity to work APP C a few times now. He is on a 30 day trial to see how things go. So far, so wonderful! *grins* He is a super sweet guy, I like him a lot. He also really surprised me with his movement. I was not expecting that much from him, as I had only seen him standing in a paddock and had no idea how he moved.

Not planning to give very detailed updates during the trial. If all goes well, and the three of us (me, APP C, and APP C's owner) are all happy, then I'll post details.

So, for now, the update is that things are going well, and I am thoroughly enjoying APP C.

Watching old video tapes

So, last night Erica and I decided to pull out the old VHS tapes and watch old horse videos. Wow, there were some CRINGE WORTHY moments recorded on that magnetic tape. *sighs* There were also some shining moments that I had not remembered. It's great to find video of horses and barns that I thought I had no visual record of.

For instance, I found the video I made when I went to go look at a TB gelding. I ended up buying that gelding. I also found the tape I made of him when I was selling him 3 years later. Such a lovely boy!

I also found the video of the first class I rode my Moosie mare in. And then the video I made to evaluate her lameness issues 2 years later. =( A year after that, I sold her to her current owner.

I found video of Abba, the 19 yo Hanovarian mare that was given to me. That video really made me cringe. So many issues, and really all of them caused by my lack of skill. *sighs* I am glad I have that video, though. It makes me redouble my resolve to continue to improve.

I need to get myself the equipment to get all of his old VHS media transferred to digital. Then I can post more videos. I really do love being able to share the wonderful horses I have been so lucky to know.

In APP news, Candidate C should be moving in the next 2 days. YAY! Now, hopefully the temps will get just a bit warmer...although there's a heated indoor, so I don't have to worry too much. Except for cooling out. *sighs* Long winter coats + good work outs = long cool out. Ew.

The Lovely Roxy

So, I was trying to make myself wait and not post all of these videos at once. Rationing, you know. But I am impatient and want to share! So, here we have the very lovely Roxy.



Roxy is a Dutch mare by Olympic Ferro. She came to me as a resale horse in 2006. She is a wonderful mare, powerful mover and a great personality. She sold to a breeder in New York who is very happy with her.

Also, in unrelated news, I met Candidate E and saw a video of Candidate F. There are additional Candidates at that barn, but E and F are the prime candidates for now. Issues with E is that she is for sale. And F is not in the state yet. But I like them both very much. So I may end up working out a separate arrangement for E and F. We will see how things go with C.

Speaking of C, he should be moving to the indoor facility this week! Soooo excited!

Intro Test B

Lovely, flawed Intro Test B from 2007 AHR Nationals. I actually START Intro Test A. And then, the judge reminds me that I am supposed to be riding Intro Test B. oops! NOT a good mistake to make at Nationals. *sighs*

So, this is Ziggy. He is 7 in this video. He was owned by one of my students, and had been giving her problems, so she asked me to ride him in this show. He is a strong, powerful horse and he was using that against his young rider. In this test, I have him too short in the neck (boo!) in a lot of places, and you can see how his trot gets very 'up/down' instead of forward. That is from the tension of keeping him too bottled up in front. Shame on me. =(


I REALLY enjoyed that horse, and he has a lot of potential. You can see when I remember to ALLOW him to stretch into the contact that his trot is lovely. He has a WONDERFUL walk, lots of overtrack and stretch. This horse has oodles of potential. This video is a good reminder to myself to always keep the horse telescoping into the hand, instead of bringing them to the hand. BIG difference.

Pictures from this ride:

Active behind, but too deep in front. My hands are too low. If I lifted them a bit, that would have helped him open up in front. I also need to SIT UP!


Much better activity, more open, not too deep. Notice the better line from elbow to bit...not broken as it was in the last picture. Still on the forehand, but for Intro, that's OK. Still a tad short in the neck.


This one kinda makes me drool a little bit. *laughs* Look at that hock action and hind leg engagement. YAY! Also, I don't hate my position in this one. *laughs* And he's not too short in the neck or too deep. w00t!


Love the horse in this picture, hate my facial expression. *laughs* This is a great free walk, he is really striding out and stretching.

AHR 2007 First Level video

Mohini HE - First Level Test 1, 1st place, 62% (need to double check that on my score sheet), 2007 AHR Nationals




Not a perfect test by any means. This was the first time showing 1st level with this mare. There are some bobbles in the beginning. And the first lengthening is pathetic. The second lengthening is marginal at best. The strengths are the stretching trot work, the walk work, and the halts. You can see she is a bit fussy in the bridle, and the canter starts out unpure and 4 beat-y. We switched bits not too long after this show and that made a HUGE difference in the bit acceptance. Her previous training as a combined driving horse may have had something to do with the canter...but we were working very nicely through that when I had to stop riding her because I moved up to Alaska.

I have two more videos to post, will try to do one more tomorrow. Also, I've added a list of dressage books that are in my library. This list is incomplete, and just what I remember off the top of my head. I'll try to update and expand it more in the future.

Looking through old videos

Came across some videos that I had stashed away in the recesses of my hard drive. Thought I'd post them to share. I have this one ready:



Farrah was 3 in this video, and had been in training with me for about 2 months. (She was already broke walk/trot before she came into training with me.) She was a bit sucked behind in the beginning, and you'll see I was riding WWWAAYYY too conservatively. After the canter work, we get a bit more spring in our step. She also gets a bit longer in the neck (a good thing).

This was shot at the barn I managed and trained out of in Michigan, Double Bar H Equestrian Center. This was while construction was still underway. You can see there are no gates on the arena, and there is a huge gaping hole in the end. That is where the observation room is now.

**Sorry for the poor quality, it was taken on an old VHS-C camcorder, and then transferred to digital.**

My my my. Wasn't today just a whirlwind?!

Candidate C is ready to move to an indoor. YAAAAYYY! So, we'll start a 30 day trial, and see how things go. Until the end of the 30 day trail, everything will stay anonymous. After things are all settled, we'll do an unveiling if the trial turns out well.

I am still planning to meet Candidate E.

Introducing Candidate E!

So, today brought about the possibility of Candidate E. She is a 4 yo QH mare, started undersaddle, and ready to progress. I will hopefully be getting to meet her and her owner sometime this week.

Also, Candidate C is still a very strong contender as well.

Just realized I haven't updated on Candidate A. The owner and I decided that Candidate A would really benefit from another year of growth before she is started undersaddle. So, she is off the list.

I'll keep you posted! (Yay, because I was starting to feel kinda depressed about this whole process.)

Ready to ride, where's the horse?

Guys, I am seriously going a little bonkers. *laughs* I am SOOOOO ready to get started, but still no horse. =(

I hadn't thought it would be so difficult to find someone who would want free training. *laughs*

I realize the economy is in the pits right now. But think of what you would be getting. For the price of board alone ($500-$600), you can get board AND training. If I were actually charging, I would be charging $450/month. So, this is almost 1/2 price. Plus, show experience on your horse for FREE. This is a really good deal.

Maybe people are skeptical about my reasons behind offering this? Why am I doing this for free? Well. I love the daily progress of working a horse and developing it to its fullest potential. I have a green thoroughbred mare just sitting in a pasture down in Michigan right now. I am very much wishing I could be working that mare right now. But the distance is prohibitive. *grins* So, this is a bit of 'transference therapy' for me. Let my desire to work my OWN horse work for you. *laughs*

I don't know maybe I would have better luck if I did charge? Perhaps this is a perception of 'you get what you pay for'. Hm. I will have to think about this...comments?

Candidate B is out

Well, Candidate B fell through. Seems that horse will be moving to Fairbanks!

I did meet Candidates C and D (both appies) earlier this week, though. The issue there is, as with so many other candidates, the indoor arena. So...we shall see.

I am just ITCHING to get started, and I seem to be hitting setback after setback. *sighs* I know I just need to continue to be patient and explore the options. But this warmer weather is really kicking me into high gear.

My teachers

So, I thought I would take a moment to talk about the people who have taught me so much over the years.

In 1994, my mother took me to see the "World Famous Lipizzaner Stallions" in Anchorage. This was my very first introduction to dressage. (http://www.lipizzaner.com)

My first up close and personal introduction to the concept of dressage was by Rachel James in about 1995. Rachel and I were in 4H together. She had a little arabian gelding, Quana Parker. Rachel lent me a great book that started me down the path towards dressage.

In 1996, I headed to Germany for a year. I lived with a family that bred Hanovarians. We lived just outside of Verden, where they hold the Hanovarian Elite Auctions. I rode at the Hanovarian Riding School (Hannoversche Reit- und Fahrschule - www.hannoveraner.com/101.html). My instructor there was Herr Weist. I tested and earned my German Small Bronze Medal while I was there.

Upon returning to Alaska after a year spent in Germany, I decided to find a working student position with a Grand Prix dressage trainer. I found a position with Mari Zdunic in Hartland, Michigan. (www.shineabit.com) Here I got the chance to ride the Grand Prix movements on well trained Grand Prix horses, working with green and young horses, and really get into the PSYCHOLOGY of the horse. While working with Mari, I also had the pleasure of working with AnnMarie Kierkegaard, Dorothy Mueller, and Lois Heyderdahl. It is funny to note that the current head rider for the "World Famous Lipizzaner Stallions" learned to ride from Mari!


Mari with Frenesi (thoroughbred) after winning the Silver Medal at the Olympic Sports Festival in 1981.


My next instructor was Tracy Rowe-McEwan. (www.rowestables.com) Tracy's parents competed at the upper levels of dressage at the same time as Mari and her mentor, Chuck Grant. Small world! So Tracy had a similar approach to the horse, adhering to classical principles, believing that the well being of the horse comes first. I worked with Tracy with my big Oldenburg mare, Moose, and also with my Hanovarian/TB mare, Abba. I continued sporadic lessons with Tracy until I left Michigan in December of 2007.

I also brought in Paula Kierkegaard for clinics. In yet another display of how small the world is, Paula is AnnMarie Kierkegaard's daugher-in-law! I 'met' Paula on the UDBB (www.ultimatedressge.com), where she is known as 'galopp'. She helped me to really focus on how my equitation impacts the horse. We worked a lot on improving my seat (as did Tracy!).

I have had the privilege to audit clinics with Walter Zettl, Karl Mikolka, Paul Belasik, and Michael Poulin.

I have been lucky enough to take a handful of lessons from Fritz Fleischmann (German Bereiter and former Head Trainer for German Dressage Gold Medalist Hubertus Schmidt) and Chrissa Frith-Hoffmann (Grand Prix rider and trainer, who holds the United States Dressage Federations Bronze, Silver and Gold medals - www.cfh-dressage.com)

Met Candidate 'B' yesterday

Oh, my goodness. Candidate B is a cool horse. I think he might be the one. I have not heard from Candidate C in a bit, so that may no longer be an option...

Candidate B is an older QH gelding. He is broke to ride, but is very out of shape. He has a lot of personality, and I liked that about him. I also liked his owner, I think she and I would get along well. The meshing of personalities (equine and human) is very important in this whole thing. It's no fun to be dealing with people or horses you don't really enjoy spending time with!

I believe that by next week, I will be starting a 30 day trial with Candidate B. If that happens, I will post pictures here!

Met an APP candidate today!

I met a very sweet little 3 year old arab mare today. We will call her 'candidate A'. I had the opportunity to do a little ground work and lunging. She was such a good girl! I enjoyed her disposition quite a bit. She is still growing, and a little croup high right now. She's in a little bit of a gawky stage, which I'm sure she'll outgrow within the next few months. She has not been started undersaddle yet, so she is a blank slate, just waiting for the right information.

Couple different things that are nice about Candidate A: 1) There is no retraining here. It would be the opportunity to just start correctly from the get go. 2) I know the people who own the barn she is boarded at, and already have a relationship with them. 3) Her owners have other horses they ride, so she would not be shared while I am working with her. (Kind of a major PLUS.)

Drawbacks of Candidate A: 1) She is young. I don't start horses before they are 3, so she meets that criteria. But the first year is pretty light work. 2) Because of her age, I wouldn't expect to do much past Intro Level this summer. As I recall, there were not many Intro classes offered at the Alaska dressage shows.

So, as of right now, Candidate A is still a prime candidate. I was supposed to meet Candidate B today, but was not able to find the barn! *laughs* So, hopefully I'll be able to meet Candidate B within the next week.

Now that the weather has warmed up, it is so much easier to work out the details of the entire APP situation. As of right now, I have 3-4 potential candidates. I will meet each of them, and hope to make a decision soon. I am itching to get started, I feel like I'm already so far behind!!

If you have a horse you think might benefit from my APP, please feel free to email me. I am still considering candidates that meet the requirements. You can email me at: dressagefun at mtaonline dot net.

So, why do I need an indoor arena?

A lot of people have asked me why I need to have the potential APP boarded at a facility with an indoor. Is it because I am some sort of Snobby Dressage Queen? Is it because I lived in the lower 48 for too long and can't handle the lovely Alaskan winter temps? Is it because I only want to deal with people who have enough money to pay board?

Nope.

It is because I am a footing nazi. I think good footing is really REALLY important for dressage work.

First, let's talk about the physical issues that bad footing can cause.

• Working on footing that is too hard can cause joint related lameness issues.


• Working in footing that is too deep can cause tendon and ligament lameness issues.


• Working in footing that is inconstant can cause soft tissue damage and torn muscles.

Now, let's talk about the training issues that bad footing can cause:

• Footing that is too hard may cause a horse to move tentatively. In dressage, we want the horse to move freely forward.


• Footing that is too deep may cause the horse to 'wallow'. He can't push off from the ground, he is sucked back down. This 'steals' the horse's suspension and can negatively impact the impulsion.


• Working in footing that is inconsistent can lead to a horse that is not 100% focused on the rider. The horse has to THINK about where his feet are going, has to plan to protect himself from the footing he is working in.

Bottom line: FOOTING IS IMPORTANT. Footing is NOT something I am willing to negotiate on. Bad footing is bad for the horse. Period.

My Inspiration

Thought I would share some photos that I look to for inspiration.


This is Alexandra Korelova riding the Orlov Trotter stallion, Balagur. I really love this pair. Balagur is not the typical horse you would expect to see performing on the International dressage scene. I think that is one of the things I like best about them. *grins*



This is Philippe Karl, an incredible master of classical horsemanship and dressage. This picture demonstrating the piaffe is as near to perfect as it gets...



This is Herr Egon von Neindorff also demonstrating the piaffe.



Melissa Simms. She was a long time student of Herr Egon von Neindorff. The similiarities in her riding and Herr von Neindorff are easily seen from these photos.



This is Marianne Grossweiler riding Stephan. She rode for the Swiss team in the Olympics in 1964 and 1968. Boy, competitive dressage has changed a lot over the years....



This is Arthur Kottas, formerly of the Spanish Riding School. Here he is demonstrating schooling the levade.



Ah, now to Dr. Reiner Klimke. This picture is from the 1976 Olympics, where he and Mehmed were on the Gold Medal Dressage Team for Germany. Dr. Klimke also rode on the Olympics for Germany in 1964 (Gold on Dux), 1968 (Gold on Dux), 1984 (Gold on Alherich), 1988 (Gold on Alherich). {{Edit: After looking closer at this picture, I realized that Mehmed is in a snaffle, so I'm pretty sure this isn't from actual competition at the Olympics. Maybe warm up?! But as far as I know, it has never been allowed by FEI rules to show Grand Prix in a snaffle...}}

HAFLINGERS!!!

So, I have a 'thing' for ponies. And I apparently have a thing for blonde ponies! When I was in Michigan, I worked with a couple of Haflinger breeders and really enjoyed training and showing their horses. Here are pictures!



This was my lineup at my first class at the American Haflinger Nationals in 2006. I am riding APF Noble Rose (owned by New Horizons Haflingers of Lainsgburg, MI). We are the last ones in the line-up. This was for Intro Level Dressage Suitability, and we got 3rd place.



A bit blurry, but you can see Miss Rosie working hard! This was actually warmup for the Dressage Suitability class in 2006 at Nationals again.



Miss Rosie chilling between classes. Isn't she a sweetie?! I really loved working her, she was so much fun. She is now producing INCREDIBLE foals for her owner. You can check them out here: www.newhorizonshaflingers.com



This is Antonio Rose of Lilac Farms. He is out of Rosie, the mare above. I started him undersaddle and showed him Intro level at the 2007 American Haflinger Nationals. This is from the Intro Dressage Suitability class, and he was 2nd place!



This is Mohini HE, owned at the time by Our Haflinger Horses of Tiffin, OH. Spoils from Haflinger Nationals in 2007. We were American Hafgliner Nationals First Level Reserve Champions. She is a very powerful mare, with a wonderful work ethic.



Mohini again. This picture was taken from the show where I met Mohini. This was the third time I had ridden her, and we got 3rd place in this class!

In the meantime...

Well, until I get to enter some information about my actual Alaska Project Pony (APP), I figured I would post some pictures of horses I have known, ridden, trained, and/or shown.

The first picture is of Shadow, a horse that was owned by my mother and recently sold to her new home up here. I worked with her last summer and had a lot of fun with her.







This is Fleet's Skybar Spirit. He is a paint gelding that I started undersaddle and later showed in dressage for his owners, Don and Vonda Hamilton of Laingsburg, MI. We were Open Training Level Champions at the show right after this picture was taken!



Here is Spirit again, showing off his great balance, even at training level. He is a great horse, and shows a lot of talent for dressage work. He was always one of my favorite horses to work with because he was eager to please, smart, and had a lot of personality.





This is Vida Loca, an Oldenburg mare owned by Uma Julz Sporthorses of Bath, MI. I started Vida undersaddle when she was 7. She had been a broodmare up until then. She is a very talented mare and was probably the easier horse I ever started. She was very solid training level after just 60 days undersaddle, and was even started over fences then. She certainly is a big mare! *laughs*



This was my Oldenburg mare, Wonder Woman (aka Moose). I bought Moose as an unbroke 4 year old and started her undersaddle. This picture was taken at a schooling show when she was working Training level. She was working a solid 2nd level when I sold her to her current owner, Iron Horse Farm. She is now a wonderful broodmare there and is producing fantastic foals!



And here is my Doo man! I bought Doo from a lady in Wasilla when he was just under 2 years old. He was the first horse I started undersaddle. In 2004, we were GLASS-ED 2nd Level Open Reserve High Point and High Percentage Champions. He is 14 hands, and probably has some draft horse in there somewhere. He is still down in Michigan, and I miss him SOOO much!