Operation Pop Quiz Begins

 If you read my last post I realised that I needed to be more consistent in my contact, ride less defensively and create opportunities for Quaid to be tested.  And by that, Jane meant that he needed to learn how to deal with different things and maintain his emotional equilibrium. 

In the past I'd have been tempted to throw all but the kitchen sink (well maybe also the kitchen sink) at him and probably  definitely overwhelm him. But that just results in either a wreck or a shut down horse. Quaid is quite sensitive. He also really wants to please but sometimes it all gets a bit much. And I'm guilty of babying him through that and not helping him find his own balance. Then I take him off property and expect him to be fine.  Like I always say 'hope is not a strategy'. 

That look you get when your had 3 intense
days and they see you come out with a halter. 
Also, it's so dry here. We're having some serious
drought conditions. It's awful. 

I gave us all Monday off after the clinic but Tuesday I was excited to get back at it. Since it's been so hot I've just been riding one horse a day in the morning. This is working so far. I decided that it was Quaid's turn. Normally I have a set routine that I follow every time I ride him. I tack him up, we do groundwork, I put on his bridle and we ride. And there's nothing wrong with that routine. But it's not one I can follow when I'm away. So this time I put on his bridle, walked him around the ring and hopped on. I had his halter and lunge line if I needed. But I didn't need it.  So I've been doing that in our rides since. 

In my rides I've been focusing on maintaining a consistent contact no matter where his head is. It takes a lot of awareness. I was also paying a lot of attention to sitting on my seat and not leaning forward. I basically was scrolling through a repeating checklist while I rode: body aligned, elbows following and keeping contact, horse walking forward. 

As the week progressed I became much more aware of when I tipped forward. In the past I might have thought '''yeah but that's not the most important thing right now" . Now I know it is.  I made up this little rhyme for myself: head and shoulders, nose and toes. Which for me meant: am I aligned (head and shoulders over pelvis) and is Quaid aligned (is his toes following his nose)? One thing I noticed on my lesson video at home was that he began to say no at the 30 minute mark. In my rides at home when he first began to say no I looked at my watch and saw it was 31 minutes. Same for the next ride. Interesting.... Instead of stopping like I normally would with the thought that he'd had enough, I asked him to keep going forward. When he was forward and soft, then I stopped. 

I rode Quaid on Saturday and it was quite windy. He was feeling a lot more 'up'. It was breezy and Carmen was in heat. I do notice that he's much more attached to her when she's in heat (not that I've seen any shenanigans thank god).  Anyway he was being spooky at the blowing trees and reluctant to go forward. After a couple big spooks I began to feel quite vulnerable and my frustration was rising. then I stopped and took a breath. I reminded myself that wasn't being like this to get me. He was feeling more frazzled and he needed me to show him how to go and not just get irritated. So I went back to what we've been doing. Riding forward, being aligned, soft but there with my hands. And I felt it working. He began to tune to me. Not usually I wouldn't canter on these sort of rides. But he felt better so I put us on a 20 m circle and we worked on canter-trot-canter transitions. And do you know what ? they were fine. 

It felt like things were coming together. Jane was coming on Sunday to the area to teach and I signed myself up for a lesson. Paulina needed an early morning ride so decided to haul to my place (I'm usually one of the early stops). Then Tanya asked if she could come too. This is great I thought. I was planning to ride Quaid anyway and have Jane help me to do various tests with him so I can make sure I'm not just letting him set the tone. I also know that Carmen, who normally does not care when I take him out, cares very much when there are other horses around. I figured the ruckus of having horses coming and going and Carmen being Carmen would be a perfect test. 

And I was right. Paulina came and rode first. While she was riding Tanya came and unloaded. Neither of them really reacted to the horses coming. I brought in Quaid to tack up because we were after Paulina and before Tanya. I did exactly what I'd been doing all week: saddle, bridle, walk up and get organised. Carmen was pitching her fit. Paulina took her horse away while I was getting organised. I led him up to the mounting block and got on.  

And do you know what? He kept his focus with me. A few times he'd look to Carmen or at something else. But he came right back when asked. 

head, shoulders, nose and toes

Do you know what was even better? Jane never once had to tell me to sit up. I mean she had to tell me lots of other things but not that. So it's win for me. I'm still letting my elbows move too much. I honestly couldn't tell when she was after me about it. But when I watched the video I could see it. It's subtle, not a huge amount but enough to bug his mouth. Sigh. Riding is hard. 

I also need to figure out how to ask him to step under more without letting him get faster. But it's coming. I overheard Jane say at one point 'my god he's a nice horse'.  

he really is nice. Unfortunately his breeder isn't 
selling any of her young horses right now. Otherwise 
I'd send everyone there. 

We did some canter work and it wasn't bad. I really have to focus on sitting up and following with my seat instead of getting all grabby with my thighs and hands. But it's so much better. And he's responding to it too.  Here's a short video from our ride. I'll apologise ahead of time because my pivo was getting confused and stopped following me for a bit. But it comes back. 

Not every moment was great. Or even good. Case in point, here's when I asked for a transition to trot: 

lol, at least I'm not falling on his neck....

But right after he came back and went into a lovely trot.  

We did about 45 minutes and Jane said that was enough. I was talking to her and asking some questions when Tanya came in. Instead of dismounting, I decided to see if I could get him to work and focus back on me so I asked him to walk some 10 metre circles, switch directions etc. And he would look, get distracted and then go 'oh right, sorry. ' which is so much better then before when he'd say 'stop bugging me. I can't possibly listen to you in these conditions'.  

Jane was super impressed. So was I. I was texting Jane later to thank her and she said 'I was just about to say how great you both were. I'm starting to push you guys more....it's hard not to push when it's sitting right there'.   (she was referring to me, Paulina and Tanya who also had amazing lessons). Then I had to laugh because she texted 'notice how he was no flail Quail today'. 

Indeed. It's coming. I'm not so foolish as to think that I've solved all our issues in 4 rides. But it's a good start. I want to haul back to Krista's and ride him again so work on it. 

no flail just flair. 

Has Talent, Needs Direction: Quaid's Clinic Recap

 I also had Quaid signed up for the 3 day clinic. I was really looking forward to working with him and moving forward. 

I rode him first on Friday because the weather was supposed to get hotter as the day went on and he's not a fan of the heat. It was a really good lesson. Jane had us riding forward to contact and staying upright and balanced. My tendency is to curl forward. I've had that flaw forever. As soon as I feel the least bit of unbalance I want to drop my shoulders forward and curl. But it's getting better. 

upright(ish)

 Jane had us canter pretty early in the ride and it was a bit zoomy but not too bad. 

Quaid: I go fast! Eat my dust! 

In the past I would be grabby and unbalanced. While I was not perfect by any stretch of any imagination, I wasn't in imminent danger of falling off.  And it got a lot better. 

better trot

I'm still leaning but at least my seat is following. 

At about 30 minutes into the ride he began to spook at the far corner. 

Quaid: na- uh

Quaid: also nope

Jane had me sit up and quietly ride him through. The first couple minutes he actually backed up. the aim was to sit up, put my leg on (quietly but firmly) and encourage him forward without giving away or grabbing contact.  After a bit we worked through it and had some lovely work at the end. 

Overall I was really pleased with him and our lesson. 

On Saturday I rode him in the afternoon. He was restless going down to the ring but stood fine outside. When I brought him we walked around the rail for a bit and then I started to the mounting block. When I went to line him up for mounting he nipped me! I was pissed. Biting is a non-negotiable for me. I gave him a couple good whacks with my crop immediately and then stood there getting my breathing and adrenaline back. It was the first time he's ever down that. Given that he's a gelding and young I had been expecting it earlier in the year. But when I never happened I stopped worrying about it. 

Anyway, I got on and he stood just fine at the block. We walked off and he was obviously tense but listening. Jane was immediately on me to sit with my butt in the saddle and a following hand. 

Things were going well and then Jane asked us to trot. The hamster came off the wheel pretty quickly. We'd get a bit of nice trot and then he'd throw his body around or refuse to go away from the in gate. And I really do think it's an in gate problem. Even though I never ever rest by the gate or get off there. Like ever.  

I was struggling with leaning forward. Although, when I look at the video I can see how much better I am. Even 4 months ago, with how tight and fling-y he was being with his legs I'd have been up on his ears. 

Quaid: no! 

Quaid: I want to talk to my union steward

When I look at the video I can see how well he steps under with his hind and his reach with his front is amazing. He also piaffed a little. I was really struggling on how to ride this. I even said to Jane "I think I'm ruining my horse".  She said "look at me. YOU ARE NOT RUINING YOUR HORSE." 

In the end she settled us into an exercise of small circles, keeping his body bent and his legs on the same track as the circle. She called it 'making his toes follow his nose'.  He would bend but still travel in a straight line. But when I added the outside rein and leg he would turn nicely. This work settled us both really nicely. It gave us a safe exercise to work from. A few times he'd plant his front leg and pivot around it (like how horse?). But was a good exercise. I even trottted him on it, although every time we'd move away from the gate he'd break and throw his shoulders a bit. 

Here's a semi- short video if you're interested: 

I have to say she was so supportive through the whole thing. Giving me directions, praise when I did it correctly, encouragement when I looked overwhelmed. I don't think I could have ridden through it all without her. I was disappointed because it seemed like every time I take him somewhere he was worse instead of better. I realised I needed more help and I asked Jane if she would ride him on Sunday. She thought about it and agreed. 

I have zero issue with swallowing my ego and letting someone with more skill help me through a patch. I think as horse people we need to know when we've reached the end of our knowledge and skill and seek others. 

Anyway, Jane rode Quaid on Sunday and it was eye-opening. I'm not going to share photos or videos because it's one thing for me to post myself but it's not fair to expose someone else to the internet trolls. But here is what I saw and what Jane explained to me: 

• he needs a following hand all the time. Keeping the rein shorter and shoulders relaxed allowed her to keep a steady feel when he was in front, on and behind the vertical. In other words he could yank the reins out of her hand or duck behind contact. It was just there, talking to him all the time. 
• Her seat stayed steady and her legs on while she rode. But not tight. She encouraged him forward. When he gets chaotic I cannot let myself join that. Instead she was the calm centre that he could return to. 
• She knew what level of forward she wanted and she asked for it. She didn't let him decide how fast or forward he'd go. 
• When he fell all apart she would bring him back and put him right back up. Jane said that she's thinking he's learned this as a way to make the work back off. And I think she's right, when he would get upset I'd stop and let him relax. Which was fine but not if he does it in order to stop (this makes sense in my head). 
• She kept her aids simple and clear. There was no fuzziness. We walk or we trot or we halt. She even did a walk pirouette and he was just like 'okay'. 

Watching him I was struck by how adult and handsome he's become. There's been a huge change in his body, especially his neck.  He's also a lovely mover. I mean, like, I knew that but then I saw it and went 'oooh'.  Tanya tells me that I can't call him a baby genius anymore. Because he's not a baby. How about evil genius? I quipped. 

Jane told me that, because he's been so good at home, I haven't been testing him enough so he can learn to deal with distractions and new places. He's fine because he feels fine. He doesn't know how to be fine even when he's not feeling it. Carmen was a lot more obvious so I made the mistake of thinking he's just fine all the time. And she shared all this without making me feel stupid or incompetent. Which is a talent.

I definitely learned a lot last weekend. About myself and my horses. And I came away armed with a training plan. And I do love a good plan. 

The Great Rebranding of 2025: Carmen the Magnificent Clinic Recap

 Remember in my last post when I said I signed up for a 3 day clinic? Well it happened last weekend. 

Spoiler alert- it was awesome. Now usually I can only afford to do two days of these clinics. But this year I had a number of lessons cancellations (for various reasons) so I had a lot more of my lesson budget left then I typically do by this time of year. So I decided to sign both horses for all three days and embrace the philosophy that I could rest when I'm dead. 

Friday we all had lesson at our own place and then the other two days were at Baker's Brook Stables with a potluck lunch on Saturday. Tanya decided to come to my place for her lesson which made it fun and easier for Jane. Paula came to watch too. So we had 3 horses, 3 dogs, 4 people and while it could have been chaos, it was not. I have so much to share so decided to divide it so that each horse gets their own post. 

Carmen went last on Friday, something she did not appreciate it. Normally I take Quaid out and she's perfectly fine. But with the addition of Suzi being here and spectators (well one but hey I'm not going to quibble with Carmen), she was not impressed to be left in the field. All that means is that when it was her turn she had a lot of feelings.  Mostly of the 'hang on and let me do my thing' variety. Honestly, it was funny (don't tell her that please). 

It was a stinking hot day. I had a bucket of water and a sponge up in the ring and Jane would sponge off the horses about every 20 minutes. 

I don't have video of this lesson but it was all about keeping my body steady, keeping my seat in the saddle, and riding her forward to contact. I was really starting to feel how this helps Carmen to steady and become more through. I also realised how quickly I pop my butt out of the saddle as soon as my attention shifts. Not like bouncing but just enough tension in my thighs and groin so that my seat bones are not where they should be. But overall it felt like I made huge gains. At one point Jane had us canter, turn down the centre and then asked me to half-pass. My brain fizzled and I fell all apart. So we did it again. The third time she said, look to where you want to go and bam, there it was. So, yeah, you should use your eyes when you ride.....

Honestly, it was the best ride we had all year (Morgan Freeman voice it turned out to not be her best ride all year). 

Krista converted an old garage into a cantina and
it was a fabulous place for lunch

My plan was to trailer back and forth both days to the clinic. Which meant an early start on Saturday. And by early I mean leave by 8. I know, I know but I'm retired so it feels early. Both horses trailered really well. I decided to ride Carmen in my first lesson spot. And she came out as chill and ready to work as I've seen her. Also, there were more spectators so maybe that's her thing- performing?  

Again the focus was on correct positioning and effective aids to help the horse do the movements. We did a lot of shoulder in. I have a really bad habit of letting her move her haunches to the outside rather than bend around my left for the SI. And Jane was having none of it. We practiced them down the centre and quarter lines so I couldn't cheat. The nice thing is that there were mirrors so I could see what we were doing. 

you can see her focus here

Carmen was really good about all of it. She got a little strong at times but really she was right with me and trying so hard.  And she really appreciated me having a softer and following seat and a stable core. It was a windy day and the canvas was flapping. After a little spook she settled in and went to work and ignored it.  Jane had us do some turn on the haunches and half pass out of the shoulder in. Honestly it was our best work. 

look at us! 

And here's our turn on the haunches: no stepping wide or fighting. 

Honestly, it was our best lesson this year (spoiler alert: it was not our best lesson).  We trailered home and I fed them supper, turning them out for a couple hours after. 

I was excited for our Sunday lesson. I mean I was already really proud of her (and me) and I was a little worried she might be tight after 2 intense lessons. But she wasn't. I think taking her home and turning her out for a bit really helped.  

Our lesson was at 10 which gave me lots of time to get there and get ready.  When I came into the ring there was a large physio ball that Jane was going to use for a demo. But in the meantime it was a fun thing to play with. Carmen, as I expected, gave zero cares about it. We haven't worked with balls but we've done enough other stuff that she simply sighs and humours her servant. 

I overheard my friend Tanya saying something along the lines of 'Carmen has been rebranded'. And she was right. It's not like she's not spicy or opinionated. But she's fun. And works hard. And I have trust in her that I didn't have even last year. 

Using the ball Jane demoed how tension in thighs or groin an arched back pops us out of balance and can make the horse fall on their forehand and/or hollow their back.  It was interesting to the third lesson. Because I had already felt improvement in my ability to sit in the saddle. But Sunday unlocked it even more.  Like Jane noticed right away as soon as I tightened in my groin. I joked that she knew it better than Ed!  

You may think that a third lesson on telling me to keep my elbows still and my core strong while my pelvis relaxed while not popping out of the saddle or collapsing would be tedious. It was not. I was soaking it up as much as I could. This lesson had a lot more canter in it. Our canter transitions are so much better. And I actually could feel how to use my seat to get her to move out or collect. It was so cool. And really hard. 

About 2/3rds into the ride I could feel her body completely soften. It's a cool feeling and also dangerous because the slightest aid works and I need to be super soft. Where I might have needed a pound of pressure earlier, now I only needed an ounce. It's a huge responsibility to take that softening and ride it gently. Here's a video of some of the work. 

After some counter canter work I could feel her just 'floof'. You know, like how you feel after a really good workout. She had given me everything and was done. We did a little bit to cool her down and then called it. I could not have been more proud of her. 

this is my mare who's standoffish and doesn't like people

Now this was our best ride to date. 

I can't wait to do it all again. 

a-One & a-Two & a-Three & a-Four

 Bonus points if you know the reference for this blog title!

Today I had a lesson and it was Carmen's turn. I was really excited for it because Carmen has been such a solid horse to ride since the show. We go into the ring and do our work and it just feels so good. It's not like she's become a magical unicorn... 

Carmen: ahem! I've always been a magical unicorn. You just failed to notice. 

Yes, yes, but as I was saying, she's become so rideable. We've even gone on a few solo hacks.  It's been so hot that the woods are relief, even with all the horseflies. 

Carmen: this is fine, more of this please

So I was excited to get Jane's input. I even texted Tanya a few days before: 

 When Jane arrived this morning I was pretty much gushing about Carmen. About how good she's been and how our counter canter work is getting really better. Jane said that I was not cursing myself and even if something arose in your lesson that's okay. It doesn't take away from the joy you're having. 

Spoiler alert: I did not curse us. 

We had already been warming up so Jane got us to work. As always, I need more on the outside rein and stop being so passive with my leg.  She kept saying Ask for the walk you want, not the one she gives you.  Left to her own devices Carmen will change her walk rhythm all over the place. Which is not good for her balance. In the past I would go with it. Now I'm to tell her what I want and keep asking.  When the walk rhythm was good we did some turn on the haunches, first a quarter turn and then a half turn. My problem is that I simply cannot feel that she steps wide behind. I'm too used to it. Jane had me walk a haunches in and then do the turn. Which is not correct but a correction, if that makes sense. 

Carmen waiting while I set up the pivo

We spent a little time on trot- getting her to track up and push to my hands while being bent. But we mostly worked on the canter. 

like why is my outside shoulder back? sigh.
 riding is hard and Carmen is a saint

It was different to have a lesson focussed on the canter because normally it takes a while for Carmen to be, well rideable (word of the day!) and cantering sooner is just asking for it all to go to shit. 

But not now. Now we can just canter. Is it perfect? No? But it's good. and getting better. In my rides alone I've been cantering a lot and asking for transitions down the long side. And because I'm riding the canter more, I'm getting better and so is the gait. (feel free to roll your eyes here). 

I know her ears are back but she actually wasn't pissed at me

Jane had us canter a 10 metre circle and then ask for the walk. It was not good. Because I wasn't managing the rhythm. That's when she started having me count a rhythm: 1-2-3-4. She got it started for me and then I was to say it out loud as we cantered. 

At first it felt really weird. And then things began to click and I was timing my aids with my counting and keeping her in a steady rhythm.  I began to really be able to time my hands and my legs to help her and it became so much easier. 

Like any new thing, it follows a pattern of 'get it, lose it, get it, lose it, get it, almost lose it but save it,'  The walk-canter transitions really improved. The canter-walk got better but were still crappy on the long side. But I can work on that. 

Jane then had me do the counter canter serpentine. Which is you're not familiar are where you ride a sepertine on one lead and the middle piece is in counter canter.  These have been historically difficult, Carmen wants to speed up and get sprawly and I usually let her. If I try to correct we go sideways.  Like I said at the beginning, they are getting way better.  

I have a 4 minute video on YouTube that I'm sharing. You can see the struggle with right lead CC and her confusion.  I'm counting and trying to keep the rhythm. The first few are not so good and once she even broke gait from her confusion over being asked to do it differently. But the last one was the best we've even done. And that's where we stopped. 

What I do love is how much better my seat is at the canter and that I'm not being bounced out of the saddle. What I really love is how hard she's trying.  Jane said 'you must be so proud of the work you've done. because this is because of you. 

And you! I said We both agreed that it has definitely been a team effort.  

(and if you guessed that the title reference was to Lawrence Welk, a conductor who had a musical TV show from 1951-1982. He started every number by saying 'a one an a two an a three an a four').  Yes I'm old. 

The Grind

 There's this saying "Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life" (I consulted google and it seems that the source for this is unknown). I disagree. I have had a wonderful career that I really enjoyed, but honestly some days were hard. 

Quaid: yeeessss, that's the spot! 

Horse training is no different. I love riding and lots of times it is fun and it makes my soul sing. But that doesn't mean it's not work. The show gave me a ton of information and I've been putting it to work. I put cantering on the back burner while I worked on my posture. If I couldn't stay up and balanced at walk and trot then cantering made no sense.  As this improved I began to re-introduce the canter. It felt like things were going well. 

Then  I had a lesson shortly after with Jane and it was really good.  And by good, I mean he was not feeling this riding thing at all. So the lesson was on getting him to work through it. To quote Jane "he needs to work even when he's feeling emotional". It was a good lesson, even though I really couldn't tackle the canter. It felt like he was just bouncing up and down almost on the spot. I honestly had no idea how to ride it. So Jane switched things up and had us trot forward, asking his front legs to wait while his hind legs caught up. When he gets excited he flails his front legs and his hind legs go out behind (hopefully that makes sense). I could feel how this work really balanced him. It was hard because the temptation is to hold the front and push with the legs but it's more of a feel wait, just wait.  This ride was hard and fell into the not-so-fun category. But it also fell into the this-work-is-really-gonna-pay-off category. 

Since then our rides have been pretty good. He throws the occasional I don't wanna but I'm getting way better at riding it forward. I'm feeling a lot more balanced at the canter too- I'm not falling forward or gripping. Even though it takes a lot of focus and determination I can feel how it helps him to balance under me. 

Property ownership is also work. I've repainted the riding ring fence and put up new letters. 

looking a lot better

We also got our small bales this week. We have to get them off the field. It's hot and hard work but now that I just get 200 it's not as awful as when we had to get 500.  

we can get 100 per load

With the summer temperatures hitting I've been riding early and usually just one of them. That works them less but I tend to ride longer so I'm sure it balances out. Regardless, I'm enjoying this schedule. Carmen has been going really well these days. I can feel improvements in our transitions and counter canter. Not perfect but better. Each time it feels more flowy.  The other day I brought her out to ride and when I looked at her left haunch I thought wtf? It was covered in small scabs and a big swollen area with what looked like a bite. I think she rolled in an ants nest or something. 

I rode her lightly and she felt fine. After the swelling was down a lot. I scrubbed her and then put some witch hazel on it. The scabs are still there but it's a lot better. Honestly, I was surprised it was Carmen and not Quaid, given his propensity for getting into trouble.  But other than that I've really been having fun riding her. She's become a really solid mount. 

Earlier this week my friend Tanya came over with her mare and we rode together in the ring. I rode Quaid because I really wanted to practice him working around other horses. At first he was very distracted and kept losing rhythm. But as we went on he relaxed and stopped worrying. Tanya was great riding close to us and then away. 

It was fun and work. 

In a couple weeks we're doing a 3 day clinic. I plan to ride both of them all three days. Two of those days will be away which will be great for us. 

I wouldn't say "Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life" I'd say "Do what you love and the work will be worth it". 

Mid-Year Goal Check In and Revamp

 Yes, this post is going to be as nerdy as it sounds. Feel free to skip, unless you have insomnia. In that case keep going, I can help. 

Carmen and Quaid totally meeting their personal goals

It's no surprise that I find value in goal setting. I am also well aware of the pitfalls of it: being hard if I don't meet them or feeling frustrated. What I do like about it is that it allows me to evaluate what I'm doing and how it may be contributing (or not) to my goals.  I wrote about this year's goals here. 

So with that in mind let's see where we are: 

Carmen:

1.  Maintain an even rhythm in all three gaits. And when we lose it, get it back within a stride or two. 

This is going really well. I'm so much better at keeping her in rhythm and my awareness of when she shits is much better. It's still a work in progress (and maybe always will be) so I'm keeping this one. 

2. improve our ability to adjust the length of stride within the gait while maintaining the rhythm. 

This is so much better. In the past any ask for lengthen was met with an increase in speed. Jane is on me to not let go of the contact when I ask for a lengthen because that drops her on her forehand and causes her to speed up to keep her balance. Funnily enough, if I keep the contact and ask her to push she actually changes the length of her stride and I can really feel the push.  I'm going to amend this goal to: 

Maintain contact while adjusting the length of stride and keeping the rhythm and speed the same. 

3. keep her attention on me and don't accept her giving me half-assed responses

this is improved 99.9%. Probably because I'm so much better with distractions (funny that). I'm making sure that if I ask for something, like a shoulder in, I make sure that she's trying. I'm going to change it to make it less of a goal and more of a strategy for 90% of my other goals. If that makes sense. 

4. Improve our turn on the haunches. She tends to step wide with her hind leg and my ability to feel this needs to improve. 

Our ToH is better but I still have trouble feeling when she steps wide. So this one is staying. 

I'm adding a new goal. Although, technically I've been working on it but just haven't put it down: 

Develop an effective half-halt at all three gaits to allow for a shifting of weight to the hind leg and to improve transitions, rhythm and effectiveness of the aids. 

Carmen: I'm perfect in every way

Quaid

1.  have a more consistent canter, including the transition

Way better at home. Non-existent in other places or when stressed.  I'm going to amend this goal to: 

Have a consistent canter in various contexts (locations, stressful situation). 

2. decrease his separation anxiety when we're away and I take Carmen away. 

So much better. At the show he whinnied a lot but there was no kicking. At home he doesn't care, even if I put him in the stall. he still needs more of this so I'm going to keep it. 

3.  improve his acceptance of contact. 

Oh my gosh, this is so much better. It's not like he doesn't duck or pull, he does. But more and more he's going to contact and staying there. At least at home. Again, when we go somewhere it regresses a bit. Which is probably his anxiety and my anxiety about his anxiety coming into play.  

I'm going to amend this to: 

Improve his acceptance of contact at home and in other situations by maintaining a steady hand and pushing him to contact, not pulling. 

4. Be ready to show him at Training Level this year. 

Were we ready? I thought so but maybe not. then again, maybe not. We certainly were ready at hone. But how can we learn to canter in new places if we don't canter? I'm changing this goal to: 

Improve his self-confidence in new situations by : 

    a. traveling off site at least once per month and work on maintaining steady rhythm and going forward in all 3 gaits.  

b. introducing some distractions/spooky things at home and learning how to work through it. 

When we started back riding after the show he became very spooky in one corner. There's a lot of trees/grass/birds in this corner so it's fair. I really welcomed it as a chance to learn how to work through it. The issue before was that these things came up when we really didn't have a chance to practice the skills needed to work through it. And a show is really not ideal for that. But at home even when he pulled the walking sideways, refusing to go I could definitely work on it. And it we navigated it successfully. it took a few days but that's fine.  It takes the time it takes. The trick is to be consistent, steady, and firm without giving in to emotions. 

This week I set up a little obstacle for us to play with and work around: 

it's pretty simple but different visually and underfoot

He was pretty chill about it.  I, of course, did work in hand before riding him over it. 

offered to stand there the first time I rode him over. 

He walked and trotted over it with zero cares. there's a very solid horse in there I need to bring out in other situations. 

Cordelia appreciated the new dog bed so she
could supervise me. 

Which leads to a new goal I'm adding: 

Ride Quaid forward into contact while staying upright (no curling forward) with a steady leg (no gripping) and keeping my seat in the saddle (not tight and bouncing). 

I can't believe June is almost over.  I thought time might slow down when I retired. Instead it's just speeding up. What about you? Have you changed your goals/what you're working on? How's your year going? 

Pro Photos

 The group that holds the dressage shows I attend have a new sponsorship committee and they knocked it out of the park. They got some new banners and sponsors. They also arranged for someone to be available to clean the stalls (for a fee, totally worth it) and a professional photographer: Brianna Darton Photography . She did an excellent job and it was hard to choose photos (which were incredibly well priced). 

Some were made available for free to the riders as well.  Like this one. I won a door prize and took Quaid up to experience being at the table. 

Quaid: did I win? I think I won. 

A rare photo of Carmen with her ears up. I guess she needs to win for that to happen. 

Carmen: I look so elegant

I feel like she weeded out the blooper photos (which I would have tempted by). It was hard to narrow it down but I want to save some for next time. 

This 'Photo Booth' was so cool. I need to get one of Carmen next time. 
Also, there's Paula, my trusty groom. 

we had some really nice moments 

Square halt! 

Who is this fancy horse? 

I really like this canter shot

Taking photos in the show ring is not at all easy. So I love to have someone take these. I hope that they have her at the next show. 

Save the Best for Last: Show Recap, Carmen the Magnificent Edition

 My last post was all about Quaid. But Carmen would like you to know that she also went.  I realised after my ride on Quaid on Friday that I was looking forward to an 'easier' ride on Carmen. The whole weekend showed me that with all the focus on Quaid I just assume that Carmen will be fine. 

Freshly bathed and ready to shine

Spoiler alert: she was more than fine. As long as her servants (Paula and me) made sure she had fresh water and hay she was quite content.  On Friday I tacked her up and took her to mount. Just as we left the barn a woman mounted her horse who immediately dropped his head and bronced her off! She had the wind knocked out of her but ended up being fine. It was scary. I was starting to think that this Friday the 13th thing was real. Or it was me.  Our ride was good. She was very mature in the ring and we had a really good schooling session. 

honestly, all she needs is a bell to ring for service

We were riding Second Level Test 1 & 2. and they were scheduled for the middle of the afternoon on Saturday. I was tired which actually took care of any nerves. Our warm up was good. To be honest, it's kind of a blur. I do remember thinking she walked into the ring saying Which one of you scared my Quaid?!   I don't have videos of the tests but they felt really good. She was good with the half-halts and didn't get too fussed about things. For 2-1 our scores were really consistent: 6-7.  She got 7's for her gaits and I got it for 'riders position and seat'. Our final score was 65.57 with the comment to work for more suppleness. 

At the time I didn't know the score because I usually don't check and I didn't really have time to dismount between tests. I did know that it felt good. In between the tests I walked her in small serpentines, SI/HI to keep her supple and on the aids. Close to our ride time I did some canter transitions. Going in I was pretty sure I had 5 minutes of riding left in me but it was a close thing. Our test was really consistent again: 6-7 with 5's for our turn on the haunches. The comment was that she was stepping out. It's hard because I actually don't feel her step out so that's something to work on. Our final score was 64.74 and the comment was to work for more engagement and self-carriage. We had first place for both classes. 

enjoying some post show walking and grazing

By Sunday afternoon I was pretty beat. I was really glad that I had paid a young woman to clean my stalls (it was a great option for this show).  But no one forced me to show 2 horses so I got my butt in gear. When we went into the warm up Carmen felt stiff and tight. Fortunately Jane was there to coach us through it. She had us walk and change the flexion left and right. then we did shoulder in to haunches in. That helped so much. I could feel her start to loosen up and begin to swing over her back.  

For our first test (2-1) I worked really hard to sit up, half-halt and keep my butt in the saddle. We had a few bobbles but I was able to sort them right away. It felt really good. Our scores were 6-7 with a lot of 7s! Our final score was 67. 29. Again I found this out later but I was thrilled. This was a personal best for us!

Soon enough it was time for our last test (thank god I thought). This time I tried to really pay attention to the turn on the haunches. Our first one received a 5.5. In the second one I kept my outside leg on to stop her from swinging wide, which resulted in a brief hesitation but garnered us a 6 so I'll take it. Our other low score was as 5.5 for the free walk. But otherwise we had 6's and 7's. Our final score was 65 even. 

This was the most consistent Carmen has been at a show. Often by Sunday she is over this crap and gets feisty. But not this time. She stayed right with me. Any 'squabbles' were small and short and we carried on. I attribute that to the work I've done at home not being in to any spooking. 

At the end of the show they always do the awards. They give out the ribbons for the afternoon and then the champions for each level and high points. It can be a bit long but it's important to support other riders. In our classes I placed first and second. Which was lovely.  Then I sort of zoned out while they started on the awards. Not completely I clapped for everyone but I was mentally thinking about the trailer ride home and that my feet hurt. All this to say that  when they said that the Second Level Champion was me I stood there stunned, pretty sure I heard it wrong. That's you! Said Paula. Teresa you won!  said Tanya. 

No.  I said. it must be a mistake. 

Spoiler, it was not a mistake. I freaking won.  I actually got a little teary. Which probably sounds silly but I've worked so hard with this mare. And she's not been easy but this weekend she was there for me and it paid off.  A few years ago I said to Jane I know that it's shallow, but at some point I'd love to win an award at a show. It's not why I do it and I know it's not important but still.. Jane just smiled and said 'don't worry,  you will' 

Jane was right

I won a beautiful blanket and a bunch of swag. See that fern behind Carmen? As we turned to go back she spied it and dove right in. NOOOO  shrieked the poor woman who had arranged for the loan. For a second I thought I bought a fern but it seemed to be okay. 

I was so happy

isn't it gorgeous?

the lovely thing about the blanket is that it was sponsored by Steele Family Warmbloods. Theresa Steele has always been so encouraging and supportive to me which made this all the sweeter. 

So that's a wrap on the weekend. It was hard, tiring, fun, stressful, and absolutely fabulous. I was so proud of my two horses.  And of me. And Jane. 

I knew that Carmen the Magnificent could live up to her name. 

Forward Solves Everything- Show Recap

 So last weekend I took both horses to show. It was an epic weekend filled with lots of action, fun and learning. To keep it simple, I'm going to divide it up between the two stars of this blog, starting with Quaid. 

The show takes place over 2 days but you can haul in the day before and ride in the show ring (5$ per 30 minute slot, which is a good deal).  I left Friday morning. I was all alone so glad that both horses walked on without any difficulty (probably because I had a plan if there was any problems).  The trip was uneventful and we pulled in around 11:30. Paula met me there and we prepared the stalls and unloaded them. 

Not sure but fine

 

I had two slots for warm up- 1-2 and 4-5. I decided to ride Quaid first. I got him tacked up and took him out to walk around the ring. He was really good about it. So I left to mount up outside and ride back in. Just as we were walking towards the mounting block a horse got away from her rider (trying to put the bridle on) and took off. She ran at us, then past us then back again. finally she was caught. Quaid was wide eyed and, understandably, a little freaked out. So I walked him a bit and then got on. 

We went into the ring and he was definitely tense. I did what I always do which is try to contain him. Spoiler alert, Jane is not a fan. She says that the more we contain the more explosiveness we create. And she is, as always, right. But when you're riding it feels wrong to push them forward. I (and I'm sure I'm not alone) want to hold hold hold.  Jane got us to trot forward and keep his mind busy. She was also on me for leaning forward and not having my butt in the saddle. 'SIT DOWN'  was a refrain that all of her students heard that weekend. That, of course, worked really well. I was quite pleased with our ride.   

My rides were very reasonable: 9:15 and 10:00. I had lots of time to braid him and then take him into the warm up ring. It's been a long time since I rode Training Level and I've forgotten how the warm up ring can feel like Thunderdome.  There were quite a few horses going every which way. Poor Quaid was quite rattled. There was one horse that it didn't seem to matter how much I tried to avoid always seemed to be crowding us or being hit hard by us. It's a lot to ask of a young horse who's essentially ridden mostly solo or with one other horse.  He was really uncertain about horses coming at him or near him. Sometimes there were horses coming at us and beside us at the same time. 

Then a horse spooked at the open window. Quaid, who had been quite fine with it before was oh god. that horse is scared of it so it must be scary. Now I'm scared.  He started to get spooky and throw some big spooks. I totally understood, he was responding to the herd dynamics and was in full self-preservation mode. My 'let's go forward and it's all fine' was not really cutting it. I'm not gonna lie, without Jane to do her magical mix of cajoling, advice and ass-kicking I'd have gotten off and scratched right there.  But I listened and tried. Failed, tried again, and kept trying.  We slowly began to settle.  I took him towards the centre and had him walk around and let down some adrenaline.  We breathed.  He showed an incredible amount of trust in me. 

Then it was time for our class. I rode Training Level 1 & 2.  I have videos of our rides Saturday but not Sunday.  But that's okay.  Here's the first one:

When I was watch it I can see how conservative I'm being and I should have not 'held' so much. But I'm also being quiet and steady. Our scores ranged from 3-7. The 3 when he balked going into the corner at M. 7's for our trot and centre line work. Our final score was 56.35 with the comment "Unfortunate. Think to stay forward, more on the aids'.   

We had a brief break and then back in the warm up for 10 minutes (it was a lot quieter) and then in for our second test. This went a lot better, with scores ranging from 5-7.  It felt so much better and I was really pleased. Our final score was a respectable 63.62.  He was done for the day and I was pretty happy with him. Honestly, I think he was relieved to be out of the warm up ring. 

I should note that for both our tests I would ask for the canter but did not make a big fuss when he broke early. I simply tried to settle him into the trot and carry on. The goal was not to win but to lay down some groundwork and experience.  We ended up placing 3rd and 2nd. 

Sunday our ride times were similar. Our warm up was a lot better until I tried to do some more canter work.  The wheels fell way off the bus for that. Jane was on me for going forward and lightening my seat. He needs you to be the stabilising force. If you go on his withers you're telling him to buck.  I really really tried.  We had good moments. He was WAY better about the other horses being around. I was really happy with that. 

yup

nope

 

When we rode our first test (TL1) he had a full on melt down in the corner by M.  He balked, backed up refused to go forward. I was expecting the bell to be rung to eliminate us so instead I made a diagonal line to B and carried on. I cut that corner but just carried on. I felt I rode more forward but I have no video proof. Our scores ranged from 4 to 7 with a final score of 57.5.  I was happy to not be eliminated so was not going to cry over a very generous score.  The judge asked me what happened and I shrugged and said 'babies'. 

Our second test I went in with a plan to ride forward. In TL 2 we track right, right into the corner. By then I figured out that it was the reflection in the glass freaking him out.  Anyway, as we went to the corner he full on balked and carried on. I thought about saluting the judge and giving Quaid a break. But instead I took a breath and decided to carry on and show him it's all okay. I sat up guided him forward and carried on. Laster one we were to come through that corner and pick up a canter between C and M. I decided that I was not asking for the canter. Instead I bent him to the inside, put on my inside leg and trotted him through it. When he went through I patted him and asked for the canter at the centre circle. It was a shit show. But I tried.  When we trotted down centre line I squared my shoulders smiled at the judge and trotted him forward. Again our scores were 4-7. Our score was 56.9. But the comment was awesome: 

new favourite comment

I think we placed 3rd and 4th. I was so proud of those ribbons. They were hard earned. Jane was able to watch this test and she said she was really pleased that as the test went on I rode better and better. I didn't unravel.  I realised that I hadn't been nervous or worried at all. I was just thinking about how to support him. 

It would be easy to frustrated with how his show went.  Old me certainly would have been. At home we can do the Training level stuff easy. But the current me can see all the gains we made at this show: 

1. we tried and no one died, cried or unraveled. It was really close and without Jane's support I probably would have scratched. 

2. Quaid tolerated the show without kicking the stalls when left or refusing to eat. He did call but even that was not as frantic as last year. 

3.  I think if we had down intro level it would have been easier but not the challenge we needed. He can do this work.   We need to learn to travel and do the work. It will get easier with miles and experience. I talked to Jane about it. She said something along the lines of 'if you rode him walk/trot then you would think of him as a walk/trot horse. A baby. And he's not that.  To quote my friend Tanya: 'he's just a genius, not a baby genius'. 

4. Quaid tried really hard to listen. Just sometimes what I asked when against his instincts and he responded. This has informed what I need to do with my training at home. He's pretty easy going so I need to introduce some stressors at home and show him he can work through it. I can't expect him to know how to deal with it without practice. And clearly I can't assume that because he's fine at home he'll be fine in other places. 

5. He handled the warm up really well. Each time I rode him in it he was better.  He coped with the chaos and I got really good at keeping him in his own zone. I scanned the ring and moved us away from other horses. When I couldn't I sat up and kept my outside rein.  I really tried to keep Jane's advice in the forefront: 

• he needs me to be his stable centre. To do that I need to stay over his centre of gravity and not move around. 
• I need to not be passive or try to contain the energy. Let it go out. If you activate the hind legs you engage in the brain.  

6. Forward is key. Not fast. But forward into contact. 

Like I say, I don't show to win. I show to see where we are. And to hang out with friends.  Friday night a bunch of us go to dinner. This year the show committee held a reception on Saturday night with pizza and beverages. It was a great time.