dancing horses

dancing horses

Tuesday, June 21, 2022

Show Takeaways

 After the show Carmen and I enjoyed a little down time. I left her totally alone for two days. When I started riding again I tried to keep it light and easy. And of course I have been reflecting on the show. 

Not caring about ribbons, just whether there's hay

First of all, Carmen has become very good at traveling. She loads, unloads, looks around and settles in. I believe it's because I spent a lot of time with her when we first started. I wasn't sure if it was actually working or not but now I believe it definitely helped. I put my chair by her stall and on our first day she will check on me by nudging my head.  She didn't fixate on the horses around her but didn't seem to care when they came or went. 


She wasn't Suzi level chill though. 


Carmen is understanding her job these days. Pigeons of doom, not withstanding. I am a better rider and, when I stay out of my head can do a competent job. Carmen will always be Carmen. And while I get frustrated when the hamster falls off the wheel, 

Show dogs, wondering why everyone is focussed on the horses

I had a grand time with the other competitors. Everyone was happy to be back showing and so supportive of each other.  I really enjoyed the time in between riding just hanging out. 

Those are some general takeaways. Others are more specific:
  • half-halts are so key. Carmen will get tight and fall on her forehand but frequent half-halts will get her back. 
  • I have to insist at times that she listens to my aids. I also have to give. It's all about the balance. Getting that accurate is not so easy, but we're getting there. 
  • ride forward. In my concern about bolting I tend to hold far too much and not send her forward. 
Overall the show on the weekend was a good test of where we are- what is solid, what needs more work. Which is great, because it is likely my only show this year (life plans). 


8 comments:

  1. Great takeaways - I'm so thrilled for you both that you had such a good show (especially if it's going to be your only show this year). Maybe by next year Carmen will achieve Suzi-level zen sleeping in her stall? lol.

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    1. She does lay down at night. But not during the day. :)

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  2. dude having a well-settled and chill horse is SO KEY omg, so worth that early investment in helping her with that... bc damn most of my worst show experiences were when the horse was just like, not at peace with the general surrounding world lol...

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  3. No more shows? Nooooo! You need to sign up for another. Carmen is amazing. Most horses would flip their lids in a new setting. That's 9/10ths of the battle. You did so well, and had such a great time with the other riders. I think people are really thirsty for community, and it feeds the soul.

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    1. It's not a choice so much as it just happened. We have a big trip planned for the end of august and we will be away for the only other dressage show. there is a schooling one we might get to but I doubt it.

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  4. Great takeaways! I relate very strongly to the last one. My horses aren't really bolters, but they ARE spooky, and I get to holding them together too much with not enough forward. Bummer about not getting to show much more this year, but hey, at least this one went so well!

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