I'm so happy! The sun was bright, warm and I was able to keep riding until 6pm, which is a good thing since I'm now riding SO many horses every day- a barn full of bona fide dressage horses!
Its time to take a serious look at the show schedule and start making plans. Ernie is just amazing me every day and dare I dream he will actually do a 3rd level test this year? Seems awfully upper level considering all we've been through and yet its not. Our music though is selected and various parts editted. I simply need to do a day of videoing various movements and connections to start some choreography. I have my ideas, but we'll see how they play out. I can't for the life of me however decide on music for Philipe. It seems I spend oodles of time each night on iTunes finding some wonderful passionate pieces, but if they make his gaits look great they lack enough interpretive phrasing. Ugh...... In the meantime, Philipe is brilliant and clever and definitely doing his best to make a real rider out of me. I will say that learning to connect and ride a Spanish horse over its back and into the contact with a long neck will make the average warmblood seem like such a walk in the park. I love this breed, but getting an honest feel on where they are can be tricky and I missed the mark somewhere in trying to put into practice what I got from my Dec. clinic with Krissi.
Live and learn though! Mistakes are opportunities for growth and greater understanding. I came away from this clinic smacking my forehead thinking "duh!" At least I know what I need, and how to get it. There is work to be done.
Right now... some sleep!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Pics of Romeo at Our Clinic
Here are a couple of clips of Romeo at the clinic last weekend with Krissi. He was hot and worried at first, but settled down a lot until he was more like the horse he is at home. I'm so happy! After showing me he could keep it together at the schooling show last fall, and now a clinic, I'm beginning to imagine a bona fide show horse in the making. ;-) Of course, there was never any doubt as he is the sweetest thing in the world, just nervous and tight. With those gaits though.... WoW. I'll say it yet again. He is the nicest horse I've ever owned.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Remodeling!
Training horses is a never ending process. You gradually progress to new places where suddenly the level of responsiveness, or suppleness isn't what it needs to be. Since each horse is so different, you may even find that something which worked so well on another or could be accepted takes another horse too far down an undesirable road. The next thing you know, you are back tracking. I equate it to building and remodeling a house.
You establish a solid foundation, frame your walls, connect them with the trusses plumbing, electical etc. and roof it. Finally you begin to finish it. However, you might have planned for a 3 bedroom and realize its not enough. Next thing you know you are adding on. But, you may not have an adequate foundation upon which to add. It will need some prep. As you begin your finish work, you may even decide its not good enough and have to strip things down to the foundation before you 'dress up' your house again.
It is the same with horses. Not so long ago, I was humbly contented with the notion that I could get Philipe to 3rd level if we worked hard. However, once there I realize there is more room to grow- 4th level and FEI seem well within grasp. First I need to address a solid foundation- upgrade. Because, suddenly what seemed to work so well for a 2nd/3rd level horse wasn't enough.
Remodeling isn't easy. Its dirty work tearing out walls, cleaning out the old and making room for the new and improved. As much as it can be stressful making these changes its also invigorating.
(Let me disclose my admission that I'm a bad blogger!) Back in Dec. in our clinic with Krissi (the one I never wrote notes for) she really started to break things down, tearing out some old '2nd level' decor to make room for the new house that will pave our way to FEI. (of course I didn't really realize it then) I came home full of excitement to get my homework done and tore into my house, but without a distinct plan. I accidentally started to tear into walls I needed to keep, and not taking out others, all while trying to do my best job of beginning to put things together.
So, last weekend with her expert precision, she helped us tear out the rest and pointed me to exactly where and how to rebuild carefully. Happily, I'm seeing how this new house is going to start to fit all my new rooms. There is a piaffe room going in and a passage room next to it. Down the hall a little is a 'pirouette canter' room and the medium/extended paces hall is SOOOO much roomier ;-) . The half-pass room now has a closet, windows, beautiful flooring..... This work has been establishing a very nice foundation for the tempi change room although we haven't started on it yet.
Success at all things in life requires the same focus as training horses. We create a plan based on a vision of where we want to be. That plan may be altered, but if we stick to its general direction we will still end up where we want to be. The change and growth that happens along the way is exciting.
You establish a solid foundation, frame your walls, connect them with the trusses plumbing, electical etc. and roof it. Finally you begin to finish it. However, you might have planned for a 3 bedroom and realize its not enough. Next thing you know you are adding on. But, you may not have an adequate foundation upon which to add. It will need some prep. As you begin your finish work, you may even decide its not good enough and have to strip things down to the foundation before you 'dress up' your house again.
It is the same with horses. Not so long ago, I was humbly contented with the notion that I could get Philipe to 3rd level if we worked hard. However, once there I realize there is more room to grow- 4th level and FEI seem well within grasp. First I need to address a solid foundation- upgrade. Because, suddenly what seemed to work so well for a 2nd/3rd level horse wasn't enough.
Remodeling isn't easy. Its dirty work tearing out walls, cleaning out the old and making room for the new and improved. As much as it can be stressful making these changes its also invigorating.
(Let me disclose my admission that I'm a bad blogger!) Back in Dec. in our clinic with Krissi (the one I never wrote notes for) she really started to break things down, tearing out some old '2nd level' decor to make room for the new house that will pave our way to FEI. (of course I didn't really realize it then) I came home full of excitement to get my homework done and tore into my house, but without a distinct plan. I accidentally started to tear into walls I needed to keep, and not taking out others, all while trying to do my best job of beginning to put things together.
So, last weekend with her expert precision, she helped us tear out the rest and pointed me to exactly where and how to rebuild carefully. Happily, I'm seeing how this new house is going to start to fit all my new rooms. There is a piaffe room going in and a passage room next to it. Down the hall a little is a 'pirouette canter' room and the medium/extended paces hall is SOOOO much roomier ;-) . The half-pass room now has a closet, windows, beautiful flooring..... This work has been establishing a very nice foundation for the tempi change room although we haven't started on it yet.
Success at all things in life requires the same focus as training horses. We create a plan based on a vision of where we want to be. That plan may be altered, but if we stick to its general direction we will still end up where we want to be. The change and growth that happens along the way is exciting.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Horse Shows are Fun
I've always felt there are no bad days at a horse show. Its a simple fact that things are going pretty well if you are spending your day playing with horses, watching rides, trying your heart out to do well in a class, getting covered in dust, horse snot, and slaving to take care of your beloved equine friend.
This weekend was no exception. I'd have liked to score better.... 3 scores in the high 50's and one over 60. Officially now I've received a score of 7 or better on every individual movement in the 3rd level tests. Now I just have to figure out how to do it all in the SAME test!
Philipe spooked for the first time in his life in a test today. One of those unfortunate incidents where just as the half-pass is arriving at "R" someone stepped up the bleachers just 15' away and dropped a pile of something with a loud bang/clang on the metal. Sent my little horse into a large flying lead leap dart to the right which we recovered from quickly, but without enough room to re-initiate the left lead, perform our flying change at H and have a decent corner. I walked a couple of strides towards H and picked up our right lead. Bummer is those changes have a coefficient of 2 - OUCH! Judge was oh-so kind to give a 2 for a totally non-existent change....maybe she just thought it looked like I would have got it and the other one was a solid 7.
On that note, my changes through the weekend were solid 7's. YEAH! And only 1 every so slightly croup high... even bigger yeah!
In our second test today he came into the ring and was VERY skeptical of that spot in the ring, but went past it as we circled the ring before entering. He was very 'up' with a bit of adrenaline, so I played with it and pushed for a medium to check that he was in front of my leg and WOOWWW!!!! I have never felt THAT particular quality of medium from him before. I tried for it in the test and got it on both diagonals, but unfortunately only for a burst or two during the whole diagonal so it was a bit inconsistent for 6's. Ah.... but we found something new and wonderful to aim for. And we still have our homework- finding a soft connection and an uphill horse at the same time.
Student Micaela had a terrific first ever recognized show earning 1 of her 3 needed scores to qualify for CDS Junior Championships. Her 4yr old mare was a good girl, but very nervous in the big scary indoor ring today. She rode with patience and tact to help her mare get more confident as the tests progressed earning a 7 on gaits and on the freewalk.
Next week, after the clinic we'll look ahead and plan out more of our show season. Right now we are all tired, but inspired.
This weekend was no exception. I'd have liked to score better.... 3 scores in the high 50's and one over 60. Officially now I've received a score of 7 or better on every individual movement in the 3rd level tests. Now I just have to figure out how to do it all in the SAME test!
Philipe spooked for the first time in his life in a test today. One of those unfortunate incidents where just as the half-pass is arriving at "R" someone stepped up the bleachers just 15' away and dropped a pile of something with a loud bang/clang on the metal. Sent my little horse into a large flying lead leap dart to the right which we recovered from quickly, but without enough room to re-initiate the left lead, perform our flying change at H and have a decent corner. I walked a couple of strides towards H and picked up our right lead. Bummer is those changes have a coefficient of 2 - OUCH! Judge was oh-so kind to give a 2 for a totally non-existent change....maybe she just thought it looked like I would have got it and the other one was a solid 7.
On that note, my changes through the weekend were solid 7's. YEAH! And only 1 every so slightly croup high... even bigger yeah!
In our second test today he came into the ring and was VERY skeptical of that spot in the ring, but went past it as we circled the ring before entering. He was very 'up' with a bit of adrenaline, so I played with it and pushed for a medium to check that he was in front of my leg and WOOWWW!!!! I have never felt THAT particular quality of medium from him before. I tried for it in the test and got it on both diagonals, but unfortunately only for a burst or two during the whole diagonal so it was a bit inconsistent for 6's. Ah.... but we found something new and wonderful to aim for. And we still have our homework- finding a soft connection and an uphill horse at the same time.
Student Micaela had a terrific first ever recognized show earning 1 of her 3 needed scores to qualify for CDS Junior Championships. Her 4yr old mare was a good girl, but very nervous in the big scary indoor ring today. She rode with patience and tact to help her mare get more confident as the tests progressed earning a 7 on gaits and on the freewalk.
Next week, after the clinic we'll look ahead and plan out more of our show season. Right now we are all tired, but inspired.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Pic of Philipe and I at a clinic... in warmer months!
Philipe and I with Rudolf Rostek back in the summer of '06.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Upcoming Schedule
Feb.8-10 Golden State Dressage Premiere ***
Friday: 8:40 am Philipe 3rd test2
1:45 pm Philipe 3rd test3
Sunday: 11:24 am Philipe 3rd test2
1:50 pm Philipe 3rd test3
Student, Micaela will also be riding her young mare at Training Level. (Their first ever recognized show)
Feb. 15- 16 Kristina Harisson- Naness Clinic
I'll be riding both days with Ernie, Philipe AND Romeo!
This will be Romeo's first clinic.
Friday: 8:40 am Philipe 3rd test2
1:45 pm Philipe 3rd test3
Sunday: 11:24 am Philipe 3rd test2
1:50 pm Philipe 3rd test3
Student, Micaela will also be riding her young mare at Training Level. (Their first ever recognized show)
Feb. 15- 16 Kristina Harisson- Naness Clinic
I'll be riding both days with Ernie, Philipe AND Romeo!
This will be Romeo's first clinic.
That's right... I have a blog!
I'm hanging my head in shame at my blogging abilities! Dec. 20th... yikes! that was it and there I was promising notes from my last clinic with Krissi. Ugh...
Lets just say its taken this long to start to 'get it' with all we worked on. I've been a busy girl with several great new clients, horses in training, and preparing for the upcoming shows. In the middle of all that there are some days here and there where I think I'm learning to ride! (yes, I know how to ride, but you always reach a new level of incompetence)
On the bright side of being completely challenged in working through all the deeper levels of throughness and connection (not deeper as in rollkur for those who may panic) and gaining more insights into the applications and "truth" of the training scale, I'm finding all the greenies are zooming along in their training. Pieces just click together as I have so much more to show the young ones.
My overlaying theme in everything has been finding 100% honesty in all we do. Is the horse really connected? Am I holding him up in any way? Am I covering for him? Is he really self-carrying? Is he really in front of my leg? Is he reaching all the way to my hand? Am I offering him a totally receiving hand? Did I feel each step? If the answer is no, fix it. Right then, right there, no excuses, no harm, no foul, just fix it and go on. Horses need that type of fairness, consistency, and clarity. They gain comfort in it.
Its been said that focus gives you feel, but focus is more than just paying attention- its also being totally honest about what you "see" as you pay attention. Its very easy to get complacent, satisfied, or even subconsciously allow your mind to decide that something is what its not. ie: deciding the horse is in front of the leg enough when he really isn't because deep down you really don't want to say something and deal with that buck or resistance. Usually, that buck or resistance would never have been there if the issue was addressed early on. However, the horse knows you won't go there, gets used to having his way and then is more resistant when you finally decide to change the rules. Its his confusion and distrust that make him act out.
Establishing a great partnership with your horse is dependent on each party working together. Sometimes I hear students say they want to have a good relationship, but I can have a relationship without being a partner with someone. I'd rather have the partnership and that entails us working together... which is work. A relationship can be no more than just saying hello, good morning, and "did you see the game last night?" while standing at the water cooler in the office. Its not uncommon to see people who have that kind of relationship with their horse- so long as they don't do much more than pet, say hello, and stare at the scenery together all looks well. Partners however can ask tough questions, voice their opinions, get dirty together solving a problem or help each other accomplish a job, and stay friends through it all.
Okay, now I'm wandering on random thoughts going through my head... oh, wait... this IS a blog afterall!
Lets just say its taken this long to start to 'get it' with all we worked on. I've been a busy girl with several great new clients, horses in training, and preparing for the upcoming shows. In the middle of all that there are some days here and there where I think I'm learning to ride! (yes, I know how to ride, but you always reach a new level of incompetence)
On the bright side of being completely challenged in working through all the deeper levels of throughness and connection (not deeper as in rollkur for those who may panic) and gaining more insights into the applications and "truth" of the training scale, I'm finding all the greenies are zooming along in their training. Pieces just click together as I have so much more to show the young ones.
My overlaying theme in everything has been finding 100% honesty in all we do. Is the horse really connected? Am I holding him up in any way? Am I covering for him? Is he really self-carrying? Is he really in front of my leg? Is he reaching all the way to my hand? Am I offering him a totally receiving hand? Did I feel each step? If the answer is no, fix it. Right then, right there, no excuses, no harm, no foul, just fix it and go on. Horses need that type of fairness, consistency, and clarity. They gain comfort in it.
Its been said that focus gives you feel, but focus is more than just paying attention- its also being totally honest about what you "see" as you pay attention. Its very easy to get complacent, satisfied, or even subconsciously allow your mind to decide that something is what its not. ie: deciding the horse is in front of the leg enough when he really isn't because deep down you really don't want to say something and deal with that buck or resistance. Usually, that buck or resistance would never have been there if the issue was addressed early on. However, the horse knows you won't go there, gets used to having his way and then is more resistant when you finally decide to change the rules. Its his confusion and distrust that make him act out.
Establishing a great partnership with your horse is dependent on each party working together. Sometimes I hear students say they want to have a good relationship, but I can have a relationship without being a partner with someone. I'd rather have the partnership and that entails us working together... which is work. A relationship can be no more than just saying hello, good morning, and "did you see the game last night?" while standing at the water cooler in the office. Its not uncommon to see people who have that kind of relationship with their horse- so long as they don't do much more than pet, say hello, and stare at the scenery together all looks well. Partners however can ask tough questions, voice their opinions, get dirty together solving a problem or help each other accomplish a job, and stay friends through it all.
Okay, now I'm wandering on random thoughts going through my head... oh, wait... this IS a blog afterall!
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