Mailed in my entry for the Windy Knoll Farm Fall Dressage Show today. Goal: to earn our final second level qualifying score toward our USDF bronze medal.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Guest Blogger
My barn buddy and fellow adult amateur has agreed to be a guest blogger today. Also working toward her USDF medals, my friend's current projects include rehabbing from injury her eventer/foxhunter/dressage partner and campaigning her current schoolmaster at second, third, and fourth levels.
She shared this breakthrough:
"I had a great lesson on my schoolmaster this morning, which helped my trainer and me to decide that I will send in my entry for the upcoming show.
We did a great exercise for putting jump in the canter: canter half-pass to quarter-line to halt. Then, from halt, strike off into canter IN half-pass to X, etc. across the diagonal. It took some doing (and incidentally got some volunteered trot half-passes to die for; unfortunately for my schoolmaster, it wasn't what I was asking for), some halt to rein-back, but finally did it. Then ended with canter full-pirouettes in each direction that were really uphill and relaxed.
The breakthrough came while riding my injured horse. She was her normal fussy self at the beginning--didn't want to go on the bit, didn't want to walk, didn't want to do haunches-in at the walk, tail-swishing, waaa waaa waaa. I had been determined to keep my hands still (Madame De Farge casts a very long shadow, my dear), and I was getting frustrated at her shenanigans. Suddenly, I thought, 'Just ride her the way you ride the schoolmaster.' So: my half-halts became STRONG, but very clear. I got out of the reins quickly. I asked once, then demanded. And, guess what? She was delightful. hahahhaahhahaha.
Just ride the frickin' horse!! What a concept. No, my injured horse and I did no canter pirouettes. But we did a 20-m stretchy circle (at the rising trot, a first) in both directions, and a trot serpentine with real bend. On the bit. Calm. I don't know why I'm so dumb-founded, but thought I ought to share. I'll bet if you ride Delphi the way you're riding Wizard/Gryphon/Fee, etc., you'll have a similar breakthrough."
Thank you my friend for that. Point taken!
It takes a village. These folks are a few of the villagers.
She shared this breakthrough:
"I had a great lesson on my schoolmaster this morning, which helped my trainer and me to decide that I will send in my entry for the upcoming show.
We did a great exercise for putting jump in the canter: canter half-pass to quarter-line to halt. Then, from halt, strike off into canter IN half-pass to X, etc. across the diagonal. It took some doing (and incidentally got some volunteered trot half-passes to die for; unfortunately for my schoolmaster, it wasn't what I was asking for), some halt to rein-back, but finally did it. Then ended with canter full-pirouettes in each direction that were really uphill and relaxed.
The breakthrough came while riding my injured horse. She was her normal fussy self at the beginning--didn't want to go on the bit, didn't want to walk, didn't want to do haunches-in at the walk, tail-swishing, waaa waaa waaa. I had been determined to keep my hands still (Madame De Farge casts a very long shadow, my dear), and I was getting frustrated at her shenanigans. Suddenly, I thought, 'Just ride her the way you ride the schoolmaster.' So: my half-halts became STRONG, but very clear. I got out of the reins quickly. I asked once, then demanded. And, guess what? She was delightful. hahahhaahhahaha.
Just ride the frickin' horse!! What a concept. No, my injured horse and I did no canter pirouettes. But we did a 20-m stretchy circle (at the rising trot, a first) in both directions, and a trot serpentine with real bend. On the bit. Calm. I don't know why I'm so dumb-founded, but thought I ought to share. I'll bet if you ride Delphi the way you're riding Wizard/Gryphon/Fee, etc., you'll have a similar breakthrough."
Thank you my friend for that. Point taken!
It takes a village. These folks are a few of the villagers.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Madame Defarge
The thing about riding a variety of horses is that it exposes a rider's faults that can sometimes be hidden when one rides the same horse all the time. The habit that is currently driving me nuts is the tendency to fidget the reins in a most un-dressage-like way (Jeff Moore once said of me "you have very supple wrists").
Help has come in the form of my trainer Karen's Spanish barb Wizard. My fidgety-ness drives him as crazy as it does me-- more so. He will absolutely not put up with it and exposed my less than perfect hands instantly.
With all this in mind during my ride on Wiz today I disconnected my inclination to fidget, channeled my inner Edward Gal, and quietly but deliberately and independently controlled the movements of my hands with elbows down and half halts coming from the shoulders.
Wizard unlocked something in me today: when we finally communicated it was suddenly Zen: Wizard happily went forward from a through and supple connection, and I was able to maintain it by continuing with my deliberate and independent rein aids, working with yet independent from my leg and seat aids.
Wizard just may make a dressage rider out of me yet!
Wizard the wonder pony,
and Zen master.
Help has come in the form of my trainer Karen's Spanish barb Wizard. My fidgety-ness drives him as crazy as it does me-- more so. He will absolutely not put up with it and exposed my less than perfect hands instantly.
With all this in mind during my ride on Wiz today I disconnected my inclination to fidget, channeled my inner Edward Gal, and quietly but deliberately and independently controlled the movements of my hands with elbows down and half halts coming from the shoulders.
Wizard unlocked something in me today: when we finally communicated it was suddenly Zen: Wizard happily went forward from a through and supple connection, and I was able to maintain it by continuing with my deliberate and independent rein aids, working with yet independent from my leg and seat aids.
Wizard just may make a dressage rider out of me yet!
Wizard the wonder pony,and Zen master.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Canter Quarter Pirouettes-- say THAT three times fast
Karen said of Delphi today that she is now consistent enough that Karen is able to simply add to Delphi's daily training things like canter and trot half pass, single flying changes, and canter quarter pirouettes. It is very satisfying to be schooling all of these as well as watching Karen get half steps and teaching Delphi to be very tall, uphill, and maintain more consistent self carriage.
This Just In
Horses never cease to amaze me. Today I witnessed a job swap: the first time my trainer Karen's Trakehner filly Lola jumped under a rider, and the first dressage lesson Blue Fox Farms owner and hunter/jumper trainer Teri's Oldenburg stallion Jeepers experienced in a dressage saddle. At first glance all this doesn't seem so spectacular; Lola has free jumped and has been lunged over cavaletti and is a sensible, willing girl; Jeepers has been in consistent work and is a kind, mannerly boy.
But Lola was so relaxed and workmanlike over her fences: she didn't get strong before the jump or rush after it; she basculed nicely over the jump and tucked up her knees-- "very photogenic jumper-- she hangs her body over the jump" as pro jumper trainer Teri Bludworth put it from the saddle.
Then Jeepers displayed amazing suspension and gaits; he happily moved from shoulder in to leg yield to lengthening, and his canter is simply beautiful. As pro dressage trainer Karen Brown said, "If I didn't know better I'd think I was just riding a very pleasant gelding."
The very fact that these two youngsters took so easily to their earliest lessons in a whole new (to them) discipline and that their respective owners so completely confide in them is what I find amazing and inspiring. Wonders, even the expected ones, never cease.
But Lola was so relaxed and workmanlike over her fences: she didn't get strong before the jump or rush after it; she basculed nicely over the jump and tucked up her knees-- "very photogenic jumper-- she hangs her body over the jump" as pro jumper trainer Teri Bludworth put it from the saddle.
Then Jeepers displayed amazing suspension and gaits; he happily moved from shoulder in to leg yield to lengthening, and his canter is simply beautiful. As pro dressage trainer Karen Brown said, "If I didn't know better I'd think I was just riding a very pleasant gelding."
The very fact that these two youngsters took so easily to their earliest lessons in a whole new (to them) discipline and that their respective owners so completely confide in them is what I find amazing and inspiring. Wonders, even the expected ones, never cease.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Pas de Deux Plus Two
A cute sixpack from our Pas de Deux lesson: Prissy, Rachel, Wizard, Carrie, Delphi, and Nephyn. It takes a village. Photo by Karen Brown.
Monday, August 1, 2011
"How many horses did you ride today?"
...my barn buddy Marlene asked of me. "Only three" I replied.
It's official: I have left a career in ophthalmology to embrace my destiny of riding full time. The first few lesson horses I've been riding are as varied as they are awesome: a powerful if compact Haflinger that teaches me the meaning of correct tempo, two noble Quarterhorse schoolmasters that are as eager to do upper level dressage movements as a southern gentleman is to hold the door for a lady, a pretty Arabian mare that teaches me I can ride one tempis, a Rhinelander mare that has earned several riders their bronze and silver medals and who considers the third and fourth level movements I'm learning as the easy stuff, and of course the challenging but rewarding world of the Trakehner.
While I may not take three riding lessons every day, it will be more common than not. I am excited and humbled at the opportunity afforded to immerse myself in the teachings and daily enterprises of my remarkable trainer-cum-mentor Karen Brown.
It's official: I have left a career in ophthalmology to embrace my destiny of riding full time. The first few lesson horses I've been riding are as varied as they are awesome: a powerful if compact Haflinger that teaches me the meaning of correct tempo, two noble Quarterhorse schoolmasters that are as eager to do upper level dressage movements as a southern gentleman is to hold the door for a lady, a pretty Arabian mare that teaches me I can ride one tempis, a Rhinelander mare that has earned several riders their bronze and silver medals and who considers the third and fourth level movements I'm learning as the easy stuff, and of course the challenging but rewarding world of the Trakehner.
While I may not take three riding lessons every day, it will be more common than not. I am excited and humbled at the opportunity afforded to immerse myself in the teachings and daily enterprises of my remarkable trainer-cum-mentor Karen Brown.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Mare on Fire
As Karen put it, we "cleaned up" this weekend at the Windy Knoll Summer Dressage I and II show.
Best of all, I earned my initial second level qualifying score, putting us halfway to our USDF bronze medal. Delphi and I were on the USDF Adult Amateur Team "Stranger's Danger" and won first place for the team gold medal. Delphi earned two firsts under Karen and me respectively, which earned us the blue ribbons and two lovely crystal wine glasses.
Karen's ride-- which was awesome-- earned her the Reserve Champion for Second Level Open and a gift certificate to Charlotte's Saddlery! All in all, a fun weekend!
Nephyn served as show Director:
Taking a break from the heat:
Swag, swag, and more swag:
Best of all, I earned my initial second level qualifying score, putting us halfway to our USDF bronze medal. Delphi and I were on the USDF Adult Amateur Team "Stranger's Danger" and won first place for the team gold medal. Delphi earned two firsts under Karen and me respectively, which earned us the blue ribbons and two lovely crystal wine glasses.
Karen's ride-- which was awesome-- earned her the Reserve Champion for Second Level Open and a gift certificate to Charlotte's Saddlery! All in all, a fun weekend!
Trakehner trot:
Nephyn served as show Director:
Taking a break from the heat:
Swag, swag, and more swag:
Delphi earned two blue ribbons, two wine glasses, a red ribbon, and the USDF Adult Team Competition Gold Medal (Delphi was real impressed, can you tell?):
Karen earned Reserve Champion Second Level Open, a gift certificate from Charlotte's, a blue ribbon, and a crystal wine glass:
Karen earned Reserve Champion Second Level Open, a gift certificate from Charlotte's, a blue ribbon, and a crystal wine glass:
Karen rode Delphi to the absolute razor's edge and pulled the utmost out of Delphi. After being inspired by Karen's ride and with additional coaching from Karen, our scores improved the second day.
Some score sheet highlights:
In my second level test three:
From Creeky Routson: "Attractive horse." [At least they didn't say "Nice tail!"] "Improved suppleness in connection will help consistency."
Maryal Barnett said of Delphi "Seems like a very honest horse." [HA! Delphi's got her snowed.] "Work on getting a more through topline."
Update: click for Delphi's results on the ATA page.
Some score sheet highlights:
In my second level test three:
- medium trot = "expressive" 7
- both shoulder ins = "good bend, needs activity" 7 and "angle varies a bit" 7
- up trans to collected canter from shortened stride in walk = "prompt" 7
- simple change (canter-walk-canter) = "smooth, could stay better connected" 7
- 10 meter canter circle, then simple change = "smooth but needs to improve connection" 7 and 7 respectively
- GAITS (freedom and regularity) = 7
- halt, rein back = 8
- rider's position and seat = 7
From Creeky Routson: "Attractive horse." [At least they didn't say "Nice tail!"] "Improved suppleness in connection will help consistency."
Maryal Barnett said of Delphi "Seems like a very honest horse." [HA! Delphi's got her snowed.] "Work on getting a more through topline."
Update: click for Delphi's results on the ATA page.
Friday, July 8, 2011
From the Equestrian Training Center PFERD24 in Germany, Totilas has sired a black filly and a chestnut colt. That filly is a wowza! (And I'm partial to girls!) Her "mommy" is a recip mare and the dam of both foals is an Oldenburg.
Totilas' sire is Trakehner while his dam is a Dutch mare so neither he nor his offspring can officially be registered as Trakehner since the Trakehner breed has a closed stud book (open only to purebred Trakehners or mares of pure Thoroughbred or Arabian bloodlines after inspection by the Trakehner association). But we all know he's a Trakehner on the inside-- only have to watch him move!
From PFERD24:
Totilas' sire is Trakehner while his dam is a Dutch mare so neither he nor his offspring can officially be registered as Trakehner since the Trakehner breed has a closed stud book (open only to purebred Trakehners or mares of pure Thoroughbred or Arabian bloodlines after inspection by the Trakehner association). But we all know he's a Trakehner on the inside-- only have to watch him move!
From PFERD24:
Foals by Totilas out of state premium mare Solotänzerin by Sandro Hit/Canaster
"Our black filly by Totilas out of state premium mare Solotänzerin by Sandro Hit / Canaster was born on March 20, 2011. The foal was carried by the recipient mare Atesse. Mare and foal are alive and well.
On May 15, 2011, Solotänzerin became a mother herself, giving birth to a healthy and superb moving colt by Totilas. The modern and willingly working mare Solotänzerin is full sister to the exceptional mare "Silberaster OLD" whom we purchased at the Oldenburg Elite Auction in 2007. "Silberaster OLD" won the Federal Championships in 2006 and 2007 and in 2008 the bronze medal at the World Breeding Dressage Championships for Young Horses in Verden."
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