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Discussion on New to Dressage
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Wednesday, Mar 21, 2007 - 8:45 pm:
Hi I am new to this page as I recently started training in dressage. I just purchased a Passier GT dressage saddle and I am hoping that it will fit. It is a 17" seat and I think it is a medium tree. I have a 5/8 thoroughbred quarter cross mare that was restarted in January with the help of a farrier/dressage trainer. He is a godsend as she has navicular, mostly in her right front. He has helped me get her much better with trimming. She is on ixosuprine, joint supplements and we are putting on easyboots with pads. The more exercise she gets the sounder she is. We are thrilled with her progress, she was very reactive with a tendency to buck or bolt and now she much calmer. She was also very hard to bridle and mouthy but now she much better. I may never be able to compete on her but until her daughter is old enough to start we can learn a lot. My husband is a golf fanatic and between that and his job I ride alone. We have horse property and I don't know anyone except my close neighbors and they don't ride. I would love to hear from everyone on their experiences and advice.
Thanks, Cynthia
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Member:
erika
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Posted on Wednesday, Mar 21, 2007 - 10:59 pm:
Hi Cynthia, sounds like you don't need any advice .It sounds like you are doing just fine! But you will find horsey friends here anyway, as you probably already know!
I do have one question for YOU, however. You mention giving your horse isoxuprine. I used to give it to my mare years ago after laminitis. I am under the impression from articles I've read, as well as the fact that my vet no longer prescribes it, that isoxuprine is not effective in horses and is no longer prescribed.
Am I mistaken, or has anyone else heard the same? Dr. O, I would particularly like to hear your advice on this since you are always "au current" with the research
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Thursday, Mar 22, 2007 - 2:15 pm:
Hi Erika, I wasn't sure it was needed so a couple months ago I let it run out. Within a couple of days she was walking sore on that right front. I have her on a low dose of about 15 a day. They are fairly inexpensive, a 1000 last almost three months. Navicular seems to be non specific with different causes. We think she might not have enough blood flow. When we are working her at a trot or canter she has a bigger stride with the easyboots. It's all trial and error, my old farrier thought I should just have her nerved and be done with it. One of my neighbors had a gelding that they nerved and they still ended up putting him down. My new farrier was trained at Cornell as well as spending some time with Gene O, the natural balance guy (can't remember how his last name goes). He advised me not to rush into shoes and since he is also a dressage trainer I thought that he had all my interests at heart. Her daughter is almost 2 yrs old and half Trakehner so if we can keep going for a couple yrs I will be happy. Cynthia
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Thursday, Mar 22, 2007 - 3:53 pm:
I will be getting my dressage saddle in a few days and I am wondering about pads and girths.She is a bright bay with four white socks and a blaze. I had been using a western saddle with a closed cell foam pad. Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks Cynthia
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Thursday, Mar 22, 2007 - 4:37 pm:
Cynthia, you'll want to match the girth color to the saddle, other than that, go with what's comfortable for your horse. I use a neoprene girth for schooling and a leather one for showing. My neoprene one is a Wintec and it's held up very, very well for about 5 years. Easy to clean. The only issue I have with it is that in the fall, after my mare is clipped, it creates rub spots on her, but that was resolved with a sheepskin girth cover. Once her summer coat comes in, it no longer rubs.
As for the pads, again, for schooling, it's a matter of preference. I prefer black as they don't show dirt and make my gray horse look a little whiter than she actually is at this time of year (probably wishful thinking on my behalf). I use white for showing, and then when it no longer gets clean, buy a new one and use the old as a schooling pad.
I have not found a preference in brand and refuse to pay $60+ for an expensive pad, so usually go with a cheaper brand. They seem to hold up equally as well and when the barn cat decides to give birth on one of my pads, well, I don't get upset about it . I usually buy a medium weight with medium size "waffles" as I like it flexible enough to easily pull up into the gullet of the saddle so it doesn't pull/rub on my mare's withers & mane.
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Thursday, Mar 22, 2007 - 5:24 pm:
Thanks I will probably get a neoprene girth also but don't know what size. I know that the saddle has padding built in but the pads seem so thin. I've seen some pads with foam? I was looking at a beautiful french blue pad,(my favorite color)not very expensive,to put aside for show but not sure it is the right color. Both her and her daughter are bays. White might be better. What do you think is a good color on a bay? Thanks
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Member:
wgillmor
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Posted on Thursday, Mar 22, 2007 - 8:14 pm:
For DrO's opinion of Isoxsuprine see:
https://www.horseadvice.com/horse/messages/5/10975.html
All the vets I know around here (near Boulder Colorado with clay/rock soil) recommend it and prescribe it.
A dressage saddle should fit well without out any padding at all. The pads are really for looks -- not cushioning or to improve the fit.
White is always the "right" color, but you will need to wash whites after most uses, so it won't last as long. What color will look best on your horse is your taste. Don't let anyone else decide. If you have a picture that shows the color of your horse well, post it here and you will get advice. We'd all like to see her anyway.
The best way to get the right length girth is to borrow from your friends until you find one that fits (the kind doesn't matter). Then measure from the tension bar inside of the buckle from one to the other. Take this measurement to your tack store or call customer service if you order online. Ask customer service to measure on the one you want. Don't rely on the statement that a girth is "32" inches, it's a recipe for returns. I've seen them vary as much as four inches.
Good luck,
Wiley
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Member:
amara
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Posted on Thursday, Mar 22, 2007 - 8:50 pm:
hi cynthia G!
good luck with your new endeavour! it is much fun!...
if you rode in a hunt seat type saddle before than typically the dressage girth is about 20" shorter than the regular long girth... this is only an estimate however! but it gives you somewhere to start..(am assuming you have either long or universal billets.. if you have short billets than you use a long girth..)
white is traditional for showing.. preferably without even a border....save the colors for home... depending on the type of bay,(and the type of blue). blue may look wonderful on her....
my bay looks great in purple!
as for type of saddle pad i too prefer the waffle weave, and if i can find it i prefer the Roma brand...they absorb moisture pretty good...
my favourite girths are made by cottage craft,
be warned that not all buckles on girths fit all widths of billets on saddles...you might want to measure your billets... the manufacturer may have suggestions...
as far as another pad for comfort, wiley is right that the saddle should fit "as is"... if you choose to add a pad "just in case" make sure you are not affecting the fit of the saddle (in any negative way at least)... a too thick pad can make a saddle that fit fine become too narrow, so check it-or if you arent sure, have someone who's experienced in saddle fit check for you...)..
i find that "usually" a thin closed cell pad or a gel pad doesnt affect saddle fit particularly, but i never assume this, and doublecheck any horse i ride...
if you have access to a good saddle fitter that is the way to go... you may also find that your saddle doesnt fit quite right, and that you need a little padding to help...especially in getting the cantle at the right level.. sometimes a foam type or gel type saddle pad with a wedge type rear can temporarily fix your saddle fit problems till the saddle fitter can come out... its a good investment to find a saddle fitter... most saddles dont fit "off the rack", and as your horse muscles the fit of the saddle will change..
good luck!
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Thursday, Mar 22, 2007 - 11:58 pm:
Tip for getting white pads white (actually it was Corinne's tip but I'll vouch for it): use an animal stain remover. I used Nature's Miracle and it got a pad spotless that had been washed a couple times before and wasn't quite white.
My other suggestion is to make sure that the buckles on your girth have rollers; they make life much easier for everyone.
Have fun,
Chris
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Friday, Mar 23, 2007 - 1:20 am:
Hey Thanks great info! I will look for rollers and I have Nature's Miracle. The dressage saddle won't be here for a week. I will ask my trainer Lynn if he has any girths we could try and I will measure the billets. Her western pad has purple, turquoise and black, I think it looks good on her. We had my old forward seat saddle on her on monday. Lynn got on her first, when she felt his legs go around her she gasped and her back came up. He was quick and brought her head around, got her busy doing roll backs. I am glad he was on her! Her reaction surprised us, she has been doing so well! After he got her relaxed I got on, it has been so long since I have ridden in an english saddle that I can't count the years. She is almost 19 yrs old & it's been longer than that. He said that I have great balance and that I did very well. He is so nice that I always enjoy the lessons but I wonder if I am really doing that good. I will try to post a picture but the last time I tried it was too big.
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Friday, Mar 23, 2007 - 8:12 am:
Definitely a white saddle pad for show. Dressage is a very traditional sport and at a smaller show, the color may not matter much, but I prefer to cover all bases & go with tradition.
I'm sure you are doing great in your lessons, Cynthia. Remember, it's the journey, not the destination that counts! Enjoy!
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Friday, Mar 23, 2007 - 5:05 pm:
Had a lesson this morning, we are doing 2 a week. He worked with her for 1/2 an hour, then I rode. We spend most of the time bending around on circles. Because she is also learning as we go, I have to work hard to keep moving her out while softening her head to the inside. I am doing good on upward transitions but the downwards ones are harder. He says that I should get some small spurs. I have never used them and I am worried that I could get in trouble if she decides to buck. I think that I will wait til I am using the dressage saddle and see if she moves off my leg better. What do you think?
Cynthia
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Member:
corinne
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Posted on Saturday, Mar 24, 2007 - 12:03 am:
Cynthia...sounds like are coming right along! You have an arab if I recall don't you? My advice is they usually have enough energy that you don't need spur aides and really you should be able to use all of your aides independently before using spurs or you could get into trouble, Arab or not. One time when I had only been riding a year an instructor put a pair on me, then had me post the trot without irons. I listened fool that I am....got him in the side with the spur he bolted and stopped dead at the arena wall at which point he mad a left turn and I went straight. Hit the wall for the first impact, then the ground. Actually hit so hard even with a helmet that I got a CT. Luckily there was no damage.
I repeat if you are just starting out in dressage you need to learn to ask with the aides you have seat, legs etc. Only when you are able to use all of them independently and there is no risk for an unbalanced seat and legs to catch them in the side, and only if you are trying to get a degree of collection or perform an upper level movement that requires their use would I say use spurs. And additionally if you become dependent on them the horse can get dull to the legs rather fast and you might be one of those that needs them all the time. I think you are fine without them for now! Good luck! Rome wasn't built in a day and in this sport it's a lifetime journey! Enjoy every minute. You sound like you are doing great!
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Saturday, Mar 24, 2007 - 2:04 am:
Thanks Corinne, we have 4 an arab gelding 23 yrs old, a 33yr mare, her daughter Shimmeree & the third generation her filly Sea Dancer. I am training on Shimmeree. She is 5/8 thoroughbred, quarter cross & her daughter is out of Fueurtanzer, a trakehner. I tend to think your right, she has only been back under saddle for three months. She is doing real well considering that she hadn't been ridden in years and even then she was still pretty green. I don't want to push her too hard and make her sour. I think he said that because I was having a hard time getting her to move out to the rail while keeping her head bent to the inside. I saw that amazing video of the gray mare from one of the other sites yesterday. I was watching her tail this morning while the trainer was on her and she carried it so quietly. I hope she stays like that. I tried to find a picture that I could upload but all of them are 200+ kb. I will have to do some research on how to get a smaller size.
Cynthia
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Saturday, Mar 24, 2007 - 1:39 pm:
I agree completely with Corinne. If your leg is not completely independant and solid, you're likely to get you and your horse in trouble by wearing spurs. If she needs reminding for forward, use your whip, which is easily DrOpped in case of trouble.
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Saturday, Mar 24, 2007 - 4:47 pm:
I think that I will try using a crop. My problem is that when I bring her head in on the circle she wants to follow it. She picks up speed easily, it is moving sideways trying to maintain an arc where I have problems. Most of my riding has been on the arab gelding, Mystery, trail riding. We bought him at 5 yrs old, he had been in dressage training but he really didn't have the conformation for long term ( his legs are too crooked). Now at 23 he seems weak in the knees he seems to buckle every now and then. We may have to have x-rays to see what is going on. But it really pushed me to get back on Shimmeree, Thank God for Lynn! he is the answer to my prayers.
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Saturday, Mar 24, 2007 - 7:03 pm:
Hmmm, Cynthia, I'm trying to picture what you mean. If I have this right, it may mean that you are not keeping enough inside leg on her, or it may mean that you are trying to "pull" her around the circle with that inside rein instead of "push" her around the circle with your outside leg & rein and supporting with the inside leg.
Regardless, this is all new to your mare and to you so patience is key. It sounds like you are off to a great start.
Just as an FYI, there's a lady at my barn - she's in her sixties, I think - who started riding last summer. She started taking dressage lessons with my trainer on a former barrel horse. Being a QH, he is so patient and willing to try anything she asks, but again, these concepts are all new to them both. Between her dedication & determination and his kind attitude, they are really making wonderful progress.
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Saturday, Mar 24, 2007 - 8:23 pm:
Hi Fran, I probably don't have a strong enough leg plus she is still pretty stiff. The trainer is working with her too and I'm sure it will get better. I took english riding lessons in my early 20's but mostly rode trail with her mom & our arab gelding. I started her when she was about 3 (my husband didn't want to pay for training) the 5th time on her she bucked me off. We sent her to a trainer for one month, got her back and 2 weeks later she bucked my husband off, broke his collar bone & a couple ribs. After that I worked with a trainer who taught me the parelli games. I was able to ride her some but she bolted a few times and bucked me off once more. I managed not to get hurt. Then we moved here and built a house while living in an RV.( too expensive to board 3 horses and rent a house for the four of us, 3 dogs & a cat) We finally put in a barn, an arena & a round Pen in the last 2 1/2 yrs(just in time for her baby). I have never blamed her, just that we didn't know enough to desensitize her. Lynn also spent some time with Dennis Reis and used a method he learned to make bucking less attractive. Without his help I would still not be riding her.
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Member:
kthorse
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Posted on Saturday, Mar 24, 2007 - 8:46 pm:
Spurs are a great training aid (only) if you have a long secure leg. Not for for someone learning on a green horse. Or for shorter stirrups. Its easy to get them hot of your leg if you are consistent without spurs. Just give a very soft soft squeeze, no reaction a sharp tap with the crop or a sharp kick. Then stop straight a way and try it again to see if they got the picture. Thats the important part. Always try it again imediently after your first attempt or they will get immuned to your leg. If you keep squeezing and pushing they start to ignore you. Be soft No reaction, then firm, then stop and start over. I have never known a horse that this does not work with. Its best to do it on your own and when you get to work with your instructor they will be amazed at how forward and light off you're leg your horse is. Same goes for using one leg for yeilding etc etc. Sometimes I am lazy and I just hold the crop near what I want moved and he moves it. He knows that he is being asked nicely if he doesnt react then he gets tapped. Good luck.
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Member:
mcbizz
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Posted on Sunday, Mar 25, 2007 - 12:06 pm:
I loved your mentioning the sixty something lady just starting to take dressage lessons, Fran. What is it about those good old quarter horse ex-barrel racers that makes them such kind and wonderful teachers? I probably learned 90% of everything I've learned about riding from Cowboy, the best horse we've ever had...(now in horse heaven, lived to nearly 32). My best wishes to the gal you mentioned!
And, I agree about spurs...proceed with caution.
A crop or dressage whip is much safer.
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Sunday, Mar 25, 2007 - 7:25 pm:
I found out today the lady I referred to is 66! She is SO determined that she has our trainer put a tape recorder on during her lessons. When I went out to the barn this morning, there she was with last week's lesson booming from the tape recorder in her pocket. Just hearing my trainer's voice made ME sit up straighter!
Carolyn, I never would have guessed the horse this lady rides would transform into a calm mount for a beginner. He's only 6 or 7 years old and just stopped racing last summer. I've watched him a few times and he could get hot as soon as he was pointed at a barrel. The owners did take some time "deprogramming" him before offering him up to the lady on a half lease. He's been so sweet with her. I'd say the most trouble she's had with him is getting him into a more forward mode vs. a western jog (maybe she should paint some barrels on the arena walls to get him moving a bit more! )
Cynthia, you are way ahead of this lady because you rode in the past (she had never ridden before until last year) - but sounds like your horse can be a bit of a handful. I'm glad you have some help and wish you loads of fun and enjoyment as you tackle dressage.
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Monday, Mar 26, 2007 - 1:27 pm:
Thanks Fran, My trainer couldn't make it this morning,he will be coming wednesday instead. I practiced yesterday mostly on getting her to move her front end, first from the ground and then on her back.Thanks Katrina for reminding me to escalate the cues, I have used it in the past for ground work so I used it in my practice. I am hoping to show a real improvement by my next lesson. I am thinking about getting a DVD by Sylvia Loch. It sounds like it is made for me. It is called Sensitive Schooling The Gaits Bend & Transitions. It is for the rider working the novice horse at home, which is exactly my position. She also has a DVD called The Classical Seat. Has anyone seen them? What do you think?
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Wednesday, Mar 28, 2007 - 5:53 pm:
I got my dressage saddle yesterday, it's a nice used Passier GT . I thought that it fit her withers but it was a little lower in the cantle, the pommel sits higher(about 1/2 in.). Lynn says that it fits her and if I like I could get a pad that is built up in the back. We used it in our lesson and I really like it. It feels more secure than my old Passier jump seat saddle which I've had for 27 yrs. I bought it at a garage sale & didn't know anything about the brand. The girth that I had fit the new saddle so Passier uses the same length billets on the dressage saddles. I think that we did better on our bending, Lynn says that she is so much better on her mouth. I am going to need a smaller size Easyboot. One of them came off twice while she was cantering. We put gaiters on them but her feet are rather round and don't fit tight front to back. It sounds like a flat tire when it happens. I'm going to the tack store for a new girth and pad, I'll make sure to get rollers and I will bring my old girth to make sure I get the right length. Any ideas on books and DVD"s?
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Member:
mcbizz
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Posted on Wednesday, Mar 28, 2007 - 8:10 pm:
Cynthia, I'm happy to hear your saddle has arrived and that you like it. Being the "back yard dressage dabbler" that I am, I will give you the name of the two books that have helped me the most. I think Dressage Formula by Erik Herbermann is so excellent...I read it probably three times and learn more each time. His language is so clear and easy to apply. Common Sense Dressage by Sally O'Connor is also one I would recommend...some very good illustration and many exercises to work on at home. I also have Sylvia Loch's The Classical Rider, which is very very good, but not as easy to read and apply.
And Fran, if you're reading this, the 66 year old lady at your barn sounds delightful...tell her I'm ahead of her by one year (I'm referring to age!!!) and that I want her horse!!!
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Member:
amara
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Posted on Wednesday, Mar 28, 2007 - 9:04 pm:
congrats on finally getting your dressage saddles... typically, depending on the brand, the front and back are either level or the cantle is higher.. you need to see where the center of the seat should be and adjust for that.. if you add a lift under the cantle, make sure you dont end up squashing the withers...
as far as books or videos, you should discuss this with your instructor.. there are so many different styles and methods out there, that if you choose one that is different from what your instructor is teaching, you can get easily confused...
good luck and have fun...
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Thursday, Mar 29, 2007 - 8:01 am:
Ahh, Carolyn, I think you'd have to fight that lady for that sweet QH...not to mention he's still owned by a teenage girl who couldn't part with him even though she no longer rides him! But, if they ever do decide to move on, I now know who might be interested...
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Friday, Mar 30, 2007 - 4:10 pm:
Hi All, I got a new girth, a dressage wedge pad by Cashell and a gray pad w black edge. The girth is a neoprene by wintec w rollers. A 48" barely gets to the second hole on each side. I think it will stretch more as it gets older.I had a lesson this morning. Lynn said that the wedge pad is just right & he likes the gray pad, the white can wait for showing. He says we could easily make it to second level and that he can train her to third level. He said that she getting better at engaging her hind end, her left rear is over stepping the front by a couple inches & her right is on top of the front. I will check with the Tack stop in Temecula to see if they have those books. I know so little about dressage that I have no idea what the different styles are. I will ask him which one that he does next monday. How are the tests judged if people are doing different styles?
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Member:
amara
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Posted on Friday, Mar 30, 2007 - 4:29 pm:
hi cynthia
the phrase "many roads lead to Rome" applies here...
the judge scores on essentially how things look at that moment, not how you got there.. no matter what style you have to be able to show that you can perform each test.. the judges are taught what constitutes a certain score, tho there is of course some subjectivity to it...
i guess its not so much styles as it is different ways of training...i ride classical style.. there is competitive, french, german, neo classical...and within each style there are differences within various trainers... the two books mentioned above are from two different styles actually (competitive and classical)... understanding the different training methods will help you as a rider, but maybe not so soon!
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Friday, Mar 30, 2007 - 4:41 pm:
Cynthia, One of the best ways to understand how the tests are judged is to get hold of the USDF tests themselves. At each level, it tells you what the judge is looking for.
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Friday, Mar 30, 2007 - 5:22 pm:
Wow, thats a lot of training styles! Can you give me an idea of the differences between them? On the subject of judges, is there a preference for certain breeds? My mare is only 15 hds but so am I! I think I would look ridiculous on a horse that is over 16.2 hds. I understand that certain breeds are built better for different disciplines and activities( like QHs for cutting). She is 5/8 thoroughbred & QH. My trainer says she will be judged more fairly in smaller shows like at Galway in Temecula.
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Member:
corinne
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Posted on Friday, Mar 30, 2007 - 5:45 pm:
Cynthia. I say just go with the flow and enjoy the style your coach teaches. I have had to change every two years when we move as it seems everyone teaches a different style. I think right now, if you were venture out to find a specific style etc. it will just confuse you.
As for breeds, I believe most horses can perform dressage although, straight from judges trained with the USDF mouths, they are trained to judge against the German warm blood standard because it would be impossible to know the specifics of how each breed moves etc. but they say that is also to make it fair for every breed, although I wasn't clear on how that worked. LOL.
I have an arab and trained with folks who had Arabs at Grand Prix and have ridden with a famed clinician who trained the first Connemara, Clydesdale and Paints to GP in dressage in this country (and in fact only rides untraditional dressage mounts, all to GP) so I would not worry yourself about breed. Enjoy the breed you have! Most breeds, if they are conformationally correct and good athletes they can be successful but most importantly it requires lots of work on your part and the horses part. We were told just last week we could make GP (Demetrius and I) in four years if we could commit to the type of training needed and trust me if money and distance were not an issue we would. I was so flattered and don't know if that would be in the cards but it is possible! When you are ready to show go to our show posts and there will be lots of advice on which shows will suit you best etc.
Either way enjoy the journey! Enjoy!
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Member:
amara
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Posted on Friday, Mar 30, 2007 - 5:57 pm:
your mare should be judged fairly no matter where she is shown at... whether or not she'll be highly competitive at a larger show is the issue..
ideally, no matter the size of the show, the exact same test performed the exact same way (a theoretical impossibility of course, but in theory), should get the exact same score no matter the size of the show.. the horse is judged against an ideal-not on type of horse, but on the "perfection" of the movement...
a warmblood are other big moving horse MAY get better scores in the collective marks at the end of the test-esp. the ones marking gaits, but this is not necessarily so...even a locked up warmblood MAY show a bigger movement in his strides than a freed up but naturally short strided QH... SOME judgest may not see the difference...
my little purebred arab that i had many years ago used to compete VERY competitively against big warmbloods at A rated shows...so again, its training, not horse, that should be the final factor...
there has been some trend in getting people to ride a horse that fits them sizewise.. the recent trend towards the big warmbloods got a little out of hand i think...
as far as the different training methods.. oy! that is a huge can of worms...am not sure this is quite the place to discuss the differences between Baucher and Klimke!...a lot of has to do with the horses that were representative of the area (i.e. hot horses for french, heavier warmblood type horses for german), and then different methods were used to garner the control they believed necessary for what was wanted...
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Friday, Mar 30, 2007 - 10:00 pm:
Hi Corinne, How are you doing? I am very happy with what we are doing. I am an empty nester, & my husband is a FedEx pilot on a 12 day trip. I finally have my mare back under saddle and now I have a new subject to interest me. I would like to learn more so that I can be prepared and also work with Lynn & my horse better. I am planning to go watch some dressage tests especially the training & level 1. I watch Dressage Unlimited on RFDtv but most of it is upper level. When I was in high school I read everything that I could find on horses in the school library. I have been studying a lot of the natural horsemanship like Pat Parelli, John Lyons, Clinton Anderson, Dennis Reis and Chris Cox. I am trying to learn a new language (dressage) and I am definitely confused. A year ago I took her to a John Lyons certified trainer but taking her away from home was a disaster. She paced her stall and started to act ouchy. That's when we found out that she had navicular. And in trying to get her sound I found Lynn. And now You know the rest of the story! LOL
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Member:
maggienm
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Posted on Saturday, Mar 31, 2007 - 12:38 am:
Melissa, what a good explanation of the different schools of thought.
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Member:
lilly
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Posted on Monday, Jul 16, 2007 - 3:14 pm:
Cynthia,
I just stumbled across your thread. Listen, if you really want the inside scoop on what judges think and what is expected out of competing horses, then you need to volunteer as a scribe. Join your local dressage association and ask them to contact you for volunteering. You don't need any experience. They will place you with a judge for the lower levels and as you learn more you can advance up the levels. You won't believe the wealth of information waiting for you!!!
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Monday, Jul 16, 2007 - 8:21 pm:
Hi Ann, Thanks for the great suggestion. I will definitely do that. I am hoping to go to a show this weekend. We will probably just do a training level test 1 in training, not to compete. I am hoping that she handles it well. She has done real well in training, and we learned the first test and I am memorizing the 2nd test. But I have to find some boots, if I can't I will try for the middle of August.
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Tuesday, Jul 17, 2007 - 8:04 am:
I hope you're able to make your show, Cynthia, and wish you the best of luck. Let us know how you do.
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Member:
lilly
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Posted on Tuesday, Jul 17, 2007 - 10:15 am:
Good luck with your show. Have as much fun with your horse as you can. I have recently visited a friend's high level dressage barn and spoke with women who bought amazing warmbloods from Europe. The horses are such big movers that they can't ride them - the trainer works them...for now. My horse is short and fat and I love being around her. That means more to me than a good score. Here is a YouTube video that will make you appreciate a sane horse https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNMIz-RjJyw . It is very inspiring!!!!!!!
As far as books go, I just finished up reading the following: Dancing with Horses by Klaus Ferdinand, Lessons with Lendon by Lendon Gray, The Photographic Guide to Schooling Your Horse and The USDF Guide to Dressage. They all had their good points but I really look forward to using the information in Lessons with Lendon. Her first chapter is titled "Can you 'Do Nothing'?" The book starts at the very beginning of a rider's adventure into dressage by asking if you can ask your horse to trot and does he trot?
As far as dressage supplies, I love www.dressageextensions.com . It's like the Sears X-Mas catalog for dressage riders. When I want a good deal on something I go to www.vtosaddlery.com. I recently bought a Kerrits top from www.doversaddlery.com for $24.99. It is made out of a very lightweight meshy material for riding in the summer and it is awesome.
Enjoy the ride. Ann
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Member:
lhenning
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Posted on Tuesday, Jul 17, 2007 - 2:32 pm:
Cool video, Ann. I never saw video of dressage riders having bucking episodes before. Usually, they look so perfectly in control. I wish I could be so calm and sit through a buck like that. I can't imagine what that must feel like on a large horse! Thanks for sharing.
Linda
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Tuesday, Jul 17, 2007 - 3:42 pm:
Sorry for the double post, I'm not sure how I did it.
Cynthia
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Tuesday, Jul 17, 2007 - 4:09 pm:
Thanks, You Guys!! I think that I will wait to watch that video until after the first show. I am hoping that she stays sane. She hasn't bucked since Lyn restarted her last January but I haven't ridden her off the property either. Those books sound interesting, where did you get them?
Cynthia
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Tuesday, Jul 17, 2007 - 4:31 pm:
Cynthia, if you have the option, bring your mare to the show the night before your classes. Let her settle for a bit and then get her out and about (even if it's only at the end of a lead line) as much as you can that night and the morning of your classes. Since this is her first show, there will be a lot of things for her to look at - new horses, strange buildings, judges table/tent, flower boxes, etc. If they are 'old hat' by the time you both enter the ring, you'll both be more relaxed when you make your first halt and salute at X.
Eventually, as you go to more and more shows, going early probably won't be neccessary.
And by all means, DO NOT watch Ann's video this close to the show ...freaked me out and my next show is still 2 weeks away!
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Tuesday, Jul 17, 2007 - 4:47 pm:
I am going to try to trailer her to a community arena in the next couple days and practice the test. I think if I do that it will reassure her that she is coming home soon. Eighteen months ago I took her to a week long clinic in an attempt to get her back under saddle. She paced the whole time that she was in her stall and a certain filly was not close by. She had become the herd leader and her world turned upside down. She is pretty bonded to me as I am the first person to touch her after her birth and the main caretaker in her life. A long time ago I took her on a group trail ride and though she was uptight at first, she settled down and did well. I am hoping that will be the case now.
Cynthia
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Member:
erika
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Posted on Tuesday, Jul 17, 2007 - 5:13 pm:
I thought the video was great--happy ending afterall!
Must admit, the girl on the rearing horse was amazingly quick thinking to get him turned and recover!
In the end, everyone behaved very nicely, right?
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Member:
lilly
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Posted on Tuesday, Jul 17, 2007 - 7:44 pm:
Cynthia,
A few years ago I joined the "horse" book club and ordered tons of books. I literally eat, sleep and breathe horses. I can't get enough! Everything about them fascinates me. Check out www.booksonhorses.com .
I currently own a Belgian/QH cross mare. She is a good match for me because the draft horse in her keeps her VERY calm. I am very high strung and have a hard time releasing the tension in my shoulders while riding. That is one of the reasons why I love the video I recommended. The rider remains calm at all times (shoulders relaxed, no tension in the reins) - no matter what the situation. It helps me to visualize what I should be doing physically. Plus, in the one scene in which the rider's horse rears, she responds quickly in a way to keep the horse from flipping on her. It's good to know about that trick! She explains her actions in the comment section.
Fran's advice about exposing your horse to the show grounds was great! I've seen a lot of riders walking their horses around the grounds before showing, especially if they are going to be indoors.
Ann
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Member:
warwick
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Posted on Tuesday, Jul 17, 2007 - 8:28 pm:
Getting in here very late but have had limited time over the last 6 months to spend on HA - and am missing it!
Ann - that video was great and thanks for posting. Reminded me of some young horses that I've had in the past.  It's easy to forget sometimes just how athletic they can be!
Cynthia - I strongly endorse Wiley's comment about saddle fit and the use - or more correctly non-use - of built-up pads to change the fit. You bought well as Passier is one of few lines of saddles that can be totally altered to fit a specific horse. My suggestion would be to find a good saddler and get it customized for your mare and get rid of the Cashel wedge pad. It will make a big difference all around and be money very well spent. I own several Passiers that are custom fit to my horses and I get the fit rechecked every year. It is amazing how much the stuffing can settle in that time. Plus with young or, as in your case, developing horses, their changing muscles and backs will require periodic alterations to the saddle fit.
Last weekend I had Warwick's saddle restuffed (last time was a year ago) and Alnwick's got the green light as still a good fit. I just keep the bills safely tucked away where my husband can't find them and that way everyone is happy!
Cheers
Sue
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Member:
gwen
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 18, 2007 - 9:12 am:
Awesome video. Those riders are amazingly composed. I LOVE the girl on the rearing horse-she was NOT going off...
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Member:
lilly
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 18, 2007 - 10:09 am:
Gwen,
It is the same rider throughout the video. Her other videos are also nice. If you just click on the tab to the left of the video that says "more from this user". I really enjoyed going through her slide show of horse photos that she took.
I have come across so many negative people that are so quick to throw away any horse that has the slightest problem. It is refreshing to see someone invest the time and energy to give confused horses a second (maybe third or fourth) chance.
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Member:
lilly
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 18, 2007 - 10:18 am:
Cynthia,
Check out this video. It is by the same rider, no bucking or rearing, just a very touching video of a girl riding her horse bareback. You can watch her rehab video after your show
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtwtjjIr9as
Ann
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Member:
gwen
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 18, 2007 - 3:02 pm:
She is someone whose I would love to pick. How does she keep it together?
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Member:
lilly
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 18, 2007 - 4:50 pm:
How does she keep it together? I don't know. Dealing with horses is one big mental game at times. I love that aspect though. It's like when you are riding bareback and try to sit the trot and you grip with your thighs. You get the exact opposite of what you want - you stiffen up and bounce out of control. It blows my mind that in order to hold on you have to let go, just relax and go with the movement.
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 18, 2007 - 5:40 pm:
I started scribing this year and agree that it is a fantastic learning opportunity.
A couple of weeks ago, an L program participant sat with the judge I was scribing for and it got even better. In addition to his remarks for me to record and explaining things to me, he took the time to go over each test with the L program gal and we both got what was essentially a clinic for free. I got to hear a fantastic dialog on some specific movements as well as some overall judging philosophy.
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 19, 2007 - 3:11 am:
Hi Sue, I took the cashel pad back to the store. It pushed me up against the pommel and was uncomfortable. I have not seen any soreness in her back. She must have a very average back, I have never had a problem with saddle fit. She used a semi-quarter tree in the western saddle and a medium tree in the english saddles. Ann and Chris, I joined the CDS a yesterday. I had to call the chapter in Yorba Linda, the Temecula chapter and the Hesperia chapter had wrong numbers in the CA Horsemans Directory. She told me that a neighbor is having a schooling show on the 28th so I am not going to go to the one in Ramona this weekend. It's a two hour drive and it going to be hot and humid as well. I can't believe my good luck, a schooling show and only a five minute walk down the street! I joined online and sent in my entry today. I also talked to a member of the Temecula chapter and she is e-mailing a newsletter tomorrow. I told her that I would be interested in scribing and she told me that the chapter does the dressage for the eventing at Galway Downs! I am really excited that things are starting to happen!
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 19, 2007 - 8:44 am:
Good for you. Interestingly enough, the "Yorba Linda" chapter is actually the "Pomona" chapter and the one I belong to. I have no idea why it's still called the Pomona chapter when it seems the vast majority of the members are south of the 10 fwy. (Pomona is north of the 10 for those non-Californians who are puzzled why we use freeways as land marks!)
Have fun and enjoy the journey!
Chris
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Member:
lilly
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 19, 2007 - 10:08 am:
I am glad things are falling in place for you. I hope you are able to resolve your saddle issues. My first two dressage saddles were both Passier. I still own one of them even though it doesn't fit my horse. That one is a PS Baum, Brown, and old - but still a wonderful saddle. My other Passier, that I sold, was a Grand Gilbert - wonderful saddle! I currently ride in a Duett saddle. The company specializes in wide saddles. I can't say enough good things about Duett or their saddles. My girl needs a size 38 tree if you can imagine! I love riding her bareback, especially in the winter when she warms up my butt.
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Member:
warwick
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 19, 2007 - 10:48 am:
That sounds great, Cynthia!
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Friday, Jul 20, 2007 - 10:12 pm:
Hi Ann, I just watched the video of the girl riding bareback. It is beautiful, makes me wish that I had a pond! My arab gelding is very like hers, great personality and good head on his shoulders. I only wish that he had such a beautiful mane! I haven't had a problem with saddle fit. When I first got my passier GT I noticed that the cantle was slightly lower than the pommel and thought I should raise the back. She has never shown any signs of soreness and the saddle is very comfortable, so I am very happy with it. I had really forgotten about the cantle, it feels fine, maybe that is the way they used to make them. I found out that it is a 20 yr old saddle, though in wonderful condition.
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Friday, Jul 20, 2007 - 10:22 pm:
Chris, the lady I talked to was so nice and so very helpful. Does your chapter have many meetings and events? Is your stable close to the Pomona frwy? In my early 20's I took lessons at a stable in San Dimas from a lady named Gretch Lauretson ( not sure of the exact spelling of her last name). I wish I hadn't quit when I got married. I wish I hadn't lost touch with her, she was very nice.
Cynthia
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Saturday, Jul 21, 2007 - 11:29 am:
Hi Cynthia,
The Pomona chapters has quite a few shows and I know there are board meetings every couple of months or so that anyone can attend. Since they tend to be on week nights, I haven't made it to any since I usually go to the barn after work and then home.
My barn is off the 605, inbetween the 405 and the 91. I'm actually closer to both the Palos Verdes chapter and the LA chapter, but all my buddies were in the Pomona chapter so, there I ended up. You can check out the Pomona chapter website at www.freereinonline.com
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 - 6:03 pm:
Hi Chris, Sorry I haven't gotten back to you sooner. On top of everything we finally got the concrete poured in the tack room, wash area and feed room. So on top of sewing, I have been putting everything back together in the barn. Now I need to also start getting Shimmeree groomed for the show. I was told that it isn't necessary to braid her mane and I haven't done it in many years. My time is at 3:19 pm on saturday so I should have time, though I plan to take her there early to look around and then bring her back home to relax. Also I need to bang her tail, if I have someone hold her tail a little up, then trim to the bottom of the pastern will that be about right? Do you have any other advice? About my appearance, I was told that it would be summer rules. I have a cover for my helmet and a hair net with bow. I also have new boots, a new bridle and white pad. I will definitely check out your chapters web site as soon as this show is over. Thanks for any tips and advice anyone has for me.
Cynthia
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Member:
dres
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 - 6:38 pm:
Cynthia... you have forgotten one very important item to take with you to the show.. YOUR SeNSe OF HUMOR... Go an have FUN... 
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with spots..
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 - 9:43 pm:
Good luck to you! Remember, it's supposed to be fun!!
Chris
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 - 10:09 pm:
Best wishes, Cynthia. Can't wait to hear about all the fun you had!
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Member:
jerre
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 - 10:34 pm:
Cynthia,
The goals of a dressage test:
1) Stay on the horse
2) Stay in the arena
3) Stay on course
4) Finish the test
There are some days when No. 1 is a very reasonable goal!
Jerre
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Member:
dres
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Posted on Friday, Jul 27, 2007 - 9:43 am:
May I be your reader..??
The Amazing Dressage Test"
1. A. Enter at ordinary serpentine
2. C. Stop dead. Stare in horror at Judge and shy to left.
Continue at ordinary working gallop.
3. E. Stagger left 20 or 15 or 22 meters in diameter
circle or pear shape or five pointed star. Avoid excessive
crossing of legs.
4. K. Begin to halt
Z. Keep trying
F. You can do it
B. Pulley rein. Give up.
Continue at out of hand gallop
5. H. Regain right stirrup.
Continue at ordinary trot. Bouncing
6. MKT. Change rein, free walk, loose reins.
Remove horse from judge's luncheon table.
Ask Judge for leg up. Jump back into ring.
7. Z. Turn down centre line.
Halt. Grin. Burst into tears.
Leave arena at free walk on long reins, loose language.
On the first day God created horses,on the second day he painted them with spots..
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Member:
maggienm
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Posted on Friday, Jul 27, 2007 - 11:44 am:
Now I get it! I have been wanting a step by step run through of how ot do a test.
This is another great example of Ha friends anticipating a need.
I once did a reining pattern that included a bucking horse imitation, me using two hands, whatever, we didn't go off course and ended up with a third place, guess the rest of the class was a bit more western....
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Member:
erika
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Posted on Friday, Jul 27, 2007 - 10:44 pm:
Ha ha! Ann, that was GREAT!!
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Saturday, Jul 28, 2007 - 12:48 pm:
Ann That was SOOO FUNNY, I laughed the whole time I was reading it. I just hope that it doesn't resemble me and Shimmeree. I must control my nerves or we may do the entire test at a canter! She is a very forward horse as it is.
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Saturday, Jul 28, 2007 - 9:17 pm:
Hi Everyone! Success!! 1. I stayed on my horse, 2. I stayed in the arena, 3. I stayed on course and 4. I finished the test!!! 10 out of 13 of my comments say tense,very tense, stiff and tense. As we were entering the arena 3 horses in adjoining pastures were all running around and bucking!! We did lose our trot on the approach to X and on the first 20m circle. And though we picked up the canter on the last depart, we lost it before the 20m circle and picked up the wrong lead. So we did the whole circle on the wrong lead! The Judge said at the bottom under further comments," Her mind was not on her work today. You were very patient". I am thrilled with the both of us, I managed to control my nerves very well and I think she did amazing for her first show. I think the sand footing may have thrown her a bit, I only have dirt. The last month she has really accepted the bit and stays in frame most of the time. I led her over earlier and she never looked back. In fact she wanted to go too fast, and I had to keep slowing her down. She seemed to be interested and gregarious, talking to a lot of the horses along the way. One of my concerns was that she would want to run back home. So I am on cloud nine!
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Saturday, Jul 28, 2007 - 9:34 pm:
Congratulations, Cynthia!
Keeping those nerves in check, I think, is the hardest part of showing until you get many shows under your belt, so controlling them was indeed a success.
Although Shimmeree was tense, that is not unusual at all for something so new to any horse...I bet with time and experience, she will learn to control her nerves as well and you both will continue to make progress.
I went back to the top of this thread and read back through again - I hope you do too, Cynthia because it's really a great testimonial to you setting a goal and working hard to achieve that goal. I congratulate you on the courage to go for it and for keeping a great perspective. Looking forward to hearing of future successes and how 'bout some show pictures for all of us to admire??
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Sunday, Jul 29, 2007 - 12:00 am:
Hey Cindy, great show! I always feel that when it's the horse's first show, let alone the rider's, and you make it through your class/ride all in one piece without being excused from the ring, you've done a good job! I totally agree with Fran's comments, and I look forward to hearing about more shows and higher scores! Hey, for the most part I'm showing on two horses that have been showing for years, and we still have bad days, bad shows, even excuse ourselve from classes. I'm showing stallions, granted, but I've had the same experience with the mares. It can always be a challange, and your first time out is really difficult. You did great!
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Sunday, Jul 29, 2007 - 12:13 am:
Congratulations!!!
Chris
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Sunday, Jul 29, 2007 - 8:13 pm:
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Sunday, Jul 29, 2007 - 8:26 pm:
Sorry for the failed attempt at uploading the pictures.
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Sunday, Jul 29, 2007 - 8:44 pm:
 20m circle, trot at E
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Sunday, Jul 29, 2007 - 8:48 pm:
 approaching the halt
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Sunday, Jul 29, 2007 - 8:50 pm:
 test is finished, big sign of relief
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Member:
36541
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Posted on Sunday, Jul 29, 2007 - 9:09 pm:
SO PROUD of you!! Don't the two of you spiffy up nicely too! That relaxation will happen for both of you I wager. It is really nice that you had the opportunity to go to a schooling show so close. Maybe you could school over there once a week for variety? Places in my neck of the woods charge 5-10$, well worth it to me with my young ones. I look forward to hearing about future adventures. Congrats! Stacy
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Sunday, Jul 29, 2007 - 9:10 pm:
 My sons Chris and Colin, Charlie is taking the pictures. Colin video taped the test so I will be able show Lyn and see all my mistakes!
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Sunday, Jul 29, 2007 - 9:49 pm:
Thanks Stacy! I think that will happen too. Maybe now that I am a member of the Temecula Chapter of the Calif. Dressage Society, the owner will be open to doing that. People are very nervous about liability out here. There is going to be another schooling show there on the 22nd of Sept. so I am planning on going to it.
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Member:
hwood
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Posted on Monday, Jul 30, 2007 - 12:42 am:
Good job, Cynthia . . . and it's great to see the family supporting you.
Many more successes to you.
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Member:
dres
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Posted on Monday, Jul 30, 2007 - 9:47 am:
lovely picture.. first one nice straight horse, one ear is on the rider,one is looking for ''something'' .. second picture a bit too much bend in the neck/head tilted appears you are not using that outside rein enough? LOVE the 'approaching halt' done that many times with my babies.. some have even done a little rear to a halt aren't I pretty kind of thing 
You and your horse are lovely.. Showing is addicting be very careful you will be hooked..
HUGE CONGRATS..
.... now get back to work..
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with spots.
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Member:
warwick
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Posted on Monday, Jul 30, 2007 - 11:12 am:
Congrats, Cynthia! Lovely photos and lovely horse. You both make a very pretty pair. Looks like the weather was perfect too. (I'm jealous - we've had a virtually non-existent summer so far this year.)
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Member:
lilly
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Posted on Monday, Jul 30, 2007 - 4:03 pm:
Good job Cyththia. You look so happy in the pictures. That is probably the most important thing in the world. Continue having fun with your horse.
Ann
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Monday, Jul 30, 2007 - 5:33 pm:
Thank you!! You are all very kind! I really did feel very happy and continued to feel High even through the next day! My trainer came this morning and said that he told his wife about me. He says that I have a lot of courage to show as soon as I have. He pointed out my 6x3 on the sheet under Rider( position and seat, correctness and effect of the aids)and said that was really good. He is also confident that we will do better now that she has had this experience. Next time I will be able to use more leg and maintain her gaits. I also see that I need to work on my feet, toes front and heels down!
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Member:
amara
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Posted on Monday, Jul 30, 2007 - 9:06 pm:
Cynthia
good job.. what a pretty mare!...
what kind of saddle are you using now? are you happy with it?...i know the only good sideview pictures we have of you are of you standing and relaxing, but in both of those pictures it appears you are sitting naturally and very relaxed, and in both of those pictures your leg is very out of position...if that is where your leg wants to go when you're not thinking about it it can really affect how you ride....when sitting in a relaxed position your leg should naturally fall into the correct position...if its not, then that means you are having to use muscle tension to put it into position, which is evidenced by the last line in your last post, about working on your feet-toes front and heels down.. a saddle that fits you right - and a trainer that knows how to get you to sit correctly - should make that very easy...
if you dont have to work to maintain your position you make working with your horse a lot more easier...
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Tuesday, Jul 31, 2007 - 8:43 am:
Cynthia,
I try to think "toes up" instead of "heels down". Otherwise I have a tendency to push my leg out in front of where it should be. Also, I like to be lunged when working on my position; then I don't have to worry so much about the horse and can concentrate on me.
Congrats again,
Chris
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Tuesday, Jul 31, 2007 - 12:55 pm:
"Very easy" my eye! If it were easy, everyone would have a beautifully positioned leg!
Easier for sure with a correctly fitting saddle and if your hip flexors are nice and loose. I know mine aren't and I work on it every time I ride. I just finished a seat clinic this weekend and while my leg has improved in the last 9 months, I still need to work to keep it in position.
It's not the saddle, it certainly isn't the instructor, it's my stiff hips.
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 1, 2007 - 1:50 am:
Hi Melissa & Chris, I have an older Passier, it's very comfortable but I obviously ride with my leg more forward than I should. My trainer has talked about doing yoga to help me relax my hips. Until I saw the pictures I didn't know that my legs were that far forward. I have been used to riding in a western saddle for most of my life. I always found the stirrups very stiff as well as making my knees hurt. I also have a problem with losing my stirrups. I will be spending a lot more time working on my leg position!! 
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Member:
lilly
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 1, 2007 - 9:46 am:
Cynthia,
Don't feel bad about the tight hips. I think it effects a large majority of dressage riders. If you ever look through an issue of Dressage Today there is a monthly article written by Lisa Wilcox in which she critiques 3 riders based on photos they have sent in. Her most common comment is that the rider needs to "open up their hips".
I wonder if it would help you to ride with your feet out of the stirrups during a lesson or while you are schooling by yourself. Just let your legs really stretch down and pretend you have cement blocks attached to each foot pulling them downward.
You are already ahead of most people because you are taking the time to study your form in pictures and videos and you are seeking more insight at this website. I hope you keep posting your accomplishments. It will be fun to keep track of you. I might actually get up the nerve to show myself (I have never shown)! You have already inspired me to start taking lessons again. My first one is next week.
Ann
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 1, 2007 - 10:18 am:
Cynthia,
As Ann says, you're in good company when it comes to stiff hips. It's all part of the journey; enjoy it!
I've also found that shortening my stirrup length helps me "open my hips" and keep my leg back. A great book to check out is Mary Wanless's Riding with the Mind Essentials. It has great illustrations and exercises that you could share with your instructor.
As I mentioned in my previous post, I did a seat/position clinic this past weekend. It was amazing how responsive my horse was to my position. The instructor had me "go wrong" after working to get in the correct position and my horse would immediately shut down and DrOp his back. Talk about motivation to work on my position!
Best regards,
Chris
Chris
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Member:
36541
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 1, 2007 - 11:19 am:
Cynthia, I use a camcorder every six weeks or so to have a look at my position - it is invaluable because I ride alone the majority of the time. It helps to see what is happening in motion, and to see truth in laterals, horse's expression, etc. Maybe one of your boys could do that for you. My husband is happy to help because I keep it short - 10-15 minutes. I do a running commentary for my own benefit, ie... "she feels stiff left now, softer, that should be right.." and then I can see if the picture matches my impression when in the saddle. Thanks for sharing your experiences. Stacy
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 2, 2007 - 4:19 pm:
Hi Ann, Chris & Stacy,
Sorry that I did not get back to you yesterday, the power went off at 8:30 am and did not come back on til nearly 8pm. After I watched "So you Think You Can Dance", I watched the video again. The first time was right after we got home, while Colin was there. He lives about an hour away but came over to see me ride and spend the weekend. Anyway on watching the second time I realized that I started the test in a canter! The battery went out on the camera so we missed about 30 seconds and didn't pick up until I was in the corner by F. Chris, tell me more about your clinic, who gave it, how did you find out about it? My Mom has the video camera, she's visiting but she had a prior engagement so she left it for Colin to use. He has a good amount of experience with them so he did a good job. We are going to have to look at getting one, I have been wanting to replace our old one. I also need to send for a subscription to Dressage Today, I liked the one I picked up at the "Cup". Good for you Ann, it will be fun to share our experiences! Where do you get your books,Chris. Should I look for it online? Amazon, E-bay or the magazine? I will have to call around the tack stores. Guess what, I just scrolled through the thread and found your link to Books on horses, Ann. I will look up that book by Mary Wanless, it sounds like a good one.
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Member:
lilly
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 2, 2007 - 5:04 pm:
Cynthia,
This is so sad but I have so many books that I had to check and see if I had the "Riding with the Mind Essentials" by Mary Wanless. I actually have it and have never read it. I started reading it yesterday. If you are interested, I will mail it to you when I am done - you can just have it. I just need a few days to finish it up. I will be done for sure by Monday. I am not that crazy about the book so far. The author makes getting the right posture seem close to impossible. So far I have been told to squeeze in my abs, tighten by buttocks, sit up straight but not too straight, don't put too much weight in the stirrups, distribute my weight through my thighs and oh yeah, don't forget to breathe! And I am only on page 28!
Ann
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 2, 2007 - 11:29 pm:
Ann,
Yeah, there's alot going on I didn't find this book to be radically different from Sally Swift's Centered Riding, but it does provide images and strategies that work for me. We're all different and can get to the same place via different roads.
Cynthia, I get my books from Amazon, or sometimes I just "Google" the title and find a used version somewhere.
The seat clinician was Erica Poseley. She has a web site gotseat.com that you can check out. I was looking for a seat coach about a year ago, saw her ad in the California Dressage Society newsletter and contacted her to see if she had anything set up in the area. It turns out that she was doing a clinic in Redlands, so I signed up, trailered out and spent 45 minutes mostly at the halt getting my body in position pretty much like Ann's review of the first 28 pages of the book!! The amazing thing was I was really sore and tired the next day. Since then, I've been organizing clinics with her at my barn roughly every 3 months. She's been a big hit at our barn and even the hunter jumper folks love her. It's amazing to see how much people can change their position with very clear instruction.
She worked with Jeff Moore for years. I scribed for him at the last Pomona chapter show and was really impressed with how knowledgeable he is and willing to share his experiences and knowledge.
Anyway, it would be a long haul for you (at least 90 minutes) but if you'd like, I'll be happy to email you when I set up the date for the next clinic which will be sometime in November. You can always just come and watch and see if you like it. I don't charge people to audit clinics.
Chris
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Member:
lilly
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Posted on Friday, Aug 3, 2007 - 10:15 am:
Chris,
Your post got me thinking. I think the book has a lot of useful information. It is just hard for me to apply it by reading the book. It would be great if I could have the same material delivered to me from an instructor. I would really benefit from a centered riding clinic.
You are correct about shopping around at different places on the internet for books. A lot of times I will find horse books at Barnes and Noble or Books-a-Million for a really good price. Then there are times when I want a specific title and have to go to a "special" website that carries horse books. The current book at the top of my wishlist is Principles of Horseshoeing 3 but it is very expensive so I might have to wait till Christmas.
Ann
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Member:
amara
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Posted on Friday, Aug 3, 2007 - 12:55 pm:
What a great website Chris and Ms. Posely seems like a great clinician... i think she needs to travel more!...
So you mean there are trainers out there that tell people to still there hands or put their heels down or get their legs back?... honestly, that's kind of barbaric... all those problems are just symptoms of a deeper flaw...any trainer that doesnt recognize this really doesnt deserve the name trainer...its the same thing with the horses... if we're struggling to drive them forward or get them round we need to look at what we- the rider - are doing to inhibit the horse from doing what is really not all that hard for a horse to do (to a point, of course..)...
ok, sorry.. dont mean to preach, but trainers like Erika appear to be exactly what people need, and anything less seems useless...
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Friday, Aug 3, 2007 - 1:42 pm:
You're preaching to the choir Melissa. I actually first got "converted" by Lynn Palm, a quarter horse trainer. Her mantra was "improve the rider to improve the horse". I think there are 3 things in play here and I freely confess to being guilty of at least one.
1. People want to "ride" as recreation. Many people don't see it as a sport and may not recognize the physical aspects of riding on the rider. I know at my barn, there are gals that never break a sweat while riding.
2. After riding for years without traditional instruction (and it is hard to find) some folks believe they "know" how to ride. Getting a very well-trained warmblood was an incredible humbling experience for me. It quickly became obvious that I didn't know it all or even close.
3. Because of 1 and 2, instructors don't always have students that are interested in what they (the instructor) know should be taught. Kathy Kushner (sp?) did a jumping clinic at our barn and most of the people were annoyed at how much time she spent on the riders before they were allowed over a jump. Instructors sometimes get focussed on training the horse and not the rider (it's got to be more fun).
Anyway, not everyone who rides wants to compete but I believe we all want to make life easier for our horses. Sometimes it's hard to recognize that we're the problem...
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Member:
erika
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Posted on Friday, Aug 3, 2007 - 2:23 pm:
Melissa is on to something with her question about your saddle.
When you are on the ground looking at the saddle on the horse's back:
Is the saddle balanced? Are the stirrups hanging down from the deepest part of the seat--not in front of it? The most comfortable saddle can be wrong if it is putting you into a "chair seat".
If you are sitting in the right place, and the stirrups are in the correct position, your seat and stance should be almost second nature, like you can just relax and have everything be in the right place.
Not to say that riding isn't work, but it helps if the natural spot that everything goes is in the right place to begin with!
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Member:
lilly
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 9, 2007 - 4:45 pm:
Cynthia,
How is your riding coming along? I had my first lesson today since February. It was awesome. I am even thinking about doing a show in September. It will be my first show ever so I am really excited about the idea. Thanks for your inspiration.
Ann
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Friday, Aug 10, 2007 - 3:41 pm:
Hi Everyone, Sorry it has taken so long to get back to the post. My Mom left monday morning so we spent the previous three days together. Friday we went to a Clay Aiken Concert at the Pala Casino and on saturday we saw Bourne Ultimatum. Sunday we went to breakfast and then she had to pack for her trip back to Eureka, Nevada. The last few days my son Chris and I have been putting a ceiling on my tack room. Now that we have a concrete floor, I want to keep out the dirt and rodents.
I think my saddle is fine, the stirrups hang along the back edge of the girth, I will take a picture of it on her. I also think that I must have put it on her the first couple times too far up on her withers and thats why the pommel was higher than the cantle, because now it looks right. I have been paying a lot more attention to my leg position, today Lyn had me put my heels on the stirrups from the front. It's really hard to keep ahold of them that way. I am also starting to practice training test 2, Shimmeree is already learning it too. I have to work to keep her from picking up the canter prematurely, thats how we end up on the wrong lead. Ann thanks for the offer, if you still feel the same that would be great. Before I went to my show I bought the Whinney Widgets test booklets for Training level and Levels 1 & 2, they are small ( 3x5") so you can take them to the arena with you. And the diagrams are great. I am a good map reader, that may be why I find it easy to remember the test from the pictures. If you don't have them you can buy them from Dover's catalog. Chris I would love to come to the next clinic, how much does it cost to ride? It would be fun as well as a good learning experience. I have to admit that I spent many years as a recreational trail rider, #1 describes me perfectly. I am glad that I did take those english riding lessons in my early 20's. Have you all seen Lielani's thread on rider conformation? I went to the article on the link and I thought it was very interesting. What do you think?
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Friday, Aug 10, 2007 - 4:37 pm:
Hi Cynthia,
I'll send you the clinic details when I get the dates fixed. The last time, we did 60 minute sessions with video included for $140 a ride. Only about half the riders actually went a full 60 minutes, but it was nice to not be rushed and have the time. One rider was having a particular issue and actually went over 60 minutes. Another made tremendous progress and opted to stop on a really good note after 40 minutes.
Don't expect to move much the first session, like I mentioned in a previous message, there's a lot of theory/learning Erika's language and just getting your body in position. Actually, now that I think about it, she'll move you a lot but the horse will likely stand still or just walk!! I'm shooting for early November. I'm also thinking that if I get several "first time with Erika" riders, I may set up a group lecture/demonstration session followed by shorter (45 min) riding sessions for those folks. What do you think about that??
Yes, I did check out the thread on rider conformation; very interesting and consistent with many books I've read.
Regards,
Chris
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Member:
lilly
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Posted on Saturday, Aug 11, 2007 - 4:15 pm:
Cynthia,
If you would like, send me an email with your address and I will mail the book to you. Just go to my profile and my email address is there.
Ann
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 14, 2007 - 2:03 am:
Hi Ann,
I tried twice to email my address to you, once directly from your profile but it was blocked. Then I went to my email and sent you a message but it too came back. If you would like to try sending me an email at cgby1@msn.com maybe it will work that way.
Hi Chris, How was your weekend? I spent it working on my tack room. I had a lesson this morning, Shimmeree has been having a problem picking up her right lead canter depart. We have been working on it the last three lessons. I know that I need to hold her in the trot until she is in the correct position but she is doing it with Lyn as well. Oh well we will get it back again.
The idea of a shorter session with a lecture and demonstration sounds good to me. I haven't been to any clinic yet but the seat clinic may be the right place to start. Early November will probably be a good time for me as well.
Cynthia
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Friday, Aug 17, 2007 - 10:02 pm:
Hi All, Boy is it hot! This week I haven't done much riding and did it show today in my lesson. Shimmeree did pick up her right lead the first time I asked though! And we did a run through on both test 1 & 2. Our lesson was at 8:30 am and we still had a little shade on one side of the arena but the horses didn't have a lot of energy. Lyn rides my arab gelding Mystery, he can keep close enough so that I can hear him. We also switch off, I ride Mystery to practice my equitation and Lyn works on Shimmeree. The bonus is that Mystery is also getting in good condition if my husband wants to go for a ride.
Ann, how has your lessons been going, has it been hot or are you getting a lot of rain? Chris, how are you doing riding in the heat?
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Member:
lilly
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Posted on Sunday, Aug 19, 2007 - 9:50 am:
Hi Cynthia,
I am glad I didn't post a response last night. It would have been like , "everything's great, blah, blah, blah..." I went to the barn this morning to ride and Isabella is missing her front right shoe. Crap! Her hoof looks so yucky and jagged. She is scheduled to be shod on Thursday but I am going to try to get the farrier out sooner.
I had a lesson yesterday at my instructor's farm on one of her horses. She cannot teach me anymore on Isabella until she gets insurance - unless I want to drag Isabella to her place. But I had a good lesson anyways. I really worked my butt off. I guess my trot is looking good but my canter totally sucks. Julie (my instructor) told me to pick up the canter and just relax and not to think about form at all. I did a few circles and stopped and then Julie told me everything that was wrong. She said that she likes to have riders start that way so that she can find faults easier. After some pointers I was doing better but I still have a long way to go. I have some misconceptions to clear out of my head. At one point Julie told me to use my left leg while the horse was cantering. The only problem is that I had such a death grip around the barrel of the horse that I couldn't move my leg one inch! Here I thought I was totally screwing up but Julie said that I am supposed to be hugging the horse with my legs. I am not supposed to lift the leg off and kick but to flex and push with the muscles. Maybe I have seen too many cowboy movies and I think my leg need to be constantly kicking back!
Ann
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Sunday, Aug 19, 2007 - 2:18 pm:
It hasn't been as hot up here as you get at your place, thank heavens. It's been pretty humid, but we get a decent breeze in the afternoons which is when I do most of my riding.
Of course, yesterday morning I did feel like I was melting at about 9:30! I'm waiting until this evening to ride today. It's only about 75, but with the humidity is pretty oppressive.
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 21, 2007 - 3:04 am:
Hi Ann and Chris,
I had a lesson this morning and we did better, plus it wasn't humid today. We worked on test 1 and she picked up her leads correctly. She also did a nice halt, she felt me sit deep and stopped without stiffening her neck. Today we also went back to learning to half pass and she did well especially moving to the left. We also get a breeze up here but it doesn't start until about 10 am or so and quits about dusk. So the morning feels hotter. We are about 6 degrees cooler than Murrieta because we are at 2000 feet and if there is an onshore flow we can be pretty comfortable. We are on the west side of the 15 frwy and about 12 miles from the coast on the Santa Rosa Plateau.
Ann, I don't know that you should be gripping so tight, it might make you stiffen your back. You might want to have someone lunge your horse while you hold her mane or a strap that fastens across the pommel. That way you can focus on your balance and moving with her. You don't want your legs flopping around but you should be able to move to cue her.
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Member:
lilly
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 23, 2007 - 1:38 pm:
Hi Cynthia,
Sorry it has taken such a long time to reply. No, I shouldn't have a death grip on the horse with my legs while cantering. It is just going to take me a while to get comfortable at the canter because of a bad fall I had years ago. I flew over the right shoulder of a horse while cantering. Since then I have built up this massive and ridiculous fear of the canter. I am getting better. I think my biggest strength here is that I am allowing myself the necessary time to get over the fear and I am trusting my gut instinct as to when and where I feel ready to canter.
By the way, I am sending out your book today.
Ann
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 23, 2007 - 5:50 pm:
Hi Ann,
I know how you feel, I started Shimmeree about 16 yrs ago and the fifth time I rode her, she bucked me off! Although I sent her to a trainer for a month, shortly after we got her back, she bucked my husband off. I worked with another trainer who used Parelli methods and I rode her with some success but she still bucked me off once more. Plus she bolted on me several times. When we moved here I stopped riding her, we built our house but we didn't have a round pen or arena. Only in the last two years did we put them in and then found out that she had developed navicular! While researching her condition I found HA. I also realized that I needed to find a local farrier who could come more often to trim her and that's how I found Lyn. Last November I went to a Dennis Reis Clinic in Temecula and I watched him work with a mare who bucked. I also learned that my farrier had worked for Dennis and he said that Lyn was " Worth his weight in Gold". I knew that Lyn taught dressage as well and that my prayers were answered if he would take me on. Lyn used the same technique to get Shimmeree over her issues and then rode for another few weeks until he felt I could safely ride her. It took me a couple of months to get to the point where I felt confident that she is not going to buck. Fear is a good thing, it helps to keep us safe but it can also keep us from realizing our dreams. I have spent most of her life being too afraid to ride her and regret all that we might have done. That is why I pushed myself to start taking her to the schooling shows and hope to make up for some of what we missed. Lyn has also supported me in this, because he knows what an achievement it is. I hope you keep pushing through your fears and gain the satisfaction it will give you. And Thank You for going to the trouble of sending me your book.
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Member:
lilly
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 29, 2007 - 5:00 pm:
Cynthia,
How are you doing? I thought you might be curious to see what my fat little horse looks like. I was fooling around on youtube.com and posted a short video of us together. If you want to see it, just do a search using "Isabella Trots". My user name is Horseswit. I wish I could just paste the address here but it is not allowed. Oh well. If you listen closely at the end of the video, you will hear kind of a funny discussion between me and Isabella. Pretty much me asking her to stop and her ignoring me.
Ann
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Saturday, Sep 1, 2007 - 9:17 pm:
Hi Ann, I received the book yesterday, it looks very interesting. I saw your video on youtube, very cute! How did you get it on there? I guess you signed up for membership but how did you load the video on the site? Today my local California dressage society chapter, Temecula Valley (TEV) held a show and I helped with adding up the scores. I spent the morning double checking the scores to make sure they were correct. I had a great time and got to meet several people including the judge and some of the competitors as well as some of the people who belong to the club. A couple of the people live or board their horses up where I live. There is going to be a meeting at the same place as the schooling show I was in a couple weeks so I hope to get to know them better and maybe cultivate some new friends to ride with. And I hope to be able to go to the next schooling show on the 22nd. It's been horribly HOT for the last week and I can't wait for it to cool off!! I hope it ends soon and stays away for the rest of the year. Well, I still have to go clean stalls. I hope your cooler and that you are enjoying your lessons!
Cynthia}
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Member:
lilly
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Posted on Monday, Sep 3, 2007 - 5:20 pm:
Cynthia,
I did get an account on youtube. I downloaded the video from my digital camera to my computer and then downloaded it to the youtube website. I had three different videos and that was my smallest one. You cannot post a video larger than 100MB and I am not sure how to resize a video. I have made pictures smaller but not videos.
I have been trying to get with a new instructor, one who has insurance and can teach at my barn. We have had some scheduling conflicts but hopefully we will get together soon. I had an awesome trail ride yesterday. There was a big horse show going on at my barn so I couldn't ride in the arenas. I took Isabella out back to the cross country course and rode with another woman. Isabella loved it! I only had to ask her to trot once - she took off and didn't want to stop. At one point she even picked up the canter on her own. She slowed down right away but I figured it was a good time to tackle my canter fears. I asked her for the canter again and she picked it up right away and I used everything I learned from my recent lesson and it went great. I stayed balanced, and my hands and legs were steady. The best thing about the ride is that I felt like I was in control and I enjoyed the wide space to ride in. I usually like to stay within the safe confines of the arena and worry that I will lose control of my horse on the trail. Not this time. It was so cool. I even rode Isabella around the show grounds and show horses so that she could experience the show atmosphere. I am hoping to show her Oct.1
Ann
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Monday, Sep 3, 2007 - 5:54 pm:
Hi Ann, Very Cool! Sounds like a perfect day, I would love to have access to a cross country course just to hack around! What does it cost to get an account on youtube? Good luck with your new instructor, I hope you enjoy your lessons. I will have to get back to you after I read some more of the book. And I can't keep my eyes open, I have been trying to nod off over the keyboard. I guess the last few days have caught up to me.
Cynthia
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Member:
dres
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Posted on Monday, Sep 3, 2007 - 6:07 pm:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVnX41HY584
Ann's video... hehehee.. I laughed when i heard YOUR discussion at the end..
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with spots..
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Member:
lilly
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Posted on Monday, Sep 3, 2007 - 7:54 pm:
Cynthia,
Youtube accounts are free.
Ann
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Member:
lilly
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Posted on Sunday, Sep 16, 2007 - 1:44 pm:
Cynthia,
How are you? Prime riding season is just starting here in Louisiana. I went out for a trail ride by myself this morning. Sunny, no wind, temperature in the high 60's. Awesome! Isabella had never gone out back by herself before. She acted stupid but it was great practice for me. She spooked at some cows and wanted to run away (trot away). We made a compromise. She could back track her way away from the cows using the same path we were already on but she had to walk. It was still disappointing because I wanted to canter her uphill in the field right next to the cows. Maybe next time...
I have made more progress over the past few weeks. It's amazing. I have finally obtained that "plugged in" feeling. Isabella spooks or trips or takes off in the opposite direction and it's no big deal. I love it! I actually feel like I am in control and I am searching out situations to test our partnership - like this morning's solo trail ride. I think if my friends in Virginia could see me, they would cry. I have been through hell over the last few years and now everything is finally coming together. It's awesome.
Hey, if you want to see some really cool riding video check out this Aussie jockey on youtube. His user name is endospink. Just do a search for endospink and it will bring up all his videos. He is amazing!!!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NOA8j2u59s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NI3pZbvUn4
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Tuesday, Sep 18, 2007 - 9:49 pm:
Hi Ann, Sounds like a lot of fun! We are also having some cool weather and we are thrilled! I am working on my breathing as I need to get better stops. I have another schooling show this Saturday morning, I am going to try both tests T1 and T2. I am glad to hear that things are going so well with your riding. Next time you should try to find a spot where you can work her in sight of the cows. If you walk back and forth always turning toward the cows she will get focused on you and get over the cows. She will get closer a little at a time but keeping her moving will get her obeying you better. I wish I had learned this a long time ago when my mare Sweetheart acted barn sour while out on a ride. I did use that another time with her and it worked great.
That was a scary video of the rearing filly, I hope I never have to deal with that with my two year old when we start her. I watched some of his other videos including one where he pulled a horse over on the ground several times. It is pretty dangerous to both him and the horse but I'm sure it works because horses feel so helpless when they can't get to their feet and run away. I will let you know how it goes this weekend. If we can relax and pick up the correct leads we should get a better score. And I must remember to salute!
Cynthia
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Member:
lilly
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Posted on Wednesday, Sep 19, 2007 - 8:52 am:
Cynthia,
It's funny, but I knew that I should be walking Isabella back and forth by the cows, but I didn't. I am not sure if I was nervous to try it or just lazy. Or a combination of the both. The morning did not start out perfect. My husband is a commander now (darn promotion!) and got a call from work at 5:30 am to come into the squaDrOn. Well, the phone call woke me up and his messing around in the beDrOom and putting his flight suit and boots on kept me up. Then it took a while to get back to sleep. At 6:59am, Tony was back from the base and shaking me and saying that I needed to get up and go riding. He said, "it's so cold out you can wear your new chaps!" I wanted to strangle him.
The thing that I really like about "endospink" is his calm nature. It's like nothing shakes him and he seems to respect each horse's personality. Have you watched Tantrum? It is really funny.
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Wednesday, Sep 19, 2007 - 6:27 pm:
Hi Ann, My husband is a retired USMC pilot and now flies for FedEx. He is gone as much or more than ever. They do a lot of their trips at night, for instance he has a trip on Friday. It's a short one and he will get back early Saturday morning. Sometimes he leaves in the wee hours and sometimes he get back about 5am. I have gotten so that I usually don't wake up anymore. What branch of the service is your husband in?
I watched a bunch of his videos, the filly who kept going backwards and sitting down, the rearing horse as well as the one of him galloping in the covered track. They were all very good, my husband could not understand why I watched so many. Have you gone to any of the clinics by the natural horseman like John Lyons, Pat Parelli, Clinton Anderson, Dennis Reis or Chris Cox? Or an Equine Affaire or the like? I try to see them whenever they come to S. Calif. I went to see Chris Cox last weekend and it always fun to meet other horse people. I ran into a lady I worked with at the last dressage show, we totaled up the scores. And I ran into my equine dentist as well, though I often see him at all the events. Have you started lessons with a new instructor yet? Well, I better get going and clean stalls before it gets dark. And I need to work on the house as well.
Cynthia
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Member:
lilly
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Posted on Thursday, Sep 20, 2007 - 8:58 am:
My husband is in the USAF. He is an electronic warfare officer in B-52's. They are preparing for an inspection so his life is hell right now.
When I lived in Virginia I had the chance to go to an Equine Affair and a Horse Expo. I loved them! Lot's of fun demos and great shopping. I would like to go to more. I just need to see where they are in Texas (probably closest they will be to me).
I also have watched almost all of endospink's videos. I think one of the reasons I like them is because he deals with horses that are "testing" him. Like the mare that is sitting down. She is seeing how far she can go to get out of work. My horse did the exact same thing - she bucked. If I have already witnessed someone dealing with a situation like rearing, bucking or the horse sitting down, then maybe I will be more prepared when it happens to me. And I do use methods that I have seen Natural Horsemen use. Especially what Parelli would call the porcupine game.
I have not started working with a new instructor yet. Something always comes up and the lesson gets canceled. The good news is that the instructor I really liked has gotten insurance. We will start working together again on Oct 7. Hey, if you would like to see my barn, go to:
https://www.hollyhillfarm.net/Home.asp
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Thursday, Sep 20, 2007 - 10:03 am:
Cynthia,
I sent you a message about the next seat clinic in December but hadn't heard back from you. Please let me know if you received it or changed your email.
Chris
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Monday, Sep 24, 2007 - 6:49 pm:
Hi Ann & Chris, Very nice cross country course! I didn't find any pictures of the barns or arenas but it looked like a nice facility. The farmhouse looked like a nice place to stay, especially if you can bring your own horses to ride.
I went to my second schooling show on Saturday and we did better. It was raining off and on, the first test was almost dry but it started a light rain during my second test. One young lady did her test in the pouring rain and she was wearing her good dressage coat. I improved my score on the training test 1 from 105 to 116 out of 230. On training test 2 I got a 134 out of 280. Both tests were a higher percentage than my first show on July 28th. This time I had more time to work in the arena with her and so neither of us were nervous when we did our tests. In fact I worked her too much in the sand and she got too tired. She didn't want to pick up her canter and also lost it during the test. I helped out again with the scoring in the afternoon and a lady who lives two doors down came to watch. She has a boarding and training facility with two sand arenas, one with jumps. My husband and I have noticed that it has gotten very quiet over there the last few months. She mentioned it and said that she is semi-retiring, so I took the opportunity to ask what she would charge me to use her arena once or twice a week. She wanted very little so I hope to go over a couple times a week to work Shimmeree and build up her muscles.
I am trying to decide whether to go to a real show in Pomona on October 20th, or to another schooling show closer to home on the 27th. I am wondering if it is best to stick with schooling shows til next year or until our scores get into the upper 50 percentages ? What do you think Chris? My instructor, Lyn thinks that the shows have helped me improve my riding and for that alone it is worth it to keep doing. Plus it gives me a dead line to motivate me to work harder. Lyn will be back Wednesday to trim my horses so we will talk about it some more.
Cynthia
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Member:
lilly
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Posted on Tuesday, Sep 25, 2007 - 9:44 am:
Cynthia,
The barns are not much to look at. It is after all the south, and Louisiana at that. If you would like other views, you could check out this website. https://newtownhorses.com/ It is a farm that neighbors Holly Hills, their property is right next to Holly Hills. They bring their horses over to train all the time. If you click on Cherubino you will see a horse that was produced by one of my all time favorite stallions. The stallion is Cor Noir. He is a Holsteiner.
Isabella is being a real stinker. That is not what I really call her but I don't want to swear here. I rode her on Sunday and she crow hopped on me. I had it under control but I am disappointed in her. I don't know if she did it because she is really getting in shape from all the riding or if she was mad I shook up her routine. We rode in the arena for a short amount of time and then I rode her in a neighboring pasture for a few minutes and then we finished up in the arena. It's like she went into "play" mode once we left the arena and went into the pasture.
I have decide not to do the Oct.6 schooling show. I am not going to be ready and my superstitious side keeps telling me that all the signs say, "Don't Show!". First, my instructor had to stop teaching me until Oct.7. Then, my back up instructor canceled on me because of a family crisis. Also, my son's birthday party is on Oct.6. Oh, and the breeches I bought to wear for the show...too big!!! Could you use a pair of Ariat 36L white breeches, full seat, brand new, washed once?
Ann
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Tuesday, Sep 25, 2007 - 7:24 pm:
Ann,
I would probably hold off too, especially since you have not been working with an instructor. Your son will probably want your full attention on his birthday as well. How old is he going to be? Isabella probably didn't want to leave the facility and was showing her attitude.
I am 5'0" tall and even regular length breeches don't fit. I have a thread called "Making my own Breeches" and I also have made a blouse for showing. I just ordered some material for a jacket from Sawyerbrook.com in a dark navy wool blend. I thought about that show in Pomona on Oct. 20th and I think it would be better to go to the schooling show in Menifee which is much closer. It will be the first time trailering to a show and a different facility, so it is a good step without pushing her too far.
Cynthia
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Thursday, Sep 27, 2007 - 9:01 pm:
Hi Cynthia,
Sorry for the delay in responding. As far as sticking with schooling shows, I can just give you my experience. I haven't shown in almost 2 years, just learning how to ride my warmblood after years of riding quarter horses. Why spend the extra money for a recognized show at this point. I was shooting for the same Pomona show but probably will put it off since I'm going camping for a week before the show. I'll probably scribe at the Pomona show instead.
The Pomona show is quite a haul for you; I think it's in West Covina. The show grounds are pretty cramped and there isn't alot of room to warm up so if I were you, I'd stick with the Menifee show. There will be many recognized shows in the future. I actually think the Pomona chapter show is only CDS recognized anyway.
If you're looking for other shows, the Dressage Association of Southern California (DASC) has many shows in San Juan Capistrano which isn't too far if you're OK hauling a trailer over Ortega Hwy (I wouldn't :-) ) or you can go up to the 91 and then down the 5. DASC is the "other" California GMO.
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Friday, Sep 28, 2007 - 2:34 pm:
Hi Chris,
After thinking it over while cleaning stalls, I came to the same conclusion. I talked to the lady who owns the ranch holding the Menifee show and they are about 30 minutes drive. It takes almost 15 min. to get to the 15 frwy. I also asked about bringing her over to practice and she said they charged $10 for day use.
I mentioned the Pomona show to Diana Muravez while I was helping her with scoring at the schooling show and she called the show grounds "cozy". She is involved with that show so I may call her and see if I could help out. Either way I may come watch, maybe I will see you there.
Thanks for telling me about the DSAC, I didn't know about them. I will look them up on the web. I am also leary about hauling over the Ortega Hwy. I can also take Hwy 76 to Oceanside, I will check and see if it is shorter than the 91 route. Could you tell me what GMO means? I am not familiar with all the internet lingo.
Cynthia
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Friday, Sep 28, 2007 - 2:58 pm:
Hi Cynthia,
GMO is Group Member Organization. It's what the US Dressage Federation calls the "local" clubs that are affiliated with USDF. Much like how the California Dressage Society (CDS) has chapters that are able to put on CDS-sponsored shows, GMOs get privileges associated with their affiliation with USDF. In fact, you get a discount on your USDF dues if you are already a member of a GMO.
California is somewhat different in that for many years there was only one GMO in the entire state, the California Dressage Society. As it is, even with DASC coming into being, CDS is huge compared to any other GMO with a membership of nearly 5000 (see USDF website) to the 400-ish DASC members. Many people are members of both.
Interestingly enough, this has caused some contention at the USDF level as CDS has been accused of throwing its weight around. I imagine it's hard not to with the huge membership.
Personally, I think that CA is too big for just one GMO, but what the heck, it's been working pretty well for years.
Chris
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Saturday, Sep 29, 2007 - 1:15 pm:
Hi Chris,
Thanks for the info, I looked them up and I found the shows in San Juan Capistrano. They are at the end of the Ortega Hwy at The Oaks, of course! The worst part is going up the hill above Lake Elsinore and the tight curves are no picnic either. My son and I tried to find a back way from La Cresta to Rancho Capistrano but it was a total 4 wheeler. They are working on the OC side of the Hwy, the road is closed from 8:30pm to 5:30am every night. The finished part is wider and straighter but I wish they make the whole road a lot safer. I think for now that I will stick to schooling shows. Preferably not much more than an hour away.
Cynthia
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Member:
lilly
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Posted on Saturday, Sep 29, 2007 - 2:37 pm:
Hi Cynthia,
My son is going to be 7 years old on October 8. We are having a party for him on the 6th. It is going to be at our house but hosted by a local pet store. They bring pets from their store for the kids to pet and play with. They are bringing a very long yellow python, a rat, an armadillo, a bearded dragon lizard, and a puppy. Should be interesting!
Isabella has been very aggressive with me lately. She is so dominate with me and constantly challenging my authority. Ever since we have been in LA she tries to bite me while grooming her and tightening the girth. Then a few weeks ago she started kicking out her left hind while I tried to clean the hoof. On Tuesday, she tried to cow kick me in her stall during grooming. On Thursday, she not only lifted her leg to cow kick me but was also starting to pivot her rear end around toward me. I immediately pounced on her and spanked her rear end with her brush and yelled at her. We didn't ride that day, I spent the whole time doing ground work. When I went to the barn today I was all business. I put the halter on her immediately (I never used to put the halter on her before grooming), went in the stall with my dressage whip and made her back up and move over before I started grooming. There was no kicking today. Unfortunately I did feel her teeth on my arm while I was tightening her girth.
Under saddle she is also acting up. It is like she is just waiting for that opportunity to buck and toss me aside. It just means that I have to stay focused and expect the unexpected. I tell myself that she is making me a better rider. As far as I can tell, I am the only person she treats like this. She is nice for the barn workers.
Ann
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Saturday, Sep 29, 2007 - 4:14 pm:
Hi Ann,
Sounds like a great party, the boys will love playing with those animals! And what a great age, my boys are all grown up and I miss those days. My oldest, Chris's birthday is the 26th of October and he will be 26. My other son Colin was 24 on the 28th of August. Chris is in England to earn his Masters in Medieval Studies, he has a BA in History. Colin has a BA in Mechanical Engineering and lives and works about an hour away. We usually take the Ortega Hwy to see each other, he lives just a couple miles from the other end of it.
Is it possible Isabella's behavior could have something to do with being a mare? She seems to have a problem when your working around her sides. It could be just that she knows that it is time to work, so doing ground work before grooming should help. How old is she and has she ever been in season (where she was hard to handle) before? She might be having a painful ovulation, just a thought. She might settle down in a few days, if the situation doesn't get better you might talk to a vet. My mares love being brushed, they don't even mind me brushing out their tails. If they are out and I start brushing one, the other will try to push her way in. My filly sometimes tries to take away her foot but she's two and gets impatient.
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Monday, Oct 1, 2007 - 10:15 am:
Cynthia,
There are also shows held at Sycamore Trails and Tar Farms in San Juan Capistrano. Much lower key than anything at the Oaks.
Good Luck!
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Member:
dres
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Posted on Monday, Oct 1, 2007 - 10:48 am:
Not to interrupt your conversation but i wanted to brag a little.. the Oaks was developed by my Uncle Ed.. he sold it to Joan Irvine years ago.. Ed had developed it into a show jumping barn.. Joan took over and made it what it is today..
Sycamore trails is a name i remember too.. there used to be a farrier / trainer named Mark.. don't recall his last name.. a wonderful man.. my uncle respected him and was partners with him on a few horses..
Just felt like jumping in when i reconized places..
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with spots..
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Monday, Oct 1, 2007 - 11:56 am:
Ann,
The Oaks is simply one of the best thought out facilities I've ever seen; your uncle was a visionary!!
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Member:
lilly
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Posted on Monday, Oct 1, 2007 - 2:50 pm:
Hi Cynthia,
I definitely think that Isabella's bad attitude can be linked to her being a mare. She is 11 years old. She had her first foal in May 2006. When I have had problems in the past I spoke to the owner of the stables and she said it may be that Isabella is a very dominant mare. My equine dentist thinks that Isabella is treating me like one of her foals and that Isabella thinks she needs to be boss and correct me. The next time I see the vet around the barn I will ask him about Isabella's behavior and whether it could be pain related.
I hung out with a farrier for a little while this morning. She tried teaching me how to remove a shoe. I couldn't get the shoe off. I guess my form and technique were OK but the shoe would not budge. Very frustrating!
Ann
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Monday, Oct 1, 2007 - 7:33 pm:
Hi Chris & Ann,
I didn't see any shows in San Juan Capistrano except The Oaks on the DASC calender. I have never been to The Oaks! Can you believe it? I lived in South Orange County for over 12 years, I live only about an hour away now and I have never been there! I have passed by and seen shows going on or the billboard shows one coming up and I never go. Ann, do you remember a vet named DR. Mark Secor? He was my vet all the years that I lived there, he lived in the canyon only a few minutes away. He was the best, most caring vet and I miss him a lot. He was/is so good looking, he could have been a model. Chris, I will keep an eye on the Dasc Calender for next year in case I decide to go to a show.
Cynthia
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Member:
lilly
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Posted on Saturday, May 3, 2008 - 4:23 pm:
Cynthia,
I DID IT! I finally entered my horse in a schooling show. My first dressage test ever and I will turn 37 this year! We did it today. Our first test was Green as Grass I and the second was Green as Grass II. Green as Grass tests are very similar to Intro tests and they can be found at the Houston Dressage Societies web page...for anyone interested.
Our first test went great, at least for a rider like me and a horse like Isabella. We got a 61 point something. On the second test I blew my concentration and we got a 58 something. The judge was very kind with her comments. I was just excited that I got all 6's and 7's on my first test. Yippee! We are on our way. It is so much fun when you discover that your horse likes to show. The judge wrote: cute, cute, horse. Nice attitude. Can't wait for the next show. Cynthia, thanks for motivating me and giving me the inspiration I needed.
Ann
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Member:
lilo
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Posted on Saturday, May 3, 2008 - 6:52 pm:
Congratulations, Ann!!! Lilo
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Saturday, May 3, 2008 - 8:00 pm:
Great job, Ann! If you have some pix, I'm sure we'd all enjoy them.
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Saturday, May 3, 2008 - 10:49 pm:
Congratulations!
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Member:
lilly
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Posted on Saturday, May 3, 2008 - 11:46 pm:
I didn't get any photos today. I took my camera with me but I didn't want to carry it up to the dressage ring area. My friends and family gave me a hard time about not taking my camera with me but oh well. Here is a photo from our last show. We were in the walk/trot division.
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Sunday, May 4, 2008 - 12:00 am:
Hi Ann,
Wow, Good for You! And what great scores! Keep it up!
Have you seen my new discussion? Because this one was getting so long and it was a new year, I started New to Dressage, Starting Year Two. I am working on a new horse that I got at the beginning of March, she is a 7yr old thoroughbred. I am going to post an update there on how she is doing.
Cynthia
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