Having fun trying something new - welcome to WE (Working Equitation)

 My friend and trail buddy Jen told me about WE and said it is a cool sport we should try. It's also called "Dressage on Steroids" - and surely, what's not to like about that?? 

Putting my Christmas present to good use

I had picked up a flyer announcing an intro clinic close to home, Jen signed us up. On Sunday we loaded the boys and off we went on our adventure, not really knowing what to expect (neither of us knew the farm or the instructors). 

Rach Riding Academy hosts shows and numerous clinics, so the set up for trailer parking was easy - a relief as I dread having to back into small spaces. They had even turnout paddocks prepared for all the participant horses (about 10), which was an unexpected treat. The boys got to chill during the intro part for the riders. Then it was time to go out and play. There were several arenas set up with all kinds of interesting things (bridges, barrels, small jumps, fake steers, etc.). We got introduced to the garrocha, a 8 foot or 10 foot pole the rider carries and, in our case, picks up rings mounted on a barrel. The horses got introduced to the garrocha from the ground. Remy thought it meant piaffe, which was quite fun. 

Chambord truly found his calling, he was a champ, did everything without a hesitation and was super happy and relaxed throughout. Remy was very good with all inanimate things, but a bit leery of some of the other horses, especially a flashy Gypsy Vanner stallion. We had one 'spicy' moment, when a horse jumped at an awkward angle and then took off right behind Remy. A few spins later, and we were back in the game. Whew. 

Who doesn't like 'herd' a unicorn?

Remy was not impressed with the fake steer

I can see why the 'dressage' part: The horses have to be on the aids and supple. Some of the exercises we got introduced to: 8m circles in patterns around barrels with change of direction; square halts in between two poles and then transferring an object with one hand, picking up rings with the garrocha, going over bridges, ringing overhead bells, going down drops, jumping small obstacles. 

What a fun outing!

Yay, long-reining - and the beauty -and pain- of a great lesson

Roz made it from sunny Florida to Michigan for a couple of clinics in the area. I was fortunate that Chris, the owner of Rod & Whip Farm, offered Remy an overnight stall.

Remy enjoying his room with a view and the good vibes at the clinic

Roz is the only person I know here that can also teach long reining, which is what we incorporated during our sessions in Florida (seemingly a life-time ago). It is such a super tool to teach the rider about rein connection and also the importance of the outside rein. Taking away the other aids (leg, seat) and trying to get the horse going correctly is a bit of a challenge. Remy remembered the previous lessons, it took me a bit to get back into the swing of things, but then it clicked. The good long reining work set us up for a super lesson under saddle. 

This is an excellent book, highly recommend it

It was bittersweet, though, as right after the lesson Roz and I looked at each other and said almost in unison: "JP would have loved this, and he would be so happy". Then it just hit me hard, and I started crying. Grief just strikes and there is nothing one can do. I cried the entire night, but by the next day it was like a knot was untied (sounds a bit strange), and I was calm. Instead of the sadness there was also joy because I knew JP would love seeing Remy and me working so well together. 

The Sunday lesson build on the previous day, and it was pure joy to feel the wonderful connection.

Back into the swing of things - and a new meaning for 'Up the levels'

 Yes, it's been a long time after my last post. I thought of completely quitting the blog, but then JP really loved reading it and he always said I should continue.  And so I'm getting myself back into the swing of things with writing. I thought of changing the name of the blog, as initially "up the levels" was meant to be a journal of working our way up the dressage levels. Obviously, things change, and after all, 'up the levels' now just has a different definition. And I am not excluding that we won't be moving on from where we stopped (showing 3rd level). 

It's been a very busy winter, between the animals, my clients (thank you!), the property, continuous education, etc. Add to that a trip to Europe to visit my mom's grave, and finally get the French bank issue resolved - all that while sometimes being overwhelmed by grief. But my small but mighty support network made and makes sure that I'm still standing, and I'm ever so grateful. 

Luckily the winter was fairly mild (for Michigan standards) so I was able to trailer to Vanessa's from time to time for my lessons. And the highlight for all of us is always when Jen comes and the four of us can go on a trailride. I swear, Chambord still smiles the next day, he is so happy. 

I'm happy with the -albeit slow- progress Remy and I are making again. He is picking up his shoulders and working more honestly from behind. Remy doesn't give anything for free, he wants to know that his rider is committed. After all, he says, "Why should I engage my engines when my pilot is idling?"

One year later - Godspeed to the consummate horseman

 September 12 was the one year mark of Jean-Paul's accident - and when life as I knew it stopped.  To say that it's been a rough ride would be the ultimate understatement. But I'm still standing, still riding, still working, and most of all trying to keep my head above water. 

When we made our will a few years ago JP had said that he wanted his ashes to be spread on our property and the riding trails. At the time I was "sure, no problem"... never thinking I would have to face the reality of actually doing this. It took me a year to get the strength to do it. Luckily, Vanessa offered her support and to accompany me on horseback.

So last Sunday we saddled the boys and went on the trails. I carried the ashes in a backpack while riding Chambord. It's almost like Chambord knew what was going on, he was so careful. It was most certainly the first time in his life that he carried a crying rider. I accidentally spilled some of the ashes on Chambord, but then, those two were two peas in a pod so after the first shock I thought it was very fitting.

 I'm glad that I was able to do this: A perfect and very fitting "Godspeed" to the love of my life and consummate horseman. 

💔

Pretty is as pretty does - and hey, there is a horse on the cover

 First major snowstorm of the year. Yesterday we were basically snowed in, until Brad's snow removal team could get to our driveway. When the tractor sold I hired a company to cut the grass in the summer and to clear the driveway in the winter. I still have to shovel my way around the house and to the barn. though. Quote from the Brad: "We don't shovel!". Also, I'm a bit at their mercy when it comes to timing. No big deal, however, as our dirt roads are not getting plowed quickly any venture out has to be very necessary.

I had stocked up on horse, dog, cat, and human food (notice the order of importance!) ahead of time, so we are fine hunkering down for some days. My biggest worry was that we lose power, not uncommon in our wooded area. Not sure that I could get the generator going, but luckily, I can call on Laurel, and there are also a couple of generator-savvy neighbors that might be able to help. Still, not a position I want to find myself in. 

It looks very pretty. As the saying goes, though, "pretty is as pretty does" - dealing with all this snow is a major pain. I so appreciate my friends and the community of horse women in the area. We text to check in on each other to see if everything's OK, if anyone needs anything. And after night check I have to let Donna know that I'm safely back in the house. Knowing that I have a village (albeit a tiny one) around me keeps my spirits up and the loneliness at bay. 

View from my kitchen window - BEFORE it snowed all night!
Love the solar lanterns

During breaks between shoveling snow and manure, feeding the crew, and drinking liters of tea (thank you, Stephanie!) I started reading "The Horsewoman" by James Patterson. It's rather cheesy and predictable, and some of the statements are just wrong, for example there are several references on "patting the horse on the side of the head" (while mounted). That would require to crank the horse's head all around, not exactly proper. But it's entertaining, and I do enjoy the references to Wellington. Brings back fond memories of happier times. And hey, major selling point: There is a horse on the cover!

When you can't ride you can find the perfect match (in clothes) - and the 'curse' of being a strong woman

Too cold to ride and a snowstorm on the horizon. What's a woman to do? Trying to find the perfect match in clothes, color coordinating riding outfits for better days. My lovely client Anna gave me a beautiful pair of German winter riding gloves in a stunning brown/rosegold color for Christmas. And as luck would have it: I just have the matching vest. It might be a bit superficial but I do like to be well dressed. Just makes me feel better, and JP always loved it. I can still hear him say "Tu est tres belle", or "c'est tres jolie". 💔 

Perfect match!

I saw this post and found it so right on:

Battling winter blues with wise words for me and cookies for the boys

The boys and I are effectively 'benched': Too cold, too icy, too snowy and treacherous for either trail-riding or using the trailer. As expected, it contributed to a tailspin on my part. But then Jen came on Saturday, volunteering to hand walk the boys with me. She came bearing gifts: Homemade cookies for the boys. They looked so yummy I was tempted to snag one. Of course, the boys are in love with her! Both Chambord and Remy were quite "spicy" (Jen's way of saying "full of it") during the walk but it was fun. Afterwards all four boys enjoyed cookies, and the humans warmed up with tea and delicious muffins. It seems it takes a village to provide us with sustenance: Stephanie sent me wonderful herbal tea from Germany, Angie gave me her yummy gluten free pumpkin muffins, and the boys delighted in Jen's baking. 

Teamwork: Claudia's recipe, Jen's baking, and the guys enjoying 😋

Today we are under a winter weather advisory and it has been snowing incessantly all day. I came across a post from Keystone Equine (keystoneequine.net) that couldn't have been more appropriate or timely, and it really put things in perspective for me:

"Seasons and reasons…

It has taken me most of my life, through seasons of depression and dread, to truly understand myself. I have learned that while spring, summer and autumn are for my horses… winter is just for me.

My country is a land of blasting wind and inhospitable temperatures from early November until late April. It is not unheard of to experience snowfall in every month of the year. Today, I have watched the sun climb reluctantly over our big hill at 9:30 this morning and disappear again behind the Rockies, a few short hours later, at 4:30 in the afternoon. With temps reaching below the minus thirties, skin freezes instantly. Our faces burn and our eyes feel dry. It becomes difficult to focus.

I have not always done well in this environment.

I have had to make peace with the fact that, for many months, my horses’ schooling and fitness will suffer. Instead of saying that I am falling behind, I now call it ‘turnout’. This is the time for them to recharge and remember the spirit in which God made them. I have had to remind myself that my garden, too, needs time to replenish her roots and get ready for her coming splendour.

I have had to learn that all of my passions do not begin and end with warm weather!

This one has been hard, for in fact, they secretly do… but I am learning to love taking short snow-blown walks with cavorting dogs. I have even embraced a new sport, by trying traditional skijoring behind my quietest and most accommodating horses. I cannot and never have been able to ski but no matter. It has surprised me to find that I can still be silly and have fun. In adulting responsibly, I had somehow forgotten how.

I have learned that there is satisfaction in the doing of the day’s chores, of thawing frozen water lines, of getting the cold truck started for the icy trip to town. Oh, that I may never forget the satisfaction of horses feeding, after opening a beautiful, homegrown bale of hay.

I have learned that much of my depression has been the by product of today’s modern diet. Processed foods relying on chemicals, added sugars and all manner of unpronounceable ingredients, have had me reliant on other means to cope with the fallout of eating things that do not promote life. So much of what I have swallowed has fostered unwellness.

I have lived too many years, thinking that I would do anything to lose weight… except look after myself.

I have learned that this dark, long season is the one where I take long baths, make wholesome soups and stews brimful with root vegetables, do some mending or making. I remember that wellness lies in creating and resting, in looking after myself for a change. I organize neglected closets and old photos, taking the time to order some prints to frame. I can gaze at these happy moments from summers past and when I do, I allow myself to dream. I stop shaming myself about wanting—and then, taking—the nap.

I turn off the things with screens and I read. Real books with covers to crack open and pages to turn. Some of us have somehow forgotten about the quiet meditation of reading, along the way.

Every winter, I try to repaint a room. This is not a chore to cross off a long list but a fun way to try on a colour I hadn’t thought of, to brighten my horizons, to have me see my home with fresh eyes. I fill boxes with things I no longer cherish, sending them on to the charity shop, for others to enjoy. This one simple act of service is a powerful antidepressant on days when my hope is flagging.

Winter is the time when I make the dental and medical appointments to head off the bad surprises that threaten us all as we age. With chin held high, I resolutely make my way to the free screening clinics where I am squished, squeezed, poked and prodded in the hopes of an all-clear. I find that during the hurly-burly of warm weather, I can’t spare the time or be bothered to do this essential act of self care. It can be an exhausting thing, worrying through the night that I may be harbouring another illness. I am learning to do better, promising myself that above all, I deserve to know what’s going on.

Seasons and reasons. They remind me that sharp weather is actually my quiet time to rebuild and heal. This dark thing that has had me withdrawing from and fearing winter, has taken me years to learn how to handle. Like a challenging horse, I cannot master her with force… but with calmness, faith and understanding.

Winter is my time to listen." - Keystone Equine