The perfect souvenir: Handmade wool reins - and a text that makes my day

 During the ride we stopped at goat and sheep farm, where the owner also has a small store in the loft of her barn. She sells items made from her animals, such as wool, hand knitted sweaters, woven blankets, etc. I spotted the woven wool reins, and immediately thought they'd be a perfect and practical souvenir. When do you ever know who made an item and how? 

Remy sporting his new reins

I did post the photo of Remy with his new reins on FB, and this morning I got a message from my friend Glenda:

"Good morning, Birgit! I saw your post with Remy and the new reins.  Very cool. And such a wonderful memory every time you take up the reins!! I always look into a horse’s eye to see where they are in life.  Look at Remy’s eye, as I am sure you do.  But Remy’s eye is happy, contented, at peace. That is unusual for horses today, I think.  Most are worried, sad, or confused and ready to defend.  It was so good to see Remy’s eye.  It made me have faith in the horse world again to see a horse just so peacefully calm and present in life.  We so seldom see it now. I know he may kick up his heels and be a horse now and then but most likely is out of glee and mischief than anything else."

Glenda is a lifelong horsewoman (she trained for years with Gabor Foltenyi), a dressage judge, and one of the most passionate and educated horse people I've ever had the privilege of knowing. I know she will always honestly and exactly give her opinion, so this message made my day. 

A truly transformative trip - it feels almost like a new lease on life

Tomorrow will be the third anniversary of JP's accident. It's been a rough road, to say the least. Losing my beloved companions Ziggy (my dog) and then Jerry (my cat) recently took me on a downward spiral. I felt I needed to take a break in order not to break down. Initially I had thought of going to Europe, visiting my best friend Stephanie, my brother and nephew, as well as seeing the Marbacher Hengstparade. But then I decided I needed something completely new and challenging, somewhere I hadn't been before. 

My friends Michel and Patricia had raved about a trip to Iceland, so why not Iceland? But what to do? Well, horses, or course! I contacted Equitours (Equitours.com), a riding travel agency based in Wyoming (JP and I had booked with them years ago). As luck would have it, the agent handling Iceland tours happened to be German and has the same first name as I do. Biggi had been to Iceland and done the tours. She was super to correspond with and answered all my questions. It was meant to be: "Iceland, here I come!"

Travel to Iceland is easy, direct flights from Detroit to Reykjavik are daily and reasonably priced. I arrived the day before I was to meet the group and used that to visit the famous Blue Lagoon. It was quite beautiful, and luckily not overly crowded. I soaked in the hot waters, which was a relief after the long flight and bus trip. 

Blue Lagoon

The following day it was time to meet the group at the bus station. I was a bit apprehensive, after all, I was about to spend a week with strangers in close quarters. After a bit of 'fremdeln' (being a bit shy) all went well. My fellow 10 travelers turned out to be amazing women from all walks of life. We had a fun time together throughout the trip. No dressage queens in sight LOL. 

Stefnir, who owns Hekluhestar (Hekluhestar.is) together with his partner Anita, picked us up and off we went on the Golden Circle tour by van, visiting the Thingvillir National park, Gullfoss and Geysir on our way to the Hekluhestar farm. 

I had been a bit leery about the accommodation. The description noted "bunkhouse style shared accommodations" - and I do not share well. Luckily, Karin and Rebecca (the Swedish mother-daughter team) and I got assigned the most charming new guest house, and I got my own room.  

Guesthouse 

We learned that Stefnir and Anita are continuing their family's business that started 30 years ago. The farm has about 100 horses, the horses are born at the farm and stay in the vast pastures their entire lives. Anita assigned me Funi (Flame), She proudly pointed out that Funi is a true five-gaited horse, doing walk-trot-gallop-tolt-pace. I liked him immediately, and he turned out to be an awesome traveling partner. 

Lunch break with my trusted steed Funi

"There is no bad weather - only inappropriate clothing" 
Sporting waterproof oilskin pants and jacket, as well as waterproof boots and helmet cover

The entire week was just pure joy. Sometimes the weather didn't quite play along, on the longest riding day it was raining and sometimes sleeting, but that didn't deter us from having fun. Like they say: "There is no bad weather, only inappropriate clothing". The pace was fast, lots of tolt and gallop up and down hills. The horses were so surefooted and well behaved, so one could truly "sit back and enjoy the ride". 

Funi (on the right) and friend

River crossings are no problem

What a view!

The Icelandic horses are living in herds in huge pastures

Stefnir is an outstanding horseman and a very passionate tour guide. We learned so much about the history of Iceland and the life on the island.

A good roll after a fun ride

                                                    

Following the horses to dinner - Pasture for our steeds, wonderful home cooked meals for us.

After the day's ride we were treated to home baked cakes and hot drinks, and every night Anita spoiled us with delicious and healthy meals (always with vegetarian and GF options). After a sauna it was falling into bed happily tired. 

Sauna

Usually we packed our lunch, but on Wednesday Anita surprised us with a traditional Icelandic buffet in an historic barn. This barn also held the entry to the oldest man-made cave in Iceland, monks dug it about 800 AD. There, in the dark cave, Stefnir played traditional Icelandic horse songs on his accordion. It was so beautiful I almost cried. 

Looking forward to lunch in a historic barn

Lunch is served. Entry to the cave is on the left.

Stefnin playing the most touching Iceland horse song.

On the last day we visited Vik, the most southern village in Iceland, which is famous for the black beaches and basalt rocks. This country is truly breathtakingly beautiful.

I had one more day in Reykjavik before heading home, which I truly enjoyed. The only nail-biting moment during the entire trip was the bus ride to the airport... the bus driver got lost due to a road closure, and a few passengers had to come to the rescue with google maps to help him find the way.

Viking ship sculpture

Reykjavik downtown

Truly, this trip has been transformative for me. I hadn't been that happy, relaxed, and carefree in the three years since the accident. It gives me joy, strength, and appreciation of the people and horses I was privileged to spend time with. JP is happy for me, I'm sure. 

Stefnir, Anita, and Funi: Can't wait to see you again next year!

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!