Tedious paperwork - and a nice surprise in return

Too much ice and snow to drive to the barn (which, on a good day, takes an hour). Ah, no more excuses to skip the equine paperwork again... I really needed to get Remy's Morganhorse registration transferred, pay membership dues, have him registered with the USDF and USEF. All the fun -and expensive- stuff.

While filling out the transfer papers I noted the name of the breeder and the farm where Remy was born. A quick visit to Google and I found out that the "FRM" of his registered name "FRM Flower of Remington" stands for Faith Ranch Morgans. I emailed the ranch to see if I could get some more information on his 'early days'. I was not expecting the almost instant response from Pat Prouty, the owner of FRM. She gave me some information on Remy (she was hoping for a girl... well, I'll never tell him!), and sent me some lovely baby pictures. Quite the traveler, our boy: Not even four years old and he has almost crossed the entire US: Born in California, raised in Montana, and now he is with us in Michigan.

I was really happy to find out that his early days were at a very nice place with people that loved him. Of course, I knew that Remy had a wonderful upbringing with the Radtkes, but I was curious about the place where he was born. I always have Saumur and his 'baggage' in mind... It would not have made a difference in my choice of Saumur, of course, but if I had known everything about Saumur from the beginning I would have approached some things differently.

Remy really is a reflection of his upbringing, he is such a people horse. Somebody at the barn recently called him "a dog", and I was totally taken aback - until I realized she meant it in terms of a puppy dog disposition. Good thing I thought about it before punching her!

So, I spent a lot of money in registration fees and membership dues - but dealing with the tedious paperwork brought the 'bonus' of leading me to Remy's early childhood; with beautiful pictures of him and his mom to boot.

My bubble needs a thicker skin - and where are the keys??

Ah, one day things are great, the next day - not so. I got really frustrated while working with Remy because I was so distracted by all the chatter around me. There are days where I can't stay in my bubble, meaning ignoring everything that's going on around me. And it was just such a day where I couldn't focus. We try to get the horses focus on us, but then we can't do the same for them - not fair, is it? Remy still tried his best, though, and we had some lovely trot work. I just need to be mindful of the outside rein, especially going to the right he needs it to stay straight.

By the time I got on Saumur I had myself pulled together (and most of the distractions were gone), and actually Saumur also filled in 'my holes'. It was a blustery day, with doors rattling and light coming through. First I wasn't sure if I should even give it a try, but we had a very good session without spooks. Go figure.

Time to drive home - but where are the truck keys?? Nowhere to be found. JP was carrying them in his jacket and they must have fallen out. After painstakingly raking the arena, checking stalls and turnouts still no keys. Britney loaned JP her car so he could drive home and get the spare set - but of course the house keys were with the truck keys. Ugh. I called Dolores, our farm sitter, to see if she could swing by to open the door. By the time Dolores got to our place JP had already broken a window and gone into the house. In the meantime, strange things were happening to the truck: The doors unlocked! Then all of a sudden the truck alarm went off. What the heck?? So, again we went on a search. Britney scored the win: The keys were in Chambord's stall, and by stepping on the remote he had unlocked the truck. Good thing he didn't drive off!

Time to canter - on my very own 'therapy horse'

Glad to be back from Mexico City - and desperately in need of my 'horse fix' today. Remy was the 'choosen one'. He started out from the beginning relaxed on the longe line, and carried it through in our trot and walk work. Sandy asked if I wanted the give the canter a try - a first in her large arena. Yes, of course!

We had good departs on both hands, and really smooth canters :-) I was grinning from ear to ear. How fun! It is so unusual for me to ride a horse that doesn't see demons lurking in every corner, over analyzing anything that could happen. Remy is confident in himself, and takes life in stride. He is the best 'therapy' for me.

The early years with Saumur left me with what Sandy calls "PTSD" or "Beaten Wife Syndrome"... I am still having flashbacks to our troubled past: Saumur bolting out of control, spooks that could have sent me into the stratosphere, being trampled... even though things are MUCH better now, I never totally relax. So here is where Remy, the youngster, fills in as 'therapy horse' -- I am relaxed and happy when I ride him. That in turn transfers to my rides on Saumur. It should be the other way round, Saumur giving me the confidence for the youngster - but hey, I don't care who is helping whom, the important part is that all three of us are improving and having fun doing so!

It's not you - it's me... OK, I guess I have to fake it

Yesterday it was finally warm enough (for Michigan standards, I mean) to ride. Remy, the 'energizer bunny', was showing how happy he was to get moving after 4 days of only turnout. With the frozen ground most horses are not running outside (luckily!), so all the pent up energy has to find an outlet. It was the first time that I saw Remy bucking on the longe line, nothing major, just some "I am happy to move" expressions. Still I had some doubts about getting on - remembering two recent incidents where the working students got bucked off by the exuberant youngsters. The key, of course, is to block this out, otherwise the body gets tight and the tension transfers to the horse. I admit, I started out faking it, just trying to breathe deeply and to relax my back. It did the trick, and we went to work. We finished with some good baby leg yields and turns on the forehand.

That should have set the tone for my work with Saumur, alas the sun rays were coming through the door and I felt him tense up as soon as he got a glimpse of it. From there I automatically tensed up, keeping a vice grip on him, lest he takes off with me. Saumur in turn thought something MUST be wrong based on my tension, and he reacted accordingly. Guess it's the classical "you started it - no, you did". With Sandy's help we worked through it, but I was not happy with myself, even though we were able to do a pretty cool exercise well: trot half-pass to center line, straighten, leg yield to the wall, then half-pass back to the center line. Just need to remember that less is more (aids in this case).

I talked with Sandy after the lesson and she suggested that in order for Saumur to be ready for the show season he would benefit from more rides by her. Ouch. I mean, of course, she is the much better and experienced rider/trainer, but nevertheless it spun me into the well known circle of doubts: Obviously, I am not able to give Saumur the rides he needs, we'll never get anywhere, etc. etc.

JP and I went to a late lunch (with the worst service ever, very fitting to my dark mood), and poor JP had to listen to me questioning my abilities and the whole endeavor for about the millionth time, it seems. In the end, though, talking through it helped getting me back on track (wonder when he will present the bill for his 'shrink duties'?): So what if we don't hit 4th level at the first show of the season? Or even show this season? The hitch is that I THINK I NEED to prove it to myself that I can do it. But do I really need to prove it? The answer is NO. So, here's the remedy against doubts creeping in:

Breathe deeply and relax ... or at least fake it (some wine doesn't hurt either!)

Too cold to ride - but still having 'productive fun'

10F this morning: definitely NOT conducive to riding. We still headed to the barn, and plucked the boys out of their fields. I decided it would be a good day to refresh Remy's groundwork with the simple basics: Go - stop - turn. As it was too cold for longing we did a slow jog in the indoor. That actually was really fun, Remy is such a quick learner, he figured out immediately what was expected of him (NOT charging ahead of me, politely and immediately stopping with a respectful distance). At the end, I felt ready for some in-hand classes. Turns out Remy is a "great puppy", meaning he walks perfectly on a leash (halter rope) - not something I can say about our to rambunctious Viszlas Max and Jaas.

Chambord "Mr. Sensitive Feet" showed off his new, custom made shoes - including padding and a 'rubber mound' to keep the snow from balling up. Jim Dolsen, our farrier, did a great job; and Chambord is happy and sound. JP climbed on Chambord bareback, but Chambord seemed to be confused by the concept ("what - no saddle, no bridle, and you are not wearing a helmet? I don't think I'll move"). Smart horse!

Hardworking Saumur got to do his favorite thing: rolling to his heart's content in the indoor. After that we just did a lot of walking, walk-halt transitions without a leadrope. Quite a change from his usual work: on Wednesday he did canter half pass left - flying change - half pass right with Sandy. I got an excited email from her: "Zigzags - here we come!"

After a liberal distribution of apples and carrots the boys headed back out to their playmates, we tried to 'de-ice' with the help of the heater blasting in our truck - and all were happy.

Eat your words, Mr. National Champion!

Last night I was reading in Denny Emerson's book "How good Riders Get Good" (an autographed copy, no less, with the inscription "Birgit, best of luck with your riding adventures"). When I still had the 'eventing bug' Denny was THE authority. I even went to meet him at his farm in Vermont. At the time I was riding Crissy, my Morgan mare.

So imagine my surprise and yes, outrage, when I came across the following:

"Suppose you love the Morgan breed, but are also entranced with the sport of dressage. Certainly Morgans can be used in the discipline, but very few of them are suited for the demands of upper-level dressage, a world dominated by such Warmblood breeds as Hanoverians and Westphalians. So you'll have to choose: Buy a Morgan, and probably restrict yourself from the upper reaches of dressage, or buy a Warmblood and give yourself more of a chance to excel in your sport. (Or win the lottery and buy one of each!)"*
*Page 182, How Good Riders Get Good, Denny Emerson, Trafalgar Square Books

Now this is a statement coming from "One of the 50 most influential horsemen of the 20th Century", according to the Chronicle of the Horse.

Well, Denny, you just got me even more motivated to prove that Morgans can excel in upper level dressage.

Take a look at Saumur - or check out the accomplishments of the members of the Morgan Dressage Association... and then: Eat your words!

Professionals have coaches - what about amateurs?

I was thinking about a comment a fellow rider made the other day. She said that as she takes less lessons she feels that she is riding better. Having less 'micro-management' helps her figuring things out on her own. Of course, I immediately questioned myself "what's wrong with me?" I certainly don't ride better if I go long without coaching/lessons.

A friend of mine is a psychiatrist and specializes in "Mind Coaching". She works with top executives helping them become the best they can be in a extremely demanding and cut throat 'dog eat dog' environment. The statement on her website reads "Professionals have coaches. Amateurs do not". I would beg to differ, but the message is that if you take something serious and you want to be the best you can be you need a coach.

There are plenty of people that are very self-sufficient, work independently and achieve amazing results. All that (aside from not always having the "amazing results") applies to my professional and personal life. I abhor to be micro-managed.

As a rider, though, I rely on the expert advise, eyes on the ground, and feedback of my instructor or clinician. While I don't enjoy the constant corrections (that I need) they make me a better rider. Should I feel bad about this 'perceived neediness'? Absolutely not! Every Olympic athlete has one or even several coaches; the vast majority of accomplished riders work with instructors and coaches. So, yes, I admit that I am 'somewhat needy' - but only when it comes to my riding (don't tell me what to do anywhere else!)

Sitting on my b.. -- um, hind-end, again

For a while now I have struggled to keep my position correct in the saddle. I was perching forward, with my legs 'shooting out' behind. Clearly, this called for Luanne to the rescue. Luanne is the saddle fitter/rep for Schleese who has been working with us for several years now.

I still remember the sticker shock when a friend and FEI rider recommended these custom made, adjustable saddles. At the time, the saddle was more than my horse! But after a lot of research and meeting the (German) owner of the company I decided to go for it. I looked at it as a one-time-investment, as the saddle could 'grow' (that means getting adjusted) with us. After what seemed an awful lot of measurements (how long is my thigh again? You want to know my weight??) the order was placed and a couple of months later our saddle arrived. Over the years the correct dressage work changed Saumur's shape noticeably but with the proper adjustments the saddle always fit.

So today it required tree and air adjustments. I was really pleased when Luanne commented on how even Saumur is and how wonderful strong his back looks. Actually the reason for today's adjustment was the muscle development in his back, the more developed back muscles pushed the saddle on his now more defined withers - and me out of balance! After some major tweaking we are back in business, I am sitting correctly on my 'five letters' again (the German abbreviation of a colloquial term, which the Americans delicately call "sitting on your pant pockets").

The good news is: we can always accommodate Saumur's changing shape. The other news: it can not accommodate the changing shape of the rider. Guess I better monitor my Nutella consumption!

RJ Smith - R.I.P.

We didn't know RJ very well, but still, his passing saddened us because he was a genuine horseman, a nice person - and a bit of an unconventional horse dealer.

By the time we met RJ we had a long and unsuccessful spell behind us trying to find the right horse for JP. His previous experience with a "well broke" draft-horse cross resulted in five broken ribs and a permanently crooked finger. As we found out the hard way, once fed and drug free the "well broke" horse turned out to be a world-class bucking bronc.

Sandy suggested we contact RJ. He was the local cowboy, helping with problem horses, trailer loading, etc. So I called RJ and asked if he would have a "babysitter" for my husband. First there was dead silence, then came with a drawl "Well, Ma'am, somebody just traded in a young Quarterhorse for a gaited mule". Oh great, I thought, what's wrong with this Quarterhorse if people trade him in for a mule?? RJ insisted that the horse was "really nice". OK, well then, we decided to check him out. Oh, did I mention the horse's name was 'Country Twister'? Hopefully the saying "Nomen est Omen" didn't apply!

At RJ's no frills place a sturdy five year old Palomino was waiting. RJ in person turned out to be a very nice man, who had spend a good part of his life on the rodeo circuit - and looked the part. Without further delay RJ suggest to JP to "go try him along the road". Sharp breath intake on my side: It was a busy paved road with cars flying by at 70 MPH. That went just fine, but keeping lessons learned in mind I was not sold yet. So RJ invited JP back to go on a trailride "with the guys". Yep, great idea: Take a beginner on an unfamiliar, green horse out in the middle of nowhere! But clearly, RJ wasn't worried about JP getting killed. (For the record: I was!). The man just knew how to read a horse and assess quickly if horse and rider were a good match.

And a "trailride with the guys" it turned out to be: Four hours fast paced riding over rough terrain, fueled by a potent Whiskey-Cola mix. Needless to say, JP came home beaming and sold on the horse. Just to be on the safe side, lest the name might be an indication of things to come, we gave 'Twister' a gentler name: Chambord (a beautiful castle in France, build of stones in color similar to a Palomino).


While this process certainly had some nerve-wracking moments by not being your typical "try out the horse in the arena" standards, it was nevertheless a fun experience. We enjoyed the interaction with a true and gentle horseman who sold us an honest horse. It sounds so simple - but yet it is very profound.

So, RJ: Thank you - Godspeed - May you always ride a good horse and have plenty of Whiskey-Cola with you!

Three little piggies are having fun - and transform into one

The weather in Michigan is still unseasonably warm, with temps in the 40s (F). Yesterday it seemed the boys had an especially fun filled day: When I got to the barn they were totally encrusted in mud. Saumur, with his trace clip, is the only one wearing a sheet. That meant that I 'only' had to scrub his legs, neck and head - and the sheet, of course.

Chambord and Remy had done a very thorough job mud-bathing (wonder if they heard about Spa retreats featuring mud baths??): It was hard to discern that Chambord is a Palomino. His entire body had changed to a grayish/brown color. Even though his hair is short, it was still quite the scrub job. Ah, and then Remy, with his dense winter coat and very thick mane and tail - A perfect target for mud to stick to!

Note to self: Next time bring safety glasses. All the mud and dirt flying off the horses and latching on to my contact lenses did not improve my eye-sight. I had to furiously blink all the way home to see the traffic signs.

Actually, the four of us enjoyed the grooming sessions. I like the hands-on horse care and find it very relaxing, and the three boys enjoy getting pampered (yes, you guys, you can admit this!).

By the end the three piggies had transformed into sparkling clean horses... and I into the lone piggy!

Less is more - and getting rid of the grey zone

Lesson with Saumur today: Preparing for the shoulder in on the centerline, and in general applying  "Less is More" - subtle aids that will result in a smoother response (duh!).

First we worked on getting Saumur to stretch and to move his shoulders. He has no problems moving his hind end, but boy, those shoulders can be rock hard (incidentally - that applies to me, too, the tight shoulders I mean). Interestingly, we need a different exercise for each side. On the right, it's shoulder in - on the left, haunches in. That really helped make Saumur more supple and bendable, and in turn improved the half-passes. Sandy stressed again that "Less is More".  It means it is much kinder to the horse to use a gentle spur aid than the rider tensing the body, and pushing with all her might. And of course, right she is! I barely had to put my leg on, look where we need to go, and off we went floating across the arena.

Note to self: Call Luanne, the saddle fitter. Saumur's muscles have developed quite a bit since the last adjustment, and the air seems to get low. Yes, I am literally 'riding on air' - which is not everyone's preference, but I love it.

Remy and I got reminded of the "Black and White" rule today. No working in the 'grey zone'! Mainly I needed the reminder to instantly correct behaviour that is not wanted, i.e. when I ask for a transition "Hmm, maybe later" is not a good answer. And when he roots on the bit we stop instantly, no fiddling. All in all Remy was very good today, we started right where we left off yesterday.

So... now I wonder if I could apply the "Less is More" philosophy to housecleaning??

Getting on a 'natural high' - No drugs required

Yesterday I had one of these rides where things just 'clicked', and when I got off Remy I felt completely 'high'. It is one of the best feelings when you work on something with your horse, you encounter obstacles, and then all of a sudden things fall into place and you feel harmony. Now, in this case, there was nothing special involved, no canter pirouettes, no changes -- just very simple: carry yourself, go on the bit, and stay there. One of the things I struggled with when I rode Remy the first time was the connection, he would grab the bit, carry his head high, and I felt at a loss (especially he didn't do it as much with Sally). So now that we are on the right path, it's just an awesome feeling.

One advantage of the long commute from the barn is that it gives me plenty of time to think. I was contemplating all the different things our horses taught and still teach me:

Crissy gave me complete confidence, she also taught me to be flexible in adjusting my expectations. She hated ring work, but loved to blaze the trails. We would go off alone for hours into the woods, galloping and cantering to our heart's content. Some of my fondest memories are the times when we galloped next to a train, with the conductor waving at us. Or going out in the forest after the first snow fall, running and jumping bareback. So what if she wasn't going to be a dressage star?

Saumur, with his heavy baggage, taught me PATIENCE, never to give up, and to believe in us. Nobody would have thought (me included) that he would go from spooking, bolting, and generally being more than challenging to earning the USDF Bronze Medal and now working 4th level. It also taught me to search for and then appreciate the right support system. "No" to negative people! We wouldn't be where we are now without the help of first Julie, and now Sandy. And I think I might have given up if JP wouldn't have been so unwavering in his support. No fun for a husband when the horse comes home alone, and the wife limps along an hour later, bruised and bloody!

Then there is Chambord, who busted my face and still owes my a nose job! He planted his hoof in my face, but he is a ham for JP. This one is about forgiveness, and yes, recognizing my own faults. The accident happened in part because I was careless. It is also clear that Chambord is a 'one man horse' and 'his man' unquestionable is JP.

Finally Remy, the 'happy baby' -- it's been over 20 years since I started Crissy as a 4 year old, so it's quite an adjustment. Luckily I know so much more now then I knew then, and I'm excited about the journey with Remy.

Looking at all of this: Keep your Prozac, people!

A highlight on the last day off - Learning from the baby

Where did the time go? This last week sure flew by. I try not to think of the fact that the next long weekend will be Memorial Day, which seems eons away.

Another busy day at the barn and I really wondered how Remy would handle the commotion of four people riding, and another horse being longed besides himself. Well, Remy didn't worry like I did, he just went to work, and stayed focused. He longed very well, and the downward transitions are getting better and better, which means he is much more responsive.

I still was hesitant to get on (people riding! people watching!), and worked on our walk 'box', something we are comfortable with -- until Sandy reminded me that Remy was getting bored and we needed to get to work. So, on to the trot. With numerous reminders from Sandy to 'step it up' I got Remy into a good working trot around the entire arena. Sandy reminded me of what George Williams had told her regarding the work with the young horses: sometimes to have to step out of your comfort zone.  And we were pushing my comfort zone here, as in my mind all the "what ifs" were running through. Entirely needless. Remy enjoyed his trot work and we had our highlight: he actually got on the bit and was nice and relaxed!! Good to know that one of us has it together - I've got lots to learn from the baby!

This week was a great bonding experience for Remy and me. The more time I spend with him the more smitten I am (OK, I am totally smitten already). Considering that JP had to push me quite a bit to make the decision to get Remy... Ugh, do I really have to admit he was right??? Guess so.

When I first met Remy in Montana I was not convinced that he would be a good fit for me. It wasn't 'love at first sight' and I didn't feel 'at home' riding him. When I told the Radtkes and Sally Anderson about my doubts they were great, all three told me not to feel rushed, to think about it, and to come back to spend more time with Remy. (99% of people selling horses would have pushed at that point, not matter the fit.) I have a tendency to over think and over analyze things and so was going back and forth about the decision incessantly. JP was from the beginning convinced that Remy and I would be perfect together, he listed all pros against my cons, and finally 'sold' me Remy.

What can I say: JP was right! (He can have that one, I am right -most- other times :-) )

A good start to the New Year - I stayed in the bubble

After getting over a bit of a 'heavy head' this morning, JP and I made our now daily trek to Southview Farm. Lots of activity, everybody seemed to have had the same (great) idea: starting the New Year with the horses. What better way is there, anyway? (Note for horse people: This is strictly a rhetorical question).

It was quite a challenging scenario for Saumur and me: the wind was howling around the barn, rain and icicles pelting on the roof, doors being rattled by the heavy wind - and several people riding at the same time. Sandy had to remind me several times to "stay in the bubble", meaning focusing on our work, and not letting distractions penetrate the bubble. It was a good day to focus on precision and the basics, with a valuable exercise of trot - halt before each corner (remembering to 'stand him up' through inside leg to outside hand) then trot off again in balance. If Saumur blew through the halt: reinback, then trot (without walk in between). Smart guy that he his he figured it out quickly, and basically half-halted himself before each corner. Throughout this we both were able to keep our attention, a big accomplishment for both of us.  Actually, that is as important (or even more) as doing the 'fancy stuff', i.e. a series of changes. If Saumur is not on the aids and blowing through the half-halts then the changes, especially a series of it, will end with a run-away freight train (albeit a beautiful one!).

JP and Chambord followed with a good lesson, as Kathy put it:  "the horse shortened his frame during the work". These two have a much easier time staying in the bubble, actually they are in their own world a lot of times anyway... and Chambord gets more rattled thinking about food than any commotion in the arena or howling winds.

I was really tickled with Remy today, he longed beautifully, didn't mind other horses around him, or the above mentioned weather conditions. I got on and did the box exercise in the walk. Remy just got introduced to this recently, and he figured it out right away. We had a very nice even contact in the reins, and a good connection. Not wanting to push my luck with the weather deteriorating I decided to stop on a good note.

So, all five of us are off to a good start into the New Year! Now all I have to do is stay in my bubble for the remaining 364 days...