A great weekend with the boys - finding relaxation at the end of the rope

I was pretty worn out coming back from yet another business trip to Mexico; and then the boys had their appointments for Coggins, EWT and WNV. No problem for Chambord and Remy, they are truly "Vets delights". Even Saumur is handling the needles so much better now. Dr. Younk also observed Saumur on the longe line, as he still has problems with the more demanding (collection) movements. He started out looking quite stiff, but worked out of it. The flexion tests revealed some minor hock soreness. So Saumur is on a course of bute (2g for a week, then 1g for another week), and he will get magnetic hock boots. We are still contemplating Adequan, but I am a bit hesitant because this would mean seven shots four days apart each. Would that bring his needle phobia back?

All three were fine after the vaccinations (no stiffness), and I had a lot of fun with them. JP was clearing our pastures of the downed trees and fixing fences, so I worked Chambord also. We did a training level test, and Chambord aced it. Now I just have to convince JP to go to a show - which is unlikely to happen, not when there is a requirement to wear white breeches - a definite deal-breaker for him.

Remy got to try a Nathe bit, I had that for my horse in Germany and really liked it. It is very soft and giving. Remy was going well in his KK, but I wanted to see if he wouldn't find the Nathe more comfy. So far so good. He longed well in the outdoor arena and was very good under saddle. I am really looking forward to the Michael Bragdell Young Horse Clinic April 21 and 22. It will be tight timing - I am coming back from Europe just a day before leaving for the clinic.

My most relaxing time was hanging out with Saumur. I took him for his roll and afterwards let him explore the arena. He sniffs like a dog, sifting through all the different scents. It makes me impatient when our dogs take forever to check things out, but somehow it relaxes me when Saumur does it. Just don't tell Max and Jaas!

An awesome horse-weekend - and could it be that easy?

It really was almost a perfect horse weekend - and I say almost because of the weather. Yes, I know, never satisfied... but temps in the high 70s just don't jive with heavy winter coats. Aside from that minor issue both days riding was really fun and rewarding. My lessons Saturday on both Remy and Saumur were great, and JP was thrilled with his ride on Chambord.

Today I rode Remy first in the indoor and then took him out to the huge outdoor arena. As soon as Saumur saw us from his adjacent field he kept whinnying and my guilt trip set in. Remy didn't care at all, but I took my 'affair' out of sight, and we went about exploring the great outdoors.

For Saumur I decided to change our routine a bit. Instead of the double bridle I put him into Remy's snaffle (actually it is a hand-me-down from Saumur), and took him into the outdoor arena. After some walk and trot work we went into the canter. I got into a two-point position and we just worked on long easy lines. Saumur stayed very soft and focused, despite the manure spreader going up and down the field, children playing, constant gun shots (yes, this is the land of the free, where you can shoot your gun on a Sunday afternoon in proximity to people!). I really enjoyed on how soft Saumur stayed the whole time, so I tried some flying changes. No problem - easy as pie! Except for the fact that he stopped dead in is tracks after the first one and craned his neck, expecting sugar.

So, why no spooks or distractions today? I remembered that I read a long time ago that sometimes the race horse trainers put fleece on the noseband, so the horse's eyes focus on the object and thus making it easier to concentrate. Well, I was riding Saumur in a sheepskin covered noseband, as Remy had scraped his nose some time ago while playing outside and I put the sheepskin on for protection. It couldn't be that easy, could it?!?

Then, of course, the next question beckons:  Should I wear some sheepskin around my neck so my mind doesn't wander in boring meetings??

Squeeze the stuffing forward - and having "multiple affairs"

Sandy had a good analogy for me while I was riding Remy: I should imagine sitting on a 'Beanie Baby', gently squeezing the filling forward. Translation: Use my legs to get Remy's neck to stretch forward and out.

Remy reminded me more of a drunken sailor coming on shore after months at sea. He is going through another growth spurt and is trying to find his balance. Not easy when carrying a human on the back! Remy is trying so hard to please, and never says 'No'. Interestingly, we had our first (luckily brief) bucking experience yesterday: in the canter Remy lost his balance and while scrambling to stay on his feet humped up his back and threw some small bucks in. He/we quickly recovered though, and moved on to finish on a good note.

Saumur is still not 100%, I also suspect that the weather doesn't help. It's mid March in Michigan and we have temps close to 70F. What's wrong with that picture?? To Saumur it must seem like doing aerobic exercises in a heavy winter coat. The hair is just not shedding fast enough, and he has a ton of it anyway. The message of global warming obviously has not reached him yet. We might need to press the French hairstylist into wielding the clippers again.

Sandy and I talked about how happy we are with our horses, especially our youngsters. I admitted that somehow I feel like I am cheating on Saumur when I spend time with Remy, and vice versa, with Chambord thrown in from time to time for good measure. It is not just the time spend, it is also the emotional attachment. I guess that's where the term 'emotional affair' comes in. I can't even keep it clandestine, there is always another set of bright equine eyes watching my every movement when I groom, tack up, etc.

Somebody once told me that as a European I am supposedly predestined to be promiscuous... Good excuse - I'll try to restrict it to horses, though!

Definitely a horsey - and therefore very enjoyable - weekend

Grocery shopping: No; House Cleaning: No; Cooking: Not really; Laundry: Not so much -- BUT:
Lots of horse activities this weekend!

Saturday JP and I had good rides with all three boys, and then went to the Stallion Expo at Michigan State University. We hadn't done that together in eons, last time we were newly arrived in the US, and I had my heart set on buying a western saddle. I just had received Crissy as a gift from JP, and low and behold, wanted to learn western riding. Unfortunately, the only western riding in the area was walk-trot-canter while being decked out and supposedly looking pretty with lots of bling. That got old very quickly, neither Crissy nor I much cared about looking pretty - we both wanted action and preferred racing on the trails to the show ring any day.

This time around we weren't saddle shopping, even though western saddles were available in abundance. This year's expo was dedicated to RJ Smith, and we wanted to pay our respects to his widow, Jane, a very lovely lady. We did that and had a nice visit with Jane. She made us pause for a moment when she mentioned that RJ was at the Expo, and accompanied her in the arena --

Strolling the booths and checking out the horses was interesting, and -no surprise- the Crosswind Donkey Rescue booth beckoned us. Two very nice and helpful volunteers answered our questions, and ...well.. looks like we'll be checking out some donkeys as potential room (barn) mates soon.

Today JP got hit by the flu bug, so I rode all three boys. Remy was his usually happy self, Saumur not so much. Even though he had the Chiropractor work on him last week (who said he was fine), he didn't seem fine. Not really 'off' but stiff and not too happy. He was also breathing hard, I think the change in temps (60s today) is hard on him. Saumur still has a ton of hair, even though he is trace clipped. We'll take it easy and monitor him, and then see if we need further diagnostics. Some arthritic changes are to be expected, I guess. 

I hadn't ridden Chambord in a while, and discovered again that he is quite the trotting machine. Chambord is a fun ride, and I am thinking he'd be perfect for a cow working session - I can see him really sorting the cows. Remy definitely was not pleased when I picked Chambord out from the pasture, he ran right up to Chambord and got after him - the 'little guy' actually bit the big one. While I was riding Chambord I could see Remy through the open arena door. He stood the entire time at the pasture gate sulking.

Guys --  Always possessive, always fighting over a girl (even if she makes them work)!

"You can be happy and smile - but you still have to RIDE"

That's exactly what I heard in my lesson with Remy. He gives me such a good feeling that I just enjoy and stop riding (drop the aids). That was also a reminder on why I need my lessons with Sandy, she has to get after me when I slack off. The other one had to do with the connection to the bit. On Sunday Remy was fussy with his head, and as a result I backed off and barely touched the reins. Not the best thing to do (in hindsight, of course). Always questioning myself and "oh, he doesn't like it, I'll better stop" will not get us anywhere -- aside from creating a horse that will have my number in no time. And sure enough, once I held the connection and softened when he softened Remy's frame nicely rounded and he came on the bit.

The other prompt I need is to put my leg on. Sounds easy enough, but Saumur taught me well: For years the slightest contact with his sides felt like putting the pedal to the metal - and the Ferrari was from 0 to 100 in no time. Remy actually needs my leg to support him, especially in the right lead canter. We finished with working on a correct stretch in the trot on a circle, where I must think of soft arms (no 'sticks'), while letting him stretch down with the right engagement.

After all this I happy and smiled - and stopped riding!

To seemingly have it all - how much of it is luck?

When I got the news about the MDA scholarship I was really excited, and I told my friends and several acquaintances about it, and also posted it on facebook.

Some of the reactions got me thinking, do I really have it all? The ten years with Saumur have more than once brought me to the brink of despair. There were numerous times when I was too scared to ride him (especially after Chambord had planted his hoof in my face). Saumur's trailering issue had me working for months and hours on end at trailer loading, completely exhausted and often in tears of exhaustion and frustration. More than once I was ready to give up and make a 'lawn ornament' out of him. Not to mention all the shows where he would spook and bolt, or the time when he ejected me at full speed on the trail, running over me and then heading home alone.

The rest of it didn't exactly fall into my lap either: I started my career in the US by cleaning 20 stalls a day. The Executive position I have now is due to very hard work, long hours, sheer grit and determination. Every day is a struggle to do it all. Same goes for everything else in my life.

So yes, I guess I have it all; and I am happy and extremely grateful for the suport I have had along the way. I won't be so bold as to quote Margaret Thatcher: "It wasn't luck - I deserved it!". But what the heck, there is some truth to it!

No blog update? - And awesome news from the Morgan Dressage Association

I am always happy when people ask "What - no blog update??". Especially if this is followed by "I miss your blog!" One of my closest friends in Germany keeps tabs on me via my blog, as I don't always have time for a lot of email exchanges. As she says "at least when I read your blog I know you are OK and I can follow what's going on with that part of your life."

Last week felt like I was living in my office, there was no time for much else. At least I didn't have to worry about the boys, they are always well taken care of.

Friday afternoon rolled around and an email popped up: "Dear Birgit, Congratulations! You have been selected to receive a scholarship from the Morgan Dressage Association". AWESOME!! I was thrilled, mainly because to me it means that Saumur (and the entire 'Team Saumur') gets the recognition so well deserved. The scholarship is to be applied towards training, and I am planning to take both Saumur and Remy to George Williams for a week. Now all I have to do is nail George down for a date... easier said then done. After all, the man is the USDF president, and has Olympic candidates training with him. And here I am with my two Morgans. Pretty amazing!

The Morgan Dressage Association is such a great organization. It all started when Sally Anderson, a board member, sent me a congratulatory note on behalf of the MDA for our USDF Bronze Medal. From there I started communicating with her and other board members. What a super combination: Morgan AND Dressage enthusiasts... and through the MDA I found Remy!

By the time I made it to the barn the stress of the week had been erased by the great news and the excitement of finally spending time with the boys. Once there I liberally distributed hugs, kisses and treats (I guess the treats were the most appreciated signs of affection).  I had a lesson with Remy, and 'Junior' amazed me once again. Even with several days of only playtime, he went right to work, picking up where we left off. Sandy has a good way of reminding me that I have to be very conscientious on how I ride Remy each and every time: Black and white - no grey area. "He is a sponge, and as such he retains everything, the good and the bad". Right she is! Remy has already figured out the routine, and is anticipating the canter departs. Or another example, we practised walk - halt transitions.. He got a lot of praise for being responsive... and then just wanted to halt at every opportunity. We worked on transitions, changes in the trot through the circles, first with a walk transition in the middle, then only by slowing down the trot. We also worked on the canter departs again, and managed to improve his right lead depart (left is great).

Today we had so strong storms that a lot of power lines in our neighborhood went down. In addition, the pouring rain had turned the fields into muddy slush, so the horses stayed in. High winds and stormy weather usually means 'use caution when riding Saumur', as he is extremely sensitive to changes. But with no turnout today I thought I'll give it a whirl (perhaps not the best choice of words in this situation), even though the storm shook the barn walls, rain pelted on the roof, and the doors rattled in the strong winds. Amazingly, Saumur stayed relaxed and calm, we went through our exercise program without a hitch. He must have felt very secure, every time Chambord went by Saumur made ugly faces and threatened him. Remy got a longing day today, no side-reins, just a longing cavasson. He was attentive, good carriage, no antics, very workman-like.

Gold-stars for all the boys - and a couple of Koelschs at the local brewery for the 'Riders in the Storm'.