Panic Attack - and a fabulous weekend in Kentucky

Thursday was not the best of days at Southview Farm, as Sandy got bucked off a young mare in training, and ended up with a broken hand and lots of bruises.

To top it off, Saumur panicked at some heavy equipment being moved next to his pasture. He ran straight through the fence line and took the fence out. Timing is everything - this happened right before we were leaving for Kentucky. Luckily though, Saumur wasn't hurt. He ended up in Shevy's paddock. Even though those two never had been out together, the girls found them grooming each other. Shevy, in his wisdom, probably thought that this would be a good way to calm Saumur's nerves, which it apparently did.

Instead of packing my suitcase I drove to the barn to check on my scaredy-cat. Aside from a wound at this right ribcage he was fine, a bit stiff on the longe line, but fine.

Kentucky was exactly what the doctor (or shrink, if I would have one) ordered. We went on the Bourbon Trail and had a great time visiting the Woodford Reserve Distillery. Tasting included! I found my way to linking Bourbon: pair it with dark chocolate and drink it neat. From Woodform we visited the Keenland Racetrack. It's just so much fun observing the preparation of the horses, the races, watching the people (and outrageous dresses). But, call me an European Snob, it's not like the big races in Europe. We finished the day at Le Deauville, a wonderful French restaurant (that is just like being in Europe!) in Lexington. A very fitting place to celebrate our 22nd anniversary!

Rolex XC day dawned cold and wet, we were one of the first spectators on course. Lots of walking, that's a given (the course runs straight of 6 km, and that doesn't include all the back and forth to and from the different jumps). Somehow this year the course seemed to challenge the horses and riders more, only a modest 10% got through without time or jumping penalties.

Once not so pretty incident happened right in front of us. The horse refused part of a combination, the rider circled and asked the (clearly spent) horse to jump again. Without enough oomph the horse ended up with the front legs hung over the fence and stuck. The rider and some helpers were able to lift the front legs over the fence and freeing the horse, who was able to limp off with painful steps. The thing that shocked both JP and me was that the rider simply pulled off his saddle and walked away, leaving the horse with the grooms and vet. Not so much as a second look. So much for horsemanship. Other than that a lot of riders demonstrated great skills, and the eventual winner William Fox-Pitt presented a beautiful ride.

Shopping at Rolex was a bit disappointing (well, not for my credit cards, they can live without major work outs). We did check out one of the 2-horse truck-trailer combinations from a French company. At one point I had to stop JP from telling the French sales guy all the things that should or could be improved. At a base price of close to $150k not exactly a bargain anyway.

Now that we are back the boys are finally coming home tonight. That is, Remy and Chambord. Saumur will stay a bit longer so I can get more lessons in before the shows. Although, I am getting a bit panicky myself, looking at my upcoming work and travel schedule. How in the world am I going to pull all this off? Not by running through a fence, that's for sure.

The ribbon exercise - and should we change the outfit?

Remy and Chambord are now assigned to help manage Saumur's weight by sharing the pasture and keeping him moving more.

The change of scenery (and richer food) seems to have a mellowing effect on Remy. Even with the little work he has had in the past weeks he was a good boy. Still pushy, though, and Sandy reminded me that Remy does not have Saumur's fragile ego. This one is actually pretty full of himself and thinks he knows it all. Just a regular guy!

We practised a new and very effective exercise that Sandy calls her 'ribbon exercise' ("think of curly Christmas ribbons"). First in the walk, then in the trot, the horse moves from the wall to the quarter line in a shallow loop, and back to the wall, with a clear change of bend; i.e. turning right requires right leg, right rein, and the core (belly button) pointing in the direction of the movement. Once I got into the swing of things I felt like a belly dancer. The great effect was that Remy became soft and round and was on the bit with a very good connection.

With that success, maybe I should get us in the belly dancer garb for more good vibes? Probably not, Remy wearing a skirt would hurt his macho pride too much!

"Believe in your horse - so your horse can believe in you"

I came across this quote from Ray Hunt the other day. It really made me think about expectations. Jean-Paul is a great example for this. He always expects Chambord to do his best, he does not over analyze what might be or could potentially happen. Chambord reciprocates with being a great partner for JP because he feels secure.

On the other hand, I did not always believe in Saumur. We started out fine, but over time Saumur's issues cracked my confidence. Already more on the nervous and worrying side myself we sometimes fed each others worries. As JP rightfully points out, both Saumur and I are "constructing scenarios in our heads", always wondering and questioning.

It all starts with awareness. It's a good step to go in the right direction. Now Saumur and I are on a good path and we believe in each other.

This of course does not only apply to horse - human relationships. One has to believe in good things to happen to make it happen! Or as JP says "Crois en ton etoile".

The boys are alright - but one of us has to lose weight

What a relief: Remy is sound, happy to work, and was a really good boy on the longe line and under saddle. It seems, though, that the days of 'make do' by using Saumur's dressage saddle and a pad with shims might have to come to an end. At least I have the jumping saddle that will be adjusted for Remy in two weeks when the saddle fitter comes.

Saumur got to go in Remy's snaffle bridle today (which actually was his bridle before) and he was awesome. We did shoulder in, haunches in, canter work, flying changes (!) all in the snaffle. I was thrilled.

However, it is obvious that one of us has to lose weight. The good news is, it's not me. The bad news (for Saumur) is it's him. The lush pastures have done a number on his figure and I noticed not only the portly belly but also fat deposits near his tail. Saumur only gets two pounds of ProAdvantage (a vitamin/mineral supplement) twice a day. It's not merely a 'looks' issue, more importantly it's a health issue - I'm afraid he might founder. So, either he has to move to a pasture with less grass or stay in part of the day. Weight Watchers for horses anyone?

Young Horse Clinic - Watching a 'child prodigy'

Even though Remy and I had to sit out the Young Horse Clinic with Michael Bragdell (the Swedish born trainer from Hilltrop Farm), I went to audit. Sandy had a really good session with Doc. It was interesting to see how Michael used groundwork to make Doc more responsive to the aids.

During the break I had a chance to chat with Michael and tell him about Remy. I was expecting some surprise on his part when I mentioned that I have a Morgan - but the surprise was on my side: Michael has several students with Morgans, and what endeared me to him (of course!) was his remark "a good horse is a good horse!". We discussed his training approach for young horses in general and Michael stressed that he strongly believes in cross training as opposed to a single focus on dressage: trial riding, cavaletti work, etc.

I watched a session with a four year old warmblood gelding. The horse was on the aids, always in the right frame, did leg yields, canter lengthening, shallow loops in the canter, some counter canter. Wow! If I were  compare him with Remy I'd have to say Remy is the kindergartner and the other horse is at least middle school level. Michael asked the rider about the background of her horse: he's been in continuous training since the beginning of last year.

OK, I have to admit, initially there was a tiny little pang of what - envy? regret that I didn't work harder with Remy? That pang vanished almost instantly, though. I believe I am doing the right thing for both of us with taking more time. Remy's recent episode with the growing pains was a clear message that his body still needs time. So he won't be the four year old star at the dressage shows, but he'll have a happy childhood with fun playing with his friends and hitting the trails. Nothing wrong with that!

A good vacation day - working on my six pack

Finally - a day off! And what better way to spend it than with the boys at the barn?

Saumur is feeling like his old self again, his 'partial vacation' of low key work combined with the chiropractic adjustment and start of Adequan certainly helped. Sandy focused the lesson on the transitions, and she insisted that I really use my abs/core muscles. We did a ton of transitions in and out of the gaits as well as within the gaits. For moments we came darn close to half-steps! After the lesson Saumur got his second shot of Adequan, Sandy did the deed while I was feeding him treats. It was over before he could even worry about it.

I also put Chambord through is paces, again focusing on transitions and using my core muscles. He is such a little 'trotting machine', it's amazing how fun it is. His canter also is making good progress.

Finally I picked a rather reluctant Remy out of the pasture. He was playing with Nike, and of course, all I could think about was "Watch your leg, Kid!" He looked absolutely sound, and when I observed him on the longe line I couldn't detect anything either. We finished by trotting in hand, which sure is a great work out for me.

All that work on my abs and fitness sure made me thirsty enough to wish for a six-pack to drink. However, staying with the 'lean and mean' theme the six-pack got reduced to a lone Coronita and plenty of water.

It might not take a village - but it sure takes a darn good support system

Back home from Europe - can't wait to drive my jet-lagged self to see the boys and Sandy tonight!

I am so grateful for my support system: while I was gone Sandy and JP took care of the boys and kept me updated. On Monday, Sandy gave Saumur his first shot of Adequan, and it went well. That was great news from "Mr. Needle Phobia", and it shows how he trusts Sandy.

Dr. Weaver, the Vet specializing in Chiropractic, worked on Remy and Saumur on Tuesday. Sandy was there for the treatment and emailed me his comments. Remy's sacrum was 'out' on the right side, which caused the pain. Dr. Weaver explained that this is common in young, growing horses, especially during the phase where the hind end is higher than the front. Saumur's diagnosis was that he was really tight and down in his shoulders, and his right lower neck was 'out'.

As Remy is on limited turnout, JP hand walked him. Of course, the little stinker (Remy - not JP!) had to question the 'authority' and got away from JP, leading a merry chase. Luckily it was in a fenced area.

While I was gone JP also re-organized our barn and built the cutest stall for Mr. Chip. The little guy will hopefully love his new digs when he comes to live with us.

Regarding the upcoming Young Horse Clinic I was fortunate that Linda Wanstreet, the organizer, had a wait list, and she already reimbursed my fees. That was great news, and I appreciated her professionalism very much. I'm looking forward to auditing, and of course, seeing Sandy and Doc's lesson.

While on the plane I read an article in the International Herald Tribune about working mothers that travel a lot and how important it is for them to have an excellent support system. While the boys are not exactly my children (some people might beg to differ) there are a lot of similarities. I could not function as well without my outstanding child- uh horse-care support system!

A mystery lameness - and a Goldstar for the patient

Dr. Younk did Remy's lameness exam yesterday as he is still quite sore on his left hind leg. As I noted before, there is no swelling, heat, or any other outside indication on what could be wrong. Dr. Younk observed Remy on the longe line, did the flexion tests, and then proceeded to fetlock and stifle x-rays. Remy was just such a good boy! No sedation, his main fidgeting was focused on trying to open the Velcro closures of the lead apron I was wearing.

Well, the good news is that all x-rays were completely clean! Actually "pretty darn good" was the comment. No OCDs/chips,  hairline fractures -- Big sigh of relief on my part! But then, what's going on?? He walks sound, but is noticeable lame in the trot. Dr. Younk commented on Remy's great work ethic, even while obviously in pain he still tries his best to please. She suspects some soft tissue injury.

So - the plan is: Two weeks off, separate turnout so Remy doesn't aggravate whatever is going on, and if he is not better we will block areas on the leg to see where the pain originates, and do an ultrasound exam. Hopefully it won't have to come to that!

While I am bummed that we can't go to the Young Horse Clinic, I am happy that it doesn't seem to be too serious. And I am definitely NOT happy that I have to leave for France today. Of course, I know that Sandy will take care of Remy like he was her own, but I still feel guilty leaving her 'stuck' with him and not being there. But really, I am counting my blessings: The injury doesn't seem too serious, I trust and respect Dr. Younk's diagnosis and recommendation, and I am very lucky to have Sandy (and JP, of course) holding down the fort with the horses while I'm gone.

And here is the Goldstar for Remy: Dr. Younk said that he is most likely the nicest Four-Year old she has worked with! Of course, I knew that all along :-)

A different hip angle - and did I pass on my left leg issue?

What a nice Easter weekend! There is one advantage of not having family on the same continent - one does not have to feel guilty about spending ALL the time at the barn. While I was playing with the boys JP re-structured our barn to build the stall for our soon to be family member, Chip the pony.

Another eye-opener during my lesson with Saumur: Sandy asked me to change my hip angle. First I wasn't sure what to do with this, and she said she didn't really know why this came to her mind, Usually Sandy tries to correct my still (!) slightly Hunt Seat by asking me to shift more weight onto my seat bones and to put my shoulder blades together. But low and behold, as I wiggled around to see how I could change my hip angle something happened: Lifting the front of my pelvis shifted my weight back and down into my seat bones, which in turn got Saumur to lift his forehand, and he felt really light and up.

Unfortunately, it looks like Remy overdid it a bit, either on Friday or during one of his many 'run and play' episodes with his buddies in the pasture. It seems his left stifle is bothering him. There is no heat or swelling, nor are there any other outside signs of injury, but Remy is reluctant to put the leg under him. This is a fairly common growing pain for young horses, but still, I'm quite worried. Research recommends trail riding, hill work, cavaletti work, trotting straight lines, and no tight circles. That's what we shall do. Too bad that I have to leave this week for Europe, otherwise Remy and I could have hit the trails.

Interestingly, my left leg is much better and I no longer have the searing pain from the hip down my  leg. I sure hope I didn't pass it on to Remy!

A good dry run - different instructor - same comments

Remy had some days off this week, once again, my work schedule superseded my training schedule. In addition, I pulled my hip and groin muscles which netted me an unscheduled trip to the chiropractor. Unfortunately, his best efforts didn't do the trick, I am still in a lot of pain. So when I climbed on Remy yesterday I wasn't sure what to expect... but everything went well, it was a far cry from his behaviour last Sunday. Our canter departs are still a bit iffy, Sandy suggested that I carry a stick, but -having last Sunday in mind- I opted not to, which didn't help the sore leg at all. Ah, well, live and learn (once again!).

Carrie Wilson (Wilson Sporthorses) came today to Southview Farm for a private Young Horse Clinic. I was eager see how we would do today, and in the back of my mind I was also thinking: Carrie = Jumping. Carrie is well know for her success in the Hunter Jumpers with young horses. After all, I have a jumping saddle sitting in the tack room just begging to be used!

Ah, I heard exactly the same things from Carrie as I hear from Sandy. And yes, Carrie made me carry a stick (just a short jumping crop so I can tap Remy on the shoulder). Both want Remy really to be in front of my leg, moving forward at a better pace than I am asking. A small change really made a difference in the canter departs, Carrie had me change the posting diagonal before the canter. That somehow got us on the right track. Remy was very concentrated the whole time, and did a really good job.

This was a good dry run for the young horse clinic with Michael Bragdell in a couple of weeks. I had to deal with an (albeit small) peanut gallery, and get out of my comfort zone with a different instructor. Now I am just wondering: How many people will have to tell me the same things before I do what they ask?

A thousand pounds of teenage hormones.... and "meet Chip"

It was not the easiest of weeks, I was hit by the stomach flu and more than usual work related stress. So needless to say, the horses had it easy. I rode Remy on Friday and he was good. However, Sandy coined the expression "he has to come to work on time". I really like this, it means that once we get to work Remy needs to be attentive and ready to listen. No diddling around, no "well, maybe - if you ask again". That sets the tone from the beginning for the rest of the ride.

Yesterday Sandy, Linda, Minde and I had a rare 'girls day' of shopping and lunch. But of course, being real horsewomen, we didn't go to the mall, our shopping destination was the newly expanded local tack store! It was fun, even though during our late lunch I thought I'd fall off my chair, I was so tired and run down.

Later in the afternoon JP and I went to see Chip, a cute Shetland pony that is looking for a new home. He belongs to Riley, an adorable little girl. Unfortunately the family is moving and can't take Chip. And as we are looking for a companion animal.. Chip might be moving in with us. He is turned out with a goat, and while she is very entertaining (she stands on her hind feet and charges the horses) I don't think we need that kind of entertainment.

Today JP and I met friends for breakfast in Fenton. We don't get to see Bill and Lynne very often so it was great to catch up. Aside from truly enjoying their company, I will always remember that I started my working life in Lynne's clothes! Yes, after I 'graduated' from cleaning stalls to my first office job in the US, I didn't have office clothes or money, so Lynne gave me some of her suits. As she modestly says "What are friends for?"

After breakfast we went to the barn for our lessons. Well, Remy today was flying higher than a kite. He already was "very forward" on the longe line, but when I got on him there was no stopping. He felt ready to explode any second and I decided to jump off before the rodeo started. I took him outside to longe some more, and the boy was just wired, at some point spooking at Sandy and taking off like a bat out of hell. Wow - not at all what I expected! But... it is Spring, the grass is lush, the mares are in heat, Remy probably remembers that he actually got to enjoy life as a stallion last year, so we'll write it off as a "oh well, that's horses". The rule is not to take it personal, after all Remy didn't do it to annoy me, he was a victim of spring fever and hormones, at least that's what I choose to think. Tomorrow is another day.

Saumur was good today, the spring fever does not seem to affect him. He still is worked low-key, and we did some excellent exercises that set him up well for the more difficult things. For example, Sandy had us work in the trot leg-yield from the wall, straight, leg yield, straight. The goal was to keep Saumur very reactive to my leg, which help with the straightness on the centerlines. From there we progressed to centerline, shoulder-in left, 10m circle at X left, shoulder-in right. In the canter we worked on decreasing and increasing the circle, making sure I move his shoulders when we decrease the circle (and not just do haunches-in). Our walk work focused on turns on the haunches (as prep for pirouettes). Key to it is that I continue with the walk. My tendency is to lock up in the turn, and this is when Saumur 'sticks'.

So, some good - some not so good, but as always lots to enjoy. That is what is really all about. Let's just hope that the hormone surge/spring fever for anyone in the 1,000 pound range will subside REALLY soon - and most of all, that it is not contagious!