A dose of reality - and who is asleep?

The saddle saga continues - this time with the saddle we have for sale. I got a call from a woman wanting to try it. Directions to the barn seemed easy enough, but what she neglected to mention is that there was no road sign. Blessed are cell phones! I bumped over way too many pot holes to count until I finally reached my destination. The woman and her mare turned out to be just lovely, the rest - not so much. In the indoor arena we walked right into a "training session" that made my stomach churn. All I could think was "I wish I could knock some sense into this so-called trainer"! I guess being at Judy's made me forget what goes on in other barns. Welcome to reality, babe!

Unfortunately, the saddle only fit the horse, but not the woman; so I packed up and hightailed back to the comfort of my happy -and very muddy- boys.

Remy and I had fun cantering behind Handsel, a huge Trakehner. My little rascal certainly didn't want to be left behind. Judy had been pointing out that I sometimes revert back to my 'German seat', meaning I drive too hard and also get stiff when I try to get Remy to react quicker to my aids. That makes Remy even more stuck, and it translates into "Auf Nimmer-Wiedersehen" ("won't see those again") to our canter departs, especially to the right. So, the name of the game today was lightness, and things improved.

With Saumur I decided to focus on looseness and flexibility, working mainly at the walk. We both got into an almost trance like state, just doing our stuff in utmost relaxation. A loud bang in the aisle suddenly got our attention, we sat up straight and asked each other: "You fell asleep, didn't you?" "No, I didn't, but you did, you snored!"...   It made me think of my parents in front of the TV. Ah, the joys of being an old couple!

An afternoon that tests Remy's patience - and the price of growth

I had noted for some time that Remy’s saddle didn’t seem to fit as well as when it was adjusted just a few months ago. Could it be that he already needed another adjustment? Yes, Judy confirmed it wasn’t just “all in my head” (as certain unnamed people will say when I fret over my horses equipment, feed, you name it --). The saddle was coming up in the back and also sat higher on the right than on the left.

As always, Luanne (the Schleese saddlefitter) to the rescue. The timing was perfect as she had also found a used saddle that seemed to be good contender for both JP and Chambord. Unfortunately, yesterday was yet another cold and blustery day with intermittent snow and ice rain to boot. I was really worried about JP and Chambord hitting the slippery roads, but luckily all went well.

Initial checks confirmed that Remy’s withers had risens several inches and he has also gained in muscling; causing the saddle to pinch in front and not making enough contact in the back. And so began Remy’s “Marathon test of patience”  First he had to stand still for the various measurements, then he had to wait until the tree was adjusted, followed by longing, then riding. I felt an unevenness, so back to the grooming stall for Remy, Luanne did her thing, and off we went again. During all that there was a lot going in the arena, lessons, rides, JP and Chambord trying their saddle. I was so proud of my little guy, he paid attention, didn’t lose (a lot) of focus and behaved really well.

Just at the final check (almost three hours into it) Remy told me in no uncertain terms that he’s had it. He stomped his foot and refused to walk. Well, kid, that’s the price you pay for growing: The equipment has to be tailored so it fits and is comfy. He grumbled a bit but then decided I was right – yeah, well, more likely he moved off because he heard the dinner preparations. Quite frankly by that time I was desperate for chocolate myself.

It was a long and cold but productive afternoon. That’s the price we pray for growth – and I gladly fork over time, convenience and money for fitting the kid correctly. And Remy: On the bright side - Luanne said by PSG the muscles are usually defined enough so the saddle adjustments will be minor and therefore quick. Now, isn’t that motivation enough to move up the levels??

When doubt creeps in - Relax with Buck

Continuing with the good trend on Saturday I had another positive ride on Remy; and actually Saumur is doing well, too. However, I think I am coming really close to my ‘breaking point’ – or as I put it in a email to a friend in Germany “This can bring even the strongest woman down”. What do I mean: The weather, duh! I drove to the barn through almost white-out conditions in blinding snow yesterday, and hey, this morning we broke the record for coldest March 26 on record. (Who needs such a record??)

Yesterday I realized how much my nerves are really frayed when I got quite upset over an issue with hay. Many years ago I had Saumur at a winter boarding situation where the stable help didn’t like me and therefore ‘forgot’ to feed Saumur. I would come in the evening and he’d scream for food while everyone else was eating. Needless to say, we didn’t stay. This did leave me extremely sensitive to anything horse care related.

And then when I am in one of these moods I over-analyze and question everything, i.e. is this really what we want to do? Saumur got traumatized in so many ways, and yes, also in the previous approach to dressage training. So when I notice a horse with so severe rub marks from spurs that the hair is permanently gone I know this is not where I want to go. Of course, I am picking on exceptions, but still … that’s me.

Luckily when I got home I had a nice surprise: Buck was waiting for me! OK, OK, not in person, in form of the DVD set “7 Clinics”. JP and I both absolutely love watching this man work with horses, and the DVD (only ‘savored’ one last night) didn’t disappoint. My equilibrium was restored.

So, when doubt creeps in: Relax with Buck (and in my case also with JP and a good glass of wine – in no particular order J)!

A ride like this makes it all worth it - and did I finally unravel the Gordian Knot?

Not to gush, but there are rides that on rare occasions make you feel like you hit the jackpot. My lesson with Remy was on of those instances. Due to the weather and less playtime I warmed him up on the longe line. Judy stressed how important it is to make him work over his back right from the start. All went well, but then of course, 'little Renegade' had to throw in some bucks. "Uh, uh, could be an interesting ride", I thought.

But once I was on and we went into the work all I can say is "WOW' - or as Judy put it: "You found his hind legs". Remy was on my seat and legs, his back up, nice and round. He was LISTENING and ANSWERING and DIDN'T ARGUE  - all things not exactly high on the list of a typical teenager. It allowed me to have a much better (lighter) connection to the bit.

So what changed? Or better "how did I unravel the Gordian Knot*?" Certainly all the efforts Judy poured into Remy's and my training (read: kicking our collective behinds when needed), combined with riding Saumur strictly off my seat finally paid dividends. My position improved and I am riding with much more confidence and clearer expectations (and yes, I still have the "we can f...ing do this" mantra). The ride gave me glimpses of the harmony Remy and I can achieve. I am also very aware, of course, that at the next ride Remy might very well bring me down a notch or two. But the important part is we know we can get there!

* The Gordian Knot is a legend of Phrygian Gordium associated with Alexander the Great. It is often used as a metaphor for an intractable problem (disentangling an "impossible" knot).

Later that evening JP was captured by "Dr. Pol" (a documentary about a Michigan country veterinarian), My interest in cow midwifery is rather limited so I flipped through some old 'Dressage Today' magazines. One article headlined "Communicate with clarity, not diplomacy" hit the nail on the head.. Horses are confident when the rules of the game are clearly defined. Give a clear aid and expect a clear response. That's clarity. If you don't get a response or you get the wrong one, coach the horse to help him find the correct response. Riders who nag or just hope the horse understands may thing they are being kind and diplomatic, but from the horse's point of view, they are being vague and confusing. (Yes, Jude, that's exactly what you have been trying to drum into me all along!)

I live by the saying "Being honest and direct may not get you a lot of friends but it will always get you the right ones."  In the case of Remy and me: It should make for a great partnership! (Hopefully -- and if we hit a bumpy road I can always revert to diplomacy in form of my yummy home baked horse cookies)

Tucking the tailbone - and not just flirting with training

The extreme frost threw in another monkey wrench – this time in the shape of a broken water pipe flooding a large area of the indoor arena. It required major digging for repairs, and so currently a large part the lower part of the arena is closed off. That means more riders in a smaller space: great preparation for the crowded conditions at the shows.

Remy warmed up well, and then went right to work, focused and ready. It was the first time I rode him in over a week, due to the viral infection that still has me powered down to about ½ my normal speed. It went (surprisingly) well, I was able to keep my position in the transitions much better, “less is more”, and with Judy reminding me to “tuck my tailbone” my seat stayed where it was supposed to be.

While we were talking over dinner about riding (what else?) and the progress in both horses and riders, JP hit the nail on the head: “Judy doesn’t just flirt with training – she actually gets it done!”

Me, OTOH,… I guess I’m just a flirt at heart!

The power of attitude - and yes, there definitely is a downside to longer daylight hours!

I can't believe today was already the day to jump an hour ahead. We (OK "I") am/are still freezing (albeit a bit less), but hey, we have Daylight Savings Time!

It was a somewhat mixed week for me: starting out well only to find me midweek flat on my face, puking my guts out. First I thought I had just another stomach flu, but I got so miserable that I begged the doctor (I see once a year) for an appointment. Three days without food must have made me sound miserable enough that they agreed to take me right away. Turns out I picked up an aggressive viral infection that affects among other things my inner ear, thus the extreme dizziness. Thank God for meds! But of course, riding was out of the question during that time.

While I was stewing in bed, the boys each had a pedicure. Their feet look amazing after the harsh winter with all the ice: Healthy, shiny, no chips (!), nail holes grown out. That's what good care will do. And did I mention they are barefoot? Jim, our farrier, is a true gift to his profession, and also a very "manly man", so don't tell him I say he gives pedicures!

Speaking of winter, I also realized the reason why I didn't end up "in the psych ward" (see previous blog) wasn't because "I cashed out my IRA and went to Florida". So much has been written about attitude, and surrounding oneself with positive people, and I can attest to the fact that it makes all the difference.

Judy, her staff, and her clients have been amazing soldiering through the toughest winter we can all remember. And they all kept their wonderful attitude and good spirits up, even while spending days on end in sub-zero temps caring for the horses. As my friend Glenda puts it: "Life is too short to spend it with negative people!". Right she is; with a different group of people around me at the barn it would have definitely either been Florida or the Psych Ward! (I hazard to guess the latter one...)

Today I was back to (almost) being my old self again; I rode Saumur today and yay, got two clean changes each way on the first try. All that while admittedly not being the most stable in the saddle. Nevertheless, it felt great.

Now that we can enjoy longer daylight hours the 'other' nemesis is showing up: Shedding! Amazing how quickly the boys are trying to go from 'shaggy Yak' to 'sleek athlete'. To me it seems all the hair is determined to just transfer and cling to me. I mean, why in the world do I find horsehair in my underwear??

Does anyone have a hazmat suit I can borrow?

Suddenly it hit me: Less working more riding is great!

OK, that sounds like a no-brainer, but really it has taken me that long to absorb my new work schedule. Freezing temps or not, I truly enjoyed my lesson in 15F weather today. OK, to be honest, the main reason why I didn't chicken out was that Judy rode yesterday in 6F temps. I can't be the wimpy one!

The reason why the realization hit today was Judy's remark on how much not only my riding by my overall disposition (hmm, really, it needed to get better??) has improved. What she meant was that I am so much more relaxed and happy; not having to hurry after a full day of work and a long commute to get on a horse in the cold and dark sure makes a difference. Now I spend two afternoons during the week with the boys, and of course the weekends.

Work-wise, so far it has been very manageable. Yes, the workload basically stayed the same, but with the flexibility I have now I get much more done from home outside the regular hours. So far - so good.

I guess I didn't even fully comprehend the impact the new schedule would have not only on my riding but on my overall well-being. And very important, my relaxation translates into the boys relaxation, foremost Saumur's. He being such a worry-wart sure suffered having to deal with an equally nervous and frazzled rider. But fear no more, old man!

So, no, I wasn't able to "Cash out my IRA and take the horses to Florida". As several fellow horse owners with the winter blahs did:  "It was either that or the Psych ward".

The worst Michigan winter (weather) in decades turned out to be also the best of winters for me. Now off to a long, hot soak in the bathtub with a nice glass of wine. *Almost* as good as being on the beach in Florida!

Wow, a photo of the boys in the paper - photo shoot, anyone?

Last week Elizabeth brought me copy of the ‘The Clarkston News’. She recognized Remy and Saumur in a photo called “Winter Visit” and thought I would like to see it. Of course, I did. Thank you, Elizabeth!

                                                               Photos courtesy of Cindy Roy

I liked the photo so much that I decided to track down an electronic copy. It was a nice surprise that the editor of The Clarkston News responded quickly to my email, offering to forward it to Cindy Roy, the woman that had submitted it. I received a nice email from Cindy. She does photography as a hobby; and the quality of her pictures is really amazing. Some more email exchanges back and forth and voila – we might schedule a real photo shoot in the Spring (which at this morning’s temps of -15F seems a looong way off).

Let’s see: The humans without wearing at least three layers of clothing and the horses without long winter hair and blankets… will we be able to recognize each other??

Remy and the gate - how it really went down

Day 1: “Oh, Saumur, look there are Henry and Rio next door. Let’s go play with them!”

               “Yay, I managed to open the gate!”

Day 2: “Bummer, Sean put a chain around the gate and post – I can’t open it. Let’s try standing on it”

Day 3: “Hmm, guess I have rip the hotwire off first, then bend the gate”.

Day 4: “Jeez, Sean fixed it again!”

Day 5: “What the heck, let’s just jump it!”

"I am bored - let's play with the kids next door!"

After three days of longing and hand-walking I was looking forward to a break in the weather and thus lessons with both boys. To my surprise Darcy poked her head out of the arena to ask me "have you seen Remy's leg?". Uh, no, I just walked in... Seeing the alarm on my face Darcy right away tried to assure me that it was nothing major in terms of injury. However...

Remy had gotten bored with just having Saumur as (sometimes reluctant) playmate and so he decided to see Rio and Henry in the adjacent turnout field. Last week Remy had figured out how to open the gate, and all four of them ended up having a good time. None of us thought too much about it, but to prevent it from happening again Darcy put a chain around the gate and post so Remy couldn't open it. Well, Remy being Remy found a way around  or -more accurately- over it: He jumped the gate! Darcy was telling me when she checked on the horses she saw Saumur standing alone in his paddock, wondering where Remy went. Well, Remy had a good time playing with Rio and Henry.

Luckily the injury turned out very minor, only scraped off skin on the outside of his left hind. It made me realize again that shuttling between two homes really requires two sets of everything. I have a first aid kit at home, and one in the trailer, but just a few things a Judy's. So off to the nearest pharmacy for wound care supplies.

Here is a tip: Sterile Saline Solution in a can. It's especially great in the depth of winter when you can't hose the leg thoroughly. The saline solution cleans wounds, does not sting, is virtually noiseless when spraying. And to treat wounds I have found nothing better than "Well Horse", it's all natural, does not sting, and the wounds close in no time. I use it on all the animals, it worked wonders when Jerry the barncat came home with deep wounds from something that had him on the dinner list.

His unscheduled playtime didn't leave Remy worse for wear and on we went with our lesson. He worked well, but Judy had to remind me several times "He's a big boy now!" - meaning she has started the 2nd level work with him, and I should ask for more than baby stuff. Easier said than done, my legs were still shaking, as I was trying hard not to think what could have happened (broken limbs, severed tendons..). Let's not go down that road!

Unfortunately, it's too cold again today to ride (9F right now); and the earlier part of next week doesn't look too good either. I might have to go with Elizabeth's suggestion (she noticed Remy taking the tail flap of Saumur's blanket off and waving it at him): Tie toys and treats all over Saumur's blanket so Remy can occupy his time with 'treasure hunt'.

Just not sure how Saumur would feel about being relegated to "Treasure Chest"!