I feel like the little red engine - uh, make that the cantering machine

Entering the clinic with Jan was a bit of a gamble, spending all that money without knowing how well I would be able to hold up. Jan really pushes the riders, very positively, but he expects you to work. I certainly didn't want to be the one wilting away half-way through.

Judy warmed up Remy briefly, and then we went to work. Jan switched to German, which made me quip that I felt like a 20 year old again, riding in Germany. Shoulder fore - shoulder in, first in walk then in trot. More angle - less neck bend. (You'd think with how often I hear this from Judy I should have gotten it by now!).

Jan really drilled us on the canter departs to the right, as this is Remy's 'skippy' side. He kind of skips into the canter, which is a mistake ("Taktfehler"). As Jan pointed out if we don't take care of it now we will have problems with the flying changes later. Remy braces a bit, and I have a tendency to give the aid more with my inside leg. So we practiced -and practiced- and practiced- moving promptly off my outside leg, while being on the outside rein, which netted us better and even good departs.

Another issue we worked on is having Remy react better to my leg aids. I'm so paranoid about hitting him with my spurs that I never really put the spur on him. My boots tell the tale. As Remy gets tense with a dressage whip (even though I never touched him, let alone hit him), I ride with a short jumping bat, aka the 'magic stick'. Jan jokingly pointed out "you only smack the saddle pad, and it didn't do anything wrong!" We settled on a compromise of finding a longer bat. The idea behind all this is "less is more!". Remy needs to learn to move off light aids, no nagging.

This session was a great morale booster for me, we went to work, never wondered about what was going on around us, did our job and did it well! No, we didn't have any major light-bulb moments as people seem to expect from clinics. But really, if you work correctly in your day to day training, and your instructor's philosophy matches the one of the clinician then the light is on all the time all the time - so it's more of an increase in brightness.

And no - I didn't wilt away during my ride (I waited until I was safely home and had a beer in front of me).

Flying changes: From French Artist to German-American Olympian - and Judy has a plan (as always)

Jean-Louis will be leaving tomorrow night, we sure hate to see him go. The Mural is finished and absolutely stunning. Linda and Victor, the owners of the White Horse Inn, had invited us to a party last night in Jean-Louis’ honor. Great people, super conversations, lovely food and free flowing wine – what else can one hope for? Not having to go to work the next morning comes to mind!

Hopefully, Jean-Louis will be back for the Grand Opening of the restaurant. He has been giving Linda dressage lessons every day and she is extremely happy with the French teachings of lightness, and how much progress she and her horse have made, so she has more than one reason wanting Jean-Louis to come back.

Tomorrow I will be trading the French Artist for the German-American Olympian. Jan is coming this weekend to do a clinic at Judy’s, and I boldly have signed us up. It’s a bit of a gamble, because I am clearly not yet back to my pre-accident form. It was evident in my lesson yesterday. I am overriding, I get tired and then I get frustrated. Argh!

I honestly don’t know how I would manage without Judy - well, I guess I could figure something out, probably along the lines of just sticking to trailrides, that is. Judy has just the right approach on how to deal with me (ja, ja, not an easy feat, I admit) – a mixture of giving me time, encouragement, and just the right push when I’m on the horse. She also has been warming up Remy for me, and that made a huge difference. When I get on I can feel how he should feel. The challenge then is to keep it…

So, the plan for the last Waterloo show of the year is that Judy rides Remy Friday, we both are entered Saturday, and if the stars are aligned I go into the ring, if not, I’ll scratch. Sunday we just school. The sole goal is getting me comfortable riding at the ‘scene of the crime’ – well, actually, that’s not the sole goal: We also need to keep Remy from getting any ideas about “I’m outta here”.

A friend who is always a step ahead - providing large doses of European equestrian culture

This morning on my way to work I received an excited phone call from my friend Stephanie in Germany. She had read my blog back in June about Jean-Louis and how much I loved his art work. Immediately Stephanie left no stone unturned to get her hands on the book "Les Chevaux de Sauvat". Alas, it was not available in Germany, and out of stock in France.

Well, persistence pays - to hell with not speaking French when on a mission! The book made its way from France to Germany, and is now well on its journey to the US... wrapped as a Christmas present, because that was the original intention. But Stephanie's logic (as usual, hard to dispute - just ask Harald, her husband!) prompted her to send me the book now so Jean-Louis can sign it when he comes back to the US for the opening of the White Horse Inn.

This is the same woman that managed to get a German TV station to burn a DVD of a show solely for me: The oldest state stud farm in Germany, Marbach, celebrated its 500 year anniversary.
http://www.die-deutschen-landgestuete.de/state-stud-marbach.html

I love the place and really wanted to be there, but I couldn't make it. The celebration ceremonies were slated to be shown on TV, so I asked Stephanie if she could record it for me. As that wasn't feasible Stephanie went into high gear: Found the number of the TV station, sweet-talked her way through the different departments, and low and behold found someone agreeing to burn the DVD and ship it to her!

What do they say: You cannot chose your family, but you sure can chose your friends. 30 years ago we both chose well - Although my meager 'cultural' contribution usually consists of providing Moose Munch Coffee :-)!

Remy gets recognition - I battle Bugzilla and also develop a major crush

Remy received his Performance Horse Certificate from the USDF; Out of 11 scores so far this year Remy had 10 in the mid to high 60s, the only glitch was a 58.9% thanks to yours truly. Oops. Of course, credit goes entirely to Judy! Pretty cool, the kid is growing up it seems.

Unfortunately, our weather is prime breeding ground for all kinds of annoying flies. This weekend was a bust concerning riding at home: The trails were closed due to the "Down and Dirty" obstacle race (for humans), and our outdoor arena was the happening place for all the B-52s in the area. Poor Saumur, who usually patiently waits for me to kill those things, was running out of options. The biggest Bugzilla dodged all my attempts at getting rid of him (her?) so finally we retreated to the cool of the barn. Next time, I'll get ya!

Highlight of the weekend was meeting Jean-Louis Sauvat and seeing his murals in progress at the White Horse Inn in Metamora. WOW! Not only is his art spectacular, Jean-Louis is one of the most interesting (horse) people one could ever wish to meet. I basically had to pry myself away at the end of the evening - I definitely developed a major crush. No worries, though, JP... it's entirely an "artsy crush" (that's my story and I'll stick to it :-)!)

Junior is cranky - but works well

Thunderstorms threatened to come down all day; and Remy seemed to reflect the weather: cranky and stormy. When I groomed him he was annoyed that I dared asking to lift his hooves so I can clean them. Hmm. He was also pretty pushy, and tried to ignore the groundwork I usually do with him before riding. Easy things, such as yielding the hind quarters, backing up, being soft when led.

Of course, when Judy got on Remy to warm him up he jumped to attention. That shows who is his authority figure! Luckily, though, he kept the good attitude for me, and I had a very good ride. I’m getting back into the swing of things. Yay! When he got fussy in the bridle Judy reminded me that he does that because he’s propelling himself with his front legs, as opposed to using his hind end. Legs on, supported with a little tap from the magic stick (my jumping bat) and we were back in business.

All good – until it was time to go home. Remy reminded me of a two year old in the grocery store “No, I don’t want to, and you can’t make me!” when it came to trailer loading. I’ll be forever grateful to Julie Arkison, who taught me effective trailer loading without drama. Remy, smart boy that he is, figured out quickly that he wouldn’t win this one, got over his temper tantrum and sauntered in the trailer, like saying “what’s the big deal??”

At home the welcome committee (Saumur, Chambord, Teddy) was waiting for him, crowding at the barn door. They parted like the Red Sea to let him through to the pastures. No wonder Remy thinks he’s hot stuff!

On the trails again - with "Moechtegern" Steady Eddies

We had perfect riding weather this weekend, temps in the 70s, and sunshine. On Saturday I ‘dusted off’ Saumur, who got excited at the prospect of doing something. “Yay – action!”.

I tried to heed Denny Emmerson’s advice regarding getting back on a horse after a riding accident: “Ride a Steady Eddy (note: it means a very safe and quiet horse)… walk only… repeat: Steady Eddy, walk only”. Well, Denny, we are kinda short of Steady Eddies. The only one we have is Chambord, and his job description covers JP only.

So, Saumur was the next best choice (for those of you knowing my bolting, scooting, shying Saumur it seems to be a stretch, I admit). Well, Saumur rose to the occasion. He seemed really happy to move out, the only tension happened when a guy with a very noisy tractor cutting wood was driving up close to us. I had to get off twice to fend off B-52s (large horse flies). Saumur is so good about it, where other horses freak out because the sting really hurts he patiently waits for me to kill the things. Getting off wasn’t a big deal, but getting on without a mounting block and shorter stirrups tested my left leg. Not a problem, Saumur stayed grounded while I heaved myself back up.

Yesterday it was Remy’s turn, and admittedly, I was a bit more concerned. Remy was very ho hum about the whole thing, first longing and then following Chambord out and about. I could feel his back tensing up a couple of times, and he had to find his footing, but he was also a very good boy.

Seems we do have a stable full of Steady Eddies – one confirmed (ops, sorry, Teddy: TWO confirmed – I just wish you were a bit taller), two moving up from “Moechtegern” (“wannabe”) to “almost there”!

"You rode well - but you looked a bit rusty"

My second ride this week on Remy felt good. Of course it made a big difference that Judy warmed Remy up for me, so by the time I got on he was all supple and on the aids. Tuesday I still had “Schonzeit” (it actually means the time periods during the year when hunting is forbidden by German law).

Yesterday we went back to business. Judy clearly didn’t want me starting out with my old habit of not using enough right leg; i.e. at shoulder in right I tend to get more neckbend instead of Remy bending around the inside leg.

With Jan coming at the end of the month for a clinic it’s time to get serious. I certainly don’t want to have to repeat the (felt) million canter transitions like last time!

Getting off was a bit awkward – I usually swing my right leg over Remy’s back and then jump off, landing first on my left leg. Judy suggested I use the mounting block to climb off, but really, that would just have been too “old lady”. I did it my way and almost buckled down. Judy’s commented with a smile “you are just so German”.

So, yes, JP, I guess I’m a bit rusty, but keep in mind rusty iron is actually STRONG and SWEET (as proven by ‘sweet iron’ bits for horses)!

Outstanding Lemonade - and no going moldy here!

Today was the day: This morning I got the "All Clear" from the Orthopedic Surgeon, complete with a printout of my x-ray and a statement for the USEF, confirming I am fit to do "Equestrian Activities".

This afternoon it was time to climb back on Remy, my first lesson after a two month hiatus. Judy jokingly asked if I had selected my outfit last night? OK, I admit, I like to dress well for my lessons. I think it shows respect for the instructor, the horse, and of course oneself. I doesn't have to be fancy, but well fitted and clean (I guess my German upbringing combined with reading all those George Morris' columns must have something to do with this).

Not the best of times, weather-wise, as a thunderstorm was upon us. But not to be deterred, Judy warmed Remy up for me and then it was "my" time... Surprisingly, it felt like I had never taken a break. There was no anxiety. My body remembered all the key things, like keeping my hind end in the saddle (important part!), legs on, hands quiet, being centered.   Of course, Remy was quite different: Judy is doing such an amazing job with him that I instantly felt the huge improvement. There was no "getting to know" period, or time to fumble ourselves back in a unity. It just clicked. Wow!

Big sighs of relief from all four of us (Judy, Remy, JP, and myself). The best part was when Judy told me afterwards that she really believes in Remy and me and she wants this partnership to work. My fall and the resulting time off proved to be a blessing in disguise: it gave me time to quiet down and it gave Remy the opportunity to get the best training at home and at shows. Jude, there is not enough Hanuta to thank you enough!!! We made darn good lemonade out of the lemons we were handed - I think I even detect some of Emil's home-made brandy in there :-)!

Speaking of Emil - his bad luck continued as he had an additional fall, dropping 12 feet due to another broken tree stand. This time he cracked five ribs and pinched a nerve so badly that he is currently in the hospital. When I checked in with him today he was as usual in good spirits. We compared our 'battle scars' and Emil dryly stated: "Wir koennen entweder nichts tun und Schimmel ansetzen - oder unser Leben leben" (a German expression meaning we could either laze about, therefore stay stagnant and go moldy) - or live life.

Well, Emil - here is to not going moldy!! :-)

Great Road Trip - with some chillin'

On Friday morning we caught up with Remy and the Topline team at Majestic Farm in Cincinnati, Ohio. Remy had traveled well, however, he got a bit too attached to Judy’s mare BeBe. Yes, Remy, she sure is spectacular – but, uh, kind reminder: too late for you, buddy! You might still think you are a studmuffin but really, it’s more muffin than stud.

Once Remy got a room next to ‘Uncle Leo’ (Carolyn’s Grand Prix horse Leonardo) calm was restored. I was also hoping Uncle Leo could give Remy some tips on how to become a GP horse!

Remy was a really good boy all weekend. Watching is worse for me than riding, because when watching there is absolutely nothing I can do – other than hoping he will be good for Judy. And of course Judy gives him all the confidence he needs to deal with a new and exciting environment. I literally stopped breathing when I saw them heading down the centerline, and the water truck was “beep-beep”ing right behind the judges booth, going back and forth. With me Remy would have said “thanks, but I’m out of here!”. With Judy he went about his business. They scored in the high 60s in all of their tests.

Obviously, Remy reveled in all the attention he got this weekend, between Judy’s riding, Kim’s beauty sessions, my hand-walking, and copious amounts of treats he had plenty of loving .. but I think his all time favorite is:

Just chillin’ with JP!

One of us travels in style – while the other one upgrades to Pickup Truck

On Wednesday Remy boarded the ‘Party Bus’ with his friends from Topline, destination Cincinnati, Ohio – while I was on a plane from Veracruz to Mexico City. Not exactly synchronized travel here, but luckily Judy and Kim offered to take care of him until I can join them on Friday.

Judy texted me yesterday that Remy was MUCH more relaxed this time than at the last outing to Lamplight. Big relief all around! I can’t wait to get there!

While on the various planes I had time to read an excellent article that Glenda had send me: “Getting hurt: How not to and (if that fails) how to recover”, by Denny Emerson. Right on – well, at least the second part. Too late for the “How not to”. He starts the article with a saying from a friend who is a logger, regarding those who work all day in the woods with chain saws, “It’s not a question of whether you will get cut, but when, and how badly”. It’s the same with horses. So really, I was overdue (hmm?) and luckily it wasn't bad.

Getting back to the travel experience, here is Remy’s ‘Party Bus’:

 On the bright side: I’ve been 'upgraded' from a very bumpy ride on an overcrowded small Mexican plane to driving a Pickup truck on I-75, where the only challenge is to avoid getting a speeding ticket J