Making progress - and riding books are like a box of chocolates

Saturday's ride was a big step in the right direction - both Remy and I kept our cool while horses were cantering around us. It was one of the rare occasions where I actually was happy with myself: I was able to give Remy the confidence that he didn't need to freak out in company. We had a very good lesson, Remy felt supple, relaxed, in front of my leg and we were able to do canter half-passes - correct ones. I'll book that one under "all around success"!


Being a confirmed "book-aholic" I am currently reading three very different books on riding. My dear friend Glenda gave me for my birthday Lt. Col. A.L. d'Endrödy's "Give your horse a chance". This is a fabulous book! The author was one of Hungary's most famous riders, an instructor of instructors, and a member of the Olympic team. Even more fascinating: He commenced work on the manuscript while being in a Russian POW camp at the end of WWII. He wrote it on any scrap of paper that he could scrounge up, working on it with fellow horsemaster and POW, Gabor Foltenyi. (It is very special to Glenda, as she has spent her formative years under the tutelage of Gabor).


The other two books are "Dressage in Harmony" by Walter Zettl, and "When Two Spines Align" by Beth Baumert. Both books were highly recommended by Maryal.


These three books (and all the others in my library) made me think of Forrest Gump's "Life is like a box of chocolates - you never know what you get". It's a bit like that with books, you never know what you get until you really read them - and then you pick out your favorite pieces.


Reminded me of the time I was working in Brussels with all the wonderful Confiseries offering the best of the best of chocolates 'fait maison' at almost every street corner: You try them all, some you bite in and say "ok, good, but not my favorite", some will make you swoon, and you will always go back  for more!

Yin Yoga, Shoulder-in, haunches-in - and Namaste

On my way back from Yin* yoga practice today I was feeling limber and quite virtuous because I was able to go deeper into stretches than before and not once did I have to 'breathe through the pain'. Yin yoga is based on floor postures that are held longer to bring flexibility to hips, lower back, and shoulders. In addition the focus is on breathing, quieting the mind, and my favorite at the end - extended savasana (relaxation).


Initially, I didn't find it very appealing - not enough action combined with rather painful stretches and a feeling of inadequacy when the limber teenager next to me effortless mastered the poses. Who needs this? Well, obviously I do! Interestingly our instructor today mentioned that we tend carry trauma in our hips, and the way my hips are tight I must have had way more trauma than I realize?


Once again, I thought about yoga and riding. On Friday we had a very good lesson with Maryal, and some of her exercises I now consider "Yoga for Remy". Shoulder-in on the track, moving to shoulder-in on the second track, and then back to the track with the haunches leading. Other version: Haunches-in on the first track moving to haunches in on the second track and then back to the track with the shoulders on a straight line. Lots of stretching involved for the boy!


I do picture him afterwards neighing "Namaste", putting the eye pillow on and going into deep savasana. That's about what I do, I just try to keep the neighing down!




*Yin yoga is a slow-paced style of yoga with poses, or asanas, that are held for longer periods of time—five minutes or more per pose is typical.
Yin yoga poses apply moderate stress to the connective tissues of the body—the tendons, fascia, and ligaments—with the aim of increasing circulation in the joints and improving flexibility. A more meditative approach to yoga, yin aims at cultivating awareness of inner silence, and bringing to light a universal, interconnecting quality. (Wikipedia)

Driving my car and riding Remy: Applying some of the same strategies

Driving home yesterday the thought crossed my mind that I should be riding Remy like I drive my car. No, not zipping through lanes and under-cornering curves (I hear Judy bellow “Corners!”, “Why are you cutting the corner?!”).  I believe the more sedate version of this would give Remy more confidence in a crowded arena.

American driving habits for the most part irritate the heck out of me: Hogging the left lane while going 20 miles below the speed limit, idling at green light because the make-up needs to be fixed, or –gasp- shaving! And then let’s not forget being distracted by the phone, texting, finding the right DVD for the kids to watch in the back seat… 

Warm up arenas at dressage shows are not much different: People pointedly ignoring the “left should to left shoulder” passing rule, slower riders causing backups on the track, or stopping altogether, blocking the track because of the oh so important phone call, etc. etc.

When I drive I’m committed to getting to where I need to be in the most efficient way. And, umh, yes, admittedly, not always at the speed limit. But I am COMMITTED, I don’t stray and waver. I do pass left lane hoggers on the right lane while longing for my driving days in Germany when a quick flash of the lights would get people out of my way because everyone knows you leave the left lane for passing (faster) cars.

So, in my mind I just need to transfer my driving strategies to riding and voila – no problems: Just get the heck outta my way!

 

Once again "Il faut reculer pour mieux sauter" - and back to Yoga I go

Remy has been progressing well in his work, flying changes come easily to him, the lateral work is improving and he is much better off the leg. While all this is going well, mentally he seems to be struggling. Remy is a horse that internalizes a lot, and his troubles come out through spooking, mainly when other horses come too close. Now, Remy is not a spooky horse, and he also mastered Brandt's program with aplomb.


So, time to revisit the program and take it down a notch. Remy is sensitive and not a 'German Dressage machine' like some of the horses that just buckle down and accept the work without fuss (well, lets not go into all the health and behavioral issues some of them develop). I discussed it with Judy and she agreed. We will go back to the basics, still making sure that he his on the aids and in a correct frame, but with a lesser degree of collection and pressure. I have also arranged for some cavaletti lessons with Cindy, Judy's assistant.


The French saying "Il faut reculer pour mieux sauter" means you have to step back to jump ahead - and that's exactly what we are doing.


As for me, I'm also taking a step back (figuratively) - after a rather long hiatus I'm back at Yoga. The difference is already noticeable as I'm much more relaxed, and I'm trying my darndest to improve my flexibility. Some of these stretches though ... ouch!


But wait until you see both of us jump ahead in the Spring!

Creating a new fashion trend? - and the boy found the "Go" button again

Yesterday I went on a rare trip to Costco with JP. Usually I avoid it, it's too large for me. While hunting for family size apple sauce containers (to mix Teddy's meds) we came by a table that had stacks of down filled skirts. People were standing around wondering "who would possibly wear a down skirt?" (It's not exactly slimming). Well, I immediately said "I will!" - it's perfect for the barn. The skirts have zippers on both sides, so easy on, easy off over riding pants, and I'm warm and toasty while grooming and puttering around.


Sure enough, today I spend four hours at the barn and I was more than happy to be wearing the skirt. I think I started a new fashion trend, as the other riders thought it was a great idea and all wanted one - and for $15 you can't beat the deal!


It was time for saddle fitting again. Chambord's saddle hadn't been adjusted since we bought it, and it was too tight in the front. Luanne, the certified saddle fitter, came today and put everyone in the "sweet spot" (center of the saddle) again.


Remy's withers had come up more, his shoulder area broadened, and so his saddle also pinched in front. I have struggled for some time with keeping him in front of my leg, and I also have had a hard time keeping my legs in the right position. After Luanne worked her magic (changing the tree and flocking) it was amazing how Remy felt after the adjustment:


The boy found his "go" button again - just like it says on my license plate!