Remy and I are back into the swing of -dressage- things. Both rides this week were very good, Remy stayed soft and responsive to my aids. I felt that I have a better handle on my position.
Our 'task-master' Judy was so happy that she asked me to go for a flying change. That had been a 'no-no' so far, as Judy wants our canter to be perfect for the changes. Also Remy has to be very quick and responsive to my leg aids, and that had been an issue in the past.
I was so surprised that Judy would let us do it that I completely knotted my legs (figuratively). Wait - what are the aids again?? Obviously not throwing my body around. That was the go-to solution with Saumur, but obviously it is a NO-NO with Remy. Remy likes his changes, and Judy said he is one of the easiest horses she ever worked with when it comes to flying changes. Wow! And of course she doesn't want me to mess it up. Duh!
After a few muddled attempts I managed to get a clean one, a bit late to my aids but we'll take it. Remy got his carrots and JP and I went to Cooks Dairy for their home-made ice-cream. They sure are not kidding when it comes to the part of "cream" in ice-cream.
There might be a large cone in the future for me - but only if I get the changes right!
Thursday, June 30, 2016
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Day 3: "Graduation" - deep appreciation and cowpokes in the making
All we learned and absorbed in the first two days was put into practice the third day: We had to load the cattle through the barrel chute into their stock trailer. It was a noisy undertaking, and there was always a stray not too excited about joining the crowd in the trailer. After all, why go into a hot steel box if you can have yummy clover to munch on??
To the cattle's dismay the horses and riders had become a good team over the course of the days and we successfully loaded, unloaded, and loaded again the motley crew. Yay! or rather: Yee-haw!
So my gamble with a (to me) unknown clinician paid off. I feel extremely fortunate to have had the experience. Brent is the most genuine, sincere and caring horseman you could hope for. Always kind, always respectful (as opposed to some of his contemporaries), and always focusing on what's best for the horse.
Over the course of the three days I did not once have a panic attack when Remy spooked and spun around. I felt a calmness that I had been seeking for a long time but until then never found.
In addition, the farm owners, Kelly and Brian, were super nice and welcoming, and I truly enjoyed the entire group of riders.
So, I can't wait for next year's clinic, and then JP and Chambord will join us: Bring on the cattle for the German-American and French-American cowpokes in the making!
To the cattle's dismay the horses and riders had become a good team over the course of the days and we successfully loaded, unloaded, and loaded again the motley crew. Yay! or rather: Yee-haw!
So my gamble with a (to me) unknown clinician paid off. I feel extremely fortunate to have had the experience. Brent is the most genuine, sincere and caring horseman you could hope for. Always kind, always respectful (as opposed to some of his contemporaries), and always focusing on what's best for the horse.
 |
| Trying to absorb some of Brent's wisdom |
Over the course of the three days I did not once have a panic attack when Remy spooked and spun around. I felt a calmness that I had been seeking for a long time but until then never found.
In addition, the farm owners, Kelly and Brian, were super nice and welcoming, and I truly enjoyed the entire group of riders.
So, I can't wait for next year's clinic, and then JP and Chambord will join us: Bring on the cattle for the German-American and French-American cowpokes in the making!
Day 2: "Thank you for not falling off!"
Saturday built on the exercises and experiences from the day before. "Dry" (no cattle) exercises first, and then working the cattle. The herd had to be moved into different areas of the pastures, always keeping the "rodeer" (rodear/round shape). Then we moved them through a chute made out of barrels. Turned out those critters are pretty cunning, and they were zooming into the lush grass and not necessarily the chute.
Remy had some issues with closeness and displayed some serious spins. He, and some of the other horses, took exception to the shenanigans of Norman the steer. Norman had better ideas on what to do with the female cattle then being herded by a bunch of horses. The horses weren't to thrilled to observe his mating attempts, and several spooked. After a particularly 'interesting' spin from Remy Brent smiled and thanked me for not falling off.
I am thanking the neck strap I put around Remy's neck for that compliment!
Remy had some issues with closeness and displayed some serious spins. He, and some of the other horses, took exception to the shenanigans of Norman the steer. Norman had better ideas on what to do with the female cattle then being herded by a bunch of horses. The horses weren't to thrilled to observe his mating attempts, and several spooked. After a particularly 'interesting' spin from Remy Brent smiled and thanked me for not falling off.
I am thanking the neck strap I put around Remy's neck for that compliment!
Day 1: Remy and I are still standing - and so is the cattle
Friday morning: 10 riders in a small arena were already enough to get our heart rates up, and there wasn't even a cow in the mix yet. Brent immediately made everyone feel at ease, and he had us started on exercises to obtain a softer feel. We worked on leg yields, shoulder ins, rein back with the lightest aids possible "How little does it take?". Even with 10 riders going Brent noticed right away that Remy's reinback was neither straight nor smooth, so he helped us and it made a huge difference.
Once everyone was soft and chill (relatively speaking) we moved outdoors and met our 10 bovine partners for the weekend. I was glad to see the cattle shining with good health, and they sure were a spunky crowd.
Brent introduced is to "rodear" (I had to asked how this is spelled, turns out it's a Spanish word pronounced in English as "rodeer"). Rodear means "to surround", "to round up cattle". So we practiced to "rodeer" the cattle with the horses. Brent then had individual riders surround the herd while the group kept the cattle together. It was a perfect exercise for claustrophobic Remy: Cows on the left, horses on the right. Brent helped us addressing Remy's issue by asking the other riders to back up a step when Remy went by them, thus giving him more confidence (in that he thought they moved due to his authority).
Fazit (conclusion) after the first day's three hour session: Success! Remy and I were still standing - and so was the cattle. And in true American fashion I now pronounce Spanish words in English.
Once everyone was soft and chill (relatively speaking) we moved outdoors and met our 10 bovine partners for the weekend. I was glad to see the cattle shining with good health, and they sure were a spunky crowd.
Brent introduced is to "rodear" (I had to asked how this is spelled, turns out it's a Spanish word pronounced in English as "rodeer"). Rodear means "to surround", "to round up cattle". So we practiced to "rodeer" the cattle with the horses. Brent then had individual riders surround the herd while the group kept the cattle together. It was a perfect exercise for claustrophobic Remy: Cows on the left, horses on the right. Brent helped us addressing Remy's issue by asking the other riders to back up a step when Remy went by them, thus giving him more confidence (in that he thought they moved due to his authority).
Fazit (conclusion) after the first day's three hour session: Success! Remy and I were still standing - and so was the cattle. And in true American fashion I now pronounce Spanish words in English.
Playing far outside the sand box: Bring on the cattle!
Last weekend Remy and I hitched up our respective big boy and big girl pants and attended a three day "Horsemanship with Cows" clinic, given by Brent Graef. I had signed up for it several months ago, figuring that it would be an excellent way to work on our relationship issues. I even went against my rule of never signing up for a clinic without having audited first.
As the clinic drew closer I started to second guess my seemingly brilliant idea - lots of "what if's" had me a bit scared of my own courage. But I had committed to it, so backing out before trying was not going to happen!
The whole experience turned out to be a game changer.
As the clinic drew closer I started to second guess my seemingly brilliant idea - lots of "what if's" had me a bit scared of my own courage. But I had committed to it, so backing out before trying was not going to happen!
The whole experience turned out to be a game changer.
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Stuck in first and second gear - where's the turbo today?
Today felt like we were stuck in the lower gears, never got the RPMs up. I had a lesson with Cindy, Judy's assistant, as Judy is having fun in Germany this week. Cindy is a very accomplished rider and trainer, but I haven't had the opportunity to work with her as she usually only rides and teaches in the mornings.
Weather was perfect, we got a break from the heat with temps in the low 80s and a light breeze. Cindy told me that Remy spooked with her yesterday at the mounting block(!) and then went into an explanation that not every horse is made for upper level dressage. Some can't handle it physically, and some can't handle mentally. She seemed to indicate that Remy might fit the second scenario, which had me pre-occupied the entire ride. Paired with rather deep and sticky footing we never got our mojo going. Guess the turbo charger was stuck, too.
Cindy honed right into my weaknesses, namely the tendency to over-ride and therefore frustrating Remy. She recommended I let him make mistakes and correct them when they happen, whereas I try to avoid mistakes and therefore over-ride. In the end we reached about third gear (in a six-gear vehicle - I only drove stick shifts in Europe which explains the analogy).
Afterwards I had my first volunteer shift lined up at the local therapeutic riding center. Unfortunately, when I showed up at the appointed time the instructor I was supposed to meet was not there and the volunteers didn't know if/when she would come. I waited -ignored- for about 30 minutes and left. Too bad - for them. If they want volunteers then they need to treat them right. Now they are missing out not only on an experienced volunteer but also on a potential donor and fund raiser.
In the end I found the turbo after all - my GTI had to make up for it - sometimes you need 210 PS (HP) to pull you out of a funk!
Weather was perfect, we got a break from the heat with temps in the low 80s and a light breeze. Cindy told me that Remy spooked with her yesterday at the mounting block(!) and then went into an explanation that not every horse is made for upper level dressage. Some can't handle it physically, and some can't handle mentally. She seemed to indicate that Remy might fit the second scenario, which had me pre-occupied the entire ride. Paired with rather deep and sticky footing we never got our mojo going. Guess the turbo charger was stuck, too.
Cindy honed right into my weaknesses, namely the tendency to over-ride and therefore frustrating Remy. She recommended I let him make mistakes and correct them when they happen, whereas I try to avoid mistakes and therefore over-ride. In the end we reached about third gear (in a six-gear vehicle - I only drove stick shifts in Europe which explains the analogy).
Afterwards I had my first volunteer shift lined up at the local therapeutic riding center. Unfortunately, when I showed up at the appointed time the instructor I was supposed to meet was not there and the volunteers didn't know if/when she would come. I waited -ignored- for about 30 minutes and left. Too bad - for them. If they want volunteers then they need to treat them right. Now they are missing out not only on an experienced volunteer but also on a potential donor and fund raiser.
In the end I found the turbo after all - my GTI had to make up for it - sometimes you need 210 PS (HP) to pull you out of a funk!
Sunday, June 19, 2016
Variety is the spice of life - and he has a lot of tricks up his leg wraps
Remy's weekend: Friday: Cowboy Eventing. Saturday: Eat and play with best buds in the pastures. Sunday: Enjoying the trails of Kensington.
Next week: Dressage, a cavaletti-lesson, and then a 3 day clinic "Horsemanship with cows".
Not many horses get exposed to such a wide variety of experiences. Remy might be a bit behind some of his peers when it comes solely to dressage - no, he is not an 8 year old PSG horse. He is, however, on the road to becoming an extremely versatile and well-rounded individual. Not to mention that he is well progressing on 3rd level, and he loves his flying changes!
In hindsight, his spooking issue at shows turned out to be such a great opportunity to experience all kind of different areas of horsemanship. (To be honest, initially I had to look really hard to see the silver lining in this). With smooth sailing we would most likely never have gone to a rodeo, tried cowboy eventing, police horse work, or looked forward to a cow clinic. Instead I might have been so caught up in shows, scores, placings, and year-end points that I would have missed out on so many wonderful adventures. I never wanted a "one trick pony" anyway - and for sure, Remy has a lot of tricks up his sleeves, uh, leg wraps. And hey, it's fun to write about!
As to adding more spice to my life: It's hay season - 200 bales of hay are waiting for JP and me to be picked up, transported home, unloaded, and then stacked in our barn. No lack of exercise here. I'm adding sugar to the spice, though, as currently I have a huge pot of strawberries and rhubarb simmering on the stove: Homemade marmalade - Yumm!
Next week: Dressage, a cavaletti-lesson, and then a 3 day clinic "Horsemanship with cows".
Not many horses get exposed to such a wide variety of experiences. Remy might be a bit behind some of his peers when it comes solely to dressage - no, he is not an 8 year old PSG horse. He is, however, on the road to becoming an extremely versatile and well-rounded individual. Not to mention that he is well progressing on 3rd level, and he loves his flying changes!
In hindsight, his spooking issue at shows turned out to be such a great opportunity to experience all kind of different areas of horsemanship. (To be honest, initially I had to look really hard to see the silver lining in this). With smooth sailing we would most likely never have gone to a rodeo, tried cowboy eventing, police horse work, or looked forward to a cow clinic. Instead I might have been so caught up in shows, scores, placings, and year-end points that I would have missed out on so many wonderful adventures. I never wanted a "one trick pony" anyway - and for sure, Remy has a lot of tricks up his sleeves, uh, leg wraps. And hey, it's fun to write about!
As to adding more spice to my life: It's hay season - 200 bales of hay are waiting for JP and me to be picked up, transported home, unloaded, and then stacked in our barn. No lack of exercise here. I'm adding sugar to the spice, though, as currently I have a huge pot of strawberries and rhubarb simmering on the stove: Homemade marmalade - Yumm!
Saturday, June 18, 2016
Cowboy Eventing - Remy can handle almost everything, except other horses
Unfortunately, the firearms training with the Mounted Police was canceled this week due to thunderstorms.
Luckily, by the time Cowboy Eventing in Allegan rolled around sunshine and temps in the high 80s were on the docket so JP, Remy and I took off to experience a new adventure.
We arrived at Allegan County Fairgrounds and were pleasantly surprised to find a really nice set up, Remy got a stall (and didn't have to be tied to the trailer). The barn even had a wash rack. One of the most noticeable differences between Dressage shows and Western Events is the friendliness of the people. Annie, the woman with the trailer next to us, immediately offered us to sit in the shade of her awning or to cool off in the air-conditioned living-quarters of her trailer.
Brandt had offered to use Remy as the Demo Horse for Cowboy Eventing, however, first I had to Google it to figure out what it is:
Cowboy Eventing is an equestrian sport that demonstrates the skills necessary for working cowboys to be effective on the ranch. Cowboys had to be proficient in all areas of horsemanship, cattle working skills, as well as being able to ride hazardous terrain to search out stray or loose cattle. The horses that were required for this work also had to be adjustable, in that they had to transition easily from job to job. Cowboy Eventing requires horses and riders to be efficient in three events.
1. Cowboy Dressage
Contestants will ride a predetermined pattern of movements that will be judged by two of our officials. Scores are based on rhythm and relaxation through the movements, accuracy, style, and ease of transitions between different movements.
2. Open Range
Contestants will maneuver through a series of natural like obstacles in search of “stray cattle”. Riders must move through each obstacle with little or no hesitations from the horse. Obstacles could be but not limited to bridges, brush, jumps, water, and other natural type scenarios.
3. Cattle Sorting.
10 head of stray cattle will be gathered up in the “canyon” (aka end of the arena). This event is timed and allows only 90 seconds before the “Thunder Storm” ends all chances of catching more cows. Cowboys must sort the cattle in order according to the number displayed on the back of the animal, to the opposite end of the arena and into the catch pen. Once he has sorted as many as he can to the catch pen, cowboys must then load the cattle on a trailer. Once they are all loaded on the trailer, time will stop.
Well, Remy was a little star - for most of it. He stood patiently while Brandt supervised the building of the obstacles, then tried them and mastered them all: Going over a wobbly bridge, navigating steep in- and declines, passing through dense brush. Pulling a log was an issue, my dressage saddle didn't allow for proper attachment. All this while the band was doing the sound check and practicing - and let me tell you, sound checks for freestyles at dressage shows are NOTHING compared to those decibles!
When the cows were unloaded from the trailer, Remy whinnied and had no problem mingling amongst them.
The dressage test was rather unusual (at least for me): Enter at A, halt, salute the cross, back up 4 steps, then proceed. The test itself was a piece of cake for Remy, but not so the horses surrounding the arena. Unfortunately, Remy has not completely overcome his fear of other horses, and still spooked at them. Guess we can handle almost everything - except other horses.
Still, it was a very positive experience. JP especially was super proud of Remy, so much so that me and my brand-new sparkly Western shirt didn't get any acknowledgement at all (at least not from him..!).
Luckily, by the time Cowboy Eventing in Allegan rolled around sunshine and temps in the high 80s were on the docket so JP, Remy and I took off to experience a new adventure.
We arrived at Allegan County Fairgrounds and were pleasantly surprised to find a really nice set up, Remy got a stall (and didn't have to be tied to the trailer). The barn even had a wash rack. One of the most noticeable differences between Dressage shows and Western Events is the friendliness of the people. Annie, the woman with the trailer next to us, immediately offered us to sit in the shade of her awning or to cool off in the air-conditioned living-quarters of her trailer.
Brandt had offered to use Remy as the Demo Horse for Cowboy Eventing, however, first I had to Google it to figure out what it is:
Cowboy Eventing is an equestrian sport that demonstrates the skills necessary for working cowboys to be effective on the ranch. Cowboys had to be proficient in all areas of horsemanship, cattle working skills, as well as being able to ride hazardous terrain to search out stray or loose cattle. The horses that were required for this work also had to be adjustable, in that they had to transition easily from job to job. Cowboy Eventing requires horses and riders to be efficient in three events.
1. Cowboy Dressage
Contestants will ride a predetermined pattern of movements that will be judged by two of our officials. Scores are based on rhythm and relaxation through the movements, accuracy, style, and ease of transitions between different movements.
2. Open Range
Contestants will maneuver through a series of natural like obstacles in search of “stray cattle”. Riders must move through each obstacle with little or no hesitations from the horse. Obstacles could be but not limited to bridges, brush, jumps, water, and other natural type scenarios.
3. Cattle Sorting.
10 head of stray cattle will be gathered up in the “canyon” (aka end of the arena). This event is timed and allows only 90 seconds before the “Thunder Storm” ends all chances of catching more cows. Cowboys must sort the cattle in order according to the number displayed on the back of the animal, to the opposite end of the arena and into the catch pen. Once he has sorted as many as he can to the catch pen, cowboys must then load the cattle on a trailer. Once they are all loaded on the trailer, time will stop.
Well, Remy was a little star - for most of it. He stood patiently while Brandt supervised the building of the obstacles, then tried them and mastered them all: Going over a wobbly bridge, navigating steep in- and declines, passing through dense brush. Pulling a log was an issue, my dressage saddle didn't allow for proper attachment. All this while the band was doing the sound check and practicing - and let me tell you, sound checks for freestyles at dressage shows are NOTHING compared to those decibles!
When the cows were unloaded from the trailer, Remy whinnied and had no problem mingling amongst them.
The dressage test was rather unusual (at least for me): Enter at A, halt, salute the cross, back up 4 steps, then proceed. The test itself was a piece of cake for Remy, but not so the horses surrounding the arena. Unfortunately, Remy has not completely overcome his fear of other horses, and still spooked at them. Guess we can handle almost everything - except other horses.
Still, it was a very positive experience. JP especially was super proud of Remy, so much so that me and my brand-new sparkly Western shirt didn't get any acknowledgement at all (at least not from him..!).
Sunday, June 12, 2016
Exciting times ahead - pass the mushrooms, please
Well, Remy's calendar is something to behold:
Monday: Dressage Lesson with Judy (yay, flying changes!)
Tuesday: Training with Judy, then home
Wednesday: Firearm training with Brandt and the Washtenaw Mounted Police
Thursday: Off
Friday: Demo horse for Cowboy Eventing (low level dressage test, obstacle course)
Following week: Three day horsemanship with cows clinic (I did sent a note to the organizer, warning them that I'll be the one with the dressage saddle, German accent, and no clues what to do with cattle). At least they can't say they hadn't been warned.
I'm really excited to be able for us to be exposed to such a variety of experiences. But me being the consummate worry-wart I wonder about the stress level for Remy. He is a cool customer (when he is not in a dressage warm up ring), but still... there are several horses with ulcers at the barn, and I sure don't want him to be one of them.
When Saumur was still competing I had him on a Mushroom supplement that is recommended by a German-American Olympian and is supposed to help with focus, relaxation, and also gut health. It seemed to have helped Saumur so I feel I have nothing to lose by giving it a try with Remy.
But really -JP is speaking- I should be the one taking the mushrooms. Hmm, wasn't that something people did in the 70s? Oh wait, different mushrooms! Or maybe not??
Monday: Dressage Lesson with Judy (yay, flying changes!)
Tuesday: Training with Judy, then home
Wednesday: Firearm training with Brandt and the Washtenaw Mounted Police
Thursday: Off
Friday: Demo horse for Cowboy Eventing (low level dressage test, obstacle course)
Following week: Three day horsemanship with cows clinic (I did sent a note to the organizer, warning them that I'll be the one with the dressage saddle, German accent, and no clues what to do with cattle). At least they can't say they hadn't been warned.
I'm really excited to be able for us to be exposed to such a variety of experiences. But me being the consummate worry-wart I wonder about the stress level for Remy. He is a cool customer (when he is not in a dressage warm up ring), but still... there are several horses with ulcers at the barn, and I sure don't want him to be one of them.
When Saumur was still competing I had him on a Mushroom supplement that is recommended by a German-American Olympian and is supposed to help with focus, relaxation, and also gut health. It seemed to have helped Saumur so I feel I have nothing to lose by giving it a try with Remy.
But really -JP is speaking- I should be the one taking the mushrooms. Hmm, wasn't that something people did in the 70s? Oh wait, different mushrooms! Or maybe not??
Happiness is: *Saumur ready to roll and rock and *Having the ultimate horse hubby
Today was the day: Saumur's first exercise session after his colic surgery. His recovery was remarkable -or rather- unremarkable in that everything went absolutely smoothly. Saumur was a model patient, and obviously his excellent health helped the healing.
Saumur followed me to our outdoor arena like his last session had been yesterday. He started with a good roll, and then he was ready to rock:
Happiness is also... having a husband that loves the horses almost more than I do, and keeps them healthy and happy! Not just that, but the barn, pastures and outdoor arena (take a look at the footing) are kept in pristine order. Yes, JP, I often forget to tell you that - and tack cleaning and thorough grooming is overrated anyway - Bisous!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)