What is better than having a great ride? - And thoughts about safety

The boys and I went to Brandt's yesterday for some riding fun in the sun. JP and Chambord were clearly the stars of the day! After some reluctance on Chambord's part - "I really don't want to" - they conquered a hollow sounding metal bridge over a rivulet. Then on into the pond they went. That's Chambord's favorite, so he has no problem splashing lavishly. Brandt asked JP to have Chambord canter out of the pond, and they managed that really well also. So what's better than having a great ride? Watching your husband and his best buddy having a blast!

Remy was much better working in between the herd but then had an unexpected melt down when I tried to give a whip to Brandt. He wanted to use it to move the horses around, not to punish Remy, and anyway, other than some light taps Remy never has experienced a strong whip. So where did this come from? No idea! Perhaps he didn't like my look with sun glasses and baseball cap, it might have hurt his fashion sense.

In this heat it is hard wearing a helmet, I do understand. But still, it bothers me tremendously when I see people ride without 'brain-buckets'. What's a bit of sweat compared to TBI (traumatic brain injury) or worse??

Speaking of safety: My neighbor, Gabriele, just cracked me up yesterday. She told me about a call she had from a company trying to sell her a home security system. Her response to the sales guy: "I don't need no stinking security system, I've got a twelve gauge shotgun and if that doesn't do it a collection of sharp hunting knives!". Gabriele is in her seventies, German, and as spunky as they come. Hmm, watch out people, that could be me some years down the road!

"Less is more" - and off to the cold water hose

Ah, the Michigan weather. The saying goes that if you don't like it you wait five minutes and it changes. No such luck today (actually, it was luck it didn't change - most likely we would have gotten a thunderstorm). Remy and I played in 32C in the mid-day heat. Most of Judy's students opt to stay indoors, but for me the toss up is either fry my brain under the helmet in the sun outdoors or struggle for air indoors.

It was a much better ride than yesterday. I am trying to focus hard on "less is more", not over-riding Remy when things get tough. The difficult part is to do less but still being effective. Doing less and just ambling along is not cutting it - as the voice in my ear-set likes to remind me.

Remy was a good sport when my Comtek receiver bounced off my belt and dropped next to his shoulder. He didn't even bat an eye. I did bat an eye, because the belt was on its last hole so I had to stuff the receiver into the inside of my pants. I lamented that I looked like I gained 20 pounds, to which I just heard a sigh and then a "but you want to hear me, right??". Yep, I'd rather have a smooth voice in my ear than a screeching one that can be heard in the next county - LOL. Without joking, it must be so hard for instructors to yell all day in order to be heard, especially in large (and/or outdoor) arenas. I can't imagine being able to keep this up.

Remy kept his focus (mostly) on me, swiveling ears and sometimes grunting. My ears don't swivel but why should I be the only one grunting? We finished on a good note, with all three of us happy - and two of us headings straight for the wash rack. The other day I was saying I'd like to get a cold hose down, too, and Lisa asked "then why don't you?". Hmm, because I don't want to do the wet t-shirt contest? She looked at me like I was a poster child for a 'true blonde'. "Just bend forward, and rinse your neck". Oh, OK, got it!

Cold showered Remy and I were happy campers and both ready for lunch - after I changed my shirt.

He got is knickers in a twist - getting an early start on a Sunday

With a weather forecast of 95F today we decided to get an early start on riding. The boys enjoyed breakfast 'in bed', and then Saumur and Teddy got to go out while JP and I prepared Chambord and Remy. Chambord was not amused, clearly, he felt that this violated his contract. Didn't we know it was Sunday??

Remy was his usually cheerful, albeit somewhat sleepy self. Chambord really got his knickers in a twist when JP got into the saddle. He wouldn't stay still, hopped up and was just cranky overall. Picture making a teenager get up at 7 a.m. on a Sunday. JP hopped off, and I resorted back to the tried and true ground work: Yielding the hindquarters, backing up, etc. When JP got back on Chambord had understood the message: Pouting is not getting you out of it.

We set off into the woods and had a wonderful trailride. We all enjoyed the almost bug-free peace and quiet. So, Chambord, no need to get your knickers in a twist*. Getting up early was well worth it! And if not, well, then we'll just get you a new pair!


*Wiktionary:
get one's knickers in a twist

1. (idiomatic) To become overwrought or unnecessarily upset over a trivial matter.

Different strokes for different folks - and "just like an airplane"

Different things appeal to different people. Case in point: This week we took Chambord and Remy to a training session at Brandt's. Chambord needed a refresher on canter over all kinds of different terrain, and Remy still has his "equine claustrophobia" to deal with. I was so happy to see how well all my boys (that includes JP) worked. JP and Chambord had the best walk-canter departs ever, and it was so neat to see them canter around, mane flying (Chambord's, JP is a bit short in the mane department).

Brandt took Remy and rode him in between his herd of about 12 horses. Remy's worst nightmare - other horses, close up and personal. But after a short period he got the hang of it and was clearly proud of himself when he got to herd the group of horses around.

Show season is in full swing now and I am getting a bit tired of seemingly having to defend my decision of currently not showing. It does make me quite crabby when I get condescending remarks implicating there is something wrong with me/us. The simple truth is I haven't got my show mojo back yet, and also I'd like to do a good job - and having only 50% of steady changes (they are good to the left, hit and miss to the right) does not cut it for me.

It is very rewarding to me to see the progress in our training, every ride we can build on the previous one, and both Remy (I hope) and I are having fun and feel good about the progress. The collection is getting better and it's so neat to feel Remy 'compact' with very light aids. Judy had a very good comparison, she said Remy should feel like an airplane taking off: Light front, engine pushing from behind. Very cool. Note to Remy: No, that does NOT mean like a rocket, you still have to stay on the earth!

New Beginnins - and watch out for those pony hooves

Thursday was my last day of work. It was quite emotional and touching. I am very happy that I am leaving on a high note, meaning I am leaving in a very positive way. Ironic, though, that my job is being divided between two men, and some of my duties go to a third one.


No time to dwell too much - Saturday was the orientation and on-boarding for the volunteers for Detroit Horse Power (www.detroithorsepower.org). DHP organizes summer camps for inner city youth, teaching life and leadership skills with the help of horses. I was quite impressed how well this non-profit is organized and I do look forward to working with the kids this summer.


Hmm, not long after listening to the owner of the stable that hosts the summer camps about safety around horses I got a sharp reminder that I am not careful enough. JP had an issue with the zero-turn mower breaking down in the pasture, leaking fuel, so I tried to move the horses to a different pasture. That startled Teddy, and yikes, those tiny pony hooves hurt! He got my ankle and the top of my foot. Luckily nothing is broken and ice, Arnica cream and Back on Track ankle brace helped a lot.


Now I am looking forward to my first week of freedom: Monday - trailride, Tuesday - working at Brandt's, Wednesday through Saturday - Dressage.


I picture Remy pouring over "Help Wanted" ads, trying to get me out of his hair and back into an office.  Note to Remy: Careful what you wish for, remember Aunt Jude is much more demanding than I am!