Last rides of the year - and greetings from Pferdle

2018 ends rainy and gloomy, but just concerning the weather. JP and I had really good rides this morning, the boys enjoyed themselves and the four of us had a good time. I'm still not 100% at home in the jumping saddle, but at least now I feel like a welcome visitor.

It's nice to ride at a place where there are various disciplines. The people we have encountered so far were friendly and the horses are mostly laid back. But this morning it became clear again why people from other disciplines frown about Dressage riders. We had almost finished when a woman came in with her dressage horse. Immediately she pulled on the reins, tried to crank the horse together, and didn't stop tapping him with the whip. Honestly, I had a VERY hard time not to say anything. Note to self: Don't rock the boat and risk not having an arena to use. And sadly, whatever I could say in all likelihood wouldn't change anything. Eye rolling is still allowed, though.

I am so grateful for the many wonderful people, horses, dogs, and cats in my life. The older I get the more appreciative I have become, and I no longer take the good things in my life for granted (yep, JP, that includes you, too!).

Now let's see what new adventures 2019 will bring:

Prost Neujahr from Pferdle* and me!

*Pferdle is a cartoon character that has been on the Swabian TV channel Suedwestrundfunk since the 1960s. It started with the Pferdle as the horse is the symbol for Stuttgart (Stuttgart means Stutengarten = mares pasture). Later the Pferdle got a friend: the Aeffle (monkey) was added.  These two have a famous song: Hafer- und Bananen Blues ("Oats and Banana Blues")

Remy and I are straying - into the Hunter World

Today was our second lesson with Lisa, the H/J trainer at Berwyck. I still feel kind of wobbly in the jumping saddle with the short stirrups, but Remy is getting the hang of my changed position.

Lisa had us doing gymnastic exercises over poles. She helped me find my long-lost two-point position*. I enjoy her lessons very much, she hones right into my weaknesses (no shortage there), such as too much hand, not enough leg. She teaches in a kind and encouraging way and doesn't make me feel like George Morris would have a heart attack. I guess the only thing George couldn't complain about is my weight.  For those not familiar with George's clinics and columns in the Practical Horseman magazine: He is notorious for critiquing seemingly minute details, such as the cleanliness of the bottom (!) of a rider's boots - and notably his wrath is geared towards riders that are not slim and fit).

By the end of the lesson Remy was taking me to grids and bounced happily through them - while I kept soft hands, heels down, balanced seat, eyes up.

It feels like our flirting with the H/J style could morph into a full-fledged affair. But hey, we are all consenting adults here.

Tally ho!


*Riders usually employ a "two-point" position while jumping fences, depending on the type of course and height of fences. The position is so named because the rider has "two points" (both legs) in contact with the saddle. The rider supports his or her body using leg and stirrup, keeping the heels down, closing the hip angle, and lifting the buttocks out of the saddle while keeping the head and shoulders up.

An ocean away - but the forests unite

My 28th Christmas in the US, and I still miss Christmas in Europe. Especially Christmas mornings with my dad. My mom wouldn't let anybody near her kitchen, so Emil (my dad) and I would go into the forest. We'd check the feeders for the deer (hay) and the boar (corn), and replenished salt blocks. Unlike in the US, this is not to make it an easy hunt by killing the animals at their feeding grounds. Rather it is to keep them in a certain area and most importantly, away from the Autobahn. If you go 150 mph you certainly don't want to encounter a 200 pound boar ambling into your path!

Once done Emil would check his watch and inevitable say "way too early, we can't go home yet, let's have a Schnaps at the Jagdhaus". Make no mistake, German Schnaps has nothing to do with the American sweet stuff. It is distilled fruit brandy, or -in Emil's case- high octane home made brews with blood root, sloe, or other herbs. We'd sit there amicably and sip his concoctions in the Jagdhaus, a hunting lodge that was build sometime in the 1800s, until it was the acceptable time to go home. 

So, while now there is an ocean between us I still go into the forest and I feel a deep connection to him. Luckily, I do have Emil's Schnaps here, and it does warm my heart. And while out with the dogs today I remembered what he wrote in my Poesie-Album when I was a kid:

You think the hunter is a sinner,
because he rarely goes to church.
In the green forest, a view to the sky,
is better than a false prayer. And luckily, Emil is doing well. He will turn 90 in February but still goes into his beloved forests several times a week. Just recently he shot a 150 pound boar with a "Blattschuss" (a shot directly into the heart). It's what my parents, brother and nephew will enjoy for Christmas dinner, cooked in a wine sauce with wild mushrooms and served with Knoedel (home made dumplings). JP is salivating...

"You have a really good heel for a dressage rider" - and 'Fit for a queen'

I have been toying for a while with taking some jumping lessons. OK, let's be honest, we are not talking four foot oxers here, I was thinking more along the lines of starting with some gymnastic grids and cavalettis. 

After meeting Lisa, the H/J instructor/trainer and auditing one of her lessons I decided that yes, Remy and I should try this. It's been a very long time since we had our one and only lesson with an eventing instructor. Remy was a game and gangly four year old at that time. I would have liked to continue but the trailering was a hassle in the winter and the instructor was difficult to nail down for scheduling. 

Fast forward six years and here we are. I was thrilled that the beautiful Hunt Saddle -custom made in Walsall, England- I bought on a whim finally could come out from years under the protective covers. Story about the saddle is that it was ordered by an 80 year old MFH (Master of Foxhounds), and when the saddle finally arrived from England he decided that he was now too old to go hunting. Soo...by chance I saw it and it was love at first sight. One of the things you just have to have and justify by telling yourself: "Sure, I'll find a use for it!". And after all, what's good for the Queen of England* should be good for me. That lady knows her horse stuff.

 Beautiful work by a Walsall Saddler*

Properly dressed we presented ourselves to Lisa for an evaluation lesson. Note to self: I should have ridden Remy in the saddle before hand. Turns out that if I go in a two-point position he slows down in the canter, obviously not sure what is happing on his back. Lisa first complimented me on my leg position "you have a really good heel for a dressage rider" (yay, I remembered to keep my heels down), only then to proceed to jack up the stirrups several holes. Greetings from jockey training camp.  It was fun! Looking forward to more of this.

So, between the ice skating and the jumping JP is getting nervous that I might crack something and he won't be able to get rid of me -- Florida is less than four weeks out! 

*Walsall still manufactures the Queen's handbags, saddles for the Royal family and leather goods for the Prince of Wales. Walsall is the traditional home of the English saddle manufacturing industry.

Saumur in the bathtub - and I got rid of some bad habits just to develop new ones

Horse and Sense is growing by leaps and bounds, and I am happy that it is mostly word of mouth. Yesterday I had three new clients in addition to existing ones. Yay - and really, I love what I do! However, when I got to meet my first new client I had to swallow a bit: 18 hands and probably 1300 pounds of pure young muscle. While he was overall a good boy, his bodywork session made me want one for myself.

After four horses I got home cold, hungry, dirty and tired. It also happened to be my birthday. Never despair: JP, Stephanie, and bathtub to the rescue! JP had dinner ready, my BFF Stephanie in Germany had shipped a very special gift to me: Saumur! No, not the hairy one residing in our barn*. This one is bubbly, and perfect for enjoying in the bathtub:

The four-legged Saumur would take exception to sharing a bathtub with me, I'm sure.

Today we made the trip to Metamora to ride with Maryal, first time this year. Maryal's eagle eyes haven't changed, I swear the woman has radar vision. She noted right away that my position is too far forward, with not enough weight in my seat bones at the walk. But then in the canter I overcompensate and push my seat bones down too long therefore restricting Remy's back. On the bright side: I got rid of the nagging with my legs habit and the tendency to override him - only to now being too passive and not using enough leg aids for proper collection.

Oh, maaan - or better oh, womaaaan!!

"With a little help from your friends" - in different areas

I have been getting nervous about the Florida trip, because I hadn't heard back from the transportation company. Of course, I know they are extremely busy right now, as the annual exodus of Michiganders and their horses is in full swing. It so happens that Glenda is friends with the Jan, the owner of the horse transportation company, and she is also getting ready to say "Auf Wiedersehen" to Northern Michigan. So Glenda to the rescue, I had barely told her about my worries when the phone rang and Jan called me.

Big sigh of relief: Remy is on the schedule for the end of January. We don't have an exact date yet, but he is booked on the bus. Not only that, but he is booked to travel in style. I had planned on shipping him in  a stall and 1/2, which would mean a bit more space than in a normal spot but being tied for the entire 1300 miles. The truck drives right through, there are stops of course, but the horses are not unloaded. After diligent research I decided to reserve a box stall for him. More expensive, of course, but much better for his well-being (and mine!). Importantly he will not be tied and can therefore lower his head which means less risk for respiratory problems.

So I've been assembling the to-do list. Remy will have to be loaded at the cul-de-sac road because the truck doesn't fit in the driveway. JP has to take the hay, mammoth rolling tack box, and horse down the road to meet the truck. I will have left by then so I can be there when Remy gets to White Fences. Remy sure does have "people".

Back to the "Little help from your friends": Stephanie, my BFF in Germany, outdid herself again this year with my Adventskalender.Every year she sends a lovingly selected and wrapped gift for every day of Advent (December 1st through the 24th).

Yesterday's thoughtful gift made me laugh out loud and I sure hope it won't be necessary:

Friends: Always looking out for one another!

"Surprise and Delight" - and re-discovering a childhood joy

Our morning ride had quite a surprise for me in store. Remy got a walk-warm up from JP while I was helping Chambord getting rid of some of his pent up energy. It's tough for the boys right now, the ground is frozen and as they are luckily (!) careful they don't tear around in the pastures (ok, not too much). So what's a horse to do with all the energy when on nice, springy ground in an arena that's 72x200? Yep, you guessed it. Hence a bit of long-line warm up for Chambord first. He can yeeha like a rodeo bronc with all four feet in the air, not something JP or I need to be sitting on.

Remy was pretty chill, and after our warm up I played around and asked for flying changes every three strides down the long side of the arena (having the wall kept us straight, as opposed of trying it on the diagonal). And wouldn't you know it, they were smooth, big, and clean! I was ecstatic. Roz' word's came to mind "Don't be so surprised when it works!". Well, yes, I AM surprised and super happy. It's those elusive times when things click. An acquaintance of mine and very successful rider said the other day "Daily dressage training is not pretty". That made me pause for quite a bit, because while yes, everyone has tense and difficult moments, it should not be the rule. Where is the fun in that? I'd rather go for the frequent "delight" (according to the quote from a riding master "be happy with little and then build on it").

Speaking of "surprise and delight" - I re-discovered ice skating, thanks to Donna, a very interesting woman I met while out with the dogs on the horse trails. Turns out she is an accomplished rider and polo player, and despite a broken back returned to the saddle and on the ice (even way more impressive when considering that Donna is an 'Early Boomer'). So sure, skating sounds like fun, why not? My skates are about 40 years old, but the TUV approved steel (same organization that passes and fails vehicles in Germany) and good leather had held up well sitting in a box in the garage. Question was: How about my "German Quality"?? It's been over 30 years since I last skated. JP was not too confident in my abilities: What if I would fall and break anything so close to going to Florida?? Perhaps I should wear my riding helmet and body vest? What about protecting other extremities??

Well, long story short: I am still in one piece and I had a blast! So, let's see if Donna will talk me into playing polo next?

We finish the lesson year on a high note - and Wisdom from Denny

Having the last lesson of the year was bittersweet. Roz is heading to Wellington next week, so we are on our own until it's time for our adventure end of January. I am freaking out a bit because the shipper seems to ignoring me. I know they are really busy going back and forth but still - I'd like some reassurance that Remy will indeed be able to get on the truck! Especially after the checks for his stall and my room were cashed. I even found a swank -and humongous- vertical rolling saddle trunk in great condition. One of the times when posting on FB paid!

Back to our lesson. After working on our own for a couple of weeks it was a good test to see if we can 'survive' on our own (aka me not messing up too much) for two months. And yes, WE CAN! Remy felt great, light, fluid, round, connected, nice big changes, then from almost half-steps to long and low (correct stretching round and over the back).  Those rare and elusive times when you think you can do this and what makes you come back for more...

It so happens that I received the latest edition of a riding magazine that had an excerpt of Denny Emerson's new book "Know Better To Do Better*". The following really hit the nail on the head, both regarding Saumur and Remy.

"The first lesson is that if you ride the same horse, day after day week after week, month after month, year after year, you and that horse are going to know each other so well that despite the fact that you both have failings and insufficiencies, you trust each other well enough to begin to create something bigger and better than either one of you alone. 

Next is that most of us tend to "bail out" on a horse that is hard to ride, and one that does not win easily, but if you do not bail out, the talents that may be deeply hidden within both of you may have a chance of being discovered."

Yes, I admit, I have thought quite a few times about "bailing out", Saumur with his almost insurmountable issues (how about taking eight hours to get in a trailer?), and Remy with his "horse phobia"? But then, the boys also had to put up with me during stages of my very stressful work life, when I got to the barn close to being a nervous wreck, and then expecting them to somehow relax underneath a not-so-relaxed (read: super tense) rider??

I do hope Denny is right and by not bailing out more of our talents will be discovered? The question begs, what kind of talents? We already know that Saumur and Remy are bi-lingual, so that counts!

*Denny Emerson "Know Better To Do Better: Mistakes I Made With Horses So You Don't Have To"

Our routine is getting better - and an evening off the farm

The boys and we are starting to settle into a morning routine trailering to Berwyck. Even though it's only 1.8 miles, it still means hooking up the trailer, loading all the stuff, getting the boys 'booted up' (nope, not like the start button on your laptop, in our case it means putting protective boots on). Luckily they load themselves on the trailer, no muss no fuss - just make sure there is hay. The problem is rather getting them out again, and with the short trip they don't feel like leaving the hay bags behind.

It is so nice having the large arena to work in, and did I mention the temperature is around 40F?? Mornings are ideal, as it is quiet and we can not only focus on the work but in addition have fun with some games. Remy is getting really good not only at his changes, but also in his groundwork at liberty. For example he backs up on voice command, follows my every move in walk and trot, yields his hindquarter just by me moving closer. Today we borrowed a large horse ball, and while Chambord had fun moving it around Remy was bored with it. "Come on, really, that's all you've got??" he seemed to say.

Last Saturday we ventured "into town" (Detroit). As it's a 40 mile drive one way we don't do it that often, but a MUST is the once a year performance of "Too Hot to Handel", the jazz gospel version of Handel's Messiah at the Detroit Opera House. It's an incredible atmosphere, super musicians, and of course the Rackham choir. 

And yes, I admit I do have a bit of a (totally innocent and strictly artistic!) crush on the tenor Rod Dixon (tenorroddixon.com). It was a great evening off the farm, even though the drive home was a bit marred by bad weather, lots of police activity, and a guy that steadfastly ignores the Navi - nevertheless we got home in one piece. Hallelujah!

"You either train or un-train your horse" - and I did not nip it in the bud quick enough

Friday we took both boys to Jan's indoor arena, killing two birds with one stone: Riding and then doing bodywork on Roz' horse.

Well, whoever said "you either train or un-train your horse" was right! I had ridden Remy a bit defensively at Berwyck, as it was a new environment for us, with different sights, sounds and horses. This backfired right away: Once at Jan's Remy sucked back, diddled around, looked for all kinds of excuses to stop "I need to go to the bathroom NOW" and then "well, perhaps I don't". This guy is just too smart for his own good. We had to have a discussion about expectations and accepted behavior. This could have been avoided had I been more diligent and consistent.

Lesson learned. Another thing they say when it comes to horses that is sooo true: You never stop learning! And there, I am blond, and still no excuses...

All that space - and those two Besties prefer to hang out close together

When it sounds too good to be true - and thoughts about "lazy" horses

Well, our social membership at the Berwyck Saddle Club was very short lived. After exactly two visits we were called in by the new owners and informed that they would not be honoring the contract we had with the previous owner. They are now charging by visit - or if we wanted to pay annually it's an eight(!)-fold increase.

So, being caught between a rock and a hard place we really don't have much of a choice: It's either riding during the winter in a place close by, or hauling the boys 30 minutes each way.

Remy and Chambord have been doing well in the new arena, they did not seem bothered at all by the other horses, or the heating vents crackling overhead, so we'll continue going there as much as possible.

The last months Remy has been way more enthusiastic in his work, giving me a super feeling by no longer 'being stuck' and instead moving forward freely. I just came across a FB posting by Amy Skinner (Amyskinnerhorsemanship.com) that hit the nail on the head regarding Remy:

"Many horses that are “lazy” are actually just tense. Their energy is “stuck” and does not move through back to front. Contrary to belief, It isn’t that they don’t want to work, it’s that they need help releasing tension in their bodies. The nature of a horse is to get along - labeling them with adjectives such as “lazy” or “not hard working” is anthropomorphic and incorrect. A horse doesn’t know anything about human ideas of work ethic, it only knows what works and what makes It feel better."

Sometimes a strategic retreat is called for - being in one piece has its merits

The landscape today looked like someone had sprinkled powdered sugar, we have a light dusting of snow and it's not (yet!) too cold. JP and I decided to go on a trail ride, but once we hit the trails both Chambord and Remy immediately went on high alert. The ground was very 'squishy' and every step sounded like we might get sucked in. I am sure the boys thought that was a very valid threat. 

Remy was very tense and I saw Chambord in front of us humping his back up - the first sign of a buck. So I made the executive decision that we needed to get off and walk the guys. JP grumbled and wasn't initially inclined to follow my lead (so much for 'executive decision'). But once Chambord upped his antics JP agreed that there was nothing wrong with being prudent.

Sure enough, even while being led the boys spooked (which is especially unusual for Remy, he's the king of hand-walking). We diligently worked on staying out of the way of their hooves and decided a strategic retreat towards home was called for.

Once we were back on solid ground, aka our less squishy dirt road, the boys relaxed and the four of us made it home safe and sound. Yes, somebody could say we should just have ridden it out. But to what point?  Getting thrown into the country side, having frantic horses?

Note to some of the "fearless leaders": There is no shame in a strategic retreat in order to save the troops (take this, Napoleon!). Being in one piece has it's merits: We all were able to enjoy an excellent dinner, with a lovely bottle of wine added for the humans. 

Almost in our backyard... could it really be that easy??

With the winter weather setting in (and no, I don't want to hear any more German weather info about sitting outside in T-Shirts!) our outdoor arena is a Sumpf (swamp) and the blustering winds are not inviting for relaxed trail rides. Finding a -riding- roof over our heads had become a major headache.

Right now Remy and I are trailering two or three times a week to our lessons with Roz, but soon Roz will be in sunny Florida. We could still use the indoor arena, but I do not fancy trailering in snow and ice. Boarding Chambord and Remy there would not work due to the restricted turnout; especially Chambord is not one that takes kindly to being cooped up.

Enter Crystalyn, a fellow rider we met at a get together and wine tasting at Hoffman Farms. She recommended a social membership at Berwyck, an equestrian community less than two miles down the road from us. Hmm, would that work? Well, a meeting with the barn manager and a tour of the facility got us excited: For a modest annual membership fee the four of us can use the 72x200 arena anytime. The arena footing just got redone, and oh, do I dare mention it?? The arena is heated to 40F!
It's a bit ironic, after all the contemplating of options and going back on forth on what to do, what to do? the solution was literally in front of us -- Crystalyn just had to put our noses to it.

Once again: Equestrians and wine - what a beautiful combination!

It's no stirrup November - and If I had a bucket list..

Bumpy return from CT: What started as a cold morphed into a severe cough, sinus infection and strep throat. I did the almost unthinkable (for me) I actually saw a doctor and even took the antibiotics. And then I slept, and slept some more. Still got some really good rides in.

I told Roz today not to think I'm stupid, because I was riding and actually giggling (me!) Remy felt so good. It's a whole new level of connection and thoroughness, I never thought possible. And to top it off, I'm taking "No Stirrup November" to heart. Not sure who started this, but it's become a tradition especially in the eventing and jumping world, riding sans stirrups in November in order to get "Thighs of Steel and a Bum That Sticks". Hmm??

OK, I admit, I cross my stirrups only after Remy is warmed up, soft and supple. No use for me to have a dead grip with my legs (thighs of steel be damned) and make him uncomfortable. Roz had some helpful images, like thinking of turning my shin bones towards Remy's belly, and using my knee lightly on the saddle for half-passes. Most importantly, we trot and canter without stirrups and it feels good. And I am hoping for a bonus in the way of "Thighs of Steel and a Bum That Sticks"!

So, if I had a bucket list this would have been on it: Winter Training with Roz in Florida. The check for Remy's stall has left the building and the check for my room is to follow - after all, Remy's accommodations are more important than mine. Too bad we can't share, the expenses are not for the faint of heart (with 'normal' budgets).

Here it is: Remy and I will be spending two months in Welly-Land (Wellington), home of the Winter Equestrian Festival, courtesy of JP. Yep, it's my birthday and Christmas present (probably for the next 10 years or so). Not only that, he'll stay home to take care of the other eight critters. What can I say?? Even though I never wanted to play princess - I still kissed the right one! *smile*

And no, JP can't be cloned, he is not for sale, and his brother is happily married!

When your husband watches your coach ride your horse - while you spend time with another coach

Back from a wonderful trip to NE. I was a bit worried as the temps had dropped into the freezing zone and I remembered that the lovely B&B Bay Mountain Farm was build in 1700. I read it was a stagecoach stop, and George Washington supposedly stayed there. But never mind old George, more importantly, how about heat?? Didn't they use horsehair for insulation at the time?? Luckily Cindy had thoughtfully provided an extra comforter and the wood burning stoves did a good job.

 My Masterson Method coaching session was both educational and inspirational, and in addition I got to spend time with wonderful people: Doris and Ron Bouchard. I mentioned Doris before as she kept me on the straight and narrow in the Equine Sports Massage program, and now she got to do the same for Masterson (Doris is a certified coach/instructor for both). Ron kindly introduced me to Craniosacral and myofascial bodywork, which he is specializing in.

I think it was a bit scary (just kidding) for her husband Ron having two German women in the house with some eerily similar ways. So, both Doris and I are married to French guys, both our dogs are named Ziggy, we both love Aldi coffee, yoghurt and salad for breakfast and lunch (respectively) and when we went to dinner we ordered the same food! Speaking of dinner and food: Doris and Ron took me to this amazing place right on the Atlantic coast, MatuNuck Oyster Bar. Wow, baby, talk about Fresh Lobster!

On the home front Remy was kept on the straight and narrow by Roz. JP watched one of their sessions and as soon as I got out of the airport reported excitedly that Remy looked "like an Olympic caliber horse" -- and then proceeded to tell me all the things I could do/should do better... Merci, Polo - and Roz, I guess. I told her as much and she laughingly replied "job security". Yep, that it is, she is the professional, I am telling my grown up self that, but hmmm...it stings a tiny bit that Remy looks so fabulous when she rides him and I have to struggle so he doesn't blow me off. Teenagers!

I am darn lucky to have such great coaches, and yes, Remy and  JP -even though sometimes it pains me to admit it- an awesome husband and equine partner (in no particular order!)

Coming home I was greeted by happy dogs and horses (Saumur, Teddy and Chambord), got snubbed by Remy ("how could you go away??") and the glorious view of our farm sign surrounded by 'flames'.

Trailblazers and Body Guards - and Continuing Education for both of us

Wild turkeys are thriving in our neighborhood, there are large groups traversing our pastures and hogging the riding trails of Kensington. As there is no hunting in Kensington (luckily!) the wildlife is quite relaxed. It seems the deer love to wait until we are close, then they flash their white tails for effect (and to startle the horses) before taking off.

The turkeys, however, are in no hurry whatsoever. There is a flock that will stand right in the middle of the road forcing cars to stop, seemingly demanding 'toll' in the form of food. On the trails Chambord is in his element as trailblazer and turkey chaser, clearing the path for all of us. Remy and I are very happy have Chambord and JP as our body guards.

Chambord and JP: Our bodyguards

This week is continuous education week: I am off to CT for Masterson Coaching and to learn cranial-sacral work for horses, and Remy is at school with Roz.

Good thing Chambord and JP are very happy and self-reliant (Chambord says: "Dressage?? Puh-leeze! -- but I could use another massage!"): And after all, somebody has to do the work at home!

"He is ready for more intelligent conversations" - and no "verflixtes siebtes Jahr" for us!

Yesterday was a "check up day": Roz got on Remy to check that we are on the right path (my translation: I am not messing him up). What you see is not always what you get, and I really appreciate having an expert rider and trainer checking on our progress not just by watching but also by feeling what is going on. Luckily, Roz didn't detect any major issues under saddle (other than the ones she sees -  Remy's tendency to blow me off). With her, his "I think this is good enough, thank you very much" didn't fly. 

Overall, things are progressing nicely. Remy is more willing and eager to learn - or as Roz puts it "he is ready for more intelligent conversations". Today part of our conversations were canter - walk - turn on the haunches - canter off different direction, as well as walk pirouettes to canter. Yep, now I just have to keep my part of the "intelligent" equation. 

This month Remy and I are celebrating our seventh anniversary. It's hard to believe, I still see the gangly three-year old stepping happily off the trailer after a five day trip from Montana to Michigan and settling in our barn like an old pro. 

I wasn't actually looking for a horse when Remy stepped into my life. Sally Radtke Anderson, at the time president of the Morgan Dressage Association, had sent me a congratulatory letter on behalf of the MDA for the USDF Bronze Medal Saumur and I achieved. Her email had a link to her website moanamorgans.com … seeing Remy and deciding to visit Montana were a quick sequence of events. Interestingly, when I saw Remy for the first time 'in person' I had some doubts (did I really want to start with a three year old?? He looks smaller than I thought?). My instructor at the time was not enthusiastic (another Morgan?? Why won't you get a Warmblood??) but JP really rooted for Remy - and I mean all out. How many husbands are trying to 'brainwash' their wives into buying a horse??

Fast forward seven years: It's been quite the ride (literally) - ups and downs, frustrations, excitement, a cracked leg (mine!) and changes of instructors. Clinics with an Olympian, a Bereiter from the Spanish Riding Schools in Vienna, a former Rodeo Cowboy, and Western Horsemanship Trainer. All this peppered throughout with plenty of encouragement, and sometimes serious butt-kicking (mine, not Remy's!) by JP.  

Finally things are falling into place - so no verflixtes siebtes Jahr (aka Seven Year Itch*)  for us. Au contraire: We have found our stride!

Happy Seventh Anniversary!

This is how it all began: A photo of 3 year old Remy in Montana

*The seven-year itch is a psychological term that suggests that happiness in a relationship declines after around year seven of a marriage. The phrase originated as a name for irritating and contagious skin complaints of a long duration -Wikipedia

An old article hits home - and we are back in the left lane

It seems equine magazines are going the way of most newspapers and magazines - short articles with not much depth but lots of colorful pictures (often of riders with bad positions) and an overload of advertisements. I still keep remembrances of the "good old times" when equine magazines actually had 'meaty' (= in depth) articles, written by professionals with profound academic knowledge, showed excellent B&W photos, and had almost no advertising. Not surprisingly "Dressage & CT*" ("Dressage, Eventing and the Sport Horse") did not survive in this fast paced world.

I have some D&CTs dating back to the 90s, and from time to time I browse through them (after having had to vigorously defend them from JP and the ever present recycling bins). One article I recently read hit home: Joni Bentley's "Riding Success Without Stress". In the article she questions "We ask of our horses that they be calm, straight, and forward - but are we?"

Obviously, 'Ouch' (=nail hitting the head) for me: Calm I was not, and I limited the forward for fear of being thrown. So I had basically asked of Remy to fill in for me, which undermined my job as the leader and he said "sorry, lady, don't think so".

Not surprisingly, our relationship and work together have improved tremendously since the major stressor were removed (mainly my previous job and the arena allergies).

In Joni Bentley's article she explains that being calm involves a harmonious balance of mind, body and feelings. To achieve this harmony, a quiet mind, a supple body, and an awareness of our emotional conditioning is needed. If we are "uptight" mentally and emotionally (guilty as charged!) it reflects in and distorts our bodies. Without calmness, we lose communication with the horse, we lose control of ourselves and our riding position "goes to pot".

She goes on to say that Quantum physicists are in agreement that mind and body are inseparably one. Therefore, successful teaching and learning depend on this unity. Training that only focuses on correcting the position is like a six cylinder car firing on only five cylinders. You'll never make the fast lane, because the root of all tension lies in the mind.

As my mind is much calmer (yes, that's my story and I stick to it) Remy and I are back on the autobahn, far left lane, flashing the head lights to get the others to move over!

*Thank you, Ivan I. Bezugloff Jr, staff  and editors for having published this fine magazine. 

You can take a nose dive on a horse trail without being on a horse - and working through tension

Jaas, Ziggy (the dogs) and I really enjoy the Kensington horse trails. So on our daily jaunt we were going at a good clip when Ziggy saw a squirrel (there are thousands around and he had to focus on that one?) and I didn't see a tree root and went flying, propelled by Ziggy's 75 pounds of sheer muscle. To his credit, he stopped quickly and ran back to check what possibly could have enticed me to take a dive in the mud?? On the bright side, German quality prevailed! My beloved Pikeurs (German riding pants - I hadn't bothered to change after riding) and I were muddy but otherwise unscathed. 

It's been one rain storm after the other lately. Yesterday we could barely see the barn from the house through the downpour. I was about to cancel my lesson (I hate driving the trailer when a boat would be more appropriate), but JP volunteered to come along and help. Thanks, JP! I breathed a sigh of relief, thinking the rain would let up, but once in the indoor arena not just the rain but also the wind picked up. Nice to have the tree branches rattling on metal walls, gives a new meaning to sound track. Remy's eyes got bigger while I hand walked him around the arena and he scooted a few times. Time to put him on the longe line to see what we were dealing with. Remy settled down quickly and I was happy that Roz remarked how his gaits have improved.

I climbed on, not entirely sold on Remy being OK with the rattling and said as much to Roz. That's one of the reasons I enjoy working with her so much: She said she understood (instead of giving me the "suck it up" speech - thanks, Roz!) and made us work creatively to find our focus. 20 m circles with shoulder-ins, haunches-ins, changes through the circles did the trick. We both found our focus, and went on our merry way from there on. 

As they say, it is the journey that counts - and I am enjoying the journey more than ever! Remy got a bodywork session plus massage today as a thank you for putting up with me -- while JP still asks, what about him?? 

I rather go to the Tractor Supply than the Pharmacy - and it's "Take your horse to work week"

Last Friday we came home to find a dead lame Chambord in the pasture. He was miserably calling out, not wanting to move at all. OK, trying not to panic or freak out (what's the difference anyway?). I carefully lead him into the barn to check him over. On the bright side, no blood gushing, nothing seemed broken, but clearly every step seemed to hurt. LF (left front), same leg he was lame on last week and subsequently diagnosed with an onset of Ringbone. Our usual vet was not booked, but luckily her boss was able to come within an hour.

It didn't took Dr. Ryker long, he immediately suspected an hoof abscess, used the hoof testers "Yep, there is something", pulled the shoe, started digging -- and in no time had the abscess draining. Whew! That was part one, part two: expert wrapping of the hoof until a shoe gets back on. While I am trying to be frugal, I still opted to get Animalintex (poultice pad) from the Tractor Supply Store, instead of running to the pharmacy for diapers. Too many choices, Infant, Toddler, Adult?? (Nope, not buying those!).

I am happy to report the shoes went back on today, and Chambord is celebrating his new-found and pain-free freedom (he had to be confined in a stall with attached round-pen panels) by kicking up his heels and plenty of dirt in the pastures.

Chapin, Roz' working student, is exploring BC this week. As good help is hard to find I volunteered to fill in for her. I do like to groom and take care of horses and equipment, and helping Roz is fun. Other than being chided by the barn owner for not hanging up the lead ropes 'correctly' on the gates, and almost having to break into the tack room because the electronic lock was not cooperating, things are going fine.

The boys at home had an earlier wake up call than usual so Remy could catch his school bus, driven by yours truly. While I was busy with Roz' horses Remy got to chill in a paddock until it was time for my lesson. Cool new exercise today: Flying changes on a circle. Counter canter down the long side, then 20 m circle, then change. Remy's changes got more expressive and we had fun. After that it was recess for Remy until the school bus took him home.

I could get used to "take your horse to work week"!

Am I a "Helikopter Mutter"?? - and I want more, more, more

The German magazine 'Der Spiegel' recently featured articles about the phenomena of "Helikopter Eltern" (helicopter parents). These are parents that literally 'hover' over their children all day long, school, play, whatever and wherever, driving especially the teachers crazy. Teachers get calls, emails, WhatsApp questions like "how often did my son sneeze today??" I always thought that was pretty weird, especially coming from a family where my parents' only involvement in my school and extracurricular activities was the stipulation that I got good grades and showed up in time for dinner (both of which not always happened).

While our horse trailer was getting serviced this week Remy had to stay over at the barn the last couple of days. I know the care is good, but nevertheless, I caught myself fretting about little things. I actually had made up his feed in brown bags, neatly labeled of course, for breakfast and dinner. So when I checked the feed room yesterday and saw that his dinner feed was missing I almost freaked out (yep, that's me!).  Frantic texts to the working student (who does not do the feeding but knows who does -it's a rotating schedule-) revealed that his feed bag was stored with the others for the evening feed. Thanks, Chapin! Oh, dear, I think it's possible that I might be one of the weird ones... a "Helikopter Mutter"!

The staying over has been very good for Remy, though. I had the best rides ever in the last few days. Especially today in the outdoor arena Roz had us make good use of the larger space, and Remy was cooking along. We were forward with a notable spring in our step, floating through half-passes and going forward into our changes. Yay! I think I am getting addicted to this.

Now I want more, more, more (just not at the midnight hour with a Rebel yell, as the Billy Idol song goes - a dressage arena during daylight is perfectly fine for Remy and me, thank you very much!).

More fun exercises for Remy - figuring out treatments for Chambord - and pony or poodle?

It's been a good riding week. Roz always brings new and fun exercises to the table -uh, arena- and we can count on them improving our work. This week's double bridle ride went way better than last week, I think I am getting more relaxed about out, which in turn helps Remy.

The exercises we did in the trot were focusing on the half-pass, culminating in several half-passes with change of direction, i.e. half-pass right, straight, half-pass left, straight, half-pass right. Another new favorite of mine is trot half-pass to X, walk pirouette, then continue trot half-pass.

In the canter Roz had me change the flexion every few strides to make Remy more supple. I had to be careful to change on the flexion, not the bend. Changing the bend meant flying changes to Remy. With the better canter the changes are improving. Yay! The cool part is that Remy likes the work, he is attentive, stays relaxed (sometimes a bit too much actually), and finishes always relaxed.

Chambord is currently our 'problem child'. After we noted a lameness in his left front when he was trotting I called our vet. There was no noticeable injury, heat, swelling etc. Blocks and X-rays revealed a mild case Ringbone (Ringbone is exostosis -bone growth- in the pastern or coffin joint. In severe cases, the growth can encircle the bones, giving ringbone its name). This is not curable but can be treated. First course of action is addressing the inflammation and pain. So I am vet wrapping an icepack every day on his pastern for about 10 minutes. Luckily Chambord is easy to treat … when there is food involved! He also gets Surpass (prescription cream to treat Osteoarthritis) rubbed in the area and Back on Track wraps at night. After two week we'll re-evaluate, and either add Shockwave and/or Adequan injections if needed.

And if that isn't enough: Yesterday apparently Chambord tried to climb the apple tree and in the process scratched his eye (the one day he wasn't wearing his face mask, of course!).

The other 'minor problem child' is Teddy. His winter coat is already growing, and with the hot and humid temperatures he gets sweaty and uncomfortable - so what does he do? He colics! Luckily only minor episodes, and we have the treatment down pat: A bit of Banamine and cold hosing did the trick. Of course, that's not a long term solution, so today I pressed "JP, the barber" into service. Off came most of Teddy's coat. JP did a creative clip and Teddy reminds me now of Jan's poodle, but of course, I'd never tell him that!

"Yes, his body needs to warm up, but his brain should be there already"

It was a big boy bridle day - and Remy was doing his 'La-di-dah' warmup. It was like "how little can I do and get away with it??". With the double bridle I am over-cautious and basically ride him like a green horse. Roz reminded me that yes, while Remy needs to go correctly through his physical warm up exercises I nevertheless have to expect his brain to be with me. What it means is that even in the easy warm up exercises Remy has to listen and respond promptly to my aids and not say "let me think if I want to do a leg yield now".

We sorted it out but I was not happy that Remy needed some serious reminders that contemplating to do something is NOT enough. Yep, there are days like this.

OTOH, I do understand. Don't ask my brain to do anything in the morning before I had at least three cups of German coffee. Preferably don't talk to me either. Good thing Remy doesn't know this (or did JP tell him??) - otherwise he'd ask to have coffee added to his room (stall) service order. Well, Remy, if it's any consolation, I don't get room service either...

I decided to make good use of my morning 'caffeine high' (produced by yours truly) and tackle setting up my website. Obviously, being neither tech savvy nor a teenager I dreaded this and had initially planned to hire someone. Can't deny your genes: My "Sparsamer Schwabe" (people from the Swabian region in Germany have a reputation for being extremely frugal) kicked in and I decided to do it myself. After some trial and error, quite a bit of swearing and sweating I am happy to report that  www.horseandsense.com is alive and kicking!

"Don't be surprised if it's good" - and I won't be saved by my hair

OK, I admit it, I love it when people miss my blog entries (thanks, Ingrid!). It's been a busy week since I've been back from New England. My riding gap of about 10 days needed to be bridged. Remy had worked well for Roz, so I knew it was entirely up to me - no surprise here. My first day back on Remy was a bit of a fumbling exercise. By the time my Friday lesson rolled around, things had improved. Actually, I was surprised how good Remy felt and how well he went. His right lead canter is getting more and more consistent, and we worked on collecting the trot while thinking of half-steps. Several times I laughed because I was so happy with what I was feeling, to which Roz said "don't be surprised if it's good!". Yes, I do need to get my mindset to EXPECTING the work and the feel to be good, not seeing it as an exception.

During the week Remy and I had hitched up our big boy pants and big girl pants respectively and ventured out down the road on our own for the first time. Ever since Saumur 'lost' me galloping in the park several years back and I had to limp home for miles sans Saumur (who made it home in record time) I don't like going out alone. Better to have someone there ready to pick me up! Nevertheless, after working in the arena I decided it was time to see what we've got - and all went well, going by the trash cans (OK, we had to stop because Remy wanted to inspect the contents of the recycling bins) and having Rosy the Yorkshire launching herself into our path.

I noted a difference in Remy when we went out today together with Chambord and JP: Remy seemed more confident, previously he was perfectly happy behind Chambord, today he took the lead and marched forward like he owned the trails.

The hot and humid weather is not enticing to wearing a helmet, but for us it's "jamais sans moi" (OK, this "never without me" slogan is off a condom that was inside a courtesy kit from Air France). I can't count on my hair to save me like it did for Empress Sisi of Austria. I just finished a book about her life, she was considered the best horsewoman and foxhunter of her time. Her thick hair was floor length and for riding she had it wrapped around her head. The few times she came off foxhunting in Ireland apparently her hair saved her from head injuries. In comparison, the few inches of hair I have  couldn't save anything - so on goes the Charles Owen.

Her hair: Can replace a helmet
Empress Sisi of Austria, 1864, Franz-Xaver Winterhalter

My hair: Not so much

Infraspinatus and Brachiocephalicus - all part of my week

My week training for the certification in Equine Sports Massage Therapy was intense (to say the least) and amazing at the same time. I sure was in for some surprises.

It started quaint, with easy travel to Providence, RI, and a scenic drive to Griswold, CT. I stayed at the Bay Mountain Farm B&B, also an Equine Sanctuary and Rescue. The farm was build in the early 1700s, and has been lovingly restored by Cindy and Glenn, the owners. It's like stepping back in time, but with all the modern conveniences (like hot showers!). 

Bay Mountain Farm B&B

After a good nights sleep I went on my merry way to Equissage New England/New York where I was warmly welcomed by Doris and Ron, the owners/instructors, but also had my first surprise: I was the only student that week (the maximum number of students is three). The second was that Doris is German, not only that, she is from Freiburg - one of my all time favorite cities. Luckily, the three of us 'clicked' from the beginning, which was good thing as we were going to spend a good deal of time together. I had chosen that program specifically because Doris is not only a Certified Equine Sports Massage Instructor, she is also a certified Masterson Method Practitioner and Coach. OK, off to a good start!

It dawned on me pretty quickly that this would not be an "easy - breezy" week with some jaunts to the beach. Instead, I was having eight hours per day one-on-one and sometimes even two-on-one instruction, supplemented by ample homework at night. Classroom sessions in the morning, hands-on work in the afternoon. 

Doris and Ron turned out to be consummate professionals and true horse people, warm and friendly, but nevertheless demanding. Doris luckily understood my hang to perfectionism and the frustrations that come with it ("must be in the German genes"). More than once I doubted if I could ever make it, and -as usual- I was my own harshest critic. At night I crammed muscles and their functions, knowing I would be tested the next day (yes, there was a written test every day):

The challenge on Velcro - where does which muscle go and what's its function??

Fortunately, it so happened that the other woman staying at the B&B turned out to be a smart, funny and sassy New Yorker. Amanda -an adjunct professor of Literature- was there to write on her book. We went out to dinner several times and had a blast. 

Soon it was time for the exams, several pages of written exams followed by a full Equine Sports Massage. I was relieved that the written part went well, but my stomach flipped a bit seeing Doris with her large clipboard, observing my every move like a hawk but also trying to keep me at ease. Luckily, Cappuccino (a handsome Paso Fino) was in a good mood and didn't give me any trouble.

Whew! All went well, I didn't forget or mess up and at the end Doris and Ron presented my with my certification and a lovely card from Ziggy (their adorable Jack Russell). 

There a quite a few Equine Sports Massage training programs around, and they sure are not all the same. I am convinced I found the best one - at least it is the best one for people that truly want to learn and are committed to it. 

Now, JP, pour that Champagne: Horse and Sense LLC is officially up and running!

Dressage Camp for Remy - Massage Camp for me

Almost time to start packing for both of us again - and somehow Remy always seems to manage to have more stuff than I do. Perhaps because I pack his bags for him?

I have decided to add a certification in Equine Sports Massage to the Masterson Method Bodywork. Both complement each other, and I will have more tools in my toolbox (one can never have enough tools, just ask JP).

Here is a short comparison:

Masterson Method
By moving the horse’s joints through their range of motion while in a relaxed state, the horse can participate in the release of tension in the major junctions of the body that affect performance.

Equine Sports Massage
Muscle manipulation necessary to release spasms, keep fascia and scar tissue as pliable as possible, maintain muscle conditioning and health and improve blood and lymph circulation. This in turn expedites the elimination of toxins and promotes a more rapid healing of injuries.

On Sunday I am traveling to Connecticut for an intensive week of training - the student / instructor ratio is 3/2. In addition I am excited about my stay in an historic B&B, the farm was build in the early 1700s and is lovingly restored. It also serves as an Equine Rescue and Sanctuary.

Remy will be heading to "Roz' Dressage Camp". As he has been going so well lately for me it will be wonderful to have an excellent trainer work with him and progress him (and yes, iron out the flaws I have instilled, sigh). I know he'll be in great hands, both under saddle and in the barn.

Note to self: Pack enough carrots and Nutella, respectively!

Is this the "new normal"?? - Could it be..?

Today's trip to our lesson started with a detour: As soon as I got a glimpse of the standing traffic on US23 I made the split second decision to get off the on-ramp (after making sure it was safe, of course) and go trace our steps back until we could hit the back roads. Good thing Remy is such a patient traveler (not a good thing that I didn't have the Bluetooth active). We made it late but safe by taking the scenic route. Luckily Roz was switching lessons around and Chapin traded with me.

Starting out Remy's back felt tighter than yesterday, so we decided to go fairly quickly to a forward trot to loosen him up. From then on we had another really good lesson, Remy was soft and supple, and after the canter work his trot felt pretty awesome. I liked the half-pass - change the bend - half-pass other direction exercise very much. It got Remy more supple and more responsive to my leg aids. Another exercise that worked great is putting some leg-yield steps in the canter work.

I wondered afterwards "Is this our new normal??" Could it be possible that both of us work in a relaxed but focused way, continuing to build on the previous lessons?

Yep, we can do this! Remy says no worries, I've got us covered -- at least I hope that's what he says. I better ply him with extra juicy carrots tonight, just to be on the safe side. Never hurts to cover all the bases...pass me the German chocolate, please.

The boys are benefitting from my 4th grade lessons - and luckily my memory served me right

Way back in 4th grade I had a biology teacher that was insistent that we had to learn as much as we could about plants. So as a 10 year old I learned about plants and their medicinal benefits for humans and animals. I stored the knowledge somewhere in the depth of my brain, never really thinking it would come in handy again.

During our trailride on Saturday the Remy and Chambord were trying to grab some of pretty white flowers growing close to the trail. While snacking is usually a big No-No, in that case they were lucky my long-forgotten lessons kicked in:  Schafgarbe "Yarrow" or "Archillea millefolium" is very beneficial for horses.

Afterwards I had second thoughts: Did my memory serve me right?? What if the plant is poisonous?? I mean, 4th grade was not exactly yesterday. So I went to Google for verification. What a relief, I had remembered right:

Yarrow has many benefits for horses, especially the bitter compound helps with digestion. The plant is also anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, increases appetite (Ok, our boys might not need this), good for metabolism and blood. Overall, the plant also helps to protect the horses' stomachs.

So, in that case, snacking is OK - but only at the end of the trail (Yes, JP, you may get a bourbon instead!)

"He has four feet and he can use them" - and how did he manage to text??

Today was our weekly "Big Boy Bridle" (aka double bridle) day and Remy is taking to it lake a champ. We had a very good training session with -as always- great exercises. I do like the shoulder-in on the second track to change of bend to shoulder-in, so for example shoulder-in right then straight back to the left, then shoulder-in right again. That makes Remy way more flexible.

The half-pass exercise was centerline - half-pass - leg yield - half-pass which helped with the responsiveness to my leg (on the right I still get a "maybe"). This worked especially well in the canter half-passes.

The most fun I had is with something I hadn't tried before with Remy: Ueberstreichen in the canter. It goes like this: We canter on the circle, I give completely with both hands over the open side of the circle and then pick him up again on the closed side. While I give with my hands Remy's frame does not change, neither does the canter (i.e. no falling out, getting slow). Roz seemed surprised by my obvious delight and she drily said "he has four feet and he can use them" meaning Remy can work collected in a frame with the hind legs pushing. And then -of course- we had to try the same on our weaker (right) side. When that also worked well I had a hard time wiping that grin off my face. Sticking my head under the cold hose (it was a hot day) didn't do it.

JP stopped by just as we were done and asked about the ride. I told him everyone was happy, so he went on his merry way to go grocery shopping. Coming home he surprised me with a bouquet of roses "on behalf of Remy, he texted to say he was really happy with you today and instructed me to get flowers!".

Hmm, now how would Remy manage to text with those big feet, I wonder??  I guess it must have been telepathic texting - those two do have a special connection (and however it worked, I don't care, I'll just enjoy the roses)!

Busy times - and "A good day at the office"

Whew - nothing cleans a house like having guests ... at least in my book. Our annual Get Together/Open House/JPs birthday had me frantically cleaning the entire house, nooks, crannies, and windows included. More than once I grumbled "where's the housekeeper??" and then I looked at my disheveled self to see her in the mirror!

Of course, after all the frantic cleaning nobody cared about the house, everyone stayed on the patio or wandered into the (always clean!) barn, because the weather was perfect - and the bar was outside!

Monday started with a consulting job (which I enjoyed) and then it was time for some serious exercise: Our hay farmer has beautiful hay, but alas, no workers. It means driving over an hour, load hay into trailer and on truck, drive home, unload, stack, repeat. This time we got a special treat: Bob, the farmer, opened his treasure trove for us and showed us his lovingly assembled "man toys" and memorabilia.

Size matters :-)

My Masterson fieldwork is going well. However, writing the reports and doing charts afterwards are a bit of a nuisance. But it's all worth it when the horses are responding well to the bodywork. I am very fortunate to be able to work on nice horses - some even fall asleep on my shoulder as this beautiful Irish Sporthorse H/J mare did.

1100 pounds relaxing on my shoulder

I am having better rides than ever on Remy. He is soft, supple, in front of my leg, and does work really well (to my surprise) in our once-a-week double bridle lesson. As Roz put it  so well the other day "A good day at the office!" - especially when your office is at the barn!

This T-Shirt goes from office to riding, proclaiming

"Do no harm but take no sh*t"

Our work gets checked - and our very own four-hooved alarm system

Remy and I were fortunate enough to pick up an extra lesson as another of Roz' students cancelled her lesson this week I thought it would be a good opportunity for Roz to check our work. It's one thing to see what's going on with horse and rider, but a skilled trainer also needs to feel from time to time what horse and rider are up to, as some things might not feel as they look or don't look like they feel (i.e. connection). 

Yes, I was a bit concerned, would Remy tattle on all my riding flaws? To my big relief Roz pronounced "he feels good!" when checking his controls. It was good that she felt him way more responsive to the leg (that's something we had been especially working on). Whew! And of course, when I got on Remy after Roz he felt amazing. Now all I had to do was keep it... no rest for the weary!

Speaking of tattling: JP and I had just sat down to dinner when we heard Saumur whinny quite determinedly. We wondered what was going on, me being me I asked JP if he had forgotten to feed Saumur his dinner? (Uh, my bad). Nope, no issues with the dinner, and it was too early for night hay. We decided to ignore Saumur, I know him so well that I knew that this was his angry/determined voice and not something related to pain (when he is in pain he is quiet, or at most grunts). 

Well, in addition to Saumur now taking his voice up a few notches the dogs started to bark, and we finally glimpsed at the cause of all the ruckus:  A bay butt next to the garage. What the heck?? It was Remy, happily grazing his way towards the house. He was calm and happy, perhaps wondering about his good fortune of being out while his buddies had to stay in their rooms. I looped a dog leash around his neck and let the vagabond back to the barn. As soon as Remy walked in Saumur stopped calling. 

Turns out *someone* didn't close Remy's stall door. Instead of wandering back to the pasture or out in the fenced in front of the barn Remy walked through the hay storage (who wants hay when there is grass on the other side??) and moseyed up to the house. Potential next stop on his list: Our couch-

Guess it's a good thing that we have our very own four-hooved alarm system in the barn: Saumur. No app for that, only need to provide plenty of treats!

He's coming along nicely - but not without 'voicing' his opinion

This week brought a bit cooler temps, so we were able to have our lessons in the regulation size outdoor arena (20x60m). This larger space entices the horses to go forward more, the 'end of the line' is a bit farther away.

Remy didn't quite get the long leisurely weekend he had probably hoped for. It seems his "Monday Blues" are worse when he has too much time loafing around. And the strategy worked: He was way better getting back to work. Roz is so great with giving us always new exercises, it keeps us on our toes AND gets the goals accomplished. Case in point: Remy still has a tendency to ignore my leg. So Roz has us trotting nicely forward on the long side, and then at a marker, i.e. at V, we walk, do a smooth turn on the haunches, and trot briskly off again in the other direction. No rinse, just repeat. It wakes Remy right up and makes him more obedient to the leg.

As he was quite good in the snaffle yesterday we decided today was a "Double (Bridle) Day". As this is still new to him I am very careful to keep the curb reins quite loose. As Remy as a very nice forward in the larger outdoor space the double bridle helps me keeping him more 'up' while maintaining the momentum.

Still, not many dull moments with the guy: We took a small break as Roz was explaining something to me. Remy obviously thought he was done. Sure enough, he used the next right lead canter for a "spook and scoot". I growled at him and immediately made him go forward in the trot. Remy was clearly disappointed that I foiled his plan of making me quit. Nope, no such luck, Mister! Wouldn't you know it, this produced the best medium/extended trots so far. And yes, Remy had to go back to the right lead canter and finish that one nicely, which he did.

"Can't blame a guy for trying" - as long as he gets better in the process!

The Posture Clinic paid off - one thing he can't sulk about

Ah, Remy presented me with his 'bill' for my absence during Tuesday's lesson: He was sulking. I knew something was off the moment I got to the pasture and had to drag him back to the barn. He didn't pee in his stall before we left  (not good as that means his back is tight and he doesn't want to move forward), and sure enough, I felt like I had to press molasses in cold weather around. Roz took pity on me and gave me her (small) spurs as Remy was completely blowing my leg aids off. And no, having to 'go' was not an excuse - he had ample opportunity to relieve himself but he just didn't want to... dogs are definitely easier!

It took about all I had to get through my lesson in the stifling heat, but at least Remy was no worse for the wear. Grr!

Luckily we had the next day to make up for it, and wouldn't you know it, I had a changed horse. We took our brand new double bridle for its 'test drive', and to my great relief it fits and Remy likes it. It's tough to buy clothes for other people, uh, horses. The bridle has very soft vegetable tanned leather*, is well padded and has an anatomical design.

As Remy was back to his normal self it was so much easier for me to relax -no squeezing molasses- and focus on the job at hand. Roz commented on my position and that the clinic really has helped me a lot with my posture. My back is no longer so rigid, and overall the alignment is much better. At least that is one thing my "Petit Voyou" (Little Rascal) can't sulk about!

* Vegetable-tanning is the true "chromium-free" method, and does not have harmful chemicals. It is an old-world, artisanal process that takes advantage from the tannic acids naturally found in some plant species, by using the barks, branches, leaves and even some fruits in some specific techniques. 

Being the horse and being the rider - and the guys have all the luck (when it comes to saddle fit)

The best laid plans didn't quite work out. Just before hitching the trailer I noticed a large crack in the truck's windshield. Yikes. It seemed to increase simply by staring at it. JP thought I overreacted (as usual in his mind) but nevertheless rushed off to the repair shop. Alas, no immediate appointment was available, ergo Remy had to stay home. Imagining us stranded at the edge of the highway with a smashed windshield in 90+F made the decision easy.

So I loaded my zippy GTI with all the accoutrements, such as the exercise ball (it took up almost the entire rear seat), yoga mats, suitcase and pointed North towards Glenda's farm for the Posture Clinic with Kerry Picken.

Kerry is a posture coach, using Pilates exercises to improve the riders' postures (www.centergy3.com). She turned out to be a great instructor with a super dressage background, very knowledgeable, fun, but also demanding all the while taking the individual challenges of the participants into consideration. Kudos go to Carolyn, a spry 81 year old, who was NOT going to be left behind in any of the exercises, on or off the horse!

On the mat and exercise ball we learned how to use our core muscles, hip opener and spine stretches, hamstring curls, ball balance, and much more such as lifting the pelvic floor (yes, sounds strange but it is very important to the rider's seat).

Kerry demonstrated how the correct and incorrect seats feel on the horse... on me! It was super educational, because if her seat wasn't correct I couldn't lift my back. That translates exactly to the horse, of course.

Kerry sits correctly, so the 'horse' can lift its back

With that impression on my mind I was very careful when it was time to get on Glenda's former cutting horse, Lectric Boomer (Glenda had generously offered to share him with me). It was great to feel that I could get him to walk off just by engaging my core. Another cool thing I learned -amongst many- was bringing my belly button forward in the extensions, drawing it in for collection.

Figuring out where all the pieces should be correctly placed

Luanne, the Schleese saddle fitter, came with her own accoutrements: two pelves (yep, that's the plural of pelvis, in case you wonder). She explained saddle fit for the riders in detail. It made it very clear why saddles built for men are not working for women - however, saddles for women will work for men. Go figure! Once again, it's easier for the guys. Life is definitely not fair :-)

Left is the male pelvis, right the female pelvis