"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!