Passed the one week mark - and actually enjoying the comments of a dressage judge

Sunday Vivien took us on a hack (they use the British word for trail rides here) and it was great fun. There is so much space to hack around, and it's beautiful. It was a windy day and the palm leaves were rustling quite a bit. Add the canals and birds and that explains why Remy had to take several 'second looks', but he marched right along Kieran (Viv's horse). We actually saw an eagle in its nest - how cool!.

"I am ready for my hack!"

Canals everywhere - but so far no Gator in sight

A lovely place to hack

This morning we had a very good ride. We are working our way back to the "Pre-Roz-Leaving" stage. It was our first lesson in a double bridle in several months, and Remy was very good. Our changes are becoming more natural (for lack of a better description), and the canter half-passes are coming along nicely. All good - especially for a Monday.

In the afternoon we walked across the street and a pasture to another farm that is hosting a clinic with Stephen Clarke, a British 5* Dressage Judge (highest level, he was also elected FEI Judge General at the 2012 Olympics). It was fun and educational, with lovely riders and horses. Mr. Clarke focused on the judge's point of view and here are a few of his gems:

*"You think you are riding transitions but it's not obvious enough for the stupid judge"
*"It's a sight for sore eyes when somebody rides a good transition"
*"There are marks waiting to be stolen" (on riding figures correctly)
*"People throw points away in the easy stuff"
*"Do it and make it look easy"
*"A bit shoulder fore before the change"
*"Uphill and vorwaerts (I could he sworn he used the German word) into the change
*"We want reaction first then rhythm"
*"Play with the gears so he can be active and in front of your leg"
*"We need impulsion without tension"
*"If it takes three steps to get it done it's too late"

This definitely was one of the -rare- days where I thoroughly enjoyed the comments of a dressage judge!

This is such a great place for education. On Wednesday I will be auditing a Susanne von Dietze clinic on rider biomechanics as well as attending her lecture in the evening.

Tomorrow, though, is a different day of education: Remy will be under Roz' expert tutelage and I am getting an insider tour of Miami. Once I mentioned to Paulette and Jose that I would love to see Miami Jose offered to take me as he has some meetings there. I will travel in excellent company: My tour guide was stationed in Miami - as Consul General of Argentina.

That doesn't get me out of Remy duty, though, 5 a.m. wake up, going to the barn, feeding, mucking, grooming, then back to shower and Miami. Later in the evening the reverse. During the day Vivien has volunteered to check hay and water. It's a lot of work to be a personal butler* to a horse!

* Traditionally butlers would be male, housekeepers and ladies’ maids would be female. But the female butler has steadily been making its way up in the popularity ranks and this highly versatile role is now a much sought-after member of staff.