Having fun trying something new - welcome to WE (Working Equitation)

 My friend and trail buddy Jen told me about WE and said it is a cool sport we should try. It's also called "Dressage on Steroids" - and surely, what's not to like about that?? 

Putting my Christmas present to good use

I had picked up a flyer announcing an intro clinic close to home, Jen signed us up. On Sunday we loaded the boys and off we went on our adventure, not really knowing what to expect (neither of us knew the farm or the instructors). 

Rach Riding Academy hosts shows and numerous clinics, so the set up for trailer parking was easy - a relief as I dread having to back into small spaces. They had even turnout paddocks prepared for all the participant horses (about 10), which was an unexpected treat. The boys got to chill during the intro part for the riders. Then it was time to go out and play. There were several arenas set up with all kinds of interesting things (bridges, barrels, small jumps, fake steers, etc.). We got introduced to the garrocha, a 8 foot or 10 foot pole the rider carries and, in our case, picks up rings mounted on a barrel. The horses got introduced to the garrocha from the ground. Remy thought it meant piaffe, which was quite fun. 

Chambord truly found his calling, he was a champ, did everything without a hesitation and was super happy and relaxed throughout. Remy was very good with all inanimate things, but a bit leery of some of the other horses, especially a flashy Gypsy Vanner stallion. We had one 'spicy' moment, when a horse jumped at an awkward angle and then took off right behind Remy. A few spins later, and we were back in the game. Whew. 

Who doesn't like 'herd' a unicorn?

Remy was not impressed with the fake steer

I can see why the 'dressage' part: The horses have to be on the aids and supple. Some of the exercises we got introduced to: 8m circles in patterns around barrels with change of direction; square halts in between two poles and then transferring an object with one hand, picking up rings with the garrocha, going over bridges, ringing overhead bells, going down drops, jumping small obstacles. 

What a fun outing!

Yay, long-reining - and the beauty -and pain- of a great lesson

Roz made it from sunny Florida to Michigan for a couple of clinics in the area. I was fortunate that Chris, the owner of Rod & Whip Farm, offered Remy an overnight stall.

Remy enjoying his room with a view and the good vibes at the clinic

Roz is the only person I know here that can also teach long reining, which is what we incorporated during our sessions in Florida (seemingly a life-time ago). It is such a super tool to teach the rider about rein connection and also the importance of the outside rein. Taking away the other aids (leg, seat) and trying to get the horse going correctly is a bit of a challenge. Remy remembered the previous lessons, it took me a bit to get back into the swing of things, but then it clicked. The good long reining work set us up for a super lesson under saddle. 

This is an excellent book, highly recommend it

It was bittersweet, though, as right after the lesson Roz and I looked at each other and said almost in unison: "JP would have loved this, and he would be so happy". Then it just hit me hard, and I started crying. Grief just strikes and there is nothing one can do. I cried the entire night, but by the next day it was like a knot was untied (sounds a bit strange), and I was calm. Instead of the sadness there was also joy because I knew JP would love seeing Remy and me working so well together. 

The Sunday lesson build on the previous day, and it was pure joy to feel the wonderful connection.

Back into the swing of things - and a new meaning for 'Up the levels'

 Yes, it's been a long time after my last post. I thought of completely quitting the blog, but then JP really loved reading it and he always said I should continue.  And so I'm getting myself back into the swing of things with writing. I thought of changing the name of the blog, as initially "up the levels" was meant to be a journal of working our way up the dressage levels. Obviously, things change, and after all, 'up the levels' now just has a different definition. And I am not excluding that we won't be moving on from where we stopped (showing 3rd level). 

It's been a very busy winter, between the animals, my clients (thank you!), the property, continuous education, etc. Add to that a trip to Europe to visit my mom's grave, and finally get the French bank issue resolved - all that while sometimes being overwhelmed by grief. But my small but mighty support network made and makes sure that I'm still standing, and I'm ever so grateful. 

Luckily the winter was fairly mild (for Michigan standards) so I was able to trailer to Vanessa's from time to time for my lessons. And the highlight for all of us is always when Jen comes and the four of us can go on a trailride. I swear, Chambord still smiles the next day, he is so happy. 

I'm happy with the -albeit slow- progress Remy and I are making again. He is picking up his shoulders and working more honestly from behind. Remy doesn't give anything for free, he wants to know that his rider is committed. After all, he says, "Why should I engage my engines when my pilot is idling?"