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?"