Saumur has a tendency to take his haunches in when going to the right, so we worked on quick counter flexing in order to get him straight. The other key point is to take pressure off my outside leg, for some reason it seems I'm actually pushing his haunches to the right. My left leg is my weaker leg, so I guess I must be unconsciously overcompensating.
Sandy really upped up the ante in our lessons, good enough is NOT good enough! I do need those 'kicks' because I get so happy about movements that are good that I immediately stop and praise Saumur. Not really a good prep for a show. I can see him stop dead in his tracks after a good flying change, waiting for a cookie - right in front of the judge.
It's funny how different our two boys are. Saumur needs his praise, and it fuels his work. Chambord is more like "oh, let's just get it over with, will ya". I'm not Chambord's person, that's for sure. He does his job, but he would much rather hang out with JP.
Today was also equipment test day. Somehow I regret not being able to wear my top hat for a while. In Germany, it's a rather big deal being 'allowed' to wear a top hat. The unwritten rule is that one has to be winning at L-Dressur (Second Level) in order to 'move up' to a top hat. While, of course, the rule change makes sense, I am sure it sent me and thousands of other people out to buy helmets. I have a good schooling helmet but needed something for the show ring. My British made helmet (bought eons ago for my first fox hunt) actually has a steel liner. Needless to say, on warm days my brain is cooking. While at Rolex at stopped at the Charles Owen booth and got fitted, but I wondered if the helmet would be comfortable while riding. To my big relief: yes, it is. And the bottom part of the outfit (my boots) seem to finally break in - so I can't make excuses based on ill-fitting equipment! Hmm, is that good or bad??
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Two horses and a trailer - roadtrip!
I took this afternoon off so I could take the boys to Sandy's. It was the first time trailering them by myself, usually it's either Saumur and I, or we are a foursome. With Saumur's previous issues and Chambord's disdain of waiting I wasn't sure what to expect. And then the weather was cold, rainy and blustery - about 50F less (!) than two days ago.
Well, they both behaved like seasoned travelers. I loaded Chambord first and then went back for Saumur (who was already whinnying for his buddy). Saumur basically dragged me to the trailer and loaded himself. They travel really well together, no rocking of the trailer or banging the walls. I was just so thrilled, we sure came a long way from our seemingly endless hours of loading before.
Saumur went right to work, I really think he likes the work and the positive affirmation he gets from it. We practised parts of the 3rd level tests, and I had to get my body rearranged correctly. Especially in the shoulder in I have to remember to move my shoulders, but not my hips. Saumur's canter work was especially fun, he was smooth, round, collected, and we nailed my 'nemesis' on the first try both sides. That's the canter half-pass to X, straight a couple of strides, and then a flying change. We nailed it both sides on the first try! We finished on that good note and Saumur's reward was an extensive roll in the arena. It's one of his favorite things to do. I cringe at the 'wild boar look' he sports afterwards, but as long as he's happy I'm fine eating the dirt while brushing it off.
Well, they both behaved like seasoned travelers. I loaded Chambord first and then went back for Saumur (who was already whinnying for his buddy). Saumur basically dragged me to the trailer and loaded himself. They travel really well together, no rocking of the trailer or banging the walls. I was just so thrilled, we sure came a long way from our seemingly endless hours of loading before.
Saumur went right to work, I really think he likes the work and the positive affirmation he gets from it. We practised parts of the 3rd level tests, and I had to get my body rearranged correctly. Especially in the shoulder in I have to remember to move my shoulders, but not my hips. Saumur's canter work was especially fun, he was smooth, round, collected, and we nailed my 'nemesis' on the first try both sides. That's the canter half-pass to X, straight a couple of strides, and then a flying change. We nailed it both sides on the first try! We finished on that good note and Saumur's reward was an extensive roll in the arena. It's one of his favorite things to do. I cringe at the 'wild boar look' he sports afterwards, but as long as he's happy I'm fine eating the dirt while brushing it off.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Sticker shock - riding with 'big names' costs 'big bucks'
The USDF announced that Albion College is hosting a symposium with Steffen Peters in August. I thought that would be great if Saumur and I could participate, and emailed for more information. Everything sounded great: they wanted a "broad variety of horses - not just fancy warmbloods", riders with varied backgrounds, etc., plus the selection committee is chaired by a judge I know well. So far, so good - until I read the fee structure: $450 for one session (I assume 45 minutes), $800 for both days!
I am earning a good living, but really, I had to ask myself: "How much can you learn in 45 minutes that's worth $450??" This just substantiates the common belief that dressage is a 'rich people sport'. The fee equals an entire month of training with Sandy. It really is a no-brainer NOT to apply. I still find it bothersome, though, because this should be an opportunity open to a wide variety of riders, and not just an elite (money-wise) few.
I am earning a good living, but really, I had to ask myself: "How much can you learn in 45 minutes that's worth $450??" This just substantiates the common belief that dressage is a 'rich people sport'. The fee equals an entire month of training with Sandy. It really is a no-brainer NOT to apply. I still find it bothersome, though, because this should be an opportunity open to a wide variety of riders, and not just an elite (money-wise) few.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Over hill and dale - and into the Huron River
Today promised to be another scorcher, so we had breakfast at 7 a.m. (on a Sunday!) and left early with the boys. We decided to take a longer and more challenging route, where we have to navigate some serious hills. Last year Chambord balked at going down the steep hill, so we were curious to see how his balance had improved. Or, perhaps Saumur would be ready to take the lead?
Piece of cake, both didn't even ponder the question for a moment and just climbed down. We followed the winding trails along the Huron River. There is a place where the bank is shallow and has good footing, and we wanted to take the boys in. Saumur loves to go into the water, he's not one to cherish puddles and mud, but give him the opportunity to go into 'real' water he has a blast. When we schooled cross country the water jumps were our favorites (OK, we are not talking the Head of the Lake at Rolex here).
Chambord was a bit hesitant at first, but then started to paw and the more the water flew up the more he pawed and went in deeper and deeper. He made sure we all got a good shower (perhaps he smelled that we haven't had one yet this morning). BTW, here is a tip I learned from the cavalry officer that guided our small group 500 km through Hungary: Never shower before riding! The shower softens the skin, and you are much more prone to sores. Makes sense, and with up to eight hours a day in the saddle that was almost life saving advise, because there was no other means of transportation around.
On the way home we cantered up the steep hill and Saumur was ready for a full out gallop, but listened to me. It really showed me that Saumur is in great shape, he had a bounce in his step all the way home. Chambord's bounce was pretty much relegated to "are we there yet???" and I wouldn't be surprised to see him snooze in the pasture this afternoon.
Piece of cake, both didn't even ponder the question for a moment and just climbed down. We followed the winding trails along the Huron River. There is a place where the bank is shallow and has good footing, and we wanted to take the boys in. Saumur loves to go into the water, he's not one to cherish puddles and mud, but give him the opportunity to go into 'real' water he has a blast. When we schooled cross country the water jumps were our favorites (OK, we are not talking the Head of the Lake at Rolex here).
Chambord was a bit hesitant at first, but then started to paw and the more the water flew up the more he pawed and went in deeper and deeper. He made sure we all got a good shower (perhaps he smelled that we haven't had one yet this morning). BTW, here is a tip I learned from the cavalry officer that guided our small group 500 km through Hungary: Never shower before riding! The shower softens the skin, and you are much more prone to sores. Makes sense, and with up to eight hours a day in the saddle that was almost life saving advise, because there was no other means of transportation around.
On the way home we cantered up the steep hill and Saumur was ready for a full out gallop, but listened to me. It really showed me that Saumur is in great shape, he had a bounce in his step all the way home. Chambord's bounce was pretty much relegated to "are we there yet???" and I wouldn't be surprised to see him snooze in the pasture this afternoon.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
A walk in the woods = a walk down happy memory lane
The forecast called for 87F today, so we decided to ride early and go on the trails through the forest. It was beautiful and very relaxing. The woods remind me of my childhood, spending time with my dad in the German forests, and all the rides my friends and I took on very picturesque trails. Also, not long after we started dating, I introduced Jean-Paul to trailriding and we took many trips across the Schwaebische Alb and the Black Forest, which was tremendous fun.
So the forests bring back happy memories and I always remember something I read in the book 'Broken':
Navajo Night Chant:
"I am walking on the tops of the mountains,
The Gods are before me
The Gods are behind me
I am walking in the midst of the Gods"
The boys again were very good. We trotted and cantered and both stayed nice and relaxed. Good thing we beat the heat! We seemingly skipped Spring this year in Michigan.
I noticed that I better start sharing my SPF 70 sunblock with Chambord. He is about as pale as I am, and his nose is turning pink. Guess we'll have to go with the sunscreen: one for me - one for you - and bug spray for all of us!
So the forests bring back happy memories and I always remember something I read in the book 'Broken':
Navajo Night Chant:
"I am walking on the tops of the mountains,
The Gods are before me
The Gods are behind me
I am walking in the midst of the Gods"
The boys again were very good. We trotted and cantered and both stayed nice and relaxed. Good thing we beat the heat! We seemingly skipped Spring this year in Michigan.
I noticed that I better start sharing my SPF 70 sunblock with Chambord. He is about as pale as I am, and his nose is turning pink. Guess we'll have to go with the sunscreen: one for me - one for you - and bug spray for all of us!
Friday, June 3, 2011
No longer sitting on a Pulver-Fass
Last night was just perfect riding weather, and we took the boys out on the beautiful trails in Kensington Park. The park really does a wonderful job keeping the riding trails groomed, and the footing is almost perfect sandy soil.
While enjoying the wonderful ride I got to think that FINALLY I don't feel like sitting on a Pulver-Fass (powder-keg) anymore. In previous years, Saumur would jump at the slightest movement in the woods, shy at whatever odd shape there was along the trails (boulders, branches, you name it). We would canter along and all of a sudden Saumur would either do a 180 at full speed or run left or right off the trail in the woods.
Saumur is still very alert, but relaxed. Yesterday JP and Chambord were in front of us, and when they cantered Saumur got to practise his medium trot. He stayed soft the whole time. That really is a huge step for us. It made me really happy, and seeing "the blond one" in front of us cantering nicely along was just the icing on the cake!
While enjoying the wonderful ride I got to think that FINALLY I don't feel like sitting on a Pulver-Fass (powder-keg) anymore. In previous years, Saumur would jump at the slightest movement in the woods, shy at whatever odd shape there was along the trails (boulders, branches, you name it). We would canter along and all of a sudden Saumur would either do a 180 at full speed or run left or right off the trail in the woods.
Saumur is still very alert, but relaxed. Yesterday JP and Chambord were in front of us, and when they cantered Saumur got to practise his medium trot. He stayed soft the whole time. That really is a huge step for us. It made me really happy, and seeing "the blond one" in front of us cantering nicely along was just the icing on the cake!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
The plight of the working AA (Adult Amateur)
The boys are home and things are humming along - at least health wise. My mind is not humming, it's running a marathon, trying to figure out how to get riding, lessons, and yes - horse shows!, all in a schedule that's overflowing with work commitments.
Deep breath and focus. OK, no lessons this weekend. My arena at home is not big enough to practise tests. So, I need to focus on single movements and practise those. I don't need to ride an entire test all the time, but I do need to improve every single movement. Then next weekend we can put it all together in a lesson.
I'll see if I can leave the boys at Sandy's right before the Waterloo show, so Saumur goes to Waterloo from Sandy's and Chambord can stay with his buddies. This is an added headache, how to arrange for Chambord to have company. We were close to getting a pony, but that didn't work out, and I haven't had the time to really focus on a search for a companion pony. In the meantime, we have to figure out the logistics. Ugh! There are times when I just don't want to think anymore. There is only so much I can focus on, the rest gets attention 'whenever'.
I'm at the point again where I think WHY?? Why not just go on trailrides and relax? Most sensible people would come to that easy conclusion. I, OTOH, can't seem to let go of the stress. I've come that far with Saumur, I don't want to give up his training and showing - but there are days when it's just so darn hard to stick to it.
Deep breath and focus. OK, no lessons this weekend. My arena at home is not big enough to practise tests. So, I need to focus on single movements and practise those. I don't need to ride an entire test all the time, but I do need to improve every single movement. Then next weekend we can put it all together in a lesson.
I'll see if I can leave the boys at Sandy's right before the Waterloo show, so Saumur goes to Waterloo from Sandy's and Chambord can stay with his buddies. This is an added headache, how to arrange for Chambord to have company. We were close to getting a pony, but that didn't work out, and I haven't had the time to really focus on a search for a companion pony. In the meantime, we have to figure out the logistics. Ugh! There are times when I just don't want to think anymore. There is only so much I can focus on, the rest gets attention 'whenever'.
I'm at the point again where I think WHY?? Why not just go on trailrides and relax? Most sensible people would come to that easy conclusion. I, OTOH, can't seem to let go of the stress. I've come that far with Saumur, I don't want to give up his training and showing - but there are days when it's just so darn hard to stick to it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)