Young Horse Clinic - Watching a 'child prodigy'

Even though Remy and I had to sit out the Young Horse Clinic with Michael Bragdell (the Swedish born trainer from Hilltrop Farm), I went to audit. Sandy had a really good session with Doc. It was interesting to see how Michael used groundwork to make Doc more responsive to the aids.

During the break I had a chance to chat with Michael and tell him about Remy. I was expecting some surprise on his part when I mentioned that I have a Morgan - but the surprise was on my side: Michael has several students with Morgans, and what endeared me to him (of course!) was his remark "a good horse is a good horse!". We discussed his training approach for young horses in general and Michael stressed that he strongly believes in cross training as opposed to a single focus on dressage: trial riding, cavaletti work, etc.

I watched a session with a four year old warmblood gelding. The horse was on the aids, always in the right frame, did leg yields, canter lengthening, shallow loops in the canter, some counter canter. Wow! If I were  compare him with Remy I'd have to say Remy is the kindergartner and the other horse is at least middle school level. Michael asked the rider about the background of her horse: he's been in continuous training since the beginning of last year.

OK, I have to admit, initially there was a tiny little pang of what - envy? regret that I didn't work harder with Remy? That pang vanished almost instantly, though. I believe I am doing the right thing for both of us with taking more time. Remy's recent episode with the growing pains was a clear message that his body still needs time. So he won't be the four year old star at the dressage shows, but he'll have a happy childhood with fun playing with his friends and hitting the trails. Nothing wrong with that!

A good vacation day - working on my six pack

Finally - a day off! And what better way to spend it than with the boys at the barn?

Saumur is feeling like his old self again, his 'partial vacation' of low key work combined with the chiropractic adjustment and start of Adequan certainly helped. Sandy focused the lesson on the transitions, and she insisted that I really use my abs/core muscles. We did a ton of transitions in and out of the gaits as well as within the gaits. For moments we came darn close to half-steps! After the lesson Saumur got his second shot of Adequan, Sandy did the deed while I was feeding him treats. It was over before he could even worry about it.

I also put Chambord through is paces, again focusing on transitions and using my core muscles. He is such a little 'trotting machine', it's amazing how fun it is. His canter also is making good progress.

Finally I picked a rather reluctant Remy out of the pasture. He was playing with Nike, and of course, all I could think about was "Watch your leg, Kid!" He looked absolutely sound, and when I observed him on the longe line I couldn't detect anything either. We finished by trotting in hand, which sure is a great work out for me.

All that work on my abs and fitness sure made me thirsty enough to wish for a six-pack to drink. However, staying with the 'lean and mean' theme the six-pack got reduced to a lone Coronita and plenty of water.

It might not take a village - but it sure takes a darn good support system

Back home from Europe - can't wait to drive my jet-lagged self to see the boys and Sandy tonight!

I am so grateful for my support system: while I was gone Sandy and JP took care of the boys and kept me updated. On Monday, Sandy gave Saumur his first shot of Adequan, and it went well. That was great news from "Mr. Needle Phobia", and it shows how he trusts Sandy.

Dr. Weaver, the Vet specializing in Chiropractic, worked on Remy and Saumur on Tuesday. Sandy was there for the treatment and emailed me his comments. Remy's sacrum was 'out' on the right side, which caused the pain. Dr. Weaver explained that this is common in young, growing horses, especially during the phase where the hind end is higher than the front. Saumur's diagnosis was that he was really tight and down in his shoulders, and his right lower neck was 'out'.

As Remy is on limited turnout, JP hand walked him. Of course, the little stinker (Remy - not JP!) had to question the 'authority' and got away from JP, leading a merry chase. Luckily it was in a fenced area.

While I was gone JP also re-organized our barn and built the cutest stall for Mr. Chip. The little guy will hopefully love his new digs when he comes to live with us.

Regarding the upcoming Young Horse Clinic I was fortunate that Linda Wanstreet, the organizer, had a wait list, and she already reimbursed my fees. That was great news, and I appreciated her professionalism very much. I'm looking forward to auditing, and of course, seeing Sandy and Doc's lesson.

While on the plane I read an article in the International Herald Tribune about working mothers that travel a lot and how important it is for them to have an excellent support system. While the boys are not exactly my children (some people might beg to differ) there are a lot of similarities. I could not function as well without my outstanding child- uh horse-care support system!

A mystery lameness - and a Goldstar for the patient

Dr. Younk did Remy's lameness exam yesterday as he is still quite sore on his left hind leg. As I noted before, there is no swelling, heat, or any other outside indication on what could be wrong. Dr. Younk observed Remy on the longe line, did the flexion tests, and then proceeded to fetlock and stifle x-rays. Remy was just such a good boy! No sedation, his main fidgeting was focused on trying to open the Velcro closures of the lead apron I was wearing.

Well, the good news is that all x-rays were completely clean! Actually "pretty darn good" was the comment. No OCDs/chips,  hairline fractures -- Big sigh of relief on my part! But then, what's going on?? He walks sound, but is noticeable lame in the trot. Dr. Younk commented on Remy's great work ethic, even while obviously in pain he still tries his best to please. She suspects some soft tissue injury.

So - the plan is: Two weeks off, separate turnout so Remy doesn't aggravate whatever is going on, and if he is not better we will block areas on the leg to see where the pain originates, and do an ultrasound exam. Hopefully it won't have to come to that!

While I am bummed that we can't go to the Young Horse Clinic, I am happy that it doesn't seem to be too serious. And I am definitely NOT happy that I have to leave for France today. Of course, I know that Sandy will take care of Remy like he was her own, but I still feel guilty leaving her 'stuck' with him and not being there. But really, I am counting my blessings: The injury doesn't seem too serious, I trust and respect Dr. Younk's diagnosis and recommendation, and I am very lucky to have Sandy (and JP, of course) holding down the fort with the horses while I'm gone.

And here is the Goldstar for Remy: Dr. Younk said that he is most likely the nicest Four-Year old she has worked with! Of course, I knew that all along :-)

A different hip angle - and did I pass on my left leg issue?

What a nice Easter weekend! There is one advantage of not having family on the same continent - one does not have to feel guilty about spending ALL the time at the barn. While I was playing with the boys JP re-structured our barn to build the stall for our soon to be family member, Chip the pony.

Another eye-opener during my lesson with Saumur: Sandy asked me to change my hip angle. First I wasn't sure what to do with this, and she said she didn't really know why this came to her mind, Usually Sandy tries to correct my still (!) slightly Hunt Seat by asking me to shift more weight onto my seat bones and to put my shoulder blades together. But low and behold, as I wiggled around to see how I could change my hip angle something happened: Lifting the front of my pelvis shifted my weight back and down into my seat bones, which in turn got Saumur to lift his forehand, and he felt really light and up.

Unfortunately, it looks like Remy overdid it a bit, either on Friday or during one of his many 'run and play' episodes with his buddies in the pasture. It seems his left stifle is bothering him. There is no heat or swelling, nor are there any other outside signs of injury, but Remy is reluctant to put the leg under him. This is a fairly common growing pain for young horses, but still, I'm quite worried. Research recommends trail riding, hill work, cavaletti work, trotting straight lines, and no tight circles. That's what we shall do. Too bad that I have to leave this week for Europe, otherwise Remy and I could have hit the trails.

Interestingly, my left leg is much better and I no longer have the searing pain from the hip down my  leg. I sure hope I didn't pass it on to Remy!

A good dry run - different instructor - same comments

Remy had some days off this week, once again, my work schedule superseded my training schedule. In addition, I pulled my hip and groin muscles which netted me an unscheduled trip to the chiropractor. Unfortunately, his best efforts didn't do the trick, I am still in a lot of pain. So when I climbed on Remy yesterday I wasn't sure what to expect... but everything went well, it was a far cry from his behaviour last Sunday. Our canter departs are still a bit iffy, Sandy suggested that I carry a stick, but -having last Sunday in mind- I opted not to, which didn't help the sore leg at all. Ah, well, live and learn (once again!).

Carrie Wilson (Wilson Sporthorses) came today to Southview Farm for a private Young Horse Clinic. I was eager see how we would do today, and in the back of my mind I was also thinking: Carrie = Jumping. Carrie is well know for her success in the Hunter Jumpers with young horses. After all, I have a jumping saddle sitting in the tack room just begging to be used!

Ah, I heard exactly the same things from Carrie as I hear from Sandy. And yes, Carrie made me carry a stick (just a short jumping crop so I can tap Remy on the shoulder). Both want Remy really to be in front of my leg, moving forward at a better pace than I am asking. A small change really made a difference in the canter departs, Carrie had me change the posting diagonal before the canter. That somehow got us on the right track. Remy was very concentrated the whole time, and did a really good job.

This was a good dry run for the young horse clinic with Michael Bragdell in a couple of weeks. I had to deal with an (albeit small) peanut gallery, and get out of my comfort zone with a different instructor. Now I am just wondering: How many people will have to tell me the same things before I do what they ask?

A thousand pounds of teenage hormones.... and "meet Chip"

It was not the easiest of weeks, I was hit by the stomach flu and more than usual work related stress. So needless to say, the horses had it easy. I rode Remy on Friday and he was good. However, Sandy coined the expression "he has to come to work on time". I really like this, it means that once we get to work Remy needs to be attentive and ready to listen. No diddling around, no "well, maybe - if you ask again". That sets the tone from the beginning for the rest of the ride.

Yesterday Sandy, Linda, Minde and I had a rare 'girls day' of shopping and lunch. But of course, being real horsewomen, we didn't go to the mall, our shopping destination was the newly expanded local tack store! It was fun, even though during our late lunch I thought I'd fall off my chair, I was so tired and run down.

Later in the afternoon JP and I went to see Chip, a cute Shetland pony that is looking for a new home. He belongs to Riley, an adorable little girl. Unfortunately the family is moving and can't take Chip. And as we are looking for a companion animal.. Chip might be moving in with us. He is turned out with a goat, and while she is very entertaining (she stands on her hind feet and charges the horses) I don't think we need that kind of entertainment.

Today JP and I met friends for breakfast in Fenton. We don't get to see Bill and Lynne very often so it was great to catch up. Aside from truly enjoying their company, I will always remember that I started my working life in Lynne's clothes! Yes, after I 'graduated' from cleaning stalls to my first office job in the US, I didn't have office clothes or money, so Lynne gave me some of her suits. As she modestly says "What are friends for?"

After breakfast we went to the barn for our lessons. Well, Remy today was flying higher than a kite. He already was "very forward" on the longe line, but when I got on him there was no stopping. He felt ready to explode any second and I decided to jump off before the rodeo started. I took him outside to longe some more, and the boy was just wired, at some point spooking at Sandy and taking off like a bat out of hell. Wow - not at all what I expected! But... it is Spring, the grass is lush, the mares are in heat, Remy probably remembers that he actually got to enjoy life as a stallion last year, so we'll write it off as a "oh well, that's horses". The rule is not to take it personal, after all Remy didn't do it to annoy me, he was a victim of spring fever and hormones, at least that's what I choose to think. Tomorrow is another day.

Saumur was good today, the spring fever does not seem to affect him. He still is worked low-key, and we did some excellent exercises that set him up well for the more difficult things. For example, Sandy had us work in the trot leg-yield from the wall, straight, leg yield, straight. The goal was to keep Saumur very reactive to my leg, which help with the straightness on the centerlines. From there we progressed to centerline, shoulder-in left, 10m circle at X left, shoulder-in right. In the canter we worked on decreasing and increasing the circle, making sure I move his shoulders when we decrease the circle (and not just do haunches-in). Our walk work focused on turns on the haunches (as prep for pirouettes). Key to it is that I continue with the walk. My tendency is to lock up in the turn, and this is when Saumur 'sticks'.

So, some good - some not so good, but as always lots to enjoy. That is what is really all about. Let's just hope that the hormone surge/spring fever for anyone in the 1,000 pound range will subside REALLY soon - and most of all, that it is not contagious!