And we are off to a nice canter - and a good night's sleep

The lesson with Remy built on (and continued) yesterday's exercises. George had me work Remy first in the walk, making sure we had an even connection and a good frame/carriage. We then did leg yields from the quarter line to the wall. Once that was well executed, the exercises (sans leg yields) were repeated in the trot. I was able to get Remy to move nicely forward, round and on the bit, both on circles and straight lines.

Then came time for the canter, a gait we have so far not spent too much time on. The reason being that the walk and trot work had to be more solid first. With that now under our belt - off to the canter. George made sure that we went into the canter from a forward, supple and round trot. It felt like so much fun! After acceptable canters on both hands, with soft transitions into the trot, Remy got to stretch in the walk. George made sure that Remy still marched forward in the walk.

Throughout the lesson George always reminded me to give with the inside rein, for two reasons: to reward Remy if he gave and also to see if he was able to carry his frame for a few strides at a time. We were even able to do it at the canter. With a young horse, it is important to keep the work challenging but not too exhausting. George wants to see the horse at the end of the lesson easily and happily trotting off when asked.

I told Caroline today that the toughest part of my stay will be for her to kick me out at the end of the week. I haven't been that relaxed in months, and I truly enjoy the entire experience. The boys are very relaxed, they probably reciprocate my state of mind.

Although, for tonight I am prepared: no chasing bad guys for me! Just thinking, if it really would have been an intruder last night, what would I have done - knocked him over the head with one of my flip flops? Pass the Motrin PM, please.

A pround and happy horse - and an interesting night

Saumur's lesson today built on yesterday's work. After he had time to loosen up we went to the 8m circles in the walk, making sure Saumur stretched over his back. Every time we crossed the centerline we changed directions. Then on to shoulder in, first in walk than in trot. The canter work focused on responsiveness: canter - walk, then canter - collected canter. Tricky to keep my leg active enough for Saumur to keep cantering, while bringing him back at the same time.

George worked on my position, asking me to put my shoulders back and also to pretend I weigh 300 pounds and putting that weight in the saddle (I tend to lighten my seat). OK, now that I've gained 180 pounds, things actually improved and we made nice progress. That set us up well for the canter half-passes. George reminded me to have Saumur's chest aim for the the letter.

The trot work consisted on first shoulder in, then medium trot - halt. From there: medium trot - collected trot - medium trot on the diagonal. Saumur started to become more and more responsive, keeping a very nice frame throughout. When we finished Saumur stuck quite the pose, he clearly was happy and proud of himself. What more could I have asked for?

On a different note, I had quite an interesting night. Around 12:30 a.m. I heard a commotion downstairs, horses calling, hooves clattering in the aisle way. What the heck - are the horses lose?? Is somebody trying to steal a horse?? Lacking a weapon to arm myself with I decided to nevertheless check what was going on, easing downstairs in flip flops and pj's, all the while thinking "should have brought my bear spray!". The lights were on and there was a person busy in a stall?! Turns out it was Caroline, the barn owner, turning horses out at night. She said she rotates everybody/s turnout so the stallions can go out, too. Her last rotation is around midnight. Now, that is dedication!

And we are off - to a good start

The day started slow and pleasant, and yes, I was fortified by Nutella and coffee. The boys were turned out early and came in around 11 a.m. because of the flies. I had time to groom, hand walk, and basically just hang out until my first lesson with Saumur.

Saumur was happy and relaxed in the unfamiliar arena, not a spook in sight. George had us start on the basics, 8 m circles in the trot from the center line, changing direction every time we crossed the center line. That helped make Saumur more supple. We worked on the trot - halt transitions, and then the canter - halt. Important was to get an immediate response. We also did canter half passes, and I was very happy when George noticed that they were much improved.

With Remy I had the best ride so far! We started in the walk on a large circle, George wanted me to really have Remy soften to my inside leg. He also showed me how to lay the whip against Remy's side to help with the bend. George made a point to explain that it is important for Remy to understand that the aids (including the whip) are his friends and nothing to be afraid of. He also cited famous German trainer Schumacher, stating that it is important that the horse relaxes ("lets fall") his head and neck "den Hals fallenlassen". Once we accomplished this in the walk we moved on to the trot. It also helped to add some counter flexing on the long side. We were able to trot all around the arena and on 20 m circles, on the bit, relaxed and happy! I was beaming.

So, now I am enjoying the peace and quiet in the apartment, having a Pilsner Urquell, and thinking how lucky I am to be here and to have this opportunity to not only train with one of the best but also to spend quality time with the boys, and to "just chill". (JP and my close friends will say the "just chill" part is the most important of all!).

Day 1 - we made it to Ohio and are ready to roll

Smooth sailing from Michigan to Ohio. There is something to be said for traveling on a Sunday, especially with all the summer road work going on. The boys traveled really well, and stayed quiet when we had to get gas and make a pit stop. In order to go to the restroom I had to park in between a bunch of noisy Heavy Trucks, my Yukon and trailer looked miniature in between those 18 wheelers. I was more nervous than the boys, and literally ran to the rest stop and back in order not to leave the boys too long between all the running diesel engines around them.

The GPS faithfully lead us to Garrettville. I got a bit worried when the nice man at the toll booth asked where I was going and he had no idea where the town was. Speaking of toll booth: Apparently in Ohio you get to drive faster (70 miles per hour) on the toll roads than on the regular freeway (between 60 and 65 MPH). Ohio is notorious for giving speeding tickets to out of State vehicles, and no difference yesterday, the freeway was 'littered' with highway patrol cars out to make money.

I had texted Caroline, the owner of Chadwick farm, our ETA. She was waiting for us and helped me unload. The boys got nice airy stalls. The barn is very well kept, everything organized, with airconditioned rooms for feed, tack, laundry. Pretty intimidating to see the big wooden tack trunks with Bronze labels "George Williams" - I decided to leave my 'Target Special' plastic totes in the trailer for right now.

Caroline then showed me the apartment where I will stay for the week: WOW, it it wonderful! Fully furbished, with equestrian themes throughout. Later in the evening I took the boys for out to graze and a leg stretch, then I had a beer and feel into bed. Unfortunately, the night was kind of fitful. I guess I was a bit overwrought from the tension of driving (first time I took the boys by myself that far), and one of my 'room mates' (the horses below the apartment) spend the night calling for an invisible friend.

So, now I am excited for my lessons to start today. George will be at Chadwick this afternoon, and actually wrote that he is looking forward to our lessons. Fortified by Nutella and a pot of coffee - I am ready!

Day X minus 1 - (almost) ready for take off

Luanne came yesterday again to adjust the Triumph saddle so it fit Remy better, and she also brought a Wave for me to use. I really appreciate the customer service: I get to take the Triumph to George's and decide afterwards what I want to do (keep it or order a custom Wave).

Saumur got to go on a trailride with Chambord today. It was another lovely outing on a warm, sunny day, not many bugs in the woods. Guess it's too dry for the deer flies. Saumur clearly enjoyed his outing, he even was brave enough to take the lead. Usually he just sticks safely behind Chambord: Let the blond one fight the demons on the trails first!

I'm always amazed at the risk some barns take: There is a place close to us that offers guided trailrides in the park. The people we met today where clearly beginners, clad in tennis shoes, hanging perilously on one side of the horse, camera in hand, NO helmets.

Remy's workout was in the outdoor arena. I think we finally found the right bit and that he likes the saddle after the latest adjustment. I've been trying different bits to find the right one. Over the years I have accumulated a collection of bits, and Dressage Extensions actually lets you test a HS bit before buying. Not a bad deal at those prices. Guess Remy's favorite is a HS Dynamic RS Eggbutt. Of course, it had to be one I didn't already have! Actually, ever since our equine dentist told me how he had to pry out metal shavings from a horse's gums and cheeks that were coming off a cheap bit I don't even think twice about cost cutting in that area.

OK, back to the to-do list: TSC (Tractor Supply Store), Tack Store, Grocery Store, Laundry, House Cleaning, Tack Cleaning, Packing the Trailer.... oh, and yes, packing a suitcase, too!

Next project: New fences - and additional duties for the boys

Over the years we have fixed our oak fences numerous times. Every time we replace the old and fragile oak boards in one area, they start to crumble somewhere else, mostly with the help of a furry guy deciding they make good scratching posts.

Finally JP and I decided to bite the proverbial bullet and replace our entire fence lines.  “Ouch!”, says the bank account. And of course, being of the “do it right” mindset we want 4-board fences with round posts, using the famous Kentucky fences as design guide. Double “ouch!”.

On the bright side, we just received the OK from the township – no special building permit needed. So in two weeks the boys will have “fence construction supervisor” added to their job descriptions.

Countdown to Camp George - Do I have enough Nutella?

While my friends and family are getting excited for me about my upcoming trip I am ticking off the long ‘to do’ list. Yesterday Dr. Weaver came to give both Saumur and Remy an adjustment. I am bit worried about Remy’s sleeping habits and also his reluctance to go forward. Although I think I found the key to a “yes, Ma’m!” response – it’s called cracking the whip.

Monday night I was longing Remy and he was going around in his ho-hum way, not terribly motivated to reach out and go. Tired of working harder than he was I cracked the longe whip (not touching him, just making noise). Uh, uh, that just woke the boy up! And sure enough, we had a lovely forward trot from there on.

Dr. Weaver confirmed that Remy is fine, he needed an adjustment, but nothing major. He thinks that Remy is also going through quite a growth spurt (and subsequently wished me and Luanne luck with the saddle fit!). Saumur also got the ‘thumps up’, so another check mark on the long list.

I received a very nice email from Caroline, the farm owner that will lodge us. She refers to our stay as “Camp George Experience”. Soo, packing… I am really good at packing for myself, usually managing a week in Europe with only a carry-on bag. But the boys are a different story: Hay, Feed, Saddles, Bridles, Pads, Longe Line, Side Reins… lots of stuff for an entire week. Plus all my riding pants, boots, shirts, helmet, spurs – not to forget the paperwork (CVI, Coggins), and of course food and drink for myself! I’ll be far away from a Whole Foods Store, better stock up on staples like Muesli. And, most importantly, do I have enough (imported!) Nutella left??