Plan B Succeeds
After doing some hefty barn work, I decided to ride. The weather was gorgeous!
I saddled up Chance with the plan in mind of repeating the basic exercises from the other day. I was going to work on a little shoulder-in and some leg yield at the walk, then go through the basic walk-trot-canter routine.
I mounted up, turned around and there was the snoopervisory committee of Tucker and Toby in the center of the arena. Now, mind you, although the gate was closed, the fence is down at the far end. Usually the Boys just stand at the closed gate and watch, not bothering to wander inside the fence to bother me. Not today.
Plan B materialized quickly. That meant I decided to take Chance out for a nice hack in the woods. He was quite pleased about that as arena schooling is not exactly his favorite pastime. Out we went, along the long trail, heading all the way out to the end of the woods. To get there, we had to pass the evil red fire truck! Chance hardly gave it a second glance. He was a super boy. We mostly walked, with a few little sections of trot up some of the little hills, but since I hadn't been out that way for months, I wasn't sure of the footing or tree falls we might meet. The trail was actually pretty clear, so it turned into a nice overall ride.
When I got back, I ushered Toby and Tucker back to the barn, snagged Tucker, and saddled him up for his session. This time the snoopervisers decided to stay on the other side of the fence, so I was able to school just fine.
I started off with some lateral work at the walk, as I'd planned to do with Chance. To be honest, Tucker was, at first, a bit confused. I hardly ever school shoulder-in, leg yield, or half pass at the walk, so he was not sure I really meant it. He fussed just a little when I asked for the first trot transition, but from then on, he was great.
We did some plain old trot for a while and then repeated the lateral exercises on each rein. His half-pass is not yet completely confirmed, but he did a good job responding to my aids. Then we did some canter.
Once again, the departs were soft and fluid. He was very willing to strike off with a minimum of leg from me.
I went back to walk, worked on some pirouettes--the left is better than the right. And finished up with perfectly lovely canter departs on each lead from the walk coming out of the pirouette. The nice thing about that exercise is that the pirouette puts Tucker on to his hind end and the depart almost immediately afterwards is a bit more uphill.
All in all, two good rides, even if the plan went slightly astray.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Walk Canter
And I Ride Again
I went out this afternoon to school both Tucker and Chance. The weather was really lovely, the footing a bit wet from the rain, but otherwise, it was a perfect day for a ride.
Tucker was first. He started out with a very lazy walk and almost felt stiff at first. But as soon as we trotted, I knew he was fine, just a bit "underpowered." I don't usually push my horses at first. Even though they have virtually 24-7 turnout, I never quite know what they've been doing in the time before I get on, so I always just let them warm up in an easy frame and at an easy gait.
As we went along, Tucker just naturally started to seek the bit, offer his back, and go more forward. As I did the last time I rode him, I decided that canter departs without any fuss on his part were the "exercise of the day." I asked for several from the trot and each time, they were soft and without protest. Essentially, he just "flowed" into each one. This is not the fully engaged depart demanded of more serious dressage work, but it was obedient and prompt to a light aid, so all was well.
We did a bit more trot work and then relaxed into a nice walk for a breather. I am sensitive to the fact that he is not super fit, so I just try to take it easy during the ride. We walked for a circuit or two and then I tried the ultimate test--walk canter transitions. On each lead, he cantered easily off without pinning his ears or showing any sign of resistance. Not a big deal for the average horse, but for Tucker, at this stage of getting back to work? A major accomplishment. I gave him lots of praise, a nice pat and finished up the session on that good note.
I rode Chance next and spent a good long time in the walk. I decided to challenge him with shoulder-in and leg yield--exercises we've not really worked on before. I have given him the basics of moving off my leg, so that was a big help. On the left rein, it was actually pretty easy to get a semblance of shoulder-in and a rather nice leg yield from the center line to the rail.
The right rein was a little bit harder for us both. My right leg is a little weaker right now and I am having a bit of pain in my right hip which doesn't help. I reseated myself in the saddle so I was a bit "longer" on the right side as I worked, and eventually we got some fairly good efforts at shoulder in and then the leg yield.
Then we trotted for a while and Chance was quite ready, willing and able to reach down and round into the bit. I cantered him for a short bit on each lead and then headed out for a short hack through the woods.
It was a nice way to cool him out and finish the ride with a smile on both out faces.
I went out this afternoon to school both Tucker and Chance. The weather was really lovely, the footing a bit wet from the rain, but otherwise, it was a perfect day for a ride.
Tucker was first. He started out with a very lazy walk and almost felt stiff at first. But as soon as we trotted, I knew he was fine, just a bit "underpowered." I don't usually push my horses at first. Even though they have virtually 24-7 turnout, I never quite know what they've been doing in the time before I get on, so I always just let them warm up in an easy frame and at an easy gait.
As we went along, Tucker just naturally started to seek the bit, offer his back, and go more forward. As I did the last time I rode him, I decided that canter departs without any fuss on his part were the "exercise of the day." I asked for several from the trot and each time, they were soft and without protest. Essentially, he just "flowed" into each one. This is not the fully engaged depart demanded of more serious dressage work, but it was obedient and prompt to a light aid, so all was well.
We did a bit more trot work and then relaxed into a nice walk for a breather. I am sensitive to the fact that he is not super fit, so I just try to take it easy during the ride. We walked for a circuit or two and then I tried the ultimate test--walk canter transitions. On each lead, he cantered easily off without pinning his ears or showing any sign of resistance. Not a big deal for the average horse, but for Tucker, at this stage of getting back to work? A major accomplishment. I gave him lots of praise, a nice pat and finished up the session on that good note.
I rode Chance next and spent a good long time in the walk. I decided to challenge him with shoulder-in and leg yield--exercises we've not really worked on before. I have given him the basics of moving off my leg, so that was a big help. On the left rein, it was actually pretty easy to get a semblance of shoulder-in and a rather nice leg yield from the center line to the rail.
The right rein was a little bit harder for us both. My right leg is a little weaker right now and I am having a bit of pain in my right hip which doesn't help. I reseated myself in the saddle so I was a bit "longer" on the right side as I worked, and eventually we got some fairly good efforts at shoulder in and then the leg yield.
Then we trotted for a while and Chance was quite ready, willing and able to reach down and round into the bit. I cantered him for a short bit on each lead and then headed out for a short hack through the woods.
It was a nice way to cool him out and finish the ride with a smile on both out faces.
Friday, October 19, 2012
Working
Busy Week
We had rather mixed weather this past week. But it didn't matter mostly because I was substitute teaching Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. That meant the swimming pool right there, so I swam as well. Add a chiropractor appointment and a trip in the pouring rain to get a new battery installed in my truck, and another bout of rain today, and the horses did not get any work.
I had a great time subbing. I was the history teacher the last two days but I swapped classes with one of the English teachers so I could give a lesson on...get ready...horses!!
Her class was reading "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight," and had asked some questions about spurs. She asked me, I explained it to her, then had the bright idea of bringing some real riding spurs into school to show the students. That led to the brilliant idea of further explaining some of the origin of the knight's charger...which logically led to horses in medieval warfare...which led quite naturally to dressage!!
So, I created a Powerpoint presentation introducing the airs above the ground which are based on battlefield moves, and then found a short series of videos of the Spanish Riding School cool lesson all set up to show how dressage had developed out of the training horses needed for warfare.
I presented the lesson twice and got a round of applause both times. I had to laugh a little because the class on the second day had an extra bunch of questions, mostly to detain me so they could put off their regular English class as long as possible, but I knew they were doing it and gave really short answers, to what actually proved to be some good questions. All in all, it was really fun.
I also had an Economics class during which I showed the Frontline documentary, "Inside the Meltdown." It was about the US 2008 financial crisis and was absolutely fascinating! I learned a ton of interesting information. It is well worth watching...available online...if you want to know how our economy got into the mess we are still trying to recover from
I have to admit, substitute teaching is a blast, especially when I can actually teach something. There is no pressure about grading students, keeping all kinds of records, grading papers, writing up lesson plans and all the high pressure detail work that goes on behind the scenes of a well run classroom. This past week was particularly fun.
Now, I need to spend some time educating my horses, and learning perhaps even more from them.
We had rather mixed weather this past week. But it didn't matter mostly because I was substitute teaching Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. That meant the swimming pool right there, so I swam as well. Add a chiropractor appointment and a trip in the pouring rain to get a new battery installed in my truck, and another bout of rain today, and the horses did not get any work.
I had a great time subbing. I was the history teacher the last two days but I swapped classes with one of the English teachers so I could give a lesson on...get ready...horses!!
Her class was reading "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight," and had asked some questions about spurs. She asked me, I explained it to her, then had the bright idea of bringing some real riding spurs into school to show the students. That led to the brilliant idea of further explaining some of the origin of the knight's charger...which logically led to horses in medieval warfare...which led quite naturally to dressage!!
So, I created a Powerpoint presentation introducing the airs above the ground which are based on battlefield moves, and then found a short series of videos of the Spanish Riding School cool lesson all set up to show how dressage had developed out of the training horses needed for warfare.
I presented the lesson twice and got a round of applause both times. I had to laugh a little because the class on the second day had an extra bunch of questions, mostly to detain me so they could put off their regular English class as long as possible, but I knew they were doing it and gave really short answers, to what actually proved to be some good questions. All in all, it was really fun.
I also had an Economics class during which I showed the Frontline documentary, "Inside the Meltdown." It was about the US 2008 financial crisis and was absolutely fascinating! I learned a ton of interesting information. It is well worth watching...available online...if you want to know how our economy got into the mess we are still trying to recover from
I have to admit, substitute teaching is a blast, especially when I can actually teach something. There is no pressure about grading students, keeping all kinds of records, grading papers, writing up lesson plans and all the high pressure detail work that goes on behind the scenes of a well run classroom. This past week was particularly fun.
Now, I need to spend some time educating my horses, and learning perhaps even more from them.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
On the Level
Just a Word or Two
Shannon's comment about Tucker's 90% made me pause a moment. So I figured I'd clarify.
I often finish up a schooling session by riding a test pattern of some sort. This is as much for my own discipline as for my horse. When riding a test, you must cope with whatever happens at the moment and cannot repeat on exercise if it doesn't go well. So, riding a test for practice does, in itself, become a test of what is right or wrong in your training.
Tucker's 90% is my exaggerated evaluation of his overall demeanor and obedience. I am riding pretend training level tests on him because he is not really fit enough to do harder levels at the moment. When I was showing him, he was doing first level and was just about ready for second.
But, my knees and his hocks were sore enough that we retired from competition. I contemplated hock injections if he really needed them, but decided--once I actually stopped showing--that I didn't miss the competition at all. When I do ride, I do not ask for the same quality of engagement and collection he would need for competition, so, at least for now, training level is just fine.
As we go along, I will see just how much work his hocks will bear. I had initially hoped to take him to FEI, as I had Toby (Intermediare I) but if it's physically too hard for him, I will not press the point.
The same applies to Chance, who seems to have much better conformation to move on. But, as we know, I've been rather lazy about his training.
I've trained two horses, PJ and Toby, to FEI, so my ambitions have been fairly well satisfied, although it would be fun to get at least one horse to piaffe and passage. (PJ did piaffe and Toby will do it in hand, but we never quite got passage.) The tempis? A little effort would have gotten them easily with Toby and I did ride two sets of ones on PJ. Toby does twos easily, so that has been conquered as well.
If Tucker stays comfortable, I do want to get his changes. I'd started working on them before the layoff and I suspect a serious effort on my part would get them sorted once he's fit enough to do some serious canter work.
Chance? Who knows. He's fun to ride out on the trails, so that lures me all the time, but I also know he would be even better out there with some more proper schooling. If I worked him seriously for a couple weeks, he'd be well able to hold his own at training level at a show, and once we'd accomplished that, first level would be a snap.
Right now, I just enjoy riding for fun, training what needs to be addressed as time goes on and fantasizing about high scores.
Shannon's comment about Tucker's 90% made me pause a moment. So I figured I'd clarify.
I often finish up a schooling session by riding a test pattern of some sort. This is as much for my own discipline as for my horse. When riding a test, you must cope with whatever happens at the moment and cannot repeat on exercise if it doesn't go well. So, riding a test for practice does, in itself, become a test of what is right or wrong in your training.
Tucker's 90% is my exaggerated evaluation of his overall demeanor and obedience. I am riding pretend training level tests on him because he is not really fit enough to do harder levels at the moment. When I was showing him, he was doing first level and was just about ready for second.
But, my knees and his hocks were sore enough that we retired from competition. I contemplated hock injections if he really needed them, but decided--once I actually stopped showing--that I didn't miss the competition at all. When I do ride, I do not ask for the same quality of engagement and collection he would need for competition, so, at least for now, training level is just fine.
As we go along, I will see just how much work his hocks will bear. I had initially hoped to take him to FEI, as I had Toby (Intermediare I) but if it's physically too hard for him, I will not press the point.
The same applies to Chance, who seems to have much better conformation to move on. But, as we know, I've been rather lazy about his training.
I've trained two horses, PJ and Toby, to FEI, so my ambitions have been fairly well satisfied, although it would be fun to get at least one horse to piaffe and passage. (PJ did piaffe and Toby will do it in hand, but we never quite got passage.) The tempis? A little effort would have gotten them easily with Toby and I did ride two sets of ones on PJ. Toby does twos easily, so that has been conquered as well.
If Tucker stays comfortable, I do want to get his changes. I'd started working on them before the layoff and I suspect a serious effort on my part would get them sorted once he's fit enough to do some serious canter work.
Chance? Who knows. He's fun to ride out on the trails, so that lures me all the time, but I also know he would be even better out there with some more proper schooling. If I worked him seriously for a couple weeks, he'd be well able to hold his own at training level at a show, and once we'd accomplished that, first level would be a snap.
Right now, I just enjoy riding for fun, training what needs to be addressed as time goes on and fantasizing about high scores.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
We Came, We Saw, We Conquered
Saddled Up
For anyone reading this post who has not read the post below, you need to do that first, or at least look at the cute pictures.
I overslept this morning, so the plan to take Chance out early for a hack failed on all counts. I fed the Boys an hour later than normal. They didn't seem too upset, but I was.
I decided to go out to ride later in the afternoon.
I rode Tucker first in the arena. (He's not quite up to fire truck mode.) He was very forward, which was nice. His trot work was quite good on the longish rein, and stayed good when I put him in a little frame on contact. But better yet, the first set of canter departs on both reins were prompt off a very light leg aid and there was no hint of resistance.
We took a break walking and then started up again. This time, the left canter was lovely but the right? Not sure what was going on as he offered to buck on the depart several times. Since I felt I had to correct that, when he finally did take the lead to canter the gait was all up and down with almost no forward. Giving him the benefit of the doubt, I think he was expecting me to stop him as I'd done when he bucked, but eventually, with some forward riding on my part, we reached good canter on that lead as well.
Could be he had some kind of physical issue going on at the start of that right lead because he'd been fine on it earlier. As the King would say, "Tis a puzzlement."
I finished the ride with a version of a training level dressage test and he earned the required 90+%, so we ended the ride with a carrot treat.
While I was riding Tucker, I heard what sounded like a revving ATV engine out in the woods and I decided not to risk taking chances on Chance out there.
BUT....
It grew very quiet soon after and I changed my mind. I had planned on riding Chance past the scary blind curve today and I hate to go back on a plan. Besides, the weather was so gorgeous, I didn't want to waste the rest of the day.
Out we went. Chance is one of those rare horses who travels fast on the way from home, so he had a nice big walk and wanted to trot. But my knowing the fire truck was on the horizon, I chose to keep him in the walk instead.
We reached the curve. We rounded it. The fire truck was still there. Chance stopped. He looked, and then with just the slightest nudge from me, he just walked on by, a nice as you please. I praised him over and over and stroked his neck to let him know he was the bravest horse in the world.
The fire truck is conquered.
The rest of the ride was perfect.
Another good day at Follywoods.
For anyone reading this post who has not read the post below, you need to do that first, or at least look at the cute pictures.
I overslept this morning, so the plan to take Chance out early for a hack failed on all counts. I fed the Boys an hour later than normal. They didn't seem too upset, but I was.
I decided to go out to ride later in the afternoon.
I rode Tucker first in the arena. (He's not quite up to fire truck mode.) He was very forward, which was nice. His trot work was quite good on the longish rein, and stayed good when I put him in a little frame on contact. But better yet, the first set of canter departs on both reins were prompt off a very light leg aid and there was no hint of resistance.
We took a break walking and then started up again. This time, the left canter was lovely but the right? Not sure what was going on as he offered to buck on the depart several times. Since I felt I had to correct that, when he finally did take the lead to canter the gait was all up and down with almost no forward. Giving him the benefit of the doubt, I think he was expecting me to stop him as I'd done when he bucked, but eventually, with some forward riding on my part, we reached good canter on that lead as well.
Could be he had some kind of physical issue going on at the start of that right lead because he'd been fine on it earlier. As the King would say, "Tis a puzzlement."
I finished the ride with a version of a training level dressage test and he earned the required 90+%, so we ended the ride with a carrot treat.
While I was riding Tucker, I heard what sounded like a revving ATV engine out in the woods and I decided not to risk taking chances on Chance out there.
BUT....
It grew very quiet soon after and I changed my mind. I had planned on riding Chance past the scary blind curve today and I hate to go back on a plan. Besides, the weather was so gorgeous, I didn't want to waste the rest of the day.
Out we went. Chance is one of those rare horses who travels fast on the way from home, so he had a nice big walk and wanted to trot. But my knowing the fire truck was on the horizon, I chose to keep him in the walk instead.
We reached the curve. We rounded it. The fire truck was still there. Chance stopped. He looked, and then with just the slightest nudge from me, he just walked on by, a nice as you please. I praised him over and over and stroked his neck to let him know he was the bravest horse in the world.
The fire truck is conquered.
The rest of the ride was perfect.
Another good day at Follywoods.
Friday, October 12, 2012
Chance Encounter
And More Swimming
I slept crooked the other night and messed up both my neck and my back. I often find that swimming helps and today was no exception. I swam 22 laps today, with perhaps a little less energy--only three lengths of butterfly and several of walking.
While I did feel better afterwards, I called my chiropractor and was lucky enough to get an appointment. While I waited to go there, I shopped again. This time I had a $10 coupon for JC Penney. Cool. Only trouble is, I spent more than $10 once I got there. (S-h-h-h...bought some new bras at less than half what the same styles cost at Kohls full retail price. Apparently Penney's is standing by their new image of what they call a "square deal" where items are marked down to the bottom price right from the start so there's no need for tons of sales. Amazing. I will put that into my memory bank next time I really need some undergarments.)
To further add to the lesson, I fed him some carrot slices each time he approached the truck on his own, and led him past it several times making sure we went back and forth from the blind corner so the truck "appeared out of nowhere."
All of this in hand work took all of about 15 minutes but it only took about two minutes for him to stop spooking at the sight of the truck. He is actually a very level headed fellow (Unlike certain Tuckers I know.) and once he realizes something is not really dangerous, he settles pretty quickly.
I led him home, letting him stop to nibble on various leaves and grass along the way, just to make the whole experience even more pleasant.
I'm not sure I will be able to ride him out there before the truck is removed because it's the weekend and that's when the ATV's and minibikes are out, but we'll see. If it seems quiet in the morning, I may try a hack before the "wheel guys" are out of bed.
Otherwise, I'm pretty confident the problem is resolved. Chance just needs a lot of miles under his hoofs to become an "ace" trail horse--perfect for a retired gal like me.
I slept crooked the other night and messed up both my neck and my back. I often find that swimming helps and today was no exception. I swam 22 laps today, with perhaps a little less energy--only three lengths of butterfly and several of walking.
While I did feel better afterwards, I called my chiropractor and was lucky enough to get an appointment. While I waited to go there, I shopped again. This time I had a $10 coupon for JC Penney. Cool. Only trouble is, I spent more than $10 once I got there. (S-h-h-h...bought some new bras at less than half what the same styles cost at Kohls full retail price. Apparently Penney's is standing by their new image of what they call a "square deal" where items are marked down to the bottom price right from the start so there's no need for tons of sales. Amazing. I will put that into my memory bank next time I really need some undergarments.)
When I got home it was still a lovely, sunny, but quite cool day. Since I do not routinely ride after a chiropractic adjustment, I decided it was time to take Chance out to see the fire truck "in person."
Since the truck was well off the trail, he did not see it at once but when he did he shied dramatically, then stood there watching me as I approached it to move it out into the open. As soon as I touched the truck, you could see him relax a little and in short order, he was quite comfortable around it, as you can see.
I led him home, letting him stop to nibble on various leaves and grass along the way, just to make the whole experience even more pleasant.
I'm not sure I will be able to ride him out there before the truck is removed because it's the weekend and that's when the ATV's and minibikes are out, but we'll see. If it seems quiet in the morning, I may try a hack before the "wheel guys" are out of bed.
Otherwise, I'm pretty confident the problem is resolved. Chance just needs a lot of miles under his hoofs to become an "ace" trail horse--perfect for a retired gal like me.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Water, Water Everywhere
And I Get in the Drink
It has rained off an on for the last two days. (Today, however, is gorgeous and sunny....so...more later.)
I did not ride, nor did I challenge the fire truck.
Instead, yesterday, I went for my swim. It's a 15 mile drive to the pool, so all told the round trip, with a swim of about an hour and my shower afterwards, takes about two hours. It puts a bit of a bite into the day.
I did swim 25 laps today. Well, I did walk four of them, which is another great way to exercise my knees. That's 1250 meters of water I covered. Pretty good workout, even if I did stop to rest between laps of butterfly. It try to swim at least 5 lengths of the pool in butterfly because it's a vigorous and demanding stroke and I need to vary my exercise with some energetic bursts. I'm not good at it, but I manage. Then I do freestyle, backstroke, a pretty bad breaststroke, and the walking to fill out the program.
Add on to it a shopping trip to spend my Kohl's cash, and find a blaze orange sweatshirt jacket for riding out on the trail during hunting season, and I was out for a good part of the day. I also went to the supermarket and for once, made the right decision on buying a bag of dry cat food there instead of at PetSmart in the same mall. The bag was $1 less at ShopRite!
Long story short, I bought a Christmas present for my Aunt at Kohl's with my Cash. But today, I got a 20% off coupon for Kohl's in my email. I will probably go back over the next few days to return the gift and rebuy it with the discount coupon, just because. Kohl's is really good about returns so it should work out OK.
As you can tell, I am a shopper. When I have the time, I love to go to stores just to look around. While
I often buy, I am just content to window shop.
There are plenty of good stores within 10 miles of my house, so I have lots of places to go should I feel a shopping fit coming on.
I did make the mistake of going to ShopRite while I was hungry. The rule is never to go to the food market with an empty stomach. I went in with a list of only three items and came out with at least ten items more. Ah, well, I will be able to eat quite nicely for the rest of the week and beyond.
Meanwhile, my neighbor dropped by again and gave me more tomatoes and some eggs. I'd just barely finished the tomatoes he'd brought over a week or so ago. I love Jersey tomatoes, but I am running out of ideas of things to make with them. I think there is a way to freeze them so I might try that, but I can only eat so many before I am "tomatoed out."
Hope to ride at some point today.
Meantime, I'm going to look up some tomato recipes.
It has rained off an on for the last two days. (Today, however, is gorgeous and sunny....so...more later.)
I did not ride, nor did I challenge the fire truck.
Instead, yesterday, I went for my swim. It's a 15 mile drive to the pool, so all told the round trip, with a swim of about an hour and my shower afterwards, takes about two hours. It puts a bit of a bite into the day.
I did swim 25 laps today. Well, I did walk four of them, which is another great way to exercise my knees. That's 1250 meters of water I covered. Pretty good workout, even if I did stop to rest between laps of butterfly. It try to swim at least 5 lengths of the pool in butterfly because it's a vigorous and demanding stroke and I need to vary my exercise with some energetic bursts. I'm not good at it, but I manage. Then I do freestyle, backstroke, a pretty bad breaststroke, and the walking to fill out the program.
Add on to it a shopping trip to spend my Kohl's cash, and find a blaze orange sweatshirt jacket for riding out on the trail during hunting season, and I was out for a good part of the day. I also went to the supermarket and for once, made the right decision on buying a bag of dry cat food there instead of at PetSmart in the same mall. The bag was $1 less at ShopRite!
Long story short, I bought a Christmas present for my Aunt at Kohl's with my Cash. But today, I got a 20% off coupon for Kohl's in my email. I will probably go back over the next few days to return the gift and rebuy it with the discount coupon, just because. Kohl's is really good about returns so it should work out OK.
As you can tell, I am a shopper. When I have the time, I love to go to stores just to look around. While
I often buy, I am just content to window shop.
There are plenty of good stores within 10 miles of my house, so I have lots of places to go should I feel a shopping fit coming on.
I did make the mistake of going to ShopRite while I was hungry. The rule is never to go to the food market with an empty stomach. I went in with a list of only three items and came out with at least ten items more. Ah, well, I will be able to eat quite nicely for the rest of the week and beyond.
Meanwhile, my neighbor dropped by again and gave me more tomatoes and some eggs. I'd just barely finished the tomatoes he'd brought over a week or so ago. I love Jersey tomatoes, but I am running out of ideas of things to make with them. I think there is a way to freeze them so I might try that, but I can only eat so many before I am "tomatoed out."
Hope to ride at some point today.
Meantime, I'm going to look up some tomato recipes.
Monday, October 08, 2012
Houston, We Have A Problem
And Chance Doesn't Like It
The line, quoted from the Hollywood epic, Apollo 13, suits well what happened on my trail ride today.
I decided since it was cool, lovely, and quiet out in the woods, I would take Chance out for a nice hack. He was, at the outset, delighted, and it was all I could do to keep him in a walk through the overgrown woodland path on the way out.
When we got to the edge of the field, I let him trot on a bit. He broke into a little canter for a very short distance and then I reined him back in because I was intending to turn into the woods trail just beyond the bend in the road.
Good decision. That bend was the blind curve where the minibike had appeared the day I fell off on my new knee last year. (It was November, however....) Just as we started to round the curve, both Chance and I spotted a riding toy fire engine sitting by the edge of the woods.
A TOY FIRE ENGINE!! What the hay? Junk dump again? I cleaned up that area months ago, and now someone was using it to dump a used toy? Beats me. It's hard to judge the scale from the pictures, but this truck is big enough for a child to ride in and was once battery operated. I guess it must have some kind of motor in it but the wires are all loose and dangling.
But there was no time to figure out what it was doing there because Chance spun around in a panic just as he did the day the minibike appeared, actually gave a little buck and tried to gallop off. I was not in mid-dismount this time, so I was able to stay in the saddle and managed to stop him from bolting. But I decided not to tempt fate and we jigged and jogged our way back the way we had come until I turned him into the Tucker Trail path into the woods.
What was good is that I stayed on just fine and was able to regain control and he settled down for the rest of the ride. What was bad was that this is now the second time he has been somewhat justifiably spooked at the same spot. I am now pretty sure I will not be able to ride him safely past that spot unless I do some serious remedial work.
Step one will be to get that darn truck out of there. Or, step one will be to put the truck there and take Chance out on a lead line and just introduce him to it. Either way, I am not going to go out with him under saddle until I have desensitized him to that particular curve. Clearly my falling off and his galloping home the first time was traumatic for him. Now, this new scary thing has just cemented fear in his brain.
I walked back out to take the pictures I've used. I was going to bring the truck home for the garbage man, but it is too heavy/cumbersome to move without a wagon, the tractor, or perhaps, my truck. However, I just called the farmer who farms the property and he said the darn thing had been there for months. He told me he'd send some of his guys out there over the weekend to get rid of it.
On the way back from my picture hike, I heard Toby whinnying. I think he was actually calling for me, because when I was in sight of the gate, there he was, looking anxiously out into the woods where I had gone. Tucker greeted me as well, but not with the same concern Toby showed. I felt loved. *G*
So, I guess Chance and I have some Fire Truck schooling to do this week. Might be good for Tucker and Toby too, but I will have to see how exhausted I get hiking out there with one horse before I try all three.
Meantime, back at Follywoods, I would like to introduce my arena steward, supervisor, Peppercorn the Magnificent. He likes to watch me ride.
And Miss Misty the Aerialist is working on her high pole act for my endless entertainment.
Kitties are so cute.
In closing, I cannot forget Chance. He poses for pictures better than anyone, but here he is in a candid shot at the water trough after his exciting trail ride.
The sun is setting on another day of adventure at Follywoods, where there's never a dull moment.
The line, quoted from the Hollywood epic, Apollo 13, suits well what happened on my trail ride today.
I decided since it was cool, lovely, and quiet out in the woods, I would take Chance out for a nice hack. He was, at the outset, delighted, and it was all I could do to keep him in a walk through the overgrown woodland path on the way out.
Good decision. That bend was the blind curve where the minibike had appeared the day I fell off on my new knee last year. (It was November, however....) Just as we started to round the curve, both Chance and I spotted a riding toy fire engine sitting by the edge of the woods.
A TOY FIRE ENGINE!! What the hay? Junk dump again? I cleaned up that area months ago, and now someone was using it to dump a used toy? Beats me. It's hard to judge the scale from the pictures, but this truck is big enough for a child to ride in and was once battery operated. I guess it must have some kind of motor in it but the wires are all loose and dangling.
But there was no time to figure out what it was doing there because Chance spun around in a panic just as he did the day the minibike appeared, actually gave a little buck and tried to gallop off. I was not in mid-dismount this time, so I was able to stay in the saddle and managed to stop him from bolting. But I decided not to tempt fate and we jigged and jogged our way back the way we had come until I turned him into the Tucker Trail path into the woods.
Step one will be to get that darn truck out of there. Or, step one will be to put the truck there and take Chance out on a lead line and just introduce him to it. Either way, I am not going to go out with him under saddle until I have desensitized him to that particular curve. Clearly my falling off and his galloping home the first time was traumatic for him. Now, this new scary thing has just cemented fear in his brain.
I walked back out to take the pictures I've used. I was going to bring the truck home for the garbage man, but it is too heavy/cumbersome to move without a wagon, the tractor, or perhaps, my truck. However, I just called the farmer who farms the property and he said the darn thing had been there for months. He told me he'd send some of his guys out there over the weekend to get rid of it.
On the way back from my picture hike, I heard Toby whinnying. I think he was actually calling for me, because when I was in sight of the gate, there he was, looking anxiously out into the woods where I had gone. Tucker greeted me as well, but not with the same concern Toby showed. I felt loved. *G*
So, I guess Chance and I have some Fire Truck schooling to do this week. Might be good for Tucker and Toby too, but I will have to see how exhausted I get hiking out there with one horse before I try all three.
Meantime, back at Follywoods, I would like to introduce my arena steward, supervisor, Peppercorn the Magnificent. He likes to watch me ride.
And Miss Misty the Aerialist is working on her high pole act for my endless entertainment.
Kitties are so cute.
In closing, I cannot forget Chance. He poses for pictures better than anyone, but here he is in a candid shot at the water trough after his exciting trail ride.
Friday, October 05, 2012
The Red Pickup
And The Lost Mare
Yesterday, in between the intermittent rain showers, a red pickup truck pulled into my driveway.
I went out to the back door to meet a distraught man who was out looking for his lost horse. Shades of the "hurricane quest" to find my lost herd flooded my mind as he asked me if I'd seen his mare. He'd been told by the stable owner that I had horses and perhaps his horse had made her way to my property.
There'd been no sign of a ruckus in my pasture, but we went out to check anyhow. The Boys were contentedly grazing on the little nibbles of grass in the center of the field, so it was pretty clear there was no mare anywhere in the area.
Turns out the guy had been keeping his horses on the cross street to mine at his house where he did not have enough land to to it legally. I'd seen him out grazing a really well kept bay horse on his lawn several times and knew at least part of the story of his horsekeeping, but only told him I'd seen him so I had a good idea where his house was.
Since then he'd been reported by a disgruntled neighbor, fined and forced to move his horses to the boarding farm across the woods from me. (If I understood him correctly he is setting up a new little horse farm over in another Township where horsekeeping is welcomed.) Apparently, there was some roofing work going on at the boarding barn and thrown roofing shingles had spooked both his horses and sent them flying trough an electric fence to the wilds of the State Park and farm fields across the road.
Somehow he'd found the gelding way over in the area of his house on the cross street, but his mare was no where to be seen. The horses had traveled several miles to get that far, and I suspected that the mare would be somewhere around there as well since she had lived at his house for a while as well. "Horse GPS" would have allowed both of them to find "home," even if it was illegal.
I suggested he search in that direction. And I told him I'd give him some contact numbers for animal communicators who might be able to help. By now, he told me the mare had been missing for over 24 hours and he'd spent many of those hours searching for her.
The State Park is very undeveloped with few trails through it, lots of swampland, and a great deal of think underbrush and briers. My fear, as always, was that the mare had gotten bogged down somewhere or hung up on something by her nylon halter. (Hate those things.)
The guy did call the communicators, but I don't think he ever really got a consult. While I don't have the full story yet, I did call him in the evening to get a report.
Thankfully, he'd found his horse. If I understood him correctly, he'd found someone to track her. She was happily settled in an apple orchard on the other side of the sandpit lake across from where I live. As they say, "That's a fer piece," away from where she started--an other couple miles or so.
He said her legs were swollen, but otherwise she seemed OK. I certainly hope so. My worry would be potential colic from apples and probably a ton of grass. The boarding stable where he was keeping her has minimal if any pasture, so the horses there would not at all be used to such rich fodder. And, of course those apples....
I guess the mare thought she'd ended up in paradise. *lol*
Thank heavens she is safely back.
Yesterday, in between the intermittent rain showers, a red pickup truck pulled into my driveway.
I went out to the back door to meet a distraught man who was out looking for his lost horse. Shades of the "hurricane quest" to find my lost herd flooded my mind as he asked me if I'd seen his mare. He'd been told by the stable owner that I had horses and perhaps his horse had made her way to my property.
There'd been no sign of a ruckus in my pasture, but we went out to check anyhow. The Boys were contentedly grazing on the little nibbles of grass in the center of the field, so it was pretty clear there was no mare anywhere in the area.
Turns out the guy had been keeping his horses on the cross street to mine at his house where he did not have enough land to to it legally. I'd seen him out grazing a really well kept bay horse on his lawn several times and knew at least part of the story of his horsekeeping, but only told him I'd seen him so I had a good idea where his house was.
Since then he'd been reported by a disgruntled neighbor, fined and forced to move his horses to the boarding farm across the woods from me. (If I understood him correctly he is setting up a new little horse farm over in another Township where horsekeeping is welcomed.) Apparently, there was some roofing work going on at the boarding barn and thrown roofing shingles had spooked both his horses and sent them flying trough an electric fence to the wilds of the State Park and farm fields across the road.
Somehow he'd found the gelding way over in the area of his house on the cross street, but his mare was no where to be seen. The horses had traveled several miles to get that far, and I suspected that the mare would be somewhere around there as well since she had lived at his house for a while as well. "Horse GPS" would have allowed both of them to find "home," even if it was illegal.
I suggested he search in that direction. And I told him I'd give him some contact numbers for animal communicators who might be able to help. By now, he told me the mare had been missing for over 24 hours and he'd spent many of those hours searching for her.
The State Park is very undeveloped with few trails through it, lots of swampland, and a great deal of think underbrush and briers. My fear, as always, was that the mare had gotten bogged down somewhere or hung up on something by her nylon halter. (Hate those things.)
The guy did call the communicators, but I don't think he ever really got a consult. While I don't have the full story yet, I did call him in the evening to get a report.
Thankfully, he'd found his horse. If I understood him correctly, he'd found someone to track her. She was happily settled in an apple orchard on the other side of the sandpit lake across from where I live. As they say, "That's a fer piece," away from where she started--an other couple miles or so.
He said her legs were swollen, but otherwise she seemed OK. I certainly hope so. My worry would be potential colic from apples and probably a ton of grass. The boarding stable where he was keeping her has minimal if any pasture, so the horses there would not at all be used to such rich fodder. And, of course those apples....
I guess the mare thought she'd ended up in paradise. *lol*
Thank heavens she is safely back.
Wednesday, October 03, 2012
The Weather Reigns
So I Don't Hold the Reins
In the rains.
Love homophones.
Anyhow, it rained yesterday, so I did not ride. I did go for the first of my weekly swims and swam for about an hour. I figured I'd get some riding in today.
But. The phone rang and I was called to substitute teach. I had a chiropractor appointment set for the afternoon and had to change that to early evening.
I went for another swim after school and then...*sigh*...tried to drive home.
Earlier in the day a dump truck had overturned on the NJ Turnpike. The driver was killed and the truck caught on fire, damaging the overpass where the crash happened. It was a terrible tragedy and a horror. I can only pray for the driver's family and friends.
But the consequences of the accident extend far beyond that loss. Unfortunately, it impacted thousands of New Jersey drivers on another emotional level--utter frustration.
The New Jersey Turnpike closed down for perhaps 40 miles or so for both safety issues and the accident investigation.
For those of you who do not understand the magnitude of this, it's hard to even imagine what a traffic crisis this caused. The Turnpike on the the major North/South roads in New Jersey, and it carries thousands upon thousands of cars and trucks in and out of the New York metropolitan area every day. The volume of traffic is incredible.
Secondary roads, such as US Highway 1, Route 18, Route 130 and even the Garden State Parkway also carry heavy traffic loads of their own. But today, all the traffic from the Turnpike was diverted onto these roads, nearly turning them into parking lots. It was nearly impossible to get anywhere in the area.
When I finally left school after my swim, it took me over and hour to get to my chiropractor--what normally would be about a 15 minute drive. I had intended to go home first to feed the horses, but gave up that idea when I considered that it was going to take at least another half hour to get to my house from the main highway.
I think the news stations were dubbing it "Carmageddon." I could see why. Some people were stuck for hours trying to get somewhere. I just read that now, at 8:30 PM the roadway has been reopened for about an hour after being shut down since around 10 AM. Incredible.
I'm chiropracted, acupunctured, and safe here at home. I'm one of the lucky ones. All I suffered on the highway was aggravation.
In the rains.
Love homophones.
Anyhow, it rained yesterday, so I did not ride. I did go for the first of my weekly swims and swam for about an hour. I figured I'd get some riding in today.
But. The phone rang and I was called to substitute teach. I had a chiropractor appointment set for the afternoon and had to change that to early evening.
I went for another swim after school and then...*sigh*...tried to drive home.
Earlier in the day a dump truck had overturned on the NJ Turnpike. The driver was killed and the truck caught on fire, damaging the overpass where the crash happened. It was a terrible tragedy and a horror. I can only pray for the driver's family and friends.
But the consequences of the accident extend far beyond that loss. Unfortunately, it impacted thousands of New Jersey drivers on another emotional level--utter frustration.
The New Jersey Turnpike closed down for perhaps 40 miles or so for both safety issues and the accident investigation.
For those of you who do not understand the magnitude of this, it's hard to even imagine what a traffic crisis this caused. The Turnpike on the the major North/South roads in New Jersey, and it carries thousands upon thousands of cars and trucks in and out of the New York metropolitan area every day. The volume of traffic is incredible.
Secondary roads, such as US Highway 1, Route 18, Route 130 and even the Garden State Parkway also carry heavy traffic loads of their own. But today, all the traffic from the Turnpike was diverted onto these roads, nearly turning them into parking lots. It was nearly impossible to get anywhere in the area.
When I finally left school after my swim, it took me over and hour to get to my chiropractor--what normally would be about a 15 minute drive. I had intended to go home first to feed the horses, but gave up that idea when I considered that it was going to take at least another half hour to get to my house from the main highway.
I think the news stations were dubbing it "Carmageddon." I could see why. Some people were stuck for hours trying to get somewhere. I just read that now, at 8:30 PM the roadway has been reopened for about an hour after being shut down since around 10 AM. Incredible.
I'm chiropracted, acupunctured, and safe here at home. I'm one of the lucky ones. All I suffered on the highway was aggravation.
Monday, October 01, 2012
Sometimes 10 Minutes Is Enough
Wherein We Think to Refine the Aids
I rode late today as the day was a bit warm. And, I had to go to the old school where I taught to make an appointment to take my truck in for service. Something is going radically wrong with the battery as it does not keep a charge. The other day I had to jump start it at home. I let it run for quite a while before driving to the feed store only to have a dead battery when I came back out to drive home. I managed to get a jump start there using the tack store van and got back home. I've left the battery charger on the battery for the time being, but hope I don't have to use the truck in the meantime until I find out what's wrong. If it does need a battery, getting it done at school is my lowest cost option as there is no service charge. And the shop teacher is excellent with his students.
After that little jaunt, I headed over to the shopping mall next to the school. I haven't been there much lately so it was a fun window shopping trip. I tried on some shoes--the ones I liked were not in my size--and got a couple new knit tops at Macy's. I started off in JC Penney but honestly, the new layout of the store and all its new merchandising techniques including the selection is not as good as the old store. There really wasn't anything too interesting to look at so I hiked all the way to the other end of the Mall to find the tops I like.
Home again after a quick grocery run to get some milk bread, and a nice selection of on sale canned goods for my Church's food pantry, I ate some lunch and then needed a nap. Ah, retirement is so hard. *LOL*
Fed the Boys and then poo picked the riding arena.
By then the Boys's dinners were digested and it had cooled off. When my little herd came sauntering in from the pasture to see what I was doing, I haltered Tucker, saddled him up and rode for a bit.
Hence the 10 minutes. I'm not sure if it was 10 or 15 minutes, but that was all we needed. Tuck was nearly letter perfect. The only flaw was as much mine as his. I start him off on a relatively loose rein and gather up some contact to get him a little rounder as we go along. That was fine, but then, after some trotting, I brought him back down to a walk, collected the rein a little more and asked for a trot transition. Once again, he balked.
Now, who's at fault. Look to thyself, rider. Collecting the rein at the halt is one of the first aids to a reinback. Then in attempting to get the trot transition, I put my leg back for a stronger aid and used my heel. That tends to tip my pelvis a tiny bit forward which is another part of the reinback aid. But when I didn't actually follow through with a reinback request, Tuck just kind of stood there. Obviously, I need to refine the aid for trot from halt or walk. That means my seat "thinking trot" and my leg at the girth. Duh!
This is not normally a problem on horses I've trained, but Tucker is rather unique. He overreacts in negative, backward ways instead of thinking forward. So I need to really do the forward thinking for him.
Enter, the voice command. All of my horses usually have some pretty extensive ground training and definitely know the meaning of, "walk," "trot," "canter," "whoa," "over," and a "purr" for slow down and, at least with Tucker, a "hiss" to canter. So, the solution is to use the aid I need to use to get the trot and add a voice command to help him understand.
Aces. That worked. Then we went on to some canter departs. Here's the ten minute warning! Perfect! Every single depart from the first to the last--and I did three or four on each rein--was responsive, lovely and soft. I praised him mightily, dismounted and took him into the barn for his carrot.
With daylight fading, I saddled up Chance for a short session. Today was a repeat of yesterday's lessons about changing the bend. Once again, "Rider, look to thyself." It wasn't that I was actually doing anything wrong at the change of bend, but since I was posting the trot I quickly realized my change of posting diagonal could be a valuable added aid.
So, I began trotting figure eights as I did yesterday, but today, I changed my posting diagonal a stride before I asked for the change of bend. "Light bulb moment!" Although things were not perfect, Chance was much more able to shift his own balance to the new direction and change the bend. We'll gradually develop this suppleness and I will ride it at a sitting trot as well, but for now, I'll use my posting to help him along.
We finished up with a pretend Training Level test and, aside from his still somewhat unsteady acceptance of the bit, he was obedient and forward the whole test.
Once again, a short ride was all we needed to accomplish a lot. No point in riding to exhaustion when the results come that quickly.
Carrots all around back in the barn. It was another good evening.
I rode late today as the day was a bit warm. And, I had to go to the old school where I taught to make an appointment to take my truck in for service. Something is going radically wrong with the battery as it does not keep a charge. The other day I had to jump start it at home. I let it run for quite a while before driving to the feed store only to have a dead battery when I came back out to drive home. I managed to get a jump start there using the tack store van and got back home. I've left the battery charger on the battery for the time being, but hope I don't have to use the truck in the meantime until I find out what's wrong. If it does need a battery, getting it done at school is my lowest cost option as there is no service charge. And the shop teacher is excellent with his students.
After that little jaunt, I headed over to the shopping mall next to the school. I haven't been there much lately so it was a fun window shopping trip. I tried on some shoes--the ones I liked were not in my size--and got a couple new knit tops at Macy's. I started off in JC Penney but honestly, the new layout of the store and all its new merchandising techniques including the selection is not as good as the old store. There really wasn't anything too interesting to look at so I hiked all the way to the other end of the Mall to find the tops I like.
Home again after a quick grocery run to get some milk bread, and a nice selection of on sale canned goods for my Church's food pantry, I ate some lunch and then needed a nap. Ah, retirement is so hard. *LOL*
Fed the Boys and then poo picked the riding arena.
By then the Boys's dinners were digested and it had cooled off. When my little herd came sauntering in from the pasture to see what I was doing, I haltered Tucker, saddled him up and rode for a bit.
Hence the 10 minutes. I'm not sure if it was 10 or 15 minutes, but that was all we needed. Tuck was nearly letter perfect. The only flaw was as much mine as his. I start him off on a relatively loose rein and gather up some contact to get him a little rounder as we go along. That was fine, but then, after some trotting, I brought him back down to a walk, collected the rein a little more and asked for a trot transition. Once again, he balked.
Now, who's at fault. Look to thyself, rider. Collecting the rein at the halt is one of the first aids to a reinback. Then in attempting to get the trot transition, I put my leg back for a stronger aid and used my heel. That tends to tip my pelvis a tiny bit forward which is another part of the reinback aid. But when I didn't actually follow through with a reinback request, Tuck just kind of stood there. Obviously, I need to refine the aid for trot from halt or walk. That means my seat "thinking trot" and my leg at the girth. Duh!
This is not normally a problem on horses I've trained, but Tucker is rather unique. He overreacts in negative, backward ways instead of thinking forward. So I need to really do the forward thinking for him.
Enter, the voice command. All of my horses usually have some pretty extensive ground training and definitely know the meaning of, "walk," "trot," "canter," "whoa," "over," and a "purr" for slow down and, at least with Tucker, a "hiss" to canter. So, the solution is to use the aid I need to use to get the trot and add a voice command to help him understand.
Aces. That worked. Then we went on to some canter departs. Here's the ten minute warning! Perfect! Every single depart from the first to the last--and I did three or four on each rein--was responsive, lovely and soft. I praised him mightily, dismounted and took him into the barn for his carrot.
With daylight fading, I saddled up Chance for a short session. Today was a repeat of yesterday's lessons about changing the bend. Once again, "Rider, look to thyself." It wasn't that I was actually doing anything wrong at the change of bend, but since I was posting the trot I quickly realized my change of posting diagonal could be a valuable added aid.
So, I began trotting figure eights as I did yesterday, but today, I changed my posting diagonal a stride before I asked for the change of bend. "Light bulb moment!" Although things were not perfect, Chance was much more able to shift his own balance to the new direction and change the bend. We'll gradually develop this suppleness and I will ride it at a sitting trot as well, but for now, I'll use my posting to help him along.
We finished up with a pretend Training Level test and, aside from his still somewhat unsteady acceptance of the bit, he was obedient and forward the whole test.
Once again, a short ride was all we needed to accomplish a lot. No point in riding to exhaustion when the results come that quickly.
Carrots all around back in the barn. It was another good evening.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Tucker Back In Action
And I Ride Two on a Sunday
I rode both Tucker and Chance today. The weather was lovely and the flies left us alone. What more could anyone want?
Tucker seemed quite pleased to be chosen first, and was at least moderately cooperative at the start of the ride. For him, that simply means walking on without any fuss. Of course, that was on a loose rein. When I picked up the contact a little, he hesitated, but then cooperated with a little less energy than I want from him.
But, I always like to give my horse the benefit of the doubt at the start of a ride in case muscles and joints need to warm up a little before he can be expected to start moving out as he really needs to to work well. Having ridden Chance twice before finally getting back aboard the newly shod Tucker, I must admit I truly appreciate the correct steering obedience Tucker offers in contrast. What I don't always appreciate is his tendency to think about protesting if I push a little extra with my leg or the whip. A light tap of the whip might make him flatten his ears and threaten to kick out. I usually correct that with a sharp verbal reprimand and then he goes on as asked, but his attitude is "all about Tucker" at times like that.
The same goes for the first time I ask him to canter. So, after about a twenty minute session of general schooling and the riding of a pretend training level test, I focused on some right lead canter departs, one after another, simply expecting him to respond willingly and at once to the aid without any kind of "buck threat" or "attitude." After three lovely departs, I immediately let him walk, gave him a pat and dismounted.
I always consider that his hocks may be bothering him, because he has had some soreness before and may even have some arthritis there, so the first canter depart may actually be a little uncomfortable for him. But if that's so, he certainly overcomes it quickly, and offers some nice quiet departs soon after.
With Chance, it's quite the opposite. He would much rather canter than trot with good, forward impulsion. So, I worked on trotting with him, concentrating on repeated figure eights with a nice change of bend in the middle. Unlike Tucker, he does not yet move laterally off my leg into the new outside rein on a change of rein, so I used the dressage whip to help reinforce that by just pushing it against his inside shoulder to help him understand how to respond to my leg.
He caught on pretty quickly and, while going from right to left was a bit harder for him, he did give me some nice changes of bend. More work needs doing, but it was a good start.
Ironically, his reward as some canter work. We did a bit on each lead and called it quits after about 20-25 minutes.
Once again, I am not asking for dynamic, on the bit, strong work from either Boy, so it's all about the basics which will allow me to shape and develop correct muscling and strength as their fitness and mine progress.
All in all, another good day in the saddle.
I rode both Tucker and Chance today. The weather was lovely and the flies left us alone. What more could anyone want?
Tucker seemed quite pleased to be chosen first, and was at least moderately cooperative at the start of the ride. For him, that simply means walking on without any fuss. Of course, that was on a loose rein. When I picked up the contact a little, he hesitated, but then cooperated with a little less energy than I want from him.
But, I always like to give my horse the benefit of the doubt at the start of a ride in case muscles and joints need to warm up a little before he can be expected to start moving out as he really needs to to work well. Having ridden Chance twice before finally getting back aboard the newly shod Tucker, I must admit I truly appreciate the correct steering obedience Tucker offers in contrast. What I don't always appreciate is his tendency to think about protesting if I push a little extra with my leg or the whip. A light tap of the whip might make him flatten his ears and threaten to kick out. I usually correct that with a sharp verbal reprimand and then he goes on as asked, but his attitude is "all about Tucker" at times like that.
The same goes for the first time I ask him to canter. So, after about a twenty minute session of general schooling and the riding of a pretend training level test, I focused on some right lead canter departs, one after another, simply expecting him to respond willingly and at once to the aid without any kind of "buck threat" or "attitude." After three lovely departs, I immediately let him walk, gave him a pat and dismounted.
I always consider that his hocks may be bothering him, because he has had some soreness before and may even have some arthritis there, so the first canter depart may actually be a little uncomfortable for him. But if that's so, he certainly overcomes it quickly, and offers some nice quiet departs soon after.
With Chance, it's quite the opposite. He would much rather canter than trot with good, forward impulsion. So, I worked on trotting with him, concentrating on repeated figure eights with a nice change of bend in the middle. Unlike Tucker, he does not yet move laterally off my leg into the new outside rein on a change of rein, so I used the dressage whip to help reinforce that by just pushing it against his inside shoulder to help him understand how to respond to my leg.
He caught on pretty quickly and, while going from right to left was a bit harder for him, he did give me some nice changes of bend. More work needs doing, but it was a good start.
Ironically, his reward as some canter work. We did a bit on each lead and called it quits after about 20-25 minutes.
Once again, I am not asking for dynamic, on the bit, strong work from either Boy, so it's all about the basics which will allow me to shape and develop correct muscling and strength as their fitness and mine progress.
All in all, another good day in the saddle.
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Will Summer Ever Quit?
Or Stop Being Soggy?
Rain off and on these last few days--nothing like the torrential rains in Britain, however. (Sending my best for some sunshine over there!) But it really didn't matter too much on the riding front.
I decided not to ride on Thursday, mostly because my knees were sore, as was my back. I think I slept in a bad position.
Friday I decided to swim. I went to the pool for the lunchtime hours and nearly had the place to myself. When I came out to drive home, the temperature and humidity were quite uncomfortable. I was sorry I was wearing my terry hoodie set instead of one of the sleeveless dresses I often slip on after a swim.
On the way home, I stopped at Kohls. For those of you unfamiliar with this store, it is a large department store carrying all kinds of clothing and housewares such as bedding, bath, and kitchen items. The selection is huge, but better than that, their prices are wonderful, especially when they have sales.
Here was the deal this week. 15%, 20%, or 30% off all purchases with either a coupon from a flyer sent to my house, or a scratch off coupon in the store. Top that off by nearly everything in the store on markdown, and a $10 Kohl's cash reward to be spent at a later date for every $50 purchase.
There are plenty of brand name items in the store too, so these are not low quality products.
I went in looking for a new pair of jeans. I came out with several pairs of colored jeans, the ones I was looking for, and several really soft knit tops....and some Kohl's Cash so that I will have to go back next week to spend that. (They are SO clever with their marketing.)
I think I have only gone into that store once without making a purchase. Obviously, I am an easy mark for their tactics. *G* But they do carry a lot of really nice items exactly in my style and price range. Oh, yes, they also have racks of clearance items at up to 80% off. I once got a dress there for $8 that had originally been priced at $80. (Chaps) It's always worth a shuffled through the clearance racks if you want a real bargain. And, those percent off coupons work on the clearance items too.
It was still miserably warm when I got home, so once more I gave up on riding. I had swum for an hour, so I didn't need the exercise and it just didn't seem worth it to get both Chance and me all sweaty.
Scott is coming so shoe today, so Tucker will be back in action soon. Here's hoping summer finally breaks and we get some of that lovely fall weather that inspires me to ride. I still plan on swimming twice a week, so that leaves five days of saddle time to fill in.
Rain off and on these last few days--nothing like the torrential rains in Britain, however. (Sending my best for some sunshine over there!) But it really didn't matter too much on the riding front.
I decided not to ride on Thursday, mostly because my knees were sore, as was my back. I think I slept in a bad position.
Friday I decided to swim. I went to the pool for the lunchtime hours and nearly had the place to myself. When I came out to drive home, the temperature and humidity were quite uncomfortable. I was sorry I was wearing my terry hoodie set instead of one of the sleeveless dresses I often slip on after a swim.
On the way home, I stopped at Kohls. For those of you unfamiliar with this store, it is a large department store carrying all kinds of clothing and housewares such as bedding, bath, and kitchen items. The selection is huge, but better than that, their prices are wonderful, especially when they have sales.
Here was the deal this week. 15%, 20%, or 30% off all purchases with either a coupon from a flyer sent to my house, or a scratch off coupon in the store. Top that off by nearly everything in the store on markdown, and a $10 Kohl's cash reward to be spent at a later date for every $50 purchase.
There are plenty of brand name items in the store too, so these are not low quality products.
I went in looking for a new pair of jeans. I came out with several pairs of colored jeans, the ones I was looking for, and several really soft knit tops....and some Kohl's Cash so that I will have to go back next week to spend that. (They are SO clever with their marketing.)
I think I have only gone into that store once without making a purchase. Obviously, I am an easy mark for their tactics. *G* But they do carry a lot of really nice items exactly in my style and price range. Oh, yes, they also have racks of clearance items at up to 80% off. I once got a dress there for $8 that had originally been priced at $80. (Chaps) It's always worth a shuffled through the clearance racks if you want a real bargain. And, those percent off coupons work on the clearance items too.
It was still miserably warm when I got home, so once more I gave up on riding. I had swum for an hour, so I didn't need the exercise and it just didn't seem worth it to get both Chance and me all sweaty.
Scott is coming so shoe today, so Tucker will be back in action soon. Here's hoping summer finally breaks and we get some of that lovely fall weather that inspires me to ride. I still plan on swimming twice a week, so that leaves five days of saddle time to fill in.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
So Far, So Good
A Bit Warm Today
I went for my swim in the morning, concerned that if the predicted thunderstorms came through, the pool would close. Even though it is indoors, the pump equipment is outside so it runs the risk of lightning strikes which could then go through the rest of the water.
I'm pretty sure I did a couple more laps than my usual 20, but I did swim for about 50 minutes before calling it a day. I always feel so invigorated after a swim. I don't know if it's the exercise or the water, but I really do enjoy it. The trip to the college pool is about 15 miles and can be an annoying drive, but it's worth it.
It was warmer today, and just on the edge of being uncomfortable outside. So I figured I'd wait until early evening to ride.
That's one reason I stopped to do some grocery shopping on the way home to buy ingredients for some beef barley soup. The restaurant we often go to for lunch after church makes the most wonderful beef barley soup and I am determined to make a version of it so I don't have to keep buying some there for takeout. I'll try a version tomorrow to see how it goes. I was going to start it today, but discovered I needed some meat and ended up going to another supermarket in the afternoon.
By then, it was time to feed the Boys. About an hour later went out to ride Chance again. (Tucker is still shoeless.) It was better today. I was much quicker on correcting his tendency to stiffen through his back and lift his head. Although the frame was still pretty unsteady, it was much better.
I do have a bit of work to do on suppling him laterally. He tends to get himself well shaped on one rein and then almost "locked" into that bend so when I change rein through a circle, I have to make some fairly strong aids to get the bend changed through his body.
Again, much of this is typical of a green horse. I simply haven't schooled him a lot. As I've said before, he is such fun to ride out on the trails that we've spent more saddle time out in the woods and fields then in the schooling arena. It's fine, actually, but knowing myself as well as I do, I definitely need to bring up his level of training to something akin to first or second level dressage before I will be satisfied. Ohterwise, even on the trail, there will be moments when I will just not be happy with how he's going, and that can only lead to unpleasant results.
Once we are at second level, I can go most anywhere from there. The essentials will be in place and if, by chance, Chance happens to show a real talent for dressage, I may decide to show again. If not, I'm sure I will still play around with the upper level movements, just because it's fun to do that stuff.
Meanwhile, we'll work on a good solid foundation. As I said, so far, so good.
I went for my swim in the morning, concerned that if the predicted thunderstorms came through, the pool would close. Even though it is indoors, the pump equipment is outside so it runs the risk of lightning strikes which could then go through the rest of the water.
I'm pretty sure I did a couple more laps than my usual 20, but I did swim for about 50 minutes before calling it a day. I always feel so invigorated after a swim. I don't know if it's the exercise or the water, but I really do enjoy it. The trip to the college pool is about 15 miles and can be an annoying drive, but it's worth it.
It was warmer today, and just on the edge of being uncomfortable outside. So I figured I'd wait until early evening to ride.
That's one reason I stopped to do some grocery shopping on the way home to buy ingredients for some beef barley soup. The restaurant we often go to for lunch after church makes the most wonderful beef barley soup and I am determined to make a version of it so I don't have to keep buying some there for takeout. I'll try a version tomorrow to see how it goes. I was going to start it today, but discovered I needed some meat and ended up going to another supermarket in the afternoon.
By then, it was time to feed the Boys. About an hour later went out to ride Chance again. (Tucker is still shoeless.) It was better today. I was much quicker on correcting his tendency to stiffen through his back and lift his head. Although the frame was still pretty unsteady, it was much better.
I do have a bit of work to do on suppling him laterally. He tends to get himself well shaped on one rein and then almost "locked" into that bend so when I change rein through a circle, I have to make some fairly strong aids to get the bend changed through his body.
Again, much of this is typical of a green horse. I simply haven't schooled him a lot. As I've said before, he is such fun to ride out on the trails that we've spent more saddle time out in the woods and fields then in the schooling arena. It's fine, actually, but knowing myself as well as I do, I definitely need to bring up his level of training to something akin to first or second level dressage before I will be satisfied. Ohterwise, even on the trail, there will be moments when I will just not be happy with how he's going, and that can only lead to unpleasant results.
Once we are at second level, I can go most anywhere from there. The essentials will be in place and if, by chance, Chance happens to show a real talent for dressage, I may decide to show again. If not, I'm sure I will still play around with the upper level movements, just because it's fun to do that stuff.
Meanwhile, we'll work on a good solid foundation. As I said, so far, so good.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
At Least I Have a Chance
Or, At Most I Have a Chance
With Tucker's hoof wrapped in Gorilla Tape--seems to hold up, unlike duct tape--and Elastoplast to keep his sole protected and the walls from breaking down, I have the barefoot Chance as my prime riding horse.
Oh, yes, Shannon, Tucker wears bell boots all the time. Not sure they actually keep his shoes on better, but the idea is sound. *sigh*
Anyhow, back to the program. I saddled up Chance for a short workout, every mindful of the fact that he hasn't been ridden in at least a month. I have learned to carry the dressage whip with me mostly because he as several modes of motion, most of which are slow. Very slow. It is honestly amazing how he can practically canter in place with, by the way, really good rhythm. If I every do decide to do some dressage competing with him, I suspect collection will be the least of his problems.
Well, his trot started off rather enthusiastically, so I just let him move on, trying hard to ignore his tendency to bulge out noticeably as we passed the gate out to the woods. Though tempted, I decided to stick to the arena for the day, just working on the basics.
And what are the basics with Chance? He walks, trots, and canters correctly on both leads, and he steers with relative accuracy, so those basics are done. He walks with his head in a nice stretchy frame, and will actually transition from walk to trot without using his head for balance. But in between, mostly at the trot, he is unsteady about both his frame and his pace. However, all that being said, I must admit that each time I do ride him, the previous lessons do seem to stick. A very slight give and take on the outside rein is usually all it takes to get him back into a training level frame. But I do need to be quicker to fix his stiffening before it gets to that point.
I don't want to "play" the reins every stride, and I do want to reward his correct carriage by being soft, so I really need to focus on the exact moment I need to make a slight correction before things go so awry that the slight correction has to be "less than slight."
Much of it is his balance. He likes to "lead with his shoulder," particularly on the left rein. That seems to be his stronger side, with the right rein as his hollow side. That's why I often find my own seat slipping to the right when I ride him. He tends to "drop me into the well" he creates when his right hind doesn't track quite straight under his body, but slightly to the outside (left) in taking a weaker stride.
In his defense, that right hind is the one he has some problem with, so as we go along, I will be doing exercises to help him get stronger. For now, it's mostly my job to ride straight myself and keep asking him to try to do so as well.
The good news was that I really didn't feel much difference at the trot on either rein. That may be different today if his right hind is tired from the first ride, but again, it is something that in the past seems to work out as he gets fit.
His canter was lovely on both reins, with the right lead a little "softer." This may well be his biggest improvement over time as he used to really rush on the right lead.
After I finished the schooling session, I took him on a two minute ride through the front paddocks. He was very confused by this. I've never ridden him around his turnout area and he was just sure I simply could not mean to do such a silly thing. He stopped several times to question me, but behaved well otherwise. It's not even half an acre, so we are talking a mini mini mini hack here. *lol* It was just enough to cool him down after the ride and allow me to take him back into the barn at the front door.
Going to go for a swim today and, if the weather holds--storms predicted--I'll try to get another ride in as well.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Shoe---t!!
Shoulda Kept My Mouth Shut
I never should have told Tucker I was going to ride him today.
Last night he pulled his left front shoe.
I've wrapped his foot with Gorilla tape and Elastoplast for the time being. And, of course, I called my farrier.
It was just about time for trims and shoeing anyhow, but it would have been nice to get on for a bit. If the Cavello boot fits that foot...not sure...or one of the EasyBoots I have, I may try a little ride later anyhow. But the trouble there is that usually with only one boot on, Tuck's stride is really uneven.
However, we shall see. More later.
I never should have told Tucker I was going to ride him today.
Last night he pulled his left front shoe.
I've wrapped his foot with Gorilla tape and Elastoplast for the time being. And, of course, I called my farrier.
It was just about time for trims and shoeing anyhow, but it would have been nice to get on for a bit. If the Cavello boot fits that foot...not sure...or one of the EasyBoots I have, I may try a little ride later anyhow. But the trouble there is that usually with only one boot on, Tuck's stride is really uneven.
However, we shall see. More later.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Arena Nearly Ready
And I Lunge the Boys
I worked on the arena, the pasture and the paddocks yesterday. The weeds have taken over in a number of places, so I gassed up the lawn tractor and headed out to so some mowing.
While I mowed the "horse areas" the Boys mowed the back yard for me. It makes it a lot easier to work in the paddocks when they are otherwise occupied, so I let the out in the yard to nibble the grass. They were quite pleased and I was able to get a lot of work done.
I had to actually mow the riding arena as well. Grass has grown up in the several inches of sand, and along the edges some pretty determined weeds have taken hold. It was not a perfect mowing job, but if I continue to use the arena drag, especially after it rains, I will get most of the errant grass pulled up. The weeds along the fence still need trimming, but I might just surrender to them until I get around to trying to put the fence back together in all the places the Boys have knocked it down playing "horse volleyball."
I also mowed several large patches of weeds in the pasture . It really should be done with bush hog to get things really cleaned up, but until I have some extra money to pay someone, it will have to do as it. It does look a lot better, and the Boys seemed pleased as I saw them grazing in some of the newly mown areas today.
The weather seems to have broken for the moment, so after I fed the Boys dinner, I waited about an hour and then went out to lunge Tucker and Chance.
Tucker looked good. I was a little concerned about his left front where he'd lost the shoe last week. Scott had to trim him really short to get a shoe back on, but he looked just fine, with an even gait at the trot. All went well until I put him on the right rein and asked for canter. He exploded into one of his typical Tucker Bucks and bolted off, powerfully enough that I had to let go of the lunge line. Off he went in a mad gallop with the line trailing behind. This time, though, I had a "magic weapon" in my possession-horse treat in a very crinkly plastic wrap. One "crinkle" was all it took, and Tucker was back at my side so I could catch him.
Proof you don't need a clicker to get instant obedience! *lol*
I finished with him along with another bucking depart I manage to control, and then put the halter and lunge line on Chance.
Once again, he was fine on the right rein, but when I trotted him on the left, he was giving a short stride on his right hind leg. This is a chronic problem with him which does get better when he is more fit. We suspect it just might be a weak stifle. I urged him into a canter, which he took easily, and after a good number of times around, brought him back down to the trot. This time, his gait was even and forward.
When I ride him, if I feel that unevenness, I will do a bit of canter on the left lead to see if that improves the trot. I might be just a muscle issue that needs to be warmed up. Either way, I can only do what my vet recommended when we first noticed the issue. I will just have to get him fit and hope for the best.
So, lovely weather continuing, I will ride tomorrow. Nothing big, but at least I'll be in the saddle.
Hope Tucker behaves himself. *G* (I will carry a pocketful of treats.....)
I worked on the arena, the pasture and the paddocks yesterday. The weeds have taken over in a number of places, so I gassed up the lawn tractor and headed out to so some mowing.
While I mowed the "horse areas" the Boys mowed the back yard for me. It makes it a lot easier to work in the paddocks when they are otherwise occupied, so I let the out in the yard to nibble the grass. They were quite pleased and I was able to get a lot of work done.
I had to actually mow the riding arena as well. Grass has grown up in the several inches of sand, and along the edges some pretty determined weeds have taken hold. It was not a perfect mowing job, but if I continue to use the arena drag, especially after it rains, I will get most of the errant grass pulled up. The weeds along the fence still need trimming, but I might just surrender to them until I get around to trying to put the fence back together in all the places the Boys have knocked it down playing "horse volleyball."
I also mowed several large patches of weeds in the pasture . It really should be done with bush hog to get things really cleaned up, but until I have some extra money to pay someone, it will have to do as it. It does look a lot better, and the Boys seemed pleased as I saw them grazing in some of the newly mown areas today.
The weather seems to have broken for the moment, so after I fed the Boys dinner, I waited about an hour and then went out to lunge Tucker and Chance.
Tucker looked good. I was a little concerned about his left front where he'd lost the shoe last week. Scott had to trim him really short to get a shoe back on, but he looked just fine, with an even gait at the trot. All went well until I put him on the right rein and asked for canter. He exploded into one of his typical Tucker Bucks and bolted off, powerfully enough that I had to let go of the lunge line. Off he went in a mad gallop with the line trailing behind. This time, though, I had a "magic weapon" in my possession-horse treat in a very crinkly plastic wrap. One "crinkle" was all it took, and Tucker was back at my side so I could catch him.
Proof you don't need a clicker to get instant obedience! *lol*
I finished with him along with another bucking depart I manage to control, and then put the halter and lunge line on Chance.
Once again, he was fine on the right rein, but when I trotted him on the left, he was giving a short stride on his right hind leg. This is a chronic problem with him which does get better when he is more fit. We suspect it just might be a weak stifle. I urged him into a canter, which he took easily, and after a good number of times around, brought him back down to the trot. This time, his gait was even and forward.
When I ride him, if I feel that unevenness, I will do a bit of canter on the left lead to see if that improves the trot. I might be just a muscle issue that needs to be warmed up. Either way, I can only do what my vet recommended when we first noticed the issue. I will just have to get him fit and hope for the best.
So, lovely weather continuing, I will ride tomorrow. Nothing big, but at least I'll be in the saddle.
Hope Tucker behaves himself. *G* (I will carry a pocketful of treats.....)
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Still Sweating
You'd Think I'd Be In Better Shape
While fall is in the air, summer's heat seems to have decided to stay around a while. It's not as hot as it has been--in the 80's F instead of the 90's, but it was decidedly more humid today than I expected.
I dressed in my breeches thinking I might take a bit of a ride after doing some barn chores. The chores consisted of cleaning under the west run in roof and poo picking the riding arena...again.
Five wheelbarrow loads later, I was soaking in sweat. And, to my surprise, rather worn out. The surprise comes from the fact that I had been swimming all summer for at least 45 minutes a day. And over the last two weeks, I have been swimming twice a week, again for 45-50 minutes, including five lengths of butterfly.
You'd think my stamina would be a lot better. But, then again, when I swim, I am not hot. And, while I use my muscles. it's not exactly weight lifting the way poo picking and wheelbarrowing are.
Towards and end of my work, The Boys came to "assist." For Tucker, that meant standing right where I needed to use the pitchfork and then dropping a new load of manure not too far off--I guess so I didn't have to walk any distance to clean it up. For Chance, it meant first moving into place for a quick cuddle and then trying to push the wheelbarrow by one handle. Luckily, I asked him to stop helping a second before the whole thing toppled over so I didn't have to clean everything up all over again.
There was a fair breeze and when the sun disappeared behind some clouds now and then, it felt pretty nice out there. I think, that after I feed later on, I will go back out and at least lunge the two non-retired boys. But that does not mean I will not give Toby a carrot too. Not exactly proper for a horse with Cushings, but I can't see depriving him of all the joys of life.
I hope the predicted cool front comes in soon. I really do want to ride, but it's still uncomfortable out there and the flies are really annoying.
First day of Fall on the calendar, but Summer still lingers.
While fall is in the air, summer's heat seems to have decided to stay around a while. It's not as hot as it has been--in the 80's F instead of the 90's, but it was decidedly more humid today than I expected.
I dressed in my breeches thinking I might take a bit of a ride after doing some barn chores. The chores consisted of cleaning under the west run in roof and poo picking the riding arena...again.
Five wheelbarrow loads later, I was soaking in sweat. And, to my surprise, rather worn out. The surprise comes from the fact that I had been swimming all summer for at least 45 minutes a day. And over the last two weeks, I have been swimming twice a week, again for 45-50 minutes, including five lengths of butterfly.
You'd think my stamina would be a lot better. But, then again, when I swim, I am not hot. And, while I use my muscles. it's not exactly weight lifting the way poo picking and wheelbarrowing are.
Towards and end of my work, The Boys came to "assist." For Tucker, that meant standing right where I needed to use the pitchfork and then dropping a new load of manure not too far off--I guess so I didn't have to walk any distance to clean it up. For Chance, it meant first moving into place for a quick cuddle and then trying to push the wheelbarrow by one handle. Luckily, I asked him to stop helping a second before the whole thing toppled over so I didn't have to clean everything up all over again.
There was a fair breeze and when the sun disappeared behind some clouds now and then, it felt pretty nice out there. I think, that after I feed later on, I will go back out and at least lunge the two non-retired boys. But that does not mean I will not give Toby a carrot too. Not exactly proper for a horse with Cushings, but I can't see depriving him of all the joys of life.
I hope the predicted cool front comes in soon. I really do want to ride, but it's still uncomfortable out there and the flies are really annoying.
First day of Fall on the calendar, but Summer still lingers.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
The Season Changes
Is It For Real?
Suddenly, with a wave of thunderstorms, a cool front rushed in.
The last three days have been beautiful! Now all I need to do is rekindle my energy for riding and saddle up the Boys for some exercise.
I made the first move Sunday by picking the riding arena, but I still need to mow in there and drag before I get serious about it. And, before I do that, I need to go the the gas station to get some fuel for the mower and the Kubota tractor. Before I do that, I need to clean up the gas containers.
Notice how one goal seems to depend on another in a stream of complications?
Ah, well, as they say, "I'll get around to it."
However, I have been swimming twice now since the pool closed. I headed off to the college campus once last week and once so far this week to hit the pool. Swimming indoors is not quite as nice as swimming outside--feel the same way about riding--but it is a wonderful option for me. I'm not sure how I will feel about it as the colder weather creeps in as it's a fair walk from the parking lot to the gymnasium, but I have vowed to swim at least twice a week.
I already have a substitute teaching job for next week, so I will be there one day and I have one more day to drive over this week. It's about 15 miles to the college from here and not the nicest drive in the world as I have to spend at least some time on US Highway #1. It's a busy road and when there is some kind of traffic jam it can become a parking lot. I do have a couple choices to avoid US #130--the fastest route when all is moving well--so when I get bored with traffic lights and trucks I can cut off through the countryside for a break. I calculated the mileage of going to the pool there twice a week and it pretty much matches going to Crystal Springs seven days a week in the summer, so my fuel consumption is pretty much a wash. If I substitute more often, then I will swim more often as well.
Meantime, I need to ride. I think even Tucker is looking for something to entertain himself, and certainly, indulging my whims when I am on his back--or not indulging my whims when I am on his back--would certainly be an entertaining diversion for him. Chance and I will need to get out on the trail, provided some of the flies decide the chilly air is not to their liking.
But, I really need to get some of that mowing done...and the run in shed cleaned out...and the fence fixed...and some weed whacking finished....and.....
Complications.....
Suddenly, with a wave of thunderstorms, a cool front rushed in.
The last three days have been beautiful! Now all I need to do is rekindle my energy for riding and saddle up the Boys for some exercise.
I made the first move Sunday by picking the riding arena, but I still need to mow in there and drag before I get serious about it. And, before I do that, I need to go the the gas station to get some fuel for the mower and the Kubota tractor. Before I do that, I need to clean up the gas containers.
Notice how one goal seems to depend on another in a stream of complications?
Ah, well, as they say, "I'll get around to it."
However, I have been swimming twice now since the pool closed. I headed off to the college campus once last week and once so far this week to hit the pool. Swimming indoors is not quite as nice as swimming outside--feel the same way about riding--but it is a wonderful option for me. I'm not sure how I will feel about it as the colder weather creeps in as it's a fair walk from the parking lot to the gymnasium, but I have vowed to swim at least twice a week.
I already have a substitute teaching job for next week, so I will be there one day and I have one more day to drive over this week. It's about 15 miles to the college from here and not the nicest drive in the world as I have to spend at least some time on US Highway #1. It's a busy road and when there is some kind of traffic jam it can become a parking lot. I do have a couple choices to avoid US #130--the fastest route when all is moving well--so when I get bored with traffic lights and trucks I can cut off through the countryside for a break. I calculated the mileage of going to the pool there twice a week and it pretty much matches going to Crystal Springs seven days a week in the summer, so my fuel consumption is pretty much a wash. If I substitute more often, then I will swim more often as well.
Meantime, I need to ride. I think even Tucker is looking for something to entertain himself, and certainly, indulging my whims when I am on his back--or not indulging my whims when I am on his back--would certainly be an entertaining diversion for him. Chance and I will need to get out on the trail, provided some of the flies decide the chilly air is not to their liking.
But, I really need to get some of that mowing done...and the run in shed cleaned out...and the fence fixed...and some weed whacking finished....and.....
Complications.....
Monday, September 03, 2012
End of Swimming Season
Take A Tour of My Pool Complex
Today, Labor Day, was the last day the pool was open. I've spent nearly every day this summer swimming there.
I dropped by with my camera and took some pictures to share with you all. Guess this will have to hold me until next season.
Today, Labor Day, was the last day the pool was open. I've spent nearly every day this summer swimming there.
I dropped by with my camera and took some pictures to share with you all. Guess this will have to hold me until next season.
Entrance with prices, if you can read them. Not cheap at the daily rate. I have a season membership.
Here is the entrance.
The kiddie pool.
Sapphire Bay, the family pool.
The wading pool for kids.
Several views of the Lazy River.
The water slides.
The lap pool where I swim.
The picnic area.
On the way out, office and plaque.
Interior, shower and changing room.
Cute mermaid on the wall.
Part of the parking lot.
I'm going to miss my daily swim, but I figure I will go to the indoor pool at the college where I substitute to swim at least twice week during the off-season. It's a bit of a drive compared to this pool--about 3 miles away by road, only a mile or so "as the crow flies." but twice a week at 15 miles one way is about the same as going to my "summer pool" every day.
Labor Day, the end of summer here in the USA. Sad to say good bye to the water.
Friday, August 31, 2012
The Political Horse
How Horses Affect My Vote
Well, sort of. In this case, let me warn you, I am going to be making a very political post here, so if you aren't interested, don't keep reading.
First, let me tell you, I am politically biased. I am a Democrat and rather liberal, so there is a definite slant to what I say.
But, in the interest of fairness, I did watch a good part of the Republican National Convention, where--for my non-US friends--Mitt Romney was nominated to run for the office of President of the United States. Mr. Romney has already made his less than impressive mark in Great Britain where he criticized the Olympics, so some of you may know of him.
Here in the USA, he has gained a reputation for being a kind of "wooden" figure with little human personality. He made his acceptance speech last night, and did his best to present himself as a warm, compassionate person. To a large extent he succeeded.
However....I am forced to question his sincerity mostly because of, get this....HORSES!
Ironically, the Olympics also figure into this.
As you may well know, Mitt Romney and his wife Ann, own the Olympic dressage horse, Rafalca. The mare competed in the 2012 Olympics under rider Jan Ebling and while she did not medal, they put in quite a solid, nice performance.
Regardless of what I think of Mr. Romney, I was quite excited and pleased about Rafalca, and was proud to know dressage had moved into the national spotlight because of its connection to the Presidential race.
Too bad Mr. Romney didn't feel that way too. In fact, the horse became quite a sore issue in the campaign. Many newscasters mocked out the Romney's for their "expensive, elite" lifestyle filled with dancing horses--"horse ballet." OK, well enough. Add to it the $177,000 income tax deduction the Romney's took for the cost of their horses, and I suppose some of that criticism was valid. But, I didn't mind all of that too much. I was happy the Romney's had horses and happier still with their dressage connection and felt it did make them more "human."
Until...the crucial moments. The week of the Olympics arrived and Mr. Romney was questioned about Rafalca's Olypmic debut. What did he say? In an interview with NBC news, here was his take:
What?! Mr. Romney brags about his saving the Salt Lake Olympics from bankruptcy, suggesting a strong commitment to the Olympic games, and he doesn't even know when his own horse will compete? Worse, he claims it's his wife's horse and he doesn't even have enough interest to support her passion?
My take. The political heat was too much for Mr. Romney. He simply did not have the courage to stand up to negative press and say, "This is a once in a lifetime experience for my wife and our family. I am proud of our horse and Jan Ebling, and delighted to be a part of representing the United States in the Olympic games."
Nope, instead, he ran away from the whole scene.
OK, political expediency perhaps excuses his behavior, but then, last night in his acceptance speech, he lauded his father for standing by his mother's side during her run for office by saying:
Well, sort of. In this case, let me warn you, I am going to be making a very political post here, so if you aren't interested, don't keep reading.
First, let me tell you, I am politically biased. I am a Democrat and rather liberal, so there is a definite slant to what I say.
But, in the interest of fairness, I did watch a good part of the Republican National Convention, where--for my non-US friends--Mitt Romney was nominated to run for the office of President of the United States. Mr. Romney has already made his less than impressive mark in Great Britain where he criticized the Olympics, so some of you may know of him.
Here in the USA, he has gained a reputation for being a kind of "wooden" figure with little human personality. He made his acceptance speech last night, and did his best to present himself as a warm, compassionate person. To a large extent he succeeded.
However....I am forced to question his sincerity mostly because of, get this....HORSES!
Ironically, the Olympics also figure into this.
As you may well know, Mitt Romney and his wife Ann, own the Olympic dressage horse, Rafalca. The mare competed in the 2012 Olympics under rider Jan Ebling and while she did not medal, they put in quite a solid, nice performance.
Regardless of what I think of Mr. Romney, I was quite excited and pleased about Rafalca, and was proud to know dressage had moved into the national spotlight because of its connection to the Presidential race.
Too bad Mr. Romney didn't feel that way too. In fact, the horse became quite a sore issue in the campaign. Many newscasters mocked out the Romney's for their "expensive, elite" lifestyle filled with dancing horses--"horse ballet." OK, well enough. Add to it the $177,000 income tax deduction the Romney's took for the cost of their horses, and I suppose some of that criticism was valid. But, I didn't mind all of that too much. I was happy the Romney's had horses and happier still with their dressage connection and felt it did make them more "human."
Until...the crucial moments. The week of the Olympics arrived and Mr. Romney was questioned about Rafalca's Olypmic debut. What did he say? In an interview with NBC news, here was his take:
"I have to tell you. This is Ann’s sport. I’m
not even sure which day the sport goes on. She will get the chance to see it, I
will not be watching the event. I hope her horse does well."
What?! Mr. Romney brags about his saving the Salt Lake Olympics from bankruptcy, suggesting a strong commitment to the Olympic games, and he doesn't even know when his own horse will compete? Worse, he claims it's his wife's horse and he doesn't even have enough interest to support her passion?
My take. The political heat was too much for Mr. Romney. He simply did not have the courage to stand up to negative press and say, "This is a once in a lifetime experience for my wife and our family. I am proud of our horse and Jan Ebling, and delighted to be a part of representing the United States in the Olympic games."
Nope, instead, he ran away from the whole scene.
OK, political expediency perhaps excuses his behavior, but then, last night in his acceptance speech, he lauded his father for standing by his mother's side during her run for office by saying:
"When my mom ran for the Senate, my dad was there for her every
step of the way. I can still hear her saying in her beautiful voice, 'Why
should women have any less say than men, about the great decisions facing our
nation?"
He admired his father for that, yet somehow, he could not emulate his own hero. Further, in the film introducing him to the convention, he said of his wife:
"He
recalls telling her that he would be a happy man 'as long as I’ve got my soul
mate with me.' "
Read more: http://swampland.time.com/2012/08/31/what-you-missed-while-not-watching-the-last-night-of-the-republican-convention/#ixzz258OhREHT
Read more: http://swampland.time.com/2012/08/31/what-you-missed-while-not-watching-the-last-night-of-the-republican-convention/#ixzz258OhREHT
Well, he certainly didn't think enough of his "soul mate" to bother being at her side during one of the most exciting and important events of her equestrian life.
"Hypocrisy" comes to mind and sticks there.
And that's a prime reason I will not vote for Mr. Romney.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Mustang Under Saddle
Rosie Grows Up!
My friend, Stacie, bought a mustang mare from the Rutgers University young horse auction two years ago. At that time, Rosie was 2 years old and had just been groundworked.
Students in the program do all the horse care and basic training, as well as monitoring the feeding and general health care of the horses. In the last few years, they have added American Mustangs to their program. At the end of the school year--in the Spring--they auction the horses off to the general public.
Stacie sent Rosie to a trainer for a month and now has her back home. Aside from a gallop off or two, Rosie has been a star pupil. Personally, I think she is adorable.
Here's a picture of Stacie riding her a week ago or so:
Looks like the start of a great partnership.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Surrender
To All of Nature's Quirks
I have not been riding, in case you haven't noticed. Even on the days when I could, I don't. The prospect of facing the B52's, mosquitoes, and other flying attack pests just overwhelms me. To put the bug armor on when I saddle up takes perhaps another ten minutes of tack up time. Because the horses are not fit, I would only be riding for perhaps twenty minutes. Doing all the extra prep work therefore, takes up about the same amount of time I'd spend in the saddle. Hardly a bargain.
Meanwhile, Tucker's flysheet is now fastened on with two double end snaps and baling twine loops threaded through the broken surcingles. The sheet is not torn, but the surcingle buckles are missing. What in the world has he been doing to break both surcingles while not doing any damage to the sheet itself? I've never quite seen anything like it.
On a sad note, my friend Stacie, had to put her horse Lucky down yesterday. Lucky was a lovely, large 13 year old warmblood she had raised from a yearling. She competed him very successfully through first level dressage before he developed a chronic lameness in his front end.
I think I posted about this years ago, when Lucky underwent surgery to clean up some necrotic bone in his front ankle. Despite super care and Stacie's devotion, he never did become sound enough to ride again, so Stacie retired him to her farm where she has loved and cared for him for many years since the surgery.
Unfortunately, over the last year or so, Lucky had become more and more unstable in his hind end due to some kind of neurological issues. Yesterday morning, he went down and was not able to get back up despite all of Stacie's efforts, efforts her friends and neighbors, and the help of her veterinarian. It was hopeless and the only answer was to humanely euthanize him.
Regardless of the circumstances, losing a horse that has been a loving, willing companion for so long is always a heartbreaking experience. While we all know there was no other option, my heart is still breaking for her.
I'm sure Lucky is now off galloping the green pastures of heaven with all the other beloved horses lost and mourned by those of us left here.
RIP Lucky Luciano. Your life was a gift to all who knew you. Run free.
I have not been riding, in case you haven't noticed. Even on the days when I could, I don't. The prospect of facing the B52's, mosquitoes, and other flying attack pests just overwhelms me. To put the bug armor on when I saddle up takes perhaps another ten minutes of tack up time. Because the horses are not fit, I would only be riding for perhaps twenty minutes. Doing all the extra prep work therefore, takes up about the same amount of time I'd spend in the saddle. Hardly a bargain.
Meanwhile, Tucker's flysheet is now fastened on with two double end snaps and baling twine loops threaded through the broken surcingles. The sheet is not torn, but the surcingle buckles are missing. What in the world has he been doing to break both surcingles while not doing any damage to the sheet itself? I've never quite seen anything like it.
On a sad note, my friend Stacie, had to put her horse Lucky down yesterday. Lucky was a lovely, large 13 year old warmblood she had raised from a yearling. She competed him very successfully through first level dressage before he developed a chronic lameness in his front end.
I think I posted about this years ago, when Lucky underwent surgery to clean up some necrotic bone in his front ankle. Despite super care and Stacie's devotion, he never did become sound enough to ride again, so Stacie retired him to her farm where she has loved and cared for him for many years since the surgery.
Unfortunately, over the last year or so, Lucky had become more and more unstable in his hind end due to some kind of neurological issues. Yesterday morning, he went down and was not able to get back up despite all of Stacie's efforts, efforts her friends and neighbors, and the help of her veterinarian. It was hopeless and the only answer was to humanely euthanize him.
Regardless of the circumstances, losing a horse that has been a loving, willing companion for so long is always a heartbreaking experience. While we all know there was no other option, my heart is still breaking for her.
I'm sure Lucky is now off galloping the green pastures of heaven with all the other beloved horses lost and mourned by those of us left here.
RIP Lucky Luciano. Your life was a gift to all who knew you. Run free.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Finally a Dry Day
But Still Hot
We are supposed to have a cold front eventually, but so far, the heat is still on.
But the humidity has dropped a little and for once, I don't think there are any thunderstorms in the forecast. So we have at least one day's reprieve until the unsettled weather returns for the weekend.
The upside is that here in my part of New Jersey, the crops are growing well. Tomatoes, corn, and all kinds of veggies are plentiful, and the field crops seem to be thriving. I don't know how the hay crop is doing, though, as the frequent showers might be making it hard for farmers to dry and bale.
Also good for me is that with rain, the aquifer replenishes and I don't worry as much about my well drying up so that I have no water. We have had years of rationing in the past, but not this year--so far.
The swimming pool closed down on Tuesday due to storms. Yesterday, I drove by around 3 PM or so and it was closed again. But then, I called and found out if I had been 10 minutes later, they would have been open again. I quick changed into my suit and drove back over to get in my swim of a bit over 30 minutes, and even managed a couple rounds on the Lazy River. I showered, headed home and within another 15 minutes or so, thunder began to rumble again, so I suspect they closed down again.
I really do get addicted to swimming nearly every day, so the pool's closing is really frustrating.
Needless to say, with the heat and the bugs, I haven't been riding. It would have been cool enough this morning, but I overslept and by the time I got out to the barn, the sun was already filling the arena, beckoning the B52's. No fun there.
I certainly hope that when autumn rolls in I will get back into the habit of riding regularly again. My knees still are not fully recovered from the surgery, but riding doesn't seem to cause too many more issues than either swimming or riding the exercise bike.
When I was younger, the summer heat did not stop me like it does now.
I guess I'm suffering from a little bit of age and motivation at the same time. *sigh*
We are supposed to have a cold front eventually, but so far, the heat is still on.
But the humidity has dropped a little and for once, I don't think there are any thunderstorms in the forecast. So we have at least one day's reprieve until the unsettled weather returns for the weekend.
The upside is that here in my part of New Jersey, the crops are growing well. Tomatoes, corn, and all kinds of veggies are plentiful, and the field crops seem to be thriving. I don't know how the hay crop is doing, though, as the frequent showers might be making it hard for farmers to dry and bale.
Also good for me is that with rain, the aquifer replenishes and I don't worry as much about my well drying up so that I have no water. We have had years of rationing in the past, but not this year--so far.
The swimming pool closed down on Tuesday due to storms. Yesterday, I drove by around 3 PM or so and it was closed again. But then, I called and found out if I had been 10 minutes later, they would have been open again. I quick changed into my suit and drove back over to get in my swim of a bit over 30 minutes, and even managed a couple rounds on the Lazy River. I showered, headed home and within another 15 minutes or so, thunder began to rumble again, so I suspect they closed down again.
I really do get addicted to swimming nearly every day, so the pool's closing is really frustrating.
Needless to say, with the heat and the bugs, I haven't been riding. It would have been cool enough this morning, but I overslept and by the time I got out to the barn, the sun was already filling the arena, beckoning the B52's. No fun there.
I certainly hope that when autumn rolls in I will get back into the habit of riding regularly again. My knees still are not fully recovered from the surgery, but riding doesn't seem to cause too many more issues than either swimming or riding the exercise bike.
When I was younger, the summer heat did not stop me like it does now.
I guess I'm suffering from a little bit of age and motivation at the same time. *sigh*
Monday, August 13, 2012
While the Grass Grows
I Mow Again
The grass keeps growing this summer despite periods of really hot days. The intermittent thunderstorms are just enough to perk up the crabgrass and weeds, of course.
So I had to mow the lawn again.
And the Boys are spending time actually grazing in the riding arena. The surface may be sand, but around here nature uses any opportunity at all to take root. Since I haven't been riding, the grass has taken hold. I'm sure it will pull up as winter approaches and I drag the arena more. But, oh, my goodness, in the meantime, it's pretty green out there.
And the bushes and other weeds have really taken over along the fenceline. I honestly cannot keep up with it as I have neither the energy or the strength to deal with the growth.
Then too, of course, most of the days recently have been really hot and that puts me off completely. When I was younger, I could bear up in the heat. No more.
I also have to do some bush trimming along the driveway where the lilacs and maple saplings seem to be trying to take over. I guess I will have to do a little at a time until I get things under control.
Were I in a better financial state, I would hire a yard company to deal with some of this stuff, but my budget it too tight at the moment. Things may ease up, eventually, but it's not to be so right now.
It is kind of fascinating. Behind my riding arena used to be a farm field that my grandmother used to plant. When she stopped farming, she leased the land to a local farmer. You'd never know it to look at it today. It is a total forest.
My grandmother's house has been torn down and her property--now part of the State Park--is also virtually total forest as well. It hasn't been dozens of years either.
Around here, you have to beat back the forest if you want to keep some open space.
Nature insists on having its way. It's a blessing and a curse.
The grass keeps growing this summer despite periods of really hot days. The intermittent thunderstorms are just enough to perk up the crabgrass and weeds, of course.
So I had to mow the lawn again.
And the Boys are spending time actually grazing in the riding arena. The surface may be sand, but around here nature uses any opportunity at all to take root. Since I haven't been riding, the grass has taken hold. I'm sure it will pull up as winter approaches and I drag the arena more. But, oh, my goodness, in the meantime, it's pretty green out there.
And the bushes and other weeds have really taken over along the fenceline. I honestly cannot keep up with it as I have neither the energy or the strength to deal with the growth.
Then too, of course, most of the days recently have been really hot and that puts me off completely. When I was younger, I could bear up in the heat. No more.
I also have to do some bush trimming along the driveway where the lilacs and maple saplings seem to be trying to take over. I guess I will have to do a little at a time until I get things under control.
Were I in a better financial state, I would hire a yard company to deal with some of this stuff, but my budget it too tight at the moment. Things may ease up, eventually, but it's not to be so right now.
It is kind of fascinating. Behind my riding arena used to be a farm field that my grandmother used to plant. When she stopped farming, she leased the land to a local farmer. You'd never know it to look at it today. It is a total forest.
My grandmother's house has been torn down and her property--now part of the State Park--is also virtually total forest as well. It hasn't been dozens of years either.
Around here, you have to beat back the forest if you want to keep some open space.
Nature insists on having its way. It's a blessing and a curse.
Thursday, August 09, 2012
Olympic Disappointment With a Huge Grin
A Grin Mitigated with a Frown
First, hats off to Steffen Peters for pulling out all the stops in a extremely difficult and well ridden kur. He said in an interview, that Ravel seemed "distracted " today, hence the uncharacteristic mistakes in the test, but there is no doubt it was still a tremendous performance. I certainly wish he had scored higher--I think in his case some of the scores were lower then deserved--but it was a masterful effort.
Ravel will probably retire now and as a gelding, live a happy life, I hope. There is no hint that his owners intend to sell him, so that's good.
Disappointment was overcome by the incredible rides of the British dressage riders! Wow! Charlotte Dujardin's ride brought tears to my eyes, and a worried shudder at one small mistake at the end. But for once, fate and the judges chose wisely and she won the gold medal with an incredible 90.089%! (Gee, she would have beaten Tucker!!)
The best part was watching how correct her horse, Valegro, was. He was ever so slightly in front of the vertical in all the extensions and in the piaffe as well, carrying himself in beautiful natural balance without being cranked into the bridle. He was round, engaged, willing an just beautifully ridden.
The worst part was, again, Adelinde Cornelisson's 88+% ride on Parzival. Once again her horse was tight and
"closed" in the neck, opening his mouth against the bit. Despite the restricted frame, he was able to move well enough and execute the exercises, but it was far, in my mind, from the grace and beauty dressage should present. Parzival is an amazine horse to be able to extend his gaits while his neck and frame never lengthen to match his stride.
I was watching the tests with my friend on the phone--she is a dressage rider as well--and after Adelinde's test was over, she was sure it must have scored out of the medals. I warned her, "Just watch. She's going to have high score of the day."
My friend replied, "No way, that was horrible." And then, when the score was announced, she said it again, "NO WAY!"
At that point, both of us were cheering Charlotte on with a vengeance.
Once again, the good guys won. I hope against hope that the British victory might begin a new era of dressage where truly correct training and performance once again wins the day over horses forced into submission by the evils of rollkur.
Here are the FEI guideline pictures:
These exercises are acceptable for ten minute intervals. How does this picture from the Olympics compare?
NOT!
First, hats off to Steffen Peters for pulling out all the stops in a extremely difficult and well ridden kur. He said in an interview, that Ravel seemed "distracted " today, hence the uncharacteristic mistakes in the test, but there is no doubt it was still a tremendous performance. I certainly wish he had scored higher--I think in his case some of the scores were lower then deserved--but it was a masterful effort.
Ravel will probably retire now and as a gelding, live a happy life, I hope. There is no hint that his owners intend to sell him, so that's good.
Disappointment was overcome by the incredible rides of the British dressage riders! Wow! Charlotte Dujardin's ride brought tears to my eyes, and a worried shudder at one small mistake at the end. But for once, fate and the judges chose wisely and she won the gold medal with an incredible 90.089%! (Gee, she would have beaten Tucker!!)
The best part was watching how correct her horse, Valegro, was. He was ever so slightly in front of the vertical in all the extensions and in the piaffe as well, carrying himself in beautiful natural balance without being cranked into the bridle. He was round, engaged, willing an just beautifully ridden.
The worst part was, again, Adelinde Cornelisson's 88+% ride on Parzival. Once again her horse was tight and
"closed" in the neck, opening his mouth against the bit. Despite the restricted frame, he was able to move well enough and execute the exercises, but it was far, in my mind, from the grace and beauty dressage should present. Parzival is an amazine horse to be able to extend his gaits while his neck and frame never lengthen to match his stride.
I was watching the tests with my friend on the phone--she is a dressage rider as well--and after Adelinde's test was over, she was sure it must have scored out of the medals. I warned her, "Just watch. She's going to have high score of the day."
My friend replied, "No way, that was horrible." And then, when the score was announced, she said it again, "NO WAY!"
At that point, both of us were cheering Charlotte on with a vengeance.
Once again, the good guys won. I hope against hope that the British victory might begin a new era of dressage where truly correct training and performance once again wins the day over horses forced into submission by the evils of rollkur.
Here are the FEI guideline pictures:
Tuesday, August 07, 2012
And Tucker Earns a 90%
While The B52 Aborts Chance's Score
Every time the Olympics come around, I love to pretend I am riding there, scoring way above everyone else in a Grand Prix test. Today was no exception.
I was out in the arena during the lunch break in London--something like 8 AM or so here. It was the first truly cool and not too humid morning in weeks. My arena was still in shade and it was quite pleasant riding.
I rode Tucker first. After a short warmup--neither he nor I am exactly fit for a long schooling session--we performed Olympic First Level Special Test Number Whatever. The Boy was a star. Leg yields were fine as was all the rest of the trot work. We were heading for a 98% score when I asked for the right lead canter depart and Tucker laid back his ears and simply refused. I didn't have my whip, so I slapped him on the should with the rein, at which point he half reared, and then lifted himself into the canter.
Ooops....no good score on that one. He is very opinionated and does not like to be corrected. I'm not sure why the canter is still and issue, but since we weren't in a real frame and he probably wasn't exactly prepared by me to canter, I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. His indignation at being slapped was obvious, but it did make the point and he was fine for the rest of the ride. Obviously, his score suffered from the disobedience, but the rest of the test was so perfect, he earned a high score of 90%--good enough, I'm sure, for the gold medal.
Chance was next and after another short warmup, we started to ride Olympic Training Level Special Test Number Somrthingorother/ We made it through most of the trot work when competition was disrupted by the arrival of one rather determined B52 Bomber Fly.
Because it had been so cool and lovely, I had not dressed Chance in the protective bug armor, but just used some Mosquitp Halt fly spray. Apparently, despite it's rather noxious odor, the spray does not deter B52's. Now, Chance has never bucked with me, but he was certainly getting fussy and really distracted by the evil bug's attack.
Discretion was once again the better part of valor, so I called it quits, dismounted and got Chance and me back into the barn as quickly as possible.
Competition aborted. But the rest of the ride was lovely with nice trot and canter, so I suspect he might have earned that elusive 98% if we'd been allowed to continue.
Better luck next time....as soon as the next lovely day arrives.
Every time the Olympics come around, I love to pretend I am riding there, scoring way above everyone else in a Grand Prix test. Today was no exception.
I was out in the arena during the lunch break in London--something like 8 AM or so here. It was the first truly cool and not too humid morning in weeks. My arena was still in shade and it was quite pleasant riding.
I rode Tucker first. After a short warmup--neither he nor I am exactly fit for a long schooling session--we performed Olympic First Level Special Test Number Whatever. The Boy was a star. Leg yields were fine as was all the rest of the trot work. We were heading for a 98% score when I asked for the right lead canter depart and Tucker laid back his ears and simply refused. I didn't have my whip, so I slapped him on the should with the rein, at which point he half reared, and then lifted himself into the canter.
Ooops....no good score on that one. He is very opinionated and does not like to be corrected. I'm not sure why the canter is still and issue, but since we weren't in a real frame and he probably wasn't exactly prepared by me to canter, I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. His indignation at being slapped was obvious, but it did make the point and he was fine for the rest of the ride. Obviously, his score suffered from the disobedience, but the rest of the test was so perfect, he earned a high score of 90%--good enough, I'm sure, for the gold medal.
Chance was next and after another short warmup, we started to ride Olympic Training Level Special Test Number Somrthingorother/ We made it through most of the trot work when competition was disrupted by the arrival of one rather determined B52 Bomber Fly.
Because it had been so cool and lovely, I had not dressed Chance in the protective bug armor, but just used some Mosquitp Halt fly spray. Apparently, despite it's rather noxious odor, the spray does not deter B52's. Now, Chance has never bucked with me, but he was certainly getting fussy and really distracted by the evil bug's attack.
Discretion was once again the better part of valor, so I called it quits, dismounted and got Chance and me back into the barn as quickly as possible.
Competition aborted. But the rest of the ride was lovely with nice trot and canter, so I suspect he might have earned that elusive 98% if we'd been allowed to continue.
Better luck next time....as soon as the next lovely day arrives.
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