Dressage Lesson Recap: Half-pass, Piaffe and Collected Canter

Posted on June 5, 2015 by Britt

A friend recently told me that she could see me switching over to pure dressage sooner rather than later. I scoffed and got a bit offended that in her eyes I seemingly didn’t fit in with the eventer crowd, even though I could see where she was coming from. As much as I love eventing, I also love dressage, I do, and lessons like the one this week just make the little DQ heart in me go pitter patter. (But don’t expect me to give up eventing –quite- yet)

With it being almost 20* colder than it has been all week, and with Foster stuck inside for 36 hours, I wondered how spastic the creature would be for our lesson. Warming up I got a couple expected spooks from a bird flying up and car passing by, but otherwise homeboy felt nicely forward and attentive, and Eliza commented on how even he looked behind. After all the ups and downs of slight offness, hock injections, etc, this is feedback I really appreciate hearing, and such a relief to see my horse as being 100%.

No new media- here’s gifs that are almost a year old instead 🙂

I told her about my half pass attempts from the night before, and so we started out with taking a look at them. Moving from shoulder-fore to haunches-in in each direction, we then found space for a fairly steep diagonal (equivalent of a short ring diagonal MXK/HXF) to try it at a walk. We were getting plenty of angle, and if anything I was asking the haunches to lead too much, which was a misunderstanding on my part. We would throw in a walk pirouette at X to re-establish bend and continue on the half pass track.

Posting lateral work from over the winter

Then we proceeded to try the half-pass at the trot, on a less steep angle. Before I begin the half-pass, I change my diagonal to the ‘incorrect’ side so that I can use my weight in the seat at the proper moments. Again I tended to overcompensate with the haunches and need to let the shoulders lead. Keeping the left bend is tricky because I tend to let my left leg get very stiff as my outside leg pushes the haunches right, which in turn pops my left seat bone out of the saddle and pushes my weight onto the right seat bone, also incorrect. In order to correct this I should ride the bend as if we were doing a 10 meter circle, and if he starts getting stiff or I begin leaning outside, start a 10 meter circle into the mix to realign ourselves.

We then moved onto some canter work from the walk, and I found that the quality of the canter was not as light as it had been the night before. Discussing the activity of the hind legs brought up piaffe, which we had started on the ground some months before, but hadn’t touched since.

Starting piaffe in hand July 2014

So as I continued to sit in the saddle, Eliza followed us down the long sides reviewing the whip cue (a whisper touch to the leg), which Foster remembered without any real reminders. Then it was my job to keep him super straight and as round as possible (very difficult as it turns out, since horses want to throw the energy to either side rather than sit), while she gave him the cue while moving. Any sitting and under movement was immediately rewarded by stuffing his face with clover. It was such a feeling to have him bounce underneath me, and to feel the power through his haunches when he sat.

Way way more than this canter

Once the active hind legs were established from baby piaffe, we were told to move off immediately to canter after the whip cue. The energy that I felt in that post-piaffe canter was nothing like I have ever sat on my horse, and it felt like riding a destrier into battle. It was eye-opening to hear that that canter is what I should be striving for in my tests, and couldn’t believe it when the word “pirouette” was even mentioned.

In Summary (notes for myself):

For the Half-pass…
- Ride inside leg like as in a 10 meter circle)
- Weight inside seat-stiff leg also pushes me onto outside seat
- Throw in 10 meter circles when there is stiffness or we lose the bend
- Allow the shoulders to lead, shoulders leaning is more acceptable to judge than haunches leading
- In trot, post on wrong diagonal in the half-pass
Canter-Walk Transitions
- Walk-canter transitions: think Canter-Halt and keep strong into walk steps, otherwise piddle into trot
- Needs consistently active collected canter to get a great canter walk transition
- Canter walk not a transition that tends to feel good

Overall the lesson was eye-opening as to feeling the energy that I’ll need for progressing up the levels, and what Foster is capable of doing. It was showed me my own weaknesses, such as an uncoordinated left leg and weakness in my core. However, there were plenty of highlights and I am durn excited to try it all again.

Have a happy weekend!

Let’s Discuss: Taming your Mane

Posted on June 4, 2015 by Britt

Let’s face it- most of us here in blog land are women, and for women, hair can be a statement. Whether that statement be polished and professional, casual and carefree, or “doesn’t give a damn”, it’s often something we think about.

Even in the utilitarian helmet-donning world of equestrianism (please wear helmets guys, k?), I’m going to guess you make some kind of decision about what to do with your mane before you ride.

For instance, I have a friend who wears hairnets for every ride, show or no show, audience or not. She insists it’s the way to go, but I just can’t imagine rocking the lunch-lady look at the barn.

There is a science to putting on hairnets

Or there’s the fabulous dressage rider at the barn who plaits her thick beautiful hair into a stylish braid before getting in the saddle.

For me, hair is a complicated thing. I have naturally curly hair, which means I have my own personal hygrometer sitting on my head. If it’s above 55/60% humidity, straight hair is a non-option.

Curly hair in action in London, because, you know, rain.

Curls on a tame day in Scotland

Because my hair au naturale is so much thicker than when straightened, it has an effect on my helmets. Too many rides with curls means that my normal helmet fits significantly looser with straight styles. So in the summer time, when curls are a given, I switch to an Ovation helmet that not only is more breathable than my IRH, but also is adjustable depending on how 90’s-Country-singer my hair is that day.

Sept. 2013 – Rockin the braid and Ovation helmet combo

Besides that, I usually end up braiding my hair, since I don’t care for the Daniel Boone look of a furry creature tail (aka poofy curly ponytail) draping my neck, and it’s fairly hot to boot. No matter what, helmet hair happens, and I always bring a hat with my to hide my post-ride tresses.

What do you do with your lovely locks when you ride?

Introducing Half Pass, and Second level movements

Posted on June 3, 2015 by Britt

I’m thinking of starting a Foster fan club so I can get groupies to take photos for the blog. Kidding aside, I have no new photos to share, so enjoy recycled photos. Sorry.

Feeling all inspired from the dressage show this weekend, I decided to really attempt a couple of the movements that are newer to us that show up in Second 1. Specifically, 10 meter canter circles and rein backs.

Working on rein backs first meant working on trot halt transitions, and getting a nice square halt in which he does not go splat upon stopping, but continues to stay round and wait for my aids. The following rein-backs are getting better, a true two beat movement and very little bracing.

Ten meter canter circles required a collected canter that was really sitting, and as we haven’t revisited collection so much since coming back I only schooled a couple of these in each direction. This also allowed me to attempt a canter-walk transition approaching the wall, and while not quite there the trot steps were pretty minimal.

Nov. 2012

Since I’ve been working on half pass at the walk for the last couple weeks, I also attempted introducing it at the trot. To the right he is just lovely, moving forward and lateral into the bend with ease. No surprise there since haunches-in in that direction is so easy for him, and as I read once, half pass is haunches-in on a diagonal. To the left in general he has been a bit stiffer in the connection and has trouble lifting his shoulder, so we got some good steps but in general he’s more tense and that will need some work.

Tonight we have a dressage lesson, and I am expecting and somewhat looking forward to a butt-whooping.

Recovering from the Weekend

Posted on June 2, 2015 by Britt

You’ve got to love a weekend packed full of horsey goodness, but damn it can be a bit exhausting in the aftermath.

It’s worth mentioning that the week leading up to it was full of hello’s and goodbye’s with horse friends. While the goodbye’s are always sad, it was awfully exciting to get to meet Sara of Eventing in Color, who spent time being Foster’s human popsicle (his favorite) followed by adult beverages. Sara was just as sweet in person as she seems on her blog, especially for not judging me for my inarticulateness that happens after 5pm most days.

Stealing Sara’s photo!

Saturday was an all day love fest with Foster that featured another jumping round. With the eyes of a friend on us we played around various size fences between 2’6″ and 3’3″. Foster continues to prefer the pokey pace, and in my effort to get him going forward I sometimes cowboy him around, and I’ve definitely got to work on that damn pumping thing I do with my elbows. Trying hard not to beat myself up about it terribly, since was only our 3rd time jumping since February.

I got to work on actually thinking about which lead I’d land on.. yeah that hasn’t been 4 years in the making or anything (Video screenshot- thanks A!)

Sunday I volunteered to ring steward at the big dressage show in downtown Raleigh, and by the Grace of God got to work in the actual coliseum rather than the outdoor arenas. Being in that arena, I saw all the upper level riders warm up as well as First and Second level- exactly what I intend to do at this show next year. As it was, I saw lots and lots of familiar faces, put new faces to old names, and basically just recognized how awesome it is to have been a part of the horse community here in Raleigh for the last 10 years.

New NCDCTA ribbons, aka logo swag

Exciting things happening this week and later this month, with our first XC school since November (third attempt’s a charm?), butt-kicking dressage lessons, and hopefully a trip to Southern Pines to train with a familiar face! 😉

This is The End

Posted on May 29, 2015 by Britt

… of ulcers!!

4 months post-symptoms, and 10 weeks post diagnosis, Foster’s ulcers are finally healed.

He’s thrilled, because no more tubes have to be shoved down his nose. I’m thrilled because, well, no more ulcers, and hell, no more trips to the vet.

Have a great weekend y’all!

To every person, a Breed: Part I

Posted on May 28, 2015 by Britt

July 4th Parade with Tanner and the Mecklenburg Hounds

I think for most people, ‘types’ just happen. Whether it’s the kind of boy you want to date, or the car you want to drive, we all tend to gravitate to phenotypes of certain things.

The first ride on Mac

Most of my life, I have been a draft-cross type of girl. So, it should come as no surprise when I say there are 2 different breeds that have played huge roles in my life. Those would be Haflingers and Irish Draughts. First, let’s discuss the ponies. Because, duh, ponies.

A trio of Haffies at North Myrtle Beach (from front to back: Mac, Margo, Tanner)

Haflingers
When I was still a horse-crazed but scared-to-death pre-teen, my parents acquired their first Haflinger, hoping to find an all-around pony that the whole family could ride. Marla was picked up out of an old Stablemates magazine (anyone remember those?) and though not fancy, was as dead broke as they came. It wasn’t long before I was riding bareback all over the trails and gaining confidence cantering through the woods.

Birthday trail rides on Marla (left) and Tanner

Seeing the success of Marla, we soon bought our second Haflinger, Tanner. He was another Stablemates find, and was wandering around someone’s front yard in the mountains of NC when we picked him up. For a while Tanner was still a major step for me, but gradually I became brave enough to ride him and he quickly became my main love. Once we got past the trying-to-run-me-into-trees phase, it turned out Tanner was a pony of many talents- foxhunting, trick learning, pony jumpers, parades, swimming… we even kicked everyone’s butt in a barrel racing once (short backs = turn on a dime). The only thing he couldn’t tolerate was arena/flat work.

Hunting first flight with a fuzzy Haflinger

Tanner demonstrating his bow

We soon sold Marla and started going to legitimate Haflinger auctions. Dixie, a beautiful 3 year old sporthorse type mare, joined our group, along with Mac, a rare true liver chestnut 3 year old stallion. I foxhunted Dixie, one of the best foxhunters I’ve ever had, and evented Mac. We traveled to the NC State Fair and showed the two geldings successfully in hand and under saddle, and to this day it’s the only money I’ve ever won showing.

Riding Mac in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in downtown Charlotte, NC

All these Haflingers, and a couple more, eventually left us for other homes where they could share their special talent. As for me, I ended up being granted a special Haflinger scholarship for my use of the breed as a breed ambassador.

Competing Tanner in the 2’6″ Pony Jumpers

I am so glad to see these wonderful, and surprisingly athletic (good jumpers, too!), ponies start to appear more and more in local shows of every discipline. I would definitely advocate for the breed as a great addition to any family, as all-around types that are super cute to boot! My dream is that, when I’m too fragile or too scared to event anymore, to get myself a nice sporthorse type Haflinger and plan for dressage world domination. One can dream, right?

Scoping Plans Gone Awry

Posted on May 21, 2015 by Britt

While I would love to be writing this post with champagne in hand, jubilantly exclaiming that the season of ulcers is over, apparently it wasn’t meant to happen today.

Instead, Foster stayed in all last night while his buddies went out, as part of the mandatory fasting that scoping requires. The constant nickering to me as I walked by his stall was killing me, but that’s just how it goes.

Then I got up quite early this morning, pulled up to the barn, and found out, Foster had mistakingly been given hay this morning. Boo- no vet visit for us today.

I’m not upset, as it’s an easy error to make, and the mistake was made early enough not to disrupt my work plans. It just means I’ll need to invest in some extra UlcerGard to get us through until our rescheduled visit. No big deal.

And so, the ulcer narrative continues…

Foster’s Diary

Posted on May 20, 2015 by Britt

In regrettable testament to the fact that I probably inherited both parents’ Type A personalities, I keep a diary for Foster. Even though this blog had been a wonderful exercise in tracking how things are going, overall success, stupid failures, and everything in between, it can be hard to really get an overall picture of what we’re up to.

Back in November, I decided that if I was going to think about moving up, then I really needed to hold myself accountable to how much I was riding him and preparing him for the things I would ask. Enter the diary.

And by diary, I really mean Google calendar.

Every day I ride, I insert a little placeholder for that day and in a few words, describe what happened. Did I jump, did I ask for collection, was he super pissy, etc etc. Everything gets labeled yellow so that I can go back and very quickly see how often I am riding in general.

As you can see, now that I am several months into this practice, the diary reveals a lot. It’s how I realized how under-prepared we were with jumping going into the February clinic, and is a pretty good indicator of when the ulcer behavior hit its peak.

Ulcer behavior in caveman terms such as “Super pissed dressage” and “Foster jump no good”, followed by his two weeks off

It also shows just how shitty February really was for us.

Very little yellow here.

As we get more and more fit, I hope the calendar will start to reflect truly 5 rides a week, and that two of those be jump schools. This has been a tool that has been vastly helpful and gives me lots of fodder for analyzing why things are going as they are.

Do any of you document your daily rides? Do you keep a calendar in your head or do you use some other device? Or am I reaching for a whole new level of crazy here?

Let’s Discuss: Why do you Show?

Posted on May 19, 2015 by Britt

Even though we are miles away from being ready to compete at an event again, thoughts of planning our season pretty much dominate my brain.

Novice @ CHP, October 2014 / PC: High Time Photography

I miss competing, and this dry spell combined with thoughts of moving up this year have caused a bit of self exploration- why do I show?

Personally, I treat competing as an opportunity to test our training. What I really look forward to at each event is the score- that quantitative (or in dressage, qualitative) feedback that shows how successfully we navigated a given challenge. I like to go to each competition with a number in my head, and at the end of it all comparing the actual score received helps me re-align my expectations or understand any gaps in our training. At the end of the day, I define success by how well we did compared to my original expectations for smaller goals- were our canter transitions as planned? Get an 8 on our free walk? Did we make time? Have runouts?

Novice @ Running Start, Feb 2014 / PC: Brant Gamma

For me, ribbons are a secondary treat. If we get them it’s great, and I won’t lie by saying I don’t enjoy being at the top. But in this area at many of the schooling shows we compete against professionals, so it’s hard to judge how well we do by placings alone.

Novice @ CHP, Nov 2014 / PC: J

We all have our reasons for competing in equestrian disciplines. Maybe your competitive nature needs a place to shine. Maybe you have something to prove, or you just want to test your abilities. Maybe competing is just a part of a greater plan, or you have a die-hard passion for satin ribbons.

Why do you show? Or if you don’t compete, why don’t you show?

Theme for the week- get in front of my leg

Posted on May 18, 2015 by Britt

It’s been a bit of a dead week at the barn, overall. Foster twisted a shoe Tuesday, and was ever so slightly foot sore, which improved slightly Thursday but was not entirely eradicated. Saturday he was back to 100% and so I asked him to really dressage, and get-in-front-of-my-leg-dammit. Using the advice from the clinic, when he started to tranter to avoid a more forward trot, I put more leg on, and if he broke into a canter that was fine, but he was going to go forward in that canter before coming back again. Now that I think he is strong enough to do a forward trot I do not want to teach him to escape it with some trantering nonsense.

Still no new media / PC: High Time Photography

Then yesterday I attempted jumping again. Thanks to having to move every single standard and pole in the arena, I was wiped by the time I had a course set up, and was feeling a bit weary thinking about riding. But once saddled up, I was glad I did and felt a bit more at home in the shorter stirrups than our last school. It took forever again to get him in front of my leg, and really I could only do about 5 minutes at a time before pulling up to catch my breath. I had an angled two stride line set up again, an X, a 2’6″ oxer, and I fixed the triple combination so that the distances were reasonable (2’6″ and 3′). After getting laziness again and again over the 2’3″ fences, I decided to pop him over the 3′ fence at the end of the triple line.

Probably what I’ve reverted to… except slower / PC: Hight Time Photography

Verdict? My horse only wakes up over bigger fences. When the 3′ rode well I then did the whole line and rolled back to the 2’3″ oxer, which ended up riding bigger than the 3′ vertical. This may or may not be because we found a long spot, and I grabbed for dear life with my legs which could have surprised the poor pony into a huge effort. In sum, still a whole hell of a lot for us to work on before we get back to Training sized courses.

This week is somewhat miserable in part to higher temps and humidity, but there is an end in sight! We have our [hopefully final] scoping for ulcers on Thursday!