For the love of young horses

Posted on August 30, 2016 by Britt

I’ve mused on the topic of young horses before on this blog. In my horse shopping adventures, I often focused on younger horses because in my price range anything older tended to come with physical caveats that I didn’t want to invest in.

1st real ride on “baby” Ivan

There’s also something kind of special about bringing along your own horse. I like to joke that it’s nice training your own horse because you get to install all your own flaws in it. But joking aside, with a young horse you have an opportunity to set your own standards about how you want things done, for good or for bad. It’s more responsibility, perhaps, but it can also be rewarding to see your own handiwork produce results in the future.

Even though my results won’t be anything like hers, Charlotte Dujardin also believes in the young horse process.

“For me, [working with young horses is] my real passion, to start from the bottom and get to the top.” -Charlotte, as quoted by psdressage.com

I came across this article on Charlotte’s tips with young horses quite some time ago, and bookmarked it for future reading. Going back now, I’m pleased to see that much of the gold medalist’s advice concurs with my current aspirations for Smitty- that is, understanding the half halt, but most importantly, learning to get in front of the leg. She also mentions that the young horses don’t tend to understand how to stretch over their backs yet, so you shouldn’t expect it until nearer the end of your ride.

1st ride on baby Foster

I don’t know that Smitty and I will ever reach 4th level, much less Grand Prix or the Olympics, but it’s inspiring to hear the world’s leading dressage rider put so much emphasis on the process and the bond between horse and rider. It gives me great hope for the future with Smitty, and excited about where things will do. As Charlotte says,

“I think with the relationship you get with your horse and the partnership, you become true friends. You are really united. That really, really shows when you get to the top.”

I sure hope so.

Smitty videos and our first time jumping

Posted on August 29, 2016 by Britt

Saddle woes continue, but in the mean time I’m trying a couple of (very generous) friends’ saddles in pursuit of a band aid for the situation. This particular saddle is a County, with a narrow tree and skid row panels. The saddle seems an OK fit other than being a bit tight at the front, but it was interesting to see him go in it and get feedback from Smitty himself.

Overall, he was maybe not as free and forward in it as he was in the Stubbens, but not terrible. You can see in the video that he was a big stride, but tends to get behind the leg, which causes some not-so-wonderful tendencies in me. I’m continuing to work on not nagging and using voice and a quiet leg/whip combination to get the forward, but as the video shows, it’s very much a work in progress. I’m quite pleased with the canter transition though, and once I can get his back up in the canter I can ask for a trot more like this:

And even in the downward transitions I have to remind him to march forward. So much to work on! Then yesterday, we did this:

Baby fences! It’s hard to even call them jumps, because at this stage we basically just canter over them. The vertical was initially a cross rail, and when that went well I hopped off and changed it. It’s maybe 18″, but it was a good place to start. My approach was basically grab the neck rope and keep my leg on, and bar a couple long spots, it went quite well! Perhaps next time I’ll get some video proof. (Many thanks to A for videoing the above!)

Wednesday I am heading to the American Eventing Championships in Tryon to provide moral support for a friend. Shout out if you’re headed there too, would love to meet up with folks!

Photography Friday: Senior Portraits

Posted on August 26, 2016 by Britt

Being a photographer in a large family means that I have plenty of subjects to choose from, and it was always assumed I would do my baby sister’s senior portraits when the time came. So when I brought Riley back home, Charlie and I set out to wander the trails behind our neighborhood and sneak in some shots.

Looks like my baby sister is all grown up! Happy Friday y’all, and have a good weekend!

Lesson Recap: Smitty takes the first step to Dressage Ponydom

Posted on August 25, 2016 by Britt

So last night, I finally got to introduce Smitty to one of my A-team. In a borrowed saddle from a friend who also has a rather narrow pony, I had my first lesson aboard my gawky warmblood baby.

My biggest lamentation with Smitty at the moment (this being only 2 weeks into our relationship) is that he is a somewhat lazy fellow. Because it’s important that I establish some basic rules from the get-go, my main emphasis in riding him so far is to get him in front of my leg without getting in the habit of nagging (which I want to do so badly). I’m trying, but I admit this is a lot easier with someone on the ground reminding you to have a hanging leg.

A lot of what I got in my lesson was affirmation of some of the things I’ve been doing, which is always encouraging. Our warm up consists of walk halt transitions, using primarily my weight to halt and keeping the expectation that he march off when I ask, not dawdle in a slowly increasing tempo. Other affirmations include my using the walls as a guide for him to pick up the correct lead, and pushing him forward in the downward transitions (rather than let him collapse and stop like he really wants to do).

Of course it wouldn’t be a lesson if I didn’t learn things, and I definitely learned plenty. I forget oftentimes to use my voice in combination with a leading word- for instance, I just say “trot!” instead of “…and trot” or “alright Smitty, trot!”. It seems silly, but it’s more fair to let him know that something is coming even if it means a bit more nattering to my horse. He’s already picking up on the verbal cues really well, but it’s up to me to continue to be consistent and give him the best opportunity to succeed at what I’m asking.

Position is also something I’m struggling a bit with, since Smitty tends to bounce me out of the saddle with every trot step. My hands like to creep higher and higher with his head, so I need constant reminder to keep my hands low. Physical reminders to do this include thinking about touching his mane with my hands, looping a finger through my neck strap at the canter, and thinking about keeping my elbows heavy.

Since I’m probably boring you guys to death with all this baby stuff, I’m going to throw the rest of my babbling notes into bullet form:

Don’t ask for much contact at the walk. When getting ready to trot, pick up a soft feel and trot immediately- we do not want to to bottle up his walk while we are still encouraging him to stretch and step forward
In trot walk transitions, keep leg quiet during the few steps of walk before picking up trot again- no nagging in between
In the canter, really think about releasing with the reins, don’t be tempted into pulling.
Riding a circle, ask for bend for a few steps and release
- Release is an important concept with babies, so they keep thinking forward and learn the difference between asking and “not-asking”

Overall, it was a super lesson, and Eliza really liked and had good things to say about my new youngster. I’m already looking forward to hitting the saddle again tonight and giving some of this new content a go again!

Smitty Saddle Woes

Posted on August 24, 2016 by Britt

Oh man. So, the saddle fitter came and went. And is coming and going tonight. And then I’m seeing her at the AEC’s. And well, and the end of this whole process we’re going to know each other pretty well I think.

Smitty is built unlike any horse I have ever owned before. He is the gawkiest, gangliest, narrowest thing, and I feel like a sack of potatoes trying to ride him. I’ve already lamented that my PS of Sweden Bridle didn’t fit him thanks to his tiny little nose, and it was obvious that my jumping saddle is every kind of wrong for him. I had hoped that perhaps my dressage saddle could be salvaged, but it turns out even that is too wide for him.

Everything about this horse is long. Long neck, long legs, long back…

In an ideal world, the [Stubben] saddle that I would actually need is a custom saddle, using the narrowest tree plus a tree addition that would make it even more narrow. Because I’m in no rush to sell a kidney (though plasma and eggs are not out of question. What? Don’t judge), I’m opting not to go the custom route.

I’m currently in the process of hawking my wares online in hopes that I can then find myself a used saddle that with fit Smitty with the help of a shim pad. I’ll also be able to borrow a dressage saddle this week that could be a model to look for in the future.

I need some serious tack ho help, guys. Where do I go besides facebook to sell both my saddles, and where is the place to look for a super specific narrow Stubben that won’t break the bank?

For sale

Posted on August 22, 2016 by Britt

Hi all,
After going through all my horsey stuff (and lordy there’s a lot to go through), I’ve found plenty of things that could go on to new homes. Please take a look and let me know if you are interested in anything. I will do my best to update as things sell. Will accept Paypal, or check/cash if local. Buyer pays shipping. Comment or email me at brittwgillis at gmail dot com.

For the Horse:

bit for reference only

PS of Sweden Flying Change Bridle $250
Retails for $315. <1 year old, Black, Full Size. Comes with Flash attachment and PS of Sweden canvas bag. Please note: does not include reins (those you will have to pry out of my cold dead hands 🙂 ).

PS of Sweden Throatlatch $14
Never used.

M. Toulouse Marielle Monoflap Saddle $999
Medium Wide tree. 17.5″. Comes with M. Toulouse Saddle cover. Lightly used, well taken care of. Saddle and billets in great condition. Retails new for $1300.

Roma Fly Mask $10
Horse/Full size. Never used.

Dover Pro Sport Boots $20
Retails for $45. Pair (2 boots) included. Good condition, but used. Size XL.

Centaur Polo Wrap Set. $15
Navy. 4 Included.

5″ Waterford Baucher Bit. Used once. $10

5.5″ Waterford Full Cheek Bit

For the Rider: ALL SOLD!

Full Seat Breeches:

~~Riding Sport Plaid Full Seat Breeches $30~~ SOLD
~~Retails for $89.99. Ridden in once. Zip up, Hook closure. Velcro Bottom. Size 28~~

~~Devonaire Full Seat Breeches $10~~ SOLD
~~Retails for $25. Ridden in once. (shadow in picture- not stained). Pull on, Size Large, Long~~

Knee Patch Breeches:

~~Tuff Rider Navy/Brown Striping Knee Patch Breeches $15~~ SOLD
~~Euro Seat. Zip with hook closure. Velcro bottom. Size 30~~

~~Tuff Rider Black/Sky w/horses Knee Patch Breeches $15~~ SOLD
~~Euro Seat. Never used. Pull-on Size 30~~

~~Tuff Rider Navy/Paisley Striping Knee Patch Breeches $15~~ SOLD
~~Euro Seat. Ridden in once. Velcro bottom. Pull-on Size 30~~

~~Riding Sport Knee Patch Breeches $15~~ SOLD
~~Ribbed. Pull-on. Medium brown. Velcro bottom. Size 30~~

~~Devonaire Knee Patch Breeches $5~~ SOLD
~~Pull-on. Dark brown. Pull-on. Some pilling on seat. Size Large~~

Let’s Discuss: Rider Fitness

Posted on August 18, 2016 by Britt

While I am temporarily riding two horses, I can’t help but hope that the added exercise will make me a more fit rider. Equestrians are athletes, whether or not the general public believes it, and as such, a certain level of athleticism is required. We may not always be shaped like Usain Bolt, or Simone Biles, but we are still athletes nonetheless.

All different sizes and riders represented, except if you're a German male showjumper, then you must be the size of an NBA player

All different sizes and riders represented in the showjumping medal ceremony, except if you’re a German male showjumper, then you must be the relative size of an NBA player

Now, I’m not here to talk about body type or body-shaming (hell, I just watched a video of myself and was lamenting that oh-so visible cellulite through my jods. Ugh), but I do think it’s worth noting one trend that I saw at the Olympics. And that is that those riders looked fit. It made me wonder- is this the result of their likely riding multiple horses a day? Do they supplement with working out at a gym, or running, or other non-riding cardio activities? What part of their routines make them look so damn tough?

Boyd Martin and Remington, Rolex 2012

I’ll be the first to admit that I do not work out regularly. I go through spurts of attempts to get to the gym, and recently I started doing an ab routine at home, and hopefully that won’t fizzle out like it has before. But truthfully, after a day at the office, and a trip to the barn, all I’m really thinking about is peeling off my disgusting sports bra and wondering if we’re out of red wine at home.

In my heart I know that I could really benefit as a rider from being a stronger, more fit person. Especially as the questions ramp up, whether that be on the flat or in the jump tack, I definitely think being in better shape makes me a better partner to my horse. And maybe it’s still as important on a greenie. Or is my level of comfort with that skill set (ie, bringing along greenies) sufficient? All things I am currently pondering.

So I want to hear from you- do you supplement riding with other physical activities? What demands do you place on yourself as an athlete and rider? Do you think that the riders at the upper levels are so fit due to riding alone, or do you know if they are potentially also lethal in the Zumba classroom? (Boyd Martin doing Zumba, now there’s an image for ya)

Smitty Week 1 Update

Posted on August 17, 2016 by Britt

So it’s officially been one week since meeting the Smitster, and I couldn’t be happier with his little baby brain. Getting a baby, which I consider him since he really acts/looks more like a 3 year old than a 4 year old, has reminded me of a few things that I haven’t recalled in some time.

The first is tack woes. While I really didn’t expect my existing saddles to fit Smitty, since they are medium wide trees and he is a rather narrow fellow, I forgot how tricksy it can be to constantly be figuring out bits and bridles and all the other little things that you take for granted once a routine is established. For instance, I’ve already determined that 2 of my bits aren’t ideal at the moment for him, and added in the dressage whip as well, and we’ve only ridden 5 times so far.

And even further in my baby tack woes soliloquy, I will likely be selling my beloved PS of Sweden bridle, since baby Smitty’s refined head is literally too small for it- the noseband on the tightest hole still doesn’t really work and I’m loathe to punch holes in it and cut off the excess.

Wah, I love this bridle.

But I suppose selling the bridle (among other things, post coming soon) will help fund the new saddle that I’ll be auctioning off my soul to buy. Le sigh, major first world problems here.

Other than tack woes, there’s just the process of sorting out what my new horse responds to. I like to use vocal positive reinforcement a lot, but I learned pretty quickly that this guy has been taught that “good boy” means “whoa”, so I’ve been trying different inflections of my voice with the phrase to reward him and teach him that he can keep trotting at the same time. I suppose I could find another phrase, but “you’re super duper” or “gold star” don’t quite roll off the tongue.

Tonight I plan to introduce yet another bit into the mix and hope that this one sticks, and continue working out Smitty’s buttons and continue to acquaint him with his new life as a dressage and eventing pony.

Lesson Recap: Riley’s Dressage Lesson

Posted on August 15, 2016 by Britt

Riley heads back home this weekend, hopefully with a skull full of new knowledge and a much fitter body than when he came to me. Before he left though, I really wanted to get him off property and put him in front of someone who could comment on his progress. Unfortunately it was a bit late and the timing didn’t work out for a show, so I opted to take him to Eliza’s for a dressage lesson.

Riley loaded like a champ, and bar a couple loud whinnies (which is the norm for him anyways, he’s a rather vocal dude), settled in at once.

It’s been so long since I have taken a lesson on a greenie (like, years, since I normally do much of the initial stuff myself), so it was great to get some reminders to set him up for dressage success.

Things like using your weight in each stirrup rather than the reins to turn that might seem obvious, but you can forget when steering is a bit compromised as it is on a green horse finding his balance. Occasionally I didn’t get aggressive enough with this concept, and it turned into a rather hairy moment when Riley didn’t turn quickly enough and attempted cantering with 2 legs inside the arena, and two legs up on the grass level of the perimeter, about 10″ above.

Much like it is nigh impossible to run with one leg in the street and one leg in the curb, this concept didn’t work out too well for Riley. Luckily the husband was there to catch our combined lawn darting on camera, and since we were both OK, in my mind anything worth laughing at is also worth turning into a gif. I really don’t think I had any way of saving this, and since it was just a dumb moment I’m happy to share with you kind folks.

We determined that both of us were fine and I mounted up again. Overall the lesson was really helpful, in that it got me thinking about dressage as a long-term goal, and not just focusing on the immediate result as is the temptation with babies. So things like letting my leg hang now, instead of kicking to get the forward, will help me later when I need a horse that is more sensitive to my leg aids.

Bar a scary 10 seconds, in which I’m glad I did not get crushed under those thunder feet, it was a really great lesson and a good reminder of working towards an end game. Though I’m really bummed to be sending Riley home, I’m exceptionally proud of how far he has come, from pasture ornament to dressage pony in a matter of just over 2 months. I definitely look forward to using the experience and the reminders from this lesson on Smitty, and can only hope he comes along just as easily.

Let’s Discuss: Olympic Eventing

Posted on August 12, 2016 by Britt

In the face of those that doubt Eventing’s place in the Olympics, that say it doesn’t require skill or strength or whatever that X factor is that apparently makes you worthy of being deemed an Olympic athlete… I say watch this.

http://www.nbcolympics.com/video/ever-wonder-which-summer-olympic-sport-most-dangerous

No one enjoys watching falls, and I admit my stomach lurched multiple times watching this video. But the fact of the matter is that eventers lay everything on the line when they leave the start box, every time. It boggles the mind to try and understand how every 4 years we have to defend ourselves on two different fronts to the “unhorsey” public.

The first front being that we find ourselves insisting it’s not easy to be a 4* eventer, which is most easily demonstrated by showing those naysayers how quickly things go wrong if you are not at the top of your game. The second front being the constant battle to make our sport safer and yet still retain the essence of what it means to run across the country.

The eventing community itself has been having a lot of internal dialogue about our place in the Olympics. Does the IOC’s dictates hurt our sport? Do they neuter our ability to keep the essence of the sport alive? Some would say yes, and that the final castration came in the adoption of the short format several years ago. From the other side of the coin, does our place in the Olympics offer us a platform for public viewing that gives us an opportunity we so desperately need- to get financial and other support from those not in the trenches of the sport- and does that make some of the IOC’s constraints worthwhile?

I certainly don’t have the answer, but would love to hear your opinion- what do you think? Is the Olympics the right venue as the pinnacle of International Eventing? If so, how do we use that opportunity to garner public support for the sport? If you think we should abandon our tenuous position in the Olympics, what do you think the sport would gain from being free of the IOC’s constraints and rules?