Glimpses of Dressage

Posted on April 20, 2015 by Britt

Forgive me this week. I’m riding the struggle bus this week with both life and work moving at full throttle, and the struggle bus, like any other bus, goes 45 mph at best.

The good news is that I got to see the Foster pony a lot this weekend, and am seeing more and more improvement in his demeanor. That means I come home every evening with horse slobber from shoulder to fingertips and a smile on my face.

FENCE, September 2014

Yesterday we had the barn to ourself and while it was dismal outside, the lower temps helped put a little pep in his step. I decided to bypass the extra feeding before exercise since he had recently finished dinner, and the lack of mash rumbling around his stomach may have helped as well.

Re-using photos yay

We started with lots of bend on a figure 8 at the walk in order to get him bending properly and moving into each leg and hand equally, and help him let go with the stiff base of his neck. When I saw the slobber on both sides of his mouth we started trotting, and he offered some lovely stretchy trot that must have felt wonderful to his back.

Following that I asked for canter and started to ask him to sit down and stay active, rather than the loopy stretchy canter that I have been doing, and while it wasn’t perhaps amazing test quality, I considered it successful enough. Now that he is improving a bit I am trying to get that rear end a little stronger before asking anything too serious of him. In that vein I also tried a bit of leg yield, and was surprised that he seems to flip which direction was easier for him. When he was staying soft and moving away from my leg I called it a day. All this is 30 minutes of riding, and he finished with perked ears and a happy attitude.

CHP, November 2014

I realize that is potentially a rather boring post, but having a happy ride with no trantering, nappiness, or sour grape faces is a big deal. We haven’t had that kind of ride since early March.

I don’t know how much I’ll be able to replicate our success this week, but that ride, though not brilliant or exciting by normal standards, should last me the week nonetheless.

Photography Friday: Scotland

Posted on April 17, 2015 by Britt

I’m reaching back into the archives again for this one. Two years ago at this time the hubby and I were traveling the UK, exploring new territories in Scotland and taking him to special family locales in England. Yesterday I spent some time thinking about that trip, as it was the anniversary of the Battle of Culloden, a date well known by all those obsessed (as I am) with the Outlander series. A somber reminder then of an otherwise wonderful trip.

White Rose and Thistle wreaths placed on the battlefield

Culloden Moor

Well of the Dead at Culloden

Cannons at Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Museum

Buckingham Palace

Yorkminster Cathedral

Clifford’s Tower, York

Yorkminster Cathedral

We’re so desperate to go back and explore more of the beautiful Scottish Highlands, and I love the idea of visiting the Lake District in England, but who knows when that may happen.

Wishing all a happy weekend!

Case of the Dying Stubben

Posted on April 15, 2015 by Britt

Let’s recognize something first off- I am not a tack ho. I will invest in quality pieces, and then typically use them until they die. My grooming box still has my maiden name on it, written in permanent marker, and I’ve had it since middle school. When it comes to most things, I’m of the ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ mentality.

This bridle

So I have had a horse sized Stubben bridle that also dates back to middle school. It’s been fit to countless horses, as is indicated by the indentations made by buckles all up and down the leather. It’s my everyday bridle, and my show bridle. The rein stops are molded to my hands, and I love it.

This bridle

Sadly though, I think it’s reached retirement age.

No matter how much I clean the thing, the ‘shine’ has really gone out of it. On days with any kind of humidity (and let’s be real, this is North Carolina- there’s pretty much always some humidity, and in the summertime you drown in it), the reins start to flake away in my hands. A swears the thing is going to disintegrate any day now.

This bridle

But I’m loathe to part with it and buy some cheap bandaid of a bridle, after using this supple piece of German leatherwork for more than a decade. If I were to replace it, and I probably need to, I want to find a similarly well made piece of tack with nice leather. Picking up new bridles, my hands have a hard time imagining how the often inflexible leather will feel after conditioning- how much difference will it make to the product I see before me?

So I’m reaching out to you, dear friends- edumacate me. What brands are out there that you recommend? If you know of a bridle that fits these requirements, where should I look and what should I expect to feel leather-wise once it arrives?

Black, high quality leather
Flash or Optional Flash Bridle
Leather reins or rubber lined reins
Anatomic Fit
Does not cost arm, leg, and promise of first born child to acquire

Help a non-tack ho out!

Quality Times

Posted on April 13, 2015 by Britt

I spent the weekend focusing on the house and horses, and it was a pleasant reminder of what life can be like when not constantly chasing a season. Not that I don’t love competing, I do, but there is something just so nice about not having any real plans or schedule to worry about.

This coming from the girl that was champing at the bit to plan our potential ~~glorious~~ Training debut. Well, that’s horses for you folks, and we all find peace where we can.

Part of my non-competing weekend including supporting J at MacNair’s for a Novice CT, and playing photographer with a continuingly crap-focusing camera. I really enjoyed watching Jasper go and catching up with a lot of folks I know from the equestrian community. Bonus that I got to see a couple logo projects being displayed on various shirts and fleeces being worn about the show.

Even a bling squirrel finds a nut though

Even a blind squirrel finds a nut sometimes (aka the adorable OTTB Jasper in dressage mode)

I then got to go visit with my BFF, A, and her amazing Appendix gelding, Bo. These guys are a real comeback kid story- from Hunter/Jumper glory to eventing, and after multiple mishaps (not eventing related btw), to being almost retired with one functioning leg of the four. Now Bo is learning to be a dressage horse, and the transformation from broken horse to where he is now left me awed. The wonders of dressage, people!

Jasper again

The weekend wrapped with heading out to my own barn for some quiet time with Fosterpants. I love being met with a whinny when he first spots me, and spent a long time just sitting in the grass and watching him be. I did hop on for a whopping 25 minutes, and while he started off a bit stunted and eh, he settled into the work and we did long and low at trot and canter before I put him in for the evening. Joy of all joys!

I hope everyone else had a peaceful or fun weekend, and got lots of similar quality pony time. It’s good for the soul!

Photography Friday: Stoneybrook Steeplechase

Posted on April 10, 2015 by Britt

Last weekend I attended the Stoneybrook Steeplechase, held at the Carolina Horse Park. Ali decided to go all-or-nothing on decor for the tent competition, and created all sorts of wonderful crafts to really glam up our backstretch spot. I supplied the infamous white horse, which in general lives on my second floor landing looking out the window and creeping out the neighbors.

How cute are these horse head cupcakes??

Insanity in the Middle! Go eventers!

Her efforts ended up winning the ‘Most Creative’ Category, and being awarded a huge bottle of bubbly!

It was a really lovely day, and an excellent opportunity for us to drag the husbands along for a semi-equestrian activity! I think it’s safe to say we will definitely be back there next year!

Let’s Discuss: What’s your Horse Show Style?

Posted on April 8, 2015 by Britt

New hat, same old natty sweatpants and ‘Ugly Boots’

Over the years, I have started being a little more aware of what my appearance is in between rides. Not like I dress up by any means, but at least now I don’t wear sweatpants with holes in them anymore. Also, I have more-or-less retired my Camoflauge Cookout hat. (go ahead, judge me!)

One of my main take-aways from our trip to Hunterland last year was just how ‘done’-up’ everyone looked, even when relaxing ring-side. I saw trainers (owners? riders?) in pearls, elegant visor-wearers, and more collared shirts than a frat house could hold. The fashion on display was pretty impressive, and definitely made an impression on me. Fashion sense and horse sense were quite the combination!

Everyone dresses like a SmartPak model

On the other end of the spectrum, I can remember one rather eventful season in Intercollegiate dressage when we as a team decided we were going to up our standards with one simple rule: Thou shall not wear pajamas to shows.

Not that the No Pajamas rule would stop me from looking like a hobo (I don’t dress like this anymore, by the way, at least most of the time..)

These days, in between classes/events my typical horse show outfit is as follows: jeans, my Mango Bay belt, the waterproof shoes I fondly call my “Ugly Boots”, ideally a collared sun shirt and some sort of small stud earrings. I may not quite fit in with the fashion pros, but I’m not entirely embarrassing (I don’t think?). One of these days I would love to upgrade my Ugly Boots to Dublin or Dubarry River Boots, but for now, they’ll have to do.

We is goobers.

What do you guys wear to hang out in at horse shows? Are you of the all-breeches-all-the-time club? Diamonds and pearls? Or are you a horse show trend-setter?

3 weeks later and back in the saddle

Posted on April 7, 2015 by Britt

After 3 long weeks, I finally sat on my horse yesterday!

Foster’s friend made him a get well soon basket

After checking to see how his NiBBle Net was holding up (Foster and I both think that thing is awkward), and letting him eat his mash while tacking up (PS no girthy-ness exhibited, though it could be the distraction of the food) I lunged him for a couple minutes in each direction.

Awkward face + Awkward NiBBle Net. Also, husband thought those were ribs poking out until I assured him it was likely just fat crinkles

Lazy, lazy pony. But still, no real nappiness, so I hopped aboard.

Those ears, I have missed them.

I really only sat on him for 15 minutes, most of which was at the walk. When we trotted, ha, if you could call it that- jogged? Tralked? I let him do as he pleased and gave him lots of good boy’s even though he looked like a spotted giraffe camel while doing it.

At the end of our miniscule ride he did start to seek the contact and after a few steps of stretchy trot I called it a good day. Poor boy was sweaty due to temps in the mid 70s and obviously being out of shape. Also my own shortcomings, as documented in yesterday’s post. Surely it will take some time to build back up the fitness.

Foster’s frand

We’ll continue with these mini rides for a while and keep walking and trotting until he seems happily cantering. I’m trying not to hold him to any kind of timeline, I’m mentally prepared for 6 weeks of ulcer treatment, and after talking to another boarder who’s grade 3 ulcer horse was treated for 2 months, I’m now thinking it may be even longer.

Still- I can’t tell you how good it felt to be back in the saddle!

Side Effects of Ulcer Treatment

Posted on April 3, 2015 by Britt

Not listed on the little tubes of Omeprazole:

Warning: Rider may experience frustration/anxiety/crankiness due to not riding.

Warning: Rider may or may not gain 5-10 lbs, due to not riding.

Warning: Horse may lose his beautiful topline, due to not riding.

Warning: Horse may gain weight. Just like rider, it will go straight to his gut. (Kidding- thank goodness my horse is gaining weight)

Warning: Rider may have to delay move-up to Training another year, due to not riding.

While I whinge about our waistlines and all that, it should be noted, there have also been some positives from the ulcer treatment:

Warning: Horse may start prancing around his field, the little show off.

Warning: Horse may want to move forward again.

Warning: Horse may become a happier, brighter eyed beastie.

happy

Eh, so I guess it’s OK, all in all 🙂

Plans to *gasp* sit in my saddle tonight, hope this goes well!

Video Frenzy

Posted on April 3, 2015 by Britt

Or, how to procrastinate at work.

My favorite videos (besides the music video for Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran) are horse videos. You know you’re a pony-princess for life when a video of a horse galloping down a track can literally give you goosebumps. Here are some of my favorites from over the years, that I just love watching and re-watching whenever I need a pick-me-up.

Blu Hors Matine WEG Freestyle
If you haven’t seen this video, you might be in the minority. It’s been paired with all sorts of music in many versions, but nothing beats the original. I’m going to be brave and admit to y’all- I may or may not have cried the first time I watched this. I’ve seen it so many times, and it consistently gives me goosebumps every. time. DQ or not- I assure you, if ever you’ve witnessed a partnership between rider and horse, you will appreciate this video.

Brentina RESPECT Freestyle
Continuing with the dressage theme- this is another of my absolute favorites. It just screams ‘girl power’ to me, and proves that humor (watch till the end) and dressage can be tastefully and artfully combined. Plus, the commentary is, I find, enlightening. Can we all appreciate that hot damn, that mare’s got a nice bum? Love this classic duo of Brentina and Debbie McDonald.

Teddy O’Connor at Rolex
This one is less goosebumps, and more sheer amazement at the abilities and bravery of horses. Er, ponies. The super pony, Teddy O’Connor, the first pony to complete a 4* event, rocking around the Rolex Cross Country like it’s a game of hop scotch.

Doug Payne 4* ride with Commentary
Ever wanted to ride the cross country course at Rolex? Yeah, me neither. Fortunately, I can live vicariously through Mr. Payne, who does an excellent job explaining his thoughts and plans in a commentary to compliment his helmet cam footage.

Equestrians- Not Afraid
In the line of inspirational videos, I think this one is fairly good. Pairing Eminem with Equestrian montages- sometimes you just need that sort of thing to get you through the day.

A Unique Sport
Another inspirational video with actual equestrians speaking.

Elisa Wallace Mustang Makeover
I admit it, I’m an Elisa Wallace fan girl. Any trainer that can take a wild horse, and in 90 or 120 days, accomplish what she can- I’m impressed. That she uses trust techniques and games, instead of any kind of of cajoling and aggression- that to me is awesome.

Stacy Westfall Bareback Reining Freestyle
I could get into reining- it’s got the partnership and precision of dressage, and some of the adrenaline of jumping. This freestyle ride has been shared over and over again, but it’s one worth watching.

Camel Dressage
Because, why the hell not. This makes me want to ride a camel even more. PS- how does it make you feel to see a camel doing changes? My horse doesn’t even do that [yet].

Oh, there are more, but not all the time in the world to share them. Share your favorite video in the comments below!

I hope everyone has a happy weekend!!

First post-ulcer workout

Posted on April 2, 2015 by Britt

So, I lunged Foster on Tuesday to see how he felt. He definitely was brighter and happier in his stall, but I wasn’t sure how exercise would go. I was looking for nappy behavior, anger or running around in obvious discomfort. This was the first time doing anything with him in about 2 weeks, and a full week into his ulcer treatment. Per the vet’s directions, he munched on some alfalfa mash before heading to the arena.

Watch out y’all, crazy horse on the loose.

Although sinfully lazy, I thought his overall demeanor was quite relaxed and pleasant. Maybe he was a bit slower due to the full belly, but I’ll take the improvement for sure!