I've been away from our blog for a while. So sorry to those following. Good news though... Back to 100% and ready to start posting again.
Dressage Academy's November Newsletter is now available online. It discussing some ways to include your favorite 4-legged companion in your holiday festivities. In the moves discusses Trot - Walk - Trot transitions. Check it out online
Thanks for your patience. More coming shortly...
Dressage-Academy.com is dedicated to expanding public knowledge of the magnificent sport of dressage by integrating modern-day technology, information and training tactics with classical dressage principles for the betterment of the human/equine interaction, as well as the sport of dressage. To learn more visit www.dressage-academy.com.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Thursday, September 1, 2011
2011 First Level Tests and Videos
2011 First Level tests and videos are now online. Take a look at First Level Dressage.
Monday, August 29, 2011
New 2011 tests and videos
Update: 2011 Training Level tests and videos are now on the site. Check them out at Training Level Dressage.
2011 Introductory Level tests and videos are not on the site also. Check them out at Introductory Level Dressage.
More updates to come soon.
2011 Introductory Level tests and videos are not on the site also. Check them out at Introductory Level Dressage.
More updates to come soon.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Toby Update
Ok. So I've been a bad blogger lately. Toby and I have been working really hard. And I have been working a total of 5-6 different horses for the past couple of months. That has left little time for blogging. So sorry.
But here is the latest on Toby. We have been working diligently on his relaxation. He has become really consistent and the spooking has become minimal, if at all. Yay!!
So we did a schooling show to see if the work in our practice sessions was legit... Guess what, it was!!! We did Training level tests 1 and 2. He scored 71.66 and 69.28 respectively. Go Toby!
Well, I'm off to the barn. More to come soon. Happy riding.
But here is the latest on Toby. We have been working diligently on his relaxation. He has become really consistent and the spooking has become minimal, if at all. Yay!!
So we did a schooling show to see if the work in our practice sessions was legit... Guess what, it was!!! We did Training level tests 1 and 2. He scored 71.66 and 69.28 respectively. Go Toby!
Well, I'm off to the barn. More to come soon. Happy riding.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Last day for the week
Saturday I was anxious to see how our bonding would affect our ride. Toby seemed excited to see me again.
We went into the arena just as the neighbors took up target shooting practice. "Oh, this should be FUN." LOL. You can imagine how amazed I was when Toby didn't even react. HMMMMM, we really must be on to something.
Again, I didn't want to push Toby too hard because he had been going so well. We warmed up and again he was really relaxed. I climbed aboard and off we went.
We leg yielded, we serpentined, we halted, we troted, we extended, we collected. Please don't let it end. THIS IS AWESOME!!!
Again, I tried to focus on staying relaxed and not using my hands excessively. It was working. My hands were better, my seat and legs were nore effective and Toby was responding in kind.
My instructor had another lesson with a young rider for the last 1/2 of our ride. The rider and pony we trotting around us complete with a some spooking. Toby didn't seem to notice. He was focused on the task at hand and never faltered. WOW!! Go Toby.
I asked him to canter on the 20 meter circle and we were absolutely floating. It was so nice, in fact, that my instructor enthusiastically commented on how nice he looked from across the arena while still instructor her other student. I think she was as pleased as I was with how well he was doing.
We are done for the week. And what a week it was. Lesson learned: You CAN actually be extremely effective with your seat and legs. I also learned that Toby does much better when he works more consistenly. He is really intelligent and needs to exercise his brain frequently to maintain his sanity.
Hopefully, the progress will continue. More to follow soon.
We went into the arena just as the neighbors took up target shooting practice. "Oh, this should be FUN." LOL. You can imagine how amazed I was when Toby didn't even react. HMMMMM, we really must be on to something.
Again, I didn't want to push Toby too hard because he had been going so well. We warmed up and again he was really relaxed. I climbed aboard and off we went.
We leg yielded, we serpentined, we halted, we troted, we extended, we collected. Please don't let it end. THIS IS AWESOME!!!
Again, I tried to focus on staying relaxed and not using my hands excessively. It was working. My hands were better, my seat and legs were nore effective and Toby was responding in kind.
My instructor had another lesson with a young rider for the last 1/2 of our ride. The rider and pony we trotting around us complete with a some spooking. Toby didn't seem to notice. He was focused on the task at hand and never faltered. WOW!! Go Toby.
I asked him to canter on the 20 meter circle and we were absolutely floating. It was so nice, in fact, that my instructor enthusiastically commented on how nice he looked from across the arena while still instructor her other student. I think she was as pleased as I was with how well he was doing.
We are done for the week. And what a week it was. Lesson learned: You CAN actually be extremely effective with your seat and legs. I also learned that Toby does much better when he works more consistenly. He is really intelligent and needs to exercise his brain frequently to maintain his sanity.
Hopefully, the progress will continue. More to follow soon.
You're back...
I showed up at the barn on Thursday. Toby looked totally shocked. Three days in a row. Are you kidding? My goals today... more work on seat, legs and hands, better half halts and balace at the canter.
I tacked Toby up and away we went. I'm sure he was feeling the same way I was. Who's dumb idea was it to ride some many times this week. "I promise we are not going to work too hard today buddy."
We walked around for about 10 - 15 minutes before moving on to the trot. In the trot, Toby was very sluggish. He didn't want to move forward in his normal ground covering trot, but he at least tried. We did our normal warm up and attempted some 3-loop serpentines. Toby was pretty tried and more than willing to maintain his slow but consistent rhythm. We changed rein with each loop and he willing responded.
Note to self: "Tired Toby = No fits. HMMMMMM. Could we be on to something? I think so.
We cantered with quite a bit of encouragement from my seat and legs. Today was definitely not the day to be heavy handed. I shifted my attention to my aids. His canter was nice and rhythmical, well balanced and deep in the corners. Oh my goodness. This is awesome!!!! He is incredible.
While this may be a little step for most, this is MAJOR progress for us. I think we may have moved into a new realm. It only took 3 consecutive days of riding, but we have a relaxed and happy horse.
I went out to see Toby on Friday. I think his face dropped. I'm pretty sure he was thinking, "You have GOT to be kidding me. We have to do this AGAIN."
Instead of riding, I took Toby into the indoor and turned him loose. He just stood there and looked at me like I was nuts. Then he took off across the arena kicking up his heels all the way. He pranced around and launched himself into the air with all 4 feet. We played for about 15 minutes and did some bonding. I itched all of his itchy spots and he nuzzled me back. It was so much fun. After our play time, I took Toby out to the cross ties and groomed him. Treats and back to the stall we went. As I was getting ready to leave, Toby came over, bright eyed and happy, to nuzzle my neck as if to say "Wow, that was fun. Thanks for playing." I patted his neck and told him I would see him again on Saturday.
I tacked Toby up and away we went. I'm sure he was feeling the same way I was. Who's dumb idea was it to ride some many times this week. "I promise we are not going to work too hard today buddy."
We walked around for about 10 - 15 minutes before moving on to the trot. In the trot, Toby was very sluggish. He didn't want to move forward in his normal ground covering trot, but he at least tried. We did our normal warm up and attempted some 3-loop serpentines. Toby was pretty tried and more than willing to maintain his slow but consistent rhythm. We changed rein with each loop and he willing responded.
Note to self: "Tired Toby = No fits. HMMMMMM. Could we be on to something? I think so.
We cantered with quite a bit of encouragement from my seat and legs. Today was definitely not the day to be heavy handed. I shifted my attention to my aids. His canter was nice and rhythmical, well balanced and deep in the corners. Oh my goodness. This is awesome!!!! He is incredible.
While this may be a little step for most, this is MAJOR progress for us. I think we may have moved into a new realm. It only took 3 consecutive days of riding, but we have a relaxed and happy horse.
I went out to see Toby on Friday. I think his face dropped. I'm pretty sure he was thinking, "You have GOT to be kidding me. We have to do this AGAIN."
Instead of riding, I took Toby into the indoor and turned him loose. He just stood there and looked at me like I was nuts. Then he took off across the arena kicking up his heels all the way. He pranced around and launched himself into the air with all 4 feet. We played for about 15 minutes and did some bonding. I itched all of his itchy spots and he nuzzled me back. It was so much fun. After our play time, I took Toby out to the cross ties and groomed him. Treats and back to the stall we went. As I was getting ready to leave, Toby came over, bright eyed and happy, to nuzzle my neck as if to say "Wow, that was fun. Thanks for playing." I patted his neck and told him I would see him again on Saturday.
Wednesday and all is well
After our lesson on Tuesday, I decided that I needed to work on my half halts. My biggest problem is using too much hand and not enough seat and legs. While this is not always the case, I have for some reverted back to this recently. The problem is that Toby already likes to evade the contact and my hands being too strong does not help that at all.
I rode on Wednesday and Thursday with my primary focus being my seat, legs and hands. On Wednesday, we continued working on our leg yields along the wall and from centerline. With my new focus, Toby seemed much more willing to oblige my request and gracefully moved away from my legs (of course better to the right than left, but much improved in both directions).
Amazing, use your body correctly and the rest falls in place. What a novel concept. It can't be this easy.
We moved on to some halt, trot, halt transitions. Again focusing on using my seat and legs more and my hands less. Again, Toby willingly responded while staying on the contact and not throwing his head like he had been.
Hmmmmmm, could I be causing his head throwing? That's it. He tells on me when my hands are too strong. Wouldn't you protest if someone yanked on your mouth with a hard metal thing. Not like I didn't already know this, but apparently I needed a brick wall dropped on my head.
We did some canter work. More seat and legs + less hands = nice transition/no head throwing. Awesome. We'll call it a day. Good Boy Toby. Thank you for your patience. You're the best.
I rode on Wednesday and Thursday with my primary focus being my seat, legs and hands. On Wednesday, we continued working on our leg yields along the wall and from centerline. With my new focus, Toby seemed much more willing to oblige my request and gracefully moved away from my legs (of course better to the right than left, but much improved in both directions).
Amazing, use your body correctly and the rest falls in place. What a novel concept. It can't be this easy.
We moved on to some halt, trot, halt transitions. Again focusing on using my seat and legs more and my hands less. Again, Toby willingly responded while staying on the contact and not throwing his head like he had been.
Hmmmmmm, could I be causing his head throwing? That's it. He tells on me when my hands are too strong. Wouldn't you protest if someone yanked on your mouth with a hard metal thing. Not like I didn't already know this, but apparently I needed a brick wall dropped on my head.
We did some canter work. More seat and legs + less hands = nice transition/no head throwing. Awesome. We'll call it a day. Good Boy Toby. Thank you for your patience. You're the best.
More positives
I think we may have stumbled onto something with Toby. Now that the weather has broken, I have been able to go out to the barn more. I was able to ride Toby 4 days this week.
On Tuesday, things went well. We worked on maintaining our rhythm while in a relaxed frame. He leg yielded along the wall in both directions without much trouble. He did, however, start showing that he does not like tracking left. We are working to supple that side. After some additional leg yields, we moved on to tracking straight and lengthening our stride on the long sides and collection in the cornes and along the short side. He willingly moved forward when asked without falling on his forehand. When asked to come back, he also maintained the contact without much fuss.
We moved onto the canter and he was definitely willing to move forward at that point. We did have a little trouble balancing while cantering, but overall not bad and no bucking in the depart. During the canter, my half halts were too strong and Toby broke. He did willing pick the canter up again though and we moved on. We did a decent downward transition to the trot and some nice extensions following. He was really relaxed and willing, so I was thrilled. This was all to the right.
Half circle reverse and now we are going to our bad side. I really hate that we are having so much trouble this direction, but practice makes perfect. Right? LOL.
Tracking left was better this time. We used the whole arena and managed to maintain our balance a little better. Unfortunately, my half halts didn't get much better this way. He tried to accomodate my request but I was too strong and he threw his head and we lost our balance for a few strides. We were able to re-group and end our canter work on a positive. We finished our lesson with a small stretch down circle. Toby was willing to take the contact and stretch a little. A major step for him.
On Tuesday, things went well. We worked on maintaining our rhythm while in a relaxed frame. He leg yielded along the wall in both directions without much trouble. He did, however, start showing that he does not like tracking left. We are working to supple that side. After some additional leg yields, we moved on to tracking straight and lengthening our stride on the long sides and collection in the cornes and along the short side. He willingly moved forward when asked without falling on his forehand. When asked to come back, he also maintained the contact without much fuss.
We moved onto the canter and he was definitely willing to move forward at that point. We did have a little trouble balancing while cantering, but overall not bad and no bucking in the depart. During the canter, my half halts were too strong and Toby broke. He did willing pick the canter up again though and we moved on. We did a decent downward transition to the trot and some nice extensions following. He was really relaxed and willing, so I was thrilled. This was all to the right.
Half circle reverse and now we are going to our bad side. I really hate that we are having so much trouble this direction, but practice makes perfect. Right? LOL.
Tracking left was better this time. We used the whole arena and managed to maintain our balance a little better. Unfortunately, my half halts didn't get much better this way. He tried to accomodate my request but I was too strong and he threw his head and we lost our balance for a few strides. We were able to re-group and end our canter work on a positive. We finished our lesson with a small stretch down circle. Toby was willing to take the contact and stretch a little. A major step for him.
Fresh Start
We continued our progress on Saturday (4/2). Toby and I worked on more leg yielding. We did some trot, halt, trot transitions. Toby stayed on the contact without pulling on me. We did a little canter work and called it a day.
I wanted to reward him for his hard work. Another day down and progress being made.
I wanted to reward him for his hard work. Another day down and progress being made.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Another good day
Today, I came to the barn with a new found confidence. Since I rode yesterday without my instructor, I hoped today's lesson would be equally as good. I explained to my instructor what we had worked on it yesterday and the results that I had with my "Good Boy's" and psychological support. She seemed interested in seeing how this effected Toby.
We started by lunging, but Toby wasn't too excited. We started riding. I spent a little more time working at the walk than normal because I needed to loosen up myself. After our warm up, we started in the rising trot. Again, Toby was relaxed and moving rhythmically. We even managed to travel across the diagonal to change rein without losing rhythm. "Good Boy."
Are you kidding me? 2 days in a row. This is Waaaay Coool.
Laura (my riding instructor) wanted to see our leg yields on the center line. Our last attempt with her was not the greatest. We went down the long side and turned onto the center line. Toby was straight almost immediately, so I asked for the leg yield (albeit in the wrong direction). He willingly obliged my request. It was a little disjointed, but it was better than before. We continued leg yielding. Every leg yield got a little better. On our last attempt, we made it from the center line to just past the quarter line without losing rhythm. WONDERFUL!! GOOD BOY TOBY!
Another horse joined us in the arena towards the end of our lesson. Toby didn't even seem to care. A large chunk of ice fell off the roof of the arena and crashed outside. Toby didn't seem to care.
Was this really the same horse?
Could he really be this calm right now?
This was amazing. I couldn't contain my excitement anymore. I patted him lovingly and told him what a wonderful boy he was being.
We finished our lesson with some canter work on the 20 meter circle with no trouble. Complete with another horse lunging at the other end of the arena.
I have vowed to Toby that I would not leave him hanging psychologically anymore. Toby is the type of horse that will give everything he has to make his human happy. I happen to be that human. Laura has repeatedly told me that I am the only person that Toby will allow to ride him. That I am his human. I need to take that role seriously. From this day on, Toby will be praised for his good work. For his commitment and for his heart. Here's to understanding.
We started by lunging, but Toby wasn't too excited. We started riding. I spent a little more time working at the walk than normal because I needed to loosen up myself. After our warm up, we started in the rising trot. Again, Toby was relaxed and moving rhythmically. We even managed to travel across the diagonal to change rein without losing rhythm. "Good Boy."
Are you kidding me? 2 days in a row. This is Waaaay Coool.
Laura (my riding instructor) wanted to see our leg yields on the center line. Our last attempt with her was not the greatest. We went down the long side and turned onto the center line. Toby was straight almost immediately, so I asked for the leg yield (albeit in the wrong direction). He willingly obliged my request. It was a little disjointed, but it was better than before. We continued leg yielding. Every leg yield got a little better. On our last attempt, we made it from the center line to just past the quarter line without losing rhythm. WONDERFUL!! GOOD BOY TOBY!
Another horse joined us in the arena towards the end of our lesson. Toby didn't even seem to care. A large chunk of ice fell off the roof of the arena and crashed outside. Toby didn't seem to care.
Was this really the same horse?
Could he really be this calm right now?
This was amazing. I couldn't contain my excitement anymore. I patted him lovingly and told him what a wonderful boy he was being.
We finished our lesson with some canter work on the 20 meter circle with no trouble. Complete with another horse lunging at the other end of the arena.
I have vowed to Toby that I would not leave him hanging psychologically anymore. Toby is the type of horse that will give everything he has to make his human happy. I happen to be that human. Laura has repeatedly told me that I am the only person that Toby will allow to ride him. That I am his human. I need to take that role seriously. From this day on, Toby will be praised for his good work. For his commitment and for his heart. Here's to understanding.
An Epiphany
Have you ever hit a block with your horse that you just weren't sure how you were going to overcome? Well, I had hit that point with Toby. How were we going to get past his canter depart issues? And the trouble with his erratic mental state.
Ok, I've been riding Toby for almost 11 months. During that time, I have also been transitioning from the hunter world to Dressage. As a result, my focus has been on my riding skills and style.
After my mishap and vaulting experience last week and a week long layoff due to life getting in the way, I came to the realization that I have been focusing waaaaaay to too much on myself and not enough on my horse. So, when I returned to ride Toby yesterday, I took a different approach. Instead of worrying so much about putting this hand here and that hand there and this foot this way and the other that way, I decided to ride the way I know that I can and let the rest just fall into place. Surprisingly, it did.
Epiphany!! I was so worried about being perfect myself that I neglected to give Toby the psychological support that he needed. As a result, Toby willingly gave all of himself - sometimes exurburantly. Today, he was a calm and steady mount despite being in his stall for over a week.
We did our usual leg yields along the wall with ease. I even asked him for a leg yields on center line and much to my surprise he did it. And did it well. We did some trot, halt, trot transitions while maintaining contact. And turns on the forehand were not a fight. Yay!! It is truly amazing what a "Good Boy" and a pat on the neck will do.
My confidence was soaring. And apparently, so was Toby's. Before we finished, we had just one more demon to exorcise - Canter departs. Toby and I started at a nice rhythmical trot on the 20 meter circle. I sat a few strides, moved my outside foot back slightly, said a quick prayer and asked for the canter. WOW!!! A beautiful canter depart and well balanced canter. We moved to the rail and stayed upright in the corners. AWESOME!! Another pat and "Good Boy" and we were ready for the other side. Would it be a repeat of last week, now that he knows what we're doing? NOT ON YOUR LIFE. Toby again stepped right into the canter with no protest. WOO HOO. We are finished for the day with a giant hug, pat and "GOOOOOD BOY."
Ok, I've been riding Toby for almost 11 months. During that time, I have also been transitioning from the hunter world to Dressage. As a result, my focus has been on my riding skills and style.
After my mishap and vaulting experience last week and a week long layoff due to life getting in the way, I came to the realization that I have been focusing waaaaaay to too much on myself and not enough on my horse. So, when I returned to ride Toby yesterday, I took a different approach. Instead of worrying so much about putting this hand here and that hand there and this foot this way and the other that way, I decided to ride the way I know that I can and let the rest just fall into place. Surprisingly, it did.
Epiphany!! I was so worried about being perfect myself that I neglected to give Toby the psychological support that he needed. As a result, Toby willingly gave all of himself - sometimes exurburantly. Today, he was a calm and steady mount despite being in his stall for over a week.
We did our usual leg yields along the wall with ease. I even asked him for a leg yields on center line and much to my surprise he did it. And did it well. We did some trot, halt, trot transitions while maintaining contact. And turns on the forehand were not a fight. Yay!! It is truly amazing what a "Good Boy" and a pat on the neck will do.
My confidence was soaring. And apparently, so was Toby's. Before we finished, we had just one more demon to exorcise - Canter departs. Toby and I started at a nice rhythmical trot on the 20 meter circle. I sat a few strides, moved my outside foot back slightly, said a quick prayer and asked for the canter. WOW!!! A beautiful canter depart and well balanced canter. We moved to the rail and stayed upright in the corners. AWESOME!! Another pat and "Good Boy" and we were ready for the other side. Would it be a repeat of last week, now that he knows what we're doing? NOT ON YOUR LIFE. Toby again stepped right into the canter with no protest. WOO HOO. We are finished for the day with a giant hug, pat and "GOOOOOD BOY."
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Lunging for fun and profit
Yesterday was my first day back to the barn in about a week. Due to some conflicts and limited time, I didn't have time to ride Toby. I got him out and got him ready to lunge. We were able to go into the outdoor arena. He started out really forward in the trot, but things went pretty well.
He started to canter and spooked himself. Obviously, this wasn't going to go much better than our ride last Thursday. I ended up having to bring him in on a 10 meter circle before he would stop cantering.
After we lunged both directions, we spent some bonding time walking around the outdoor. He did relax and seemed to really enjoy it. Hopefully, our ride tomorrow will be better than the last.
He started to canter and spooked himself. Obviously, this wasn't going to go much better than our ride last Thursday. I ended up having to bring him in on a 10 meter circle before he would stop cantering.
After we lunged both directions, we spent some bonding time walking around the outdoor. He did relax and seemed to really enjoy it. Hopefully, our ride tomorrow will be better than the last.
New Career - Vaulting
After another 2 absolutely amazing lessons on Toby, we had a back slide. Things continued going well after my last post until our last ride. We finally had some warmer weather. Consequently, Tobs was feeling really, really good. We started our lessons with several transitions in the leg yield from walk to trot. Everything was going well, but he was a little tense. We started the canter work with a buck or two and a really nice flying change (totally by accident of course).
Trot transition, re-group, canter depart. Much better.
Well, we got through the right lead complete with a few "ride 'em cowgirl" comments from my riding instructor. Now, we are ready to reverse.
The left lead canter was not so good. I asked for the canter depart and received a very energetic series of bucks. I sat the first ok, but on the second I became too un-balanced to hang on. Of course, we were heading into the corner of the arena when this happened. I bailed into the corner with quite a bit of hang time (17 plus hands is a long way up. LOL). Miraculously, I landed on my feet and was able to stay below the flying hooves.
Apparently, my vaulting skills were quite impressive, because my instructor said that I could head up her vaulting team if she starts one.
I re-grouped on the way back to the mounting block and climbed back on. We spent the next 20 minutes on the lunge line doing trot canter trot transitions. We only managed to get one clean canter transition without a buck in that time. UUUUUGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!
We called it a day with only one clean canter depart.
Surprisingly, I wasn't that sore afterwards. Just extremely frustrated with the way Toby acted. I'm hoping that we can pull through Toby's little Diva-tude. It is so frustrating that he has the talent and physical ability to go so far, but his mental state is not there yet. Will ever get the Relaxation part of the training pyramid? Time will tell.
Trot transition, re-group, canter depart. Much better.
Well, we got through the right lead complete with a few "ride 'em cowgirl" comments from my riding instructor. Now, we are ready to reverse.
The left lead canter was not so good. I asked for the canter depart and received a very energetic series of bucks. I sat the first ok, but on the second I became too un-balanced to hang on. Of course, we were heading into the corner of the arena when this happened. I bailed into the corner with quite a bit of hang time (17 plus hands is a long way up. LOL). Miraculously, I landed on my feet and was able to stay below the flying hooves.
Apparently, my vaulting skills were quite impressive, because my instructor said that I could head up her vaulting team if she starts one.
I re-grouped on the way back to the mounting block and climbed back on. We spent the next 20 minutes on the lunge line doing trot canter trot transitions. We only managed to get one clean canter transition without a buck in that time. UUUUUGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!
We called it a day with only one clean canter depart.
Surprisingly, I wasn't that sore afterwards. Just extremely frustrated with the way Toby acted. I'm hoping that we can pull through Toby's little Diva-tude. It is so frustrating that he has the talent and physical ability to go so far, but his mental state is not there yet. Will ever get the Relaxation part of the training pyramid? Time will tell.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Dressage Academy Newsletter is live
Dressage Academy's February 2011 newsletter is now online. Check it out here
Thursday, February 17, 2011
We're On Our Way
This week just keeps getting better. We're are getting back into the groove.
My mom and a family friend were coming to watch me ride. Mom hasn't seen Toby since last Summer, so she was really excited about seeing our progress.
As usual, we started our lesson with leg yielding along the wall. This seems to engage and relax Toby. Again, Toby maintained his rhythm nicely, but he would occasionally try to take over. Half Halt - (My new best friend). Half halt, re-group and on we go.
We worked on lengthening and collecting within the leg yield. This went pretty well and helped to prevent Toby from taking over. I finally feel like I am starting to have some foresight.
Next we moved on to the canter. After Tuesday's ride, my confidence was way high so I asked if I could try cantering off the lunge line. My riding instructor said of course. But much to my surprise, she said we needed to use the whole arena.
I moved Toby out onto the rail and began rising trot. As we went into the short side, I prepared for the canter depart. Toby stepped right into the canter again this time, but he had to protest a little. We had a few bucks and then we went down the long side. As we approached the next turn, the inside aids went up against and Toby maintained his balance through the turn. We continued around the arena for a few rounds completely in balance. Not bad for the using the whole arena for the first time in about 6 months.
We reversed and worked the other direction much the same way. I still can't believe what a difference a week makes. WHAT AN AMAZING WEEK!!!
It's rides like this that keep us coming back for more, huh?
My mom and a family friend were coming to watch me ride. Mom hasn't seen Toby since last Summer, so she was really excited about seeing our progress.
As usual, we started our lesson with leg yielding along the wall. This seems to engage and relax Toby. Again, Toby maintained his rhythm nicely, but he would occasionally try to take over. Half Halt - (My new best friend). Half halt, re-group and on we go.
We worked on lengthening and collecting within the leg yield. This went pretty well and helped to prevent Toby from taking over. I finally feel like I am starting to have some foresight.
Next we moved on to the canter. After Tuesday's ride, my confidence was way high so I asked if I could try cantering off the lunge line. My riding instructor said of course. But much to my surprise, she said we needed to use the whole arena.
I moved Toby out onto the rail and began rising trot. As we went into the short side, I prepared for the canter depart. Toby stepped right into the canter again this time, but he had to protest a little. We had a few bucks and then we went down the long side. As we approached the next turn, the inside aids went up against and Toby maintained his balance through the turn. We continued around the arena for a few rounds completely in balance. Not bad for the using the whole arena for the first time in about 6 months.
We reversed and worked the other direction much the same way. I still can't believe what a difference a week makes. WHAT AN AMAZING WEEK!!!
It's rides like this that keep us coming back for more, huh?
A New Day
Tuesday
Today proved to be much better. We rode with another horse and rider that have been working on many of the same things that we have been working on. This was a little scary at first because Toby was upset about having to share the arena.
We started off working on our leg yielding along the wall. Toby was pretty good about maintaining the contact and his rhythm. Overall, I was pretty happy with how he was doing.
After some leg yielding, we moved on to "spiral in, spiral out." Now, the brain went into melt down mode. Anytime that I applied leg pressue, Toby would go faster. He became strung out and fell on the forehand. After some pretty strong half halts and 8-meter voltes, Toby decided that he would try to remain calm and do as I asked. We were doing pretty well until he spotted the other horse. Then he became frustrated and started sucking behind the vertical and swinging his haunches out. UGGGHHH. Walk Break.
During our walk break, I started rubbing my legs back and forth on his sides to desensitize him. At first, he would break into a trot every time I touched his sides. After a couple of minutes, he finally started to relax and let me touch his sides without immediately breaking into the trot. Yay for walk breaks.
Then came the dreaded words..."Now, we're going to try some canter work."
ME: "Is she serious? Hasn't she seen us stuggling just to maintain some sembelence of order here?"
Riding Instructor: "We're going to put Toby on the lunge line and see how he does."
Me: "OK. We'll see."
I reluctantly put Toby into the trot thinking this was going to be disasterous. "Now sit a few strides and ask for the canter."
ME: Sit, sit, sit, sit (while half halting)...ASK
Toby: Beautiful left lead canter depart.
My jaw about hit the floor. We had never had a canter depart like that before. He just stepped right into it. No fuss, No buck. THAT WAS WAY COOL.
Next was a nice downward transition to the trot and a small walk break.
I'm not sure where that came from, but I can live with it. And reverse.
I must admit I was a little apprehensive about going to the right. This is not my best side. I tend to twist and bring my left shoulder forward.
What happened next was unbelievable to me. Again, I put Toby in the trot, sat a few strides and asked for the canter. Toby's rear end dropped so much, I thought I was going to fall right off the back. It was like riding a rocking horse. He was collected, balanced and upright. HOLY COW!!
A beautiful downward transition to the trot, then to the walk and we were done for the day. AWESOME!! You can bet there was serious treating going on after that. LOL.
Today proved to be much better. We rode with another horse and rider that have been working on many of the same things that we have been working on. This was a little scary at first because Toby was upset about having to share the arena.
We started off working on our leg yielding along the wall. Toby was pretty good about maintaining the contact and his rhythm. Overall, I was pretty happy with how he was doing.
After some leg yielding, we moved on to "spiral in, spiral out." Now, the brain went into melt down mode. Anytime that I applied leg pressue, Toby would go faster. He became strung out and fell on the forehand. After some pretty strong half halts and 8-meter voltes, Toby decided that he would try to remain calm and do as I asked. We were doing pretty well until he spotted the other horse. Then he became frustrated and started sucking behind the vertical and swinging his haunches out. UGGGHHH. Walk Break.
During our walk break, I started rubbing my legs back and forth on his sides to desensitize him. At first, he would break into a trot every time I touched his sides. After a couple of minutes, he finally started to relax and let me touch his sides without immediately breaking into the trot. Yay for walk breaks.
Then came the dreaded words..."Now, we're going to try some canter work."
ME: "Is she serious? Hasn't she seen us stuggling just to maintain some sembelence of order here?"
Riding Instructor: "We're going to put Toby on the lunge line and see how he does."
Me: "OK. We'll see."
I reluctantly put Toby into the trot thinking this was going to be disasterous. "Now sit a few strides and ask for the canter."
ME: Sit, sit, sit, sit (while half halting)...ASK
Toby: Beautiful left lead canter depart.
My jaw about hit the floor. We had never had a canter depart like that before. He just stepped right into it. No fuss, No buck. THAT WAS WAY COOL.
Next was a nice downward transition to the trot and a small walk break.
I'm not sure where that came from, but I can live with it. And reverse.
I must admit I was a little apprehensive about going to the right. This is not my best side. I tend to twist and bring my left shoulder forward.
What happened next was unbelievable to me. Again, I put Toby in the trot, sat a few strides and asked for the canter. Toby's rear end dropped so much, I thought I was going to fall right off the back. It was like riding a rocking horse. He was collected, balanced and upright. HOLY COW!!
A beautiful downward transition to the trot, then to the walk and we were done for the day. AWESOME!! You can bet there was serious treating going on after that. LOL.
And so it goes.
Day 1 - Saturday
After nearly 2 weeks of sub-zero weather, I was finally able to get out to ride Toby. Let's just say that this was not our best ride. The ice was starting to melt and fall off the barn roof. The wind was blowing pretty hard. That coupled with not working sent Toby into a frenzy. Consequently, we spent most of our lesson on the lunge line trying to contact his brain.
Mission Control: "Earth to Toby... Do you read?"
Toby: Nothin.
Mission Control: "Earth to Toby... Toby, do you read?"
Toby: Crrrrrrrrr. Static.
Mission Control: "Earth to Toby... Do you read?"
Toby: "Earth, I read you loud and clear."
Finally, we've made contact. Now we can work on some sitting trot. A little challenging since Toby's gait was not entirely regular, but we got through.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Ever Improving...
Today's ride proved better than anticipated. A riding companion was going to ride with Toby and I. This can be a challenge since Toby get's antsy when other horses are in the arena. But I had agreed with the thought that Toby needed to learn how to cope with other horses. It was a good thought, so I went into it with an open mind and figured "how bad could it be?" My thoughts quickly turned to the worst, when my riding companion's horse started misbehaving while on the lunge line. Bucking, kicking out, galloping around and sand flying all the while. I listened to the events unfolding in the arena while I was tacking Toby. My thoughts were leaning more towards ground working Toby and maybe not riding. As we entered the arena, Toby seemed to be interested in what was going on. He didn't really seem spooked though. I put him on the lunge line and he proceeded to warm up as if nothing has happened. Then, the other horse spooked at the camera tripod which sent Toby careening around me on the lunge line. Within 4-5 rounds, he was settling and decided that his life was not going to end. I decided that we would go ahead with our original plan of riding. I walked Toby over to the mounting block and climbed aboard preparing myself for what might come next. Watch the video below to see what transpired...
Friday, January 28, 2011
Diary of a Dressage Rider
Ok, I contemplated doing this for quite some time and have finally decided to give it a go. I have been working for nearly 10 months now with an absolutely amazing horse with a troubled past. We have made great progress and I am hoping that our efforts will inspire others to strive to achieve harmony with their horses. This first post is a bit lengthy. It is an introduction and history lesson. It will outline my background and the background of this special horse. Future posts will be an ongoing "diary," if you will, of our training and progress.
The Intro...
In April of 2010, my position at a therapeutic riding center was abolished due to lack of funding. Losing the job of my dreams, left me feeling totally empty until a friend of mine contacted me about starting a therapy center of her own. She asked if I would be willing to help her. Horses and children being my passion, I said I would... And so my adventure began.
The Cast of Characters...
My friend is a Grand Prix Dressage Rider and USDF Gold Medalist, who spent 2 years in Germany training under Conrad Schumacher. She has competed worldwide and has determined that her passion lies in helping people with disabilities to achieve their greatest potential through equine assisted therapy. She and her mother (also a USDF Gold Medalist and Olympic level judge) operate Hobby Horse Hill Equestrian Center (more info available at www.hobbyhorsehill.com)
I am a former hunter/jumper turned dressage fanatic who specializes in turning troubled horses around. My love of horses started before I could walk. My mother was a riding instructor and avid horse woman. Consequently, much of my time was spent in a baby carrier beside the pasture or barn. I started riding at the age of 3 and never turned back. I spent every spare moment with my horses. Having managed several riding facilities since graduating with my MBA, I have found that my passion is in educating people about horses and horse behavior in order to develope synergistic relationships. Now married to the love of my life and mom to two beautiful, horse crazy little girls, I am also dedicated to teaching children the benefits of riding and encouraging their enthusiasm and love of learning through equine assisted learning.
Toby is a gorgeous 12y.o., 17 hh Hanoverian gelding. He was imported from Canada at 2 as replacement for his new owner's FEI horse. After some basic training, Toby was turned out to pasture when his new owner lost interest in Dressage. There he stayed with his pasture buddy for nearly 10 years. During his pasture time, he was used occasionally as a trail horse, but nothing more was done with him. When his owner's parents (the people financially responsible for Toby) decided that it would be best to sell him, they contacted my friend to see if she knew of anyone who might be interested. Given his temperament and his lack of training, she knew that it would be a hard sell, but she would see what she could do. Soon after, Toby moved into her barn and has been in training ever since to try to make him saleable. Unfortunately, Toby is very nervous and very, very particular about his riders. Few people were able to ride him because Toby simply turns his brain off and melts down when he becomes too stressed. Then, let the spooking begin.
A little history...
Toby had been at the barn almost 6 months when I started helping my friend with her therapeutic riding program. He had stressed himself into losing quite a bit of weight and was not taking to his new environment very well. My friend asked if I would be interested in riding him (not mentioning much, other than he was "a little nervous"). My friend knows that I like spirited horses, especially big red-heads, despite my small (5'3") stature. When I saw him for the first time, I fell in love with his expressive eyes. You could see into his very soul. He has a heart of gold, but fear that goes deep.
Our first 6 months were spent just trying to make it through 30-45 minutes of riding without his brain shutting down. We worked through spooking at shadows, at himself in the mirror, even at sand that would hit the kick boards when he would trot around the arena. Toby even successfully executed 1/2 pirouettes in three strides or less. He even seems to grow about a hand when other horses enter the arena. It has been quite an exciting ride so far...LOL.
We participated in our first schooling show after only 2 months of riding and scored in the mid-50's at Introductory level (a huge fete given we couldn't even walk or trot consistently without spooking when we started). Initially, he had a lovely habit of evading the bit by pinning his chin to his chest.
And now, on with the story...
After 10 months, we are developing a solid rhythm in his walk and trot. He has a beautifully relaxed and swinging free walk that overtracks by over a footprint. He is leg yielding along the rail, turning on the forehand, executing 20-meter circles (instead of amoebae) in all gaits and has limited his spooking to only truly scary things like cats or birds in the arena and those ever dangerous, horse-eating shadows. We are also able to re-engage his brain after spooking and continue our work as if nothing happened. Although, I have been unable to purchase Toby at this point (due to my lack of employment), our relationship continues to grow. He looks forward to me coming to the barn and will turn down grain, hay and treats for one of my neck rubs. All in all, I'd say we're making great progress.
Future posts will include video clips, pictures and some quick notes about our rides. I invite comments, critiques and insights (disclaimer: constructive or positive only. Not nasty or derogatory, please). Barring any major catastrophes, this will be an ongoing diary of our quest in the hopes of achieving our USDF Gold.
The Intro...
In April of 2010, my position at a therapeutic riding center was abolished due to lack of funding. Losing the job of my dreams, left me feeling totally empty until a friend of mine contacted me about starting a therapy center of her own. She asked if I would be willing to help her. Horses and children being my passion, I said I would... And so my adventure began.
The Cast of Characters...
My friend is a Grand Prix Dressage Rider and USDF Gold Medalist, who spent 2 years in Germany training under Conrad Schumacher. She has competed worldwide and has determined that her passion lies in helping people with disabilities to achieve their greatest potential through equine assisted therapy. She and her mother (also a USDF Gold Medalist and Olympic level judge) operate Hobby Horse Hill Equestrian Center (more info available at www.hobbyhorsehill.com)
I am a former hunter/jumper turned dressage fanatic who specializes in turning troubled horses around. My love of horses started before I could walk. My mother was a riding instructor and avid horse woman. Consequently, much of my time was spent in a baby carrier beside the pasture or barn. I started riding at the age of 3 and never turned back. I spent every spare moment with my horses. Having managed several riding facilities since graduating with my MBA, I have found that my passion is in educating people about horses and horse behavior in order to develope synergistic relationships. Now married to the love of my life and mom to two beautiful, horse crazy little girls, I am also dedicated to teaching children the benefits of riding and encouraging their enthusiasm and love of learning through equine assisted learning.
Toby is a gorgeous 12y.o., 17 hh Hanoverian gelding. He was imported from Canada at 2 as replacement for his new owner's FEI horse. After some basic training, Toby was turned out to pasture when his new owner lost interest in Dressage. There he stayed with his pasture buddy for nearly 10 years. During his pasture time, he was used occasionally as a trail horse, but nothing more was done with him. When his owner's parents (the people financially responsible for Toby) decided that it would be best to sell him, they contacted my friend to see if she knew of anyone who might be interested. Given his temperament and his lack of training, she knew that it would be a hard sell, but she would see what she could do. Soon after, Toby moved into her barn and has been in training ever since to try to make him saleable. Unfortunately, Toby is very nervous and very, very particular about his riders. Few people were able to ride him because Toby simply turns his brain off and melts down when he becomes too stressed. Then, let the spooking begin.A little history...
Toby had been at the barn almost 6 months when I started helping my friend with her therapeutic riding program. He had stressed himself into losing quite a bit of weight and was not taking to his new environment very well. My friend asked if I would be interested in riding him (not mentioning much, other than he was "a little nervous"). My friend knows that I like spirited horses, especially big red-heads, despite my small (5'3") stature. When I saw him for the first time, I fell in love with his expressive eyes. You could see into his very soul. He has a heart of gold, but fear that goes deep.
Our first 6 months were spent just trying to make it through 30-45 minutes of riding without his brain shutting down. We worked through spooking at shadows, at himself in the mirror, even at sand that would hit the kick boards when he would trot around the arena. Toby even successfully executed 1/2 pirouettes in three strides or less. He even seems to grow about a hand when other horses enter the arena. It has been quite an exciting ride so far...LOL.
We participated in our first schooling show after only 2 months of riding and scored in the mid-50's at Introductory level (a huge fete given we couldn't even walk or trot consistently without spooking when we started). Initially, he had a lovely habit of evading the bit by pinning his chin to his chest.
And now, on with the story...
After 10 months, we are developing a solid rhythm in his walk and trot. He has a beautifully relaxed and swinging free walk that overtracks by over a footprint. He is leg yielding along the rail, turning on the forehand, executing 20-meter circles (instead of amoebae) in all gaits and has limited his spooking to only truly scary things like cats or birds in the arena and those ever dangerous, horse-eating shadows. We are also able to re-engage his brain after spooking and continue our work as if nothing happened. Although, I have been unable to purchase Toby at this point (due to my lack of employment), our relationship continues to grow. He looks forward to me coming to the barn and will turn down grain, hay and treats for one of my neck rubs. All in all, I'd say we're making great progress.
Future posts will include video clips, pictures and some quick notes about our rides. I invite comments, critiques and insights (disclaimer: constructive or positive only. Not nasty or derogatory, please). Barring any major catastrophes, this will be an ongoing diary of our quest in the hopes of achieving our USDF Gold.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)