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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
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