Lesson for 12/28

Tonight was alot warmer that last Monday! Only a few layers... wham... hot!
had another dentist apt. today... I was told I could ride who I wanted to, but I mentioned I needed an easy one...

Libby it was! Great Mare... dont' ask her to go forward without straightness... she will throw a buck... thankfully, nothing like my Appy!!

One buck... nothing much... if I rode her correctly I was fine... had to keep riding though...

I hope next week I'm able to ride more agressive... hope my spelling is okay, if anyone is reading this... drugs from the dentist... ahhh.... still in pain, but not too bad... ready for sleep.

Have a good night :-)

Types of riding

Interest's of styles...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dressage


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunter-jumpers

A different type of post ~~Kickboxing~~

Years ago, before I owned my first horse (Poncho) I was able to have time to work out 3-4 times/week... I do miss it. Aerobics, Kempo Karate, Kickboxing.

I started off at Lakes Region Karate - I was also going to school; trying to study for tests at both places. I instead tried Kickboxing, from a Karate instructor in Tilton. It was awesome. There were no testing in these classes. The only problem is; if you do not take Karate, some other participants do; I found sparring difficult, especially with a guy twice my size. Yikes. Been kicked a couple of times. No, not with full force, but enough to knock the wind out of me.. :-(

This week, I hope to pick up classes again. If I can't find them in town to fit my schedule, I guess I'll just have to do that at home, which is no problem...

I miss working out more. It will be "funner" than cleaning stalls every day this winter.

Hopefully I'll find something this week!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kickboxing

Sunday, December 27th, 2009

ah... Lucky me... having a thoroughbred that takes a break from shoes in the winter... our footing is horrible; hardly any snow. They can't really run around. Easy to catch, but not fun for them! I groomed my 3 yesterday; and when I put Asher, my youngest in his stall, he had a bucking fit! and I was still in there! Caught me totally off guard. I did not expect him to act that way, as I do not allow bad behavior when I am handling them. I was able to slip out of the stall, went in there, and then put him out. I didnt' let him go until I did a few seconds of "ground work"... I think he knew I was mad... I never lounge much; I would rather ride. Each spring I do lounge Asher before getting on though. Probably will be a good thing. I actually hope for at least 5-6" snow soon. Maybe I can ride......

Lesson for December 21, 2009

Today will be a "balmy" 30-35 degree's.. better than last Monday night! I had 5 layers on.... the wind kept getting worse. Lesson was great, as always. I rode Libby, a boarders mare. Working on asking her to go more forward; not faster, more forward. Not kicking her sides, and don't grip. Libby went nice and forward, on the bit, and had some nice moments of roundness. I hope this upcoming lesson - the weather won't be so cold. I really can't wait to complain about the bugs again. Swim in the pool, and go to the barn without 3 layers on. Is spring really right around the corner?

Lesson for the 14th

ah..... tonight I had another great lesson; a little "off" tonight as I had to go to the dentist tonight.... as the pain begins :-(

I rode "Revi" tonight; the horse that tends to intimidate me :-( I have ridden him when I first started at Elizabeth's. A beautiful horse; son of the "horse of the year, 2009" in Germany;

Working at mostly the trot, straightness and more, Elizabeth just makes some movements; Revi listens... Riding him is amazing... You have to remember to ride, and not be the passenger!


A Piaffe;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piaffe

I didn't even know Asher knew how to do a Piaffe; will work on that the next time I get to ride him. The footing is not the best at the moment with all the snow.

Elizabeth rode "Revi" after me, and did a "Passage"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passage_(dressage)

"Revi's" Breed

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trakehner

http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/2009/03/125.shtml (not sure if this is the correct link - horse of the year, Germany, 2009)

December 5th... Lesson

After thinking of my lesson (from last Monday night) all week, I couldn't wait to ride again tonight. I didn't get to ride at home this past weekend.

I rode Corey tonight; the mare which you must use your seat... leaning forward... she'll stop. If you don't relax, she'll go faster... use your seat, and you will be fine!

Had a great lesson; it was much colder tonight than last week. I think it's time to dig out more winter riding clothes and buy one more pair of winter breeches!

I can't wait to work more on Asher; with the stuff I have been taught at Elizabeth's. I also mentioned maybe in the spring a jumping lesson; not sure if she sets them up inside.

Lesson for November 30th

ahhh... being nervous at times can be a real bummer! I rode Monday night at Elizabeth's. I rode "Revi" who is a http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trakehner (I believe all Trakehner) he is only
15.3 h, but felt like more than 16 h. Very sweet, I was excited to ride. However, watching the lesson right before me, gets me "rolling" with some fear. The horse ridden before me was a "good" size, full of "IT"... the girl having a lesson was younger, and I respect the younger, braver riders.

The lesson for her went well, a few small bucks here and there, but she handled the Gelding well!

Here I come with "Revi"... like I said, very sweet; he is 3rd level; (I am not 3rd level!) I have not been on him at all, only when I first started riding at Elizabeth's did I ride him a couple of times.

He was nervous; as the farrier was at the barn, Elizabeth told me he is nervous of the noises from the farrier's truck. Grinding wheel, etc... he did have that "look" on him.

Trying to be brave, and not worry too much, I hopped on, and he had the smoothest gait! Really sweet, got him moving forward.

Beth had me hold a dressage whip, 20 meter circle, asking for connection, but most of all, teaching me to "ride the moment" and not to wait on "what would happen".

Those fears creep up on me riding another horse besides Asher. Asher, whom I trust 100%, I dont' worry - hardly at all. Fears from the past being thrown, tossed... just get to you. I dont' want to be hurt and be out of work!!!

My lesson went well, however, I need to be more "pro-active" as Elizabeth says. She says I can do it, and I trust her... It's get getting over - riding a different horse.

When I was younger (long time ago) didn't matter what, who, where --- as long as I rode, I was happy.... jump this, jump that... stirrups flying off, landing sideways, horses falling to the ground.

Isn't it funny as we get older, it changes....

I hope I do better next Monday night!

Trying to be a perfect rider......

Today I had a lesson, riding Corey. I spoke to Elizabeth on how I feel during my lessons; it's sort of funny... I get all tense, trying to pay attentiont to what I'm being asked to do, at the same time trying to pay attention to what I'm doing, and trying my best.

Probably too hard. Elizabeth told me to relax! Just ride the moment!

Today I had a great ride, riding better at the sitting trot. What was explained to me made SO much more sense than the years past.

More stuff to work with Asher on... I hope it's easier to move up a level or two next year. I've been showing a level lower than I trained in years ago, but that is okay. I need to have patience. Asher is not a school horse, which I was use to years ago.

Cody

Jumping Sarah's horse cody... picked up the canter right before the jump... didn't expect it!

ahhh... jumping gone bad

Yesterday I did some small jumps, being about a year since I have... ha... using a Dressage saddle... uhm... next time I'll switch to the A/P to shorten my stirrups! I'm sideways on this pic... as Asher would go up to the jump and just about "cow" hop over it! Will try to raise the bars next week! It was fun... miss jumping like I use to... The older I get, and the less I jump, makes me more anxious!

for today

Tomorrow I have my weekly lesson with Elizabeth...I'm looking forward to riding with her, but also worried about my oldest horse Nash.. he hasn't been himself the past few days, not eating. He is 26 years old... I won't let him suffer.

I've never had to personally put a horse down... and after seeing Nash sedated tonight, I thougth it wouldn't bother me. Now I know when the "time" comes, it will really bother me. Seeing a horse go down just is a scary thing...

we'll have to see how he does tomorrow... I will call the vet to let them know.

I hope I sleep tonight... it's just been an emotional week.. :-(

Lesson for November 12th

Back again... another great lesson... it's been a great year training with Elizabeth... I've made some great progress. Sometimes it's hard going "back to basics", but in the long run, it's for the best!

I rode Corey today... the quick mare -- that makes you really ride. Ride with your seat. Worked on some lateral work; which I will be doing with Asher. I haven't done any of that since a lesson I had with Annette this past summer.

It was a great lesson, which I've never had a bad one with Elizabeth. But, happy to say, my progress this year has come along way! Further than expected! :-)

Next week... Friday... until then....

lesson for November 6th, 2009

well, today wasn't the best week at the end.. hearing of a friend passing, another friend putting her horse down today, I wasnt' sure how my lesson would be--- in my mind, not in the "right" frame...

I rode Libby today, a nice mare; moves somewhat like Asher, but you have more "time" to correct your errors.

Today, while walking Libby, I used my skills taught to me by Elizabeth (Beth) to make her soft, move forward. Moving forward does not mean to go faster.

As I was asked to ask her to trot, I didn't ask with my "heals" kicking her side, I have been taught to ride with even weight in my stirrups, sitting up straight, asking without the force.... it's sort of hard to explain. *not for Beth, but for me!

I asked for a trot, which started off slow; Beth asked me to ask for a more forward trot. Her head went up, which makes for a hollow back, less control. Why ride like this? You dont' want to. Horses were not meant to carry us on their back. Ask them to go round, and they use their muscles and it will be easier.

As my lesson went on, Beth asked to "massage" my reins... since I wasnt' getting a connection with her, I asked for a more forward trot, circled and she rounded and lifted her back.... much more relaxed. yes, it took some work. her hind end came underneath her, and there was no forcing in dropping her head. Why would you want to pull a horses head in, or sea-saw the horses head in? this only forces their head down, but does NOT lift their back.

Today was good... I developed skills on what to work with Asher. He has a huge trot for a little guy; I hope tomorrow I can ask for an extended trot, having him round, use his back.

My lesson ended well; as all my lessons do... I learn so much! Until Thursday...

lesson today with Elizabeth, 10/28

Today was the first time I've ridden in a week... its' getting darker early, and Asher had his shoes pulled for the season Wednesday night.

I rode Corey today. I dont' ride her very often, but when I do, I sure do learn alot!

You're seat does matter. I kept pulling her to the inside, and she would move more forward. Wondering what the hell I was doing. Back to basics today. Mostly walked, with transitions, using my seat. If I did it correctly, she would walk when I asked, or move to the inside/outside of the rail. Elizabeth kept walking around, as I had to follow her.

The minute I used my reins and not my seat, she really moved forward. Then I had to slow her down. Relax my elbows, legs back, sit at the trot, sit up straight...

Today I remembered how much the walk is important. As Elizabeth mentioned it's the hardest gait.

After my ride I was informed this little mare is the fastest horse at the barn, and realized she was more difficult than my Asher to ride....

Lesson learned... :-)

Teaching, advice and more

After helping a friend out the past 2 weeks, made me think of how much I have been taught. Some instructors I have, and had, teach differently... Some really get into the lesson, walking beside you, acting out riding, moving like the horse, or what to change. I really think when someone really enjoys teaching, you learn more... I've had instructors - long time ago, admit they hate teaching... I still had fun, and I think they did, but what is the point? After hearing that comment, you almost feel guilty being there.

I love teaching, giving advice (when asked) and showing good skills of what I have been taught. If I dont' know how to explain something, or dont' know how to do it, I'm upfront and honest, and suggest to find someone who does that "skill" more. I don't do alot of trail riding, and will admit that. I ride around the farm, not in the ring on Asher, but I could never explain well enough on how I control and ride him. I could explain on using my seat and to slow him down, stop and control more, but each horse is different. Weather can take a huge take part, and your surroundings. Once you leave you 'safe' zone in the ring, it can all change.

If you have an instructor who doesn't like to teach, move on. You will get more information. If you get an instructor who doesn't say much during a lesson, move on. When I ride there isn't much time where I"m not learning something. It's constant instruction, explanation and feedback. Thumbs up, heels down, sit up straight and move forward.... and there's lot's more.

I go home to practice and always have plenty of questions the week after. I always have a problem or question to go over with Elizabeth each week, and each time we go over the same thing we did the week before, and move onto something new, or something I am weak at.

It has helped me move on to a higher level horse at her barn, and ride Asher better.

Lessons should be fun. Correction should be taken in a fun way, as you are learning and want to move forward.

training has been great this year

wow... alot of progress this year... Annette working with me at home, and Elizabeth (Beth) at her place.. really makes me think and learn... using my seat and full contact this past Friday, really helped.

I called Annette today, to say "hi" and tell her the progress I have made. It really helped this year when she had me just hold on to the buckle of the reins, and let him go. Really move forward using my seat.

I mentioned to her my lesson Friday; taking more contact and using all leg and seat, really worked, as I was taught from her to use all seat and no rein.

It helped stretch Asher out, and taking full contact knowing how to use my seat, really worked.

I know next year I can work on the next level and maybe more. I can't wait.

having the correct instuctors really makes a difference :-)

Thanks to Elizabeth and Annette.. it's really come along way this year!

Lesson for October 16th, 2009

well, I did it.. I borrowed Karen's trailer and brought Asher over to Elizabeth's.. first time driving a trailer loaded with a horse.. yahoo! wasn't that hard... just gotta remember your turns and stopping... the worse part is, worrying about someone cutting you off... all went well :-)

My lesson today rocked! Beth rode Asher first; she tends to know if they are "broken" --- Asher plays rough.. runs, bucks. the fun stuff... after about 5-10 minutes, I rode Asher... using a strong outside leg and some (little) rein... wham... good boy! round and about.. forward... forward... connection... on the bit and round like a ball.. good times...

Asher has remembered everything... it just takes the correct skills to do it! Beth mentioned he was not as "stiff" as before... I mentioned that I do ride him on "the buckle" at home to let him stretch before/after taking contact.

I will miss my lesson next week, as Beth goes to Germany to teach. I hope she has a great time. Her best friend lives there as well.

Until next time....

Trainers; Present and past

Trainers



Elizabeth Latham, Sanborton, NH - Dressage / balance seat

Annette Green, Pembroke, NH - Dressage/balance seat



http://www.susannewinslade.com/Home_Page.html - Dressage/balance seat

Pam Hunt of Haverhill, Mass. - trained hunter jumper
http://www.ridecornerstone.com/about.shtml



Chrisler Farm of Rowley, Mass.- trained hunter jumper

http://www.chrislar.com/

spelling

I apologize for the mis-spelling, as it is 4:05 and I'm ready for bed!

MRF Dressage Show for October 4th

Today was a good day, despite it was a "bad" day for Asher... just one of those days. "I dont' want to be here!"

I was up at 3:30 am to do stalls... I wanted them done, knowing I would be so tired when I got home. I had my coffee, checked my email, went to the barn... The horses were yawning but wanted to go out as the day before was so crappy out!

I put all out but Asher and Poncho... Poncho was a true camper keeping Asher company

Karen was at the barn around 6:30, braiding Asher's mane for me. I'm not so good at that, or have the patience. Boy, I owe Karen big time!

We loaded him up and he was mad from the start. All the other horses were out and happy, rolling in mud, but Asher was in the trailer, dressed to be a star ;-p



we got to Nottingham after some good laughs on the way down. Karen always has the best stories to tell... they are just so funny

Asher was okay when we got there, but saw a horse like Karen's "Bid"... as Asher was his roommate when Karen owned Asher. boy, did that set him off! LOL

I rode him around the grounds of the show, and popped into a ring outside. He was being a tird, but okay. My class was up... I could tell he didn't want to be there. Oh well.

I rode my best. Give him rein, but trying to have some contact. moving him forward. He wasn't listening to my leg at all, never mind my seat.

I left the ring discouraged, but would wait for the next class

he just became more upset as the day went on... why? well, we have our good and bad days of our "everyday" life... dont' we? Well, he just wasn't having a good horsey day.

Upon my next class, we went into the indoor to warm up, and he was just being a jerk! I used more leg than a football player making a kick...

Karen, my friend came in and helped calm him down as at that time Asher and I were "arguing". I won't take "no" for an answer, even if it means falling off at some points of my riding.

We, or I should say Karen, calmed him down to a point I could ride more, and I started the test (twice) and before my diagnol change, he was a tird again and I scratched the test. Oh well.

He wouldn't go forward with all the leg in the world and NO rein. ha ha...

oh well.. Asher had a bad day... which doesn't happen very often. Better luck next time. At least I stayed on...

I would have excepted that I fall off, but I didn't want to get my pants dirty ;-p

until next time...

Friday, the 25th

hmmm... interesting lesson on Friday.. got my wheels turning... in a good way... I guess. When Elizabeth is talking to me, I concentrate and think of when I'm riding at home... that's when she tells me to look up and stop staring at the horses's ear's, or they will catch on fire ;-p

Friday I worked more on the canter, which I can say I dont' do enough... having my un-even ring really makes you ride. Maybe I'm being lazy. Friday I worked on the 20 meter circle at a canter, and going over some poles... hmmm... it was great to get out of a boring walk and trot, and break into a faster gait...

I rode Libby, who i ride the most when I don't bring my horse Asher. Libby is something like Asher, but I have more time to correct things, as she is not as fast.

Alot to work on before the snow flies with Asher... but all will be good :-)

Lessons before the show

I have my weekly lesson with Elizabeth tomorrow... won't be bringing Asher... Hope to ride Corey, her TB/cross mare, who you really, really, have to ride correctly. Been told some stories, but she was fine the last time I rode her :-)

I hope to practice my test before October 4th; I only get anxious before I enter the "show" ring; nothing else really bothers me. I dont' think of being the "center" of attention, but how Asher will be. or maybe how I will be? Remember... remember.. use my seat, let go of the reins, move him forward... otherwise he'll be like a racehorse ready to go...

Riding at home.... With Annette

I've know Annette for a while now... She taught me alot, and this year I really "let go" and took her advice and listened. She is my trainer at home, and has been for a while now...

Our last lesson? Nervous? Hell yeah! What did we do? I gave him all the rein he wanted, used my "seat" and rode him until I got it. What's "it"? Asher was round as a basketball... okay, not that round, but after 10 minutes of leaving his head alone, he was so relaxed... round, soft, forward. yeahoo!!! Ride him on the friggen buckle if I have too. It's not easy riding in my ring. Any eventer could ride it with ease. But, you really learn how to ride, that is the good thing.

Stop fussing over the reins. They are not there to hold onto. They are not there to make your horse go round. Use your reins for that and you will have a hollow back. No arguments there. Nuff said!

Elizabeth, my trainer, riding Asher

Elizabeth trained Asher years ago, when my friend Karen owned him. I brought Asher back for the first time in a few years, the beginning of summer. WOW... all I can say. She rode him like he never left her place.

My lesson today, September 7, 2009

I had a valuable lesson today at my trainers, which is near by. I bring my horse there once in a while; Asher is a Thoroughbred. I did not buy him off the track, but a friend did. He had training at my trainers barn.



Keeping up with training is not easy. Not if you are not doing it the correct way.



Today I rode one of my trainers horse's, Corey. Now, seeing other advanced riders ride her, I knew in my heart it would be a while before I would have that chance! But, it happened today!



She is not a big mare; part Thoroughbred, not sure of the other "half". Being told she can be "hot", wasn't sure what to expect. I was told she is better than what she use to be :-)



Riding her, yes, nervous. her size didn't scare me, but what I didn't know about her. Would she bolt if I used leg? Would she rear if I pulled back? hmmm... I wouldn't know unless I did that.



I didn't get to ride her around the entire ring (which is pretty large) but I rode at one end, near my trainer. Do I trust my trainer? yes... very much so.



Within 10 minutes of riding this mare, I knew I would live through the lesson and not fall... (or hope)



Extended trot, a little massage of the inside rein, outside leg, inside leg, outside rein. Sound confusing? It can be... when you are trying to get the horse soft, round, and use their back. There is no forcing of any of this, which some riders confuse when trying to ask for these things.

Don't give up on the first try asking your horse correctly how to do something. Remind the horse constantly... be soft about it and don't be harsh.

September, 2009

I've been riding since I was about 10.. Now that I am "40" something, I have been taught important riding values this past year. (1) ride your horse. This doesn't mean to get on and be a "passenger" but to ride.

(2) Riding Dressage is not too different from some other riding styles; however, having different instructors for many years, most good, some bad, some "okay", you cannot force your horse to do something he/she doesn't know what you are asking.