My horses and I

After the end

2010-10-03T15:19:00.000-07:00

well, yesterday, October 2nd, I put my oldest thoroughbred down to rest... he was 28 years old. I took him at 22 years old. The day he came to the barn.. will never forget... he was happy to be with other horses.. ran like a young horse, rolling, yelling for the others.. very happy! I put needed weight on him... spent alot of time with him, and rode him about 6 days a week.

I was looking for a horse to ride since my Appy, Poncho was lame with navicular, back problems, etc.. loved to buck you off....

so, I rode Nash... he loved to be ridden.. couldn't wait to put the bridle on, and go in the ring... just loved it... never really wanted to stop riding...

He was never worked hard, just had fun....

I then got another thoroughbred, from a friend of mine - he is much younger, and I decided to retire Nash, the oldest one.

Although during his retirement, he carried around little kids... and he did so carefully.

Nash was just that way.. I think he knew when there was someone young, or a beginner on him.... so patient... so sweet

the past few years I noticed his sight was going more... spooked more, would almost run into me... he would see me the last minute and move... we fed him 3 meals a day, to keep weight on him... when he seemed tired, spooked too much for kids, I retired him....

He still went out every day... when he wanted to come in, we let him in... when he wanted out, we let him out...

He was funny...if something was wrong - cut, needed his bug mask, fly spray, whatever it was, he would find me... he wouldnt' leave until I found out what he wanted... once I patched up a boo-boo or gave him fly spray, he would then leave to see the other horses... if he wanted attention, he would follow you... chase you, etc... it was pretty sweet!

I knew yesterday would be hard... I had friends with me, and a caring vet...

I spent the morning at the barn... brushed him, scratched his bug bites, fly spray and treats.... he would follow me around....

He looked tired... really tired... I could see it in his eye....

when the vet got there, I made sure I hung on to him as long as I could..hugs, kisses....

Karen and Elizabeth, along with the vet, walked him to his place of rest...

I almost yelled out for them to stop... I hated watching him walk away... I knew I would never see him again.

I have a piece of his tail... I will keep it forever...

RIP - Nash.... 1982-2010

:-(

No more boarding

2010-05-22T15:38:00.000-07:00

As this weekend ends, I only have less than a week to clean 6 stalls in the morning... sad, but true... boarders are leaving next weekend... the only reason why I am happy is - I will only have 3 to care for....

I have been told we have a "fun" life... as much fun as I have had fun, and the people I have met, continued friendships and all; all work and no play makes me a dull girl.

It will be quiet at the barn soon... but, i really don't mind... it will take less time for 3 stalls than 6... less shoveling, less time for bug spray, fly masks, blankets, hay, water, grain... clean the turnout, the run in, never mind stalls.

I remember moving 600 bales of hay at a time (last year was about 1000 bales of hay, 1200 bags of shavings, sawdust, frozen water pipes and more... yes, it will be less hectic....

It's been good... some people said I will have no one to ride with; yup... it's nice to call someone, but I ride alone for the most part... keeping the cell phone close by, or telling neighbors I am riding in case I fall...

crawling home once or twice hasn't been too bad... couldnt' walk, so the crawl was a short one, after being thrown or falling off a horse...

One more day for the weekend, and back to "normal" for monday... I will appreciate this week.... but will also appreciate the week after..... only 3 horses.. hopefully I will ride more and pay more attention to my own, more...

Thanks to my boarders... it's been fun!

April lessons

2010-04-20T16:40:00.000-07:00

Working with someone else's horse is sometimes different than your own. Having lessons at a stable with an indoor is "totally" better than not having one. I've been riding Libby alot this past year. Although she is a little bit "slower" than Asher, her stride is big. Correction must follow of what you are asking. Alot to think about in a matter of seconds.

I rode Asher this past week. I am trying to remember everything I have been taught with Libby; Asher is not as in "shape" as she is, so it will take some work and patience. He is "stuck" alot when I first ride him. Last week when I rode him, he just wanted to "jig" (sort of a trot) I didn't get mad, as this is the first time out this year in the ring working. So, I asked Elizabeth what I was doing wrong.

His head goes up, the "race track" vision is there. Head twisted and he just wants to bolt. ha ha......

Elizabeth mentioned, he is "stuck". Not being straight, could be out of "whack" whatever you want to call it. Do some latteral movements and don't yank on his mouth. No pulling. Lift the inside rein and ask him to go forward slowly.

Tonight I worked on this. He really wanted to go. As Elizabeth says - "brace" is "race" without the "B".... he is stuck, can't move forward without being asked correctly.

I did some side-passes, used my "wrong" diagnol at the trot for so many steps and so on. He worked up a sweat... which what I am asking is not easy... and it's the beginning of the year. I gave him all the rein he wanted at times to really stretch out.

In the end, I was happy because I was patient... I didn't get mad at him for not doing the whole ride correctly, but he sure did try.

http://www.localriding.com/glossary.html

March 2010

2010-03-31T15:12:00.000-07:00

The last couple lessons I have been working on connection and the canter... much funner that "trotting" all the time...

This past week I was asked to hold a dressage whip in each hand. I'm not quick enough to ask in time to remind the horse of their hind leg. I rode Corey last week, and Libby this week.

Corey has a great canter - I didnt' have 2 whips last week; I actually don't need one with her :-)

Libby, who I used 2 dressage whips with - just get's "stuck" and you need to ride her correctly or she might throw a leg out which can get me going... she's not doing it to be mean. You just need to ride her straight and correct and then she will go into a nice frame.

I'm hoping to ride Asher this weekend and hope to remember everything I've been taught - and work on him!

Links

2010-03-24T15:58:00.001-07:00

Be sure to check out the new link - for Thoroughbred's - after the race

old pictures

2010-03-13T08:03:00.000-08:00

Walking in the field up the street last summer

Me and my Gram

Kim riding Gemi at a clinic

Winter 2010

2010-02-27T11:16:00.000-08:00

2010-02-26T17:03:00.000-08:00

Feb 22nd Lesson

2010-02-26T16:57:00.000-08:00

It was a "balmy" 30? on Monday... All I know is, I didn't need 5 layers to stay warm... huge plus!

I rode Libby again... (no complaints, ever!)

Been working on the same thing as my last few lessons, but this time, working on the canter. Riding your horse...vs... school horse... huge difference.

But, Elizabeth gave me some huge skills to work on Asher with. His canter is "faster" than Libby's... I was able to ride her canter pretty good considering I dont' canter alot any more....

With the skills I was given on Monday, I can't wait to get back in the saddle with Asher and work more canter work! woot, woot!

I'm hoping in a couple of weeks to start him up again.... his shoes will be put back on in April.

Today's lesson... 2/15/10

2010-02-15T14:36:00.000-08:00

wow... let's see if I can describe today's lesson!

awesome? great? wow...

I rode Libby... after having SO many great lessons with her, I was so happy to ride her again, as you learn SO much...

More or less just worked on walking... leg yield... doing it correctly makes so much more sense...

Keeping her straight and asking her to go forward... she would "lock" up and I would need to remind her of her hind leg...

My errors? I ask too much in the beginning and end up "over" asking... the results? An unhappy horse at times.

At the end? Elizabeth asked me to "step" into my inside leg, use my outside leg, support her with my outside rein, and soften my inside rein...

Sometimes I had to "lift" out of my seat for a tiny bit... release their back... (they were not meant to carry us) Use even weight in your stirrups... that is what I was taught so much this past year!

I hope I got that right!

waaaalaaaa... softer horse... NO pulling... just some reminders and asking.. this took a while for me to get... why? I'm so use to riding "frozen"... or "stiff"...

uh uh... none of that... it took some work, but worked.

it's funny... some pictures, even of showing, I look at, and BLECH... I want to remove them, and will soon... will get some better pictures riding this year....

it shows my hands and seat "suck" (sorry, but they do) working on them since last May.. huge difference...

So much to remember, so much to think about... but I know in my heart Elizabeth (and Annette at home) will help me :-)

Thanks Elizabeth!

(Her website is in the progress of being built, will post soon)

my lessons keep me going

2010-02-09T15:41:00.000-08:00

I cant' wait to see Elizabeth's website...

It's exciting - she has been my instructor since May... I have learned (is that actually a word??) so much... and last night was no exception.

I hope I get the explanation right, since I can in no way explain as well as her :-)

I rode Libby... riding is so important - the minute I stopped riding and didn't ask correctly (like I have in the past) riding a 20 meter circle... a few times she would go in the opposite direction - that was because I wasn't riding

Then, I "tapped" her right shoulder (riding counter-clockwise) to remind her of her outside leg (I hope I have this right!) and I got it correctly; inside leg; outside rein, a little tap, and it all came together...

awesome............................

Lesson for the 25th, January

2010-01-26T15:43:00.000-08:00

OMG.. was last nights Lesson awesome...

Rode Libby... Much more forward... it's funny... dont' hold the horse back, or they will be confused.

Don't have too much rein, but ask them to hault with your seat.

Don't ask them to go more forward, without having them straight

Don't stop riding, and ask them to go forward

I rode Libby in a 20 meter circle, at the trot, asking for a forward trot and didn't have her straight at times... she would hook a right... LOL, go to pick up a canter, then back to the trot, not straight

I did get it - woot! woot!

She was pretty forgiving... a good girl...

The slowest gaits can be the hardest!

Winter weekend... hanging out

2010-01-23T15:42:00.000-08:00

Hoping to ride tomorrow, the footing seems to be okay... we'll see how Asher is... LOL... he was FULL OF IT this morning when I put them all out. I didnt' ride today, went out with mom for lunch, bought stuff for a calzone, and went to Staples.

Hubby and I had dinner and watched a movie tonight... The Transporter... Love the guy, loves his cars... :-) I'm a car freak... never mind horse freak. I can usually tell what kind of car in less than 30 seconds of seeing it...

The past month I have lost over 10 lbs... which is awesome... just no appetite lately... which is not a problem. Now if I want ice cream, it will be all good!

My lesson is Monday night... can't wait. I'm hoping the weather stays warm enough to keep the rain from freezing. But, in NH, you never know.

Would love to get a snowmobile, but that will wait. Maybe next year...

It's almost February... how many more days until spring?

January 18th lesson

2010-01-18T09:33:00.000-08:00

My lesson rocked today... being in a "good frame" of mind and concentrating on why you are there to begin with helps!

Rode Libby... so much more forward... she was a good girl too....

The weather wasnt' too bad either... it's a balmy January day in New Hampshire!

favorite vid's of thrill riding!

2010-01-17T15:18:00.000-08:00

you may have to copy and paste these links - not sure if the links are working... :-(

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPOJoWe7dHM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPOJoWe7dHM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rdFWmDjL9c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwtflXeHcA4

Nice Dressage Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RF2_BiTHlM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1vqKS9Ep84

Highlands Ski area

2010-01-17T14:35:00.001-08:00

This is from years ago... Bill and I use to 4-wheel to the top of Highlands Mountain... there use to be a ski area, now it is a Mountain Bike Park

yup.. I'm afraid of heights, so don't ask why I did this. At the top I climbed the ladder on the chair lift... views were amazing. To the right is the stable.

Extreme skiing!

2010-01-17T14:08:00.000-08:00

http://sagecattabriga-alosa.com/

Friend's cousin ---- NUTS!!!

winter blahs

2010-01-06T15:04:00.000-08:00

I hate winter... okay, I use to "like" winter... when I use to ski... I do try to go sledding with any kid who will put up with my "Childish" behavior once in a while too :-p.

Same ol, same ol'... alarm at 4 am... hit the snooze button... get up, feed the dog, watch the weather... breakfast... put the 30 layers of clothing on... 15 minutes later, I'm down the barn... you can see the horse's breath... you can see the steam off of the heated water buckets. I open the doors, put one out at a time; with the exception of Poncho.... he wanders the hall of the barn and eventually goes out while I'm putting about 15 piles of hay out there... and making sure the water tub is filled outside...

They all go out... they all roll... they all get up... they all push each other around for the best hay pile... when I am there on the weekends, I hear banging around with the horsey - jolly- balls... (big horse toy) I go through about 6 a winter.

This week... same ol' thing... the holidays are over, it's back to the grind.

I had my lesson Monday night... just wasn't myself; feeling a little "down".. my instructor can pick that up in a second...

Talking is good when you have someone to lean on, trust and just vent to! I rode Libby, the great mare her boarder has... it was a quiet lesson, but I was told I had a good seat....

Elizabeth went over the lesson time; which I do so appreciate... although when I'm done with my lesson I try to get home, I wanted to stay just a bit and help out anyway I could... she has some great people there already helping, but thought I should show my appreciation for everything she taught me.

Sometimes appreciating other stuff is better than life itself :-)

More pic's - barn and run-in (back side)

2010-01-02T12:34:00.000-08:00

Pics for the New Year

2010-01-02T12:23:00.000-08:00

Nash and Asher; Thoroughbred's, Poncho is an Appaloosa

New Year's....

2010-01-02T12:21:00.000-08:00

I had a quiet New Year's... stopped in my brother's and Sarah's place, went to Target to get some stuff, went to my friend Louise's place for the night. There her husband made us dinner... we had a couple glasses of wine, watched a movie, had dinner. It was nice and quiet. Had Lobster Bisque (SP?) for the first time... it was different. I usually like the lobster boiled, with all the heart-attack stuff included. I have that maybe once a year.... Saw her horses... which are so cute... Charlie, a pony, and Fancy, a Paint - horse.

Happy New Year 2010

2010-01-02T10:33:00.000-08:00

Hoping for a good year...

having some snow today; it's supposed to get real windy, with alot of snow tonight... hope to ride tomorrow... if Asher is full of "IT", there will be plenty of snow to cushion the fall.... just a nice walk through the field will be nice... something quiet and relaxing... Lesson for Monday night. Something to look forward to!

Lesson for 12/28

2009-12-28T15:41:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-27T08:15:00.001-08:00

Interest's of styles...

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

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

A different type of post Kickboxing

2009-12-27T03:41:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-27T03:35:00.000-08:00

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......

2009-12-25T04:48:00.000-08:00

Lesson for December 21, 2009

2009-12-25T04:40:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-14T16:37:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-07T17:20:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-03T16:03:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-11-27T15:13:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-27T11:08:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-22T03:52:00.000-08:00

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

ahhh... jumping gone bad

2009-11-22T03:49:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-19T16:38:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-12T11:44:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-06T15:59:00.000-08:00

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

2009-10-30T12:18:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-26T15:23:00.001-07:00

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

2009-10-17T15:03:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-10-16T14:39:00.000-07:00

2009-10-16T14:37:00.000-07:00

Lesson for October 16th, 2009

2009-10-16T11:08:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-08T17:22:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-04T13:05:00.001-07:00

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

MRF Dressage Show for October 4th

2009-10-04T12:53:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-27T12:51:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-24T16:51:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-09-24T16:50:00.000-07:00

Riding at home.... With Annette

2009-09-07T15:39:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-07T15:16:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-07T15:06:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-07T15:01:00.000-07:00

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.