*stolen from Dragons' blog*
Yeah so most amazing lesson ever today. For the rider that is, not the horse. Reminded me of my first lesson ever w/ Marg :) hahaha I was pretty impressed by that one too. So first of all, I was thrilled to discover Sienna was sound when I got there today. Stunned (my backup plan was to borrow a student's horse, and I def had her groomed and ready to go too in case I had to make a quick change! Just as well I didn't though cause she had an amazing lightbulb ride herself! Woohoo!) Anyways back to my story. She can write her own >;-P C lunged sound so I got on, fully expecting to feel what I couldn't see... But no -- she felt sound. Which of course left me doubting my judgement -- but honestly I'm usually pretty good at feeling that and tend to be far more likely to deem a sound horse unsound than the reverse. So I trusted myself and kept riding and when my coach got there the first thing I said was something about "question of the day -- is she sound?" I *might've* said hi first, but hey - he's a horse person, he gets it. Says yes she looks sound, why does she feel off? Nope -- feels fine, I just expected her to be off cause she got kicked on Tues and has been off since. hahaha
So decision is promptly made that lesson will focus on the rider rather than the horse. Last lesson also at least involved the rider (as in he told me when I was doing something dumb and I tried to fix it) but significantly more horse (things like rhythm, balance, bend etc... All those fun details :). This lesson -- well let's put it this way: I rode for an hour and we never made it past the trot. hahahaha We *did* jump -- but even that was in the trot!
We start at the halt where my position got thoroughly shredded and very carefully put back together. N of course I just laugh when I hear "well this is very good but . . . " cause of course that's my standard line :) Eventually after much stretching and repositioning we graduated to the walk (C was loving this lesson "so, I just hang out here and you guys chat huh? Ok..." Just like w/ Zel -- amazingly well behaved when they realize being quiet means not being asked to work. Like a child who doesn't want their parent to realize they're up past their bedtime!) Gotta admit though -- the walk we got was brilliant. Eventually graduated to the trot. Wasn't pretty -- but def fell under the whole 'break a few eggs to make a cake' analogy cause I could feel the difference! N when it clicked, even for a second, it was pretty amazing. Seriously though -- trying to do dressage in XC saddle -- way less than good! However -- he managed to fix leg, shoulder, elbow, pelvis position all in one go. (yeah when I said take it all apart and put it back together again, I meant *all* :) Was the first time in a looonnnggg time that my little brain was absolutely spinning trying to remember everything I was supposed to be doing at once!
The other thing I really liked is that even w/o the crazy positional corrections he asks questions that actually make me think. Where being able to rhyme off the standard text-book answer isn't going to cut it. And that, as much as anything, will help improve both my riding and my teaching. And I'm pretty excited about that :)
When it came to jumping we were just doing a single fence w/ placing poles on takeoff and landing. Focus on "let baby figure it out" and "fix rider's position" -- to the millimeter. It was amazing. HUGE difference. Now I just need that every day for the next 6 mths and I'll be set >;-P hahaha ah well have to settle for the once/wk and "coach yourself" versions. Did get invited to crash the XC school next week so definitely booked that off work *g* hahaha priorities eh? Fingers crossed the weather holds!
Ok enough of that -- off to teach now :)
Back to Basics
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Lauren Cude Horsfall
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Yeah so this is definitely a GRS blog post that is being written here cause I'm on such a high from my lesson I don't have anything else to write about!
Was seriously the most amazing lesson ever today. For the rider that is, not the horse. Reminded me of my first lesson ever w/ Marg :) hahaha I was pretty impressed by that one too. So first of all, I was thrilled to discover Sienna was sound when I got there today. Stunned (my backup plan was to borrow a student's horse, and I def had her groomed and ready to go too in case I had to make a quick change! Just as well I didn't though cause she had an amazing lightbulb ride herself! Woohoo!) Anyways back to my story. She can write her own >;-P C lunged sound so I got on, fully expecting to feel what I couldn't see... But no -- she felt sound. Which of course left me doubting my judgement -- but honestly I'm usually pretty good at feeling that and tend to be far more likely to deem a sound horse unsound than the reverse. So I trusted myself and kept riding and when my coach got there the first thing I said was something about "question of the day -- is she sound?" I *might've* said hi first, but hey - he's a horse person, he gets it. Says yes she looks sound, why does she feel off? Nope -- feels fine, I just expected her to be off cause she got kicked on Tues and has been off since. hahaha
So decision is promptly made that lesson will focus on the rider rather than the horse. Last lesson also at least involved the rider (as in he told me when I was doing something dumb and I tried to fix it) but significantly more horse (things like rhythm, balance, bend etc... All those fun details :). This lesson -- well let's put it this way: I rode for an hour and we never made it past the trot. hahahaha We *did* jump -- but even that was in the trot!
We start at the halt where my position got thoroughly shredded and very carefully put back together. N of course I just laugh when I hear "well this is very good but . . . " cause of course that's my standard line :) Eventually after much stretching and repositioning we graduated to the walk (C was loving this lesson "so, I just hang out here and you guys chat huh? Ok..." Just like w/ Zel -- amazingly well behaved when they realize being quiet means not being asked to work. Like a child who doesn't want their parent to realize they're up past their bedtime!) Gotta admit though -- the walk we got was brilliant. Eventually graduated to the trot. Wasn't pretty -- but def fell under the whole 'break a few eggs to make a cake' analogy cause I could feel the difference! N when it clicked, even for a second, it was pretty amazing. Seriously though -- trying to do dressage in XC saddle -- way less than good! However -- he managed to fix leg, shoulder, elbow, pelvis position all in one go. (yeah when I said take it all apart and put it back together again, I meant *all* :) Was the first time in a looonnnggg time that my little brain was absolutely spinning trying to remember everything I was supposed to be doing at once!
The other thing I really liked is that even w/o the crazy positional corrections he asks questions that actually make me think. Where being able to rhyme off the standard text-book answer isn't going to cut it. And that, as much as anything, will help improve both my riding and my teaching. And I'm pretty excited about that :)
When it came to jumping we were just doing a single fence w/ placing poles on takeoff and landing. Focus on "let baby figure it out" and "fix rider's position" -- to the millimeter. It was amazing. HUGE difference. Now I just need that every day for the next 6 mths and I'll be set >;-P hahaha ah well have to settle for the once/wk and "coach yourself" versions. Did get invited to crash the XC school next week so definitely booked that off work *g* hahaha priorities eh? Fingers crossed the weather holds!
Ok enough of that -- off to teach now :)
Was seriously the most amazing lesson ever today. For the rider that is, not the horse. Reminded me of my first lesson ever w/ Marg :) hahaha I was pretty impressed by that one too. So first of all, I was thrilled to discover Sienna was sound when I got there today. Stunned (my backup plan was to borrow a student's horse, and I def had her groomed and ready to go too in case I had to make a quick change! Just as well I didn't though cause she had an amazing lightbulb ride herself! Woohoo!) Anyways back to my story. She can write her own >;-P C lunged sound so I got on, fully expecting to feel what I couldn't see... But no -- she felt sound. Which of course left me doubting my judgement -- but honestly I'm usually pretty good at feeling that and tend to be far more likely to deem a sound horse unsound than the reverse. So I trusted myself and kept riding and when my coach got there the first thing I said was something about "question of the day -- is she sound?" I *might've* said hi first, but hey - he's a horse person, he gets it. Says yes she looks sound, why does she feel off? Nope -- feels fine, I just expected her to be off cause she got kicked on Tues and has been off since. hahaha
So decision is promptly made that lesson will focus on the rider rather than the horse. Last lesson also at least involved the rider (as in he told me when I was doing something dumb and I tried to fix it) but significantly more horse (things like rhythm, balance, bend etc... All those fun details :). This lesson -- well let's put it this way: I rode for an hour and we never made it past the trot. hahahaha We *did* jump -- but even that was in the trot!
We start at the halt where my position got thoroughly shredded and very carefully put back together. N of course I just laugh when I hear "well this is very good but . . . " cause of course that's my standard line :) Eventually after much stretching and repositioning we graduated to the walk (C was loving this lesson "so, I just hang out here and you guys chat huh? Ok..." Just like w/ Zel -- amazingly well behaved when they realize being quiet means not being asked to work. Like a child who doesn't want their parent to realize they're up past their bedtime!) Gotta admit though -- the walk we got was brilliant. Eventually graduated to the trot. Wasn't pretty -- but def fell under the whole 'break a few eggs to make a cake' analogy cause I could feel the difference! N when it clicked, even for a second, it was pretty amazing. Seriously though -- trying to do dressage in XC saddle -- way less than good! However -- he managed to fix leg, shoulder, elbow, pelvis position all in one go. (yeah when I said take it all apart and put it back together again, I meant *all* :) Was the first time in a looonnnggg time that my little brain was absolutely spinning trying to remember everything I was supposed to be doing at once!
The other thing I really liked is that even w/o the crazy positional corrections he asks questions that actually make me think. Where being able to rhyme off the standard text-book answer isn't going to cut it. And that, as much as anything, will help improve both my riding and my teaching. And I'm pretty excited about that :)
When it came to jumping we were just doing a single fence w/ placing poles on takeoff and landing. Focus on "let baby figure it out" and "fix rider's position" -- to the millimeter. It was amazing. HUGE difference. Now I just need that every day for the next 6 mths and I'll be set >;-P hahaha ah well have to settle for the once/wk and "coach yourself" versions. Did get invited to crash the XC school next week so definitely booked that off work *g* hahaha priorities eh? Fingers crossed the weather holds!
Ok enough of that -- off to teach now :)
Completely Useless Knowledge for Today
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Lauren Cude Horsfall
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Edward Bear is the real name of Winnie the Pooh.
There now -- don't you feel better for knowing that?
There now -- don't you feel better for knowing that?
GRS Goes to Glen Arden
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Lauren Cude Horsfall
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Yesterday I was supposed to take Sienna and a student's horse to Glen Arden to school their stadium course in their very nice arena.... But when I got to the barn, it was to discover Sienna had been kicked and was definitely not sound. Boooo again. So load up student's horse -- txt other students whose horses are between our barn and GA and say "whoever answers first gets to come". hahaha ended up taking Nea and Rye (of Gorstella fame). Awesome job. Students were a little frazzled having not jumped actual courses since *last* summer. hahaha but other than that the world was good. Nea, for whom everything is a first -- got braver and braver as she went along! Superstar. By the end even the corner jump was no problem at all. Woohoo! 2 in a row, gates, flowers, everything :) All no problem. And for Rye, this was a great game! He was having more fun than his rider anticipated *g* But once she learns how to apply the infamous half-halt* she'll be set. Even navigated the very scary chevron. Woohoo! Overall not half bad :)
*A half-halt? What's that? "The half-halt is a hardly visible, almost simultaneous co-ordinated action of the seat, the legs and the hand of the rider, with the object of increasing the attention and balance of the horse before the execution of several movements or transitions to lesser or higher paces. In shifting slightly more weight onto the horse's quarters, the engagement of the hind legs and the balance on the haunches are facilitated, for the benefit of the lightness of the forehand and the horse's balance as a whole." hahaha no problem! Sheesh when that's how the FEI defines things it's no wonder people get frazzled by it! The most complex and yet often most subtle of movements and by far the most powerful aid available to the rider. And one that's almost never well taught and that DQs make very scary by definitions like the one above! Really people -- it's half a halt. That's all there is to it. The only trick is that it has to be half of a *good* halt (ie balanced!) not just a cliff-stop. (as in oh-my-god-we're-going-off-a-cliff-STOP!) hahaha I'm afraid it's one of those things that falls into the "simple but not easy" category. And since people really have trouble accepting simple-but-not-easy they take the simple out and make it exceptionally complicated; then their egos are less bruised by the fact that they can't do it. hahaha psyc101 eh?
*A half-halt? What's that? "The half-halt is a hardly visible, almost simultaneous co-ordinated action of the seat, the legs and the hand of the rider, with the object of increasing the attention and balance of the horse before the execution of several movements or transitions to lesser or higher paces. In shifting slightly more weight onto the horse's quarters, the engagement of the hind legs and the balance on the haunches are facilitated, for the benefit of the lightness of the forehand and the horse's balance as a whole." hahaha no problem! Sheesh when that's how the FEI defines things it's no wonder people get frazzled by it! The most complex and yet often most subtle of movements and by far the most powerful aid available to the rider. And one that's almost never well taught and that DQs make very scary by definitions like the one above! Really people -- it's half a halt. That's all there is to it. The only trick is that it has to be half of a *good* halt (ie balanced!) not just a cliff-stop. (as in oh-my-god-we're-going-off-a-cliff-STOP!) hahaha I'm afraid it's one of those things that falls into the "simple but not easy" category. And since people really have trouble accepting simple-but-not-easy they take the simple out and make it exceptionally complicated; then their egos are less bruised by the fact that they can't do it. hahaha psyc101 eh?
The best kind of alarm clock is the purring kind. ~Alexis F. Hope
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Lauren Cude Horsfall
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So my cat earned his breakfast this morning :) Not *only* can he tell time, he knows and understands about snooze alarms. He gets that the first time that strange box starts making noise is *not* the appropriate time to try and wake me up. But what impressed me is that when I accidently hit *off* instead of *snooze* he woke me up at exactly the time the snooze alarm would have w/ an appropriately timed meow. hahaha n yes I realize this only worked cause he hadn't been fed yet but still. I was thoroughly impressed. N I got into work on time too. Best alarm clock ever :)
So I have to say, I bitterly resent weather headaches. Not only is it miserable out, but has to make it that much worse with incessant pounding is just not right at all :( Usually I find they go away once the storm actually hits -- but yesterday there was no storm to clear the air. Horrid. Pounding didn't end till like 9:30. Booooo. Today's miserable out too but obviously no storm coming cause my head's (thankfully) not pounding.
Yesterday I was supposed to take Sienna and a student's horse to Glen Arden to school their stadium course in their very nice arena.... But when I got to the barn, it was to discover Sienna had been kicked and was definitely not sound. Boooo again. So load up student's horse -- txt other students whose horses are between our barn and GA and say "whoever answers first gets to come". hahaha ended up taking Nea and Rye (of Gorstella fame). Awesome job. Students were a little frazzled having not jumped actual courses since *last* summer. hahaha but other than that the world was good. Nea, for whom everything is a first -- got braver and braver as she went along! Superstar. By the end even the corner jump was no problem at all. Woohoo! 2 in a row, gates, flowers, everything :) All no problem. And for Rye, this was a great game! He was having more fun than his rider anticipated *g* But once she learns how to apply the infamous half-halt* she'll be set. Even navigated the very scary chevron. Woohoo! Overall not half bad :)
*A half-halt? What's that? "The half-halt is a hardly visible, almost simultaneous co-ordinated action of the seat, the legs and the hand of the rider, with the object of increasing the attention and balance of the horse before the execution of several movements or transitions to lesser or higher paces. In shifting slightly more weight onto the horse's quarters, the engagement of the hind legs and the balance on the haunches are facilitated, for the benefit of the lightness of the forehand and the horse's balance as a whole." hahaha no problem! Sheesh when that's how the FEI defines things it's no wonder people get frazzled by it! The most complex and yet often most subtle of movements and by far the most powerful aid available to the rider. And one that's almost never well taught and that DQs make very scary by definitions like the one above! Really people -- it's half a halt. That's all there is to it. The only trick is that it has to be half of a *good* halt (ie balanced!) not just a cliff-stop. (as in oh-my-god-we're-going-off-a-cliff-STOP!) hahaha I'm afraid it's one of those things that falls into the "simple but not easy" category. And since people really have trouble accepting simple-but-not-easy they take the simple out and make it exceptionally complicated; then their egos are less bruised by the fact that they can't do it. hahaha psyc101 eh?
On a completely different note -- at work I'm searching for trivia questions for "Canadian Music Hall of Fame" (yes I have the most random job in the world -- but some days it's rather entertaining). Anyways -- if anybody knows where I can get (purchase even) some of these would be hugely appreciated! And if you have an interest in Canadian Music and feel like creating some trivia for us it'd be more than welcome :)
Gotta run!
So I have to say, I bitterly resent weather headaches. Not only is it miserable out, but has to make it that much worse with incessant pounding is just not right at all :( Usually I find they go away once the storm actually hits -- but yesterday there was no storm to clear the air. Horrid. Pounding didn't end till like 9:30. Booooo. Today's miserable out too but obviously no storm coming cause my head's (thankfully) not pounding.
Yesterday I was supposed to take Sienna and a student's horse to Glen Arden to school their stadium course in their very nice arena.... But when I got to the barn, it was to discover Sienna had been kicked and was definitely not sound. Boooo again. So load up student's horse -- txt other students whose horses are between our barn and GA and say "whoever answers first gets to come". hahaha ended up taking Nea and Rye (of Gorstella fame). Awesome job. Students were a little frazzled having not jumped actual courses since *last* summer. hahaha but other than that the world was good. Nea, for whom everything is a first -- got braver and braver as she went along! Superstar. By the end even the corner jump was no problem at all. Woohoo! 2 in a row, gates, flowers, everything :) All no problem. And for Rye, this was a great game! He was having more fun than his rider anticipated *g* But once she learns how to apply the infamous half-halt* she'll be set. Even navigated the very scary chevron. Woohoo! Overall not half bad :)
*A half-halt? What's that? "The half-halt is a hardly visible, almost simultaneous co-ordinated action of the seat, the legs and the hand of the rider, with the object of increasing the attention and balance of the horse before the execution of several movements or transitions to lesser or higher paces. In shifting slightly more weight onto the horse's quarters, the engagement of the hind legs and the balance on the haunches are facilitated, for the benefit of the lightness of the forehand and the horse's balance as a whole." hahaha no problem! Sheesh when that's how the FEI defines things it's no wonder people get frazzled by it! The most complex and yet often most subtle of movements and by far the most powerful aid available to the rider. And one that's almost never well taught and that DQs make very scary by definitions like the one above! Really people -- it's half a halt. That's all there is to it. The only trick is that it has to be half of a *good* halt (ie balanced!) not just a cliff-stop. (as in oh-my-god-we're-going-off-a-cliff-STOP!) hahaha I'm afraid it's one of those things that falls into the "simple but not easy" category. And since people really have trouble accepting simple-but-not-easy they take the simple out and make it exceptionally complicated; then their egos are less bruised by the fact that they can't do it. hahaha psyc101 eh?
On a completely different note -- at work I'm searching for trivia questions for "Canadian Music Hall of Fame" (yes I have the most random job in the world -- but some days it's rather entertaining). Anyways -- if anybody knows where I can get (purchase even) some of these would be hugely appreciated! And if you have an interest in Canadian Music and feel like creating some trivia for us it'd be more than welcome :)
Gotta run!
XC Weekend -- the best type there is :)
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Lauren Cude Horsfall
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So GRS riders spent the weekend schooling XC. Hahaha and what fun it was!!!! And of course lends to lots of blogable material :) Stories on GRS blog. Pics as soon as I have a few mins @ home!
GRS Goes to Checkmate
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Lauren Cude Horsfall
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On Sunday Sienna and Ned went to Checkmate to school XC. Both horses got there and behaved like old pros -- looked around, not the least bit stressed about being in a new place. So same game as on Sat -- we went over to start in the sandring. Ned was an absolute superstar! Nicole got on, was able to w/t/c no problem. Had some *really* nice trot work -- through, forward, round etc... Super. I lunged Sienna for a few mins before I got on -- she was a little ADD -- esp down where the other horses were standing in the paddock watching, but otherwise excellent. She jumped around the w/u like a pro. Even the skinny oxer (ummm never having done a skinny and having done all of 2 oxers) no problem. hahaha brush boxes, scary things, all good. Jumped the stad fences like an old pro. I was pretty impressed. Ned started out as a star but wasn't too impressed w/ the bricks from the Checkmate wall. Really didn't want anything to do w/ it. Had Sienna lead, but he wasn't about to take the word of some scrawny little chestnut mare that this was safe. hahaha and so, trying to avoid a battle, got Paula to lead him over it in-hand. hahaha and once she'd done that they were good to go. Did it a whole bunch of times (w/ random Xs thrown in to just to reassure his confidence). A few times though -- cleared the 1.5" fence by an extra 3'. By the end though he was hopping over it no problem.
So out we go on XC. Well Si was an old pro, but you'd swear Ned had never even SEEN grass before. Shying at things that are only in his imagination and bouncing around. *Really* surprised his rider -- but she chilled out pretty quickly when she realized he wasn't going to do anything other than bounce (never tried to do a thing wrong). So we went over a random log on the ground -- Sienna leading and Ned following. He was perfect. Let them go over by themselves both walking and trotting. Complete non-issue. By this point he'd pretty well stopped shying at things -- learning fast. Next field I took Si up and down the baby bank a few times -- then it was time for Ned to follow. He was very disconcerted about this. Poor guy just didn't get it. So again, got Paula to lead him up. And he did it -- but took a HUGE leap which entirely unseated Nicole. Oops. So Ned trotted away for a bit till he finally remembered what grass is for and stopped to graze. Unfortunately he stepped on his reins and broke his bridle in the process :( Fortunately he chilled out enough that Nicole and Paula could catch him. So I had them rig the rein to the noseband and we went back to the trailer where I (having played this game before) had all sorts of extra pieces that could rebuild a bridle (albeit I expected Sienna to be the one in need of new pieces not Ned, but sobeit :) Nicole, who was fine, hopped back on and we headed back out. Jump another log which he LOVED. His whole body lit up with "I can DO this!!!" -- should've seen how proud he was of himself. hahaha so I let them jump that one a few times. But anything that didn't look pretty well exactly like a stad fence he was very concerned about. So mostly I had her work on just letting him see the world and chill. W/T/C as appropriate and every once in a while hop over a *really* straight forward PE fence (which he always cleared by miles). By the end he was hacking really well. Able to go away from and towards Sienna w/o losing it -- and ok w/ her leaving him (the first time not so much, but after that he was good). Still really not sure about things, but willing to try (ie walking over the bridge). N did they ever have some absolutely AMAZING flat work where we learned that Ned can FLOAT. Was very impressive to watch. I had him skip the first water cause I know he's not a big mud fan and the entry point was squishy, but had to go through the 2nd one cause it was on the way home... Again, Paula to the rescue. She returned Saturday's favour and led him through the water (although she was smarter than I and wore crocs so didn't have to take shoes off :) He had a great time once he was actually IN the water splashing and playing and generally soaking Paula So I don't think that'll be an issue for long. This water crossing is about perfect to school though cause the entry/exit is entirely sand so no squishiness. And then we hacked home. N by this point he was hacking like a pro.
Sienna otoh totally got the whole concept. Awesome rhythm, keeping her pace to anything we went to. Even up/down the new PT/T bank -- no problem! Jumped all of the PE and most of the E course. Woohoo :) Such a superstar. N totally kewl w/ going through the water and giving Ned a lead anywhere needed... I was pretty thrilled.
So we untack, and had a little picnic :) Horses grazing on dandy lions w/ water (which both played in and neither really drank much of). People w/ the wonderful basket of food Nicole's mum sent N basically hung out for a bit, generally enjoyed the nice day/good weather, groomed horses, put everything away, turned trailer around, etc. Loading was a bit of an issue cause Ned really didn't want to leave -- not the least bit concerned about the trailer, just not particularly wanting to go home. A bit of a frustrating note to end on admittedly (although my little horse loaded like a star :) but otherwise another great xc schooling day!
So out we go on XC. Well Si was an old pro, but you'd swear Ned had never even SEEN grass before. Shying at things that are only in his imagination and bouncing around. *Really* surprised his rider -- but she chilled out pretty quickly when she realized he wasn't going to do anything other than bounce (never tried to do a thing wrong). So we went over a random log on the ground -- Sienna leading and Ned following. He was perfect. Let them go over by themselves both walking and trotting. Complete non-issue. By this point he'd pretty well stopped shying at things -- learning fast. Next field I took Si up and down the baby bank a few times -- then it was time for Ned to follow. He was very disconcerted about this. Poor guy just didn't get it. So again, got Paula to lead him up. And he did it -- but took a HUGE leap which entirely unseated Nicole. Oops. So Ned trotted away for a bit till he finally remembered what grass is for and stopped to graze. Unfortunately he stepped on his reins and broke his bridle in the process :( Fortunately he chilled out enough that Nicole and Paula could catch him. So I had them rig the rein to the noseband and we went back to the trailer where I (having played this game before) had all sorts of extra pieces that could rebuild a bridle (albeit I expected Sienna to be the one in need of new pieces not Ned, but sobeit :) Nicole, who was fine, hopped back on and we headed back out. Jump another log which he LOVED. His whole body lit up with "I can DO this!!!" -- should've seen how proud he was of himself. hahaha so I let them jump that one a few times. But anything that didn't look pretty well exactly like a stad fence he was very concerned about. So mostly I had her work on just letting him see the world and chill. W/T/C as appropriate and every once in a while hop over a *really* straight forward PE fence (which he always cleared by miles). By the end he was hacking really well. Able to go away from and towards Sienna w/o losing it -- and ok w/ her leaving him (the first time not so much, but after that he was good). Still really not sure about things, but willing to try (ie walking over the bridge). N did they ever have some absolutely AMAZING flat work where we learned that Ned can FLOAT. Was very impressive to watch. I had him skip the first water cause I know he's not a big mud fan and the entry point was squishy, but had to go through the 2nd one cause it was on the way home... Again, Paula to the rescue. She returned Saturday's favour and led him through the water (although she was smarter than I and wore crocs so didn't have to take shoes off :) He had a great time once he was actually IN the water splashing and playing and generally soaking Paula
Sienna otoh totally got the whole concept. Awesome rhythm, keeping her pace to anything we went to. Even up/down the new PT/T bank -- no problem! Jumped all of the PE and most of the E course. Woohoo :) Such a superstar. N totally kewl w/ going through the water and giving Ned a lead anywhere needed... I was pretty thrilled.
So we untack, and had a little picnic :) Horses grazing on dandy lions w/ water (which both played in and neither really drank much of). People w/ the wonderful basket of food Nicole's mum sent
GRS Goes to Gorstella
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Lauren Cude Horsfall
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So on Saturday we took Nea and Rye over to Gorstella.
Nea has never done XC, and Rye hasn't been off the property in at least 2 years. We know he's had good training somewhere along the way, but don't know much about him beyond that. So the day could go either way.
Perfect weather. This makes for a good start. The "good luck teddy bear" got a pat before leaving the Beast, and we were good to go!
Both horses grew a little when they got off the trailer. But then Rye was like "oh, grass" -- n that was the end of that. Completely chilled. Nea took her cue from Rye and grazed while the girls tacked up. Then we headed down to the sandring to start. Complete w/ turned-out horses leaning over the fence. Both horses were alert, but neither put a step wrong. Walked/trotted/cantered around like old pros. So we jumped a little X a few times; Rye had it down on the first time, while Nea wasn't *quite* sure about it but figured it out as we went along, and then headed out on XC. I took them over to the plateau first, both cause it's flat and unintimidating AND cause it's a long walk and I figured it'd give me a sense of what we were in for. Both horses hacked over w/o a second look at anything -- even the loose horse we had to pass. ummm ok trot around the plateau a bit. Complete non issue. Ok, let's try walking over the log -- Rye first as he's got more experience. Doesn't even look at it. Way more interested in the grass surrounding it! So had him give Nea a lead over it and . . . Beautiful. Trot over it -- complete non issue. Then Rye got to graze for a while while Nea got some more practice.... (hmmmm this training methodology may lead to the only horse EVER to get *fatter* after a season of XC!!!). Then time go to down to the valley. Rye stops at the top and just looks at me. I swear he rolled his eyes. N Paula voiced his concern but in her typical positive manner: "ummm Laur? Do people actually canter and gallop on this hill?" Yup. "Ok then Rye, no excuse for you not to *walk* down it." hahaha and he did. And got to graze at the bottom. So the world was good :) Nea wasn't too sure at first, but when Rye disappeared down the hill she figured better to be with him than not and joined in :)
Then came the river. Well Rye was having *nothing* to do w/ that. "Uh uh. That's WET. Hello??? AND there's nothing for me to eat there. Stupid humans. There's lots of grass HERE. On this side of the river. I see no reason to cross." N Nea is definitely not the leader of the pack so I had to convince Rye to go first. They got one shot a the the standard cluck, leg, tap w/ stick. But I *really* wanted it to be a positive experience for all involved so didn't want to deteriorate it to a battle. Soooooo.... Take off shoes and socks, roll up jeans (I was amazed at how high my jeans actually roll up :), and led him through the river (have to admit was *very* afraid for my toes in this process!). 2 steps in and it's "I got it. There's more grass over there -- I'll meet you there." And marched through. No issue, no hesitation, nothing. Just took a lead for that first step. Had to lead Nea in too, but she was a little more willing having seen how bravely Rye went... And after that first step she was all about getting through it *fast* (before the sharks get her!)
On the other side of the river there were some slightly bigger logs to go over. Rye trotted over one once, and then led Nea the second time, n then got to chill and eat (n it was really funny, by this time he had it down "I go over a fence, I lead the mare over the fence, I stop and graze." hahaha had to be careful not to let him get tooooo sure of that or one day he'll do so when she's not ready! So after that she made more of a point of being the one to choose when/where grazing was appropriate). We let Nea jump this one for a while and then moved on. They also did one on a bit of a downhill. He was a pro star. Went and jumped the always scary tires (it's important to take a flying *leap* at anything scary looking :). Then.... 2 in a row!!!! Jumped a log, cantered up the little hill and jumped the tires. Well I think he went all of two strides after the fence. "Comeon lady. I jumped the fence. It's time for grass. Cantering in between and jumping two in a row was definitely NOT in the contract. Sheesh. What were you thinking? I have a pillsbury teddy-bear image to maintain you know. I can't do that if you insist on me running and jumping. Grass. Grass is the ideal solution to this issue." hahaha
Now while Rye was playing w/ his combo, Nea was negotiating another log -- but this one was *scary*. And taking a note from her paddock buddy Sienna, she felt the need to clear it by an extra 3' or so. hahaha poor Steph got a *little* launched. But Nea proved to be very intelligent about this whole game. The 2nd try was significantly better and the 3rd was just about perfect! Woohoo. These games were followed w/ a few more random logs -- some w/ some width to them. By this point Nea was jumping really confidently and happily. "I got it! Where's the next one?" Was amazing to watch :) One of the best things about babies is watching them learn :)
Next was the trip back across the river. Rye hesitated but amazingly enough Nea didn't -- and he wasn't about to be shown up by his follower! So the ferocious teddy bear marched bravely across and back into the lead!
So we finished up w/ going up and down a *tiny* drop -- which neither of them would even acknowledge there was anything there :) N that was about it. They were *such* superstars!!!
Nea has never done XC, and Rye hasn't been off the property in at least 2 years. We know he's had good training somewhere along the way, but don't know much about him beyond that. So the day could go either way.
Perfect weather. This makes for a good start. The "good luck teddy bear" got a pat before leaving the Beast, and we were good to go!
Both horses grew a little when they got off the trailer. But then Rye was like "oh, grass" -- n that was the end of that. Completely chilled. Nea took her cue from Rye and grazed while the girls tacked up. Then we headed down to the sandring to start. Complete w/ turned-out horses leaning over the fence. Both horses were alert, but neither put a step wrong. Walked/trotted/cantered around like old pros. So we jumped a little X a few times; Rye had it down on the first time, while Nea wasn't *quite* sure about it but figured it out as we went along, and then headed out on XC. I took them over to the plateau first, both cause it's flat and unintimidating AND cause it's a long walk and I figured it'd give me a sense of what we were in for. Both horses hacked over w/o a second look at anything -- even the loose horse we had to pass. ummm ok trot around the plateau a bit. Complete non issue. Ok, let's try walking over the log -- Rye first as he's got more experience. Doesn't even look at it. Way more interested in the grass surrounding it! So had him give Nea a lead over it and . . . Beautiful. Trot over it -- complete non issue. Then Rye got to graze for a while while Nea got some more practice.... (hmmmm this training methodology may lead to the only horse EVER to get *fatter* after a season of XC!!!). Then time go to down to the valley. Rye stops at the top and just looks at me. I swear he rolled his eyes. N Paula voiced his concern but in her typical positive manner: "ummm Laur? Do people actually canter and gallop on this hill?" Yup. "Ok then Rye, no excuse for you not to *walk* down it." hahaha and he did. And got to graze at the bottom. So the world was good :) Nea wasn't too sure at first, but when Rye disappeared down the hill she figured better to be with him than not and joined in :)
Then came the river. Well Rye was having *nothing* to do w/ that. "Uh uh. That's WET. Hello??? AND there's nothing for me to eat there. Stupid humans. There's lots of grass HERE. On this side of the river. I see no reason to cross." N Nea is definitely not the leader of the pack so I had to convince Rye to go first. They got one shot a the the standard cluck, leg, tap w/ stick. But I *really* wanted it to be a positive experience for all involved so didn't want to deteriorate it to a battle. Soooooo.... Take off shoes and socks, roll up jeans (I was amazed at how high my jeans actually roll up :), and led him through the river (have to admit was *very* afraid for my toes in this process!). 2 steps in and it's "I got it. There's more grass over there -- I'll meet you there." And marched through. No issue, no hesitation, nothing. Just took a lead for that first step. Had to lead Nea in too, but she was a little more willing having seen how bravely Rye went... And after that first step she was all about getting through it *fast* (before the sharks get her!)
On the other side of the river there were some slightly bigger logs to go over. Rye trotted over one once, and then led Nea the second time, n then got to chill and eat (n it was really funny, by this time he had it down "I go over a fence, I lead the mare over the fence, I stop and graze." hahaha had to be careful not to let him get tooooo sure of that or one day he'll do so when she's not ready! So after that she made more of a point of being the one to choose when/where grazing was appropriate). We let Nea jump this one for a while and then moved on. They also did one on a bit of a downhill. He was a pro star. Went and jumped the always scary tires (it's important to take a flying *leap* at anything scary looking :). Then.... 2 in a row!!!! Jumped a log, cantered up the little hill and jumped the tires. Well I think he went all of two strides after the fence. "Comeon lady. I jumped the fence. It's time for grass. Cantering in between and jumping two in a row was definitely NOT in the contract. Sheesh. What were you thinking? I have a pillsbury teddy-bear image to maintain you know. I can't do that if you insist on me running and jumping. Grass. Grass is the ideal solution to this issue." hahaha
Now while Rye was playing w/ his combo, Nea was negotiating another log -- but this one was *scary*. And taking a note from her paddock buddy Sienna, she felt the need to clear it by an extra 3' or so. hahaha poor Steph got a *little* launched. But Nea proved to be very intelligent about this whole game. The 2nd try was significantly better and the 3rd was just about perfect! Woohoo. These games were followed w/ a few more random logs -- some w/ some width to them. By this point Nea was jumping really confidently and happily. "I got it! Where's the next one?" Was amazing to watch :) One of the best things about babies is watching them learn :)
Next was the trip back across the river. Rye hesitated but amazingly enough Nea didn't -- and he wasn't about to be shown up by his follower! So the ferocious teddy bear marched bravely across and back into the lead!
So we finished up w/ going up and down a *tiny* drop -- which neither of them would even acknowledge there was anything there :) N that was about it. They were *such* superstars!!!
Priorities...
Posted by
Lauren Cude Horsfall
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So who else is amused that "Sienna's first jump school" came *after* "Sienna's first XC school"? AND for that matter, after her first SHOW. hahaha if that's not a classic Laur move I don't know what is :)
For the curious, thoughts on the Caledon Clinic are on the GRS blog. Since that's entirely coaching related I'm not reposting here...
N I would just like to announce that they fixed the AC! Woohoo. At least for the moment. They've *fixed* it twice before, so I'm not holding my breath, but right this min it's all good :)
Fun and games XC this wknd. Hope the weather holds!
For the curious, thoughts on the Caledon Clinic are on the GRS blog. Since that's entirely coaching related I'm not reposting here...
N I would just like to announce that they fixed the AC! Woohoo. At least for the moment. They've *fixed* it twice before, so I'm not holding my breath, but right this min it's all good :)
Fun and games XC this wknd. Hope the weather holds!
Sienna's first jump school
Posted by
Lauren Cude Horsfall
comments (3)
I'm usually pretty impressed by the dedicated people I see running through High Park in the mornings -- but have to admit the one I saw today who was smoking *while* he was running just made me laugh. There was just something so wrong w/ that.
Alright so... Had a jump school at 8am this morn (once again grateful for an awesome boss who's kewl w/ the whole flexible schedule thing hahaha "ummm my jump coach says this is the only time he can teach me, can I come in 3h late?" Sure. :)
So anyway -- tack up while Sienna's munching her hay and then take thoroughly annoyed horse out to the sandring to w/u. "Ummm HELLO?!?!? It's Breakfast time. Did you miss the memo??? Sheesh." Fortunately after a few disgruntled calls to her friends still in the barn, C settled down to the whole work concept. Warm-up went reasonably well -- helps that she was at least a little tired from the last few days (finally!) Just as I was starting to wonder if my coach was going to arrive, I lost C's attention rather dramatically -- sure enough, coach had just walked into the ring n I was totally oblivious :) Says to me "I was watching you warmup while I was stuck in traffic over there" hahaha gotta love being on a main road eh?
One of the first comments "so she's really skinny..." *sigh* gave the background n then things were ok. Yes I know she's skinny, I'm doing everything I can to fix that. Man I wish *I* had that problem!!!! >;-P Anyways - HAVE to get more weight on her but running out of ideas.... Suggestions??? Currently on F&F, Finishing Touch, Oil, BeatPulp, hay cubes, grass, and all the hay she can eat (which is basically all day). Any one of those items should fatten her up, yet still *sigh* She's been thoroughly wormed and her teeth are fine. She IS still gaining, so I guess it's just a process...
Lesson was very much split half and half between flat and jumping. Totally kewl w/ that. What I was very impressed by was that the flat was *dressage* -- as in long leg, get her back up, bend, straight, solid through transitions, etc etc etc. As opposed to w/t/c around the ring to w/u muscles to jump. It was very much a lesson in itself. AND even better -- it was a lesson that followed very much along the same basic things my DQ coach focuses on. Can't remember the last time I had a j coach and a dr coach who actually agree w/ each other! hahaha not exactly the same of course, n obviously not as in-depth as in my actual dr lessons, but basic premise the same and, much to dr coach's amusement, jump coach says "you need to do more dressage to build her strength". hahaha yeah like I haven't been hearing that forever. N, for the record, we DO do dr fairly regularly. I may mutter about it *g* but it DOES happen. hahaha And again, focus on relaxation first (yeah! "without that you have nothing to work with") and from that rhythm, suppleness, contact (hmmmm any of this sounding familiar?). And very close attention to the million and one ways my horse can evade being straight. hahaha man I miss the mirrors! And yes I can feel it (C's not exactly subtle in her evasions!), but it's just so much easier to be able to see.
Anyways -- got some reasonable w/t transitions (they're starting to get more consistent), n while t/c *is* getting better, it's still in the "please don't watch this" stage of things. hahaha ah well -- have a month to fix that. No problem >;-P Really.
So then (now that as far as C's concerned she's finished her quota of work for the day!) we could begin jumping. 1 fence, np. 1 fence w/ a pole in front of it? Still np. Then the games began :) As we worked our way up to two and then three fences in a row -- w/ all sorts of poles in the middle and on landing. He feels the rushing/hollowness I was concerned about is entirely due to lack of strength -- which is why one fence at a time it's not a problem. Hard to put muscle on a too-skinny TB. Anyways -- jumping was some work on my own position and mostly just letting her figure it out. Obviously she's never seen anything like this in her life, but he built it up slowly so it was all good. Some hesitation at times but she gave everything a good shot. Had a tired pony by the end of it! Coach tried to give her a mint and she wouldn't have anything to do w/ it *g* Very poor PR Miss C! hahaha "awwww she doesn't like me." Sheesh. ah well. I do know she doesn't like those kind of mints though -- yes I *would* have a horse who differentiates between what kind of mints she eats! Chestnut TB mare remember? >;-P
Anyways -- basic assessment was horse has good natural movement, albeit a little "TB-downhill" but workable. Great attitude and work ethic. No strength and underweight (no surprise w/ either of those). Good basic form over fences but no real idea of where to put her legs *g* hahaha so there is hope :) Not too bad for my 1$ pony eh?
Down side to starting work late is *ending* work late. The afternoon is just dragging on and on and on :( Boooo Ah well -- such is life.
Alright so... Had a jump school at 8am this morn (once again grateful for an awesome boss who's kewl w/ the whole flexible schedule thing hahaha "ummm my jump coach says this is the only time he can teach me, can I come in 3h late?" Sure. :)
So anyway -- tack up while Sienna's munching her hay and then take thoroughly annoyed horse out to the sandring to w/u. "Ummm HELLO?!?!? It's Breakfast time. Did you miss the memo??? Sheesh." Fortunately after a few disgruntled calls to her friends still in the barn, C settled down to the whole work concept. Warm-up went reasonably well -- helps that she was at least a little tired from the last few days (finally!) Just as I was starting to wonder if my coach was going to arrive, I lost C's attention rather dramatically -- sure enough, coach had just walked into the ring n I was totally oblivious :) Says to me "I was watching you warmup while I was stuck in traffic over there" hahaha gotta love being on a main road eh?
One of the first comments "so she's really skinny..." *sigh* gave the background n then things were ok. Yes I know she's skinny, I'm doing everything I can to fix that. Man I wish *I* had that problem!!!! >;-P Anyways - HAVE to get more weight on her but running out of ideas.... Suggestions??? Currently on F&F, Finishing Touch, Oil, BeatPulp, hay cubes, grass, and all the hay she can eat (which is basically all day). Any one of those items should fatten her up, yet still *sigh* She's been thoroughly wormed and her teeth are fine. She IS still gaining, so I guess it's just a process...
Lesson was very much split half and half between flat and jumping. Totally kewl w/ that. What I was very impressed by was that the flat was *dressage* -- as in long leg, get her back up, bend, straight, solid through transitions, etc etc etc. As opposed to w/t/c around the ring to w/u muscles to jump. It was very much a lesson in itself. AND even better -- it was a lesson that followed very much along the same basic things my DQ coach focuses on. Can't remember the last time I had a j coach and a dr coach who actually agree w/ each other! hahaha not exactly the same of course, n obviously not as in-depth as in my actual dr lessons, but basic premise the same and, much to dr coach's amusement, jump coach says "you need to do more dressage to build her strength". hahaha yeah like I haven't been hearing that forever. N, for the record, we DO do dr fairly regularly. I may mutter about it *g* but it DOES happen. hahaha And again, focus on relaxation first (yeah! "without that you have nothing to work with") and from that rhythm, suppleness, contact (hmmmm any of this sounding familiar?). And very close attention to the million and one ways my horse can evade being straight. hahaha man I miss the mirrors! And yes I can feel it (C's not exactly subtle in her evasions!), but it's just so much easier to be able to see.
Anyways -- got some reasonable w/t transitions (they're starting to get more consistent), n while t/c *is* getting better, it's still in the "please don't watch this" stage of things. hahaha ah well -- have a month to fix that. No problem >;-P Really.
So then (now that as far as C's concerned she's finished her quota of work for the day!) we could begin jumping. 1 fence, np. 1 fence w/ a pole in front of it? Still np. Then the games began :) As we worked our way up to two and then three fences in a row -- w/ all sorts of poles in the middle and on landing. He feels the rushing/hollowness I was concerned about is entirely due to lack of strength -- which is why one fence at a time it's not a problem. Hard to put muscle on a too-skinny TB. Anyways -- jumping was some work on my own position and mostly just letting her figure it out. Obviously she's never seen anything like this in her life, but he built it up slowly so it was all good. Some hesitation at times but she gave everything a good shot. Had a tired pony by the end of it! Coach tried to give her a mint and she wouldn't have anything to do w/ it *g* Very poor PR Miss C! hahaha "awwww she doesn't like me." Sheesh. ah well. I do know she doesn't like those kind of mints though -- yes I *would* have a horse who differentiates between what kind of mints she eats! Chestnut TB mare remember? >;-P
Anyways -- basic assessment was horse has good natural movement, albeit a little "TB-downhill" but workable. Great attitude and work ethic. No strength and underweight (no surprise w/ either of those). Good basic form over fences but no real idea of where to put her legs *g* hahaha so there is hope :) Not too bad for my 1$ pony eh?
Down side to starting work late is *ending* work late. The afternoon is just dragging on and on and on :( Boooo Ah well -- such is life.
Sienna's first jump lesson
Posted by
Lauren Cude Horsfall
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*taken from Lauren's Dragons blog*
Alright so... Had a jump school at 8am this morn... hahaha alright, only time available must make the best of it.
So anyway -- tack up while Sienna's munching her hay and then take thoroughly annoyed horse out to the sandring to w/u. "Ummm HELLO?!?!? It's Breakfast time. Did you miss the memo??? Sheesh." Fortunately after a few disgruntled calls to her friends still in the barn, C settled down to the whole work concept. Warm-up went reasonably well -- helps that she was at least a little tired from the last few days (finally!) Just as I was starting to wonder if my coach was going to arrive, I lost C's attention rather dramatically -- sure enough, coach had just walked into the ring n I was totally oblivious :) Says to me "I was watching you warmup while I was stuck in traffic over there" hahaha gotta love being on a main road eh?
One of the first comments "so she's really skinny..." *sigh* gave the background n then things were ok. Yes I know she's skinny, I'm doing everything I can to fix that. Man I wish *I* had that problem!!!! >;-P Anyways - HAVE to get more weight on her but running out of ideas.... Suggestions??? Currently on F&F, Finishing Touch, Oil, BeatPulp, hay cubes, grass, and all the hay she can eat (which is basically all day). Any one of those items should fatten her up, yet still *sigh* She's been thoroughly wormed and her teeth are fine. She IS still gaining, so I guess it's just a process...
Lesson was very much split half and half between flat and jumping. Totally kewl w/ that. What I was very impressed by was that the flat was *dressage* -- as in long leg, get her back up, bend, straight, solid through transitions, etc etc etc. As opposed to w/t/c around the ring to w/u muscles to jump. It was very much a lesson in itself. AND even better -- it was a lesson that followed very much along the same basic things my DQ coach focuses on. Can't remember the last time I had a j coach and a dr coach who actually agree w/ each other! hahaha not exactly the same of course, n obviously not as in-depth as in my actual dr lessons, but basic premise the same and, much to dr coach's amusement, jump coach says "you need to do more dressage to build her strength". hahaha yeah like I haven't been hearing that forever. N, for the record, we DO do dr fairly regularly. I may mutter about it *g* but it DOES happen. hahaha And again, focus on relaxation first (yeah! "without that you have nothing to work with") and from that rhythm, suppleness, contact (hmmmm any of this sounding familiar?). And very close attention to the million and one ways my horse can evade being straight. hahaha man I miss the mirrors! And yes I can feel it (C's not exactly subtle in her evasions!), but it's just so much easier to be able to see.
Anyways -- got some reasonable w/t transitions (they're starting to get more consistent), n while t/c *is* getting better, it's still in the "please don't watch this" stage of things. hahaha ah well -- have a month to fix that. No problem >;-P Really.
So then (now that as far as C's concerned she's finished her quota of work for the day!) we could begin jumping. 1 fence, np. 1 fence w/ a pole in front of it? Still np. Then the games began :) As we worked our way up to two and then three fences in a row -- w/ all sorts of poles in the middle and on landing. He feels the rushing/hollowness I was concerned about is entirely due to lack of strength -- which is why one fence at a time it's not a problem. Hard to put muscle on a too-skinny TB. Anyways -- jumping was some work on my own position and mostly just letting her figure it out. Obviously she's never seen anything like this in her life, but he built it up slowly so it was all good. Some hesitation at times but she gave everything a good shot. Had a tired pony by the end of it! Coach tried to give her a mint and she wouldn't have anything to do w/ it *g* Very poor PR Miss C! hahaha "awwww she doesn't like me." Sheesh. ah well. I do know she doesn't like those kind of mints though -- yes I *would* have a horse who differentiates between what kind of mints she eats! Chestnut TB mare remember? >;-P
Anyways -- basic assessment was horse has good natural movement, albeit a little "TB-downhill" but workable. Great attitude and work ethic. No strength and underweight (no surprise w/ either of those). Good basic form over fences but no real idea of where to put her legs *g* hahaha so there is hope :) Not too bad for my 1$ pony eh?
Alright so... Had a jump school at 8am this morn... hahaha alright, only time available must make the best of it.
So anyway -- tack up while Sienna's munching her hay and then take thoroughly annoyed horse out to the sandring to w/u. "Ummm HELLO?!?!? It's Breakfast time. Did you miss the memo??? Sheesh." Fortunately after a few disgruntled calls to her friends still in the barn, C settled down to the whole work concept. Warm-up went reasonably well -- helps that she was at least a little tired from the last few days (finally!) Just as I was starting to wonder if my coach was going to arrive, I lost C's attention rather dramatically -- sure enough, coach had just walked into the ring n I was totally oblivious :) Says to me "I was watching you warmup while I was stuck in traffic over there" hahaha gotta love being on a main road eh?
One of the first comments "so she's really skinny..." *sigh* gave the background n then things were ok. Yes I know she's skinny, I'm doing everything I can to fix that. Man I wish *I* had that problem!!!! >;-P Anyways - HAVE to get more weight on her but running out of ideas.... Suggestions??? Currently on F&F, Finishing Touch, Oil, BeatPulp, hay cubes, grass, and all the hay she can eat (which is basically all day). Any one of those items should fatten her up, yet still *sigh* She's been thoroughly wormed and her teeth are fine. She IS still gaining, so I guess it's just a process...
Lesson was very much split half and half between flat and jumping. Totally kewl w/ that. What I was very impressed by was that the flat was *dressage* -- as in long leg, get her back up, bend, straight, solid through transitions, etc etc etc. As opposed to w/t/c around the ring to w/u muscles to jump. It was very much a lesson in itself. AND even better -- it was a lesson that followed very much along the same basic things my DQ coach focuses on. Can't remember the last time I had a j coach and a dr coach who actually agree w/ each other! hahaha not exactly the same of course, n obviously not as in-depth as in my actual dr lessons, but basic premise the same and, much to dr coach's amusement, jump coach says "you need to do more dressage to build her strength". hahaha yeah like I haven't been hearing that forever. N, for the record, we DO do dr fairly regularly. I may mutter about it *g* but it DOES happen. hahaha And again, focus on relaxation first (yeah! "without that you have nothing to work with") and from that rhythm, suppleness, contact (hmmmm any of this sounding familiar?). And very close attention to the million and one ways my horse can evade being straight. hahaha man I miss the mirrors! And yes I can feel it (C's not exactly subtle in her evasions!), but it's just so much easier to be able to see.
Anyways -- got some reasonable w/t transitions (they're starting to get more consistent), n while t/c *is* getting better, it's still in the "please don't watch this" stage of things. hahaha ah well -- have a month to fix that. No problem >;-P Really.
So then (now that as far as C's concerned she's finished her quota of work for the day!) we could begin jumping. 1 fence, np. 1 fence w/ a pole in front of it? Still np. Then the games began :) As we worked our way up to two and then three fences in a row -- w/ all sorts of poles in the middle and on landing. He feels the rushing/hollowness I was concerned about is entirely due to lack of strength -- which is why one fence at a time it's not a problem. Hard to put muscle on a too-skinny TB. Anyways -- jumping was some work on my own position and mostly just letting her figure it out. Obviously she's never seen anything like this in her life, but he built it up slowly so it was all good. Some hesitation at times but she gave everything a good shot. Had a tired pony by the end of it! Coach tried to give her a mint and she wouldn't have anything to do w/ it *g* Very poor PR Miss C! hahaha "awwww she doesn't like me." Sheesh. ah well. I do know she doesn't like those kind of mints though -- yes I *would* have a horse who differentiates between what kind of mints she eats! Chestnut TB mare remember? >;-P
Anyways -- basic assessment was horse has good natural movement, albeit a little "TB-downhill" but workable. Great attitude and work ethic. No strength and underweight (no surprise w/ either of those). Good basic form over fences but no real idea of where to put her legs *g* hahaha so there is hope :) Not too bad for my 1$ pony eh?
Killing 30 seconds
Posted by
Lauren Cude Horsfall
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So the wheel of death, hoofprint game, and random speedbumps did their job. Pony jumped around beautifully afterwards.
Loving summer! Hating that the air con doesn't work @ work. Brutal. If I'm going to be hot, I'd just assume be outside!
Fun lesson teaching last night. Hopefully even better tonight.
Def time to go ride!
Cheers.
Loving summer! Hating that the air con doesn't work @ work. Brutal. If I'm going to be hot, I'd just assume be outside!
Fun lesson teaching last night. Hopefully even better tonight.
Def time to go ride!
Cheers.
In summer, the song sings itself. ~William Carlos Williams
Posted by
Lauren Cude Horsfall
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First Sammy's run of the year yesterday! Woohoo :) That means it's summer :) From snowsuit to summer in one day -- not half bad.
Had a ride n a half yesterday. C (as I've been told I should spell Sienna's "short" name, since that's how I pronounce it :) was ummmm enthusiastic... Yeah that's the right word. Not even really high or spinny just *really* wanted to run... N if running included flying over a few fences, so much the better! Rode, and I mean *rode* for an hour n a quarter. Normal 20 min w/u but then pretty well all the rest wavered between extended-canter and hand-gallop which would be fine on XC -- less good in the stad ring. She was jumping a little hollow which concerns me since she's never been caught in the mouth so there's no reason for it, but I think it's prob cause she was going so freakin fast! When I finally got her back to a nice show jump canter and could keep her balanced, she jumped properly. I figure that means there's hope. Will be lots of poles and possibly a wheel of death involved in today's exercises in hopes of reestablishing some basics b4 our jump school on Fri.
On the plus side -- she did her first in-and-out. And while it wasn't entirely graceful, she did accomplish it and wasn't toooooo frazzled by it.
On the down side -- I rode all winter w/ Denny and was never sore the next day. ONE serious ride on Sienna toasted me entirely. N the longer I sit at my desk the more stiff I'm getting. Clearly need to go muck some stalls or something.
GRS XC schools @ Gorstella on Sat am and Checkmate on Sun pm; if anybody has any interest in joining in, let me know!
Another ROM field trip @ work this morn :) Always fun. N learned some kewl photoshop tricks from my boss that will I'm sure be put to good use this summer *g* Down side to the field trip is being outside, seeing how amazing it is out and having to come back IN. Boooo on that!
Had a ride n a half yesterday. C (as I've been told I should spell Sienna's "short" name, since that's how I pronounce it :) was ummmm enthusiastic... Yeah that's the right word. Not even really high or spinny just *really* wanted to run... N if running included flying over a few fences, so much the better! Rode, and I mean *rode* for an hour n a quarter. Normal 20 min w/u but then pretty well all the rest wavered between extended-canter and hand-gallop which would be fine on XC -- less good in the stad ring. She was jumping a little hollow which concerns me since she's never been caught in the mouth so there's no reason for it, but I think it's prob cause she was going so freakin fast! When I finally got her back to a nice show jump canter and could keep her balanced, she jumped properly. I figure that means there's hope. Will be lots of poles and possibly a wheel of death involved in today's exercises in hopes of reestablishing some basics b4 our jump school on Fri.
On the plus side -- she did her first in-and-out. And while it wasn't entirely graceful, she did accomplish it and wasn't toooooo frazzled by it.
On the down side -- I rode all winter w/ Denny and was never sore the next day. ONE serious ride on Sienna toasted me entirely. N the longer I sit at my desk the more stiff I'm getting. Clearly need to go muck some stalls or something.
GRS XC schools @ Gorstella on Sat am and Checkmate on Sun pm; if anybody has any interest in joining in, let me know!
Another ROM field trip @ work this morn :) Always fun. N learned some kewl photoshop tricks from my boss that will I'm sure be put to good use this summer *g* Down side to the field trip is being outside, seeing how amazing it is out and having to come back IN. Boooo on that!
Caledon Clinic
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Lauren Cude Horsfall
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So it was an interesting horse-related weekend :)
Saturday is well covered in the entry below about Sienna's first show -- hahaha really don't feel the need to retype that here! Suffice to say, it was a blast! Sunday I went to look at a new horse for a client, that I really wasn't expecting much of. Well I'll tell ya, you can't lose when you go in with that attitude cause you're either proven right or pleasantly surprised. N I was thrilled. Horse was a rescue, so I was expecting what I see of so many rescues. But this one, besides obviously being well loved and cared for (this I DID expect because his owners are amazing people and have had him long enough to make a difference) has clearly had excellent training somewhere along the way AND enjoys being worked AND is entirely appropriate for the student I was searching for. And if she doesn't want to ride him, I will >;-P hahaha all he needs is some fitness and we're set! Summer plans continue to come together :)
Monday of the long-weekend I was coaching at the Caledon Clinic. 15 dressage lessons. Absolutely insane. But credit to the organizers, from a clinician point-of-view it was well organized (even scheduled breaks) and they fed us a great lunch :) hahaha yeah it's the little things that count. Somebody even brought me out water about the time I was starting to lose my voice. hahahha and I had amazing scribes for the day (thanks Suzanne and Fran!). Generally it was a really great day.
There's a bit of a different art to being a clinician from being a coach. Coaching you get to know your students well and you teach primarily for the long term -- have goals and set out to meet them, and you can take the time to develop skills in order and know exactly what's there and what needs to be there. In a clinic, that luxury doesn't exist. You need to be able to evaluate, quickly, what one thing needs to be fixed AND make it happen -- without any knowledge of horse or rider. There are great coaches who are not particularly good clinicians, and great clinicians who aren't as good at the long-term-regular-coach thing. Most can do both to some degree cause there is of course a huge degree of overlap, but I have definitely met both extremes before hahaha
Lessons at this clinic are half-hour -- they ride the test, you fix something, they ride the test again. So in the first three minutes you have to analyze and isolate the key thing that's holding them back from the next level (whether literally the next level or the move from middle-of-the-pack to top). Then you have 20-25mins (depending how fast they rode their first test) to make a noticeable difference. I love this challenge. Levels PE-T, which is, of course, my preferred audience to begin with. Had several who were close-but-not-quite on the bit who managed to make the leap to actually there, which is always amazing. Was pretty thrilled at that. As were they *g* Had one who I wish I'd had another 15min w/... Got her *almost* there -- n she was absolutely thrilled w/ almost cause I guess it's much closer than she's ever been, but I wanted to give her the chance to feel what *really* there is so she'd be able to recognize it when it happens again *g* Ah well, client was happy and organizers were happy cause I didn't put their schedule all out of whack sobeit. That one I even ate up the "2nd test" time cause it was more important to try and get that extra few mins in than to ride a second test. hahaha but like I said, she was thrilled so that's what counts. A few whose challenge was chilling out their horses (and their riders!) -- they all had significant difference by the end, so that's always good. Only one that was really not ready to be in the ring -- but the rider was aware of this and did the best she could w/ what she was sitting on, so there's definitely something to be said for that. A good example of the right attitude for riding -- she just kept trying and never lost her patience. Anyways -- was a long day, but once it warmed up the weather was gorgeous, n it was great to get to see everybody who I haven't seen in entirely too long!!! Even if not for very long :)
XC schools @ Gorstella and Checkmate this weekend! Should be a blast. Give me a call if you want to come! Could also use a photographer for either day if anybody's got nothing better to do :)
Cheers!
Saturday is well covered in the entry below about Sienna's first show -- hahaha really don't feel the need to retype that here! Suffice to say, it was a blast! Sunday I went to look at a new horse for a client, that I really wasn't expecting much of. Well I'll tell ya, you can't lose when you go in with that attitude cause you're either proven right or pleasantly surprised. N I was thrilled. Horse was a rescue, so I was expecting what I see of so many rescues. But this one, besides obviously being well loved and cared for (this I DID expect because his owners are amazing people and have had him long enough to make a difference) has clearly had excellent training somewhere along the way AND enjoys being worked AND is entirely appropriate for the student I was searching for. And if she doesn't want to ride him, I will >;-P hahaha all he needs is some fitness and we're set! Summer plans continue to come together :)
Monday of the long-weekend I was coaching at the Caledon Clinic. 15 dressage lessons. Absolutely insane. But credit to the organizers, from a clinician point-of-view it was well organized (even scheduled breaks) and they fed us a great lunch :) hahaha yeah it's the little things that count. Somebody even brought me out water about the time I was starting to lose my voice. hahahha and I had amazing scribes for the day (thanks Suzanne and Fran!). Generally it was a really great day.
There's a bit of a different art to being a clinician from being a coach. Coaching you get to know your students well and you teach primarily for the long term -- have goals and set out to meet them, and you can take the time to develop skills in order and know exactly what's there and what needs to be there. In a clinic, that luxury doesn't exist. You need to be able to evaluate, quickly, what one thing needs to be fixed AND make it happen -- without any knowledge of horse or rider. There are great coaches who are not particularly good clinicians, and great clinicians who aren't as good at the long-term-regular-coach thing. Most can do both to some degree cause there is of course a huge degree of overlap, but I have definitely met both extremes before hahaha
Lessons at this clinic are half-hour -- they ride the test, you fix something, they ride the test again. So in the first three minutes you have to analyze and isolate the key thing that's holding them back from the next level (whether literally the next level or the move from middle-of-the-pack to top). Then you have 20-25mins (depending how fast they rode their first test) to make a noticeable difference. I love this challenge. Levels PE-T, which is, of course, my preferred audience to begin with. Had several who were close-but-not-quite on the bit who managed to make the leap to actually there, which is always amazing. Was pretty thrilled at that. As were they *g* Had one who I wish I'd had another 15min w/... Got her *almost* there -- n she was absolutely thrilled w/ almost cause I guess it's much closer than she's ever been, but I wanted to give her the chance to feel what *really* there is so she'd be able to recognize it when it happens again *g* Ah well, client was happy and organizers were happy cause I didn't put their schedule all out of whack sobeit. That one I even ate up the "2nd test" time cause it was more important to try and get that extra few mins in than to ride a second test. hahaha but like I said, she was thrilled so that's what counts. A few whose challenge was chilling out their horses (and their riders!) -- they all had significant difference by the end, so that's always good. Only one that was really not ready to be in the ring -- but the rider was aware of this and did the best she could w/ what she was sitting on, so there's definitely something to be said for that. A good example of the right attitude for riding -- she just kept trying and never lost her patience. Anyways -- was a long day, but once it warmed up the weather was gorgeous, n it was great to get to see everybody who I haven't seen in entirely too long!!! Even if not for very long :)
XC schools @ Gorstella and Checkmate this weekend! Should be a blast. Give me a call if you want to come! Could also use a photographer for either day if anybody's got nothing better to do :)
Cheers!
Fun and games in the pouring rain :)
Posted by
Lauren Cude Horsfall
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Took Sienna to Foggy River for the CT today. Kerri came with me (woohoo!) to make life *way* easier – even though we had to leave @ like 5:30 this am. In a rather impressive thunder storm. Ick.
Got there and organized w/ time to spare – which of course I promptly wasted thinking “I have lots of time”. Hahaha classic eh? Ah well.
Miss Si was a little high coming off the trailer and a little thoroughly annoyed when the torrential rain hit just as I finished tacking her up for dressage; fortunately it stopped before I actually had to do anything. Hahaha w/u ring was on grass and a little slick. N she was still reasonably high. So we ran around at trot a bit – got so that half way around the ring was beautiful and the other half was on speed. At that point it was time to head over to the actual ring where she was really good about chilling on the hill between the w/u ring and the dressage ring… Walking around the dressage ring we had a serious look at the very scary letters, and hugely ADD when she discovered horses in the paddock off one side of the ring. Hahaha Fortunately for me the judge was in a truck – and Si is entirely traffic proof. No scary judge’s booth involved! Phew!
Down the centre line “X Halt through Walk” Walk. Please walk. Walk NOW. Ok skip walk and Halt. Stopping *is* required. Now would be *really* good. We’re almost out of centre line… hahaha eventually we did halt, but it was definitely a whole lot closer to G than X. hahaha oops. Turns out the breaks weren’t entirely functional yet. Somewhere along the way she decided that C was “home” so throughout the test any time we were going towards C she accelerated and any time we went away from C she was absolutely lovely. Circles were *almost* round. Missed one transition cause I neglected to actually memorize the test before going in. hahaha kinda ran out of time, so made it up as I went along. I knew transition was either at A or K so we went half way between the two and figured it’d be put down to either “too late” or “too early” not actually off-course *g* Slightly less than professional perhaps but what can ya do eh? N yeah I got nailed for it, but deservedly so. Mostly though, it was not bad as far as “first tests” go. There were definite “inattentive” moments but there were also good moments. My objectives of “stay on” and “don’t get eliminated” were both achieved *g* Overall I was pretty happy. Beat out Zel’s first test :) hahaha although I’m pretty sure Zel beat us today (not overall but her rider lost a ton of points on a technicality and I suspect w/o that they would’ve placed significantly higher). Comments (other than the rider-is-an-idiot – umm that’d be my translation of “work on accuracy”) were mostly positive or “too-fast” hahaha Classic eh?
So after dressage we went for a little hack down to the stadium ring (happy to say she went through the “water obstacle” on the way w/o any hesitation. Hahaha we wandered around there for a bit and then I hopped off and let her graze so that coming there when we actually had to would be a good thing *g* Hung out for a bit, socialized with random people, visited w/ Zelli’s new owners, etc etc. Then it was time for stad. The course was really nice – long wide turns (good for the footing), small fences but tons of variety so she’d see some of everything. The footing in the w/u was brutal (and I was half way through the first class of the day – by end of day might’ve been scary), but this may have saved us because Sienna’s self-preservation kept her from galloping away (I was missing my standing martingale!). We were jumping a *little* quickly over the w/u fences but she couldn’t go far before the footing would convince her to slow down a touch. Hahaha I really wasn’t sure what to expect from her actually on course. We took the long route to the judge to salute – she was totally kewl w/ us doing that too, which added to making it a good experience. And then we started. There was some hesitation to the first fence, but I convinced her “over” was a good idea, and after that she was a complete pro. Easiest round I’ve had in years. We trotted some and cantered some depending mostly on how she was feeling at any given moment (which means really we cantered towards home and trotted away – clearly have to work on this nappiness issue before the jumps get too much bigger, but for today it was not even on the scale of things to worry about. Priorities people!) One or two fences were a *little* higher than technically necessary, but mostly she was an old pro.
Was highly amused that the last jump had stop signs on it :) hahaha And the XC course had a 40km/h road sign on it.
A second round was offered to everybody but I turned it down – cause really, there was nothing more I could’ve asked for :) And in the end, a *very* kind dressage judge coupled w/ a clear round lead to 2nd place! Woohoo! For her first show ever! Hahaha not half bad eh?
So yeah, Sienna was a superstar. And I was thrilled.
Got there and organized w/ time to spare – which of course I promptly wasted thinking “I have lots of time”. Hahaha classic eh? Ah well.
Miss Si was a little high coming off the trailer and a little thoroughly annoyed when the torrential rain hit just as I finished tacking her up for dressage; fortunately it stopped before I actually had to do anything. Hahaha w/u ring was on grass and a little slick. N she was still reasonably high. So we ran around at trot a bit – got so that half way around the ring was beautiful and the other half was on speed. At that point it was time to head over to the actual ring where she was really good about chilling on the hill between the w/u ring and the dressage ring… Walking around the dressage ring we had a serious look at the very scary letters, and hugely ADD when she discovered horses in the paddock off one side of the ring. Hahaha Fortunately for me the judge was in a truck – and Si is entirely traffic proof. No scary judge’s booth involved! Phew!
Down the centre line “X Halt through Walk” Walk. Please walk. Walk NOW. Ok skip walk and Halt. Stopping *is* required. Now would be *really* good. We’re almost out of centre line… hahaha eventually we did halt, but it was definitely a whole lot closer to G than X. hahaha oops. Turns out the breaks weren’t entirely functional yet. Somewhere along the way she decided that C was “home” so throughout the test any time we were going towards C she accelerated and any time we went away from C she was absolutely lovely. Circles were *almost* round. Missed one transition cause I neglected to actually memorize the test before going in. hahaha kinda ran out of time, so made it up as I went along. I knew transition was either at A or K so we went half way between the two and figured it’d be put down to either “too late” or “too early” not actually off-course *g* Slightly less than professional perhaps but what can ya do eh? N yeah I got nailed for it, but deservedly so. Mostly though, it was not bad as far as “first tests” go. There were definite “inattentive” moments but there were also good moments. My objectives of “stay on” and “don’t get eliminated” were both achieved *g* Overall I was pretty happy. Beat out Zel’s first test :) hahaha although I’m pretty sure Zel beat us today (not overall but her rider lost a ton of points on a technicality and I suspect w/o that they would’ve placed significantly higher). Comments (other than the rider-is-an-idiot – umm that’d be my translation of “work on accuracy”) were mostly positive or “too-fast” hahaha Classic eh?
So after dressage we went for a little hack down to the stadium ring (happy to say she went through the “water obstacle” on the way w/o any hesitation. Hahaha we wandered around there for a bit and then I hopped off and let her graze so that coming there when we actually had to would be a good thing *g* Hung out for a bit, socialized with random people, visited w/ Zelli’s new owners, etc etc. Then it was time for stad. The course was really nice – long wide turns (good for the footing), small fences but tons of variety so she’d see some of everything. The footing in the w/u was brutal (and I was half way through the first class of the day – by end of day might’ve been scary), but this may have saved us because Sienna’s self-preservation kept her from galloping away (I was missing my standing martingale!). We were jumping a *little* quickly over the w/u fences but she couldn’t go far before the footing would convince her to slow down a touch. Hahaha I really wasn’t sure what to expect from her actually on course. We took the long route to the judge to salute – she was totally kewl w/ us doing that too, which added to making it a good experience. And then we started. There was some hesitation to the first fence, but I convinced her “over” was a good idea, and after that she was a complete pro. Easiest round I’ve had in years. We trotted some and cantered some depending mostly on how she was feeling at any given moment (which means really we cantered towards home and trotted away – clearly have to work on this nappiness issue before the jumps get too much bigger, but for today it was not even on the scale of things to worry about. Priorities people!) One or two fences were a *little* higher than technically necessary, but mostly she was an old pro.
Was highly amused that the last jump had stop signs on it :) hahaha And the XC course had a 40km/h road sign on it.
A second round was offered to everybody but I turned it down – cause really, there was nothing more I could’ve asked for :) And in the end, a *very* kind dressage judge coupled w/ a clear round lead to 2nd place! Woohoo! For her first show ever! Hahaha not half bad eh?
So yeah, Sienna was a superstar. And I was thrilled.
Superstar Sienna
Posted by
Lauren Cude Horsfall
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So the short version – Kerri and I took Sienna to her first show today. In the torrential rain. She was an absolute superstar! :) Couldn’t’ve asked for anything more! Ended up coming second – not half bad eh? Hahaha For the longer version of that story (read: small novel) check out the GRS Blog. (oh comeon, you had to know that was coming)
Zelli was also there – riding immediately before us. That was an emotional swing. On the one hand I was glad she was being so good for her very novice rider (his first show *ever*) on the other hand, man I miss that horse. She just has so much personality. Ah well – time to move on right? Was good to see her taking care of him though. Did stop and chat w/ them for a while – super-nice people.
Anyways – I’m zonked. Off to dream Rolex dreams (hmmm not *that* big a step from pre-entry surely???) Night!
Zelli was also there – riding immediately before us. That was an emotional swing. On the one hand I was glad she was being so good for her very novice rider (his first show *ever*) on the other hand, man I miss that horse. She just has so much personality. Ah well – time to move on right? Was good to see her taking care of him though. Did stop and chat w/ them for a while – super-nice people.
Anyways – I’m zonked. Off to dream Rolex dreams (hmmm not *that* big a step from pre-entry surely???) Night!
Change is good :)
Posted by
Lauren Cude Horsfall
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So new layout again :) I don't like it nearly as much as I liked the tree one. *Really* liked the trees. But I couldn't make the date stamp work there, and Jen found it hard to read *g* Not @ all sure this one will be any easier to read, but at least it has the date stamp!
There are a few things I don't care for w/ this one (omg is working at a design firm rubbing off on me??? :) so I can't imagine it'll stay for long, but it'll do in the interim.
Let me know what you think!
There are a few things I don't care for w/ this one (omg is working at a design firm rubbing off on me??? :) so I can't imagine it'll stay for long, but it'll do in the interim.
Let me know what you think!
Sienna goes to Mary's...
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Lauren Cude Horsfall
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So took Miss Si for a dressage lesson yesterday. First time to M's farm and *windy*. Like hurricane windy except bright and sunny out :) Took her off the trailer and she was bouncing. So we went to graze for a bit (amazing how food can take the edge off :) and even then it was nibble-nibble GIRAFFE nibble-nibble GIRAFFE hahaha. Tacking her up was an adventure and a half. Wind was so strong I was having a nightmare of a time getting the saddle pads organized, and then once I was set, getting them on the spinning horse (cause on driveway now, no grass) was another challenge. hahaha eventually basically just plopped it all on however and then manipulated the pads etc w/ the aid of the saddle weight holding them in place.
There was a lesson going on in the indoor that I didn't want to bring Si into in spinny mode so we lunged in the outdoor ring for a bit first. Well "lunge" in the run-around-in-circles sense of the word. On the plus side, she couldn't care less about the white-fence-of-doom. On the down side, the judge's platform (not actually a 'booth' in this ring, but same general concept) was clearly housing demons. Could be that we ride our test on Sat in the 10x30 ring in an attempt to avoid either a - jumping OUT of the ring, and b - the scary judges. hahaha but we shall see :)
Anyways when I finally got her to the point that she was both a -- properly tacked up and b - calm enough to trot we went into the ring. The ring that has giant mirrors along the short side. hahaha gotta admit I LOVE those mirrors. Insta-position fix. Or "oh god I just can't watch" as the case may be :) It was interesting to see just how contorted my little horse could make herself to avoid going straight. Kinda impressive really. Right back to story -- meeting the mirrors was pathetically undramatic. She grew a little and looked but it didn't even rate a snort. hahaha ah well. The fact that the pony trotting around clearly couldn't care less probably helped :) Lunged her in a half-hearted fashion "just-in-case" and she just trotted around on speed. Very ADD but not bad. N I know from experience this doesn't go away on the lunge line so got on her. And she walked. WOOHOO! Months of tediously boring *always* walk when I get on seems to be paying off. It was the kind of walk I'd *like* to get in the dressage ring. hahaha if only I could get it w/o tension.
Trotting around at the start was ummmm well the word "inattentive" was used *g* Mostly we were back on the track. Turn the short end see the LOOONNGGG path the the other end and GO! hahaha but, in her defense, she did keep it to a trot so significant improvement over a few mths ago. Ignored the big mirrors at the end but felt the need to check herself out in the short side mirror every time. hahaha classic.
Got the "Don't let her be a baby" lecture which I've certainly heard before and was entirely warranted. Cause sure enough, while green, she's NOT a baby. She was not shying at anything or particularly concerned, just high. So why shouldn't she work? This is a big part of why I go for lessons :) So somebody can remind me not to be an idiot. Sure enough very quickly after *I* smartened up and actually asked her to do something, she settled and worked really well. Mental note made. Right up there with "ride the horse you *want* to have".
hahaha at one point we were just using one end of the ring n M made some comment about how circles don't traditionally have corners (can just see her rolling her eyes -- eventers *sigh* -- hahaha she's remarkably tolerant w/ us :) when it occurs to me that while I was just hovering at one end of the ring, she was actually expecting me to be circling. oops :) Something got lost in the DQ=Eventer translation. Gotta admit I forgot that a couple more times throughout the lesson, but in general I did make an effort to actually ride a circle as opposed to just "stay at this end". N we only crashed into the wall once. >;-P Yeah, that wasn't one of our better moments. *rolling eyes*
In general though Miss Si was great. She tried really hard. Our transitions are still ummmm a *little* dodgy hahaha as in "please don't watch this" (I'm pretty sure I actually said that :) but it will get better. W/T was coming by the end. T/C still pretty iffy. hahaha ah well - just 2 marks right? I personally was thrilled just to have the right lead -- but again, part of why I go to said lessons (and esp jump lessons); I need the outside view of what she *should* be doing. Something being good "for her" is not good enough anymore -- we're at the point where it has to just be good. No qualifications. But I still mentally see the spinny, starving, OTTB of 6 mths ago and so am ecstatic about almost everything.
Have to admit, much as I absolutely loved riding M's superstar horse the last time I took a lesson there, this one was a whole lot more challenging. N therefore entertaining :)
Alright -- now to take the better parts of the lesson and apply them this wkdn. hahaha sure, np.
There was a lesson going on in the indoor that I didn't want to bring Si into in spinny mode so we lunged in the outdoor ring for a bit first. Well "lunge" in the run-around-in-circles sense of the word. On the plus side, she couldn't care less about the white-fence-of-doom. On the down side, the judge's platform (not actually a 'booth' in this ring, but same general concept) was clearly housing demons. Could be that we ride our test on Sat in the 10x30 ring in an attempt to avoid either a - jumping OUT of the ring, and b - the scary judges. hahaha but we shall see :)
Anyways when I finally got her to the point that she was both a -- properly tacked up and b - calm enough to trot we went into the ring. The ring that has giant mirrors along the short side. hahaha gotta admit I LOVE those mirrors. Insta-position fix. Or "oh god I just can't watch" as the case may be :) It was interesting to see just how contorted my little horse could make herself to avoid going straight. Kinda impressive really. Right back to story -- meeting the mirrors was pathetically undramatic. She grew a little and looked but it didn't even rate a snort. hahaha ah well. The fact that the pony trotting around clearly couldn't care less probably helped :) Lunged her in a half-hearted fashion "just-in-case" and she just trotted around on speed. Very ADD but not bad. N I know from experience this doesn't go away on the lunge line so got on her. And she walked. WOOHOO! Months of tediously boring *always* walk when I get on seems to be paying off. It was the kind of walk I'd *like* to get in the dressage ring. hahaha if only I could get it w/o tension.
Trotting around at the start was ummmm well the word "inattentive" was used *g* Mostly we were back on the track. Turn the short end see the LOOONNGGG path the the other end and GO! hahaha but, in her defense, she did keep it to a trot so significant improvement over a few mths ago. Ignored the big mirrors at the end but felt the need to check herself out in the short side mirror every time. hahaha classic.
Got the "Don't let her be a baby" lecture which I've certainly heard before and was entirely warranted. Cause sure enough, while green, she's NOT a baby. She was not shying at anything or particularly concerned, just high. So why shouldn't she work? This is a big part of why I go for lessons :) So somebody can remind me not to be an idiot. Sure enough very quickly after *I* smartened up and actually asked her to do something, she settled and worked really well. Mental note made. Right up there with "ride the horse you *want* to have".
hahaha at one point we were just using one end of the ring n M made some comment about how circles don't traditionally have corners (can just see her rolling her eyes -- eventers *sigh* -- hahaha she's remarkably tolerant w/ us :) when it occurs to me that while I was just hovering at one end of the ring, she was actually expecting me to be circling. oops :) Something got lost in the DQ=Eventer translation. Gotta admit I forgot that a couple more times throughout the lesson, but in general I did make an effort to actually ride a circle as opposed to just "stay at this end". N we only crashed into the wall once. >;-P Yeah, that wasn't one of our better moments. *rolling eyes*
In general though Miss Si was great. She tried really hard. Our transitions are still ummmm a *little* dodgy hahaha as in "please don't watch this" (I'm pretty sure I actually said that :) but it will get better. W/T was coming by the end. T/C still pretty iffy. hahaha ah well - just 2 marks right? I personally was thrilled just to have the right lead -- but again, part of why I go to said lessons (and esp jump lessons); I need the outside view of what she *should* be doing. Something being good "for her" is not good enough anymore -- we're at the point where it has to just be good. No qualifications. But I still mentally see the spinny, starving, OTTB of 6 mths ago and so am ecstatic about almost everything.
Have to admit, much as I absolutely loved riding M's superstar horse the last time I took a lesson there, this one was a whole lot more challenging. N therefore entertaining :)
Alright -- now to take the better parts of the lesson and apply them this wkdn. hahaha sure, np.
“Adults are always asking little kids what they want to be when they grow up because they're looking for ideas”
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So took Miss Si for a dressage lesson yesterday. First time to M's farm and *windy*. Like hurricane windy except bright and sunny out :) Took her off the trailer and she was bouncing. So we went to graze for a bit (amazing how food can take the edge off :) and even then it was nibble-nibble GIRAFFE nibble-nibble GIRAFFE hahaha. Tacking her up was an adventure and a half. Wind was so strong I was having a nightmare of a time getting the saddle pads organized, and then once I was set, getting them on the spinning horse (cause on driveway now, no grass) was another challenge. hahaha eventually basically just plopped it all on however and then manipulated the pads etc w/ the aid of the saddle weight holding them in place.
There was a lesson going on in the indoor that I didn't want to bring Si into in spinny mode so we lunged in the outdoor ring for a bit first. Well "lunge" in the run-around-in-circles sense of the word. On the plus side, she couldn't care less about the white-fence-of-doom. On the down side, the judge's platform (not actually a 'booth' in this ring, but same general concept) was clearly housing demons. Could be that we ride our test on Sat in the 10x30 ring in an attempt to avoid either a - jumping OUT of the ring, and b - the scary judges. hahaha but we shall see :)
Anyways when I finally got her to the point that she was both a -- properly tacked up and b - calm enough to trot we went into the ring. The ring that has giant mirrors along the short side. hahaha gotta admit I LOVE those mirrors. Insta-position fix. Or "oh god I just can't watch" as the case may be :) It was interesting to see just how contorted my little horse could make herself to avoid going straight. Kinda impressive really. Right back to story -- meeting the mirrors was pathetically undramatic. She grew a little and looked but it didn't even rate a snort. hahaha ah well. The fact that the pony trotting around clearly couldn't care less probably helped :) Lunged her in a half-hearted fashion "just-in-case" and she just trotted around on speed. Very ADD but not bad. N I know from experience this doesn't go away on the lunge line so got on her. And she walked. WOOHOO! Months of tediously boring *always* walk when I get on seems to be paying off. It was the kind of walk I'd *like* to get in the dressage ring. hahaha if only I could get it w/o tension.
Trotting around at the start was ummmm well the word "inattentive" was used *g* Mostly we were back on the track. Turn the short end see the LOOONNGGG path the the other end and GO! hahaha but, in her defense, she did keep it to a trot so significant improvement over a few mths ago. Ignored the big mirrors at the end but felt the need to check herself out in the short side mirror every time. hahaha classic.
Got the "Don't let her be a baby" lecture which I've certainly heard before and was entirely warranted. Cause sure enough, while green, she's NOT a baby. She was not shying at anything or particularly concerned, just high. So why shouldn't she work? This is a big part of why I go for lessons :) So somebody can remind me not to be an idiot. Sure enough very quickly after *I* smartened up and actually asked her to do something, she settled and worked really well. Mental note made. Right up there with "ride the horse you *want* to have".
hahaha at one point we were just using one end of the ring n M made some comment about how circles don't traditionally have corners (can just see her rolling her eyes -- eventers *sigh* -- hahaha she's remarkably tolerant w/ us :) when it occurs to me that while I was just hovering at one end of the ring, she was actually expecting me to be circling. oops :) Something got lost in the DQ=Eventer translation. Gotta admit I forgot that a couple more times throughout the lesson, but in general I did make an effort to actually ride a circle as opposed to just "stay at this end". N we only crashed into the wall once. >;-P Yeah, that wasn't one of our better moments. *rolling eyes*
In general though Miss Si was great. She tried really hard. Our transitions are still ummmm a *little* dodgy hahaha as in "please don't watch this" (I'm pretty sure I actually said that :) but it will get better. W/T was coming by the end. T/C still pretty iffy. hahaha ah well - just 2 marks right? I personally was thrilled just to have the right lead -- but again, part of why I go to said lessons (and esp jump lessons); I need the outside view of what she *should* be doing. Something being good "for her" is not good enough anymore -- we're at the point where it has to just be good. No qualifications. But I still mentally see the spinny, starving, OTTB of 6 mths ago and so am ecstatic about almost everything.
Have to admit, much as I absolutely loved riding M's superstar horse the last time I took a lesson there, this one was a whole lot more challenging. N therefore entertaining :)
Alright -- now to take the better parts of the lesson and apply them this wkdn. hahaha sure, np.
There was a lesson going on in the indoor that I didn't want to bring Si into in spinny mode so we lunged in the outdoor ring for a bit first. Well "lunge" in the run-around-in-circles sense of the word. On the plus side, she couldn't care less about the white-fence-of-doom. On the down side, the judge's platform (not actually a 'booth' in this ring, but same general concept) was clearly housing demons. Could be that we ride our test on Sat in the 10x30 ring in an attempt to avoid either a - jumping OUT of the ring, and b - the scary judges. hahaha but we shall see :)
Anyways when I finally got her to the point that she was both a -- properly tacked up and b - calm enough to trot we went into the ring. The ring that has giant mirrors along the short side. hahaha gotta admit I LOVE those mirrors. Insta-position fix. Or "oh god I just can't watch" as the case may be :) It was interesting to see just how contorted my little horse could make herself to avoid going straight. Kinda impressive really. Right back to story -- meeting the mirrors was pathetically undramatic. She grew a little and looked but it didn't even rate a snort. hahaha ah well. The fact that the pony trotting around clearly couldn't care less probably helped :) Lunged her in a half-hearted fashion "just-in-case" and she just trotted around on speed. Very ADD but not bad. N I know from experience this doesn't go away on the lunge line so got on her. And she walked. WOOHOO! Months of tediously boring *always* walk when I get on seems to be paying off. It was the kind of walk I'd *like* to get in the dressage ring. hahaha if only I could get it w/o tension.
Trotting around at the start was ummmm well the word "inattentive" was used *g* Mostly we were back on the track. Turn the short end see the LOOONNGGG path the the other end and GO! hahaha but, in her defense, she did keep it to a trot so significant improvement over a few mths ago. Ignored the big mirrors at the end but felt the need to check herself out in the short side mirror every time. hahaha classic.
Got the "Don't let her be a baby" lecture which I've certainly heard before and was entirely warranted. Cause sure enough, while green, she's NOT a baby. She was not shying at anything or particularly concerned, just high. So why shouldn't she work? This is a big part of why I go for lessons :) So somebody can remind me not to be an idiot. Sure enough very quickly after *I* smartened up and actually asked her to do something, she settled and worked really well. Mental note made. Right up there with "ride the horse you *want* to have".
hahaha at one point we were just using one end of the ring n M made some comment about how circles don't traditionally have corners (can just see her rolling her eyes -- eventers *sigh* -- hahaha she's remarkably tolerant w/ us :) when it occurs to me that while I was just hovering at one end of the ring, she was actually expecting me to be circling. oops :) Something got lost in the DQ=Eventer translation. Gotta admit I forgot that a couple more times throughout the lesson, but in general I did make an effort to actually ride a circle as opposed to just "stay at this end". N we only crashed into the wall once. >;-P Yeah, that wasn't one of our better moments. *rolling eyes*
In general though Miss Si was great. She tried really hard. Our transitions are still ummmm a *little* dodgy hahaha as in "please don't watch this" (I'm pretty sure I actually said that :) but it will get better. W/T was coming by the end. T/C still pretty iffy. hahaha ah well - just 2 marks right? I personally was thrilled just to have the right lead -- but again, part of why I go to said lessons (and esp jump lessons); I need the outside view of what she *should* be doing. Something being good "for her" is not good enough anymore -- we're at the point where it has to just be good. No qualifications. But I still mentally see the spinny, starving, OTTB of 6 mths ago and so am ecstatic about almost everything.
Have to admit, much as I absolutely loved riding M's superstar horse the last time I took a lesson there, this one was a whole lot more challenging. N therefore entertaining :)
Alright -- now to take the better parts of the lesson and apply them this wkdn. hahaha sure, np.
I'd rather be riding!
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Nothing is more frustrating than being bored when you have a million and one things you could and should be doing. Ugh.
Ok end of rant.
So my jump lesson tomorrow got cancelled. Booo. But such is life -- and prob so much the better as it'll give me time to do things like, oh I don't know, braid *g* Perhaps even clean my tack? Maybe properly groom my horse? hahaha sure. And there was a huge pot of gold at the end of that double-rainbow too. No more likely is I'll sub an extra lesson in there, find out my start times are first thing Sat AM, and generally arrive at the show in an end-of-season level of "it'll do". But we'll see. I can also totally picture Sienna being the type to take out all her braids overnight, so may have to redo them in the am anyways.
Anyone want to place bets on how long it's going to take me to get to Guelph @ rush hour, pulling a horse trailer today? hahaha have to be there by 6... What are the odds?
Ugh I am so bored right this moment. Doesn't help that my internet connection is basically non-existent so no FB, no banking, no researching, can't even see what the weather's supposed to be this wknd! Very weird though cause about the *only* site I can get on is blogger. Not sure what that's all about but may as well take advantage of it!
First GraduateRidingSchool XC school next Sunday :) Woohoo! Still confirming location, but will be one of two good locations :) If you want to come and haven't let me know yet pls do so soon! Weather permitting, we'll probably be going out the Sunday after that as well. Tentative list of future dates on the GRS blog.
Ok off for now. Only half hour left to kill!
Cheers.
Ok end of rant.
So my jump lesson tomorrow got cancelled. Booo. But such is life -- and prob so much the better as it'll give me time to do things like, oh I don't know, braid *g* Perhaps even clean my tack? Maybe properly groom my horse? hahaha sure. And there was a huge pot of gold at the end of that double-rainbow too. No more likely is I'll sub an extra lesson in there, find out my start times are first thing Sat AM, and generally arrive at the show in an end-of-season level of "it'll do". But we'll see. I can also totally picture Sienna being the type to take out all her braids overnight, so may have to redo them in the am anyways.
Anyone want to place bets on how long it's going to take me to get to Guelph @ rush hour, pulling a horse trailer today? hahaha have to be there by 6... What are the odds?
Ugh I am so bored right this moment. Doesn't help that my internet connection is basically non-existent so no FB, no banking, no researching, can't even see what the weather's supposed to be this wknd! Very weird though cause about the *only* site I can get on is blogger. Not sure what that's all about but may as well take advantage of it!
First GraduateRidingSchool XC school next Sunday :) Woohoo! Still confirming location, but will be one of two good locations :) If you want to come and haven't let me know yet pls do so soon! Weather permitting, we'll probably be going out the Sunday after that as well. Tentative list of future dates on the GRS blog.
Ok off for now. Only half hour left to kill!
Cheers.
Tentative Summer Schedule
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Lauren Cude Horsfall
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Here's the plan for May - Aug. Subject to change of course :) Clinic/XC School locations coming once I confirm w/ relevant facilities! Those of you competing this year, let me know your plans sooner rather than later please! If I've missed something you have your heart set on, let me know and we'll find a way to make it happen.
Sat May 16 - Foggy River CT
Sun May 24 - XC School
Wed May 27 - Glen Arden Stad School
Sun May 31 - XC School
Sun Jun 7 - XC School
Sun Jun 14 - XC Clinic
Sat Jun 20 - Caledon HT
Sat Jun 27 - Woodwind HT
Sun Jun 28 - XC School
Sat Jul 4 - Checkmate HT
Sun Jul 5 - Dreamcrest HT
Sat Jul 11 - Will O Wind HT
Sat Jul 18 - XC School
Sun Jul 19 - Equus HT
Sun Jul 26 - XC School
Sat Aug 1 - Grandview HT
Sat Aug 22 - Woodwind HT
Sun Aug 30 - Lane's End HT
Sat May 16 - Foggy River CT
Sun May 24 - XC School
Wed May 27 - Glen Arden Stad School
Sun May 31 - XC School
Sun Jun 7 - XC School
Sun Jun 14 - XC Clinic
Sat Jun 20 - Caledon HT
Sat Jun 27 - Woodwind HT
Sun Jun 28 - XC School
Sat Jul 4 - Checkmate HT
Sun Jul 5 - Dreamcrest HT
Sat Jul 11 - Will O Wind HT
Sat Jul 18 - XC School
Sun Jul 19 - Equus HT
Sun Jul 26 - XC School
Sat Aug 1 - Grandview HT
Sat Aug 22 - Woodwind HT
Sun Aug 30 - Lane's End HT
There'll be lots of time to sleep when I'm dead...
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Time to update the blog eh? Too busy *living* to update the blog! hahaha GRS is just about to the point where I won't be able to accept any more students -- how hard is that to turn down work for a business you desperately want to grow??? I am insanely busy, but loving it. The only catch is finding time for stupid things -- like taking my car in for service or getting somebody to turn the Beast's check engine light off!
hmmm is it a bad sign when your project management software rejects the project manager? Methinks this is not so good. Argh. Everybody can get in but me! hahaha and yet amusing at the same time.
For some reason today any site that has multiple images is simply not loading. Do you have any idea how useless the internet is w/o images? Sheesh. This after they "fixed" our connection yesterday. Blah. I thought maybe FB had just been blocked, but no it's everything... Ah well.
So got on a student's horse last night and was quite pleasantly surprised to discover it's a much nicer horse than one would think on first glance :) hahaha going to be a fun summer after all :)
Been planning the summer schedule -- should I be concerned that I have something on literally every single day between now and Oct? I could possibly sched a wk off in Aug -- might have to do that for the sake of my sanity! hahaha Took a note from Paula and colour-coded said schedule -- it's very pretty now *g* And somehow less scary that way :)
Sienna's been a superstar lately. First show on Sat -- X your fingers for us :) hahaha if we survive the w/u ring all should be well with the world! First jump lesson on Fri... Could also be interesting *g* We shall see. Gotta run!
hmmm is it a bad sign when your project management software rejects the project manager? Methinks this is not so good. Argh. Everybody can get in but me! hahaha and yet amusing at the same time.
For some reason today any site that has multiple images is simply not loading. Do you have any idea how useless the internet is w/o images? Sheesh. This after they "fixed" our connection yesterday. Blah. I thought maybe FB had just been blocked, but no it's everything... Ah well.
So got on a student's horse last night and was quite pleasantly surprised to discover it's a much nicer horse than one would think on first glance :) hahaha going to be a fun summer after all :)
Been planning the summer schedule -- should I be concerned that I have something on literally every single day between now and Oct? I could possibly sched a wk off in Aug -- might have to do that for the sake of my sanity! hahaha Took a note from Paula and colour-coded said schedule -- it's very pretty now *g* And somehow less scary that way :)
Sienna's been a superstar lately. First show on Sat -- X your fingers for us :) hahaha if we survive the w/u ring all should be well with the world! First jump lesson on Fri... Could also be interesting *g* We shall see. Gotta run!
2000 miles and one left turn...
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So Bev and I headed out to VT for the wknd. Was a really nice trip... Fri drove down, went over to Tamarack to pick up everything I left there and chat w/ everybody for a bit. Good to see everybody. Somewhat disconcerting how nothing has changed -- I could've picked up as though I'd left yesterday no problem and yet it's so far removed from my life at the moment. Used to feel the same way coming home after uni -- everything was exactly as I left it . . . except me. Comforting in some ways, disconcerting in others. But such is life eh? Both Denny and May seemed pretty happy w/ the pics of Sienna, so that was good :)
Sat we went exploring. Great hike along Quechee gorge -- so peaceful. Perfect weather. Almost no other people. Really nice way to start the day :) The last time I went it was stunning w/ the leaves changing but there were hundreds of people there too. This time gorgeous in a different way and we had the whole thing to ourselves. Then we drove around a bit; dropped by a random gathering at Dartmouth College. hahaha I love the uni scene -- still haven't outgrown that.
The B&B we were staying @ was the same one I was @ once before, down the road from Denny's... Old farmhouse (property has apparently been in the family for 6 generations) that had a ton of character :) Spent part of the afternoon sitting out on the porch watching a rather large storm come in... Was pretty impressive. Even more impressive was the double rainbow after it!
Drive home was no too bad -- although I admit I slept large portions of the way, so def had the easy job! Only iffy thing was when Bev killed a poor, innocent, pillow with her mighty Murano. The victim of a tragic road-rage incident. The chicken and the turkey escaped, but the pillow... Well it just was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. We buried it with all due ceremony in the garbage at the next rest stop *g* hahaha otherwise, the return trip was rather uneventful.
So that's the short version cause, well, I have no time for a long version!
hahahha omg just had to share -- got off a call w/ a client repairing pieces of the world that fell apart while I was away on Fri, which he ended w/ "well you are queen of the universe after all" hahaha sorry Bev -- apparently I stole your title. Love it :)
Sat we went exploring. Great hike along Quechee gorge -- so peaceful. Perfect weather. Almost no other people. Really nice way to start the day :) The last time I went it was stunning w/ the leaves changing but there were hundreds of people there too. This time gorgeous in a different way and we had the whole thing to ourselves. Then we drove around a bit; dropped by a random gathering at Dartmouth College. hahaha I love the uni scene -- still haven't outgrown that.
The B&B we were staying @ was the same one I was @ once before, down the road from Denny's... Old farmhouse (property has apparently been in the family for 6 generations) that had a ton of character :) Spent part of the afternoon sitting out on the porch watching a rather large storm come in... Was pretty impressive. Even more impressive was the double rainbow after it!
Drive home was no too bad -- although I admit I slept large portions of the way, so def had the easy job! Only iffy thing was when Bev killed a poor, innocent, pillow with her mighty Murano. The victim of a tragic road-rage incident. The chicken and the turkey escaped, but the pillow... Well it just was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. We buried it with all due ceremony in the garbage at the next rest stop *g* hahaha otherwise, the return trip was rather uneventful.
So that's the short version cause, well, I have no time for a long version!
hahahha omg just had to share -- got off a call w/ a client repairing pieces of the world that fell apart while I was away on Fri, which he ended w/ "well you are queen of the universe after all" hahaha sorry Bev -- apparently I stole your title. Love it :)
Happy Birthday Stephy!!!
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Really - the subject line kinda says it all :) Hope it's absolutely amazing!
Be yourself. Everyone else is taken!
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Lauren Cude Horsfall
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A friend sent me this in an E and I thought it was worth reposting...
The following is the philosophy of Charles Schulz, the creator of the 'Peanuts' comic strip.
You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just read straight through and you'll get the point.
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.
How did you do?
The point is none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
Easier?
The lesson:
The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials. The most money ... or the most awards. They simply are the ones who care the most.
The following is the philosophy of Charles Schulz, the creator of the 'Peanuts' comic strip.
You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just read straight through and you'll get the point.
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.
How did you do?
The point is none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
Easier?
The lesson:
The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials. The most money ... or the most awards. They simply are the ones who care the most.
All my students need to think this way :)
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Lauren Cude Horsfall
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(note: definitely took this from the Dragon's blog...)
So I was thoroughly impressed by a student's attitude towards riding the other day, so figured I'd share :) She was mounted on a very athletic and exuberant horse who spent a good portion of it bouncing around the ring. When she eventually got a nice, civilized trot all the way around the ring, we called it a day. Now anybody who's dealt w/ babies or really high horses will understand entirely how "baby steps" can lead to a renegotiation of where the bar is set (how thrilled was I the first time Sienna *walked* around the ring?!?! :) Back to that whole Plan A, B, W thing... But this rider hasn't done a lot of that -- she's ridden spinny before but not quite baby-step level. So at the end of the ride she's cooling her horse out and says to me (still in a good mood) "well, if trotting around the ring is good just think of how far we can go!" N it just totally struck me -- not how far we HAVE to go as in "ugh when can we get to something fun?" but how far we CAN go as in "this could be an entertaining challenge, and each baby step counts." And who knows, I may've misheard or made that up entirely -- but I liked what I imagined so figured I'd pass it on :) Must remember that while Si and I are doing PE! It's not the destination but rather the journey eh? So therefore all the much better when you can see the journey may be a long one...
So I was looking @ the pics of Sienna jumping XC (http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=251116&id=823765365&l=6a01b706b4), it was recommended to me that her show name should be "Hang Time" hahaha and while I agree theoretically, I just didn't really like it for her... But then I was thinking -- how bout "Just Hanging Out"? She's super chilled, so more often than not applies, n really, why shouldn't one "hang out" three feet above the fence??? hahaha so that's what I'm thinking for the moment. Other thoughts? Suggestions? Got some time before we have to decide (she's just going to be "Sienna" at Foggy River) but I'd like a name for whenever the first HT is...
So I was thoroughly impressed by a student's attitude towards riding the other day, so figured I'd share :) She was mounted on a very athletic and exuberant horse who spent a good portion of it bouncing around the ring. When she eventually got a nice, civilized trot all the way around the ring, we called it a day. Now anybody who's dealt w/ babies or really high horses will understand entirely how "baby steps" can lead to a renegotiation of where the bar is set (how thrilled was I the first time Sienna *walked* around the ring?!?! :) Back to that whole Plan A, B, W thing... But this rider hasn't done a lot of that -- she's ridden spinny before but not quite baby-step level. So at the end of the ride she's cooling her horse out and says to me (still in a good mood) "well, if trotting around the ring is good just think of how far we can go!" N it just totally struck me -- not how far we HAVE to go as in "ugh when can we get to something fun?" but how far we CAN go as in "this could be an entertaining challenge, and each baby step counts." And who knows, I may've misheard or made that up entirely -- but I liked what I imagined so figured I'd pass it on :) Must remember that while Si and I are doing PE! It's not the destination but rather the journey eh? So therefore all the much better when you can see the journey may be a long one...
So I was looking @ the pics of Sienna jumping XC (http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=251116&id=823765365&l=6a01b706b4), it was recommended to me that her show name should be "Hang Time" hahaha and while I agree theoretically, I just didn't really like it for her... But then I was thinking -- how bout "Just Hanging Out"? She's super chilled, so more often than not applies, n really, why shouldn't one "hang out" three feet above the fence??? hahaha so that's what I'm thinking for the moment. Other thoughts? Suggestions? Got some time before we have to decide (she's just going to be "Sienna" at Foggy River) but I'd like a name for whenever the first HT is...
Show Names?
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So looking @ some of the pics of Sienna jumping XC (http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=251116&id=823765365&l=6a01b706b4), it was recommended to me that her show name should be "Hang Time" hahaha and while I agree theoretically, I just didn't really like it for her... But then I was thinking -- how bout "Just Hanging Out"? She's super chilled, so more often than not applies, n really, why shouldn't one "hang out" three feet above the fence??? hahaha so that's what I'm thinking for the moment. Other thoughts? Suggestions? Got some time before we have to decide (she's just going to be "Sienna" at Foggy River) but I'd like a name for whenever the first HT is...
Was thoroughly impressed by a student's attitude towards riding the other day, so figured I'd share :) She was mounted on a very athletic and exuberant horse who spent a good portion of it bouncing around the ring. When she eventually got a nice, civilized trot all the way around the ring, we called it a day. Now anybody who's dealt w/ babies or really high horses will understand entirely how "baby steps" can lead to a renegotiation of where the bar is set (how thrilled was I the first time Sienna *walked* around the ring?!?! :) Back to that whole Plan A, B, W thing... But this rider hasn't done a lot of that -- she's ridden spinny before but not quite baby-step level. So at the end of the ride she's cooling her horse out and says to me (still in a good mood) "well, if trotting around the ring is good just think of how far we can go!" N it just totally struck me -- not how far we HAVE to go as in "ugh when can we get to something fun?" but how far we CAN go as in "this could be an entertaining challenge, and each baby step counts." And who knows, I may've misheard or made that up entirely -- but I liked what I imagined so figured I'd pass it on :) Must remember that while Si and I are doing PE! It's not the destination but rather the journey eh? So therefore all the much better when you can see the journey may be a long one...
On a completely unrelated note -- came across this @ work today and thought it was sort of interesting (or @ least the first 2 paragraphs were :) so reposting: "My focus as an architect has always been to consider what I’ve called the “software” of space (sounds, smell, light, temperature, electromagnetic fields, social relationships, etc.) rather than the “hardware” (floors, walls, roof, etc.) as it has traditionally been considered. The image (below) really sums up why I think this is important. It’s the same piglets, in the same box, but on the right hand side the temperature has been increased. This small change in how the space is “programmed” has dramatically changed the way the ‘inhabitants’ relate to each other and how they relate to their space. This approach to architecture became my challenge: how to translate such strategies into the general architectural discourse and how to bring into reality such possibilities for the construction industry."
Link to the rest of the article is http://www.ugotrade.com/2009/01/28/pachube-patching-the-planet-interview-with-usman-haque/
Was thoroughly impressed by a student's attitude towards riding the other day, so figured I'd share :) She was mounted on a very athletic and exuberant horse who spent a good portion of it bouncing around the ring. When she eventually got a nice, civilized trot all the way around the ring, we called it a day. Now anybody who's dealt w/ babies or really high horses will understand entirely how "baby steps" can lead to a renegotiation of where the bar is set (how thrilled was I the first time Sienna *walked* around the ring?!?! :) Back to that whole Plan A, B, W thing... But this rider hasn't done a lot of that -- she's ridden spinny before but not quite baby-step level. So at the end of the ride she's cooling her horse out and says to me (still in a good mood) "well, if trotting around the ring is good just think of how far we can go!" N it just totally struck me -- not how far we HAVE to go as in "ugh when can we get to something fun?" but how far we CAN go as in "this could be an entertaining challenge, and each baby step counts." And who knows, I may've misheard or made that up entirely -- but I liked what I imagined so figured I'd pass it on :) Must remember that while Si and I are doing PE! It's not the destination but rather the journey eh? So therefore all the much better when you can see the journey may be a long one...
On a completely unrelated note -- came across this @ work today and thought it was sort of interesting (or @ least the first 2 paragraphs were :) so reposting: "My focus as an architect has always been to consider what I’ve called the “software” of space (sounds, smell, light, temperature, electromagnetic fields, social relationships, etc.) rather than the “hardware” (floors, walls, roof, etc.) as it has traditionally been considered. The image (below) really sums up why I think this is important. It’s the same piglets, in the same box, but on the right hand side the temperature has been increased. This small change in how the space is “programmed” has dramatically changed the way the ‘inhabitants’ relate to each other and how they relate to their space. This approach to architecture became my challenge: how to translate such strategies into the general architectural discourse and how to bring into reality such possibilities for the construction industry."
Link to the rest of the article is http://www.ugotrade.com/2009/01/28/pachube-patching-the-planet-interview-with-usman-haque/
Sienna's first XC school!
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Lauren Cude Horsfall
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Ok so Sienna's first XC school was beyond amazing. And this post will probably take longer to read than the actual lesson was -- so consider yourself forewarned. hahaha the Coles Notes version is on www.cude.net if you want it instead ;)
I was hacking around Gorstella on Sat and Shannon mentioned having trouble finding somewhere to go school XC before Will O Wind... N the light goes on -- I'm schooling Grandview on Sun, why don't you come? So she decides she's going to come play, at which point my pony promptly pulls a shoe. Classic eh? No luck getting in touch w/ my farrier, but sure enough there's one at Glen Oro (which was running their CT)... So we bump the loading time up a bit, go to Glen Oro to get the shoe put on and say hi to some people, and then head over to Grandview.
I got in two *whole* circles on the lunge line before Bob got there. hahaha it's a good thing I don't actually *need* to lunge her before riding anymore eh? Hop on and head out -- fortunately starting in the stad ring (where stad w/u is for competition) first... Miss Sienna was a *little* high (I have one not-so-great shot that demonstrates exactly *why* she wears a standing martingale when we school away from home :) but pretty quickly that high lead to a *literal* high as she felt the need to clear fences by a ridiculous amount! hahaha
So we're trotting around the ring on speed, and then cantering around endlessly (thankfully it's a very big ring) in hopes of taking a *bit* of the edge off before we start to jump, and I'm keeping half an eye on what Bob's setting up... Canter pole, X, Canter pole. Very basic exercise. Except, of course, Sienna did her first EVER canter poles the day before -- and it was not exactly ummmmm shall we say text-book style. But hey, part of the reason for the lesson (beyond making sure I haven't already undone all of Denny's hard work fixing my position) was to have an objective party judge what's appropriate for the horse. N realistically there's no reason she couldn't do it, so why not. The only rule of the day (which was made clear @ the very start) was they *must* jump on the first attempt. It doesn't have to look pretty, but they have to always get from point A to point B. And you know what? Miss Si really tried. She wasn't always entirely sure where to put her feet, but she definitely had the pointA/pointB concept down.
So much so that she made up random fences! hahaha like when I missed the turn (going a *little* too fast) and so we ended up jumping the puddle at the edge of the ring (a lovely jump, just not entirely intentional) and going for a short canter through the grass. hahaha
As soon as she had the pole/x/pole concept down a 2nd fence was added to the game. It was an X (yeah -- we like Xs :), and it was a civilized four strides away from the first one (three from the pole). Now fortunately we HAVE done related distances at home before so this was not entirely new... Still the first time in there was enough hesitation that while we did technically do it in 4 strides, we *really* should've put in 5. hahaha can we say long spot anybody? Also known as the flying leap! The next time we landed w/ a little more intent and things worked out better. And THEN the back rail went up. Yup that's right -- that'd be Sienna's first ever oxer. In a strange place. With brightly coloured poles. But I tell you, other that being 3' higher and wider than necessary she had nearly perfect form over it. Certainly wasn't concerned or backed off by it. I was pretty excited I gotta admit :)
And then it's time for XC. "Trot down to that little fence in the treeline" -- ok fair enough. Well except for the whole trot DOWN part. hahaha We've only ever trotted on flat surfaces before. I certainly wasn't about to mention this though -- so Shan and I gamely trot down to the lovely little baby fence. Sienna was allowed to walk around it but not to stop and check it out (which I agree w/ entirely so I was quite happy about that)... and I took her for a stroll in the other field so she could see where we were going to be landing (said baby jump is in a tree-line -- thought that might be a little much for her first non "log" xc fence ever). Tuffy (isn't that a great name???) went first and kindly hung out in the other field so Si had someone to jump to -- and she did it. It definitely wasn't pretty and there was certainly some hesitation, but she got from point A to point B :) 2nd try was at canter and significantly better.
And that's enough of that -- time to move onto another fence. I actually really like that -- hate drilling the same jump over and over once they've got it. Zel taught me that *g* A bored horse is a creative horse. hahaha My only concern was WHICH fence we went to. Back up on top of the hill, jumping towards the stad. I'm sure most of you know the fence I'm talking about, standard 2nd fence on the GV entry course -- three logs on a nice inviting up-slope on top of the hill... T and P jumps on either side as wings, etc etc. As friendly as they come right? Except that it's about twice the height of anything she's ever jumped. hahaha minor detail. And apparently completely irrelevant. She *launched* over it. I was entirely catapulted -- n the peanut gallery was quite amused by the excess height involved (got some great pics of that game!). hahaha the feeling was basically that of walking up to a 3'6" oxer and jumping it. Prob being, when I aim to jump a 3'6" oxer at a walk, I'm fully prepared for the launch. This one... Man not so much. I'm quite certain there was no point of me actually in contact w/ my horse at that moment. Fortunately we did land together -- and even more fortunately since I was trying *really* hard not to land on her back (cause really don't want her to have any negative associations with jumping) I somehow managed to land w/ my feet back in the stirrups so could stay up off her back but yeah -- graceful it was not. Entertaining, however, it was :) After the 2nd try which, even though I was prepared, I was still launched I said something to Bob about "I just can't hold my position over that" to which I got "nobody could hold their position over that -- don't worry about it." hahaha and a few suggestions as to how to make it work better (these actually made a HUGE difference so will absolutely be keeping that in mind when Si meets new jumps from now on. Can't *always* hold it but still better than nothing). Anyways -- cantered around over that one a third time which was not quite as dramatic. Then it was time to put them together. So Tuffy (who's basically solid @ PT -- Shan was being very patient babysitting us *g* Tuffy was being not so patient -- that whole bored = creative thing... and doing random rodeo auditions to keep life interesting) -- anyways, Tuffy went first jumped the fence cantered down to the other one and jumped into the other field. Where Sienna couldn't see him. My instructions "jump the first fence, *trot* down the hill, jump the 2nd fence" No problem (remember we trotted down this hill for the first and *only* time like 10 min before). Except that Sienna was evidently more concerned about "those trees ATE Tuffy!!!!" than listening to minor details in instructions like "trot". hahaha so we jumped the first fence, made the turn to go down the hill -- at which point she could see Tuffy was still very much alive and having fun doing the rodeo thing and well, she'd better just run over to make sure. I asked for trot. She wanted to gallop. We compromised with one of the nicest canters I've ever had on her. Unfortunately she was SO focused on Tuffy she neglected to acknowledge the baby fence between her and him. hahahaha slightly less than graceful. But again, did get from A to B.
Next challenge was a cute little cordwood jump. Again bigger than anything she's seen before -- BUT smaller than what we've just done so should be easy right? hahaha yeah. Here we have a case of "never teach your horse something you want her to forget". She *did* get from point A to point B -- but she did it by jumping out to the left over the corner and basically crashing in all sorts of unkewl ways. The next attempt was a more graceful version of the same. Oops. Evidently this is the way this game is played. So Bob goes into the woods to get "wings" and I'm thinking boooo -- don't get wings in competition. May be necessary but still feel sort of defeated needing them. BUT he put the "wings" up as flags. So they're not wings in the sense I think of them but rather exactly as XC flags -- which you DO get in competition. And she jumped it beautifully! Although the pics reveal *why* she was opting for the side route. hahaha apparently she was having issues judging how *wide* the fence was. Gotta luv greenbeans :)
So Si got a bit of a break while Tuffy the pro-star got to do some PT type fences. Then it was down to the ditch. Sienna was amazing. Absolutely amazing. I've never started a baby over a ditch as easily as that one did. And it was a reasonably wide ditch too. The serious advantage was that it was *very* shallow so if she wanted to go in it she could. Walked her through it the first time and then after that she jumped it like an old pro. Now the actual pro felt that this should be far more dramatic than was actually called for and attempted to restructure his rider's face in the process. I only know two people who consistently injure themselves without falling OFF the horse -- and both were there today! hahaha Stephy however, managed the whole day injury free though (well minus the rather stunning sunburn -- this is why they invented HATS girl -- seriously!). Anyways -- Shan got seriously bonked over the ditch on one attempt, but in true eventer style continued on regardless. And Tuffy redeemed himself schooling the bank -- up and down like no problem. Sienna skipped that one and we went to the baby one instead. This one is in the treeline and heading towards home (I'm wondering if there's ever been a stop at that in competition -- I honestly can't think of a more inviting up-bank I've ever seen). And again, first try we followed Tuffy, who disappeared through the trees. Well Miss Si wasn't about to be left behind and was entirely willing to leave out strides to get there! hahaha yeah remember that whole "don't teach your horse something you want them to forget" thing? Sure enough, second try (alone this time) we were dead on to the perfect spot, except that she choose not to actually land there but rather to take a flying leap from the stride before it! Oops. Left that for a moment and tried the down version. Tuffy wasn't so tuff here, so Sienna lead the way -- and just walked off as calm as could be. I was seriously impressed with her for that. No hesitation, no flying leap, just "I got it" and down she goes... I seriously think our bushwacking hacks have helped a ton w/ this. She's gotten used to climbing over/up/down various obstacles. The first time we try to do it faster than a walk might be interesting, but really -- that doesn't have to happen this year ;) Decided things were going well, we'd add in... Following Tuffy's lead again, we took the roll-top to the step (Tuff took the stairs instead -- a bit more interesting for him). Si wasn't sure about the rolltop but she gave it a really solid effort and of course flew up the step missing that spot AGAIN. I swear that Spot had a name tag and was sitting there barking at her but she STILL didn't see it! hahaha Tuffy, otoh felt the need to rather exuberantly celebrate his stair climbing abilities putting in a reasonable audition for the 8-Second award at the top and jamming Shannon's thumb in the process (remember that whole injury w/o following off thing? I mean really, is this a title you really *want* to keep claiming?) So Sienna went back down alone to go do it by herself, and this time I was rather more insistent that you WILL wait for the civilized Spot (who's been waiting soooo patiently for us) and it was perfect. I don't say that very often, but this one really was. She jumped straight and bravely and not overly huge over the roll-top and actually listened when I asked for balance and pace control to the bank. I was beyond thrilled.
Then we got to play in the water -- and after playing in the river on our hacks and then @ Shan's the day before (and that was *deep* -- my boots got wet! - and had a reasonable current) Sienna really has absolutely no concerns about water any more. Still hates mud, but water is just fine. So quite happy to go through this and eventually jump in and out. I wanted to take the roll-top out, but Bob vetoed it. Ah well -- next time :) So we just stuck to the stad fence set up on one side. Then eventually raced Tuffy to the traditional "Rock n Rail" fence (T did the higher one obviously) and we were done.
SO much fun. As you can probably tell by the novel I've just posted :) Pic's'll be up whenever I get them from Shannon's computer -- thanks tons Stephy for taking them all!!!!!
I was hacking around Gorstella on Sat and Shannon mentioned having trouble finding somewhere to go school XC before Will O Wind... N the light goes on -- I'm schooling Grandview on Sun, why don't you come? So she decides she's going to come play, at which point my pony promptly pulls a shoe. Classic eh? No luck getting in touch w/ my farrier, but sure enough there's one at Glen Oro (which was running their CT)... So we bump the loading time up a bit, go to Glen Oro to get the shoe put on and say hi to some people, and then head over to Grandview.
I got in two *whole* circles on the lunge line before Bob got there. hahaha it's a good thing I don't actually *need* to lunge her before riding anymore eh? Hop on and head out -- fortunately starting in the stad ring (where stad w/u is for competition) first... Miss Sienna was a *little* high (I have one not-so-great shot that demonstrates exactly *why* she wears a standing martingale when we school away from home :) but pretty quickly that high lead to a *literal* high as she felt the need to clear fences by a ridiculous amount! hahaha
So we're trotting around the ring on speed, and then cantering around endlessly (thankfully it's a very big ring) in hopes of taking a *bit* of the edge off before we start to jump, and I'm keeping half an eye on what Bob's setting up... Canter pole, X, Canter pole. Very basic exercise. Except, of course, Sienna did her first EVER canter poles the day before -- and it was not exactly ummmmm shall we say text-book style. But hey, part of the reason for the lesson (beyond making sure I haven't already undone all of Denny's hard work fixing my position) was to have an objective party judge what's appropriate for the horse. N realistically there's no reason she couldn't do it, so why not. The only rule of the day (which was made clear @ the very start) was they *must* jump on the first attempt. It doesn't have to look pretty, but they have to always get from point A to point B. And you know what? Miss Si really tried. She wasn't always entirely sure where to put her feet, but she definitely had the pointA/pointB concept down.
So much so that she made up random fences! hahaha like when I missed the turn (going a *little* too fast) and so we ended up jumping the puddle at the edge of the ring (a lovely jump, just not entirely intentional) and going for a short canter through the grass. hahaha
As soon as she had the pole/x/pole concept down a 2nd fence was added to the game. It was an X (yeah -- we like Xs :), and it was a civilized four strides away from the first one (three from the pole). Now fortunately we HAVE done related distances at home before so this was not entirely new... Still the first time in there was enough hesitation that while we did technically do it in 4 strides, we *really* should've put in 5. hahaha can we say long spot anybody? Also known as the flying leap! The next time we landed w/ a little more intent and things worked out better. And THEN the back rail went up. Yup that's right -- that'd be Sienna's first ever oxer. In a strange place. With brightly coloured poles. But I tell you, other that being 3' higher and wider than necessary she had nearly perfect form over it. Certainly wasn't concerned or backed off by it. I was pretty excited I gotta admit :)
And then it's time for XC. "Trot down to that little fence in the treeline" -- ok fair enough. Well except for the whole trot DOWN part. hahaha We've only ever trotted on flat surfaces before. I certainly wasn't about to mention this though -- so Shan and I gamely trot down to the lovely little baby fence. Sienna was allowed to walk around it but not to stop and check it out (which I agree w/ entirely so I was quite happy about that)... and I took her for a stroll in the other field so she could see where we were going to be landing (said baby jump is in a tree-line -- thought that might be a little much for her first non "log" xc fence ever). Tuffy (isn't that a great name???) went first and kindly hung out in the other field so Si had someone to jump to -- and she did it. It definitely wasn't pretty and there was certainly some hesitation, but she got from point A to point B :) 2nd try was at canter and significantly better.
And that's enough of that -- time to move onto another fence. I actually really like that -- hate drilling the same jump over and over once they've got it. Zel taught me that *g* A bored horse is a creative horse. hahaha My only concern was WHICH fence we went to. Back up on top of the hill, jumping towards the stad. I'm sure most of you know the fence I'm talking about, standard 2nd fence on the GV entry course -- three logs on a nice inviting up-slope on top of the hill... T and P jumps on either side as wings, etc etc. As friendly as they come right? Except that it's about twice the height of anything she's ever jumped. hahaha minor detail. And apparently completely irrelevant. She *launched* over it. I was entirely catapulted -- n the peanut gallery was quite amused by the excess height involved (got some great pics of that game!). hahaha the feeling was basically that of walking up to a 3'6" oxer and jumping it. Prob being, when I aim to jump a 3'6" oxer at a walk, I'm fully prepared for the launch. This one... Man not so much. I'm quite certain there was no point of me actually in contact w/ my horse at that moment. Fortunately we did land together -- and even more fortunately since I was trying *really* hard not to land on her back (cause really don't want her to have any negative associations with jumping) I somehow managed to land w/ my feet back in the stirrups so could stay up off her back but yeah -- graceful it was not. Entertaining, however, it was :) After the 2nd try which, even though I was prepared, I was still launched I said something to Bob about "I just can't hold my position over that" to which I got "nobody could hold their position over that -- don't worry about it." hahaha and a few suggestions as to how to make it work better (these actually made a HUGE difference so will absolutely be keeping that in mind when Si meets new jumps from now on. Can't *always* hold it but still better than nothing). Anyways -- cantered around over that one a third time which was not quite as dramatic. Then it was time to put them together. So Tuffy (who's basically solid @ PT -- Shan was being very patient babysitting us *g* Tuffy was being not so patient -- that whole bored = creative thing... and doing random rodeo auditions to keep life interesting) -- anyways, Tuffy went first jumped the fence cantered down to the other one and jumped into the other field. Where Sienna couldn't see him. My instructions "jump the first fence, *trot* down the hill, jump the 2nd fence" No problem (remember we trotted down this hill for the first and *only* time like 10 min before). Except that Sienna was evidently more concerned about "those trees ATE Tuffy!!!!" than listening to minor details in instructions like "trot". hahaha so we jumped the first fence, made the turn to go down the hill -- at which point she could see Tuffy was still very much alive and having fun doing the rodeo thing and well, she'd better just run over to make sure. I asked for trot. She wanted to gallop. We compromised with one of the nicest canters I've ever had on her. Unfortunately she was SO focused on Tuffy she neglected to acknowledge the baby fence between her and him. hahahaha slightly less than graceful. But again, did get from A to B.
Next challenge was a cute little cordwood jump. Again bigger than anything she's seen before -- BUT smaller than what we've just done so should be easy right? hahaha yeah. Here we have a case of "never teach your horse something you want her to forget". She *did* get from point A to point B -- but she did it by jumping out to the left over the corner and basically crashing in all sorts of unkewl ways. The next attempt was a more graceful version of the same. Oops. Evidently this is the way this game is played. So Bob goes into the woods to get "wings" and I'm thinking boooo -- don't get wings in competition. May be necessary but still feel sort of defeated needing them. BUT he put the "wings" up as flags. So they're not wings in the sense I think of them but rather exactly as XC flags -- which you DO get in competition. And she jumped it beautifully! Although the pics reveal *why* she was opting for the side route. hahaha apparently she was having issues judging how *wide* the fence was. Gotta luv greenbeans :)
So Si got a bit of a break while Tuffy the pro-star got to do some PT type fences. Then it was down to the ditch. Sienna was amazing. Absolutely amazing. I've never started a baby over a ditch as easily as that one did. And it was a reasonably wide ditch too. The serious advantage was that it was *very* shallow so if she wanted to go in it she could. Walked her through it the first time and then after that she jumped it like an old pro. Now the actual pro felt that this should be far more dramatic than was actually called for and attempted to restructure his rider's face in the process. I only know two people who consistently injure themselves without falling OFF the horse -- and both were there today! hahaha Stephy however, managed the whole day injury free though (well minus the rather stunning sunburn -- this is why they invented HATS girl -- seriously!). Anyways -- Shan got seriously bonked over the ditch on one attempt, but in true eventer style continued on regardless. And Tuffy redeemed himself schooling the bank -- up and down like no problem. Sienna skipped that one and we went to the baby one instead. This one is in the treeline and heading towards home (I'm wondering if there's ever been a stop at that in competition -- I honestly can't think of a more inviting up-bank I've ever seen). And again, first try we followed Tuffy, who disappeared through the trees. Well Miss Si wasn't about to be left behind and was entirely willing to leave out strides to get there! hahaha yeah remember that whole "don't teach your horse something you want them to forget" thing? Sure enough, second try (alone this time) we were dead on to the perfect spot, except that she choose not to actually land there but rather to take a flying leap from the stride before it! Oops. Left that for a moment and tried the down version. Tuffy wasn't so tuff here, so Sienna lead the way -- and just walked off as calm as could be. I was seriously impressed with her for that. No hesitation, no flying leap, just "I got it" and down she goes... I seriously think our bushwacking hacks have helped a ton w/ this. She's gotten used to climbing over/up/down various obstacles. The first time we try to do it faster than a walk might be interesting, but really -- that doesn't have to happen this year ;) Decided things were going well, we'd add in... Following Tuffy's lead again, we took the roll-top to the step (Tuff took the stairs instead -- a bit more interesting for him). Si wasn't sure about the rolltop but she gave it a really solid effort and of course flew up the step missing that spot AGAIN. I swear that Spot had a name tag and was sitting there barking at her but she STILL didn't see it! hahaha Tuffy, otoh felt the need to rather exuberantly celebrate his stair climbing abilities putting in a reasonable audition for the 8-Second award at the top and jamming Shannon's thumb in the process (remember that whole injury w/o following off thing? I mean really, is this a title you really *want* to keep claiming?) So Sienna went back down alone to go do it by herself, and this time I was rather more insistent that you WILL wait for the civilized Spot (who's been waiting soooo patiently for us) and it was perfect. I don't say that very often, but this one really was. She jumped straight and bravely and not overly huge over the roll-top and actually listened when I asked for balance and pace control to the bank. I was beyond thrilled.
Then we got to play in the water -- and after playing in the river on our hacks and then @ Shan's the day before (and that was *deep* -- my boots got wet! - and had a reasonable current) Sienna really has absolutely no concerns about water any more. Still hates mud, but water is just fine. So quite happy to go through this and eventually jump in and out. I wanted to take the roll-top out, but Bob vetoed it. Ah well -- next time :) So we just stuck to the stad fence set up on one side. Then eventually raced Tuffy to the traditional "Rock n Rail" fence (T did the higher one obviously) and we were done.
SO much fun. As you can probably tell by the novel I've just posted :) Pic's'll be up whenever I get them from Shannon's computer -- thanks tons Stephy for taking them all!!!!!
Never teach your horse something you want her to forget!
Posted by
Lauren Cude Horsfall
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Sat went to school XC at Gorstella. My pony was a superstar. We only technically jumped one fence, but just for the get out, hack around, up and down hills, and through water, all with other people riding around -- she was amazing. And she did canter poles for the first time ever in the stad ring so that was good too (albeit a little dodgy, but she figured it out). We got fairly rained on though and eventually gave up and decided to go home for the day.
Fast-forward to Sunday when I had a lesson booked w/ Bob Holman @ Grandview. Invited Shannon to come along too so she could get her horse out to school before Will O Wind (and, realistically, cause it's way more fun w/ another person AND cause it helps for a greenbean to have a friend -- so really a triple win there :) N I have to say that while I'm not as fit as I'd like, it turns out I'm not nearly as unfit as I'd feared! hahaha calves are quite tight today and I laughed so hard my voice is shot, but other than that, no ill effects :)
Now doing the project management thing @ work, one of the things you're always supposed to do is recap a project with "Lessons Learned" -- so here are the Lessons Learned from yesterday:
- Stirrups usually remain where you left them -- and if you left them perpendicular to the ground you still have a chance @ surviving!
- The 8 second rule applies in XC just as firmly as at the rodeo. We're recommending it replace the "penalty zones" of the past (who else misses those days??? :)
- Someday's Spot just doesn't want to be found. He's a trickly little beast and can hide w/ the best of them; alternately there are days when he's wearing a nametag, barking and jumping up and down and *still* isn't seen! Or worse -- is seen by one half of the pair and not the other! hahaha At which point he generally goes off for a walk, tired of being ignored -- when you get to this point, it's time to move on to another fence.
- You can get a lot of thinking done when you're hanging out 3' above the fence you're supposed to be jumping.
- Never teach your horse something you want them to forget.
- Horse shows are a BLAST when you go with a couple good friends and no responsibility.
This is the summary of yesterday's XC school. For the novel version check out the GRS blog! hahaha there will be pics up once I get the rest of them from Shannon.
From one of the women at the show yesterday: "you really need to get your own farm." hahaha yes, yes I do. Am sort of amused that other people are picking up on that now too though! Where is that winning lottery ticket when I need it eh? Will admit I had *almost* as much fun hanging out at the show yesterday chatting w/ everybody who I haven't seen since LAST show season as I did on XC. Almost. It really was fun to get caught up on all the winter gossip though :) Esp being there with absolutely no pressure. Only had one student with me and she was helping and taking pics so really, making life significantly easier rather than work :) Did have to laugh though -- there were people circulating a petition and they were talking to Shan and Steph so I of course wandered over to be nosy -- which, of course, wanting more names this person was more than happy to have me listen in on what they were talking about n asks me to sign before doing a double take with "oh, are you 18?" hahahahhaha LOVE it. Particularly love it as I don't think they even asked Stephy who IS still 18 (if only for a couple days :) Classic. Somehow though when you're flattered that they ask, people backpedal really quickly *g*
They're replacing one of the rather large windows @ work today -- so definitely watching that out of the corner of my eye. hahaha the things I get to learn on this job :) hahaha at Marg's I had like a million job titles that all merged into one job -- here I have one title that encompasses a hundred different jobs :) It's an interesting change.
I'm starving. Off in search of food! Cheers :)
Fast-forward to Sunday when I had a lesson booked w/ Bob Holman @ Grandview. Invited Shannon to come along too so she could get her horse out to school before Will O Wind (and, realistically, cause it's way more fun w/ another person AND cause it helps for a greenbean to have a friend -- so really a triple win there :) N I have to say that while I'm not as fit as I'd like, it turns out I'm not nearly as unfit as I'd feared! hahaha calves are quite tight today and I laughed so hard my voice is shot, but other than that, no ill effects :)
Now doing the project management thing @ work, one of the things you're always supposed to do is recap a project with "Lessons Learned" -- so here are the Lessons Learned from yesterday:
- Stirrups usually remain where you left them -- and if you left them perpendicular to the ground you still have a chance @ surviving!
- The 8 second rule applies in XC just as firmly as at the rodeo. We're recommending it replace the "penalty zones" of the past (who else misses those days??? :)
- Someday's Spot just doesn't want to be found. He's a trickly little beast and can hide w/ the best of them; alternately there are days when he's wearing a nametag, barking and jumping up and down and *still* isn't seen! Or worse -- is seen by one half of the pair and not the other! hahaha At which point he generally goes off for a walk, tired of being ignored -- when you get to this point, it's time to move on to another fence.
- You can get a lot of thinking done when you're hanging out 3' above the fence you're supposed to be jumping.
- Never teach your horse something you want them to forget.
- Horse shows are a BLAST when you go with a couple good friends and no responsibility.
This is the summary of yesterday's XC school. For the novel version check out the GRS blog! hahaha there will be pics up once I get the rest of them from Shannon.
From one of the women at the show yesterday: "you really need to get your own farm." hahaha yes, yes I do. Am sort of amused that other people are picking up on that now too though! Where is that winning lottery ticket when I need it eh? Will admit I had *almost* as much fun hanging out at the show yesterday chatting w/ everybody who I haven't seen since LAST show season as I did on XC. Almost. It really was fun to get caught up on all the winter gossip though :) Esp being there with absolutely no pressure. Only had one student with me and she was helping and taking pics so really, making life significantly easier rather than work :) Did have to laugh though -- there were people circulating a petition and they were talking to Shan and Steph so I of course wandered over to be nosy -- which, of course, wanting more names this person was more than happy to have me listen in on what they were talking about n asks me to sign before doing a double take with "oh, are you 18?" hahahahhaha LOVE it. Particularly love it as I don't think they even asked Stephy who IS still 18 (if only for a couple days :) Classic. Somehow though when you're flattered that they ask, people backpedal really quickly *g*
They're replacing one of the rather large windows @ work today -- so definitely watching that out of the corner of my eye. hahaha the things I get to learn on this job :) hahaha at Marg's I had like a million job titles that all merged into one job -- here I have one title that encompasses a hundred different jobs :) It's an interesting change.
I'm starving. Off in search of food! Cheers :)
“There cannot be a crisis today; my schedule is already full” -- Henry Kissinger
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Lauren Cude Horsfall
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So it turns out I actually really like scheduling things. I'm such a geek >;-P
But seriously it's one of the more entertaining aspects of my job -- both of them. How to fit in all the pieces, in the right order, in a reasonable amount of time -- particularly challenging when you don't HAVE all the pieces or enough time. hahaha For GRS it's how to fit in all the lessons and the shows and the schooling sessions, and preferably all at times when people can actually get to them AND when I don't have to be at my other job. Tricky. And of course how to reschedule things when the weather gods get snarky. hahaha Life's not a box of chocolates; it's a giant puzzle. And some people play w/ more pieces than others *g*
hahaha I remember when I was doing my coaching prereqs one of the things I was supposed to be evaluated on was my ability to have and implement "Plan B" -- and how hard I laughed when I saw that. Plan B (or C or D or W) is all that *ever* gets implemented! hahahaha I can only dream of the day when I go to teach a lesson and the stars actually align well enough that I can teach the lesson I intended. Private lessons occasionally get to do plan A, but group lessons? Yeah right. Plan to teach a particular course, and then get there and discover that one person's horse wants absolutely nothing to do w/ fence 3; another rider can't for the life of her ride a 15m right circle (so that roll-back is simply *not* going to happen); while a third pair has no breaks. All of a sudden the lesson becomes restructured to flat work -- let's learn to turn and stop before we jump shall we? and how to train scared/confused/difficult horse to go over what he's pointed at. This SAME group might've been perfectly ready for this challenge yesterday (hence why it was Plan A) but simply *because* it was Plan A it's guaranteed not to be appropriate today. And honestly, it doesn't matter *how* simple you make it, Murphy says Plan A never happens. I remember a beginner lesson (w/t/indivd canter) for which the planned topic was walk/halt transitions (it really doesn't get any easier than that) being entirely destroyed by an unintentional dismount (oops) that led to a mental meltdown that restructured the lesson into getting on and eventually walking unassisted. We never *did* get to the walk/halt transition that day. The trick is to make sure that while Plan A is guaranteed to help the student reach goal in intended amount of time, so do plans B C and M. Cause really, they're the ones you're going to be using :)
Ok back to my scheduling games now. Wish me luck :)
But seriously it's one of the more entertaining aspects of my job -- both of them. How to fit in all the pieces, in the right order, in a reasonable amount of time -- particularly challenging when you don't HAVE all the pieces or enough time. hahaha For GRS it's how to fit in all the lessons and the shows and the schooling sessions, and preferably all at times when people can actually get to them AND when I don't have to be at my other job. Tricky. And of course how to reschedule things when the weather gods get snarky. hahaha Life's not a box of chocolates; it's a giant puzzle. And some people play w/ more pieces than others *g*
hahaha I remember when I was doing my coaching prereqs one of the things I was supposed to be evaluated on was my ability to have and implement "Plan B" -- and how hard I laughed when I saw that. Plan B (or C or D or W) is all that *ever* gets implemented! hahahaha I can only dream of the day when I go to teach a lesson and the stars actually align well enough that I can teach the lesson I intended. Private lessons occasionally get to do plan A, but group lessons? Yeah right. Plan to teach a particular course, and then get there and discover that one person's horse wants absolutely nothing to do w/ fence 3; another rider can't for the life of her ride a 15m right circle (so that roll-back is simply *not* going to happen); while a third pair has no breaks. All of a sudden the lesson becomes restructured to flat work -- let's learn to turn and stop before we jump shall we? and how to train scared/confused/difficult horse to go over what he's pointed at. This SAME group might've been perfectly ready for this challenge yesterday (hence why it was Plan A) but simply *because* it was Plan A it's guaranteed not to be appropriate today. And honestly, it doesn't matter *how* simple you make it, Murphy says Plan A never happens. I remember a beginner lesson (w/t/indivd canter) for which the planned topic was walk/halt transitions (it really doesn't get any easier than that) being entirely destroyed by an unintentional dismount (oops) that led to a mental meltdown that restructured the lesson into getting on and eventually walking unassisted. We never *did* get to the walk/halt transition that day. The trick is to make sure that while Plan A is guaranteed to help the student reach goal in intended amount of time, so do plans B C and M. Cause really, they're the ones you're going to be using :)
Ok back to my scheduling games now. Wish me luck :)
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