*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
Posted by
Lauren Cude Horsfall
comments (0)
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
Posted by
Lauren Cude Horsfall
comments (2)
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
Posted by
Lauren Cude Horsfall
comments (0)
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
Posted by
Lauren Cude Horsfall
comments (0)
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 :)
Posted by
Lauren Cude Horsfall
comments (0)
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
Posted by
Lauren Cude Horsfall
comments (0)
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
Posted by
Lauren Cude Horsfall
comments (0)
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
comments (0)
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Subscribe To
Posts
All Comments