I'd have to say that last night's ride was a good one. I got on (more perfect mounting) and Elle seemed forward and interested in work. She trotted off with only leg, no spur, but was also very sensitive to her halts. It felt good.
We made our way around for a while and then started to do some real work. I'm having a lot of trouble going to the left with her - it's like she doesn't know how to travel that direction. At the trot, she constantly wants to counterbend and pop the left shoulder in. We worked on some leg yields and me riding very straight rather than always having her bent, but honestly I just never got the right feeling. When I take that lesson with Lisa, that's going to be something I bring up.
Right lead canter was great; I even asked her to pick it up off of a loose rein once she was a little tired. I couldn't complain at all, and we even went for a big canter around the whole ring. The left lead canter, not surprisingly, left something to be desired. I've always had trouble bringing her around on a circle to the left, and last night was actually better than it normally is, but not great. It got me to thinking. She was really dropping her shoulder and bulging around the corner. I thought about my shoulder and realized my left one was completely dropped and that I was probably leaning in through the turn (or what I was trying to make into a turn.) I decided to try a form of "arching my back," which is like one of the 7 sins when it comes to riding and being soft. However, what I was really doing was lifting my shoulders and bringing my shoulder blades closer to each other, while leaving my back soft. Let me tell you, it really worked! So, that's what I'll be working on; maybe I'll get one of those Shoulders Back devices...
7.31.2009
7.28.2009
Came back from Canada, got an email from Kristine that Elle hadn't been good, but hadn't been bad, and that she was shitty for mounting. I'll take half the blame for mounting, as she's been perfect about the mounting block, but I know she's bad about the "stairs" set up we have so I just avoid it.
Tacked up around 9pm last night (Monday), got on (perfect), and started to circle the indoor.
She wasn't nice for a while. How I'm best describing the feeling was that she felt like she had a ton of energy, and at first decided to use it by bucking. I got the first legitimate kicks and bucks that I have in a WHILE. My solution? Beat the crap out of her for a second (just until she went forward, even the tiniest bit), and carry on my day. It worked. It took about 3 "episodes" to get it figured out, but she got it. After that, we got forward.
She was kind of strong, but for whatever reason, I didn't care last night. We walked, trotted, and cantered, and she was frisky but she had knocked off doing the bad stuff. I didn't like having that bit in her mouth because she was strong and I felt like I had to use it. That's not my intention right now.
We walked, trotted, and cantered, and then moved on to the "course" of poles that were set up. There were 2 lines - a 5 stride (or 6, I can't remember) and a 3 stride, plus 2 diagonal and 2 single straight fences. I started off trotting her over all of them, and then we cantered the singles and diagonals, just meeting them in stride, either straight or on a circle. Somewhere in there on a diagonal she changed her lead, and I was disappointed that I didn't feel it, but I really can not for the life of me think of where she did it! But, alas, all of a sudden we were on the correct lead.
I wanted to try the two related distances with her, because I've only once jumped her down a line that wasn't a gymnastic (not that these were jumps, but they require some planning on her part). At first she wanted to break going into them, or take some funny steps and get weird through them. After a couple of times, though, we got perfect striding through them, and I was happy. She was super jazzed up, which was fun.
I wanted to end the ride on a really relaxed note, so I put her up into a canter and then once we got our stride I loosened my reins, and we went all the way around the ring in a canter to the left. I felt for the first time that she was just listening to my leg and carrying herself, instead of me having to hold her together. Then, going to the right, I started the canter on the relaxed rein and we again went around the ring. As soon as I pulled her up, I hopped off and loosened the girth. She was done after a nice cool shower :)
Tacked up around 9pm last night (Monday), got on (perfect), and started to circle the indoor.
She wasn't nice for a while. How I'm best describing the feeling was that she felt like she had a ton of energy, and at first decided to use it by bucking. I got the first legitimate kicks and bucks that I have in a WHILE. My solution? Beat the crap out of her for a second (just until she went forward, even the tiniest bit), and carry on my day. It worked. It took about 3 "episodes" to get it figured out, but she got it. After that, we got forward.
She was kind of strong, but for whatever reason, I didn't care last night. We walked, trotted, and cantered, and she was frisky but she had knocked off doing the bad stuff. I didn't like having that bit in her mouth because she was strong and I felt like I had to use it. That's not my intention right now.
We walked, trotted, and cantered, and then moved on to the "course" of poles that were set up. There were 2 lines - a 5 stride (or 6, I can't remember) and a 3 stride, plus 2 diagonal and 2 single straight fences. I started off trotting her over all of them, and then we cantered the singles and diagonals, just meeting them in stride, either straight or on a circle. Somewhere in there on a diagonal she changed her lead, and I was disappointed that I didn't feel it, but I really can not for the life of me think of where she did it! But, alas, all of a sudden we were on the correct lead.
I wanted to try the two related distances with her, because I've only once jumped her down a line that wasn't a gymnastic (not that these were jumps, but they require some planning on her part). At first she wanted to break going into them, or take some funny steps and get weird through them. After a couple of times, though, we got perfect striding through them, and I was happy. She was super jazzed up, which was fun.
I wanted to end the ride on a really relaxed note, so I put her up into a canter and then once we got our stride I loosened my reins, and we went all the way around the ring in a canter to the left. I felt for the first time that she was just listening to my leg and carrying herself, instead of me having to hold her together. Then, going to the right, I started the canter on the relaxed rein and we again went around the ring. As soon as I pulled her up, I hopped off and loosened the girth. She was done after a nice cool shower :)
7.23.2009
New bit
Rode last night, again under the lights, despite the fact that in the barn she was SUPER worried about something. It started with a helicopter, something she's never been worried about (I trail rode her the morning the Blue Angels were practicing...), and sure enough the nervous, wet poops came along with a huge case of ADHD.
Anyway, I decided to try a different bit on her, half because I was meaning to (I had an oval mouth D on her and it was super easy for her to get strong in it), and half because she was spooky and strong feeling. I decided to try a Dr. Bristol Slow Twist Full Cheek.
Now, I don't know a lot about bits, I'll admit it. Everything about this bit screamed that it might be too strong for what I was trying to accomplish (a soft, responsive horse that has a little respect), but I put it in her mouth, pulled my gloves on, and off we went.
I really like the results I got. She wanted to be round like, the entire time (no idea if this had to do with the bit or me INSISTING that she be forward), I had great adjustability within her gait, and our steering was PHENOMENAL. Not that it isn't getting there on its own, but finishing out our circles has been a little tough.
So, I'm going to keep riding in it with a super light hand and see where I get.
Anyway, I decided to try a different bit on her, half because I was meaning to (I had an oval mouth D on her and it was super easy for her to get strong in it), and half because she was spooky and strong feeling. I decided to try a Dr. Bristol Slow Twist Full Cheek.
Now, I don't know a lot about bits, I'll admit it. Everything about this bit screamed that it might be too strong for what I was trying to accomplish (a soft, responsive horse that has a little respect), but I put it in her mouth, pulled my gloves on, and off we went.
I really like the results I got. She wanted to be round like, the entire time (no idea if this had to do with the bit or me INSISTING that she be forward), I had great adjustability within her gait, and our steering was PHENOMENAL. Not that it isn't getting there on its own, but finishing out our circles has been a little tough.
So, I'm going to keep riding in it with a super light hand and see where I get.
7.22.2009
Got my ass in gear on Monday night after the trailering (er, non-trailering) debacle and rode. Rode hard, for 45 minutes. We were both sweaty and tired after the long day and long sessions.
I couldn't get her settled down, but my position felt like dogshit, too. When I say she was unsettled, I DON'T mean that she was bad. She really wasn't. We were riding in the dusk, with no lights on, and she didn't look at anything. She didn't kick or buck, and she was very receptive to leg. But I was in that mode where I didn't feel comfortable, and she felt TOO forward, so I took my legs off. I forgot until the very end how good it feels to put your leg ON when they feel fresh. Just leg, not spur.
Finally, at the end of the ride (which consisted of minimal walking, lots of trotting, and lots of cantering - circles, that is), things felt ok. Not great, but ok. Again, I've got to repeat, she really wasn't being disrespectful, she was actually giving me a lot of what I've been asking for. I was just feeling chicken I guess? That I Can't Get Deep In My Seat-My Stirrups Feel Too Long-I'm Going To Lay Up Your Neck-And Have A Death Grip On Your Mouth feeling. K.O. pointed out that my saddle isn't doing me any favors...brings me down to my next quest, a different saddle.
Tally ho, time to go ride.
I couldn't get her settled down, but my position felt like dogshit, too. When I say she was unsettled, I DON'T mean that she was bad. She really wasn't. We were riding in the dusk, with no lights on, and she didn't look at anything. She didn't kick or buck, and she was very receptive to leg. But I was in that mode where I didn't feel comfortable, and she felt TOO forward, so I took my legs off. I forgot until the very end how good it feels to put your leg ON when they feel fresh. Just leg, not spur.
Finally, at the end of the ride (which consisted of minimal walking, lots of trotting, and lots of cantering - circles, that is), things felt ok. Not great, but ok. Again, I've got to repeat, she really wasn't being disrespectful, she was actually giving me a lot of what I've been asking for. I was just feeling chicken I guess? That I Can't Get Deep In My Seat-My Stirrups Feel Too Long-I'm Going To Lay Up Your Neck-And Have A Death Grip On Your Mouth feeling. K.O. pointed out that my saddle isn't doing me any favors...brings me down to my next quest, a different saddle.
Tally ho, time to go ride.
7.20.2009
Trailering Woes
Tried to take Elle down to Canonchet today for a field trip & a fun run through the field. Couldn't get her on the trailer. I tried for about 40 minutes, no way Jose. She got really shitty and careless at some points and for that got a big whack, other than that she was just really weird. She looked genuinely concerned about the trailer.
After sweating and swearing, we went up to the indoor for some lunging where she was PERFECT. So, I know it's not that she was just "in a mood" today, at least not completely. Went back, would not go on the trailer. She was willing, however, to go on the off side of the trailer, with significantly less frustration. I can't haul her on that side though, because it's all rusted and f'ed up.
Part of this whole thing is respect, absolutely. At what point do you say maybe she's not just being a bitch, though? Do they have intuition?
I'm going to work this week with the rope halter, really getting her to respond to moving when I say move. I have noticed her getting pretty rude about wanting to eat grass, etc etc, so that needs to be fixed and maybe it'll help. I'm also going to ask Mike if we can do some training with her when he comes to shoe her next. She's due.
Then there's the issue with the trailer - I need to find out what Karen's looking to get for hers. I'm completely of the school that Elle needs to go where I say to go, no questions asked, no matter what, but...let's just say it wouldn't be bad for me to have my own, nicer trailer.
After sweating and swearing, we went up to the indoor for some lunging where she was PERFECT. So, I know it's not that she was just "in a mood" today, at least not completely. Went back, would not go on the trailer. She was willing, however, to go on the off side of the trailer, with significantly less frustration. I can't haul her on that side though, because it's all rusted and f'ed up.
Part of this whole thing is respect, absolutely. At what point do you say maybe she's not just being a bitch, though? Do they have intuition?
I'm going to work this week with the rope halter, really getting her to respond to moving when I say move. I have noticed her getting pretty rude about wanting to eat grass, etc etc, so that needs to be fixed and maybe it'll help. I'm also going to ask Mike if we can do some training with her when he comes to shoe her next. She's due.
Then there's the issue with the trailer - I need to find out what Karen's looking to get for hers. I'm completely of the school that Elle needs to go where I say to go, no questions asked, no matter what, but...let's just say it wouldn't be bad for me to have my own, nicer trailer.
7.19.2009
Under the lights...
Rode Elle last night after a long day of running around. I almost bailed, but it was a really nice night for a ride so I turned the lights on, tacked up, and went out.
Perfect for mounting.
Started off "meh." I just couldn't get my position. It was one of those feelings where my brain was telling me where I needed to be, my body was GOING there, but I just couldn't find the right spot, or tone, or level of relaxed. I started her up and tried to just be soft.
We warmed up and things got a little better. I decided to do some of the stuff I saw Kristine & Lisa doing, which was some of the same stuff Kristine & Eric did. We started off with the exercise where you spiral into the circle and leg yield back out again. I didn't get the right feeling. We were doing it, but I felt like my body didn't stay stacked up, instead it felt like I was leaning forward a little bit. I think it DID help her to get a little more sensitive to the leg, though.
Next we did a TON of trotting. It seems like for the past week all I keep hearing is that transitions get you to impulsion. First with Lisa, and then with Eric, and then I ran into a random article online that was actually titled, "Transitions equal impulsion." So, I took some from everyone. We would trot until we got to a corner, halt, get a walk as soon as I asked (this had to be worked on because "backwards" was easier at the beginning), and then when I had a good walk, get a trot and trot a circle, then straight, until we got to the next corner. Rinse, repeat. We did a TON of this, then moved the exercise to the canter.
I was a little worried I was doing something wrong at first. When we got to the middle part of the exercise, and especially when we got to the canter part, I had a really strong, stiff horse. I almost gave up on the job because I thought I was making her worse, but as we went along and I persevered she got lighter and lighter. So maybe she was getting stronger and stronger because it was hard, but then we broke through. It seems weird, but as I think of it, it's the same thing that would happen with Harley on his hot days. He would get MUCH ranker before he would get soft. So, I'm glad I kept going.
The other thing I worked on was cantering with a loose, but connected, rein. As we would start our circle, I would maintain a stronger contact (because that is where she is still apt to throw in a buck), but when I would have a flowing stride I would soften a bunch. I was really impressed with how she handled this and how it all went. By the end of the ride, when I would collect a little bit, she would anticipate the canter, but not in a bad way. Instead of ringing her tail, bouncing up, and giving me the "screw you" ears, she was offering a SUPER soft canter at the slightest cue of the leg. So, whatever I did last night, got us somewhere that was a better place than where we started.
Perfect for mounting.
Started off "meh." I just couldn't get my position. It was one of those feelings where my brain was telling me where I needed to be, my body was GOING there, but I just couldn't find the right spot, or tone, or level of relaxed. I started her up and tried to just be soft.
We warmed up and things got a little better. I decided to do some of the stuff I saw Kristine & Lisa doing, which was some of the same stuff Kristine & Eric did. We started off with the exercise where you spiral into the circle and leg yield back out again. I didn't get the right feeling. We were doing it, but I felt like my body didn't stay stacked up, instead it felt like I was leaning forward a little bit. I think it DID help her to get a little more sensitive to the leg, though.
Next we did a TON of trotting. It seems like for the past week all I keep hearing is that transitions get you to impulsion. First with Lisa, and then with Eric, and then I ran into a random article online that was actually titled, "Transitions equal impulsion." So, I took some from everyone. We would trot until we got to a corner, halt, get a walk as soon as I asked (this had to be worked on because "backwards" was easier at the beginning), and then when I had a good walk, get a trot and trot a circle, then straight, until we got to the next corner. Rinse, repeat. We did a TON of this, then moved the exercise to the canter.
I was a little worried I was doing something wrong at first. When we got to the middle part of the exercise, and especially when we got to the canter part, I had a really strong, stiff horse. I almost gave up on the job because I thought I was making her worse, but as we went along and I persevered she got lighter and lighter. So maybe she was getting stronger and stronger because it was hard, but then we broke through. It seems weird, but as I think of it, it's the same thing that would happen with Harley on his hot days. He would get MUCH ranker before he would get soft. So, I'm glad I kept going.
The other thing I worked on was cantering with a loose, but connected, rein. As we would start our circle, I would maintain a stronger contact (because that is where she is still apt to throw in a buck), but when I would have a flowing stride I would soften a bunch. I was really impressed with how she handled this and how it all went. By the end of the ride, when I would collect a little bit, she would anticipate the canter, but not in a bad way. Instead of ringing her tail, bouncing up, and giving me the "screw you" ears, she was offering a SUPER soft canter at the slightest cue of the leg. So, whatever I did last night, got us somewhere that was a better place than where we started.
7.15.2009
Where are we?
- Riding all 4 days of this weekend (Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun) FAIL. Rode Thurs & Sat, lunged Friday
- Riding at least 12 more times this month, plus extra lunges and hang outs 4 rides & 1 lunge down, 8 rides left to go and I have 12 days to do it in. (3 of which I'll be in Canada. Better get riding!)
7.11.2009
Head Shaking?
Rode Elle today, new I didn't have much time but wanted to keep up with what I said, so I planned for a 25 minute ride. What's up with this head shaking? In her stall, naked or tacked up, on the cross ties, when I go to get on, when I'm riding...this random "twitch" where she throws her nose up. It's never side to side.
At first I thought it was being bitchy about flies, bridle, etc. But she does it when there are NO flies. Then I thought it was the saddle making her spasm, or something like that. But now she does it randomly in her stall, naked. I don't know what to make of it! It hasn't interfered with anything yet, but honestly, I can't tell if she's hurting somewhere, or annoyed, or what.
On a good note, we did a TON of canter transitions today, from the walk and the trot. We were working on transitioning up on a circle, and then ended up doing figure-8's...canter, trot, walk, set up new bend, pop into canter. Rinse, repeat. She got the transition and the lead 100% of the time, so I'm pretty happy with that.
At first I thought it was being bitchy about flies, bridle, etc. But she does it when there are NO flies. Then I thought it was the saddle making her spasm, or something like that. But now she does it randomly in her stall, naked. I don't know what to make of it! It hasn't interfered with anything yet, but honestly, I can't tell if she's hurting somewhere, or annoyed, or what.
On a good note, we did a TON of canter transitions today, from the walk and the trot. We were working on transitioning up on a circle, and then ended up doing figure-8's...canter, trot, walk, set up new bend, pop into canter. Rinse, repeat. She got the transition and the lead 100% of the time, so I'm pretty happy with that.
Saddle issues...
I rode on Thursday. I was a little wimpy about getting on, and she seemed really ouchy. So, I put Kristine's saddle on her, and I felt a ton of difference, I'm not 100% sure Elle did. On the whole, I know I need a new saddle, I just don't know what to get and I don't have ANY money right now. I just want something that fits her, I'm not adverse to a changeable gullet right now until she grows.
All in all the ride was ok. Nothing spectacularly good or bad.
Yesterday I forgot my boots at Karen's house (I'm housesitting, which throws everything into a crazy spin for a week or two), so I just lunged after watching Kristine's lesson with Lisa Aylward(sp?). She DID get a big workout lunging, though, and we worked on adjustability within the gait (especially the walk), which is hard to get across on the lunge line. She was a good girl.
I need to go up and ride today before work but I'm just in such a piss poor mood that I don't know what to do with myself. Maybe some quality time with Elle would be a good thing but I've already yelled at all of the animals I'm taking care of about stupid stuff, so I'm not sure...
All in all the ride was ok. Nothing spectacularly good or bad.
Yesterday I forgot my boots at Karen's house (I'm housesitting, which throws everything into a crazy spin for a week or two), so I just lunged after watching Kristine's lesson with Lisa Aylward(sp?). She DID get a big workout lunging, though, and we worked on adjustability within the gait (especially the walk), which is hard to get across on the lunge line. She was a good girl.
I need to go up and ride today before work but I'm just in such a piss poor mood that I don't know what to do with myself. Maybe some quality time with Elle would be a good thing but I've already yelled at all of the animals I'm taking care of about stupid stuff, so I'm not sure...
7.09.2009
Setting some goals...
Elle FINALLY has an engine, and is getting better about using it. She's building some muscle too. Now I just need some brain power.
I'm stuck in this rut (not as bad as before) where I ride for a day or two but then take 2 days off. Hopefully my riding every day this weekend will change that. *crosses fingers* We went to Lynn Smiley's dressage show and she was a star! No bucks, no sticky spots (not super forward but I wasn't asking for much), great trailering, etc etc. I was impressed even though we only got a 60 (=3rd)
Here's what I'm thinking:
We'll see :)
I'm stuck in this rut (not as bad as before) where I ride for a day or two but then take 2 days off. Hopefully my riding every day this weekend will change that. *crosses fingers* We went to Lynn Smiley's dressage show and she was a star! No bucks, no sticky spots (not super forward but I wasn't asking for much), great trailering, etc etc. I was impressed even though we only got a 60 (=3rd)
Here's what I'm thinking:
- Riding all 4 days of this weekend (Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun)
- Riding at least 12 more times this month, plus extra lunges and hang outs
- Trail riding 1x on this side of the road and 1x on the other side of the road by the end of the month
- Being able to canter all the way around the ring, both directions, 2x, by the end of the month
- Taking her to a busy show (probably H/J) by August 16 to let her hang out and go in the warmup or something (just to see how she is with lots of other horses around)
- Trailer out to trails (Carolina? Apple Knoll?) by August 16
- Start jumping Xrails and small fences again (have 2 sessions by August 16 and another 2 by the end of the month)
- Take a dressage lesson by the end of August
- School XC by the end of September
- REAL dressage show by the end of September
We'll see :)
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