Tinkerbell and I were among several pairs selected to be Demo riders for the fall symposium. What a privilege to ride with Janet Foy and Debbie McDonald! It was a wonderful learning opportunity. In addition to that, it was great to listen to their opinions on what a lovely dressage prospect Tinkerbell is. Enjoy the videos as you learn what to look for when you search for a dressage prospect.
http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvMzO84awfU
I’ve desired to ride like Stephen Peters or Edward Gal, but now my goal is ride and look like Charlotte Dujardin. What incredible harmony between she and her horse!
Charlotte hosted her first symposium in the US in March 2014. I didn’t get to attend, but the following bullet points were taken down by someone who did! I’m paying full attention, Susan Peacock!
I recently read an article in which the author interviewed Robert Dover. Dover is a 1996 Bronze medal winner in Dressage. This statement stuck out to me: “art (of dressage) ends where violence begins”.
Horses are such incredible athletes and do amazing things for humans. If each discipline would embrace this statement, so many horses would be happier in their jobs. Watching harmony between a horse and it’s rider is a beautiful picture, no matter what the discipline.
Take life’s hurdles in stride. Loosen the reins. Spur yourself on to greatness. Be free spirited. Keep the burrs from under your saddle. Carry your friends when they need it. Keep stable. Gallop to greatness.
Schooling Fences a Few Years Back
It is already July and that means it is time for the annual Jumping Clinic at Eastern Slope Ranch in Baker City OR. The clinic is on Friday and Saturday, July 18th &19th. The focus will be on dressage, hence flat work, and over fences. It is designed to challenge each rider, but to meet them at the level they are currently. It is open to riders of all experience and levels.
Marilyn and Blue
Sunday will follow the clinic with a Derby. Each competitor will have an opportunity to ride a dressage test and to take a derby round of fences. A derby is a combination of cross-country and stadium fences set on a cross-county course.
Last Years Group on Sunday
Eastern Slope Ranch always does a wonderful job of hosting and everyone seems to have a wonderful time. Details are available at www.easternsloperanch.com Come join us!
Marta, an experienced rider with a very green horse, ended very successfully last year.
Who says that dressage horses should just know dressage? Here at In Motion Sport Horses, I think horses should have opportunities to learn and experience different things. In this group of pictures, Tinkerbell is learning to be a pony horse, while Esmerelda learns to be ponied.
Tinkerbell ponying Esmerelda ~ getting the task figured out
The two mares, both of which compete at dressage, took to this new task readily. I told Tinkerbell if she needs a second job, she could get one at the track as a pony! She certainly would be the prettiest one there.
Yep, figured it out. Ready for trot.
What a wonderful feeling of accomplishment to completely clean, from top to bottom, the horse trailer! I admit, it was long overdue! It took me several afternoons, but the inside is pressure washed and sparkling. The outside is hand washed, including the roof! Even a few light bulbs were replaced. There is a sense of security knowing the mechanic has packed the wheel barrings and the floor has been checked and cleaned.
I know it takes a lot of work on our part to maintain equipment, but isn’t the elbow grease invested worth it knowing the safety of our horses is at risk?
A Sparkling Clean Trailer!
Carrie on Flawless at Willow Prairie horse camp. Joy is learning to be a good trail dog.
I must be one of the most privileged trainers on the planet! Just look at the view from my saddle today!
Westlife and Carrie on an afternoon trail excursion
I think keeping horses happy in their work is really important. One of my approaches to accomplishing this is by cross training. No matter what discipline a horses training is focus upon, trail rides are so beneficial for the horse. The horse must use different muscle groups for this type of work and certainly the horses balance is improved on, as well. The exposure to a new and changing environment is also stimulating to the horses mind. I think this really helps to keep the horses mind fresh and interested in work.
A single file bridge crossing. Carrie and Parley
Currently I can tack-up and trail ride right out of the barn. This certainly makes it simple to add trail riding as part of my cross training. If you must load up and haul to trail ride, I still recommend doing so. The extra added effort will pay off in the long run of keeping your horses mind and body refreshed. It is always best if you can use the buddy system to trail ride. Not only does this provide an amount of back-up, should one of you run into trouble, but multiple horses and humans get out to enjoy the scenery!
Trail riding with friends is always more fun! Pictures taken from my “quad-pod”! — Parley
I recently read an article by Ingrid Klimke, Germany’s Olympic eventing gold medalist. She is the daughter of the late Dr. Reiner Klimke, who himself is a six-time Olympic gold medalist and a two-time bronze medalist. The article served as a good reminder to all of us equestrians, no matter what discipline we are riding or training, that we are the responsible party for the horse. Ingrid did such a good job putting words together, I am going to quote her:
Speaking of her dad’s training technics she says “…his training was always based on three principles:
We must not forget that whatever we do and whatever we ask our horses in daily training, it is our responsibility. We are responsible for the horse’s well-being.”
I don’t know how many times, in several disciplines, I have set goals and schedules to reach the goals, for certain horses. Not always, but sometimes, injuries, training glitches or just simply the inability to be ready by the time allotted, happens. I really appreciate Ingrid’s statement “that in the end, it is the horse that sets the schedule.” I completely agree, especially if we are willing to listen to them.
She also says “A horse that is never asked too much at once and is given time to really learn and understand is a horse that feels loved by his rider and this subsequently increases his self-confidence.” I really appreciate the owners who send in a horse and say “take the time he needs”. Unfortunately this is rare. If only owners understood how differently each horse is. Those who lack confidence REALLY need it and it takes more time for them to gain it, than one who is already self-assured. Ingrid goes on to say “What we want as riders are self-confident horses that are reliable and attentive, but also ones that love to show off in a positive way.” This to me, goes full circle to Taking Small Steps.
At In Motion Sport Horses, it is always MY goal, to meet the needs of the individual horse first.
It’s always so nice to get a project accomplished that has been on the “to do list” for months! I added a shelf in the feed room to get more organized, improve visibility and get stuff off of the floor. Here it is above the feed barrels. It holds supplements, as well as this and that!
Better Organized Feed Room
It is so important that feed and supplements be kept in containers with lids on them. Mice, rats and ground squirrels, depending on your place of residence, are very attracted to them. These rodents carry diseases. unfortunately, when they are trapped in barrels of feed, they have no other choice but to poop and urinate on your horses breakfast!
Containing your feed and supplements is a very simple solution to added protection for your equine partners.