In Motion Sport Horses, LLC
Dressage Training , Instruction and Campaigning | Starting Sport Horses with Balance and Forward Movement | Horse Training Granit Bay, Orangevale, Fair Oaks CA | Hand Made Lead Ropes

Tinkerbell debuted at Third Level at this show.  You’ll see some blunders, but even with those in the test, she scored a 65.455% and won the class.  Just think what her scores will be as the training continues and she becomes more solid.  Please disregard the added entertainment in the filming.  I was disappointed to see there wasn’t a professional videographer at the show.  So, a dear friend borrowed a tablet, which she didn’t know how to operate, in order to capture my rides.

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoW4DNEF4dE

Tinkerbell showing Second Level, Test 3, resulting in a second place with a score of 67%

This talented youngster is GREAT minded. Cisco can have a week off, saddle up and ride right off. He currently stands 14.1, but is still growing. Professionally started and has 60 days under saddle. He is 1/2 Arab and 1/2 Cob, registered and has lifetime nominations in the Arab registry.

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

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxlU3RybXhY

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Xqu_oE5GTc

June 2015 brought yet another show for Tinkerbell.  This time we stepped up the expectations and debuted at Second Level.  Of course when one signs up for a show, you have no control of how the secretary will schedule the classes.  Guess what?  The first test of the show was a Second Level Test 1.  We pulled off a 65% and were second in the class!

Tinkerbell

The second test of the day was First 3.  Tinkerbell earned a 69% and first place.

On Sunday, we rode Second Level Test 1 again and earned a 67% and First 3, earning a 73%, winning both of the classes!  I was so proud of her!  She also earned the High Point Oldenburg award for both days of the show!

Tinkerbell Performing Medium Trot at Tulelake

Tinkerbell’s well earned awards

I ordered new business cards this year.  I was coaxed into changing up the design of my previous cards.  I think it was a good decision to make.

The Front of New Cards

The Back of the New Cards

Tinkerbell made her 2015 show debut at the Central Dressage Classic I & II in Powell Butte, OR on June 13th and 14th.

Tinkerbell on a walk with her owner, Catherine Ulrey of Salem, Oregon

She showed First Level Test Two and Three on both Saturday and Sunday.  Here are the scores:    Saturday First-2 62%, First-3 70% and Sunday First-2 64%, First-3 70%.  Notice a pattern?  Tinkerbell seemed to need the first test of the day as warmup and then she showed relaxed and lovely in the second test of the day!

Off Tinkerbell’s back in the warm-up

She came home with one First Place and Three Seconds!  Pretty proud of this young, green mare!

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!

• Dressage is about the development of the horse.
• The job of the rider is to get the horse equal in both reins.
• Bad transitions at home make for bad transitions at shows.
• Work without the whip, when you can.
• The first impression is the halt, so there is no excuse not to practice it.  Halt square for everything, even when you dismount at end of ride.
• Keep our leg on- it’s tough, but you need to get the control.
• Passage work done is rising trot helps the stuck horse go forward.
• In piaffe, always be in control of the steps-number and how forward your horse is going.
• Remember to have a forward-thinking hand.
• The discipline you have as a dressage rider is related to what scores you want to receive.
• Your horse has to be in front of your leg.

WOW! What an honor! Tinkerbell and I have been selected to be a demo rider at the Fall Symposium for the Oregon Dressage Society.  We were selected for the category of:  “Picking and Developing Dressage Prospects”.

I applied a month or so ago to be a demo rider at the symposium. There was a large application to complete and video submitted.  Tinkerbell and I were first selected as 1st Alternate.  I received a call this weekend and someone had to drop out, which allows me to ride!  Catherine Ulrey, the breeder and owner of Tinkerbell is very proud of her young mare.  We are very excited and honored to be riding with Debbie McDonald and Janet Foy.

You can check out the details for the Fall Festival at the link below:

http://www.oregondressage.com/2014-FF.html

I really missed my annual horse camping trip this year. I guess the season isn’t over yet, but the group of wonderful ladies I usually go with aren’t available for such fun this summer.

A bit of a damp last day at Gates Horse Camp, 2009

In spite of the work the trip entails; packing and loading camping equipment for both horses and humans, I REALLY like going! Perhaps I’m just so accustom to working so many hours a day, I don’t see it as extra work!

Resting and eating between rides.

I generally use the trip to introduce young horses to the experience.  Trail riding is so very good for all horses, but especially those who are at the beginning stages of their training or busy training and competing.

A youngster learning to open a gate.

I love listening to the horses as they chew their hay and move around. I really enjoy the camp fire, smoke and all! The rides through my beautiful state are a bonus.  Did I mention the incredible food? This is one camper that does not bring hot dogs and pork and beans!  Gourmet only!  We generally bar-b-q, have incredible salads, veggies and tons of amazing deserts! The comradory among good friends is priceless.  This is the reason I especially miss going horse camping this year!

No horse camping trip is complete without a game of “Whoa Trivia”!