I started the day today with a rearing, bucking horse in the end of the reins and spent some time with him trying to stay alive in the driving rain. Roll on summer!
I had so much layers on today that I could probably go and play rugby quite safely. Horses were all on their toes. Mud everywhere.
Love my job, really do! ;))))
Oh, and to top it all up it took me 3 hours to get back home as a little bit of rain causes paralysis of every possible transport! I dread to think what is going to be like when we really do have proper rain again!!
Saturday, 13 December 2008
Friday, 12 December 2008
Brain Game
This is what personally riding is for me - an intricate brain game you can play all day and you still want more. Addictive, powerful and engaging.
Rode the youngster again today and he certainly knows how to keep my cells working! Love it.
The thing is my brain might be working but the rest of me is rubbish at catching up!
On my training yesterday I had this volatile little TB chestnut mare to ride - she's a sort of a horse that picks up on every bad move I take and would normally be a very testing horse for me to ride. All my early riding educations was on stallions and you just cannot be too soft - soft with them or they would spend all their time on two legs. Unfortunately, although I do *know* I really need to let the horse let me know how it wants to be ridden first, I do tend to ride a lot of new horses in a bit of my old riding style. That mare hated it when I rode her first time a few months ago.
Yesterday, I decided to treat her as my training mirror and made sure to ride her with no demands whatsoever (as she doesn't take well to pressure) and she went very well. So well in fact that my trainer didn't recognise her (despite the fact she's being used for staff training regularly). Mental note to self: sit there for a bit and listen for as long as necessary. Then ride.
Now, the youngster is big and powerful and half of the time he just carts me around the arena. I wish I could say otherwise ;) After riding him on Wednesday I would say he isn't naturally sharp but today he did surprise me. Rode a lot of transitions as although he was very forward and eager he felt a bit as if he was saying "what? are you talking to me?" and at one point I could literally just think trot to walk and felt him pushing up and forwards straight away. I like a horse to respond quickly, I'd rather have some sort of response, even bad, then nothing.
A., my trainer, forever tells me off for riding too fast so I got into habit of riding everything slower than I would think is slow (if that makes sense). The thinking behind it is that I need to work on suppleness first before I ask for impulsion - at least in theory. So she makes me ride so very slow that sometimes it feels like I am loosing all power. BUT, amazingly, it does work.
It did work with the youngster too in a way. At some point he just flopped his ears to the sides and you could tell he was really listening to my seat, did some really nice walk to canter transitions and some very soft halt transitions which were a bit of a handful at the start. This led to some really nice soft trot work and I could actually both flex and turn him with him feeling straighter. I would still want much more softness in his whole body but you can tell it's there somewhere.
However, and here is a big BUT, I could not get him to work consistently into both reins today and couldn't quite work out what I was doing wrong until I saw his regular rider on him. He definitely needs much stronger tempo and much more leg to work towards the contact. Now, I mustn't say anything too positive or my friend will tell me I am over complimentary but the horse all of a sudden started looking connected and through. If I ride him again I am going to kick on ;)
Got to work on my horse assessment yet...might be that he will benefit from that slow work too.
Rode the youngster again today and he certainly knows how to keep my cells working! Love it.
The thing is my brain might be working but the rest of me is rubbish at catching up!
On my training yesterday I had this volatile little TB chestnut mare to ride - she's a sort of a horse that picks up on every bad move I take and would normally be a very testing horse for me to ride. All my early riding educations was on stallions and you just cannot be too soft - soft with them or they would spend all their time on two legs. Unfortunately, although I do *know* I really need to let the horse let me know how it wants to be ridden first, I do tend to ride a lot of new horses in a bit of my old riding style. That mare hated it when I rode her first time a few months ago.
Yesterday, I decided to treat her as my training mirror and made sure to ride her with no demands whatsoever (as she doesn't take well to pressure) and she went very well. So well in fact that my trainer didn't recognise her (despite the fact she's being used for staff training regularly). Mental note to self: sit there for a bit and listen for as long as necessary. Then ride.
Now, the youngster is big and powerful and half of the time he just carts me around the arena. I wish I could say otherwise ;) After riding him on Wednesday I would say he isn't naturally sharp but today he did surprise me. Rode a lot of transitions as although he was very forward and eager he felt a bit as if he was saying "what? are you talking to me?" and at one point I could literally just think trot to walk and felt him pushing up and forwards straight away. I like a horse to respond quickly, I'd rather have some sort of response, even bad, then nothing.
A., my trainer, forever tells me off for riding too fast so I got into habit of riding everything slower than I would think is slow (if that makes sense). The thinking behind it is that I need to work on suppleness first before I ask for impulsion - at least in theory. So she makes me ride so very slow that sometimes it feels like I am loosing all power. BUT, amazingly, it does work.
It did work with the youngster too in a way. At some point he just flopped his ears to the sides and you could tell he was really listening to my seat, did some really nice walk to canter transitions and some very soft halt transitions which were a bit of a handful at the start. This led to some really nice soft trot work and I could actually both flex and turn him with him feeling straighter. I would still want much more softness in his whole body but you can tell it's there somewhere.
However, and here is a big BUT, I could not get him to work consistently into both reins today and couldn't quite work out what I was doing wrong until I saw his regular rider on him. He definitely needs much stronger tempo and much more leg to work towards the contact. Now, I mustn't say anything too positive or my friend will tell me I am over complimentary but the horse all of a sudden started looking connected and through. If I ride him again I am going to kick on ;)
Got to work on my horse assessment yet...might be that he will benefit from that slow work too.
Pictures from Mainland - Part 1 - Meet Poker
This is Poker. The dog I found when he was just a couple of weeks old and he couldn't even eat by himself yet. My parents went away for a few days and as we already had one dog I was pretty sure they wouldn't agree to get another one. We got together with a few friends and decided to play Poker (as in card poker) - the winner would take the puppy. I very very rarely do well in poker...but won that time!
Poker and my brother, who now owns the dog (or the other way round):
Poker and my brother, who now owns the dog (or the other way round):
Thursday, 11 December 2008
Xmas this year...
...is so much trouble that it's giving me headache already. Got to really make few changes next year. Where is this person who said money doesn't solve problems??? Maybe he/she can reveal the alternative to me...
Wednesday, 10 December 2008
Back in the saddle
After five days away from horses I ended up riding four today so got my fix in a whole sale dose ;)
First one - a very stiff ex-eventer who actually did go quite well several months ago but slipped back into bad habits, very reluctant to work over the back for various reasons and very tense sort of horse but we got some nice trot work in the end. He makes me really concentrate on positioning his shoulders as the moment you stop doing it you have him falling through one or the other in a matter of seconds.
Then a lovely mare that although shoved me on the ground a couple of weeks ago, is still my favourite horse to ride at this riding school; she's very responsive to any button you press you just have to make sure you press the correct ones! She seems to work best if you just ride strongly into the contact and don't give too much. She rewards herself anyway by softening on the inside rein through flexion and it seems to be a much better option with her than too much give and take on the inside rein. She teaches me to keep the contact very consistent as the quality of her work rises up a level if I do.
Third one is my "black horse" of the stables, a horse I really like for many reasons but that is a bit of a pain to school. He was very unsettled in the contact today and to be honest I don't know how to sort it, he is so against the bit and there seem to be no particular pattern to his evasions. Got about 15 minutes of very nice work and about 20 of horrid one. My thinking when riding him goes: 'Keep him straight, inside leg, outside rein, straighten, keep my inside side up and tall or he will drift, oops, too late, straighten, straighten, inside leg, oops, too much, outside, keep up and tall, corner- don't fall over;) ok, got through that, straighten and so on' ;)
Basically - straightness is his biggest issue, very likely the saddle, possibly his teeth and certainly the bit - we still haven't found the one he likes truly.
Fourth and last of the day was my friend's youngster who is getting better and better. Last time I rode him, about a month ago, he lacked that pushing power but boy is he getting it now! His suppleness has improved too and you can now actually encourage him to seek the bit a little. I've known him for a while and he had always felt as if his first question was 'can I go half the speed/using half-power?'. Well, today, it was like riding with a sports gear on! He basically took me for a ride for the first 20 minutes, was really powering forward and very strong. On a good note he is such a straight mover and is quite even in contact on both reins so balancing him is relatively easy. Being a big horse as he is he made it quite challenging for my 5'3 to connect him but there is certain quality emerging in the way he responds to the aids now, such a pleasure.
I am rubbish at keeping him together in canter on the left rein, I tend to collapse to the right, stiffen through my left hip and thigh which in turn misalignes me, makes me miss the first beat of the canter - as my left seat bone tends to lock - and takes the effectiveness of my seat away. Right rein was good, he sat on his back legs so much better than last time, giving me much lighter forehand to move around. Really like riding horses that are schooled the way he is being schooled, especially with no fiddling on the reins, makes riding so much more of an art rather than common street fighting.
And love his dressage saddle and arena mirrors!
First one - a very stiff ex-eventer who actually did go quite well several months ago but slipped back into bad habits, very reluctant to work over the back for various reasons and very tense sort of horse but we got some nice trot work in the end. He makes me really concentrate on positioning his shoulders as the moment you stop doing it you have him falling through one or the other in a matter of seconds.
Then a lovely mare that although shoved me on the ground a couple of weeks ago, is still my favourite horse to ride at this riding school; she's very responsive to any button you press you just have to make sure you press the correct ones! She seems to work best if you just ride strongly into the contact and don't give too much. She rewards herself anyway by softening on the inside rein through flexion and it seems to be a much better option with her than too much give and take on the inside rein. She teaches me to keep the contact very consistent as the quality of her work rises up a level if I do.
Third one is my "black horse" of the stables, a horse I really like for many reasons but that is a bit of a pain to school. He was very unsettled in the contact today and to be honest I don't know how to sort it, he is so against the bit and there seem to be no particular pattern to his evasions. Got about 15 minutes of very nice work and about 20 of horrid one. My thinking when riding him goes: 'Keep him straight, inside leg, outside rein, straighten, keep my inside side up and tall or he will drift, oops, too late, straighten, straighten, inside leg, oops, too much, outside, keep up and tall, corner- don't fall over;) ok, got through that, straighten and so on' ;)
Basically - straightness is his biggest issue, very likely the saddle, possibly his teeth and certainly the bit - we still haven't found the one he likes truly.
Fourth and last of the day was my friend's youngster who is getting better and better. Last time I rode him, about a month ago, he lacked that pushing power but boy is he getting it now! His suppleness has improved too and you can now actually encourage him to seek the bit a little. I've known him for a while and he had always felt as if his first question was 'can I go half the speed/using half-power?'. Well, today, it was like riding with a sports gear on! He basically took me for a ride for the first 20 minutes, was really powering forward and very strong. On a good note he is such a straight mover and is quite even in contact on both reins so balancing him is relatively easy. Being a big horse as he is he made it quite challenging for my 5'3 to connect him but there is certain quality emerging in the way he responds to the aids now, such a pleasure.
I am rubbish at keeping him together in canter on the left rein, I tend to collapse to the right, stiffen through my left hip and thigh which in turn misalignes me, makes me miss the first beat of the canter - as my left seat bone tends to lock - and takes the effectiveness of my seat away. Right rein was good, he sat on his back legs so much better than last time, giving me much lighter forehand to move around. Really like riding horses that are schooled the way he is being schooled, especially with no fiddling on the reins, makes riding so much more of an art rather than common street fighting.
And love his dressage saddle and arena mirrors!
2010 Radio Show Episode 15 - Riding for Endurance
The longest and most grueling equestrian sport and also one of the fastest growing, that's Endurance. Join us today as we speak to Vonita Bowers, Director of Endurance for the USEF about the sport and what we can look forward too in 2010. We also have lots of WEG news for you this week including paintings, winning geldings and cool WEG websites. Listen in...
2010 Radio Show Episode 15 - Riding for Endurance:
- Register for the new 2010 December Games Giveaway - Register Here.
- Also, be sure to register for the two Holiday Giveaways over at StableScoop.com.
- The official painting for the 2010 Games was released by LeRoy Neiman. Let us know what you think of it.
- Be sure to check out the Kentucky WEG for Business website. Thanks Andrea for joining us.
- Read all about Funny Cide's arrival at the Kentucky Horse Park and see videos of his Triple Crown races.
- The FEI has appointed a team of six to its Dressage Task Force, whose job it will be to review training and development of the sport, judge selection, and high-level event qualification. Read all about it at horsetalk.co.nz.
- Thank you to Vonita Bowers, Director of Endurance for the USEF, for joining us to discuss the sport of Endurance. You can find more information on endurance by going to American Endurance Ride Conference's website.
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Tuesday, 9 December 2008
Back on the island
I'm back. Very happy to have seen everyone but also pleased to be able to slot back into my teaching and riding routines. I will catch up with all the correspondence etc soon!! Very tired me today.
Monday, 8 December 2008
Mainland Day 5
It's so hard to say all the goodbyes. I am so enjoying seeing my family and driving around messing about with my brother (who has taken to Turkish music after holidaying over there and is testing my sound pressure levels!).
I instructed Gran J. that she must keep cheating her illness so I can come and have all the jolly chats with her again in the spring.
I absolutely hate saying goodbyes. A few more to go through tomorrow morning.
Right, I better get packing...you should see how much stuff my dear parents want me to take with me...;)
I instructed Gran J. that she must keep cheating her illness so I can come and have all the jolly chats with her again in the spring.
I absolutely hate saying goodbyes. A few more to go through tomorrow morning.
Right, I better get packing...you should see how much stuff my dear parents want me to take with me...;)
Sunday, 7 December 2008
Mainland Day 4
I spent most of my day on feeling like E.H.H.S....
E stands for emotional. H stand for helpless, second H stands for Happy, S stands for Sad. Go figure. Nothing bloggable today. I do have some pictures which I will add some time soon.
E stands for emotional. H stand for helpless, second H stands for Happy, S stands for Sad. Go figure. Nothing bloggable today. I do have some pictures which I will add some time soon.
Saturday, 6 December 2008
Mainland Day 3
Following second night with no sleep due to my fantastic cough I would really do with a break from it. On a good note it seems to be bearable during a day.
It's going to be a quiet day today I think. A friend of mine who knows me pretty well since forever and still likes me ;)) is picking me up in a bit and we'll go to sit somewhere and have a proper catch up on our whereabouts.
Then my dear brother is coming down too and I can't wait :)
It's going to be a quiet day today I think. A friend of mine who knows me pretty well since forever and still likes me ;)) is picking me up in a bit and we'll go to sit somewhere and have a proper catch up on our whereabouts.
Then my dear brother is coming down too and I can't wait :)
I didn't...
...pass my latest exam which I did not expect to pass really so no surprise here. I will be re-taking it asap. Next time round I am hoping to have no colds and a clear head!
Friday, 5 December 2008
Mainland Day 2
They say a picture says more than a 1000 words. So I am snapping now and then - the problem is I am yet to transfer the photos onto computer here without buggering said computer so I will add the pics once all is safely arranged for.
My cough is driving me crazy to say the least but it's slowly going after all the liquids my dear dad pours into me (no, not alcohol but various *traditional healing liquids*). One of them is made of onion (raw onion which I just cannot stand, makes me feel sick) - you cut it, you put it in a small ceramic container, cover with sugar and let the juices run for several hours creating a thick syrup. It's yuk but it works (or it's a placebo effect but either way who cares if it works).
I am being spoilt rotten. Got a smashing breakfast with freshly squeezed carrot juice to bed (I love carrot juice), watched some National Geographic tv with my mum (I love nature progs!) and I have to be careful that I don't get too lazy ;)
What else?
Bought a couple of fab breeches (the shop I always go to when I am here has some great German brands that don't seem to be sold anywhere else and are so comfy and warm - Kyron and Parkur) and spent a while browsing horsey stuff. Got some magazines and a book as well as per usual!
Also, just had a lovely roast chicken for dinner.
I'm still language confused. Keep putting English words in now and then.
My cough is driving me crazy to say the least but it's slowly going after all the liquids my dear dad pours into me (no, not alcohol but various *traditional healing liquids*). One of them is made of onion (raw onion which I just cannot stand, makes me feel sick) - you cut it, you put it in a small ceramic container, cover with sugar and let the juices run for several hours creating a thick syrup. It's yuk but it works (or it's a placebo effect but either way who cares if it works).
I am being spoilt rotten. Got a smashing breakfast with freshly squeezed carrot juice to bed (I love carrot juice), watched some National Geographic tv with my mum (I love nature progs!) and I have to be careful that I don't get too lazy ;)
What else?
Bought a couple of fab breeches (the shop I always go to when I am here has some great German brands that don't seem to be sold anywhere else and are so comfy and warm - Kyron and Parkur) and spent a while browsing horsey stuff. Got some magazines and a book as well as per usual!
Also, just had a lovely roast chicken for dinner.
I'm still language confused. Keep putting English words in now and then.
Thursday, 4 December 2008
From mainland...
After a bit of an adventerous flight I am at my parents' house stuffing myself with some food and catching up with everything that needs to be caught up on.
Shock, horror - everyone around is speaking Polish! I am finding myself mega confused (hehe), keep speaking English and people look at me in a funny way. It's not easy to just switch into a different language straight away (even if your native) after a year of barely using it.
It's not strictly true, of course I've been using it while talking to my family a few times a week but it's almost as if I got programmed into ONLY using it with family!
Anyway, I am getting there.
I'd only been here at parents' house a few times in the last 4 years, have to go through things I brought over from UK in the end of 2004! They stayed untouched for many reasons and I think it's about time I deal with them...
That's it for now, more later.
Shock, horror - everyone around is speaking Polish! I am finding myself mega confused (hehe), keep speaking English and people look at me in a funny way. It's not easy to just switch into a different language straight away (even if your native) after a year of barely using it.
It's not strictly true, of course I've been using it while talking to my family a few times a week but it's almost as if I got programmed into ONLY using it with family!
Anyway, I am getting there.
I'd only been here at parents' house a few times in the last 4 years, have to go through things I brought over from UK in the end of 2004! They stayed untouched for many reasons and I think it's about time I deal with them...
That's it for now, more later.
2010 Radio Show Episode 14 - Show Jumping Unraveled
2010 Radio Show Episode 14 - Show Jumping Unraveled
Show Jumping is the most popular spectator sport at the World Equestrian Games. We are joined this week by Sally Ike, Director of Show Jumping for the United States Equestrian Federation, who helps us to understand the qualifications and how the event itself is scored for the WEG. Also, there is a bunch of 2010 Games news this week, so take a listen.
Show Notes and Links:
- Register for the new 2010 December Games Giveaway - Register Here.
- Also, be sure to register for the two Holiday Giveaways over at StableScoop.com.
- Thanks to our sponsor - EZSignsonline.com. What a better gift than a custom sign for your barn or home. They are one of the largest makers of farm signs in the country. Check them out at ezsignsonline.com.
- Regarding Horses reported on an interesting discovery found in the construction at the Kentucky Horse Park. Read more...
- Learn more about the history of the Kentucky Horse Park.
- Hopelessly Horseless reported on the Arabian Galleries that are being built for the museum at the Ky Horse Park. See the story...
- The World Equestrian Games Foundation announced that it will allow a Tennessee Walking Horse demonstration at the 2010 Games. Read the entire story...
- The New England Dressage Association named nationally-ranked and 2010 hopeful dressage competitor Susan Jaccoma as the 2008 award recipient of a $2,000 educational scholarship. See the story and a video of Susan riding...
- Australian Eventer Chris Burton wins a four star event in his journey toward the 2010 Games. See the details...
- Continuing our "Getting to Know the Disciplines" series we interview Sally Ike, Director of Show Jumping for the United States Equestrian Federation, about show jumping at the 2010 Games.
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