DefinitelyDressage.com

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New thread! I have a bunch of travel this period, so I am trying to make my goals appropriate Me: Find time to ride Eat healthy Get some exercise to make up for days when I'm not riding during travel MM: Keep her comfortable through heat Continue to keep fitness up Enjoy her RP: Get consistency in t...

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oh chisamba, bittersweet, indeed. You've done so much good with and for her and even this sale is with her in mind. I hope it is a good situation for both of them and that she gets to stay in your instruction. Time to have fun with your fancy youngster

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wow, can't believe it's time to closeout already. A surprisingly green closeout for me, hurrah goals for this time: Me: Find time to ride Eat healthy MM: Keep breathing in a good place as things heat up Do some real dressage rides among the frolicking Enjoy her RP: Another recognized show at 2-3 Cli...

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blob - absolutely time to start utilizing those short sides! They are the prep for (almost) every movement and the refresh to the gaits. Yes, for sure. The challenge is that we don't really have a short side in my arena. It's not a dressage arena-- we have straight sides and rounded sides. We sort ...

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enjoy the cruise, Exvet! Sounds like a good plan and some nice work ahead, Aleu. I hope everyone dealing with the intense heat right now is managing themselves and their horses ok. We have high heat index and the associated heat advisory today and tomorrow. I got to the barn today at 7am hoping to r...

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Wow, Aleu, what a great test. Kora looks so strong and fancy and the two of you look so very much in sync.

LSP, i hope the clinic goes well and Lynx isn't too amped up for the poles.

Mountaineer -- sounds like a tough but important ride, hope you boht keept he momentum

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I can't repeat anything with MM--not within a ride not the next ride if I don't want her to anticipate. That doesn't mean I can't get repetition on the INTENTION of the exercise, just not the exercise. For example, I can't do shoulder-in down the long side, go straight on the short side, and then do...

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Things continue to be hot and wet over here, but I have hopefully a not too crazy work week and will get some riding in. MM doing well, but it's getting to be that time of year where if I can't make it out in the morning, she ends up with the day off because the late afternoon rides are just too hot...

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Related: how the heck do you get desitin out of a horse's coat? We're on hot water wash #3, and it's barely budged. I'm going to try vinegar, which will smell awesome — pickled horse :lol: Destin comes off best dry. So I take a towel and wipe everything off (no water, just dry towel). This will usu...

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I’m so tired of rain. That is all.. Ugh, very much the same. We don't have a covered at my barn and while between the hills, field, and arena things do drain fairly well and usually there is some place to ride after rain is over that isn't too saturated, while it's actively raining we are out of lu...

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Congrats, SF! T looks great and sounds like you have clear and achievable plan for coming months! Go get that bronze with distinction! Sorry, Heddy, that is such a hard thing to deal with. Exvet--that sounds exciting and productive! I too hope you are not left with a pumpkin and mice! but somehow i ...

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I've come across this, which looks like something RP might like. It comes in a small size and is flexible and slim, making it probably fairly gentle. But it's a bit eye-watering in price....not sure how well these rubber/gel things hold up used, but I will ask around.... https://thecollectedpony.com...

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Khall, the baucher is actually the opposite, it's the only bit that relieves poll pressure when engaged--going from 0 to -1. It's the reason he likes the bit. Agree that ideal is trying many, but I just haven't been able to find any in his size, may not have that option. We have two but fitters in t...

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Don't forget the Weymouth needs to be narrower than the Bradoon. (1/4 or 1/2"? Can't remember... someone will jump in...) We have a bradoon with a bean that is the same size and shape as his snaffle, and a very short shanked Weymouth with a low port and a forward tilt. I bought what he was alr...

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oh, the other thing I meant to write was that I think i am ready to explore seeing how RP responds to a double bridle. I suspect it may NOT be for him and we might stay in our snaffle forever (which is fine) because he's so sensitive to poll pressure, but I'd like to try. Looks like I can get a pret...

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congrats, Aleu! sounds like a great show. LSP, hope you figure out what's going with Lynx--so much to be itchy about this time of year. We also had a show this past weekend. But with mixed results. We did 2-3 and while every test had some really nice moments, every test also included some REALLY bad...

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Totally agree, Chisamba, that the show environment makes a difference and schooling shows absolutely help with that. I think I have just gotten so frustrated with the scoring discrepancy because it can really mess with your mind and expectations!!

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But if you want to run through and see where you are, a schooling show can be useful. i wish our schooling shows were more reliably valuable in this way. We have a lot of them locally, and I think they are good option for people that need to get milage for themselves or their horses. But I've found...

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Exvet--sounds like a great breakthrough with Jr! MM is also the kind of horse that one time she absolutely took off with me I wasn't angry or upset, in fact i was tickled and laughed the whole time I tried bringing her back under control Congrats, Aleu! Sounds like a great show and a great result. L...

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continuing to plug along over here. MM had a diet change--she was getting a bit chunky on her balancer, so we switched her to some hay pellets + vermont blend. I'd rather do that than limit her forage, so she still has free choice hay and whatever her pasture will grow (not a ton). She dropped her e...

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goals for this time: Me: Find time to ride Eat healthy MM: Keep breathing in a good place as things heat up Do some real dressage rides among the frolicking Enjoy her RP: Another recognized show at 2-3 Clinic memorial day weekend Keep chipping away at the lateral work Get more elasticity in forward ...

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closing out! Me: Try to balance work/riding Eat healthy lunches Get back to doing exercise at home at least 1x a week MM: Keep working on fitness Keep riding consistent Take a jump lesson? Work on lateral work and consistent bend RP: Show or clinic? yes to both!! Crack the code on a more consistent/...

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Yes, Chisamba, the horses really are a mirror of where we are. I often think about how different things would be showing MM now versus when I was showing her--we were always at the top of my level together. She is a great horse for it because she is so forgiving. But I really think I could have made...

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LSP, what a lovely compliment! I got some video over the weekend to try to help me make a decision about showing. Well, I HATED the videos, but signed up for the show anyway, ha! So let's see. I've signed up for 2-3 twice each day. I'm not sure I will ride all 4 tests, but depending on how he goes, ...

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eek, GoldHorse--hope things heal well. We've had beautiful spring weather this week, but I've had less riding than I would have liked (and I'm full grumpy about it). I am leaning yes to signing up for the show. I will wait until entry close date because you never know with horses. But even though we...

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Blob, what do you think is at the root of RP's HI struggles? Does he have the same struggle in HP? No ideas, just curious. I think it stems from him struggling to lift his lumbar and tilt his pelvis forward and under. The HP is noticeably better and I think that's because he can open up in the fron...

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Great to hear and see everyone's progress--lots of interesting exercises and work taking place. Exvet, would love to see updated pics or video of Troy. Aleu, Kora is looking very strong in the work and I love her frame Chisamba, i hope the move is going ok. I agree with others, Paulette looks like a...

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Exvet, show outing sounds like it was really valuable even if the scores were not quite what you hoped. Sometimes showing is really about trying to pick the better of two problems and sometimes the right choice depends on the judge. With MM I would tend to either get 'hurried/quick' or 'lacks impuls...

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sorry the show was discouraging, Mari. I have been there many times before. I think sometimes when we don't show as often, there are little things and places that are easy to lose points. I wouldn't let this discourage you too much and hope you get back out there. Different judges want different thi...

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I think something can be physical for many reasons. Often we think physical has to do with direct pain or even discomfort. But sometimes a physical reason is due to muscle memory or what's easier based on weakness/strength. If he's throwing his haunches in on both directions, it's probably not a pai...

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I think something can be physical for many reasons. Often we think physical has to do with direct pain or even discomfort. But sometimes a physical reason is due to muscle memory or what's easier based on weakness/strength. If he's throwing his haunches in on both directions, it's probably not a pai...

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Riding has been all over the place lately. i've had some really great rides on RP and also some absolutely awful ones -- the kind where you should just throw up your hands and give up. I had one like that yesterday. I do think part of it is fueled by some tummy discomfort--he's been gassier than usu...

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Congrats, Exvet--sounds like a great show! glad the saddle is also seeming like a good fit. SF--good to hear that T is happy and comfortable in her shoes. I wonder if she would prefer straight sugar or maple syrup in her cookies than molasses? I find molasses polarizing among horses I've known. MM d...

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Now as for Saiph. She is 14, she had been training in dressage since she was 4, that's ten years. Still think its strength? Yes she can piaffe, in fact she likes to piaffe to avoid going forward. I personally think it was trained too young, but what do I know? I think her natural conformation makes...

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Glad to hear everyone is surviving weather challenges! We're also expecting some intense weather this weekend, but hopefully things change between now and then. *Exvet, show sounds exciting though looks like a busy couple of weeks for you! *Mari, Odin sounds like such a powerful guy, those horses ca...

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jingles for horses and humans that are not 100% yet. Chisamba, how are things going with Siaph cantering up and up and up? RP had a chiro appointment yesterday, which he gets every 8-12 weeks depending on how he's feeling. Most of the adjustments were things I expected (SI, base of the neck). But we...

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Me: Try to balance work/riding Eat healthy lunches Get back to doing exercise at home at least 1x a week MM: Keep working on fitness Keep riding consistent Take a jump lesson? Work on lateral work and consistent bend RP: Show or clinic? Crack the code on a more consistent/easy HI Work on connection...

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Time to close out with mixed results Goals for these couple of months: Me: Continue to find good work/riding balance Eat well Get stronger/fitter MM: Figure out fecal water and stop it Get her weight in a better place Get in shape Enjoy her RP: Use the equiband at least 2x a week work on changes Get...

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Thanks, Chisamba, I'm sure you're shared all of this context/information before but it's nice to get the refresher. If the ducking is linked to her hunter history, then I take back my jumping suggestion as it likely won't help. It may not be pain, but the emotional block could still be making it phy...

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Glad you got some better riding conditions, SF! It's been a similar struggle down here. Exvet, i'm sorry the saddle search drama might be ongoing for you. I am lucky that even though I have two small ones, neither has an especially short back, in fact RP is a bit long in the back. This causes other ...

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I hope the Hastilow works out, Exvet. I tried a few several years back for MM. My passier is not a GG, it's a much older style, but was custom made for a connemara a friend had 20 years ago in the very old style. Zero thigh block and pencil knee roll under the flap. Really just a flap of leather! In...

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Exvet, I have an older style Passier that I've been hanging on to for ages because I love it. It is hard seat, old school style, but sounds like something you might like. If you send me measurements I can take a look to see if it seems like it might work. If it does look promising, I'd be happy to s...

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Glad you had a great ride Monday, Mountaineer, even if Tuesday was a bit less amazing at the start. Though sometimes the most rewarding rides are the ones where you don't start out great but get to the good place later. Helpful to hear those exercises, Exvet, though I might need to think a minute to...

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The horses here that are on zyrtec get 10-12 pills 2x a day (about 1 pill per 100lbs 2x a day)

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Mountaineer-- I wonder if oral dex might metabolize differently for him. Or another steroid like prednisolone? Forgive me if you've already tried this--but does zyrtec help him? Some horses respond really well to it, others do not!

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Had a good lesson yesterday, so putting recap here to help me remember and in case helpful for anyone else. We started with lots of w-t and then t-c transitions really making sure RP was doing the transition from behind. Previously when we'd worked on this it had involved making the transition 'smal...

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You look great, Aleu--can't wait to see you and kora with those tails. Chisamba, sorry to hear you are still not feeling full strength--lingering sickness is very emotionally draining. And I also agree that I want nothing to do with giant babies! SF--if the saddle is not comfortable for you, it migh...

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I always appreciate the lesson details, Exvet--there is so often stuff that I can use or adapt and use. Good news and bad news on my end: Good news: weather is warmer; MM has been doing a lot better and I am getting consistent chance to ride her in hopes of getting more in shape; the clinician i wor...

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Sigh, RP decided to throw a fit when the farrier was here and he wasn't able to get hind shoes on him. I'm a bit frustrated because i was very careful about getting RP comfortable with the shoeing process since he's so sensitive and was getting them new late in life. I cleared schedules to be there ...

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Oh, boo, i'm sorry you lost your full write-up, SF! But agree it sounds like a great clinic. Glad to hear T is looking her best even if she wasn't her most agreeable! Exvet-- FB and several others make pony panels, which would make a larger seat size doable. But finding those used is trickier. It do...

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