Search found 1752 matches

by blob
Sat Mar 23, 2024 2:56 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: In like a lion, out like a lamb - March and April Goals and Progress
Replies: 77
Views: 2112

Re: In like a lion, out like a lamb - March and April Goals and Progress

I'll be interested to hear what your instructor thinks about before and after shoes. My understanding of the equiband system (official or DIY) is that it's not supposed to show difference with a single use--but rather you are supposed ot use it regularly for 4-6 weeks to get the proper improvement a...
by blob
Sat Mar 23, 2024 2:32 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: In like a lion, out like a lamb - March and April Goals and Progress
Replies: 77
Views: 2112

Re: In like a lion, out like a lamb - March and April Goals and Progress

Have you thought about using or used something like the equiband system? I know not everyone believes in them, but I know some people who have had some really good results with them helping a horse adjust the way they use the body. I'm wondering if something like that might encourage her to to be le...
by blob
Fri Mar 22, 2024 4:23 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: In like a lion, out like a lamb - March and April Goals and Progress
Replies: 77
Views: 2112

Re: In like a lion, out like a lamb - March and April Goals and Progress

SF-- does she do it on her own when she's on a lunge or out in pasture or is it something specific to when she's ridden? I'm asking because I usually approach issues like this differently depending on whether the horse is struggle to coordinate their legs in the way i'm asking them to move (only sho...
by blob
Mon Mar 18, 2024 2:20 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: In like a lion, out like a lamb - March and April Goals and Progress
Replies: 77
Views: 2112

Re: In like a lion, out like a lamb - March and April Goals and Progress

Very interesting about the chip! I will need to chip mine soon since it will soon be a requirement. I have just been putting it off. But now I am wondering if I want this biothermal chip! Thankfully mine are easy to take temps of rectally. But it's still fun to think about having that kind of data/f...
by blob
Fri Mar 15, 2024 2:39 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: In like a lion, out like a lamb - March and April Goals and Progress
Replies: 77
Views: 2112

Re: In like a lion, out like a lamb - March and April Goals and Progress

Khall, are horses ever induced? If so, typically around when? We have a pregnant mare at this barn who is over a week past her due date. And a neighboring farm, also has one that is always early, who is now late, must be something in the air! Well, we put shoes on RP on Wednesday (just front to star...
by blob
Mon Mar 11, 2024 5:33 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: In like a lion, out like a lamb - March and April Goals and Progress
Replies: 77
Views: 2112

Re: In like a lion, out like a lamb - March and April Goals and Progress

Exvet--it's interesting to have two that are so different, but also valuable. I know I am a better rider because MM and RP are so different. Both lessons sound interesting and productive. To avoid the 'tense air' from the PSG gelding could you ride Brandon first and then Junior? Riding has continued...
by blob
Thu Mar 07, 2024 3:55 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: In like a lion, out like a lamb - March and April Goals and Progress
Replies: 77
Views: 2112

Re: In like a lion, out like a lamb - March and April Goals and Progress

heddylamar wrote: the other is a bit quirky ... I need to decide how quirky is too quirky for me.


Gosh, I'm dying to know now what makes it so quirky!


Khall, jingling for a safe delivery and healthy foal. Can't wait for pictures
by blob
Wed Mar 06, 2024 2:35 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: In like a lion, out like a lamb - March and April Goals and Progress
Replies: 77
Views: 2112

Re: In like a lion, out like a lamb - March and April Goals and Progress

congrats, Heddy! I hope the rest of the moving process goes smoothly as well. Have you found a barn? We've had a LOT of rain to kick-off our March. Enough that even on days when it's not actively raining, everything is too wet for real riding. The past weekend involved a lot of walk-only hacks on sl...
by blob
Tue Mar 05, 2024 7:57 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: In like a lion, out like a lamb - March and April Goals and Progress
Replies: 77
Views: 2112

Re: In like a lion, out like a lamb - March and April Goals and Progress

Aleuronx, while I do think it would be ideal for a horse to be able to do a correct and true stretchy trot at the beginning of the ride, not every horse will be able to do that right away and some may never be able to do it for various reasons. It could be worth trying to see if this is something yo...
by blob
Fri Mar 01, 2024 4:49 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: In like a lion, out like a lamb - March and April Goals and Progress
Replies: 77
Views: 2112

Re: In like a lion, out like a lamb - March and April Goals and Progress

Like Exvet, I am thinking about/looking ahead to our next show, which will likely fall in June. There are options in April and May, but it's looking like I might be traveling when they happen. But here are some goals for the mean time.... Me Continue to workout at home Continue to find time/ways to ...
by blob
Thu Feb 29, 2024 1:55 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Trotting on to 2024 - Goals, Progress and More (Jan-Feb)
Replies: 153
Views: 7749

Re: Trotting on to 2024 - Goals, Progress and More (Jan-Feb)

Also closing out! Me: Blance work, life, riding--try not to get burned out. Set boundaries! better than last fall, still need to get better! Start using walking treadmill again--2-3x a week Cook 2-3 times a week Keep a riding log/journal to track progress and plan ahead Video tape rides Work on posi...
by blob
Mon Feb 26, 2024 2:58 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Trotting on to 2024 - Goals, Progress and More (Jan-Feb)
Replies: 153
Views: 7749

Re: Trotting on to 2024 - Goals, Progress and More (Jan-Feb)

I'm sorry about the situation with your mom, Tanga, I can't imagine how stressful it must be. Show this weekend was a mixed bag. Friday he warmed up well in the big warm-up arena and then I went into the dressage arena to practice some geometry before our rides Sat and Sun. In the actual arena, it f...
by blob
Mon Feb 19, 2024 4:22 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Trotting on to 2024 - Goals, Progress and More (Jan-Feb)
Replies: 153
Views: 7749

Re: Trotting on to 2024 - Goals, Progress and More (Jan-Feb)

Gosh, Flight, that is terrifying. Glad he is ok and you were able to get him moved. Last Thursday, the bodyworker came out to work on my two. The plan was to also try taping with RP that day, but it ended up being a very weird session for him, so we held off. Everything started normal--he was enjoyi...
by blob
Tue Feb 13, 2024 2:38 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Trotting on to 2024 - Goals, Progress and More (Jan-Feb)
Replies: 153
Views: 7749

Re: Trotting on to 2024 - Goals, Progress and More (Jan-Feb)

Riding is such a rollercoaster, ha. After 2 weeks of really, really good canter work with RP, I went ahead and signed up for a show end of Feb. Almost as soon as the entries were sent, I had 3 really bad canter days in a row with him. 2 under saddle and one on the lunge. Then we got 3 days of rain a...
by blob
Mon Feb 05, 2024 8:50 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: I rold you so ..
Replies: 7
Views: 606

Re: I rold you so ..

I'm sure most are abused to that degree Do you mean that you're sure most are NOT abused to that degree? I doubt CP is the only one, but I certainly believe most top riders are NOT doing anything to that degree. I think a lot of the leg flinging is bred, not trained. A lot of the modern dressage br...
by blob
Mon Feb 05, 2024 1:56 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Trotting on to 2024 - Goals, Progress and More (Jan-Feb)
Replies: 153
Views: 7749

Re: Trotting on to 2024 - Goals, Progress and More (Jan-Feb)

Exvet, I am so sorry for your loss. Sounds like Linus had a long and wonderful life with you, but I know it does not make the loss any easier. Aleu, the pics are beautiful! I'm glad you got some beautiful images between all the mud. Mari, sounds like the change work is really coming along even if he...
by blob
Mon Jan 29, 2024 11:39 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Trotting on to 2024 - Goals, Progress and More (Jan-Feb)
Replies: 153
Views: 7749

Re: Trotting on to 2024 - Goals, Progress and More (Jan-Feb)

oh no, Chisamba--vertigo is awful. I hope the antibiotics start kicking in quickly and you find your equilibrium. Mountaineer, can't wait to see pics of the burgundy jacket. I don't usually think of shades of reds on chestnuts, but there is a boarder at my barn with a lovely chestnut mare who has al...
by blob
Thu Jan 25, 2024 11:13 am
Forum: Rider health and fitness
Topic: riding fitness programs?
Replies: 4
Views: 514

Re: riding fitness programs?

I'm doing Rider Pilates at the moment and the strength courses that Jess developed to accompany the Pilates sessions. I'm really enjoying the courses and my results. It's been eye opening how much the Pilates courses have allowed me to feel my imbalances in the saddle. Look at riderpilatesclub.com....
by blob
Wed Jan 24, 2024 2:34 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Trotting on to 2024 - Goals, Progress and More (Jan-Feb)
Replies: 153
Views: 7749

Re: Trotting on to 2024 - Goals, Progress and More (Jan-Feb)

Chisamba, I am a big fan of SRs actually and have used them a lot when a horse has issues with contact (yes, even rearing). It is easier and safer for me to send a horse forward from the ground than from the saddle. And even though SRs have gotten a lot of heat from some people, IMO they are actuall...
by blob
Mon Jan 22, 2024 8:05 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Trotting on to 2024 - Goals, Progress and More (Jan-Feb)
Replies: 153
Views: 7749

Re: Trotting on to 2024 - Goals, Progress and More (Jan-Feb)

Oh, Exvet, I am so sorry--what a scary and stressful situation. I'm glad Junior seems to be on the mend and that you were able to get him help fairly quickly to resolve the issue.
by blob
Sat Jan 20, 2024 12:22 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Improving shoulder freedom
Replies: 9
Views: 688

Re: Improving shoulder freedom

Thanks everyone., lots of good stuff here . I actually think with RP that passage is not quite the right thing. He will lift his legs up and will give cadence, he just won't reach out with the shoulder
by blob
Fri Jan 19, 2024 4:32 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Trotting on to 2024 - Goals, Progress and More (Jan-Feb)
Replies: 153
Views: 7749

Re: Trotting on to 2024 - Goals, Progress and More (Jan-Feb)

I think the iberians have become so AA popular because they are easy to sit and are usually not lazy without being overly hot. I think sometimes with warmbloods you either have a lazy lug or something sensitive and hotter that also feels very, very powerful and does require an experienced rider with...
by blob
Thu Jan 18, 2024 4:22 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Improving shoulder freedom
Replies: 9
Views: 688

Improving shoulder freedom

One of the things I recognize I need to improve with RP is shoulder freedom at the trot. He doesn't have a lot of natural suspension and when we work on medium trot, he tends to get tight in the shoulders rather than opening up through them. I'm not aiming for an exaggerated front-leg flinging trot,...
by blob
Wed Jan 17, 2024 8:13 pm
Forum: Rider health and fitness
Topic: riding fitness programs?
Replies: 4
Views: 514

riding fitness programs?

I'm wondering if anyone has suggestions of virtual programs that might help me build up some strength and fitness and/or out of the saddle. I tried the DRT program a couple years back and it wasn't a great fit for me. So, looking for some alternative non-mounted programs. Or, alternatively I'd also ...
by blob
Wed Jan 17, 2024 5:59 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Trotting on to 2024 - Goals, Progress and More (Jan-Feb)
Replies: 153
Views: 7749

Re: Trotting on to 2024 - Goals, Progress and More (Jan-Feb)

Chisamba, both mares look lovely--uphill and correct. Sounds like clinic was useful and productive, particularly with Siaph. Khall, so glad to hear Gaila and baby are doing better. Fingers crossed it stays steady until delivery. I can't WAIT to see baby pictures! I agree with you that I have a hard ...
by blob
Tue Jan 09, 2024 6:35 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Trotting on to 2024 - Goals, Progress and More (Jan-Feb)
Replies: 153
Views: 7749

Re: Trotting on to 2024 - Goals, Progress and More (Jan-Feb)

Oh no, Khall! I will be sending jingles your way for mama and foal. Please keep us posted on how she seems to be doing with the medication. We got very heavy rain overnight and the first part of today (I'm sure, Khall did too). And we're expecting more on Friday. So I might be looking at a very wet ...
by blob
Mon Jan 08, 2024 3:07 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Trotting on to 2024 - Goals, Progress and More (Jan-Feb)
Replies: 153
Views: 7749

Re: Trotting on to 2024 - Goals, Progress and More (Jan-Feb)

Glad you have had some forward progression with RP on the canter, Blob. I'm sorry that I don't remember but have you tried PEMF therapy or taping? Molly swears by it; but, some of the research I did on PEMF wasn't all that impressive (peer-reviewed articles). I have not done either before. Like you...
by blob
Mon Jan 08, 2024 1:30 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Trotting on to 2024 - Goals, Progress and More (Jan-Feb)
Replies: 153
Views: 7749

Re: Trotting on to 2024 - Goals, Progress and More (Jan-Feb)

It's a helpful reminder for me, Exvet, to ride the horse you want and not necessarily the horse you have. I think this is why without a regular trainer set up, i often stall out/spend forever at a level for no real reason. it's usually not about not being able to do the movements for the next level,...
by blob
Sat Jan 06, 2024 1:49 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Trotting on to 2024 - Goals, Progress and More (Jan-Feb)
Replies: 153
Views: 7749

Re: Trotting on to 2024 - Goals, Progress and More (Jan-Feb)

Oh, and my Rid'up safety stirrups arrived so I rode in them today. Love them. Love the weight of them, the broad footbeds with the slight squish under the footplate, and I feel comfortable that they would come apart in an accident without being flimsy. Worth every penny. when you say you like the w...
by blob
Tue Jan 02, 2024 3:47 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Trotting on to 2024 - Goals, Progress and More (Jan-Feb)
Replies: 153
Views: 7749

Re: Trotting on to 2024 - Goals, Progress and More (Jan-Feb)

Me: Blance work, life, riding--try not to get burned out. Set boundaries! Start using walking treadmill again--2-3x a week Cook 2-3 times a week Keep a riding log/journal to track progress and plan ahead Video tape rides Work on position MM: Maintain fitness Do more jumping--including at least one ...
by blob
Sat Dec 30, 2023 12:25 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Powering through to the end: November December Goals and Progress
Replies: 194
Views: 270104

Re: Powering through to the end: November December Goals and Progress

Blob my vet just started Rip on apoquel for his upper airway issue. Last scope this month was not good. Did not want to try pred again so he’s on the apoquel for the airway. Supposedly it’s got very good anti inflammatory properties. The apoquel has been really good for MM, between that and the Boe...
by blob
Mon Dec 25, 2023 1:48 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Powering through to the end: November December Goals and Progress
Replies: 194
Views: 270104

Re: Powering through to the end: November December Goals and Progress

Spirulina is one thing I haven't tried! Thank you for that thought. Can't hurt, might help! Off to order some now. I've talked about it a lot on this board, but MM has terrible allergies and would always get hives in the spring/summer. The Boett sheet is truly the only thing that worked and I tried...
by blob
Wed Dec 20, 2023 2:36 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Powering through to the end: November December Goals and Progress
Replies: 194
Views: 270104

Re: Powering through to the end: November December Goals and Progress

I'm so sorry, Chisamba, my heart breaks for you and your son. I hope you both can forgive yourself. Re: Siaph: does lunging help? If you lunge first and then ride, does that help? I'm sure you have tried all kinds of bits already, but given she is sensitive and is reluctant to go into contact, I won...
by blob
Tue Dec 12, 2023 9:00 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Powering through to the end: November December Goals and Progress
Replies: 194
Views: 270104

Re: Powering through to the end: November December Goals and Progress

Molly gave me more exercises to do with Brandon in hand and under saddle to help strengthen his stifles further as well (and more importantly) the muscles around his stifles and in his loin so equibands for him as well. I'd be very grateful to hear the exercises, as I think RP would benefit greatly...
by blob
Mon Dec 11, 2023 9:07 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Powering through to the end: November December Goals and Progress
Replies: 194
Views: 270104

Re: Powering through to the end: November December Goals and Progress

Chisamba, I think you would make a great judge, fwiw. Showing is for me also a roller coaster of emotions. But for me the biggest check in the 'pro' column is that having show goals drives me to have more concrete and specific training goals. When I didn't have any real show goals/wasn't showing muc...
by blob
Mon Dec 11, 2023 6:22 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Powering through to the end: November December Goals and Progress
Replies: 194
Views: 270104

Re: Powering through to the end: November December Goals and Progress

Ah, Chantal, what a bummer. But I think we have probably all been there before. I agree the pics look fabulous. I'm taking a couple weeks off this december and although I have some short distance travel to visit family and friends here and there, i am very much looking forward to riding. RP continue...
by blob
Sun Nov 26, 2023 10:10 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Powering through to the end: November December Goals and Progress
Replies: 194
Views: 270104

Re: Powering through to the end: November December Goals and Progress

I don't even want to give my year a name because it really has not been a good one. It's the first year in some time where I can say I've made 0 progress and am ending the year in a worse place than where I started it. I didn't make it to a single show. I spent most of the year trying to diagnose RP...
by blob
Thu Nov 16, 2023 7:20 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Powering through to the end: November December Goals and Progress
Replies: 194
Views: 270104

Re: Powering through to the end: November December Goals and Progress

Thank you for your responses about the shark fin withers. I ride around singing that Meghan Traynor song " it's all about that base, that base) to remind myself how important the base of the neck is in riding back to front. I've been thinking a lot about the base of the neck as well....I curre...
by blob
Wed Nov 15, 2023 5:04 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Powering through to the end: November December Goals and Progress
Replies: 194
Views: 270104

Re: Powering through to the end: November December Goals and Progress

I've seen a shark fin wither improve, but I've never see one truly stop being classifiable as a 'shark fin'--even when the horse is performing well at a high level.
by blob
Tue Nov 14, 2023 1:04 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Powering through to the end: November December Goals and Progress
Replies: 194
Views: 270104

Re: Powering through to the end: November December Goals and Progress

How is the pony doing Blob? In the summer it felt like we were making some progress with canter issues. But then as work got busy and riding got inconsistent, the canter issues have really backslid again. This makes me think I have't fully cracked the heart of the problem. I truly believe that if I...
by blob
Tue Nov 14, 2023 2:01 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Powering through to the end: November December Goals and Progress
Replies: 194
Views: 270104

Re: Powering through to the end: November December Goals and Progress

Chisamba, no--I don't think it's an old fashioned comment--an interesting one given the history of what a 'salute' is, etc. Just something I hadn't thought up and had to go look it up. I know the reason I always salute with my left hand is that with MM during tests I would always carry my whip in th...
by blob
Mon Nov 13, 2023 5:37 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Powering through to the end: November December Goals and Progress
Replies: 194
Views: 270104

Re: Powering through to the end: November December Goals and Progress

Mari gid you salute with your left hand or did the photo invert itself?? I did salute with my left hand. Both halts :oops: No comments from the judge though :lol: I always salute with my left hand! And have never heard anything. I'm not sure there is an official rule? Or if there is one, it's defin...
by blob
Mon Nov 06, 2023 5:58 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Powering through to the end: November December Goals and Progress
Replies: 194
Views: 270104

Re: Powering through to the end: November December Goals and Progress

Re: board changes: I think many barns hold off making price changes with good intentions, but then it ends up being a BIG increase when they do have to go up. It would probably be better/easier for all involved if more incremental increases took place. Our board also went up this summer--but by $50,...
by blob
Fri Nov 03, 2023 12:47 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Powering through to the end: November December Goals and Progress
Replies: 194
Views: 270104

Re: Powering through to the end: November December Goals and Progress

I had scheduled a lesson for myself yesterday and just had to make it happen despite work. Thank goodness, I certainly needed it. And with all the infrequent riding, I esp feel like I need to get us back in shape. this is a new to me trainer who I worked with a few times in the summer before things ...
by blob
Wed Nov 01, 2023 7:26 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Powering through to the end: November December Goals and Progress
Replies: 194
Views: 270104

Re: Powering through to the end: November December Goals and Progress

Me Set better boundaries at work and stick to them to have some semblance of balance Cook/eat leftovers 2-3 times a week RP Continue working on better canter balance Start some supportive therapies (acupuncture, chiro, etc) Lunge every 10 days or so to confirm/check progress Continue work with pole...
by blob
Wed Nov 01, 2023 12:03 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: September October, we go on and on.
Replies: 240
Views: 576930

Re: September October, we go on and on.

the new trainer I have recently started working with is an S judge and right now we are really only focused on getting RP' back to a functional riding horse, i am curious/eager to see what kind of learnings/insights I will get from her as i start thinking about showing again.
by blob
Tue Oct 31, 2023 1:42 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: September October, we go on and on.
Replies: 240
Views: 576930

Re: September October, we go on and on.

Here's to a better November for us both, Exvet!
by blob
Tue Oct 31, 2023 1:05 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: September October, we go on and on.
Replies: 240
Views: 576930

Re: September October, we go on and on.

This has been mostly a wash, but here's my recap: I've been reading and following but not posting much lately--work, travel, etc. But hoping for some good fall riding: Me: Continue to try to cook/eat leftovers as much as possible Find healthy ways to balance work/riding/life work has been a nightmar...
by blob
Mon Oct 30, 2023 11:54 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: September October, we go on and on.
Replies: 240
Views: 576930

Re: September October, we go on and on.

Aleu-- Kora's changes look great and are really coming around. Interestingly, your best changes are not the first in the sequence, but the second or the third. So, it probably is quite useful with her to continue to practice changes in a sequence even if you're not counting any specific stride count.
by blob
Fri Oct 27, 2023 6:25 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: September October, we go on and on.
Replies: 240
Views: 576930

Re: September October, we go on and on.

Exvet--thanks for the lesson update, always helpful to get a clear description of your exercises! Re: the ration balancer: RP gets picky about his feed sometimes. I realize it's not very glamorous food compared to the performance grain others get, but i still want him to eat it! When he gets picky, ...

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