Search found 150 matches

by Kathy Johnson
Sat Jan 01, 2022 10:10 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Teaching a horse to breathe through work?
Replies: 17
Views: 3517

Re: Teaching a horse to breathe through work?

Synching the breath with the horse. All horses breathe in rhythm with their gaits. We hear it mostly in canter, as the horse lands, but its there in all gaits. So you can start dismounted, at rest, leaning behind your horse's shoulders, where I suppose your hearts meet. Feel the horse's breath in yo...
by Kathy Johnson
Wed Oct 17, 2018 11:38 pm
Forum: Senior Horses/Senior Riders
Topic: Trying again, hope this is the one!
Replies: 77
Views: 52402

Re: Trying again, hope this is the one!

I can't say too much how good you look together. How did you take that first step of canter? Once I do that, I'm pretty solid fear wise. She is not offering to break into it on her own. Do you have any arthritis in your neck that might make it turn? George Williams once told me to keep my chin lined...
by Kathy Johnson
Tue Oct 16, 2018 5:11 pm
Forum: Senior Horses/Senior Riders
Topic: Trying again, hope this is the one!
Replies: 77
Views: 52402

Re: Trying again, hope this is the one!

Oh heck yeah! You guys are beautiful together. The nice thing about Morgan mares, more so than any other horse I've found, is that when they bond, they want to take care of you. I am so happy for you! Look at you all brave and cantering already. I got my Morgan mare in July, but she's green and I'm ...
by Kathy Johnson
Mon Jun 26, 2017 11:52 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Anna Banana
Replies: 44
Views: 23535

Re: Anna Banana

I admire your ability to stay so quiet and in balance, which really helps the young horse find hers. I don't mind seeing her above the bit until she develops the pushing power she needs to travel straight. You're doing such a nice job!
by Kathy Johnson
Mon Jun 05, 2017 8:41 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: On the forehand piaffe
Replies: 7
Views: 7152

Re: On the forehand piaffe

Another reason riders don't focus on the horse sitting in the piaffe is that it makes it much harder to transition to passage and that transition is weighted heavily in the scoring. So a more horizontal piaffe will give you higher scores in the transitions. The horse lifts his hind legs higher than ...
by Kathy Johnson
Sat Jun 03, 2017 4:59 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Question about Facebook protocol
Replies: 6
Views: 6682

Re: Question about Facebook protocol

Thanks, guys! You convinced me to ignore it. After a re-read, I realized it was typical NH self-aggrandizement by running down everyone else. So much of the story was wrong, I felt a need to correct it, but I won't. I can give myself some distance by un-liking, unfriending and un-following. I only l...
by Kathy Johnson
Sat Jun 03, 2017 12:14 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Photos - Assessing riders and horses from them
Replies: 21
Views: 14458

Re: Photos - Assessing riders and horses from them

One thing about being married to a photographer is I've learned to appreciate photos. No matter what, how horrible, how wonderful, that one moment in time actually existed (barring excessive photoshopping). It was real. So given that all rides are sometimes up and sometimes down, the fact that the o...
by Kathy Johnson
Sat Jun 03, 2017 11:00 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Question about Facebook protocol
Replies: 6
Views: 6682

Question about Facebook protocol

This may be kind of non important and I may be reading too much into things. How would you deal with a trainer you feel is bad mouthing your training on Facebook? I don't know if I care enough to send a private message, or want to spend the time. It's such bad writing, I'm not sure they're referring...
by Kathy Johnson
Fri Jun 02, 2017 10:11 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: How much arena work?
Replies: 37
Views: 24533

Re: How much arena work?

I could really use an arena. I have a small rectangle pen that is too small to do much so I spend 99% of my rides in the field. It really slows down training, but on the other hand, I'm supposed to go slowly. The upsides is that the horse is trail safe.
by Kathy Johnson
Tue May 30, 2017 11:03 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: How to manage bolting?
Replies: 37
Views: 23497

Re: How to manage bolting?

I take a top down approach to any serious behavior issue, starting with management, and down to plans on how to ride the bolt. Eradicate all high energy feeds. Feed free choice hay. Give her a little beet pulp mash with ulcer guard in it (ranitidine)every day, just before riding. The mash will help ...
by Kathy Johnson
Thu May 25, 2017 11:09 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Jigging
Replies: 17
Views: 15350

Re: Jigging

Quick question: Is this mostly in the transition from free walk to working walk? (as you pick up the reins?) then from walk to trot work. Quick answer: Jigging is caused by the horse lifting her head and tightening her back (think free walk to working walk). Often the horse raises her head and the r...
by Kathy Johnson
Thu May 18, 2017 10:49 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Leg Yield on Circle
Replies: 56
Views: 32376

Re: Leg Yield on Circle

The average is 6 strides per quarter in trot and canter. You can of course, vary this at will and your line makes a huge difference, if the horse falls in or out, even slightly. my other comment about lateral work and circles slowing a horse down, I stand firm on. It's common sense really. Think abo...
by Kathy Johnson
Mon May 15, 2017 11:11 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: How windy?
Replies: 9
Views: 8574

Re: How windy?

I usually stop when things start flying by (chairs, trash cans, small animals). Most horses who live outside are more used to the wind than we are, but it can be really ungrounding for some of us. After working with people with autism and sensory integration issues outside, I realize that the wind s...
by Kathy Johnson
Mon May 01, 2017 12:01 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Starting Over
Replies: 27
Views: 16736

Re: Starting Over

Still walking (and swimming in the mud). It rains a lot here in the springtime. We had a breakthrough on our last ride. From the first time I bridled Handy, he hated the bit. Not your normal resistance. No possibility of work in hand without yanking, pulling and gnashing. I tried every bit in my bit...
by Kathy Johnson
Sun Apr 30, 2017 1:25 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: The club foot argument.
Replies: 118
Views: 64077

Re: Can we discuss lightness in the contact

The way he uses his hinds looks pretty even to be, but if he's shorter on either I'd say it's his left one, because that's the side he's stiffer on and the rein he'll take more contact on. That one is pretty easy to check out, either from the side or on video. Going straight, one hind leg will trac...
by Kathy Johnson
Wed Apr 26, 2017 12:06 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: The club foot argument.
Replies: 118
Views: 64077

Re: Can we discuss lightness in the contact

You did not mention the horse that hangs on one side and avoids the other, thoughts on that? A unilateral vs. bilateral issue. In other words, weaker in one hind leg than the other. I think it's going to be hind leg and not front, as front foot would cause head throwing, the hind foot more hanging....
by Kathy Johnson
Fri Apr 21, 2017 11:36 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: The club foot argument.
Replies: 118
Views: 64077

Re: Can we discuss lightness in the contact

Acceptance of the bridle is an obvious but good way to gauge how much contact is needed for each individual. Issues in the bridle are clues to what is going on with the rest of the horse. Problems with contact are usually symptoms, rather than the problem. For instance if a horse is throwing his hea...
by Kathy Johnson
Tue Apr 18, 2017 11:18 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Show report - KPC Easter dressage
Replies: 19
Views: 14993

Re: Show report - KPC Easter dressage

and interfere with my nerves in new and wonderful ways...

LOL, well that's a good attitude. Nerve pain is indeed the strangest thing ever.
by Kathy Johnson
Sat Apr 15, 2017 6:05 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: What do you have around your house from the old BB?
Replies: 43
Views: 28536

Re: What do you have around your house from the old BB?

Friends, friends I still see often on email or other boards. All of you.
by Kathy Johnson
Sat Apr 15, 2017 12:43 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Show report - KPC Easter dressage
Replies: 19
Views: 14993

Re: Show report - KPC Easter dressage

Yuck. Welcome to my world of neck and lumbar discs. According to my doctor, although I have stenosis and herniated discs, the spinal cord will probably be just the same as a normal spine in event of a bad fall. Apparently there is plenty of room inside the spine to protect the cord. However, the con...
by Kathy Johnson
Tue Apr 11, 2017 12:40 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Progress of sorts -edited to or am I kiding myself
Replies: 24
Views: 18593

Re: Progress of sorts -edited to or am I kiding myself

I am so glad you are talking to your instructor. That is sometimes the hardest thing of all to do. You will be improving leaps and bounds. Learning to ride with both legs can be a difficult concept when we've got "inside leg, outside rein!" drilled into our heads. It is the key to advancin...
by Kathy Johnson
Tue Apr 11, 2017 1:23 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: The club foot argument.
Replies: 118
Views: 64077

Re: Can we discuss lightness in the contact

I knew an instructor who told her to ride with 25 pounds of weight in the reins. I am not kidding. I brought out my son's weights to show the students what 25 pounds felt like. I'm another person with disc issues and do not ever want heavy contact or pulling or hanging. Nor do I want no contact. I'v...
by Kathy Johnson
Mon Apr 10, 2017 8:42 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Starting Over
Replies: 27
Views: 16736

Re: Starting Over

There are times in our lives when we don't ride. My doctor (who rides) and I discussed those: pregnancy, injury, school, work, no money, divorce, lots of reasons. And I can usually deal with those. But the fear of not being able to ride is scary. And yesterday as I was walking, walking, walking on H...
by Kathy Johnson
Sun Apr 09, 2017 10:34 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Progress of sorts -edited to or am I kiding myself
Replies: 24
Views: 18593

Re: Progress of sorts -edited to or am I kiding myself

Also, a horse can be confused if the trainer and the regular rider are of different builds and the trainer is giving in the leg aids in a different place or the seat aids with a different weight. A well schooled horse can sort it out but a greener horse might become confused. It was for this reason ...
by Kathy Johnson
Fri Apr 07, 2017 11:29 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Progress of sorts -edited to or am I kiding myself
Replies: 24
Views: 18593

Re: Progress of sorts -edited to or am I kiding myself

This is something I've never said on the internet but I've said it in real life. I don't even want to say it, because it can be taken the wrong way. But I've been following you and the pony for years and it's what I see, so here goes. I see a pony scampering around, running away from the rider's leg...
by Kathy Johnson
Thu Apr 06, 2017 9:42 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Fear, and riding outside
Replies: 27
Views: 17448

Re: Fear, and riding outside

Sometimes anticipation makes everything worse. So much good advice already given, I don't need to add much. This is ridiculous but sometimes helps me when trying something new or something I'm (perhaps) irrationally worried about. Know what conditions you're comfortable in. Have a plan that you're g...
by Kathy Johnson
Thu Apr 06, 2017 8:38 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Starting Over
Replies: 27
Views: 16736

Starting Over

I am truly starting over. Diagnosed with degenerative disc disease and a damaged sural nerve causing neuropathy, I put in my months of R and R, did my PT and now I'm back doing the ABCs. The doctor gave me the Ok to ride "lightly" and at a "lower level," whatever that means. When...
by Kathy Johnson
Thu Apr 06, 2017 12:20 am
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Condolences to Kathy Johnson
Replies: 14
Views: 12343

Re: Condolences to Kathy Johnson

Thank you for your kind thoughts! I am not around much, as I'm taking care of my parents in Michigan. And I've had to slow down on the riding, but I'm also slowly picking it back up again. And I'm writing a novel which is taking an outlandish amount of time, but I'm loving the process. Here is Chich...
by Kathy Johnson
Mon Aug 01, 2016 3:46 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Beware three red mares and a colt! 5/19/16
Replies: 84
Views: 47808

Re: Beware three red mares and a colt! 5/19/16

MHP is a non profit, 501c3 charity, so it owns itself. I am/was the Excecutive Director. So , it will continue under two of my assistants, one to run the therapy end and one to run the horse end. Thank you for all the well wishes. Somethings are definitely getting better with (sort of) rest, but som...
by Kathy Johnson
Thu Jul 28, 2016 1:30 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Beware three red mares and a colt! 5/19/16
Replies: 84
Views: 47808

Re: Beware three red mares and a colt! 5/19/16

Hi guys, Yes, not only am I leaving MHP, but my neurologist has also asked me stop riding, lifting, twisting, bending. And working on the computer, due to ruptured discs in my neck. It is degenerative disc disease, which is pretty normal as we age, but I've got it too young and in both the neck and ...
by Kathy Johnson
Thu Jun 02, 2016 1:19 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Deneb:
Replies: 175
Views: 94841

Re: Deneb:

I am so glad everyone and everything turned out ok. We make decisions in emergencies and in the heat of the moment and the speed of the situation and we have no idea how they will turn out. They are really scary and we are always doing the best we can do. Here's a so far sure fire tip I've learned i...
by Kathy Johnson
Thu May 19, 2016 7:06 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Beware three red mares and a colt! 5/19/16
Replies: 84
Views: 47808

Re: Beware ANOTHER Red Mare April 14th at end :)

It's boy!!! Nightmare Doll had a strapping red colt this morning. She is a wonderful mother but just about freaked out when I started touching him. She started shaking. He's a verbal guy, likes to talk. All systems go. So far, so good. https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13232985_1015422...
by Kathy Johnson
Sun May 15, 2016 2:13 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Things rarely overheard at the barn...
Replies: 34
Views: 20098

Re: Things rarely overheard at the barn...

Yeah, our barn is a little more sophisticated. Everyone is trained to run like the wind if someone is having trouble loading. So, probably a better answer for those for this question is, "Sure, I'd love to have the advice of a stranger with a carrot stick and a flickitating twirly rope while I'...
by Kathy Johnson
Sat May 14, 2016 5:18 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Things rarely overheard at the barn...
Replies: 34
Views: 20098

Re: Things rarely overheard at the barn...

Do you need help trailer loading?
by Kathy Johnson
Sat May 14, 2016 2:31 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Beware three red mares and a colt! 5/19/16
Replies: 84
Views: 47808

Re: Beware ANOTHER Red Mare April 14th at end :)

I am late getting this out, but this is Bodacious. Bodhi is the sweetest, FASTEST filly I have ever met. Doll is ready to foal, sometime this week, I think.

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Bodacious.html?soid=1102390974141&aid=en40wlK1770
by Kathy Johnson
Sat May 07, 2016 1:19 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Can we get a jump on April/May training goals thread?
Replies: 255
Views: 128089

Re: Can we get a jump on April/May training goals thread?

Thanks, Khall! Not my mule :) A friend invited me to ride her at the Colorado Classic Donkey and Mule show. So, it was not only my first ride on Poke, it was my first ride on a mule! I did have to invoke every gene in her that was horse to get her to track up in trot.
by Kathy Johnson
Fri May 06, 2016 1:51 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Can we get a jump on April/May training goals thread?
Replies: 255
Views: 128089

Re: Can we get a jump on April/May training goals thread?

First show of the season is under my belt, a catch ride in an English pleasure class. Clothes and tack were dicey--one boot didn't fit fell post surgery, weight gain from medication, finding a browband big enough, although I was lucky to have an oversized bridle and bit. Poke was great, very smooth ...
by Kathy Johnson
Fri May 06, 2016 1:37 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Piaffe practice (and an update)
Replies: 13
Views: 10631

Re: Piaffe practice (and an update)

It's coming nicely. Energy is the first thought that came to my mind too. In your quest to add energy, start to think of the piaffe as a means to improve the other gaits, rather than as an exercise in itself. Piaffe can improve canter quite a lot, as the horse learns to lift his shoulders. Perhaps a...
by Kathy Johnson
Fri May 06, 2016 1:32 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Return of the non cantering pony - cantering!
Replies: 5
Views: 6045

Re: Return of the non cantering pony - cantering!

Good job, all three of you!
by Kathy Johnson
Sun May 01, 2016 2:47 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Andy, Friesian, and Gypsy people: rescues being auctioned in Conn.
Replies: 8
Views: 8303

Re: Andy, Friesian, and Gypsy people: rescues being auctioned in Conn.

Re: the microchip, I guess you could wave the wand and get temp, which beats doing it rectally on some horses.
by Kathy Johnson
Sun May 01, 2016 2:31 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Andy, Friesian, and Gypsy people: rescues being auctioned in Conn.
Replies: 8
Views: 8303

Re: Andy, Friesian, and Gypsy people: rescues being auctioned in Conn.

We had a filly by Romeo. We sold her, but she was super sweet. He made it back to Tennessee safely, but very thin. Which one died? Which others do you know and are they horses you'd recommend? Here is another article: http://www.ratemyhorsepro.com/news/fairy-tail-equines-investigated-for-horse-abuse...
by Kathy Johnson
Sat Apr 30, 2016 5:45 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Andy, Friesian, and Gypsy people: rescues being auctioned in Conn.
Replies: 8
Views: 8303

Andy, Friesian, and Gypsy people: rescues being auctioned in Conn.

This is a government auction for horses impounded during a rescue. Bidding goes until June 16th. Some real sweeties :) Instructions: http://www.ct.gov/doag/cwp/view.asp?Q=579646&A=1367 Photos: http://www.ct.gov/doag/lib/doag/inspection_regulation/2016/horse_auction_photos_compressed_.pdf
by Kathy Johnson
Fri Apr 29, 2016 1:46 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: None cantering pony competes - Input urgently sought
Replies: 15
Views: 12674

Re: None cantering pony competes - Input urgently sought

What did the judge say? There is so much to like in the video and pictures. Pony is energetic, willing and as you say, beautifully behaved. You are sitting upright and square, no apparent tipping or leaning. Your leg looks very, very solid. Your hands are quiet and keeping a straight line from bit t...
by Kathy Johnson
Wed Apr 27, 2016 8:14 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Deneb:
Replies: 175
Views: 94841

Re: Deneb:

She is nice! I'm riding a half saddlebred/half Arab, Orra who is also hot. I think your plan is right on and I would continue with the gymnasticizing, especially the hind end. I might also add some variable strength training, riding intermittently on harder surfaces and walking some hills and over p...
by Kathy Johnson
Sat Apr 16, 2016 2:13 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Beware three red mares and a colt! 5/19/16
Replies: 84
Views: 47808

Re: Beware ANOTHER Red Mare April 14th at end :)

Fergus, it is hard to say. We have a couple of rather large mustangs too. Their DNA doesn't always show large horses in the paperwork. One of them is a solid 16.1 and her DNA test showed primarily pony. Strange stuff. I'd also factor in nutrition, as well as genetics and foaling age. There's often n...
by Kathy Johnson
Fri Apr 15, 2016 1:33 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Beware three red mares and a colt! 5/19/16
Replies: 84
Views: 47808

Re: Beware ANOTHER Red Mare April 14th at end :)

Yes, yearlings in the wild are bred. That's the only thing that gave me hope through this pregnancy. I don't think it is tracked if the mares or foals growth is stunted or they have developmental orthopedic diseases or the mares die while foaling in the wild. I will say that it took a HUGE, and I me...
by Kathy Johnson
Thu Apr 14, 2016 10:09 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Beware three red mares and a colt! 5/19/16
Replies: 84
Views: 47808

Re: Beware ANOTHER Red Mare April 14th at end :)

Yes, Josette, babies having babies. Red is a super sweet mother, and even as a two year old knows exactly what to do. We are all just overjoyed that everyone is well (fingers crossed) and she endured the birth, and the baby is healthy. Very active. I mean born running. More pictures later.... https:...
by Kathy Johnson
Wed Apr 13, 2016 10:45 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Beware three red mares and a colt! 5/19/16
Replies: 84
Views: 47808

Re: Beware a Red Mare April 11th at end :)

Red is becoming quite the little princess. She thinks all humans do is bow before her (when we're really looking at her udder).

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