Search found 850 matches

by Ponichiwa
Mon Feb 26, 2024 3:07 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Trotting on to 2024 - Goals, Progress and More (Jan-Feb)
Replies: 153
Views: 7634

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

Running in boots??? That barnmate is a literal psychopath. Was taking a look back at my goals, and can check off a couple for sure. Ex: Dijon just had his first bath and was a perfect gentleman minus that one bit where he protested strongly WHAT IS THIS WATER AND WHY IS IT ON ME NOOOOO. Which we res...
by Ponichiwa
Fri Jan 19, 2024 6:39 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Improving shoulder freedom
Replies: 9
Views: 683

Re: Improving shoulder freedom

Passage always feels very far away if you're talking about 1st/2nd level horses. But fear not! There's hope. Exercises that really helped me: Shoulder fore before turning on a diagonal and asking for lengthening (or medium). After 3-5 steps of lengthening, transition into leg yield off of your forme...
by Ponichiwa
Wed Jan 03, 2024 3:15 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Trotting on to 2024 - Goals, Progress and More (Jan-Feb)
Replies: 153
Views: 7634

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

Update: check one goal off the list thanks to the power of treats: https://scontent.fcxo1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/415729217_10161669885765990_8188254312172792218_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=3635dc&_nc_ohc=kq2fdPPUHoMAX96ymb_&_nc_ht=scontent.fcxo1-1.fna&oh=00_AfD5vFW7f...
by Ponichiwa
Mon Jan 01, 2024 10:44 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Trotting on to 2024 - Goals, Progress and More (Jan-Feb)
Replies: 153
Views: 7634

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

I've been doing a lot of periodic introspection - gotta take it in chunks or I'd lose my mind questioning every life choice I've ever made - thanks to a nice 2-week break from work. Upside: absolutely jazzed about the 2024 show season. Downside: I have to go back to work tomorrow. The goals this tim...
by Ponichiwa
Wed Dec 20, 2023 8:25 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Powering through to the end: November December Goals and Progress
Replies: 194
Views: 269549

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

Chisamba - so sorry about the loss of your wonderful dog. You are torturing yourself, though - take care. It's not your fault and she certainly didn't think so. Continuing the "is dressage the right fit for your horse" discussion: I used to adhere (too?) strongly to the adage that dressage...
by Ponichiwa
Wed Sep 06, 2023 7:07 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Spinoff: So Apparently Breathing Can Be an Aid, Too
Replies: 9
Views: 1718

Re: Spinoff: So Apparently Breathing Can Be an Aid, Too

He's absolutely dashing! LOL......Seriously he is a looker. Love that kind eye. Thank you for taking the time to detail this aspect of your clinic. I will definitely re-read this a few times. Anything I can do to decrease the tension is most welcomed. Aww thanks! I just love him to pieces. To the d...
by Ponichiwa
Wed Sep 06, 2023 2:02 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Spinoff: So Apparently Breathing Can Be an Aid, Too
Replies: 9
Views: 1718

Spinoff: So Apparently Breathing Can Be an Aid, Too

Let's talk about the breathing you do when you ride. I recently came back from a clinic that focused on the breath as an aid: that holding your breath, or at least engaging your diaphragm and holding some (mostly positive) tension in your ribcage encourages the horse to engage their core and pick up...
by Ponichiwa
Mon Sep 04, 2023 8:16 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: September October, we go on and on.
Replies: 240
Views: 574622

Re: September Octiber, we go on and on.

Chisamba, I'm definitely celebrating the end of summer. If that ever happens; we're still looking ahead to at least 10 more days of 100+F temperatures. The trees are dropping leaves, but only because they're so heat-stressed and water-deprived that they're starting to go into shock. The grass crunch...
by Ponichiwa
Mon Sep 04, 2023 8:06 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Of fly spray and soaked saddle pads: July and August goals and progress
Replies: 275
Views: 492018

Re: Of fly spray and soaked saddle pads: July and August goals and progress

I'm a bit late closing out - as per usual, "where does the time go?!?" - but here's what I said I'd do the past 60d: Goals this time around: - Maintain: diet & exercise; try to at least not gain weight when trapped indoors - Online show: aiming for 65+% at 3rd - Address this connection...
by Ponichiwa
Sun Aug 27, 2023 10:28 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Of fly spray and soaked saddle pads: July and August goals and progress
Replies: 275
Views: 492018

Re: Of fly spray and soaked saddle pads: July and August goals and progress

I've done a couple western dressage tests with Queso, and am going to the "world show" in Oklahoma next month. Only slightly panicking about it now. Scores are 5-8% higher than my equivalent USDF tests bc they are scoring harmony higher than gaits. However, they still look for a generally ...
by Ponichiwa
Sun Aug 20, 2023 7:20 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Of fly spray and soaked saddle pads: July and August goals and progress
Replies: 275
Views: 492018

Re: Of fly spray and soaked saddle pads: July and August goals and progress

I complained about the weather last week, so naturally this week temperatures are 3-5° warmer. As I type it's currently 107 and heading to 109 (43°C). So I should probably take that as a cue not to complain lest things worsen yet more, but. Guys. It's too damn hot. Despite that, Queso is the best bo...
by Ponichiwa
Thu Aug 10, 2023 11:59 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Of fly spray and soaked saddle pads: July and August goals and progress
Replies: 275
Views: 492018

Re: Of fly spray and soaked saddle pads: July and August goals and progress

Sorry for those of us dealing with illnesses, whether they be ours, our family's, or our horses'. I'm lucky that all are hale and hearty, but this heat is oppressive. It's past 6:30 pm and temperatures are still 103+. I'll be glad when this weather breaks... in 2 more months. To keep myself motivate...
by Ponichiwa
Wed Jul 26, 2023 10:46 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Of fly spray and soaked saddle pads: July and August goals and progress
Replies: 275
Views: 492018

Re: Of fly spray and soaked saddle pads: July and August goals and progress

And sometimes, you just don't want the whole precious ride to be a fight about the blue mounting block, so you stay away from it. Isn't that the truth. So much of this sport is in the differentiation between the lines in the sand that are worth drawing (and enforcing) and which are just better off ...
by Ponichiwa
Mon Jul 17, 2023 8:11 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Of fly spray and soaked saddle pads: July and August goals and progress
Replies: 275
Views: 492018

Re: Of fly spray and soaked saddle pads: July and August goals and progress

Woe is me: average temperature for this coming week is 102.

Very jealous of anyone who lives in a reasonable climate right now.
by Ponichiwa
Thu Jul 13, 2023 8:39 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Of fly spray and soaked saddle pads: July and August goals and progress
Replies: 275
Views: 492018

Re: Of fly spray and soaked saddle pads: July and August goals and progress

Love the inspirational photos, Chantal! You and Mikey both look like the ideal happy athletes the directives are looking for! Me, not so much. I'm wilting. We did get a bit of a respite in the heat last week with highs only in the mid-90s instead of 100+, but the rain has moved out and the heat's ba...
by Ponichiwa
Tue Jul 04, 2023 9:45 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Of fly spray and soaked saddle pads: July and August goals and progress
Replies: 275
Views: 492018

Re: Of fly spray and soaked saddle pads: July and August goals and progress

Thanks for starting another thread, and boy oh boy do I feel your contact consistency goals. June was misery: 20+ consecutive days of triple-digit temperatures, 60-80% humidity, no rain and no reprieve. The horses are on night turnout, but even staying indoors under fans can only do so much. So goal...
by Ponichiwa
Sun Apr 16, 2023 11:18 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: March (and April) of Progress
Replies: 221
Views: 130814

Re: March (and April) of Progress

Hope Day 2 went well, exvet! And Straightforward: what a great shot of Annabelle. Chisamba I do not envy your weather-- I know 90+F days are in my not-too-distant future and let me tell you I am not ready. I just wrapped up at a local show and finally got the scores I was looking for at 3rd: 63 and ...
by Ponichiwa
Tue Apr 04, 2023 8:16 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: March (and April) of Progress
Replies: 221
Views: 130814

Re: March (and April) of Progress

Khall-- fingers crossed for Joplin, Gaia, and you! Hope everybody pulls through this happy and healthy. Tanga, I do understand the showing frustration. So much of the final score is dependent on where your gaits start. 6 mover, well, about 62% is your ceiling and only if you nail the halts and reinb...
by Ponichiwa
Sun Mar 26, 2023 9:19 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: March (and April) of Progress
Replies: 221
Views: 130814

Re: March (and April) of Progress

I feel for you, blob! So tough to not know if it's a young horse/confidence problem (in which case the answer is more & consistent riding) or veterinary issue (in which case it's time off at minimum). Hoping for the best for the both of you. Thematically speaking I'm also working on throughness ...
by Ponichiwa
Wed Mar 08, 2023 1:12 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Sports Bras...
Replies: 9
Views: 2009

Re: Sports Bras...

My favorite right now is a Brooks running bra. It has the clasps at the back like a regular bra, but sports bra racerback as well. Gives you the option to be as loose as you need in the band but still have great bust support.
by Ponichiwa
Thu Mar 02, 2023 8:53 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Getting Dressage-y in 2023: January-February Goals and Progress
Replies: 249
Views: 179762

Re: Getting Dressage-y in 2023: January-February Goals and Progress

Yeah Queso has a home for life. Pulled my non-horsey dad through some very dramatic rodeo and parade moments like he'd been doing it his whole life. Dad got to feel like a master horseman, and I got to breathe a sigh of relief and then stuff Queso full of molasses cookies for being such a good boy.
by Ponichiwa
Thu Mar 02, 2023 12:17 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Getting Dressage-y in 2023: January-February Goals and Progress
Replies: 249
Views: 179762

Re: Getting Dressage-y in 2023: January-February Goals and Progress

Nice reports so far, especially since Jan and Feb are not especially good riding months. Very happy to hear about M and Potters! Looking forward!! Oh, and I want to see pics of Queso in the parade with “dad”!! Always dangerous to show even a glimmer of interest in Queso pictures! https://scontent.f...
by Ponichiwa
Thu Mar 02, 2023 12:06 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: March (and April) of Progress
Replies: 221
Views: 130814

March (and April) of Progress

It's a new month, so time for a new thread! In like a lion, out like a lamb: a spot-on description of Queso today. En fuego in the pasture, absolutely foot-perfect in the arena. The weather is changing again and all of the horses are acting like absolute nutbars. These next 2 months, I'm going to: -...
by Ponichiwa
Tue Feb 28, 2023 2:33 am
Forum: Rider health and fitness
Topic: Health and Fitness 2023
Replies: 26
Views: 2387

Re: Health and Fitness 2023

I bit the bullet and bought a treadmill pad/walking pad to go under a standing desk (mine is really more of a lap top stand than a proper desk). I've had it for about 2 weeks now and am finding it useful/nice to use. It's definitely obvious that I'm walking, so I'm only using it for internal meetin...
by Ponichiwa
Mon Feb 27, 2023 11:50 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Getting Dressage-y in 2023: January-February Goals and Progress
Replies: 249
Views: 179762

Re: Getting Dressage-y in 2023: January-February Goals and Progress

Hard to believe it's already the end of February. Great close-outs, Demi, Tanga, blob, and Aleuronx (and anyone else I may have missed)! It was a surprisingly accomplished Jan/Feb for me. Saddle fitting, clinic, show, rodeo & parade (seriously, my horse is a saint). Closing this month with a new...
by Ponichiwa
Mon Feb 13, 2023 8:31 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Getting Dressage-y in 2023: January-February Goals and Progress
Replies: 249
Views: 179762

Re: Getting Dressage-y in 2023: January-February Goals and Progress

Did our first show of the year and I've got... mixed feelings. Queso was, as per usual, a super star. Best boy. Peerless. Basically, the paragon of a show horse. Showed 3rd level for the first time and the work felt really good: changes were clean, shoulder in actually had bend in it, half passes we...
by Ponichiwa
Wed Jan 25, 2023 7:07 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Getting Dressage-y in 2023: January-February Goals and Progress
Replies: 249
Views: 179762

Re: Getting Dressage-y in 2023: January-February Goals and Progress

Can also attest to the magic of Double Bridle Day. I had a gelding who needed it about 3-4x a month to keep taking me seriously as a dressage rider. Otherwise he blew me off as a talentless hack and resumed spooking at nothing/being 80mi long between poll and tail and an absolute rigid brick in betw...
by Ponichiwa
Tue Jan 10, 2023 2:20 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Getting Dressage-y in 2023: January-February Goals and Progress
Replies: 249
Views: 179762

Re: Getting Dressage-y in 2023: January-February Goals and Progress

Mountaineer-- that sounds a) harrowing and b) intense. Both the weather and Potters' reaction to it (which, from this weak-blooded southerner: totally fair). Meanwhile back in the mid-70s and sunshine, I've remembered that I promised my dad he could drive Queso in an upcoming parade... and that I ha...
by Ponichiwa
Wed Jan 04, 2023 11:01 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Getting Dressage-y in 2023: January-February Goals and Progress
Replies: 249
Views: 179762

Re: Getting Dressage-y in 2023: January-February Goals and Progress

I forgot to add in my earlier post that I am still working very hard at learning how to play the french horn. Turns out counting in the correct rhythm is hard, lol. I wonder if it will translate well into training, like maybe my medium and extended trots will come up a notch. Former band kid here--...
by Ponichiwa
Mon Jan 02, 2023 6:24 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Getting Dressage-y in 2023: January-February Goals and Progress
Replies: 249
Views: 179762

Re: Getting Dressage-y in 2023: January-February Goals and Progress

Ditto khall-- wonder what 2023 has in store for us. Chisamba-- feel your pain (relatively speaking) re: the perpetual training-to-third journey. Queso is knocking on the door of 3rd which has me thinking about potentially buying another youngster... and then I think about having to start all over an...
by Ponichiwa
Wed Dec 28, 2022 5:13 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Riding goals for The long night and Freezing moon months
Replies: 187
Views: 88927

Re: Riding goals for The long night and Freezing moon months

It is so nice seeing so many people truly enjoying their horses. These threads are my favorites precisely because of that feature: real people really enjoying their time with their horses (through both the ups and the downs). Thanks for sharing, everybody! We're closing in on the end of another year...
by Ponichiwa
Sun Dec 11, 2022 8:28 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Riding goals for The long night and Freezing moon months
Replies: 187
Views: 88927

Re: Riding goals for The long night and Freezing moon months

I've been quiet this time around out of good ol' sports superstition: that talking about what you want makes it absolutely guaranteed to fail. But Queso and I just wrapped up at our local show series' championships and I am blissful. Look at this very good boy sporting his good-boy swag and bask in ...
by Ponichiwa
Mon Sep 19, 2022 11:41 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Transition to fall: September-October Goals and Progress
Replies: 231
Views: 47906

Re: Transition to fall: September-October Goals and Progress

I swear I blink and whole months go by. My goals for this time around are: - Get off the property again and go show - Trust more, do less: develop more self-carriage in Queso by keeping my hands close together and out in front of me (got into a bad habit of too wide and down) - Develop more thrust a...
by Ponichiwa
Mon Aug 22, 2022 5:13 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: The Heat is ON: July/August Goals and Progress
Replies: 348
Views: 444902

Re: The Heat is ON: July/August Goals and Progress

Congratulations on the successful weekend, Straightforward! You and A look great -- glad the judge agreed! LSP88-- Lynx is such a cutie. And I love the crown on your bridle-- what is it? I'm trying a new (to me) thing-- signed up for a western dressage clinic with Lynn Palm. Which means 2 things: 1)...
by Ponichiwa
Fri Aug 12, 2022 8:28 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: The Heat is ON: July/August Goals and Progress
Replies: 348
Views: 444902

Re: The Heat is ON: July/August Goals and Progress

Oh bummer re: Lynx's stifle! Agree with Piedmontfields, though: no horse is perfect (with regards to xrays; obviously Queso is a paragon of perfection otherwise. Not that I'm biased or anything). And the challenge of this sport is customizing the training to the horse you have instead of the ideal. ...
by Ponichiwa
Tue Aug 09, 2022 8:48 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Riding Grand Prix
Replies: 12
Views: 1812

Re: Riding Grand Prix

Echo lots of the good advice above-- especially re: transitions. You need to be able to access any dimension of any gait from any other gait at any time-- because there's nowhere in the test to get a breather to recollect. The whole test is an exercise in going from one hard thing to another hard th...
by Ponichiwa
Mon Aug 08, 2022 9:32 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: The Heat is ON: July/August Goals and Progress
Replies: 348
Views: 444902

Re: The Heat is ON: July/August Goals and Progress

demi, blob and piedmontfields-- so sorry to hear of the setbacks, the blahs, and the struggles outside of horses. Thinking of all of you! Chisamba, SF, khall-- great updates! Keeping on keeping on with Queso. I've been dragging myself out to the barn to ride 5ish days/week in this hot humid depressi...
by Ponichiwa
Mon Jul 25, 2022 8:27 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: The Heat is ON: July/August Goals and Progress
Replies: 348
Views: 444902

Re: The Heat is ON: July/August Goals and Progress

Chisamba wrote:Ponichiwa that is so cheesy. (Wink). You know , Queso, cheese . How nicev that your boy was so rideable for your ma


He definitely puts the "fun" in "queso fundido"!
by Ponichiwa
Mon Jul 25, 2022 5:33 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: The Heat is ON: July/August Goals and Progress
Replies: 348
Views: 444902

Re: The Heat is ON: July/August Goals and Progress

You two make a lovely picture, Chisamba! And that's quite the halt. LSP88-- sounds like a great lesson! I use SI to HP or LY a lot with my guy who is built very similarly to yours, and let me tell you: it helps a ton. It's my go-to warmup right now because it's a low-impact way to get the right resp...
by Ponichiwa
Sat Jul 23, 2022 6:31 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: RIP Pro A Resolute
Replies: 19
Views: 3502

Re: RIP Pro A Resolute

Oh I'm so sorry, exvet!! How heartbreaking.
by Ponichiwa
Sat Jul 23, 2022 6:30 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: The Heat is ON: July/August Goals and Progress
Replies: 348
Views: 444902

Re: The Heat is ON: July/August Goals and Progress

Congrats on the show so far, Chisamba!! What an impressive outing for both of you. And I hear you about horses-as-recovery-- makes those show results even more poignant. Quick update from the hot and humid gulf coast: I was playing with the canter yesterday and everything felt straight and adjustabl...
by Ponichiwa
Tue Jul 19, 2022 8:16 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: You thoughts on 8/9 year olds at GP
Replies: 28
Views: 3021

Re: You thoughts on 8/9 year olds at GP

I still see her study (about 2/3 down the page):
https://www.equinestudies.org/archive-downloads
by Ponichiwa
Tue Jul 19, 2022 8:14 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: The Heat is ON: July/August Goals and Progress
Replies: 348
Views: 444902

Re: The Heat is ON: July/August Goals and Progress

Echoing above: thinking of you and your DH, demi, and sending best wishes and jingles your way. You've got a good barn and a good program, so at least one stress is off you.
by Ponichiwa
Mon Jul 18, 2022 3:17 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: The Heat is ON: July/August Goals and Progress
Replies: 348
Views: 444902

Re: The Heat is ON: July/August Goals and Progress

Lots of inspiring progress-- well done, everyone! And my condolences for those working with lameness/"off" issues. Horses, man. Will say that showing well is a whole separate skillset from training, and atrophies with disuse. Speaking as someone who hasn't showed in a while and is looking ...
by Ponichiwa
Mon Jul 18, 2022 3:02 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Warm up/ expectations
Replies: 9
Views: 1445

Re: Warm up/ expectations

A big part of my warm up is diagnosing what to work on that day. So I'll break up the pieces we need to check: - Reaction to the leg (via my first walk/trot transition) - Reaction to the half-halt (via walk/halt/walk) - Reaction to the lateral aids (via leg-yield or half pass in walk) - Reaction to ...
by Ponichiwa
Thu Jul 07, 2022 6:44 pm
Forum: For Sale!
Topic: 5 yr old KWPN/DHH gelding beautiful, no work ethic
Replies: 17
Views: 3204

Re: 5 yr old KWPN/DHH gelding beautiful, no work ethic

Can I just say: I love this happy ending. Congrats on your "new" horse!
by Ponichiwa
Tue Jul 05, 2022 3:49 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: The Heat is ON: July/August Goals and Progress
Replies: 348
Views: 444902

Re: The Heat is ON: July/August Goals and Progress

Way to bring out the red, white, and blue flashing lights, Mountaineer! That's one way to celebrate the 4th. Sorry for the choke scare, too-- these horses keep us on our toes. The one upside from our months-long drought is a county-wide burn ban and prohibition on fireworks, which made this Monday t...
by Ponichiwa
Thu Jun 30, 2022 8:39 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: April showers bring May flowers and June bugs. Our goals and progress thread
Replies: 384
Views: 67724

Re: April showers bring May flowers and June bugs. Our goals and progress thread

Pretty sure the theme of this year is "where does the time go??" Good to see all of the progress on these wrap-ups! Sweating season is fully upon us here in TX; RIP my ability to wear the same clothes all day, inclusive of a quick walk during lunch. Undeniably true. More than 15 >100F days...
by Ponichiwa
Thu Jun 16, 2022 7:04 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: April showers bring May flowers and June bugs. Our goals and progress thread
Replies: 384
Views: 67724

Re: April showers bring May flowers and June bugs. Our goals and progress thread

exvet-- I'm on a very similar regime with Queso w.r.t. "you never get to go straight" - and good news, it's working, but bad news: my brain is melting. Cranking up the expectations is hard work! Weather report: misery. 3 solid weeks of 98 - 104F temperatures, and as a result everything is ...
by Ponichiwa
Mon Jun 13, 2022 11:52 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: April showers bring May flowers and June bugs. Our goals and progress thread
Replies: 384
Views: 67724

Re: April showers bring May flowers and June bugs. Our goals and progress thread

We're hitting the road Wednesday for mom's farm in TN, then on to TX on Sunday. Poor Maia is going to melt. Fortunately, it's all interstate, so she'll have some AC by way of wind. I've already started her on electrolytes and probiotics. I may shave her (non-existent coat) during our 3-day stopover...

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