Search found 123 matches

by Gwen
Mon Dec 17, 2018 12:03 am
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: In which I'm reminded how much horse shopping sucks!
Replies: 301
Views: 166194

Re: In which I'm reminded how much horse shopping sucks!

I skipped to the end because people were talking about Ireland looking for eventers - I literally just went a few weekends ago with a friend who was shopping, we saw some great horses and worked with a really awesome agent who did a lot of leg work to weed through options and came up with some very ...
by Gwen
Sat Nov 18, 2017 9:16 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Get out your winter boots - November/December Goals and Progress
Replies: 194
Views: 82871

Re: Get out your winter boots - November/December Goals and Progress

She has mild arthritic changes between C6 and C7. She was never unsound in a clear way, it was more of a change in attitude that both my trainer and I noticed, and it took a while to track down so she had quite a lot of time off. I’m building up her fitness at the moment, and am treating the arthrit...
by Gwen
Fri Nov 17, 2017 10:32 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Get out your winter boots - November/December Goals and Progress
Replies: 194
Views: 82871

Re: Get out your winter boots - November/December Goals and Progress

So here’s a question - Canter has never been Callie’s favorite gait, and we had to work to get comfortable with it. This is our first week cantering, and I’m finding that she will get into what seems to be a comfortable, rolling, soft backed canter, but only if I let her put her head low... like REA...
by Gwen
Thu Nov 16, 2017 5:40 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Get out your winter boots - November/December Goals and Progress
Replies: 194
Views: 82871

Re: Get out your winter boots - November/December Goals and Progress

Congratulations on such a great clinic Rosie! Thank you for sharing! All of you with the deer and the llamas, so much respect... deer are better for us but actually working in a herd of them sound about as likely as getting in a good session on the moon. Callie is cantering this week, so far so good...
by Gwen
Thu Nov 02, 2017 11:56 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Get out your winter boots - November/December Goals and Progress
Replies: 194
Views: 82871

Re: Get out your winter boots - November/December Goals and Progress

Goals: Get back to first level work by the end of December. We’ve started Legend injections, and we will also probably inject her neck next month when we will (hopefully) be solidly cantering and ready for more. In the meantime I’m to continue with the carrot stretches and belly lifts. On the plus s...
by Gwen
Sat Oct 28, 2017 10:52 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Anybody else planting bulbs??
Replies: 11
Views: 9554

Re: Anybody else planting bulbs??

Piedmontfields I’m so glad I’m not alone! I ordered 500 Spanish hyacinth, I have a patch inherited from the previous owners and I want to expand it and also see if we can get them naturalizing in the light woodland area we have on the other side of the stream and pretend we’re in those beautiful blu...
by Gwen
Sat Oct 28, 2017 1:16 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Anybody else planting bulbs??
Replies: 11
Views: 9554

Re: Anybody else planting bulbs??

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These are eranthus

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This is New Design - don’t they look like they are glowing??

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And this is Antoinette, towards the end of its color change.
by Gwen
Sat Oct 28, 2017 1:10 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Anybody else planting bulbs??
Replies: 11
Views: 9554

Re: Anybody else planting bulbs??

Also some Narcissus - I couldn’t include more than three links in the post... Narcissus Silver Chimes https://www.johnscheepers.com/narcissus-silver-chimes.html So sweet, smells delicious and has a large number of blossoms per stem! Narcissus Sweet Smiles https://www.johnscheepers.com/narcissus-swee...
by Gwen
Sat Oct 28, 2017 1:10 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Anybody else planting bulbs??
Replies: 11
Views: 9554

Anybody else planting bulbs??

Past me went completely insane and ordered a ludicrous number bulbs and they all arrived yesterday! 3800 of them. :shock: :o :shock: Now, 1000 of them are crocus so that hardly counts. Another 500 are eranthus (very early, february blooming and important for bees, last winter it was so warm and the ...
by Gwen
Sat Oct 28, 2017 12:11 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: September and October Goals and Progress
Replies: 382
Views: 198782

Re: September and October Goals and Progress

Not as far as I know - doesn’t look it and I’ve never had a farrier or vet mention it.
by Gwen
Fri Oct 27, 2017 10:54 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: September and October Goals and Progress
Replies: 382
Views: 198782

Re: September and October Goals and Progress

Callie almost never squares up. She almost always stands with one front foot back and the hind leg on the same side forward. That bit definitely jumped out at me. She will halt square under saddle, but left to her own devices, she does not generally stand square.
by Gwen
Fri Oct 27, 2017 7:56 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: September and October Goals and Progress
Replies: 382
Views: 198782

Re: September and October Goals and Progress

Thanks Khall, that was an interesting read! Good luck with the trail ride, and I hope to see your video soon.

Chisamba - this is my concern/suspicion as well. Going to talk to the vet next week, and am crossing my fingers that getting more aggressive with treatment will get her some relief.
by Gwen
Fri Oct 27, 2017 5:06 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: September and October Goals and Progress
Replies: 382
Views: 198782

Re: September and October Goals and Progress

Another trail ride today (with a buddy) she was a little worried but by the end was very relaxed, including watching and passing some deer without any trouble. I think we have to practice solo trail rides, to see if we can get to the same level of relaxation on her own, but i am concerned that I don...
by Gwen
Fri Oct 27, 2017 12:05 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: September and October Goals and Progress
Replies: 382
Views: 198782

Re: September and October Goals and Progress

Red’s Mom: we recently discovered mild neck arthritis between C6/C7, and she has reduced range of motion in hand to one side. It did not look serious enough to inject, but she’s had three shockwave therapies and the ROM didn’t improve, and I’m still getting unevenness in the reins. I’ve been doing c...
by Gwen
Thu Oct 26, 2017 9:11 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: September and October Goals and Progress
Replies: 382
Views: 198782

Re: September and October Goals and Progress

It’s the worst, right DJR?? I remember that thread, it sounded awful. I kept thinking “she’s going to listen to me in a second, really, any second now... hm. I take it back, I’m pretty sure she’s not going to listen to me after all!” :lol: Luckily we were in a big field and I didn’t have to be worri...
by Gwen
Thu Oct 26, 2017 7:49 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: September and October Goals and Progress
Replies: 382
Views: 198782

Re: September and October Goals and Progress

9191980B-8452-41F1-A6CF-08D7E3CEA6AA.jpeg 5347451B-93BB-48DC-95DC-1D0CD821DAC5.jpeg 98CC3FC8-0CE3-4809-BEA1-66C75460A2A9.jpeg Beautiful trail ride today. Callie was relaxed and happy, but our trot work in the field ended in a massive bolt, easily the worst I’ve ever ridden. She completely lost her ...
by Gwen
Tue Oct 24, 2017 10:23 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: September and October Goals and Progress
Replies: 382
Views: 198782

Re: September and October Goals and Progress

Gwen, I used to hunter pace with a lay who had an Icelandic. He was super fun out on trails. Some horses do not enjoy trails and never will. Trying to enjoy yourself on trails while riding horse that prefers the safety of a sandbox, can be unpleasant. One thing most trail riders Icelandic riders an...
by Gwen
Sat Oct 21, 2017 2:39 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: September and October Goals and Progress
Replies: 382
Views: 198782

Re: September and October Goals and Progress

Thank you demi, such a kind and thoughtful post! I think I’m just in a bit of a funk, I’m really enjoying taking it easy with the trail riding, and I can imagine having fun again with dressage. I just want to find the thing that Callie enjoys too, and worry that the one thing she enjoys most is to b...
by Gwen
Fri Oct 20, 2017 1:02 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: September and October Goals and Progress
Replies: 382
Views: 198782

Re: September and October Goals and Progress

Seems like a good month so far guys! Callie is up to 10 minutes of trot, I’m a bit anxious because she never really looked lame before, so the fact that she doesn’t look lame now doesn’t give me a lot of comfort. In general her attitude is ok? But it’s hard to tell with her and she also isn’t doing ...
by Gwen
Wed Oct 04, 2017 8:00 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: The Saga of the Kittens
Replies: 15
Views: 14045

Re: The Saga of the Kittens

Just wanted to update that Amber got her final X-ray today and the vet said that her leg has healed so completely she thought she had the wrong X-rays, there’s no sign that it had ever been broken! So she’s free, and SO HAPPY. Limping and atrophied and clearly not sure how to use the leg anymore but...
by Gwen
Sun Sep 17, 2017 9:46 am
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: The Saga of the Kittens
Replies: 15
Views: 14045

Re: The Saga of the Kittens

Ha - yes Susa, on top of being super soft it also gets afternoon sun, *and* is positioned right next to the fireplace! I anticipate it getting even more action this winter.
by Gwen
Sun Sep 17, 2017 2:17 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: September and October Goals and Progress
Replies: 382
Views: 198782

Re: September and October Goals and Progress

Aw, thanks for thinking of us demi. I was honestly too depressed and worried to post or even read here for most of it. I've made it to a more positive place now though, just have to stick to the plan. Thanks for the support. I'm sure Keira would be happy to take a look at Emma! ;) So far we have ven...
by Gwen
Sat Sep 16, 2017 11:51 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: September and October Goals and Progress
Replies: 382
Views: 198782

Re: September and October Goals and Progress

Wow, so much going on in this thread! It sounds like everyone had a lot of challenges. I hope everyone starts feeling like the worst is over! It has been a rough summer for us too, sadly. Callie hasn't been off, but she hasn't been right. She mostly just felt like she hated her job and maybe her lif...
by Gwen
Sat Sep 16, 2017 11:07 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: The Saga of the Kittens
Replies: 15
Views: 14045

Re: The Saga of the Kittens

Ok last few...

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by Gwen
Sat Sep 16, 2017 11:07 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: The Saga of the Kittens
Replies: 15
Views: 14045

Re: The Saga of the Kittens

Hey whatcha eating there, huh?

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They've been growing so FAST. I don't think they could both fit in this basket now!

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I love their markings...

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by Gwen
Sat Sep 16, 2017 10:59 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: The Saga of the Kittens
Replies: 15
Views: 14045

Re: The Saga of the Kittens

And a few more because BABY CATS:

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by Gwen
Sat Sep 16, 2017 9:38 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: The Saga of the Kittens
Replies: 15
Views: 14045

Re: The Saga of the Kittens

A few broken leg kitten photos. :cry: IMG_4784.JPG (the splint had slipped, this was pre-cast) IMG_5161.JPG IMG_5214.JPG For a little while there her sister was HORRIFIED by the cast, but they're back to loving each other again. The problem is that the loving often involves tussling, and it's Amber ...
by Gwen
Sat Sep 16, 2017 9:34 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: The Saga of the Kittens
Replies: 15
Views: 14045

The Saga of the Kittens

We have had a very dramatic few weeks over here, and I thought I would share because it involves kittens, and if you know me even a little you know I have ALL the photos so the thread won't even be useless! We have moved full time out of the big city into the wilds of New Jersey, and it is the best ...
by Gwen
Sat Sep 16, 2017 9:01 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Farm/Stable on 16 acres for sale!
Replies: 31
Views: 21375

Re: Farm/Stable on 16 acres for sale!

I thought it was a great listing, and I liked the photos. I thought they were well lit, clear, and attractive. It's a beautiful place!! Best of luck!
by Gwen
Fri Jun 23, 2017 10:43 am
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Ice cream thief
Replies: 6
Views: 5822

Re: Ice cream thief

He can steal my ice cream any day! What a cutie!
by Gwen
Mon Jun 19, 2017 3:17 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Goals and Progress May/June 2017
Replies: 329
Views: 167705

Re: Goals and Progress May/June 2017

In other news apparently someone in the warmup asked my trainer if Callie was for sale! My barn manager jumped in and was like NO. NO SHE IS NOT. The poor woman said "well what if I ask her directly" and BM said "knock yourself out but it's not going to change the answer." :lol: ...
by Gwen
Mon Jun 19, 2017 3:12 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Goals and Progress May/June 2017
Replies: 329
Views: 167705

Re: Goals and Progress May/June 2017

A few (carefully curated :lol:) photos: IMG_6933.JPG IMG_6934.JPG IMG_6935.JPG I want to put focus in my workouts on correcting my (probably smartphone induced) shoulder rounding, as Dresseur suggested in a couple of places, I think learning to really pull my shoulder blades back and down will help ...
by Gwen
Mon Jun 19, 2017 2:56 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Goals and Progress May/June 2017
Replies: 329
Views: 167705

Re: Goals and Progress May/June 2017

That's a wonderful report Chisamba, congratulations! I'm sorry I couldn't be there! Mountaineer that's a super update on Laddie! And Flight good luck with your knee! Don't remember who said it but the sucking into the back feeling on medium trot I LOVE but can't always get, I feel like I only get it...
by Gwen
Fri Jun 09, 2017 6:41 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Goals and Progress May/June 2017
Replies: 329
Views: 167705

Re: Goals and Progress May/June 2017

It has been an absolutely insane week of many house projects that had been postponed all getting done at the same time, I've been so swamped I haven't even seen my horses since Tuesday. I had to scratch this weekend, there's just no chance I can recover from all the house related work and then focus...
by Gwen
Tue Jun 06, 2017 12:00 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Goals and Progress May/June 2017
Replies: 329
Views: 167705

Re: Goals and Progress May/June 2017

So enjoying all these updates, reports, and challenges. Callie's mystery NQRness seems to have been solved - we scoped for ulcers and she has them, some of them very bad/deep. :cry: Breaks my heart that she was feeling so poorly, but at least it is a treatable issue with measurable results via a res...
by Gwen
Sun Jun 04, 2017 11:00 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Insights from Jeremy Steinberg Clinic
Replies: 33
Views: 20253

Re: Insights from Jeremy Steinberg Clinic (more to come)

I'm intrigued by the "littlest tick on the rein = down transition" - Callie is habitually behind the leg, and it has taken time to convince her that she should go forward into contact. She is sneaky about being behind the leg also so one of my early clues that she has gone there is that to...
by Gwen
Thu Jun 01, 2017 11:45 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Goals and Progress May/June 2017
Replies: 329
Views: 167705

Re: Goals and Progress May/June 2017

Something isn't right with Callie. We're testing for Lyme and scoping for ulcers. It's not screamingly obvious, she just feels TIRED. She is normally an energizer bunny who hardly breaks a sweat no matter what we do, but Friday my trainer rode her (my daughter was sick again so I missed some days) a...
by Gwen
Sun May 28, 2017 2:47 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: How to manage bolting?
Replies: 37
Views: 23486

Re: How to manage bolting?

I don't think I have anything helpful, just sympathizing. I know that drop and go feel, it's Callie's go to and it's so disconcerting to have a horse who was under you and in your hand to just be gone in a blink. She's never gone quite that out of control but I have had moments of "hm, can I st...
by Gwen
Thu May 25, 2017 12:40 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Goals and Progress May/June 2017
Replies: 329
Views: 167705

Re: Goals and Progress May/June 2017

I'm so far behind on this thread - demi, I'm so sorry to hear about the bucking incident, that is not fun at all. I'm glad you weren't badly hurt. Good luck with whatever direction you decide to go in from here. Rosie I love seeing Bliss!!! He is so spectacular, and I'm so glad you guys are back to ...
by Gwen
Tue May 23, 2017 2:00 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Lesson with Robert Dover and Laura Graves
Replies: 15
Views: 11747

Re: Lesson with Robert Dover and Laura Graves

Thank you guys - I practiced more leg contact and controlling tempo with my post today, and I could feel Callie get happy right away, she started to sigh and motor and soften very quickly, even though my tempo wasn't that off where she wanted to be. And then when I had the tempo clearly in my head a...
by Gwen
Tue May 23, 2017 1:47 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Lesson with Robert Dover and Laura Graves
Replies: 15
Views: 11747

Re: Lesson with Robert Dover and Laura Graves

Yeah, for some reason I can't get a direct link, but that page has all the rides from the weekend, so if you scroll down you'll find "Olympic training with Robert Dover", and my ride is on the second half of that video. A barnmate in the stands sent me some video as well, and seeing how FA...
by Gwen
Mon May 22, 2017 2:07 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Lesson with Robert Dover and Laura Graves
Replies: 15
Views: 11747

Re: Lesson with Robert Dover and Laura Graves

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the supportive comments. RosieB had asked on the other thread what I thought was the most helpful tip for getting relaxation - I think probably (and this is not surprising or rocket science!) simply sitting up and controlling the posting was the most effective, both ...
by Gwen
Mon May 22, 2017 1:48 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Jigging
Replies: 17
Views: 15341

Re: Jigging

If you want to see the section where LG discusses jigging in particular, which will likely be clearer than my attempts at explanation, it's at 1:11:14 of the "Olympic training session" video here:

https://www.usef.org/network/coverage/DuttaFOC2017/
by Gwen
Mon May 22, 2017 11:44 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Lesson with Robert Dover and Laura Graves
Replies: 15
Views: 11747

Lesson with Robert Dover and Laura Graves

Here is the link to both the lessons from Saturday: https://www.usef.org/network/coverage/DuttaFOC2017/ Boy did I look scared sh*tless in the beginning!! :lol: I am so, so proud of my little mare, what a superstar, oh my goodness. I mean, I was proud of her before, but remembering how scared she fel...
by Gwen
Mon May 22, 2017 12:19 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Jigging
Replies: 17
Views: 15341

Re: Jigging

Correction - she had me do turn on the haunches, not haunches in.
by Gwen
Sun May 21, 2017 11:40 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Jigging
Replies: 17
Views: 15341

Re: Jigging

I was literally working on exactly this yesterday in a demo ride with Laura Graves (see "is this you Gwen") - she said it is hard to put leg on in the walk when the horse is tense because you feel like it will make tension/jigging worse, but she says that putting leg on in that moment is t...
by Gwen
Sun May 21, 2017 4:28 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Is this you Gwen?
Replies: 14
Views: 11899

Re: Is this you Gwen?

Ha - yes, that's us! :shock: It was a cool experience, Laura was super helpful and kind, and we learned a lot. I have to admit, in retrospect, I was incredibly naive about the whole thing. For example, I had no idea the article above was going to happen until I saw it on this thread, I didn't know u...
by Gwen
Thu May 18, 2017 11:57 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Goals and Progress May/June 2017
Replies: 329
Views: 167705

Re: Goals and Progress May/June 2017

Yes, I noticed the change in elbow bend versus the dressage pic - I think that's where I'm feeling the moments of what I think is true soft contact - I think I'm finally learning to really bend the elbows in a freer way. I do feel a big difference in her when I can manage it, I just can't quite figu...
by Gwen
Thu May 18, 2017 10:10 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Goals and Progress May/June 2017
Replies: 329
Views: 167705

Re: Goals and Progress May/June 2017

Interesting discussion! Ah, engaging the back muscles, that clicked something for me - I think I have been over engaging the front because I definitely round forward in the lengthens/mediums for example, trying to get the forward with my core. Ill try focusing on the back more, see what happens. Wha...
by Gwen
Wed May 17, 2017 11:51 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Goals and Progress May/June 2017
Replies: 329
Views: 167705

Re: Goals and Progress May/June 2017

I can't believe you guys are still having snow! And Chisamba I'm glad you are both ok, how scary. Thank you Ryeissa! And it was fun to see your pony again, I liked the walk haunches in work, I should do some of that with Callie to help her figure out to keep stepping under in the turn on the haunche...

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