DefinitelyDressage.com

piedmontfields

HafDressage, I am no expert. But I wonder if tubby Haflinger aka Fabio is talking you in to thinking that this is hard work? It sounds like pretty normal work to me for a 3rdish level horse who is in regular work. In fact, it is similar to work I do with my mare. I probably work longer in summer (wi...

piedmontfields

I do not consider the half halt half of a halt, so i do not teach it that way. In the half halt i want the horse to remain active behind, and transfer its balance so that more weight is carried on the hind leg. This is a good point and dare I say one could attend to activity while changing one's mi...

piedmontfields

Watson, this is very similar to how I teach the half halt. I apply the halt aids, the horse reacts (slows, prepares to halt) and I say "never mind, keep going!" This is how the aids for halt start to help you to teach aids for half halt. Eventually, we get more refined and the horse unders...

piedmontfields

I do love Kondo's question "does this spark joy?!". Somehow that is an easy sorting mechanism for me. My husband thinks I'm crazy, but it makes any necessary purging very rapid. But I am unable to accept her advice about books. I only keep the ones that spark joy....and that is a lot of bo...

piedmontfields

Cute house. I think some of us are forgetting that Phoenix is your horse, not the city you live near! Prices in your home town are kind of amazing. I'll remind you that you will need a good home inspector if you start to get serious about any properties. You may wish to find your inspector independe...

piedmontfields

Tarlo, you are amazing and I wish you continued healing! So glad you have the barnominium

piedmontfields

While I am a fan of owning our own home, it is not the right choice for everyone. Given your hope to stay around $500 in housing cost per month, I urge you to be cautious, as that is a very modest housing cost for any dwelling or situation. Even in a low cost area, having a monthly housing/repair/im...

piedmontfields

Good to hear from everyone. As a wimpy southerner who has to gear herself up to ride when the temp is around freezing, I am truly impressed by you hardy northerners with actual cold! Both Emi and I would prefer it to be 35 C / 95 F but we have managed 8 rides in the first 11 days of January. Brrr.

piedmontfields

At first I thought Winston looked like the responsible member of the pair. Then I thought Max. And I thought they are like two little old men shooting the breeze in the sun! Thanks for sharing.

piedmontfields

I am really sorry this happened and wish you rapid healing!

And Yes, to your advice on carrying a phone if you live alone.

piedmontfields

If he can canter from the walk, he can do this properly from the trot. In general, don't practice what you don't want (running/falling into canter) or he will think that is what you want. One strategy is to get your trot very organized, have appropriate bend, prep for canter and then DON'T CANTER---...

piedmontfields

A mini report: I have actually gotten on the mare 4 times this week (already)! I may take tonight off, but tomorrow is on. She is feeling much better and we have been doing our "big trot" homework!

piedmontfields

Glad you have clarity on what was going on. The BBFT is lucky to have you taking care of him!

piedmontfields

"The Fabio of the horseworld"---absolutely! Aren't you lucky to get to serve him LOL. Can't wait to see the Mr in his new big trot. FYI, I found it easier to push for the big trot around the arena initially, rather than on a circle. But some find it the other way around. I also found it ea...

piedmontfields

BTW, HafDressage, I love the description "a very ridiculous large haflinger". I think photos are in order!

piedmontfields

My mare and I have similar challenges. Collected lateral work to mediums are one way for us to get there. But spending time really "breaking out" her trot (which feels like racing around the arena, but is really just getting her to experience that *she can trot BIG*) has been essential. BT...

piedmontfields

I can fix most things with baling twine, #8 fence wire, cable ties and a few fencing staples! :lol: 8-) I can also make leadlight windows and other artworks out of glass, and worked part time as a gold & silver smith for a few years so can make stuff out of precious metals and brass, copper etc...

piedmontfields

Thank you, Ponichiwa! I agree that the break is helpful. I think it's mostly me that is getting more clear and precise with my expectations---even in the simplest work. Maybe what I achieved in 2015 is that I'm no longer willing to be tolerant of Emi being crooked or unconnected LOL. To straightness...

piedmontfields

We are in. And I agree that this is a tough time of year to just get the rides in, even with an indoor. Emi is still gaining back strength from a PSSM relapse in November. And she is also recovering from an abscess--ugh. But she is finally feeling better and we actually did a little actual work last...

piedmontfields

I'm sure the pointer boys would like your Springer..they appreciate all floppy eared hunting dogs! And they would let Kirby do the fetching while they fun way too far a muck in search of birds.

piedmontfields

Nice update and photos! If the trainer has a public site/videos, I would love a link so I can explore.

FYI, I started my riding education at a working western barn and I think it provided an excellent foundation for me for a lot of dressage concepts.

piedmontfields

Congratulations and good luck on the pony mad genes! Love her name.

piedmontfields

Wonderful photos! I have field-bred English Pointers and they are similarly crazy over snow balls (which only occur once or twice a year where I live):

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piedmontfields

I am somewhat handy (mostly by using my brain rather than my weak fingers), but my DH is insanely handy. He can really fix just about anything.

Since he is now in management and doesn't get to play engineer as much at work, he likes to do it at home. I'm very lucky.

piedmontfields

OMG, Mountaineer! I can just picture the "regular" trauma of holiday + vacationer trash, even without the flames and frozen aftermath!!! I feel for you and your neighbors...when I am having one of those "tennessee days", I am always going off on people's inability to control thei...

piedmontfields

Ursula is beautiful! Glad you will be sharing your lives.

piedmontfields

Another vote for Lyon. We had a lovely week there this fall. Annecy is also beautiful and relaxing. For a winter break, I recommend Marseille (lively music and art scene) or Aix (beautiful college town) in France or a more southern area of Spain (Sevilla, etc.). Go south! It is brutally hot in much ...

piedmontfields

We need new photos of your beautiful boy! Glad he is doing well.

piedmontfields

OP, where are you located? That will make a big difference on pricing, as some areas are over run with mission furniture. Also, do note that this style is much less popular than it was 15-20 years ago nation-wide (although I still really like it!).

Sure you can't keep it?

piedmontfields

My concerns with Calf Manna and a horse who might be prone to being IR (many individuals of Iberian breeds are) would be about the corn, hominy and oats. Both are fairly high sugar carbs (high in NSCs) compared to alfalfa (which is quite low). Some horses are soy sensitive. Not all. Seems to be more...

piedmontfields

I ride in Dublin Zeniths all the time *gasp* (5 days/week, still schooling 2nd and 3rd, so not that serious!!). However, the Dublin leather is soft and they will not make your lower leg stiff like a dress boot. I'm fine with that. I also ride with a fairly large stirrup, so that foot bed size is not...

piedmontfields

I agree that I am also deepening my understanding and appreciation of how the basics make "the fun stuff" possible/easy.

piedmontfields

Be safe y'all! You have had an intense stretch.

piedmontfields

My people in this category like when I make fat donations in their name to their favorite charities (which are different from my favorites!).

piedmontfields

Consider this an invitation to reflect and appreciate what the last year's training experiences have brought to you and your horse(s). Did you pursue specific goals? How did it go? Did you explore different training approaches or strategies? What was the outcome? What were unexpected accomplishment ...

piedmontfields

Just sending my thoughts out to those having a hard time. I think it has been a very rough year for a lot of people--especially over the last several months! I truly hope all in your worlds evolve and improve soon, expensive or not. 2016 isn't far away....

piedmontfields

Hugs to you, and congratulations on a beautiful exit for your darling.

piedmontfields

I have Dublin Zeniths, which I think are no longer made (but one can still find them for sale sometimes). I have two pairs, actually, because they are so comfortable!

They are not super warm (I live in the mid-south!), but are fairly toasty compared to non-insulated boots.

piedmontfields

My mom loves the L'Occitane shea butter lotion.

I am a fan of Andalou products: https://andalou.com/
Whole Foods and many natural grocers sell them.

piedmontfields

no.stirrups, I apologize for mis-reading your remarks. I have seen some of what you described, but not by any decent trainer/rider (IMO). The tempo controls the balance and the mind. If a horse tends to hurry or lose balance or be unsettled, ride under. If they lack reaction then moments over. (Swim...

piedmontfields

Poor no.stirrups.

piedmontfields

What a wonderful update. Celebrate well!!

piedmontfields

Have fun trying on your new name! You will know when it is the right one.

I love our farm name ("Pinefall"). While it was based on a specific geographic place and weather event, it turned out to suit our next farm, too. Our logo (from back when we sold farm products) is a leaning pine tree.

piedmontfields

I am taking your question at face value. When a horse is "running", they are not forward and they are not in front of the leg. A horse who tends to get quicker as an evasion and when out of balance can benefit from learning to work slightly under tempo. Sometimes this is necessary in one g...

piedmontfields

Laughing Moon Farm

The right name will come to you!

piedmontfields

Poor Paws.

That is all the advice I can offer.

piedmontfields

I encourage you all to pursue your holiday plots! I do want do a riding/training trip to Portugal in the next year or two. I was thinking in the fall, but actually winter could work well a la Kelo. My DH and I went to Seville and southern Spain last year for holiday and really enjoyed it. Lots of ho...

piedmontfields

So very sorry for the awful news. My deepest condolences to you and the family.

piedmontfields

I am hooked on this show.

Jordan, the guy from Kentucky with the Adele-like voice, is unbelievable. And he needs to win so that he gets out of Kentucky alive.

I agree that Emily Ann is very, very good. She is from Knoxville (near me) and has gotten a lot of local coverage.

piedmontfields

Think about what you want to achieve: Your derelict renter gone and out of your property? Your derelict renter punished?

Think about how you want to spend your time and energy, too.

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