DefinitelyDressage.com

exvet

Manni, I found your second point about the not just being able to use the correct aids but the how much and when, to be critical for a horse to truly understand and accept the point being made. Today I had a lesson that was really much to do about that. We went for an hour teaching Junior to not onl...

exvet

My coach returned from Florida just before the recognized show. We discussed what occurred during the Heather Blitz clinic and she observed my two tests at the show. I respect the choice to use draw reins though I still choose not to do so in my case. Fortunately Junior does not have any tendency to...

exvet

I'm so sorry khall. I do completely understand the roller coaster ride you're going through from the stress and sadness to the relief that their suffering is done. The hardest part for us was that we were continuously told different things by the hospice nurses in regards to my father's condition an...

exvet

(It was when I was doing my refresher in course design) . The lesson learned by that particular incident was if you walk your course after an event, tape measure in hand, you learn even more from the hoofprints about how distances can ride very differently than the designer considered. I do not do ...

exvet

Thank you demi. I am tentatively planning on a showing the same tests at a recognized show in March. If I do we'll see if there's any improvement. I hope I'll be able to get videos of those some or all of those rides. I'm happy for his obedience in the tests of this most recent show. Now, I need to ...

exvet

Glad you're alright StraightForward. I too probably would have bailed if I thought a bolt was coming. Hope your weather improves soon so you can get out and have more pleasant rides.

exvet

I had a lesson today that focused entirely on getting Junior into the contact, engaging the hind end and coming over the back at all 3 gaits. The key for my little fire engine/fire plug was to slow the momentum down significantly and demand perfect transitions at all times. I would not accept a tran...

exvet

Oh I'm not surprised at all. I walked away from that world for many reasons and some of it had to do with the direction of where it was going. I don't doubt that there are those who are actively taught this but at some point I don't know how you wouldn't absorb some of it if you're paying any attent...

exvet

So exvet would you know what distance to put a ground pole to increase bascule, or teach the horse to rock back? how about how to adjust the distance in a gymnastic to teach a horse to not chip in? would you set up a trot in gymnastic the same as a canter in, or walk in gymnastic? what stride do yo...

exvet

I guess I'm being obtuse or just stupid. I have taken it for granted that if you learn to walk the distances (so that you're measuring them by your stride/foot) and to count a horse's stride, one is also inadvertently learning how to measure lines and should in theory be able to set up gymnastic lin...

exvet

Actually when you ride ponies in hunter it's imperative you be able to count strides between fences, know and BE ABLE to put the exact count of strides between the fences and find/make that perfect 'spot' for take off otherwise you are not in the ribbons. In jumpers you're measuring off distances in...

exvet

I think the theory is lacking. I can only speak about how I learned and how it is commonly done in Australia of course, but I think maybe a lot of that theory and study is overlooked thesedays?? Yep I know the distances in a dressage arena (because I've set many out for clubs/comps - so painful) bu...

exvet

So, by absolute coincidence I saw a photo on Facebook that illustrates my problem. I am not sharing the photo, but I will describe it. The horse was intermediate A winner, in the awards ceremony, going forward, poll high nose ahead. Overall a pleasing picture with two minor exceptions. The horses h...

exvet

Thanks y'all. BTW, Junior is sporting his new roached look! I started braiding him Saturday night and between my arthritis, desire to keep things easier this time around and the fact that he inherited his dam's 'double' pony mane, I decided to pull out the clippers instead. He was a good boy conside...

exvet

Well we showed second level today and it wasn't great but it wasn't completely horrid either. When I came on to post this update I read my response to Linden after a previous show about focusing on riding through my corners more - well I still need to work on that one LOL. I need, no surprise to any...

exvet

Good Luck Kelo! You're going to have a virtual peanut gallery of well wishers for your ride! Sending healing vibes to all those two legged and four-legged who are recuperating. Well after my somewhat disappointing ride with Heather, I have the show tomorrow. They still haven't sent out or posted rid...

exvet

I remember years and years ago on the UDBB posting a video of my last mare and looking so forward to a discussion about it. One poster who I very much respected their opinion and vast experience simply stated that it looked like the horse had been ridden extensively in draw reins. I was crushed. Th...

exvet

In regards to the recommendations to consider using draw reins, y'all are right. Heather prefaced her comments with "I don't know what camp you're in but I'm not completely anti-draw reins. There are times where they can help but it has to be with a rider who knows how to use them. You're a goo...

exvet

So I guess I better report that I rode with Heather Blitz this evening. It was a bittersweet ride for the cost. She did give me some eye opening moments and targets in terms of what I need to do to get Junior really coming to the connection and staying there, no matter what. So for that reason alone...

exvet

Gosh exvet, showing isn't even a thought right now in this cold. Congrats on your good rides. Hows's the new bit? The jury is still out on ours. I think it's too big. It only comes in S, M, L, etc and we tried a S that rubbed him. So I got the M but it may be too big which is causing other issues a...

exvet

All the pictures and video clips are awesome. We have a productive and good looking group. I just scored a slot in an impromptu Heather Blitz clinic this Sunday. Can't wait!

exvet

My sincere condolences for your loss. He joins many great ones. Hugs to you as you heal.

exvet

I went to a schooling show this morning and was very happy with my two tests. A lady approached me after my two rides were done and first exclaimed on how 'scrumptious' my horse looks and how nicely paired we are. I was grateful for the compliments for sure. She then asked, "Is he always this p...

exvet

I too just bought a new bit. Still seeing if it's a winner or not. It seems like it is; but, we need a couple more rides to say for sure. Rode this morning second level test 1 and test 2 at a schooling show. Junior was the bomb scoring 67 and 66 this morning despite never having ridden test 2 in a d...

exvet

I must admit that I too have arrived to this point not just because of the miles I've spent in the saddle but because of my right sided weakness developed over the years from repetitive motion at the surgery table. I simply no longer have the strength in my upper body to muscle things through anymor...

exvet

Good luck with the coming weeks and quick recovery thoughts for your DH. I know exactly what you're going through and being the primary on such a project. All I can say is that you will get through this and what's meant to be will be. Once it's all done and behind you, there will actually be moments...

exvet

Somewhere along the way I got it stuck in my head that only perfect practice makes perfect performances; so, with that being stated I too am hyper-vigilant with straightness. I will not accept a dull, slow to respond horse nor one that blows off my requests to come back to me especially into my hand...

exvet

My heart too goes out to all those battling wild fires. Having been through evacuations and the like I can empathize with the stress, loss and devastation of it all. Keep safe. Junior and I have been building up his stamina in preparation of our schooling show this coming Saturday. I've been riding ...

exvet

I've prescribed apoquel for dogs. While it does seem to help many with the itching/scratching, it's not without its own set of risks.

exvet

I'm not one to push specific products; but, will comment on two/three items. First Vetricyn is a product I know well (partial disclosure ;)) and the spray delivery system has lessened a number of problems I use to see unintentionally started by a lot of good horse people. Second, with regards to all...

exvet

Be careful and cautious what topicals you put on wounds. I have found that the antibiotic ointments (emollients and other similar substrates) - anything in a tube or tub are wonderful media/cultures for bacteria despite their ingredients and purpose. First time use is fine but unless you're using re...

exvet

The only other thing I've deal with that behaved like this was snake bite; but, of course the puncture wounds that finally could be found after the swelling went down gave it away.

exvet

Pythiosis or swamp infection can look like this. True fungal infections can also take on this appearance though more often starts on the legs.

exvet

Now that we're finally drying out after two months of significant rain, I hope to fix my footing so that we can start using my arena more, riding at night so that I can finally ride 5-6 days a week. Currently I just ride on my days off; so basically just 4 days a week which includes my weekly lesson...

exvet

My hopes and dreams? Well, his name isn't Annwylid Dare to Dream for nothing......We're going to continue to focus on the training pyramid as we find those flying changes. So for 2020, my hope and dream is to be competing at third level by the end of the year. Suppleness, relaxation and responsivene...

exvet

No kidding! Where did the time go? As soon as our new/brighter lights were installed the desert got drowned. This is the first two consecutive days in weeks that it hasn't rained. So for that reason, my riding has been greatly curtailed. We have, though limited in actual ride time, continued to work...

exvet

Wanted to share a little about my lesson yesterday because it really was an eye opener for me. ... he doesn't like to abduct his left fore. This has caused some challenges with the simple changes in particular but all along it's been a constant realization that he likes to fall on to his left shoul...

exvet

Boy that was fast! Congratulations. I so know the stress having just gone through it with/for my mother. It will be so worth it once it's all over and behind you. I agree with others. I bet you'll have more time to ride and just do stuff you've always never had the time to do.

exvet

I'm getting ready to show in February so I'm going to be body clipping Junior again at the end of January. I've been keeping up with the blanketing struggle and he's tolerated it well. The one thing I did do was buy myself a Christmas present that I've wanted for DECADES; so, I finally did it. I bou...

exvet

Wanted to share a little about my lesson yesterday because it really was an eye opener for me. Since I began taking lessons with my current instructor/coach (someone I've watched grow up and develop her career over the last 20 years) she has often remarked that Junior has a habit of keeping his left...

exvet

I think you made a very sound decision and will be far better off and satisfied with 'the one' when you find him/her. I have bought off video and/or just pictures several times. HOWEVER I did so with having already developed a reputation within the breed circle and did so mostly from those I know ve...

exvet

This is rampant and really is part of the 'dressage' machine much like the hunter machine producing ponies (juniors) on up through generations of riders but mostly geared towards wealthy parents (some kids want to and learn to ride and many others are simply living their parents' dreams) and middle ...

exvet

Yup Chantal.....been there and still testing the waters. Today we worked on simple changes going around the arena in both directions, changing every 5-6 strides both leads. Junior is really starting to catch on and hopefully we'll be able to reduce the number of strides to 0 in due time. I've realiz...

exvet

I've dealt with both types of problems - cyst and neoplasia (malignant/cancer). Prognosis is very dependent on what type of cancer it is.

exvet

I think it's a nice photo Aleuronx. We too have been hampered with weather and unable to ride until this morning. I've been trying to get my footing sorted out. I finally had 'real' arena lights put in almost 2 weeks ago and now just waiting to dry out (ironic living in the desert but true) so that ...

exvet

I didn't go but I've been watching two of the more publicized discussions on the National Championships in terms of location issues and the addition of the Junior/YR classes. I think I read that they've amended the acceptable bit rule as well in terms of the Baucher (or at least one type) no longer ...

exvet

Welcome PR and have fun and relax Chancellor!

exvet

I'm very sorry to read of the health and weather challenges so many are having. I also can empathize with some of the training concerns that have been expressed of late. I hope that the holiday cheer will bring some relief and good things to all. We are still dealing with our 'waves' of rain. It see...

exvet

I had a really nice lesson yesterday. Junior stepped up to the plate and worked like a real dressage horse. For the lateral movements which consisted of shoulder in, traver and half-pass at the trot. I focused on the quality of the gaits, keeping my seat open, chest lifted AND my outside rein. It wa...

exvet

After the holiday (coach gone), several days of rain and cold weather where all we could do was trail ride due to the poor footing, I was able to get a lesson. It was fantastic! We first just warmed up and experimented with some long and low to see if we could get Junior to loosen up his back. At fi...

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