Search found 152 matches

by tlkidding
Thu Jun 08, 2023 6:50 pm
Forum: For Sale!
Topic: Annual cleanout - breeches, pads and more!
Replies: 2
Views: 3530

Re: Annual cleanout - breeches, pads and more!

Any of this still available? Interested in more pictures of: Two LeMieux carbon mesh size L white dressage pads. Only used for shows/clinics and washed with OxyClean. $60 each or $100 for both. Schneider's wool blend navy quarter sheet. New with tags, but has been to the barn and has a few bits of h...
by tlkidding
Thu Nov 17, 2022 8:26 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

That's a blast from the past! I haven't used Red Cell since the 90s :lol: She's getting two quarts of Strategy (or, something comparable at the new barn — I need to check that label :oops: ), electrolytes, and probiotics, plus I've had her on SmartCalm pellets for years now. And, prior to moving he...
by tlkidding
Mon Aug 01, 2022 8:51 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Riding Grand Prix
Replies: 12
Views: 1812

Re: Riding Grand Prix

The GP test is all about transitions. School endless transitions of all the types that are in the test. If you miss a transition, it will kill your next move and because things come so fast, the miss can bleed into the next several moves. Always make sure you have access to a half halt and a medium ...
by tlkidding
Mon Aug 01, 2022 8:43 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Thoughts on this video?
Replies: 21
Views: 2731

Re: Thoughts on this video?

I totally see this video for the riders who are super wishy-washy with their aids and don't have a strong or stable position. Also those who "follow" too much with the elbows and hands - like they immediately toss away the connection once the horse touches the bit or comes round. A lot of ...
by tlkidding
Mon Aug 01, 2022 8:29 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Getting a horse used to spurs
Replies: 14
Views: 1515

Re: Getting a horse used to spurs

I would definitely try Chisamba's recommendation of putting them on at the end of the ride. Even literally at the end at the halt, then touch and relax and dismount. I'd also try wearing them on hacking days - that's how I introduced the double bridle so the only thing the horse had to deal with at ...
by tlkidding
Thu Mar 31, 2022 6:46 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Rehab strategy and program for illness rather than injury
Replies: 8
Views: 1627

Re: Rehab strategy and program for illness rather than injury

I would work your way up to 30 min continuous walk before adding trot and I'd continue at least 30 min of walk each ride as you are adding trot. If you have trails, I'd just do a lot of walking around and if there are hills, even better. Increase only one of the following at a time - duration or int...
by tlkidding
Wed Mar 02, 2022 5:38 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: The video thread
Replies: 239
Views: 38086

Re: The video thread

For the "rolling downhill" canter, I found doing half steps, then into canter, then walk and half steps really helped keep the shoulders up in the canter and reminded my horse he had hind legs that could be under his body. I think if you and the horse find changing the balance hard while c...
by tlkidding
Mon Jan 31, 2022 10:01 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: dealing with stickiness
Replies: 20
Views: 3247

Re: dealing with stickiness

I'm learning that MM's forgiving nature actually makes her a harder horse to ride correctly. there is no immediate consequence for getting sloppy or doing the wrong thing, so it's easy to not realize it right away. Compared to an RP where if I don't have a half halt, we're running. If he's not supp...
by tlkidding
Mon Jan 31, 2022 9:12 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: dealing with stickiness
Replies: 20
Views: 3247

Re: dealing with stickiness

I deal with the same thing in upwards transitions between gaits and similar in the lateral work, although we a just starting to learn it with my 4 y/old. It's because he's not thinking "forward" all the time, and then when I add complexity, even if it's just adding leg to change gaits, he ...
by tlkidding
Thu Oct 21, 2021 8:49 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: staying slow in the medium trot
Replies: 34
Views: 6066

Re: staying slow in the medium trot

blob, can you get the baby passage and then hold the bounce and add leg and get like 2-3 strides of a "huge" passage? Also, don't get too hung up on the speed of the medium - we always definitely sped up but still got 7s for them at Third+, with a horse that's a 7-7.5 in gaits generally. R...
by tlkidding
Wed Oct 20, 2021 8:07 pm
Forum: Veterinary, Nutrition, Grooming & Farrier Questions
Topic: Hives
Replies: 16
Views: 3618

Re: Hives

Have you tried rinsing him off with a cup of white vinegar in a small bucket of water? If that helps clear up the hives, then you know it's a contact allergy versus something he's consuming. My horse gets hives from the mud/dirt if we've had a dry spell and then rain and he rolls. If it's muddy and ...
by tlkidding
Wed Oct 20, 2021 8:03 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: staying slow in the medium trot
Replies: 34
Views: 6066

Re: staying slow in the medium trot

I should have caveated that my posts above are specific to the type of horse that Queso is: absolutely the bestest boy without question, but also somewhat limited in his shoulder mobility with a (slightly) downhill build. MM also does not have a ton of shoulder mobility. She has an active hind end,...
by tlkidding
Thu Oct 07, 2021 4:45 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Tesla's stops and spin outs
Replies: 113
Views: 21072

Re: Tesla's stops and spin outs

I commiserate StraightForward. I "broke" the left lead canter a few weeks ago on my 4 year old. Then I had to spend 2 weeks getting the left lead canter by throwing the reins away and basically "running" him into by asking for more and more trot. I also had to reward and be happy...
by tlkidding
Mon Aug 30, 2021 4:38 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: How do YOU develop half-pass?
Replies: 19
Views: 4327

Re: How do YOU develop half-pass?

For not enough bend, I abandon the HP and do a SI or a 8/10m volte. Also if there's not enough bend, that usually means I don't have enough inside leg...For not enough sideways, I switch the bend to a LY for a few steps. And if none of my corrects seem to be helping, the biggest help is to go back t...
by tlkidding
Wed Aug 18, 2021 1:46 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Lets talk about stretching for the mid-upper level lads and lassies (for real this time)
Replies: 23
Views: 5087

Re: Lets talk about stretching for the mid-upper level lads and lassies (for real this time)

With my upper level horse, I do a stretchy walk for 8-10 minutes at the beginning and then move into lateral work and then trot and canter in a 3rd level sort of frame. All of our breaks are on a long rein, and if he's especially tight or spooky, it'll be more of an extended/stretchy walk into some ...
by tlkidding
Tue Jun 29, 2021 1:23 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Tongue Issue With 4-Year Old - Help
Replies: 9
Views: 3010

Re: Tongue Issue With 4-Year Old - Help

the in hand chewing exercise is useful for this. Can you describe this again? Is this the "lift one side of the bit to the corner of the mouth" exercise? Thanks! that is what I meant. you lift the bit and when he uses his tongue normally, you release so if you are riding and he sticks his...
by tlkidding
Mon Jun 28, 2021 1:29 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Tongue Issue With 4-Year Old - Help
Replies: 9
Views: 3010

Re: Tongue Issue With 4-Year Old - Help

The vet check was unexciting but might explain why he first tried sticking his tongue out. He had a cap on each side that just came off, which could be slightly uncomfortable. The other thing is she could feel small bumps where his canines will erupt (which may take a while yet). I wonder if he was ...
by tlkidding
Mon Jun 28, 2021 1:21 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Tongue Issue With 4-Year Old - Help
Replies: 9
Views: 3010

Re: Tongue Issue With 4-Year Old - Help

Chisamba wrote:the in hand chewing exercise is useful for this.


Can you describe this again? Is this the "lift one side of the bit to the corner of the mouth" exercise? Thanks!
by tlkidding
Fri Jun 25, 2021 3:59 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Tongue Issue With 4-Year Old - Help
Replies: 9
Views: 3010

Tongue Issue With 4-Year Old - Help

My 4-year old gelding just started sticking his tongue out under saddle the last 4 rides. I had a bit fitting and am waiting for my backordered but but in the meantime, had switched from a happy mouth mullen to a KK double jointed bradoon. I knew there was too much play with double jointed bits but ...
by tlkidding
Mon Jun 14, 2021 4:49 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: training spanish walk
Replies: 9
Views: 2935

Re: training spanish walk

I did some clicker training and voice command of "up" and held the whip right in front of the leg just above the knee. When his leg touched the whip, click and treat. Eventually I moved the whip further away from the front of the leg to get him to lift the forearm more before he touched th...
by tlkidding
Wed Jun 09, 2021 9:53 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Bits and spurs
Replies: 51
Views: 10089

Re: Bits and spurs

I bought RP an anatomical crown piece that was much cheaper than the whole bridle and then just strapped on the noseband and cheek pieces from my previous bridle. Happy horse, happy wallet. Can you tell me more about the brand, model, size, and where you ordered. I looked briefly online for a store...
by tlkidding
Wed Jun 09, 2021 8:43 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Bits and spurs
Replies: 51
Views: 10089

Re: Bits and spurs

I just had my first bit fitting last night for my 4 year old gelding. He is very mouthy and seemed very insecure about the bit from the first time I put one in his mouth last year. I started him in a double jointed happy mouth but he would grab it and gnaw with his molars. We then went to different ...
by tlkidding
Fri Apr 30, 2021 8:03 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: how often do you work your horses?
Replies: 14
Views: 4023

Re: how often do you work your horses?

I have an late teens upper level horse with a lot of arthritis that gets worked 4x per week for 30-45 minutes (15 min walk warm up every time). I stepped him down from 5 days a week last year and no longer work him more than 2 days in a row as he got stiffer and more sore. One of his rides each week...
by tlkidding
Thu Apr 08, 2021 12:21 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Tesla's stops and spin outs
Replies: 113
Views: 21072

Re: Tesla's stops and spin outs

Is it just mares that do this? Tesla is about the 5th horse I've heard of that does the big stops and they've all been mares. No, my coming 4 year old WB gelding left the outdoor 4 times last night and spent the whole time we were tracking right aiming the left shoulder to the exits. :cry: I tried ...
by tlkidding
Mon Apr 05, 2021 4:55 pm
Forum: Veterinary, Nutrition, Grooming & Farrier Questions
Topic: Hoof supplements?
Replies: 12
Views: 4033

Re: Hoof supplements?

Thanks, Tanga, very helpful! What about amounts? I'm trying to compare based on what he will be getting of those three in other formats. He's about to start a ration balancer that will get him 75mgs of copper, 225 mgs of zinc, and 5mgs of biotin. I will need to look up amounts for hoof support, but...
by tlkidding
Mon Apr 05, 2021 4:50 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Tesla's stops and spin outs
Replies: 113
Views: 21072

Re: Tesla's stops and spin outs

SF, is she doing it near the arena gate? You do say she does it anywhere in the arena, but is it usually when she's turning away from the gate or getting further from friends? My coming 4 year old WB does something very similar and he's not a naturally forward thinking horse. When he hits his pressu...
by tlkidding
Thu Apr 01, 2021 3:20 pm
Forum: Veterinary, Nutrition, Grooming & Farrier Questions
Topic: Hoof avulsion
Replies: 11
Views: 3376

Re: Hoof avulsion

Depending on the location, you may need to get xrays to make sure it didn't do any damage to the coffin bone. For the hoof injuries I've seen that penetrated far enough to bleed, the vets said it had to stay clean and dry, so possibly stall rest may be required. Preventing infection is really import...
by tlkidding
Tue Mar 23, 2021 3:26 pm
Forum: Veterinary, Nutrition, Grooming & Farrier Questions
Topic: Equine insurance
Replies: 14
Views: 3949

Re: Equine insurance

I have just mortality (it usually also covers up to $7000 colic surgery) and have for years, as low as $15,000 and high of $25,000 value coverage. I did have MM + mortality and got reimbursed for a medical colic treated on the farm and ulcer treatment. After this issue, he was no longer covered for ...
by tlkidding
Mon Mar 15, 2021 8:44 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: shoes and performance
Replies: 61
Views: 17645

Re: shoes and performance

Yes, all good thoughts! Though, it's a bit of a challenge as I don't think she actually IS more comfortable with the front shoes. We had no soundness or discomfort issues without shoes, this was more to see if it helped with performance. And I thinkt he hind shoes did, it's just the front shoes I&q...
by tlkidding
Fri Feb 26, 2021 4:36 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Moutaineer's horse shopping thread.
Replies: 242
Views: 49824

Re: Moutaineer's horse shopping thread.

I'd ask frankly what is up with the inconsistent scores. And I'd also look for pain - if it's at a certain level of work it could be hind end (hocks, suspensories, etc.) due to the increased collection or neck/back due to the change in posture required. I have a spooky horse but he's generally bette...
by tlkidding
Mon Feb 01, 2021 6:37 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: "Helpful" neighbor.
Replies: 10
Views: 4034

Re: "Helpful" neighbor.

Did she throw a flake to each horse or piles and piles? Also, did she know you were coming out for sure and on time? Did she already know in detail about horses with special diets? I could see thinking there's a chance you might not make it out or not until later and tossing some hay in bad weather....
by tlkidding
Thu Jan 28, 2021 6:43 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Sitting trot
Replies: 29
Views: 7118

Re: Sitting trot

I think you need more positive tension in your core and legs - like the core engagement described by Chisamba. I notice that once your aids are on for a movement and the horse is complying, your seat is quieter - see a few steps in the SI and the whole HP. Is he always so light in the reins? Can you...
by tlkidding
Thu Jan 28, 2021 6:19 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Guess the Score
Replies: 51
Views: 16955

Re: Guess the Score

Do they use the same numbering system for scoring gaits? What score number does and average mover get? I think average mover with 3 clear gaits should be around a 6.5 for most judges. Sometimes they'll score you down if they feel like you are stifling the gaits. Some judges also have "types&qu...
by tlkidding
Thu Jan 28, 2021 6:16 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Guess the Score
Replies: 51
Views: 16955

Re: Guess the Score

I've had rides like this (or judging like this). There's one judge I would prefer not to ride under because she doesn't like my horses' type. On the other hand, there's a judge who absolutely loves him and over scores us. And then others who are accurate and fair. If everyone was scoring lower than ...
by tlkidding
Wed Jan 27, 2021 8:48 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: When do you consider a horse dangerous?
Replies: 47
Views: 9739

Re: When do you consider a horse dangerous?

I've always said about @sshole horses "put 'em in with the mares. They'll straighten him out." LOL I honestly believe the only reason my 17.2h gelding never put up much of a fight with me is he always thought I was like one of the broodmares he was turned out with for a few years. They'd ...
by tlkidding
Wed Jan 27, 2021 5:31 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: When do you consider a horse dangerous?
Replies: 47
Views: 9739

Re: When do you consider a horse dangerous?

Just wondering, is this horse in 24/7 turnout in a pen or in a several acre pasture with a herd? Because if he's defensive about his space and his "pen" is his home, I can see why he'd still be defensive. But if he's got several acres and a herd with a good leader, there would be plenty of...
by tlkidding
Wed Jan 27, 2021 5:02 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Moutaineer's horse shopping thread.
Replies: 242
Views: 49824

Re: Moutaineer's horse shopping thread.

I do not love that PRE - there's almost no contact at the trot (probably the reason we don't see any lateral work) and at the canter with more contact, it looks tight, possibly heavy, and he's quick to drop his sternum and unload behind. I like Bivemmo - consistent, looks easy, if not yet able to tr...
by tlkidding
Wed Jan 20, 2021 7:54 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Ideas for out of shape rider, but mentally engaging
Replies: 27
Views: 6116

Re: Ideas for out of shape rider, but mentally engaging

A lot of the leg exercises end up working quads more than glutes because it's such a large and strong muscle group. I like the Les Mills CX class - you can find a bunch of them on YouTube and look for ones that are 30 minutes. The glute exercises they use really don't let you cheat much. For your ca...
by tlkidding
Thu Dec 17, 2020 8:53 pm
Forum: Veterinary, Nutrition, Grooming & Farrier Questions
Topic: What would you do?
Replies: 14
Views: 4884

Re: What would you do?

If they are late within the stride and not late as in the front leg lands before the hind has started changing, I don't think it's a big deal. Is it one direction mostly? Does the horse do them clean free lunging or in the pasture? If they are not clean when the horse does them on their own, then I'...
by tlkidding
Mon Dec 07, 2020 2:39 pm
Forum: Young Horse Forum and Breeding and Registries
Topic: Class of 2016, am I the only one?
Replies: 31
Views: 16167

Re: Class of 2016, am I the only one?

I have to laugh about the concerns regarding distractions though please don't get me wrong I'm all for setting oneself up for a win and staying safe. It seems like every time I get on Brandon the neighbor (reining trainer) has his leaf blower running, or snapping his whip lunging horses, etc, my do...
by tlkidding
Sat Dec 05, 2020 5:14 pm
Forum: Young Horse Forum and Breeding and Registries
Topic: Class of 2016, am I the only one?
Replies: 31
Views: 16167

Re: Class of 2016, am I the only one?

I only rode her in the RP 3-4 times and then moved to the indoor, which is only 60'x120' and then to the outdoor around ride #10. Our outdoor is probably 100'x200' and she is much more willing to go forward out there, and knowing she came with the Whoah button pre-installed, it's not too risky Our ...
by tlkidding
Fri Dec 04, 2020 6:00 pm
Forum: Young Horse Forum and Breeding and Registries
Topic: Class of 2016, am I the only one?
Replies: 31
Views: 16167

Re: Class of 2016, am I the only one?

We are coming along slowly. Tesla hit a rough patch of growing roots and refusing to go forward along with a few rides where she reared, so I had to adjust my tactics and we seem to be slowly getting back on course. She does not appreciate being asked to go in our small indoor arena, and with winte...
by tlkidding
Wed Nov 11, 2020 5:27 pm
Forum: Veterinary, Nutrition, Grooming & Farrier Questions
Topic: Joint support/maintenance
Replies: 15
Views: 4826

Re: Joint support/maintenance

I talked to my vet and he said besides joint injections, Adequan, and Legend, he would recommend Cosequin ASU as that has decent scientific research behind it. The rest of the feed throughs have no scientific proof of absorption, efficacy, etc. in horses. I do feed MSM as a general anti-inflammatory...
by tlkidding
Wed Oct 21, 2020 7:48 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Rider confidence
Replies: 38
Views: 7319

Re: Rider confidence

Take what you said about being more analytical but don't use it on yourself during the ride, use it to analyze the horse's reaction - try to think more as a trainer (even during lessons) and less as a rider/student. Yes you are a student and learning, but you are learning so you can train the horse ...
by tlkidding
Fri Sep 04, 2020 6:29 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: All about piaffe
Replies: 68
Views: 19261

Re: All about piaffe

If anyone has any ideas on passage I'm all ears. Rip looks like he will be challenging in this as well, thought about taking him out in my hay fields full of deep grass to encourage those steps. Tall grass and water are both good. I did some very basic spanish walk clicker training to teach full ar...
by tlkidding
Thu Sep 03, 2020 2:00 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: All about piaffe
Replies: 68
Views: 19261

Re: All about piaffe

TK I'm sorry about your older guy developing knee arthritis. I had one that I ended up euthanizing because she had such poor ROM in both knees from advanced djd. Didn't you buy a lovely young WB? Good memory! I have a now 3 year old Hann that I started under saddle. We've been on the struggle bus b...
by tlkidding
Wed Sep 02, 2020 8:53 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Guess the vet bill
Replies: 45
Views: 9898

Re: Guess the vet bill

I get a farm call and emergency fee. They'll split the farm call if there's multiple customers at the facility, but in an emergency, it's probably always going to be the full amount. The emergency call is always the full amount for an after hours/weekend visit.

I will guess $330 for the appointment.
by tlkidding
Wed Sep 02, 2020 8:24 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: All about piaffe
Replies: 68
Views: 19261

Re: All about piaffe

Clicker training helped me with the beginning. I started the piaffe with the clicker and my horse up against the wall and picking up one hind after another with a tap, click, treat. Then I got the diagonal pairs to lift together, but I was never able to get it quick enough and moving without him blo...
by tlkidding
Mon Aug 24, 2020 3:46 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Suggestions for a horse who really runs during flying changes
Replies: 15
Views: 4798

Re: Suggestions for a horse who really runs during flying changes

Echoing Blob and Dresseur suggestions - I've used them all. In addition to a true figure 8, I've also done a figure 8 in the short end, so you canter through the short end and start a 20 m circle. Before you cross center line on the open side of the circle, turn back toward the short end, get straig...
by tlkidding
Thu Aug 20, 2020 9:01 pm
Forum: Veterinary, Nutrition, Grooming & Farrier Questions
Topic: Best Deworming Routine for High Shedder?
Replies: 11
Views: 4277

Re: Best Deworming Routine for High Shedder?

You may still need to PowerPac after a high fecal count, but you need to do the recommended Quest Plus or Equimax at the appropriate time of the year, do the fecal at the right time (definitely not right after deworming), and if you PowerPac, you might need to do another fecal X weeks after to see i...

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