Search found 2738 matches

by piedmontfields
Sat Dec 18, 2021 1:15 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Dig out the winter gear and finish strong: November/December Goals and Progress
Replies: 386
Views: 49911

Re: Dig out the winter gear and finish strong: November/December Goals and Progress

Thinking of everyone with recent dear animal friend losses. It is just hard---no matter how long we've had the pleasure of their company. Sue, your tale of Jack especially resonates. They truly know! Very sorry to hear that Tanga needed to leave this life. You will miss her, tanga. Exvet, that's a g...
by piedmontfields
Fri Dec 17, 2021 2:06 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Dig out the winter gear and finish strong: November/December Goals and Progress
Replies: 386
Views: 49911

Re: Dig out the winter gear and finish strong: November/December Goals and Progress

I too feel immense gratitude for you all and for you sharing your journey with your equine partner(s). While there are training principles and approaches that we all work with, I love that we also have unique experiences and appreciations of what we learn along the way. I've been meaning to write th...
by piedmontfields
Thu Dec 16, 2021 1:01 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Dig out the winter gear and finish strong: November/December Goals and Progress
Replies: 386
Views: 49911

Re: Dig out the winter gear and finish strong: November/December Goals and Progress

To follow on the WB vs. QH/Iberian/short back types: Thanks, Ponichiwa. I, too, am a total fan of "leg yield"/plié at the canter for separating the hinds and changing the SI understanding in the horse. Also love simple walk pirouettes and walk shoulder in /travers / half pass as a relative...
by piedmontfields
Sat Dec 11, 2021 12:46 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Dig out the winter gear and finish strong: November/December Goals and Progress
Replies: 386
Views: 49911

Re: Dig out the winter gear and finish strong: November/December Goals and Progress

As usual, lots of interesting discussion here when I finally come by to catch up! I'm another one of the rest/easy work near scary things---once we establish basic trust that the scary thing is not literally going to eat us. I have a sensitive, fairly spooky mare and it does not work to push her int...
by piedmontfields
Wed Dec 08, 2021 5:46 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Dig out the winter gear and finish strong: November/December Goals and Progress
Replies: 386
Views: 49911

Re: Dig out the winter gear and finish strong: November/December Goals and Progress

[quote="khall"]Piedmont it’s a completely different feel to it. /quote]

Yes, it feels different. But it is, in my view, just different sides of a speed evasion! Kind of like being unable to bend and too bendy are different sides of a crookedness evasion.
by piedmontfields
Tue Dec 07, 2021 11:15 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Dig out the winter gear and finish strong: November/December Goals and Progress
Replies: 386
Views: 49911

Re: Dig out the winter gear and finish strong: November/December Goals and Progress

I tend to think of both being sluggy/behind the leg and rushing as the same evasion: speed. But it's true that we go through Jekyll and Hyde experiences to refuse and re-shape these evasions!
by piedmontfields
Tue Dec 07, 2021 11:11 am
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Dressage today on demand, ridely app, others?
Replies: 6
Views: 1762

Re: Dressage today on demand, ridely app, others?

Totally get not wanting to subscribe to something not really your approach. FYI: There are lots of short clips of JJ's videos on her Team Tate TV Facebook group---that is probably the easiest way to browse and get a feel of her approach. A new video preview is posted each week. She also has options ...
by piedmontfields
Sun Dec 05, 2021 11:52 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Dressage today on demand, ridely app, others?
Replies: 6
Views: 1762

Re: Dressage today on demand, ridely app, others?

I've used the DT video service. There are some gems in there but it is a bit hit and miss.But I do think it is pretty good value if you dig in and watch a lot of hours. As you may remember, I really like JJ Tate (based in Landrum and Wellington). She has her own video program/series and it really wo...
by piedmontfields
Sun Dec 05, 2021 11:34 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Dig out the winter gear and finish strong: November/December Goals and Progress
Replies: 386
Views: 49911

Re: Dig out the winter gear and finish strong: November/December Goals and Progress

I totally relate to the relationship description from exvet! After all, many of us are in it for the long haul, figuring out our horse partners and ourselves along the way. Flight, the bridleless tip is a great reminder. I ride one handed in a bridle when I feel "blockage" that I'm not sor...
by piedmontfields
Fri Dec 03, 2021 1:33 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Dig out the winter gear and finish strong: November/December Goals and Progress
Replies: 386
Views: 49911

Re: Dig out the winter gear and finish strong: November/December Goals and Progress

Hey blob---we all know you are a skilled horseperson and have a lot of tools for MM. But I just wanted to say that I totally get that some horses can have a set of reactions/patterns that are their go-to and it is easy to fall into their rabbit hole and experience a lot of frustration. I have had ti...
by piedmontfields
Thu Dec 02, 2021 5:52 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Teaching a horse to breathe through work?
Replies: 17
Views: 3513

Re: Teaching a horse to breathe through work?

This is a very interesting question! I will share that I observed a Suzanne von Dietz clinic where she taught riders to try out different sounds to see what effect the sound had on themselves or their horse. Things like hissing, sh sh sh sounds, huff huff huff sounds. It varied quite a bit by horse ...
by piedmontfields
Thu Dec 02, 2021 5:49 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: My "new" horse
Replies: 21
Views: 4679

Re: My "new" horse

Congratulations on your pocket rocket! She looks super capable and eager.

Enjoy the journey.
by piedmontfields
Mon Nov 29, 2021 12:42 am
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: I guess I didn't have enough hobbies...
Replies: 14
Views: 3568

Re: I guess I didn't have enough hobbies...

(I admire fish-keeping and aquariums--but have no expertise)

I love that piece of amber from your past/regional wanderings, though, Straightforward!
by piedmontfields
Sun Nov 28, 2021 11:34 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Dig out the winter gear and finish strong: November/December Goals and Progress
Replies: 386
Views: 49911

Re: Dig out the winter gear and finish strong: November/December Goals and Progress

I’ve certainly been taking my time with Rocky (she’s 14 and I just now feel that I might be able to show first level :lol: ) But still, I’m excited about the effort she is giving me. And she is so happy about it. When I tell her”good girl”, often she’ll nicker. That is so cool! Emi loves being told...
by piedmontfields
Sun Nov 28, 2021 11:30 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Dig out the winter gear and finish strong: November/December Goals and Progress
Replies: 386
Views: 49911

Re: Dig out the winter gear and finish strong: November/December Goals and Progress

Still catching up! I just watched Quinn and Tanga's PSG test. First, I have to say: How awesome to ride and record in such a beautiful setting with such fabulous lighting! We all want this to happen on show/clinic day :-) I can totally imagine a lovely painting of Quinn dancing by the palm trees/und...
by piedmontfields
Sun Nov 28, 2021 11:30 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Dig out the winter gear and finish strong: November/December Goals and Progress
Replies: 386
Views: 49911

Re: Dig out the winter gear and finish strong: November/December Goals and Progress

Still catching up! I just watched Quinn and Tanga's PSG test. First, I have to say: How awesome to ride and record in such a beautiful setting with such fabulous lighting! We all want this to happen on show/clinic day :-) I can totally imagine a lovely painting of Quinn dancing by the palm trees/und...
by piedmontfields
Fri Nov 26, 2021 1:38 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Tips on improving the walk
Replies: 16
Views: 3226

Re: Tips on improving the walk

Chisamba wrote: rest is at the stretch trot or halt.


This is a great reminder! Totally agree.

I also avoid the alternate aids (actually, the seat alternate aid is the cue to come down to walk from trot for us). But I have a cold-hot horse and less is more at the beginning of the workout.
by piedmontfields
Thu Nov 25, 2021 2:39 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Dig out the winter gear and finish strong: November/December Goals and Progress
Replies: 386
Views: 49911

Re: Dig out the winter gear and finish strong: November/December Goals and Progress

So many awesome and awe-inspiring updates from the group. Thank you for sharing! Wishing you all a good holiday in the US and good season ahead. My mini update is that Emi is feeling more and more like a real horse. Her canter work keeps improving and her overall strength is well beyond where it was...
by piedmontfields
Thu Nov 25, 2021 2:34 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Tips on improving the walk
Replies: 16
Views: 3226

Re: Tips on improving the walk

My horse has an average walk. In fact, she did not walk when I got her--she only pranced! :lol: Improvement did come with tons of walking up/down hills and across slopes, plus very clear long rein walking mixed in with square turns and mini leg yields in the walk (ex. around a big circle). Trail rid...
by piedmontfields
Sat Nov 13, 2021 12:51 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Strategies for managing new found power
Replies: 20
Views: 4293

Re: Strategies for managing new found power

That's a great update, khall! You can do canter slinky shapes down the long side too---only going straight/shoulder-fore when you feel her on your seat. Whenever she skips ahead, it's circle time. I also love mixing in circles with shoulder-fore/towards shoulder in to half pass to 10 m circle. All u...
by piedmontfields
Tue Nov 02, 2021 1:34 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Dig out the winter gear and finish strong: November/December Goals and Progress
Replies: 386
Views: 49911

Re: Dig out the winter gear and finish strong: November/December Goals and Progress

Seriously, you all are inspiring and encouraging! Thank you. I miss the ease and pleasure of Emi's canter. People used to say it was like we were floating calmly on a cloud when they saw us. Good canter is still hard work for her, post-injury, and I don't want to break her :shock: . But a bit more c...
by piedmontfields
Sat Oct 30, 2021 12:11 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: September - October goals and progress
Replies: 311
Views: 61199

Re: September - October goals and progress

I love the photos, Exvet! That was a great clinic/learning adventure. Back to the barn topic, I will share why I love my boarding barn and why it is expensive ;-) My mare has PSSM and is very cold sensitive. In part because of this, I don't clip her. But our staff remembers that and blankets/sheets ...
by piedmontfields
Fri Oct 29, 2021 12:25 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: September - October goals and progress
Replies: 311
Views: 61199

Re: September - October goals and progress

Ugh, Sue. Please keep us posted on Rudy's eye. He is in good hands but I know you/we worry! Susan, I'm so glad you have a nice option lined up for you and Kyra, plus a back-up if needed. Honestly, with my 19 yr old Emi (who still works 5x/week), I feel like a great barn is totally a reasonable choic...
by piedmontfields
Mon Oct 25, 2021 2:29 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: September - October goals and progress
Replies: 311
Views: 61199

Re: September - October goals and progress

I really appreciate the updates and clinic reports from all! Lots of good progress and inspiration in this group. I've only gotten to audit Lilo Fore over the years, but I really like her teaching. She is just very, very clear to me. I've audited Jeremy Steinberg a lot, too, and also ridden with him...
by piedmontfields
Mon Oct 25, 2021 2:05 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Strategies for managing new found power
Replies: 20
Views: 4293

Re: Strategies for managing new found power

How fun that you are having a great time with Gaila! Tons of great suggestions on this thread. I do the 8-10-15 m circles (depending on horse) down the long side exercise. It looks like overlapping circles, like an elongated slinky shape. Some horses take a while to "graduate" to going dow...
by piedmontfields
Thu Oct 21, 2021 10:36 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: staying slow in the medium trot
Replies: 34
Views: 6115

Re: staying slow in the medium trot

Wow, this is such a smart thread. Thank you all!

I'm of the shoulder-in is the entrance into medium out of medium and in between crowd, but it is totally due to the horse I ride :) I find that if I think about shoulder control/shoulder management, I've dealt with the base of the neck....
by piedmontfields
Thu Oct 21, 2021 10:32 pm
Forum: Young Horse Forum and Breeding and Registries
Topic: My last one
Replies: 17
Views: 4396

Re: My last one

Lovely! Wishing you a great journey with this young one. E N J O Y ! !
by piedmontfields
Fri Oct 08, 2021 1:49 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Rediscovering forwardness and impulsion
Replies: 22
Views: 4959

Re: Rediscovering forwardness and impulsion

I have sort of a hot and cold Lusitano mare, so I have some sense of the challenge! My mare is much more responsive to the movement of the whip (ex. showing it to her, flipping it side to side) than to the feel of the whip. In general, I have to be very dedicated to 1. adequate walking warm-up and 2...
by piedmontfields
Wed Oct 06, 2021 12:43 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Importance of barn neighbors (horses)
Replies: 8
Views: 2580

Re: Importance of barn neighbors (horses)

I agree with the try it with the understanding that it might not work out.

In my barn, some horses do fine with moving stalls on a semi-regular or seasonal basis. Others (like mine) do not. So instead mine deals with new neighbors on a semi-regular basis!
by piedmontfields
Sat Sep 25, 2021 11:32 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Helmet Awareness - 20% Off...
Replies: 11
Views: 2722

Re: Helmet Awareness - 20% Off...

I am a big fan of OneKs for fit, comfort and style! Need to order a back-up.
by piedmontfields
Sat Sep 25, 2021 11:31 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Does your farrier make an appt for the next time?
Replies: 25
Views: 5982

Re: Does your farrier make an appt for the next time?

Normally, yes. I have my mare trimmed every 5 weeks, sometimes 4 weeks in spring and summer. But my (barefoot) trimmer is someone who doesn't believe in vaccines and does embrace crazy conspiracy theories. So I never really know!?!/ (like today, he was supposed to have trimmed said mare but ??).... ...
by piedmontfields
Fri Sep 24, 2021 6:16 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: September - October goals and progress
Replies: 311
Views: 61199

Re: September - October goals and progress

There are so many jobs out there, Rye. In the midst of this intense period, recruitment of me (and my DH) has also been at an all-time high. Crazy times.
by piedmontfields
Fri Sep 24, 2021 2:47 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: September - October goals and progress
Replies: 311
Views: 61199

Re: September - October goals and progress

Thinking of you all with recent losses. Glad you were able to help your loved animals into the next realm. Fingers crossed for all healing and dealing! I'm excited for you all with intensified training/clinic/learning opportunities! I do miss that, even as I really don't have the time or horse for i...
by piedmontfields
Fri Sep 24, 2021 1:50 pm
Forum: Veterinary, Nutrition, Grooming & Farrier Questions
Topic: Changing my feeding program and looking for input..
Replies: 12
Views: 2878

Re: Changing my feeding program and looking for input..

For $60/horse per month, you should know what you are feeding!!

There are other good options out there that will reveal their ingredients. And some are cheaper (and fine).
by piedmontfields
Thu Sep 23, 2021 8:57 pm
Forum: Veterinary, Nutrition, Grooming & Farrier Questions
Topic: Changing my feeding program and looking for input..
Replies: 12
Views: 2878

Re: Changing my feeding program and looking for input..

In addition to Blob's excellent advice, I would suggest you test your hay. Worth doing with each major shipment if you buy your own. Many ag extension services will do it for free; otherwise, it is a nominal fee.
by piedmontfields
Sun Sep 19, 2021 9:44 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Tips on sitting a rough canter
Replies: 14
Views: 3210

Re: Tips on sitting a rough canter

Another vote for taking your horse (and the one you know best) to a clinic. You will learn more and it will have more long-lasting impact.
by piedmontfields
Wed Sep 15, 2021 11:22 pm
Forum: Veterinary, Nutrition, Grooming & Farrier Questions
Topic: best shine/shimmer shampoo or spray
Replies: 23
Views: 5377

Re: best shine/shimmer shampoo or spray

There is this product sold in the UK/other? that Equissentials Dressage swears by (their turnout of people and horses is to die for): https://www.facebook.com/groups/430160224475197 I'm sorry I can't remember the name! It's like a finishing product for shine. Different versions for different coat co...
by piedmontfields
Wed Sep 15, 2021 2:10 pm
Forum: Veterinary, Nutrition, Grooming & Farrier Questions
Topic: best shine/shimmer shampoo or spray
Replies: 23
Views: 5377

Re: best shine/shimmer shampoo or spray

I have a "white" grey who has a very pearlescent coat when clean. I honestly think diet/grooming has the most to do with it. I do not let stains stick around. I do feed Source (a seaweed supplement) as I think it helps both her skin/coat and hooves. That said, I rarely use "blue"...
by piedmontfields
Sun Sep 12, 2021 12:48 am
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Trying something new (update)
Replies: 21
Views: 6183

Re: Trying something new

Yet another great day on the water in higher elevation E TN. It's a juggle with the horse and work, but I and we love it!! So calming and meditative.
by piedmontfields
Sat Sep 11, 2021 12:26 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: canter adjustability
Replies: 36
Views: 5851

Re: canter adjustability

An interesting thread and good suggestions for exercises! Per Blob: " The issue is truly that I don't have a true collected canter that is under my control. I can canter close to on the spot for a few strides, so the ability to come forward and back is there. but I do not have the adjustability...
by piedmontfields
Mon Sep 06, 2021 10:25 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: September - October goals and progress
Replies: 311
Views: 61199

Re: September - October goals and progress

mari, I'm another one chiming in that Odin's changes look nice, easy and ho-hum! That's a pretty awesome accomplishment. Love the other updates. My goal for the coming months, which is my favorite time of year here as temps and humidity fall: Continue strength building! It's a long road back from a ...
by piedmontfields
Sun Sep 05, 2021 11:35 pm
Forum: Veterinary, Nutrition, Grooming & Farrier Questions
Topic: Encouraging drinking away from home
Replies: 13
Views: 2930

Re: Encouraging drinking away from home

If she is not on electrolytes, add before the show and continue (I like Apple-a-Day; I actually use it year round).

Consider providing a familiar salt block, too, in her show stall.

Other advice about flavors/home stuff is good.
by piedmontfields
Sun Sep 05, 2021 11:28 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: September - October goals and progress
Replies: 311
Views: 61199

Re: September - October goals and progress

Love reading the goals and updates. Thanks all! Our goal is truly just strength building. Emi has been cleared for canter for over a month, but it is still hard work. We're at 5 minutes of canter, 3-4 times per week and the expectation level is training/1st level frame (not much). Her trot work is m...
by piedmontfields
Thu Sep 02, 2021 12:03 am
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Trying something new (update)
Replies: 21
Views: 6183

Re: Trying something new

Indeed, we have several tenkara rods in addition to western rods!

Our last trip in W NC was all tenkara---lots of scrambling up waterfalls to nice pools for brookies.
by piedmontfields
Wed Sep 01, 2021 7:35 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Who rides bareback?
Replies: 24
Views: 5086

Re: Who rides bareback?

I would say as I age that mounting is the hardest thing to do bareback. We have a really tall block at our barn so that helps! (built for the 18h horses--not for ms. 15.2)
by piedmontfields
Wed Sep 01, 2021 7:34 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Trying something new (update)
Replies: 21
Views: 6183

Re: Trying something new

I remember that, Sue! However, in the mountains of E TN/western NC, I am hesitant to get overly fabulous equipment because there is so much hiking, rock climbing and scrambling in our small streams. I don't want to tell you what I've broken in the last 5 months. It is nothing like western fly fishin...
by piedmontfields
Wed Sep 01, 2021 3:54 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Picking a new barn, help
Replies: 43
Views: 7340

Re: Picking a new barn, help

I know what you mean, Susan, but if you have good hands-on care it can be such a help. I was away from the barn for 6 days last week--which is highly unusual for me---and my mare was absolutely fine. Checked daily, trimmed on schedule, etc.

She wasn't even feral when I returned lol!
by piedmontfields
Wed Sep 01, 2021 3:51 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Who rides bareback?
Replies: 24
Views: 5086

Re: Who rides bareback?

Ooo, those bareback pads look awesome khall! I might need an upgrade :-)
by piedmontfields
Wed Sep 01, 2021 3:48 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Trying something new (update)
Replies: 21
Views: 6183

Re: Trying something new

That's a great update, Sue! My DH and I took up fly fishing for trout in the spring. We go to the mountains nearly every weekend now to fish. I love the meditative aspects and learning more about river ecology. It does remind of dressage in that it takes a lot of skills + feel and observation. I sti...

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