Search found 850 matches

by Ponichiwa
Fri Jun 10, 2022 7:53 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: April showers bring May flowers and June bugs. Our goals and progress thread
Replies: 384
Views: 68336

Re: April showers bring May flowers and June bugs. Our goals and progress thread

How exciting, Demi! And on the topic of "ride like the buttons are there, and good things will happen" - got to ride someone else's horse today. She borrowed Queso to get over a roadblock she was having with the turns on the haunches, and I popped on her horse and schooled ToH for a bit as...
by Ponichiwa
Mon Jun 06, 2022 4:39 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: April showers bring May flowers and June bugs. Our goals and progress thread
Replies: 384
Views: 68336

Re: April showers bring May flowers and June bugs. Our goals and progress thread

Moutaineer wrote:Ponichiwa, Anne Gribbons is here next weekend. $400 a ride...


Ouch. I rode with her (several) years ago on my FEI-almost-GP horse and got a ton out of it... but that's a too-rich-for-my-blood fee for where I am (firmly somewhere between 2nd-3rd) with Queso, for sure.
by Ponichiwa
Mon Jun 06, 2022 3:32 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: April showers bring May flowers and June bugs. Our goals and progress thread
Replies: 384
Views: 68336

Re: April showers bring May flowers and June bugs. Our goals and progress thread

blob-- great notes despite a less-than-thrilling experience. The relaxation point is an interesting one to me-- I can see that approach being fairly valuable for the energy-conscious horse, but my experience with my mare at a JS clinic several years ago had me regretting the loss of her hard-won rel...
by Ponichiwa
Tue May 31, 2022 6:40 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: April showers bring May flowers and June bugs. Our goals and progress thread
Replies: 384
Views: 68336

Re: April showers bring May flowers and June bugs. Our goals and progress thread

Kora looks great! Demi-- echo SF et al above. Besa is your horse and you get to make training and riding decisions. While it is frustrating to be on the cusp of a big milestone e.g. medal and not make it due to circumstances out of your control, that's just life in horses (and you're certainly not o...
by Ponichiwa
Thu May 26, 2022 5:51 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Canter fitness: riders
Replies: 20
Views: 2902

Re: Canter fitness: riders

How's your breathing in the canter? Can sometimes feel like a stamina issue when in fact we just need to breathe more and/or deeper.
by Ponichiwa
Tue May 24, 2022 5:22 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: April showers bring May flowers and June bugs. Our goals and progress thread
Replies: 384
Views: 68336

Re: April showers bring May flowers and June bugs. Our goals and progress thread

My lowest lifetime scores are in 2nd level, so I may not be the best source of advice here. But I wouldn't let a pesky thing like pragmatism interfere with my ability to opine on the internet, so let's go. The trouble I have with 2nd level is that I really need 3rd level engagement to be successful,...
by Ponichiwa
Mon May 23, 2022 4:36 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: April showers bring May flowers and June bugs. Our goals and progress thread
Replies: 384
Views: 68336

Re: April showers bring May flowers and June bugs. Our goals and progress thread

Yes, and I think on further reflection another big takeaway for me and also I think for some of the riders is being able to recognize our horses are ready for more. It's not that I need to throw all the history I have with RP out the window, but I cannot treat him like the pony he was when i got hi...
by Ponichiwa
Fri May 20, 2022 5:40 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: April showers bring May flowers and June bugs. Our goals and progress thread
Replies: 384
Views: 68336

Re: April showers bring May flowers and June bugs. Our goals and progress thread

goldhorse-- so sorry to hear about Piggy's turn. Hoping for the best for the both of you. Flight-- a week makes a huge difference in the eyesore-level of a clip job. Trust me: tons of experience here leaving much-worse-looking clips on my herd. Demi-- congratulations! Very exciting. Queso and I are ...
by Ponichiwa
Mon May 09, 2022 1:47 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: April showers bring May flowers and June bugs. Our goals and progress thread
Replies: 384
Views: 68336

Re: April showers bring May flowers and June bugs. Our goals and progress thread

Guys guys guys guys guys

Yesterday I took my first stab at multiple changes along the rail after a nice big medium canter. And Queso got "5-tempis" -- 3 clean changes, on the aids, uphill (and maybe too much so), without drama.

Over the moon with the fabulousness that is The Melty Cheese.
by Ponichiwa
Mon May 02, 2022 5:55 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: April showers bring May flowers and June bugs. Our goals and progress thread
Replies: 384
Views: 68336

Re: April showers bring May flowers and June bugs. Our goals and progress thread

Sweating season is fully upon us here in TX; RIP my ability to wear the same clothes all day, inclusive of a quick walk during lunch. Goals this time around: Queso: - Concerted medium canter practice 2x/week - Half steps 1x/week - Introduce multiple changes - (Stretch) Show at the end of May? (and a...
by Ponichiwa
Mon May 02, 2022 5:47 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Looking forward to looking forward - March/April Goals and Progress
Replies: 326
Views: 46497

Re: Looking forward to looking forward - March/April Goals and Progress

Once the anticipation kicks in, she assumes anything is about the flying change. Any circle any lateral work, anything at all. I have ridden "this horse" although without the complication of pacing. Some things that helped us and may help you: - Zen Zone: build a "relaxation zone&quo...
by Ponichiwa
Sat Apr 30, 2022 4:23 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Looking forward to looking forward - March/April Goals and Progress
Replies: 326
Views: 46497

Re: Looking forward to looking forward - March/April Goals and Progress

I'm guilty of making too big of a "thing" out of the changes, rather than treating them as just another transition. I just need to get out of my own head. Preach. My new "thing" is to stay super relaxed into the initial aid, and then lose my ever-loving mind and curl into an unh...
by Ponichiwa
Thu Apr 28, 2022 3:56 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Looking forward to looking forward - March/April Goals and Progress
Replies: 326
Views: 46497

Re: Looking forward to looking forward - March/April Goals and Progress

April is going out with whatever the opposite of a bang is-- whimper? Slow fade?-- thanks to deadlines at work. So the wrap: Anyway, our goals this time around are fairly simple: Queso: - Half steps 1x/week for bodybuilding and improving the balance and engagement in extensions and in the canter - T...
by Ponichiwa
Tue Apr 26, 2022 8:27 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Looking forward to looking forward - March/April Goals and Progress
Replies: 326
Views: 46497

Re: Looking forward to looking forward - March/April Goals and Progress

I had a gelding who could really benefit from clinics-- talented and occasionally hot, but had the kind of temperament that could take pressure outside of his normal fare and he'd dig down and try-- and I thought, foolishly, that meant that I was a great rider who could benefit from clinics and ever...
by Ponichiwa
Tue Apr 12, 2022 1:02 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Barisone Trial
Replies: 44
Views: 8436

Re: Barisone Trial

LK is certainly a difficult character and isn't without fault in this whole debacle. However, I have a hard time feeling any sympathy for MB--picking up a gun is picking up a gun. And unless you're truly afraid someone is going to physically assault you and you have no way to defend yourself withou...
by Ponichiwa
Mon Apr 04, 2022 10:20 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Looking forward to looking forward - March/April Goals and Progress
Replies: 326
Views: 46497

Re: Looking forward to looking forward - March/April Goals and Progress

Congrats on the successful show, Tanga! I do appreciate your updates, including folks working through horse and rider challenges. The hobby is a lot like life! In that vein, Emi and I are now letting go of the reins. She has torn a gracilis muscle in her hind (? how; maybe it was a microtear that tu...
by Ponichiwa
Mon Mar 21, 2022 9:12 pm
Forum: The Menagerie
Topic: Reactive dog help...again
Replies: 18
Views: 3416

Re: Reactive dog help...again

How is his hearing? Just thinking about other reasons to be insecure immediately after waking.
by Ponichiwa
Mon Mar 21, 2022 6:43 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Looking forward to looking forward - March/April Goals and Progress
Replies: 326
Views: 46497

Re: Looking forward to looking forward - March/April Goals and Progress

I had just the best set of rides over the weekend. The kinds of rides that keep you coming back to this sport: not necessarily that everything went well the first try, but that all of my aids got all the way through and demonstrable progress was made. Trying to bottle this feeling for when I feel li...
by Ponichiwa
Mon Mar 14, 2022 12:35 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Looking forward to looking forward - March/April Goals and Progress
Replies: 326
Views: 46497

Re: Looking forward to looking forward - March/April Goals and Progress

Had a great ride on the mighty Q yesterday. True to my goals, have been touching on the half-steps with intent this time around (rather than picking at them sporadically and then giving up if there's any resistance). Things got dramatic, QH-style. Which means mostly staying on the spot and getting s...
by Ponichiwa
Fri Mar 11, 2022 2:21 pm
Forum: The Menagerie
Topic: Reactive dog help...again
Replies: 18
Views: 3416

Re: Reactive dog help...again

Starting with the vet is a good call-- address any physical explanations. I would also recommend crating for bedtime. That waking-up transition tends to be a time when normal inhibitions (i.e. bite inhibitions, growling, etc.) are lowered, so put a bit of space between you and an accident by crating...
by Ponichiwa
Wed Mar 09, 2022 7:33 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Spooking
Replies: 34
Views: 4351

Re: Spooking

You can also do lots and lots of transitions to help keep him attentive. Keep him busy enough with the work to not worry about spooky things. Yep, this. Lots of transitions. Between gaits, within gaits, playing with the tempo, alternating between stretching and working gaits-- anything that gets hi...
by Ponichiwa
Tue Mar 08, 2022 10:08 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: A horse that is "too forward"
Replies: 18
Views: 3138

Re: A horse that is "too forward"

Re: book-- Not to my knowledge. I got this exercise from a trainer I rode with several years ago. Will say that my hot-headed mare (who is now enjoying a retired life) needed lots and lots of time in the ribbon-candy exercise before she'd relax. I would start up in the trot (walk was potentially exp...
by Ponichiwa
Tue Mar 08, 2022 10:01 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Looking forward to looking forward - March/April Goals and Progress
Replies: 326
Views: 46497

Re: Looking forward to looking forward - March/April Goals and Progress

Hope all in the grips of winter are staying healthy and sane, and those in the heat of summer are... well, actually the same to you as well. And best wishes to all those horses and humans that are healing. As for me and the Beige Blimp, we're trucking along. I've stalled out on my own weight loss, a...
by Ponichiwa
Tue Mar 08, 2022 9:45 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: A horse that is "too forward"
Replies: 18
Views: 3138

Re: A horse that is "too forward"

Not familiar with Pasos specifically or gaited horses in general, but an exercise that has worked for hot horses in my past is: "Ribbon candy" tight serpentines in counterflexion. Reinforces the message that the work isn't overwhelming but there will be different requests, so the horse is ...
by Ponichiwa
Wed Feb 09, 2022 2:45 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Interesting topic
Replies: 58
Views: 7523

Re: Interesting topic

Very good summation here: https://mariacooke.com/making-sense-of-baucher-part-3-comparing-baucherism-steinbrechts-gymnasium-and-german-school-dressage/ I find it interesting and can see the benefit of both schools of training. Interesting article. There's an implication about 2/3 of the way down in...
by Ponichiwa
Wed Feb 09, 2022 12:21 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Interesting topic
Replies: 58
Views: 7523

Re: Interesting topic

The feeling I'm chasing every ride is that elusive, fleeting moment when I can feel any aid going all the way through the horse. Chisamba calls it permeable. The electrical analogy would be no resistance, the fluid analogy is a hose without kinks. Energy can be created (i.e. going from halt to trot)...
by Ponichiwa
Tue Feb 08, 2022 4:55 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Interesting topic
Replies: 58
Views: 7523

Re: Interesting topic

I accidentally got a levade yesterday thanks to the barn dog popping out of the brush in front of Queso. Would not recommend as a training technique. Although in my mind we both looked very impressive. Like this old shot of Sabine Schut-Kery, but less vertical and more palomino and also very round (...
by Ponichiwa
Tue Feb 08, 2022 3:24 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Interesting topic
Replies: 58
Views: 7523

Re: Interesting topic

Will own that my tone is often too sharp for these conversations, especially given that training choices are very personal. I am sorry if I've come off too flippant for serious discussion. I do think there have been great and substantive commentary above (not my contributions, obvs) but think that w...
by Ponichiwa
Tue Feb 08, 2022 2:57 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: New Year, New Goals - January-February 2022
Replies: 335
Views: 41037

Re: New Year, New Goals - January-February 2022

Had a bit of a colic scare with Queso over the weekend, which turned into a couple miles of handwalking to make sure that everything was back in order. He's perky again now but that's definitely not how I was planning on spending Sunday! Naturally, saddle fitting was last week Tues; haven't been abl...
by Ponichiwa
Mon Feb 07, 2022 8:53 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Interesting topic
Replies: 58
Views: 7523

Re: Interesting topic

If you know me, you know I'm really big on context. Context is key in evaluating whether a training system is a fit for you and your horse. Is your horse: Hot, with an upright neck and naturally quick tempo? Probably the "take the forward away from the equation if things get tense" school ...
by Ponichiwa
Mon Feb 07, 2022 2:06 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Interesting topic
Replies: 58
Views: 7523

Re: Interesting topic

One of these days I want to see the ideal self-carriage comparison picture executing an extended trot instead of piaffe. But no, they're always using good = piaffe (usually some Iberian horse), bad = Olympic passaging horse or extended trot (usually but not always a warmblood). I'll give the linked ...
by Ponichiwa
Wed Feb 02, 2022 2:57 pm
Forum: Tack, Apparel, Facilities and Transportation
Topic: Bareback pads/ treeless saddles
Replies: 21
Views: 4040

Re: Bareback pads/ treeless saddles

I ride my very comfortably-shaped gelding bareback probably 2-3 times/month (usually when I'm too lazy to tack up "for real" and/or am taking him out for a light day). I'm no Isabel Werth so my actual dressage work is much poorer quality bareback vs. under saddle. I am also too lazy to hav...
by Ponichiwa
Mon Jan 31, 2022 6:43 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: dealing with stickiness
Replies: 20
Views: 3267

Re: dealing with stickiness

Thanks, Poncihiwa-- the transitions within gait are fluid and so that helps, but it's hard to translate them over to the transitions between gaits. I agree that physicality plays a role, but I do think this i mroe of a habit than overall lack of strength-- which makes it tricky. Re-reading what I w...
by Ponichiwa
Mon Jan 31, 2022 4:58 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: dealing with stickiness
Replies: 20
Views: 3267

Re: dealing with stickiness

It sounds like you're on your way to diagnosis already. With something like this, I'd do lots of transitions within the same gait between different movements (HP/LY, HP/SI, SI/HI, etc.) to build fluency. Once the feel is right, hold the movement and do a gait transition within it. I've been preachin...
by Ponichiwa
Thu Jan 27, 2022 2:27 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: New Year, New Goals - January-February 2022
Replies: 335
Views: 41037

Re: New Year, New Goals - January-February 2022

Preach, mari. Am very glad I'm not in the northern US every Jan - Mar (and then regret my location April - October, so who really wins?). I do think the winter is a time to just get through for most; hard to get progress when the weather is so against you. I have been on a roll of progress-laden rid...
by Ponichiwa
Fri Jan 21, 2022 4:48 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: New Year, New Goals - January-February 2022
Replies: 335
Views: 41037

Re: New Year, New Goals - January-February 2022

Ponichiwa, which horse are you using the Tactio on, Queso? Also, I can't remember why you bought it. (Asking for a friend, lol) Yes, for the Beige Blimp himself, Queso. Bought because a) the french-link snaffle I had him in gave him a rub thanks to its advanced age, and b) I liked the design of the...
by Ponichiwa
Thu Jan 20, 2022 3:48 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: New Year, New Goals - January-February 2022
Replies: 335
Views: 41037

Re: New Year, New Goals - January-February 2022

Anne-- the view from your arena is gorgeous! And the view in the arena's not shabby, either. Looks like progress! Speaking of progress... my new bit (NS turtle tactio) arrived yesterday. I got out to the barn, tacked up, and on the horse about 25 min before huge storms rolled in (isn't that just... ...
by Ponichiwa
Tue Jan 18, 2022 1:46 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Farrier rescheduled,wwyd?
Replies: 22
Views: 4104

Re: Farrier rescheduled,wwyd?

I would recommend getting a pair of nippers and a rasp just for those emergent situations-- shoe is half-off, or all the way off and you need to take off the one on the other side. Not saying you have to get farrier-level good at taking off shoes but it does give you the option to keep your boy in w...
by Ponichiwa
Fri Jan 14, 2022 11:51 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: New Year, New Goals - January-February 2022
Replies: 335
Views: 41037

Re: New Year, New Goals - January-February 2022

Litany of excuses here. Queso got a bit rub and I am absolutely embarrassed and/or appalled. Root cause appears to be aged loose-ring bit that has been worn to sharpish edges at the bit/ring interface. Embarrassed because I consider myself a decent horseperson and did not notice the reason he was fu...
by Ponichiwa
Mon Jan 03, 2022 2:59 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Dig out the winter gear and finish strong: November/December Goals and Progress
Replies: 386
Views: 49917

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

Several days past the end of this challenge and it's (past) time for a goals retrospective. What I said I'd do: "Winter gear" here means long-sleeved shirts for warmth instead of sun protection. Very exciting times. Job stress is ramping down which means it's time to (re)focus on fitness a...
by Ponichiwa
Mon Jan 03, 2022 2:18 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: New Year, New Goals - January-February 2022
Replies: 335
Views: 41037

Re: New Year, New Goals - January-February 2022

Happy 2022, everyone! We've gotten a taste of both Anne's and Mountaineer/LSP's weather in the last week. Queso is not a fan of the recent chill despite his multi-layer blanket approach (looks a bit like the kid in A Christmas Story) after the last 2 weeks of mid-80s temperatures with very high humi...
by Ponichiwa
Mon Dec 13, 2021 4:30 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Bob MacDonald SafeSport Ban
Replies: 83
Views: 30533

Re: Bob MacDonald SafeSport Ban

The SS case is still closed as the victims didn't want to speak and as I understand they didn't have enough to move ahead..... So yes, technically he was cleared. That is a true statement. They may reopen that now with the two victims ready to speak out and they may re-activate this SS case. Slight...
by Ponichiwa
Mon Dec 13, 2021 4:22 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Dig out the winter gear and finish strong: November/December Goals and Progress
Replies: 386
Views: 49917

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

Demi-- I don't know if the walk is a strength for your horse or not, but if so: I get a lot of value out of turn on the haunches and halfpass within the walk. You can practice the hind-end control in both tempo and positioning in a gait without the stress/tension of suspension, which helps A LOT in ...
by Ponichiwa
Mon Dec 13, 2021 2:07 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Dig out the winter gear and finish strong: November/December Goals and Progress
Replies: 386
Views: 49917

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

Queso and I keep trucking along. Have been spending the last week or so improving the separation between the two hind legs in the canter in both space and tempo (i.e. longer strides and also more distinct rhythm). It's helping the engagement tons, but is hard work! How are you doing this? You've go...
by Ponichiwa
Fri Dec 10, 2021 2:34 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Dig out the winter gear and finish strong: November/December Goals and Progress
Replies: 386
Views: 49917

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

Following the behavior as communication conversation-- hard to disagree with it, but there is a bit of a difference in how you address behaviors depending on the cause. The spooking-in-the-corner example is a good one: depending on what's causing the spook (if even there is anything, because horses ...
by Ponichiwa
Wed Dec 08, 2021 2:32 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Bob MacDonald SafeSport Ban
Replies: 83
Views: 30533

Re: Bob MacDonald SafeSport Ban

Chisamba-- 100% agree. Tanga-- plaintiffs can maintain anonymity (see: Roe vs. Wade-- "Roe" is a pseudonym). And yeah, McDonald has maintained (vociferously!) his innocence and that the dropping of arbitration "cleared" him. SafeSport clearly disagreed. Already lots of abuse of t...
by Ponichiwa
Tue Dec 07, 2021 10:47 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Bob MacDonald SafeSport Ban
Replies: 83
Views: 30533

Re: Bob MacDonald SafeSport Ban

SafeSport put an "administrative closure" on the case prior to arbitration. It turns out that the plaintiffs on the civil suit withdrew from the SafeSport process in favor of civil redress. SafeSport was explicit in its comments re: "ban was overturned and Bob is innocent!" claim...
by Ponichiwa
Tue Dec 07, 2021 3:38 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Bob MacDonald SafeSport Ban
Replies: 83
Views: 30533

Re: Bob MacDonald SafeSport Ban

Bumping with the latest: https://www.chronofhorse.com/article/bob-and-debbie-mcdonald-face-civil-lawsuit-from-alleged-victims-of-child-sex-abuse https://horsenetwork.com/2021/12/usef-opts-not-to-renew-debbie-mcdonalds-contract-in-light-of-civil-case/ Was not thrilled at Debbie's public statement a) ...
by Ponichiwa
Mon Dec 06, 2021 7:54 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Dig out the winter gear and finish strong: November/December Goals and Progress
Replies: 386
Views: 49917

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

Blob, all I can say is that these things come in waves. I'm currently at a high-water mark with Queso: everything the last week or so has started to click and all I can see is blue skies ahead... forgetting all the struggles in Aug/Sept/Oct re-establishing connection and balance. Someone remind me o...
by Ponichiwa
Thu Dec 02, 2021 2:43 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: My "new" horse
Replies: 21
Views: 4680

Re: My "new" horse

What a great looking horse, Xanthoria! Great way to conclude a long and painful horse search. Congratulations!

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