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piedmontfields

Wow, has Orra filled out or what?! Glad you are in the tack, "Burny" and all.

piedmontfields

I've been using pirouettes to help the quality of the changes, and it's been really helpful. I start by doing square turns on approximately a 20m "circle". Then, instead of a 90* turn I ask for 120* (triangle instead of square) and set off across the diagonal. Ask for the change within 2-...

piedmontfields

Two thoughts from this week's efforts: For our walk pirouettes, I need to think S L O W and E A S Y. Both miss caffeinated-mare and me can get rushy in these and then the quality goes to pieces. But they are fairly solid if I think about doing them in slow motion (and they are not actually in slow m...

piedmontfields

Glad you have such a great situation for you and your horse to develop both separately and together! That will be fun for you to seeing him doing a PSG test. Wishing you on-going joy and success with your handsome fellow.

piedmontfields

I also feed soy-free. My mare gets higher fat/low sugar diet from a free feed grass hay plus 3 meals a day of: -alfalfa pellets -coolstance (coconut copra)* -rice bran* -whole flax seeds* -camelina oil -vit/min suppl and other suppl. *Renew Gold is a nice product combining coolstance, rice bran and ...

piedmontfields

Ponichiwa, your list is similar to what I've been taught and have played with, although we are much less experienced than you. I like Gallop's summary. I have also been taught that reaction to the sit bone as a turning aid is an important part of the pirouette foundation. I wonder what others think ...

piedmontfields

Gorgeous, you two! Love the tail swing.

piedmontfields

I have a friend who absolutely loves her floats. Hope you have relief and a great experience!

piedmontfields

Really fun update! Love the story of the harmonious practice followed by wild man "needs more energy." Keep on keeping on and enjoying.

piedmontfields

Good luck with the move! Glad it helps out your current barn, too.

piedmontfields

Frogling, if you need background on opportunities in US national labs feel free to get in touch.

piedmontfields

What lovely updates from you all! Great photos.

My simple report is that we worked 15 times in February (vs 20 times in January). But we are alive and spring is near. There is nothing like warmer temps to make Ms Mare happy (one of the consequences of managing and living with PSSM).

piedmontfields

You need to truly trust your trainer for this to be okay (for any amount of money). And of course your horse needs to be well insured. Good luck.

piedmontfields

Good luck with your new options! It would be awesome if your barn bud moved, too (if it is right for all). I live 5 minutes from my boarding barn. After a 50 minute work commute, that is a godsend. I love being able to pop over and check on ms. mare. Plus, I do ride 5 times/week very consistently. A...

piedmontfields

I'm looking forward to your next update! How is Henry doing with his "homework"?

piedmontfields

Very nice update, Ponichiwa! Go pony mare

And yes, we want photos so we can admire Kiwi.

piedmontfields

Wicky wrote:So - what good are Back on Track polo wraps????

I really don't know!!! Maybe someone can explain the logic.

I do like BOT for saddle pads in winter.

piedmontfields

In general, we do not want to heat up the legs! Wrapping is really just light protection for a horse who sometimes knocks themselves (young or learning new things, such as lateral work). Or, wrapping is for style ( can we say matchy match :-)). My horse's legs are naked when we work, but then 1. she...

piedmontfields

Guilty pleasure but, yes, also historically significant!

piedmontfields

Abby, it is funny that I bought my amazing mare from a woman who described herself as "an amazon". She is about 6 feet tall; I am 5'6". My little mare at 15.2 and round is perfect for my little legs. Good luck with your mare! She looks like a sweetheart--and talented. Wish I were read...

piedmontfields

I think so many amateur riders ride along with the hand brake on as we are a bit intimidated by all that power! I'm finally at the point in my riding where I really enjoy that feeling of power and it doesn't scare me but makes me excited :) This is a big finding. Congratulations! I also like thinki...

piedmontfields

I like your mare, Abby! She reminds me of Emi in temperament (all try, all the time as indicated by seriously focused and floppy ears). That is a nice offer from JS. Are you tempted to keep her for yourself? One day I'll have the time for more than one horse....just not sure I'l have the body left t...

piedmontfields

Flight, I meant to say what Kelo stated: Your horse looks GREAT! Love the energy. Crazy test experience, but I suppose that is part of the showing adventure.

piedmontfields

It has been terrible weather (for us) but we are still working. That is something I suppose! Yesterday we were out in blowing sleet and snow. Not what my Florida girl prefers. Thanks to the encouragement of this board, I did work very directly on changes with Emi last week (as opposed to just doing ...

piedmontfields

Wow---I am still loving this thread. Great photos and stories!

And so nice to "see" Sol and his person. I'm glad you are doing well.

piedmontfields

My basic electric coffeemaker is a Cuisinart and it has worked well for many years.

But we have since graduated to a Gaggia for everyday espresso and coffees. A bit temperamental, but utterly worth it.

piedmontfields

Surely I am not the only one on this board who re-reads P & P and S & S yearly...

sincerely,
P-F, not exactly a romantic but I do have a literature degree...

piedmontfields

Lots of great updates, people. Well done!

piedmontfields

Hmm, Ponichiwa, your experience sobers me. I was thinking of signing up for an upcoming clinic with him. I prefer the opinions as part of dinner or lunch chit chat--not teaching. Maybe I should just audit this time.

piedmontfields

Wishing you continued recovery and a quick exit back to summer!

piedmontfields

I have always been told that each horse has something to teach us. Silly me. I thought they meant about horsemanship, not healthcare. :( No kidding. BTW, I have heard many people swear by spirulina as a helpful addition to the diet of a horse with heaves or allergies. It can take awhile to introduc...

piedmontfields

Glad he's improving!!

piedmontfields

Such a beautiful painting of your lovely Riot! You're smart to get that done...

piedmontfields

No radiographs? I'm with Quelah. Get a better, second opinion.

piedmontfields

Check in at the end of the month:

The amazing thing is that we worked 19 of 31 days in January, including some down time for a hoof access, travel and some poor health (mine).

I'm looking forward to some longer days and better weather. Today was 60 F and we enjoyed a good hill work out.

piedmontfields

Sometimes it is more effective to advertise by discipline (fox hunter, dressage level, etc.) than by breed.

But I agree with Chancellor's point. It can be annoying to navigate the piles of outlets! Amazingly, I actually found my mare on Dreamhorse a few years ago.

piedmontfields

I think she is a very good instructor and clinician. She is direct and does not sugar-coat reality (so if you need that, you will hate her), but she also is very helpful at giving practical, accessible guidance which results in rapid improvement. I think she is especially good for more riders who ai...

piedmontfields

WheresMyWhite wrote:Have you tried Feldenkrais? I didn't feel that was particularly invasive...

Yes, I have, and I enjoyed it. It is more similar to studying/practicing yoga (depending on one's school of training) to me.

Reiki is quite passive for the recipient.

piedmontfields

I've enjoyed it, and so has my horse. It is very non-invasive, which I appreciate (vs. other bodywork).

piedmontfields

Nice jumping form! Love the smiles and update. I have a brave, sensitive hot horse that I adore---enjoy yours.

piedmontfields

I'm very sorry for your loss. You and Freida were lucky to have each other.

piedmontfields

I am noticing that Facebook seems to list an awful lot of horses with specialty descriptions (breed, training, location, price, etc.). Is there a page for her breed?

I think it also depends on the overall price range/quality of the horse for sale.

piedmontfields

piedmontfields

Exvet, that is a very helpful description of your training process! Really interesting and congratulations on the outcomes. HafDressage, you know you will get it again (and remember more next time). I've been doing some lungeing work in our crappy weather. It helps me see where we really are with me...

piedmontfields

X A very sweet young man with developmental delays was whispering in her ear, "You are my daughter and you are SO Good." She loved him. So cool! Emi is a bit sensitive with loud or loudly anxious people, yet they are also drawn to her and tend to experience deep calm with her. I think she...

piedmontfields

There is no deserving that loss. I'm so sorry to hear that Shirrine.

piedmontfields

Thank you! I love the expressive details in her ears and lips. My Lusitano x mare is likely filthy too (except for blankets). Does X do "talk" therapy or riding therapy? (I think Emi would prefer to offer talk therapy....She was bred by someone who was a major figure in equine therapy for ...

piedmontfields

Like Chisamba, I'll often cold hose in summer after a hard work out. But in winter, I only ice if I have a specific concern . I am in the mid-south and it is cold right now! My mare is not a great fan of icing or highly cold tolerant, so I pick and choose (she is a Florida girl).

piedmontfields

BTW, while Tony is shooting photos remind him to take some of Xaquema. I miss seeing the kind Lusitano mare in your updates!

piedmontfields

Love the back story! Thank you for sharing.

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