So what does a proper winter coat, suitable for Swiss conditions, look like? What materials should I look for, as I'm Internet browsing?

I found myself in Ireland with the wrong handbag. Went into a thrift store and spent less than $3 on a used one. I can see not wanting to spend a lot of money on a coat for Switzerland (even if it is really stylish!) if you live in Texas and aren't going to use it much. So, OP, you either need to t...

piedmontfields wrote:I wish you all boldness and punch-y rides!

Oh, and thank you!

I wish you all boldness and punch-y rides! As the rider of a wiggly, not huge mover, my task is always to align the planets (aka the mare) for optimum throughness and then *punch it out* with my sit bones. This is the only way we can get close to a medium trot. It is interesting to me that she does...

I like the "punch" phrase too. My instructor says, "Don't let him feel like a rocking horse, BOUNCE him underneath you!" So many shows where I've ridden the lengthened canter, thought I was really going for it and flying. And then I watch the video afterwards, and it's like we'r...

I like the "punch" phrase too. My instructor says, "Don't let him feel like a rocking horse, BOUNCE him underneath you!" So many shows where I've ridden the lengthened canter, thought I was really going for it and flying. And then I watch the video afterwards, and it's like we'r...

I've just looked down the rider list for mine this weekend and realized I'm probably 30-35 years older than the rest of them. If anyone calls me "an inspiration" I might hit them. Lol. Who is your clinician? I might opt in if it were someone kindler and gentler. But Natalie is no nonsense.

Moutaineer wrote:I'm fully expecting to get marmelized for excessive caution at this coming weekend's clinic. But I'm feeling old and sore and utterly not bold at the moment.

Natalie Lamping is coming in for a clinic this weekend. I am going to pass.

I decided I should ask this while reading the Philadelphia thread. I have lived in Texas for 40 years now. Yikes, I think that is the first time I have used that number since my birthday. I am certain I have nothing appropriate for wintering in Europe. If it is bad in Texas (below freezing or someti...

This is my Swiss instructor's comment for me about my conservative riding. Punch as in energy, impulsion, oomph. "If you have more punch, your horse will have more punch." "Needs more punch!" English is not her first language but I find the imagery very helpful. For both the Swis...

Moutaineer wrote:However, I get an undercurrent of "you've got a damned nice horse, you'd better ride it well or we'll ding the crap out of you" in my scoring this year.

This is what my trainer warns me about with Cartier. Who happens to be grey as well.