Search found 1588 matches

by exvet
Sat May 06, 2023 3:38 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Things I used to totally believe that are just not true
Replies: 10
Views: 1986

Re: Things I used to totally believe that are just not true

I agree that the horse in the video is to die for in my not so humble opinion. While I do try to keep mine up and open, it isn't the god almighty quest to keep the poll the highest point that drives me. It's the fact that I have breeds that are rather 'thick' through the throatlatch as it is. It's s...
by exvet
Wed May 03, 2023 2:07 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: UPDATE Below: 2 week deadline to trailer load - advice please
Replies: 21
Views: 3020

Re: 2 week deadline to trailer load - advice please

Are you able to remove the partition? Are you able to turn him around in the trailer with it removed? I've had horses that panicked/rush out while backing to act much more 'secure' and mindful when able to turn around and walk out forward. To do this may not be doable in the time-frame given; but, t...
by exvet
Tue May 02, 2023 1:06 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Springing into May and June - Goals and progress
Replies: 206
Views: 109676

Re: Springing into May and June - Goals and progress

mari, Odin certainly appears to love going over fences. I love bounce exercises. I just wish Junior wouldn't stress so much over it. Monty used to too despite both having great form. Resi, on the other hand, absolutely loved jumping. We're busy finishing our build up North and focusing on moving hor...
by exvet
Mon May 01, 2023 2:17 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: March (and April) of Progress
Replies: 221
Views: 133525

Re: March (and April) of Progress

Nice round StraightForward. The flying change in between fences wasn't lost on me LOL. Annabelle looks to be a natural. Junior would be just one big ulcer if I faced him with a full course. Too bad too because he has such nice form over fences, sigh. As for my goals this round, Junior - focus on str...
by exvet
Sat Apr 29, 2023 2:45 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: March (and April) of Progress
Replies: 221
Views: 133525

Re: March (and April) of Progress

Chisamba I think you will find it true. Junior, despite me consciously working on it, is crooked if I'm not constantly aware of it and insistent that he be straight. I worked more on rein back today and Junior's changes were all clean; but, I still need to work on keeping him straight in the change....
by exvet
Thu Apr 27, 2023 4:56 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: March (and April) of Progress
Replies: 221
Views: 133525

Re: March (and April) of Progress

Another week and another lesson......wanted to take Brandon but he decided to lose a shoe and the farrier isn't coming out until tomorrow. As a result Junior was loaded on the trailer. This lesson was all about the rein back and utilizing it to rebalance Junior throughout my lesson. It was super emp...
by exvet
Sun Apr 23, 2023 8:21 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: March (and April) of Progress
Replies: 221
Views: 133525

Re: March (and April) of Progress

Brandon has a loose shoe that due to my 'issues' with my hands/wrists I am unable to pull despite my efforts. Called my son to come over and help and understandably he's busy 'til late this afternoon. So, we decided to go on a trail ride, taking Junior and Ace, met up with some friends to enjoy a ni...
by exvet
Sat Apr 22, 2023 2:45 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: March (and April) of Progress
Replies: 221
Views: 133525

Re: March (and April) of Progress

So sorry about your Aunt, Chisamba, and Kimba too. Hope all improve and soon. I had a decent ride on Junior and Brandon, each. Junior's changes were clean, still wanting to brace for two of them but the third one was nice, quick and on the aids (of course to his easier side). Brandon and I had the d...
by exvet
Fri Apr 21, 2023 6:53 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: March (and April) of Progress
Replies: 221
Views: 133525

Re: March (and April) of Progress

Exvet, i'll be interested to see how the double journey goes with jounior and for you as you figure out a different way to hold the reins. I'm afraid to jinx it, but MM has been doing so well this spring, that i'm starting to think about whether I might want to show her again, something I'd sort of...
by exvet
Fri Apr 21, 2023 1:37 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: March (and April) of Progress
Replies: 221
Views: 133525

Re: March (and April) of Progress

Thank you Chisamba. I actually do something similar with Brandon. The challenge with Junior, though now between my Pivo and with Molly's 'blunt' help, is that while I started out pretty well in his early days with establishing good solid contact with rewards only when he maintained his softness, we ...
by exvet
Fri Apr 21, 2023 4:05 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: March (and April) of Progress
Replies: 221
Views: 133525

Re: March (and April) of Progress

Moutaineer I would be very interested to hear about your double bridle test run. Both Molly and I agree that Junior isn't ready for the double; but, the other issue I have is that due to my right arm paresis, I would also have to learn (per Molly) how to ride with my left snaffle rein and both curb ...
by exvet
Thu Apr 20, 2023 5:20 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: March (and April) of Progress
Replies: 221
Views: 133525

Re: March (and April) of Progress

Just got back from another lesson and a very good conversation of planning in terms of the where and how to move forward with both boys. Basically the goals with Junior are to keep the forward and teach him more how to use his pelvis while developing more strength to push off so-to-speak. Of course ...
by exvet
Wed Apr 19, 2023 9:26 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: March (and April) of Progress
Replies: 221
Views: 133525

Re: March (and April) of Progress

Chisamba the current plan is to cut back further on his well solve and once we move up north for the summer increase his exercise regimen to 2 xs a day for at least 4 days a week. As you know these air ferns don't lose weight quickly.
by exvet
Wed Apr 19, 2023 2:14 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: March (and April) of Progress
Replies: 221
Views: 133525

Re: March (and April) of Progress

Fingers cross for RP, Blob. What you describe does not only make sense but would be how I would lean. Thanks for the input on my two. Brandon is still only 15.1. My daughter was absolutely sure he had grown when she last came to ride him (a few weeks ago) and put my stick on him. He measured the sam...
by exvet
Tue Apr 18, 2023 12:57 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: March (and April) of Progress
Replies: 221
Views: 133525

Re: March (and April) of Progress

Yeah Mari, I know we lost the gas in the extended canter. I was so happy by that point in the test to get a response of push and larger stride in the beginning. To be honest I was afraid if I really hit the brake pedal he would have broken because it was getting hot and I had already ridden him hard...
by exvet
Mon Apr 17, 2023 9:30 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: March (and April) of Progress
Replies: 221
Views: 133525

Re: March (and April) of Progress

We have been working with quite a bit of piaffe work. I need to get him more comfortable cantering poles and jumping. He still wants to hold his breath when he goes over anything. It's the sit and push he needs to develop a comfort level with in order for us to get better. Flexible is not really in ...
by exvet
Mon Apr 17, 2023 1:29 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: March (and April) of Progress
Replies: 221
Views: 133525

Re: March (and April) of Progress

Far from perfect and loads to work on; but, here is Junior's test from Sunday https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmJfUAbMX0Q

Once I am able to upload Brandon's video I'll add it for y'all to see my conundrum with him too ;)
by exvet
Mon Apr 17, 2023 12:24 am
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: We’re going to a show! **UPDATE!!**
Replies: 20
Views: 3318

Re: We’re going to a show! **UPDATE!!**

Congratulations. That is super! You two look great.
by exvet
Mon Apr 17, 2023 12:22 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: March (and April) of Progress
Replies: 221
Views: 133525

Re: March (and April) of Progress

Hope Day 2 went well, exvet! And Straightforward: what a great shot of Annabelle. Chisamba I do not envy your weather-- I know 90+F days are in my not-too-distant future and let me tell you I am not ready. I just wrapped up at a local show and finally got the scores I was looking for at 3rd: 63 and...
by exvet
Sat Apr 15, 2023 9:19 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: March (and April) of Progress
Replies: 221
Views: 133525

Re: March (and April) of Progress

Thank you everyone. Unfortunately, as it often seems to go, Junior and I left our game in the warm up yesterday. He's never competed in the Equidome before and so we went in there to get used to the indoor and see what pony I brought. He was fabulous. Not bothered by anything. Sure that everyone sit...
by exvet
Fri Apr 14, 2023 1:01 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: March (and April) of Progress
Replies: 221
Views: 133525

Re: March (and April) of Progress

Thank you khall. I'm glad to read that Joplin is back to normal. I hope your MRI gives you the feedback you need and recovery is swift. I've been plagues by numbness, weakness in my right arm for many years now (hard to believe). I will get tingling in both hands from time to time especially after c...
by exvet
Thu Apr 13, 2023 4:56 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: March (and April) of Progress
Replies: 221
Views: 133525

Re: March (and April) of Progress

Well we practiced our third level test 3 today and Junior had clean changes both directions, a little croup high in his difficult direction but I'll take it.
by exvet
Wed Apr 12, 2023 2:21 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: March (and April) of Progress
Replies: 221
Views: 133525

Re: March (and April) of Progress

I don't disparage the horseflesh at the International FEI level. I do see a LOT of very nice, very talented horses. I also do not decry cruelty for training methods that are a work in progress or moments of BTV or aspects that address a specific issue in order to get to the next step in a reasonable...
by exvet
Tue Apr 11, 2023 1:18 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: March (and April) of Progress
Replies: 221
Views: 133525

Re: March (and April) of Progress

My experience has been somewhat similar to yours over the years. All of my horses have been correct movers. My purebred Arab whom I earned my bronze with was often mistaken for an Arab x warmblood because his canter was far better than the average Arabian. Riding him was very telling if I entered th...
by exvet
Mon Apr 10, 2023 6:40 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: March (and April) of Progress
Replies: 221
Views: 133525

Re: March (and April) of Progress

I have changed my mind about several things over a few decades and i am ok with that. If you can't change your mind why bother to have one. Doggedly sticking to a principle is one thing I choose not to do. I try to listen to the horse. In simple terms I prefer bare foot horses. I also know that som...
by exvet
Mon Apr 10, 2023 2:53 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: March (and April) of Progress
Replies: 221
Views: 133525

Re: March (and April) of Progress

Tanga, this is actually my second attempt at a response to your thread. As one who struggles like all the others who are amateurs (I just have had the advantage of numbers in terms of horses and attempts over the years until the last 7 or 8 years) this is, well, more than disheartening. I get it. I ...
by exvet
Sat Apr 08, 2023 1:27 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: We’re going to a show! **UPDATE!!**
Replies: 20
Views: 3318

Re: We’re going to a show!

I agree with Flight. I do as much as I can to have the trailer fully packed so that all I have to go is feed in the morning of the show and load horses. Good luck and have fun. While that's a super large schooling show, I find it so much easier to have fun at the schooling shows - I don't braid and ...
by exvet
Fri Apr 07, 2023 6:14 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: March (and April) of Progress
Replies: 221
Views: 133525

Re: March (and April) of Progress

Mari - Odin's canter is looking so awesome and I am jealous of your changes............even with the kick at least he has air time LOL. Congrats khall. I'm so jealous of you too. I wish I could make another Junior but alas that will never be. Flight, you two look like you're totally enjoying yoursel...
by exvet
Wed Apr 05, 2023 2:11 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: March (and April) of Progress
Replies: 221
Views: 133525

Re: March (and April) of Progress

I too would be frustrated, confused and wondering WTF? Tanga. As you well know, I have struggled with much of the same over the years with my multiple Welsh Cobs and crosses. I can't say that I'm completely shocked though because of my experience and what seems to be the 'emphasis' on the overall pi...
by exvet
Tue Apr 04, 2023 12:58 pm
Forum: Veterinary, Nutrition, Grooming & Farrier Questions
Topic: Piggy's laminitis journey
Replies: 77
Views: 16961

Re: Piggy's laminitis journey

So nice to see such a happy and apparently sound horse ;)
by exvet
Tue Apr 04, 2023 12:57 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: March (and April) of Progress
Replies: 221
Views: 133525

Re: March (and April) of Progress

khall - jingles for Joplin. I hope she's already showing significant improvement. Tanga - I think there's a lot to like about your test. Quinn looks like such an obedient worker bee, a really pleasant test. I'd be pleased too. Not going to guess on the score but it should have been a decent one. I w...
by exvet
Fri Mar 31, 2023 11:56 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: March (and April) of Progress
Replies: 221
Views: 133525

Re: March (and April) of Progress

Tanga! Wishing you luck and fun at the show. Ugh Susan, that stinks but based on the description, I would agree too. Moutaineer, I sure hope spring is going to be here soon. Today seems to be more promising than yesterday was, weather-wise. Well I rode both guys today. I repeated the exercises from ...
by exvet
Thu Mar 30, 2023 5:12 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: March (and April) of Progress
Replies: 221
Views: 133525

Re: March (and April) of Progress

Just got back from my lesson on Junior. I shared with Molly that I worked Junior on Saturday in the arena really focusing on the basics and tried more than a few changes - many, many, many simple changes and more than a few flying changes, always going back to the basics in between each FC. I used m...
by exvet
Thu Mar 30, 2023 4:53 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: March (and April) of Progress
Replies: 221
Views: 133525

Re: March (and April) of Progress

Ok my brain trust, Saiph is pretty relaxed and confident in her warm up, but as I transition to more demanding work she opens her lips and shows her teeth. I would think that is related to the hard work of collection, but even other riders have noticed that she seems to do it most commonly when giv...
by exvet
Thu Mar 30, 2023 1:18 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Home schooling
Replies: 10
Views: 1495

Re: Home schooling

My next door neighbors home-schooled their kids for 6 months. They were on multiple wait lists for private and charter schools. They had pulled their kids from public school due to the politics and topics being taught. Their boys are 7 and 9. I was amazed to find out about the 'focus' groups that ha...
by exvet
Wed Mar 29, 2023 2:33 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: March (and April) of Progress
Replies: 221
Views: 133525

Re: March (and April) of Progress

SF sorry you're under the weather. The Masterclass sounds interesting and would love to hear feedback on what you get out of it.
by exvet
Tue Mar 28, 2023 12:54 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Do horses grieve?
Replies: 4
Views: 1313

Re: Do horses grieve?

I believe that they do grieve especially having observed mares who have lost foals or long time pasture mates lose one or the other, not too dissimilar to dogs as well as cats losing an owner or another companion of their own species. I think some feel the loss more than others, like us, it's an ind...
by exvet
Mon Mar 27, 2023 1:20 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: March (and April) of Progress
Replies: 221
Views: 133525

Re: March (and April) of Progress

Transitions! the bane and yet the key to my existence LOL I never made it to my lesson with Brandon on Thursday. Not due to weather, though we did get more rain, but due to work. When I did work in large animal practice it seemed that colleagues were in name only and everyone still competed against ...
by exvet
Tue Mar 21, 2023 12:55 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: March (and April) of Progress
Replies: 221
Views: 133525

Re: March (and April) of Progress

Exvet - For the figure eight exercise you just described: Is the walk pirouette in the same direction as the old circle, or as prep for the new circle? It's in the direction of the old circle and then immediately ask for new bend, soften new inside rein and half halt on the outside rein for new cir...
by exvet
Tue Mar 21, 2023 1:46 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: March (and April) of Progress
Replies: 221
Views: 133525

Re: March (and April) of Progress

I took the day off and decided to have a lesson. We, of course, continue to work on getting Junior to really bend through the rib cage and then once he's really soft on the inside rein, allows me to half-halt and balance him on the outside at all three gaits, we work on the set up for the flying cha...
by exvet
Thu Mar 16, 2023 4:57 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: March (and April) of Progress
Replies: 221
Views: 133525

Re: March (and April) of Progress

Sorry about that khall. At least it's early in the season. Keepings fingers crossed for you this next 'go round'. Ugh we had a ton more rain, again, which of course I feel guilty complaining about it. My arena is saturated. Hauled Junior out to a lesson with Molly. The first thing she noticed was th...
by exvet
Tue Mar 14, 2023 1:51 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: March (and April) of Progress
Replies: 221
Views: 133525

Re: March (and April) of Progress

Tanga - glad to read you had decent rides, haven't had a chance to view the videos; and admire your fortitude to deal with the weather. Blob - that stinks about your trainer situation. You know kelo managed to progress mostly on virtual lessons. I don't remember who she was working with but she mana...
by exvet
Mon Mar 13, 2023 4:11 am
Forum: Veterinary, Nutrition, Grooming & Farrier Questions
Topic: Shelters
Replies: 7
Views: 1320

Re: Shelters

Exvet, while I am aware of your professional history, that was a powerful read. What incredible service you gave and continue to give! Lots of lucky people and animals have intersected with your gifts. p.s. The behavior of small animal private vets vs. large animal vets is a whole other thing.... T...
by exvet
Mon Mar 13, 2023 4:06 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: March (and April) of Progress
Replies: 221
Views: 133525

Re: March (and April) of Progress

We've been schooling and trail riding. I've been focusing so much on Junior that Brandon has kind of taken a back seat. I did work him yesterday with the idea of getting him solid into the outside rein and just focusing on perfecting our transitions - walk-trot-walk and trot-canter-trot. Well as we ...
by exvet
Sat Mar 11, 2023 12:09 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: March (and April) of Progress
Replies: 221
Views: 133525

Re: March (and April) of Progress

Flight I had a colleague who learned tons while there. Enjoy and get the most out of it you can! Blob, I think we've often compared our horses but Junior is definitely on that energy efficient list all the while being that worker bee. It is the reason why we've been having so much trouble with our f...
by exvet
Tue Mar 07, 2023 3:10 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: March (and April) of Progress
Replies: 221
Views: 133525

Re: March (and April) of Progress

My daughter and I went to Omaha the last time the world cup was held there, and it was fun; but also, a little disappointing (scratches that we specifically went to watch go). We've decided to pass this year, but the venue is viewer friendly, relatively low key (compared to Vegas) and not difficult ...
by exvet
Thu Mar 02, 2023 4:06 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: March (and April) of Progress
Replies: 221
Views: 133525

Re: March (and April) of Progress

I'm going to be a broken record, Junior - focus on straightness, engagement, lowering the hind quarters, better soft connection, even into both reins and of course quality of the canter Brandon - soft, steady connection, the rest will be 'in place' Ace - just let him be the numero uno trail boss I p...
by exvet
Tue Feb 28, 2023 12:54 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Getting Dressage-y in 2023: January-February Goals and Progress
Replies: 249
Views: 183737

Re: Getting Dressage-y in 2023: January-February Goals and Progress

These two months went by fast! I didnt manage to lose 4 lbs but Im okay with that. Having my mom living with me is (and I feel guilty for even saying this, but) stressful. I am not eating well and I’m drinking too much wine because of the stress. If I could cut out the stress eating and drinking I ...
by exvet
Sun Feb 26, 2023 3:04 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Getting Dressage-y in 2023: January-February Goals and Progress
Replies: 249
Views: 183737

Re: Getting Dressage-y in 2023: January-February Goals and Progress

Ugh! more rain! Not the best way to start off the new year with a 3-day horse show looming overhead. Goals for all 3 are basically the same as last go round. I hope to get qualifying for the regionals behind me with the upcoming show so that I can focus on improving the quality of the gaits and con...
by exvet
Sun Feb 26, 2023 2:41 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Getting Dressage-y in 2023: January-February Goals and Progress
Replies: 249
Views: 183737

Re: Getting Dressage-y in 2023: January-February Goals and Progress

Ooh, oooooh. I can tell you how to dye your white stuff! :lol: Just FYI, it's in the rulebook that gloves still have to be white or black. Interesting because I've been showing with the brown gloves for 3 recognized shows and NO ONE has said anything. I'm not up on USDF rules! But, I really, really...

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