DefinitelyDressage.com

exvet

Musical comedy I'm not looking for an argument and I actually do think we agree on many premises. It's usually you who counters to my points first and have done so for many years. I grew up with work horses who did actually work. I also spent time on the track (was literally, not figuratively thrown...

exvet

"A couple of the top training places I know of use the walking machine, tread mill, or have working students take the horses out multiple times a day to limber up. So even if there is not actual turnout, they at least get movement. And really, mine are out all the time, but they don't move as m...

exvet

Well Chancellor I think I was riding with you then....the stone age is when I grew up and yes, horses were managed much differently then, at least the majority were. I know I would hurt like hell if I were kept in a box stall 22 out of every 24 hours with 45 minutes of a lesson or exercise and maybe...

exvet

Well if we want to discuss the pervasiveness of lameness in 'sport' horses, I live next to a reining barn. I think lameness and stiffness issues have far more to do with the overall management of horses (this includes riding and training practices but also their time in stalls, etc) not the discipli...

exvet

I use to ride under a trainer who brought several of these horses in to the KC, MO area from Canada over a period of years for her students and clients. She did pretty well bringing at least 1 or 2 up through PSG if I remember correctly. I honestly don't know if any went any further. I ended up with...

exvet

To capitalize on what Fatcat said (because I employ much of the same) I also would add that for me to insure that I don't use too much leg in addition to the checklist of insuring I'm looking in the direction I intend the horse to go, I also make sure it feels like my seat is taking us there. In oth...

exvet

Thank you piedmontfields, I hope to be able to get back into a more regular routine soon. Our new barn is almost done; but, the guy building it is juggling my small barn with 3 huge operations going up in the neighborhood so it's that 'so close yet so far' feeling. Any how fingers crossed I may be a...

exvet

Thank you Anne and you are so right. I rode him today and we asked for the canter, each lead/each direction and today he was able to maintain the canter for almost 2 full 20 meter circles before needing to trot - no scrambling, no motorcycle turns. Now maintaining consistent tempo at the trot is goi...

exvet

LOL piedmontfields I hardly think there is much difference between you and I in terms of the 'smarts' department. I just STILL have a fair amount of velcro on my hiney which has maintained well even at 54 years of age. It helps to have been brought up on horses and been more afraid of what your fath...

exvet

There are fewer than 5000 welsh cobs in North America (that's Cs and Ds). It's difficult to find one available with under saddle training let alone one with dressage training though they exist. I have a friend who has been trying to sell a lovely mare but she isn't cheap, nor should she be. Welsh Co...

exvet

Well it's been a while since any updates. Junior cantered yesterday under saddle for the first time. He took both leads about three different times, maintaining the gait in balance for 8-10 strides. I've never had a youngster so well balanced and easy. I have goose bumps still.

exvet

Well it's been a tough and hectic week work-wise but I came home and was at least able to get on and ride Junior. It was the first time he's been ridden at night in a lighted arena. Considering the number of things he could have taken exception to and spooked at and the fact that the other two were ...

exvet

This time I'm going to join in; however, I'll have to start with the caveat that the house is supposed to be finished in 2 weeks and the barn started the first week of December so I'm not sure exactly how much riding I'll accomplish running back and forth between the two places. By the end of Decemb...

exvet

I just want to clarify that no, no one was nasty here. I am referring to the UDBB days and for many years, I found that to be a great place to visit, receive support and share information. It was over the last two years of that board's existence that I started receiving 'heat' both in a particular t...

exvet

Ah thank you demi. For those who use to bitch about my endless pictures, at least I'm not polluting the Internet highway with endless photos. Lost my built-in photog so perhaps my infrequent posts wont' inflame and insight negative diatribe. Regardless, I'm psyched to be able to have real goals agai...

exvet

Yes, the logistics are a challenge. I had a friend who was hosting several of these in our area. We're very lucky to have a lot of places to trail ride and do this type of event. The park services were very willing to assist; but, at the end of the day whether private or public land (used/did both) ...

exvet

My son and I (and at times the whole family) would compete in something similar. Usually they were 8 mile or so rides with obstacles interspersed throughout the ride. They were great and really gave him something to work on that one could do with any horse - no need for fancy, just obedience and tru...

exvet

There is proof now of a congenital malformation in some horses C-6 C-7. How prevalent that is is not clear. I think there is a relationship between the way many people ride and train and cervical spine damage. I have not done a double blind peer reviewed study including thousands of horses of every...

exvet

Well my one horse can now canter and hold the canter............that pretty much says it all. He now has muscle and though we're far from the pinnacle of where dressage can take him, it's definitely made him a more sound and athletic animal. Myself, well, I shudder to think of how bad my position ha...

exvet

Sue B, I was lucky while in vet school because I was able to keep my horse. He got injured during my fourth year and the senior clinician in large animal let me board him at the vet school so I could treat my horse and continue my elective rotation that I was on at the time.....of course it was my s...

exvet

My experience has been across the board but I breed for and have had far more horses that are what I call human-oriented. Mine have generally known and accepted that I was/am the boss mare. They all come when called or come even if I don't ask them to LOL. They all whinny when they see me. Of course...

exvet

It is such a nice feeling to have a balanced youngster who has a mind for forward and willingness to start to seek the hand. I'm going to have fun with this one

exvet

Well the mornings are cooler now and the mustang has improved his strength and carrying power. Yesterday morning he thought he was going to 'take off' and not stop. LOL, you have to realize that there is little that makes this horse go truly fast. Well when he 'took off' I put some light resistance ...

exvet

Thank you for the compliments. He's finally starting to fill out and really look like a Welsh Cob.

exvet

Good luck in your decision. The blessings of owning horses doesn't come without some serious obligations as all here well know. Quality of life is key. If it's not there and you can't safely continue to maintain it, there are responsible options.We owe our horses peace of mind, peace of heart and fr...

exvet

I have never been without a horse that I owned. I have leased horses but that was at the same time I had my horses. Horses for me are more than a hobby, sport-interest or 'pet'. They are a lifestyle and truly a part of who I am. I grew up in a family that was entrenched in agriculture and that inclu...

exvet

If enucleation will remove any chances of pain and if not done the horse is going to inevitably go blind in that eye, the only question or issue in my mind is the type of surgical candidate he is. If the risks of surgery (for complications) is low and the procedure isn't financially out of the quest...

exvet

Hugs to you. Been there done that and it I get the whole knowledge doesn't necessarily make it better but maybe it does kind of "stuff'....I'm sure you know what I mean. The pictures show just how relaxed, happy and enamored he was with his life. Kudos to you and that's from another lousy vet t...

exvet

Shoeing, done correctly, can serve a purpose despite all those who scream barefoot is for everyone, said the vet who doesn't know her ass from a hole in the ground because all would have you believe that we know nothing about shoeing, biomechanics or nutrition. Glad your horse has someone who listen...

exvet

It seems to me that most carriage type horses have more than a handful of individuals who find their way to the dressage ring. Those with decent canters tend to excel if they have a rider who can assist them in putting the rest together. It's not too surprising since most are bred for showmanship in...

exvet

Jr is still trying to figure out why I insist on being 'up there' instead of down at his level. He's coming along and so far hasn't tried anything, um, not too bright. His walk is actually quite nice and relaxed with a decent swinging stride. The trot is still a bit of a pony trot with the head up i...

exvet

Another weekend of absolutely gorgeous weather and you know what that means. We continue to work on straightness and knowing where are feet are. It seems to still be working because today my Native Indian Pony was able to pick up the right lead pretty seamlessly TWICE and hold it for several strides...

exvet

LOL, y'all have me accurately pegged. As for which one, well, we all know that I would never turn away a welsh that walked into my barn but I was leaning towards another mustang not that I have any true intention of getting another horse [right now]. He actually has very nice movement; but, he is fu...

exvet

I have to admit since I've had to face facts about retiring the stinker pony, I've been tempted to keep my eyes open for another.....lol.....good thing I'm too busy to spend much time on the Internet.

exvet

Well I don't know who remembers but last year about this time a 5 year old Navajo mustang and his herd wandered off the reservation due to lack of grass/food. They were all sold off and at the end of October the stallion came into my possession. He was still a bag of bones with a draining wound and ...

exvet

How would you describe effective conditioning approaches for a horse working training, 2nd, 4th, PSG, etc? My conditioning program doesn't really change with the level. As the horse goes up the levels I do tend to have an idea of the stamina they must be able to sustain at the canter and make sure I...

exvet

Working/riding 4-5 days a week. Some days are 6-8 miles of trail riding with differences in terrain, usually includes hill work. I've included riding or working twice a day depending on the horse and the need. Sometimes I work in hand/long line once a day and ride the second time if I'm working a ho...

exvet

I'm not sure the Mustang will relish the idea of ponying Jr. I'd be much more likely to have success with him ponying the stinker pony; but, I agree if I could pull it off safely I'm sure it would do wonders. Jr is progressing nicely (and slowly) under saddle. I hope to be able to get him out on the...

exvet

Godspeed Gunny, and hugs to you. He was a true ambassador for the breed and for what a true companion is. You are a true ambassador of what it's all about to have an open heart. Thank you for sharing.

exvet

Thank you for the support Tuddy. Well as a further update, big 4 horse trailer is sold and just bought a 2-horse trailer. Should be picking it up on Tuesday so now the wheels have been secured, just need a little more time and a lot more patience (because I don't want to push him too far too fast an...

exvet

Thank you y'all. I may have my 'big' trailer sold today. If the cash comes through then it's a brand new (to me) 2 horse. Once Jr has graduated to trail riding and is taking that in stride I'll be ready for regular lessons again. Definitely looking forward to it; but, for now we'll take it easy in t...

exvet

Woo Hoo! and NO YaHOO! LOL..........We managed trotting under saddle today and Jr was pretty darn good. This guy has such a pleasant attitude and brain. He really thinks things out. In another couple of months I think we'll be able to join in on the training threads

exvet

Rode Jr. today and he continues to pick up new things well and progress. I'm so grateful that he's willing to try and answer most questions immediately when asked. We may try trotting under saddle tomorrow. We'll have to see but today I almost did it. He had already tackled new topics without issue ...

exvet

I agree with you Chisamba, particularly for horses raised in this part of the country. The youngstock I've produced by this stallion have all been well balanced throughout their 'growing' years. The stallion was similar. I'm waiting to see how much he fills out because right now he's still on the 'p...

exvet

I appreciate all that has been said and it is so true about being careful especially with the ones that seem born broke. I too cherish the training process and journey especially from the beginning. The woman who bought one of my 2012 babies (one of the twisted sista's for those who remember) commen...

exvet

Yes, quinta, he's a true welsh cob and typical in terms of that pony character. I'll say hi for Autumn and please give her a hug from us. khall, the nice thing about 3 year olds is that you really don't have to do too much with them. It's really at age 4 that they start to develop and the catch-up t...

exvet

Thank you both. Stinker was injured in turn out by Jr and rough play. I'm not sure if in time he'll be able to resume trail riding or possibly we'll see if he'll let us try to drive him (which is what he was bred for). Either way he's the perfect babysitter and pet so while we won't be working on dr...

exvet

I feel like I'm finally starting to get back into 'my groove' again. Though I had not given up on the whole dressage thing, the stinker pony got injured and the mustang is just too dang good of a trail horse and not one bit interested in dressage; so, there I waited for Jr to come of age. My last ri...

exvet

Why would I put myself I the position to be watched and judged similarly. I had to back off my riding significantly. My priorities changed but my desire has not. I'll answer the why.........because you know that those on the rail wish that they were in your spot, those on the rail have their own in...

exvet

Linden, I'm so glad you're back into horses and riding. I hope you have as much fun as you can. I know how talented you are and that you deserve to be happy with whatever you put your mind to...............I think you're due.

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