Cool down and keep going! September/October Goals and Progress.

[Ryeissa]

.

[piedmontfields]

Well, I think for me there the theory is important. I like to have a framework for why I make choices. Being forced to type out a response for how I deal with riding challenges, insights, and theory is personally very helpful to me. It gets me jazzed about dressage when I connect what I know in my head to my day to day riding. This isn't the way I solve my riding problems, I have two trainers for that.

I think it is fair to say that you are absolutely NOT "being forced to type out a response" to anything on this or any board. Journaling is a useful practice for people who wish to reflect upon their learning in a non-interactive, non-social environment.

[StraightForward]

I'm not important enough for anyone to take an interest in ruining my reputation, so the risk for me is anonymous internet people potentially being mean. Maybe I'm naive because I haven't experienced it, but the internet is so flooded with content that I think the risk of someone latching onto my photos of videos for anything beyond garden variety ridicule is pretty slim. It's not like we're posting nude photos or anything that could be damaging to our careers or personal lives, so I don't worry about it.

Eh, I was treated badly by some garden variety mean girls (not here, no one you know) and it was one of the most unplesant experiences of my life. Being told you are a bad rider and having a group gang up on you is horrible. I know that I am secure in my riding, that wasn't the problem, it was just mean to the Nth degree. Poor taste and no class.

I'm not saying no one should post, clearly with the era of over sharing many people choose to.

I don't see how the limited photos and videos that are posted here are "oversharing". When an acquaintance of mine posts the results of every one of her doctor visits on FB, that is oversharing.

Personally, I find the feedback and questions that photos can elicit are helpful (e.g. the discussion earlier on hand position). Internet trolls are just that - sad sack cowards who have nothing better to do, and likely have not accomplished anything of note, so they choose to try and tear others down. Modern railbirds with the added bonus (for them) of anonymity. Luckily, they're the minority, among mostly encouraging and helpful peeps. The nice thing about the internet though, is how easy it is to just disengage from that kind of nastiness in most cases.

[Dresseur]

I think that there is a pretty good group here and we do a good job of self policing.
In any case, I realized that maybe I can actually play in this goals thread...

My goal, is to be riding in a semi regular fashion again by the end of October - I don't know if this is doable or not, we've started to finally really stress the adductors the last few times in PT and the jury is out on how it's going. I tend to have decently painful flares, and sometimes it feels junky for more than 24 hours. That being said, nothing that they are doing hurts while I'm doing it, other than a bit of a burning sensation and a lot of fatigue in the latest exercises.

It occurred to me that there are a few people now battling hip issues. If anyone wants, I can discuss my PT protocols and what I did before that didn't work, and what the new place is doing that is working quite well.

For Miro, I can't set goals yet. Other than, please, please keep getting better.

If Trig comes to me by the end of September, I'll have some goals for him that I can share when I get to know him better.

[Ryeissa]

Well, I think for me there the theory is important. I like to have a framework for why I make choices. Being forced to type out a response for how I deal with riding challenges, insights, and theory is personally very helpful to me. It gets me jazzed about dressage when I connect what I know in my head to my day to day riding. This isn't the way I solve my riding problems, I have two trainers for that.

I think it is fair to say that you are absolutely NOT "being forced to type out a response" to anything on this or any board. Journaling is a useful practice for people who wish to reflect upon their learning in a non-interactive, non-social environment.

by forced to type a response I mean to articulate what is in my head. I force myself to really clearly think though my thoughts as I type.
Yes, I journal every ride.

[Ryeissa]

By all means keep sharing. I don't think anyone here is trying to stop those who choose to.

[Imperini]

It occurred to me that there are a few people now battling hip issues. If anyone wants, I can discuss my PT protocols and what I did before that didn't work, and what the new place is doing that is working quite well.

I think we are in close to the same boat at the moment. I'm going to try riding again this week but last time I did despite not having any serious pain before riding it took me 2.5 weeks to get back to no pain in regular activities again. Hoping not to have the same thing this time. In any case would love to hear about some of the things that you're having success with.

[Sue B]

Demi, I wish you would come back and post. I love watching the progress you've been making, and you help me with ideas for Rudy. Please come back.

Dresseur, I hope PT gets you back in full form and still jingling for Miro.

Piedmont, I can't wait for your year-by-year comparison of canter, maybe I should do that.

Imperini, I jingle for reduction in your pain as well.

To hip pain people...I have (at different times) cracked both femoral necks inadditon to a variety of other insults to my hips, and so hip pain has always been a part of my dressage path. Like Dresseur, I have had all kinds of PT for the silly things and even tried getting one injected (didn't like the side-effects), but I figured the pain was just part of the deal. Anyways, when I broke my back last year, the hip pain at night magically "went away." At first I thought it was because I was numb all the way across my lower back and sacrum, but sensation returned without bring hip pain with it! So now I can sleep for more than 2hrs at a time and I can swing my hip with the horse. Can't really recommend it as a way to get rid of hip pain, but I am loving it.

Nothing to report riding-wise because I haven't.

[heddylamar]

It occurred to me that there are a few people now battling hip issues. If anyone wants, I can discuss my PT protocols and what I did before that didn't work, and what the new place is doing that is working quite well.

We need a hip PT thread. I called today to make an appointment with a new ortho. The last one was dismissive

PT was fantastic -- I have a ton of sturdy supporting muscle now -- but has done zip for resolving the longterm problem.

[demi]

SueB, Thanks for the encouraging words. I enjoy this board, in particular this thread and plan to keep posting my horses' progress including pics (of my own horses and me only!!). We are in the middle of remodeling our 35 year old house and things have been hectic. Plus the we've hit the 100 degree temps and Rocky and Emma are getting a short break.

My soloshot3 quit working a month ago and Soloshot said to send it in and they will replace it. Still waiting....

I have been keeping up with this forum and I really like reading about everyone's progress, even all the things that prevent progress! I have found the pics posted recently to be inspiring. Miro looks great and I enjoy pics of Andrea riding. I am looking forward to pics of Dresseur back up.

[Josette]

Although I do not actively post in this forum - I've gotten some VERY helpful tips and exercises from the more advanced and experienced trainers and riders here. I've had MORE MAJOR light bulb moments reading these very detailed and articulate posts with CLEAR descriptions - than when I was paying some instructor in the past. My goal has always been to ride correctly for the benefit and improvement of both my pony and myself. So I just want to say a HUGE thank you for taking the time to post.

[Ryeissa]

It's a great resource and people here generally pretty knowledgeable.

[demi]

Rye, I tried to answer a PM from you but it wouldn’t send. It said something like “some recipients are unable to receive PMs because they have disabled their PM function”.

[Josette]

I find MC's posts very informative as she has tons of experience and may provide a different perspective and view point. That is what a lively discussion and learning is all about IMO. This is coming from myself who can be very blunt and rough around the edges.

[Ryeissa]

I find MC's posts very informative as she has tons of experience and may provide a different perspective and view point. That is what a lively discussion and learning is all about IMO. This is coming from myself who can be very blunt and rough around the edges.

Yeah, this is a diverse group that is for sure! Anyways, MC deleted her post so we can move on.

[musical comedy]

I did not delete anything. What are you talking about? If something got deleted, the mod did it. You can't delete a post when someone has posted after that.

[Ryeissa]

It occurred to me that there are a few people now battling hip issues. If anyone wants, I can discuss my PT protocols and what I did before that didn't work, and what the new place is doing that is working quite well.

We need a hip PT thread. I called today to make an appointment with a new ortho. The last one was dismissive

PT was fantastic -- I have a ton of sturdy supporting muscle now -- but has done zip for resolving the longterm problem.

maybe riders health and fitness sub-forum? sounds like a good idea. Best of luck to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Moutaineer]

Well, I will try poking my nose over the parapet again and hope I dont get my head shot off...

I had an interesting and productive lesson with my regular FEI trainer (who is a bit of a rehab specialist in her own right) yesterday.

A lot of our work is currently around improving the range of motion of the right hind specifically at the canter. He has a tendency to "egg beat" sometimes with that leg rather than swing it through underneath him when he is cantering on the right lead. He has no problem pushing off with that hind leg, has full ROM in it when he is on the left lead, is completely square and through at the walk and trot.

He has been vetted and injected up the wazoo. The opinion of both my highly respected sporthorse vet, and my highly respected FEI level trainer, and also my farrier, is that it's probably a coordination and strength issue which could be related to his minor neurological issues or to his previous (treated and resolved) ACL problem. Therefore work to repair neural pathways and improve strength in that hind leg is indeed indicated.

I'm actually a pretty symetrical rider compared to most, apparently. It isnt me that is the problem (in this case at any rate )

So, with those caveats...

For about the last nine months, much of our extensive walking warm up time has consisted of very careful foot by foot lateral work. This has paid off in spades, as he is now very easy and even in both the walk and the trot lateral work, whereas previously, for example, while i always had a great shoulder in going left, he would drift sideways out of it going to the right. And our half passes to the left were pretty poor. We've started adding in more sliding in and out of the renvers, and he's not finding that too challenging.

So, we've decided over the last few weeks to start carrying that thought and philosophy through to the canter more intensively but, of course, very carefully.

Something I have had to learn to do is to let go a bit and stop mothering him and being his 5th leg. Having more of a "go on, you can do it" approach and getting out of his way more, especially with regards to allowing him to pop his left shoulder a little at this stage when asking him to swing that right hind. He needs to not be blocked at all, and we can go fix that later. This is physio, not the centerline.

In addition to this, we have added judicious use of the bellboot on the right hind, for about 15 minutes at a time, carefully monitored. Interestingly enough, it does seem to help him use himself better and swing through rather than rotating that hind leg. It doesn't cause him to snatch or overexagerate the movement. It just seems to make the connection.

I personally wouldn't leave it on this horse for an hour because he is a delicate soul and we are rehabbing a known issue. However, I have used hind boots on a previous horse with a minor neuro deficit and found that he stopped dragging his toes behind, so its a reasonable assumption that they helped him understand where his hind feet were.

Yesterday, we had straight, even, clear leg yields at the canter in both directions with no laboring or fuss, so I think we might be doing something right.

I hope this is sufficient elucidation of what we are doing to calm the outrage.

And if this doesn't work we are going to get out the acid and the heavy chains.

[Ryeissa]

do you do the 15 mins during the ride? Sounds like great progress! I'm happy for you guys.

[Moutaineer]

Yes, lesson is probably 45 mins to an hour, including supervised walk warm up.

[StraightForward]

I wasn't talking about this forum, as you can see. I was talking about in the era of oversharing that many people feel comfortable posting a lot online. Also, by all means keep sharing. I don't think anyone here is trying to stop those who choose to.

I don't think this discussion is going to make anyone change their choices. I just thought it was odd to conflate posting visual aids to discussion of dressage training, on a dressage training forum, with oversharing in general. It seemed to infer that posting photos is oversharing; I'm not saying I'd change if that was your opinion though. If people were awful to me on this board about my photos, I would either stop posting them, or leave the board. If a troll or internet ne'er do well came and stole my photos and to shred on another forum, chances are, I would be blissfully unaware of it, unless someone clued me in, but I think I would choose to just ignore it, as I'm pretty boring, and they would move on soon enough.

So. I just want to thank Flight, Dresseur, Rosy, Demi, Chisamba and everyone else who has shared their photos and videos. I love that this board is small enough that it's possible to keep track of the main members and track their progress. It's inspiring to see these horses and riders develop over time, and reminds me that the road is rarely linear, and nearly always has bumps and detours.

Moutaineer, thanks for the update. It's frustrating to have those niggling problems, but good that the experts think work is the antidote.

A storm front moved in last night (Annabelle was Aced, and I had to call it quits on the hand walking after about 5 explosions), and we got a big dump of rain this morning. 15 degrees cooler than yesterday, and tomorrow is supposed to be 10 cooler still, so I'm sure the horses will be feeling good. I'm headed out to ride Kyra and looking forward to a reduction in dust. Since watching the clinic last week, I've started warming her up in a lower frame. She is not an easy one to get stretching, so I use the combing the reins technique. This is a good reminder so I can get her into a stretch later in the ride when she gets distracted and the neck comes up. Playing with some of the Ritters' flying change prep exercises and getting some great, electric canter and nice transitions.

[exvet]

Well I'm almost afraid to even put it in print but we may be getting a break in the weather soon. I had a lesson on Wednesday but it was so hot even before 8 am that we worked on turn on the haunches, simple changes, overall elasticity at the trot and getting him to march and encourage more telescoping cadence to his walk (lots and lots of walk). Junior gave some really good answers which resulted in him more consistently rising through his thoracic sling, really sitting and carrying the power over his back through to the bit with a good weight filling up the rein. It took about 25 minutes and Junior simply stopped and said he was done. I took him at this word.

We rode again this morning and it was partly cloudy, thank goodness. I still only rode about 30 minutes but this time when we quit on a good note my horse had a little left. I rode second level test 1 this morning and was rather happy to see that they've made the toe dipping into second level a bit smoother (easier) step from first to second. What's really getting to everyone, human and beast alike, is the fact that it hasn't been cooling off at night (90s for a low). The forecast next week actually has temps over night going down to the low 70s - HALLELUJAH! The goal for the next two weeks before the schooling show is to really get Junior stronger (with the better temps that should be possible) and work on his maneuverability through the shoulders. He's getting close to the light bulb going off with this concept. Once it does, the turn on the haunches should be a piece of cake.

I hope to try to get some video of our rides at the schooling show. If I get lucky and do so, I plan to post them along side the video of our first level ride from the spring show. There will be no hiding then

[Ryeissa]

Yes, lesson is probably 45 mins to an hour, including supervised walk warm up.

ok, sorry for the questions but this is interesting- do you put it on in the middle? Do you think it makes a difference when the boot is applied? do you choose the warmup to start off with it? or wait till the muscles are warm?

[Ryeissa]

It seemed to infer that posting photos is oversharing; I'm not saying I'd change if that was your opinion though. .

post photos if you want. It is good to see updates. No one cares what I think anyways.

[Moutaineer]

Rye, so far we are experimenting, so we've chosen to wait until he's thoroughly warmed up at all 3 gaits and has done quite a bit of lateral work.

[Ryeissa]

great! keep us posted, its very interesting.

[Flight]

Argh I just caught up. I guess I feel fairly safe here on this forum and I have to remind myself that it's very open and I have no control who sees it etc. While I don't think that anyone would bother taking my photos and being overly mean about them, I haven't been on the end of what has been described above and I expect that it would be distressing.
Some of my pics/vids has created discussion which can make me feel self conscious, but I tend to learn something out of it, so I"m ok with that. It is hard to defend yourself at times and perhaps the nature of forums can make some people seem very blunt (or maybe they just are like that!) but really if people didn't share some photos/vid, would the forums be as good to visit? So why put people off?
I really like photos, so I love it when people put pics up!

[Tsavo]

It is hard to defend yourself at times [...]

If I might... you are so far ahead of the ammy curve in your accomplishments that i don't think anyone here can criticize you. You are in the elite ammy group for sure. Six sigma.

[KathyK]

Eh, I was treated badly by some garden variety mean girls (not here, no one you know) and it was one of the most unplesant experiences of my life. Being told you are a bad rider and having a group gang up on you is horrible. I know that I am secure in my riding, that wasn't the problem, it was just mean to the Nth degree. Poor taste and no class.

I'm not saying no one should post, clearly with the era of over sharing many people choose to.

I'm sorry this happened to you. I know it's not an isolated incidence. Meanness is easy. But restraint isn't all that hard, either.

[Chisamba]

I wonder how Ivan Ljubicic dares to coach Roger Federer. Ljubicic never won a slam. Was never #1, and has successful coached, criticized, and improved the best player tennis ever saw. Roger must have such poor judgement listening to someone who never made it.
I guess Roger might put his ego away long enough to be coachable.

The idea that only someone better than you can help is just not true.

[Ryeissa]

Tsavo seems to be taking it a different direction, but that was not what I was talking about. Just wanted to be clear that I am talking about actual harassment for the point of being mean.

[exvet]

It's a combination of mean-ness and at times ignorance on dressage ( Have seen both happen).
Top

While ignorance is what I ran into regarding the stealing of my photos and videos. I would say it also, and often, has to do with envy in addition to the above. I use to post tons of pictures and video. I had a built in photog (daughter) and videographer living with me. I received valuable feedback in my riding/training and sold horses as a result of my public sharing. Because I was competing a minimum of 4 at any one time and usually had my children in tow, it was relatively 'easy' to get the footage. The only ones who 'stole' my pictures and/or videos were kids playing a fantasy game and other breeders. I use to google occasionally the pictures I had on the former board, the OTB and my website. It was interesting where I would find them hosted other than where I had originally posted them (and the captions that accompanied them).

I received both public shaming for polluting the [former] board with too many pictures right along with those who stated they liked seeing them and following the progress of my many mounts. My 'sharing' was supposedly inspiration to some and painful to others as well as a thinly veiled 'free' advertising attempt. Guilty, guilty, guilty.........<sigh> My failure to post pictures and video, now, is simply due to the fact that I no longer have someone readily available to take footage for me. I also choose to spend my money elsewhere when it comes to things like the soloshot et al. I'm not a shy sort so it certainly isn't due to fear of the potential fall out. The point? Well, I've received a rather broad range of comments and criticism and I am still here, riding and doing my thing.

There will always be critics, some more constructive than others, some more eloquent in their views. I know any time I set my foot into the stirrup there are hundreds of those clearly more skilled than I; but, the caveat is that none of them are setting 'their' foot in the 'exact same' stirrup. If you ride in front of others it helps to develop a thick skin and the ability to tune out all other distractions. It also helps to ask for clarification of one's perceived criticism, ie, tone before reacting and if done often reduces the blood pressure/stress significantly (this I still have to remind myself and put my words to action too). Posting pictures and video of one's riding is just an extension of riding in front of others. I certainly wouldn't discourage anyone from posting/sharing pictures or video, especially here. This board has tamed done tremendously from it's predecessor.

[Ryeissa]

I always appreciate you updates Exvet! We seem to come at things from a similar framework/theory.

[kande50]

I'm not important enough for anyone to take an interest in ruining my reputation, so the risk for me is anonymous internet people potentially being mean. Maybe I'm naive because I haven't experienced it, but the internet is so flooded with content that I think the risk of someone latching onto my photos of videos for anything beyond garden variety ridicule is pretty slim. It's not like we're posting nude photos or anything that could be damaging to our careers or personal lives, so I don't worry about it.

That's the way I feel about it, too. I may be sorry someday, but then, maybe I won't.

[Tsavo]

I didn't say Flight couldn't learn from other ammies. I am just saying she has accomplished more than 95+% of non-wealthy ammies and that leaves very little to apologize for.

[Ryeissa]

.

[Flight]

Thanks Tsavo, I think I've been lucky with a very tolerant horse! I do listen to what people comment on here because there can be little things here and there that help me keep trying to learn more

[demi]

Exvet, I really liked your last post. I like your writing as it is clear and interesting. As far as content, the whole post was good, but two things were especially interesting to me.

I appreciated that you have had a "rather broad range of comments" and you are still here! ( I used to read UDBB and remember how it was). I personally have to keep in mind that to walk away from DDBB because of mean and meaningless comments would be a waste because I'd miss out on some very pertinent info/advice. I get a lot from DDBB in the way of "seeing" other rider's journeys, and also from advice and comments of others.

I also, and liked what you said about asking for clarification of one's perceived criticism (ie, tone) before reacting. Chancellor has said something similar, and it is really good advice. I need to work on this, a lot!

[musical comedy]

I personally have to keep in mind that to walk away from DDBB because of mean and meaningless comments would be a waste because I'd miss out on some very pertinent info/advice.

I have a suggestion. Why don't you et al just put offending posters on Ignore and nobody quote them. That way, you never have to hear another mean and meaningless comment from them. I don't mind talking to myself, muckraker that I am.

[Tsavo]

I don't mind talking to myself, muckraker that I am.

I don't know how to quit you, MC.

[demi]

Deleted

[demi]

MC, you have a wealth of experience and knowledge. I have learned a lot from your comments. I would be foolish to put you on ignore! Plus I like you!

I have a thick enough skin to be only mildly annoyed when someone makes an "overly critical" comment about me or my horses. The thing I am offended by is overly critical comments about someone that I posted a pic of. It was my own mistake to post a pic of someone else. I will not post pics or comments about anyone other than myself in the future.

[Ryeissa]

I am thinking of doing acupuncture, anyone have experience with it? I just met someone who can do it for my horse, and someone I trust.
Pros? cons?
I know its a training forum but this is what was on my mind this week. thanks all!

[Tsavo]

(delete)

"The horse’s knee is both a mechanical marvel and a disaster waiting to happen." -- HorseJournal

[exvet]

I have had acupuncture done for my carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis (wrist and fused vertebrae) with positive results. I was only able to keep working with such treatment. I have also had it done on a horse that had malformation and damage done at C1-C2. He had little proprioception of all 4. With acupuncture he had better coordination and control of his body. I have also had it done to treat anhydrosis with success. Clients of mine have pursued acupuncture on their dogs and horses for DJD mostly also with some benefit. Of course I always look for those with great reviews from their clients and willing to provide references that I can contact independently. Hope that helps.

[exvet]

On another note, it was ONLY 85 degrees at 10 am with a constant breeze WOO HOO! My niece and I went on a long trail ride and the horses had a definite pep in their step. Looking forward to some much more fun rides! Hope everyone is doing well.

[Ryeissa]

How many treatments in a row? Do you do the whole body or localized areas?

[exvet]

I have done localized areas. For my carpal tunnel because of the damage and lack of disability insurance (ie, surgery is out of the question), I was undergoing treatment every 2 weeks while I continued to work (high volume spay and neuter). After I took 6 months away from doing any surgery, the level of pain and discomfort subsided. I'm good for up to 14 surgeries or so without feeling fatigued but after that I need monthly treatments. In the position I have now, I never have to maintain that level of ongoing grueling repetitive movement.

[Srhorselady]

My equine vet who I respect a lot is certified in animal acupuncture and my niece a recently graduated small animal vet from Cornell is also certified in animal acupuncture. I have used it for pain control with laminitis and had the horse move much more comfortably. I had her treated over her whole body monthly. I have also used it in a localized area for a single treatment with various horses for occasional localized stiffness, soreness, etc. All the horses have enjoyed the treatments with no negative effects. Usually there was improvement within 24 hours, but I can’t be sure it was always due to the acupuncture. However, the horse with laminitis plus other issues was always better for at least a couple of weeks. My horse vet says she usually has improvement after a treatment, but how long the improvement lasts varies.

[Chisamba]

I am thinking of doing acupuncture, anyone have experience with it? I just met someone who can do it for my horse, and someone I trust.
Pros? cons?
I know its a training forum but this is what was on my mind this week. thanks all!

With people you lay for quite a long time with the needles in for the best effect. Horses do not maintain the stillness long enough for the best effect. Some acupuncture vets will put a solution in with the needle to stimulate the area long enough.

In our area we have a person who treats the acupuncture points with laser. It seems to be more effective because of the deeper longer stimulation of the targeted area.