All I want for Christmas are my hocks injected...

Dr. Liz was out several weeks ago and marveled at Blu's development. He showed her his collected canter, canter lengthening and some medium trot. Just when he thought she was not entertained enough, he threw in some FLCs. What a ham! Despite his showing off Dr. Liz could see he was getting ready for hock injections... Sure enough the next week was cold and he got even stiffer behind. Soooo Merry Christmas to us and now we are slowly ramping up again. He felt so very much better today during his walk and trot. He loosened up faster and his steps into trot were so much better. Happy horse ... happy mama... Tomorrow -- walk, trot AND canter! Happy Day!!!

Break through!!!

Another fabulous ride and a hard won break through yesterday. Blu has a predisposition for carrying himself very upright, hollowing his back and not using his hind end. For this reason it is important that every ride focuses on powering up his hind, encouraging the swing through his back and reaching for the bit. Easier said than done because he is such a wonderful poser. I have learned lots since I started long-lining Blu. Seeing his movement from the ground has helped me envision how it should be from the saddle. Blu learned very early in long lining that dropping his head to his fetlocks was a great stretch and he would do it without much prompting or warm up. Getting him to do that much of a stretch under saddle was unheard of until yesterday.... We had a lovely school taking the warm up slowly allowing Blu the time he needed to progress. I did not push for energy in his work I just focused on getting his right hind leg underneath him and I did it slowly... I progressively asked for more. I did this with shoulder-in, renvers and transitions. I got some of the best trot I have ever felt. At the end I asked for long and low on a loose rein and at first he responded with a  "not so much". It is just not in his nature to go there. I have figured out I can not just throw the rein at him instead I need to slowly give him as much as he will take. It is a very diplomatic negotiation between the two of us.  He needs the comfort of the connection and if I slowly give him more rein he takes it bit by bit and for the first time he dropped his nose to the ground. Yay Blu! Yay me!!! He has never done this for anybody else since I have owned him. What a break through. He even held it for an entire 20 meter circle. How fabulous!!! What a milestone for both of us.  We know he is very capable of dropping his nose to the ground :-)

Am I still listening?

I think the most important thing we can do for our horses is to shut off our busy brains and just listen to what they are telling us. They are always telling us a story and if I stop and think about all the horses I have been blessed with, Blu is probably the most expressive. So why do I not take the queues he is so generously offering? I think the simple answer relates to my humaness. The only time I really have a quiet moment is when I am with Blu so I frequently find myself re-hashing my day or dwelling on those issues I can't seem to resolve to my satisfaction. Blu is my lesson... stay present... listen to me...listen to what is around you... Let me share a real life example that is unfolding.

I have blogged about the delicate balance I have to keep between Blu's back, his shoeing, saddle fit and general joint maintenance. When one is out of whack they all eventually suffer. With Dr. Liz and Danny the farrier in Blu's corner, I have been able to do a world of good for Blu. The saddle continues to be a problem and I am actively trying to manage that to a quick resolution (why should this be so hard... that is another blog in the making...) So when Blu starts to pin his ears when I bring my saddle out or when he steps wide with his right hind do I take notice? Yes, I do but my reaction as to taking the next step is not always immediate. I get caught up in thinking about other issues and truly do not focus on what Blu is telling me.  I need to learn my lesson so Blu can be as sound and happy as possible. Dr. Liz saw it the last time she was at the barn but she saw it after I warmed Blu up. She did not see what he was like cold under saddle. Did I connect those dots when she said to me he may need hock injections in the next couple of months? No I did not. It did not hit me until my next ride when I really struggled to get Blu to use his right hind. Even last night I had to be reminded by him that he had an issue and when was I going to listen? Bingo! I got your message Blu! Finally at long last! I called Dr. Liz's office and asked if she was going to be in the area anytime soon if she could come back out and see Blu and possibly provide him with some injections... Whew... I finally got the message! So I guess the moral to the story is that I am harder to train than a horse :-)

Here is a picture of the most beautiful Blu and a lovely ride we had at a Gil Merrick clinic.  He is truly the very best horse!!! Pictures provided by permission of oatsnews.com

Helloooooo....

Perfect harmony

Horses will be horses...

More time has passed and I have not been diligent about capturing my thoughts. Too much to do and so little time... Last week was a slice of heaven -- vacation time and my first priority was Blu. Going to the barn in the early AM was out of the ordinary since I am an afternoon rider on weekends. Blu caught sight of me while out in his paddock and gave that quizzical "what are you doing here now interrupting up morning hay in the sunshine" look. Never the less, he was easily persuaded my presence was a good thing when I revealed the carrots that were waiting for him. He is so easy... or is he?

Despite his good nature and willingness to please, Blu is a horse. After 3 years of ownership he delighted me with some bad boy antics. Long lining has been added to our repertoire. While I can still initially fumble with the lines... what goes in which hand... I have got the feel for what I am trying to achieve. Blu loves his long lining. He immediately uses his back stepping under from behind, carrying over his back and deep into the bridle carrying his nose down by his fetlocks. Blu also is slightly opinionated so when he gave me a little "whee" and then a bunny hop kick when we started our session the other day I did not think much of it. I pushed him forward and he settled nicely into his work. Being habitual I always start his work to the left since this seems to be the easier direction. I give him plenty of time to walk and really stretch and then we go off to trot working transitions between gaits. Then we get a nice canter in. He just seems to grow into this really big horse. Then we go the right. This takes more time since he doesn't  necessarily like stepping under with his right hind. He will try and either not use it or swing it a bit wide. He seemed to warm up nicely to the direction so we moved on to the trot work. All was going well and then he felt like he was bulging through the outside shoulder and getting a bit strong in the bridle. I gave him a half halt and he scoffed at my attempt bulging more to the outside. I gave him an even bigger one and he went "WHOA" stepping on the brakes. I did not anticipate this reaction and found myself forced ahead of him and in front of his girth. He took full advantage then and slammed into reverse at full speed almost flattening our beloved barn manager and her sage mare. Of course there were others in the ring to notice our misadventure. Sweet... timing is everything.  I tried to let him have as much rein as possible and the asked him to whoa again and he just did not like it charging backwards again. Oh crap. Finally he stopped and stood still so I could gather the reins some and move him forward in the walk. Once settled and listening to me I asked him to trot and he was HUGE... OMG beautiful. We worked a bit more and then I took his naughtiness to the grooming stall to clean up. I picked his feet and then got the broom to sweep up around him like I usually do. His freshness thought I was going to assault him and kept spooking as I tried to sweep. Bad boy remorse... he was just pitiful. It carried over to the next day with twitchiness. He really is something!

Since then I had a wonderful lesson. I have decided that riding him with spurs is a MUST. I do not have to use them but their presence makes him so much more mindful of what I am asking him to do. Our canter work is perfection. He is balanced and uphill. We even did some working canter pirouettes... so much fun. Someday I will learn to sit his trot... someday. I am so challenged. Despite my zealous but failed attempts at trot perfection, I am making small gains... I need to let him carry me. We have moments. I just need to string them together... that's all. Despite the challenges I just can't wait for the next ride or to see his happy face.

A long time coming...

It has been way too long since I have written about the most wonderful horse and exploits as an amateur rider. I tend to go underground when things are not going well. Why should this blog be any different? The good news is that we have come out the other side. So here is what has happened...

After struggling in the show ring, Blu and I continued to train vigorously. He kept showing very mild signs that something was bothering him... heavy in the right rein, a tad sore in the back before ride, not as forward as he usually is. He would work out of his stiffness and we would have good rides but nothing that was stellar. Slowly but surely, Blu finally had enough and told me he just did not want a saddle on his back by pinning his ears, doing small bunny hop bucks and not going forward. Oh my!!!

Dr. Liz has shock waved him, he has received a fair amount of rest but most important Blu and I took up long lining. We have been having so much FUN!!! His trot grew, he came through his back and willingly dropped his head to his fetlocks in all gaits. His back has strengthened to a point where we are back to full work as of last night.

He was terrific last night. During a lesson we did it all including canter pirouettes and flying lead changes... oh my it was just too fantastic. His lead changes were up hill and forward thinking. I was just so thrilled. I think I will live off of this ride for days to come!!! Coming up the end of this week a clinic with Gil Merrick!!!

Not much to say

I am caught in a stuggle... being a competitive rider and paying for participation. Sometimes the paying part is challenging since the job I count on for funding has high demands. The past 2 weeks I have worked over time and then some. I love my job but its demand can be grueling so when I finally sign off at the end of the day there is just nothing left. I try to count my blessings on a daily basis but balance this against what I feel like I am missing out on -- that is Blu. We are not making the progress I would like and I know that has everything to do with me not having the energy after a 10-11 hour workday. Every day is the same -- get up, let the dogs out/ feed the dogs, grab breakfast and head to work; sit at the computer, talk on the phone until the batteries on 3 of your cordless phones are dead (even with constant rotation) for 11 hours, finish prioritized paper work and then call it a day. Where is my energy to travel to the barn, groom/ saddle my horse, revel in the glorious ride, clean up and travel home after the drudgeries of servitude?

Here it is clean and simple... life is not easy. I like many others have to pay a dear price to participate. We are the lucky ones... we value those moments and are fully invested in the thrill they provide. So that being the case there is a life lesson is this dilemma -- suck it up and make the most of your life circumstances because before you know it, you will be in a position where your complaints of today seem trivial in nature. Celebrate today!

Good bye to an old friend...

One of Blu's first friends in MA was a beautiful Hannoverian mare named Flaine. She was a beauty with PSG training. Most of all she was the kind and faithful partner for my friend Sandra. No matter what she was asked she was cool calm and collected. She cared for my friend and my friend adored her. She spent 10 of her 18 years with Sandra and was pampered like she deserved to be. While Flaine gave her all, there was also a steep price for Sandra to pay. Flaine had an ongoing gastro intestinal disorder that caused frequent colic episodes, special diets and supplements and multiple surgeries. Flaine finally succumbed with dignity this past weekend and was laid to rest in the bucolic fields of Orchard Hills Equestrian Center. She was 18 years old.

Saying good-bye is not easy but it is a reminder of just how lucky we are each and every day to share our lives with such wonderful giving and devoted creatures. Good-bye Ms. Flaine. You will never be forgotten. Your gifts live on!

Validation is a wonderful thing

So I have been off on a business trip for two days and just feeling so excited about the ride I had on Blu this past Sunday. The plan was for Linda to ride during my absence. On my way home today I just could not take it one more moment and I called Linda to check in and see what she thought about her rides. She agreed that Blu was the best she had ever felt. He was up through his back and happy in his work. She broke out the double bridle and he accepted it with little issue. She then did some fly lead changes and she said they were down right perfect... no hopping into the change croup high! She said that my assessment was spot-on and she was thrilled with the changes she felt. Oh my, does life get better?

Maintenance continues

Between the pain in my neck and Blu's stiff hocks, we both required a bit more maintenance. While mine took the form of anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants and physical therapy, Blu was treated to hock injections. We are both in working order again and it culminated in the most joyous ride last evening.

We just passed out of a nasty heat wave -- temperatures above 100 with a heat index even higher. After a few days off, it was back under saddle and of course he was fresh :-) It was great! Up the road we went to the outdoor arena spooking at the bushes, the barn, Abbey working out of the back of her car,
let's not forget the big card board box. By the time we walked into the arena he was on his tip toes. After a lot of suppling at the walk we went off to trot and for Blu it felt pretty good -- a bit tight but good-- lots of energy... More suppling at the trot along with transitions then off to canter... sublime...

I really wanted to spend some time at the trot because he has been running onto his forehand so we worked thousands of transitions and our final work was the best trot work I have ever had -- truly using his hind end and light in the front. I concentrated on feeling his hind legs and following with my seat bones. If he got heavy we did a down ward transition then back up to trot. It worked!!!! I love when I actually feel like I am making progress on my own with the assistance of a trainer. It is about time after how many years? Let's not count them ...

So off on a business trip for two days. I can not wait to get back and see what I get!

What are you thinking?

More profound words have never been spoken. After an AWESOME ride on a forward, ground covering horse who was using his back and could not be mistaken for lacking impulsion, I got off and started to think "what just happened?" I mean the horse I felt and rode at the show vs. the horse I rode tonight were polar opposites. I took Blu for his shower and talked with our very wise barn manager and asked the question out loud. With great wisdom she simply asked "what were you thinking when you got on him at the show?... At home you get on and think 'let's go!' at the show do you think "what's he looking at... what's he going to do?" While I may not be outwardly nervous, I become a different rider mentally. Blu is smart enough to pick up on that caution and just slows the whole thing down to a level he thinks is manageable... He is the smart one, not me. So thank you Suzy for that "AHA" moment. Now to figure out how to change that internal message loop... yet another lesson to be learned all because of the most fabulous Blu. I just need to stop and listen to what he is telling me.

Good ride... tough score

Yesterday was a beautiful day for a horse show but the weather gods must not have been smiling on the judge. She has her own little rain cloud hanging over her head and she shared it with the rest of us... I thought I had given my best ride (if you exclude the fabulous flying lead change during our counter canter half circle ... thank you Blu :-) ) only to find out I performed the worse this season. I was stunned and then I was mad and then I allowed myself to feel hurt. I kept questioning "why do I do this?" Over and over again I asked myself the question. I think at this point it is because I never give up... NEVER. I set my sights on a bronze medal over 15 years ago when I turned from hunters to dressage. Now my question is "When is this going to happen and now what do I have to do to get those scores?" All I know is when it does happen, there is going to be one big fat ass celebration!

As usual Blu was perfection. I love this boy more with each passing day. How can that be possible? Here is a picture to display his magnificence. Thanks to my friend Stephanie from Dexterpix for such a terrrific shot. He truly is a blessing. Never mind what that judge says...

A little TLC and voila!

Both Blu and I have benefited from a bit of work. For me, it is stretching and strengthening of my lower back and hips along with attention to my core muscles. For Blu, coffin joint injections and shock wave. Both of us felt the effects this evening. It is just beautiful when it all comes together.

I took a lesson and told Linda I wanted to focus on the bend since the past two tests have had similar comments about "not enough bend". So we did some work at the walk -- half pass to X then turn on the haunches and half pass back to the rail. We also worked on the turn on the haunches element required at 2-3. Off we went to trot and quickly turned that to canter and back to trot with transitions being of utmost importance. The canter work that followed was just spectacular. I rode him up in the bridle and had beautiful counter canter and simple changes. Linda thought if I could replicate these movements for my test on Saturday I could easily have a 67 - 68 ride. Oh please... all I want is a 60!!!

So coffin joint injections and shockwave did the trick for Blu. Continued stretching and strengthening for me. My knees are out of the saddle and my leg is hanging down his side. I can give the aids I need from my seat and core. What a beautiful thing! This boy has taught me so very much about feeling and riding correctly.

A tepid bath (Blu is not a fan of cold water...), lots of treats and love and then home to dream of the ride. Can I just bottle that and replicate it on Saturday?

Exclamation!

Here is Blu and his mom at their very first show together! Another milestone achieved and documented! He was the very best boy! How lucky am I! I think I need to pinch myself! Dreams do come true! I must have been very good in another life or is it that I have paid my equine dues so I am now entitled to all the joy a horse can bring! Whatever it is I hope it goes on forever!

Maintenance required for older models.

Both Blu and I require the occasional tune up. I get mine from limb bending physical therapists who delight in seeing how much open angle they can create in my hip. I was proclaimed to be at about 90% this past Monday when I started 8 weeks ago I barely had 20% of my expected range. Got to love those therapists. No pain... no gain.

Blu has shown some progressive ouchiness in the past month. Nothing really to write home about but when you look at it cumulatively, he has become plain sore. Dr. Liz was out to see him and confirmed my suspicions -- sore back and sore front feet. X-rays of his front feet showed no discernible change so she felt coffin joint injections and shock wave for his back were in order. In a week's time he will be back to full work.

We also talked about his strange episode the last day of the show. She said my instincts to load him up and take him home were correct and there could have been any number of things that caused his distress including the agitated horses all around. From now on he will continue to get the Gastrogard with each day of showing supplemented by 60cc of Maalox every 4 hours and Tums as his snacks. I would go to all sorts of lengths to keep this young man happy...

So us seniors have got our therapy and will prepare for the next show. Hopefully we will both be in the best of shape as we continue to search for those bronze medal scores.

Another show... another show experience

Off to Mystic Valley Hunt Club this past weekend. We were due to depart on Thursday afternoon but severe thunderstorms in the area kept us at home until early Friday morning. Getting to the barn at that hour I hoped Blu was clean and tidy like our last outing but of course that was not to be. He had brown spots all over him. So off to the wash stall we went. His braids were also a bit dicey but time was not on my side and I said to heck with it and went off to the show a bit tattered. Half way in the commute I realized we were not going to make our class in time. When I got to the show, I immediately went to the show secretary and luck would have it that there was a scratch an hour later so I took the slot.

By the time I got enough unloaded, Blu groomed and me put together we had 15 minutes for warm-up. Out went the long walk and a bit of trot. We walked to the warm-up area and went to canter. He felt good -- a bit tired-- but overall he was good. Neither of us were very anxious and that is great! He was still going into the ring but what are you going to do when the show must go on? Put on a smile and trot into the ring that is what you are going to do! And so we did...

The test was far better than our last outing. I was more confident and started to think more about the ride vs. the OMG I am actually in the show ring thinking. I had a heads up from my friend that it was a bit boggy at "X" due to torrential rains the evening before. Blu spotted it immediately as we entered at "A". You could feel his wheels turn -- "How am I going to get out of stepping in that slop?" I kicked and kicked... he fishtailed and bulged. I got him into the middle of it but the halt was plain ugly. For a horse who usually scores a 7-8, we settled for a 5. Sweet! For the rest of the test where I had to pass through "X" I simply tried to stay to one side or another but we had to come back through as we approached our final halt. Simply put, it again was not very pretty. He scooted through "X" and then landed in a heap with a few walk steps for the final halt. Not good for second level and it earned us another "5".

Our judge was of international fame -- how lucky could one get? My trainer thought my score was a bit low but her comments were certainly something to build on. Our score was better than our last show and we did place 2nd out of 6.

We have some work to do. I just have to get these scores out of the way so I can take a breath and begin to think about third level. With the month of August being show free, we will start back in the double bridle. I think we are both ready for it. Next show in 2 weeks... Get ready Letter Perfect Farm... Here comes Blu!!!

Too busy riding to post

Wouldn't that be a dream? Too much time in the saddle so not enough time to wax poetic? I wish this was the case. The truth is that I continue to ride as work allows and that is usually a 4 day per week minimum. My riding has definitely improved and the magnificent Blu just becomes more magnificent.

We started on our next phase -- horse shows. We went to our first this beautiful sunny hot and humid Memorial Day weekend. He was just the best show pony anyone could ask for. The day started perfectly when I walked into the barn in the morning and he did not have a manure stain on him!!! He stood patiently while I braided him and they came out perfectly. He loaded like it was yesterday that he stepped on the trailer. He was quiet in the trailer for the 1.5 hour ride and then stood patiently while we got set up. Off he came without a snort or a whinny. Blu had arrived and he was ready to show!

Second level test three was made for him. He did flawless simple lead changes and his counter canter was perfection. He did not rush and if I could learn to ride a bit more forward we would knock the ball out of the park. Why is it that I ride like a girl gone wild at home but can not replicate that in front of a judge? Frustrating indeed but maybe with time I will give that bit of nonsense up. The show nerves I have exhibited in the past were far better than I expected -- all due to the marvel of Blu. He never put a foot wrong -- even when the wind was gusting and the low bushes by the ring were being tossed around, he went about his job taking care of me. He is the $50 million horse!

Enjoyment in every ride

Tired and feeling just a bit sore from yesterday's ride I had to push myself to go to the barn. I just did not want to leave the comfort of home, go out in the rain and feel the dampness seep into my bones. Blu was waiting and I knew he would probably be in because of the down pours that kept creeping back into the day. Off I went and as predicted Blu was waiting in his comfy over bedded stall with a nice snack size pile of hay laying at his feet. He seemed quite content but thrilled to have his mom pay him a visit. There are treats in my pocket after all...

He just feels better with each ride. He is strong and he is much more uphill in his balance. My trainer sees it and the barn manager commented today on the improvements she has seen Blu make in the past month. Yes, he has yet another fan club. How can you not enjoy every moment with this wonderful horse?

We are preparing for our first show on Memorial Day weekend with a Ride-Critque-Ride this coming weekend. We will do 2nd-3 and see what we have. I am exhausted just thinking about the week to come but it is filled with anticipation as I take my relationship with Blu to the next long awaited level.

It is tough to get old.

No posts for awhile since my riding has been terribly lack luster. My back/ hip issue had returned with a vengeance to the point where I broke down and went to see a sports medicine physician. Sometimes it is wise to leave the diagnosing to trained professionals but then again that means giving up control of the situation. So this control freak let go and the good news is that the issues can be fixed. The tough news is that it will take some pain and some time. Oh well, as long as it can be fixed.

So my riding is now augmented by twice a week physical therapy, daily stretching and strengthening exercises. Once a week I submit to Linda's instruction, working my body overtime and coming away with improving results.

Tonight I continued with left hip/ buttock pain but said "screw it" and kept on with the lesson. Focusing on a horse who was firing off his hind legs and coming up and into the bridle helped me forget about any discomfort I was feeling. We worked on canter half pass to leg yield, simple changes, canter halt. It was all good work. After about 40 minutes I ceded the reins to Linda and she finished the ride. He was magnificent-- the best I had ever seen.

Linda provided words of encouragement even said she thought PSG was in our reach within the next year.... OMG... can you even imagine that. It may be tough to get old but the old are getting tough!!!

First lesson in our new home

I feel disoriented. Our new home is so clean and neat. Everything is run with an attention to detail and attention is not spared at any time. [deep sigh here...]

We had our first lesson. Blu was a peach. He went into the indoor , checked it out and then got down to work. Linda tuned him up and then I finished the ride. We worked on simple changes -- 10m circle at V across the diagonal to R with the simple change between X and R -- perfect. Then we went across the diagonal from H with a 10m circle at X then the simple change before P. We rushed it the first time but it was straight. The second time was perfect. His trot is just getting better all the time -- more push from behind up through his back and into the bridle. The swing in his back is just incredible. It is so beautiful to watch. It just brings tears to my eyes to see him so happy in his work. You know he is feeling good!

I felt pretty tight during the lesson-- no ibuprofen and a lack of stretching does not help me at all. Blu just gets behind my leg and I have to work to keep him forward. When my body lets go we are great. When it locks up we have a problem.

I have decided that we will do 2-1 and 2-3 for our second level scores and who knows, maybe we will qualify for regionals. In the meantime we will continue to settle into our new home. Blu needs to decide which paddock he likes. he definitely enjoyed the walk around the outdoor track and the nibbles of grass. Pampered pooch.

New home for Blu and his mom.

After much soul searching, I came to the decision it was time for Blu and me to move on. His old home was perfect -- it brought him closer and put me in a position to offer world class shoeing service in a time of need. Blu is sound and stronger than ever so it was time to get to the work we are suppose to do and that is get to our bronze and silver medals. Schooling was tough in our current situation -- lots of kids populating a very busy school program -- great for the farm but not so great for us as we bobbed and weaved with the growing traffic in the arena. So off to a new home. A home focused on dressage performed by adults only. After a year of phenomenal healing Blu faced the trailer like he had been on it yesterday. My dear friend Mary generously offered her time and trailer. Her company was oh so welcomed. I was as nervous as a first time mother sending her child off to kindergarten. Without sleep the night before, I made lists and kept thinking about all those things I might be forgetting. I tortured myself for no good reason. Blu was the consummate school master. He went into his new stall, sampled the hay and stuck his head out the yoke opening checking out his surroundings. As I settled the paperwork and unloaded supplies he made immediate friends with his next door neighbor Samurai. After scoffing down his dinner, I took him outside to do a little grazing -- the first of the season. What a joy! Gentle breezes and a multitude of song birds chirping in the trees, welcomed us to our new surroundings. I felt true contentment and Blu never picked his face up from the new bright green sprigs of grass. I can't wait to ride tomorrow. Blu's new primary care taker showed me his turnout and chatted about how she would organize his day. Quick pinch yourself... this new home is just as I would design. How lucky is that?

New boots are no joke

Several years ago I decided it was time for a new pair of riding boots. I had a well worn pair of Konigs that lasted me a good 15 years and probably could have done many more but I thought it time to get something that would last me the rest of my riding days. I seemed to forget how hard it was to break in new footwear. So I went to Dover Saddlery and was measured for a beautiful pair of custom Konigs. Nothing off the shelf for me... what was I thinking???? It has taken me two years and being backed into the proverbial corner with shows looming in the near future to pull the boots out and commit to wearing them every ride. I have to move my stirrup up to get on because I can not bend my knee -- they are so stiff and come up so high.... It is like a straight jacket for my feet and lower leg. Arghhhh.... I could not back down from this commitment so tonight I wore them during a lesson. I came out of it with an open blister on the inside aspect of my right heel. (How did I do that???) and at first it was quite distracting but oh what they did for my leg. I could not grip as much with my knee so my leg could then drop. ahhhhh.... owwwwww.... ahhhhh. What a vicious cycle combining the pain with the joy of a good ride. I have to take a picture of these things... They are so tall and stiff like any good German boot should be. They will eventually break in but in the mean time... Arghhhhhhhh P.S. Blu was spectacular tonight. We nailed the simple changes and Linda said it was one of our best rides. She was pleased with how we both looked and she was highly complementary that I did not wear out during the lesson. I kept up with the stiff pace she set so I guess we are both amping it up! Let the fun begin. I have got to remember that box of bandaids...

Time for a change

Spring is springing and so are we! A beautiful weekend was finally ours. No more freezing weather, soaking up the warm spring rays while rolling in the mud has to be on the top of any self-respecting horse's wish list. Blu is no exception and for once during the long winter season I am thrilled that Blu has a turn out sheet on. Still there is caked on mud and I get down to the dirty work before I am blessed with a ride. So dust, dirt, grime and of course hair all fly. Blu just loves the vigorous curry he receives and as always lets me know which spots need tending. It has been a tough couple of weeks due to some unexpected health issues but with those behind me it is time to amp up the game yet again. Practicing the difficult parts of the 2nd level test -- the simple change -- has been mastered on two adjacent 10m circles at the canter. The task on keeping the geometry, the tempo, canter to walk, change the bend and strike off to canter is a challenge but poetic when done correctly. If I can get the simple change in this exercise then any simple change in a second level test becomes child's play right???? Time will tell. We also continue to school transitions. They are our friends... That is also interspersed with changes of bend and really asking for the bend.... no faking it. Blu must step under himself and give in his neck and poll. When he does it feels like buttahhhh. Outside for our first hack this weekend. While other horses were acting up my dear boy just went out and enjoyed the scenery. He is such a pleasure to be with every day!

We rocked it.

After a week of trying to come to grips with a right hind that did not want to work so hard and focusing on straightness we made some serious break through. His right hind was working just fine this evening and straightness was not an issue. I had a FABULOUS ride. We worked on the finer points of the ride. Tuning Blu to my queues for transitions by sitting a bit taller signaling a transition was so very easy for him. He obviously knew this in a past life and was waiting for me to catch up. I need to focus on this for every transition we do. We also worked on the single change of lead. My biggest challenge is staying in the moment so the next moment can follow. My inclination is to be way ahead in the ride and it does not help the present. It allows Blu to take charge and that is not necessarily a good thing. I got it and it was wonderful. We worked at the canter on a 10m circle -- canter to walk to canter then a simple change and the work in the opposite direction. If we can do it on a 10 m circle, the changes in the test are a real piece of cake. Our changes tonight were perfect. We then went off and worked on some canter half pass to a leg yield and counter canter. All was excellent. I need to keep my inside leg on him in the half pass and not let him take over. Another challenge to work on. Linda got on the end because I wanted her to feel how spectacular he felt to me. She schooled the flying lead changes and I could not get over how much they have improved. She then did some of the medium and extended gates with him and he was terrific! She thought we may have to accept some 6s in these gates but she really thinks that after tonight if ridden right he could get 9s... wow. We have lots of work to do but I can feel and see such progression in both of us. It is really coming together. How did I get so lucky?

always something to do...

It has been a week of horse housekeeping. Here is what I have accomplished:

1. Have the vet out to check Blu's back. Findings: he is chiropractically in good shape but his back is sore - not too bad though. He had a bit of shock wave therapy and the vet declared he has looked younger at every visit. Whew... We also talked about showing and the impact of stress... I will be putting Blu on Gastrogard on the days he is off showing. At $35/ tube this is just another expense...
2. Got his Coggins and spring shots scheduled. The vet actually came today to do Coggins and strangles. He will get his spring shots later in the month.
3. Call to the USDF - thank God I saved my tests and copies of my membership cards. First, they did not have the tests and second they did not have proof of my membership. Well, I got that all straightened out. The good news is that they recorded my first level scores. The sad news is that I did not have proof or earning my second level score so I am going to have to repeat meaning I have two second level scores to earn. I am just grateful I did not have to start from scratch.
4. Saddle fitting is completed. After scheduling a saddle fitting visit for this past Saturday only to have it moved to today at noon, then to 4pm today and then at the last minute a cancelled, I was able to convince the saddle fitter to come this evening. The saddle fitter was amazed at how much muscle he developed in his back. She said she had never seen such a dramatic improvement in a horse of his age. She gave me props for the work I have been doing to put him back at the top of his game. Yay!!!! While I did not get home until close to 8:30 pm, my saddle fits his back once again and I am sitting in the correct position.

I finalized all of this and kept my more than full time job going. I am exhausted and by the end of the day so was Blu. He tried to stand patiently but he was such a nudge. I could not get him back to his stall fast enough! It was all a bit too much for both of us.

So there is some sunshine at the end of this day. His scratches is almost gone! The Silversulfadine ointment with dexamethasone has done the trick. I will continue to slather this thick ointment on his right hind ankle for the next couple of days just to be sure but we are in a good place. Tomorrow we can focus on the ride and cleaning the tack that I totally ignored today. Again, yet something else to do... while I am living a life long dream, Blu is certainly continuing his charmed life. Such a good boy...

Slowly we prepare...

Blu's back has been a bit sore... what could it be? Instead of trying to guess, let's call Dr. Liz. So the good doctor came for a barn visit yesterday and ooohhhh'd and ahhhhh'd over how wonderful the big boy looks. She was so impressed with his topline saying he was regressing in years. She could have said nothing better. She agreed that his back was sore but not bad and chiropractically he was in good shape. So after a little shock wave we talked about another issue that has cropped up... SCRATCHES... uggggggghhhh.

I noticed Blu's right hind was stocking up so probing fingers discovered the nasty little crusty fungus and went to work trying to crumble it away. He did not take huge offense to my probing but did let me know he did not care for it much. So I cleaned it, dried it and applied some Micro-Tek. While it had improved it was still there and he held some mild swelling in his ankle. Dr. Liz gave me some SSD with dexamethasone to slather on his ankle. She warned me that I would have to be vigilant and if he continued to hold fluid in his ankle then he would have to be wrapped every evening since as an older horse he would be prone to developing lymphangitis. DOUBLE UGGGGGGHHHHH. He is such a good boy and would be great to wrap, it is just getting it done when I am not to the barn that becomes a problem. There always seems to be something to worry about...

Putting all that aside, I begin the preparations for a bronze medal show season. I called the USDF after finding they had not recorded all my scores. Very helpful that I kept all of them since 1999!!! This has to be the longest medal in the making. Having goals is important even if your anticipated timeline is exceeded by a decade.

Show season looms

I can feel it creeping up... that feeling that I will not be ready. Everyday I do something to prepare for show season. Whether it be checking my memory on 2-1 or 3-1 or practicing the hard parts of the test -- clean changes, counter canter, simple change... omg straightness. How hard can straightness be? Apparently very hard tonight. During our lesson we were made to live in shoulder in going to the right. I just could not get out of my own way.

After breaking a sweat -- both of us not just me -- and trying repeatedly we got some good moments. I was a bit frustrated and Blu was patiently waiting for me to get it right. He did test me though. I would get his shoulder and then he would swing his haunches out. I would straighten them and he would stiffen in his neck. ARGHHHH.... Then I just laughed and off we went to another exercise.

So lots of work to do and more tomorrow. Hmmmm what will tomorrow bring? I have to chase down some missing scores with USDF. Good thing I kept all those tests that were signed by the show secretary. I would hate to have to repeat any of them. I promised Blu tonight that as soon as I had my second and third level scores this season we would stop showing... We would just have to start preparing for next season... 4th level and PSG!!!

God my body hurts after that butt whoopin' Love that boy though!

The next ride

A few days off for me but right back in the saddle the day I arrived home. He was such a happy boy -- grateful to be taken out of his paddock and primped. He gratefully nuzzled the peppermint cookies out of my hand and kept looking for more as we approached the barn... he always knows there is more.

My standard grooming / tack up routine includes me running my hands all over his body feeling for bumps, scratches the occasional burr or scurfy patch. All was in order except for his back. Right where the cantle sits on his back he was ouchy to touch. I rubbed him with liniment and we went off to work. He needed some encouragement so we went off to canter early in the ride and that seemed to kick him into gear.

I think the back soreness may be due to his saddle needing restuffing. I have called on the saddle fitter and hope to have a date for re-fitting shortly. I am also going to call Dr. Liz and ask her advice on how to proceed. For now I will work him lightly and tend to his sore spots before and after the ride.

Lunchtime Treat

Business travel will take me out of town for a good portion of this week so I wanted to make sure I got a ride in today. A break cleared mid-day, my prayers were answered and off to the barn I went. I whirled into the parking lot and practically sprinted out to the paddock -- not a second to waste. I calculated that if I could keep my commute and prep time down to a minimum, this would give me a full hour in the saddle. I had to be back for a 2pm meeting... So Blu was quite happy to see me coming right up to the gate for the bribe, I mean snack, I had in my pocket. I explained to him the haste with which I dispatched him and he was fine as long as there was the occasional treat.

He was fresh today. Of course gale force winds blew across Sawyer Hill stirring all the ponies into a frenzy. He spooked at every door and every strange noise he heard. I decided to just pick up the reins and go to work because walking on a long rein was an invitation to anarchy. So we did our walk warm up on the bit and did lots of lateral work, bending and transitions walk/ halt. He got the message quickly. Have I said lately just how smart this horse is?

He was really strong but I just love when he comes out that way. It gives me a lot to work with. By the end of the ride I even had a little piaffe and it was not an evasion tactic. He was honest into the bridle and through his back. He was yet once again magnificent. We did a walk through of 2-1 and if I did not know better I think he knows the darn thing... Was he checking out the new tests on the USEF website???

So I go off to the frozen tundra of MN with a smile on my face and a warm spot in my heart. May my memories keep me in comfort as I sit through all day meetings and long for my next ride.

Raising the Bar

Blu has come such a long way -- from a very lame horse with an aching back to being sound and strong and ready for collection. Every week I see a positive change in him. Every week he provides me with more of a challenge -- good challenge. This is where the education really begins.

Conformationally we are all challenged and Blu is no exception. The true secret to life is learning to rise above these challenges and making the most of the ride. Blu is built a bit croup high thus automatically putting him on his shoulders. The good news is that as he builds strength in his hind end and back he is able to lift and free his shoulders. To build the strength he needs to rock back and work from the hind end. It is a tough cycle to break but we are slowly chipping away at it. He has moments of brilliance in his trot work. His canter is already there. My trainer thinks he most definitely will be able to do this work. When I do get him off his shoulder and working from behind his trot grows into this beautiful gait. We both rise above our challenges - his conformation and my innate adult respond to hold too long.

As I have said before, every day is a lesson and gains are made. I will have to work very hard in this growth phase to really develop Blu and myself as a team. Time in the saddle is the best I can do and getting back to riding five times per week is essential to making this break through.

Saying good-bye

While this blog has been primarily about my boy Blu, on occasion I let my posts wander to those who preceded him. It is because of all those wonderful animals and the lessons I learned, I was ready for this bright and beautiful boy. Today my thoughts are consumed by my precious C'est La Vie (aka Colby).

Colby passed from this earth today after 26 glorious years. She was a fiery red-headed alpha mare who came into my life after the untimely passing of my beloved PSG schoolmaster due to a pasture accident. I was filled with despair when my trainer asked me to come take a lesson on Colby. I acquiesced because I did not know how to say "no". (a life long problem...) The lesson was just OK because I could not get out of my head and Colby was a bit strong. My trainer informed me Colby was for sale but I really was not ready to consider another partner even though several months had passed. A week or two passed and my trainer asked me if I wanted to go on a trail ride. I really was quite excited because it had been too long since I had been out on trail. So off we went. She was strong and wanted to take the lead. I was hanging on because I just did not know enough to let go and trust her. It was a good ride but I really thought she might be too much horse for me. Despite this, I just could not get her out of my head. Several weeks later my trainer said someone else was interested in buying her. When I heard that I said, "no, don't sell her! I want her!" There is was, I could not let her go. So we began a partnership that really took 1.5 years to cement. You could not get on Colby and just go off on a lovely ride. She had to let you ride her. After the 1.5 year struggle, I just let go and she said "FINALLY!" and we forged a partnership that took us to horse shows (through second level and scores for a bronze medal at 1st and 2nd), on trail rides and yes, bushwhacking -- going where there were no trails -- real pioneers!

So here is to you my dear Colby. You will always be in my heart and you are certainly in every ride I am graced with on the back of my sweet Blu.

I can ride

So I had a one of those rides this evening where you say "yep I really do know how to ride." Magical... please let it burn into my brain so I can replicate it tomorrow.

I started the evening with a bit of an attitude. I got Blu ready for his lesson and brought him down to the indoor only to find another unscheduled trainer in the indoor providing a lesson to a small child on a pony and to make matters worse, she had two small fences set up. I had purposely checked the lesson schedule to make sure we were not going to run into this mess. I wanted a lesson dammit!!! Besides this trainer there was another who had regularly scheduled time and I expected her and her adult student to be present during my lesson. Besides all these lessons there were two other boarders attempting to school their horses in the middle of the mayhem. ARGHHHHHHHH...

So I said to myself, "Self, get over it and own the ring." So I did. I rode like no one else was there and did what I had to do to get my boy warmed up. He was perfect by the way only snarling once at the little pony who got way too close. Linda then arrived and while it was not conducive to her teaching, she got on and schooled the first half of the lesson. He was strong so it was probably a good thing that she schooled him. The ring cleared a bit and then I got on. From there the ride was spectacular!!!! Yes, he was still very strong but I owned the ride. Blu was strong in a good way and as Linda put it -- he is very fit and sound so it is time to expect Blu to be sharp about his responses to the aids. Game on Blu! He figured it out very quickly and it was almost as if he grew several hands taller. He was on fire! What a team! He loved the fact that we upped the game. My sitting trot was just the best. Our transitions were crisp and his canter work was perfect. We did some canter half pass that was poetic... fluid, no change in tempo, bending , no rushing or leaning. It was just the best I have ever felt. We did lots of transitions trot/halt/trot medium trot to passage to collected trot and this lovely trot lateral work -- shoulder-in to renvers/ shoulder-in to travers to half pass. I did not want to stop it was so magical.

Linda praised the ride and felt my position was very strong resulting in a beautiful partnership between the Biggers and me.

How lucky am I? (Just pinched myself!) OMG can we please replicate it???

Winter training is not a favorite

Out to the barn I went and while it was a mild 32 degrees with a gentle breeze blowing at the top of Sawyer Hill, I felt the chill in my bones and dreaded the march out to the paddock to retrieve my pal.

Since the road to the paddocks was terribly icy, I cut through the main barn and when I opened he doors at the other end, there was Blu with his head high in the air calling to be let in. He had had enough and some of his friends had made it into the coziness of the barn before him. So I went up to him and hooked on his lead and he decided he had to run to the barn. WRONG! I have never had to shank him but he got it yesterday. It jolted him back to reality and instead of being 19 hands tall he shrunk to his meager 16.3. He still danced his way back up the hill though. He is not to be left behind.

After some late winter currying -- white hair flying everywhere, I saddled him up and off we went to the indoor. It was lovely because only a few friends were in the ring (they all knew how to steer so that made for a great ride!) Blu felt great from an energy perspective. He was ready to go. He wanted to go on his forehand so we spent a good deal of time working on transitions. This seemed to improve matters and I was able to manage to get some really great canter work. He was up in the bridle and all I had to do was let go. We worked on the simple changes and they were terrific. I am really focusing on keeping my weight on my inside seat bone and that seems to do the trick.

When we were done he got another currying... He is really feeling the late winter itch. I could not curry him enough. Then it was his favorite time of all... dinner!!! He may not like winter turnout but he looovvvveeesss his winter supper!

Happiness is...

Happiness is seeing that smiling face when I walk in the barn. He always has that look of "hey, where have you been and where is my treat?" He has trained me well because there is always a piece of sugar, the bite of an apple or carrot or maybe a stray peppermint in my pocket that tops off my salutation. He is very content to take the small offering and go back to his second cut while I gather all the paraphernalia.

Happiness is NOT all the paraphernalia during the winter months. Blankets (2), boots (6), saddle pad, riser pad, saddle, girth, quarter sheet, bridle, whip, cooler... all of it must be dragged out and pressed into service after I have groomed my dirty boy. I work up a sweat just thinking about it. Yet at the same time, I would not trade one moment I spend with His Magnificence. His overt love for a good curry, his curious nature, the little nips he gives me then self-flagellates for inflicting... it is all good and makes me of good humor. So why complain?

Happiness is... watching four little girls on their ponies enjoying horsemanship as only a young mind can... with abandon. Happiness is NOT having to share the indoor with these joyful children who can run you down in a moment's notice. Can you tell not much schooling was done today? Blu felt a bit stiff and stuck to start so we had a nice canter in both directions, got him loose and called it a day. The beauty of having a schoolmaster is that you do not have to school hard everyday. I think he thanked those 4 ponies as we left the indoor.

He snows everyone...

Out to the barn on a beautiful winter's day. My car was telling me it was 39 degrees. I walked into the barn and one door was open and the thermometer read 41 degrees. Be that as it may, it felt like spring after the weather we have been having. I then trudged down to get Blu from his paddock. Snow was blocking the gate so I gave it a kick and down went the fence. OH NOOOOOO. Blu stood and waited while I picked my way over the snow bank and forced open the gate. He is such a good boy!!! After making our way through too tiny an opening again both of us carefully picking our way over the snow and through the gate, we made our way to the barn... both with our snow treads on... He got lots of hugs for being such a good and patient boy and not getting upset by the fence tumbling at his feet. When I got back to the barn I noticed one of his bell boots was missing and while my first instinct was to forget about it til spring, Frugal Fannie walked back down to the paddock and waded through snow over her knees to look for the missing protective gear. Did I find it? Heck no, what was I thinking... I think he will now go without them until the snow is either gone or packed down. He should be out in a new paddock today.

The next fun was replacing his chewed up leather halter with a brand new fleeced lined synthetic halter. It has a lovely leather breakaway and while for safety and to please my aesthetic I have alwys purchased leather, this will probably better withstand the rigor of halter tag. Check out the picture above... Handsome no?

As usual the ride was fabulous. Due to multiple storms, Blu had three days off. So he felt full of himself. His canter down the long side of the area became extended canters. waaaaaaahoooooo!!!! I let him get it out a couple of times and he was quite satisfied with himself. Our canter work after was just great. He becomes more balanced and up in front.

After our ride we headed back up to the barn and Blu was full of anticipation because his supper had been poured. We arrived at the barn and a young gap-toothed girl greeted him with a joyous "It is Blu!" He has more fans every day.

Cold hands/ warm heart

Brrrr..... so very cold at the barn yesterday. When I arrived at the barn the thermometer in my car read 12 degrees. The good news is that there was no wind on Sawyer Hill. A true and welcomed anomaly if there ever was one!

Blu was out in his paddock so I trudged out to get him carefully picking my way down the slick driveway with a pocket full of treats and a prayer that he would come to the gate without much coaxing. When he saw me he came trotting up through the deep snow... he just takes my breath away he is so beautiful. I hooked his frozen lead line to his halter and he respectfully and carefully followed me up the road.

Once in the barn, I stripped him of his turn out boots -- his bell boots were filled with snow and frozen solid. I had to remove my gloves to pick the Velcro fastener apart. I think he was very grateful to be rid of them. My fingers felt like Popsicles but my heart was warm and content being with my best buddy Blu!!! Just being in his presence settles my spirit and warms my soul. He loved the grooming and oh my word, shedding has begun. Let this please be a sign that spring is around the corner.

We had a good ride... comments from all in the ring how happy, soft and forward he looked... He was happy -- his lips were popping to the rhythm of the trot and his canter was very up and soft. We worked for about 35 - 40 minutes and called it a day... way too cold to get sweaty.

After his post work out grooming he went into his stall to his dinner. I think this is one of his favorite times of day... Plenty of hay, good food and yes a fresh bucket of warm water to wash it all down. It is a very good life!

Back in the saddle again!

Was that ever a long week! It felt so very good to see my friend Blu again. He was definitely not worse for the wear. He felt very up this past evening but best of all his back felt terrific as soon as I sat on him... swinging with every over stride. Thanks to my friend Mary who kept him moving and oh so very happy!

Maybe not the smartest idea but I scheduled a lesson for my first ride back and Linda did not let up. We had some of the best work despite the fact my seat could not seem to find and keep the center of the saddle. It was like I was swimming and Blu let me know it by popping out his shoulder or shifting his haunches way too much or best of all swapping his leads in the canter. It became all too apparent when we cantered down a long side to a 10 meter half circle to half-pass and counter canter... did I say counter canter? It would have been nice if I could hold him on my seat! I finally got it and then we went off to canter and quarter turns then canter walk. I finally sat back and let go and it was all up hill. He was magnificent and I was sadly lacking. Taking a week off just does not work for this aging dressage enthusiast. Thank God for my oh so patient boy!

I also rode without spurs last night and did not need them at all. He was quite forward and happy to work. Even a bit fresh... Spooking at the door because Hueler was feeding the horses... Don't tell me he wasn't trying to remind me that I chose dinner time for a ride.

Unfortunately, today we are expecting an ice storm so my ride will have to wait until Wednesday... We are definitely not doing ice despite the fancy Yak Trak's Mary gifted me with... me with my Yak Trak's and Blu with his winter borium.. nah, I still do not like our odds!

Ouch indeed!

So I really did a bit of damage with that little slip in the paddock. I tried to ignore it but my body let me know on no uncertain terms that I needed to step back and heal. So I was bed bound... yes bed bound for two days after not listening to my pathetically sore body. Working from my bed, I was in command of the world but not my body. LOL.

So riding is out for the rest of the week at least. My friend Mary will ride for me... thank you Mary... Linda will be out early next week and if I am able I will get back in the saddle but if not, she will tune him up. She rode him for me on Tuesday and she said he was super sound and soft. He really is coming a long way. The other thing she discovered was that her changes were all really good (not croup high) and she thinks it may have something to do with the fact that she did not wear spurs. Could Blu be telling us to shed the hardware? Should our aids be that much softer? I would not be surprised if this is the case. All we have to do is listen. He is talking...

So for now I am left to contemplate the next ride and a plan to get us into the ring this spring... All lovely thoughts to think!

Ouch

Who is more intelligent? I think Blu was top scholar this weekend. As I approached his turnout and reached for the metal gate, I slipped on the snow covered ice and was left dangling from the clanging gate. Of course Blu was standing on the other side and mortified by the racket I made but he did not walk away from me. His eyes just bugged out of his head! After I detached myself from the gate I went into the paddock, hooked on the lead shank and gave Blu his treat. I realized at that point I did something to my back and hip. Ouch! But did I stop and assess if I should be riding? Heck no... I kept moving and while I was stiff and sore our ride hit all the right notes. What a good boy. I did notice that Blu pinned his ears with the first canter... not sure what that was about. It could have been my stiffly applied aids or is something bothering his back and hip too? What a pair!!!

I got home and had a tough time getting out of the car... OH nooooo.... That was the easy part -- I could not climb the stairs without backing up them. What a scene. Today I feel better so I will get out there for a ride. We are pending a N'oreaster this week so want to make hay while the sun shines... Ok it will be dark by the time I get to the barn and COLD! It should be down in the 20s by 5pm and there is a wind chill today that puts it in the teens. BRRRRRR....

Happy New Year

It was like a spring day... warm, muddy and the horse who had "go".

Let's start with the mud. He was FILTHY. Blu ground earth into his ears, between his legs, and some how got it up under his blankets... He was very proud of himself as he jigged up the road to the barn. I am sure he was laughing as we sloshed through the puddles splashing cold wet water up my legs.

My ride as always was a very good one. His warm up was really good - plenty of energy, fairly soft in the bridle. The warm-up canter was especially good. It felt really up hill and forward.

When I picked him up for his second set he wanted to get heavy so we did alot of transitions and moving away from the leg. We did shoulder in at the trot to walk back to trot holding the position of the exercise. He really liked it... NOT but it got to the point and our final work was very good.

Working inside is becoming a chore... too many children on school horses they can not control. If I do not get out of work on time on Mondays I can forget riding. Can be very frustrating... The saving grace is he is so well cared for.