Late May 2013 post

So Gadget is back home from bootcamp with Kristin. I'm not sure if it was bootcamp for Gadget or me as it has become clear that most of the problems are actually mine! Kristin has been working him in the double bridle, and he feels great. He really likes a lot of support in the snaffle. I have to remember to keep him active then carry him up into an even contact in the snaffle.

During my lessons with Kristin, my right canter halfpass has disappeared. It was there the week before the schooling show, but now it's gone! Kristin has me think of haunches in, then move the shoulders. I have always ridden it by pointing the shoulders then bringing the haunches. Regardless, I couldn't do it any way, shape, or form in the last three lessons. Thank God I am not riding a test that requires canter halfpass at Grand Haven!

The quality of the trot and canter connection and self-carriage have improved dramatically. Now I need to practice riding my tests with this new feeling. I am riding second level test 3 and third level test 1 on Friday. Then I am jsut riding third level test 1 on Saturday and Sunday. I just forked over more money for lifetime recording numbers for Gadget, so I can enter qualifying classes for regionals. Not sure that I have a chance of qualifying, but I might actually try this year. Second level will be a challenge, as I have to remember how to not give the aid for flying changes during the counter canter. I intend to try to smile through my tests and laugh at my mistakes. After all, I am really, really stoked be riding at this level.

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When old becomes new - update to my old Pikeur Diana!

Here is the finished product! It was a plain black jacket so I added white and light blue trim with RHINESTONES! It's very sparkly! Here's a closeup of the collar, which looks better than the pocket. Now I am going to try to add coordinating trim (minus the rhinestones) to the saddle pad.

New Near, New Goals - 2019!

NEW YEAR, NEW GOALS! I usually love reviewing my goals, progress and dreaming up new goals for the coming year, but this year was a tough one with the loss of my dear Gadget. I read a great set of articles on the Chronicle of the Horse by Matt Brown about how to shift your thinking about goal-setting. He makes the argument against fixed, outcome goals and to instead set more of "growth mindset," process-oriented goals. And here's a link to the first article: http://www.chronofhorse.com/article/a-case-for-not-focusing-on-your-goals-part-1 They are totally worth reading. I think dressage requires a strong focus on the "process" and I've always enjoyed thinking about the little things that build to success. However, I will totally admit to being outcome goal driven. I love setting specific score goals and even the goal of mastering a movement. Just as Gadget taught me lots of humility and patience, Iggy is going to drive those lessons home in a who

August 2019 update!

I have really put this poor little blog on the back burner this year, but there's actually been lots of great things happening! Iggy and I have made huge leaps forward this year in terms of balance for both of us. I am finding ways to stay softer in my hands and more supportive of his straightness that has really helped. Iggy has really gained so much strength in his canter and feels like a totally different horse. We still get changes behind, but it's no longer the defining point of the ride. We switch back and carry-on just fine. Iggy has attended 3 horseshows, and he has been wonderful. He has gotten progressively braver at each show in the warm-up, and I think he actually understands the drill now. He gets a bit excited and "takes over" a bit, but it's a great feeling to have a horse that wants to go! Although I am most thrilled about the huge boost in his confidence, his performance has been great too. He has won all of his classes, with only one score o

Dressage Day by Day

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