DefinitelyDressage.com

piedmontfields

Capstone, your description makes sense to me. I sense that your trainer is also saying that she believes that YOU CAN DO IT, but it is also up to you to do it in the ring! I know it another thing believing it yourself *and* doing it. Riding up to a different level of comfortable is challenging. I li...

piedmontfields

I'm sorry you had a bad clinic experience. Although I'm also glad it wasn't that bad, as actually Tuddy did well in the setting with you in warm-up! As Chisamba suggested, it is very useful to watch clinicians teach before riding with them. It's also useful to see how the clinic hosts handle things ...

piedmontfields

Susan, get an upright freezer if you have the room. It is so much easier to see everything in it.

Chancellor, if my freezer is not organized, things could get lost! As it is, I know exactly where the frozen persimmon is at all times LOL!

piedmontfields

Susan: My honest answer is that I have an upright freezer in the basement that is pretty full and well organized by shelf. My bottom-mount drawer freezer is less for storage than for basics (ice, frozen fruit, etc.), so it is not so space/organizationally challenged!

piedmontfields

You have a very attractive pony! I hope these videos give you inspiration to keep on keeping on. Sometimes seeing something is possible is really useful. I hope you share more updates.

piedmontfields

Could you tell us a bit more about the spiral canter work? Is the spiraling out part the counter flexion? For us, the right rein is the soft/less connected side. So to spiral in at canter, I have to think counterflexion when going right in order to keep her sufficiently upright. We then leg yield o...

piedmontfields

Lots of great updates. Well done, you all!

Klark_kent, I am so happy for you. And in fact you have been an inspiration to me to just "get on" with addressing the changes! I figure my horse is less athletic than yours, so I can sit out any funny stuff lol!

piedmontfields

Lovely photos. Rosa looks especially regal in that shot.

Glad BamBam is still around and doing his duty---and not behaving in a way that merits becoming a curry. Those horns are intense!

piedmontfields

I forgot to mention that I also got to view some of the local airshow (Blue Angels) from horseback as they did their turn around overhead! As for pictures, I have none. I wish I were one of those people who gets pics of these adventures, but alas I have no staff for taking shots :D I do *not* drag D...

piedmontfields

To get over my clinic phobia, I've decided to sign myself up for clinics this spring. My first one was this past Sunday with Kaitlin Blythe, JJ Tate's assistant trainer. In short, I loved it and Emi was a gem! Kaitlin went right to work with us after our warm-up in a gentle yet focused way: Spiral i...

piedmontfields

Still thinking of you. Thanks for the check in. Hope the busy farm life helps.

piedmontfields

I believe this new rider will have to make a choice on whether they want to work with you or with their "head down expert."

Hope they make a good choice!

piedmontfields

Well, I do agree with you, Martha. But then I don't! I was watching some Bettina Drummond videos the other week where she was working with people riding Lusitanos. She noted that to put a firm, Warmblood-like outside rein on this type of light horse is going to make them crazy and ping around. She h...

piedmontfields

BTW, "letting go" for most of us is no small matter----we have been "holding ourselves up" for years! Some of this perspective comes from my years as a yogi (teacher and practitioner). Many of us are "propped" in an upright position, but have not yet figured out how to...

piedmontfields

Tuddy, when I received a breeches order from "Tack of the Day" this week I thought of you. My husband saw the return address and was like "Are you kidding me? What's coming tomorrow??"

I don't know how many breeches are too many breeches

piedmontfields

Woohoo, mareless! Very exciting update. I wish you all well.

piedmontfields

Chisamba, you are so correct. Tension is huge. I admit that I grip my butt regularly to deal with my life!! I am also a jaw gripper!! :o :o These days, I am also dealing with degeneration of my joints, thanks to a nasty disease, and I am feeling it way more on one side than the other right now. My m...

piedmontfields

Wow, she is already looking transformed. What an awesome update. I look forward to more stories and reports!

piedmontfields

Super update, Rose. So glad Bliss is back to himself. And BTW congratulations on your growing family!

piedmontfields

Glad this was interesting! Demi, that is exactly my experience. When I use my left knee to compensate for my left sit bone, it is due to tightness in my hip. I have to really work to let go enough on the left to plug my left sit bone in. It is so much easier for me on the right. This explains why fl...

piedmontfields

I like reading this update!

piedmontfields

Uh, step one: Ditch the curb.

piedmontfields

Chisamba wrote:Modern transmission are so much more efficient and effective that I think my friends who like manual really do have control issues lol.

We do and we admit it.

piedmontfields

Bear with me, people, while I try to explain my mini-revelation :-) I have been working for some time to be attentive to my sit bones as a bending/turning aid and also to make sure that I am using each side appropriately. What I've learned form that process is that this is way easier on the right th...

piedmontfields

The new CVTs are supposed to be good for performance and efficiency.

I can't comment though as we have 3 basic manual vehicles. Call us control freaks---it's what we prefer. But there are not many choices in the US if you want a straight shift AWD/4WD.

piedmontfields

And this, Ponichiwa, is why we are fans of you and Kiwi. It ain't easy, but damn, she is just gorgeous when she sets her mind to it! I also think "Kiwi" is one of the best names ever. :D :D This is a totally different thread, but my Emi is one step removed from a craigslist horse. She was ...

piedmontfields

Yoda looks like a pro. Manchester Terrier?

piedmontfields

I find it very difficult to ride in sticky breeches! Clarino seats are fine, though. I think it is very personal.

piedmontfields

Correct use: stabilizing the bit
Incorrect use: closing the mouth

Personally, I don't use them but they can be helpful with early training of young horses. I often think that drops work even better for the needs people/horses have.

piedmontfields

You know, my mare is a "lighter" version of this. It is easy to end up in tension with too much pushing. Slow, steady and supportive works. Keep us posted.

piedmontfields

Oh, lovely results and photo evidence! He is clearly very proud of himself and ready for his admirers to arrive. So fun for you! I think you all made quite a find with your "diesel engine" fellow.

piedmontfields

Yay, Kiwi! Good luck with the work trip, Ponichiwa. I had a really good ride on Emi today. Probably the best lateral work ("miles" of SI, T, R) in a few months and some very relaxed pre-canter piourette canter. Good mare! I joke that she is in love with the new old gelding added to her her...

piedmontfields

That is pretty ridiculously cute! What a punky little fellow. He's lucky to have you bring him up properly

piedmontfields

Baroque, how is Zeus doing with the loss of his friend? And how are you doing?

piedmontfields

VLF, wishing you ease and peace as you move through this challenging and exciting time.

piedmontfields

That is a great scene! I have to say that stray cats without a secure location (barn/home/shed) in which to reside do not last where I live either, between hawks, loose dogs and coyotes.

piedmontfields

I actually think some advance pre-view of the auction items is nice, especially of the higher value items. I find that I am much more willing to bid "up" when I know about the piece in advance.

Good luck with the event! Sounds like a wonderful cause.

piedmontfields

I just got some Red Barn reins this winter. https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/red-barn-calfskin-reins-with-stops-10785 Initially, I thought they would be too big for my wimpy hands (I have an RA-like disease), but they are awesome! Very comfortable, the stops are very subtle and the leather is good ...

piedmontfields

He is stunning, Capstone, and even better clearly has a wonderful mind. That is just so huge and IMO under-rated. Challenging PSG with trainer, but I wish them the best in the next test! It is lovely that he and your trainer are able to adjust to the necessary support for a given level. True gems---...

piedmontfields

She really is a beauty. You are lucky to have each other! Look forward to more updates.

piedmontfields

I'm so sad for you and yours. When you are ready, come back and share more stories about your wonderful Merlin.
And I'm grateful you survived that crash mostly in one piece. Very scary.

Gentle hugs to you!!!

piedmontfields

Bali=very very smart

Enjoy.

piedmontfields

I have this problem with neighbor dogs. Yes, we have a nice property, no I don't want you on it! (some of our place is fenced, but not all 20 acres) We do "freshen" the peanut butter bait on the electric fence for the garden this time of year. That usually keeps most of the free-range holl...

piedmontfields

Scary update, Rosie, but so glad he got quick care and diagnosis. Healing jingles to Bliss! After tonight's ride in the fields (Miss Emi still a little ouchy on the hoof that just sloughed a sole) I was thinking about how I am different as a horsewoman than even a few years ago. I'm much more willin...

piedmontfields

In fact tonight was a little more like real work, thanks to warm temps (70s F). My mare loves it hot! (pssm is no doubt part of that) But the quick warm-up ride and then canter work got to half pass to canter plies (leg yield) to 10 m circles to medium canter. Just trying to open up that engine and ...

piedmontfields

Thanks for asking. I *still* haven't played with this properly. Miss mare has had a couple of foot issues/tenderness with sloughing soles and we have dialed it down for a few weeks. She is now feeling better and I promise to report back in April.

piedmontfields

We have a giant ocean of a jacuzzi tub. It is simply too large to be useful or work well in a large bath layout, although I do use it a few times a month as I like to soak. We plan to update the bath with a larger shower and a smaller free standing tub. I'd say go with just a big shower with a bench.

piedmontfields

((((M))))))

I'm so sorry for your loss and that being there in person before his departure wasn't in the cards.

And I'm relieved that you are not in the hospital! What a week. Take good care of yourself and know that horsey people around the world have you in their thoughts.

piedmontfields

First of all Chisamba, well ridden! I think you were wise to follow your instincts with such a tricky one.

She is quite a striking mare, but your safety is important and don't forget that. I hope she comes around to greater consistency, but as you and I know they don't all do that.

piedmontfields

20%, but then I really like my stylist and what she does with my hair!

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