Search found 456 matches
- Wed Jan 20, 2021 5:42 am
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: Ring in 2021 in the dressage ring: January-February Goals and Progress
- Replies: 271
- Views: 54304
Re: Ring in 2021 in the dressage ring: January-February Goals and Progress
After nearly 4 weeks on holiday, I started again slowly this week. We did a polework lesson, which was a complete and utter disaster, like I've never jumped before in my life :roll: Yesterday we did a little bit in the dressage arena, just focusing on forward and lateral work to get some suppleness ...
- Sat Jan 02, 2021 3:15 pm
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: Ring in 2021 in the dressage ring: January-February Goals and Progress
- Replies: 271
- Views: 54304
Re: Ring in 2021 in the dressage ring: January-February Goals and Progress
Odin rang in the new year with a very exciting high fever of 41.2C :( Today is going better though, after the second in a series of penicillin injections. He started eating again this morning and is looking perkier. I am away on holiday, just super grateful he is in such professional, capable hands....
- Mon Dec 21, 2020 8:16 am
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: Your favorite dressage books
- Replies: 18
- Views: 6167
Re: Your favorite dressage books
I love 101 Dressage Exercises. So many practical things. I love picking a few exercises, giving it a try by myself and then having my instructor help me in the next lesson.
- Fri Dec 18, 2020 8:13 am
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: Putting 2020 in Hindsight: November-December Goals and Progress
- Replies: 368
- Views: 78633
Re: Putting 2020 in Hindsight: November-December Goals and Progress
Chisamba that is insane! I've seen snow about 4 times in my life (I'm in South Africa), and even that was more than enough. I am not friends with the cold
- Tue Dec 15, 2020 7:22 am
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: Putting 2020 in Hindsight: November-December Goals and Progress
- Replies: 368
- Views: 78633
Re: Putting 2020 in Hindsight: November-December Goals and Progress
Blob, I do think that you will get your changes, they may just take a bit longer than you wanted. It is a frustrating thing to be stuck on, I really feel your pain because I have been stuck with Kimba at it but she is improving and i have faith that you will too. Don't lose hope Blob. After about 3...
- Thu Dec 10, 2020 10:07 am
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: Putting 2020 in Hindsight: November-December Goals and Progress
- Replies: 368
- Views: 78633
Re: Putting 2020 in Hindsight: November-December Goals and Progress
I have about a week and half of riding left before going away for more than 3 weeks. The changes are sloooooooooowly getting better. I've been focused on the canter so much that our lateral work at trot is getting a bit creaky, but I think I will leave that til next year to pick up again.
- Wed Dec 02, 2020 9:27 am
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: Putting 2020 in Hindsight: November-December Goals and Progress
- Replies: 368
- Views: 78633
Re: Putting 2020 in Hindsight: November-December Goals and Progress
We have a lesson tomorrow, so I did some FC practice today. The terrible changes now tend to happen exactly on the aid, and even when we're working on changes a lot, the counter canter and changes of bend remain very secure. He waits obediently for the aid, and then throws us around like a sack of l...
- Tue Dec 01, 2020 7:13 am
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: Putting 2020 in Hindsight: November-December Goals and Progress
- Replies: 368
- Views: 78633
Re: Putting 2020 in Hindsight: November-December Goals and Progress
I agree, Chisamba. She starts sucking back as soon as I start preparing her for canter, and my instructor is trying to get us to where I can really ride each stride through the transition and maintain a connection. SF I love your video and the detailed way you describe it. t/c/t is absolutely my ne...
- Mon Nov 16, 2020 7:59 am
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: Putting 2020 in Hindsight: November-December Goals and Progress
- Replies: 368
- Views: 78633
Re: Putting 2020 in Hindsight: November-December Goals and Progress
I do want to ask though, what was the reasoning behind rushing before the canter? I most of the time I suggest even slightly slowing the trot with balancing half halts before the transition. you rode it admirably so I hope to learn something. My instructor also has me do canter transitions from a v...
- Tue Nov 10, 2020 6:50 am
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: Putting 2020 in Hindsight: November-December Goals and Progress
- Replies: 368
- Views: 78633
Re: Putting 2020 in Hindsight: November-December Goals and Progress
We had a really good lesson yesterday. Still stuck in FC doldrums, but this is my life now :D Strong emphasis on getting his stomach and back engaged in the c/w transitions, and getting the hind legs to step UNDER. I don't think it was Odin's favourite lesson ever, it was a bit drill-sergeant. We tr...
- Tue Nov 10, 2020 6:46 am
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: Putting 2020 in Hindsight: November-December Goals and Progress
- Replies: 368
- Views: 78633
Re: Putting 2020 in Hindsight: November-December Goals and Progress
why would you quit kelo? Well....50s aren't fun, even if they are high 50s, even if they are at the Olympic level with a limited horse and with mistakes as I attempt to learn this stuff. I mean, it's kind of embarrassing, although I am trying really hard to be kind to myself and remember I *am* an ...
- Thu Nov 05, 2020 6:35 am
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: How I get Tio to move forward
- Replies: 12
- Views: 4440
Re: How I get Tio to move forward
Nagging/being annoying is about the only thing that gets through to my thug of an Appy x wb. It works shockingly well :D Big sharp aids make him shut down. If I go tap-tap-tap-tap with my whip or ankle he will continue his non-reaction for a few seconds, and then you can feel his brain and body go &...
- Fri Oct 30, 2020 8:38 am
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: May only the leaves fall this Fall. September October training Bimester
- Replies: 313
- Views: 60305
Re: May only the leaves fall this Fall. September October training Bimester
Blob - That will be great! He's always been a bit proppy and straight-legged behind in the canter, which is why we think he defaults to kicking up in the change. As soon as I get the hind swinging through under himself the changes get better too. But it takes repetition before he gets one or two goo...
- Thu Oct 29, 2020 8:26 am
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: May only the leaves fall this Fall. September October training Bimester
- Replies: 313
- Views: 60305
Re: May only the leaves fall this Fall. September October training Bimester
So today, while paddling around in the lukewarm shallows of FC mediocrity, I did something I was taught very strictly to never do, but it worked, so now I don't know.... Odie hops up/kicks out behind, changes first behind and late in front. Even when he doesn't kick out, it's usually late in front. ...
- Tue Oct 27, 2020 7:40 am
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: May only the leaves fall this Fall. September October training Bimester
- Replies: 313
- Views: 60305
Re: May only the leaves fall this Fall. September October training Bimester
Congrats Dresseur!
- Mon Oct 26, 2020 7:43 am
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: Sidedness
- Replies: 7
- Views: 2603
Re: Sidedness
I think that is a nonsense statement. What is the reasoning for thinking that quadrupeds will not have a dominant side? Dogs have 4 legs, and often have a haunch they prefer to sit on, which can lead to asymmetry. Even parrots have a preferred foot to sleep on or handle food/toys with.
- Tue Oct 20, 2020 7:57 am
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: May only the leaves fall this Fall. September October training Bimester
- Replies: 313
- Views: 60305
Re: May only the leaves fall this Fall. September October training Bimester
We are back in full work, it is a blast. Flying change purgatory continues. Today my jumping instructor had us attempting the change out of something closer to a medium canter, and we got one clean one both ways! (Although I have to say, this was after about 10 bad ones, late in front.) I don't have...
- Tue Oct 13, 2020 8:57 am
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: May only the leaves fall this Fall. September October training Bimester
- Replies: 313
- Views: 60305
Re: May only the leaves fall this Fall. September October training Bimester
Congrats Chisamba!
- Fri Oct 09, 2020 7:42 am
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: May only the leaves fall this Fall. September October training Bimester
- Replies: 313
- Views: 60305
Re: May only the leaves fall this Fall. September October training Bimester
Great to see all the pictures! Odin managed to injure himself quite badly on the outside of his one front leg, on the coronet band. We suspect wild paddock shenanigans. Cue more expensive vet visits, bandaging and anti-inflammatories. But he trotted out sound this morning, so back to work from Sunda...
- Mon Oct 05, 2020 5:59 am
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: Wayward hands (and other disobedient body parts)
- Replies: 30
- Views: 7400
Re: Wayward hands (and other disobedient body parts)
My right hand tends to drift higher than the left. So after literally YEARS of teaching myself not to look at my horse's neck or my hands, both instructors now regularly shout at me to "LOOK AT YOUR HANDS! ARE THEY EVEN?"
- Sat Oct 03, 2020 11:01 am
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: May only the leaves fall this Fall. September October training Bimester
- Replies: 313
- Views: 60305
Re: May only the leaves fall this Fall. September October training Bimester
We had a lesson this morning, tried some changes. I asked my instructor to take video, and it was a relief to see that it looks much safer than it sometimes feels to ride. Attempt 1: https://youtu.be/OFnOpFm610o Attempt 2: https://youtu.be/LRjZw-o03fc The more he kicks out, the more rigid and holdin...
- Fri Oct 02, 2020 8:21 am
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: May only the leaves fall this Fall. September October training Bimester
- Replies: 313
- Views: 60305
Re: May only the leaves fall this Fall. September October training Bimester
You guys are all looking great! Odie and I are working very hard on our changes. We had a lovely session on Wednesday (in the jumping saddle). Did loads of transitions, then some CC circles, asking for the change on the circle. He seems to do better that way than trying it in a straight line. We got...
- Mon Sep 14, 2020 7:37 am
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: May only the leaves fall this Fall. September October training Bimester
- Replies: 313
- Views: 60305
Re: May only the leaves fall this Fall. September October training Bimester
Well done Rye!
I have a dressage lesson scheduled for later in the week. Since Odin has been cleared for riding again, I've spent most of my time in the jumping saddle, just getting his fitness up. So hopefully my body remembers what to do with longer stirrups
I have a dressage lesson scheduled for later in the week. Since Odin has been cleared for riding again, I've spent most of my time in the jumping saddle, just getting his fitness up. So hopefully my body remembers what to do with longer stirrups
- Fri Sep 04, 2020 5:46 am
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: Summer of Seclusion: July and August Goals and Progress
- Replies: 251
- Views: 81170
Re: Summer of Seclusion: July and August Goals and Progress
Chisamba wrote:mari wrote:Happy news! Odin was cleared for riding yesterday after his reassessment
baie goed!
You make me smile
- Fri Aug 28, 2020 7:24 am
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: Summer of Seclusion: July and August Goals and Progress
- Replies: 251
- Views: 81170
Re: Summer of Seclusion: July and August Goals and Progress
Happy news! Odin was cleared for riding yesterday after his reassessment
- Thu Aug 20, 2020 6:40 am
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: Summer of Seclusion: July and August Goals and Progress
- Replies: 251
- Views: 81170
Re: Summer of Seclusion: July and August Goals and Progress
You guys all look amazing! Odin's mystery lameness is less mysterious. A team of vets came to the yard yesterday. He was nerve-blocked and assessed and nerve-blocked and assessed and nerve-blocked and assessed and then x-rayed and x-rayed and x-rayed (it was a long afternoon, and I have mega-anxiety...
- Wed Jul 15, 2020 12:30 pm
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: Summer of Seclusion: July and August Goals and Progress
- Replies: 251
- Views: 81170
Re: Summer of Seclusion: July and August Goals and Progress
Chisamba I looooooooooooooooooooooove a spotty bum :D Odin's mystery lameness is still not properly identified, but it is now less mysterious. Nothing wrong with the hoof, no swelling, no heat anywhere. The vet did a nerve block in the left front fetlock today, and he was hugely improved. I don't ha...
- Mon Jul 13, 2020 11:44 am
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: Summer of Seclusion: July and August Goals and Progress
- Replies: 251
- Views: 81170
Re: Summer of Seclusion: July and August Goals and Progress
You guys all look great! Covid is doing a number on South Africa. We're allowed to ride, as it's a non-contact sport, and some venues are doing little training days. I won't be going anywhere though, rather stay a bit safer by not going to a show venue. I've started lessons again in June after 11 we...
- Mon Jun 15, 2020 2:28 pm
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: working with the energy conservationist horse
- Replies: 12
- Views: 7564
Re: working with the energy conservationist horse
I'm going to dovetail onto Sue B's post. My half-wb gelding is not the exploding type, and halt is his favourite gait... For the first few years of our partnership, I faithfully tried the escalation method, where you ask first at a 1 (the softest aid you wish (dream?) you want a response to), and th...
- Tue Jun 02, 2020 8:46 am
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: Keep Calm and Canter On: May and June Goals and Progress
- Replies: 188
- Views: 79311
Re: Keep Calm and Canter On: May and June Goals and Progress
I rode yesterday afternoon and early this morning. After 11 weeks off, Odin is very unfit and stiff. He went out to his paddock, and on the walker every day, but no other work, and I can definitely feel it. It's also quite traumatic how blunted he's become to me :D Very neutral about seeing me, no p...
- Mon Jun 01, 2020 7:03 am
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: Keep Calm and Canter On: May and June Goals and Progress
- Replies: 188
- Views: 79311
Re: Keep Calm and Canter On: May and June Goals and Progress
Our lockdown has eased a level, today is the first day I will see my horse in 11 weeks. I am in two minds whether to lunge or hop on and hold on
- Fri May 29, 2020 9:53 am
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: World Dressage Federation
- Replies: 7
- Views: 4913
Re: World Dressage Federation
Will is the Art2Ride self professed Son of Nuno and Master Horseman. Lucky for me (not) he lives in my area and I know him well. When he isnt making lame soft porn movies or acting in his role as tampon sucking vampire he is making endless videos about himself and how he alone has The Answers to Dr...
- Thu May 28, 2020 12:05 pm
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: World Dressage Federation
- Replies: 7
- Views: 4913
Re: World Dressage Federation
I have no idea who Will Faerber is, but I will be browsing that link during my next boring meeting
- Fri May 22, 2020 8:31 am
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: Video discussion thoughts on this work? Daniel Dockx on Stretching and Collection
- Replies: 26
- Views: 13454
Re: Video discssion: thoughts on this work? Daniel Dockx on Stretching and Collection
I was a bit confused when he asked for "racing" trot, and then nearly immediately said it was a bit fast Took me a minute to catch on that he meant "rising" trot.
I like it. The horse seemed adjustable even in the long frame, which is something not everyone can get right.
I like it. The horse seemed adjustable even in the long frame, which is something not everyone can get right.
- Mon May 04, 2020 10:03 am
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: Keep Calm and Canter On: May and June Goals and Progress
- Replies: 188
- Views: 79311
Re: Keep Calm and Canter On: May and June Goals and Progress
Our yard is still closed because of lockdown. Haven't seen my horse in 6 weeks. So I will live vicariously through those of you who can ride. Don't spare the details...
- Thu Apr 30, 2020 12:44 pm
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: Understanding the horse(s) you have, and their associated training challenges
- Replies: 21
- Views: 13397
Re: Understanding the horse(s) you have, and their associated training challenges
The horse I have is a very laid back guy. One of the things I've learnt (and after 10 years of owning him, I've only recently learnt this :roll: ) is that the ground rules need to be set in the first 10 minutes, every ride, every time. He is a joy, because he is very mellow and ridable, but if I hal...
- Fri Dec 06, 2019 10:19 am
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: It’s the Holiday Season! November/December Goals and Progress
- Replies: 128
- Views: 67784
Re: It’s the Holiday Season! November/December Goals and Progress
(((Chisamba))) I am very sorry to hear about your son's diagnosis.
- Mon Nov 04, 2019 9:30 am
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: It’s the Holiday Season! November/December Goals and Progress
- Replies: 128
- Views: 67784
Re: It’s the Holiday Season! November/December Goals and Progress
We had a show yesterday (2nd level). Was not amazing. My riding time was at midday, and it was blazing hot. Did a very insufficient warm-up because I was pretty sure I was close to a heatstroke incident. Odin, in comparison, was strong as an ox, and just as plank-like. Not a good combination. In tot...
- Thu Oct 17, 2019 9:15 am
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: Spin-off: What are your greatest strengths?
- Replies: 21
- Views: 14912
Re: Spin-off: What are your greatest strengths?
I have a pretty good feel for the subtleties of what is happening beneath me. I'm also very quiet in my body without being tense, and I have great control over all my bits. So if my instructor wants me to lower my right shoulder a bit to help with a lateral movement, for example, I can do that easil...
- Mon Oct 14, 2019 7:27 am
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: 2 hardest things to learn - Riding skill & dressage element? Then?
- Replies: 13
- Views: 10194
Re: 2 hardest things to learn - Riding skill & dressage element? Then?
Hardest general concept was timing of aids vs. release. And it was a lot of experimentation, and instructors willing to talk me through it stride by stride for HOURS until the feeling became ingrained. Hardest movement so far is flying changes. I can ride them pretty smoothly on other horse, but Odi...
- Tue Oct 08, 2019 8:29 am
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: Cool down and keep going! September/October Goals and Progress.
- Replies: 442
- Views: 224401
Re: Cool down and keep going! September/October Goals and Progress.
Rosie, whenever I see pictures of you riding I get serious leg-alignment jealousy
- Wed Oct 02, 2019 5:39 am
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: Canter - Suppling or Strenthening or ???
- Replies: 47
- Views: 23124
Re: Canter - Suppling or Strenthening or ???
I have a much better trot after a canter warm-up. He just feels looser and more ready to work. And it really helps with the forward. Odin's favourite part of any workout is the halt, and if I warm up in trot I often have to demand (or nag...) for forward, where if I canter first the trot is much rou...
- Mon Sep 30, 2019 8:08 am
- Forum: Young Horse Forum and Breeding and Registries
- Topic: Annwylid Dare to Dream
- Replies: 191
- Views: 175042
Re: Annwylid Dare to Dream
I agree with Tanga, that is a nice canter. And you rode a really accurate test. He certainly seems like a little powerhouse! I don't like the "horse with limitations" comment, he's completely lovely. His gait scores will get better as you train more, and the moments of resistance and trans...
- Thu Sep 26, 2019 5:17 am
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: Cool down and keep going! September/October Goals and Progress.
- Replies: 442
- Views: 224401
Re: Cool down and keep going! September/October Goals and Progress.
That sounds like an awesome lesson Exvet! Methinks I also need to refresh these concepts at least once a week. It's just so dang hard for me to remember to enforce that level of response with every aid, every ride.
- Thu Sep 12, 2019 4:59 am
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: Cool down and keep going! September/October Goals and Progress.
- Replies: 442
- Views: 224401
Re: Cool down and keep going! September/October Goals and Progress.
Mari looking good! What a lovely arena too. Are they houses so close to the side? I used to have terribly busy legs and I couldn't keep my lower leg still at all, way way way worse than yours!! It came from a riding a more lazy type horse and I had to concentrate so hard on keeping them still and m...
- Thu Sep 12, 2019 4:56 am
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: Cool down and keep going! September/October Goals and Progress.
- Replies: 442
- Views: 224401
Re: Cool down and keep going! September/October Goals and Progress.
Mari, you must be excited and proud of your progress. Since you asked for your leg to be more quiet you will have to train him to give a better response. Honestly even to get his front up, it's all about a quicker response to the leg. Your baby half pass will have more freedom for the shoulder to l...
- Tue Sep 10, 2019 2:12 pm
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: Cool down and keep going! September/October Goals and Progress.
- Replies: 442
- Views: 224401
Re: Cool down and keep going! September/October Goals and Progress.
I had a clinic lesson today with an instructor I ride with every 2 months or so. Everything was about self-carriage and getting him less reliant on my hands for balance. And coaching me every stride to readjust, up-up, leg, give. It was hard work, but I think if I can practice my aids and timing to ...
- Tue Sep 10, 2019 11:51 am
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: Cool down and keep going! September/October Goals and Progress.
- Replies: 442
- Views: 224401
Re: Cool down and keep going! September/October Goals and Progress.
Flight - awesome pictures! So cool that they get to go out and do different things.
- Mon Sep 09, 2019 12:40 pm
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: Cool down and keep going! September/October Goals and Progress.
- Replies: 442
- Views: 224401
Re: Cool down and keep going! September/October Goals and Progress.
Here is my test. It was the Elementary, which seems to be equivalent to US 2nd level. Is this sort of what you guys ride in the US? How do your second-level tests compare? We can always start a new thread on this if this is not the right one. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/NYM09iMBiOfNkWL_RDfXAPp...
- Mon Sep 09, 2019 10:36 am
- Forum: Dressage Training
- Topic: Cool down and keep going! September/October Goals and Progress.
- Replies: 442
- Views: 224401
Re: Cool down and keep going! September/October Goals and Progress.
Our show yesterday went pretty well. I was actually riding properly and not just sitting there like a lump. We had some mistakes. There is one part where you have to transition to canter after a trot sequence, and in typical Odin fashion I gave the canter aid at C and he went "Whaaaaaaaaat?&quo...