Twenty-six (or fewer) goals for Jan/Feb 2026

[StraightForward]

I thought I'd kick this off a little early as I'm sure many of us are ruminating on or overall goals for 2026 this week as well as our stepping stones as we persevere through winter.

This year I am really aiming for flying changes and third level. Of course, without an indoor I'm at the mercy of the weather, which overall has been mild so far. While I've been cooling my heels in CA, I've been thinking about goals and watching a lot of the Performance Riders archive videos. For the year overall, I'm planning to get more focused on horse management and test riding strategery. So, to that end, I guess I'll go ahead and plan to do the few recognized shows that will be within a reasonable distance. There is plenty for me to delve into and optimize at 2nd level if we aren't ready to jump right in at 3rd.

Anyway, enough carrying on from me! Goals for this period:

T needs to be more of a "bouncy ball" which means short reins and in front of the leg.
Continue to work on flying changes prep, and be alert for the opportunities to ask for changes.
Regain the left side strength I lost while I was out of the gym this fall.
Dive into the Performance Riders program, which I think is going to be just what I need to maintain focus and direction.
Cavaletti and jumping when weather and footing allow.

[exvet]

I guess I'll throw my hat into the ring now...........since I have another lesson with the biomechanics gal tomorrow, got the horses teeth done yesterday and just ordered Junior's Xmas gift yesterday the zycosan.

Goals:

Me: lose the few pounds I put on over the holidays which means getting back into regular work out routines 5 days a week and dust off the bike. The biomechanics lessons are more for me than Junior. I figure since he's got so little real estate meaning even the slightest of body shift can get in his way I need to really build my core and balance so that it's as close to perfect as it's ever going to get. I hope to continue the weekly biomechanics lessons until Lauren feels that I can cut back for just 'spot checks'.

Junior: keep the forward I've found and improve collection and engagement. If I am successful the rest will come. I plan to continue finding small jumps to take him over here and there so that I don't overdo the thing he hates the most and really work more on piaffe and passage to help him develop more lift off making sure he sees it more as a game.

Troy: Well the devil has been unleashed. My immediate focus will be asking him to canter and find the one rein stop even if it requires me taking the one rein into both hands to be able to yield his neck. Fortunately for me the 2 acres allows me to keep pushing him so that he realizes it's more work than just taking off and running away from what scares him. It also allows me to keep him on a straight line to start (ample space) and circling will become our friend for control but not an exercise to work on leads.

I don't have any concrete show goals though we are building up the opportunity for more schooling shows and recognized shows in our immediate area. I simply hope to spend the cash on training - biomechanics, new instructor (hopefully weekly) and my friend/judge for spot checks. She's already super busy this year with her judging that if I get one to two lessons with her a month I'll be lucky and it'll serve as an excellent spot check for pulling the trigger for recognized shows on each boy.

On a side note I have a neighbor who walked up to me yesterday while I was walking the dogs and offered to buy Troy. I told her he isn't for sale but that I know of his 3/4 sister, same age who is for sale or a lovely coming 3 year old bay colt that I would have purchased if he had been one year older if she wanted male and likelihood of getting a bigger Welsh Cob. I sent her pictures of them both and the breeder's contact info. Sounds like there's a good chance I'll be heading back to Durango as soon as the weather promises easy travel. While I don't intend to buy another one at this point in time I may be getting a project that someone else will own. Who knows what 2026 will bring.

[khall]

I’m not sure of what goals for the first 2 months. Mainly because I’ll be healing from surgery for 6 weeks so no riding.

Big one is joplin’s rehab. We go back mid January for US follow-up see what else she can do.

I do plan on doing some in hand work and double lining for both Gaila and Chex. Also waiting on ppe for Quincy and genetic testing results. It’s difficult to set up ppe right now because of the holidays.

For me it’s to heal. I am going to do some arm work while I’m on the recovery break. Light hand weights seated. I’m having pelvic floor surgery so cannot do anything to stress my core. Nothing heavier than 20 lbs. hard when I throw feed and hay around all the time! Walking I can do too. So hopefully I’ll be ok to do Joplin’s PT pretty quickly. I do have a friend who will help me out initially but she’s not used to wih.

After these first 2 months I’ll have a better understanding of Joplin’s recovery and if Quincy will be in the picture.


Happy new year all! And good luck exvet with getting Troy comfortable with canter work:).

[heddylamar]

I'm happy to kick off 2026 early! 2025 ended with a thud. We're all still here, but it wasn't looking great for a few days.

In happier things, my retiree, Anzia, is looking fabulously feral Everything was hectic and stressful, so I didn't try to ride Ms. Anxiety, but I did give her a good scrub ... and didn't do a damn thing about her 20+ inch long dreadlocked mane. She seems to like it that way. Mom's gelding and I had words about personal space several times. I do not enjoy being bowled over on his way to the food dish

Meanwhile, several weeks off suited Maia perfectly. This morning she got a back scratch and lots of love, followed by body work. I'll get out and ride her tomorrow.

Anyway, my goals:
– Since I'm getting nowhere fast with this, hire out fixing the trailering issue. We have an appointment with the natural horsemanship trainer at the barn, and the plan is for me to work with him after he's got Maia over her hump.
– More consistent connection in the canter
– Now that our jumper trainer has left the barn, start riding with the eventer
– Be better about short runs (I really miss long distance running, and my brain says gearing up for <5 miles is a complete waste of time /sigh)

[mari]

I'll let you lovelies take the lead for Jan/Feb.

My only riding goal for the beginning of the year is just to get more rides in per week. Odin is 20, and while his condition is amazing, I think more regular movement will be to his advantage. So we'll feel it out and see how the year progresses.

For myself, continuing the strength training I started in 2025, with the goal of more regular workouts.

[blob]

I don't know what my year goals are, feels too lofty, but I can think two months in advance!

Me:
Continue to eat at home/cook more than eat out/order in
Walk 2-3 times a week
Find a better daily cadence for work days
Get trailer sorted
Get bedroom sorted

MM:
Continue getting her back in shape
Enjoy her
Start realistically exploring options for summer (I am considering looking for some place further north to send her at least for the summer months, but potentially longer than that. It breaks my heart, but if it's better for her, I will do it. I will keep her on my payroll so I can ensure she gets what she needs)

RP:
Introduce double bridle
Continue working on changes--start moving away from the high behind
Enter schooling show/attend clinic
Continue working on ease in lateral work

[Ponichiwa]

Thanks for starting this thread! The goals threads are always my favorites on this board. Some lofty and impressive goals on the board already!

For me, the theme is more of the same:
- lose weight
- exercise 5x/week

Queso:
- level up the trot work to match the canter. Which means lots of shoulder in to medium to shoulder in, and lots of transitions everywhere.
- break 70% at level 5 western dressage at our show at the end of the month
- show 2nd or 3rd Level USDF by end of Feb

For Dijon:
- install an unassisted/no groundsperson canter
- introduce basics of bending
Stretch: turn on the forehand

[exvet]

2026 has gotten off with a wet start. I had a biomechanics lesson today. Worked out yesterday and today...........so far so good. Despite the rain I saddled up Junior and rode the 1 mile to the covered arena. I got to watch Lauren ride Junior and she got to feel his ponytude. The good news is she discovered leg aids that I can use lightly to get his attention to go forward (calves only) and keep my complete leg off. Fortunately despite my age my seat still remembers my long ago lunge lessons without reins or stirrups and being required to hold my legs up and out (forward, to the side, back). Balance is still there. I got to witness Junior coming on the bit and quietly licking and accepting the contact. I rode with the constant reminder to keep my hands forward no matter what and not pay any attention to what his head and neck are doing but I was to demand (lightly), get and keep forward at trot and canter (walk seems to have really improved overall not requiring any 'fixing') and control his shoulders. Lauren stated that Junior was consistently more forward today compared to our first lesson and had snappier hocks. Again, so far so good. My total pony was very good riding back to our house in the pouring rain. And, given the rain I did NOT ride Troy but he gave me an ear full about being kept stalled, fed last, watered last and not giving him the amount of attention he felt he deserved. All of my Welsh Cobs have been talkers and not at all shy about letting me know what they think but Troy keeps me in giggles all the time. He is the equine version of a chatty Kathy no doubt.

[Moutaineer]

Second ride today. Oh, so much better than the first. I jacked my stirrups up a hole so I had that base of support, rather than just dangling my legs off my pelvis. So much more comfortable, and I could get on (off the tall mounting block ) and, importantly, off, more easily. Tuesday's getting off was a bit dicey...
10 minutes of nice forward walk up into the bridle, and it really felt good! Potters was a good soldier. Happier now he felt i was offering him some direction and contact.
I came home and took a long, hot shower, and I've felt pretty OK for the rest of the day.
Progress!
As for goals, its a bit early to set them. I'd like to think I will get back to my previous level of riding this year.
I've got a lot of work to do on my fitness and I need to lose at least 10lbs, but I also recognize that I cant rush things.
Goal for this period would be to be able to trot comfortably by the end of February. Watching Justin cantering earlier today made me realize how much lower back is involved, so I think that might take a bit longer. But who knows?

[exvet]

Second ride today. Oh, so much better than the first. I jacked my stirrups up a hole so I had that base of support, rather than just dangling my legs off my pelvis. So much more comfortable, and I could get on (off the tall mounting block ) and, importantly, off, more easily. Tuesday's getting off was a bit dicey...
10 minutes of nice forward walk up into the bridle, and it really felt good! Potters was a good soldier. Happier now he felt i was offering him some direction and contact.
I came home and took a long, hot shower, and I've felt pretty OK for the rest of the day.
Progress!
As for goals, its a bit early to set them. I'd like to think I will get back to my previous level of riding this year.
I've got a lot of work to do on my fitness and I need to lose at least 10lbs, but I also recognize that I cant rush things.
Goal for this period would be to be able to trot comfortably by the end of February. Watching Justin cantering earlier today made me realize how much lower back is involved, so I think that might take a bit longer. But who knows?

Hey just getting back in the saddle and doing a bit more each day is HUGE! Congratulations! Everyone around me knows I'm cranky if I don't get to ride no matter what it is or how it's done. Here's to ongoing recovery.

[Aleuronx]

Manifesting into 2026 with an eye to big dreams beyond expectations. The here and now - frozen tundra and negative windchills makes for trips to the barn for a pat, carrots a bucket of warm water treat and back home. I did manage a ride bundled up to the nines yesterday and got 3 sets of back/forth 1’s on a long side, which in the short indoor feels like a mega win. While not much can be achieved or feels very non-linear within ‘the plan’ these deep winter months in New England we preserve and count the small achievements.

Section Goals:
-Trailer off property for lessons if/when able
-Ability to maintain lower neck in the canter piro/steps
-5-6 consecutive 1-tempi’s (!!)

-Back on the treadmill, lol so to speak
-Praise be to finally get to enjoy the damn bath

[Lipsmackerpony88]

My only goals right now are to survive the changing of ownership at the barn. I'm a bit grumpy. I think they have wonderful intentions and I've heard they are nice, I've yet to meet them.

But I was lunging Lynx yesterday and the owner's dog ran under the gate and started chasing him. Thankfully he tried to keep his cool (only passaged and flagged his tail) and no one was hurt.

But I was grumpy, to be honest. I hate worrying about what random thing will happen next. Plus paying board was a whole fiasco, which is weirding everyone out.

It's official, the new owners don't have horse experience. So I'm wondering why the bought a big boarding facility. I'm assuming they were told it's a good business investment, which we all know isn't true.

My daughter has a lesson today. Fingers crossed nothing wild happens. Lol

[StraightForward]

LSP, I hope things smooth out soon and the new owners get clued in.

The weather worked in our favor and I was able to shoehorn in the clinic in Sun Valley. I'm really glad I did. I stated my overarching goals for my first post for my instructor, and she fully agreed. She said T was "beyond ready" for changes. We accomplished one over a pole on Friday, and then on the next attempt, didn't get it, but she changed a few strides later. It was pilot error staring down at her shoulders and overriding. Day 2 we used some HI to straight to HI to create a little fatigue and then got clean changes over the pole both ways. The onlookers said she really unlocked her shoulders and it looked great. Today we did more work in trot, really slowing down into a very connected "pony trot" that she thinks won't take too long to turn into passage. We also tightened up the voltes, and she talked about what we'll need for 4th/PSG, and used those to improve the trot HP. After all that hard work we only tried, successfully, for one change, and decided to call it a day. Of course we'll have to wean ourselves off the pole, and I need to work on my coordination with the FC changes.

Saturday afternoon we watched HJ riders take dressage lessons at a fancy barn. It was pretty interesting. The BO/trainer had a super cute Selle Francais gelding that was made to be a dressage horse. It was his first time in a dressage saddle, but he was trying to hard and it was easy to see how the piaffe and passage would be there. Yes I was a bit jealous that it seemed he and the owner would probably be ready to debut at 2nd this year, lol. Oh yeah, when she sat down on him a little he did a beautiful, in the air change on a straight line. I need one like that in just a bit bigger package!

Now to wait for the arena to drain a bit so we can get on with our work!

[Lipsmackerpony88]

SF- sounds like a really good lesson!! How exciting to know so much wonderful things are on the horizon with T.

The barn seems to be quiet construction wise on Sundays. So my daughter had a good lesson on the chestnut mare. It's so cute, she really is figuring that little mare out.

People are starting to leave the barn. I see my trainer for the first time in two weeks today. I'm supposed to have a lesson and I really hope that can happen. I know they were talking about working on the indoor footing sometime early this week (which will be awesome if they do it right.) And the day is calling for some crazy wind so we will see. Unfortunately I'm hard of hearing and my trainer's ceecoach just pooped out so lessoning in full wind is nearly impossible.

We will see.

[StraightForward]

Well maybe losing boarders will be a wake-up call to the new owners that they need to introduce themselves and work with their clients to find out what they need.

I've had this comm set for a few years and it's been well worth it. I did just have to replace the transmitter, but considering that I get way more out of lessons when I'm not straining to hear, it's more than paid for itself: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Z5TNIPA?re ... title&th=1 I use different over-ear plug in headphones with it. Of course some people just get on a call with Bluetooth headphones, so that might be another option for your lesson.

I just realized I put my very pared-down focal points in a separate document, not this first post. They are:

• In front of the leg
• Bouncy ball/ability to shorten frame and raise back for more of each ride
• Short reins
• Bendable

[blob]

ugh, LSP, what a nightmare. I'm so sorry you're dealing with this. Barn changes are so stressful and these seems especially unideal. It might make sense to start exploring what other options there are out there, just in case? Not sure how it works in your area. But around here, there are a lot of barns that are much more word of mouth, smaller operations than big ones. So it does take some searching to find things.

SF, sounds like some great progress with T! Short reins is a good goal for me to keep in mind too! Exciting on getting started on the changes! A piece of unsolicited advice (feel free to ignore): but I'd wean away from that pole as soon as you can, if I were you. I used one when teaching MM and it very much taught her a late behind change. She learned to do sort of a tiny jump motion to change (like you would over a pole), but doing a tiny jump inevitably means your front end is in the air first and then your back end. So her changes were always a hair late behind--within the stride--but late behind. I know there are people who have taught clean changes with a pole. But in retrospect it makes sense that she would think what I was teaching her was to do that mini-jump motion because that's what a pole is designed to do.

I've been having some slightly frustrating rides with RP lately, he's been really running through my half halts esp in lateral work. And I'm not sure how to fix it totally to be honest. It's a new thing for him. He's always been so light and sensitive in the bridle so suddenly bulldoozing and getting heavy feels very uncharacteristic.

[StraightForward]

Blob, I definitely have the same concern! I asked my coach and we agreed that the way to go is to use the pole to establish the pattern, and then ask for the change right next to the pole. Hopefully it works! The BO there happens to be a former FEI rider, and she was watching and told me independently that the changes were clean and looked really good.

I just got some video clips from my traveling companion. We still have some work to do with the bracing and getting hind legs stuck together on the right lead. It doesn't always happen, but I think she was tired and also tense. I'm pleased with some of the spring and cadence developing in the smaller trot. It will be interesting to see how that develops after a month or two, as it's definitely not something we've really worked on before.

https://youtu.be/56mbm7SX-wQ
https://youtu.be/2sIMYgIAXp0
https://youtu.be/_nI4gPS91JQ

[Lipsmackerpony88]

SF, thanks for recommendations! I definitely need to figure something out as you said, it's much better to not be straining to hear somebody. T and you look great. Thanks for sharing videos!

Blob, we definitely looking around and I have some options in mind. Thankfully, it seems like there is a decent amount of vacancies around. I was able to ride yesterday. It was okay. They are going to be redoing the footing in the indoor this morning. We don't exactly know what that means so it's a little concerning but hopefully it's good. I will say that it does seem like anything the owners do work on, is a very high quality job. So that's good. The frustration is more that they've chose to work on some pretty superficial things at first but the indoor is definitely in need of new footing so fingers crossed . It does appear that losing some boarders has shaken them a bit, as they sent out an email asking us to tell friends there's is vacancies lol .

[blob]

LSP, it's good that changes are of high quality. But it's still stressful! Hopefully in the next few weeks you'll have a better sense of whether this is an ok set up for you, Lynx, and your daughter.

SF, I'm sure you shared it earlier, but T's trace clip is so sharp looking! I love the clean points and I'm not sure I've seen one quite like it before. Her ridden work looks quite nice as well. She is definitely holding more strength in the collected work even from a few months ago! I also had a giggle when your instructor came into the scene in the giant coat, but I remembered you're in Idaho and gosh it must be COLD. I'm sure you and T will figure out the changes with your instructor. I just wanted to share the caution! I know there are many success cases with the pole, but I must admit, I won't go that route again, ha!

I had a lesson with my instructor again yesterday after several weeks without during the holiday fuss. RP had not been feeling great so it was nice to get some brushing up. Some of the things I was focused on she was less concerned with, so it was good to get redirected on some priorities. Biggest push was rather than using lateral work to get to the good, cadenced collected trot, try getting to that good collected trot earlier and then strenghten in by doing lateral work in it. Obviously that might mean doing some lateral work early to get to that good trot, but right now my rides are sort of structured as: walk, trot warm up, trot lateral work, canter work, collected/second trot work. So, she is pushing me to think of that second trot earlier and less of the result of all the other work. I think it's a right refocusing. We also worked on simple changes. Getting RP off my right leg, up in the shoulder without pushing his hind end out made him very hot and tight in the right lead walk-canter transition, so I need to work on getting him really straight through the body and staying relaxed through it. Will aim for one more lesson next week and then will take a week or two off. Ideal cadence for me is every other week or so, but schedules coming up mean that i better get one in next week or go 3 without!

MM and RP get a new pasture mate today, so hopefully that is uneventful as well!

[khall]

Lsp I sure hope the boarding situation settles soon!
Blob sounds like some nice progress with RP. I understand your looking for different situation for MM. it’s hard when our horses have major health problems.
SF looks like a very productive clinic! Some nice videos
Exvet hope you can keep the progress going with Junior.
Mountaineer yay for having a walk around!!

My update is Quincy didn’t pass the vet check. He flexed off on the LF (3/5) radiographs showed mild OA in the coffin joint and side bone. I am unwilling to take a chance on him with as little US work he’s had with this particular issue. I’ve dealt with low ringbone before. It’s not a good outcome.

Joplin continues to look good in her PT. US 1/21 for recheck.

I had my surgery Monday and am recovering. It’s been a bit rocky.

Happy riding and jingles for those who need them.

[StraightForward]

Khalil, sorry to hear that Quincy didn't work out, but better to spot a problem before money exchanges hands. I hope your surgery recovery starts getting easier too.

We had a soggy week, so just a couple walk rides in the BB pad, and then half the arena was OK yesterday, so I just go there moving around WTC in the jump saddle for a little bit.

My coach didn't like the way my leg was moving back in my Black Country saddle. It was fixed a little the last day by shimming to lift the front of the saddle, but overall it's just not quite right for her and tends to get low in front. I am really hesitant to send the Erreplus out of the country at the moment, so I spent the last few days poking around the internet for alternatives, and ended up pulling the trigger on an Albion Revelation. I think we have an Albion rep coming to the area this spring, so if it works out in general, there should be an opportunity to get it adjusted if needed. Fingers crossed since I bought it off eBay with no trial.

[exvet]

Well I hope everyone's recoveries continue and for those who need it, become more seamless, humans and horses alike. khall, I too would have walked away from that one. Sorry it didn't work out but at least you found it before a purchase and heartbreak. LSP I hope your barn situation works itself out or you are able to transition to a better situation in quick order.

I had a lesson today. Junior was particularly lazy. I suspect he was tired from trying to stay warm as we had a significant and dramatic cold snap recently. Funny thing though he really picked it up at the end of the lesson and was quite forward. We worked on different things but piaffe was part of it and I do think that it's going to help some of our problems. Because of the cold I haven't done much with Troy. Figure he's three so a break due to weather isn't a bad thing. He's butt high again.

SF I saw your posts on saddle searching. I'm afraid I'm going to be on the hunt again soon for Troy. I so hate it but Junior's saga taught me so much. His new saddle has really made a huge difference. I hope you are able to get it worked out because T is really looking powerful and just lovely.

[StraightForward]

Yeah, saddles, ugh. I was thinking that T might be changing muscle a lot this year now that she is finally offering some actual collection, so having another alternate saddle waiting in the wings might not be a bad thing.

We had a good ride today. I executed my plan of 2 changes over the pole, and then a 3rd yielding out and around, and it worked! Next time I'll try one with the pole and then another without. I'm relieved to see that I can get it done without a coach in my ear, but of course there is still plenty to work on.

[Moutaineer]

I've been on for about 10 minutes at a time a few times now. Even sneaked in a half circle of trot the other day! My legs are getting stronger with all the PT, which I'm doing like it's a second job, so getting on and off, while still sketchy, isn't quite so scary..

The next two weeks are complicated as we have kids and grandkids coming to stay. My granddaughter is going to have a riding lesson or two, which will be fun.

Khall, I'm sorry things arent going too well for you. I hope things start to look up and you and Joplin can get back into work together.

I dont envy any of you the saddle search. I was so fortunate that I lucked into the Holy Grail for Potters, who is really remarkably wide, with a very short weight bearing surface.

[exvet]

I had another lesson, different instructor, today. Junior was definitely not lazy. We worked on more piaffe/half-steps and forward at the canter but this time focusing on what Junior loves the most, half-pass. I also did a lot of haunches in to SI at the canter both directions alternating between the two in order to get him more round and supple. Keeping the contact to barely there or like silk ribbons seems to be where he likes it but getting that under neck to soften is definitely improving my fitness level - having a saddle that I can actually move in has helped me ride better for sure. It's abs, abs, abs.

[Ponichiwa]

I feel your pain, exvet. Or at least the lactic acid.

It's irritating that I learn (or fail to learn) the same lesson over and over again. It's my elbows. "The upper arm is part of the seat" and yet here I am re-learning (for now?) that when I carry my hands forward and, you know, use my core instead of flapping out with my elbows, everything is better.

Anyway, week 2 of trot bootcamp is clearly going well.

[mari]

Inspiring updates everyone!

We moved yards yesterday. The whole yard moved just down the road to a new property. The barn is gorgeous. Quite a bit of work still needs to be completed. One arena is rideable, the other is on pause because of the constant rain. Also still in progress is the lunge ring and walker. The horses were walked over and slept in their new stables last night, and are going out in new paddocks this morning. None of us were brave enough to go ride this morning

My plan was to go have walk/trot around this afternoon, but this is my first day back at work and I'm booked with afternoon meetings. I will put my brave pants on tomorrow morning...

[StraightForward]

T got chiro on Monday. She was more "out" in her back with probable relation to saddle than usual, so I guess it's a good thing the new Albion is arriving tomorrow. She had yesterday off, and we had a somewhat short ride tonight, maybe because it was dark and freezing fog, IDK. She did feel quite good after the chiro and 5/6 days with the PEMF blanket. I do think we had a little breakthrough with canter. In usual Tesla fashion, that came with some tantrums, but I had a lightbulb moment about really getting her straight and bending (one of those dressage conundrums) on the left lead so that she could carry more with the IH. An upside of night riding is that I tend to feel more and rely less on visual input. We had probably our best ever C/W transition from the right lead; nice and soft with no trot steps. After that we did a trot HP left with some really nice shape, if not a bit under-powered. I think voltes will be a big focus for us the rest of the month. Getting those trot circles left nice and tight seem to be the key to unlocking our left HP, and I started looking at 3rd level tests and see that we'll need to revisit canter voltes. No reason at all to lose points on geometry for those.

I also got a good little nugget out of a Performance Riders video the other day, about practicing belly dancing to improve movement with the horse. I've heard of that description before, but the stillness of the upper body was emphasized this time, which is what I think I was missing. I got nailed by both Lilo and Leslie on being noisy with my upper body in the walk, and I've seen myself do it in videos when I think I'm just swinging through with my hips. Hopefully this weekend I can get some video and see if this is helping.

[StraightForward]

Horses can be such a rollercoaster! I went out last night to try the new saddle on T and throw some kinesiotape on her back. She was so touchy that she was trying to kneecap me when I tried to check the saddle fit, even though it looked pretty good. Gave up on that and tried to put some tape along her spine, which she usually loves. I made it back to her lumbars before she started trying to kneecap me. Twice she deliberately marched forward in the crossties and tried to cowkick quite athletically when I was barely touching her. After some work with the laser she calmed down and managed to get her SI taped and called it a day. Today she was fairly wild on the lunge and rolled twice. Then I lunged her with the saddle on and she seemed OK, so I took a chance and went for a ride. The saddle seems very promising, though it needs new billets, and maybe some fresh flocking. Tonight's ride was a little disjointed between being unsure of how she would react after yesterday's weirdness and the neighbors mucking around behind the treeline near the arena at dusk. Overall it seems to be really close contact and has the support that my Black Country lacks. It also feels like it's letting me keep my lower leg a little more forward, which I've recently been told I need to do for more clarity in the change aids. Looking forward to doing a "real" ride in it tomorrow.

[khall]

I hear you SF!

Newest news on my front is that we did insulin testing on Joplin again because she is gaining weight. It was 108. Dangerously high. I have 2 vets I work with. One for metabolic stuff locally and my lameness guy who I have to travel 2 hours to. Local vet who pulled the test was saying Joplin needs to go back in work. I was emphatic she cannot. Putting her back on the E drug. Will test for cushings too. Gaila had tsh stim test which was positive. At not quite 18 she has cushings. Apparently it’s a familial thing with Rip and her dam Gallie having it too. Just hope she doesn’t have issues with prascend like Rip did. Gallie never had issues. Good thing there is generic prascend now.

Me I got chewed out by the doctor for doing too much. Have had some bleeding. Was told walking was ok but apparently 8,000 steps or 3 miles (less than I do daily doing chores and working horses) is too much. So I’ve been holding the couch down a good bit watching stupid movies. At least I’ll have time to get taxes done.

Supposed to take Joplin next Wednesday for US

[exvet]

Hoping everyone continues to mend/heal from their surgeries and horse/saddle challenges soon have good results. Also hoping those of you with dicey weather enjoy better temps soon. We've had pretty decent weather as of late. Last weekend I lost some time riding due to rain/snow/etc; but, this week the loss of ride time was due to my job. Still, I got three decent days of riding on Junior. I had a lesson today and it was so nice to have someone see the light and see a path to eventual success with him. He is getting more consistently forward and we played around with piaffe some more. Two of the people I'm riding with agree that once he learns he can sit and push off we'll have some real positive results (light bulb moments). He's getting closer to that. Also getting better canter out of him and more lateral bend through the rib cage. Got some home work for the week and hope to show some more improvement by next lesson. I've been mostly lunging then riding Troy that last few days. He's been doing reasonably well. His canter is developing better balance and coordination on the lunge. We are oh so close to starting to ask for canter under saddle. He's coming 4, not actually 4 so I'm no where near panic mode yet. His trot is just so nice and he's canter not too shabby either once he gets it right. Started lunging Ace just to give him some exercise. He is such a nice mover............too bad that dressage will never be his preference or happy place. He's such a good egg though and so solid with is real job. Hoping our good weather lasts though more rain is definitely needed in these parts.

[mari]

First lesson at the new yard, in the new arena. With construction crews and heavy equipment, and heaps of white sand blowing in the storm, and sharing the arena with the tractor and rake for our warmup. Odin is a very chilled guy, but this morning the boosters were engaged

So much holding of breath and craning of neck, not even one bit of attention on me, the hapless passenger. Eventually I just kicked him into canter so he was forced to breathe. We focused on basic transitions and bending, and a reminder of what his job is. Hopefully we all settle down over the next few months, fingers crossed!

[Aleuronx]

It’s been a interesting couple weeks since holiday break. Kora is rocking sans-noseband western bridle vibes as she fractured her face just below her cheekbone. Whacked roofing beam above the hay nets is the working assumption but you know, horses. It’s enclosed, small (1cm on scan) and should heal fine with ‘benign neglect’ per surgeon. She may have an artifact or divot there but dressage isn’t beauty pageant for the most part so we will not stress it.

Work wise she’s just the same with or without noseband so we’ve been carrying on. I managed to get 3 one’s the other day, then promptly lost all ability to canter on a straight line for a couple of rides. She is following the pattern of learning the changes and learning the one’s are the same. Trainer was up this past weekend and we got a lesson check-in. We used the bigger indoor arena to really move her forward in both trot and canter, using leg yield to increase the suppleness and throughness. Played with one single change at X to regain rideability and give her the larger space for expressive change. That felt really good to feel is still in there. We struggle with our smaller home indoor, everything is just cramped. Ended the session with an ab busting stretching out the neck in the canter and then on that long, stretched rein collecting with just seat and leg to pirouette canter. I slid out of the truck on return home, abs were sore for 48 hrs from that exercise.

[khall]

Had a good vet visit with Joplin yesterday. Vet was extremely happy with the US and her soundness. He bumped her trotting to 10 minutes and we can add in lateral work at the walk.

Looking at putting her into full work 3 months out it’s such a gradual process. Still stall bound. Bless Joplin she is a champ with it all. Fab with being in a stall. Fab for her PT great at the vet. The only issue is she’s obese. Pulling her off the E drug was a mistake and I’m hoping it will kick in soon. She needs to lose it fast. She waddles!

Stay safe for all in this storm’s path. We may or may not get hit by winter precipitation. We had snow last Sunday but it was snow in the morning and melted by the afternoon
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BAXrV ... tid=wwXIfr

[StraightForward]

Glad to hear Joplin is making good progress!

Also that Kora will be OK with her booboo!

We have had a couple good rides though I am needing to apply more structure. Just as I got the dressage court set up to work on riding better lines, the arena froze up. The good news is that T is finally getting some turnout, but we're on a bit of a break until the next thaw.

[Moutaineer]

Yay for Joplin and ouch for Kora. I had one do that years ago. It wasn't pretty but it healed fine and never bothered him.

@straghtForward, do you know anything about Spurwing facility in Eagle? I gather it has had a makeover and all new footing, and has taken over Nadine's recognized show dates for the year. Barn is contemplating a road trip and I said id check on the local low-down!

Three months out from surgery, and I rode for 20 minutes ar walk and trot today, and while my aerobic fitness sucks and my core is still a little iffy (and there's the extra 10lbs im dragging around) it really wasn't dreadful. I think i am a little way off from catering, because of the lower back movement, but im making progress!

Getting off is really hard. I have to talk to my PT tomorrow to see if we can work on some exercises that might help, because I really don't feel comfortable not being able to bail off in a hurry if necessary.

[Moutaineer]

A bit of inspiration for us all... this is my friend Julie, who is 83 and has more metal than original spine, and replacement hips...

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/14TBMNhNKZT/

[exvet]

So glad to read that about Joplin.

Moutaineer not only is your friend, Julie, a wonderful inspiration and good rider, the horse she's riding looks just like an Arab a friend had who rode up through I-2 before retiring him. My friend would loan him to me to ride in clinics when I would fly back to Kansas City the first few years after I had moved to Arizona. He (Rex) was the bomb....looks like Julie's mount is too.

I took advantage of the nice weather and rode Junior, Troy and lunged Ace. I decided I would wait and clean the house when the rains/snow come. Looks like riding will be possible tomorrow but Saturday will likely be a crap shoot. Looking at the weather predicted for around the country, I feel lucky to be living in Arizona right now.

[StraightForward]

@straghtForward, do you know anything about Spurwing facility in Eagle? I gather it has had a makeover and all new footing, and has taken over Nadine's recognized show dates for the year. Barn is contemplating a road trip and I said id check on the local low-down!

It is quite nice. This fall they put in a HUGE new ring with the fancy footing. I think that is where they would run the show ring now although it doesn't have the shade trees for the spectators. That is where they held the Peter Gray symposium. The old ring is also the fancy footing. They have the usual temporary stabling but it has plenty of space for trailer parking. It's close to a Fred Meyer and other restaurants. I'm not sure what is nearby for hotels, but there should be good options within 10 minutes. And it sits just below the Mormon temple, so you'll have the Meroni watching over you while you show.

[blob]

Khall, so sorry Joplin's insulin numbers were not great. Hope the E drug kicks in and hopefully the increased work will also help. I'm guessing she hardly eats much, but are there any calorie reductions you can do? Last summer I realized most balancers aren't that low calorie, you just only need to feed 1 lbs instead of 5 lbs. So, i pulled MM off the triple crown balancer and put her on vermont blend (no calories) and give her a small amount of hay pellets as a vehicle for the VB.

Aleu, oh no, poor Kora! Glad the face injury isn't setting you back too much since you can still ride with it. But hopefully it'll heal quickly without complication.

Exvet, sounds like your crew is going well.

We are in wet, cold, ice mess this week, so riding has been little to nonexistant!

[Aleuronx]

Thanks all, her face seems to be healing as the majority of edema/swelling has dissipated. I did purchase one of those broodmare collars that she can wear 24/7 and be ‘catchable’ by all various workers instead of having to wear halter all the time.

We are in the middle of the mega-storm dumping on the country. We are trending for 1-2 feet of snow and subarctic temperatures with no breaks in sight on the long range forecast. I rode Friday, touched upon a bit of everything ahead of her having this extended downtime. I might break my rule of not mounting up in single digit temps if it’s going to be this long of a stretch.

Otherwise I’ll be living through you all and playing with the 2026 show season options

[StraightForward]

Ugh, I feel for all of you in the path of the storm. I've seen a few friends' videos of plowing, plowing, and plowing!

Here the inversion finally lifted and the arena was pretty nicely thawed out today. I've had a couple lightbulb moments over the past few days. T was going through one of her phases of getting rigor mortis when I pick up the reins after a break. One of the Performance Rider coaches was talking about training the walk piris the other day and talked about walking more on the spot with the hind legs active like pistons. I worked on that a bit and it got me focusing more on riding the hind legs when picking up the reins, rather than fighting with her front end, and it worked. I'm also working more on the extended walk on the contact for third level, and incorporating more rein-back. I got some video today and liked most of what I see, but I know I need to increase my expectations in the trot work. I think the new saddle is a good thing - trying to get my saddle person to put some new billets on it and change out the point billet before she heads out of town. Then hopefully we'll get the fit dialed in when she gets back, and she doesn't uncover any hidden problems.

[exvet]

Ugh, I feel for all of you in the path of the storm. I've seen a few friends' videos of plowing, plowing, and plowing!

Here the inversion finally lifted and the arena was pretty nicely thawed out today. I've had a couple lightbulb moments over the past few days. T was going through one of her phases of getting rigor mortis when I pick up the reins after a break. One of the Performance Rider coaches was talking about training the walk piris the other day and talked about walking more on the spot with the hind legs active like pistons. I worked on that a bit and it got me focusing more on riding the hind legs when picking up the reins, rather than fighting with her front end, and it worked. I'm also working more on the extended walk on the contact for third level, and incorporating more rein-back. I got some video today and liked most of what I see, but I know I need to increase my expectations in the trot work. I think the new saddle is a good thing - trying to get my saddle person to put some new billets on it and change out the point billet before she heads out of town. Then hopefully we'll get the fit dialed in when she gets back, and she doesn't uncover any hidden problems.

Compared to the rest of the country we've had reasonable weather so that I could keep riding through the weekend. I had a lesson yesterday on Junior and it felt as if we made more progress with the quality of the gaits. Lots of walk to canter transitions, lots of piaffe out to trot helping Junior get the idea of lift off and pushing up and out. He can often feel like he just swallowed the broom stick when I go to pick up the reins but he's getting better about it. In the walk pirouettes I have been taught to think of the piaffe or half-steps in the hind legs in order to prevent sticking. It certainly has helped with Junior. Planning on starting short lessons on Troy in a couple of weeks. He was entertaining all the neighbors yesterday while I was down at the equestrian center with Junior. I guess he performed quite spectacular airs above the ground for much of the time I was gone. Ace was not impressed but my neighbors sure were LOL.

[heddylamar]

Our horses spent the storm out, playing in the snow. All the fields got fresh round bales on Saturday, and everyone has a run in, some fields have multiples, plus heated waterers (that work).

We had the snowblower out twice. The last time was around 4:30, so there's another good coating of white stuff. So much fluff at first, then a crusty mess. I am not looking forward to clearing the driveway again. I'll have to break out the spikes — our driveway goes straight up, above the roofline of the 3.5 story house. It's steep.

[khall]

SF and Exvet glad you guys have decent weather!

Mountaineer I hope you get some more riding in!

Al just yuck on your weather. Glad Kora
is healing up without much trouble.

Blob did you all get the mess? Our DS missed most of it in Atlanta but friends north of Athens got hit pretty good. Didn’t lose power though.

We missed the ice it was just a cold 38 deg rain with thunder. Nasty. And even colder weather coming in this weekend! Ugh. I live in Georgia for a reason to not have to deal with ice cold and winter precipitation. It’s been a cold one this year. Should make the peach crop happy. They need a certain amount of old hours to produce good peaches. Hopefully Wil kill some bugs too!

Blob I did switch joplin’s supplement carrier from small amount of senior gold (low nsc) to low sugar beet pulp. She eats it just fine. She does still get maybe half a lb of senior in her sweet water. This time of year I give mine flavored water to keep them drinking. They all love it. Joplin hasn’t been on balancer for years because of the amount I had to feed her. She’s on platinum right now. I tried mad barn but she wouldn’t touch it. I’ve never tried Vermont blend. I like platinum because of the colic insurance. I am seeing a difference on the medication already. We will pull more insulin and test for ppid next week. The vet said she might just need to stay on medication at least until she is back in full work. I did pull Gaila back to half a pill. Her appetite had been impacted a bit by the prascend but nothing like Rip. Right now she and Chex are just sitting. Joplin is the one we make sure get her PT.

Stay safe and warm all! Happy riding for those who can

Being just 3 weeks out from surgery I’m still trying to not overdo. Hard when I feel fine and I’m not used to not doing it all! Trying to be a good patient but really horse people are much better at horse rehab and healing than our own.

[blob]

Sounds like you have a good system, Khall. It's so tough when they're out of work and in restricted movement healing.

I hope everyone healiing from surgeries, Khall, Chisamba, Tanga is doing well! Hopefully i'm not missing anyone.

We had ice on saturday, but thankfully kept power. Since then we've had some very cold (for us) mornings and with all the rain that came through the ground has been so frozen hard that riding has been tough. I've gotten some very light rides/hacks in this week when ground is thawed, but this weekend is looking like it'll be tough again and potential for snow this weekend--which is much better than ice, so I'll take it. But I am eager to do real riding and get a lesson in!

MM doing ok, she loves this cold, of course. I'm trying to get her in as good of shape as she can manage. But it has been difficult, and I know that there is only so far we are likely to go now as it does seem the progressive nature of asthma is infact progressing. We are up to 30 minutes walking and sometimes can do a couple minutes trot in there as well. Mostly I've been just doing it all in the halter. But yesterday we did walk only in the bridle and on the bit, to get her to use her core some. So it was a shorter walk, but also using some strength/core. I think her overall weight is ok, it's just weight in the wrong places--little back muscle, and rounder than ideal belly. Even on the colder/frozen ground days, I'm trying to get her out for her walks, as I think consistency for her fitness is key. On the plus side, I've seen her frolicking a couple times in pasture, so that tells me she's feeling good and happy and that's most important.

[StraightForward]

We are trying to find our groove over here, now that it's warm enough that the arena is reliably thawed out. Yesterday I was trying to focus on trot work and getting T in front of my leg. She seemed to be bumping me off the contact in every way, not just the bit, but my seat and leg. We got a little good work, but nothing thrilling. I have been flailing a bit with the changes, so I called in some help today, and think I'll try to do so weekly for awhile. I just watched the lesson video and got some laughs out of it. We decided I need to keep T's poll really up, like flirting with above the bit, and pushing the canter out a little more. She did a lot of kicking out to the side, and then trying to cheat with a single trot step to pick up the other lead. I think we'll get it, but it's going to be messy for a bit.

Hope the weather is easing for everyone back east!

[Moutaineer]

Well, that's January in the books... I've been on a few times and walked and trotted. Potters was a bit of a handful last week so I was only on once. Spooking and back surgery recovery do not mix!

He can often get a bit squirrely at this time of year, and we have a lot of "false spring fever" going on in the barn, too. He, had a good run and buck outside in the sunshine on Friday, and he gets his Osphos shots this coming Thursday so that should make him a happy camper again.

I've spent the last couple of days watching Jan Ebeling teach a clinic in our barn, which was instructive. Should I ever get back to full strength I have some new tools to work with.

I wont lie though, it was gutting to be sitting on the sidelines. I really want to be back in full work. Ive reached the "I'm totally over it" stage of stall rest and hand walking.

It looks like we may be getting our indoor arena extended to take a full dressage court. This will be lovely when it's done, but will of course mean another summer of construction work.

[exvet]

My daughter (in NC) and step-daughter (in CO) have been sending me pictures of their snow fall. Boy am I really, really glad to be living in the desert right now. I just took another lesson with my new instructor. It was so refreshing to hear her say she just wants to figure where Junior is blocking himself and why. The where isn't all that much of a mystery but her approach and the focus she recommends just make so much more sense and are in our wheelhouse. She is really supportive of our goals and though like everything it will take time she's not automatically shutting the door on us. We got some good homework to try until my next lesson with her which will be next Saturday. Looking forward to having consistent weekly lessons again. Hope everyone who needs to heal is doing so (horse and human).

[mari]

Apocalyptic rain here in the early hours. Drove out to the barn with the hope of still having a lesson, but the arena was too soggy so had to drive right back home again. Grumpy me. Should have known better and just stayed home. But the barn is about 40 minutes away and often a completely different climate from where I live.