New trainer: Training back on track

Yesterday, we racked up a collosal 5.25 hours in the saddle.

First off, I had a lesson with my new trainer - the partner of my previous trainer. His focus is more on *problem* horses - you know, the ones ruined by people.

When we arrived, that was us. Kadey was cranky, unhappy and I felt that without intervention, he would have gone down a path ending in aggression and danger for both of us.

After a few months with the old trainer, Kade is lovable, affectionate and even (on his terms though) cuddly.

I had 2 months off when my last job finished; but now that I'm back at work, I'm back to training :)

The new trainer (Ruth) is amazing. Both have a wonderful way with horses, getting the most out of them without a fight. I had a lesson with another trainer in preparation for a show but her methods weren't for me - too much heavy hands and pulling. Ruth's perspective is to train the horse correctly, then he'll transfer the weight to his hocks of his own accord - as opposed to advising me to pull with the mouth and ride forward to force him there.

So. Very. Happy. To. Train. With. Ruth!!

I said I'd like to lock in for weekly lessons, possibly 2x weekly if I can get enough freelance work to cover the extra.

I'm also thrilled that her perspective is to work through Kadey's tension and back issues with training, rather than putting it all on hold with the chiro. Chiro supports this, Kadey's biggest issue is tightness. Proper (and careful) gymnastic work will go a long way towards keepgin him supple and even enabling the chiro to achieve even more on his visits.

So in all, I'm very happy and looking forward to a summer of training so we're set to take on the 2013 show season with skill, dedication and commitment!

Make it happen

It's 4.30pm, a steamy 30 degrees Celsius and I'm about to head out to ride.

Crazy right?

I'm coming to realise that self discipline means many things.

Self discipline to not eat that Twix bar (I'm now on a no-twix for Oct challenge. It's like OcSober for non-drinkers).

Self discipline to get up early & exercise.

Self discipline to set aside time to prep healthy, clean meals for the week.

Self discipline to head into a hot afternoon & train my horse, even when I really don't want to (he'd probably rather be in air con too).

But each of these things will bring me closer to my goals and will help me to become a better rider. A fit body and rested mind plus perfect practice (any Jane Savoie lovers?) brings results, in the arena, the office and life generally.

This morning I woke up before my alarm - on a Sunday no less. Very proud of that achievement. If I have the self discipline to change a major bad habit (sleeping in), I have the self discipline to train, to eat well, to be fit and to make this happen!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Perfect showring plaits with waxed thread

Following on from the last post, there is also an excellent article by the same (unnamed?) groom on braiding with waxed thread. I found this article one of the most useful i've ever read on the topic, and the YouTube exactly details what she means (e.g. 'shish kebabing' a plait to create a rosette/button).

What gives horses that show ring shine? Elbow grease!

{image credit here}

Just found the Eventing Nation site, which includes a regular 'The Sunday Jog Up' series from a top groom.

One of the featured articles covers off how to get that show ring shine. Ironically, it isn't with fancy brushes, lotions or potions - it's with your bare hands.

I'm summarising the steps here so I remember to do them myself!

1. Curry - even if the horse isn't muddy,the heat and friction bring up the oils in the coat. For sensitive horses use gel curries or nubble mits (Kadey BARELY tolerates a gel curry in winter so summer will be the nubble mit!).

2. Follow up with a dandy brush to get the dust off that the curry raised (I try to curry one hand, brush the other but I end up currying most of the body, swapping hands and going back over.

3. HOT TOWELLING! Essentially, a bucket of hot water (warmer than 'very warm', but be careful that you don't burn your horse) and a rag. Wring the rag and starting from the face, use currying motions to rub the horse down getting down to the skin - 'steam cleaning' the horse, in the author's wise words. The horse shouldn't be wet but may be on your first few goes - wring the rag out more. Change water and/or dunk your rag as required. The author notes that she doesn't do this to horses with woolly winter coats as, in attempting to reach the skin, the hair would just end up soaked. Instead just curry (and/or vacuum) those beasties.

4. Brush the (now dry) horse with a short bristled body brush to lay the hair fair, using brisk, firm strokes to stimulate the horse's warm skin.  Use the damp rag from earlier to wipe down the brush (instead of with a curry comb) every few strokes.

Which reminds me - WASH YOUR BRUSHES! No point cleaning a horse with dirty brushes; all you're doing is moving the dirt around.

The author also provides the below:
"Another cheap trick is to thoroughly rub your horse after you ride.  It sounds incredibly simple, but just take an extra 5 minutes after you untack, and use a rag (or bare hands!) over the neck, shoulders, chest, back, and haunches.  Horses learn to love the massage, and rubbing the warm muscles really brings out the oils of the coat.  Keep at it for a few weeks, and the coat will be noticeably softer.  If your horse is only slightly sweaty, don’t be lazy and head to the wash stall– get that rag and go to work! " (referenced from here).

Classical Dressage pointers

Some great tips from the Classical Dressage site:


'Ride with an aggressive navel' - Nuno Oliveria (ok that one makes me laugh!)


'The shoulders are  level with each  other and rather than, as is usually described when talking about  position, holding them open and flat back, think of opening the  ribcage from the front as this uses different muscles and lets the  shoulder girdle remain soft and free.'

'Finally, point your toes as far to the front as your conformation allows so you can lie as much of the inside of your leg as possible against the side of your horse. My favourite description of this is the German one of “like a wet dishcloth”. It doesn't cling - it's just there.'

Loving this site.  

Dressage scribe for the day

This weekend, I'm going to a dressage show - but without Kadey.

I put my hand up as a penciller/scribe. I figure it's a good chance to get my hand back in the game, maybe make some new contacts in the dressage world and learn what judges are looking for and at. Basically it's like having a lesson, free of charge.

Only thing is, my first classes are Elementary level. Eek! I haven't even ridden an elementary test before, and now I'll be taking notes for moves I may not have even SEEN before!

In all, a good opportunity to learn. I'm going to study the tests before hand so I understand the movements and what's happening.

Whee!

Back to square one. Or no square, without an arena...

I spoke to the owner of the flood-lit arena down the road.... it is only available for agistees.

So, back to square one. There is a McMansion between here and that place however given that they're clearly not badly off, I don't think the incentive of 'I'll pay you if I can use your arena' will really get me anywhere. Boo hiss.

Of course, just as I heal and can finally get back in the saddle, the days will be getting shorter. Argh!!