Calm, Forward, Straight

Calm, Forward, Straight

Thursday, April 7, 2011

In the Arena #68 - Ain't gonna work on Maggie's farm no more...

Today actually felt like spring. Finally! Bright enough to need sunglasses. Causing the first baby sunburn. Hang your clothes out on the line - shorts and flip flop weather. A superb day!

We groomed, tacked up and rode while waiting for Will, our farrier. Challenging would describe much of the ride - "don't want to go over there" and "why must we turn left" about sums it up. I know that I struggle with physical issues which affect the quality of my aiding... I'm looking forward to our visit next week with the natural balance dentist to confirm that Val doesn't as well - re mouth and bitting.

I got our (my) act together about halfway through the ride, and we ended on a very good note - willing trotting with good transitions and lovely free work on the buckle. Done just in time for a quick refreshing rinse before Will arrived.

I have to say I am a little frustrated that we seem to be covering the same ground lately. I'm ready for a breakthrough. Hopefully getting my trainer's input (maybe next weekend?!) will steer us out of this rut we find ourselves in. And I'm planning to apply some creativity to our next sessions -  I fear I may be boring the tar out of Val.

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Expensive side note - in the space of two weeks we will have...

1. Had the vet out for spring vaccinations
2. Seen the farrier for a trim
3. Gone on (an all day) hay run
4. Gotten our yearly dentistry

Whatever possesses me to lust after an Ansur saddle?!


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Helper watches, Will trims, Val reaches

The soul of patience or
"Does this picture make my head look big?"

Will is nice

Fronts

Rears


9 comments:

  1. Wow. I think Val's feet look great.

    I know what you mean about boredom. My boys are bored. I think we need a trailer to get off our property and get going. I don't like trailers, though, so instead of lusting for an Ansur, I am lusting for a horse VAN!!!

    I envy your weather! We have a high of 46 today. Ick.

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  2. That's a lot of expenses all at once. We just had shots and farrier bills too.

    I think horses get bored the same as we do. His road trip will probably perk him up. I know Dusty and I did what seems an eternity circling until she got it right and sometimes we still revert back to that after a long time of not being ridden.

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  3. LOL - re: the Ansur saddle. That's the beauty of the equine journey. Always something to work for... :)

    I wanted an Antares "musical note" dressage saddle desperately until my saddle fitter told me the panels were FOAM!

    Try the rainbow ride - it might shake things up for you.

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  4. You want an Ansur because they are AWESOME, obviously. That's why I bought one.

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  5. Don't get discouraged about being in the same place for so long. I know you know this, but dressage is SLOW and it is months and years of baby steps. One day you'll notice that the contact is more consistent and the bending is more even and the hind quarters are coming into play more... You know this - I'm just reminding you :)
    Re expenses, I was just going over the same thing in my head - spring shots and worming, farrier, and then the beginning of show fees, etc. Just when I was thinking we'd save a bit from not boarding! :)

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  6. I tend to get stuck in a rut with my riding and nothing tends to get me out of a rut better than a good lesson. It sounds like that is looming on the horizon for you.

    In regards to the Ansur that is just the beauty - or the curse - of our chosen sport. There is ALWAYS something else to want!!

    Val is a lovely horse, if only all horses could be lucky enough to have an owner who truly cares about all aspects of their well being.

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  7. Becaaaause...THEY ARE the BEST!!
    I'm so dreaming of mine...I love the fact it has my initials too, KK for ANSUR KONKLUSION!

    Well, with ya on the $ outgo. >Teeth Float, last Monday
    >Lost owrk due to Flu
    >Vacinations
    >Had to pay up for the 2 trips I go on this summer$$
    > may not get the saddle in May!

    Oh Val...seems alot of folks a little circuitry rerouting these days...your trainer will properly redirect you and he, I am sure of it!
    GLAD for you and the frsh springtime days you are having!! AND- HOPPING up and down myself..we had our first SPRING day yesterday!!! I actually left my mares blanket OFF...who knows what I'll have to do tomorrow..my arms may give out!

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  8. Hey thanks for visiting my blog. I'm glad you found my comment helpful about the clicker training. I love helping people get started with it. :)

    I actually bookmarked your blog to check out a couple of weeks ago, but I've been so busy I forgot to come back. I'm following now so I won't forget again lol. I think Val is absolutely gorgeous and can't wait to read more about your training together. :D

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  9. Val's feet look very nice.(:
    The vet came out on Monday for the barn's spring vaccinations. Howard was the best next to Lad. Trying not to brag. Lol.
    I was at the same place where you were at too. Well, we all were. It's important to remember not being in that state of mind is NOT gonna help Val. I find it very helpful to say words like I will, I know, and I can. No if, and's, or but's!!

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