The Bandit Strikes…

Me and Col. Axel Steiner, and Ollie

Hopefully, when reading these blogs you are clicking on the title line so that the comments from other posters are visible.  Frequently, the comments are better reading than the blog!   I encourage everyone to feel free to post their perspectives, as I believe everyone posting, no matter the experience level, can add to the discussion and hopefully a better understanding of every barn’s integral players can be established. 

Yesterday’s blog dealt with my observations that one must trust their trainer in order to progress (for more detail see post No Used Cars Here….    I thought this post generated some great replies from riders of different backgrounds.  Several of these came from fellow bloggers and each of them are appreciated.  Please read the comments they supplied at the end of the above referenced blog.  (One was my Mom so she might be biased!)  Each one has a great comment with a twist from their own experiences.  This is what makes this style of journaling so eye-opening.  If I posed these questions only to the number of people I see in a day, I don’t believe the responses would be as candid or as varied.

The comments come from riders and trainers of all backgrounds.  Sabrena is a talented dressage coach, and great friend,  in Columbia, South Carolina.  Many of the comments were from blogs I read daily.   The Literary Horse is now one of my favorite authors, her posts are hilarious and when she comments on other’s posts her perspectives are original!  Retired Racehorse is another name I love to see comment.  Natalie is a champion for the Thoroughbred.  She loves the breed and her background is extremely varied so she has a lot of experience to draw from.  Sprinkler Bandit is a student chronicling her experiences backing her six-year old Oldenburg mare.  All of these blogs are so well done they give me a lot to aspire to!  Thank you guys for encouraging me.   Each one of their responses have inspired blog topics for me, and today I will use Sprinkler Bandit’s comment, and my response, as a blog, as I believe the point she addresses is one that others may feel and relate to.  Here is her comment and my reply.

SprinklerBandit Says:
February 19, 2010 at 6:35 am

I think the “now” issue has to be balanced, however. We have a duty to our horses to educate ourselves about them. Otherwise, a well meaning rider who responds “now” to an incompetent trainer may find him/herself in a much worse situation than they ever were before.

So, I agree, as long as the trainer is trustworthy. That said, if I was uncertain as to whether or not I trusted a trainer, I’d audit a lesson or clinic before signing up for instruction.

And my Reply:

I am so glad you posted this as I think it gets to the root of the problem.   A relationship between a trainer and a student is like any other relationship.  A trainer must first observe the student, over a period of time, and evaluate their abilities.  An experienced instructor will never ask the student to perform an exercise or give an aid that they do not already know the student is capable of executing, and the horse is mentally and physically able to comply with.  In my case, if a horse is not schooled in an exercise I will ride it myself and teach the horse as the student observes.  This gives the horse the foundation so when the student applies the aids, the horse has an idea of what action is needed.  It is never good training, or good for the student’s or horse’s confidence to be asked to perform something they are not capable of.  I saw a lawyer show on TV once that put it best.  The lawyer said “Never ask a question you don’t already know the answer to”.  Knowing that the rider and horse are at the point in their education to succeed in an exercise is something a good trainer must be able to assess.  Neither horse nor rider  should ever be overfaced.

The breakdown in trust is probably a result of the lack of certification needed to instruct riding.  I believe even yoga teachers must certify, but not people teaching other people on large animals.  This is why you are correct in that when looking for a trainer you should find one that has been teaching, and producing quality riders for a reasonable length of time.  There should be a resume’ of sorts, that will give a substantial history of their riding and teaching experience.  It is easy to make an impressive website with no real content.  Don’t be afraid to ask for references.  A good teacher would love to have you talk to a few of their clients.  And, as you stated, watching clinics and asking to sit in on the trainer’s other student’s lessons are good ideas.  Once you begin training with an instructor, you should feel challenged, but not afraid. 

Then, once they have earned that trust, let them do their job and you will find that your goals are easier to reach.  Thanks again for posting- I think you brought up a point that many people, that may be afraid to ask,  might like answered!  🙂

No Used Cars here……

I try to help, Samson looks a little indifferent

I enjoy and appreciate the comments and discussions that have been contributed to the blog thus far.  The readers of the blog seem to represent a wide variety of viewpoints from the horse owning community.  Barn owners, trainers, adult students, young riders, parents and other bloggers have been kind enough to read, and help share perspectives on this forum.  Thanks for that, I hope it can help to build mutual appreciation for each of the positions, as they are all inter-related and our horse communities are more positive when every person’s contribution is acknowledged, and each person’s concerns are validated.

A fellow trainer related a story to me the other day of a client of his that had recently bought a new horse.  The trainer had helped pick out the horse and it seemed a great match for the young rider.  As the horse settled in to the routine at the trainer’s barn, it became obvious that the reduced pasture time was causing some difficulty for the young boy at riding time, as the horse still had too much energy.  When the trainer suggested additional turn-out for the horse, the father of the young rider declined, citing concerns for the horse’s stress level.  The owner also did not care to have either the trainer or another rider work the horse in addition to the child’s lessons.

Empathizing with the trainer, I asked why he thought the owner was reluctant to follow any of his advice.  His response was one that made me think of several students I have taught in the past.  It seems this particular horse owner had come to this trainer directly after leaving a trainer he felt was very controlling and overbearing.  I do not know the circumstances of that situation, so I do not know if this was in fact true, but it was the belief of the horse owner. 

Explaining his dilemma with the situation rang true to me.  Many times when a person leaves a trainer that they feel is over-controlling, or unwilling to allow them to make even small decisions, they tend to overcompensate for this indignity with the new trainer.  Every decision the new trainer makes is immediately subject to scrutiny for signs of control or deceit.  This is an understandable response, if there were misdeeds done by a previous trainer, but it makes the learning progress difficult and possibly dangerous.

Many aspects of dealing with horses rely on faith and confidence.  Learning technical information can be done by reading books.  Most progress with riding happens once the rider believes that they are capable of making it happen.  A good instructor must be able to explain the technical aspects of riding.  A great instructor must convince the rider that they can persuade the horse to do it!  Horses are not apt to follow the apprehensive.  If a rider is skeptical of his trainer’s advice, the lack of confidence and committment will result in a failure to convince the horse to accept his aids.  Success in this situation is doubtful. 

In addition to making progress slow, safety must be a priority.  Many times when I was growing up taking riding lessons in Europe, where the teachers seemed particularly scary, I wondered why the trainers always seemed to bark commands and refuse objections.  “I can’t”, or “I won’t”, was not tolerated.  Anyone uttering these words was dismissed immediately.  Having taught for many years now, I understand the rigidity, and I wish I could thank them all for their intolerance.  When you are responsible for someone riding a large, powerful animal, the rider must be conditioned to follow directions quickly, without hesitation, in the event the horse becomes frightened and shows signs of bolting, rearing, or any other behaviour that could be dangerous to the rider.  A quick movement, with relaxed confidence in a trainer’s ability, can mean the difference between making the situation safe, or causing more fear and escalating the danger.

This is not to belittle the indignity and condescension that some have fallen victim to at the hands of an overzealous trainer.   But I like to believe that most people who get into this occupation do so in order to share their love and passion for horses with other people.  Don’t let one bad apple keep you from learning what so many others are eager to share.  Whatever the experience level, we all love the horses the same!

Don’t forget your Wellies….

I should’ve lunged him!

Even in the temperate South, this winter has been the most frustrating riding season I can remember.   All of the paddocks are knee-deep in mud.  The arenas are almost always closed to protect them for future riding.  The perpetual rain makes turnout, for many horses, rare.   On top of the weather, the economy is putting the pinch on everyone.  If we are to make it, as a unified equine community, we must put our complaints aside, and hold out a little while longer for the sun to appear.   These conditions call for optimism on a unprecedented level.

On days that inclement weather prevents your horse’s turnout, it is a good idea to get to the barn and lunge or ride him anyway.  If the arena is unavailable, because of same inclement weather, hand walking will suffice to get your horse out of his stall for a while.  Horse’s digestive systems were not made for them to stand around for long periods of time.  This is not a reason for  you to call the barn and ask someone to do this for you.  When the horses are in, stalls must be cleaned more often and the workload is heavier.  Go to the barn with your raincoat!  It will not hurt you and your horse will be glad for the outing!

If you decide to ride, don’t be too proud to lunge your horse for a few minutes before mounting.  Even a generally quiet horse can be feisty when he has been stalled for long periods of time, or when the wind is whipping or howling.  It is not a sign of bravery when someone refuses to lunge a horse that has not been ridden for some time.  It is a better training decision to get the horse settled in to a working attitude on the lungeline  than to risk an adversarial confrontation.   

After you’ve seen to your horse’s exercise there are plenty of rainy weather chores that can be caught up on.  Tack cleaning can be fun if you do it in a group, maybe watching some horsey videos.  I’m sure your tack trunk or closet could stand to be cleaned and organized, as could the horse trailer you keep putting off.  Rainy days are a good day to wash and sanitize your horse’s brushes, as the muddy season brings with it lots of fungus that is hard to get rid of later.  If you are feeling particularly benevolent, you could clean out the barn’s break room or bathroom.  Someone will love you for it.   

Remember that the weather and economy have made the job of caring for horses harder on everyone this year.  Barn Owners, Barn Staff, Trainers, Boarders, Farriers, everyone has faced challenges this winter.  Hang in there and try to stay optimistic for the final stretch.  Pitch in and help to get through the last of this inconvenient weather.  It’s been a tough winter, but the end is in sight, and soon the same people who muddled through the cold, wet, muddy winter will be the ones riding alongside you while the sun shines warmly on your backs.

Twinkle, Twinkle you’re a star…

Me on Twinkle, England 1975

After decades of studying Europe’s breeding philosophies, America is holding her own in breeding quality, competition horses.   This is an accomplishment in a country where breeding restrictions are unheard of.  In the years to come, America will be producing horses with the athleticism and talent comparable to Edward Gal’s Moorlands Totilas or Anky’s Salinero.

Every year there are impressive ceremonies celebrating breathtaking freestyles and record-breaking Grand Prix rides from horses that are bred to be more expressive and athletic with each generation.  However, the only ceremony that has actually brought tears to my eyes was on a video I watched of Britain’s Horse of the Year Show.  This is an incredible horse show, where riding of all types, and horses and ponies of all breeds are revered.  I’m not sure what year this particular ceremony took place, but after all the prize givings for the top competitors were complete, two well turned-out older horses were led into the arena.

As the two noble horses paraded around the arena, adorned with roses around their necks, the announcer explained that these horses were there to represent all school horses, worldwide, that have selflessly taught the most accomplished competitors to the most passionate pleasure riders.  The two “representatives”  were then offered as many apples and carrots from huge silver bowls that they cared to eat.  Everyone in the coliseum was standing to applaud these generous horses that offer so much, to so many. 

I have been lucky to have known so many great horses in my life.  I will always be grateful to every horse that has taught me on my journey towards a career and life with horses.  But a special thank you is in order to the patient ponies and horses that carried me about while I tried to figure out this thing called riding.  Much love to you all…Fred, Twinkle, Piccolo, Sam, Bayboy, Young George, Cadbury, Ushi……(and all the rest!)

Horsey Lessons from The Birdhouse Chick…..

The Birdhouse Chick Rides

Life as a horse trainer, at least the kind that works out of many barns, is a particularly transient one.  Either because of the nature of my business, or that I grew up a military brat (I haven’t figured out which) I move every few years.  Because I meet most of my roommates at the barns or stables where I work, I tend to live with dedicated animal lovers.  As anyone who knows her can tell you, Animal lover, in respect to my roommate, Beth Wheeler, is an understatement!

Beth, the proprietor and namesake of  the unique bird house boutique, The Birdhouse Chick, is one of the most dedicated stewards of the environment that I know.  An entire blog could be written on her selfless acts of caring for stray dogs and cats, and her yard is a testament to her love for birds and other wildlife.  Check out her website and daily blog, she is the one that started me blogging.

Beth also has a horse, Sweets, that she keeps at Moonlight Equestrian Center.  While I was racking my brain for a blog topic, Beth was washing some blankets for an older horse at the barn.  She suggested I relay what she does with the dryer lint and horsehair cleaned from the washer after we wash our blankets, saddlepads, etc. 

Brilliant…Take a mesh produce bag- the kind you buy your horse’s apples in- and begin filling it with the hair, (body and tail),  from the lint trap of your dryer, and from the inside of the washer and dryer after washing dirty horse items.  You can also supplement the bag with mane and tail hair from your tail brush or from pulling your horse’s mane.  When the bag is full, tie it off and hang it from a branch in a nearby tree.  The birds love to use the hair to build their nests!  I have picked up  used nests at barns that were made entirely of horse hair! 

I have attached a picture of a horsehair nesting ball that Beth made for our yard.  We have the happiest birds around, and it is a joy to watch them in the morning before I set off to see the horses.  Take some time to check out her website- the birds will love you for it!

Weather or Not…..

They didn't have these when I was 13

As difficult as it is to keep a straight face while teaching a kid wearing a large, pink, sequined helmet cover that shrouds her entire head except for two darting eyes, I must commend my young riders for braving the elements this year.    It has been a particularly wet, cold, nasty winter and I have not heard one complaint from the “under 20” department.

I have arrived to teach in rain coming down sideways, in arenas with puddles fetlock deep, and winter chills that froze my toes, but the kids never cancel.  When the arenas are closed, we ride the spunky ponies in the open fields, sometimes scary, but no complaints.  One morning, a mother called to say her daughter was not well and may have to cancel.  She called later to say the girl felt fine and would be out for her lesson, only to call back after a thermometer check.  Seems she had told her mother she felt better because she wanted to go to the barn, but the thermometer told on her, and her fever sent her back to bed.  Another student, that keeps her horses at her home, works diligently by herself  between lessons, through inclement weather, to stay ready for upcoming events this spring.

It is this kind of dedication to riding that keeps me in business, and earns them the year-end awards.  With this kind of commitment and passion, they will be winners, in riding and life.  So, if the kids can show up to ride, I can show up to teach.  Pink helmet covers or not.

Uh…what was I saying again?

"It's a bear!"

As in my lessons, it is easy to get sidetracked in these blogs.  Yesterday, I had originally intended to use my video clip with Scott Hassler to stress how valuable it is to videotape lessons, shows, and practice rides.  It is difficult to override my admiration for trainers I deeply respect.  Now that I got that over with there is another theme to explore in the same clip.  If you didn’t see the clip, it is located at the bottom of the last post.

A common theme, especially with adult amateur riders, is how to handle a situation when a horse gets tense or spooks.  It is not uncommon for a student to give me a list of the items or situations that cause their horse to spook.  It is sometimes difficult for me to get the student to override their concern for these particular scenarios, and instead focus on the behaviour the horse is exhibiting when it encounters the fearful object or situation.  An example would be, fear of a mounting block in the corner of the arena.  The horse shies and runs sideways each time it approaches the mounting block.   Here it comes….”He’s afraid of the dang mounting block!”,  followed by kicking and fussing.

The mounting block, in this case, is immaterial…it could be a dog, a bucket, a plant, anything… the focus should be the loss of rhythm, and the falling in on the inside leg.  This is something that can be corrected.  You cannot predict every object you may come across in your horse’s life and train him not to be afraid of it.  You can instead, train him to move correctly on your aids, and soon his trust will build when he realizes that your decisions have kept him safe.  Having a conversation with your trainer about why he doesn’t like mounting blocks, hats, etc. is nice, but not conducive to fixing the problem. 

This is more aptly stated by Scott, in the video when an unseen person drops some folding chairs while I am cantering Lucy.  There is a sudden “Bang” and Lucy immediately tenses up (she doesn’t look that tense but she felt it!)  He calmly reassures me “There are no noises…just her body- if her body gets nervous, ride the body”.  He offers the disclaimer “This sounds so easy from the ground.”  But this is what we must aspire to.  Ignoring the stimulus, controlling our adrenalin and riding the horse’s body.  If the horse’s body is stiff (from fear) ride it the way you would ride a stiff horse.  Don’t add in the element of panic.  Nobody’s saying it will be easy.  It will take time, but the first step is visualizing.  Then practicing……then one day….Bang!!!!…Nothing.

That kind of Hassler I can deal with…..

Trainers don’t get much better than this!

Rainy day again…  Good day to look over earlier videos and try to learn something.  For the thousandth time I watch my videos of previous lessons and clinics to refresh my memory.  For the thousandth time I find something that I didn’t notice before and seems suddenly profound.  I am never sure if these revelations become clear because of recent events, but that’s immaterial anyway, might as well just take it like it comes. 

This particular instance comes in a lesson I had two years ago at Hassler Dressage, with the King of young horses, Scott Hassler.  I believe Scott is the future of dressage.  I spent a week in Maryland at his beautiful facility and have never ridden with anyone more positive and encouraging than Scott.  It is no wonder he is so successful with the young horses, they are such willing partners as he is extremely knowledgeable, and incredibly respectful, patient, and kind to every horse he trains.

I have attached a clip of my lesson on Lucy, a very lovely, but quite hot, little Oldenburg mare that belongs to my friend Kimberly Vernachio.  I have included this piece of video, as the explanation Scott gives about “coaching” her through her tension, especially when there are loud noises in the unfamiliar arena, are of particular interest to me.  At the time this video was taken I had not been riding very long after a bad fall and was quite reactionary to loud noises.  Scott’s advice, riding the horse’s body and not the noise, was, to me, a very meaningful analogy.  I have watched this video time and time again and have never before caught the quick explanation. 

I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to ride with a trainer I respect as much as Scott.  And very glad to have gotten it all on video, as I will continue to learn from it years after the experience!

Give a GERL a Hand…

Drew Olsen Helps GERL and Horses!

 

Years ago, leaving a horse show, I was passed on the interstate by a large stock trailer, filled beyond capacity with thin, shaggy horses, standing untied facing every direction. I no longer remember the name of the company on the truck, but it was clear the horses were heading to auction.  Many years later I still cry when I remember their eyes peering out naïvely from between the slats in the trailer as they headed down interstate 20.  Alongside I pulled my horse, comfortably munching hay with a warm snuggly blanket and protective shipping boots.    

I have since wondered why there aren’t more horse shows with proceeds that benefit horse charities.  I have often thought of organizing one but regret that I have yet to do so.  I am happy to say that some other people are more organized than I am and I thank them for that.  Thanks to Facebook, a friend notified me of a trail ride being hosted by Foxhall Farms.  This is a beautiful facility that in earlier years hosted the Foxhall Cup CCI***, an international three-day event.  The proceeds collected will benefit the Georgia Equine Rescue League and horses that have been impounded by the Georgia Department of Agriculture.  Georgia Equine Rescue League (GERL) is a fantastic charity that helps horses that have been abused or abandoned or are otherwise in need.  The need for help in caring for these horses is critical with the economy in a slow spot. 

In addition to the trail ride, clinician Drew Olsen from Southern Horsemanship (“R” judge and good friend and mentor Leslie Olsen’s son!) will be giving a demonstration.  There will be an auction of donated items and of rehabilitated horses from the Georgia Department of Agriculture.  If you have room for a horse at your farm I’m sure some of these horses would love a home! 

Please get together some friends and come out for the trail ride on June 5 from 9:00 to 4:00.  If you are unable to attend please click the link for the Georgia Equine Rescue League and donate any items you can or any amount of money you can do without to help these horses that have lost their homes.  I’ve checked with my horses and they said they don’t mind doing with a few less treats this month to help their brothers and sisters in need! 

Summer Trail Ride at Foxhall Farms 8000 Caps Ferry Rd. Douglasville, Georgia 

Georgia Equine Rescue League 

Southern Horsemanship 

Georgia Department of Agriculture

Inspirational Coffins…

Tad Coffin at Sand and Spur Clinic

Looking through some old photographs, I stumbled across a picture from a series of  Tad Coffin clinics I participated in at Sand and Spur Riding Club on Eglin AFB.  These clinics were in the early 80’s and I was in my early teens (I’m sure apologies are in order for Mr. Coffin!).  I have ridden with many exceptional horsemen with amazing resumes but for many reasons I have always thought of Tad Coffin as one of the most memorable and inspirational clinicians I have had the pleasure to have trained under.

Tad, a three-day eventer who won individual and team Olympic gold medals on Bally Cor in 1976, walked and stretched, and I mean  stretched, (he demonstrated the splits, both ways, in lunch discussion) the entire time he taught.  No wasted time sitting around while he was teaching.  This was before the fitness revolution brought on by the first home workout videos. 

After I became frustrated with my horse, a hot Thoroughbred cross, he took the time out after our group ride to talk to me alone about the use of imagery, a concept that now is popular but then was almost unheard of.  I still remember how he explained a study to me in which three groups of people were observed playing basketball, one group practiced every day for a month, group two didn’t practice, but visualized practicing every day for the month, and group three neither practiced nor visualized practicing.  At the end of the study the group that practiced showed the best results, but the group that visualized practicing also showed marked improvement.  Group three, of course, showed no improvement.  He wanted me to practice visualizing riding perfectly when I had extra time on my hands, even before sleep.  I still do this to this day. 

These are just a couple of ways that Tad opened my eyes to new ways of thinking.  He was an exceptionally aware teacher, that took his time out to personally address concerns that others might dismiss as teenage angst.  This is a concept I have aspired to achieve in my own dealings with clients.  His innovative techniques are as useful now as they were twenty-five years ago (or more!). 

When getting the personal facts together about Tad I googled his name and in his Wikipedia entry I learned that he is a nephew to an internationally acclaimed peace and civil rights activist, William Sloane Coffin.  I have linked to his biography as it is too vast to describe in this blog and too great not to read.  I don’t know how much time Tad spent with his uncle, but I do know that in his own way he was very inspirational to at least one grateful teenage girl.  Much love to you Tad.

He Cost What???

Keep inserting Cash

As a travelling trainer I get to meet a lot of horses and horse people in the Atlanta area.  Because of my mobility, and probably my propensity to talk, I have a lot of friends, in different capacities, in the horse business.   The barns that allow me to come teach vary from the simple, to the  upscale.  Many of the horses I deal with belong to people that ride for pleasure and want to develop a more confident and harmonious partnership.  Others are competition horses, dressage and eventers, that range from low level to advanced level competitors.  I value the relationship I have with every one of them equally.

I occasionally get a call from a friend or acquaintance in reference to a horse I may know from my travels.  I don’t mind giving an assessment of a horse, but find myself stumped when asked “what do you think he’s worth?”.  This is a question I always wonder myself, but I don’t know who the ultimate authority is to determine a horse’s worth.  Where do these magic number’s come from?

The “worth” of a horse, to me, can only be determined by knowing the potential buyer.  The highest valued Paso Fino in the world isn’t worth much to an international Grand Prix rider just as a top-of-the-line show jumper isn’t going to be worth much to someone wanting to show western pleasure.  Even narrowed down to the dressage discipline, a steady, aged schoolmaster that forgives mistakes is worth his weight in gold to the amateur looking to learn the upper levels, however, to the seasoned professional a younger, more elastic horse is a necessity.

Once the “worth” is determined and the horse is purchased, there is the problem of maintaining that worth.  If a considerable sum of money is paid for a horse with a solid competition record, and the new owner is not as experienced as the past owner, the worth can diminish with the lower scores on the horse’s record.  This is one reason why it is common for professionals to occasionally show amateur’s horses.  If a rider chooses not to show a horse, the horse’s worth, especially where insurance is concerned, again diminishes.

Most unfortunately, if a horse gets an injury, or needs surgery, his determined worth plummets.  This is what I encountered when my Contango baby lost his eye.  This is why I contend that worth is in the demands of the buyer.  After his surgery he may have lost what some consider worth but there isn’t enough money in the world to buy him from me.

Because of these variables my advice to shoppers is to always keep their own needs in mind, and not get confused with what someone considers a horse’s worth.  When a horse shows up that matches all of the criteria,  then look around at several horses in a comparable price range.   This is the only way I know to decide if a price is fair.  I have met a million horses, with price tags from one dollar to one million dollars and each one of them, to someone, is worth everything in the world.

Getting out of the Rectangle….

Kayla and Norman sans arena

The last post was about the rein, this one is inspired by the rain!  We’ve got more than our share of it here in the Atlanta area.  As Georgians we’re used to humidity but this is a bit too much!  The arenas are waterlogged and unridable most of the time.  So, instead of moping around and missing lessons, it’s time for dressage in the great outdoors!  Out of the arena that is!

Too often, as dressage riders, we neglect to school outside of the dressage arena, and then look like beginners all over again once we are talked into our annual trail ride.   Most dressage riders I know began as Three-day Eventers or Jumpers of some capacity, but after years of circling slowly around, confined to a ninety meter rectangle, the thought of a two-hour straight line is daunting. 

A gently sloping hill is great for muscle and stamina building.  Going uphill is a great way to allow the horse to go forward and a safe place for the rider to release the contact.  The grade will regulate the speed, and the freedom offered the horse will allow him to enjoy himself.  In the field as well as in the arena, all  training should be enjoyable for the rider and the horse!

A spooky horse can be worked in a small area at first, perhaps even on a circle, until he is more comfortable.  It makes more sense to slowly build his trust, than to bully him past every scary object on the trail.  He does not have to learn to ride out in one outing, and it is best to keep it short and stress-free in the beginning.  If treated with kindness and patience, he will soon learn that his rider friend can be trusted to see him safely back to the barn. 

When teaching a nervous rider try to have her focus on her horse’s ears.  When the horse loses attention, and pricks his ears at something in the distance, I ask the rider to touch him lightly with her right leg and watch his ears.  Invariably, his right ear will cock backward halfway.  We then repeat on left side – same thing, left ear cocks back.  I explain that a horse is only capable of focusing on one thing at a time.  This is why a twitch is effective.  In the event the horse hears something rustling in the brush and tenses every muscle at full attention, it is better to bend him and apply leg to regain his attention.  Once the ears are half-way cocked back, he is again focused on his rider.  Many people err in thinking that if they stay really quiet and still, the horse will calm down as a result of this inaction, and they will be ok.  Then, a rabbit runs out of the bushes and they’re off!

See if you can talk one of your friends out of the arena and go have some fun!  Don’t panic, you can still practice your lateral work on the trail!  You might even have a little fun doing it!  Happy Trails!

Walkin’ the Dog….

It’s analogy time again!  Had to come up with some way to describe a consistent rein contact while still invoking a feeling of giving, or riding towards the horse’s mouth.  I think I’ve seen a wheelbarrow used to describe such a connection, but I thought updating the analogy with a more modern apparatus that had a lighter appeal might be effective.

Then it came to me.  Of course! The invisible dog!!!  Remember the 80’s gag leash that had a collar attached to the end, and appeared to be harnessed to an invisible dog? (see photo above)  If you don’t, you might as well go ahead and read one of my other blog entries because this will make no sense at all!  I asked a few of my students this week to imagine each of their reins as if they were one of these leashes and that they were connected to the bit in the usual fashion.

Instead of constantly giving, taking, retracting, then dumping the contact for the sake of lightness, they could pretend they instead were walking two invisible dogs.  The reins (leashes) must keep enough connection to avoid any loops and must never be pulled backwards toward the rider.  Who would walk an invisible dog like that anyway?  The contact is steady and consistent, giving the horse a reliable reference for balance.  It also gives the rider the desired feeling of riding toward the horse’s mouth without abandoning the connection, thus creating a sense of trust and allowing for engagement of the hind end. 

Maybe they got it and maybe not…we’ll see next week if I’m in the doghouse!

Sweep your Cares Away….

Take your pick!

The trends in horse care have changed considerably over the past few decades. For many, a shift has been made from the backyard barn to the bigger boarding facilities. With economic dips forcing job constraints on precious horsey time, more people are inclined to pay a facility to give their horse the day-to-day care they once provided themselves.

On a daily basis I am fortunate enough to travel to many such facilities. Enough praise cannot be heaped on the generous souls who commit their life to caring for horses. It is a twenty-four hour a day job and is often underappreciated.

When I hear a fussy boarder complain about trivial matters I ask them the amount of board they pay per month. I then divide that number by thirty, and figure a per day price for their horse board. In our area it usually runs fifteen to twenty dollars per day. I then ask them if they would mind providing feed (x 2), hay(x 2), shavings, shelter, electricity, water, arena footing, fencing, paint, insurance, stall cleaning, blanket changing, lead in lead out, fertilizing, grass cutting, jump repairing, jump painting, arena dragging (you get the drift) for fifteen dollars a day. I haven’t had any takers yet.

Many years ago I taught at a boarding facility that was beautifully maintained by the owner. Once when asked if she could help do the final stall pick at the end of the day a surly little girl stated “that’s what we pay for”. I thought the barn owner was brilliant, as she replied “No, honey, you pay me to take care of your horse when you’re not here!”

I have told that story to many of my young riders, as I want to foster in them a sense of community in the barn. A few people can keep up the day-to-day activities at a barn, but if you expect excellence, becoming involved is essential (and can be fun!). The barn should not be considered a country club and helping out creates a sense of pride and cohesiveness in a facility. Organized workdays can be fun if everyone brings food, drinks and music is provided!

If you are at the barn in the winter, and you can throw a blanket on a horse, (any horse, it doesn’t have to be yours) it is good exercise for you, and the barn help will appreciate even one less horse to blanket, so they can get home and warm up. Sweeping the aisle, raking ithe yard, picking up debris, painting fences and mowing grass are all activities that greatly raise the barn morale and keep the facility neat. If you are at a jumping facility, organizing a jump painting party is a nice way to make the place more respectable for everyone.

So grab a rake, a broom or a paintbrush. Call the boarders on the list by the barn phone and pick out a date for a work-day. Take the time out to pitch in at your horse’s apartment complex. The people who care for him while you’re not there will definitely appreciate it!

Checking in to the Clinic…

Lisa Wilcox helps Suzanne and Wango Tango

I love clinics! Riding clinics that is!  I love teaching them, riding in them, and auditing them.  I have never audited, or ridden in a clinic where I left feeling disappointed.  As an instructor I love to listen to great trainers teach.  There is no better money spent than an auditing fee that covers an entire day of lesson watching from a top trainer.  I am always amazed at the small turnout of auditors when an international caliber trainer comes to town.  In the Atlanta area alone there are always a number of great clinics available to audit or ride in.  The GDCTA calendar is a good place to check for upcoming events. 

It is a good idea to audit a few clinics to check out the protocol before signing up to ride, and if you have a trainer, it is best to confer with him or her  before riding with a clinician.  A good trainer won’t mind a client riding with a reputable clinician; however, it is helpful to determine  if the philosophy of the clinician is a good match for your current program.  There are several different schools of thought that all produce effective results, but the components of the programs are not always interchangeable.  Mixing and matching the philosophies can be very confusing to the student and very irritating to the trainer!

Enough can’t be said for auditing a clinic.  It gives you a chance to learn from outstanding trainers as they teach multiple horse and rider combinations.  Many new concepts can be learned, and sometimes a concept that has been difficult to grasp, when explained in a different way, makes complete sense!  Taking a notepad and pen is a great way to jot down the ideas that you want to mull over later.  I once sat next to an international judge, at a clinic, that kept a three-ring binder with notes from every clinic she had attended, dating back to the seventies.  I would like to have had a copy of that book!

When auditing I think I speak for the entire horse community when I say, please keep quiet if you’re within earshot of anyone that’s interested in actually hearing the clinician.  I have sat at countless clinics and repressed shrieking when otherwise very nice people talk the entire time a clinician is teaching.  I don’t know why it feels too rude to jump up and stalk off, but I usually just sit there instead, being very angry and wondering why anyone would pay money to come sit and talk when they could do it for free at home.  Any other time, I’d love to hear the anecdotes, but in the dressage world, many of these clinicians are the PhD’s of the discipline, and deserve the respect that would be given any professor.

So, check your GMO calendar or local newsletter.  Be willing to drive a little if needed.  Bring your writing materials and a comfortable chair and be ready to sit awhile.  Your time won’t be wasted.

How-to..sit like a Shoebox…..

Two of my younger dressage enthusiasts, Sheba and 10+ Jordan prompted me to come up with a way to explain lateral balance in a way a young rider could digest.  It was either that or continue watching them canter around corners like champion barrel racers!

Lengthy dressage analysis tends to make the rider’s under the age of 65 eyes glaze over.  Mine included.  Not only are they overly mechanical in their explanation but usually don’t inspire any logical reaction physically.  I think “”knowing” the definition is important but using it in an internal dialog with your horse is confusing. 

In searching for a kid friendly way to describe a laterally balanced horse and rider combination, I was reminded of a conversation I had with a dear friend and accomplished equine artist Jean Abernathy.  Jean has, among many other artistic achievements, illustrated a book for Monty Roberts.  When I expressed envy at her drawing abilities, she explained that everything was just geometric and gave me many examples that were available where we were sitting.  It very much reminded me of the elementary how-to-draw books we have all seen, with the circles and rectangles connected to make horses and people, etc…

I told the girls to think their horse Prince like one of these drawings, his body a three-dimensional rectangle, like a shoebox, with some cylinders and the like coming out for legs.  The girls torsos were also like little shoeboxes, only they are sitting up on end with little heads on top.  When they were going around corners his shoebox was tilting in as if balancing on its edge, and the girls were also tilting onto their “shoebox” edge.  The goal being to get the horse to distribute weight back on its outside legs thus making the shoebox flat again.  In order to do this the girls had to concentrate on keeping equal weight in each corner of their “shoebox”.

I don’t know if that made any sense to them at all, but the lateral balance improved and I could open my eyes again.

One Blog leads to Another…

Sherry on Wango Tango!

The public nature of this blog requires a huge amount of consideration of other people’s perceptions.  Frequently, for the sake of brevity, I simplify stories that if explained in their entirety would read more like novels.  This was troubling to me when writing the blog “You had to See this One Coming...” about my true love, Nickel (Wango Tango).  There have been so many people in my life (and Nickel’s) that have made such profound differences that it would be impossible to credit them all in one blog.  To attempt it would be ludicrous.  I offer the disclaimer that if you are one of these people, know that I appreciate you more than you know and your time will come to be heralded in my blog!  Keep reading!

That said, Nickel would not be the confident, capable horse he is today without the love and training bestowed upon him by my friend Sherry Rafter.  Again, in the sake of keeping things short, I will oversimplify the story.  After a year in a wheelchair, due to a fall from a three year-old, I was not the best candidate to start the young horse I bought while recuperating, (brilliant, I know).  In between retiring her FEI horse and waiting on a horse too young to break, Sherry stepped in and started the young, feisty, Nickel for me.  She is the type of rider that always has time to brush, pick hooves and feed lots of sugar.  She treated Nickel like her own and for that I will always be grateful.

I could go on and on, because in addition to her dignified friendship with Nickel she did a stellar job starting him.  His scores will testify to her correct training and he is a joy to work with today because of it.  Because this blog  is linked to my website, Tango Dressage, I should make an attempt at an educational point in my homage to Sherry.

Anyone considering purchasing a young horse must understand  that the quality of  the training of a young horse dictates the quality of  life the horse will lead.  A horse started poorly will be sold over and over and never receive the love and appreciation he would if  he was handled more capably in his youth.  Likewise, a horse handled well and treated with respect learns to trust and bond with people.  A horse trained without a cohesive program becomes confused and resistant to work.  A  horse started with correct fundamentals finds his job enjoyable and rewarding.  It is the correct kind of training that has made Nickel the horse he is today.  Sherry, for this I thank you, and Nickel thanks you too.

Ode to Joy….

Every show that comes up, it never fails, one of my kids will ask me “Do we have to braid for this show?”  I guess they’re hoping that I might slip up and say “no, not this one”.  Never going to happen.  Even judges at schooling shows (maybe, especially judges at schooling shows!) deserve the respect shown by a neatly turned out horse.  Whether or not you appreciate the scores and comments the judge gives you on your ride, a huge amount of time, dedication, and education goes into becoming a judge and due respect should be shown. 

In our area there is a great professional braider named Joy.  Many people’s show have been saved when they see Joy’s sign up sheet at the show.  Instead of uneven, loose scraggly balls of tangled hair their horse will have even, neat, perfect button braids lined down his neck.  Now, I don’t want to put Joy out of business, (I use her myself, don’t tell anyone!), but I do think it’s important to know how to braid.  If your worst nightmare should come true and you run frantically around the showground asking for Joy and she happens to be at another show that weekend, don’t even think of looking at me!  If you’ve seen my clip-jobs my braiding  jobs are about as good so I’ve attached a really helpful video on braiding for you.  Enjoy and see you at the show!  (Pray for Joy!)

And the deciding vote goes to Axel..I mean Simon!!

Inspiration comes from unlikely places sometimes.  With the competition season coming up tensions are running high.  The warm-up arena, to some people, is far more daunting than the competition arena itself.  Everyone in the warm-up arena seems so confident and prepared,  flawless in their preparations.  It’s easy to feel diminished if you compare yourself with the competitors that grace the pages of “Dressage Today”.  With the ever-increasing quality of dressage horse breeding, and the widening gap between those that can compete at the top-level and those whose purse can’t match their ambition, it is important to remember that the beauty of dressage competition is that the competition is with yourself.  Your horse, on his best ride may not have the natural movement to score in the 70% bracket but that does not prevent you from competing him all the way to the Grand Prix.  An honest, less than flashy mover that can earn in the 60%s all the way to Grand Prix is an admirable horse indeed.  Your co-workers and some of your barnmates may not understand this logic and possibly never will.  If you do and your horse does that is all that matters.  

We’ve all heard this rhetoric before and sometimes it is more obvious in other arenas in life than our own.  Watching “Britain’s Got Talent” on YouTube one day I saw a clip from a show that featured a dance group from London named Flawless.  Their obvious determination and focus on themselves is summed up when Simon Cowell asks the leader what the “dream” is and the young dancer confidently replies, “chase the dream, not the competition”.  Seems like a good way to keep your positive energy focused on what’s important, your dressage dream, whether it involves competition or not.  It’s become a mantra for me whenever I fall into the trap of comparing myself  to others.  I guess I’ll take the inspiration from wherever it comes as long as it comes…

Click here to see Flawless on Britain’s got Talent

But what’s your real job?

“What else do you do?”  Hmmmm….that’s it I guess.  The ever-present jodphers and boots make my job a frequent topic in the grocery store line.  Horse training as a primary occupation seems to baffle the average Krogerer.  In Europe the job seems to carry a little more respect, it seems.  I think it may be because the importance of the horse is more visible in a continent that has more reminders of a time when a well-trained horse and riding skills were a critical part of everyday life.  This was true in America’s beginnings as well, of course, but there are few reminders of the days of war ponies and wagon trains in most modern American cities. 

Dressage, unfortunately, has gone down a seemingly aesthetic path.  This was not always the case and I hope dressage can remain the dignified art form that it is, while still existing as a practical blueprint for horse training for any purpose.  Most people, I’m afraid, think of dressage only as it relates to  competition.  It’s history, as training for war horses, has been mostly replaced with images of riders in tuxedos and top hats.    These formal competitions  have evolved from tests whose standards were originally set by military horses.  See USDF Dressage History  In addition to carrying soldiers, horses were also used in warfare to pull cannons, supplies, etc.

The first person believed to have written about dressage had no idea that the top hat and tails would eventually emerge.  Practicality was key in 360 BC when Xenophon wrote “On the Art of Horsemanship”.   Much of what was written at that time rings true today.  The trappings are different, but the horses haven’t changed.  So when people ask me if horse training is all I do, I consider how civilization owes so much to this generous animal and proudly answer “yes, thats all“.

Interesting website with history of horsemanship

Article on Xenophon’s “On the Art of Horsemanship”

Article “Dressage, How it all Began!“