Dressage: Behind the scenes, and life

Since my barn-mates have been at regionals all weekend, the barn has been basically a ghost town. This suits me just fine, because the first thing I do is turn the radio on to a very inappropriate level. (The arena has surround sound - pimp, I know.) And it's fabulous having an entire arena all to yourself. Horse and I worked on our leg yielding, which is starting to improve but we still have a long way to go before it will be acceptable for First-4 (our goal for next season). Here's the problem: If I focus on getting excellent leg crossing, he gets tense and comes above the bit. If I focus on keeping him round, his legs don't cross as well as they need to be. I need to figure out how to put the two together. Shoulder-in is also improving, and travers is just about second nature now. The winner for most improved gait is the canter. In one month, we have gone from a rather quick, unbalanced Morgan canter to an almost-appropriate-for-third-level collected canter. It still needs more sitting quality, but it is MUCH improved. With that, trot to canter transitions are also much better. We've also begun some half-step work, which confuses the hell out of T-Bone at the moment. Teaching piaffe takes years, so we have to start now with very simple steps. I think my parents are going to come out and watch a lesson next week, so perhaps I can get some updated photos. I just remembered, I need to worm the horse soon. Especially now that he's been living outdoors.

The other great thing about riding alone in a large arena blasting music so loud my horse had a hard time hearing me talk to him, is that it really clears my head and relaxes me. Over the past 2 or 3 years I have tried really hard to try and connect with people more. I have always been shy and not one to open up, but lately I've been finding it easier and truthfully, pretty rewarding. I think allowing myself to be vulnerable (to certain people, mind you), is scary but also allows me to grow and bond with people who are open to that. The past few years have not been easy for me, and I've been through some situations I would never wish upon anyone - but its during these times you find out who your real friends are. It's sounds so cheesy and cliche, but it's true. For almost a year I was isolated from having any friends at all, and I have never felt so alone and sad. But even after I was able to escape that, they were still there for me. Now I am so much more aware of the qualities I want in a friend and how to seek out people who have those qualities. I will never let anyone treat me like shit ever again - friend or otherwise. I don't deserve that - no one does. Plus, there are so many other amazing people out there who are so selfless and compassionate. I mean seriously, in the past few months my faith in the human race, and more specially, in men, has really been restored. I was never bitter or hateful, but I was seriously weary. Ok sure, I may still have bad timing with boys but I can handle heartache. There are WAY worse things, I have learned. I just reflect back on when I was 23 ... intoxicated with this certain person to the point where I had tunnel vision. That period of struggling with myself and my heart taught me a lot - most importantly, if I can get over that kind of angst, I can get over ANYthing. I was convinced I'd "never meet another one like him." and that he's the "one who got away." ... but you know what? I was wrong. Yes, wrong. And this is one time where I was thrilled I was wrong. But at least I know what I want now, and I know that if I can meet more than one guy like that - than surely, there's one out there for me. Surely. Right? Right? I'm just going to wait here for him. One of these days my timing will be right.

Well this blog has turned into pointless ramblings. Somedays I don't even know how to verbalize what goes on in my head. So, sorry if you actually made it to the end. What a trooper. Anyway, I'll close with some dressage humor.

What dressage is really about:
A dressage test is a test of your skill against another competitor's luck.

Dressage is about achieving a harmonious working relationship with your horse, whose only idea of harmony is eating grass in a field.

If you want to end a drought or dry spell, wear a new jacket and Patey hat to an outdoor arena.

Untalented, difficult, aggressive horses have robust health and long lives.

Talented tractable horses are accident prone.

You will ride the best test of your entire life just prior to being disqualified for not wearing your gloves.

Horses do not improve their paces because you are wearing expensive German jodhpurs.

If you chose a disco theme for your dressage to music test then the judge will not be less than 90 years of age.

The less skilled the rider, the more likely they are to share their ideas and advice on riding a test.

If you are considering the services of a horse clairvoyant to help you with training then you have reached the point of total desperation - try the German jodhpurs instead.

If you fall off your horse in the arena you will have paid to have the test videoed.

If you are feeling confident before a show then three of the British team and one leading eventer will turn up to give their young horses some "experience."

Your horse will perform its best piaffe ever when you ask for extended canter.

No one cheats at dressage because no one has worked out how to.

It is surprisingly easy to end a test with a perfect square halt once you have scored a four for every other movement.

***
Lyric of the day: "Come up to meet you, Tell you I’m sorry, You don’t know how lovely you are. I had to find you, Tell you I need you, Tell you I set you apart Tell me your secrets, And ask me your questions, Aww let’s go back to the start" (Coldplay)