Bite your tongue

Photo by Paul Wood

Hamps and I have been busy preparing for Nationals. He is bodyclipped (YAY!!) and my entries are done, breed award nomination done and I have somehow gotten both Saturday and Sunday off work. (not an easy task this time of year). I'll have to work late Friday night (1 am!) so if I ride early on Saturday it may make things interesting, but I'll cross that road when I come to it.

Also I am super excited to meet blogger Jen J and Toran!!!! They are stabling with us!!!!!!!!

It is my understanding that Nationals does not tell you your times until quite late because there is a draw for championship classes.

But, as you all are aware, Hampton and I are no strangers to winging it so we will take things as they come! Oh - the link is still live to help us with Nationals if you so choose:

CLICK HERE

canter half pass

Our Friday lesson was certainly an "off day" though and I try to be very open on this blog, so that everyone knows that this training process is not sunshine and rainbows all the time. Although this show season has certainly seemed like it!

We started off asking for passage and he ... just wouldn't offer it. I tried some transitions and it made it a little better, but quickly moved on because for whatever reason (tired? sore? just not into it?) he was not as animated as he can be.

So we left that alone (why pick a fight?), and worked on pirouettes. Well things didn't go much better there either. I ended up really struggling with him to maintain bend, keep his haunches under himself, turn, and stay on the same lead. Just last week our piros were so good my coach said it was time to play with whole piros (instead of just half like we have been doing).

from Regionals

There was some leaping, propping, grunting, ugly moments but I did end up getting better steps. I was a bit perplexed because we just haven't had a day like this in a while.

So we moved on again to the changes. I tried to do a line of 4s but old habits came back -  bracing in the neck, propping, throwing himself sideways. He was quite obstinate about the bridle and in the middle of the line I just stopped and said "What the HELL." and leaned over thinking maybe he had his tongue over the bit.

Not quite, but there was blood. Checked his mouth and he had bitten his tongue a pretty good one.

Ah yes, well that would explain things. He spooked really badly at the very beginning of the ride and I'm wondering if he did it then?

Ended on a stretchy circle just to end on a good note and put him up.

Nope, not all sunshine and rainbows.

Back at it again tomorrow (in the snaffle for a few days to give him a break).

----

In other news: No other horses tested positive for EHV. Everybody off quarantine in the area and I no longer have to deal with buttholes in the morning for temps!

Cats out of the bag!

Have some SUPER EXCITING NEWS!!!!!!

Cats out of the bag! I've known for a little while but wanted to wait until Dressage Today made their announcement.

Looks like the clinic will be in April, which is also when I will order my new saddle!

Feeling pretty fortunate right now. Wow.

The shame behind herpes

... so I'm curious to see what kind of web traffic I am going to get from THAT title! HA

But on a more serious note, our area once again has a fatal case of EHV1 - the neurological strain of the equine herpes virus.

Our equine community is very tight knit - we all know each other, and this farm is one that is frequently traveled to by not only Kentucky peeps, but those in surrounding states. It hosts multiple mini trials a year, derbies, a recognized event and people school there all the time. Those who are familiar with the area where I live will easily figure out what farm it is by that description.

Photo by Paul Wood

It is so sad because the girl who lost her horse is a much-loved instructor in the area, and like all of us truly loved her mare. It's such a horrible end - to have them go down like that and not be able to get back up.

But my concern today is ... why the shame over this?

Why do people keep incidents like this hush-hush? Is it shame? Fear of losing business?

If you have a case of EHV1 in your barn, that doesn't mean you are a bad owner. Who knows how this horse acquired the virus. The horse was an eventer, and was no doubtly properly vaccinated and spoiled. There's really no telling how she got the virus. It's nobody's fault.

I really feel that people should be open and blunt about situations like this. "Look, we had a case and this is what we are doing. This is what others should do, etc etc."

The farm where I keep Hamp and Royale is, so far, not under quarantine. We are taking temps twice a day however, and being extra cautious. Many horses on our farm have been to the other farm recently. People travel over there to school a lot - they are our neighbors.

It's pretty scary that this is so close to home now. Although, it has been going around for about a year.

The good news is that no other horses are sick at this time. So my plan is to stay alert, and stay home for the time being of course. Nationals isn't until Nov. 11 so that should be plenty of time for things to hopefully settle. But I will be bringing bleach with me to the show. Incubation for EHV1 is about 4-6 days, however it can vary.

More information on the virus can be found HERE.

Mostly I just hope no other horses fall sick.

And thankfully both boys are OK with me sticking a thermometer up their butt.

Royale officially up for sale

Well the day has come - we are starting to officially list Chicken Nugget up for sale. He was intended to be a sales horse, and there were periods where I thought we would just keep him but neither one of us is made of money and truthfully it has been pretty difficult for me to support 2 horses, even while splitting the cost on one.

(Doesn't mean there won't be another "stepbrother" in the future though ...)

Royale has his own website that has details and videos.

https://royaleiamforsale.wordpress.com

I thought I would post his link here in case anyone wants a sporty little gelding who is already developing lateral work that is MIND BLOWING. Seriously he has shoulder freedom that is so cool.

Yes he is the sensitive, forward type but he is not dangerous. He will need someone who will bond with him and be a good leader. This gives him confidence.

I hope we can find him a person. They will be very lucky. :)

DQ Gone Rogue

lol Hampton posing as an eventer. Complete with 5-point breastplate and wonder bit, plus
an amazing saddle. All borrowed from awesome friends! 

When a 2-time Olympian is at your farm for a clinic, you don't turn down a last-minute spot.

Which is how I ended up riding with Hawley Bennett on Saturday. Gotta say, she was fun. And it was immediately clear to me WHY she was am Olympian, and why I ... am not.

via GIPHY

We started out trotting and cantering through 3 simple poles on the ground. If you took the middle line at the trot, there were two strides in between. If you took the outside edge, you could fit 3 strides at the collected trot. Should be easy for a PSG horse right?!

bahaha.

The thing about jumping (for me anyway) is that it exposes all my flaws and holes in my riding. It is a major tattle tale. Hawley busted me for not using my outside aids on the circle - resulting in Hampton falling out or missing our distance.

Tip 1: How about not pulling on the inside rein? If you pull on the left rein, your horse's shoulders will go right. Use your outside aids!

The problem was - I was more than capable of riding this exercise quite well. I did it several times. Then Hawley asked, "If you can ride it this well once- why don't you do it every time?"

LOVED how this simple exercise brought his front end up though!

I had no answer at the time. But it's because I am SLOPPY AND UNDISCIPLINED. She is not. Which is why she rides at the Olympics. And Rolex. If you are sloppy at that level, you could die.

We moved on to real jumps. But she wasn't going to make it easy. It was ALL bending lines and the jumps were not wimpy. I was in the BN group but it was no cake walk. The jumps were bigger than I am used to popping over, that's for sure.

I did have two stops because I didn't quite get Hampton's eye on the jump, or I just plain rode like shit and he tries to protect me. But once I got my #meantrainerpants on, and some confidence, he was AMAZING. 5 stride to 5 stride bending lines, a line of bounces, big oxers, roll backs.

Tip 2: Use your HIPS to land on the lead you want after a jump. If you want to land on the left lead, move your hips RIGHT in the air. This opens up that left front leg.

He should have been a hunter I think.

I also need MORE CANTER. Hawley told me, "You like that pretty slow canter. If it feels pretty you need more canter!"

Once I got Hampton's engine rolling, he was amazingly in front of my leg. My posture improved and the jumps came easy. I tend to get a little flustered when I don't feel organized, so it took me a few rounds to get my sea legs back. As things come up quick and when jumping sometimes you have to be OK with being a little disorganized at times.

Tip 3: Don't change the rhythm. Wait. 

I was a little guilty of this, especially after the line of bounces. I had a SUPER rhythm going through the 5 bounces, then GUNNED it to the oxer 5 strides after. I should have just waited. This caused Hamp to jump the oxer over his shoulder.

Overall a super fun lesson. Had to skip the XC day because of work. Dumb.

I really liked her teaching - firm and demanding, but positive.

Certainly a nice change of pace, and a challenge! Hampton got a gram of bute for lunch, too. And I need a hot bath. haha.

Nationals Bound. First on the list ...

USDF Finals/Nationals are mid-November.

Hampton and I are back at it, trying to make out Third level work more polished. More uphill. More cadence. More More more!

Because several people have asked, I am setting up a link where you can help us get to Nationals.
Please note that I usually NEVER do this. There is NO obligation.

CLICK HERE

You can send me a message that says "Um, I'm not paying for your horse show. Earn that money yourself you lazy beeotch. Kids are starving ok?"

So ignore if you feel so inclined. But every little bit does help, as Finals is pretty expensive and I had not budgeted for it over the summer as I didn't think I would qualify!

And if you choose to help, I am forever grateful. If not I still love you anyway. :)

Peace. :)

IDS Championship results

All photos by Jen (Cob Jockey)

... I feel a little like a douche right now.

There is so much tragedy in the world. Fellow bloggers are losing their horses. Tom Petty up and dies.

So I delayed writing this blog for a minute.

Because it's another blog about "Oh. My awesome horse won. AAAAAGAIN."

I am eternally grateful and still in shock at this show season. But at the same time, am guilty because we are doing so well and others are not.

... anyway .. the show round up. >>>

Down centerline

Focus, Karen. REMEMBER TO HALT

I drove up Saturday morning with Porkchop as our ride wasn't until 3:30 pm. We quickly settled in (Hampton thinks the HHP is is second home), and I watched some rides and chatting with Jen (Cob Jockey and permanent show buddy), and Liz until it was time to tack up.

Jen and Conner had a great go by the way! They have improved SIGNIFICANTLY this year. It is a pleasure to watch them progress. But I won't spill the beans on the results though. :)

I warmed up Hamp for about 30 minutes. I used the same warm up routine from regionals and it worked great. Into the ring we went.

Overall, I thought this was perhaps one of the best 3-3 tests we have done.

His uphill carriage is really improving!

Shoulder-in

I REMEMBERED TO HALT (Thank you ladies for reminding me every 2 seconds).

Hampton was great in the bridle, uphill (for him), and while one change was a bit together behind, I consider it a mistake-free test. It was organized, obedient and flowed quite well. I was thrilled with Hampton and very happy with my own riding. It felt EASY.

Upon checking scores I was thrilled to see were were named Champions!!

10m half circle

Last centerline. LOVE the push here

Pats for a good horse!

My wild wild horse

Obnoxious pats

Even a pat on the butt

Sidenote: We beat a horse who was a previous I-1 regional Champion a few years ago. SO ... you don't have to have the nicer horse! You can win by riding the crap out of your test!

I was a little bummed about the score. A 61% and some change. I thought for sure our test was a solid 65. It was easily on par with our Regionals go, and I didn't go off course this time.

If I let my elbows straighten, I lose the connection from seat to hand. And then he can start to dive.

After looking at my test, and some of the other scores. I think the judge was just harsh. I particularly think she was somewhat biased or not understanding of the "non-typical" dressage horse. My friend who rides GP (also on a draft cross) got a very low score, and she usually gets low to mid-60s. So I am chalking that up to a judge with little experience, or just harsh. Just a schooling show anyway. No matter.

Only took me more than a decade but my braids are not embarrassing anymore

She gave Hampton a 5.5 on SUBMISSION. ??????? Ok, lady. He could literally not have been more cooperative. He never put a hoof out of line. And a mere 6 on gaits. Whenever he gets a 6 on gaits I know that there's nothing I can do about the score, the judge just wants to see bigger movement. I'M TRYING.

Also, a plastic bag blew into the ring during out turn on the haunches. A lady come up to the ring and grabbed it. Directly in front of Hampton. He merely lifted his poll to get a look, but never wavered. Kept listening to me. I'm not sure if this was the reason? Anyway boy was I happy to have Hampton in that moment and not  Royale. LOL

But like I said, no matter. Hampton was awesome. Foot perfect! The weather was perfect and I DID NOT crash my trailer! I mean what else can a girl ask for?

... we are going to keep plugging along before nationals. BUT, I have a clinic on Saturday. And it's not dressage. The DQ invades eventer land!

Stay tuned.