... and then we get our butts kicked

After the clinic ended on Tuesday, I decided to send Hampton home with Liz because I had two days of lessons planned up north at my long-time instructor's farm, FHF. That way Hampton would already be half way there and I would drive up and get the rig on Wednesday morning. (Liz and I share the truck and trailer)

Porkchop and Chicken Nugget butts.

His hotel was at Jen and Conner's old digs. Hamps was well behaved and loaded right back up Wednesday morning for the last hour drive up north.

Hi Hampton. I am creeping on you.

"um, where am I?"

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While I really enjoyed Kasey's lesson the day before, I knew we were probably in for it at FHF. Kasey's lesson was challenging, but I knew with my instructor who really knew me and my horse that we would be pushed beyond our comfort level, and probably have our cages rattled.

And that's exactly what happened.

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Our first lesson with JK at FHF on Wednesday kicked my ass. I was huffing, puffing, and felt like I was flopping around everywhere. She really got after me that Hampton really needs to have his poll UP, and his shoulders need to be over his left hind.

All riding photos by: Jennifer Kaiser

She was able to figure out the source of why Hampton gets a little wonky in the turn on the haunches, and why some movements are not as pure as others. It is because he throws his left hind out to the side like a kick stand, instead of sitting and bending on it. It's a difficult problem to fix, so the best bet is to try to keep him from doing it in the first place.

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She had me lengthen the canter, and then think left yield left within it. It does no good to do shoulder-fore or shoulder-in, because he is still stuck in the shape of a "C", allowing him to fling that left hind around. I needed to actually bring his shoulders to the left, almost think fall on that left shoulder and that finally started to fix the problem.

Swishy tail level: Expert

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Day 2 was some of the same and he was MUCH more uphill. Sometimes the suppleness is lost while we work on getting that poll up, but that's ok for the moment. He is a croup-high horse. He cannot have his poll down anymore, or everything is destroyed especially at this level.

You have to work with your horses's conformation. Because you can't do anything about it!

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We worked on rapid exercises in succession and on Day 2 I was more on my game. We should be able to just pump out 4s and 3s now without 5 minutes to prep for them. You should be able to half pass, shoulder-in and transition to passage within strides. You should be able to do a flying change at ANY TIME, and ANY WHERE in the arena, including in the corners.

Now the poll is finally up. Now we have to get more sit.

--

Our changes improved dramatically in straightness. Have to always think leg yield left! And we worked on some half steps and really getting him up in the poll.

We worked for probably an hour and a half on Day 2 and while we were both tired, our fitness held up and Hamps never shut down on me. I was so pleased with him. What a good sport working that hard for 3 days in a row!

After these lessons I am feeling good about showing PSG this year. Still a lot to polish and work on, but he is becoming much more reliable and confirmed at this level. I have mad respect for people who make this look easy because it is not!

I had a large Dr. Pepper for breakfast. Can you tell.

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I almost didn't post these photos because Hampton is pretty thin. Despite my best efforts he dropped more weight with this insane weather. But the grass is coming in, and along with that and all the extra food he gets I am sure he will pack on the pounds here soon. So be kind, I know he is skinny. He is fit though, that is for sure!

But man he is animated in those changes! haha! Who would have ever thought.

Forgot to post this photo of how much rain we got after the clinic on Tuesday.
That is raging rapids over the road out of the farm. errr.

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We hauled home safely on Thursday and he had a few days off ... but I didn't, I had more adventures planned. Including tolting!! .... to be continued.

KPG Clinic: In which all the stars align

Just us and a 2016 Bronze Medalist. No biggie.

This is the story about how the stars and universe aligned for one day of awesomeness.

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About a month before the Kasey Perry Glass clinic, there was some problems finding a date that worked for everyone. Kasey is prepping for WEG, so she could not make it to the originally scheduled date, Saturday April 7.

So after some back and forth, we finally had to decide on a weekday for the clinic. Unfortunately, I lost a couple of clinic participants but there was really no other option.

We decided on a Tuesday, April 3.

Um so an Olympian is teaching IN OUR ARENA!

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My coach and I spent a day cleaning up the farm and arena and everything was looking great.
Only problem was that it has been COLD and CONSTANTLY RAINING OR SNOWING in Kentucky for an obscene amount of time.

As the clinic drew closer, the forecast was at least warmer but still said severe thunderstorms. When it rains, you can't really hear well in our covered arena. Would the weather be a factor? A couple of people were also hauling in and I was a little nervous about their travels, too.

Liz and I discussing world problems before my ride.

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So the day of the clinic rolls around. Other than Jen having to haul down in a storm (sorry Jen!), the day was ... perfect. It was in the 70s, and sunny. No rain all day! It was a bit windy at times but nothing major. It wasn't until the clinic ended when a wicked storm finally marched in.

Talk about lucky!

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As far as the clinic itself. BOMBDIGGITY.

It made me so happy to see my friends enjoy their rides. And Kasey was about as pleasant and sweet as could be. She was very humble and quite positive. She worked through problem areas with patience and thoughtfulness.

Clinic riding photos by Leah Strid

Hi Kasey so uhhh we sturggle with tempis. And staying uphill. Also he isn't the most
supple creature. OK WE NEED HELP WITH IT ALL.

I found out during my ride that this was her first clinic - EVER! haha!

We worked on our tempi changes - with Kasey really encouraging me to make him hot hot hot and bubble up under me. This really helped improve our 3 tempis especially.

Stay straight. On the aids. Listening.

Toward the end we touched on some half steps and passage feeling. Hamp really wasn't offering his passage trot. He hasn't been lately, and I think his SI needs injected. But we got some OK half steps. He really needs to lower his croup now, and get off the forehand.

Good hind leg, but still on the forehand.

Not really doing anything

THERE. Croup lowered, poll comes up. Getting there.

We also touched on some pirouette canter - going in and out of working canter.

We both worked pretty hard and I was super pleased with our fitness. Neither one of us ran out of gas.

Love that left hind finally under the horse.

Better in the poll, but could be higher

Loved how Kasey was active in her teaching. She never sat down!

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After riding we took many photos - making Hampton feel like a celebrity. Man he is really going to get an ego! lol! I did a short interview with Kasey, too. I was pretty nervous but it went ok! There should be an article up sometime soon on Dressage Today. Everyone from the magazine was SUPER NICE.

As for the saddle, that should be fitted sometime soon. So excited about this.

We also got swag bags from Triple Crown and Custom.

Aww Hamps. Not sure what I am saying.

Pretty accurate photo of me and my barn friends lol

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A pretty surreal day that could not have gone better. Such wonderful horses and riders of all levels and varieties. I loved spending the day with my friends and seeing them have fun.

Also the amazing Leah drove all the way up to take all these awesome photos of all participants! It is settled, I will be inviting myself to her place sometime!

Chatting

Hampton you dweeb.

... oh and that original date of April 7? It was 32 that day and snowed!

Linger

We are ONE WEEK away from our big clinic with Olympian Kasey Perry Glass!!!

Naturally, Hampton pulled a shoe. And popped a splint.

But since it seems to never stop raining in KY anymore, the ground is soft so I really don't feel bad about working Hampton in the soft outdoor. #ruthless. He is totally sound without the shoe AND with his splint. I got a concoction from the vet to treat his splint with, which is hard and cold and doesn't bother him. And the farrier is coming out Thursday to replace the shoe.

Looks good this year coming out of winter! #booty Not sure why he looks so butt high tho

But otherwise I seriously CANNOT WAIT.

And after the Kasey clinic, we are going up to Indiana to FHF for a couple of lessons from my long-time instructor.. Good time for a little boot camp before show season. I always come back so inspired with new tools. (My home instructor is awesome too! Their coaching actually really compliments one another)

So I should have plenty of blog fodder for a little while! Feels like I haven't had much to post recently.

Oh! I have finally upgraded my tack locker!

Our barn owner built this for me, and I installed all the fixings. I actually put the door on, too. I'm just a regular Miss Fix It Now basically.

Have a few more things I want to install but holy cow it's nice to have so much room! I have been living out of my old box that my dad built me 20 YEARS AGO. It has served me well, but I outgrew it a long time ago really. And now it can retire to be a storage box.

I am actually using pieces from my dad's workshop and office to spruce up my new locker, so I know he would be most proud of my resourcefulness. lol

Tomorrow we are having a barn clean up day in preparation for the clinic. Here we go!!

30 Things

Hampton and his weirdo human a few years ago.

I'm so late to this party - but I have really enjoyed reading everyone else's so maybe I can come up with 30 interesting things. Certainly not going to compare with some others but here goes.

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1. I have congenital hammer toe on both feet.

2. When I was around 3 or 4 years old, I liked to eat earthworms. My parents just let me.

3. I didn't get my driver's license until I was 17, mostly because I was too scared to drive on my own.

4. My first concert was New Kids on the Block. I was a Joey fan haha.

After the NKOTB concert! My sister fell asleep but you can tell I had the concert bug already!
lol my dad took us. What a guy.
(also THOSE GLASSES)

5. I have never watched any of the Lord of the Rings movies. Nor will I ever.

6. I taught myself to play guitar. And can also play a little piano. Not super great at either.

7. I used to play and sing at open mic nights once a week. See number 6.

Thankfully cell phones with video recording didn't really exist yet
when I played open mic nights.

8. I'm a terrible cook. I will make something easy (mac n cheese) or just go out to eat.

9. A was a "professional" horse trainer for about 7 months back in 2007. I rode young draft cross horses for a lady who bought and bred them. She still owns Hampton's sire I believe.

10. I quit that job on the spot one day. Knowing I had no back up plan, totally broke, depressed and almost wanting to sell my horse and quit riding for a while. But I didn't. And a week later a newspaper called out of the blue and hired me.

From my short stint as a pro. I rode young draft crosses. This one is Graham.

11. I have a degree in Equestrian Studies from the University of Findlay.

12. My other degree (because I knew I needed a "real job") is in Visual Journalism from Ball State University.

13. I'm in the minority because I use BOTH my degrees daily.

14. I am obsessed with documentaries. Doesn't matter the topic, I'll watch it.

15. I have never smoked a cigarette.

17. in 2009 I was furloughed from work so I followed Phish around the country - from Hampton, VA, to Indio, CA. One of the coolest things I have ever done.

One of my all-time favorite photos I captured while following Phish. This was at Red Rocks.
Even the cops were laughing.

18. I've met Mike Gordon - the bassist from Phish.

19. I have never been arrested.

20. I refuse to eat, smell or touch seafood. BARF.

21. Speaking of barf, I have emetophobia.

22. ... which led to Avoidant Restrictive Intake Disorder.

23. Basically I'm crazy.

24. I got stung by a wasp one time at the barn, so naturally I put magnapaste on it. My entire arm swelled up. My mom made me go tot he ER where I got a lecture about putting horse products on my skin. #didn'tlisten

25. Also if you mix banamine and water, and apply topically, it takes the pain out of sunburn.

26. I did quite a bit of line dancing in college.

27. When I was in choir class in grade school, the teacher told me to lip sync.

28. I really want to cut my hair super short but am too chicken to do it.

29. I can roll my tongue, but I can't whistle.

30. I wuv horses.

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Well I bet that's a couple minutes of your life you will never get back. hahahaha

It's my job

Hampton as a young 3 year old! 

At risk of sounding like Andy Rooney here ...

You know what really bothers me?

When people blame their lack of work and training with their horse on anything other than themselves.

A few years ago I was at a dressage show with Hampton. The facility was lovely, and a couple of vendors had set up tents to display their products. The tents were not even close to the show rings. On Friday evening, I was out schooling Hamp and a lady started bitching to management about how a tent was spooking her horse and they should take it down immediately.

No, that's HER PROBLEM. Her lack of training with her horse. It's not the show's problem, or the sponsor's problem. As a rider, THAT'S YOUR JOB to deal with things like this, and to teach your horse to deal with it too.

Maybe the worse thing he ever did while starting him? 

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Recently a friend was competing and the judge stopped her in the middle of the test. I guess the judge lost her place, and was trying to get her ducks back in a row. My friend was pissed that she had to stop, and blamed the judge for "ruining her test" and thus her score for the event.

Yes the situations sucks, but as the rider IT'S YOUR JOB to teach the horse that sometimes we stop, and then we go right back to work. It should not be an issue IN DRESSAGE, especially lower levels, to pick right back up and keep going. Judges make mistakes, too. If your test was ruined, that's on YOU.

His first horse show. I was so happy nothing disastrous happened.

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We all have unpredictable situations happen both on and off the farm. Of course I would speak up if someone was doing something completely dangerous and inappropriate, but otherwise I deal with the environment. And teach my horse that no matter what, he needs to keep listening to me. Am I always successful? No. That's horses. But I am certainly not going to blame show management, sponsors, friends, judges, etc. for something that happens to me.

Like when we got dive bombed by a horse fly in the middle of a test. Bad luck? Yup, but I handled it.

Smacking the shit out of that damn horse fly.

Or when a plastic bag blew into the arena right where we were doing a turn on the haunches. Hampton peeked, but stayed right with me.

Or when a loose horse galloped by us as we waited outside the ring. Hampton stood stock still. Other riders had to stop their test because the horse was running through other rings. Crappy luck? Yep, but you deal with it.

I have had Hampton spook, stop, buck and stumble during tests. No one to blame but myself. Not people on the rail, not my coach, not even really my horse.

Hot mess express right here

Umm err this movement not required in tests

He wanted to spook at the judge here, and then protested when I dug
my spur into him. oops. lol

It's my job to teach him how to handle things, and help him during times of uncertainty.

It's MY job, not anyone else's.

Flying changes and floods

Aimee and Leah: Do you recognize this deck?!?!

I'm not sure I've ever been so thankful for an indoor arena! Well, ours is just covered but still. Louisville made national news with the amount of flooding we have had, after 10+ days of rain.

The farm is muddy, but thankfully we are far away from the major flooding. My condo is OK, too, although I was getting nervous that I would soon have riverfront property. I live about a mile from the Ohio river.

A mile down the road from my condo.

All of my favorite river front bars are totally submerged and you can only access anything along certain roads by boat. It is insane! I also cannot get on the interstate since the ramps down the road from my place are under water.

Road I usually take home from work. errr. 

Inside of Dark Star bar. :( 

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But thankfully working the horses has not been affected. Hamp has been feel really great lately. He is starting to put on a little more weight, and I body clipped him one more time.

I finally for a few little videos of our work on the tempis. Sorry these suck but the best I can do is set my phone on a ledge in the arena and hope I get footage. haha.

Anyway, the 3s and 4s are really starting to get strong. Still some polishing to do, but if I can keep him straight and sharp, and listening, we can nail them. At times he gets a little stabby behind, but I will take it as long as he is on my aids, and changes clean. The rest we can polish. My coach set up "the chute" for the weekend which REALLY tests your straightness. It's a fantastic exercise!



He felt so good I start to play with some 2s some days! I just start out with one set, because if I try to keep going he gets really swingy and strong and that isn't good schooling. So until we both get better balance, I am keeping it simple. And as you can see from the gif, he changes late anyway from left to right. This is a chronic problem, which I now know will clear up once I get him more straight, sharp and more uphill.

You gotta start somewhere! I like to post these not so perfect videos because this is training! And I am learning, too. I have never done 2s so poor Hampton has to learn AND teach me at the same time.



Even though he was late behind, I still praised him because he at least responded to me and did not get strong. He maintained the same rhythm.

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Bleh those gifs are awful. I am no Austen that is for sure! :)

Meanwhile, the SUN is out today so I am off to the barn!

Spring will arrive eventually guys. right? RIGHT!?

A new member of the family!

I have been casually looking for another cat to add to the household for several months. I figured that one would eventually find me, and that is exactly what happened.

Every one meet Hunter Nimitz!

He was rescued back in June 2017 by a wonderful shelter in Indiana. He was found to be shot - leaving his right front leg broken in two places, a large wound in his neck and injuries to his ear.

He spent two months in a cast, but during that time became depressed and agitated, so they decided to amputate the leg and after more healing, he started to come around.

So pitiful

Eventually he was ready for adoption and I just happened to stumble upon his post on FB and immediately knew he had to come live with me.

So far he seems to be settling in great! He does hop and wobble some, but has zero problems jumping up on things or getting around.

At first Buckley - my other cat - would just follow him around and stare at him like a total creep. Then he started to slowly touch Hunter with his paw. Mostly a lot of staring going on. Hunter was very patient and tolerant, until this morning when I heard a scuffle. Not sure what happened, but ever since then Buckley has been walking around Hunter giving him a very wide berth. hahahaha. I suspect that while sweet, Hunter has a gangsta side to him and finally told Buckley to mind his own business.

Hunter is 14 pounds if that gives you an idea of how
enormous Buckley is.

It appears as though they will peacefully co exist, maybe even be friends one day.

He is pretty hard to photograph because as soon as I make eye contact with him he gets up and hops over to me! It is damn cute I tell you.

He is about 2 years old, and otherwise healthy. I'm so happy I am able to provide him with a great home where he can lounge and never have to worry about asshole humans ever again.

One of his adoption photos that sucked me right in