Get low, get low, get low

Meadowlake Equestrian Center near Lexington has started hosting these random Wednesday recognized USDF shows and I am all for it. 

I decided to enter their April show to test the waters at I-2 at a rated show. We landed an 8:35 a.m. ride time which made things a little tight but in true Karen and Hampton fashion we made it happen.

Great to be back in the ring!

I woke up Hampton at 3:45 am, lugged him in from the field, braided him, tossed him on the trailer around 5:30 am, hauled for two hours to the show grounds (with friends thank fuck!), plucked him off the trailer at 7:45 am, tacked up, got dressed and was in the warm up shortly after 8 am.

Unfortunately, the footing in the warmup was a little deep and Hampton started off waaaaaay sucked back. And in an effort to get him in front of my leg, I blasted him forward and in hindsight I am pretty sure I used up all my horse in the warm up.

Little throwback to the first time we showed at this facility ...
I think this was 2013? Holy moly is he downhill. Maybe I really have been
able to influence his balance after years of work! 

He was good in the ring, and tried very hard for me. But the spark was gone and I really had to help him around. The piaffe/passage, which is usually solid at home, was nearly non existent. And I think I only got 6 one tempis. 

Even so, this test was light years better than our first go at it in Aiken. I rode much better, and there was no diving down in my hands. Just lack of power and hotness. Everything else I felt was solid, but we got nothing but 5s and 6s. (BUT! Our only 7 was on the twos which was our hail mary movement most of last year! so bam!) With those mistakes it very easily dropped us way under a 60. We landed a dismal 54 to be exact. 

Sorry sideways. 
Also says we had an error at K, but I cannot for the life of me figure out where that came
from and neither can anyone else. It was extended canter, to a flying change at K. Which I did.
So who the hell knows.
5.5 on General Impression (there are no collective marks).
So yeah. Our general impression was shit. lol

I just love when judges and trainers say elevate the front end ... like do you not realize that is impossible? You cannot lift the front, you can only lower the croup. But I get her point, and she's not wrong. 

Yeah that's a bummer score, but I know better by now than to let it bother me. 

First time I tried 3-1? A 53%.

First time I tried 4-3? A glorious 52%

Spotted in the grocery store. I laughed out loud

So no, I'm not disappointed and certainly not discouraged. We just aren't confirmed in that level yet (and holy shit it is hard). And to be frank, I am not sure I was totally fair to Hampton to haul him two hours, yank him off the trailer and make him do an I-2 straight off the bat. He is a Very Good Boy but that is a LOT to ask now that he is showing at such a demanding level. 

However, if scoring that low becomes a pattern then I will reevaluate. 

There are a few options:

A) Just do schooling shows this year and invest more in intensive training.

B) Go back to I-1 - maybe resurrect my freestyle? 

C) Not show at all and just train (but I like showing so ....)

Greetings from Buckley

I know we are capable, it's just sometimes we need more time. 

We have the IDS schooling show this weekend (we get to hang out with Jen and Conner!) and hopefully I will have a fresher horse. I need to try a different warm up and not use up all of his energy.

Then I think I will try one more rated show, and if we are still scoring that low then change up plans at least for the summer. I don't care about the low scores, I just don't want to keep wasting money at rated shows if we aren't ready. I'd rather take more lessons.

Anyway - onward! (and sorry for lack of media. FFS Karen do better)

 

More tools, more schools

Photos by my dear friend K. Young

This weekend I had the pleasure to ride with KSS at our home base. It has ben two years I think since we have had a lesson with her? (Thanks covid). But she is super awesome because she remembers us and what we worked on two years ago ha! 

Kim is a really calm, thoughtful teacher and Hampton was a star both days.

She was really superb in adjusting her teaching to each horse and rider, and what they needed on that day. I wish I had been able to watch more rides but I had to work. #rude But my friends all reported good rides and light bulb moments.

All double cheeked up!

The Grand Prix canter zig zag is not nearly as terrifying to me as it once was. Is it my favorite movement? No, but we can get it done. If I can be accurate I think we could score well on it.

She picked on my position too which I really appreciate because so many times we get to focused on the horse. I need to shorten my reins (shocking) and stay more in tune with my seat bones rather than my lower leg especially in the canter. My lower leg tends to creep too far back in an effort to control his haunches.

I am just loving the progress we have made this year. Grand Prix is not so far off now and it is both exciting and terrifying. As soon as I can reliably get 15 ones on the diagonal, I will go down centerline. 

Here are my notes:

Tap on the inside shoulder in the canter piro

Use inside seat bone instead of bringing my inside leg so far back in canter shoulder fore/in

SHORTEN YOUR REINS KAREN

Slow the tempo. Getting too rushed esp in trot

Good trot half pass zig zag from the I-2

Hands forward, don't get "against" him which is easy to do on downhill horse

More left rein in passage esp tracking to the right

Shorten your fucking reins

Gp Zig zag: 3, 6, 6, 6, 3 (in the test you come off the left lead)

the last flying change is at G, does not have to be at the end of your last half pass. 

Keep even on either side of centerline. Hampton was drifting right

Make him honest - school by changing the bend but not changing lead. Making him wait

Make a "wall" with outside aids

To straighten up the ones - do three, then pause and leg yield if needed off side he wants to lean on

School more of the half pass then wait, rather than the actual GP zig zag. He is smart and anticipates

Tried to wink, but just look dumb

And in even better news I am fully vaccinated. What an era we have lived through this past year. I had really mild side effects (I got Pfizer) and am super thankful to all the scientists and health care workers who helped make this happen. 

Never beg a horse or a man

A very good boi

One of my favorite instructors from Indiana came down for a weekend of lessons. 

It is a ... fun ... challenge for me to work until 8:30 pm on Saturday evening and be on my horse for a 9 p.m. lesson. Plus do stalls sometime in that time frame so that my Sunday morning would be smooth. So yes I had my little office set up outside a stall on my trunk. lol. You do what you gotta do #AmIRight

But, I pulled it off and had great lessons!

on Sunday we wore purple and grey

This instructor is outstanding, but she teaches in a very stream of consciousness way. Every second of your ride she is riding with you and there is very little time to prepare or think. Therefore, you have to ride ALWAYS prepared to do anything at any time. It will kick your ass and I love every second.

Here are tips that I wrote down both from my lessons and a few others that I watched:

• "turn around the middle" ... push the hind end out and turn shoulders in at the same time. Tracking right, send the haunches left and take the shoulders right. Do not use the outside leg. This was hard for me to get the hang of since we are so often told NOT to do a turn around the middle. 

Training is not always pretty. Notice my utter confusion on getting this turn around
the middle exercise. Hamp trying very hard. lol
Photo by K. Young

• Ride your horse to a shape (like Shoulder In). The shape will slow the horse down, so you don't have to hit the hand break so much.
• Horses are pulling animals, it's not their fault. So we are working against that.
• Commit to a reaction! (working with a horse behind the aids)
• Canter pirouette to opposite turn on the haunches. This is what really got Hampton's attention. So, say we are doing a canter pirouette left. Walk, immediately send him right into a turn on the haunches. Then directly back into left canter piro. Pretty soon he was thinking quick with his feet, his legs got closer together and he got a quick, bouncy piro canter instead of a labored one. Bingo! Hampton simply takes too long of a step behind within the pirouettes. This causes him to get slow, dolphin-y, and then start bobbing his head. He needs to close his legs (ha) and jump with more RPMs. But this exercise really made him think quick, and "worry" about me a little. haha

Sort of a weird moment, but you can see him
bringing his hind legs closer together.
Photo by my dear friend K. Young

• Medium canter on 10m circle, to 8m shoulder in canter, bring it to a piro
• Walk 4 steps to canter, to right away flying change. This was on a horse working on better reactions to the aid for a change. So canter ... walk .. 1 ... 2.... 3... 4.. canter right off and change.
• Shoulder-in in medium trot, straighten into passage
• Shoulder-in in passage, straighten into piaffe
• "Walk" my legs and hip in the passage. This really helped me sit deeper and helped keep the swing. I tend to tighten my hips (shocking) which stops his back.
• No outside leg in the pirouettes. Use thigh, outside rein and inside leg. That way the hips don't lead.
• NEVER BEG A HORSE OR A MAN 
• Just because it's a hot mess, does not mean failure
• If he gets strong in the ones, immediately canter piro - does not matter if its good or bad.
• Ones on a 20m circle. Two two at each open side, and each rail side of circle. Then do four. Keep adding on. If you have things together, go straight on rail. Circle keeps both rider and horse from getting too strong

the covered arena at night

• Tap the slow change (touch with whip for Hampton)
• Hampton pushes back with his front legs in piaffe, needs to left shoulder and settle onto hind end
• Canter to walk shoulder fore
• Shoulder in piro canter on the rail to SI piaffe
• Your leg is either active, passive, or resistant
• If ride is a hot mess, pick a priority for that day. For example, all you want is just sharp off the aids, etc. Some days not everything is going to be good at once. But you chip away.

We had a really nice discussion in which she was talking about how so many people have dogs that just pull and pull on their leashes. How do you fix this? You change direction. If you just let them pull, and pull back, it's just a pulling match.

So if Hampton gets strong in the ones, change something right away. Canter piro, something. Getting strong and losing our balance isn't a failure, because we WERE asking for bigger changes off the ground. So of course he would get strong. He isn't being naughty, but you have to change something up to break that cycle up.

And finally, ... shoulder-in is my friend. 

AIKEN 2021: EPILOGUE

 Thankfully the haul back home was uneventful - other than stopping at a couple of VERY SHADY gas stations. One was so shady we were too scared to go in, so peed in the trailer. Rural TN you are sketch.

A good roll back home in KY after 10 hours on the trailer.

Yes, Aiken certainly can be a little hillbilly, BUT it has many good things too! 

Somebody pulling a 2h bumper pull with a MERCEDES CROSSOVER
I realize some of these have a tow rating of 6500lbs but .... BUT .... can you stop though?

BEST OF

Best food: TakoSushi -- Get the asparagus. OMG. 

Best coffee and smoothies: New Moon Cafe ...Also their hashbrowns are FIRE.

Best tack stores: I can't pick one. I loved them all. Aiken Tack Exchange, Oak Manor, Aiken Saddlery and of course Dover.

Best trailer place: Hitch & Tow --  These guys put in a new divider pin for my trailer FOR FREE and were just super nice about the whole thing.

Best trail riding: Hitchcock Woods

Best XC schooling: Hamp and I kept our feet on the ground this time, but our friends had lovely schooling sessions at The Vista, competed at Stable View and schooled at home base Jumping Branch Farm. Also within easy 15-20 minute driving distance is Sporting Days, Bruce's Field and Paradise Farm. And I am sure there is more! Take your pick.

Yours truly photographing K and Odie at the Vista. Gorgeous place! 

THE COST

Stall: $30/night at Jumping Branch (rates do depend on your length of stay. They provide shavings which is a HUGE plus). Turnout included but they are smallish paddocks. Total: $270

AirBnB: Split between 7 horse crazy gals. And this was a NICE house. Total: $284

Lessons: This is going to vary on who you lesson with. I spent a fuckload because I was going to take advantage of the access to such quality instruction, and I had specifically saved up for these lessons. Total: $405

Schooling show: If I lived in Aiken I could show every weekend. No stall fee, no haul in fee. Easy 15-min drive. Sign me up. Total: $35

Example of unexpected expense: When your BFF leaves you unsupervised in Dover and you
buy a pair of super cute purple breeches.

Other expenses obviously include food, fuel, hay, grain, etc that is dependent on individuals. 

And then while in Aiken you will have variable expenses including tack store purchases, emergency purchases, show fees, schooling fees, going out to eat, booze, snacks, etc. Again depending on individuals. The beach was about $30 to go ride there.

While expensive, it's not as bad as some might think. I was able to save up for lessons and use my tax return to pay for most of the trip. Plus the stalls and AirBnB are split up so you aren't having to pay those all at once.

WHAT I WOULD CHANGE

I felt the amount of time we spent in Aiken this year was spot on. Long enough to fit it a lot of lessons and fun days, but not so long that I was missing a shit ton of work (although I COULD bring work with me ...) or having to leave the constipated and asthmatic cats with a stranger for very long.

I WOULD break things up differently. Next time I would schedule a rest/hack day in between the block of lessons. Rider and horse need time to process and digest, and muscles need to rest. 

It would also be really cool if I could do a schooling show at the start of the week, and another at the end. But that's not really something I can control.

Stable View has rated USDF shows, too, so perhaps we can align with one of those next time?

I also would not to the beach day so quickly after the long haul down to Aiken. That's a LOT of time on the trailer. And perhaps part of the reason Hamp got tucked up on me. Hard to know, but if we do the beach again maybe it can be in the middle of our time there.

But honestly I have no complaints. Aiken is horse heaven. The weather was perfect. I got a farmer's tan. We learned A LOT. I spent way too much money. My horse stayed happy and healthy. My friends are THE BEST. I really cannot ask for anything else.

I am a lucky girl.

Until next time, Aiken! 

... blogger Aiken trip in the future??????

AIKEN DAYS 7-9: BOOTCAMP LESSONS

The last three days in Aiken we took lessons with SD dressage. She is who I really enjoyed last year and so I wanted to get in 3 lessons with her as a mini-bootcamp.

I'm going to lump these all together in one post since we worked on much of the same things each day.

Here are the big points I took away:

We rode out in the field for our lesson on Wednesday at JBF, and then
the other days we hauled to Sarah's place.

Stand him up on each shoulder. Flex left, stand up. Flex right, stand up.

Flex inside, half halt on outside rein brings poll up.

Inside leg to outside rein! 

Stay dynamic in our work. He must always be ready to do anything, which will also keep his poll up. 

Lots of mediums.

Add more stretching in trot and canter. Really forward riding, access the back. Then pick back up.

Very tricking getting the balance in a horse built like Hampton. Timing must be impeccable.

Sarah's gorgeous arena.

SHORT REINS KAREN. 

Give give give. Even if he falls on his face (which is did, many times. Let him make mistake)

Even lifting his poll an inch, give and go forward

Hands down for poll up

No really, Karen, shorten your reins.

Give the reins so he has nothing to lean on

Think push the haunches out in the corners. Inside hind steps under. Give inside rein

"Wellness frame" - not long and low, but not put together. Think Hunter outline

Find a way to make the horse feel good in his body

Give with the new inside rein in the changes.

Loosen my shoulders and back. Pushing hands forward helps loosen shoulders. Very common point of tension in riders.

Ride him a little off the bit sometimes. Nose out.

Legs away in piaffe

.... just incase you all are thinking Porkchop is the most perfect boy ever, I shall remind you that even Hampton has his moments. On Wednesday, I left him tied to the trailer while Liz and Royale had their lesson. At one point I glanced back and realize ... HE ISN'T TIED ANYMORE.

You can see him glance at me. HE KNOWS.

And as soon as I made eye contact with him he TAKES OFF, Flagging his tail, snorting and passaging around this gorgeous farm. Riling up all the expensive dressage horses worth more than my life.

I was FUMING when I finally caught him. Thankfully, Sarah was very understanding and not at all upset. I was SO EMBARASSED. I love horses?

Anyhoo, I found the differences between Jeremy, Sarah, and other instructors really interesting.

Jeremy told me NOT to add power until the balance is good or I would just be powering him onto his forehand. Like a submarine, if your nose is pointed down and you add power, you are going to go more down.

Sarah had me add power over and over, so that his croup would lower. Interestingly enough, Hampton did indeed start stumbling, falling, getting lower in the poll for quite a while. BUT, I did trust her process and he did improve by the end of the lesson. His entire body and especially his back was really working under her guidance.

Do I think I need to find a combo of the two theories? Yes. Do I need to keep both methods in mind and find a happy medium? Yes. Are there many roads to Rome? Obviously yes.

We really got some good schooling in and having 4 lessons in a row was just the right amount. By the last one, Hampton was definitely getting tired. As was I. 

Lots of information to process. Loved every second of it. 

And sadly, that was the conclusion of our Aiken trip. Time to pack up and head home the next morning.

Round-up post coming up next!

Peanut gallery watching our lesson
The bestest friends

AIKEN DAY 6: JS LESSON

After feeding the boys in the morning, we had *gasp* down time to, I dunno, actually RELAX for a few hours as you are supposed to do on vacation. 

I took a glorious nap which revived me for our afternoon/evening lesson with Jeremy.

His property is nestled in this equestrian community that I really have no words for. Photos do not do it justice. EVERY property has a barn, most have arenas and it is STUNNING. Jaw dropping, right out of your wildest dreams.

Of course his arena has perfect footing and big, clear mirrors. 

This equestrian neighborhood was stunning. No words.

I felt like total riff raff. Like HOW did I end up here?! I'm just a girl from Indiana with a $500 draft cross. HOW did I get here?

But of course Jeremy doesn't treat me any different and was, as expected, HUGE help to me.

Here are some key points.   

Walk break

Give give give. Even if he falls on his face.

His conformation is not his fault, we just work with what we have.

It was a really good thing that I CAN affect his balance, it just isn't consistent yet.

Make the balance good first, then add power. Or he will just power onto forehand.

Down transitions without warning.

In piaffe, try leaning back pressing my seat into his back.

You can see me trying to lean back here.
Probably don't need to throw my head back haha

Piaffe, and bring him backward to me into a reinback. Different from the "traditional" reinback. Different aids.

Piaffe out of that reinback. Loads the hindlegs.

For better passage, lay the whip on his side. If no energy reaction, WHACK!! ... go back to lay the whip on his side. Repeat. After a couple times, all I had to do is lay the whip on his side and his passage got bigger.

Leg yield in passage.

Try to live in "no man's land" more - the area between piaffe and passage.

Hamp felt great and gave me the best passage I've ever gotten from him. I knew there was more in there, but didn't know how to get it.

Royale and Hampton share the ring.
Ha, not sure Jeremy has had such riff raff in his ring!

After our ride. 

Liz and Royale rode after us and also looked great. He taught them after after the sun went down. (Hampton and I loitered around the property. Yeesh. No big deal)

Proof that Hampton does stand politely at the trailer.
 Because later in the week HE DOES NOT.

Arena gazebo

That's one shiny trailer sir

He's one of the most brilliant instructors I have ever seen. His theory is outstanding and his understanding of the bio mechanics of the horse is unmatched. Super lucky to get to ride with him. 

This was a late evening and I do believe I ate dinner immediately passed out.

AIKEN DAY 5: HITCHCOCK WOODS

After a wild ass weekend of trailering, riding on the beach, showing I-2 and finding an unconscious teen in the road, we were more than happy to just have a nice walk day on Monday.

A couple of the other gals had lessons (and there was another unplanned dismount. Ooops. lol.) So we sort of all did our own thing.

Hitchcock Woods is maybe a 20 minute haul from Jumping Branch so we took Hampton and Royale there and had a lovely 70 minute ride. And even though I was randomly picking turns and paths, we did NOT get lost and somehow ended up doing a loop? Since when do we not get lost on trail rides? Weird.

I know I said it last year, but I'll say it again. Hitchcock Woods is stunning. The trails are sandy, well maintained and if you want to play fox hunter, there are jumps for you too! We found some decent hills this year but if you want to avoid hills, you totally can.

The properties that line the woods are dream homes. Quaint barns, cute houses, access to trails. You name it.

Excuse me can we move in?

It's just beautiful and peaceful. The horses seemed to really enjoy it too!

I think I might have gone to bed at 8 p.m. No more fucking around, the rest of the week we have lessons!

LOL Hampton a little over this "get on the trailer every damn day" shit

Enjoyed a warm bath when we got home

Royale enjoy a good roll