Blue Roan Love: This time a Mustang

More in the Blue Roan Love series. Wouldn't you love one of these? Look at that muscled tush. He looks dressagey.

The Beatles, Beach Boys, and Bob Marley: What we can learn

The other night Bob and I watched a Beatles Tribute. The Tribute traced the history of the members and how the band formed. Back then, things were so different. Things were so unorchestrated compared to now. I thought about this. And, naturally, I started thinking about dressage.

What do the Beatles -- and for that matter, the Beach Boys, and Bob Marley and the Wailers -- have in common?  Unique,  wonderful music. The impact they had on the world. The times they influenced.  I think about about these things...

• There was no American Idol back then to find the most marketable star; stars were not handpicked by experts. 
•  Their sound was uniquely theirs--not formulaic, not edited/modified to appeal to  a demographic.
• These artists had no pedigree -- and minimal training.
• Here is what wows me the most. They happened to live in the same neighborhood, or go to the same high school. The Beach Boys were brothers. Their music just happened.

 Do you think that the *three most talented musicians in the world all went to the same high school, and THAT is why we have the Beatles?

No. There was a synergy that went beyond training and technical skill.

Most of us were not born into perfect situations -- we work from where we are, with what we have. Most of us acquired our horses by luck or chance -- from CANTER or from the friend of a friend, or through a local ad. We did not fly to Europe for our dream partner. There is no American Idol for dressage horses!  Our riding is not managed -- we don't have the advantage of being in training, and there are no top pros scrutinizing our every move while we're in the saddle.

Maybe years of targeted breeding aren't a prerequisite to having a good dressage horse. Maybe it doesn't take a panel of experts to ride your horse.  Maybe you can work with what you have in front of you, that just came together by chance, and still be amazing!

*Ringo came later.

---

Disclaimer: This was not a big back-patting exercise for me -- not by a long shot. I have a bred-for-dressage warmblood and am presently investing a lot in training me and my horse. I'm thinking more of my past (Harvey!) and of the riders in my local community who are ROCKING it with the horses they have and not that much support from the pros.

Riley 2/23: Canter I'm not embarrassed to show you

The weather has been so frustrating -- hardly any riding in 2014 so far. Still, I am hopeful that our canter work is improving. I have a tendency to "seize up" in the canter b/c I'm afraid Ri will break. Of course tightening the hips and thighs is exactly what will cause him to break.  In this footage I am willing myself to relax through my seat and leg.

 I'm happy with this footage.  At first he is a little braced and you can see me nagging him with the reins to go rounder--head waggle! That never works.  A leg yield  along the wall didn't help. Then we do parallel leg yields away from the wall. When that outside shoulder tucks in, look how he rounds himself.  I felt the change but it is reinforcing to see the change in his frame -- I learn so much from these videos!

#12 Rah Rah for Rolex: The Trade Fair

The Rolex Trade Fair  

It’s huge, it’s sheltered, and its a great mix of horse fashion, decor, feed and supplements, real estate, footing, and what-have-you. My guilty confession is that on Thursday and Friday (dressage phase), I spend at least as much time at the trade fair as watching the event. The fair is like a great movie -- I keep going back because there is always something new to discover. Now that they’ve added a Jumbotron in the trade fair, I can shop without missing my favorite dressage rides.

Here's a video of some of the trade show booths from 2009.

 

Sock Mania Giveaway: Heat holders socks

Sorry, all! The sock giveaway winners have been notified! Thanks for playing!

Another giveaway! The makers of Heat Holders socks have graciously offered  FOUR pairs of socks for a giveaway. Their socks are just the thing to go under your work or muck boots -- or any winter boot. Three things set these socks apart.  An advanced is used to construct a sock.  A unique long loop thermal pile enhances the warmth too. Finally, the interior of the sock is intensely brushed . This traps warm air generated by your body closer to your skin for longer, keeping you warm and comfortable. You can see a video on these socks that explains their special properties.

To enter, just leave a suggestion for a new Heat Holder product  and your contact info. So... My suggestion for a heat holder item is a pink poncho or shawl.  What's yours?

 Website: Heatholders.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Heatholdersusa Twitter: www.twitter.com/HeatholderUSA 

AP Prime, OTTB that rocks the event world

I read an article in offtrackthoroughbreds.com:

Her $750 T’bred conquers advanced x-country By Susan Salk 

 It's about AP Prime, an OTTB and his owner  Leah Lang-Gluscic. Leah bought this horse for $750 as a five-year-old. OAP Prime is competing at the Advanced level with his rider. Ya just gotta read this story of this smart, athletic, brave horse who hates dressage but eats up cross-country. Kudos to his owner! I'm reproducing the video that appeared in the article and some footage of a quite nice dressage test!

If you like color...

If you like color or unusual markings, you'll like this young prospect! Mom is the Hawaiian shirt of broodmares. He might have some Friesian conformation that is less than ideal, but look at that knee action and those easy flying changes. This is an older video -- would love to know where he ended up!

 

Congrats to Genny!

The winner of the stuffed icelandic horse is Genny of A Gift Horse blog.

Many thanks to Pam of blessiblog.blogspot.com for making these amazing animals into a form we can all have in our homes!

Ten (plus three) habits of highly competent dressage riders...

I  agree with horselistening.com's ten habits of competent riders.  I think I would add a few, based on observations of riders I admire.

1. They are fit -- athletes. They have good body control, and good balance, and they take care of themselves. 
2. They sacrifice. They give things up so that they can ride--vacations, other hobbies, time-consuming people and relationships (for better or worse).
3. They're organized/prepared. The successful riders don't give away points for silly mistakes in the ring. They know their tests, they know how to recover from an error to minimize point loss (e.g., don't circle) in the ring, etc. They strategize. 

So now we have an idea of the path to success. I need to start working on #1 when the weather clears!

Blue Roan Irish Sport Horse - Dorset

Lovely color on this four-year-old. It may lighten but it'll be fun while it lasts, and he has a nice canter. For sale.

Noble Outfitters Giveaway: Winners and more to come!

We have two winners of the Noble Outfitters Peddies socks -- Congrats Julia and Love.Appys!


But wait! There's more!
This spring, we'll feature another giveaway of a Noble Outfitters Lil Lover tank.  I absolutely love the draped back and detail -- very flattering esp for we breech-wearers that don't mind a little rear coverage.Keep your eye out for the next giveaway, and my thanks to Noble Outfitters for their generosity. Make sure to check out their web site, nobleoutfitters.com 

Rah-rah for Rolex: Reason #13

Reason #13: Cross country
Few events bring you so close to the action as the cross country phase of eventing, and with Rolex, spectators have the ability to get close to International-level competitors. You’ll be able to hear the horses breathing and the riders murmuring encouragement as they gallop around the course. You’ll be only a few feet away as they sail over the double corners or the hammock. The first year Bob came to Rolex, he was overwhelmed by the cross-country phase. I had been afraid he might be bored, but he exclaimed “Whoa! My heart is pounding!” as we watched one of the first riders gallop past. Looking at this photo brings back memories that make my heart rate go up.

Tiana Coudray

Harv's snow adventure

The day after our big snow (20") I left work early to turn Harv out while it was light. The gates were snowed in in the open position, so I turned him out and stood guard at the gate. Then I spied a shovel about 50 feet away. What luck! I stepped away for the briefest moment to grab the shovel so that I could dig out the gate.

When I turned, Harv was high-stepping it through the gate, through the drifts toward the -- you guessed it -- the road. I ran to the barn, muttering "Sh*t! Sh*t! Sh*t!" and grabbed a bucket of grain. Thank God horses love food. Harv permitted me to get close enough to give him the grain, and I snapped on the lead rope.

Later when another boarder arrived and we turned Harv out with his adjacent pasture buddy. They ran with tails flying high, they bucked, arched their necks. When they settled down I got this shot...

I also took this photo at dusk, of a buckskin at our barn...

Bob update: Feeling better!

In  Living in NE PA, Bob and I enjoyed our day off from work on February 13, only to shovel what's amounting to 15 or 16" of snow throughout the day. I like to shovel (it's like mucking in a way), but Bob did a few rounds.

Bob is feeling better through the miracle of modern meds. He is on Interferon Gamma which has helped him bounce back from his relapse. That's the good news. The only concern is that the drug causes liver inflammation, and his bloodwork after three injections showed this -- one of his liver measures was double what it should be. If it gets three times the normal level, he'll have to come off it.  He'll have his bloodwork done in the next few weeks, and we'll know if he can continue on it. He is also taking an anti-itch med called Neurontin, with success -- so he is having welcome relief from the relentless itching of January and December.

Pony Cuteness: Schoolmaster for kids

This could be my Valentines Day pony any day! How cute...

Revelation's First Prophet, Saddlebred gelding, 2013 Dressage Highlights

I've said it before -- Saddlebreds have so many wonderful qualities that would make them good dressage mounts -- here is one that looks bred to do it!

Beautiful horse, beautiful rider, lovely story

Found this video -- not sure of the awards and accolades, but what a stunning young woman and a lovely partnership. You probably won't be shocked to learn the young woman is also a model. She is now riding a blue roan stallion with success -- see this link...

Icelandic Horses and a giveaway!

I can't believe she made these herself -- adorable!

Pamela of Blessi-ngs: Life with an Icelandic Horse is a woman of many talents. She was kind enough to send me two handmade Icelandic horse stuffed animals -- one for me, one for a giveaway! To enter the giveaway, leave a comment with your contact info and the first word that comes to mind when you think of Icelandic horses (BTW "cold" is not allowed!).

Do you know much about Icelandics?
Pam kindly wrote up a summary of the breed's history.

When the Norse began to permanently settle in Iceland in 874 AD, they brought only their finest stock, including horses, in their ships. There has been no known introduction of additional horses to Iceland for over 1000 years. The original horses had to learn to survive in a land of glaciers, snow, and volcanic activity; historically they had to forage for themselves over winter. Natural selection ensured that only the hardy survived.

Today, the goal of Icelandic breeding standards is for a horse that is “willing, brave, happy, cheerful, confident and offers its best with very little encouragement. The horse tries to please the rider, is sensible, easy to ride and handle.” Icelandic horses come in many colors from chestnut, bay, buckskin, silver dapple, roan, gray, black, cream, blue dun, yellow dun, and many shades of pinto. Most Icelandics can perform four gaits: walk, trot, canter, and tölt (or rack or amble). Some Icelandics also have a fifth gait: flying pace, which can be very smooth and over 25 miles per hour at international racing speeds. Ranging from height from 12.2 to 14.1 hands, the Icelandic horses are huge amount of fun in a compact package.

Rah Rah for Rolex: Reason #14 to go to Rolex

This is my Rah Rah for Rolex: Reasons to go! series. Read Reason 15, this one, and there are thirteen more to go!

Rolex tickets, best deal ever. Get tickets here! 2013 Daily admission ranges from $13-$25, and get admission for all four days for just $66! Keep in mind this price includes parking, which is plentiful usually an easy in-and-out (except on Saturday, the cross country day). It also includes admission to the Kentucky Horse Park and International Trade Fair. Just for comparison, in my home state of Pennsylvania tickets for a two-hour tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling water are $66.

Cheap vacation!
You’ll find everything in Lexington to be reasonably priced. From the hotels (you can always camp at the Horse Park), to the food, to the event, experience the absence of price gouging and a tourist-friendly town.

All White: A Virtual Tour through the Al Shaqab Facility

Centuries before nagural gas and petroleum gave prominence to Qatar as one of the world's fastest growing economies,  the country was known for its prized Arabian horses.
When the Al Thani ancestors, the ruling family of the State of Qatar, migrated out of the Arabian Desert three centuries ago to settle in Qatar, the Arabian horse was a vital part of daily life.The Arabian horse played an important role in the founding of Qatar. Al Shaqab is the renowned equestrian facility in Qatar. Spread out over 980,000 square metres and with a stable capacity for more than 400 horses, Al Shaqab also stands out for its architectural design, with a central horseshoe shape. Check out the interactive map of the facility.

It really is quite a facility.

 Al Shaqab - The Virtual Tour  on Vimeo.
 Mission: Becoming global leaders in preserving, improving and promoting the Arabian horse breed and maintaining accessibility to the community while setting the highest standard in breeding, show, equestrian arts and equine welfare.

 

Real Prada: 3 year old rare frame overo dressage prospect

Anyone looking? Pretty.

Blue roan alert! If I could have three horses...

If I could afford to have three horses, you can bet I'd be looking at this lovely four-year old, who even comes in my dream color BLUE ROAN. His playful, languid buck is adorable. If he moves this well while he's all green and EXCITED, imagine him working in a frame! There's a lovely rhythm to that trot. Kudos to the rider for showing tact and allowing the horse to enjoy his time out.

Oh, Wait! We don't have to imagine him in a frame... See below. I believe his name is Polar Blue and I LOFF HIM.     And the jump footage shows what an awesome canter he has.

Roll in der snow!

Harvey AKA The Harvster
Man About Town, Spiritual Advisor, Elder Statesman, Business Magnate,
 Public Intellectual, Cultural Luminary. And now -- Snow Angel!

Constance Menard et Lianca (FRA)

Eyes truly are amber!

What an amazing story! Lianca is a large-headed Dutch Harness mare, former circus horse, and a late-in-life Grand Prix dressage horse who completed successfully against horses more conformationally suited to the job. She also has "amazing" amber eyes -- read about her in this article in Eurodressage.com, but more importantly watch the footage -- she is the perfect mare to perform to Carmen. 

She retired several years ago, and her rider Constance was terribly injured in an accident but came back to ride. I would love to read the full story of this pair some day...

 .

Peddies Socks Giveaway! Because if your feet aren't happy...

Noble Outfitter Peddies

If your feet aren't happy, you ain't  happy. There must be some kind of neural pathway from the feet to the pleasure center of the brain. Maybe that is why I love a good pair of socks.

Noble Outfitter: Peddies
Have you all seen these new socks from Noble Outfitters? Have you tried Peddies?  I tried a pair at our local saddlery recently, and I was hooked. They solve a problem that is unique to riders or any athletes that wear close-fitting boots.

Problem: The rub
My Petrie tall boots are pretty, but darn it, they hurt. It's like they are carved out of wood.  Until recently, I used sheepskin pieces stuffed into my boot to protect my ankle. 

Peddies protect!
 Peddies are made to be thick around the foot up through the ankle, but thin (like boot socks) starting above the ankle. This is perfect! They have that slinky feel on the outside, and on the inside they are soft, with thick padding on the foot.

I don't know how to describe this exactly, but you can "feel" a good quality fabric/material. I has substance, the colors are saturated and vibrant, the sizing is generous. That is the Peddies.

These are the giveaway socks -- two pair!

They also:

• come in great colors and prints
• are reasonably priced
• wick away moisture.

Would you like to have a pair?

Leave a comment!
Leave a comment *with some means of contacting you if you win* at the end of this blog or on my Facebook page. In your comment, describe your dream socks. Good luck!

When the time comes: Your Old Guy or Gal

Planning for our old guys

I have been thinking about Harv and age and health. He is 27 this year! In the Chronicle forums there was an interesting article on euthanasia, talking about owner preparedness (emotional and otherwise). An interesting point was made about how when older horses become ill, you have things to consider when treating...

Pick meds carefully
If you have retirees, or any other horses that are not candidates for colic surgery or a trip to a vet facility,  talk to your vet ahead of time about what kinds, and what amounts, of meds should and should NOT be used if the horse becomes seriously ill. Some meds  will slow or prevent euthanasia meds from working if the horse ultimately needs to be put down. I am pretty sure "ace" (acepromazine?) is one such drug.  If a horse sustains a traumatic injury, you may be tempted to give any drug on hand to calm or help them. Check with the vet before medicating, so that you don't give your horse something that will hinder the effectiveness of euthanasia meds in the event this step is needed.

Judge's comments you have to love

Well.. the hind legs are engaged...
Photo from vichorse.com

In my experience judges usually try to put a positive spin on all but the most disastrous rides.  It is sometimes amusing to see how they score movements that are performed poorly or are not performed at all.

At a show last year, I saw a lovely test marred by an episode where the horse inexplicably threw his head skyward and giraffe-like, blowing through the rider's aids during an upward transition. The rider see-sawed to get some semblance of control. There was nothing redeeming about it. It was ugly.

Afterward
The rider, who was experienced, just smiled and shook her head after the final salute. Later, by the secretary's stand, I saw her laughing with a friend as they read the judge's comments.  A third friend walked up and said "What'd she say? What'd she say?!!!"

She said,  "For the transition at H, the comment was 'Not Dressagey.'"

Love it. Thanks judges, for having a sense of humor.

Warning: Nudity (and bad choices) in riding apparel

Screen shot from the video

 Vimeo.com members tend to do a lot of experimental/conceptual stuff, but I think this is  a photo shoot from a nudist/nude enthusiast magazine. Hey, I'm not one to judge the nude lifestyle, but...

I find the idea of nude riding cringe-worthy, but nude riding with a SADDLE? OUCH!   If you are not offended by nudity including the "full monty," see  Angela Nude Horse Riding 1080 Preview from NudeMuse on Vimeo.