Updates

 

We finally got our scores from Dressage Show Online’s Championship Show and we did well.  In Open Training Tests 1, 2, & 3, we were 1st, 2nd, & 3rd respectively with scores in the 60’s.  All of the tests were ok, but I still feel like our Test 3 in the late summer was the best of the year and was also the highest score at 70+%.  

I’m really grateful to have a way to keep getting feedback, move up the levels, and set some goals while working on Cruise’s other horses/other locations issues.  DSO has been great for us and the plan is to get in a First Level Test 1 before winter sets in.  The harder canter work is on his more difficult side, so we shall see.

Speaking of other locations and other horses, our field trips to the boarding barn have been going well.  Honestly, it’s all been groundwork in the ring, walking the aisles, and hanging out in his stall.  It’s been really hard for him.  He’s just now at the point of being rideable and showing some focus and relaxation.  I think this is going to be a really long road TBH, and being able to continue on with showing online has really helped me to persevere with patience to his reactivity.

Wired 4 Connection

 

I’ve been reading this fascinating little book and applying its principles the past few days and WOW.  An easy read, it explains polyvagal theory, and how it applies to humans and horses.  I found the whole book excellent but especially appreciated the self regulation techniques for humans.  The idea is that if the human can self regulate then the horse can co-regulate with human and go into a parasympathetic state much more easily.  

I’ve been playing with the self regulation/co-regulation exercises with both boys and I can get them licking and chewing just standing by them using my breathing.  Under saddle, field riding, Cruise is as relaxed as he’s ever been.  This isn’t a lengthy book but it is packed with interesting and useful information and techniques.  At only $4.99 currently in the Kindle version, I highly, highly recommend.

So I did a Thing

 

So I did a thing.  I’ve been wondering for a while if Cruise’s Bates Artiste is a touch too long for his short back and is bumping his shoulders, especially at the canter.  The saddle ticks all the boxes for me and seems to fit him fine with no back pain.  But.  He continues to struggle with forward sometimes.  His canter is getting sixes and sevens on tests but it doesn’t feel fully free in his back.  I looked around to see what the Internet had to say about dressage saddles on short backed honies and kept getting directed back to Pegasus Butterfly Saddles.  I also remembered that Meaghan at A Enter Spooking had borrowed one for her hard to fit horse and he loved it.

By chance I found an older model of the above, previously called the Uta Gräf, on a FB saddle page for under $900 shipped with a 7 day trial.  Done.  I’m 6 or so rides in and Cruise obviously loves it.  The saddle fits his back so well I can leave the girth a touch loose.  He is much easier to get forward, his canter has a new lift of the shoulders, and his up canter transitions are getting smoother every ride.  Oddly enough, I find the saddle as comfortable as the Artiste and feel really secure in it.  It’s a little beat up but serviceable and I feel lucky to try one of these saddles out without committing to the new price tag.

Time will tell, but so far Cruise and I are totally pleased with this purchase!  

Accepting the Contact and Bit vs Being on the Bit

This little VIDEO really succinctly explains the difference between acceptance of contact/having a following contact and being on the bit.  Basically, the horse has to have acceptance of a following contact and then being on the bit adds another layer.  Starting at the trot in a accepting/following contact the rider asks for forward and then catches that forward delicately with the ring fingers.  Leading to that circle of energy and engagement of the hindquarters with a slight flexion of the jaw.  Forward but not forward if you will.  Another way to describe impulsion maybe.

I’ve tried adding this into my rides after a loose rein then following contact warm up and WOW.  It takes a few times to get the burst of forward then adding that delicate not forward leads to the magic.  Engaged.  Light.  Balanced.  What we’ve been missing.  I’ve been surprised by how instant Cruise’s forward has been and how lightly I can contain the energy.  And how he easily floats around after a couple of these. 

This explanation reminds me a lot of Jane Savouie’s connecting half halt but gentler and much more subtle.  I really like this YouTube channel and Josie’s down to earth explanations.  Just wish I had run across this video before I taped my last three tests…