Rainy Day Fun~

Pat had been looking for a local trainer willing to work with us & our horses.  One of those just-for-fun things we could do on a rainy day.  After some checking with people in our area, Pat visited Denise - who was willing to take us on.

Over hill & dale~

We were up early, at least for me - & on the road.  Now that both Pat & Linda have nice new trailers - I have to say that the view from behind is sure nice!  :-)  It was pouring rain, so we'd picked the right day.

Farah - "What are we doing here?"

Farah is in the middle of her usual screamingly bad March cycle...  No fun for me & I doubt it is for her.  Turkey's, goats, a strange place & she was on edge.  She recognized Sharon's handsome gelding & Pat's mare Destry, so that helped. 

Around we go~

 Denise asked each of us what our goals were.  Pat of course - wants to jump & jump she will - I'm sure!  Donnie is planning to take some lessons on the big Drafts!  I want to be there for that!  Sharon & I both were interested in control & relaxation.  All of us interested in furthering our knowledge of the basics of dressage.

Farah distracted...

 After one huge spook, Farah settled down - but was easily distracted by the ducks outside.  Denise did a wonderful job of explaining what she was asking us to do, how the size of the arena would work & after a warm-up period, began by walking us through a proper 20-meter circle.  There are many days I wish I had an arena at home & this was one of them.  It's so nice to be in the saddle & stay dry as the rain pours down.

Following the leader :-)

It was really fun to learn new things, get a refresher on some of the old stuff & just enjoy a relaxing morning in the saddle.  When we moved to the trot, Farah maintained her composure.   Denise did mention that Farah is sensitive & agreed with me that it's always best to end on a good note - which is what I did.  She was impressed with the forward that our horses had, mentioning that the trick with arena work, is to keep it fresh for both the horses & riders.

After 90-min. I know I was ready to be done!  It's amazing how tiring lessons can be :-)

The More I Learn...

Sandra schooling Farah~

...  the less I know!  Watching an accomplished rider & what Sandra can do with Farah is really something to see.  As Dean told me early on, it's much easier to learn things the right way, than unlearn old habits & replace them with new.  Having always admired riders who make it look so easy - I'm now understanding a little more about how difficult it is to attain that level of competence!

To watch how Farah responds to clear signals, gives me the motivation to continue to learn all I can & be able to communicate with her well enough that she can understand me that well!  :-)  The new bit came in the mail in time for our class & worked beautifully.  I appreciated the way Sandra takes the time to answer my questions & her explanation of how the bit works & why it works the way it does.

Not having the time this month to practice between lessons, we have to go back to "refresh" mode each time.  Even that is a good thing for me though - as each time it reinforces what it is I'm working to achieve.  Watching Sandra gives me the visual picture to keep in my mind as I ride, trying to remember how & when to cue!  It could be frustrating - like the first days of any new goal you decide to work toward...  Baby steps - it's all about baby steps.  Again, when Farah does understand my clumsy attempts & I feel her respond & just the feel tells me it's right - another star goes on the plus side of the board :-)

Like Butch told someone the other day;  "Connie's ridden for over twenty-years & now she's taking lessons!"  :-)  It is fun on a cold rainy day to get out, spend the morning working & feel good when we're through!

Bits & Bitting~

Mylar Combination Bit

First let me say that I know nothing about bits!  All I know, or at least try to understand - is what seems to work for my mare.  After the early years of making many mistakes, thinking that a harsh bit would give me a manageable horse etc., trying no bit & having a run-a-way in competition, etc.  By the time I bought Khari, I had gained enough smarts to ask for expert help.  Khari was started in the bit above & it worked really well for all the years I had her.

With Farah now though, I'm working with a very intelligent mare, who responds differently to different bits.  Working with more collection & trying to teach her to work off her rear has me trying new bits.  The latest that worked really well in our first level Cowboy Dressage test, but in using it, I'd probably jumped ahead of where we're at in our training.

Curb with shanks

 I've also been trying different trainers & learning lots of new things.  For the second time yesterday, a change in bit was suggested.  There was one available to try, a simple snaffle with rings;

 I hadn't used this type of bit for forever, because you really don't have a stop & I value stop.  This is a learning level bit - one that will make it easier for Farah to understand what I'm asking of her & she was very willing & responsive in it - in the arena :-)  I'm going to go ahead & buy one to use when we practice.  We'll see how well she does in it out on the trail!

After a shorter drive than usual, I had a really good lesson at Ensbrook with Sandra.  She is well versed in both Western & Cowboy Dressage & seems willing to take on a pair of newbies. :-)
I'd love to hear what you use & how you came to use it - why you like it~

Mining for Gold~

Fire Run Farm~

Over the last few months, I've been taking a few beginning steps in the lesson arena.  Lucky for me, I live in an area where we have an abundance of very qualified trainers & where we get visits from top notch people from around the country.

After my lesson Thursday at Fire Run Farm with Suzanne, I came away thinking about the learning process that goes on between a horse & rider - then - what a trainer brings to that partnership.  My last five lessons have been with five different trainers!  Each session has set off light bulbs in my brain & I've learned as much about what I'm doing right, as I have about what I hope to learn.  It feels like a perfect balance, almost like we ride away from each session having picked up nuggets of wisdom to add to our saddlebags.  Farah is such a quick learner - when we get "it", when we get into the "zone" we both feel Great!  Even if it's only for a moment, the moments are getting longer & stronger & a better place to be!  I'm staying motivated, nothing like positive reinforcement to keep me that way & the gold girl too!  :-)

Later in the afternoon, we were lucky again in that Lynn & Jennifer had planned to ride & agreed to change their plans to include me at a spot close for us all!  We met-up at Lord Hill & had just a beautiful week before Thanksgiving ride.

Jennifer & Reno

The days are still shortening down for the Winter Equinox.  By the time the fog burned away, we only had a couple hours of that fine filtered sunshine before the heat started dropping with the sun low on the horizon to the west.

Hill at Lord Hill

 Both Jennifer & I forgot our GPS units, we really didn't care, just rode along enjoying the afternoon, the company & our great horses.  Was super nice for me to get out with friends again~