After the Young Horse Championships and The European Championships there was public outcry from all directions about training, classical riding, rollkur, force vs positive training ....on and on and on. Sadly most of the comments coming from people that are no more competing in dressage then those of us criticizing figure skaters when we don't even know how to skate. I know I should just stay out of this subject, but I find it is very important to my day to day, and relevant to how we are able to make a living with horses.
Presently I make a meager living at training horses. I would actually say that I have less local business now then when I was 20 years old, fairly uneducated with a Grand Prix Horse in the ring. Lucky for me I have support that is not local, so I am able to continue working with horses as a way of making money. Why I bring this up is because winning at shows does not prove education. Unfortunately. I would also say that this is not all the judges fault. People that are good at making a picture, are just that, good at making a picture....selling a story...........acting out a play. The riding is done for the judges. Videos are made, practice is done, people from the ground are supporting and validating the play. The judges are not always able to discern from where the movements come. For me what it really comes down to is why are you riding dressage?
It is not about rollkur or judges or points. It is about horses and a way of life that has been passed down through the ages by masters with great knowledge. The horses are bred differently now, so new knowledge must be fed into the system. Conformation is not quite the same, this must be taken into account. But really why do we ride? For ribbons? For fame? For money? Or do we ride for the love of horses and a tradition of art that must be carried on?
If you asked the whole class at The European Championships how did their ride feel? I think we know from the side the ones that had a good time and felt they had a willing partner in the test. Some of these were not the most brilliant tests, but they were the most correct, and fun to watch. But how can this compete with the play actors? It cannot. So our sport ends up being a bit like the body builders competition with or without steroids. Sometimes we have to be the best of the group that does not do the worst. And in my world that is good enough. The people that are not enjoying their daily riding because they are trying to figure out how to make tricky ways to cover this up and pretend to do that, they are the ones suffering, (sadly along with their horses). They may have fame for a bit, they may have good clients and sponsors, for a bit. But eventually things come around and people do not want to be part of that.
When I watch a horse like Valegro work for Charlotte I have no doubt that he would go to the end of the earth for her. I do not feel that he does it because of stress or worry. I would say on the day he comes to the ring not completely himself that this horse would still do his best for her. (and we have seen this). He would not say no, he might not be able to do the best as he has in the past when he felt better, but he will still try his best. That is what we see, a partnership built on training and trust. Charlotte brought this horse to the Grand Prix a young rider herself. People can judge the way she rides and criticize her mistakes, but they cannot take away the partnership she has with that horse. That is what it is all about. That is why he works for her. To take a young horse even to the smallest venue for the first time is a responsibility. We owe it to our horses to build a secure training system so that when we take them out they can rely on us to have their best interest in mind. Not only the ribbons and notoriety, but their trust. When we do this we build long term relationships that win ribbons and medals in the future. But when you only have money and prestige in mind and no longer care about the horse you will do things, that in my mind, are not good horsemanship. These things do not build long term results. Horses get sour, they go lame they do not perform.
So I did a test on Glorious not too long ago and I did not win. I made mistakes in the changes and went off course. Not good. However, he felt so great in the ring. He made beautiful relaxed flowing half passes like a grown up. He walked forward with confidence and was completely at home in the ring. I was so happy! I made him feel like the champion he is, no I did not win, but I had an awesome go with a willing partner. So I challenge all of you dressage enthusiasts out there to watch closely. Support good horseman and stick up for good training. It should not be that competition is the ruination of Classical Riding. It should be that we accept the challenge of taking our good riding to the ring. We must not let the stress and pressure take away our riding philosophy. And we must not blame other people for successfully fooling the judges. We just need to support the right trainers and ride with balance and conviction and like 100 years ago when the nasty trainers fell away from lack of interest now too they will loose popularity and positive training will overcome.
Ride forward and happy :)
Nancy
Friday, September 11, 2015
Sunday, May 17, 2015
Quality Preparation Clinic
The end of April we moved eleven horses up to Massachusetts from Florida. The weather and traffic very kind to us and the team we had to execute this move was so wonderful it made a daunting task manageable. Leaving Florida is always hard. Our farm there is so fun and this time of year trees are fresh, the birds are happy and our Jesus Lizards are coming out of hibernation, it is always hard to pack up. However, this year it was hotter then usual and that made it a bit easier to motivate ourselves northward. Another reason for making the move in the end of April was our Quality Preparation Clinic with Conrad Schumacher and Lilo Fore. The first weekend in May our Ashby Farm was buzzing with activity as we hosted an amazing three days of clinic with these two dressage professors.
Thursday our participants started to move in, for some this was the first outing after a long snowy winter and the anticipation was tangible. Our clinicians arrived from the airport and a planning session took place late in the evening for the weekend. Friday was a very busy day with 16 lessons, two clinicians and preparations for the next two days that would be open to auditors. Lilo Fore and Mr Schumacher worked seamlessly together with great enthusiasm and dedication to our riders and their horses. The lessons were thoughtful and direct. The horses improved as their riders were coached, encouraged and led through training exercises, small position changes and instruction about application of the aids. Having these two masters in the arena together was a dream come true for me. They had fun together and pushed hard to find the right way to explain to the riders as well as the best concept for each horse and rider combination. The variety of horses and the different levels and ages of the riders also made the day full of learning. We enjoyed watching Paige Hendrick a 9 year old from Rhode Island with her Morgan mare Queen's Delilah working on her position and communication with the bit as well as Helen Cast and her Grand Prix Stallion Donnersohn working out details of piaffe and passage. The thoughtfulness when applying the aids to a young nervous mare and the concise aids necessary to get a bit lazier guy working from behind. It became clear that there is a very good system for dressage and that Lilo and Mr Schumacher are experts at picking up on the priorities, helping the rider to find the feeling of the new improved connection and then putting it all into motion in test movements. Everyone went to their beds Friday night to rest and prepare for the weekend presentation.
Saturday dawned brisk and rainy, but the indoor was filled with the warmth of horse people excited about learning and they were not disappointed. Our riders Saturday were Susan Mercer riding Bianca GGF, showed developing thoroughness and collection, Nancy Lavoie and Glorious demonstrated working patterns for warming up a 3 rd level test, Grace Brennan and Ledgewood's Ben Baun demonstrated how to develop self carriage and preparation for flying changes and Wiebke Bank and Didore showed us 1 st level test 3 after being warmed up by Lilo Fore. After a short coffee break it was all business and Linda Parmenter executed 2 nd level test 3 with some schooling exercises and correction made by Mr Schumacher. Helen Cast and her stallion Donnersohn showed schooling exercises for Grand Prix and just before lunch we delighted in watching Paige Hendrick and Queen's Delilah demonstrate with Lilo Fore how to develop a young rider's seat and aids.
After lunch we started with Kelly Hendrick and her Morgan Queen's Moody Blues as they warmed up and then executed 3 rd level test 3, Jennifer Fanning and her Fresian Rieke S demonstrated schooling exercises for 1 st level and then Eliza Gardner rode largo 224 thru the JR individual test. Michele Morseth and her own Ben Mac Dhui worked on schooling for 4 th level as did Dorothy Skierkowski riding Stella. The last two for the day were Andrea McCauley riding Rubin demonstrating schooling exercises for Prix St Georges and Lilly Simmons rode Willoughby through the Young Rider Team Test. There was a lot of insight given by Lilo Fore on test riding and gaining (or loosing) points. It was a wonderful learning experience for all of us as she gave her marks out loud as the testes were performed. After the tests Mr Schumacher was able to explain some of the training issues and how to deal with them at home and in the warm up to help prepare for the tests better. It was a great day, but that was only the beginning! After the clinic ended Saturday, preparations were immediately underway for our Fashion Show! From the Stable to Stepping Out was a huge success and a lot of fun for all involved.
We all woke up Sunday morning a bit tired but with no less anticipation than the day before. Lucky for me Grace was willing to go first and I could gather my wits before riding Glorious. Grace did another awesome job with Lilo Fore coaching her through exercises to develop self carriage and some of the prerequisites for teaching flying changes. Glorious was awesome and we were able to demonstrate some of Mr Schumacher's famous corner exercises and other working patterns for 3rd level. Wiebke and Didore made some beautiful work demonstrating 1st level movements and achieving better balance with young horses and all before our coffee break Susan and Bianca were able to show us the partnership necessary to develop throughness and better self carriage for the upper levels.
Glorious
The weekend finished with Jane Karol and Sunshine Tour working with Lilo Fore and then riding through the developing Prix St Georges. After the test Lilo and Mr Schumacher worked together with Jane to build up even more points then she had already added up with such a wonderful test. The weekend was a positive learning experience for all. The horses were wonderful and the riders so generous to let us learn from them. Lilo Fore and Mr Schumacher made an amazing team. Both emphatic about crucial components to the making of a dressage horse but also lighthearted and relaxed about mistakes.
Honestly I could not have asked for a better weekend. I also have to thank all the great people that helped make it possible; Mae Williams and Lisa Jensen for coming up to Massachusetts with me to take care of the horses and help with the event, Guillermo Lucas for taking care of the stable and the horses. Meadowbrook Horse Transport for getting our horses home safe and happy, NSE Stables for another safe and comfortable layover in North Carolina, Matt Lavoie for executing our painless trip north and for all of the setup and logistics involved in such an event. Linda Powers and Lynn Simonson for all of their work on publicity and food, Annemarie Field for the fantastic photos, to everyone involved and for helping with the fashion show (which is it's own blog entry) and of course to Lilo Fore and Conrad Schumacher for their energy, knowledge and perseverance as they continue to impart their knowledge across the globe. THANK YOU!!
Thursday our participants started to move in, for some this was the first outing after a long snowy winter and the anticipation was tangible. Our clinicians arrived from the airport and a planning session took place late in the evening for the weekend. Friday was a very busy day with 16 lessons, two clinicians and preparations for the next two days that would be open to auditors. Lilo Fore and Mr Schumacher worked seamlessly together with great enthusiasm and dedication to our riders and their horses. The lessons were thoughtful and direct. The horses improved as their riders were coached, encouraged and led through training exercises, small position changes and instruction about application of the aids. Having these two masters in the arena together was a dream come true for me. They had fun together and pushed hard to find the right way to explain to the riders as well as the best concept for each horse and rider combination. The variety of horses and the different levels and ages of the riders also made the day full of learning. We enjoyed watching Paige Hendrick a 9 year old from Rhode Island with her Morgan mare Queen's Delilah working on her position and communication with the bit as well as Helen Cast and her Grand Prix Stallion Donnersohn working out details of piaffe and passage. The thoughtfulness when applying the aids to a young nervous mare and the concise aids necessary to get a bit lazier guy working from behind. It became clear that there is a very good system for dressage and that Lilo and Mr Schumacher are experts at picking up on the priorities, helping the rider to find the feeling of the new improved connection and then putting it all into motion in test movements. Everyone went to their beds Friday night to rest and prepare for the weekend presentation.
Lilo Fore and Mr Schumacher; an awesome combination.
Saturday dawned brisk and rainy, but the indoor was filled with the warmth of horse people excited about learning and they were not disappointed. Our riders Saturday were Susan Mercer riding Bianca GGF, showed developing thoroughness and collection, Nancy Lavoie and Glorious demonstrated working patterns for warming up a 3 rd level test, Grace Brennan and Ledgewood's Ben Baun demonstrated how to develop self carriage and preparation for flying changes and Wiebke Bank and Didore showed us 1 st level test 3 after being warmed up by Lilo Fore. After a short coffee break it was all business and Linda Parmenter executed 2 nd level test 3 with some schooling exercises and correction made by Mr Schumacher. Helen Cast and her stallion Donnersohn showed schooling exercises for Grand Prix and just before lunch we delighted in watching Paige Hendrick and Queen's Delilah demonstrate with Lilo Fore how to develop a young rider's seat and aids.
After lunch we started with Kelly Hendrick and her Morgan Queen's Moody Blues as they warmed up and then executed 3 rd level test 3, Jennifer Fanning and her Fresian Rieke S demonstrated schooling exercises for 1 st level and then Eliza Gardner rode largo 224 thru the JR individual test. Michele Morseth and her own Ben Mac Dhui worked on schooling for 4 th level as did Dorothy Skierkowski riding Stella. The last two for the day were Andrea McCauley riding Rubin demonstrating schooling exercises for Prix St Georges and Lilly Simmons rode Willoughby through the Young Rider Team Test. There was a lot of insight given by Lilo Fore on test riding and gaining (or loosing) points. It was a wonderful learning experience for all of us as she gave her marks out loud as the testes were performed. After the tests Mr Schumacher was able to explain some of the training issues and how to deal with them at home and in the warm up to help prepare for the tests better. It was a great day, but that was only the beginning! After the clinic ended Saturday, preparations were immediately underway for our Fashion Show! From the Stable to Stepping Out was a huge success and a lot of fun for all involved.
Linda Parmenter riding Royal Cocktail
Grace Brennan and Benny working with Lilo Fore
After the short coffee break Linda Parmenter rode Royal Cocktail through schooling exercises for 2nd level, Michele Morseth rode Ben thru 4th level test 2 and then we were treated to Helen Cast riding Donnersohn through the Grand Prix.
After lunch Kelly rode Queen's Moody Blue thru 4th level test 1, Jennifer Fanning demonstrated schooling toward 2nd level and Eliza did some excellent work with Largo showing us working patterns for both horse and rider to achieve more control for the difficult and intricate JR tests. Andrea continued to show of Rubin thru the Prix St Georges work and Lilly did a beautiful YR Individual test with Willoughby.
Lillian Simons and Willoughby
The weekend finished with Jane Karol and Sunshine Tour working with Lilo Fore and then riding through the developing Prix St Georges. After the test Lilo and Mr Schumacher worked together with Jane to build up even more points then she had already added up with such a wonderful test. The weekend was a positive learning experience for all. The horses were wonderful and the riders so generous to let us learn from them. Lilo Fore and Mr Schumacher made an amazing team. Both emphatic about crucial components to the making of a dressage horse but also lighthearted and relaxed about mistakes.
Honestly I could not have asked for a better weekend. I also have to thank all the great people that helped make it possible; Mae Williams and Lisa Jensen for coming up to Massachusetts with me to take care of the horses and help with the event, Guillermo Lucas for taking care of the stable and the horses. Meadowbrook Horse Transport for getting our horses home safe and happy, NSE Stables for another safe and comfortable layover in North Carolina, Matt Lavoie for executing our painless trip north and for all of the setup and logistics involved in such an event. Linda Powers and Lynn Simonson for all of their work on publicity and food, Annemarie Field for the fantastic photos, to everyone involved and for helping with the fashion show (which is it's own blog entry) and of course to Lilo Fore and Conrad Schumacher for their energy, knowledge and perseverance as they continue to impart their knowledge across the globe. THANK YOU!!
Monday, April 13, 2015
Sometimes you get the lesson you need not the lesson you want.
This winter in Florida has been fantastic! and a wonderful experience as I watch the growth of my students and their horses.
One interesting subject I am left to ponder though, is how can we move forward together and avoid some of the push me pull you of what are the priorities and who's come first? We go to our instructors with a goal, they have an educated idea of how to achieve that goal, yet, we find ourselves battling against the elements trying to get the correct priorities instilled into the lesson.
I am not in a position to judge, I have been this person also, unwilling to change, not on purpose but, because I thought I was doing the right thing. I was not understanding that letting go of old misconceptions and habits would open the door to rapid progress. Although I can look back and remember the lessons, I cannot remember why I could not hear the real essence of what was being said and what needed to be done.
I will forever remember Mr. Schumacher teaching me a life changing lesson one freezing morning in Germany. He was leaving early for the airport and I was to fly with my horses back to the States before he returned. I had been there riding with him and with Ellen Bontje for months. But, it had all come down to this last lesson and he did not want me to go home without it. I was so cold, my fingers freezing off, all I wanted to do was trot, and poor Alexis, rein back after rein back after walk pirouette after half pass after halt after.........on and on until could I please ***** get the feeling. His persistence to get me to give up my misconception about what I was feeling and let myself feel something else, something new, and something even better! changed my riding forever. But, why did it take me so long, and why did he have to lock me in the indoor at 6 am on the freezing morning?
We start developing feel from the first time we sit in the saddle. We are told what we are feeling. We are told what is right, what is wrong and this is how right feels. I find in most lessons we are also told it is our fault when a horse makes a mistake. So this concept, in my opinion, causes the riders to get the wrong feeling. How many times from that first ride are you told....don't let him do that? Keep him straight, keep him forward, don' let him put his head up, don't let him slow down..... How do we do this? As a beginner rider we hold on, squeeze more, tighten up, pull his head in and tighten ourselves up, by accident, but really this is what happens. When it looks correct from the side the instructor says that is good and no matter what it feels like that is what you associate good with. That is how we develop feel. This is why I think lunging beginner riders is so very important, this takes the responsibility away from the rider and allows them to concentrate on their seat and develop feel for the horses motion. One can let themselves notice the swing in the steps, the rhythm of the gait, and get the feeling that the horse moves you. From here everything else come, without this everything else is corrupt.
After you learn how to move with the horse then you can learn aids. There is a circle of energy and a circle of aids. Seat, leg, rein. However, when we loose our balance because we do not have an independent seat and an aid becomes a way of holding on then things become confused, horses make mistakes, we are told it is our fault and then we hold on more. Later we start to see the error of our ways, but feel, feel will not let us fix this entirely. Feel is busy telling us that this is right!
So an instructor comes into the arena and watches you ride for 10 minutes, assess the situation and your goals and comes up with priorities and a lesson plan. What can you do as a rider to let this priority in? What can we do as instructors to help you trust yourself to let go of some of those old habits and try something new?
We have heard it all before "she doesn't know how much better we are", "you don't know how far we've come" , "he used to be much worse". This instructor sees one thing above all holding you back. How can he get through the history and help you move forward?
I have had so much fun this winter helping people let loose of their baggage and introducing them to forward progress. However, I think we could all spend less time holding on to old habits and believe in ourselves more.
So I put that question out there. Did you have a special lesson that helped you, a light bulb moment? Something someone said that made you realize that what you are doing really is not getting the success that you want so you let yourself open up to something new? What brought you to that place? And how can we as instructors help you get to that place sooner?
Happy Riding!!
One interesting subject I am left to ponder though, is how can we move forward together and avoid some of the push me pull you of what are the priorities and who's come first? We go to our instructors with a goal, they have an educated idea of how to achieve that goal, yet, we find ourselves battling against the elements trying to get the correct priorities instilled into the lesson.
I am not in a position to judge, I have been this person also, unwilling to change, not on purpose but, because I thought I was doing the right thing. I was not understanding that letting go of old misconceptions and habits would open the door to rapid progress. Although I can look back and remember the lessons, I cannot remember why I could not hear the real essence of what was being said and what needed to be done.
I will forever remember Mr. Schumacher teaching me a life changing lesson one freezing morning in Germany. He was leaving early for the airport and I was to fly with my horses back to the States before he returned. I had been there riding with him and with Ellen Bontje for months. But, it had all come down to this last lesson and he did not want me to go home without it. I was so cold, my fingers freezing off, all I wanted to do was trot, and poor Alexis, rein back after rein back after walk pirouette after half pass after halt after.........on and on until could I please ***** get the feeling. His persistence to get me to give up my misconception about what I was feeling and let myself feel something else, something new, and something even better! changed my riding forever. But, why did it take me so long, and why did he have to lock me in the indoor at 6 am on the freezing morning?
We start developing feel from the first time we sit in the saddle. We are told what we are feeling. We are told what is right, what is wrong and this is how right feels. I find in most lessons we are also told it is our fault when a horse makes a mistake. So this concept, in my opinion, causes the riders to get the wrong feeling. How many times from that first ride are you told....don't let him do that? Keep him straight, keep him forward, don' let him put his head up, don't let him slow down..... How do we do this? As a beginner rider we hold on, squeeze more, tighten up, pull his head in and tighten ourselves up, by accident, but really this is what happens. When it looks correct from the side the instructor says that is good and no matter what it feels like that is what you associate good with. That is how we develop feel. This is why I think lunging beginner riders is so very important, this takes the responsibility away from the rider and allows them to concentrate on their seat and develop feel for the horses motion. One can let themselves notice the swing in the steps, the rhythm of the gait, and get the feeling that the horse moves you. From here everything else come, without this everything else is corrupt.
After you learn how to move with the horse then you can learn aids. There is a circle of energy and a circle of aids. Seat, leg, rein. However, when we loose our balance because we do not have an independent seat and an aid becomes a way of holding on then things become confused, horses make mistakes, we are told it is our fault and then we hold on more. Later we start to see the error of our ways, but feel, feel will not let us fix this entirely. Feel is busy telling us that this is right!
So an instructor comes into the arena and watches you ride for 10 minutes, assess the situation and your goals and comes up with priorities and a lesson plan. What can you do as a rider to let this priority in? What can we do as instructors to help you trust yourself to let go of some of those old habits and try something new?
We have heard it all before "she doesn't know how much better we are", "you don't know how far we've come" , "he used to be much worse". This instructor sees one thing above all holding you back. How can he get through the history and help you move forward?
I have had so much fun this winter helping people let loose of their baggage and introducing them to forward progress. However, I think we could all spend less time holding on to old habits and believe in ourselves more.
So I put that question out there. Did you have a special lesson that helped you, a light bulb moment? Something someone said that made you realize that what you are doing really is not getting the success that you want so you let yourself open up to something new? What brought you to that place? And how can we as instructors help you get to that place sooner?
Happy Riding!!
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Kentucky!
When we start in the beginning it was a long road getting to Kentucky, however, it is also just the beginning of many awesome things to come. Glorious my adorable now 7 year old Dutch horse has been sick for a lot of his young life. He catches up in the training because he is such a good boy, but he missed out on a lot of the show experience. I am so grateful to Dr. Brett Gaby, Dr. Belden, Dr. Bill Yerkes and Dr. Belgrave, along with my completely wonderful blacksmith Kevin Strain for putting Glorious back together and he is in the best shape ever. Taking him to Kentucky was fun, and if I had not been "going for the gold" in the extended canter his points would have been much better!! Next time I will remember his experience level and help him out a bit more. It is like I tell the kids "sometimes you ask for more....and you get less" . Yes I could have been more thoughtful in the extended canter! but, still it was so fun to have him there and I know we will be there again next year with more horse showing under our belt.
The weather was pretty cold! A bit early for Kentucky and we were all in a bit of shock. The show management did a great job of keeping everything running smoothly. It was also fun to get saddle pads and hats with the Region 8 logo on them, thanks to Debra Reinhardt, Regina Cristo and everyone else that was involved in getting those organized.
Roxanne has had a bumpy road the last couple of years too, being able to have her qualify for Kentucky was a super achievement. She has some stress in the show atmosphere but through the summer we have really been getting her through this and slowly we are able to show off and not be nervous. Well she passed all of the tests in Kentucky, well almost all of them :) We were able to negotiate our way around the show grounds on foot and in the saddle in the snow and wind, sun and wind and wind and wind. She was so perfect and trying hard to keep her cool even when other horses were loosing it. When we schooled around the arena she was great, other horses so lost and she was with me and focused and I was so happy. Sadly when I took her in the arena for her test the speaker exploded and I lost her. I did not loose her for that long, but long enough to take too much time to enter. We were eliminated :( but, she did come back to me 15 seconds too late and we did go through the whole test, albeit in the schooling area, but not ruffled or upset. I am happy that she was able to have the experience of being scared and then coming back to me, she came back 100% and did not have to be muscled or manipulated into listening. It was just too long from scared to back with me..... We will keep working on the time it takes to come back from noise fear. But I was so proud of her because in another time she would not have come back at all, so we are getting there, practice practice, practice!
I know there are a lot of great riders that have had the wrong thing happen at a very important time. We have all felt so sad to watch top riders in the Olympics and World Championships have these experiences. The emotions that it takes to get to a show like that and then everything going wrong, oh it just makes you so sad for them. But, what is great is that my horses do not know anything about it. I love them, they are so wonderful to put up with all of that travelling and no turn out and washing and braiding and riding. I am old enough finally that even though I had the wind taken out of my sails for a minute the horses came home like champions after an experience of a lifetime and hopefully something that will lay the ground work for a more successful go next year!
One of my favorite things about Kentucky was all the nice people there. It was great to catch up with old friends that I have not seen in a while. It was also amazing to see so many new faces. If you have the chance to go to Kentucky for the US Finals as a competitor, owner or just as a spectator GO, it is so much fun!!
Happy riding :)
Nancy
Thursday, October 23, 2014
on our way to florida
What a whirlwind October has been. Mr. Schumacher was at the Ashby Stock Farm for three days at the begining of the month. The lessons were inspiring as always. This time I had a chance to ride Roxanne and Glorious in the clinic. They were both great! Glorious I had not had a lesson on from anyone in two years :( because of his health. Mr. Schumacher was very pleased with his progress and helped me a lot with a good plan for him. Mr. Schumacher has so many creative exercises that help with suppleness and strength. I loved his work with Glorious and the results are ongoing. With Roxanne we worked on balance and strength building half halts. The work with Roxanne reminded me about my own quietness and really has made a big difference in our everyday. I am super psyched about taking both horses to The Usdf Dressage Finals in November :) I also have to say it is wonderful to see the progress of everyone who joins in our clinics. I learn a lot from watching all of the lessons and appreciate everyones open attitude about learning a super training system.
Last weekend we had a fantastic training with Tristan Tucker. I am so energized after spending the weekend with him working horses. He is an amazing horseman and tireless! So I have a lot to learn about his techniques but PW got a gold star for her improvement since june , we have been calmly practicing and we have lots of new homework. I am so lucky to have met these two extra special trainers and so wonderful that they make time for me so I can continue to learn.
Now we are driving to Florida. My horses are so sweet. Yesterday while we are are packing they all know what's coming. Used to be so anxious, now they are relaxed and happy and practically load themselves. They are tired now it is getting late, so amazing how good they are to put up with all this.
It is also at times like this where you realize what a great team we have. Thank you must be said to my husband Matt for putting his life on hold and driving me to Florida. Also there will undoubtedly be lots to fix and he is amazing how he can fix anything. Darwin and Lic are also fantastic at preparing everything and everyone for the trip. Of course I cannot do any of this without my mom and Dad who continue to support me while I try to figure this all out.
It is also with a bit of sadness that we leave our masachusetts family. My friends and students that stay behind will be missed. That is the bad part about following the sun. Charlie and Jeanne are so generous over the summer. The Ashby stock farm is such a super farm to train out of and we have a growing group of students whose progress is tangible this year :) I hope for everyone a mild winter and good riding.
All the best and ride well
Nancy
Last weekend we had a fantastic training with Tristan Tucker. I am so energized after spending the weekend with him working horses. He is an amazing horseman and tireless! So I have a lot to learn about his techniques but PW got a gold star for her improvement since june , we have been calmly practicing and we have lots of new homework. I am so lucky to have met these two extra special trainers and so wonderful that they make time for me so I can continue to learn.
Now we are driving to Florida. My horses are so sweet. Yesterday while we are are packing they all know what's coming. Used to be so anxious, now they are relaxed and happy and practically load themselves. They are tired now it is getting late, so amazing how good they are to put up with all this.
It is also at times like this where you realize what a great team we have. Thank you must be said to my husband Matt for putting his life on hold and driving me to Florida. Also there will undoubtedly be lots to fix and he is amazing how he can fix anything. Darwin and Lic are also fantastic at preparing everything and everyone for the trip. Of course I cannot do any of this without my mom and Dad who continue to support me while I try to figure this all out.
It is also with a bit of sadness that we leave our masachusetts family. My friends and students that stay behind will be missed. That is the bad part about following the sun. Charlie and Jeanne are so generous over the summer. The Ashby stock farm is such a super farm to train out of and we have a growing group of students whose progress is tangible this year :) I hope for everyone a mild winter and good riding.
All the best and ride well
Nancy
Monday, September 22, 2014
The end of summer...
Today is the autumnal equinox. People told me time would go by too quickly when I got older, but I had no idea!
We got home last night from NEDA. We are not heading to Devon this year. I am looking forward to showing in Florida. It has been a while since I have had a horse ready for the CDI's and I am truly missing that. However I am also very grateful for the wonderful horses I do have and the incredible support.
Glorious was third in the second level championship, he received over 70% from Lilo Fore and a 9 on one of his simple changes. I am proud of my little man that takes everything in stride. He has not been well enough to show a lot this summer. I am so amazed how he goes to the shows with big eyes and just gives me that feeling as if to say "if you think I can do it then okay! I trust you!" how lucky am I. But really, that is what I wanted to create and I am grateful to my trainers and mentors for making me believe it is possible. A horse that can go to a scary place and feel happy and comfortable to perform. So much fun!
So while we are reminiscing about good behavior.. I am also very proud of Roxanne. She was 4 th in the 4 th level championship also receiving over 70% from a top judge. But, you know those tests you come out and you do not care what the judge says? The test that you feel like everything I wanted from her she gave me? She came to the ring thinking "I really need to be nervous now" But when I sat on her and said no you don't she answered with "okay! Let's do this" No drama queen, no taking over, just in front of me awesome Roxanne doing what we all know she can do and that is what it is all about. It was a long road getting her fit again after her accident and surgery and knowing that we are on the way up again is so fun. CDI's here we come! Thank you Scott and Casey and Andrea for giving me this wonderful opportunity. And thank you to Roxanne.
I also have to say I had an awesome time helping some wonderful ladies with their magnificent horses. Tyrelle, Faye and Kerri all rode in the third level championships and I was so proud. The adult amateur class was very competitive and Tyrelle with two blips was 5 th and Faye 9 th and Kerry not far behind. But more importantly all rode beautiful presentations with the fundamentals in place. And when Kerry took a guy that was a bit "taking over" in the extended canter into a beautiful collected transition in the corner and then completely gave the reins on the short side I was ecstatic! That is it! Andrea and Michelle were riding in the Prix St. Georges and although not record breaking tests they both are so determined to do the right thing for the horses and improve on every outing. Rubin is doing an amazing job of coming back into the competitive world after some bad experiences and Andrea so dedicated to making things right for him. Rodney is a superstar and finally Michelle has time for him and is reaping the rewards of his honesty and her hard work. I love my job when it is filled with such determined, hardworking and wonderful people and horses!
It is hard to imagine that I am 50. The masters have said and continue to say the day you stop learning is the day you die, and I truly embrace that. I am so looking forward to our clinics with Mr Schumacher and Tristan in October. One thing I do have to say I noticed at this horse show (maybe now more then ever) is how many horses were really scared. I invite everyone to believe it is not necessary. We are all trying to be better riders and everyone has their own path they need to travel. I respect that! My path has been long and sometimes in the wrong direction. But, knowing that my horses can be comfortable in all situations, knowing that I can prepare them for that is such a great feeling. If you have time please come join us at The Ashby Stock Farm Oct 3-5 for Conrad Schumacher and Oct 17-19 for Tristan Tucker.
Looking forward to seeing you soon! Until then Happy Riding!
We got home last night from NEDA. We are not heading to Devon this year. I am looking forward to showing in Florida. It has been a while since I have had a horse ready for the CDI's and I am truly missing that. However I am also very grateful for the wonderful horses I do have and the incredible support.
Glorious was third in the second level championship, he received over 70% from Lilo Fore and a 9 on one of his simple changes. I am proud of my little man that takes everything in stride. He has not been well enough to show a lot this summer. I am so amazed how he goes to the shows with big eyes and just gives me that feeling as if to say "if you think I can do it then okay! I trust you!" how lucky am I. But really, that is what I wanted to create and I am grateful to my trainers and mentors for making me believe it is possible. A horse that can go to a scary place and feel happy and comfortable to perform. So much fun!
So while we are reminiscing about good behavior.. I am also very proud of Roxanne. She was 4 th in the 4 th level championship also receiving over 70% from a top judge. But, you know those tests you come out and you do not care what the judge says? The test that you feel like everything I wanted from her she gave me? She came to the ring thinking "I really need to be nervous now" But when I sat on her and said no you don't she answered with "okay! Let's do this" No drama queen, no taking over, just in front of me awesome Roxanne doing what we all know she can do and that is what it is all about. It was a long road getting her fit again after her accident and surgery and knowing that we are on the way up again is so fun. CDI's here we come! Thank you Scott and Casey and Andrea for giving me this wonderful opportunity. And thank you to Roxanne.
I also have to say I had an awesome time helping some wonderful ladies with their magnificent horses. Tyrelle, Faye and Kerri all rode in the third level championships and I was so proud. The adult amateur class was very competitive and Tyrelle with two blips was 5 th and Faye 9 th and Kerry not far behind. But more importantly all rode beautiful presentations with the fundamentals in place. And when Kerry took a guy that was a bit "taking over" in the extended canter into a beautiful collected transition in the corner and then completely gave the reins on the short side I was ecstatic! That is it! Andrea and Michelle were riding in the Prix St. Georges and although not record breaking tests they both are so determined to do the right thing for the horses and improve on every outing. Rubin is doing an amazing job of coming back into the competitive world after some bad experiences and Andrea so dedicated to making things right for him. Rodney is a superstar and finally Michelle has time for him and is reaping the rewards of his honesty and her hard work. I love my job when it is filled with such determined, hardworking and wonderful people and horses!
It is hard to imagine that I am 50. The masters have said and continue to say the day you stop learning is the day you die, and I truly embrace that. I am so looking forward to our clinics with Mr Schumacher and Tristan in October. One thing I do have to say I noticed at this horse show (maybe now more then ever) is how many horses were really scared. I invite everyone to believe it is not necessary. We are all trying to be better riders and everyone has their own path they need to travel. I respect that! My path has been long and sometimes in the wrong direction. But, knowing that my horses can be comfortable in all situations, knowing that I can prepare them for that is such a great feeling. If you have time please come join us at The Ashby Stock Farm Oct 3-5 for Conrad Schumacher and Oct 17-19 for Tristan Tucker.
Looking forward to seeing you soon! Until then Happy Riding!
Saturday, September 6, 2014
Labor Day
Once again the Adult Camp held at The Ashby Stock Farm was one of the highlights of my summer. This years theme, Body Language, proved to be an interesting one for everyone that took part.
One of the things I love about having a theme is that no matter the age, level, experience or athletic ability it is always easy to watch the positive aspects of the theme benefit all participants. This year was no different and paying attention to and keeping positive body language transformed these horse and rider combinations.
Friday everyone, yes everyone, (that is a first, usually we have some Saturday arrivals) arrived and settled in on time for our lecture and great dinner made by Gail Price and Kerri Arruda. The lecture gave us a chance to go over our Body Language Work Book. I created the workbook with a place for notes and key points that I feel are important about body language; what to look for in your horse, how to change it and how to come to the lesson prepared for riding. I incorporated some ideas of what body language means to me and how to work on these points, both on and off ones horse.
Saturday morning started early and with a lot of enthusiasm. Our star of the day was Zoe. She has been to camp before, as a matter of fact this was her third camp. Zoe started with us a year ago with her dedicated owner Karen. Zoe had been started badly and really did not want to play. Karen has done an amazing job. She has not only participated in camp, but she came back several times over the summer for reinforcement. Watching Zoe walk , trot and canter around the arena was wonderful. Seeing her happy about participating with Karen is amazing. It was rewarding to see Karen and Zoe communicating so well, I think it was also an inspiration to all of the other campers to see her improvement. The bar was raised high from the first lesson and no one disappointed us. Taking time to talk about the movement of the horse in all of the gaits, the timing and application of the aids and then discussing the horses positive and sometimes not so positive reactions gave the ladies the power to make good decisions in their riding.
At lunch we had a brief talk about goals and I reminded everyone to use their goal workbooks from the April camp. We talked about how easy it is to think we are not improving. Writing things in the goal workbooks helps to keep things in perspective. Sometimes one forgets that only two months ago it was difficult to pick up the left lead and now it flows easily. Take time pat yourselves on the back when goals, big or small, have been accomplished. Let riding be a fun journey about partnership and confidence.
Saturday night we ate together in the lounge, a wonderful homemade dinner made by Linda Powers. Everyone enjoyed the time to talk about their lessons, their horses and our sport. I took a couple of more minutes to answer questions from the day. I love this time because by the evening all of the ladies have had time to reflect on their lessons and start to think about what they want to make better tomorrow. It is great that we have that time to answer the questions while the riding is still fresh in everyone's mind. Also, it is nice having the group together and listening to the compliments and positive admiration spread around the room.
Sunday all of the riders were even more comfortable than Saturday and everyone was on a mission. The horses were happy to be ridden by such riders with good timing and technique, the riders were able to move about the arena with ease. I enjoyed all of the lessons and was especially impressed by the awareness the riders were gaining of their mounts. Everyone went home with homework but also with new skills. In addition I think that every participant in camp gained a new level of understanding about what their horses are doing underneath them. Each time we do a camp I am amazed at the progress everyone makes. It is awesome that everyone watches all of the lessons. This makes a huge difference in the understanding of their own lesson. The lectures also make it easier on the horses so a lot of the goals have already been discussed and the horses do not have to put up with that part. I could also say thank you to this great group of ladies that come to camp, they bring an enthusiasm and desire to learn that makes it so easy to create progress. I am already looking forward to Spring camp and I am going to start working on a new theme and an extra special Work Book for everyone.
One of the things I love about having a theme is that no matter the age, level, experience or athletic ability it is always easy to watch the positive aspects of the theme benefit all participants. This year was no different and paying attention to and keeping positive body language transformed these horse and rider combinations.
Friday everyone, yes everyone, (that is a first, usually we have some Saturday arrivals) arrived and settled in on time for our lecture and great dinner made by Gail Price and Kerri Arruda. The lecture gave us a chance to go over our Body Language Work Book. I created the workbook with a place for notes and key points that I feel are important about body language; what to look for in your horse, how to change it and how to come to the lesson prepared for riding. I incorporated some ideas of what body language means to me and how to work on these points, both on and off ones horse.
Saturday morning started early and with a lot of enthusiasm. Our star of the day was Zoe. She has been to camp before, as a matter of fact this was her third camp. Zoe started with us a year ago with her dedicated owner Karen. Zoe had been started badly and really did not want to play. Karen has done an amazing job. She has not only participated in camp, but she came back several times over the summer for reinforcement. Watching Zoe walk , trot and canter around the arena was wonderful. Seeing her happy about participating with Karen is amazing. It was rewarding to see Karen and Zoe communicating so well, I think it was also an inspiration to all of the other campers to see her improvement. The bar was raised high from the first lesson and no one disappointed us. Taking time to talk about the movement of the horse in all of the gaits, the timing and application of the aids and then discussing the horses positive and sometimes not so positive reactions gave the ladies the power to make good decisions in their riding.
At lunch we had a brief talk about goals and I reminded everyone to use their goal workbooks from the April camp. We talked about how easy it is to think we are not improving. Writing things in the goal workbooks helps to keep things in perspective. Sometimes one forgets that only two months ago it was difficult to pick up the left lead and now it flows easily. Take time pat yourselves on the back when goals, big or small, have been accomplished. Let riding be a fun journey about partnership and confidence.
Saturday night we ate together in the lounge, a wonderful homemade dinner made by Linda Powers. Everyone enjoyed the time to talk about their lessons, their horses and our sport. I took a couple of more minutes to answer questions from the day. I love this time because by the evening all of the ladies have had time to reflect on their lessons and start to think about what they want to make better tomorrow. It is great that we have that time to answer the questions while the riding is still fresh in everyone's mind. Also, it is nice having the group together and listening to the compliments and positive admiration spread around the room.
Sunday all of the riders were even more comfortable than Saturday and everyone was on a mission. The horses were happy to be ridden by such riders with good timing and technique, the riders were able to move about the arena with ease. I enjoyed all of the lessons and was especially impressed by the awareness the riders were gaining of their mounts. Everyone went home with homework but also with new skills. In addition I think that every participant in camp gained a new level of understanding about what their horses are doing underneath them. Each time we do a camp I am amazed at the progress everyone makes. It is awesome that everyone watches all of the lessons. This makes a huge difference in the understanding of their own lesson. The lectures also make it easier on the horses so a lot of the goals have already been discussed and the horses do not have to put up with that part. I could also say thank you to this great group of ladies that come to camp, they bring an enthusiasm and desire to learn that makes it so easy to create progress. I am already looking forward to Spring camp and I am going to start working on a new theme and an extra special Work Book for everyone.
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