Gearing up for Dressage at Devon

For the past few years I have missed Dressage at Devon due to a European oncology conference.  Since I am not attending the conference this year I will be joining the throngs of dressage fans at one of the most popular venues on the east coast.  Wishing that I was riding, I will instead be a spectator, thinking about how I might get to participate a few years from now with Nikki.  For those unfamiliar with the show, there are no lower level classes as they start at 4th level and go through Grand Prix.  There are the FEI 5 and 6 year old tests the USDF 4 year old test and of course the breed show under saddle classes.  Junior and Young Rider classes are included and a dressage equitation class.  So right now there really is not anything for me to compete in for the next few years.  Yes, Nikki is 6, but I did not participate in the classes during the year because she is simply not ready.  That is my own fault with career obligations and Nikki's winter off putting a dent in her training and development.  We have been working steadily since spring and though pleased with Nikki's progress we still have a long way to go.

So this year at Devon I am planning to attend Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday to watch as many classes as possible.  One of my favorite things to do is watch the warm up area to see how people prepare.  The warm up at Devon is difficult because there is not a large area and it can get quite busy.  WiFi is available at Devon but I am not sure how well it works so I may need a hot spot.  With any luck there will be a good signal in the stands from which the current plan is to publish a blog post at the end of each class.  At the end of the day I will add a wrap up post and general impressions.

Sunday September 22, 2013
Arriving at the barn following heavy over night rain I was welcomed by a chorus of nickers when i opened the barn door.  All of the horses were in because of the rain and they were oh so hopeful that I was there to feed them.  Looking to see where the horses were in the field next to the arena (with the hope of avoiding the antics of the day before) I was thrilled to see that they were already closed in their paddock.  In spite of the chilly air and being inside during the night Nikki was in a very workable frame of mind!  There were some puddles in the arena but overall the footing was not bad.  I thought that it felt a little slippery in spots so I did not push with the more forward tempos within each gait.  Pleased with my ride and comfortable with the footing I decided to lunge Suki.  I really didn't push her, but just let her use herself the way she wanted to.  There was stiffness at the start again but having been in her stall overnight and somewhat stocked up behind I expected that.  Suki worked out of the stiffness and her hind legs returned to normal.

Tuesday, September 24, 2013
A beautiful chilly morning but Nikki decided to remove her sheet sometime during the night.  Yes, the new sheet.  Legstraps and surcingles were intact but she broke the front clip to get out of it, and apparently threw it in the mud as well!

Today was the start of the breed show at DAD and for once it was not a rainy day, and did not rain yesterday.  Often the breed show seems to be plagued by either rain during the competition or torrential rain the day before causing sloppy footing.  The temperatures were also warm but not hot and the evenings promise to be cool.
Here are the day sheets for the performance division:
http://dressageatdevon.org/cms2/2013pdf/schedules/PerformanceDivisionDaySheet.pdf

And the breed show:
http://dressageatdevon.org/cms2/2013pdf/schedules/BreedDivisionDaySheet.pdf

Stay tuned for impressions, results and test observations beginning Thursday!

Beautiful riding days!

 Sunday, September 15, 2013
Another beautiful morning to ride!  This is my favorite time of year.  Suki decided to stop halfway down the field but moved forward again with minimal urging.  I did a few exercises with her on the way to the gate to make her more responsive.  She likes the leading exercises and her reactions are sharp.  Of course she then nudged me for a sugar cube at the gate!  Nikki followed and stepped back while I took Suki so I felt like we were all on track for a good day!

My original plan was to just lunge Nikki because I had a bit of a time constraint.  Instead I decided to lunge briefly to warm her up and ride for 30 minutes.  In spite of the chilly air Nikki was wonderful.  I kept things simple, choosing to focus on transitions and large figures.

Suki enjoyed her spa treatment and I have now added Olay for sensitive skin to her facial routine.  It has sunscreen in it as well as moisturizing so I think it is a good choice.  The petroleum jelly based moisturizer tht I used on the covered parts of Suki body is not good for her face when the sun is out.  But I am finding that the sunscreen is not keeping her face well moisturized.  The Olay seems to be working well so far.  Is Suki the new "Olay woman"?  : )
I am also worried that my favorite exfoliation mitt is not going to be available much longer.  It s very difficult to find...this particular one is a soft, Rite-Aid brand model and I love it!  But lately it seems that they are in short supply.  For my use they last 5-6 months.

On the way home from the barn (and on a mission to return my mom home to the Poconos) I got a flat tire.  I thought I could limp home (it is only a 5 minute drive after all) but I had to pull over and into The Stonersville Inn parking lot (it is closed Sun-Wed).  Now, I consider myself an independent woman.  And my father (rest his soul) taught me how to change a tire, etc. But ya know, I just really don't remember the jack part (yes, I am horribly embarrassed!).  The husband was away with the child for the weekend, so I called J, the owner of the barn where I board, and whom I had just seen.  No answer.  Called the husband at the beach to have him contact our neighbor.  He said to try J again, who I finally reached.  He and R came to my rescue.  Universal spare donut did not fit (I guess it is universal for AMERICAN cars, not Swedish : (  ) . Had to wait for the husband to return with his Volvo spare tire.  Buying J and R case of beer this weekend, though I am sure I will never live it down!

Monday, September 16, 2013
40 degrees F and breezy at 7:45 AM.  Like those horse show days that start off quite chilly but warm up nicely.  The crispness felt wonderful, but again I wondered about the silliness of the girls in the cold morning air!  Fortunately they came in willingly.  Once again the temperatures hovered near 40 (F) and the stiff breeze made it feel even cooler.  But there is something about the cool air that feels healthy, for some reason.  My breath formed puffs of steam in the air, as did Nikki's but we set to work warming muscles.  In spite of the rustling leaves which are now beginning to change color, ever so slightly Nikki worked well and focused.  I have always loved the sound that some horses make through their noses as they canter along.  Nikki was doing that this morning making it easy to maintain the rhythm of the canter.  A number of years ago I had a little thoroughbred gelding who enjoyed working in the orchard behind the arena at the barn where I was boarding. One snowy morning (he was wearing snow pads on his shoes) I rode him through the orchards.  The muffled footfall and the sound of his breath were all that could be heard.  It was so peaceful.  I remember breathing in the cold air, and the feeling of it being just me and my horse, cantering through the snow at dawn.

Suki worked well on the lunge, again focusing on the sharpness of transitions, her Teddy Bear ears twitching as she listened for her next command.  I thought she seemed slightly stiff at the start but  after a bit of forward canter that seemed to resolve.  I forget sometimes that Suki is 13 and stiffness is a part of life.  It's good that she gets out a lot to move around.  It's possible that I may have to add Adequan injections if she shows any signs of discomfort as we start using side reins and add collection.

The chilly air has prompted other changes as well.  I noticed that the grapes on the rolling hills of a local winery were shrouded in protection from the low temperatures, dew on the clinging fabric shimmering in the morning sunlight.

Temperatures are expected to climb again later in the week, likely summer's last hurrah.  We typically see a brief Indian summer in October but the chill of autumn returns each night.

Friday, September 20, 2013
After a slight midweek warm up it was chilly once again.  Fog covered the Oley Valley and I was met with an interesting surprise when I drove down the driveway to the barn.  Intricate spider webs EVERYWHERE!  It was so amazing!

Suki and Nikki grazed peacefully in the early morning light.

Suki trotted eagerly to the gate, and by the time I had her in her stall Nikki had arrived there as well!
I only worked Nikki because Isaiah had early dismissal and I had a million things to do before he came home.  But Isaiah was very excited because his teacher had seen the article in the Reading Eagle and had posted it on the board in the classroom.
http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=513213


Saturday, September 21, 2013
Beautiful morning to ride!  I had to walk out into the field to retrieve Suki, but Nikki was once again at the gate by the time I had put Suki in her stall.  While walking the girls into the barn, I thought about the sounds of their footfall. As horseman we deveop an ear for certain sounds.  Uneven footfall indicates a possible lameness.  The clinking of a shoe on the paved aisle usually  means a loose shoe.  Thank you again, Rema, my first instructor, for teaching me to run my hands over my horse's legs every day to recognize changes!
Nikki was a bit on edge in the arena because the two horses in the field that parallels the arena were running back and forth.  Their regular field is being rested.  The running is clearly a game for them, as they stop as soon as you go back to the barn!  It took Nikki awhile to relax, but eventually it was fine.  Tomorrow morning I will lock them in their paddock!

From hot to cool to hot to cool! (I will not go in the barn, round 2)

September 2, 2013
Now that the hot, humid weather has turned to cool breezes I am sitting outside writing instead of in front of the window facing the bird feeder.  I can still watch the birds come and go, with doves roosting in the grass.  The first leaves are beginning to descend from the trees, and I am beginning to feel a chill in the air that has been absent in recent days.  Every so often I pause and lift my face into the breeze, savoring the peacefulness.  I'm sure that we still have warm days ahead before autumn settles in, but for now I am going to enjoy the break.

September 2, 2013
US Labor Day, means a holiday.  I take advantage of this by riding early for the third day in a row! In spite of the overcast skies and moderate temperatures the bugs were bad already!  Suki and Nikki were anxious to come in.  Morning is my favorite time of day, and fortunately most of the boarders are turned off by the early hour, so the farm is quite peaceful.  My friend Amanda sometimes rides in the morning as well, and I welcome her company.  It is good for Nikki to share the arena and I enjoy riding with Amanda.
I decided to do a bit of lateral work again by performing a variety of figures in the arena then throwing in a leg yield or shoulder in from time to time.  For my leg yield off my right leg I focused on relaxing and not trying too hard.  My right leg is weaker so sometimes I tend to over ride movements off that leg to compensate.  As a result of doing less, the leg yields were much more correct.  Yay!  I was less successful on the right shoulder in....baby steps!  Nikki was a willing partner and i finished with something I rarely do,but should probably do more frequently; I got up in a slight two-point (not easy in a dressage saddle!) and did a nice forward canter around the arena.  We both needed that!

Suki called to us while Nikki and I were on our way back to the barn.  I aways announce our arrival into the barn with "We're back Mama...told you we wouldn't be too long!" Suki settled back into her hay and waited for her turn.  I decided to just let Suki move forward on the lunge at the trot and canter with some transitions.  It just seemed like that forward kind of day! I finished with a small amount of in hand work and some leading exercises back to the barn.  Unfortunately the new lunging surcingle that I ordered was not to my liking, so back it goes.

Sunday, September 8, 2013
Well the heat and the bugs are back!  I arrived at the barn early and Nikki was grazing near the fence by the driveway.  I put down the window and called to her.  She is so funny!  Nikki looked up strolled closer to the fence and looked in the car at me.  I believe if there was not electric across the top rail she would have stuck her head in the window!
I had asked Jenn to help me with Suki while I pulled her mane today.  Suki is notoriously bad about this, and always has been.  Lately I have been razoring her mane, but I really don't like the way that looks and Suki's mane is really too thick to do that successfully.  So with assistance hopefully Suki will keep the body slamming to a minimum.  She is not shy about expressing her opinions, that's for sure.

Since Jenn has not been able to ride for awhile due to some health issues, I suggested that she come to the barn early and walk around on Nikki.  Riding always helps the soul, doesn't it?
Nikki walked happily out to the arena happily seemingly looking forward to our work.  Since she had Saturday off I lunged for a slightly longer period focusing on transitions.  With good energy we moved through the gaits and finished with a big pat and a sugar cube.  Standing quietly for me to mount, I moved Nikki off on a long rein for our first lap around the arena.  Picking up the reins to a working contact we set to work.  Nikki was nicely forward and attentive so did a bit of transitions within the gaits on the serpentine.  Louise has been doing some counter canter so I worked a bit on that as well.  She only through in one flying change on me which was likely my fault as I shifted my weight.  Just as I began my finishing work Jenn came down the driveway.  She took a few pictures of us, then it was her turn.  Because Nikki worked quietly and well, I knew that she would be fine for Jenn.

Jenn and Nikki

Nikki was a star and Jenn enjoyed being on a horse again!

Me and Nikki

Obviously Jenn is quite a bit taller than me!  Nikki is 17.2 (Louise says 17.3)

Then we set to the task at hand....Suki's mane.  Chain over nose I went to lead Suki out of her stall.  She stuck out her head first as if she was looking for a trailer, which would have made her back up and refuse to come out!  All clear, so out she walked.  Jenn held the lead rope and kept Suki occupied as I started my work.  Taking very small sections at a time I made my way up her neck.  Suki would lip Jenn occasionally, but overall was amazingly well behaved!  We rewarded her with sugar cubes every now and again.  SUCCESS!

Full week ahead at the barn.  Vet on Tuesday for fall shots, farrier on Thursday with some riding in between.

Saturday, September 14, 2013
Perfect morning to ride!  Temperatures in the upper 40's with a slight breeze. Nikki probably could have used a light sheet over night, but it did not get that cool until much later in the evening.  I walked out to get Suki and she willingly walked to the gate.  Nikki remained where she was and continued to graze.  All seemed to be going fine until I tried to bring Suki into the barn.  She planted her feet and refused to enter.  Last time this happened it took awhile for me to get her inside.  Whacking her with the lead behind me the stubborn girl would not walk in the barn.  A carrot bribery finally worked and into the barn we went.  Suki's stall is the first one at that entrance and she planted her feet again!  We walked down to another stall and she went right in.  So I brought her out and down to her stall again.  Nope!  She was not going in.  So I put her in the other stall and went out to get Nikki.

We had a lovely ride.  Low key and easy as I offered a few pointers and suggestions to Amanda.  It was good for Nikki to be in the arena with another horse and even with the crisp autumn air and cool breeze she was quiet and relaxed.  When I finished with Nikki I brought out Suki to be groomed and she willingly walked into her own stall.  Maybe she just wanted a better view of the arena! I had lunged her on Friday so decided to skip today.  Friday, too, was breezy which can often make Suki behave a bit silly when out n the arena.  She was relaxed and nicely forward....a happy girl!  It brought a smile to my face to see her so full of life.  The courage that Suki has demonstrated over the past several years still amazes me.  All too often we take the everyday joys and privileges for granted until we almost lose them?  While I am not always successful, I do try to appreciate life's gifts.

This morning I looked in my garage and saw what a disaster my horse supplies section was.  Walking past it everyday on my way into the house I must have just blocked it!  In the spring I had all of the heavy horse blankets cleaned, but never had the sheets done because they were still in use.  The pile of sheets became covered by the ever rotating pile of saddle pads, wraps and animal towels.  So this afternoon I folded the sheets and put them in a pile, followed by an email to my fabulous blanket lady, Donna.  Next I made a pile of dirty saddle pads to be vacuumed before getting washed.  Six sets of dirty polos into the laundry crate.  Ready for action!!

Dancing with my girls

August 31, 2013
Hot and humid.  Thankfully, Suki and Nikki were at the gate when I arrived at the barn and came in willingly.  The bugs were already annoying and it was only 7:15 in the morning!  Uggh.  I know.  It's summer, shouldn't I expect it to be hot?  Actually, during the month of August the temperature has not been higher than 87, but we have had a few days of ridiculously high humidity.  Today was one of them.  Of course at the moment I am sitting at Isaiah's table in the air conditioned house so it is not quite as unpleasant as it was a few hours ago!  And there is our red-tailed squirrel in the feeder.  We primarily see gray squirrels, but there is one red-tailed little guy/girl who takes meals in our yard.

In spite of already being a little sweaty by the time I finished getting Nikki ready for work, and I was looking forward to my ride.  As we exited the barn Nikki did an arabesque stretch on both hind legs.  Ears forward off we went!  Nikki had good energy, which I took advantage of by asking for medium gaits.  Pleased with my results I did a little shoulder in, channeling my inner Andreas.....it felt like I was getting a good angling and step, and not just doing a "head or neck in".  By doing 10 meter circle-6 steps shoulder in-10 meter circle.....it worked nicely.  Left better than right, but that's more me than Nikki.   For canter I did the spiraling in exercise to try to overcome the tendency for Nikki to hang on the hand to the right.  I felt a bit of lift in the shoulder, so the exercise was quite successful.  During the finishing trot work Nikki was a bit heavy but I think she was getting a little tired.  I know that I was!  All in all a lovely ride.

Due to Isaiah's lesson, Suki simply received a thorough grooming and some stretching exercises.  She too, did arabesque stretches coming out of her stall!
Riding Rusty for the second time Louise took them up to the dressage arena after spending some time in the round pen.  Isaiah seemed pleased with his lesson.  I did not watch this week.  He is typically more focused when I don't watch so I only watch occasionally.  Isaiah seemed pleased with his ride and after he and Louise went to check out a praying mantis in the garden.
Next stop, Oley Valley Feed.  Louise's parents are visiting from the UK and had left to capture some photographs of the two covered bridges in Oley.  Isaiah and I drive through one all of the time, but I had not yet seen the second one.  So leaving Oley Valley Feed we made a slight detour to the other covered bridge.  Just before we reached it Isaiah shouted "Blue Heron!" and there it was standing the field while the dairy cows stood near the barn waiting for their milking date.  I only had my phone so was unable to get a good photo.  There is one at my barn as well, and I see it sometimes when I ride.  I hate when it takes flight while I am riding because...well let's just say it is not quiet!  Not as bad as the turkey that Jenny and I encountered on a hack when I lived in Norwich, NY, but startling for sure!
And then we happened upon the bridge.  I love the hex sign at the top. Obviously I need a better picture to see which one it is!

Sunday, September 1, 2013
Muggy, buggy, yucky!  Another humid morning. Once again I could see that the girls were at the gate when I came down the driveway, a good indication that they were ready to come in.  I parked and walked through the barn to access the gate to Suki and Nikki's pasture.  But they were not there!  No, instead Suki was herding Nikki up to the far fence line.  I could tell that Nikki wanted to come in, but Suki wouldn't allow her to pass to get to the gate.  So out to the field I went.  Suki came right to me so I led her while Nikki trotted behind.  Miss Suki, of course, decided to grow to 18+ hands (okay, when you are already 17.3, that is not too far!) and passage next to me.  Nikki stayed to the rear and began to passage as well. WHY DID I NOT HAVE MY CAMERA! And although I know it is a bit of a disobedience, I find it hard to squash it when it is offered naturally and at liberty. I joined in the passage and the three of us continued to the gate dancing together.  I don't know about Suki and Nikki, but I was sure smiling!  Not even humidity (97%!) and bugs were going to contain that!  Suki was very restless in her stall while I got Nikki ready, not wanting to settle and eat hay.  Eventually she did relax, but not as much as I would have liked.   Prince was in the barn to keep her company so I continued to tack up Nikki.  As I put on Nikki's bridle I thought back to my early riding lessons.  My very first instructor, Rema, demonstrated bridling and saddling a horse during my first riding lesson.  During my second lesson she assisted me in tacking up Louis.  At my third lesson she said: "I'll meet you in the arena".   Aaaah... life's lessons!
In spite of the weather conditions, Nikki was a willing participant.  Once again I could see the lift while on the lunge.  I kept that part brief, and as I prepared to mount Nikki tapped my pocket with her nose expecting a sugar cube.  Staring into those soulful eyes and furrowed brow, I acquiesced.  It is no wonder that my girls are such divas.  Then, just as I swung my leg over the saddle a gnat flew into my eye.  Direct hit!  Nikki stood still while I fished the little bugger out and my vision returned! I kept the work light, with transitions and lateral work. Finishing with big stretchy figure eights, I was pleased with my ride.
Suki still seemed a bit unsettled when we got back in the barn, and when I checked her she was sweaty.    I hosed off Nikki and brought Suki out of her stall.  She seemed to relax while I had her on crossties so I decided to lunge her lightly.  My thought was that it could go either way.  Suki would come completely undone away from the barn or relax and worked.  Of course I hoped for the latter!  To keep her focused we worked in leading exercises between the barn and the arena.  She stood quietly while I closed the gate but had a fixed gaze on the barn.  Once on the lunge she was somewhat anxious at the walk so I moved her into the trot to give her more to think about.  With that, Suki dropped her head, blew out a snort and relaxed into work.  I kept the session short and simple due to the heat, but was really quite pleased with what we had accomplished. Breakfast for both girls was going to have to wait.  I took that opportunity to clean my tack, organize my boxes and relax. Eventually they were ready for breakfast and I headed off to Frecon Farm in Boyertown to buy fresh, local produce to try some kickin' recipes.
On my way over to the farm stand I noticed another sign of summer's end.  The older corn fields had been cut back, no doubt on their way to be sold as decorative accessories around the area (I too use them to decorate my porch in autumn).  One season's end marks another's beginning.
And so, Suki and I prepare for the next phase of work....adding the surcingle.  Stay tuned.

I am NOT going into the barn!

Friday, August 23, 2013

I can feel that summer is nearing its end (although officially there is still a month left before the autumn solstice) as I ride in the late afternoon I notice the shadows changing on the arena.  The warm days are followed by chilly evenings and lovely mornings.  Summer has been interesting this year.  We have had our share of heat, but only 2 really bad heat waves.  Regular rain has kept the pastures green and growing.  Typically by August the grass starts to turn a little brownish.  It seems that overall temperatures have been below normal and that is fine with me!
The girls were still in when I arrived at the barn this afternoon, anxiously awaiting turnout.  But we had work to do so turnout was going to have to wait!  Michael and Isaiah were at baseball practice and wouldn't be home until 8:00 so I had 3 glorious hours to spend with the girls!

Nikki was up first, and although the afternoon was warm, humidity was low and the bugs were not too bad. I have been lunging in side reins prior to each ride, which seems to be helping her become more engaged, and loose in the back when I get on.  My goal was to keep the ride simple focusing primarily on transitions within and between the gaits.  After a crazy week at work I felt completely relaxed as I settled into the saddle.  Nikki had good energy and I worked her through serpentines switching between medium and working trot, sometimes adding a walk transition as we crossed the center line.  I added a little collected trot and Nikki responded beautifully.  For canter work I focused on the working gait but shortened and lengthened stride on a 20 meter circle and down the long side of the arena.  I finished with a walk on a long rein, which was peaceful and relaxing in the late afternoon.

I brought Suki out into the arena for a lunge session in a bridle next.  The arena was fully shaded by that time.  Suki worked well too, offering nice, sharp transitions.  She had a minor transgression when the horses in an adjacent field started to run, but I was impressed by how quickly she became re-focused.  Suki always seems quite pleased with herself after she works.  Our walk back to the barn she strides proudly next to me.....

Saturday, August 24, 2013
It was a lovely cool morning for a ride and thankfully the girls came right down to the gate.  Morning is my favorite time of day.  The entire day lies ahead ready for anything.  I stood at the gate smiling as the princesses trotted up to me.  Suki of course turned around to look at Nikki as they approached the gate reminding her with "snake face" to step back and wait her turn.  Aaah the life of an alpha mare!  I am always a bit more in a hurry on Saturdays if Isaiah has a riding lesson because I have to be home by 9:30 the latest.  That gives Isaiah time to put on his paddock boots and hop in the car.  It's a good thing that his helmet and gloves live in my car!
I tacked up Nikki and headed out to the arena with Suki calling after us.  Nikki doesn't always answer, but today she called back.  It was not a panicked voice, but more a low response.
Nikki's canter has been a bit stiff, but I can see it improving on the lunge while she is wearing side reins.  The hind end is becoming more engaged, and while it is not as good when I am in the saddle, it is improving there as well.  Louise is working on it with her so it is nice to have a knowledgeable and capable rider helping me.  Yesterday was transitions, today was lateral work.  I started off on a bit of a loose rein leg yielding back and forth at the trot to keep her loose and responsive.  Pleased with the response I picked her up a bit and moved into sitting trot, again leg yielding back and forth.  Feeling nice engagement behind made me smile.  I brought Nikki down to a walk and wrapped my arms around her neck.  Life is good!
Suki nickered at us when we walked back into the barn, taking her voice up a notch when I spoke to her.  That too, makes me smile.  I finished Nikki's post work care and put her back in a stall and she settled happily into eating her pile of hay.  Suki practically shoved herself out of the stall so we had a discussion about manners.  I think that she just forgets sometimes, in her haste to come out by me.  When I work with her first she is less pushy.  Due to time constraints Suki was just going to have a spa treatment with lunge work held off until Sunday.  There are a couple of areas of skin that are dry and they are interspersed within her hair on her hind end.  The skin across her back that has no hair stays more smooth so I suspect that I am not using enough moisturizer on those spots.  I think that it is because I am trying to not get her hair too oily.

Just as I was finishing a trailer pulled in to deliver a pony belonging to an existing boarder.  It was one that she rode as a child and decided to get him back to live out his retirement in comfort.  Sammy is an adorable little paint and walked into the barn like the old pro that he is.  Suki stretched to the end of the cross ties to see him, ears pricked.  She let out a very soft nicker....so soft it was almost undetectable except for her nostrils moving.  It's so funny how horses sometimes react to ponies!

Isaiah had a lesson on Louise's new pony Rusty.  He is very cute and seems like a wonderful addition to Corner House Farm.  I finally was able to watch a lesson (Isaiah pays more attention when I don't watch) and he was SO focused during this lesson!  It was great to see.

Sunday, August 25, 2013
I awoke to another beautiful morning, looking forward to my ride.  I love to see tSuki and Nikki in their pasture as I drive down the driveway.  All of the horses look so peaceful....Turning into the driveway I couldn't see the girls right away.  Then I realized that they were not in their pasture!!  Panicked I parked and ran through the barn.  Their lead ropes were hanging on the fence, but I did not see them!  Looking into the pasture next to their usual one I saw them all the way at the top.....John had decided to rest their field.  : )  On the other side of the fence were two ponies, with whom, apparently both Nikki and Suki were enamored with.  Oh yes.... did I mention that they were both in heat?  Squatting up there by the fence?  Needless to say my calls to them went unanswered, so across the field I marched.  Thick with dew I could feel the wetness seeping into my paddock boots.  Delightful!  Suki let me catch her so off we went back to the barn.  Nikki didn't follow immediately, but that is not unusual.  Sometimes she waits until Suki is in, or comes when I call her again.  As we made our way across the field toward the gate, Suki stopped once but moved forward again.  We walked through the gate and I closed it (Nikki had not moved from her post near the ponies).  Into the barn we went...or so I thought!  Suki planted her feet and would NOT go into the barn!  I turned her around and tried again. and again, and again.  I smacked her with the lead rope. Bribed her with carrots.  I kept telling her how ridiculous she was being!  At that early hour No one else was around and my phone was in the car.  I tried to remain patient, but the stubborn red head appeared to be firm in her decision! I stopped and looked Suki in the eye.  And there it was.  The determination.  The stubbornness.  As angry as I was that she would not listen I realized something...THAT stubbornness and determination was the reason Suki survived and recovered from the fire.  At that moment I wanted to laugh and praise her for her chutzpah.  But we we had a task at hand.  After what seemed like hours (but was probably more like 5 minutes) the big girl decided to go into the barn and then her stall. I wrapped my arms around her neck and she hugged me back.  Once in her stall Suki paced and called, presumably to Nikki.  Bucket with some grain in hand, back out to the field I went.  My feet were soaked by this point, but aside from a brief moment of ear pinning (!) Nikki walked with me across the field.  My first thought was "oh yeah, I have a great ride ahead!"
The entire time I groomed and tacked up Nikki, Suki paced.  I guess she had boys on her mind!  Finally she settled and I took Nikki out to the arena.  We had a fabulous session!  In spite of the drama, Nikki was focused o the task at hand.  I kept the ride short because we achieved everything in my plan quickly.  In spite of the morning drama I had time to lunge Suki.  Again I worked on transitions within the gaits and between.  The big girl halted on a dime, and listened well.  Running about 10 minutes behind for my breakfast with Bobbi, I dashed out of the barn.
My very good friend Bobbi and I have been trying to connect for months.  Her horse Whisby was with Suki the night of the fire.  Suki, whose eyes were burned and swollen shut followed the sound of her friend Whisby as they fled the farm.  Bobbi and her husband drove Suki to New Bolton in the middle of the night because I couldn't leave my 3 year old son.  I think that sometimes "thank you" is completely inadequate in expressing just how much you appreciate someone's actions.....

That afternoon I went to Louise's farm to attend a saddle fitting lecture by Karen Porter from Northstar Sporthorse.  She brought the vertebrae of a horse, whose spine had fused to drive home the importance of proper saddle fit.  If we as riders, do not have the right tools how can we expect our horses to do their best?  I would not run a 10k in my Marc Jacobs MaryJanes with the 4 inch heels, right? Each of us brought dessert so we had a "social" and discussion following the talk.  Husband and child were golfing...we all had a good weekend!

Summer days

Often when I write on the weekend I sit at my son's craft table in the family room.  It faces a large window which looks out to the bird feeders and bird bath.  Early mornings I get to see quite a bit of wildlife pass through so it is peaceful and relaxing.  Michael and Isaiah are usually still sleeping and Ripley goes back upstairs.  The cats like to lounge near me after they have breakfast, adding to the mood.  If I am writing in the evening I sit in the same place, or outside on the deck adding a glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc to the scene.  Still peaceful, but the potential to be interrupted increases.

As I have said on many occasions, the Oley Valley is a beautiful place to live.  We are surrounded by beautiful mountains and although my home is in a small subdivision, less than a minute from my house I am surrounded by dairy farms, corn fields and horses.  While sometimes I mutter under my breath when I find myself stuck behind slow moving farm equipment on a narrow country road, I secretly smile, happy that I live somewhere that such an event is a possibility!  My favorite part is the covered bridge on my way to Oley Valley Feed, where I am a frequent patron.  In fact, after the fire the feed store took a collection for Pink Star Equestrian (and its owner), but the owner decided to give it to me to help with Suki's medical bills instead.  MUCH APPRECIATED!!!

The Oley Bridge

Isaiah always asks me to put the top down on my car so that we can look up at the rafters when we go over it!  I must admit, it does look cool!

I think it was a new blog reader from Egypt who made me think again about my surroundings.  When L rides out she passes pyramids and desert.  So different from what I see.  But I started to think about all of my readers/friends all over the world.  We ride.  Our horses are different, our disciplines may be different and our surroundings.  Yet we share this common bond....horses!  Yes we are different, but are we really??  I love to hear about other people's horses, and what they do with them.  We love our horses regardless of their breed or training, because they are ours.  They are a part of who we are. One of the barns I boarded Suki at was a multi -discipline barn.  There were a few of other dressage riders.  I was riding one day with a woman on an adorable paint horse.  She told me that she was so jealous because Suki was so beautiful and all she had was this little paint horse.  I remember telling her how cute he was, and that breeding doesn't matter as long as you love your horse!  She liked to trail ride.  I think that a 17+ hand Oldenburg would be quite inappropriate for that!  We, as horseman can disagree on training methods, best breeds, best discipline, etc.  But the one thing we CAN agree on is that we love our horses.

August 17, 2013
Early morning ride.  Probably not one of the best rides that I have had on Nikki but we did have some highlights.  She seemed a bit unfocused so I did a lot of in and out bend on 20 meter circles, then 15m. There were some improvements, so after a few serpentines I called it a day.  I had promised to take my mom out to Lancaster County to her favorite shops and the Amish grocery store in Honeybrook, so it worked out well.  For Suki that meant some in hand exercises and a spa treatment. My goal with some of the in hand exercises is simply to sharpen her responses.  Attending the Andreas Hausberger clinic made me aware of how sometimes I allowed little misdemeanors for response.

August 18, 2013
Much better ride on Nikki.  She seemed a bit more relaxed so I did a bit more canter work spiraling in and out.  I am not heavy handed anyway, but I did feel like I had a bit more softening.  What would AH think of my riding??
Suki's skin seemed a bit drier today, so I brought out a new exfoliation mitt.  Rite Aid doesn't always have them and it is their own brand!  Suki seemed a bit tired after our lunging session and let me hold her head in my arms.  Nikki always lets me do this, and in fact, expects it, but Suki can be somewhat tentative, so it was a nice moment.

One year without a bandage! Is riding in our future?

Friday, August 9, 2013
I have been wanting to pull Nikki's mane for quite awhile, but something has always derailed any opportunity.  As a result, her mane was an absolute disgrace.  Tonight I arrived at the barn and as the result of a recent onslaught of new boarders someone was already there tacking up.  Not that I mind riding with others.  But I decided to take care of Suki first so that by the time I got on Nikki the other person would be close to finishing.  Suki's face was very itchy tonight so I just held the exfoliation mitt up to her face and she moved her head up and down, turning it from side to side to hit all of the itchiest places.  The area of Suki's neck that is under her mane typically becomes dry pretty quickly also.  I slathered an extra layer of moisturizer on (getting low, I need to buy another jar!), applied it to her back and added sunscreen to her face.  I think that Suki should be the new face for Banana Boat sunscreen for babies!  A few more treats and back into the stall.

Nikki snuggled up to me as soon as I opened her door!  She quietly stood on cross ties to be groomed, when suddenly a large SUV flew into the parking area.  Parking at an odd angle (and blocking my car) an unfamiliar woman and young girl got out.  They did not come into the barn.  Shortly after that another new boarder and her daughter arrived.  Amidst a lot of chatter they came into the barn armed with books and folders and spread out across the aisle.  The horse was then brought in and they went through a variety of lists for 4H testing.  Another boarder arrived, then the veterinarian.  I decided to pull Nikki's mane instead of dealing with the chaos outside!


Starting at the withers end Nikki was a bit fussy but then relaxed.  She drops her head so low that I am actually able to stand on the ground to do this in spite of her height (17.2)! Every time I told her what a good girl she was Nikki nosed my front pocket to remind me that a sugar cube was to follow.  Because of the length and thickness I was forced to do two passes, and she was cooperative and relaxed the entire time...unlike you-know-who.....
Of course I would rather have ridden, but Nikki had worked all of the other days so it wasn't a big deal.  And the mane pulling is finally finished!!

Saturday, August 10, 2013
An early start was in order as per my usual routine.  Suki followed my car to the gate and was happy to come in.  She was a bit disappointed that breakfast had not yet arrived but started to move her hay pile over to the water buckets for dunking convenience.  Just as I was closing Suki's door I heard Nikki's thundering hooves coming toward the gate.  Suki doesn't really settle into her hay until Nikki is in the barn so she watched as I led Nikki in, and nickered softly to her as we passed.  The day was warm but not bad for an August morning!
Nikki was in one of her cuddly moods, leaning down to nuzzle me as I brushed her legs.  She also likes to grab the brush sometimes....maybe she wants to brush her own legs?
The mounting issue seems to have gone away for now.  She will try the game again in a few weeks as she always does!  I loved that Nikki was filled with good energy and very willing to work.  I worked on serpentines at the trot, trying to maintain a nice steady tempo with good push from behind.  My focus again on not too much driving, I was able to maintain the pace with few adjustments.  Adding walk transitions each time I crossed the centerline added some sharpness to Nikki's focus.  Content with that work we moved on to exercises changing within gaits.  I am starting to feel a nice balance and distinct change as I ask Nikki for collected, working an medium trot.  The canter still needs more work, but she is moving along nicely.....I am glad that I have L riding her a couple of times a week.  That consistency and L's excellent work are definitely paying off (my work too!!)!

For Suki I just did a brief lunge to let her stretch out then worked on leading exercises.  She moved nicely forward so I did not ask for a lot of transitions.  My goal was to simply let her move out. The sun came out a little brighter again, but at least the bugs remained at bay!  That coppery coat shines in the sunshine!  I also tried some in hand turn on the forehand.  Suki did well with it, but I feel as though I was not always in the correct position.  Something to work on.

Sunday, August 11, 2013
Another nice morning to ride.  I left the house just before 7 AM, and with windows down I felt the cool morning air on my face and smiled, looking forward to my ride.  An interesting scenario awaited when I arrived at the barn.  Nikki was lying down and Suki was standing over her.  My initial reaction (of course) was one of concern.  Nikki often lies down in the field, but it was the way Suki was standing over her....On the other side of the fence Dylan was lying down the same way!  Nikki was fine, but the cool morning air meant that neither she nor Suki were overly anxious to be brought in!  I wished that I had brought my phone into the field with me because a photo of that scene would have been priceless!

I worked Nikki more than usual on the lunge prior to my ride.  I had shortened the side reins slightly and wanted her to lift more in her transitions.  The results were as I had hoped and I had an attentive horse under saddle with sharp transitions and nice lift in her back.  Having to get home to take Isaiah to his riding lesson I didn't work Suki, but gave her a spa treatment.  I don't like to work her several days in a row.  My caution is probably unnecessary as I do tend to baby her about over doing anything.  Although that is how I am anyway, even with Nikki, since Suki's meltdown early in her career.

The skin graft area looks great, and we are close to one year without a bandage....sitting on her again seems more and more like a possibility.

I don't think that the light pink area will ever darken in pigment the way the rest of the graft area did, but it seems to be strong skin.  Even after Suki escaped from her clothing and very obviously had a good roll, the skin did not tear.  My original plan was to start Suki with the lunging surcingle in late spring, but I guess I have been a bit nervous about that.  I think we are ready though!  Today I threw the saddle pad from Success Equestrian onto Suki's back and could see the questioning look in her eye as she turned to meet my gaze.  "You look stunning", I told her.  "Ready to take on the world".  Her lips nibbled on my arm, and I kissed her nose.

Late Sunday afternoon I went back to the barn to get the girls ready for turnout.  Miss Suki, impatient as always stomped around her stall anxious to be out.  I sprayed Nikki with fly spray first and put her in the pasture.  She patiently stood while I unclipped the lead rope and gave her a carrot, then snuffled my hair. Nikki is such a snuggler!  She of course then looked to my pocket for a sugar cube! (I didn't give her one that time).  Nikki moved to the water tub while I brought out Suki dressed in a not-so-clean fly sheet (I am constantly washing them).

As I emerged on the other side of the barn to get in my car, Suki looked at me and nickered.  Nikki did the same.  Then I watched as Suki lifted in her back and shoulders floating away in a breathtaking trot.  I am thankful every day that Suki survived the fire and recovered so beautifully.  It warms my heart to see that she is healthy, and so happy to be just who she is.  But there are occasions, like when she floats across the field that I ever so briefly mourn what I have lost.

My beautiful girls