Journey of a Dressage Student: April 2013

Monday, April 29, 2013

My Horse Dresses Better than Me

I'm not known for my fashion sense. I am the President of a small software company and it would probably put a better face on my role if I were a little more fashion forward. Instead I am usually in jeans and I have been known to wear my barn boots to work, getting a strong reprimand from my administrative staff for the trail of what they think is mud (but probably has a mix of manure as well) in the office.

The chance of me EVER wearing anything that was seen on a red carpet is about nil. Both because I just don't care that much about fashion and also I think its insane to spend that much money on clothing.

But when it comes to my horse... .well that is a different story. He has to have good stuff.

Now don't get me wrong. I am still immensely frugal when it comes to my horse and his tack. I take good care of the stuff I have so it lasts and don't have crazy expensive stuff but it is important to me that he has well fitting and high quality tack.

So I find it hilarious that Golly's bridle showed up on the "red carpet" at Rolex this past weekend.

For those not familiar with 4 star eventing, the riders have to jog their horses in front of a panel before the event starts to ensure their horses are sound enough to endure the rigors of the event. It is common practice that the riders dress up for the jog and like any big event, there is a "best dressed list". Horse Junkies United http://www.horsejunkiesunited.com/?p=57216 put out their list and there it was... Ballylaffin was wearing the same bridle Golly sports.

Ballylaffin in his bride: Photo By Tracy Porter

Golly sporting his bridle

So while I will NEVER be in the same clothing as that seen on the red carpet... my horse is. Not sure what that says about me but whatever it is... I'm good with it!

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Canter Update

Well we aren't there yet... but we are getting there. Dressage is certainly a journey and we are on one!

For the last few lessons, my instructor has been riding first and then I ride the second half with the intent of getting this canter. If you missed the last post (http://briannadressage.blogspot.com/2013/04/theme-of-this-months-riding-is-get-this.html), I am determined to get this elusive canter added to our gait menu.

The first lesson it would be an understatement to say it wasn't elegant. My instructor had to really convince Golly that he could canter and then once she had him in it, had to convince him nearly every stride that he could continue it.

The second lesson was much better. Going to the right, Golly was catching it and the transition actually looked pretty decent. Going to the left though he wanted to keep catching the wrong lead. She is quick and was able to correct him and didn't let him canter until he caught the correct one. It took a bit and by the time he did get it, he was getting pretty tired so we congratulated him and gave him a break. Then I hopped on and was able to get a few good transitions. Our last one he offered with just a slight cue and then carried me without prompting each stride, so we called it a day and congratulated him on how smart he was and how hard he was trying.

The third lesson he offered the canter while my instructor was still warming him up at trot (yeah Golly! Glad you want to get this canter going... .but wait until you are warmed up silly!).. Again, the right lead was very good but the left lead much harder. This time though she was able to get four good transitions at the left lead so an improvement. Again, I got on and after a break did some cantering on him as well.

So we are getting somewhere but like most things on this journey, its not a fast process. I'm pleased though with his (and my) progress.

Monday, April 22, 2013

10,000 Hits!

Today my blog crossed the 10,000 hits mark! How fun it has been to meet so many fellow equestrians from around the world. I thought it would be good to document some of the stats so I can look back when I hit 20,000 hits and see how it compares. Thanks for coming to read along and give me comments and help on my equestrian journey!

I started the blog on August 29, 2012 and I have published 47 posts since then.

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