tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53582540409025783962024-03-05T13:24:59.838-08:00An Optimist, a Pony, and a PugErikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862898176284766826noreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5358254040902578396.post-85956520399707228352021-04-19T21:18:00.004-07:002021-04-19T21:19:40.866-07:00Round, Rounder, Roundest - USDF Clinic with Bill McMullin<p>Last I left off (oh you know, 4 months ago) - I was working 2nd/3rd level movements getting ready for the George Williams clinic in April. Alas, George Williams was unable to make it (dressage emergency?), but Bill McMullin was scheduled in his stead. Bill trains half the year out of Wellington and half the year out of Boston. He's an 'R' judge, gold medalist, and USDF certified instructor who instructs through Grand Prix. I had never met Bill before and went into the weekend away clinic feeling queasy and impostery.</p>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CNyHj75JXv8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 3px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 0px 0px 1px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15) 0px 1px 10px 0px; margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CNyHj75JXv8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 0; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0px;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0px auto 12px; width: 50px;"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g fill-rule="evenodd" fill="none" stroke-width="1" stroke="none"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;"> View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0px;"></div> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;"><div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px); width: 12.5px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0px; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); transform: translateY(16px); width: 0px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; transform: translateY(-4px); width: 16px;"></div> <div style="border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); height: 0px; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px); width: 0px;"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CNyHj75JXv8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Erika (@warriorpony)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
<p>Bill wound up being a wonderful trainer and teacher. He was soft spoken and kind, but also very firm in his direction. I won't lie - I basically begged him to come back to Colorado whenever he could!</p><p>So, let's get down to what we worked on:</p><p>Improving the halt/walk</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Walk four strides, halt, walk 4 strides, halt</li><ul><li>When asking for the halt sit up and STRETCH up</li><li>Hug him (light squeeze) with lower legs to bring his back legs forward into the halt</li><li>Supple before and after transition (round, rounder, roundest the three strides before the halt)</li><li>Hold contact once he's halted to allow him to *really* give to the bit without fussing with my hands</li><li>Do this in front of a mirror to check his back legs (I had no idea he was parking out so much in the halt)</li><li>What did this exercise accomplish:</li><ul><li>It totally freed up his walk, which is Gavin's weakest gait. Still probably his weakest gait, but it went from a 5 to maybe a 7.</li><li>We ended with consistently good halts with Bill called a "10 halt"</li></ul></ul></ul>Walk to canter<p></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Start with walk/halt exercise described above</li><li>Throw in some reinbacks</li><li>10 meter walk circle with a medium walk first half of circle, collected walk second half of circle</li><ul><li>to the right - almost shoulder-in</li><li>to the left - haunches in first half of circle, switching to shoulder-in second half</li></ul><li> Before getting back to the wall/track ask for canter (whisper the aids or risk an extravagant take-off)</li><li>Supple before and after transition, the tension during the transition wasn't addressed, but I think the idea is that the suppleness during the transition will come on it's own with these bookends </li><li>What did this exercise accomplish:</li><ul><li>It really prepped him for take off</li><li>We were getting walk to canters with no trot steps consistently and with minimal aiding<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CNyXz2hJkRg/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 3px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 0px 0px 1px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15) 0px 1px 10px 0px; margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CNyXz2hJkRg/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 0; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0px;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0px auto 12px; width: 50px;"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g fill-rule="evenodd" fill="none" stroke-width="1" stroke="none"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;"> View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0px;"></div> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;"><div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px); width: 12.5px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0px; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); transform: translateY(16px); width: 0px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; transform: translateY(-4px); width: 16px;"></div> <div style="border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); height: 0px; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px); width: 0px;"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CNyXz2hJkRg/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Erika (@warriorpony)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
</li></ul></ul>Canter to walk<p></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>10 meter circle (don't make it too small)</li><li>Think rein back in the canter to collect, collect, collect</li><li>Sit up, sit back, stretch up, breathe</li><li>Ask for walk as approaching wall</li><li>Directly into shoulder-in </li><li>What did this exercise accomplish:</li><ul><li>Well... we really struggled with this one, but Bill seemed to think 2 weeks of consistent work would tighten these up</li><li>We were able to get a few transitions that were relatively clean</li><li>This is a movement that we struggle with and I can't say I totally understand why - Gav just kinda blows me off and trots through the transition. This pony can collect, so I don't think that's the issue.</li></ul></ul><div>Shoulder-in</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>To the right I need to think of slight counterflexion - I really think this is just helping me get actual contact on the left (outside rein)</li><li>To the left, he seemed happy with them</li><li>What did this exercise accomplish:</li><ul><li>the counterflexion really helped him let go of the tension in the base of his neck, which in turn freed up his shoulder</li></ul></ul><div>Haunches-in/Turn on the haunches</div></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>No comments - I consider that a win</li></ul><div>Half-pass</div></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Do shoulder-in, haunches-in on the rail as prep</li><li>Go down centerline and then shoulder-in</li><li>Pick a diagonal and ride haunches in on the diagonal</li><li>Give on the outside rein</li><li>Think of wrapping him around inside hip</li><li>What did this exercise accomplish:</li><ul><li>This exercise really set us up for success in the half pass. I felt like these were our best half passes to date, especially to the right.
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CN3LPZLJUmH/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 3px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 0px 0px 1px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15) 0px 1px 10px 0px; margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CN3LPZLJUmH/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 0; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0px;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0px auto 12px; width: 50px;"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g fill-rule="evenodd" fill="none" stroke-width="1" stroke="none"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;"> View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0px;"></div> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;"><div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px); width: 12.5px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0px; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); transform: translateY(16px); width: 0px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; transform: translateY(-4px); width: 16px;"></div> <div style="border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); height: 0px; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px); width: 0px;"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CN3LPZLJUmH/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Erika (@warriorpony)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
</li></ul></ul><div><br /></div></div><div>Overall - I'm so happy with how it all went. Gav warmed up great and was game for all of the exercises. It was a heartening experience and I hope to ride with him again! :)</div><p></p>
Here's a video of some trot work for no other reason than I like it.
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CNyeoFUJp1b/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 3px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 0px 0px 1px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15) 0px 1px 10px 0px; margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CNyeoFUJp1b/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 0; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0px;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0px auto 12px; width: 50px;"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g fill-rule="evenodd" fill="none" stroke-width="1" stroke="none"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;"> View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0px;"></div> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;"><div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px); width: 12.5px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0px; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); transform: translateY(16px); width: 0px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; transform: translateY(-4px); width: 16px;"></div> <div style="border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); height: 0px; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px); width: 0px;"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CNyeoFUJp1b/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Erika (@warriorpony)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
And I'll end the post with a picture of Gavin giving me the middle finger after I cued the walk to canter a bit too hard. Pony has an opinion and isn't afraid to show it. :)
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CN1LMpJpiDK/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 3px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 0px 0px 1px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15) 0px 1px 10px 0px; margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CN1LMpJpiDK/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 0; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0px;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0px auto 12px; width: 50px;"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g fill-rule="evenodd" fill="none" stroke-width="1" stroke="none"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;"> View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0px;"></div> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;"><div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px); width: 12.5px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0px; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); transform: translateY(16px); width: 0px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; transform: translateY(-4px); width: 16px;"></div> <div style="border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); height: 0px; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px); width: 0px;"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CN1LMpJpiDK/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Erika (@warriorpony)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862898176284766826noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5358254040902578396.post-32877559127216272892021-01-01T19:01:00.003-08:002021-01-01T19:17:01.386-08:002020 Recap<p>I'm not positive I'll stick to this whole chronicling my riding thing, but Jen at Cob Jockey suggested I get back into it and I thought I'd give it a go, it being a new year and all. :)</p><p>I figured the best way to start my re-entry into blogging was to recap the last year, the dreaded 2020.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><u>January</u></b></p><p>Started off the year by traveling (remember traveling?) to Puerto Vallarta. Successfully went whale watching. 10/10 would recommend.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7rOlKAc1MBogzQlEYul68YijdqpUgrSjIs1uJeqNoMFjJCfZM-Xlhq5yhac4KsRSWsvRIlTimOK3s03WBx1wCpK48G0nBxOM2igSjOtydoEg290sAT4MUvhrLf8wKW2egNfJBDZB4OZU/s750/Blogger1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="486" data-original-width="750" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7rOlKAc1MBogzQlEYul68YijdqpUgrSjIs1uJeqNoMFjJCfZM-Xlhq5yhac4KsRSWsvRIlTimOK3s03WBx1wCpK48G0nBxOM2igSjOtydoEg290sAT4MUvhrLf8wKW2egNfJBDZB4OZU/w400-h260/Blogger1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Started running through the 2-1 test. Was trying to get footage to submit an application for a clinic with George Williams.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXOlBXwpuqjLxu9JGO6gX9bRM4g_T5I2F6x6jHxoHG9VX1j2nku2p-jTCOwhDBQGEJHxblYZz-8wLRXTzUfDCoxbOwnGdzU2eviTUTYeKj7ED0_TX1EcWRVbNjyd7ZE7nN9gtY4_ty2u4/s710/Blogger2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="710" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXOlBXwpuqjLxu9JGO6gX9bRM4g_T5I2F6x6jHxoHG9VX1j2nku2p-jTCOwhDBQGEJHxblYZz-8wLRXTzUfDCoxbOwnGdzU2eviTUTYeKj7ED0_TX1EcWRVbNjyd7ZE7nN9gtY4_ty2u4/w400-h236/Blogger2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>February</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Actually submitted my video for the George Williams clinic and bought myself a Peloton to get in better shape (specifically for riding). Looking back, I feel like the Peloton was some serious foreshadowing for the future months where all gyms were shut down.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4m7FaJRBsDW9NcnPxKbqEEX8YgR7-3RmWZkZ-I8B6qYb8pPwvrErDp2mJqTNKMG1UINPy8pFvL5pQBkHw2AEItZtdXwXSy0qqr5PJc0Gdpdsqr1PgkjdNEM8RvVH9vKeNWqdpykoPAA/s556/Blogger3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="556" data-original-width="556" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4m7FaJRBsDW9NcnPxKbqEEX8YgR7-3RmWZkZ-I8B6qYb8pPwvrErDp2mJqTNKMG1UINPy8pFvL5pQBkHw2AEItZtdXwXSy0qqr5PJc0Gdpdsqr1PgkjdNEM8RvVH9vKeNWqdpykoPAA/w400-h400/Blogger3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCzzB5RRZvPzsT8Q-HI_Pi4QQQoHmfZi-zHHRRaCZT_TYDtw5a090lCCI8CtQn5ddMoU6QkGAD8S0xTODQpqt2OGzLQPz3A0v1IQdKNsYPQpTkKSi-oHWpCE5Mpv6u4FsuV4r_EY82H-U/s1440/Blogger4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCzzB5RRZvPzsT8Q-HI_Pi4QQQoHmfZi-zHHRRaCZT_TYDtw5a090lCCI8CtQn5ddMoU6QkGAD8S0xTODQpqt2OGzLQPz3A0v1IQdKNsYPQpTkKSi-oHWpCE5Mpv6u4FsuV4r_EY82H-U/w400-h400/Blogger4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still LOVE the Peloton. Use it 5x a week. Excellent investment in health.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><b><u>March</u></b><div><br /></div><div>Found out we were accepted into the ill-fated George Williams clinic as the second level rider (they were trying to get riders from each level). Was also sent home from work to telecommute. I laugh now, because at the time I thought it'd only be for two weeks. Ha. Hahahaha.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLeqxnIfKZjCi-rGGyXxMSgLl-UEHoBAMW8nMWMnIf-rfiQg1-23akg4QB82dSVyKx0hNZ_1F37GR-CWnoYa31e7xPBkf_KSaBem5c27KsQD0pN0jMnp3kMITMzpZ_OXjsLJFXg40uExc/s600/Blogger5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="503" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLeqxnIfKZjCi-rGGyXxMSgLl-UEHoBAMW8nMWMnIf-rfiQg1-23akg4QB82dSVyKx0hNZ_1F37GR-CWnoYa31e7xPBkf_KSaBem5c27KsQD0pN0jMnp3kMITMzpZ_OXjsLJFXg40uExc/w336-h400/Blogger5.jpg" width="336" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9Fd9ebOaesaotvpAaH5Gp45OCtCvpP4KmCU29l-gLkgirv_c5Jve7yxvJZpGMhbhw8nzkIFgSQ6GCrfvtY6XNb2fUDMguNG2j3li5n2BRp287o-2ophm3ISs9CVe5Wdhj05PRIUTnbQ/s750/Blogger6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="728" data-original-width="750" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9Fd9ebOaesaotvpAaH5Gp45OCtCvpP4KmCU29l-gLkgirv_c5Jve7yxvJZpGMhbhw8nzkIFgSQ6GCrfvtY6XNb2fUDMguNG2j3li5n2BRp287o-2ophm3ISs9CVe5Wdhj05PRIUTnbQ/w400-h390/Blogger6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><b><u>April</u></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Was informed that the George Morris clinic had been canceled. The barn was shut down except to trainers and other barn employees. I was VERY sad. Bought more sweatpants and put him into training for the month.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-uLfV2j5t-gvQwZIScP81Ag-7_gDE2ReR8925FwGxmddJJjAgUDX2Oz1iMXntNeDEh0ImpfrY9QHhUzEhY8_WfooahJFd-bpBg1ud-iEpWuvtdPs-yD0UCgYuK6mtBVYwcM9nZQDcVGk/s736/Blogger7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="657" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-uLfV2j5t-gvQwZIScP81Ag-7_gDE2ReR8925FwGxmddJJjAgUDX2Oz1iMXntNeDEh0ImpfrY9QHhUzEhY8_WfooahJFd-bpBg1ud-iEpWuvtdPs-yD0UCgYuK6mtBVYwcM9nZQDcVGk/w357-h400/Blogger7.jpg" width="357" /></a></div><div><br /></div><b><u>May</u></b></div><div><br /></div><div>There was a bit of a mass exodus at the barn after it shut down (most barns in the area remained open). This led to it reopening in May with restrictions (limits to # of riders, etc). Gav developed a really bad skin infection on his ears in late April. He had about three weeks off as it healed and he regrew hair.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0BX_CueFAcxarfjL9Er-emIevIFHBCieRCmi1KakIe1CnDNiZM6MQX90FchIxm-QgkJ145_OCcrVSce0Ht529xMrnePvH9AZmsDMyJbkpHeJiY8YKq3OWOfpr_y8nGdR8H54sC7Pbds/s1440/Blogger8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0BX_CueFAcxarfjL9Er-emIevIFHBCieRCmi1KakIe1CnDNiZM6MQX90FchIxm-QgkJ145_OCcrVSce0Ht529xMrnePvH9AZmsDMyJbkpHeJiY8YKq3OWOfpr_y8nGdR8H54sC7Pbds/w400-h400/Blogger8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><b><u>June</u></b></p><p>Participated in a ride-a-test at (you guessed it!) 2-1 and scored mid-60s. It was a great lesson and confidence builder. The judge said he and I were absolutely ready for second.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbkw0dCuF9qV48fNc1_GBMcvHON5NkGfF9dE08x0w1yTjLUQj-iohIc4yABsK3WJAzsUACsC-usJ6vuoiJ-IlasupuO7RUD9Oa4kWDVL53HmzACaswQSTI_xRHIezI3tZLHPoUG_sKgNU/s1440/Blogger10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1436" data-original-width="1440" height="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbkw0dCuF9qV48fNc1_GBMcvHON5NkGfF9dE08x0w1yTjLUQj-iohIc4yABsK3WJAzsUACsC-usJ6vuoiJ-IlasupuO7RUD9Oa4kWDVL53HmzACaswQSTI_xRHIezI3tZLHPoUG_sKgNU/w400-h399/Blogger10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLvNZ9bqiNOyVC3LQnXJezfF3jq9dOAALzIIa6YDLu91FzVHIsH8hQnh0PnQ9GtPtJNXMrTriH5M3kapWjCMDPGwKZJfJ-bmurAy1cY4oeX_FR5r1OQBi-lkKsA8KAFxQIQSP7FrZhu0/s620/Blogger11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="620" data-original-width="620" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLvNZ9bqiNOyVC3LQnXJezfF3jq9dOAALzIIa6YDLu91FzVHIsH8hQnh0PnQ9GtPtJNXMrTriH5M3kapWjCMDPGwKZJfJ-bmurAy1cY4oeX_FR5r1OQBi-lkKsA8KAFxQIQSP7FrZhu0/w400-h400/Blogger11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><b><u>July</u></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Worked on getting stronger and sharper in transitions. Was also so bored I learned a new way to fold my laundry and have continued to use the method throughout the year.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiPm9P7tTzk1BAHuSa0IdO7t0G3tWJQrI3mOruOEyWCpG-9etxIPA7SmbGoqI-QW-x84RWgXkLKQ0IJTRJHVYfPcwUxlkN_YmLzTXURnhojaQK7lJ9eLvRxhiHSKwKF5RPbWqUfMQ9DM/s1440/Blogger12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1137" data-original-width="1440" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiPm9P7tTzk1BAHuSa0IdO7t0G3tWJQrI3mOruOEyWCpG-9etxIPA7SmbGoqI-QW-x84RWgXkLKQ0IJTRJHVYfPcwUxlkN_YmLzTXURnhojaQK7lJ9eLvRxhiHSKwKF5RPbWqUfMQ9DM/w400-h316/Blogger12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><b><u>August</u></b></p><p>Went to our one and only rated show of the year in beautiful Estes Park We showed 2-1 both days. Scored mid/low 60s the first day and mid/high 60s the second day. My second ride was definitely my better ride with 7s for his medium trot and 10m canter circles. I left the ring feeling a like a million bucks and just so, so proud of Gav.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMgIuXXq4uTjYxQyeqp-4uhavfmZmnau2_uZ4N3n08-_bVpE15uH0GzrcyxdRVWl0uUigcKKbw1He2zpxiTmxFGpuzmhvHshrlKswh4YPqxqHT9cw5Rzx-zE6xpFarPLGUrgdWwwKnri8/s6000/ESTES+PARK+DRESSAGE+FRI+AND+SAT+1823.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="429" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMgIuXXq4uTjYxQyeqp-4uhavfmZmnau2_uZ4N3n08-_bVpE15uH0GzrcyxdRVWl0uUigcKKbw1He2zpxiTmxFGpuzmhvHshrlKswh4YPqxqHT9cw5Rzx-zE6xpFarPLGUrgdWwwKnri8/w640-h429/ESTES+PARK+DRESSAGE+FRI+AND+SAT+1823.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beefcake</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Rd8SBFgiZDWAo13yFwwm105b8Z7iCccL0y6rXaAKAmirrC5J-rrm_HhT-Uy8TDfaYP37L4CDVl0i82NtaWGtzC1BB8GBsuxZH0IHDaLrWiqgxPwmjb5NYAv32Ozp0k9i09lysKk08Tk/s6000/ESTES+PARK+DRESSAGE+FRI+AND+SAT+1831.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Rd8SBFgiZDWAo13yFwwm105b8Z7iCccL0y6rXaAKAmirrC5J-rrm_HhT-Uy8TDfaYP37L4CDVl0i82NtaWGtzC1BB8GBsuxZH0IHDaLrWiqgxPwmjb5NYAv32Ozp0k9i09lysKk08Tk/w640-h427/ESTES+PARK+DRESSAGE+FRI+AND+SAT+1831.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxNIdkQZPj38VM_Hx2lqqGBG6tzuXCkyyWJ4Ev1l_xoH9HhvdF_16mK-w-SowwuWEf2jXNO3syopybkGVurXsuJHi8j-vhLYTLpYduWES4S_yb6-k_bIy2ISN9YQqx16hE02Xw_hJLPLI/s6000/ESTES+PARK+DRESSAGE+FRI+AND+SAT+1846.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxNIdkQZPj38VM_Hx2lqqGBG6tzuXCkyyWJ4Ev1l_xoH9HhvdF_16mK-w-SowwuWEf2jXNO3syopybkGVurXsuJHi8j-vhLYTLpYduWES4S_yb6-k_bIy2ISN9YQqx16hE02Xw_hJLPLI/w640-h427/ESTES+PARK+DRESSAGE+FRI+AND+SAT+1846.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><b><u>September</u></b></p><p>Took a conformation shot of Gav and compared it to a few years back. I laugh at how differently he's muscled now. Very proud of how this pony has developed.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMaz2tVpz382BKIxCfatO5g6cVfNxHvrxoI9lnzXx5velbjqXqYbh6npNV4JI64bvfVB7wp4bV7MeNGXFH1BDo1PJZlqwoMb2fB0JNFVm1rnfFQA4bw0AKVPkK9RRraR8Q2SHjaz6hac8/s1440/Blogger13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMaz2tVpz382BKIxCfatO5g6cVfNxHvrxoI9lnzXx5velbjqXqYbh6npNV4JI64bvfVB7wp4bV7MeNGXFH1BDo1PJZlqwoMb2fB0JNFVm1rnfFQA4bw0AKVPkK9RRraR8Q2SHjaz6hac8/w400-h400/Blogger13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><b><u>October</u></b></div><div><br /></div><div>I had ordered a Custom Saddlery Icon Star in about June after I realized that my old saddle's knee blocks weren't doing me any favors. It finally arrived late October. It is a dream and I LOVE IT. Gavin loves it. Trainer loves it. It's a great saddle for him. Also bought a Pivo. The picture you see is my first non-successful attempt at getting video. I've worked out most of the issues since then.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWWNh3de79uXRsHBoMBhQ5h-rwnfmran_Hieh1Rlpf2nyUI8Buj0vFjn1wkbx1Z6BzrzaWtlnQhwOh2ycFIZwl6ZFp7_RofOG2pOftKjveC_CR4ZDLBYTFfOuckn85qz9Z9uJyQX3BVU/s1708/Blogger14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1708" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWWNh3de79uXRsHBoMBhQ5h-rwnfmran_Hieh1Rlpf2nyUI8Buj0vFjn1wkbx1Z6BzrzaWtlnQhwOh2ycFIZwl6ZFp7_RofOG2pOftKjveC_CR4ZDLBYTFfOuckn85qz9Z9uJyQX3BVU/w339-h400/Blogger14.jpg" width="339" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSkdFIIZeeH99uOl3jk2U8r7Jpilw6kgF3FtkP_UCk-iscS8Tw9Fw_Go91Gpbt57ne4MYmwsqBl8HEsLBSJgWVHCEVx18lrQOfFNZSPysADoutZ8q4H7qojUjVRVI3ywIeKZWIZEGD1E/s742/Blogger15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="742" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSkdFIIZeeH99uOl3jk2U8r7Jpilw6kgF3FtkP_UCk-iscS8Tw9Fw_Go91Gpbt57ne4MYmwsqBl8HEsLBSJgWVHCEVx18lrQOfFNZSPysADoutZ8q4H7qojUjVRVI3ywIeKZWIZEGD1E/w400-h211/Blogger15.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><b><u>November</u></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Found out that the George Williams clinic was back on for April 2021! Reregistered as 2nd/3rd level. Put Gav and myself in 1/2 training, which = 2 lessons a week (1 lunge lesson, 1 regular) and one training ride for him (that I try to watch). </div><div><br /></div><div>Participated in a clinic with a very no-nonsense judge and trainer. She worked my ass off at collecting Gav's canter. It was then that I realized he didn't actually have a collected canter. She said I needed to focus on that before ever asking for changes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also got this adorable baby yoda, because duh...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKOUE1RsPzDDAFaSdUNoQrjcmR6xdXSoZKjpRKg8QA1hhVhUnlfABizc6F1B6s2RzNJldV92qdPBy6d6RKofEe23X37tyDT6A3qSKnLx_s7GNBegYXgxq6P_ueirZZRS3qqjzuHSJoms/s1080/Blogger177.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1077" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKOUE1RsPzDDAFaSdUNoQrjcmR6xdXSoZKjpRKg8QA1hhVhUnlfABizc6F1B6s2RzNJldV92qdPBy6d6RKofEe23X37tyDT6A3qSKnLx_s7GNBegYXgxq6P_ueirZZRS3qqjzuHSJoms/s320/Blogger177.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dznFwV8cBRxXeI4qXn2-8mbDEVkVVhqXPz51x0rr5D5_3RFCNZ6h0mYiSKp0BIA-2_EPEmCKf-Si8M6He4mMqhyphenhyphenMDVGEdu1aIuhSYwrMcilHwJH8Fjvd7SJINDa-4-ogVmACu-Mov_M/s1440/Blogger16.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dznFwV8cBRxXeI4qXn2-8mbDEVkVVhqXPz51x0rr5D5_3RFCNZ6h0mYiSKp0BIA-2_EPEmCKf-Si8M6He4mMqhyphenhyphenMDVGEdu1aIuhSYwrMcilHwJH8Fjvd7SJINDa-4-ogVmACu-Mov_M/w400-h400/Blogger16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>December</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1/2 training AGAIN! Gavin plateaued about halfway through the month and we switched over to working on "fun" exercises with cones and poles. It helped me as well as I was starting to feel burnt out. His canter is getting stronger and straighter. Trot half pass is there and canter half pass is becoming part of the conversation (he was pretty sure canter half pass initially meant climb into the sky with his front legs).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0xRx56rbUZm2ayPBovEznc4GOjHYmoCCEKVLlmdg8n5Es8jB0BkcnUA6dwpm7u46tHH5q8VukR3x56B-TDrjHYx5_lIvtqL-dUrz4-wQkd5UZRB6x254WtgjOZFYbJwArE-yzrIiDLQ/s1440/Blogger18.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0xRx56rbUZm2ayPBovEznc4GOjHYmoCCEKVLlmdg8n5Es8jB0BkcnUA6dwpm7u46tHH5q8VukR3x56B-TDrjHYx5_lIvtqL-dUrz4-wQkd5UZRB6x254WtgjOZFYbJwArE-yzrIiDLQ/w400-h400/Blogger18.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>Wrap-up</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In summary, this year has wrung me out emotionally (being a very social person it's been hard), but I'm proud of how Gav and I progressed. I feel "confirmed" second level and ready to dip my toe into the third-level pool while continuing to refine second.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>What is hard right now?</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />Canter half pass (lack of understanding)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Half pass to the right (he likes to drop his right shoulder). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">True collected canter (strength issue)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Walk to canter left lead (got to get him hot, hot, hot and sitting down)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>What is getting easier?</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Turn on the haunches </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Medium/extended gaits (I've focused a lot on canter recently, need to remind he and I both about the trot extensions)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Trot half pass (3-1 level half pass - so not that steep)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Canter to walk</div><p></p></div>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862898176284766826noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5358254040902578396.post-56977628555061533882018-11-11T09:28:00.000-08:002018-11-11T09:30:43.710-08:00Tack For Sale!It's that most wonderful time of the year. You know, when you take stock of all of the tack you've accumulated over the year and realize there are some items you just don't need anymore.<br />
<br />
All of these prices are flexible, so please feel free to make an offer! :) Will be charging $10 for USPS shipping - if it fits into a priority box, that's what it'll ship! If you're interested, please shoot me an email at warriorpony @ gmail dot com<br />
<br />
First up! <b>Cob-sized dark brown Micklem bridle w/ a Kavalkade browband</b> (ooh shiny!). This bridle has been well worn and well-cared for. Selling for $120.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6EJVjw7_RcmwD9dA3-vD1Gj38Myr68G-pZxnhOjYpWM9tomRY4dZ32W4CzcwGgS1lQQzJ1qrz3FZQynw4ZBiT8a3odqzweKdbLil1grMy3ojNZSqp5H01xDnSL_-AIa3DFwCsPOjrQ0I/s1600/45494957_10104864711186773_83310361108807680_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="562" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6EJVjw7_RcmwD9dA3-vD1Gj38Myr68G-pZxnhOjYpWM9tomRY4dZ32W4CzcwGgS1lQQzJ1qrz3FZQynw4ZBiT8a3odqzweKdbLil1grMy3ojNZSqp5H01xDnSL_-AIa3DFwCsPOjrQ0I/s640/45494957_10104864711186773_83310361108807680_n.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TU7Q_GFvkLT9XFfey_Lf1VPcYJSVNbj9WYNDF2sfhkWdzz0wAs6-vj2b1rn0cGhRcV7zzAXrsI4iaOfld1Nr2v5K7CTNBvzmeHpXU6t0BOtDDhsCCUD8Y-oK5Rpd7m3phy9sPny9Rfw/s1600/45640770_10104864711246653_5515942948253990912_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TU7Q_GFvkLT9XFfey_Lf1VPcYJSVNbj9WYNDF2sfhkWdzz0wAs6-vj2b1rn0cGhRcV7zzAXrsI4iaOfld1Nr2v5K7CTNBvzmeHpXU6t0BOtDDhsCCUD8Y-oK5Rpd7m3phy9sPny9Rfw/s400/45640770_10104864711246653_5515942948253990912_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up to show leather condition</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>PS of Sweden softy w/supergrip cob sized reins</b>, also in dark brown (matches the Micklem). These reins are wonderful and I own a different pair in black that I'll be keeping. There' soft leather backed with rubber and stops - not too thin, but not too thick. $40, unless you purchase w/ the bridle and then $30. Gavin chewed one of the martingale stops, but besides removing the PS of Sweden logo on one side, these reins are in excellent condition.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_ERc8LgPkmeaXQDukCybcuKbntJ5KQ8MlcrBJElsb1EdrwABeqyyRdmlxp6L-aIyAuErM0wH7SeFsemtfVXbXWHJfdbwbS6roDY9J1sNfuGDUpvhyphenhyphenJDnBxWy_bFzGsFmS7pKvoVuyvA/s1600/45477084_10104864711710723_3127794054817906688_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_ERc8LgPkmeaXQDukCybcuKbntJ5KQ8MlcrBJElsb1EdrwABeqyyRdmlxp6L-aIyAuErM0wH7SeFsemtfVXbXWHJfdbwbS6roDY9J1sNfuGDUpvhyphenhyphenJDnBxWy_bFzGsFmS7pKvoVuyvA/s320/45477084_10104864711710723_3127794054817906688_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQo__-SQil3C49Hu5jzOg5kFfhLFSJLt50n5-pq8nEA0yWngqLWtiw95vuTtulQnYepwV1YxNlEnWkq_4PBa0cU4vHVjqB_daIXBvw4zE6Y5pSznq4CYtYBrq8oCo5fgGaSNPrOOon28k/s1600/45477132_10104864711471203_661354612019691520_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQo__-SQil3C49Hu5jzOg5kFfhLFSJLt50n5-pq8nEA0yWngqLWtiw95vuTtulQnYepwV1YxNlEnWkq_4PBa0cU4vHVjqB_daIXBvw4zE6Y5pSznq4CYtYBrq8oCo5fgGaSNPrOOon28k/s320/45477132_10104864711471203_661354612019691520_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL28PewA_fVeZpMWGmKBa0Ix8TiLb7IDPC-yEAcWCWQjCLEdXa9kXDEKgEV9E2TgzbwLLHMHPgzmY5AMMysAN7PwcetiHQwEhrfGL1HPJwj2CbtdZKbXSwLS3cWqChE5LzK7Ul6GZ6Ttw/s1600/45494968_10104864711541063_4736573209149702144_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL28PewA_fVeZpMWGmKBa0Ix8TiLb7IDPC-yEAcWCWQjCLEdXa9kXDEKgEV9E2TgzbwLLHMHPgzmY5AMMysAN7PwcetiHQwEhrfGL1HPJwj2CbtdZKbXSwLS3cWqChE5LzK7Ul6GZ6Ttw/s320/45494968_10104864711541063_4736573209149702144_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcnn6Zg4uvHZ3JcFKQiXYKq3rydOM_pXrKlGNxOeMGx27lWNftdzvaXtOyoOt5bRDodOeqqYdr4LZ8Fi7T0ZnuhNwVHCGGW2D7YC9ruFGVVXuwf3CeZmuyVqs6J6zxC0y77Qeh0suU6xE/s1600/45571196_10104864711630883_8642244343022747648_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcnn6Zg4uvHZ3JcFKQiXYKq3rydOM_pXrKlGNxOeMGx27lWNftdzvaXtOyoOt5bRDodOeqqYdr4LZ8Fi7T0ZnuhNwVHCGGW2D7YC9ruFGVVXuwf3CeZmuyVqs6J6zxC0y77Qeh0suU6xE/s320/45571196_10104864711630883_8642244343022747648_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b></b><br /></div>
<b>24" Albion leather girth</b> - padded, dark brown leather girth w/ roller buckles and elastic on both ends. $75<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj15nBDrmhhuM5LV_kcLV1LFMUbinGdRYjyzlL62oB95iP0tgz6XHQJsKbWoH3Uc0omWX8kNz-lkt0wGGRR487gEM90Bo9Z7586eMulW-cfHgFmrU79KlTWrcB0G4H03BRORXs4fjUBFMU/s1600/45796445_10104871615211053_2993958858080124928_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj15nBDrmhhuM5LV_kcLV1LFMUbinGdRYjyzlL62oB95iP0tgz6XHQJsKbWoH3Uc0omWX8kNz-lkt0wGGRR487gEM90Bo9Z7586eMulW-cfHgFmrU79KlTWrcB0G4H03BRORXs4fjUBFMU/s320/45796445_10104871615211053_2993958858080124928_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVOTBIG-U_pj_IA7KztxnZPjlky5Hp04mUphV3lhveam66INTUlvkMcp8jKcIEDmKX2TeeM2RvDKxj4NB7tvcsz-U9A0IGO4xplbaHbB8QQ9Kco7Nocw7LDp4BpN6oXnY_XTCgxbzYkR8/s1600/45835703_10104871615111253_1854256296442724352_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVOTBIG-U_pj_IA7KztxnZPjlky5Hp04mUphV3lhveam66INTUlvkMcp8jKcIEDmKX2TeeM2RvDKxj4NB7tvcsz-U9A0IGO4xplbaHbB8QQ9Kco7Nocw7LDp4BpN6oXnY_XTCgxbzYkR8/s320/45835703_10104871615111253_1854256296442724352_n.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpPeG9ioAvzOsBljOT9_MzadKONfpeiGOFu-Zal6u0kA7SQmK9PYg27_BUx45g6m0bXYAy4VHuu1n3GgjSZYgyKSMhxS5-XJVKmeYxCU2Din5yYPFRd3sVUyQRzVG-Th5eQXr2QKPHjZQ/s1600/46019293_10104871615201073_670260162283438080_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpPeG9ioAvzOsBljOT9_MzadKONfpeiGOFu-Zal6u0kA7SQmK9PYg27_BUx45g6m0bXYAy4VHuu1n3GgjSZYgyKSMhxS5-XJVKmeYxCU2Din5yYPFRd3sVUyQRzVG-Th5eQXr2QKPHjZQ/s320/46019293_10104871615201073_670260162283438080_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>54" dark brown leathers</b>. I can't remember the brand, and it's not visible on them, but these are well made and well maintained leathers. $25<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPIVbjGSCLCzYNzZuqAocRF9M-w23qiL4VHZZFM6XX77Tu2WJRoxnIR3Ar86E0FOd_PzWmzzndJaiucsD_4s1Gs6f2M0NOBMSWBgfIyuS0Rmhm-lPEz-aDczy90vgmPe5bfrvZvRQIaaE/s1600/45743092_10104871617631203_7104297785041616896_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPIVbjGSCLCzYNzZuqAocRF9M-w23qiL4VHZZFM6XX77Tu2WJRoxnIR3Ar86E0FOd_PzWmzzndJaiucsD_4s1Gs6f2M0NOBMSWBgfIyuS0Rmhm-lPEz-aDczy90vgmPe5bfrvZvRQIaaE/s320/45743092_10104871617631203_7104297785041616896_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
And a couple of non-horsey items<br />
<br />
<b>New w/tags Barbour fluffy ear muffs</b>. Received as a gift and they don't fit my abnormally large head - a real bummer because they're lovely. Original price $50, selling for $25.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZGfBlI19DQEVsvVDT4NqqJ6_rPacvlcme3gcNcbZythxdRIxs1MFUGYwnLOb9cyfP8aIViIeBH-XjVC4WDammTOZOGrz6rS1_9ckM5NZHnFXFmxdGSkZXISgOret2FvBbCHanm8W_to/s1600/45790200_10104871448465213_4812797660199124992_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="911" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZGfBlI19DQEVsvVDT4NqqJ6_rPacvlcme3gcNcbZythxdRIxs1MFUGYwnLOb9cyfP8aIViIeBH-XjVC4WDammTOZOGrz6rS1_9ckM5NZHnFXFmxdGSkZXISgOret2FvBbCHanm8W_to/s320/45790200_10104871448465213_4812797660199124992_n.jpg" width="304" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>JVC HD Everio Camcorder</b> w/ 8 GB memory card included. $60 Works well, I just don't use it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWFZ7JYPdlJQXH4-4ZgkFA58cJYMze5XN4XaQOKtfwafAF6FnXA6uFXdNpLERumLvyZd0slzBvUoYtyJ7ypsy5xp08jejMhA_Kjg_F3O72fjYv8R18u_ZjbSSfd7TfMNymr5JuSR6hm4A/s1600/45815649_10104871443076013_7451305853790978048_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWFZ7JYPdlJQXH4-4ZgkFA58cJYMze5XN4XaQOKtfwafAF6FnXA6uFXdNpLERumLvyZd0slzBvUoYtyJ7ypsy5xp08jejMhA_Kjg_F3O72fjYv8R18u_ZjbSSfd7TfMNymr5JuSR6hm4A/s320/45815649_10104871443076013_7451305853790978048_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862898176284766826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5358254040902578396.post-83078819846389104532018-10-29T19:55:00.001-07:002018-10-29T19:55:14.353-07:00Conrad Schumacher clinicI audited a Conrad Schumacher clinic this weekend. Attached are some of the notes I made along with a *very* brief description of the horse being ridden at the time.<br />
<br />
Young horse hoping to move to second level next summer.<br />
<ul>
<li>Don't waste time - work even during the walk break</li>
<li>Turn on the forehand from walk (couldn't figure out why he wanted this)</li>
<li>Keep hands closed into fist</li>
<li>Turn the wrists for rein back - nothing with arms</li>
<li>Small flexions in canter in/out</li>
<li>Always stretch the young horse at the end of the day</li>
</ul>
<div>
4th level - stocky build</div>
<ul>
<li>half pass to centerline and then medium trot (to keep rhythm in half pass)</li>
<li>was breaking to canter during medium trot across the diagonal - began halting at each short side and at x with medium trot in between. Makes the horse listen to you and keep their shoulders up through lengthening.</li>
<li>Rider was gripping with legs and he kept repeating sit wiiiiide on your butt. I think it was his way of saying sit on your seat bones.</li>
<li>Ride sitting trot A LOT. Walk whenever human gets tired and then more sitting trot. </li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Grand Prix - older horse/rider</div>
<ul>
<li>good idea to stand w/horse on contact for awhile (that amount of time is different for training level of horse)</li>
<li>To close the door (collection), first the door has to be open (forward)</li>
<li>Don't practice tests in winter, ride for fitness</li>
<li>For suppleness - shoulder in left then right, back and forth on centerline/quarterline</li>
</ul>
<div>
Mentioned to several riders</div>
<ul>
<li>patience is key, you have to get on ready to be patient</li>
<li>When you're feeling extra patient, halt in contact with your house and let them mouth the bit</li>
<li>Tap with the whip on shoulders rather than behind (unless you're going for lateral work) - this eliminates mixed signals with a pulling hand</li>
<li>in general he was very gentle with horses and riders, rewarding good behavior and redirecting any bad behavior or confusion with a different exercise</li>
</ul>
Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862898176284766826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5358254040902578396.post-9455758722934125572018-09-28T21:04:00.000-07:002018-09-28T21:04:34.084-07:002018 RMDS ChampionshipsI have so many words about this show that I'm almost speechless. It gave me such horrible anxiety for the couple of weeks leading up to it and again, horrible anxiety after the fact. I am not one typically for a lot of self-doubt or self-loathing, but I experienced it in droves relating to this show. <br />
<br />
For all of the weirdly negative feelings I had, I also experienced a ton of fun this weekend. Gav's breeder, Lisa Brezina, flew out with fellow blogger and cob enthusiast, Jen from Cob Jockey! I was so excited to see both of them (and meet Jen) that I literally told anyone I could at the barn along with coworkers and non-horsey friends. They did not disappoint! Lisa is such a warm person and so in love with the breed that she is just disarming and completely inviting to talk to. Jen is super helpful, friendly, a bombass photographer, and in my case awesome to bounce cob-related questions/ideas off of (her and Conner are far enough ahead of Gav and I that she's sorta been there done that with some of our problems).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ASp1ieTRYFk2wRG4ks0Qrwo_Tj1NjPq5ShoEQqqvNyfXin-4ZeagMeCF__vl6s-L0Dy1q0GKPozQbVCYxYvsYucP3WKiqgXDagQCimFa95rQ8mz-m1TzoRC0DjcG4iL9upLosx1s6vQ/s1600/42409361_10156674581689253_8658485766147538944_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="802" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ASp1ieTRYFk2wRG4ks0Qrwo_Tj1NjPq5ShoEQqqvNyfXin-4ZeagMeCF__vl6s-L0Dy1q0GKPozQbVCYxYvsYucP3WKiqgXDagQCimFa95rQ8mz-m1TzoRC0DjcG4iL9upLosx1s6vQ/s400/42409361_10156674581689253_8658485766147538944_n.jpg" width="333" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jen with Gav... I'm jelly of those elbows!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Jen was kind enough to act as show photographer (thank you, thank you, thank you!), so I not only have beautiful pictures, but also a lot of pictures where I can learn what some of my habitual issues are in my body (I'm looking at you left arm and general leaning forwardness). <br />
<br />
The bad pictures make me cringe and I may post them at some point, but not today! Today is about the good.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrcyZO6delaD6sQ1aumPqu-gzSXL0sQ03PVPjNM93qpVfjOJtErPX0nlTrdcK-xN5qZmtls_wtzhVCIIiikEFwnpMwvRStEVf6yaCs_Tp34uaA79_IXHHgFoEzH-BQmGEMqniL_Y8gSFg/s1600/42506452_10104787863849453_3682759973273600000_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrcyZO6delaD6sQ1aumPqu-gzSXL0sQ03PVPjNM93qpVfjOJtErPX0nlTrdcK-xN5qZmtls_wtzhVCIIiikEFwnpMwvRStEVf6yaCs_Tp34uaA79_IXHHgFoEzH-BQmGEMqniL_Y8gSFg/s320/42506452_10104787863849453_3682759973273600000_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exhausted horse and rider with our glorious big brown ribbon!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmt86aGenJCQdbIIYytZ1hAI-DNOII0r7DG-tXTe8vfsKtiAO4tIDPxnOV2o6AXCwLCZ3-Atglp_o8YBkHr3n6kPMGZC1YfPIX5TAvt3VCgUsGp5pEd05G8PtKzV8u5cKKJj_xl2RM0NA/s1600/42346123_10104786797481463_1413945384652242944_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmt86aGenJCQdbIIYytZ1hAI-DNOII0r7DG-tXTe8vfsKtiAO4tIDPxnOV2o6AXCwLCZ3-Atglp_o8YBkHr3n6kPMGZC1YfPIX5TAvt3VCgUsGp5pEd05G8PtKzV8u5cKKJj_xl2RM0NA/s1600/42346123_10104786797481463_1413945384652242944_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmt86aGenJCQdbIIYytZ1hAI-DNOII0r7DG-tXTe8vfsKtiAO4tIDPxnOV2o6AXCwLCZ3-Atglp_o8YBkHr3n6kPMGZC1YfPIX5TAvt3VCgUsGp5pEd05G8PtKzV8u5cKKJj_xl2RM0NA/s400/42346123_10104786797481463_1413945384652242944_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good timing and VERY flattering ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOWfuepd5e53LHqqlHsFaeu9M3OLemuQr6p6c7razuP3Lm1N5Od8v_XTr6r7YJ5W9zsVIKwr5brbxacStf1UzthQV6r3nC3-TqWqB4krkLOiSfvznDgoj5vJ0WZICP_0g1qJgTfo4PoEs/s1600/42350843_10104786799731953_5826921146242564096_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOWfuepd5e53LHqqlHsFaeu9M3OLemuQr6p6c7razuP3Lm1N5Od8v_XTr6r7YJ5W9zsVIKwr5brbxacStf1UzthQV6r3nC3-TqWqB4krkLOiSfvznDgoj5vJ0WZICP_0g1qJgTfo4PoEs/s400/42350843_10104786799731953_5826921146242564096_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warming up - spoiler, I didn't get this trot in the test</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><u></u><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3Xb58uURIiSXkjUivGAD5O3xSgaemCsWz376Q5HQVD1qVGGq3HcNu3NP9PMxYt2UaYti8C3IiIsErMNcresupdtCm4fM5NKvkzx5dFtOQvCcpTGmpxGzt5YG9G2y2lRf6kxskLvocCc/s1600/42298935_10104786800006403_4760850327106748416_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3Xb58uURIiSXkjUivGAD5O3xSgaemCsWz376Q5HQVD1qVGGq3HcNu3NP9PMxYt2UaYti8C3IiIsErMNcresupdtCm4fM5NKvkzx5dFtOQvCcpTGmpxGzt5YG9G2y2lRf6kxskLvocCc/s400/42298935_10104786800006403_4760850327106748416_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Medium Walk - First Test, T-3</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16CVATDx6PwINRl07RFyTIxdGPVw_iX7G0t-xcNq10DP0kkMpTfR8iuYr4L_3rGrync-jhILBUUFUeOSm53SqyVv22-6t_Uolh8o6sntEPRP6Sdw3OgB9sNw6JBYXL8mD2QoL-ztu0DY/s1600/42455094_10104786799901613_5282694230869803008_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16CVATDx6PwINRl07RFyTIxdGPVw_iX7G0t-xcNq10DP0kkMpTfR8iuYr4L_3rGrync-jhILBUUFUeOSm53SqyVv22-6t_Uolh8o6sntEPRP6Sdw3OgB9sNw6JBYXL8mD2QoL-ztu0DY/s400/42455094_10104786799901613_5282694230869803008_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Has to be start of stretchy trot circle - First Test, T-3</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8ijqHUja1nM8AuS0crFYRtYrR0IpI7rvh2BzNEbkMasLh6r2kJP_h7aVoiXBeVHSmbcdAuod1JEj3YxPfbpwY1Rv66JjnTb7NpIojJJULufqTg1ntOvj48lOaxeddLZQgXiWbx6DDnY/s1600/42347357_10104786799846723_5928750899525582848_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="643" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8ijqHUja1nM8AuS0crFYRtYrR0IpI7rvh2BzNEbkMasLh6r2kJP_h7aVoiXBeVHSmbcdAuod1JEj3YxPfbpwY1Rv66JjnTb7NpIojJJULufqTg1ntOvj48lOaxeddLZQgXiWbx6DDnY/s400/42347357_10104786799846723_5928750899525582848_n.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gav and his breeder having a moment</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1TZBkXSeezDpE1ApZIrGdnaOnmcZV5tIl4pXXn_XidHpSd00iOjt6lc6oURSnla5eNF4INM1r0o1zB730thXxkrhBt5aOuhPpdTu3DJnmzcRHA3ixySWiKVHkYEklNxEm8YHGuUuFGzk/s1600/42443913_10104786797112203_4227770780307423232_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1TZBkXSeezDpE1ApZIrGdnaOnmcZV5tIl4pXXn_XidHpSd00iOjt6lc6oURSnla5eNF4INM1r0o1zB730thXxkrhBt5aOuhPpdTu3DJnmzcRHA3ixySWiKVHkYEklNxEm8YHGuUuFGzk/s400/42443913_10104786797112203_4227770780307423232_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just love this pic..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrnyJkRvp5zElTjttnPkZKhz9e9rdOvd_ZFt54UtJoXhJY_bh0Y9gXezjprDQhf9q9_PAIbq9ayAhPxBJ8eQBXm6xdfSNx3HHYkG10wukCqvfIBM3dSLzN9obYriYkkfW64xNXOMxMb_k/s1600/42432220_10104786833149983_3884117446088458240_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrnyJkRvp5zElTjttnPkZKhz9e9rdOvd_ZFt54UtJoXhJY_bh0Y9gXezjprDQhf9q9_PAIbq9ayAhPxBJ8eQBXm6xdfSNx3HHYkG10wukCqvfIBM3dSLzN9obYriYkkfW64xNXOMxMb_k/s640/42432220_10104786833149983_3884117446088458240_n.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the end of it all, I cried</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I left the arena after our championship ride at training level feeling so relieved and so happy with our ride. There were no serious "oh fuck" moments and he felt pretty damn tuned into me. I halt, saluted, patted him and just kept patting him because I knew I was going to cry. <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">And I cried.</span> I'm a little bit of a crier anyways, but this horse is just... I don't know... he's my guy. I'm not a perfect rider, and he's not the perfect dressage horse, but I adore him and he tried really hard for me all weekend. He hopped on and off the trailer like a pro, he was never naughty or dangerous (even when he was a scared), he looked beautiful, and he listened to me (always on the ground, and most of the time when ridden). I just felt so lucky, and maybe a little unworthy of him (again, the self-doubt kicking in). <br />
<br />
It was a great weekend with maybe not the greatest scores (62.5 for the morning test and a 63.75 for the championship test, interestingly, in the championship test the E judge scored me significantly higher than the C judge (65.? vs 62.?), but like the exhausted person I was at that point - I completely forgot to pick up my test, so that mystery will be left unsolved).Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862898176284766826noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5358254040902578396.post-5075779531113358262018-07-04T09:56:00.000-07:002018-07-04T09:56:24.876-07:00Showing in BlueI honestly don't know how the people who show for weeks (or for that matter just a few days) do it. Showing is exhausting to me. I'm getting better at it, but it's still exhausting.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_yqYuD1W3oeyA86FArTH-w2-l_Q7xhULGUovU1mBPuWxhXmJKD2if9cqLwXlwLADVOQP8T4b3GREOKAeWp7ShXxSEGa8UVZSwC3Jtqfdgf3OvQZNHzm79hMMdZ6E89O9jEJndRTmC8E/s1600/36481736_10104625053258183_4324451052486131712_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_yqYuD1W3oeyA86FArTH-w2-l_Q7xhULGUovU1mBPuWxhXmJKD2if9cqLwXlwLADVOQP8T4b3GREOKAeWp7ShXxSEGa8UVZSwC3Jtqfdgf3OvQZNHzm79hMMdZ6E89O9jEJndRTmC8E/s320/36481736_10104625053258183_4324451052486131712_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, I am wearing an apron</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_yqYuD1W3oeyA86FArTH-w2-l_Q7xhULGUovU1mBPuWxhXmJKD2if9cqLwXlwLADVOQP8T4b3GREOKAeWp7ShXxSEGa8UVZSwC3Jtqfdgf3OvQZNHzm79hMMdZ6E89O9jEJndRTmC8E/s1600/36481736_10104625053258183_4324451052486131712_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Here are some of my own personal, very amateur and slightly diva-ish/lazy tips for showing:<br />
<ol>
<li>Pay people to help you if possible! This includes braiding, coaching, and calling (for dressage tests).</li>
<li>Pack your trailer the day before you leave. It's so nice to just grab the pony and go!</li>
<li>Bring more hay than you think you'll ever need.</li>
<li>Chug water, Gatorade, and bring lots of snacks! Don't forget to bring some sort of protein. You're gonna go from not hungry at all to oh-my-god-how-did-I-let-myself-get-this-hungry in two seconds. </li>
<li>Also bring snacks for anyone helping you. They deserve a million cookies.</li>
<li>When someone acts like an asshole in warmup, ignoring arena etiquette completely, and nearly runs you over several times, keep the incredulous faces to yourself. You never know who someone's trainer is on the outside of the ring. *oopsie*</li>
<li>Immediately upon returning home from said show do laundry! White breeches, white shirts, white show pads clean better if not left to their own dirty devices for weeks in the back of your trailer.</li>
<li>Always put the pony first - first to eat, first to get water, first for treats and kind words.</li>
<li>Don't take it too seriously.</li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTQB3bL3uA-tMoiSX3576A5I88W6WjO3sZCCKDqknJANGL7Ey4ugiN7jT9MVuYb0PAmTdCNMumCjwrOJEHarREAU7TLok44uwSkK9g8Tw_IfaqUluzSKcGyQwtKHSlDLlVgzklseBQu4/s1600/36539360_10104630962965083_1891897613163167744_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTQB3bL3uA-tMoiSX3576A5I88W6WjO3sZCCKDqknJANGL7Ey4ugiN7jT9MVuYb0PAmTdCNMumCjwrOJEHarREAU7TLok44uwSkK9g8Tw_IfaqUluzSKcGyQwtKHSlDLlVgzklseBQu4/s1600/36539360_10104630962965083_1891897613163167744_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="892" data-original-width="1080" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTQB3bL3uA-tMoiSX3576A5I88W6WjO3sZCCKDqknJANGL7Ey4ugiN7jT9MVuYb0PAmTdCNMumCjwrOJEHarREAU7TLok44uwSkK9g8Tw_IfaqUluzSKcGyQwtKHSlDLlVgzklseBQu4/s400/36539360_10104630962965083_1891897613163167744_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My face in ALL of these photos clearly shows that I'm taking this way too seriously ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Gavin and I showed last weekend and accomplished something that I had set as a goal in 2018. It is a tiny achievement to some, but Gavin and I qualified for the RMDS championships in September at training level. When I realized we scored well enough to advance I started to cry in the middle of the show barn aisle. My mom thought something was horribly wrong (not a pretty crier), but I just felt so proud of him. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikUiCH03PjuGoViuD8oxfU2MEFym3lPSNnq8OWyyOcygfYYJ1GKBpkHy21-0AxvCfcMrJelZfKzsCnmL6lV_Eod1CFLojD3BtmZiP7-vIAf2I-7zUA4QOhDJxb1jxKxV8eo1LrnuxuXqA/s1600/36565409_10104630962875263_6625846021769396224_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikUiCH03PjuGoViuD8oxfU2MEFym3lPSNnq8OWyyOcygfYYJ1GKBpkHy21-0AxvCfcMrJelZfKzsCnmL6lV_Eod1CFLojD3BtmZiP7-vIAf2I-7zUA4QOhDJxb1jxKxV8eo1LrnuxuXqA/s1600/36565409_10104630962875263_6625846021769396224_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="890" data-original-width="1080" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikUiCH03PjuGoViuD8oxfU2MEFym3lPSNnq8OWyyOcygfYYJ1GKBpkHy21-0AxvCfcMrJelZfKzsCnmL6lV_Eod1CFLojD3BtmZiP7-vIAf2I-7zUA4QOhDJxb1jxKxV8eo1LrnuxuXqA/s640/36565409_10104630962875263_6625846021769396224_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></div>
<div>
Besides a lot of calling at the show (and oh boy, did he scream his head off while we walked around the grounds), he didn't put a hoof wrong. This doesn't mean our test was perfect (hello breaking to the trot down the long side, jigging before the free walk, and general tension), but he is always game to try, and luckily he puts a lot of trust in me to get him through scary situations without him dying. I feel very lucky to call him my horse.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We left the show absolutely soaked (it poured right after our test) with a 63.8% T-3 test, a second place ribbon, and a ticket to championships. :) <br /> </div>
Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862898176284766826noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5358254040902578396.post-47624774315715634832018-06-12T19:54:00.001-07:002018-06-12T19:54:56.659-07:00Show Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I apparently am at a loss for words anytime I blog. It's like I want to communicate with the blogging community, and I'm definitely reading and commenting, but when I go to write my own - I lose all words. Very unlike me. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Anyways - we went to our first RMDS (Rocky Mtn Dressage Society) show this last weekend and didn't totally suck! I mean, the heat was atrocious, but I was expecting that and hydrated like I meant it. I also braided for the first time. I guess I would describe it in two words - painful and frustrating. I've learned my lesson - just pay and let someone else do the deed while I clean tack or something.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Gavin was his usual self. He was amiable, steady, and ready to blast off in the trot. He was also tight-backed, tried to run through either shoulder, and gave a very weak attempt at the running buck in his first test. I actually laughed as we were going along the rail. It was such a pathetic attempt that the judge gave us a 5.5 for the canter and just noted that he had a tight back, but I know the truth. He wanted his blasted rider off his back!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I had a great time and overall felt like we did ourselves proud in the 1-1 test (the T-3 test not so much - we were both still very tight at this point). Anyways - without further ado, here are some pictures! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4t8wjem2topkVkWwzTzhbyriX6o1NwYE-rJWh9xwWmK85RyPs1KXu92af6w64JNDvswReeQIE2FdeAf8i7kJKJTE7N-JgfmMOkZ34MBbItupe9kzSFixLpVvCB4GAXEvqboLL77WvBEw/s1600/35043511_10104587370399933_372667178333241344_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="463" data-original-width="463" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4t8wjem2topkVkWwzTzhbyriX6o1NwYE-rJWh9xwWmK85RyPs1KXu92af6w64JNDvswReeQIE2FdeAf8i7kJKJTE7N-JgfmMOkZ34MBbItupe9kzSFixLpVvCB4GAXEvqboLL77WvBEw/s320/35043511_10104587370399933_372667178333241344_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKsjKma19IHhGR-BJ0FYJ1NaGVFASexIGzQRVoV1BWltdAdGvYpO-l0CDR6F_uF9bS23YnB7AdCoYrhjvfE_XE6UQ53-Z2eXf8vkXDm2jwC9fgVXym0wCIWYbkNwTVtWc2cGEQHzfYXQM/s1600/35078596_10104587370454823_1799837712182673408_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="513" data-original-width="513" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKsjKma19IHhGR-BJ0FYJ1NaGVFASexIGzQRVoV1BWltdAdGvYpO-l0CDR6F_uF9bS23YnB7AdCoYrhjvfE_XE6UQ53-Z2eXf8vkXDm2jwC9fgVXym0wCIWYbkNwTVtWc2cGEQHzfYXQM/s320/35078596_10104587370454823_1799837712182673408_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Captain Hunch with a side of Rogue Right Arm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZUEdq5JQxcN-cJ7mp7TD7GSgiGp93rg2unN_ay5tdTqSokbH7HoIYQ7l7f_q0LZgoUSLp6a8zsR7McDt1Yq5LneL-KCOTMq1oIid_Il28ZVSxHsDL_J_gy79Xlj0ExS3po-T2i26Wa1Q/s1600/35082863_10104587370315103_3429089734368952320_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="455" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZUEdq5JQxcN-cJ7mp7TD7GSgiGp93rg2unN_ay5tdTqSokbH7HoIYQ7l7f_q0LZgoUSLp6a8zsR7McDt1Yq5LneL-KCOTMq1oIid_Il28ZVSxHsDL_J_gy79Xlj0ExS3po-T2i26Wa1Q/s320/35082863_10104587370315103_3429089734368952320_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank god this is over...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkkEv7q_eN8x9gxGlcfzKmgyUFzZ9k8EaLvkBHKj9yQ0kUtfiULsVtOQ3ukLBYbg0SoD0DtdUt5zguv094lpZmFBa84nqVUKvS_7Zz-HyRQiADrmv4nAXE0Kk6au-Vg0exfxbfA5HA4cA/s1600/35142852_10104587370494743_2955102727039877120_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="518" data-original-width="518" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkkEv7q_eN8x9gxGlcfzKmgyUFzZ9k8EaLvkBHKj9yQ0kUtfiULsVtOQ3ukLBYbg0SoD0DtdUt5zguv094lpZmFBa84nqVUKvS_7Zz-HyRQiADrmv4nAXE0Kk6au-Vg0exfxbfA5HA4cA/s320/35142852_10104587370494743_2955102727039877120_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrQwUOP8rZbVVizTyFtZp2MWpmyeJERUsxu3hEbixKHRrKlByTvA25FEhuwNaVUNXlwy1pp1s48dYMO_guLfr5aVA0uyex5cTd9aZkqe3LPQ6eXMVEYq2QmfnIuNs28ZjIokSVs-C_Gps/s1600/35201871_10104587370734263_7619349069177028608_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrQwUOP8rZbVVizTyFtZp2MWpmyeJERUsxu3hEbixKHRrKlByTvA25FEhuwNaVUNXlwy1pp1s48dYMO_guLfr5aVA0uyex5cTd9aZkqe3LPQ6eXMVEYq2QmfnIuNs28ZjIokSVs-C_Gps/s320/35201871_10104587370734263_7619349069177028608_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFWxBXGkbsGS-aoxnVVAwsMWx4iq3I6mYFEz_Tps4N__7JoFIeQz5_xZsm_SYvbg5v7xIytPFFxtJtmB4NiHsQ22uQAcrxXRcSEuOX1f44Sh_hr-E8OtwHVKd1hoF8XYVaVR_528jG2E/s1600/35206684_10104587370849033_6588253139395149824_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFWxBXGkbsGS-aoxnVVAwsMWx4iq3I6mYFEz_Tps4N__7JoFIeQz5_xZsm_SYvbg5v7xIytPFFxtJtmB4NiHsQ22uQAcrxXRcSEuOX1f44Sh_hr-E8OtwHVKd1hoF8XYVaVR_528jG2E/s320/35206684_10104587370849033_6588253139395149824_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyquI1lutz7I3tEMI2KgiVD6mn3W3uKjBIm3Ta7RT7jPfr1Ke7SOIKXbTrYnMexOFl2XOqw7pGUejAtvGN-LM9hEmGm04BU3A08Qzd9-HJMlEHlRGgecHcQiQxpXLtqvJ8HhBsTmxCKeE/s1600/35228758_10104587370569593_5557012821402714112_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="505" data-original-width="505" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyquI1lutz7I3tEMI2KgiVD6mn3W3uKjBIm3Ta7RT7jPfr1Ke7SOIKXbTrYnMexOFl2XOqw7pGUejAtvGN-LM9hEmGm04BU3A08Qzd9-HJMlEHlRGgecHcQiQxpXLtqvJ8HhBsTmxCKeE/s320/35228758_10104587370569593_5557012821402714112_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862898176284766826noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5358254040902578396.post-74124304122680461902018-05-22T10:47:00.000-07:002018-05-22T10:47:29.692-07:00Six Months<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div align="left">
I decided when I moved into the new barn and was able to get more consistent lessons and regular rides that I'd start document Gav's muscling/conformation on a monthly basis. Here are the results after 6 months. </div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2oFaf5cBJYBD6fOTSLi4sjwqgkRLE1GyPvMFcXtjnEiboNqw4bnj3LxWi8gcE4FPLsBfg_PjTQLWZq7erIGDxTAV3OTuYA5nZt1fQehN5m2rwANK9ZcXzgNGdJ0u_r7-L2yLZCge8XA0/s1600/November.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="210" data-original-width="349" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2oFaf5cBJYBD6fOTSLi4sjwqgkRLE1GyPvMFcXtjnEiboNqw4bnj3LxWi8gcE4FPLsBfg_PjTQLWZq7erIGDxTAV3OTuYA5nZt1fQehN5m2rwANK9ZcXzgNGdJ0u_r7-L2yLZCge8XA0/s400/November.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">November</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-DZ63P6x5NhAs-c-hZOGxA6mvo_0wQi6pAiAhSfz6Afmw3heIJ2tUVU9zqJaTKdO8qWN9qWpiSdBYDkQHMQ8pUSFPcRLN4ApYB2_nB5WzT1iq7_nNHUEDrgP17d4841nymCB0v0rSpU/s1600/December.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="208" data-original-width="421" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-DZ63P6x5NhAs-c-hZOGxA6mvo_0wQi6pAiAhSfz6Afmw3heIJ2tUVU9zqJaTKdO8qWN9qWpiSdBYDkQHMQ8pUSFPcRLN4ApYB2_nB5WzT1iq7_nNHUEDrgP17d4841nymCB0v0rSpU/s400/December.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">December</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-f9_PxwMXGppwYnHHH0y_KCIHZZdGOAYXLaG0mu-I0qrX8dar_HXKVHnFldV8vg9Uj0K9jR1Y_CNLZeEk-5C_nSq6K49oObrZfmgjQMZrPs3hMMGZwlO5z98QBCdiMpuJztUqk-bxcAQ/s1600/January.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="214" data-original-width="427" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-f9_PxwMXGppwYnHHH0y_KCIHZZdGOAYXLaG0mu-I0qrX8dar_HXKVHnFldV8vg9Uj0K9jR1Y_CNLZeEk-5C_nSq6K49oObrZfmgjQMZrPs3hMMGZwlO5z98QBCdiMpuJztUqk-bxcAQ/s400/January.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">January</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuS-jVL25H6N_lkvhfIG_0PnKSXzCGanvM_SSmmOtUkrlwO6Afx65CCY9XzUWW-yjTJhicq40UjOVK-kt9RLvuHoqiyzo759W0I23G8x7rY4LI3GLIR6xNh4SyllGEq-MeukKrom4Ql-Q/s1600/February.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="210" data-original-width="408" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuS-jVL25H6N_lkvhfIG_0PnKSXzCGanvM_SSmmOtUkrlwO6Afx65CCY9XzUWW-yjTJhicq40UjOVK-kt9RLvuHoqiyzo759W0I23G8x7rY4LI3GLIR6xNh4SyllGEq-MeukKrom4Ql-Q/s400/February.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">February</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfIxpHfu1Uu0MCysHuK1pg9N-w23bFvt1V_L-qfj8SsKsHYmMJJmY2ZT6OgwrxxYBPV8GsRx19HSZFhR3mSgFBwF1htW9PpMFo9DiJ6xO7krMdleB0u5VuGf2n1C10R9igNjYQK5IKHg/s1600/March.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="197" data-original-width="337" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfIxpHfu1Uu0MCysHuK1pg9N-w23bFvt1V_L-qfj8SsKsHYmMJJmY2ZT6OgwrxxYBPV8GsRx19HSZFhR3mSgFBwF1htW9PpMFo9DiJ6xO7krMdleB0u5VuGf2n1C10R9igNjYQK5IKHg/s400/March.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">March</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNsmGlNhCUysHTZQy0lqcDc4ZluSAhQeMNAFGhkUT2-sFj9vIlzuCg7ca58szjjyATgdAL5nLBdWwpZ59l24mykhsAon0eRHi39w4xokTAW5YXg8bzxD7jhza0PQMgryj6hnpSg667nY/s1600/April.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="212" data-original-width="422" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNsmGlNhCUysHTZQy0lqcDc4ZluSAhQeMNAFGhkUT2-sFj9vIlzuCg7ca58szjjyATgdAL5nLBdWwpZ59l24mykhsAon0eRHi39w4xokTAW5YXg8bzxD7jhza0PQMgryj6hnpSg667nY/s400/April.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">April</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizHbwv2s22Isq2RUEGd-T3h2yaDPj9WF-zHGRv5t__ndM21_JMlLqxvPsCW-KohqBiPcPd61DFQAgh_lXHHOlrZ1iq5ifcwJg5k1TEz6Q6QUw7-wwCGiYoLPT2XeU-ycz7Njhyphenhyphen-vOedqc/s1600/May.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizHbwv2s22Isq2RUEGd-T3h2yaDPj9WF-zHGRv5t__ndM21_JMlLqxvPsCW-KohqBiPcPd61DFQAgh_lXHHOlrZ1iq5ifcwJg5k1TEz6Q6QUw7-wwCGiYoLPT2XeU-ycz7Njhyphenhyphen-vOedqc/s400/May.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862898176284766826noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5358254040902578396.post-82648929632327386732018-04-11T06:32:00.003-07:002018-04-11T06:32:48.712-07:00Solace
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The last two weeks have not been good to me personally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These kind of weeks happen when you love
someone (or several someones) who have substance abuse issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can be very isolating, lonely, and
frustrating when people you love slip away to a place where you can’t reach
them, even when they’re right there in front of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYc7dzl9oJR7ZW2rYqGLE3smz3AQV5mXky64QGlN09GBvbx8n3D4eoDoq1H3y8lpAFyuJQu6AcdMKw54lqSDcyXI9S33JRgcaDxrvXU0bfwcqQQNpyQyX2L9bzrF_xHBW9Qgz-qUW14yY/s1600/IMG_20180408_175556_797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYc7dzl9oJR7ZW2rYqGLE3smz3AQV5mXky64QGlN09GBvbx8n3D4eoDoq1H3y8lpAFyuJQu6AcdMKw54lqSDcyXI9S33JRgcaDxrvXU0bfwcqQQNpyQyX2L9bzrF_xHBW9Qgz-qUW14yY/s400/IMG_20180408_175556_797.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My thoughts exactly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I've experienced the effects of addiction so many times now in my life and within so many different relationships. I used to cry, get angry, do anything in my power to stop
the behavior, but what I’ve realized over time (and with professional help) is
that you can’t stop someone who is determined to do something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can’t help someone who doesn’t want
help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so, I’ve learned to provide
myself with self care during these times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I look for ways to make myself feel good (healthy ways, if you don't include the occasional primal scream and cookie binges…).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That means spending time with
friends, walking and cuddling my puppy, evening trips to Barnes & Noble for
a coffee, and it also means A LOT of barn time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0G7LFHy_4_nrH6a4GV-nzq6-bx4wrc2bYIuh4T-JsY223kPDqlPTuOOvZVnuUky3YI6b9DiwbY6yNtjUyO3DAxdjXGdwNCOYvWXxSvBsz72IIG2tJcxoPXb5C-dgIQk_nQcYlerFip_E/s1600/IMG_20180410_145442_699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="943" data-original-width="1369" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0G7LFHy_4_nrH6a4GV-nzq6-bx4wrc2bYIuh4T-JsY223kPDqlPTuOOvZVnuUky3YI6b9DiwbY6yNtjUyO3DAxdjXGdwNCOYvWXxSvBsz72IIG2tJcxoPXb5C-dgIQk_nQcYlerFip_E/s400/IMG_20180410_145442_699.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I feel the most myself when I’m at the barn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel strong, capable, and in control of my
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can forget, sometimes for hours,
what is happening outside of the arena and barn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is a true blessing in my life that I found horses, horse
friends, the blogging community, and Gavin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwebwJrBwkHC0y53b_7N6oAbXjbXcClD14k5AfOADRnTTkOLtR0tNlb2vEEFGeb835CW69UK5RWzy6AhyIX9RowtWJyPU06e1rzQ6DfWOQy8X_4TEHrwdk359YWiiWlz-Q6UV13EgTJfk/s1600/IMG_20180409_123902_041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwebwJrBwkHC0y53b_7N6oAbXjbXcClD14k5AfOADRnTTkOLtR0tNlb2vEEFGeb835CW69UK5RWzy6AhyIX9RowtWJyPU06e1rzQ6DfWOQy8X_4TEHrwdk359YWiiWlz-Q6UV13EgTJfk/s320/IMG_20180409_123902_041.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First signs of spring</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here’s hoping the next week looks better *fingers crossed*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862898176284766826noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5358254040902578396.post-55351972453123833132018-04-03T14:30:00.000-07:002018-04-03T14:30:04.207-07:00The Half Halt Clinic
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Half Halt Clinic<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This last weekend, I was finally able to lesson with an ‘S’
judge and local Denver trainer that I’ve been pursuing like some weird jilted
lover for years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigfEBpIRCa2Van1H2fYG8ucHhtc-ibU3kA-rWH4Ct1_TqyVhENsCGQu4yOlStNEWrrxtJWP3CawMKwnYocN4MMV6Fk-AF5r5KO9rEMCmi_UJ0qKO6Jh-t3bBNsuQ-XO9wsDnGYBm5z9yo/s1600/IMG_20180401_151618_683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigfEBpIRCa2Van1H2fYG8ucHhtc-ibU3kA-rWH4Ct1_TqyVhENsCGQu4yOlStNEWrrxtJWP3CawMKwnYocN4MMV6Fk-AF5r5KO9rEMCmi_UJ0qKO6Jh-t3bBNsuQ-XO9wsDnGYBm5z9yo/s320/IMG_20180401_151618_683.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooooookies Plleeeeeease</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">She asked me what my
goals were with Gavin</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told her I’d
like to earn my bronze with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is
hard for me to say out in public (especially with the audit crowd listening).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m shy about my horse goals, mostly because
I worry about others judging those goals and me/Gav.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">She asked what I
thought we needed to work on</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told
her he was a very willing partner (this is the truth), and that I need to be
better with my body and knowing/understanding how much to ask and when to
ask.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>AKA how to be a more effective
rider.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">She watched us go for a few minutes (transitions, change of
direction, etc.).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She loved him, me
maybe not so much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9yhWLWmOY0l9wgZejhl-P88vykcZNqzhz9hH6CkZGsZ3nW3B_s5WUY0NQJ6PRUm72PiftNGlkNNm0SYG59u0iD1iqCzxZPVMJR1kWcxpeFWP6_2iIcR6u-76RrCnSY2upoyDgdoHK7r4/s1600/20180401_141905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9yhWLWmOY0l9wgZejhl-P88vykcZNqzhz9hH6CkZGsZ3nW3B_s5WUY0NQJ6PRUm72PiftNGlkNNm0SYG59u0iD1iqCzxZPVMJR1kWcxpeFWP6_2iIcR6u-76RrCnSY2upoyDgdoHK7r4/s320/20180401_141905.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poser</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Positive takeaways</b>:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She didn’t say one damn thing about my
hands/elbows/arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel like I’m
finally making some progress in this area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I think that one lesson I had with the grand prix rider who focused on
equitation was mega helpful on this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She really liked him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She must have said it once every 5 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She liked his gaits and his attitude and kept
musing on why other riders in the area didn’t buy cobs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">a.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This led to a tangent on Cardi (welsh cob superstar
;)) and how Jessica Wisdom rides the hell out of him (in a good way).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She commented that I’m fine with the amount of
leg and spur usage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just need more
prompt canter transitions and he won’t be offended by my lengthy leg squeeze
because it won’t be there anymore.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">a.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I specifically asked her about this because I
had an older pleasure rider tell me she didn’t care for spurs and that she’s
noticed I leg my horse a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To say I
felt a little anxiety about that statement days later would be the
understatement of the year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It fucking
haunted me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJ_oESEwytScN6QG1tIPOn0SnbfmxbOT0u-BdCA3Vp7oTMA0nlAcQH0JdJGnbCgwwDbnR6UxZSu-p6_pqaUF8Ilqk3ffhQFohM6_AZab3AZtnDsDTV2NYUWvIIWW4wzZ4-_xBnZ6E49s/s1600/IMG_20180325_084045_011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJ_oESEwytScN6QG1tIPOn0SnbfmxbOT0u-BdCA3Vp7oTMA0nlAcQH0JdJGnbCgwwDbnR6UxZSu-p6_pqaUF8Ilqk3ffhQFohM6_AZab3AZtnDsDTV2NYUWvIIWW4wzZ4-_xBnZ6E49s/s320/IMG_20180325_084045_011.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obligatory cute pug picture</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Things to work on
(homework):<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She kept asking me to sit the trot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is not something I do particularly
often.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like to push him into his
bigger trot when we’re working and it’s a bitch to sit <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(see: Erika is lazy</i>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
said tough shit, you bought a horse with a big, bouncy trot and now you’ve got
to learn to sit that trot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">a.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Week 1: Sitting trot 10 minutes a ride<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">b.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Week 2 (and going forward): Sitting trot 5
minutes stirrups, 5 minutes no stirrups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">c.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Week 3: admire my new abs of steel ;)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Half halt in every corner, before every transition,
after every transition, sometimes just to say ‘hey listen to me!’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She totally called me out on my lack of half
halts. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I fully admit that I never think
about them, but when I actually practice them the canter transitions are much improved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So ya know - the new name of the game is half
halts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When you cue canter – he canters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This isn’t optional.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Help him out on this by half halting before
the transition, but still require canter upon cueing – not 3 strides
later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As always, this is a work in
progress, but I truly believe once I install auto-half halts on myself, his
canter transitions will improve dramatically.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He can get a little lazy behind in the canter
and lose tempo at the beginning of his canter work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ask for just a touch more and then follow a
little more with hands at the beginning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Work on my seat:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">a.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Plug my butt into the saddle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">b.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Relax hips and thighs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">c.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Feel my seat bones on the saddle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">d.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If my zipper touches the saddle, I’m clearly leaning
too far forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">e.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Don’t stand in the stirrups at the canter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMlfCQ4QgLa0tZ_PpfHpb5aqgLVNq9YFGaA3CmLjlq3iB9h7_92vH2AfQso7-175gKNRa2unmYgE66aYaEIuWKKkZCAMMO2IaZxVSI-9eA3idyTSic8ifHBwoppifb1wB0nDU6dw3X3M/s1600/IMG_20180311_205637_351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMlfCQ4QgLa0tZ_PpfHpb5aqgLVNq9YFGaA3CmLjlq3iB9h7_92vH2AfQso7-175gKNRa2unmYgE66aYaEIuWKKkZCAMMO2IaZxVSI-9eA3idyTSic8ifHBwoppifb1wB0nDU6dw3X3M/s320/IMG_20180311_205637_351.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top - March, 2018, Bottom - February, 2018</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862898176284766826noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5358254040902578396.post-80692074005319965152018-02-20T11:08:00.000-08:002018-02-20T11:08:03.806-08:00Areas for Improvement<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">While preparing for both tests highest level (T-3, 1-3), I
thought it’d be helpful for me to figure out what I’ve got locked down and what
I need to work on.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Unrelated - here are some videos from our lesson this last Friday. Sorta gives a feel for where we are on trot/canter.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/0sptLgJovLo/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0sptLgJovLo?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ua5csVC9pvg/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ua5csVC9pvg?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
</div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">General challenges<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Keeping him relaxed and focused on me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Keeping MYSELF from making noise (kissing,
clucking, good boys, oh shit!, etc)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Forward, relaxed transitions<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">4.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Braiding?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Just pay someone???<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">5.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">No vomiting – on or off horse<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Training-3<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Loop from H-X-K<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">a.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Need to make sure it’s fluid and that the bend
is there<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Free walk from K-X-H – we get bogged down in the
walk and he gets squirmy when I’m picking him back up from a long rein<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">a.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Need to make sure he stays forward and relaxed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Stretchy trot circle<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">a.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">These are good, I just need to make sure I can
get his focus on me in a busy show environment<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">First-3<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">HA! Hahahahaha.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That’s my crazy-we-might-fail-miserably laugh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Lengthening in both trot/canter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">a.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Getting there, but might need to push them a bit
further<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Leg yield off rail to X and back to rail<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">a.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Need to make sure we can laterally cover the
distance while remaining forward at the trot<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">b.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Just needs more practice, specifically in a
standard size dressage arena<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">4.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Canter loops to X and back to rail<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">a.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Need to not get in his way when headed back to
the rail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a tendency to lean back
and out when we’re returning to the rail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This throws him off balance and often puts him back into trot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">b.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Just needs more practice, specifically in a
standard size dressage arena<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">5.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">10m trot circles/15m canter circles<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">a.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">More practice in a standard size dressage arena<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">6.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">In general, there is a lot of canter in this
test.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His fitness is good, but we do
have occasional breaks to the trot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Need
to keep him forward.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862898176284766826noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5358254040902578396.post-77348408501707629982018-02-19T15:17:00.000-08:002018-02-19T15:17:21.161-08:00Tentative Show Schedule
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Super boring post - mostly for my own planning brain</span></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGR-uAK3_2zc0ATxN4kBt8VI29iIZ7OGr_dB6dMWmXUb77qte5L1jcvmt4vr8RBmBiqoEgDta6YWxEzQoCKvUeyKnD9omkXk4FQrMjGHgyCV9_yJqqovU5mUoyWS-s0uXo8Jz6DWogG6A/s1600/IMG_20180214_182622_577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGR-uAK3_2zc0ATxN4kBt8VI29iIZ7OGr_dB6dMWmXUb77qte5L1jcvmt4vr8RBmBiqoEgDta6YWxEzQoCKvUeyKnD9omkXk4FQrMjGHgyCV9_yJqqovU5mUoyWS-s0uXo8Jz6DWogG6A/s400/IMG_20180214_182622_577.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretending to have a treat for pics going horribly wrong</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paragron Dressage I/II/III<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">a.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Friday, May 25<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> – Sunday, May 27<span style="font-size: x-small;"><sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">b.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Colorado Horse Park<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">c.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Considered 3 separate shows<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">d.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Trailer-in, hour drive time<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">e.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tests<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">i.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Friday:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 2in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Prep (flex day)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">ii.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saturday:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 2in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Training 1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 2in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Training 3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 2in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">First 1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">iii.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sunday:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 2in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">No show<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">f.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Might only show one day**<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wS0ohNlSZYakLODouzMGemsqpBjgHGbbGUZlqtUaU5c_5nXzqncXQ_fKA12ZCdzWcv04JRpt7rt2axmHTFbPOnwgbbwJhnYijE2__51c-oR0Nph-Ll0r1depoIGobs1vRDMm6UQSCo0/s1600/IMG_20180218_171700_276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wS0ohNlSZYakLODouzMGemsqpBjgHGbbGUZlqtUaU5c_5nXzqncXQ_fKA12ZCdzWcv04JRpt7rt2axmHTFbPOnwgbbwJhnYijE2__51c-oR0Nph-Ll0r1depoIGobs1vRDMm6UQSCo0/s400/IMG_20180218_171700_276.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Naughty pony playing chicken with me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">BV Dressage I/II<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">a.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">June 30<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> – July 1<span style="font-size: x-small;"><sup>st</sup><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">b.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Boulder Valley Fairgrounds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">c.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Considered 2 separate shows<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">d.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Trailer-in both days, 45 minute drive time<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">e.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tests<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">i.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Friday:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 2in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Training 1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 2in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Training 3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 2in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">First 3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">ii.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sunday:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 2in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Training 3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 2in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">First 1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 2in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">First 3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsxwNC_RBedrRyC_WhlRkZ2SRP0Xh0N1XzhI3_msQtCzOhW9qOZW1vuNRM-SKaGR24JFeJ_RoZW6qpYvE1r7Yn_40qa7XdQH2ziennsE6b_yoWlr1-WBJ5GX6FvxtVAYGfq0-IYh8wMi0/s1600/IMG_20180218_223136_808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1554" data-original-width="1600" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsxwNC_RBedrRyC_WhlRkZ2SRP0Xh0N1XzhI3_msQtCzOhW9qOZW1vuNRM-SKaGR24JFeJ_RoZW6qpYvE1r7Yn_40qa7XdQH2ziennsE6b_yoWlr1-WBJ5GX6FvxtVAYGfq0-IYh8wMi0/s400/IMG_20180218_223136_808.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pooper :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Estes Park Dressage<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">a.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">August 17<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> – 19<span style="font-size: x-small;"><sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">b.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Estes Park fairgrounds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">c.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Considered 3 separate shows<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">d.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Trailer-in, hour drive time<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">e.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tests<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">i.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Friday:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 2in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Prep (flex day)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">ii.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saturday<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 2in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Training 3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 2in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">First 1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 2in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">First 3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">iii.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sunday<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 2in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">No show<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">f.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Might only show one day**<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">RMDS Championships<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">a.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">September 20<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> – 23<span style="font-size: x-small;"><sup>rd</sup><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">b.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Taking Thursday – Monday off work<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">c.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Colorado Horse Park<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">d.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Championships and multi-day USDF/USEF show<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">e.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stable Gav, sleep in trailer<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">f.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tests<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">i.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thursday:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 2in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Training 3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 2in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">First 3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">ii.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Friday:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 2in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Training 3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 2in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">First 3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">iii.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saturday:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 2in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">First championships<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">iv.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sunday:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 2in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Training championships<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Training tests: 9<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Training tests at highest level: 7<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">First level tests: 9<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">First level tests at highest level: 6<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Competing for/towards: <span style="font-family: Calibri;">USDF Rider Awards, USDF Bronze Medal
First Level Scores, USDF Adult Amateur (I can dream, right?), All Breed Awards –
Welsh Cob (who knows… it could happen!), RMDS Championships<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862898176284766826noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5358254040902578396.post-8036925834141940932018-02-15T13:18:00.000-08:002018-02-15T13:18:04.135-08:00JoyfulI don’t have any great way to explain what has happened with Gav and I, but for the last two weeks riding has been nothing but joyful. I actually have to force myself to stop bc... ya know... pony might be super, but he still gets tired.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhDJ2sW0puCujPvkxTajCOzI_-Sj9FMj6aZJr7rGAWPZ7L7CdTgm9Ktz1-SAXF09YKPys9HK4KiUSIoJvKzJRVYadM9w3pHgM92-3Dm7rw6OA9mv9cLy5FQjOx0NXOhtqTfB7EhuXHHqg/s1600/IMG_20180211_182947_491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhDJ2sW0puCujPvkxTajCOzI_-Sj9FMj6aZJr7rGAWPZ7L7CdTgm9Ktz1-SAXF09YKPys9HK4KiUSIoJvKzJRVYadM9w3pHgM92-3Dm7rw6OA9mv9cLy5FQjOx0NXOhtqTfB7EhuXHHqg/s320/IMG_20180211_182947_491.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His cookie face</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I credit the following:<br />
- switching from Dressage whip to spurs (steadier in contact, more association of go with legs)<br />
- switching to the baucher (same bit as Jen and Connor @cobjockey)<br />
- that badass lesson I had two weeks ago where I learned contact can be like holding hands for horse and rider<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikiymVxjFTaPiBKhlmLVTB0KI7ETmQ5Pxu3wVYBaY-3cHg72MI5J31RPlVzeG8awAu42SGrYj90vKzCal2_r0Uuec_8nYhU5jFmUk9ojNs50j5MosOGBNp6YI3OeIj1FxujBItyKWCG7g/s1600/IMG_20180211_164636_379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikiymVxjFTaPiBKhlmLVTB0KI7ETmQ5Pxu3wVYBaY-3cHg72MI5J31RPlVzeG8awAu42SGrYj90vKzCal2_r0Uuec_8nYhU5jFmUk9ojNs50j5MosOGBNp6YI3OeIj1FxujBItyKWCG7g/s320/IMG_20180211_164636_379.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second Saturday conformation pic for February (on top), January (on bottom)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Even my warmups haven’t been sucking. Idk - I feel like Gav and I have crossed into a new level of communication.<br />
<br />
Also, if you’re looking for inspiration read The Alchemist! I just read it and my one thought throughout was my love of being with and pursuing excellence with horses.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjt0oM8YMtYMq19miUbFFHIL9Yn-3rfnr7IFNesXawsHWrAH1yxF0vfFW72s3gww26ytmta9TkhwOP7gm_4TsT00A9guGIfERmfg-1w97G0C8ABKThIIoR9R_JWcI79KtNmGQ9QPrkjpw/s1600/IMG_20180212_192725_892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjt0oM8YMtYMq19miUbFFHIL9Yn-3rfnr7IFNesXawsHWrAH1yxF0vfFW72s3gww26ytmta9TkhwOP7gm_4TsT00A9guGIfERmfg-1w97G0C8ABKThIIoR9R_JWcI79KtNmGQ9QPrkjpw/s320/IMG_20180212_192725_892.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862898176284766826noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5358254040902578396.post-16297449606010185332018-02-04T10:32:00.000-08:002018-02-04T10:32:34.733-08:00Special LessonOne of my goals has been to regularly lesson with a dressage instructor down the road from me, but to also branch out and try to get some lessons with higher-level instructors (S judges, trainers bringing horses up to Grand Prix and competing, etc.). So it was with excitement, and also a little trepidation that I had a lesson with a classical dressage trainer who competes at grand prix with her spanish horses. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9SY0bguTDLfZaa1dJIzZFRxjXMGxlOxDuAsxjy2FJdnt_iCb_1e-ebeId5QKnHKef5mLpjrxN5OCiHTWqb5XBvJMoq8a5ri3FylygP_kUg69KkWeHvBu0xAGvvmjgLbIFaqBMD_JuVnU/s1600/20180120_155911.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1394" data-original-width="1440" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9SY0bguTDLfZaa1dJIzZFRxjXMGxlOxDuAsxjy2FJdnt_iCb_1e-ebeId5QKnHKef5mLpjrxN5OCiHTWqb5XBvJMoq8a5ri3FylygP_kUg69KkWeHvBu0xAGvvmjgLbIFaqBMD_JuVnU/s320/20180120_155911.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me waiting for my lesson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I went to the barn about 5 hours early to get a read on her and also watch some of the lessons that were held prior to mine. Her lessons seemed pretty cerebral. Basically, you walked your horse until she thought you were good enough to trot, and from there into the canter. I was definitely not going to get out of the basics with this lady. I saw two riders never canter - just walk/trot. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCzZ9DoP5_R8JJbFVG4nQMxv0iLPcNJ7c5rD4i1ZnMGDIDCUKvIc0A5mElqBgM1KMGmXLCh-Hp5O8rJZbA4p4Yff8O248kahi-K_3OJUxbfS6HwVE_dTVH5TdRZKMeUTq3Lv4z7Z3LyEQ/s1600/27336814_10104332636368973_5329074245208572686_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />
Finally, it was my time to go. The arena was packed (because of course it was), but she was able to sweet talk everyone in to always going the same direction as me, which was super helpful. Here were the big takeaways:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDHE0aMNFAkROpAb0gOvV55cLEaB7p_45uKJGA_BghLsmhKZD18Loa0DZK0QnYaWQMyF6BPy2U7ZgMBa77Dj7Pes56BtPeVXYsX5QUftCoZJDo61bZphTtX2sj7RlNdGfewqrxcP1rsC4/s1600/27657798_10104334054601823_190641977204997097_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDHE0aMNFAkROpAb0gOvV55cLEaB7p_45uKJGA_BghLsmhKZD18Loa0DZK0QnYaWQMyF6BPy2U7ZgMBa77Dj7Pes56BtPeVXYsX5QUftCoZJDo61bZphTtX2sj7RlNdGfewqrxcP1rsC4/s320/27657798_10104334054601823_190641977204997097_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proof of lesson, and also proof that a 14.3h horse is plenty big for my little legs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Trot/Canter<br />
1) Engage my lats, this'll bring my shoulders down and back and hold my arms steady. Her words - I have lazy armpits. Need to engage the armpits.<br />
2) Carry the tea tray. I know I move my hands around and I'm telling you, the action is an unconscious one. She was like, carry a tea tray and DON'T SPILL. She seemed particularly offended by my hands in transitions. She's right, I fiddle with my hands. No more. Always with the tea tray.<br />
3) If he braces (which actually, he really rarely did after #1 and #2 were installed), I really need to push him forward and don't just give away the outside rein.<br />
4) Reins short, hands forward. You want to hold the contact with him like holding hands. No loosey-goosey business of taking contact and then dropping it. He needs to be able to rely on my contact, just like I want to rely on his.<br />
5) When turning at the trot, think turn, turn, turn with my upper body (like a sprinkler head turning). Her explanation of this was that when a horse trots and his outside hind comes forward, your body automatically get's pushed to the inside. The converse is true when the inside hind comes forward - your body will get pushed a little to the outside. To combat this and stay steadily on the line I want to ride, I need to think of pulling my torso/upper body back to the inside when his inside hind is pushing off. <br />
<br />
Canter<br />
1) In the beat where a horse lifts up his shoulders in the canter I need to think of elongating my spine, lowering my shoulders, and lightening my whole seat. This allows him to bring his back up in that moment. Same is true for asking for the canter transition. Worst thing is to push down in to the seat in those moments, thus pressing down on his back at the moment that he needs to come up in his back. This totally made sense.<br />
2) Half halt from my stomach before asking for the canter (if no reaction, half halt the outside rein). Get him to slow slightly and come back on his hind end and right at that moment ask for the canter. This is a work in progress for me because it requires some pretty serious timing that I just don't have yet. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Walk-to-Canter<br />
1) YES! She asked me to walk-to-canter. I was pretty excited about that.<br />
2) Get him to really march forward and jazz him up. Let him know we're about to do something.<br />
3) Same thing as trot, half halt and set him back a little and right then ask for the canter.<br />
4) This isn't a point, but we had one really stellar walk-to-canter where he just launched into the canter. To me it felt like he bucked, but to everyone watching they said he just sat back and then really jumped into the canter. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCzZ9DoP5_R8JJbFVG4nQMxv0iLPcNJ7c5rD4i1ZnMGDIDCUKvIc0A5mElqBgM1KMGmXLCh-Hp5O8rJZbA4p4Yff8O248kahi-K_3OJUxbfS6HwVE_dTVH5TdRZKMeUTq3Lv4z7Z3LyEQ/s1600/27336814_10104332636368973_5329074245208572686_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCzZ9DoP5_R8JJbFVG4nQMxv0iLPcNJ7c5rD4i1ZnMGDIDCUKvIc0A5mElqBgM1KMGmXLCh-Hp5O8rJZbA4p4Yff8O248kahi-K_3OJUxbfS6HwVE_dTVH5TdRZKMeUTq3Lv4z7Z3LyEQ/s1600/27336814_10104332636368973_5329074245208572686_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCzZ9DoP5_R8JJbFVG4nQMxv0iLPcNJ7c5rD4i1ZnMGDIDCUKvIc0A5mElqBgM1KMGmXLCh-Hp5O8rJZbA4p4Yff8O248kahi-K_3OJUxbfS6HwVE_dTVH5TdRZKMeUTq3Lv4z7Z3LyEQ/s320/27336814_10104332636368973_5329074245208572686_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dog photo to break up all these words. Look at that side-eye. Grumpy ole dog.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Her takeaways on Gav/Me<br />
1) She likes that he's not "hog fat" like some ponies of his type can get. He's fit, you can see his muscling, but he's not thin either.<br />
2) He's extremely willing. I just need to ask.<br />
3) I'm lucky to have him. *I would definitely agree with this*<br />
4) I recently stopped riding with a whip and went to spurs. I was curious to see how she felt about my usage of them. She said they were perfectly fine. I'm glad because I actually prefer just riding with spurs - gives my hands less to think about.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZ6mF2yU40J9LXjYIxWtJ6fs5E1Z5QuLpeSut0e5C_byaphCNKtENyvG49e5-Mjg-M0GTfPOoGbs5n8YJeAKIstwejmodAbkOHjKUZgZml6J-BstUBzuJhpxOZ9ofm19Z8YetwflOZpQ/s1600/IMG_20180122_210201_437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZ6mF2yU40J9LXjYIxWtJ6fs5E1Z5QuLpeSut0e5C_byaphCNKtENyvG49e5-Mjg-M0GTfPOoGbs5n8YJeAKIstwejmodAbkOHjKUZgZml6J-BstUBzuJhpxOZ9ofm19Z8YetwflOZpQ/s320/IMG_20180122_210201_437.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These boots are used and abused and in desperate need of a cleaning/conditioning</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Everything she had me do had a purpose and an explanation. It all made a ton of sense to me, and also seemed to help Gav be the best pony he could be. I left that lesson on cloud nine. I came out yesterday (the day after the lesson) to see if I could recreate any of that magic and surprisingly, I was able to get it all again. To me, that's the sign of a great lesson.<br />
<br />I can't wait for her to come back to my barn!Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862898176284766826noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5358254040902578396.post-12795971559128728312018-01-15T18:27:00.000-08:002018-01-15T18:27:52.767-08:00Second Saturday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Two months ago, my friend and I decided to start taking confirmation shots on the second Saturday of each month. This last Saturday was our third time taking pics and we also took some videos. We're hoping to be able to better track general fitness, weight, training, etc. I figured I might as well post these to the blog as well, as I've found it helpful to go back and look at prior blog posts for inspiration (inspiration such as "man, we used to suck so bad! We don't suck nearly as bad anymore!"). So here we are for January 2018!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8vSDQeyT4BfqC6DGZDa56lDFOAYRXIvXu4pHqoqrzFyiCYZXo8rGg6f1AIVKOWjxz9JKpS5W6mKMhWkjM8CWC308YvEPTYdfOa9wxFY7EN3DPB85HQMDQpWeG-gQrnORAWd6ChfCBQ4/s1600/IMG_20180113_194737_870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8vSDQeyT4BfqC6DGZDa56lDFOAYRXIvXu4pHqoqrzFyiCYZXo8rGg6f1AIVKOWjxz9JKpS5W6mKMhWkjM8CWC308YvEPTYdfOa9wxFY7EN3DPB85HQMDQpWeG-gQrnORAWd6ChfCBQ4/s320/IMG_20180113_194737_870.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He looks so tiny! He's actually 14.2 1/2! Top is January, bottom is November. He's leaned out since November (not surprising considering my riding program has changed pretty significantly).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/6DP5iOE59T0/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6DP5iOE59T0?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/MjfaphxNpDM/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MjfaphxNpDM?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
WTF am I doing with my hands at the beginning of this trot video? I'm not sure. My left hand is and has always been a zombie, but it's really gone rogue. Must quiet the hands!</div>
<u><span style="color: #000120;"></span></u><br />Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862898176284766826noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5358254040902578396.post-82462774081234106112018-01-04T14:36:00.000-08:002018-01-04T14:36:14.792-08:002018 Goals
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2018 Goals<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKBl9RAwqGe6v-Uq4pAxVzz-vyglVQyFoBBtQ7SgSb9DslJMj-KXohnoSOeXEq2lnpYLWk-DH1zHoAbd5JYI4WPLTOeftY00ZEBwAHXe2quYzks5qg172W9ZQaag1QFUSpXIWTS8p3Nw/s1600/IMG_20171228_201301_621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKBl9RAwqGe6v-Uq4pAxVzz-vyglVQyFoBBtQ7SgSb9DslJMj-KXohnoSOeXEq2lnpYLWk-DH1zHoAbd5JYI4WPLTOeftY00ZEBwAHXe2quYzks5qg172W9ZQaag1QFUSpXIWTS8p3Nw/s400/IMG_20171228_201301_621.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a horse, but look at this cute pugger</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m a little late on the 2018 posts (per my standard blog
behavior), but I did want to share my 2018 goals<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Horse goals<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Qualify for RMDS championships at training/first
level and compete<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Get my first level scores towards the bronze
medal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ride 4-5x a week<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Monthly confirmation shots on second Saturday of
each month<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lesson twice a month with local trainer<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lesson once a month with one of two different ‘S’
judges that frequent the area<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">a.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Try to get these recorded<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To sum it up, my goal is to ride more, learn more, and show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvx1Cv26qr1ZQ7nEZhFqYUl-2IRDJr60m6_cziEzWlDCDRGeq2_tdHS6n_lyLDeX-l2LvMb6F556EkEkliYgCB_I3dCaph9uGZIKEC5g_8-F_HRA-ns1uwk1Nfj6o6RtJoB5maMnvAEVk/s1600/IMG_20171231_182635_710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvx1Cv26qr1ZQ7nEZhFqYUl-2IRDJr60m6_cziEzWlDCDRGeq2_tdHS6n_lyLDeX-l2LvMb6F556EkEkliYgCB_I3dCaph9uGZIKEC5g_8-F_HRA-ns1uwk1Nfj6o6RtJoB5maMnvAEVk/s400/IMG_20171231_182635_710.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old man puppy boy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Personal goals<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Gym 3-4x a week (2 classes a week)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Learn more about the CFP (certified financial
planner) program<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Continue to slowly grow EQ Accounting (my very
small accounting services business that I offer to friends, family, and
equine-related businesses)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To sum it up, continue to work towards good physical fitness
and to grow professionally in a direction I enjoy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqMoCfS0xJWbBHlO765rvsnt1JhsNesSt268XHcPsFIOTPvMnPvkbaSD6Nfzu1wv4HfWhlbtgHn1J0Opr1bF0wtLJ6-R8Fo2LLaA-aBjJSYJsKzBvnuUXp7jpcvKxHWDfeNVkZFLwtJBM/s1600/20171231_115917.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="848" data-original-width="1440" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqMoCfS0xJWbBHlO765rvsnt1JhsNesSt268XHcPsFIOTPvMnPvkbaSD6Nfzu1wv4HfWhlbtgHn1J0Opr1bF0wtLJ6-R8Fo2LLaA-aBjJSYJsKzBvnuUXp7jpcvKxHWDfeNVkZFLwtJBM/s320/20171231_115917.png" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862898176284766826noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5358254040902578396.post-38840124538928518002018-01-02T06:43:00.000-08:002018-01-02T06:43:37.379-08:00Oh Suzannah!<div>
(much word vomit, pics of new saddle at bottom)<br />
<br />
Sure, Christmas was 5 days before, but on Saturday I woke up with that sort of early morning kid at Christmas excitement. It was NewSaddleFitting Day (a holiday only horse girls are aware of). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Before I talk about the saddles, I want to talk about the method in which this saddle fitter works because I really believe in it. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Step 1) you go to her shop and you sit in any saddle she thinks might work for your build and your budget. She makes notes on which saddles to bring with her for the actual fitting. This is important because it weeds out a lot of saddles that she'd otherwise have to cart around.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Step 2) she comes out and takes sketches of your horse's back. This is done for record and she saves them for future saddle adjustments.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Step 3) She sets each saddle on the horse's back to see if the saddle fits the horse.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Step 4) You ride in each saddle that fits your horse's back. Bam - bam - bam - bam. This is something that I really believe in now that I've gone through the process twice. It's a great way to quickly compare how you feel and how the horse feels in each saddle. I always used to take one saddle on trial and then another. This works, but I prefer trying them all during one ride. It allows you to compare each saddle with the impression of each one fresh in your mind.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Step 5) You buy a saddle. She doesn't do trials. This is a bit of a bummer, but it's how she works and I get the impression that she is rarely wrong on finding the "right" saddle.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So back to today - I was so excited. There were so many saddles to try.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
-Adam Ellis Avanti </div>
<div>
-Prestige X-Breath, monoflap</div>
<div>
-Prestige X-Breath, regular flap</div>
<div>
-Prestige Passion</div>
<div>
-Ideal Saddlery Suzannah, monoflap</div>
<div>
-Keith Bryan Santis Boutique</div>
<div>
-Selleria Equipe Emporio</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I had sat on all of these saddles in the store and the saddle fitter deemed them all worthy of a visit to Gav's back.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We sat each one on Gav's back, and the saddle fitter sorted them into two groups (winners/losers)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Winners on Gavin's back:</div>
<div>
-Both Prestige X-Breaths</div>
<div>
-Ideal Saddlery - Suzannah</div>
<div>
-Keith Bryan (would need modification)</div>
<div>
-Selleria Equipe Emporio</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Losers on Gavin's back:</div>
<div>
-Adam Ellis (I was surprised by this as he went well in an Adam Ellis jump saddle and Jen with CobJockey rides in one)</div>
<div>
-Prestige Passion (just no)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
First up to try: Prestige X-Breath, Monoflap. This saddle may have not got the best shake. It felt weird to sit in a dressage saddle for the first time in two years, my stirrups were too long, and Gav was still in his early warmup phase (as was I). This saddle had my pelvis tilted at a weird angle and that was no good. It was uncomfortable. After about 5 minutes we moved on to the next X-Breath.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Prestige X-Breath, Regular Flap (the favorite coming into this competition). Fixed the stirrup length and found that I sat totally differently in this saddle compared to the monoflap. No pelvis tilting/junk smashing going on. We rode around in this for awhile - seemed like a winner.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Selleria Equipe Emporio - I got on and got about 5 strides away from the mounting block before getting off. This saddle just did not work for me. I've never felt so locked in by a saddle before, which was an odd sensation, but what really sent up the red flags was it's almost immediate junk smashing/pelvic tilting sensation. I'm pretty sure it would've destroyed my nether region at the sitting trot. TMI, I know, but that's important to determine when trying saddles. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ideal Saddlery Suzannah, Monoflap - I had absolutely ZERO interest in this saddle when she sat me in it at the shop or when she brought it out and sat it on Gav's back. It was just meh to me. There is no denying that the Prestige saddles are gorgeous - and this saddle is no Prestige in terms of dashing good lucks, but it felt great to sit in and it felt great to ride in and it even felt pretty damn good to sit the trot in (god, I am soooo rusty at that - poor Gav). I approved, Gav approved, and the saddle fitter approved. And so, that's how I wound up with the Ideal Suzannah.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I didn't even try the Keith Bryan. It wouldn't have been a great fit on Gav without adjustment, and it was an extra $1300 over the Ideal. The choice was obvious. I bought the Suzannah! :) <br />
<br />
The next day was horribly cold, so I spent it indoors obsessing about the saddle. I finally got to ride in it again yesterday and it was just as awesome as I remember it being the first time around. It definitely needs some breaking in, but I think it'll do perfectly for me and Gav.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsF9ZEeWtCIWafoUTWXEBfjuIo5cj7NUi1moEuIDAJNTavCblPhNXOE6MxVqD3pJLep2A-wP6goc78Dy9jLOrG07WP1yH-TW_puTFj9ZAsr3Gx9qPt04EpUEoz74wHBM1s95iMKFOtQo0/s1600/IMG_20180101_194108_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsF9ZEeWtCIWafoUTWXEBfjuIo5cj7NUi1moEuIDAJNTavCblPhNXOE6MxVqD3pJLep2A-wP6goc78Dy9jLOrG07WP1yH-TW_puTFj9ZAsr3Gx9qPt04EpUEoz74wHBM1s95iMKFOtQo0/s400/IMG_20180101_194108_400.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4FjDYvEkTriHddBqt8hCM-O1XBLPoiejJw8VUP28Vb045sdxW1BK1li5tPDUrZCUIrSMpqfdziyrnpGA0XgTJFTKNgmN_Fdya5dD-KgJlBh6Da08HI5unyS4xWz1kVvWXCDoZY39IW4k/s1600/20180101_140025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4FjDYvEkTriHddBqt8hCM-O1XBLPoiejJw8VUP28Vb045sdxW1BK1li5tPDUrZCUIrSMpqfdziyrnpGA0XgTJFTKNgmN_Fdya5dD-KgJlBh6Da08HI5unyS4xWz1kVvWXCDoZY39IW4k/s400/20180101_140025.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvdj9oZcQjw-A_5B4h6VPxcSz6Id_PmbeMTDDi5mZ5PsKEUaJoESqySD_8zPcE5cE2rTt-muELlvYTU0c3wigUV9LvmPMfcliiwCJR9NuKTXLQ7PqYYI1MtTXHSTi5SU0bfgUsHKXLdg/s1600/20180101_140041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvdj9oZcQjw-A_5B4h6VPxcSz6Id_PmbeMTDDi5mZ5PsKEUaJoESqySD_8zPcE5cE2rTt-muELlvYTU0c3wigUV9LvmPMfcliiwCJR9NuKTXLQ7PqYYI1MtTXHSTi5SU0bfgUsHKXLdg/s400/20180101_140041.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Imagine my surprise at lifting the flap and only finding this...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuF_MAabr-2kQrd9cYEV6L5V208bPdRJtzllEbGuuaof0N1gZL3jLJ3G_mHS4ida0vorXiyGf5cNFr2bWJtdCYIWijs5LtKx9fFizE3Yefgul5KlKqcU9IkWA_o4qCegfvkarVreZ-5r4/s1600/20180101_142009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuF_MAabr-2kQrd9cYEV6L5V208bPdRJtzllEbGuuaof0N1gZL3jLJ3G_mHS4ida0vorXiyGf5cNFr2bWJtdCYIWijs5LtKx9fFizE3Yefgul5KlKqcU9IkWA_o4qCegfvkarVreZ-5r4/s400/20180101_142009.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862898176284766826noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5358254040902578396.post-88004877386801362422017-12-26T15:33:00.000-08:002017-12-26T15:36:59.387-08:00Dressage Reboot<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I’m sure this is obvious by now from my several months of
posts and training recaps, but a few months I went back to the not so warm
embrace of dressage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6s07Hf__5tYD03v3Vuj69AUa4fbbjqJL_cgftU0I2PCrx3PpBr-ERIOSUnn7_kuYlNXI6INSAj2jGGc-2Q2N1Sq0gRw09TNGIbF8wBdEPufbMbnA20sc-k9RyBe56zA8NCgpEoObrk0E/s1600/IMG_20171218_193229_415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6s07Hf__5tYD03v3Vuj69AUa4fbbjqJL_cgftU0I2PCrx3PpBr-ERIOSUnn7_kuYlNXI6INSAj2jGGc-2Q2N1Sq0gRw09TNGIbF8wBdEPufbMbnA20sc-k9RyBe56zA8NCgpEoObrk0E/s320/IMG_20171218_193229_415.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phyllis Stein pin <3</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I can’t say that there was one thing that brought me back to
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mostly, it just felt nice to work on
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In some ways, dressage can be
addictive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are few things that
bring me the satisfaction of a really smooth canter transition or a really
forward, but relaxed trot or canter that your horse is stretching into.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That may sound insane and likely pretty
boring to most of you, but it’s true for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">This has brought about a few different not so nice feelings in me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">For one, it makes me feel a bit guilty. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My bff and horse-riding buddy is a skilled and
talented rider (a more effective and patient rider than I’ve ever been), but
she’s just not all that enthused by </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">dressage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She’s noticed my lack of desire to jump and I think it bums her out,
which bums me out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I also feel like a bit of an asshole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ever since my first training session on a
cross-country course I kinda knew deep down that what I really liked about
riding in the great outdoors isn’t jumping things – it’s just cantering along
at a brisk, but controlled pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now –
if there was such a sport that just required outdoor controlled-cantering, I’d
be like “SIGN ME UP!”, but that’s not eventing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSTNOJIqS7AcuJ7tBUaUpH0hyk8YPmCpwuNxpfnZb0c3DzHv9Yc6jZKFvZ_hOQ7cOwI5hA1qd5kpWDrNGd_ytcVanaXwtZ6vp3A9WrIDWCWuVr9QckQAAHTLiAdtl1OedQkC0-SIlzvLs/s1600/IMG_20171220_220513_617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSTNOJIqS7AcuJ7tBUaUpH0hyk8YPmCpwuNxpfnZb0c3DzHv9Yc6jZKFvZ_hOQ7cOwI5hA1qd5kpWDrNGd_ytcVanaXwtZ6vp3A9WrIDWCWuVr9QckQAAHTLiAdtl1OedQkC0-SIlzvLs/s320/IMG_20171220_220513_617.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Random puppy picture to break up word garbarge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">As for stadium – well, I still like it, but only at small fence
heights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As my friend’s horse became
more confident in his abilities to jump (and boy, does he have some ability!)
the jumps slowly crept up in size.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re
at a place that I just don’t enjoy jumping at (2’6”).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m happy to jump around at 2 feet, but I’m
not happy jumping 2’3” – 2’6” courses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It drives me nuts and embarrasses me that it scares me, but it
does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to pep talk myself over
that fence height, and pep talking oneself and ones horse through an entire
ride isn’t what I consider fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I don’t
do it very often.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I am absolutely all about pushing myself and my riding
abilities, but what I’m not into is pushing myself into areas that make me
nervous every single ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seemed
like a natural fit to start working on dressage again and I feel like I came back
to it fresh and inspired.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Anyways… I haven’t said all this before, because as I
mentioned above – it doesn’t give me the greatest feels, but I felt that an
explanation was in order before I have a post on what is about to occur *cough*
dressage saddle shopping *cough*.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYmCfg0JSkh9NEOLNyxeSwc73JdhuP62wc9dN_cPxa6EqI8TzVFg5lrGOU3qjCqI-xcBQ7Wl3c8txCBA-rbcEqCWGDpFLOdwaI4KsEymwMuFWt9rxIMuaPshFY_PETST4PC1OnEtPsg0Y/s1600/IMG_20171212_184312_533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYmCfg0JSkh9NEOLNyxeSwc73JdhuP62wc9dN_cPxa6EqI8TzVFg5lrGOU3qjCqI-xcBQ7Wl3c8txCBA-rbcEqCWGDpFLOdwaI4KsEymwMuFWt9rxIMuaPshFY_PETST4PC1OnEtPsg0Y/s320/IMG_20171212_184312_533.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top - December, Bottom - November - I'm seeing progress!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862898176284766826noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5358254040902578396.post-75286471898176924022017-12-25T12:49:00.002-08:002017-12-25T12:49:33.381-08:00Merry Christmas<div style="text-align: center;">
Merry Christmas from me and Gav. :) I hope everyone gets to spend today doing exactly as they please with family and friends.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6D1H1SMsx47Jn-TdnC6wbmh4o3u0M6hyhgCAvCg1erxO5TFeENL2qmBudP0NOKyJt8M_TV9ivQEJc2bIz-y_H3zR91h4Q6l0KSD5B5CWc8w0q-OAlzlk3EOtq_5s8v_Gi704497tlxV8/s1600/25594224_10104247679243733_530543888696566663_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="960" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6D1H1SMsx47Jn-TdnC6wbmh4o3u0M6hyhgCAvCg1erxO5TFeENL2qmBudP0NOKyJt8M_TV9ivQEJc2bIz-y_H3zR91h4Q6l0KSD5B5CWc8w0q-OAlzlk3EOtq_5s8v_Gi704497tlxV8/s320/25594224_10104247679243733_530543888696566663_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862898176284766826noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5358254040902578396.post-11121180837107288582017-12-05T13:42:00.001-08:002017-12-05T13:42:24.596-08:00December Goals
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 3;">
<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 16.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Goals for December (ignore the horrible formatting!)</span></b></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Cr7ZEirpO55juOO3_GW9zxxDMnB_rUvSsa5taOzPnIcpNluvohQgVr2aydAS_C-zxaV1uwgUKgENyVNuyd6NfSWjFrfpBYqUGwyYvOvJ8GxtfpX_WWqSXQrTbWQqdLRTsRL1rSk-ie8/s1600/IMG_20171202_084706_169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Cr7ZEirpO55juOO3_GW9zxxDMnB_rUvSsa5taOzPnIcpNluvohQgVr2aydAS_C-zxaV1uwgUKgENyVNuyd6NfSWjFrfpBYqUGwyYvOvJ8GxtfpX_WWqSXQrTbWQqdLRTsRL1rSk-ie8/s320/IMG_20171202_084706_169.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pugtato</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Goals for December</span></u></b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Me</span></b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -19.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Soft elbows (as soft as I
want his jaw to be)</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -19.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Praise more often at smaller
tries (especially around others)!</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 8pt 1.45pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -19.45pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 lesson (December 8<sup>th</sup>)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 8pt 1.45pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -19.45pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Research whether it is
required in 2018 to ride in dressage saddle at 1<sup>st</sup> level (I heard
this change was made, but I want to confirm before I freak out about how poor
I’m about to be)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -19.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Register with: WPCSA,
RMDS, and send in breed paperwork to USDF<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmzSBYgWqmTwjydsL-mh85ZFhb_WqqEjdyD05wJWzayu4VP5nuFyGOIZ6Hb0zLfnu-tYGm5BPZGbL0hs_S_uvs7ojBCzY-WOBo7n97O9Ur8aMCCSE3WNoab7Y-xOgX6153nNGtH0me5nA/s1600/IMG_20171203_165240_444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmzSBYgWqmTwjydsL-mh85ZFhb_WqqEjdyD05wJWzayu4VP5nuFyGOIZ6Hb0zLfnu-tYGm5BPZGbL0hs_S_uvs7ojBCzY-WOBo7n97O9Ur8aMCCSE3WNoab7Y-xOgX6153nNGtH0me5nA/s320/IMG_20171203_165240_444.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Gavin</span></b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-align: left; text-indent: -19.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Continue growing out mane</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-align: left; text-indent: -19.5pt;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-align: left; text-indent: -19.5pt;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Research skin/coat
supplements</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-align: left; text-indent: -19.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stick Gavin</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-align: left; text-indent: -19.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Confirmation pics on
second Saturday<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Gavin/Me<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-align: left; text-indent: -19.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Transitions –
trot-walk-trot, trot-canter-trot, walk-canter<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-align: left; text-indent: -19.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lateral work<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo3; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">a.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Leg yields from the quarter line – 2 strides with lateral, 2
strides forward, 2 strides lateral, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo3; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">b.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shoulder in on the circle<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo3; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">c.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shoulder-in down the rail<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level3 lfo3; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -1in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">i.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Walk<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level3 lfo3; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -1in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">ii.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Trot<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level4 lfo3; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Use 10 m circle to go
into shoulder in<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-align: left; text-indent: -19.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have someone video the
lateral work (specifically shoulder-in as I have a hard time knowing if my
angle is right)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ2VRAv1Led61ItmsM2eoW9tKeCBCadoZa2VSvBlW6h5SGE8r9Bbn4R2MU1qCcwfXAon44UIH_xJyBKBS84YK3wM4ypPjN-mpWDmmekndOF0YogoOiDM5w2LtadHtlgIEVkQkyP0PK0p8/s1600/IMG_20171203_192639_358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ2VRAv1Led61ItmsM2eoW9tKeCBCadoZa2VSvBlW6h5SGE8r9Bbn4R2MU1qCcwfXAon44UIH_xJyBKBS84YK3wM4ypPjN-mpWDmmekndOF0YogoOiDM5w2LtadHtlgIEVkQkyP0PK0p8/s320/IMG_20171203_192639_358.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862898176284766826noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5358254040902578396.post-80371233159018258232017-12-04T06:17:00.001-08:002017-12-04T06:17:39.993-08:00November Goals Recap
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 3;">
<b><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 16.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Goals for November <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMKsmHMCLSTcOgWvXvnZhmuEIsDR-UfhVy3481Cbs1ZqQCLlHwdzrz_2vJt8-6rPJIHvoBDsC_JwNAxCobXNK7QcoUEKM6irbkWwCT-XgLjOTCFurQYzy3PWGGNzwh7NDmju0hHbKSVs/s1600/IMG_20171126_162037_877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMKsmHMCLSTcOgWvXvnZhmuEIsDR-UfhVy3481Cbs1ZqQCLlHwdzrz_2vJt8-6rPJIHvoBDsC_JwNAxCobXNK7QcoUEKM6irbkWwCT-XgLjOTCFurQYzy3PWGGNzwh7NDmju0hHbKSVs/s320/IMG_20171126_162037_877.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Goals for November Recap</span></u></b><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Me</span></b><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.75pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Soft
elbows (as soft as I want his jaw to be) – huh… I kinda forgot about this
one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Continue into November.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.75pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><s><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Track
length of ride with length of warm-up, intervals, down-time, etc</span></s><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> – Successful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rides tend to be 45 – 55 minutes with a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>pretty standard 20 minutes devoted on warming-up/loosening-up<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.75pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><s><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Don’t
forget to give breaks</span></s><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> –
Successful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tracking the length of my
rides, intervals, etc helped significantly with this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.75pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><s><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Praise
more often at smaller tries</span></s><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> – I’d
call this somewhat successful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m good
at this when I’m alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need to be
better when others are riding around me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.75pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.75pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><s><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2
lessons (scheduled for November 10<sup>th</sup>, November 24<sup>th</sup>) </span></s><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">– Successful!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Trailered alone for both and he was a good boy for both of them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-upL8QEnYbdI-OQURBsODAlgKlIFHO9EjRNRZMRjPkuTBH0bCYcj-tJw5ZnzjkL3smAv1Q2ZVvCSNrZCFnDwyF6FTXSm_-foAOqd2jgSs69Y429UvaB_AK1E0e1orDWMw45WuWszWG_k/s1600/IMG_20171201_105405_638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-upL8QEnYbdI-OQURBsODAlgKlIFHO9EjRNRZMRjPkuTBH0bCYcj-tJw5ZnzjkL3smAv1Q2ZVvCSNrZCFnDwyF6FTXSm_-foAOqd2jgSs69Y429UvaB_AK1E0e1orDWMw45WuWszWG_k/s320/IMG_20171201_105405_638.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Gavin</span></b><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.75pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><s><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Continue
growing out mane</span></s><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> –
Successful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s mostly flopping over
now, but still has some length to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Will continue this goal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will
likely add in a skin/coat supplement as well to help with the dandruff.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.75pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><s><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Get
session for bodywork</span></s><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> – with
new half-pad, change in footing and size of arena, Gavin is moving like a
champ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Holding off on any
chiro/acupuncture.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.75pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><s><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Stick
Gavin to determine if he can compete as a pony in 2018 dressage classes – per
new dressage trainer </span></s><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">–
Unsuccessful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have a date to stick him
at my next lesson (December 8<sup>th</sup>)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.75pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.75pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><s><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Weight
tape Gav with Confirmation pics (do this monthly going forward) – per saddle
fitter</span></s><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> – Mehhhh – sorta
successful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Didn’t get a weight tape,
but did take confirmation pics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will
take confirmation pics every second Saturday of the month going forward.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpLast" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Gavin/Me</span></b><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.75pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Transitions<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><s><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">a.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></s><!--[endif]--><s><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Trot to
walk (a stride) to trot<o:p></o:p></span></span></s></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo3; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">i.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Somewhat
successful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A very helpful
exercise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m focusing more on him
staying relaxed through his back and jaw and going forward into both upward and
downward transitions rather than how many strides of walk or trot are
involved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s getting it, but I have to
stay loose and play with the bit lightly to keep him from locking up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will continue into November.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">b.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><s><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Trot to
canter to trot</span></s><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo3; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">i.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This
has been a very helpful exercise for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His trot to canter transitions are much improved and this also helps
with walk-to-canter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will continue into
November.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">c.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><s><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Walk to
canter with no trot in the transition</span></s><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo3; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">i.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Successful…sometimes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He likes to throw a stride of trot in, but if
I prep him with some solid trot-to-canter transitions he picks it up
beautifully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This might always be a work
in progress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Canter is hard for him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.75pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><s><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></s><!--[endif]--><s><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Walk
squares<o:p></o:p></span></span></s></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">a.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Somewhat
successful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a hard time keeping
him loose during these.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Makes sense – he
kinda sucks back on the turns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a
useful exercise, and I think it’s helping the shoulder bulge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just gotta keep him thinking forward.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.75pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><s><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></s><!--[endif]--><s><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lateral
work<o:p></o:p></span></span></s></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><s><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">a.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></s><!--[endif]--><s><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Leg
yield along wall (walk)<o:p></o:p></span></span></s></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo3; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">i.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Total
success.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s figured this one out!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I think it’s really helped him understand
how to move laterally.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><s><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">b.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></s><!--[endif]--><s><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Leg
yield from quarter line (trot)<o:p></o:p></span></span></s></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo3; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">i.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Somewhat
successful, but like the square turns – he gets a bit sucked back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trainer has suggested two strides sideways
then forward, two strides sideways, forward, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She says this is mostly him not understanding
that we want both forward AND sideways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Lots of leg yield will help.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-o6b5LcAJRuOvDf9WyHhCQdDNjA13jdiSyeanN0Ts5Te7U65Ke504dY9A7DzO-SKlWG119l-hBQmrEqg4qfDZq-A7o8tOuuoJ7EgrmJMBcVUq4jEFK_XCOSl6ydz4cV4gzMXeDuSeoac/s1600/IMG_20171126_162238_570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-o6b5LcAJRuOvDf9WyHhCQdDNjA13jdiSyeanN0Ts5Te7U65Ke504dY9A7DzO-SKlWG119l-hBQmrEqg4qfDZq-A7o8tOuuoJ7EgrmJMBcVUq4jEFK_XCOSl6ydz4cV4gzMXeDuSeoac/s320/IMG_20171126_162238_570.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862898176284766826noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5358254040902578396.post-78949485083827593642017-11-25T19:00:00.002-08:002017-11-25T19:00:48.023-08:00Putting My Money Where My Mouth Is
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px;">The
last time I wrote, I let my goal to get my bronze medal with Gavin out into the
universe. After confessing my plans here, I went out and told my riding
buddy (who I think is a little bummed since she's not super into dressage), my
husband, my mom, and finally my trainer.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6wbEFTKtCli0jA1PO1R4xRYUPsxQ88VpaY36DvzvVakaPd9SDCvp7BMOV9F6yZ-0sRFxCugQSVjuQHnPapPjYUsTubb2XITOJiyCN9GLvBuI8H89iMY1c75PF-GRy7leHosrbgK21UtU/s1600/IMG_20171119_181542_825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6wbEFTKtCli0jA1PO1R4xRYUPsxQ88VpaY36DvzvVakaPd9SDCvp7BMOV9F6yZ-0sRFxCugQSVjuQHnPapPjYUsTubb2XITOJiyCN9GLvBuI8H89iMY1c75PF-GRy7leHosrbgK21UtU/s320/IMG_20171119_181542_825.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surely if we can cross this water without rolling in it, we can do anything... AMIRITE!?!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px;">Here
is what you need to obtain your bronze medal per the USDF website (usdf.org):</span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px;">Rider must:</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">a.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px;">Have a USDF Participating Membership (PM) or Group Membership (GM)
when scores are earned</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">b.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px;">Horse must have a USDF Horse Identification Number or a USDF
Lifetime Horse Registration at the time the scores are earned</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">c.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px;">Horse shall be registered with USDF in the name of the owner under
which it is exhibited</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">d.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px;">Scores may be earned on one or more horses</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px;">Must have six scores of 60 percent or higher:</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">a.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px;">Two at First Level from two different judges and two different
rides</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">b.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px;">Two at Second Level from two different judges and two different
rides</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">c.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px;">Two at Third Level from two different judges and two different
rides</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV8Vox7nFq1Pm4H-e1XXF3sl9_VKvyCrpJMyS-A-GqSUUopp2saVh40YMY2gm19ExXhqKEKhTEkCLDPhovxhhWIN7uGz8lZ_zcCFm6oVBenSVl8mF2eDl1nyO4xc_96-5ZSbz2o9tf8io/s1600/IMG_20171123_174042_625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV8Vox7nFq1Pm4H-e1XXF3sl9_VKvyCrpJMyS-A-GqSUUopp2saVh40YMY2gm19ExXhqKEKhTEkCLDPhovxhhWIN7uGz8lZ_zcCFm6oVBenSVl8mF2eDl1nyO4xc_96-5ZSbz2o9tf8io/s1600/IMG_20171123_174042_625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV8Vox7nFq1Pm4H-e1XXF3sl9_VKvyCrpJMyS-A-GqSUUopp2saVh40YMY2gm19ExXhqKEKhTEkCLDPhovxhhWIN7uGz8lZ_zcCFm6oVBenSVl8mF2eDl1nyO4xc_96-5ZSbz2o9tf8io/s320/IMG_20171123_174042_625.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hammin' it up for cookies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once I started looking around the USDF website, I realized
that with a little extra effort and money, Gavin and I could compete for Breed
Awards (Welsh Cob), USDF Year-End Adult Amateur Awards and possibly Pony Awards
(waiting to get his official measurement – he’s right on the edge).<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Here is what you need to be eligible to
compete for these awards per the USDF website (usdf.org):</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 48px; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rider must</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 96px; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">a.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have a USDF Participating Membership or Business
Membership (regional group membership won’t suffice) and be in good standing</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 96px; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">b.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Confirm you are listed as an adult amateur by
September 30<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> of the award year.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 96px; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">c.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Meet the USEF dressage definition of adult (22).</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 96px; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">d.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Birth date must be on file with USDF by
September 30<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> of the award year.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 96px; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">e.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Horse must have a USDF lifetime horse
registration when scores are earned</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 96px; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">f.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Specific for all-breeds awards:</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 144px; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">i.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Must be declared for a participating
organization (Welsh Pony and Cob Society of America)</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 144px; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">ii.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Must meet all requirements of the participating
organization (whatever those may be)</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 48px; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Training, First, Second, Third, or Fourth Level
awards</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 96px; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">a.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Must have a minimum of eight scores:</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 144px; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">i.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Four different judges</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 144px; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">ii.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Four different USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized
competitions</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 144px; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">iii.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Including two at 60 percent or higher from the
highest test of the level</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px 144px; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">iv.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Median score of 60 percent or higher to qualify</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are similar awards offered by my regional dressage
club (Rocky Mountain Dressage Society) and the qualifying classes all
overlap.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>To qualify for RMDS
championships (held at the Colorado Horse Park) per the RMDS website (RMDS.org):</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 48px; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Horse/owner/rider must be current RMDS members</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 48px; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Horse/rider combination must receive two
qualifying scores from RMDS recognized competitions at the level of the
championship class they they wish to qualify to ride in the current RMDS show
year; one of the tests must be the highest test at that level</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 48px; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Scores must be from two different shows and two
different judges</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px 96px; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">a.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Scores must be a minimum of 60% for Adult
Amateur</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So… what does registering for all of these *wonderful*
memberships cost?</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 48px; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">USDF Lifetime Horse Registration - $95</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 48px; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Annual USDF Participating Membership - $90</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 48px; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Annual USEF Membership - $90</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px 48px; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; margin: 0px;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Annual RMDS Membership - $90</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That’s right – just to compete for these awards, I’ll be
spending nearly $400 purely in membership fees.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>I’ve already purchased both USDF memberships and will be buying the remaining
two when I can stomach it. I'm planning on competing at training and 1st level.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s exciting and nauseating all at the same time.</span></div>
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUh6LW_q4Zf_oWFhYuYP0_ct5YgY9q6XrWh5BifUS8zqMmunvfWZnHu0J0zeQUBrV6IF2kd6meAbP02mzGzoh1G3sw87N9ISQbCITeIjiUz8GVkZxbIoI4Gb6PX42ZHpSM3at41InZfME/s1600/IMG_20171123_113554_943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUh6LW_q4Zf_oWFhYuYP0_ct5YgY9q6XrWh5BifUS8zqMmunvfWZnHu0J0zeQUBrV6IF2kd6meAbP02mzGzoh1G3sw87N9ISQbCITeIjiUz8GVkZxbIoI4Gb6PX42ZHpSM3at41InZfME/s320/IMG_20171123_113554_943.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bro Time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<br /></div>
</span><br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862898176284766826noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5358254040902578396.post-39489310095491028722017-11-16T21:14:00.000-08:002017-11-16T21:14:22.882-08:00Why not me, why not now?Nothing makes me miss my pony more than being stuck out of town all week at a work conference, especially when we're making such awesome progress! (More on that when I have more than just an iPad to write with). And nothing makes me go crazy about goals like a good motivational speaker. Put the two together and you get some intense pony goals.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The speaker said something, and though it's a saying I've heard countless times, this time it struck a chord with me. Why not me? Why not now? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, I'm going to put it out into the universe. I want to get my bronze medal. And I want to achieve that with my athletic, plucky, sometimes fancy, sometimes pokey little pony.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfV3kyrCzyQuzThKA8bR6wWCPsHa6GhD_6Cd8NW1lp8aT2RehAGbVJxeEcRzgMwhqOwXNDD_XTRE1IFxdYDWXbLyY7RspYx6mF4vVpuSnVreo_mKyc9TSTAnpLU_OO-UMnZ4roZAAeTBk/s1600/18010514_10103598556256403_265875905425279929_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfV3kyrCzyQuzThKA8bR6wWCPsHa6GhD_6Cd8NW1lp8aT2RehAGbVJxeEcRzgMwhqOwXNDD_XTRE1IFxdYDWXbLyY7RspYx6mF4vVpuSnVreo_mKyc9TSTAnpLU_OO-UMnZ4roZAAeTBk/s320/18010514_10103598556256403_265875905425279929_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862898176284766826noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5358254040902578396.post-90567249015584026952017-11-12T16:42:00.000-08:002017-11-12T16:42:37.276-08:00Work-to-Ride, Tailored Sportsman Mid-Rise Side ZipI harbor a bitter resentment to slacks and most work clothes in general. It bothers me that they're not comfortable, not particularly attractive, and not something I want to wear outside of the office. A little over a year ago, I swore off buying slacks. I vowed to find a different path. <br />
<br />
Ultimately, I decided that my goal would be to buy clothes acceptable in both the working and riding world. For some, this might be easy (if the work environment is laid back or if you work with horses), and for others, this may be impossible (true business dress required at work). <br />
<br />
To give you background on what I do and where I work - I work as a senior accountant in an environment that is firmly business casual, which lends itself to a degree of wardrobe leniency. I do meet with higher-ups and sit on committees with directors, but my day-in/day-out is pretty much just interacting with Finance peeps<br />
<br />
I thought it might be beneficial to other office ladies to review some of my picks and how they've worked out as work-to-ride.<br />
<br />
Without further ado - let the first review begin!<br />
<br />
Brand: Tailored Sportsman<br />
Model: Mid-Rise Side Zip<br />
Color: Charcoal<br />
Size: 28R<br />
Price: $189.99<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAKO41TIsr5A0gY-15Jvf_pyFV2jMpPclxnN7OoD-9vsbvKai0kr6XaQiv_DCGHbzXy3MUF7oMiweEM1rK_3-jdBY31t4uSV7d-vYh0uiXa4phL7lQVOGzpSpalDKtfw9bTH617KhIMk/s1600/20171112_093120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIL-oRFMtNtRxPFbKrKlObSzd0An2mBMAepBU-FsO0tB0DRS928g4VC_AIH6giujfRGIWwmfwlyprdcpss8-CexTX3mWCfQHVLQUAqV9cSXnddeC1ICQ5uGUwHFzvY7f1rx-vI08x4A5c/s1600/20171112_093235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAKO41TIsr5A0gY-15Jvf_pyFV2jMpPclxnN7OoD-9vsbvKai0kr6XaQiv_DCGHbzXy3MUF7oMiweEM1rK_3-jdBY31t4uSV7d-vYh0uiXa4phL7lQVOGzpSpalDKtfw9bTH617KhIMk/s1600/20171112_093120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAKO41TIsr5A0gY-15Jvf_pyFV2jMpPclxnN7OoD-9vsbvKai0kr6XaQiv_DCGHbzXy3MUF7oMiweEM1rK_3-jdBY31t4uSV7d-vYh0uiXa4phL7lQVOGzpSpalDKtfw9bTH617KhIMk/s200/20171112_093120.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Least attractive photo available</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIL-oRFMtNtRxPFbKrKlObSzd0An2mBMAepBU-FsO0tB0DRS928g4VC_AIH6giujfRGIWwmfwlyprdcpss8-CexTX3mWCfQHVLQUAqV9cSXnddeC1ICQ5uGUwHFzvY7f1rx-vI08x4A5c/s1600/20171112_093235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIL-oRFMtNtRxPFbKrKlObSzd0An2mBMAepBU-FsO0tB0DRS928g4VC_AIH6giujfRGIWwmfwlyprdcpss8-CexTX3mWCfQHVLQUAqV9cSXnddeC1ICQ5uGUwHFzvY7f1rx-vI08x4A5c/s200/20171112_093235.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pockets and belt loops</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUIlekkJeVrZitmYBxpBzBQT4lwl8u84A4rTpfK3OTa86jWWHfU-e9aA-DiFqN3omaPexqt6WrHpj51XTJJfkJqcN1SP_tCkyMdam4Tek1sVDURoGWTOqNdVlR9mZfoSol2OrgGUJE30/s1600/20171112_093248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUIlekkJeVrZitmYBxpBzBQT4lwl8u84A4rTpfK3OTa86jWWHfU-e9aA-DiFqN3omaPexqt6WrHpj51XTJJfkJqcN1SP_tCkyMdam4Tek1sVDURoGWTOqNdVlR9mZfoSol2OrgGUJE30/s200/20171112_093248.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side zip (notice slight wearing at the bottom.. hmmm)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUIlekkJeVrZitmYBxpBzBQT4lwl8u84A4rTpfK3OTa86jWWHfU-e9aA-DiFqN3omaPexqt6WrHpj51XTJJfkJqcN1SP_tCkyMdam4Tek1sVDURoGWTOqNdVlR9mZfoSol2OrgGUJE30/s1600/20171112_093248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><u></u><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCyA9zOF5f8OucsLF1GWtzv1rehGq3Wnh1rX4GRiGgPdULvF2nyPlSuXHFOXq9PivBzBU6Ppyd5gb5GrlfBie4mIjxdTUSjk2vehYK9WOyGHuUWZaOXWRmFO6AJUcn3jKqhsRZbTiE9s/s1600/20171112_093325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCyA9zOF5f8OucsLF1GWtzv1rehGq3Wnh1rX4GRiGgPdULvF2nyPlSuXHFOXq9PivBzBU6Ppyd5gb5GrlfBie4mIjxdTUSjk2vehYK9WOyGHuUWZaOXWRmFO6AJUcn3jKqhsRZbTiE9s/s200/20171112_093325.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Made in the USA! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5ysnAMwGBqRjKhMTnHuA6cEdt_t0GiurItnnZhT2PD1HzNk2z8ZyzIgLyidfVdlQmBC1q_R5pqmaWhFuv5_mE8Y91Fg0XTLEUCxnCGIPSVjFiHQKvXo3ADkeQJqI0Tx65iZ3TRsQfyM/s1600/20171112_093344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5ysnAMwGBqRjKhMTnHuA6cEdt_t0GiurItnnZhT2PD1HzNk2z8ZyzIgLyidfVdlQmBC1q_R5pqmaWhFuv5_mE8Y91Fg0XTLEUCxnCGIPSVjFiHQKvXo3ADkeQJqI0Tx65iZ3TRsQfyM/s200/20171112_093344.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hook closures so you don't bust outta the zipper</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Workability</b>: I'd give these an 8/10 on the wear-to-work scale. There are several factors that work to their advantage for presenting themselves well in the work environment. They're a dark color and the knee patches blend in (very helpful in passing them off as professional). I wasn't sure how I'd feel about the side zip, and generally I'd say it's a bit of a pain in the ass (compared to a regular, centered zipper), but for work purposes I actually like it. It makes the pants seem like a modern pair of fitted slacks. The Velcro ankle closure is subtle enough to not be noticeable when wearing with slacks, but they aren't as "finished" looking as the ankle closures on the Le Fash breeches.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6wyOhcuqZ_zUMw_Ub_LswdnbhLB-qSePYWceGt_ihHYPYMgGVne_YzHxhgNyQ_XI1D5dDbQc7yI6xzDlijBKTavKTYPpHVA37eM9QDkFo93O52F1XoTiRXxNABQ3ypwEOGbhOlSTrow/s200/20171112_094549.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Velcro closure ankle, inside</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNWgYrZJ8UD649YvS4Sr5RHhfbiyDS2gdgAE5fgTY4iXxaVym5ndlVnq5t03OtCEFlb-iJXvULXXPR3gIiEBdzk7lA4v7qDzZKbfx6xDCXcP7iAkf6uDiEyXN5tngRzdlZ3kQsjnESIkg/s200/20171112_094556.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="150" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Velcro closure ankle, outside</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I tend to pair these with flats (either in tan or black). Believe me, I've considered buying a pair of brown tall boots and just breaking them in for a couple of years at the office, but I think that may be pushing it a bit too far. We'll see. Sweaters work well with these breeches, as would a button-up.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzzBoVa2skNrq7S6DET6Khao_89WlS78PD0dKHQwJoSOoFPiTh785uFUf4_-O0WCb9WmQrnXTnoCu91bAwFIZL_jFMIrs3nDnZRQa58pqo4hXWJXM6Q-rB8jV-q55jixGLcjUQ9lW7iM/s1600/20171112_094859_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzzBoVa2skNrq7S6DET6Khao_89WlS78PD0dKHQwJoSOoFPiTh785uFUf4_-O0WCb9WmQrnXTnoCu91bAwFIZL_jFMIrs3nDnZRQa58pqo4hXWJXM6Q-rB8jV-q55jixGLcjUQ9lW7iM/s320/20171112_094859_001.jpg" width="140" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8GBmU121kGIJVqUKWoABtFnu_-oPVR6-vBaLoHu2ddKhJxqwc4SKq1HRTHcvt7NbRi814cXdX1kTOqLjwiktMDGs5AGmu4pK81rpBnG_cf8a1RQMmrmNP2dnww1Cn9iJjmLE_tU_o54/s1600/20171112_094748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="578" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8GBmU121kGIJVqUKWoABtFnu_-oPVR6-vBaLoHu2ddKhJxqwc4SKq1HRTHcvt7NbRi814cXdX1kTOqLjwiktMDGs5AGmu4pK81rpBnG_cf8a1RQMmrmNP2dnww1Cn9iJjmLE_tU_o54/s320/20171112_094748.jpg" width="115" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /><b>Rideability</b>: I'd give these an 8/10 on the wear-to-ride scale. They're comfortable to ride in with a good amount of stretch, while still retaining some structure so you can't see every lump and bump under the breeches (a problem I have with the Sarafina breeches). The dark color helps at the barn for minimizing any stains while grooming/riding/doing other dirty horse stuff. The side zip still annoys me, but since the front zip Tailoreds sometimes catch my stomach with their clip/hook closures, I actually prefer these. Velcro isn't super fun under boots, but there isn't a ton of extra fabric on these, and I've had no problem zipping up my boots. I would wear these for everyday rides, lessons, and clinics (not that I have any money to do the latter).<br />
<br />
<b>Summary</b>: I would definitely recommend these breeches as an option if you're trying to go incognito equestrian at work. These breeches are easy to take care of (machine wash, and either hang to dry or tumble dry low) and seem to last forever with very little wear and tear. They also come in a huge range of colors, some of which I definitely have my eye on for work-to-ride (Boysenberry, black, maaaaybe the moody blue).<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862898176284766826noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5358254040902578396.post-59346837104565641822017-11-10T19:02:00.003-08:002017-11-10T19:02:54.983-08:00Pony PunchI trailered Gav for another lesson this afternoon.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjid5K5Bu9BmatLefMVYxHB-EjsUEy8alf4AtkUE1UZDznl2hcM4PdFVWzS0buZ1lj8V6Ky9SByc7XWJfy3RQYIjsZ-hWdbZODulkZPcGJnHlXip-9GhGov3JV6YQGe0PNGkkYzHi__nnM/s1600/IMG_20171110_080044_920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjid5K5Bu9BmatLefMVYxHB-EjsUEy8alf4AtkUE1UZDznl2hcM4PdFVWzS0buZ1lj8V6Ky9SByc7XWJfy3RQYIjsZ-hWdbZODulkZPcGJnHlXip-9GhGov3JV6YQGe0PNGkkYzHi__nnM/s320/IMG_20171110_080044_920.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No new pics of Gavin, so pics of puppy boy instead!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Takeaways: <br />
<br />
1) Gavin can get hurt by the trailer in ways I never dreamed. In today's example, he hurt himself by excitedly punching his nose in the air to get hay loose from his net and accidently punched the side of the trailer... hard. He clipped himself pretty good and got a little cut. Poor guy looked about how one might feel if they just managed to punch themselves in the face. Lots of confusion and hurt feelings. He forgave the trailer after about 5 seconds and went back to eating.<br />
<br />
2) He seems to be getting this whole tug the tail to back up thing. What a good boy!<br />
<br />
3) There's actually a pull-through at my new barn so I don't have to back it into it's spot. How did I miss this the last two times I've trailered?!?! (great example of book smart v. street smart)<br />
<br />
4) I might be the slowest truck/trailer driver in Colorado. All the annoyed people behind me can suck it.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdA7hEy4fbZqEv-IPMNKo4ExbrlXKLg9w0MmzdKH1H19KuncCmOMum50JUgxVCiwizbF8TKbHYuqmvIhbUa4JUPWTp9DqZSC4nwl8Zb0FracjMjlp9gQZp3cq_WLJeK660Jme6LtbaBg/s1600/IMG_20171109_121810_392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1364" data-original-width="1600" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdA7hEy4fbZqEv-IPMNKo4ExbrlXKLg9w0MmzdKH1H19KuncCmOMum50JUgxVCiwizbF8TKbHYuqmvIhbUa4JUPWTp9DqZSC4nwl8Zb0FracjMjlp9gQZp3cq_WLJeK660Jme6LtbaBg/s320/IMG_20171109_121810_392.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Was mega sick earlier this week. Soup, blanket, and puggy boy helped get me better for my lesson.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Trainer's thoughts:<br />
<br />
1) He tries all of his pony tricks to not have to lift his shoulders up, but once you free them up he becomes much suppler laterally as well as longitudely (maybe a word I just made up).<br />
<br />
2) He's not strong enough to keep the shoulders lifted for long, so get some good work and then reward with a break<br />
<br />
3) He's figured out that when I ask him to bend, it's easier for him to just bend his neck. And I've totally fallen for it. Must. Not. Fall. For. It.<br />
<br />
4) If I ask for bend with inside leg and what I get in response is him pushing into that leg - give him three quick bops to say noooo - that means get away from my leg.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipOq_brBEBniojtydQff6-n89GS8BO7nokfLCS0EKAIbC0Hq6dE7uNNCYDp4GXAaoeONAdXp27va1SebcVUhiXBSpdtdsg6uoThgbDNnbrhAnr9FMpVIJ6ZptJFrqtG61GAxqIU7bouyI/s1600/IMG_20171105_200518_441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipOq_brBEBniojtydQff6-n89GS8BO7nokfLCS0EKAIbC0Hq6dE7uNNCYDp4GXAaoeONAdXp27va1SebcVUhiXBSpdtdsg6uoThgbDNnbrhAnr9FMpVIJ6ZptJFrqtG61GAxqIU7bouyI/s320/IMG_20171105_200518_441.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">shhhhexxxxy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Homework:<br />
<br />
1) Walk shoulder-in on a circle - Inside rein is to be open away from neck, outside rein against the neck (no using indirect rein for bend). Inside leg bump him, outside leg back to guard for swinging haunches. Use whip behind leg if he doesn't get it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkjYRiRhOSSbPBMwt6H15O3C2eLI1EIgVCn57GSg50G2aiAppkRzH3ljw9_BrT8Hs_aBFyWTVtV53J61EEO5XGFBVLGcXCViwbXHzNkvg4R8HXWn9JiKLn55WT-JFofaHOozhQd0fVKHo/s1600/20171110_172857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>
2) Lateral work in general<br />
<br />
3) Encourage long and low in warmup (Trying to build the right muscles rather than allowing the wrong ones to get stronger... he luuuurves keeping that neck high and tight. Sorry buddy.<br />
<br />
4) An arena or two in both directions of *up* canter with half halts to keep those shoulders up.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcYnkLXrO70dlQkm1tx3j5zxZpCBNTUpVSUd83yutXJN5eD3lO4w1X8P-ugTDQGo19HCkALBsMAvF7UbIhTSUOLlp8PfEcAJ3yu1rCePrVO0nTpTFI_0jevB0d0MExnTSBSOy8bEkoxyc/s1600/20171110_172857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcYnkLXrO70dlQkm1tx3j5zxZpCBNTUpVSUd83yutXJN5eD3lO4w1X8P-ugTDQGo19HCkALBsMAvF7UbIhTSUOLlp8PfEcAJ3yu1rCePrVO0nTpTFI_0jevB0d0MExnTSBSOy8bEkoxyc/s320/20171110_172857.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture from after lesson. I look totally insane, but I'm documenting my love for my new Horseware headband (for cold ass ears) and two year old Kerrits vest that I adore (hides all flaws while lessoning, so ya know, don't have to feel self conscious)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04862898176284766826noreply@blogger.com2