Comment

Comment by Kinni P on December 17, 2009 at 7:34pm

Nice post slc2. Being too soft in the contact has been a real battle for me.

Comment by Ellin McGinley Daum on December 10, 2009 at 10:37am

All of Kay's comments have great value. Flexions can also be done from the saddle after they are done on the ground. The aids are substantially the same: support on one side, ask for release with a steady soft pressure upward and backward with the other rein, complete release when the horse complies. Might need to be done 1,000 times before the horse will simply drop into the rein as soon as it is picked up. Also use this exercise to stretch the horse to the ground and then teach the horse to accept a limiting rein without leaning. Use the aids only to the intensity and length of time to effect a result and then release completely. Re-establish light contact and ask again. Start at the halt and work progressively to the trot and canter. Over time and with an increase in physical condition the horse will eventually put itself in a frame as soon as you pick up the reins. Be very, very patient!

Comment by Kay Langmuir on December 10, 2009 at 9:46am

Just a suggestion for Rekha whose mare won't stay on the bit consistently and relax her back. You say you checked her back. Did you also check saddle fit with a competent fitter? And sometimes, some horses greatly prefer traditional wool flocking to air panels. Also, and here's my pet peeve, do you hack your horse at least briefly every day, and do long hacks at least a few times a week if not much more? If you're spending most of your time in the ring, she may just be ring sour, or ring sore. Constant repetition of training exercises can tax horses mentally and physically. I've been riding and showing for 45 years, and it drives me crazy how ring bound people are. Riding trails builds muscle, balance, trust and keeps a horse fresh with a good approach to being ridden. You might also try jaw flexion exercises from the ground before you ride. All horses naturally carry a certain amount of tension in their jaws. These exercises help the horses to relax AND to understand what you're asking via the rein aids.
Your horse is not being stubborn or cheeky. She either doesn't understand clearly, or she's not yet physically capable of holding a frame, or experiencing some discomfort when she does so.
Good luck.

Comment by Tamara Williamson on December 8, 2009 at 8:27pm

Hi everyone. I'm a new member and thought I'd let you know about some great clinics coming up!

TEST RIDING CLINIC
With International FEI C Level Judge
Brenda Minor
Sat & Sunday Jan 23/24 2010 RCRA
Ride your test as you would at a show and then spend ten minutes with your judge Brenda Minor. She will give you feedback on your performance and try to help you pick up some points. Then later on ride your test again.
$125. Per Test session. 30 mins approx.
Limited spots available. For more info email info@rcra.ca
AUDITORS WELCOME! $25 FOR THE DAY WHICH INCLUDES A LUNCH VOUCHER
PLEASE RSVP. DAY STARTS AT 9.00 THROUGH TILL 5PM. DRESS WARM.

Comment by Chris - resident queen of shops on November 21, 2009 at 3:52pm

Hi everyone,

Just thought I'd let you know about the new DVDs we have in the Barnmice Gift Shop. Training with Laura Bechtolsheimer is a set of 4 DVDs from the European Silver Medallist. From training the young horse to putting together a Grand Prix Kur, there's something to interest every dressage lover. They make a perfect Christmas gift or treat to yourself & until the end of November, members of the Dressage Fanatics group get 15% OFF.

Go to www.shop.barnmice.com & enter the code DRESSAGE at checkout to activate your discount.

Best Wishes
Christina

Comment by Catherine Chamberlain on November 7, 2009 at 4:12pm

Good luck Vickie! Let us know how you guys do.

Comment by vickie lawson on November 7, 2009 at 3:15am

i had the chance to audit half a day's lessons by leonie brammal originally from bc, now in germany. my very young instructor has imported a stallion ridden and shown by leonie, and it was great to hear another canadian accent.

Comment by vickie lawson on November 7, 2009 at 2:56am

well. this is it! delph's 1st registered dressage show. and of course we had an argument today. 1st time ever for arguing. must have pushed too much i think. hopefully all will be forgotten and we will get the marks we've been getting with quality list 2/3 judges in unregistered!! this has been a 25 year dream- to breed, raise, train and show my horse in registered dressage.

Comment by Rekha Devagnanam on November 4, 2009 at 3:58am

Mary, thank you so much. Yes I have regular instruction and she is even doing my instructors head in !! ( my instructor is a very high level national competitor) I am so anti the push and pull method and am trying to get it all the right way, but I suspect she may have been educated in pull and push and maybe that's all she understands ? Can't see how it will work in the long term though . We do do lots of leg yield, a bit of shoulder in and flexion and counter flexion on both loops and circles....when she gets it right she is stunning and I am sure we could advance quickly, and I must admit I have learnt a lot from her this year ( I am not super experinced, but put in heaps of time and a great deal of passion) but this last month has been frustrating as I have finally developed quiet legs a solid seat,much better balance and a good upright position and now I can't seem to finish it all off nicely !!! really appreciate your comments - thank you, will try and keep her stady and balanced - maybe I am pushing too hard !!

Comment by Mary McGuire Smith on November 4, 2009 at 1:49am

Hi Rekha,
Welcome to the group. Thanks for the addition of the linik for the Petition. You may want to read my blog on it at http://iridedressage.blogspot.com
As for your question about being "on the bit", or as I prefer to say it "on the aids", just as a general suggestion, make sure you do lots of good transitions, both within the gait and between gaits. Make sure that your connection is giving, yet firm and ready enough that she can't be rude and yank the reins through....she has to learn to carry herself in your parameters...your instructor can probably help you with that concept--it is not an easy one. Also, if you are applying the aids that you list in your question correctly, you may also want to start incorporating the beginning of lateral work. Warmng up long and low is good, but even that can be overdone, and tends to put the horse on the forehand if overdone. And remember that "forward" doesn't mean faster....using lots of leg can produce so much ground-covering that she can't balance herself properly....kind of like running downhill. Do you have regular help (instruction)?

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