flying high

Saturday's lesson was one that left me on cloud nine and stoked about life. it's an indescribable feeling when you have a ride like this, everything in life just seems perfect. the proverbial "rose colored glasses" come on and you're left with a feeling of utter peace and massive elation at the same time. 
i went in the arena completely determined to ride like i was going for gold. certain occurrences were present in my mind that day that renewed my drive to improve tenfold. for example, i had a chat with Hope Hand prior to the weekend ride and she mentioned after seeing my show video that though Ruby and I looked nice, the mare could have been quite a bit rounder..this only reinforced what i had already seen of myself in the video, how even though i had felt like i had Ruby in a very good frame, the video showed that it was not as good as i perceived! hearing this  from someone so revered in the para equestrian circuit literally tripled my sense of ambition to ride at a better level with each lesson.
Ruby started off as usual, rigid and resistant to contact. but as Brie went to check on something in the barn leaving me, Norman and Callie to warm up by ourselves, i took matters into my own [hand]. i got right to work, bending left and right, leg yielding, really forcing myself to focus on using my left leg as much as possible to get Ruby moving off it. staying at the walk i tried harder than i think i really ever have, to get the mare moving off my left seatbone and leg. i circled, did lateral work, anything to keep her guessing and get that response right off the bat instead of halfway through the lesson. it's time that i ride 100% on the bit. in a frame right out of the gate. no fooling around anymore! 
this attitude really seemed to work, and Ruby responded right away. i got her in a better frame than we have previously been able to achieve, and when Brie came back she immediately commented on the fact that Ruby was flexing and moving off my legs better than we'd been doing. 
the lesson started with 3 loop serpentines at the trot, focusing on changing the bend through the middle of each loop. it was difficult at first, as ruby likes to cut corners on my weaker side. but the more i focused hard on using that left leg, the more i was able to keep her straight between the rails and finally make a noticeable change of bend through the middle parts. Brie was extremely encouraging and really praised me when she could actually see me implementing my left side. it takes an extreme amount of mental focus and effort for me to make those commands, but the strength is there in my left leg (not as strong as my right one, but probably about 70%) and it's more about focus when it comes down to it. the thing i do appreciate about Ruby is that she's quite sensitive, and will move off of only slight pressure. 

you complete it by doing the mirror on the opposite side

throughout this exercise, the quality of Ruby's trot improved with every serpentine. when brie told us to complete the loops at sitting trot, it was bouncy still but the horse gave me her back, so i was able to sit a LITTLE better than before. she was round and supple, flexing and moving very nicely. 
then brie had me start canter work, first on a 20m, on which we had an incredibly collected, rockinghorse gait that felt wonderful. we did 6 or 8 circles and then brie told me to do the one loop canter serpentines around the perimeter of the ring. Ruby and i are still new to this maneuver, and i am still trying to wrap my head around what exactly is supposed to happen, but we went for it and i surprised myself!
the difference was that i focused more on keeping the correct bend as i steered her back to the rail in what is the beginning stage of counter-canter; and for the first time, i actually succeeded in getting her all the way back to the wall after going through X. we lapped the arena about 4 times and then did a simple lead change and repeated the exercise the other way. only once did Ruby break to a freight train trot and get all strung out and icky; otherwise we kept perfect control and roundness. the feedback i received was just a slight adjustment that needs to be made in order to make the one loops correct; which i will work on next time! this is that when i ask Ruby to steer back to the wall through X, she is doing a kind of sideways crab step instead of making 2 clear straight lines (the first from the corner to X, and the second from X to the far corner). so i know for next lesson what exactly i need to fix! 

collected canter

we ended with Brie telling me to lap the arena and keep the quality canter that we'd managed. it's Ruby's tendency to pull down the longsides and get all wobbly and strung out, but no such trick this time. we went down the rails at a perfect 3 beat and collected pace, without a hesitation or a wrong step. best ride i can remember to date! i am STOKED for wednesday :) #improvements!

transitions

i was pleasantly surprised when i went for my lesson today, to find that i would be matched with Ruby once more. megan simply stated, "yes, horses spook sometimes," when i inquired about last week's incident. cool! i was happy to be reunited with the little knucklehead, as i truly feel i'm on the verge of really excelling with her. i'll admit there was a slight flutter of trepidation before i mounted..but i am the girl with iron nerves and no regard for self-preservation..so up i went!
i must add that some crazy wind picked up just before we started to ride..prime spook conditions. but ruby seemed normal and was paying good attention to me while we warmed up. i made sure of that, by doing a lot of bending, leg yielding and flexion exercises. i wanted to ensure her mind was focused on me, keeping her on her toes so she wouldn't have the opportunity to flip out!
megan got down to business today with me getting ruby in a frame. we're at the point now where it's expected. i am progressing, and now it's time that i ride the horse round all the time, and not just now and then, or for a period of time and then allow hollowness again. we got serious straight away, lots of small circles at the trot to get her bending and softening in each direction, and then some warmup canter. 
the interesting thing here is that the quality of the trot in a canter-trot transition is a zillion times better than just trying to get Ruby in a frame IN the trot...i suppose this is because her forwardness coupled with the size of halfhalt i need to get her down makes her automatically have to give to the bridle. i'm not really sure! anyway, she was not sufficiently in a frame by that point so megan instructed me to do a million trot-walk transitions, keeping the lightness and roundness achieved in whichever gait DURING the downward transition. Ruby's number one trick is to hollow her back and poke her nose way out during a trot-walk, so we repeated the move numerous times until i could maintain the frame through the transition. once we'd mastered it in each direction, it was time for canter-trot transitions. we repeated the same exercise at the faster gait, and by the end, Ruby was certainly grunting with every stride! it was a workout. but i was ready for more. i can't describe the feeling of riding a  horse you've achieved a new level of rideability on except it's just FUN! i had a real horse under me. i was even starting to sit her trot a bit..i'd say i could go about 8 steps before needing to post..because she gave me her back. it felt amazing. we were winding the lesson down, but i was itching to do just a bit more work, despit an arm cramp..just because of the quality i was getting with Ruby. so we did one loop canter serpentines around the arena..

this is a maneuver i've mentioned several times, but i'd never managed it on Ms Ruby. it is the beginning stage of counter canter, which is required in 2nd Level. you must maintain the bend toward the inside lead whilst steering the horse the opposite way. not terribly easy, and it takes major leg power. we went to the right lead first so i'd have my stronger leg to push her back to the rail first. it went better than i expected; the best part being i managed to keep her very collected and framed around the arena a thousand times without her getting strung out or breaking. she's got an AMAZING canter when she's not hauling me along. and i did get her nearly into the corners during the counter canter bits, less so on the left lead, but like i said, the quality of her gait made up for the fact i don't have it perfectly down! 

i have much more work to do before i'll be at 2nd level, but we're at the point now where there's a noticeable improvement in every lesson. i must focus on my seat bones more! where i lack strength in my left leg, i have full motion and control in that hip, and after all, one is meant to drive with one's seat :) 
until next ride, happy trails!

trials and tribulations

as i arrived at my saturday lesson, i received some rather disturbing news. Brie told me that i would not be riding Ruby because she had caused a bad accident the day prior..so i would be riding Lusco. i pressed for details, and was informed that Ruby had an alarming spook that threw one of the strongest riders...apparently she saw a squirrel and instead of just a simple buck that most of the able bodied riders can ride through, she went into a blind panic and spun, bashing her rider's face with her neck, put her foot through the mounting block and nearly went down; which unseated the rider and cut both of them up pretty bad. now we could have chalked this up to a fluke accident, as Ruby is generally pretty steady..but she'd thrown another rider a week ago. this is not boding well for Ruby. brie was exasperated, and said she doesn't know what's gotten into this girl; but the spooking is not acceptable, especially at something so trivial as a squirrel. Ride On is not a stable where problem horses are of use. they need mounts who are bomb proof and reliable, as many of the riders are either just beginning or not strong enough to handle a true spook like that. as i mentioned, a buck is not so worrisome as a reaction in which the horse is out of control completely. and to unseat one of the strongest riders is a matter of deep concern. at this point she is on time out, until further notice. this is sad news indeed for me; as i am JUST starting to really gel with this horse. Brie luckily thinks that it's just a phase (who knows why..she is a mare after all) and that she'll get over it. but they're not letting me chance it at this point, and i'm not looking for another injury. the rider she threw is fine, and still riding; but it could have been very bad; Ruby is scraped up as well. not something i wanted to hear! 

we've all been there

anyway, i rode Lusco; which is also good practice so that i can put my learning to use on other (more difficult) horses. he really is much harder to frame; even though he's better at it than the western-trained Ruby. Lusco's had extensive dressage training, but is much more adept at avoiding the bit. it took me an arm cramp and 30+minutes to make that boy even begin to carry himself. brie had me regress a little and start from the halt to get him to give. then we tried it through all gaits, and by the end, had an acceptable frame. not great, but improved. we finished the lesson with me doing one loop canter serpentines around the entire arena; which is not simple on a horse who doesn't want to stay balanced! all in all, a good ride; tough but rewarding!
please keep ruby in your thoughts and cross your fingers that i'll still be able to show her..i think we could go through a few levels this summer if she stays sane! 

a realization

i attacked wednesday's lesson with renewed vigor and determination. after watching the video from my show, i was very eager to fix the areas i saw that needed adjusting. it was a very helpful thing to study that test, because it put a visual in my mind of what my trainers were constantly telling me to do, but that i couldn't necessarily figure out whilst riding: lean your upper body further back, you have a hunter seat, firm up the contact, your horse is above the bit, stretch your legs longer, etc. all of these issues, i feel like i've addressed during my rides, and i feel like the changes i make are adequate, but seeing it on film i can see the problem areas and thus i was very excited for my first lesson after my show, so i could put my newfound knowledge to use. 
i rode my mare (i've become fond enough of Ruby to claim her) and she was very stiff. not giving at all to the right side, and hardly to the left; bracing against the contact and avoiding flexion. we warmed up with Megan asking me to do simple changes of bend, try to get Ruby more soft etc. the mare wasn't having it. after 20 minutes or so of bending, transitions and circles, without much improvement, megan instructed me to hop off and let her school Ruby. this is very helpful because when i watch megan (an upper level rider) ride with the bar rein in one hand, i am able to see what she does and thus mimic her as much as possible. it helps Megan as well because riding in that way is a challenge, and she can see what the problem is for me, and thus find a way to instruct me in what to do when she can feel what's going on. and it helps Ruby because having a much more advanced rider on her helps her figure out what is being asked of her. megan schooled her for a good 15 minutes, and i could see that ruby was really resisting her as well; which makes me feel a bit better because it's not my lack of skill that is causing the issue!
finally i was told to mount again and there was a good difference in how Ruby was moving; i was more able to focus on my own body position. when megan told me to sink further in the saddle i would make a big effort to really "sit on my pockets," which helps EVERYTHING, i turns out, because when i sit deeper in the saddle and make sure my upper body is correct, it makes the reins shorter and i automatically take up more contact without choking the horse by rolling the bar up, and Ruby responds by becoming rounder, and everyone is happy!by the end of the lesson, ruby's canter was that rocking horse quality we strive for, and i had NO airtime between my butt and the saddle! 
what i really love about this horse is her movement. she's not very fancy but she has a lot of suspension and she can really move out. the judges love it too! in my next post i will tell you about all the drama that's happened over the weekend and how who knows if i'll be riding this mare anymore :( i'm crossing my fingers on that one!!!

training level test 2

i didn't dismount between my tests, as there was only about 20 minutes between them. i stood with Ruby in the on-deck area with Megan holding her head while i strstched my aching arm and shoulder. riding one handed dressage is not as easy as it may seem! i was ultimately more confident going into the second one, and put more pressure on myself. at this point my heart was going crazy! i've got to work on the show nerves. the test went well until near the end when i asked for right lead canter. sure enough, Ruby chose to completely blow off my outside aides, and we missed the transition entirely. then i made the mistake of insisting she do it on our 20m circle right, when really i should have brought her back, balanced her and THEN asked. c'est la vie! i was immensely upset afterward and very sullen. i had been sure i'd improve on my first test and we really botched it! but at the end of the day, i only missed first place by 0.4%, and i ended up tied for second. so not too bad after all. we still scored 70.86%, which is satisfactory, and it's only a schooling show and not a rated one. anyhow, there is much to work on and perfect before the next one, and i have this certain feeling that next time i ride Ms. Ruby, there will have been leaps and bounds made. mom said "dressage is a language, and you and Ruby are starting to speak." i think so too! 

the results from the show!

on another note, i spoke to Laureen Johnson, discipline director of the US para-equestrian association, and she inquired if i was intending to compete at next year's World Equestrian Games, to be eld in Normandy, Fr. i responded with a resounding YES!! and now am very much more in need of that special horse to take me there!it felt great to know i have that shot. moving on and up! i'm itching to get back in the saddle and test my theory that Ruby and i are going to have made improvements after the show. 

the judges have spoken

i realize this post is long overdue, but to my credit i have not been slacking. on the contrary, i've been rather overworking myself the past few weeks and have now seemed to hit a wall. i am taking this time to regather my wits and strength, and to update you all on the goings on with my equestrian endeavors. 
this sunday past (the 24th) was the first horseshow of the season for me. the day dawned sunny and crisp; ideal conditions. i woke with a tight neck and back (nerves) at the dim hour of 6am..i was planning to sleep til 7 in order to reach the grounds by 11, but my psyche had other plans. up and truly anxious by 6, on the road at 930, and my roommate and i reached White Birch right on schedule 2 hours before my first ride time.
i must say that this show had more mayhem than any i've attended thus far. the air was buzzing with nervous horses, each causing their peers to worry in turn. this did nothing to calm my own nerves...especially witnessing several wild steeds causing a ruckus in their paddocks, bucking, rearing and behaving all sorts of ridiculous. luckily Ruby had one ride before me, so even though she was anxious and wouldn't stand still at the trailer, she was somewhat warmed up. 
my first test was training level 1. i approached the on-deck area and watched as the rider before me completed the test. unfortunately, for reasons only apparent in a horse's mind, this horse spooked massively, throwing her rider and proceeded to bolt from the arena, straight toward where i was on Ruby. this was a hairy moment to say the least, as one loose horse will often cause one's own mount to panic and fly away. Megan kept a tight grip, as did i, and someone caught that horse and all was alright. however, my anxiety doubled, knowing that Ruby would likely try something in the same corner, having seen this entire event. i entered the ring very stiff, i think. i was taut as a bow...good old Ruby soldiered on, and i relaxed into the "zone. all was going well; i had her in a decent frame, and she was listening fairly well; when in our first canter part we approached that fated corner and low and behold, Ruby tensed up and started to do something. i had anticipated as much though; so i kept her going, insisted she keep cool and the moment passed. that was really the highlight in my mind..intervening in a potential spook fest. anyway we finished up that first test, and took first with a 71.89% score. not too bad!! i finished out the day with a first and second; both scores over 70%, and a satisfied glow. i think this bodes well for the show season. i've included the video from my first test my roomy so nicely recorded! and i will elaborate on the training test 2 tomorrow. enjoy!

USEF

sorry i haven't posted in a few days!Hollywood life just gets crazy sometimes.
i'm here to update you all on my saturday lesson. first off, i still have that slight fracture in my left wrist, which is bothering me. but not enough to stop me from riding, obviously! i have a show coming up in 3 weeks, and it will be my Training Level debut, so there's much work to be done and no time to take off! i'm learning all three tests, just in case. 

one foot on the ground!

saturday was the first real scorcher of a day we've had since last year; it was 86 and sunny at 10:00am. i am consistently working only with Ruby for the time being, as she is a fancier mover, and goes into a good frame; she will be the one moving me up the lower levels for the next few seasons. she was responsive right from the get-go; as she has recently realized that i'm not going to put up with laziness anymore. she gave me a good powerful walk and had some spirit. she also went right into a frame without much coaxing from me; even at the walk. there were sticky points during bending warmups where she thought she'd ignore my left side, but we worked out those issues much quicker than before. 

schooling the canter

after warming up, Brie had us working on canter transitions, upward and downward, and i uncovered a new problem to be sorted. i have mentioned that Ruby is quite a strong mare, and when going from canter to trot she's reminiscent of a freight train. well, Brie wasn't ok with that, so we spent a good half hour or so working the canter to a point where she was nearly cantering in place and THEN asking for the trot. it took a lot of energy, but we finally were able to go from a good collected canter into a decent controlled trot. however, by that time, Ruby was pissy and ready to get back to her hay. 
we weren't finished. 
i loved saturday's lesson because Brie kept me and Ruby working quite awhile longer than the lesson time; there were kinks to be sorted out and after that, we needed to go through our test to start getting it in order. we did most of training test 3, but got it backwards and a bit confused; but she had us work an extra 45 minutes or so until we got satisafctory transitions. poor Ruby was entirely miffed by the end of it; and i was drenched and parched. but it was an awesome lesson, and i have a great feeling for the upcoming show. plus, even more exciting, i will actually have friends coming to support me. i had no relatives or anyone close to me at my last competition, which was a bit sad (especially since i won!) so i'm very excited to be able to have some great friends coming out to watch. i will update you all after tomorrow's lesson with megan (i have to seriously memorize these tests beforehand!) until then, here are a couple pictures that my awesome friend Adela was able to get from saturday! 

down the centerline

cantering along with a cast on