Such a bore!

Ok I know its been a while but I have been busy driving around the countryside to lovely yards and treating horses, dogs and people! Its official...I have lost my mojo. Dressage has become a bit of a bore to be honest. All that bickering and point scoring, all the excuses, the judge didn't like me/my horse/my boots/my music lalala! When it comes to the importance of training ethics and riding the horse some people appear to be more interested in the bling they wear, what colour bandages they have and the latest bit contraption that will put the horse 'on ze bit' once and for all. I am thinking of marketing a small bottle of magic dressage potion that enhances the horses movement and if taken regularly will take the horse all the way to the top! Hmmm...maybe that has already been done!

I was looking in on a classical riding website the other day and was really suprised at what is considered classical riding! Apparrantly its ok to have no contact and a poking nose, and an almost working trot is considered to be extended. LDR was mentioned and all hell broke loose! To be fair many did not know what LDR stood for (Long Deep and Round)but those who did had plenty to say and none of it was complimentary! Two riders of distinction had paid a visit to the site and one of them had a video of a recent performance. Well, the critique from those who do not compete, (unless in a pelham), was vitriolic! Ah well I suspect the little Lippizaners are happy traipsing round with their noses out and not working particularly hard. At least they are well fed and watered and loved if in a somewhat strange world. Which brings me to the vast amount of cruelty and neglect we are seeing of late. Our country used to pride itself in being a land of animal lovers. What has happened? Every day there is something either on TV or in the newspapers about some heinous crime against helpless animals. I am appalled and even more so that the RSPCA will not involve itself unless the animal is near to death or dead. It is high time we had a new enforcement agency for the rights of animals, something akin to that in the USA. These officers do not tell the owner that they are coming, they do not give a warning, and there is no way they will be allowed any other animals once charged. There is no waiting until the half starved beast is near death, it is taken away immediately. The punishment fits the crime too and many go to gaol for quite some time, and so they should! So if you love animals, please look out for those abandoned this christmas and the rest of the year. Look out for those in fields with no food or water and no shelter. Report to Redwings or WWFH and get something done immediately. Donate to the people who do most not to those interested only in publicity.

So what do you want for christmas? I am hoping for a blue tooth sat. nav. which will make my job so much easier. It will also mean I can answer the phone hands free too! Apart from that I would like to see all the vulnerable and weak fed and in the warm. Our house always has room for waifs and strays at christmas. Of course its easy to turn a blind eye and unwrap all your goodies whilst glugging down a few gallons of wine but thats not what this time of year is all about........ Of course I will be expecting the little bottle of magic too!!

A judges lot

Oh Lord who would be a judge? Complaints about judges who know competitors (know them not train them) and should they be allowed to judge them? Well I don't think there will be many competitions if this becomes the case. The horse world is incredibly small and our social lives inevitably become embroiled within it. I have been judging for a good many years now and I know a lot of competitors and judges and yes, some of them are my friends but this does not mean that I give them high marks because of our relationship. Indeed, sometimes I think I am a little harder! Being a competitor as well, one would think. if this idea were true, that I would have qualified numerous times by now. Actually I should have won a national title with all the people I know! These topics are always written by people who had no chance of winning and does smack of sour grapes but it is the poor old judges who get the flack time and time again. Then there are the competitors who would like a rosette for just turning up, those who want to know which boots,jacket,gloves to wear and which saddle to buy. Recession? What recession! Mind, ask them to pay for training and they are not prepared to fork out more than £30. Ah well it takes all sorts! There is no doubt that our sport is an expensive one. I have been riding in the same saddle now for eleven years. It fits my horse, though not me as it was made for a well known GP rider and I bought it second hand from him, however I have adjusted to it and it feels like home, so although I would like a new saddle I prefer to use that money to train my horse. I sometimes compare dressage with Goks high street challenge, where he puts together high street clothes against designer. The point is, his clothes look just as good if not better!

I was out treating today at a riding school. A very old fashioned establishment with real old fashioned cobs and plods that are worth their weight in gold. The stable management standards are of the highest and all the horses get their backs done, saddles checked and dentistry twice a year. The owners buy the right types for the cleintele to learn safely on and have fun. All clients learn to tack up, lead,and groom the horses and generally handle them. Trips are organised to local shows, demonstrations and this week the Spanish Riding School. Whilst I was treating I could see the group lesson in progress. The riders had crossed stirrups and each had to trot a circle and then canter to the rear of the ride. Not once did anyone say,'I can't'. There was much laughter and verbal support. This was a group of adults learning in later life the joys of riding. The school organises picnic rides and internal competitions when both adults and children gain experience. Every now and again, mother and daughter who run the school, buy or get given an RSPCA case. He/she is nurtured back to health and given the chance of a loving environment. Some have blossomed into beautiful swans and were not suitable for the school but have been found homes for life and given much joy to their owners, many who have learned to ride at the school.
There are such good people in the horse world, it does the heart good to see it. I learnt to ride in one such school many moons ago and can still remember every pony I sat on. Sometimes we have to look inside ourselves a long way back to see why we set out on this journey and how we arrived here.

Musings

Well I survived the girls night out in Cheltenham...just. Goodness young men are bold these days and I was a little offended that the doorman did not want to check my ID at the door! For the last time...wine does not agree with me! Never drinking the wicked stuff again ever! To be honest I would really have preferred the Indian restuarant and then a good dvd at home! Still it was different.Young people are so much more sophisticated and fun than older generations. This was made obvious when we were in the company of a rather egotistical 40 something male who thought rather a lot of himself and as Claire said, thought all his christmasses had come at once! Not so the youngsters out clubbing, great fun but polite with it and happy to boost our egos not theirs!

I am suffering with my back at present, I think it is one of the discs and it jolly well hurts! I have been to see my back man but think another visit is in order. The diary is full of horses to be treated and I get out of the car like quasimodo! Not a good advertisement for my business! Mind you it does therapists good to be reminded what back pain feels like and gives you more empathy with your clients, both human and animal. I think I've been reminded enough now though, so please go away.It probably didn't help teetering around Cheltenham in stilletoe heels but when one is petite (midget like) and ones friends are so tall, needs must!

Every now and then I make a comment on BD forum that causes great furore! Honestly, all I said was that they should ban hanging cheek snaffles, you'd think I'd said I was cooking horse steaks for dinner the way they reacted! We were reminiscing about the old days on the forum before it was opened up to the general public and I was Josie and there were many great characters and good debates. The banter was free flowing and the threads were so interesting not least because of a certain Bluesky who could wind up Lazarus! Today we have threads like, 'Bandages or boots?' 'every day gloves' and 'sitting trot at medium', scintillating stuff! Back then we had 'Bonfire night' courtesy Carl Hester. 'Cinderella' courtesy Gingers and 'Can I tell you a story?' Josie. Ah yes, those were the days. To be fair Yoyo does try but there is always someone who cannot see the funny side. Where has our sense of humour gone? I fear it has gone the same way as our hats!

Demonstrators against capitalism are being supported by Vivienne Westwood. Anyone else see this as ironic? Now the Germans want our pound,proof of reincarnation is that Frau Merkel does speak and have the mannerisms of a certain dictator that we squashed into submission. Hands off love, our pound is here to stay and you are not having it! If only politicians were honest the world would be a much better place. Personally I think meercats should rule the world, Simples!

Discovery is enlightenment.

Whilst teaching ths week I started to touch on the biomechanics of the horse and rider. Not everyone is born with innate feel, although I believe that everyone has the ability to develop that feel if directed correctly. Starting with the way the horse moves in the walk and trot and what it feels like under the seat, really opens the riders eyes. Watch most riders rock back and forth in walk or swing through their backs with a collapsed stomach, now watch the horse from the back and observe his pelvis. It moves by dropping oneside and then the other. Once a rider feels this they can follow with the seat and a loose hip and thigh, the upper body then becomes still and only the pelvis absorbs the movement. This happens in the trot too. If the legs are relaxed in the walk the rider will feel the rib cage move away from the riders leg as the hind leg swings through. This will be the moment when the rider can influence the hind leg when asking for more engagement in the trot. Having studied the top riders for years, wondering and wishing, no yearning to do things the way they do, I now realise that this is what they feel albeit without having to think about it! If only I had discovered this at 16! More and more riders are questioning and asking to understand the biomechanics of riding. Good for them! and good for those teaching and explaining why if you use gripper muscles your knee and heel will draw up, but if you use your flexors your thigh will remain relaxed while allowing the lower leg to turn 30 degrees which allows the leg to cuddle the horse and become more effective. So many for so long have been trying so hard with tight muscles and ineffective leg aids because of wrong timing and lack of understanding. The forum is full of those who cannot sit to the trot. Small wonder if the buttocks and thighs are in spasm! Anyway, all this paid off when Lucie and her horse Arnie qualified for the regionals. I am a very proud surrogate mum!The icing on the cake was when Horse & Hound called Lucie and interviewed her about her wins over the last two weeks. Considering she bought this horse for a pound she has done brilliantly. We know we have loads of work to do before the regionals and we are not resting on those laurels! Pride comes before a fall so although we are excited (please forgive us!) we know it is not all plain sailing!

Its a long time since I went out on a girls night and this thursday Cheltenham had better be ready when Claire, Dawn and myself hit the town! What to wear? How do Cougars behave on a night out? Come on girls send me some tips please! And how much should one take out to spend? Its years since I went to a club or bar, I have to admit I'm a bit nervous. The other two are gorgeous and articulate, witty and bright. I think I am going to look like the dippy blonde with little to say!Apart from that they are both a foot taller than me although they have promised to wear flat shoes if I wear very high stilletoes! I can already feel the twisted ankles!

Busy week ahead which includes a lesson with Carl on wednesday and lots of lovely horses to treat and teach. I love my life and my work its just a shame it goes by so fast! Christmas is but a few weeks away! and then another year will dawn.

Straight talking.

What a fabulous day! Lucy and Helen surpassed themselves at Hunters and I was like a proud mum watching the school play! We had two super judges who were fair and absolutely spot on with their comments (no guide dogs in sight this week!). Lucy bought her horse for £1 so those out there wanting big moving horses but unable to afford them do look out for a bargain that may need time and patience to regain confidence. She was first in the qualifier and second over all with 69.9% and second in the non qualifier with 66.9% and there is more to come. Helens instructions for today were not to hurry and to keep her hands still. What an achievment 63.75% fabulous! But girls, really, I have to say this... punctuality,clean tack and boots!!Presentation is everything! and Lucy, no you are not trying to be a posh dressage queen but hay down your jacket is not required! Complacency serves to remind us that we have to be on the ball as Lucy found out when Arnie decided to suddenly hooley! Nearly lost the jockey, but well recovered!


Straightness is such a big issue and yet comes way down the list on the scales of training. From day one straightness must be addressed otherwise many marks are lost and training cannot progress. Even when the horse is trained and at the highest level the rider has to keep riding the horse straight. Now this is a problem when the rider is a little skewhiff! or the saddle does not sit straight or the horse needs his back doing. There are so many things to check and it can be a hard task but one that surely is worthy of great determination, time and patience. Attention to detail will always pay off!
Mr and Mrs Pincus were at the show today and I was reminded how knowledgeable they are! Flossy has such a way with words, albeit not the right ones at times! His humour is second to none and his dressage jokes are outrageous!I think he should take up judging as his comments would brighten up the day even if you were last!

This week has been busy. Not only fixing the backs of other people and their horses but also doing hours of physio on Bee. She has an old injury to the sacro iliac ligaments which through mis-diagnosis has been overlooked. However, new eyes from Hook Norton have backed me up when I said it was higher up. Now, at least, we have half a chance of getting things right and that and the Cartrophen have made Bee feel like a new horse. To fit all this physio in I have to get up earlier or finish later! Im not good on dark winter mornings, I would rather hybernate under the duvet than get up in the dark! Having left the girls reflecting their glory, I raced off in the lorry to pick up straw and then raced back to clip Bee. My new clippers were fantastic the first time I used them three weeks ago, however today they were awful! They kept switching off in the middle of a sweep across the coat, consequently Bee now looks as if she has been done with a knife and fork! Returning clippers tout suite tomorrow!

Heartfelt sympathy goes out to all those families who lost loved ones yesterday in the M5 incident. It turns out that the smoke from bonfires made driving conditions impossible. Isnt it time we stopped celebrating a terrorist on November 5th? Burning money in this recession is reprehensible and the poor animals affected by the fireworks is reason enough to stop.

Has anyone else given up watching X factor? Or are you watching through some morose enjoyment to see how bad they can be? I cannot help feeling that a lot of talent was dismissed early on in the programme leaving the final few as second rate. The judges can't agree (nothing new there!) the song choices are hideous and singing in tune appears not to be so important these days, cue Kelly to Frankie, its just the vocals that need working on!!!! I turn over and watch Casualty, totally believable of course!

First times.

Teaching in the gorgeous October sunshine this morning brought home how passionate I am about dressage. I came to this sport via the long route, from show jumping and eventing but I have to say it has been the most emotional, challenging and hardest discipline to conquer. I may not be the best of the best in the saddle, I may not have the most talented horses but I believe my passion and knowledge that I have gained along the way make up for that and if I can pass this on and make someone elses journey that bit easier I am very happy to do so. Two scales of training were broached this morning, suppleness and straightness, the two seem to go together. If the horse is bringing his quaters in and giving too much bend to the same side it is because he does not want to load the outside hind. As such we have to ride a little in renver to stretch the opposing muscles and straighten him. Horses find this difficult if they have been crooked for a while so short and sweet and many breaks help. The rider then has to learn to coordinate the aids without confusing the horse and getting frustrated. This is difficult if the horse gets fractious and throws his toys out of the pram but the rider must be brave and firm and not lose faith and keep asking until he responds, then reward. Of course if both rider and horse lose the plot all is lost! Lots of praise for both horse and rider and attention to being black and white so that the horse is never in any doubt of what is required. In fact, just like any relationship, each must know where they stand.

Last week I met up with an old school friend from our time in Germany. It must be 35 years since we saw each other. I entered the pub and recognised her immediately as she did me! We sat down and resumed conversation as if it was yesterday! The years wound back and I was a school girl again in year 4 slightly podgy, with the world at my feet and waiting for exciting things to happen. Two and a half hours later we were still talking, reminiscing and making plans to catch up with the rest of the gang in Germany next May. Since Carolann has returned to my life things have become more clear and more positive. The strangest thing is that she has been living ten miles up the road for the last 20 years! We must have passed each other numerous times! Its thanks to the Kent School website that we found each other again and linked up on facebook where we have found many others from that time. Listening to how somebody elses life has evolved is like reading a good novel. She was unsurprised that I was still involved with horses and I am unsurprised that she is an independent woman doing a highly emotional job. Its a shame we don't have time machines, I would love to return to my old school for one day in that time if only to tell everyone how lucky we were. Standing on the old playing fields smoking with the crowd while John Graves read to us from a letter he had received. I remember seeing the duty teacher walking the perimeter and getting closer so we all dogged our ciggies out and kept trying to tell John to do the same. He was so engrossed in his letter that Mr English arrived and stood amongst us staring straight at John. Eventually John looked up, the two eyeballed each other while John dropped his fag and smiled disarmingly. Nothing said, Mr English walked away and we all sighed with relief. And yes I was a little in love with John but after a couple of dates he was stolen away by another girl and I was heart broken (for about 2 weeks)! Who can forget the excitement of falling in love and being asked to the dance? Waiting for that first kiss....delicious!

First times are always the ones that stay in the memory and are as clear as if it was yesterday. The first day at school, the first kiss, the first time you drove a car, the first horse you rode, the first flying change the first piaffe steps. Please God let me have more firsts!

First debut!

Well Lucy did a grand job today at her first affilliated show. 65%+ and second in the non qualifier novice so on her way to getting to the regionals.It was lovely to get the marks deserved from a fellow judge/rider who knows her stuff and is at list 2. Oh my, what was the judge in the second test on? She did a really flowing rhythmical test and I thought, 'marvellous, at least the same mark. We can put this one to bed and concentrate on the other horse.' Never be seduced into thinking that you have it sorted! There is always a judge to prove you wrong! I am not ageist but there is a time in life when one should give up the judging especially if you cannot see! The test comments were so different to the test I watched I even queried if they had written the wrong name on the sheet! Oh well perhaps the guide dog did the judging! Never mind Lucy next time will be better. Its not just at this level though unfortunately. My friend who has a horse destinied for Grand Prix had some severe marks last time out and was, quite rightly very upset! Unless there are real training issues we need to be much more rider friendly as judges.
We still have lots of work to do to get Otto more on the hind leg and to get Lucy using her seat and leg more effectively but a good start!

Watching the working in I was amazed by how many people walk on the track and don't ride left to left! They pass so close sometimes its dangerous! I have to say I would be rather nervous riding a young horse amongst that lot! and are the whips getting longer? Do novice horses require so much whip and spur? What will happen when they get higher up the levels if they need all that for impulsion now? I'm sad to say Lucy was the only rider stretching her horse at the start and at the finish. Horses cannot work in the same outline continuously with out damaging muscles and ligaments.

Talking of backs, I am pleased to say that more and more of my clients are having their own backs done when I go to treat the horses. This is so beneficial as a crooked horse makes a crooked rider and vice versa. Its that time of year when riders should be checking their saddles for balance and getting themselves sorted before winter training commences ready for the championships. A stitch in time saves nine! One of my calls today was in Gloucester, a repeat treatment on a lovely horse who had previously had an accident in the field. The improvement after his first treatment had been astounding and today he couldn't wait for the Oscillator to work on his sore muscles, so much so that he dragged me into the box before his owner arrived at the door! Bless him, horses do show their appreciation in their own funny ways.

Im very excited because my Fritz Stahlekker DVDs have arrived, so I will be spending this evening watching and learning work in hand. The housework will have to wait! Its a shame that the Global Forum will not be televised as I would be glued to that too! Especially as Carl and Charlotte are giving a demo and talk. UK under 21s went on a yard visit to Carls yesterday and have reported that they had an amazing morning watching and learning from Carl and Charlotte. They now realise what hard work and dedication is needed for this sport, but they also saw that they needed good nature and humour to get them through too. How lucky are these children to have the best in the world on their doorstep?

Im back!!

Hurray!! I have my blog back! Goodness lots to catch up on, where to start?

Lets start with the great hat debate which continues to cut up a storm on the BD forum. It is now a fait a complit so skid lids it is all round, until you get to advanced of course when you can wear your much loved and very expensive top hat. The rules though are a mockery! It is laughable that those who do not own a tailcoat and compete in a short jacket must wear a skid lid! Really! What does the length of a jacket have to do with safety? Quite honestly it is a farce and if not so sad would be laughable! I know the people at BD work hard for the company but just like the government it is time to listen to the members! Riding a horse is like a game of Russian roulette, you may pull the trigger and nothing happens or you may find yourself at the end of a bullet! Do I feel safer with a skid lid on? Not really. They do move no matter how well fitting (since they come in sizes and are not made to measure)even with the harness at its tightest, and oh Lord don't they make your head sweat!

Dear Mr Cameron got his own way over the referendum but this, I predict, will be his downfall. Again, to ignore the people and break promises he made to gain power is a dangerous game to play! Are there any honest politicians out there?

My dear Lucy makes her BD debut tomorrow. She and I are very excited! She says I frazzled her brain on Monday and she now needs a new one. I say she has a good brain and just needs to engage it! Its true though, we don't work ourselves and our horses as hard when we are alone. It is only when we have a lesson that we feel the burn! After 20 minutes we forget our left from our right, cannot imagine how we have ever ridden a horse at all never mind a test! and to top it all our legs stop working and the harder we try the worse it gets! The length of rein is such a contention, too short and it feels like you are pulling, too long and the connection is lost. Keeping the hands light and infront of you and managing to keep the horse on the bit by way of tiny adjustments sounds easier than it is and takes more core stability and suppleness than most people give credit for. Reading some of the topics about this subject and how to achieve it does not shed much light as most are looking for a quick fix. Recently someone was advised to lunge their 3 year old in a chambon! And no Suzy, you cannot use a flash nose band with your double bridle! Oh dear we are back to 'on ze bit!' Its funny though because no matter how much you learn, how much you read or watch or talk about, it all comes back to this! Sometimes I think it would be easier to learn to ski jump!
The nights are drawing in so quickly now which makes the days seem shorter. What do people do with the long evenings? I mean you can't party every night! Maybe everyone goes to bed earlier? I will be finishing my course on line and hopefully writing a few more chapters. Other than that I would like to sort out the NHS and the state of the country so I may run for local government with UKIP! Now that would be fun!!

Challenges

Isn't life a competition? Doesn't every day present a challenge? Some do not like competition or challenges and that is fine others thrive upon it. Some like me, compete against themselves and go to socialise with like minded people. Don't make excuses as to why you can't win. All horses are different, thank goodness. Like us they come in all sizes, types, breeds and temperaments and like us they have different personalities. If you love the horse you have it does not matter a fig if he is the next Totilas or Sally shitland! But, lets not forget, it is the training and the quality of the paces that the judges will be marking. They will not be marking how cute he is,or how nicely you have plaited, or what a cute derrier you have as you turn away from C! I only managed one day at the nationals this year but I have to say I saw all shapes and sizes of horses and riders! I saw super talented horses misbehaving as the atmosphere got to them and beautifully produced ordinary horses behaving impeccably. At no stage in my dressage journey have I been led to believe that I have a right to a rosette just for turning up! Nor would I want to. So to all those lovely but misled people that cannot understand competiton and how it works, just think of it as the X factor! Some of the more deluded tone deaf contestants just don't get it but talent will out!

The reason I didn't get back to the nationals is due to a health problem that I haven't talked about much but its probably time to come clean. I have chronic fatigue syndrome as a side effect of fibromyalgia. Basically my muscles are sick and on bad days the pain and stiffness are excrutiating but worst still is the lethargy and lack of energy.It is very depressing and very annoying! No I am not looking for sympathy. Each day is a challenge but I continue to do the same work and ride as much as I have ever done and I try to find humour in the situation, like today for instance. My parents are getting on and do frequently forget things, dates, times, messages etc. so I write these things down for them. My mother asked me what was wrong and did I have a cold coming? I said no, its a flare up of my condition. 'Oh dear, what condition is that?' I said the one I was diagnosed with last year and she said,'well you could have told me!' I just burst out laughing while my father wrote it down! Some days we have the same conversation 3 or 4 times within half an hour! There is always a positive to any situation and mine is the house work! If I don't feel like it I put it down to lack of energy! That said, once I am on my horse after the initial 10 minutes I feel just fine. I think the other positive is that I have stopped pulling! It takes too much out of me, which means she has stopped leaning too. Well as Peter Storr said the other day as I struggled to get on saddle, 'you've finally made it as a judge Gloss, old and decrepit!' I will get him back for that! Many riders struggle every day with some sort of health problem, from fighting with cancer to severe back problems and let us not forget our amazing para riders who inspire all that watch them. So yes, each day is a challenge and life is a competition and for that I am grateful. It is what keeps us going, that, and good friends and laughter, oh and plenty of gin of course!

Letter to Mr Cameron

Dear Mr Cameron
When are governments and prime ministers going to realise that you are all caretakers of this country. It is a temporary job and we the people allow you this privilege in return for caring for our interests. This does not mean taking what you want and destroying our society and Britishness. There has been a lot of taking and very little caring with the last government. It is time to put straight the wrong doings and get to grips with the policies that matter to the BRITISH people. Note I said BRITISH. It may be politically incorrect to make this statement but I think it better to be honest.You wish to change the planning laws and build all over our countryside and you have declared war on our National Trust. Why? Because we need more housing. Why? Because there are too many people living here. Why? Because our borders are open to every scrounging, benefit grabbing, non English speaking person going! That is not to say there are honest, hard working legal immigrants that come here for a better life and integrate with the rest of us and become British citizens. These though are a minority. There are many houses deserted in the cities that could be developed or demolished and new estates built if you really need more homes but I assure you if you close the borders and turf out the criminals and illegal imigrants then you will not need many new homes anyway. As for the builders, you could employ all those on benefits and prison inmates.
Don't you think it is time to address the real problems in this country? Crime for instance and the laws that allow the criminal to walk free or do a very short sentence. And what about 'an Englishmans home is his castle?' Time to allow people to protect what is theirs. And what about the same laws that govern us governing the travellers that ride rough shod over everyone?
How about dismembering human rights? Basic human rights are the right to food,water and hygene. The rest is utter rubbish, Cherie Blairs law gone mad! Abandon it! Then you can turf out these wretched people who are costing the NHS and tax payers millions. Since when do paedophiles, murderers and rapists have any rights or voting powers?
You see Mr Cameron its quite simple really. We gave you a job. The job description is caretaker. You are taking not caring therefore we will sack you and put someone else in the position. Now, labour, Conservative and Liberal have had their day and its time for a change, so my advice to you is carry out the above and leave our countryside alone. UKIP are becoming very popular, don't you think?

Yours sincerely

British citizen born and bred.

Soap boxes.

I am becoming a political vampire! I am all things UKIP and have now been proven right about the Euro and joining the EU. Reading the newspapers in the evening is sending my blood pressure sky high as I plot how to change things and install a better government. It has become so bad that my friends have bought me a box to stand on, preferably in Hyde Park as far away from them as possible! Don't get me started on crime or illegal gypsy camps or some bod from the EU coming here and preaching human rights, I will go off the richter scale! When exactly are the police force going to be able to arrest criminals and not the victims? Why can't laws be changed quickly? Why can't new laws be introduced now? And how can judges be so soft? Do me a favour every body, next election please vote UKIP! We have had labour, or did they have us? Sold us out down the swanee big time! We have had Conservative/Liberal, about as useful as a chocolate teapot! How about trying something new? Ok off the box now, well I had to give it a try didn't I, since they bought it for me!

Went to Stoneleigh today and had a really relaxing time with friends and associates. Some lovely horses, riders, shops and food! I especially liked the new saddle Equipe, that Charlotte made me try. When I finally managed to get on the saddle horse with the help of Simon, the saddle, which has memory foam instead of flocking, was comfortable and immediately put my legs in the correct position. I was stunned by the price, £1600. Blimey, only a bit more than a star spangled hat! Lovely Simon also made me struggle on to the deep seated version which was even better, another grand but worth every penny. Can't wait for Whoopi to grow up so that I can have one! Its nice to know that Simon and associates have done their homework on the structure of the horses back and I feel I can reccomend them to clients with confidence. I was then dragged around the shops by my friend Dan looking for bridles. He found what he wanted in Morgan Equine and I stopped to chat with Suzy who owned Pascal the sire of Pikeur. Of course she remembered him and I had to relay the tragic tale. Bless her she was really kind and quite sad to hear the news. On the way out I spied some hair nets with bling! I was just asking if they came in blonde when I was rudely dragged away! Seems when you shop with a man its all about them not you! Same as yesterday when I met Glen in town. I thought it would be great to have a gay friend to help me shop! Talk about reluctant! I think I am best shopping alone at least then I have time to think about what I want! Even in Guernsey I had to find an outfit in 15 minutes and was timed by wannabe Gok Lihou!
The judges course with JLC was brilliant! We only had 6 horses to look at but she is a legend and was so clear with her marks and great fun to be with. I learnt a lot in a short time despite the fact I learnt the new Inter II for 2012 instead of the current one. What a good job I wasn't judging the class. Reminds me of the last disastrous eventing dressage I ever judged at Mattingly a few years ago. The day went from bad to worse to 'I'm never judging eventing again!' (and I never have)the last straw was when a handsome chap arrived at our arena in his scarlet jacket (I think this denotes International) and proceeded to track the wrong way! I tooted the horn, he stopped and shouted, 'I'm doing horse trials test *A.' By which time I'd had enough anyway, so I shouted back, 'You might be sweetie, but we are doing horse trials test *B !!'
There are some great characters in the horse world. I came across one only the other day! I was doing some test riding with a bunch of great people when in pops a lady of more mature years on a nice chestnut horse. She informs me that there is a hurricane outside, in case I haven't noticed, and she hasn't worked in. So as we only had half an hour slots I suggested I helped her work in and then she could do the test. Well, first she said she didn't need help so we sat back and waited. Eventually she managed to trot round and have a canter, then she stopped and asked for advice so as he wasn't in front of the leg I suggested some short sharp transitions, to which I got told that she was not going to hassle her horse for anyone as it would make him tight over the back. Over the back would have been nice as that would have meant there was some connection but I just smiled sweetly. Anyway to cut a long story short she never did get to do medium 75 as she said she would rather that I helped her with the lateral work postioning! I'm not sure if she was happy or not with her lot. Sometimes you just have to accept there are some people who just don't want to be helped!
Right, time for bed. I read that early risers are slimmer than night owls so on that premise and the fact that I ate two pancakes for lunch, I will get up before 7am and lose a pound or two!

Tales of the unexpected

To all those who rode out today or schooled outdoors, I salute you! Sorry I can't take my hat off to you due to the 3 point harness! With winds of 65 mph and tree branches blowing across the fields I decided to leave my horses in and gave them both massages instead.The muck arrived at the muck heap well before the wheel barrow and it was hard work all round to stay on my feet when the stable doors were being whipped out of my grip. I am hoping it dies down tonight as I dont fancy the drive down to Crofton Manor tomorrow in gale force winds! Oh for an indoor school!

This time of year I always find my energy and enthusiasm start to fade and everything becomes a bit of a chore. However, with the long dark evenings approaching I have set up the old TV in my boudoir and sorted all my training videos out and intend to spend many hours watching and learning all that I can. If all else fails Reiner Klimke is a cure for my insomnia. He has that deep slow drawl and I find I never get to the second horse before nodding off. I have also bought Stephen Clarkes new DVD on Grand Prix which is great but the volume does not really go high enough to hear him clearly. Years ago before I was a listed judge, a friend of mine dragged me off on a freezing morning to sit in an outdoor school and watch training. It was a judges course and the trainer was from some far off land and spoke with a thick accent which I found hard to understand. In my attempt to keep warm and stop my feet from becoming blocks of ice I was wiggling my feet and seat when he suddenly shouted something at the rider that sounded like,'Shit hard'. I whispered to my friend,'Bloody hell! Is that a new movement?' Needless to say we ended up giggling uncontrollably! The worst thing was he did have on the tightest pair of breeches I have ever seen in my life and my friend was mesmerised by them. Indeed, at lunch she made the comment,'the budgie has escaped his cage,' which I had never heard before. Needless to say I didn't learn a lot about dressage that day! Not that I was that interested then, my heart was still in the show-jumping ring and I missed the quick wit and camaraderie of the riders I mixed with on the circuit. There was Nick, missed again, Turner and Ross the Goss Irvine and Alan Oliver and so many more. I can remember coming off night duty after 7 shifts and loading my two horses up and driving miles to a show, jumping 4 classes driving home and then partying until 4am! Ah for the energy of youth!

Some of the demos I have been on have been brilliant and others not so good but isn't that the same throughout life? How many of us have been taught the wrong thing early in training? or gone down the wrong route with a horse? How would we know that it was wrong until of course we learned otherwise? I watched a video clip today that someone put up of the Baucher system that is supposed to train horses to be light in the hand. I understood the premise but goodness the reins were long and although the horses did improve they were never over the back, quite hollow in fact. The video was made in USA so I'm wondering if this is a new fad or if they have it a bit wrong. Im sure Baucher did not mean to introduce collection before the horses were truly over the back. Anyway I would just like to say, to anyone reading, do not look any further than England for the best trainers. We are infinitely lucky to have some very talented trainers and riders. No longer do we get excited by foreign sounding names and run for the cheque book to sign up for a day of wisdom. Now we can just pop down the road and see fabulous horses and riders at shows or at home.
As we get older, and yes it does happen to all of us, it would be easy to become bitter and cynical. Life does not always work out the way we dreamed it would. If this was so I would be married, a famous show-jumper and have an indoor school! Rather than mourn the fact that we are on a downward slope our mature years should be spent passing on knowledge and wisdom. That is not to say that we shouldn't have a lot of fun too! I was intoduced to a lady a few years ago who has the nickname Granny Gange. Now she is in her later years but boy does she know how to have fun and is always the last to bed and the first up in the morning. I will eventually have to hang up my boots, well from competing anyway, and then I intend to travel to all the international shows across the world and partaay,partaay,partaay!
Not that I don't already of course!!

Another day...

Time is flying by and it looks like winter is going to be a long one. We may not get snow as I have ordered snow tyres this year as I don't want to be caught out again or feel unsafe. The biggest bug bear will be the school freezing. There must be an invention somewhere that can prevent this! Maybe I will think up one and make my millions by the end of this year.

There is a serious topic about vaccinations on BD. I have not broached it for ages as the wounds are still raw. Reactions to these beastly jabs are on the up and are causing suffering and worry for both horses and riders. Despite reporting these reactions it appears that the fat cats in the pharmaceutical companies couldn't care less. Our governing bodies dictate that to compete we must have up to date vaccinations. Do riders have a yearly flu jab? Do people get vaccinated for tetanus on a yearly basis? Tetanus in horses is a hidious desease but they are protected for up to 5 years with one vaccination, so cut the cost and the interaction between 2 vaccinations and ask for a seperate flu jab. Turning out on grass after the flu jab can have dire effects ie. laminitis as I found out to my cost. Helios is a well known homeopathic manufacturer who will make up rememdies for horses prior to having the toxin injected into their bodies and will also make up remedies to remove the toxins after the vaccination. I have found doing this does prevent the reactions although I would rather not vaccinate at all or at least not yearly. So if you are having problems, please, make a noise, a very big noise!

Nationals this coming week. Im off to do JLCs judges course and look forward to her sharp observation and quick wit. There are a lot of stands I want to visit. Centaur biomechanics have a new jacket that is said to help with riders position so I will be sampling that. Patey's Hats will get a visit from me to show support for their long term sponsorship of our sport which now will probably end, sadly. The Equestrian Film is showing a preview so that to will be on the card as well as the usual shopping spree! My enthusiasm however is a little dampened this year so I may restrict myself to one visit only. I do think it is time that the classes at the nationals are re-thought. Do we really need Preliminary and Novice restricted? I would rather have a longer master class or a bigger GP. Next year are we going to see air jackets being worn in these classes along with the skid lids? If the forum and H&H are anything to go by we surely will. Elegance will be a thing of the past as Mr Blobby takes to dressage! Really, if all these safety gadgets are necessary isn't it time to rethink your sport? Maybe take up golf instead? Horses are and always have been unpredictable but thats the risk you take when getting on one. Limitation of risk should be through thorough training and yes head protection too but also buying the appropriate horse for your skills. Everyone wants a Totilas, Uthopia or Vallegro but not everyone can train or ride these horses. Its no good having WOW movement if you are terrified everytime you get on. Perhaps reinforced underpants and tena ladies will now be a must along with valium and beta blockers.
I too have had my moments on horses that give the feeling of an electric time bomb. I have sat in tears in a lesson as the damned horse won't budge and had to be led by some kind soul around the arena, but he did get better eventually and I didn't resort to an air jacket and actually never came off him in all the time I had him. Would I buy another like him? Not on your nelly!! Not for all the movement in the world! I would much rather have a kind temperament and trainability than WOW factor. Its my enjoyment and my hobby so why add stress to an otherwise already stressful life? Leave that to the professionals who are the future of British Dressage and our Teams. The rest of us will watch in admiration, dream what if, and generally support from below, after all we all know our place dont we?

Democracy is dead!

British Dressage dropped a big bombshell yesterday by announcing rule changes for 2012. The one causing the biggest stir is the hat rule! According to BD we are not responsible enough to make our own decisions on head gear in dressage! Having been asked our thoughts on wearing skid lids (crash hats) they went ahead with the minority and have made the ruling that up to advanced all riders must wear one! Now I am not generally one for breaking rules but I do object to the way this was done and how quickly it has been introduced. Firstly having been 'consulted' and having chosen the FEI ruling: for young horse classes and young rider classes crash hats should be worn. 24% of members chose this option.
This was added to those who wanted these hats across the board which gave a majority (even though we were not voting merely consulting).This is my grouse as this is manipulation of figures and not a true picture at all. Even though I am happy to wear a skid lid when riding unknown or young horses and wear a beagler competing my older horse and a top hat when riding in advanced classes, I would like the freedom of choice. All riders at advanced and above may wear their top hats in the arena, so does that mean they are incapable of falling of in the arena? We have had no statistics relating to head injuries during dressage competitions in the last ten years ( I doubt there are any)so what is this ruling about? It has also been introduced very quickly leaving many poorer riders having to find funds for a new hat, many who have already just purchased at great expense a made to measure Patey.
Obviously if one wishes to compete then the new hats must be worn, however, if examples are to be set I would like to see all trainers wearing them at demos and at home and insisting that clients wear them when having a lesson. You cannot have a safety rule at competitions that does not follow suit at home, in my opinion, as if your head is at risk at competition then it surely is more so at home. Lets not forget that 99% of accidents happen at home!So no double standards please!
The forum is a place for opinions so all should be able to have one! I cannot understand why those who are against the rule or against the way it was brought in are being shouted down by those for the rule, after all they have got what they want. Seemingly it has been noticed that before the rule was announced several pros suddenly started wearing the skid lid, so were they privy to the information before the rest of us? Were they asked to wear the hats as an example? I don't have anything against that but do think it was suspicious. Shouting me down on a forum does nothing for credibility but talking over a coffee may earn respect.
The FEI talk about 'transparancy' in judging, shouldn't every thing to do with rules have the same?
Anyway I will be wearing the 'mushroom' that makes me totally deaf, so no callers for tests will be able to get through, perhaps the powers that be will allow radio mikes to be inserted into the new hat so that we can hear? We could also tune into FM radio whilst working in or phone a friend.
But what about the spectators, surely they should be protected from rampaging loose horses? Whilst doing a prize giving at the Area Festivals several over horsed ladies jumped off because they could not control their excited mounts. Unfortunately for the rest of us they were more incapable of controlling them from the ground! Which beggars the question that Dane Rawlings brought up, shouldn't we be looking at developing better seats so that these ladies don't fall on their pretty heads? Sadly over horsed riders are quite common because they think that it is big paces that will win. Some do of course, if correctly trained, but so do horses with lesser movement and better temperaments. First point of training: the horse must respect you on the ground.

Thats all I have to say on the matter. The subject is now closed and has been fiesty to say the least. I am off to Tescos to look at their skid lids and hope that those businesses that have had inside information and ordered in their very expensive hats manage to profit greatly from the new rule.
Happy hat hunting!

I saw a mouse.....

The mice in my feed room are becoming more and more tame! So much so that at feed times they sit in a row on top of a straw bale and watch me make up the feeds. One was so bold as to approach a bin while my back was turned the other day! The others just sit up and beg. They have conquered divide and rule so that when the dog gives chase they split up and move rapidly in all directions much to poor Gems frustration! As irritating as they are, chewing rugs and eating into bags of feed, I cannot bring myself to kill the little blighters! Occasionally one will commit suicide in the water bucket and I feel a little sad that he has swum around until exhausted and drowned. The only time they really get to me is when they find their way into a feed bin and I, not concentrating, reach in with the scoop fetching out mini mouse as well as feed. Mini then makes a jump for it and scares me half to death! I am not actually scared of mice, but their bigger cousins leave me cold. Any sign of a rat and I can be heard calling the dog in a high pitched voice. Last year I managed to bring home a mouse in my handbag of all things! I had set it down outside the stable whilst doing something at the last minute, which is when he must have hopped in. On arriving home the handbag was in the sitting room and I was on the phone in the hall when the mouse popped its head around the corner and we eye balled each other in disbelief. I live in a first floor flat and so wondered how the hell a mouse had got in? Anyway, he ran into the kitchen and under the washing machine. The dog was oblivious, even when at night I could hear tap dancing in the kitchen. Gem snored her head off despite me digging her in the ribs and whispering, 'mouse'. Having put down a bag of warfarin I waited each day to discover a dead creature, but no the tap dancing continued. After a whole bag of poison had been demolished as well as cheese, chocolate and apple, I decided the best thing to do was name him Roland and feed him anyway, since he was obviously a super mouse having survived warfarin. I bought a humane trap but he managed to elude it always managing to take the tasty bait. Then one morning I was getting something out from under the sink and I saw that the trap was closed. I opened the end never dreaming there would be anything, and there he was, Roland, staring at me with big brown eyes and inquisitive whiskers twitching. Quickly shutting the little door, I whisked him down stairs and out to the garden to set him free. Two workman were outside the front door looking at me as if I was bonkers as I squealed ,'I've caught a mouse!' It was only when I set him free that I realised I was still in my underwear! Quick exit one ecentric woman who lives alone with dog and mouse!!

Have you seen that there is a dressage show in Rio? HP Minderhoud, Edward Gal. Isobel Werth and Patrik Kittel have travelled horses over there to compete. Judging by the photos of sandy beaches and deep blue pools they are going to have a bit of a break too. The stables and surroundings look stunning! Had I known I would have concentrated harder at finding a rich husband years ago, then I could have gone to watch. Spare a thought for our own guru, gold medalist Carl Hester who is suffering man flu at present. Chicken soup and chocolate much appreciated if you feel like sending some. Whilst his horses take a 6 week break he and Charlotte are working on the next potential medal winners. Perhaps they should have gone to Rio to sunbathe on the golden sands and take a break?

Horses are hard work but life without them is unthinkable.

The trouble with lorries.

Today just got better and better! Set off this morning to get the lorry plated in Swindon. The directions had been sent out to me so I thought I might have a chance of finding the place! Maybe they were prehistoric or pre roundabouts because I got lost umpteen times!Asking directions was useless as everyone knew where it was but all sent me in different directions!Finally, at the end of my tether and with the fuel guage low, I asked another chap. He started with,'Turn right at the donut,' 'Whaaat???' 'Donut love, mini roundabout.' 'You see this is the problem,' says I, 'I don't speak Swindon!' Finally I got the directions in English and wrote them down and eventually arrive at the VOSA center. The dear old soul checking the lorry looked ancient and spoke with a thick Wiltshire accent, in fact when he disappeared into the pit I could hear his breathing rasping over the intercom and I feared the worst. The only thing not working was the fog lamp as the bulb had gone so the dear chap replaced it with the bulb from the reversing lights because apparantly they dont test these. Lorry passed, phew! So armed with directions I set off for home muttering,'get diesel, get straw.' to myself when the left indicator stopped working! Bugger, I thought. Arrived in Faringdon and filled up with diesel, gave the indicator a bang and it jumped back to life, then jumped back into lorry and turned the key.....nada, zilch, nothing! Ok have a look at the battery, thats logical, and sure enough the connection had sheared right off! An old farmer type just got out of his landrover, so looking my most helpless I asked him if he could help. Bless him, he risked electrocution by holding the connection to the terminal whilst I started the lorry. I thanked him profusely as he gave me instructions to make haste home and don't stop for anything! So no straw picked up today.
I do think this lorry has a jinx on it. When I first bought it the chassis was an old Iveco. I took it for plate, it passed and then blew up on the way home. I replaced the chassis with Mercedes, took it for plate last year and they slammed an order on it as brakes not 100 percent. Good job I had horsebox rescue!

I would like to thank the lady in the grey masda for cutting me up so badly whilst I was IN the inside lane going onto the M4, THAT I HAD TO DRIVE UP THE KIRB! Ladies, I am not feeling the sisterhood here! I hate to say it but women drivers are lethal! Had my horse been on board she would have been half a masda short! Mirrors are for looking in to see what other drivers are doing, not to check make-up, hair, and botox! And by the way, its give way to the right on roundabouts!! I know this is politically incorrect and I will get slated for it but honest some women just should not drive! Having said that some of the men shouldn't either! Approaching roundabouts at 80mph and flying in front of everyone else and then beeping your horn is not macho its just idiotic and dangerous! You can probably tell I have not had a great day!

Stress factor is a little high today but really I have to say this. I am not a bird, nor am I Glow or Glaw! I am Gloria or Glossy to my friends!

There are positives to today. The lorry passed, I have a fab new mechanic called Ali,(even if he does insist on calling me bird or Glaw!) the buisiness is busy and Bee went super today. She is so much fitter and more willing than ever.

It sure feels like winter and I have been sorting out the rugs and clipper blades. Judging by the amount of blackberries already it looks like being another long cold one! Speaking of long and cold, I think its G & T time!

This and that!

What a sad start to the day! Returning from filling up with diesel for my trip to Southampton, I saw a lorry hit a cat. Pulled over sharpish and saw her just sitting in the road looking around in a disorientated way. Scooped her up and wrapped her in my jacket and placed her on the passenger seat. Big dillema! Where to find an ememgency vet on bank holiday monday at 6.45am? So I drove to the yard where I checked her over. Apart from shock she had a little blood in the mouth which may have been internal injury but then all her ribs were intact so thought she may have fractured jaw. Then there was the fact she could'nt stand so another fracture possibly pelvis. Luckily she had a collar on with owners number so I rang her and explained what had happened. Of course the poor woman was beside her self and very emotional. Anyway she rang the emergency number before coming to pick up Daisy. Lots of tears but owner and cat reunited and I could be on my way with a clear conscience!

I had some lovely horses and riders doing test riding today. It is a really good way of finding out where the marks are lost and gained. I especially loved the cob with a lady called Vicky riding. Both were so responsive and receptive to help and really upped their percentage. I would be happy to do this with my horse and find out how other judges are thinking! During a conversation with another judge the other day I found that judges are thinking that 7 is a high mark! 7 is fairly good not good! If judges are only using 0 to 7 then something has gone very wrong! 8,9,10 are there to be used! Ok, not willy nilly, but some horses are capable of earning mostly 8s at medium and advanced medium and should get them! Riders that produce these elevated, cadenced and through tests are in a class of their own and should be defined from the rest of us by 10-15 percent. I find I want to compete less and less these days as the scores are so low, what has happened to positive judging? I know I'm no Isobel or should I say Charlotte, but I also know Im not that bad either and neither is my horse. Sigh....rant over...

So after the test riding I drove off to another yard and treated some horses. My job is so satisfying. Starting off with a tense tight horse that has had discomfort for a few weeks and watching him relax as the treatment progresses is so rewarding. If only humans would attend their own back needs as much as they do their horses. It is impossible to ride a horse straight if you are crooked! Which comes first, the chicken or the egg? Does it matter? No, as long as both are straightened up, preferably at the same time, then progress will be made.Its a pity I can't treat myself as I am in desperate need at this moment in time. I will be ringing my mate Alan tomorrow morning first thing!
As I finished on the yard I received a text from Daisys mum. She had indeed fractured her jaw and pelvis but no internal damage, thank goodness. She was operated on in the afternoon and is now stable so fingers crossed for a good recovery.

Whoopi, my 2 year old,is still living out at night much to her disapproval! She really does like her stable and would happily stay in for all but a few hours. She makes it clear that she really does not appreciate being out in all weather by galloping a circle around me and pointedly kicking out! This is despite giving her haylage in the field and having a rug on. I nearly gave in tonight but the weather, although cool is quite clement. Instead I found a warmer rug, one that belonged to Pikeur,and lo and behold it fitted as if made for her! This is rather disconcerting as I really do not want a big horse to ride and shes not 3 yet! There is one concellation, she is not wide.
Roll on next year when she can be backed, I can't wait!

The lorry is due its plate tomorrow so I am praying it passes! Having given me a nervous break down on the way to the show. I had filled up with diesel,(another mortgage needed to do that!) and was on my way but there was no real pull or power. Usually she does 60 without a thought but she was sluggish and then looking at the oil gauge I saw that there was no pressure! Thats all you need when you are on your own with a horse on board. Flicking the gauge got a response and I realised that it was a connection problem ( a bit like horses!) and after a few miles the lorry picked up and was fine again! So if she passes tomorrow it will be great as I have to go and pick up straw on the way back! Oh the joys of owning horses. Every day a day older, is it time to start thinking about hanging up my boots?

Changing weather

The days are becoming more autumnal and winter is creeping up on us. I can feel the minus degrees burying themselves deep in my bones and I am not looking forward to it at all. Please pray for an Indian summer and a long one at that. I had so many things planned for this summer but due to the weather half of them never got done. Decorating the home, repainting my horsebox and rebuilding the living and many other laborious jobs just never materialised. Oh well, when the snow comes and I am house bound I will get the emulsion out and if anyone has a spare barn perhaps my lorry can be a lodger for a while!

Some very moving pictures of Totilas have appeared and some interesting videos and interviews. This very special horse causes such emotional response from all nationalities. I do hope Mathius finds the right course and like others I pray this is not the end of the line for this fabulous horse. I dream of winning the euro lottery so that I can buy him and return him to his rightful rider, I would also set up a trust so that none of our much loved horses need ever be sold.

Looking at the blue sky,(I can never say blue sky without thinking of the person who fits that pseudonom!)one would never think that a few moments ago the sky was black and we had torrential rain. Our weather changes so quickly and with it our moods. I was lucky teaching this morning for a few hours, cold and windy but no rain. Sometimes it is difficult to find the words to teach a new exercise or feel. Feel is something everyone struggles with until they have felt it! Also each persons feel is translated differently. Trying to desensitise horses to the leg aids can be fraught with difficulty. Not everyone is brave enough to chuck away the reins and gallop down the school! Teaching Lucys' horse some half steps really activated his hind legs and got him going today which caused great delight albeit a lot of squealing! I remember the first time someone did this with me. I had a smile on my face for a week! The trainer asked,'How does that feel?' I replied.'better than sex!' To which he laughed and said,'well I dont know what sort of sex you are having but I know which I prefer!' This was years ago when I owned a little black mare named Kiri, welsh section D cross TB and about 15.1hh. She was so talented but a bit bossy too. When she connected it really was like flying without wings! I remember the first year of competition we were last in everything, in fact at Rushall she escaped as I was putting her bridle on and galloped through all the arenas where PSG and Inter I were in progress! A kind lady brought her back with just the reins and the bit. The rest of the bridle is probably still there! By the second year she was unbeatable at novice and elementary and qualified for the Nationals twice which is when I sold her. Not for mega money, but for love. Misguided love at that. That was my last serious relationship and I have regretted selling Kiri ever since as she was never happy and was generally abused. These days I keep my horses and keep men at a healthy distance!

Sorry this is a bit short today but I have a strong feeling that I am going to find a bay mare in the field instead of a skewbald which will mean bathing her for tomorrows show. This is no small feat as she is nearly 16.3hh and hates water! By the time I finish she will be sparkling clean and I will look like I have had a mud bath! All this work for 6 mins per test I do hope it is worth it! We will see! Happy blogging everyone!

Judge not lest ye be judged!

Art 4.5 : Extended Trot

The Horse covers as much ground as possible without hurrying, the steps are lengthened to the utmost as a result of great impulsion from the Hindquaters. The Athlete allows the horse to lengthen the frame and to gain ground whilst controlling the poll. The fore feet should touch the ground on the spot towards which they are pointing. The movement of the fore and hind legs should reach equally forward in the moment of extension. The whole movement should be smoothly executed by taking more weight on the Hindquarters.

Having watched Uthopia earn 10s for this movement and having read the rubbish from BD forum members who would be hard pushed to produce a test worthy of more than 60% I have one piece of advice for them all. Spec savers now does two pairs for the price of one!

Should judges be required to ride at the level that they judge? Does being a rider make you a better judge? Certainly there may be more empathy but as judges are there to recognise good training and not there to give a riding lesson surely being a rider or not should not make an iota of difference. The only time I can see a problem is if the marks are not what the rider desired. This may lead to the comment,'what does she/he know?' However the same can be true of a rider that judges, he/she may have ridden at the level required but badly, or he/she may not have earned high marks through lack of horse power. I think a good judge is a good judge. I dont like it when I go past the box and glimpse the judge looking away from me or head down and chatting to writer, I expect what I give, 100% to the test being ridden. Honesty, integrity, sense of humour and knowledge as well as stamina and concentration are what is required at all levels. A lot of riders at the lower levels cannot afford trainers every week so some guidence really helps and many a time someone has thanked me for positive comments and pointing them in the right direction. Fit the comments to the combination in front of you ie raw amateur or semi pro or pro. Just pick out one or two of the scales of training needing more work and try not to write a book. Some sheets resemble war and peace! These are just my thoughts and the way I do it so please dont shoot me!! I also think the comments more suppleness etc all have a place. I mean to say, how many times have you heard a trainer shouting more bend, more bend! I want to shout, where, where? bend through the neck, through the ribs through the hips??? In training 'bend is your friend.' so I am told. Careful though, this does not mean riding on the inside rein!
Im hoping that tomorrow brings back my mojo and enthusiasm for riding. Its not that I don't want to ride, its just that I want to ride much better. Sometimes we get stuck in a rut and can't get out. Why is it that one day you get a fab result and think you've cracked it and then you spend the next decade trying to repeat that feeling and the harder you try the more it eludes you! Admittedly I am trying to produce more cadence on a 16 year old (she doesn't look it and she has had a year off),but I sometimes wonder if I should just hang up my boots and take up breeding them instead. If Mr Hester is a secret blog reader,(I put nothing past him), please find that slot you promised me before Rotterdam! Meanwhile, tomorrow Im popping to my friend Ulrichs to work her as the surface is super and I get some good advice.

I read with interest today about Icelands quiet revolution.

Why Iceland Should Be in the News, But Is Not
sacsis.org.za
Icelanders have quietly carried out a revolution by toppling a weak government, drafting a new constitution and seeking to jail those responsible for the country's economic debacle.
Apparantly this revolution has not been reported by the media in Europe because they do not want us to know that this is possible. Just goes to show how this government controls its population but they better watch out, ideas are already forming! How I would love to be in charge for one week! My friend said she would order indoor schools in every village! Not a priority for most of the population Claire but great idea! I would make bankers resposible for their mistakes and stop all their bonuses, increase pensions and stop benefits, close borders and ban human rights and finally pull out of europe and become a free trading country again! Not that I am political at all!

I have found the recipe for Dutch pancakes! No wonder they took so long as they are cooked in the oven and take half an hour! Anyway I cooked one today and it was yummy! Maybe not as good as grandmas, but practice makes perfect! With all these calories its a good job I have joined a zumba class!

Well I have entered Bee for another show on Sunday so lets hope she has watched the videos in slow motion and read all the classical dressage books. I do hope her +DAP shows and I pray I can manufacture a big trot and canter. Lets hope the judge has the qualities I desire and finds some good marks and if she doesn't I will just write a blog!!!

What is Classical exactly?

Does anyone know what classical actually means? The theosaurus states
'classical 'pertaining to or characteristic of Greek or Roman antiquity or civilisation'. So going on this we must assume that Classical dressage pertains to Xenophon who started a training system eons ago in Greece. Does this mean that we should all be riding in that ancient way or merely that we abide by some of the principles? Then there is the German system, also known as classical, who gave us the scales of training, some of which is lost in translation. Whilst many like to talk about 'classical' and quote the old Masters and books, soooo many books, others are busy riding their horses and trying to discover the secrets of biomechanics that produce better movement and elasticity and suppleness. Quoted today, 'classical dressage was designed to keep horses sound.' Yet the very people who quote this cannot understand working a horse round, deep and over the back! What is it about success that causes a few small minded people to come out of their lairs and start spouting classical as if it is the holy grail? I suspect these are the very people who buy patent riding boots, bling brow bands and the latest designer breeches! Of course their horses never wear draw reins or side reins or elasticated reins as this would not be classical. Instead they meander around on the forehand for years and the penny never drops!

Never fear there is always a silver lining to every cloud! The Equestrian has I hear, been finished or wrapped as they say in the film business. I haven't heard yet when it is due to be released but a good source tells me it is very good with some of our own top riders making appearances.I do hope that they show LDR in the working in and maybe a few pairs of draw reins during training!

Back in Germany when I was still considered a child, we all rode in Thiedermans which are a bit like Market Harboroughs. This was so that the horse stayed in a relatively steady out line and we pupils concentrated on learning to sit with the horse and ride some movements without upsetting the contact or fiddling with the reins. The school horses were not plodders and would often leave the group bucking the rider off in the process! Now the custom in Germany is that the faller buys a round of schnapps and the whole group must toast the faller and drink the wretched stuff. I was unfortunate enough to be on a ride where three people fell off! My father was not amused to find a tipsy twelve year old waiting for a lift home nor was he happy when I threw up in the back of his Merc (his pride and joy)! Happy days and all the horses were on ze bit!
If you could go back in time where would you go? Which part of your life has the best memories? Mine would definitely be my time in Germany, both as a young child and as a young woman. Don't let anyone tell you the Germans have no sense of humour! That is what they would have you believe but trust me I had more fun there than most places bar one over here. For a start there was no health and safety! I remember going out with a young officer who had ambitions of becoming a show-jumper. He could walk trot and canter and jump a cross pole but he had set his heart on one of the show-jumpers that I had been riding at the school when I was visiting. The horse was a westphalian with a huge jump and only 6 years old. He was very brave and powerful to ride but had a sense of humour. Well, the boyfriend got on board and trotted around a bit, then he popped into canter which got more and more out of control. Why would you then present the horse at a treble? I mean it was a big treble with the last fence at 4'9" and an oxer. He jumped in big, boyfriend got left behind a bit, one stride and made a huge jump, boyfriend shot up neck, ballooned the third part, boyfriend catapaulted into orbit with a triple sulki and landed in a heap. By which time both trainer and me were on our knees hysterically laughing! Poor chap, he did badly sprain his ankle but his pride was hurt more! Needless to say that was the end of our short relationship! Now thats classical! I suspect that the Old Masters were trying to produce what our top riders do now but they just did'nt have the horse power. Breeding has changed so much over the years just look at some old photos and you will observe that the horses still looked like driving horses and most were long backed. Now the horse is categorised as an athlete, quite rightly so, and the training is about gymnastising and developing the musculature so that there is peak performance. Haven't we come a long way? I suspect in two hundred years or so if the world is still here, our generation will be called Masters and the training will be called classical or maybe it will be known as the LDR era, who knows! Whats in a name? What matters is that we develop happy athletes and happy riders!

The aftermath

So after all the excitement what do we do between now and the olympics? The nationals are coming up in September and many of you have qualified so good luck and enjoy it! I will be concentrating on trying to record evidence that I have a good knowledge of Grand Prix. This will entail recording my lessons and riding as many advanced horses as I can beg, borrow or steal. All of this is so that I can be accepted to take my exam for list 1. One of the questions on the upgrade form asks, 'why do you want to upgrade from your level?' Giving reasons is not easy so I have contemplated long and hard. I have always loved a challenge and the fact that the goal posts keep moving has made it even more of a challenge! Perhaps I should'nt write that! I am passionate about dressage. So are thousands of other people and judges, so not that one. Maybe the most honest answer is to declare that I haven't had the horse power to do it so now I'd like to be involved by judging it! I actually think I can do it otherwise I wouldn't apply however taking exams is not my forte! I get so nervous and inarticulate. I would much rather be riding a horse and showing my evidence of GP knowledge! Ah well if any of you have ideas please write them down in comments and give me some inspiration!

Talking to a friend today we got onto the subject of happiness and what really matters in life, (very philisophical for us!) Both of us feel that it is not what you own as in material assets but how you feel within yourself. A television that works but is not a huge flat screen shows exactly the same programmes and a car that gets you from A to B is as good as a porsche or ferrari. So basically having a roof over your head, food in the fridge, a car that runs, an older lorry and horses that are lovely but not world beaters should make for a contented life. So many people spend their days envying others or covetting bigger and better things that they miss out on actually enjoying each day and what it brings. Sharing a laugh with good friends, visiting family, seeing a face light up when you are spotted, teaching someone to half halt and seeing them get it, watching your team win or just standing at the field gate and watching your horses play and relax, these are the things that matter. Remember that not everyone who appears to have everything is happy. I recently witnessed a heart warming sight. A small child was put on a pony for the first time. Her face said it all and I remembered my first time in the saddle. The excitement and incredible ecstacy of being as close as one could be to an equine was really unforgettable. How then to repeat those feelings every day after many years of taking it for granted? Perhaps every day we should remember that first ride and cherish the memory and give thanks that we are still able to repeat the experience. With all the rushing about and stress of work and family we sometimes forget to stop and appreciate our four legged friends. Make time to give them the love they deserve and attend their needs with extra care. We have a livery on the yard who turns up at 10 30 am and throws her horses out without giving them a feed or a brush. Their stables have very little bedding and at night they get very little hay. To me this is neglect but as the yard manager says not cruelty so what can you do? Why have horses if you have no time, no empathy and cannot afford them. The fact that all have been given to her for free leads me to believe that they would have been far better off being put down.

I have just been on the forum and discovered that not all is as it should be. A topic titled, 'extended trot' turns out to be criticism of some of the top combinations at the europeans! Ignorance in BD is vast but this beggars belief! I have a feeling our old foe Blue Sky is back under cover of another name! My goodness they have just summed up the whole of my blog today!!! According to them 10s for a particular extended trot should not be given as the front and hind legs do not match! I think they will find that when a horse is as through as this one was that the whole front end lifts and the shoulders are then free to extend the forelegs. 7 judges and an audience of thousands cannot be wrong! As for the person saying that judges should have ridden to experience what throughness is, well really! Most of us my dear have, the question is have you? and at what level? How patronising ! Oh by the way please enlighten me to which country you ride for and how many medals you have won!

Emotions

What an emotional roller coaster! Carl has won yet another individual silver medal today!Love the new music and Uti looked as fresh as a daisy.You can not take a thing away from Carl, when the challenge is there he raises his anti another 100 percent!The harmony and psychi between him and Utopia was plain to see. The degree of difficulty was not enough this time to challenge Adelinde but it will be! Next year I predict an individual gold as Utopia will be much stronger by then and I am sure Charlotte will also be on the podium, in fact we could have a one two three! The standard in the Kur was outstanding! I loved Fuego and his floor plan and music are very artistic. Many ask why his marks were not higher? I think the judges that were not so high probably underlined elasticity but I do think that for a horse of his type he gave the best performance he was capable of and the crowd loved him. Laura kept the lid on Alf today and gave a strong performance to music from The Shadows that suits him so well, she was placed 4th. Scandic and Patrik Kittel showed the elasticity and suppleness required at this level and it was the most harmonious performance. So glad after all his troubles he got the bronze. The saddest moment was when I saw Hans Peter Minderhoud crying after his test. All became clear when he later led Nadine into the arena without a saddle, a sign of retirement. His test was lovely and he knew when he came out of the arena that that was his last competitve ride on her.You cant take a thing away from Adelinde. She rode a foot perfect test and never looked like making a mistake (damn)! Parzival is a power house and her horse of a life time. Horses huh! They are a mixture of euphoria and sadness, they take so much time and energy and love and dedication. No wonder we are drained after a big show! I have cried shed loads of tears this week! I have enjoyed great company, laughed loads and had many a nervous breakdown and that is just from watching! I am glad the Europeans are over because now I can sleep easy again, cut down on the smoking and not worry about how our team are doing!

FEI TV kept its word today and the coverage was fabulous with great but less commentary from Dane and friend! Perhaps they were hung over! The filming behind the scenes was interesting with several of the same people popping up time and time again! A word of warning if you are going to make facial expressions that tell the world what you are thinking try not to do it on camera!

Those on the forum asking how to get a horse going forward should go and watch the working in at the big shows! There is no kicking to be seen only the lightest leg and seat aids but you will see many,many transitions. No, not twenty metres in trot then walk and not after asking ten times! Transitions after two strides and transitions in and out of paces and within paces. These are the secret of having your horse in front of your leg!

Time ticks on in life and some of us may have missed the boat when it comes to greatness. This can lead to bitterness if you are not careful or bitchiness. Instead of these negative emotions that waste so much energy and only cause misery, lets enjoy the success of those that are truly great and talented. Raise a glass tonight to our teams successes and dream of owning or breeding a future olympic champion. I dream of reincarnation! Returning as a human, male or female, at least six foot tall and all leg and with all the knowledge I have gained in this life time! In fact I am sure Charlotte was Harry Boldt in her last life!

Media rubbish!

Having paid for FEI TV Live last night in preparation for today, I planned every minute to be in front of the laptop by 12.30pm. The pictures were great and Dane Rawlings commentating was an added bonus although he rarely draws breath and I dont always agree with him! Having said that his banter with the other chap was hilarious! So I wiled away a couple of hours enjoying the coverage and just when we got half way through Adelindes test my broadband failed! Quickly switching off the mains and turning it back on again I got back the signal but FEI TV had crashed! After trying and trying and knowing that Charlotte was riding her test I was about ready to throw laptop and modem out the window! Thank God for BD! (Never thought I'd say that!) The link to the Dutch TV station was brilliant! I caught Carls test although had a nervous breakdown as they went to commercial when Carl came into the arena!! This was such a nail biting test I thought he had clinched Gold and on above 86% then the one times had a glitch! I cannot be the only one to feel like my heart had been cut out. I now know what makes these top riders top! Carl resumed his test without a flinch even though he must have felt like the rest of us watching. I cried all the way to the stables! I know! I know! Silver is fantastic! but he's a friend and I wanted gold so badly for him! I bet he's philosophical and generous in his credit to Adelinde who also had a mistake when she went wrong! Just goes to show how luck comes into it and how difficult it is to ride a faultless test.
Its the kur tomorrow and we have to go through all that again! Can I bear it? Of course, massachist that I am, I will race home again and sit on the edge of my seat willing our Brits to kick ass! Dressage, the pursuit of perfection by the obsessively imperfect!! Anyway just wanted to say you did us proud team GB. Pancakes for breakfast for you all!

Poor Bee! very time I go away and watch fantastic dressage I return inspired and expect her to perform like an Olympian! If she could speak she would be saying things like,'Dear God! Where has she been this time!' and 'No mum, I cannot possibly collect like that!' 'Err have we learnt that bit yet?' Bless her she does try so hard to please me.

Still nothing in the media about our team gold! Beggars belief but I am on to it! Watch this space!

Gold Gold Gold Gold!

I am so glad I decided to go to Rotterdam! What a fantastic 2 days! I only wish I was still there and could see the individual medals too but alas work and judging back here called. FEI TV will have a new member tonight as I do not intend to miss a thing!
We arrived late Tuesday night and took a taxi to the Van der Valk hotel which was superb. Everyone was so friendly and helpful although I must remember next time to take the lap top and plugs as even though 3 pin plugs were on the desk station it was impossible to plug in hair straightners or phone chargers! The first person I bumped in to was David Holmes who is now Chef d'equipe for Italy. I have to admit to be so excited that I didn't sleep at all well the first night. We took the shuttle early to the show ground and were lucky enough to catch Carl just finishing working Utopia. He stopped to say hello and advised us to go to the pancake house!Obviously good food is always a priority when going for gold! Utopia walked around on a long rein as relaxed and calm as he is at home. Everyone looked so chilled and happy, the sun was shining and history was about to be made.
The stadium and arena were really good although having to show your ticket every 5 minutes was a bit of a pain, those bracelets we have are a much better system. We met up with Claire Hester, Isobel Barber, Glynnis Hemming and Tommy and became the official cheer leaders in our section of the stands. We had great support from the Dutch fraternity who were very keen for us to do well. Many had not seen Charlotte and Valegro but they sure knew who she was after her test. Cool dude our Charlotte! Her test was amazing, she rode her heart out and Valegro took everything in his great big stride! We watched as the 8s appeared in droves and held our breaths until the last salute, then we cheered and whistled and waved the Union flag. And Charlotte? Well she just walked around on a long rein smiling and waving to everyone while the commentator complimented her on her riding! Poor Mr Hester was hanging on to a telegraph pole throughout the test and admits to shedding a few tears to see his protegees do so well. 78+% went up on the score board and stayed in the lead all day! Emile rode a soft test and vindicated the choice to send him. There were a few mistakes but the horse never lost his cool and Emile rode classically well for 70+% we were on our way to a medal for sure! Only Isobel Werth got close on the first day and went into 2nd place with 75% on a horse few of us had seen before. His piaffe let him down a bit but her zig zag and changes were high scoring.
We were now in a celebratory mood so set off to the central bar which was situated behind the stand at A and was made up of decking with a central bar and shops and food stands around the perimeter. There was a huge stage with a big screen where we could watch the dressage from the main arena whilst sipping chablis. This would be great at Stoneleigh! Bruce and I slipped off to the pancake house in the woods and enjoyed Grandmas cooking. The pancakes were huge and came in savoury and sweet toppings. One pancake would keep you going all day! Der Big, as the shack was called, became the most popular place on site. Where else would you be able to sit with the likes of Kyra Kirkland, Richard White, Patrik Kittel and the British team at a CDIO? We really felt a part of it all. We all got a bit tipsy and when the DJ started up the music Im afraid we all partied by boogying on the decking while the rest of Europe looked on obviously bemused by the British!We took a taxi back to Claires Hotel to continue our celebrations and to let Tommy eat! Six ladies and one guy crammed into a cab and giggling hysterically with the radio blasting would not happen over here! The taxi driver was an elderly chap with a good sense of humour and refused to let us pay! Later we met up with the Brits at their hotel but they were so good and went to bed at 9 30pm. Quite rightly so! By midnight I was ready for bed and did sleep like a log all night!
For those who like bling...there was masses of it! They even had crystal brow bands with earrings to match! But, as I have said before, these will not get you submission or throughness!
Carl was on at 10 38 am so we got our seats early and watched some superb combinations. And then it was his turn. You could here a pin drop. We all held hands. From a good halt he came out in a fabulous trot and then extension for 8s and 9s. Please just watch the rest since it was so amazing I cannot do it justice. The last extension could not have been executed any better and I let slip the word TEN rather louder than I wanted! In the next moment the score board flashed up 10 and a murmur went around the stands. Carl said he heard it and thought there must be a bird in the arena so had a look around just in case! He then realised he must have got some tens and relaxed and finished the test in spectacular style. The crowds went crazy! Cheering and clapping a standing ovation from every nation! We were crying and laughing at the same time, we knew it was a good score! 82.8% went up and into the lead. Just to prove that the Hester horses really are relaxed Utopia walked out on a long rein with out turning a hair! Carl went out to masses of photographers and reporters but still had time to stop and thank his supporters or hug a friend. What a truly talented and grounded man he is and how lucky are we to have him! He even joined us for lunch at the pancake house!
All we needed now was a clear round and we had worked out that Laura would only need 72% to keep us in gold position. Alf got a bit tense and strong and Laura had to rescue him a few times but she kept the lid on for 77% Job done! We cheered her home! Totilas was as always extraordinary and the partnership is beginning to grow but there were some expensive mistakes and Carl had made history in earning more marks than Totilas. What a proud day for Britain! How sad to return home and find nothing in the papers and very little on the news. I am writing to the daily mail and offering my services as their equestrian reporter! At least I know the difference between show-jumping and eventing! Whilst I am singing praises, tributes to Fiona and Alan who looked after Valegro and Utopia impeccably and who I did not get to see due to the fact that they worked so hard!To owners, Roly Louard and Sasha Stewart who along with Carl own Valegro and Utopia. Also to Dicky Waygood a real gentleman and envoy for our country. By the way it was Dicky who informed me that the union jack is only called that when aboard a ship, otherwise it is known as the Union flag! You live and learn!
So congratulations to our wondrous team and very good luck for the individual medals!
Tomorrow is another day but enjoy this reflected glory and be inspired...be very inspired!!!

Dont ban fun!

Last blog for a few days as I am off to cheer on the British team in Rotterdam. This is a little gift to me from my recently departed horse Pikeur. I will celebrate his 7 years of life with me and silently thank him for all the education he gave me. I will also ask his forgiveness for going down the wrong path in trying to make him better. Still miss you every day handsome! One last ride is all I wish for but I will have to wait until we meet again on the Rainbow Bridge.

I travelled to Worcester today to see my old friends Fiona Walker and Sam Twyman. Actually they are married but Fiona goes by her maiden name still as she is a famous writer. I mention this because if anyone likes a racy, exciting novel with an equestrian interest then her books will satisfy most people. Sam has set up a riding school with a difference using Spanish and Friesian horses to teach his clients on. Some are stallions and all are highly trained and even do the GP movements. They are heart breakingly beautiful and intelligent and any artist would be happy to sit and paint them all day long. It was while I was treating a few horses that I pondered on the future of dressage. With children as young as 6 learning to ride on the bit, an admireable feat, and more people from suburbia learning to ride as a sport, will the ponies of the past be abandoned? Health and safety spoils all the fun these days but does this mean that children will never play cowboys and indians bareback in the fields again? Reading a comment from a lady who rides in the city really brought home how ignorant some people are about the countryside. I do not mean this in anyway disrespectful. We were discussing riding around the stubble fields when she asked, 'whats' stubble?' I found this sad and wanted to invite her and her horse to come and experience the joys of ridng across vast plains of freshly cut wheat and barley. This reminds me of another incidence when I was working in Germany. My boss frequently popped his head around the door of the barn and announced that he was off for a few days. The first time a few days was 2 weeks and I was left in sole charge of 8 showjumpers whos' lives consisted of stable, horse walker, indoor school and little else. We had a large forest behind the yard so I decided that they should all hack whilst the boss was away. Amazingly they all hacked out on the bit and not one was naughty! None of them could gallop, collected canter yes, medium canter yes but gallop no. Now in those days I was braver and more adventurous so my aim was to teach them all to have fun! We jumped park benches and picnick tables, trotted and cantered in and out of the tannenbaums and went up and down dale. By the end of 2 weeks they were fitter than they had ever been and so was the forest ranger who frequently tried to catch me to tell me off! Anyway the boss returned and we set off for a show in Neu Stad Wied up in the mountains. Birgitte accompanied us as help for me and company. She was a lovely girl and a good friend. Birgitte loved dressage and could sit really deep and do some amazing dressage stuff, as I called it then. On the first day Dieter, (AKA Boss), sent us off hacking to warm up the horses. Little did he know that they had been do just that for 2 weeks. We took the trail up the side of the mountain and chatted away as friends do when Birgitte asked what time the first horse was on. I suddenly realised we had been gone ages and if we turned around it would take longer to get back. The quickest way was straight down through the pines which was steep but negotiable. 'Right,' I said.'follow me!' It was really steep, so much so that the horses sat down on their hocks and all I could hear was poor Birgitte sobbing that I was mad, she was going to die and should she turn the horse side on!! Well you know what its like when someone else is terrified, you get the giggles dont you! I have never laughed so much in my life! Here was a fantastic rider and yet she could not negotiate the side of a mountain on a carpet of pine needles! We arrived safely at the bottom and in plenty of time for the warm up. Mind I had to buy Birgitte a schnapps in the bar to help her recover! But thats what I mean when I ask about the children having fun with their ponies and the future generations, not only of dressage riders but all disciplines.
Health and safety and parents, please don't ban cowboys and indians, or chase me charlie or bareback jumping! Ponies should be a childs best friend and best friends have fun!

This and that and collection

I just have to mention bling one more time! If you are one of those who thinks that the more bling you have the better your marks will be please be assured this is not the case! Patent Konigs may look the part and you may feel because the world champion wears them that you should have a pair,but the world champion does not squeeze her horse to death with said patent Konigs and squeak her way around the arena! My teeth were so on edge today with every stride this horse took I was seriously near a walk out! Scraping nails on a blackboard has the same effect on me, its a killer! That said there were some lovely horses at Addington regionals today and hopefully some of you took the time to pop over and watch and support. The atmosphere was very friendly and the classes ran to time. The big boys were out in force and the medium open and advanced medium open look like a whos who in dressage! I was part of a panel judging the advanced medium restricted which was quite a mixed class but how satisfying that all 3 judges had the same order and only a difference of about 5 marks! Girls we done good! So there should be no complaints from competitors today. I will check the forum later...

Many times I have been asked what is the difference between this level and that level. The answer is collection. Yes even from novice to elementary collection plays a part. The levels require more and more as we approach the top. Now for some, that is what was missing in the tests today. Do not think of advanced medium being the same as medium but with a flying change. It is the collection that shows how much the horse can wait on the hind leg either to go forward or back and he must show these transitions in the medium and extended paces. Of course sometimes a horse will lose balance or for a moment lean on the hand when he is new to the level but this is a work in progress so little mistakes will occur. Better this than doing the whole test in flat out mode or medium trot and canter as judges cannot give the high marks for this. So maybe thinking of collection as more balance on the hindlegs will help. However, it does not ever require more curb! True collection prepares for an uphill medium/extension and it is this forward and back that develops cadence and eventually passage.

Hacking out yesterday across the stubble fields around Burford, I realised just how big a walk my mare has. It even felt powerful at times but also strong in the hand when madame decides. Half halting and making her wait was a bit of a struggle as her mind was on what was over the next hill and how fast could we get there, however eventually she relaxed into a lovely extended walk. This is always the difficulty in the arena, some go slow, some go quick, some lose rhythm and some do not take the contact. So hacking obviously helps but I also think that the rider must not try too hard. Watching some good walks today both horse and rider looked relaxed and the riders appeared in some cases to almost take the leg off and breathe. I will certainly be giving this a try in the arena when I am next out.

Rotterdam is not far off, it was the main topic of conversation today. If you think you are excited and nervous at a regional just try and envisage how it must feel to be on the British team! The horses all travel tomorrow so lets wish Carl, Laura, Charlotte and Emile the very best of luck!