I have not posted for a while and I have missed it! January was especially busy, though. I was occupied with my work–which I love–and also started a new semester teaching part-time at the University of Florida. Meanwhile, I’m still taking a dressage lesson every week and enjoying my time with Secret.

Not [...]]]> Hello friends!

I have not posted for a while and I have missed it! January was especially busy, though. I was occupied with my work–which I love–and also started a new semester teaching part-time at the University of Florida. Meanwhile, I’m still taking a dressage lesson every week and enjoying my time with Secret.

Not too much has changed in terms of my riding, but I am getting ready for another show this week end. I’m going to do the same tests I did at my last show in December: Introductory Tests A and B. I’m also planning to participate in another show in March. By then, I hope to be ready to do Introductory Test C as well.

Intro Test C includes many of the same requirements of Intro Tests A and B. What’s different about Intro Test C is that it also includes cantering.

I had a nice ride on Secret this morning and then spent some time getting her prettied up for the show. Here she is drying off after her spa treatment:

We’re looking forward to the show. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Wish me luck!

I certainly had my share of challenges as a rider. In January, 2011, I set out to find a dressage trainer [...]]]> As I look back on 2011 I can’t help but be grateful. It was a rewarding time for me both personally and professionally. As an equestrian, I also had a good year.

I certainly had my share of challenges as a rider. In January, 2011, I set out to find a dressage trainer and over the course of several months took lessons from several different people at different barns before finally settling in at the barn where I am now.  And, fortunately, I only got tossed from a horse once this year–when Dutchess spooked the night before my first ever dressage show in September. That was also Dutchess’s first show and, sadly, her last; a hoof issue ended her short career as a dressage horse.

Happily, Secret came into my life shortly thereafter and we seem to be a pretty good match. I would have enjoyed my first show with Secret regardless of the outcome, but I have to admit that finishing the two classes we entered in fourth and first place was pretty darn sweet.

Besides having found a good trainer and a nice horse in 2011, I have a wonderfully supportive group of family and friends who have encouraged me every step of the way. You know who you are and I thank you all for your support.

I’d like to end my last post of 2011 with a photo of my ribbons from the December show at Rocking Horse Stables. 2011 was a blue ribbon year and I look forward to 2012. Farewell and see you next year!

Fortunately, my trainer was available for a lesson [...]]]> The barn was fairly quiet this weekend and less crowded than usual; folks were busy with Christmas, I suppose.  I enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere and had a chance to spend some quality time with Secret. She truly is a sweet mare and a joy to be around.

Fortunately, my trainer was available for a lesson on Christmas Eve. We practiced many of the same things we have been working on, especially the sitting trot.  I really enjoyed it. Here are a couple of photos:

Overall, the lesson went well and I can’t wait for my next ride!

It turns out that the man is a regular customer at the restaurant. And [...]]]> We stopped for breakfast at the Townhouse Restaurant this morning before heading out to the barn. While we were there, a man drove up on a motorcycle that had a sidecar occupied by a dog.

It turns out that the man is a regular customer at the restaurant. And while he is inside eating, the dog waits patiently in the sidecar, waiting for him to return.

What a faithful friend! Here’s a picture:

My trainer was away at a hunter-jumper show so we did not have a lesson. Instead, Secret and I practiced some of the things we have been working on lately such as leg yields, 20 meter circles, and [...]]]> The weather was great in Central Florida this weekend. Today’s high was about 54 degrees–ideal for riding!

My trainer was away at a hunter-jumper show so we did not have a lesson. Instead, Secret and I practiced some of the things we have been working on lately such as leg yields, 20 meter circles, and transitions. It was nice spending some one-on-one bonding time with Secret. I feel extremely fortunate that things have worked out and I am able to ride her.

Here we are practicing:

The new saddle seems to be working out great, too.

Overall, it was a wonderful weekend!

One highlight of the show is the Showcase of Breeds. We spent the afternoon helping out at the Shetland Sheepdog booth, which was sponsored by the Mid Florida Shetland Sheepdog Club. Here are some photos:

She thought we had done a good job overall, but one thing that had stood out to her was our free walk. In the free walk, the reins should be [...]]]> As soon as I finished Intro Test A at the dressage show on 12/03/11, my trainer gave me some feedback. Her observations were absolutely correct.

She thought we had done a good job overall, but one thing that had stood out to her was our free walk. In the free walk, the reins should be loose. In addition, the horse should be relaxed and lower his or her head. In our case, when it was time for Secret to do the free walk a the show, my reins were not loose enough. As a result, Secret wasn’t sure what I wanted her to do and we did not tend up with the kind of relaxed walk the judge would be looking for at that part of the Test.

This is one of the reasons why I love dressage. I have ridden for almost my whole life but until I started learning dressage, I naively thought a walk was just a walk. Granted, I could go faster or slower at the walk, but to me it was the same gait. Through dressage, I have learned more about the walk than I ever learned in a lifetime of riding.

The free walk is to be distinguished from the medium walk, which is more upbeat and energetic. Both kinds of walks are required in the Introductory  Tests.

Here’s a brief clip from the show to show you what I mean. Watch the part after we turned the corner, when we were supposed to go from H to F in free walk.

That’s how not to do the free walk. But it wasn’t a total disaster; I still managed to finish in Fourth Place (out of 12 entrants). More importantly, I learned something. I did a much better job with the free walk in Intro Test B, and I’ll remember what I learned for the next show.

I have ridden in it twice already and it seems to be a good fit for both Secret and me. It also has other features that I really like. [...]]]> I finally got a dressage saddle. It’s a Bates Isabell, the same kind I wrote about in a previous post. Here’s a photo:

I have ridden in it twice already and it seems to be a good fit for both Secret and me. It also has other features that I really like. For one thing, it’s comfortable and secure. Moreover, it helps to keep my legs in the right position for dressage. Another plus is the adjustable gullet system that allows the saddle to fit different horses.

These saddles are rather dear but I was able to find a used one on eBay that was more affordable. Overall, I am pleased with the purchase. Can’t wait to saddle up and ride again!

I am really fortunate to have such a great trainer and such supportive friends and family!