Bending

I thought it was a good time to talk about Mick and bending. Not all Percherons are created equal. Mick is almost sporthorse in confirmation. You look at him from the front and he is relatively narrow. The Amish would not choose him to pull  logs. BUT that makes him far more suited to the world of dressage. When choosing horses for "jobs" keep in mind that a horse that is "blocky" from a frontal view will have better balance. The one that is narrow or oval in this view can better develop supple bend. So here is a guy weighing nearly a ton that can bend easily -in the trot- on  a ten-fifteen meter circle.

The canter will be a different story. We have a lot of work to do to develop that. First, I need to get my round pen back up to work on any canter at all. To start a horse that size on a canter, one needs  some containment. Moving him and containing him with that much energy and mass is like working with a diesel locomotive I can't compensate for variables the way I do when working smaller horses. OK...MAYBE if I was still in my twenties!

Back to the trot. For his size, lovely and fluid. I truly enjoy watching him move in the field. See his natural movement tells me a lot about how he will be once he is schooled to compensate for the effect of a rider. On the lunge he can be moved through several sub-gaits of trot via vocal cadence. he understands voice cues very well. In fact, one has to be very careful not to send out the wrong signal. My stupid Basset  loves to "get involved" when I am lunging and when I raise my voice at the dog, I can get an unwanted reaction from the horse. Sometimes they are smart enough to know where it is directed but not always. I am anxious to do more work with caveletti but I need to rig something up or invest first. he does well with what I have done so far. I have rigged two up on a small circle. he might hit them the first time but after that he knows how to pace himself and use his body to adjust.

If no one ever rides this horse he will still be a reward to school. It is such fun to see his development through incremental groundwork. I tell students "its not about the ribbon, its about the ride" but I take it a step further in my own experience- its about the school.

More about "the school" in my next entry! Philosophy 101! 

Hot! Hot! Hot!

We went from slopping wet spring to extremely hot summer. I guess I am lucky that I work nights. I can rush home in am and do things with by equine buddies before it gets impossible. My theory is: Horse sweating in stall? No work. the heat index really has been over 100 so that's another indicator.

Mick and my soft eyed Arab -Cole can take it better than the Haflingers who are just a mess. Mick has been agreeable to lunging and in hand work. Cole-at 18- his light springy self. The Haflingers become stubborn and lethargic. In fact, poor little April Fool-the gelding- was breathing heavily on Saturday and had to be drug out of his stall for a cool shower to help him cope. The two mares are still slightly lame in the trot from the spring wet hoof mess but can be worked/trained at a walk. Fortunately their stall gets a better breeze.

In -hand, Mick is doing well. Just a little better every day. His back-up is straight and responsive. the "steps" to touch are a little more responsive but it is a slow process. Voice is critical. Tone, rhythm, and tempo are all part of the recipe. In fact, Mick responds very strong to tone and tempo. He hears me pick up my voice and he picks up his pace. I also work with cadence. Down the road in training, I should be able to minimize voice as more subtle aids taker its place.

I am using a new in-hand whip. I am really proud of this as it is the first product of my home grown bamboo. It is a thin stalk but suited perfectly to the work of in hand. It has a lovely "crack" too! The length is perfect to work with big ol Mick! Long and curvy to reach around his hocks for signalling.

I just keep hoping for more tolerable weather as our efforts are minimal, short and sweet. Oh for days where I can have nice long conditioning sessions! Tehre was no spring. I can hope for a long fall and minimal winter AND and indoor arena???????

Mick, Ground work and the Bitless Bridle

The spring muds are still taking their toll. I have had one Halfinger with glue and special shoes and now the second has lost a lot of hoof due to the abscess capsules finally falling away. I'm not trying any more heroic measures. They are in no discomfort so I'm just going to let nature take its course and when good hoof is back, they will return to their jobs. I have other horses that can use jobs and attention.

So... back to the Big Guy.

Yesterday he lunged well and gave me some good yields with whip to "buttons". No, not whipping him, just using it to develop pressure point communication.

Out of the stall he came with his Clinton Anderson rope halter on.This is a great, versatile halter. since their are no European style Cavessons available for Mick, I have had to improvise. This rope halter works great. Not all rope alters are created the same and I can only recommend the Clinton Anderson for this task. It has knots in just the right places and is made of a sturdy but pliable rope-giving it the necessary tension. While he stood ground ties, I applied a roller (surcingle) and walked him to the tack room where i added his Dr. Cooks Bitless bridle. I have already blogged on the success I had lunging him in this bridle. Today, I had set higher goals.

After lunging both directions, I found him very stiff on one side. No surprise here. What horse isn't? so I found a larger area and lunged him where he would have more space and could stretch more. The BB did its job. As always, he played rodeo Percheron with the upward traditions but they were mild in comparison to last years displays. for those of you who have never lunged a Percheron, bucking, pulling on the lunge line are something to be avoided. Thank goodness I have a strong set of shoulders!

Next it was time to do some ground driving. Previous attempts have been unhappy trials. Runoffs, rearing, etc. Now that I am down to two horse that are working, I have more patience and a BB! Off we went, down the drive. I had thought about staying in the pasture to contain him in the even of a run off but.. the pasture is rougher and tough on my knees so gamble I did. Things went really well. I started with circles before I moved down the drive. This gave both of us "a feel". Then we cautiously moved down the drive. Finally, he seemed to understand that my steps cannot match his and he moved quietly so I could keep up. We had no battle. he moved and look like a gentle man. the BB has given me a calm boy. I am learning he needs to hear calm in my voice. I cannot raise my voice if he picks up his pace. I must calm him down. he listens and responds. Turning was no great trial. I worked a little and ended on a good note. What a good boy!

Whether he gets a harness and cart or just is a ground driving champ, these exercises take him far in his development.

Pas de Deux

No, Mick did not get his chance at this -yet. Besides who would want to shame themselves next to this big handsome boy! But...that is my excuse for having been too busy to write this blog and sadly, be away from my own , dear horses. Oh, I saw them and cared for them everyday but training has been nil as I helped my son and another amazing Pony Clubber get ready for a regional Pony Club rally. I also coached the "D's" in their preparation for Dressage Rally and will be there arena side for them on Saturday. "Here we come, Buckeye Horsepark"! If all goes well, it will then be "Here we come Kentucky Horsepark"!

A remark was made that the two oldest riders were currently riding horses that look very much alike and wouldn't it be nice if they rode a Pas de Deux?

Oh my!

I had attended a seminar at Ohio Equine Affaire a couple of years ago in which Stefen Peters introduced the concept behind musical freestyle . Also, I  studied Anky's approach to the same . Putting the Pas de Deux together became MY PROJECT! Everyone loved the idea except my son who is one of those two oldest riders.  One should never coach ones child -especially if  it is a boy and especially if it is a musical freestyle.

Oh my!

I selected Gene Kelly's "Singin In the Rain". The tempo was correct for their trot and it was the proper length.
I took to timing the horses doing certain moves (Training Level only) and piecing together choreography.  Easier said than done. With the help of free music editing software I was able to download I was able to mix in the sound of rain and thunder. Their final salute will time just perfectly with a thunder clap! I have never done anything remotely like this and their were plenty of aggravating moments. In the end, it has been fun and I hope they can have fun when they do their final ride. The best thing about it is as long as they can "fake it" no one will ever know. Along with this I have coached them in their mandatory rides. I could have used another week of COOPERATION but I suppose that is the nature of the beast!

At about 1530 on Saturday June 25th they will head down centerline with yellow polo wraps, yellow saddle pads, yellow polo shirts and the most delightful yellow fisherman rain hats!

Fingers crossed!

Better Weather Bringing Better training

Ok-so it is not so hot. For about ten days it was unseasonably hot. Mick and his pals came running to the barn when I got home from work in the morning."Let us In"! it seems that Percherons and Haflingers hate the sun and most of all the huge amount of flies that have been enjoying a hot, wet spring.

Finally, Sunday we got to have a lunge. Mick is so much more forward than his Haflinger pals. Very sensitive and attentive but not nosy and unfocused like the Arab. I lunge him in a rope halter. Yep. It really works well. They don't make Cavessons in his size (HUGE). having used all of the above, I feel I am equally as effective with this, properly positioned as I would be with the finest European made cavesson.  My biggest problem is that the only flat spot I have is fairly small. It is fine for walk trot but to push a big horse into a canter, I really need more space.

I had a round pen up last year (which I really need to canter him) but my family would not let me put it anywhere but in the pasture. It was a rough spot (the ground)and the horses were rubbing against the gates and tearing it up so down it came :-(((( ! OH...for an indoor!!!

So sad when genius is suppressed!

Mick and I do th ebest we can. Since I cannot risk riding him (too tall) at this time. We do ground work and perhaps we can learn to do some fancy stuff. Horsemanship is not just about riding.

At least that is what Mick and I think!

Dr Cooks Bitless Bridle

Hello everyone!

I am so sorry I have been "away". A late winter, VERY wet conditions and now sudden above 90degree F heat has really put a damper on our equine activities. Mick was spared the bad feet but my time was consumed with other horses that had a variety of hoof ailments. We went from abscess, Thrush, mild strains and sprains. It was awful  Now we have flies the size of prehistoric birds.

I would like to take a few minutes to talk about Mick and bits. As big as he is, he is a big baby. he really panics when a bit is applied.

First , let me point out that I do not believe a horse should be stopped by pulling on their mouth. Use your balance, your seat. Please. That being said, the plan does not work when one is DRIVING the horse. By accident I found that a good rope halter meant something to Mick. Nose pressure sent a message that he could understand without being fearful or resistant. So, Clinton Anderson's rope halter-draft size-became our friend. I honestly feel that this serves us as well as the best cavesson (providing they came in his size) for ground work.

With this in mind, I went on an internet pilgrimage and found information on bitless bridles. I found I could by them on Ebay. Stupid me went with the less expensive on. Wrong. The design is not the same ans does not work the same way a Dr. Cooks does. So there was a waste of money. Let me save you some. Finally, I had some spare cash and I happened to be at the Ohio Equine Affaire where I stopped at the Dr. Cooks Bitless Bridle Booth (say that real fast). Without hesitation, I bought Mick the "BB".

I could hardly wait to get it home and try it. I had to wait two days but we then had our first lunge lesson and ground driving. he was right on! he was able to concentrate and connect. I was very pleased with the outcome. I bought another for my smaller horses and they do well with it as well. I am going to try it on a friends horse that is always dropping her head and banging herself in the mouth.

There is a lot of good literature on www.bitlessbridle.com. You will really wonder why you use a bit! Unfortunately, You cannot ride every show, every discipline with a BB due to governing rules. Check out the rules for your discipline before you show up at a show with only a BB. Go ahead and school with it though! You and your horse will be happier!

As a side noteEnglish Leather Headstall-Bitless Bridle, I had to get the biothane for Mick as that was the only material the draft bridles are made of. I was a little concerned but I really like it. Very pliable and durable, So easy to clean and maintain. I like it so much, the smaller one was purchased in biothane.

Mick and I, another milestone!

Its Showtime!

Welll, not quite unless you are lucky enough to be in Wellington. For the rest of us, we can start thinking about the season and what the new tests will bring.  I think it is good to have change. Who would want to ride the same old stuff? I got the tests but will reserve comment until I have studied them.

Have no fear, Dressage Today deals with the issue and I send you there. Come back and open a discussion! That would be fun!

Also, they have a great article by Janet Foy. She discusses what the judges look for. I'm looking forward to sharing with my Pony Clubbers.

So ...read Dressage Today. Come back and chat!

Another Day Under the Covers!

Waiting for me when I came home from work was one silly Arabian but as soon as I went to feed him, four more sets of hooves came tromping up to the barn. Since the wind was negligible and everyone seemed fine, I drug ta bale of hay out for the drafts and gave his highness-the Arab- his in his stall.

A few pats and hugs and that was as much as we had for each other. I stood there wishing for more but...what can one do?

Yesterday, while walking the rowdy Jack Russels, I tripped and fell into a snow drift. It beat falling inot a manure pile but not by much.

Today I recommend we watch Jane Savoie on you Tube. Lots to learn from free videos!

Let me know what you think!

Mick Comes In Out Of The Snow (And so do I)

Snow in WV. Not the worst we have ever had by far but it made for a nightmare of a drive home. I live 45 minutes from where I work and have to go through some tricky mountain twists and turns to commute so-TG for 4X4!

When I got home, not only was silly Collateral waiting for me but Mick and the Haflingers were more than interested in coming in. Its hard to get my stalls clean when I have a “crowd “ at the barn door-blocking the passage of me and the wheelbarrow! At least I know I’m wanted!

I know the horses are “well insulated” when the snow rests on their backs. If their coats were not adequate, they would be wet. Still, I check for shivering and weight loss.  IF, I had an indoor and IF I clipped, a nice turnout blanket might be in order but with our footing conditions and cold, dry air challenging their lungs, we will wait out the winter and unless I see signs of needing the  additional cover, we will continue without.

Inside, I played my daily dose of HOWRSE (good stuff on bad days). HOWRSE got me through my broken leg and now it gets me through the stress of a job and lack of outside activity. Try it, you’ll like it!

I’m getting a plan together for my “pre-season” conditioning. I’m focused on core strength and flexibility but in the end, it is all part of the big picture. Daniel Stewart -along with Mike Conway/Mountain River Physical Therapy -and “Ride Right” has provided a real foundation for this and was a big part of my post-broken leg rehab. I can’t say enough about the mind/body connection. No matter what level of rider you are, mental and physical balance are critical to having enjoyable, safe rides. Daniel just announced he should be releasing another book this coming fall. I can hardly wait!

Out come the balance boards, the exercise balls and my saddle on a rack that will hold my weight. Crunches, squats, yoga-its all good. Whatever gets you moving, stretching and preparing your self for the ride. Think muscle memory.

Visualize your ride while you move on the exercise ball. Use an exercise band for the reins.

Work toward being a kinder, gentler rider through sensitivity and control.

Equestrian Survival On A Cold Snowy Day

We have been spending these cold winter days getting our mind and body ready for good weather. Even though we can’t do much together, it is a time to keep mentally and physically fit for the moment the weather breaks.

Hay is the thing of the day. A little for the drafts (fat as they are) and a lot for a hot blooded Arabian- Collateral. Silly Collateral waits for me to get home from work. I would not DARE going into the house without graining him. Actually “graining “ is not exactly correct. Since coming to us -underweight and dull coated- he has been getting a pellet called Trifecta by Buckeye. It is a high fat concentrate and he got his weight back up easily and is now on maintenance. Collateral eats almost a bale of hay in this cold weather. The draft types are rationed with only a couple flakes because they are TOO FAT. We produce our own quality hay and have large, lush pastures. The point of this disertation is, we have to watch our horses. No one, single, feeding plan is going to work for all horses. Each individual will need their own plan with a follow up monitoring. For example, in the spring I will have to keep at least one of my Halfingers off of the high sugar grass to prevent grass founder. Five years ago, I had no clue but yes, “easy keepers” are not necessarily “easy”.


Exercise is tough right now. Footing has been lousy since we have either mud or snow. They get lots of movement in the pasture but little solid conditioning. Some winters are a little more cooperative with less precipitation. Not so now. Use what little time and space for some ground work. This keeps up the relationship betweem horse and rider and develops communication skills. It also provides a time to really see how they are doing. Any skin conditions?  Hidden lameness? Weight loss or gain.


Back to our mind.


I’m big on mental preparedness. Balance coming from within.


We are finishing http://www.amazon.com/Klaus-Balkenhol-Man-Training-Methods/dp/157076378X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1294809898&sr=1-1-spell Klaus Balkenhol- The Man and HisTraining-Methods by Brita Schoffmann. This is much like two books in one. Along with the text that discusses his traing methods are notes at the bottom of the page that describes his journey from policeman to Olympic star. Very inspiring on many levels. I am particularly taken with his intense interest in forming a bond with his horses. This is something i have always felt. I left showing very early on because I was disturbed by the way many show princesses treated their horses. I thought, “if this is what it is about, I want no part of it”. I retreated to my farm and that was the end of competition. Now I know that these riders probably made it no further than me because they could never bond with their horse and blamed the what could have been a partner for their own shortcomings.

This leads me to say, weather or no, days need not be wasted. Any day you spend with an equine companion is not lost.

2011- A New Beginning

Its winter, the holiday rush is over and it is now time to get serious about my blog. I’ve been thinking very seriously about what Mick, my other horses and I have to offer in this blog.

What we DO NOT have to offer is any expertise in the show ring. We are not about that. WE cannot offer any knowledge on best places to trail ride, best buys in horse trailers or how to spend the most money on tack, or exotic warmbloods.

What Mick, an eccentric Arabian named Collateral, and several obese Haflingers do have to offer is experience on how to come from behind in the horse world. We are a very special lot. We have a lot against us but we are going to be the beast we can be. As I cruise through life, what experience I have in finding balance in the saddle transfers amazingly well in how to find balance in life.

We are a little group of horses and their person who has survived broken legs, lived in nasty fields, been all but sold off to the horse slaughter to find each other in an idyllic setting int he mountains of WV.  We are going to prove how with tenacity, one can overcome bias and have something special to offer the world.

Since we have had limited exposure to the higher equestrian world, much of what we have learned has come through books and blogs. This blog is to give you the best of what we have seen and prevent the reader from wasting time with what may have little value for them.

My focus in in classical riding. I like to think that if you understand this, you can transfer the basis to any style of riding. although I personally do not ride western, I think those who do may still find value in what we explore. We welcome you and your thoughts.

So everyone, SHARE.

Ideas bring forth other ideas. Unlike many sects of the horse world, we aim to be open! DOWN with ONE RIGHT WAY! Every horse and every rider is unique. Look at this as a tool box to balance.