Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
I am in the process of reading Micheal Schaffer's new book "Riding in the Moment". It is my first ebook, and although I do like real books and paper, it is kind of neat to have a video in the middle of the book to further explain processes and expected results!
I like to read horse training and riding books, as sometimes hearing something in a new way, or put forth from a different angle can be illuminating. In one of Schaffer's chapters, he refers to two types of horse commands; mechanical and cognitive. Mechanical aids are basically those that are obvious to the horse, and exert some form of force that will cause the desired outcome. An example of this is pulling the left rein back and out to get the horse to turn its head to the left.
Mechanical aids are what most riders learn to ride with at first, and are what most horse's learn to be ridden with at first.
He then talks about Cognitive aids; these are the aids that we teach the horse how to respond to. An example of a cognitive aid would be halting with seat and leg, and a softened arm. There is nothing really intuitive about this aid, it is something the horse (and rider) must be taught.
Reading these two types of aids broken down and defined like this was illuminating, despite being somewhat obvious once I thought about it.
Let's go back in time to yesterday. I was showing an owner some ground work moves they could do with their horse. We started with a basic; getting the horse to walk beside their shoulder. This is a simple cognitive aid. The mechanical version would be leading the horse behind us. In order to teach the horse to walk beside the shoulder, the handler had to be ready to send the horse forward with a flick of the dressage whip so that the horse had a clear understanding of expectation.
The owner next did some simple figures leading in this manner, and some stops. Horse picked up on the exercises quickly, as the owner was consistent and observant.
Next we moved on to teaching the horse to do a turn on the forehand from the ground. This involves 3 steps; tip horse's nose left, stand at shoulder to block shoulder, and tap hock to engage horse behind. Horse has no reason to know off the bat that these three cues = turn on the forehand, so horse at first walked forward. No big deal. Tell horse to stop, and try again. Once horse attempted the exercises at all correctly, she got a lot of praise and a short break. This is how we teach cognitive aids, with then blend together to form patterns from which we can do complicated things!
But it was the next thing that happened that interested me; horse started to do a turn on the forehand when I did only steps one and two. She no longer waited until step three. Owner was right in her assessment that horse was smart and getting ahead of herself, and I think we often let our horses do this; they recognize a pattern, and start to get ahead of our actually asking. The problem is, this can lead to a lot of confusion and frustration down the road.
So in my example, if horse assumed that tip nose left, and blocked shoulder means turn on the forehand, how on earth will we teach her how to do a shoulder in? She is going to feel the ask for inside bend, the inside leg go on...and then throw her bum out, as that is what she was allowed, and therefore taught to do!
Rather, we have to make sure the horse waits for all the applicable steps; not by punishing, but by stopping horse, and trying again, and only praising when all the correct aids are given.
Karen
I like to read horse training and riding books, as sometimes hearing something in a new way, or put forth from a different angle can be illuminating. In one of Schaffer's chapters, he refers to two types of horse commands; mechanical and cognitive. Mechanical aids are basically those that are obvious to the horse, and exert some form of force that will cause the desired outcome. An example of this is pulling the left rein back and out to get the horse to turn its head to the left.
Mechanical aids are what most riders learn to ride with at first, and are what most horse's learn to be ridden with at first.
He then talks about Cognitive aids; these are the aids that we teach the horse how to respond to. An example of a cognitive aid would be halting with seat and leg, and a softened arm. There is nothing really intuitive about this aid, it is something the horse (and rider) must be taught.
Reading these two types of aids broken down and defined like this was illuminating, despite being somewhat obvious once I thought about it.
Let's go back in time to yesterday. I was showing an owner some ground work moves they could do with their horse. We started with a basic; getting the horse to walk beside their shoulder. This is a simple cognitive aid. The mechanical version would be leading the horse behind us. In order to teach the horse to walk beside the shoulder, the handler had to be ready to send the horse forward with a flick of the dressage whip so that the horse had a clear understanding of expectation.
The owner next did some simple figures leading in this manner, and some stops. Horse picked up on the exercises quickly, as the owner was consistent and observant.
Next we moved on to teaching the horse to do a turn on the forehand from the ground. This involves 3 steps; tip horse's nose left, stand at shoulder to block shoulder, and tap hock to engage horse behind. Horse has no reason to know off the bat that these three cues = turn on the forehand, so horse at first walked forward. No big deal. Tell horse to stop, and try again. Once horse attempted the exercises at all correctly, she got a lot of praise and a short break. This is how we teach cognitive aids, with then blend together to form patterns from which we can do complicated things!
But it was the next thing that happened that interested me; horse started to do a turn on the forehand when I did only steps one and two. She no longer waited until step three. Owner was right in her assessment that horse was smart and getting ahead of herself, and I think we often let our horses do this; they recognize a pattern, and start to get ahead of our actually asking. The problem is, this can lead to a lot of confusion and frustration down the road.
So in my example, if horse assumed that tip nose left, and blocked shoulder means turn on the forehand, how on earth will we teach her how to do a shoulder in? She is going to feel the ask for inside bend, the inside leg go on...and then throw her bum out, as that is what she was allowed, and therefore taught to do!
Rather, we have to make sure the horse waits for all the applicable steps; not by punishing, but by stopping horse, and trying again, and only praising when all the correct aids are given.
Karen
This week in lessons
This week in lessons; for flat work and dressage work we are going to take a break from learning tests, and work a lot on transitions and having high expectations of our horses and their response time. If we cannot get our horse to respond in a timely manner, we are going to look at why by going back to basics. Some of the horses (and riders) have been getting lazy about transitions and expectations, and this muddles up the horse's training as they are no longer clear on what is expected of them. For some riders, this may even mean going back to ground work!
For jumping, we are going to again do some video, this time with the rider's stirrups tied to the girths as we didn't get around to that last week. it will then be interesting to compare week 1 and week 2 positions. More work on lead changes too, as some of the trickier horses are really coming around!
Karen
For jumping, we are going to again do some video, this time with the rider's stirrups tied to the girths as we didn't get around to that last week. it will then be interesting to compare week 1 and week 2 positions. More work on lead changes too, as some of the trickier horses are really coming around!
Karen
Friday, February 11, 2011
Some good things
Had some good things happen this week; all the horses have been dewormed; Coregel gets to spend her days back out with her sister and the pinto girls; Percy and Java both figured out how to do lead changes BOTH ways, and my photos of Brie finally came!
And...it finally looks like a decent weather weekend for those of you who are stuck working all week and who have had to suffer through the nice weekdays followed by icky weekends!
Enjoy the weather! You know it won't last long....
Karen
And...it finally looks like a decent weather weekend for those of you who are stuck working all week and who have had to suffer through the nice weekdays followed by icky weekends!
Enjoy the weather! You know it won't last long....
Karen
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Mental Aspect of riding
Riding is a sport that is both physically demanding and mentally demanding. On the mental side, it requires us to trust another being that we can't communicate clearly with, and that is very large. We also have to set aside our own way of thinking, and communicate and react in a way that makes sense to the horse.
A quote was recently shared with me that I really appreciated: "In order to get the most out of a horse, you need to put aside all negativity -- about the horse, about yourself, and about anyone who previously handled the horse" Bill Dorrance.
I am sure we have all had bad days at work or at school, which seem to follow us to other aspects of our lives. Those bad feelings will creep into the riding, and set a negative tone, where you will be harder on your horse, harder on yourself, and less receptive to learning. At some time or another you may have been asked to ride a horse that you have seen be naughty previously, and so get on with apprehension even though the horse hasn't done anything bad with you.
This isn't just about being positive when you first get on either, but it is also means retaining a positive outlook as the ride goes along. You have to continually hit the reset button on your attitude towards your horse and yourself.
An example would be yesterday. A certain horse was being spooky and fresh on the flat. Once she got some energy out she was being much better behaved and so we started jumping. The rider wasn't able to ride the moment though, and was still riding the spooky/fresh horse she first got on, so ended up clutching the reins a bit too much, and not allowing the horse to jump as it expected. As a result the horse felt trapped and pinned in an uncomfortable position, and so the horse got a little grouchy on the land and was a bit naughty. The horse was fulfilling the expectation of naughtiness. When the rider was able to set aside her nerves and trust the horse enough to let her canter down to the jump with confidence and some freedom, the horse jumped as per usual and the two were fine.
I don't mean by this that you should toss the reins away on a horse that is having an excitable day as that could be dangerous. You should still ride a little defensively in your position, and perhaps grab mane just in case, but the horse should be given the benefit of the doubt with respect to how much you hold them back or chastise them. Holding a nervous horse too much will just reinforce their nervousness!
Same thing if you do have a horse that is perpetually hot/forward. Sometimes people who ride hot horses get in the habit of always telling them to slow down, slow down, slow down, and make the horse crawl around at a useless pace, frustrating the both of them. I think this is done as the rider feels that if they stay at 10 km per hour, then if the horse rushes a bit, they will only increase to 15km per hour and they will be ok. From the horse's prospective though, it likely feels trapped at 10 km per hour, and feels it has to argue/fight the restraint and then does bully the rider and panic when aimed at a jump. The rider in this case needs to go to the jump at course pace, and correct the increase in speed if/when it happens, not go slow so the rates in speed when the horse runs off averages out to a decent speed. As well in this case, the rider has gotten so used to the 10 km per hour speed, that 15 km per hour feels crazy fast!
In general, you just do what is right, and correct what is wrong. You don't ride the opposite side of wrong hoping you and the horse meet in the middle.
.
But this takes trust in your horse, and trust in your ability. You need to reset the positive feeling after each and every trouble spot. Ride smart and perhaps ride defensively, but don't punish a horse for something it may be about to do but hasn't yet, and don't let past issues override feeling and reacting to what is actually happening in the present.
Get rid of the negativity.
Karen
A quote was recently shared with me that I really appreciated: "In order to get the most out of a horse, you need to put aside all negativity -- about the horse, about yourself, and about anyone who previously handled the horse" Bill Dorrance.
I am sure we have all had bad days at work or at school, which seem to follow us to other aspects of our lives. Those bad feelings will creep into the riding, and set a negative tone, where you will be harder on your horse, harder on yourself, and less receptive to learning. At some time or another you may have been asked to ride a horse that you have seen be naughty previously, and so get on with apprehension even though the horse hasn't done anything bad with you.
This isn't just about being positive when you first get on either, but it is also means retaining a positive outlook as the ride goes along. You have to continually hit the reset button on your attitude towards your horse and yourself.
An example would be yesterday. A certain horse was being spooky and fresh on the flat. Once she got some energy out she was being much better behaved and so we started jumping. The rider wasn't able to ride the moment though, and was still riding the spooky/fresh horse she first got on, so ended up clutching the reins a bit too much, and not allowing the horse to jump as it expected. As a result the horse felt trapped and pinned in an uncomfortable position, and so the horse got a little grouchy on the land and was a bit naughty. The horse was fulfilling the expectation of naughtiness. When the rider was able to set aside her nerves and trust the horse enough to let her canter down to the jump with confidence and some freedom, the horse jumped as per usual and the two were fine.
I don't mean by this that you should toss the reins away on a horse that is having an excitable day as that could be dangerous. You should still ride a little defensively in your position, and perhaps grab mane just in case, but the horse should be given the benefit of the doubt with respect to how much you hold them back or chastise them. Holding a nervous horse too much will just reinforce their nervousness!
Same thing if you do have a horse that is perpetually hot/forward. Sometimes people who ride hot horses get in the habit of always telling them to slow down, slow down, slow down, and make the horse crawl around at a useless pace, frustrating the both of them. I think this is done as the rider feels that if they stay at 10 km per hour, then if the horse rushes a bit, they will only increase to 15km per hour and they will be ok. From the horse's prospective though, it likely feels trapped at 10 km per hour, and feels it has to argue/fight the restraint and then does bully the rider and panic when aimed at a jump. The rider in this case needs to go to the jump at course pace, and correct the increase in speed if/when it happens, not go slow so the rates in speed when the horse runs off averages out to a decent speed. As well in this case, the rider has gotten so used to the 10 km per hour speed, that 15 km per hour feels crazy fast!
In general, you just do what is right, and correct what is wrong. You don't ride the opposite side of wrong hoping you and the horse meet in the middle.
.
But this takes trust in your horse, and trust in your ability. You need to reset the positive feeling after each and every trouble spot. Ride smart and perhaps ride defensively, but don't punish a horse for something it may be about to do but hasn't yet, and don't let past issues override feeling and reacting to what is actually happening in the present.
Get rid of the negativity.
Karen
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Jumping lessons
Laureen mentioned this link to me last week, and given this weeks lesson plan, I thought it was timely:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUsJpLejrf4
Once I get some video clips to analyse, I will also be posting a document for you to read to help you better understand my analysis of your riding and why it is an issue, as well as the potential cause.
Karen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUsJpLejrf4
Once I get some video clips to analyse, I will also be posting a document for you to read to help you better understand my analysis of your riding and why it is an issue, as well as the potential cause.
Karen
Monday, February 7, 2011
This week in lessons; jumping
In jumping this week we are going to work on upper body balance. I will be posting more information on this on the blog and in the barn so that riders can understand a little more about what I am talking about!
For the lesson, we will have some jumping exercises set up, that I will then video tape. Then, I will tie stirrups to the girth, and again video tape. Later in the week I will analyse the videos to identify jumping position errors, and compare the jumps with legs loose, vs stirrups tied as many upper body issues stem from leg issues.
Riders can either view the video via private YouTube link, or can provide me with a CD or data stick to copy the video onto. In the following weeks we will work on exercises to correct the base issues. From there we will work on positions that help with different scenarios; spooking fences, spread jumps, tight turns and so on.
We will also have the ring set up to again work on lead changes in the corners. I think this is also helping riders sit up and balance for the corners!
Karen
For the lesson, we will have some jumping exercises set up, that I will then video tape. Then, I will tie stirrups to the girth, and again video tape. Later in the week I will analyse the videos to identify jumping position errors, and compare the jumps with legs loose, vs stirrups tied as many upper body issues stem from leg issues.
Riders can either view the video via private YouTube link, or can provide me with a CD or data stick to copy the video onto. In the following weeks we will work on exercises to correct the base issues. From there we will work on positions that help with different scenarios; spooking fences, spread jumps, tight turns and so on.
We will also have the ring set up to again work on lead changes in the corners. I think this is also helping riders sit up and balance for the corners!
Karen
The week in lessons; Dressage
This week in dressage lessons we are going to run through Training Level test 2 or Walk Trot test 2.
The training level test has changed very little from last year, just the addition of the stretchy circle.
Walk trot test 2 is the same as last year.
Diagram of walk/trot test 2
The training level test has changed very little from last year, just the addition of the stretchy circle.
Walk trot test 2 is the same as last year.
Diagram of walk/trot test 2
Both tests have the free walk with a bend in the middle. This is not easy to do if you plan for it. The mistake most people make is to not turn enough out of the corner. Let's say the free walk is from FXM. What is common, is for the rider to just turn at F as though heading across the long diagonal to H, the problem with this though, is that you want the turn at X to be smooth, with a moment when you are looking at the judge at C. You are also on long/loose rein, with a long stretchy walk, so your turning radius will be larger than you may expect.
The best way to approach this element, is to turn and aim at between E and H, while keeping C in your peripheral vision. Once you approach the center line, look to C, then look to the right of M. By aiming for the right of M, you are compensating for the horse's natural drift to center, and for the fact the horse's head and neck need room to turn (remember you want your shoulder to reach M). You then shorten your reins as you ask for the bend at M. I find it easiest to shorten the inside rein first to get the bend/lateral tuck, and then take up the slack in the outside rein.
The other element to work on is the transitions on the short side; all too often the rider will work to get the horse into the first corner, but neglect to use enough outside leg to keep the horse's hind end in line and engaged. The horse ends up falling out through the hind quarters and bouncing off the end of the ring. At this same moment the rider is trying to do their transition, which further throws the horse of balance resulting in a cut of second corner.
When riding the transition on the short side, you need to remember a few things;
1) The long and faster the stride you have, the less deep you will want to go into the corners. So if you are on a well balanced and collected horse, your corners may be 6 meter quarter circles at all gaits, if you are on a less balanced/strung out horse, then your corners may be 6 meter quarter circles at walk, 10 meter quarter circles at trot, and 15 meter quarter circles at canter. Find out what your horse is able to do, then plan for it. In the training level 2 test, where your canter transition is in the second corner of the long side, this may mean you have to plan to do a more gentle corner than your first corner which was at trot. If you try to go too deep into the second corner and do the transition, your horse may loose its balance and its forward.
2) You have to remember to BALANCE for turns. All turns, even at the walk. Your horse needs to increase the engagement of its hind end to prepare to turn in a balanced manner. If you do not balance before the turns, your horse will brace and balance on its front end. A horse on its front end is hard to transition upwards!
3) Outside leg. Complete the turn with your outside leg so your horse is sent forward and straight into the short side. Keeping the bum slightly in for an extra stride will help prevent the horse "bouncing' off the short stride and falling in for the second corner.
Karen
Friday, February 4, 2011
Back in the saddle again!
It is good to be back riding! Was able to ride three horses today, with just one major neck twinge (not surprisingly it was on jack hammer Tango...) and it feels good to be back in the saddle. Interestingly it was Mother Nature that helped with my recovery; on Monday I had a little slip on the snow/ice and it resulted in just the right tweaking to cause a loud POP in my neck...and suddenly I could look up again! More than just gaining movement it also cleared much of the fog that had settled in my noggin. The "cure" reminded me of the Simpson's episode where Homer hurts his back and fixes it by falling backwards over a dented metal garbage can. He was able to market the can...not sure I can market ice.
Still not jumping yet, as I am worried that a good pop over the jump might knock me back out of it, but with time I am sure I will be back to 100%.
Meanwhile I am trying to start Coregel under saddle without my typical routine of lunging. The vet wants me to get her going so as to help her ankle scar down securely and properly, but at the same time I should not do too much lunging which may strain the area...so to get her used to voice commands and the feel of the tack I am doing in hand work...which is me leading her around with her tack on (she looks so grown up in her dressage saddle, white pad and dressage bridle!). Apparently I am very unfit though; two laps around the indoor and I feel faint! Apparently it has been too long since I last had to chase Rocket around with a beginner. Rocket has been good for my fitness...always looking after me that one.
Note to boarders: we are deworming next week; cost to deworm with Exodus is $8.00 for inside horses, and $10.00 for outside boarders. Please call, email or sign up on the white board if you wish for me to deworm your horse!
Karen
Still not jumping yet, as I am worried that a good pop over the jump might knock me back out of it, but with time I am sure I will be back to 100%.
Meanwhile I am trying to start Coregel under saddle without my typical routine of lunging. The vet wants me to get her going so as to help her ankle scar down securely and properly, but at the same time I should not do too much lunging which may strain the area...so to get her used to voice commands and the feel of the tack I am doing in hand work...which is me leading her around with her tack on (she looks so grown up in her dressage saddle, white pad and dressage bridle!). Apparently I am very unfit though; two laps around the indoor and I feel faint! Apparently it has been too long since I last had to chase Rocket around with a beginner. Rocket has been good for my fitness...always looking after me that one.
Note to boarders: we are deworming next week; cost to deworm with Exodus is $8.00 for inside horses, and $10.00 for outside boarders. Please call, email or sign up on the white board if you wish for me to deworm your horse!
Karen
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Ground Hogs Day
Today is the day we look to a large rodent to tell is if we are going to have an early spring. What a silly notion. Today is partially cloudy, so I am guessing some will see their shadows, and some will not. How often do all the little rodents actually agree?
In Sherwood Park they don't even have a Ground Hog...they have a bunny. Yes, a bunny. Not sure how that works.
But it doesn't matter, the horses have already told me to prepare for a long winter. How? By waiting until January to start shedding....normally the indoor horses start to shed their mid winter coat in December, but this year they waited an extra 2-4 weeks....so hang in their folks, it is going to be a while yet until spring is here!
Now lets see if bunny and ground hogs agree with the equines...
Karen
In Sherwood Park they don't even have a Ground Hog...they have a bunny. Yes, a bunny. Not sure how that works.
But it doesn't matter, the horses have already told me to prepare for a long winter. How? By waiting until January to start shedding....normally the indoor horses start to shed their mid winter coat in December, but this year they waited an extra 2-4 weeks....so hang in their folks, it is going to be a while yet until spring is here!
Now lets see if bunny and ground hogs agree with the equines...
Karen
Monday, January 31, 2011
Ride for Red Idea...
I am just waiting for confirmation from Lisa regarding the Ride for Red show dates, and then I will post them so you can plan your vacations suitably :)
I wanted to run an idea by you guys as a possible new idea for Ride for Red. The idea for the show is to increase blood donations for Canadian Blood Services...so I was thinking;
In order to qualify for Prize Money, entries have to register a blood donation under Ride for Red. It doesn't have to be the rider/entrant, could be a family member, friend, or unsuspecting passerby who really wants a juice box. Riders that don't register a donation would have their prize money donated to Canadian Blood Services. One donation would qualify for both shows. The blood donation could happen anytime from Feb 1, to the show date.
Alternatively riders could donate a minimum of $20.00 to Canadian blood services and still qualify for prize money.
Thoughts?
Karen
I wanted to run an idea by you guys as a possible new idea for Ride for Red. The idea for the show is to increase blood donations for Canadian Blood Services...so I was thinking;
In order to qualify for Prize Money, entries have to register a blood donation under Ride for Red. It doesn't have to be the rider/entrant, could be a family member, friend, or unsuspecting passerby who really wants a juice box. Riders that don't register a donation would have their prize money donated to Canadian Blood Services. One donation would qualify for both shows. The blood donation could happen anytime from Feb 1, to the show date.
Alternatively riders could donate a minimum of $20.00 to Canadian blood services and still qualify for prize money.
Thoughts?
Karen
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Lesson plan for this week
This week in dressage lessons we will be going over the first walk trot and training level tests. The Walk/Trot test is the same as last year, but the Training Level test is new, and presents some new challenges.
The main challenges I forsee in this test are:
1) Picking up a canter halfway through a 20 meter circle; requires making a transition while maintaining the circle.
2) Doing 20 meter circles and half circles at E and B. These tend to be hard to visualize.
3) Stretch circle at trot soon after the canter, with walk/stretch walk soon after.
Walk Trot Test 1
Training Level Test 1
Both tests require a nice straight line to X! These tests are both designed to be ridden in a 20 by 40 arena or a 20 by 60 arena, so we will be practicing in the 20 x 40 size.
Jumping students will also practice elements of these tests; learning to ride with precision as needed in dressage can help with riding correctly over fences as well!
For over fences work we will once again be working on lead changes using poles/small jumps in the corners. We will also be working on landing leads, and creating a balanced round canter to help with getting lead changes. More info to follow!
Karen
The main challenges I forsee in this test are:
1) Picking up a canter halfway through a 20 meter circle; requires making a transition while maintaining the circle.
2) Doing 20 meter circles and half circles at E and B. These tend to be hard to visualize.
3) Stretch circle at trot soon after the canter, with walk/stretch walk soon after.
Walk Trot Test 1
Training Level Test 1
Both tests require a nice straight line to X! These tests are both designed to be ridden in a 20 by 40 arena or a 20 by 60 arena, so we will be practicing in the 20 x 40 size.
Jumping students will also practice elements of these tests; learning to ride with precision as needed in dressage can help with riding correctly over fences as well!
For over fences work we will once again be working on lead changes using poles/small jumps in the corners. We will also be working on landing leads, and creating a balanced round canter to help with getting lead changes. More info to follow!
Karen
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Rain
Rain. That was nice. Just what the horses needed. And ice. Ice is great isn't it? The paddocks are ok, but the entrances to the paddocks are likely to be a little slick once the slush freezes, so be careful!
Silly, fluctuating weather.
Made for a pretty morning though, with mist rising from the hills as the rain sped evaporation.
Karen
Silly, fluctuating weather.
Made for a pretty morning though, with mist rising from the hills as the rain sped evaporation.
Karen
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Rest in Peace my Friend
Milo was put down today.
He went from be fit and demanding Milo kitty to being so small and weak in such a short time.
I hope he liked his week of being a house cat, and getting to sleep on the bed. Milo definitely thought that was his place. I liked having him around the house, but I have missed having him in the barn.
It won't be the same without him pestering me for food, dodging horses to make his way to sit with me in the area, and playing on the mule while I worked. He was a great barn cat.
Rest in peace Milo. You will be missed.
Karen
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
I thought all week was supposed to be warmer, but it sounds like Wednesday may still be nasty? This wind isn't much fun either! Highway 16 seems ok to drive, and so is out range road, but some of the off ramps and other roads have a lot of snow blowing across them, so please drive slowly!
I think this week's lessons will be working on 20m circles, a bounce, and adjusting number of strides in a line (mostly adding strides to keep the horse's slow/calm!).
Karen
I think this week's lessons will be working on 20m circles, a bounce, and adjusting number of strides in a line (mostly adding strides to keep the horse's slow/calm!).
Karen
Monday, January 17, 2011
Well it looks like lessons will be back to normal tomorrow, where you will all be riding fresh horses while snow falls off the roof. I need to come up with an easy lesson plan...I will post it tomorrow.
On a sad note, poor Milo is ill. He gave me a scare last Tuesday night when I could not find him. He always comes down to play with the hay bales as I feed...chasing the baling twine is fun apparently, so when he did not come, I went looking and could not find or hear him anywhere in the barn, so Rob came out and helped me look in the barn and out in the cold. I was scared he snuck into the truck that took Coda and Chris home. The next day I found him curled up in a dark corner upstairs. He hadn't touched any food since the afternoon before. He licked the soft food I brought him, but didn't eat, so I booked him in at the vet for Thursday. We spent 1.5 hours there! I guess I was lucky it was a slow day so they were thorough. Palpation revealed a lump in his belly, so thinking impaction (I was imagining a rolled up thread of baling twine), x-rays showed a shadow, but nothing clear, which supported the rolled up thread, but initial blood work added some confusion; it showed an odd mix of elevated globulin and some red and white blood counts were elevated, but ones showing long term infection and not something like an impaction. I mentioned his chronic ear infections, which the vet thought were also odd as cats tend to get mites, not infections, and hoped that is what was causing the blood to show it was fighting something.
Of course as soon as I got Milo home (we decided to move him into the house to keep a closer eye on him), he immediately went for the cat food!
We decided to send blood off to test for Feline Leukemia to be safe, but didn't get the results back until today. He does not have Feline Leukemia...he has Feline Aids. The shadows in the X-ray are likely a disease that can go with Aids where their internal organs start to stick together. Aids also explains why he gets so many ear infections.
Feline Aids is spread through direct contact with infected blood and saliva. It is possible he was born with it, or got it in a cat fight. Feline Aids is rare, and cannot be transmitted or carried by dogs, horses or humans, only cat to cat. Rob and I will have to decide if we want to test our other cats.
Maybe this explains why Kit Kat hates him so much?
Tomorrow I will pick up a facts sheet from our vet, as well as some medication for Milo. I will post the fact sheet in the barn for anyone who is interested.
Milo will be staying in the house at least until his current infection is cleared, and then we will decided where he is best off. Our neighbours don't have cats to risk infecting. Although he seems to like sleeping on the bed, he is restless in the house.
Karen
On a sad note, poor Milo is ill. He gave me a scare last Tuesday night when I could not find him. He always comes down to play with the hay bales as I feed...chasing the baling twine is fun apparently, so when he did not come, I went looking and could not find or hear him anywhere in the barn, so Rob came out and helped me look in the barn and out in the cold. I was scared he snuck into the truck that took Coda and Chris home. The next day I found him curled up in a dark corner upstairs. He hadn't touched any food since the afternoon before. He licked the soft food I brought him, but didn't eat, so I booked him in at the vet for Thursday. We spent 1.5 hours there! I guess I was lucky it was a slow day so they were thorough. Palpation revealed a lump in his belly, so thinking impaction (I was imagining a rolled up thread of baling twine), x-rays showed a shadow, but nothing clear, which supported the rolled up thread, but initial blood work added some confusion; it showed an odd mix of elevated globulin and some red and white blood counts were elevated, but ones showing long term infection and not something like an impaction. I mentioned his chronic ear infections, which the vet thought were also odd as cats tend to get mites, not infections, and hoped that is what was causing the blood to show it was fighting something.
Of course as soon as I got Milo home (we decided to move him into the house to keep a closer eye on him), he immediately went for the cat food!
We decided to send blood off to test for Feline Leukemia to be safe, but didn't get the results back until today. He does not have Feline Leukemia...he has Feline Aids. The shadows in the X-ray are likely a disease that can go with Aids where their internal organs start to stick together. Aids also explains why he gets so many ear infections.
Feline Aids is spread through direct contact with infected blood and saliva. It is possible he was born with it, or got it in a cat fight. Feline Aids is rare, and cannot be transmitted or carried by dogs, horses or humans, only cat to cat. Rob and I will have to decide if we want to test our other cats.
Maybe this explains why Kit Kat hates him so much?
Tomorrow I will pick up a facts sheet from our vet, as well as some medication for Milo. I will post the fact sheet in the barn for anyone who is interested.
Milo will be staying in the house at least until his current infection is cleared, and then we will decided where he is best off. Our neighbours don't have cats to risk infecting. Although he seems to like sleeping on the bed, he is restless in the house.
Karen
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Still cold
Looks like lessons might be on hold until Sunday, but we will see how today shapes up. Supposed to get to above -20, but with the windchill and snow not so sure how it will feel. It has been as while since we have had such a long extended cold period.
Yesterday I decided to bring horses in a little early, thinking they would be ready to come in and eat...but no, when I went out to get the geldings they were all running madly about, playing in the snow, oblivious to the fact that I was ready to bring them in to the warmth and/or feed them their afternoon meal. Goof balls.
Karen
Yesterday I decided to bring horses in a little early, thinking they would be ready to come in and eat...but no, when I went out to get the geldings they were all running madly about, playing in the snow, oblivious to the fact that I was ready to bring them in to the warmth and/or feed them their afternoon meal. Goof balls.
Karen
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Lessons Cancelled Today
Yikes! i have been lazy about posting on the blog! I think my creative side was damaged when I got kicked :(
Too cold today for lessons, and according to Rob, highway 16 on the way out here was pretty nasty this morning and I am thinking the snow falling now isn't going to help.
The horses seem happy enough though and are having fun playing in the deep snow. I just came in from giving them an extra flake of hay to help them stay warm; the mares just go over and eat quietly, whilst the boys warm up by chasing each other around in order to find the perfect flake...doofuses.
The marshmallows in instant hot chocolate do not last long enough; by the time the drink is cooled enough to drink they are gone..yet I still buy that kind. A few years back when I had a "real" job, I got some mass produced "home made" marshmallows at the office Christmas Party. At the time I thought "wow...how cheap" as there were only about a dozen of the things, but then I tried them....they created a gooey layer at the top of the hot chocolate and were so yummy....but I have never seen them in the stores. That is what I need today...gooey marshmallows on hot chocolate.
Stay warm and drive safe!
Karen
Too cold today for lessons, and according to Rob, highway 16 on the way out here was pretty nasty this morning and I am thinking the snow falling now isn't going to help.
The horses seem happy enough though and are having fun playing in the deep snow. I just came in from giving them an extra flake of hay to help them stay warm; the mares just go over and eat quietly, whilst the boys warm up by chasing each other around in order to find the perfect flake...doofuses.
The marshmallows in instant hot chocolate do not last long enough; by the time the drink is cooled enough to drink they are gone..yet I still buy that kind. A few years back when I had a "real" job, I got some mass produced "home made" marshmallows at the office Christmas Party. At the time I thought "wow...how cheap" as there were only about a dozen of the things, but then I tried them....they created a gooey layer at the top of the hot chocolate and were so yummy....but I have never seen them in the stores. That is what I need today...gooey marshmallows on hot chocolate.
Stay warm and drive safe!
Karen
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
So apparently when you hurt your neck or back you are supposed to keep using it to keep it from seizing or weakenning...but when you hurt your head you are supposed to let it rest. That means laying in the dark...no radio....no TV....no books....no boy asking you for dessert or tea....cats asking to be pet are ok though.
Of course here I am on my computer which I am sure is another no no...
So I am still teaching, but limiting lessons, and don't expect brilliance. This week we are working on bending lines; in particular jumping from a diagonal fence to a fence along the rail then straight to the end...last week I noticed that riders were continuing to turn over the second fence and then cutting the end off.
Karen
Of course here I am on my computer which I am sure is another no no...
So I am still teaching, but limiting lessons, and don't expect brilliance. This week we are working on bending lines; in particular jumping from a diagonal fence to a fence along the rail then straight to the end...last week I noticed that riders were continuing to turn over the second fence and then cutting the end off.
Karen
Monday, January 3, 2011
Brief update
I hope everyone had a nice Christmas break and is ready for 2011!
My neck is getting better, but my head is still a little fuzzy and I have trouble focusing for long periods. Ginger thinks I am defective and no fun....the cats think I am perfect as I have more time for them! Sad that it took a kick to the head to get a week more or less off! Poor Rob had to scrap his plans for his break though and was stuck keeping an eye on me and helping me with the horses.
Our stray cat (Rolo) has decided that I am not so much of a threat, and more of a lackey that can't be trusted. He now sits in the hay shed or under the grainery and meows at me to remind me that his stomach would like some kibble. Still won't stick around long enough to be touched, but doesn't run out of sight either. He seems to understand that humans are pathetic and can't climb very well.
Karen
My neck is getting better, but my head is still a little fuzzy and I have trouble focusing for long periods. Ginger thinks I am defective and no fun....the cats think I am perfect as I have more time for them! Sad that it took a kick to the head to get a week more or less off! Poor Rob had to scrap his plans for his break though and was stuck keeping an eye on me and helping me with the horses.
Our stray cat (Rolo) has decided that I am not so much of a threat, and more of a lackey that can't be trusted. He now sits in the hay shed or under the grainery and meows at me to remind me that his stomach would like some kibble. Still won't stick around long enough to be touched, but doesn't run out of sight either. He seems to understand that humans are pathetic and can't climb very well.
Karen
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