Note my lovely blue sweater... it's fuzzy, AND matches my fuzzy blue socks. I know- I'm cool.
Showing posts with label Launa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Launa. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Launa Video!
For those of you who've been reading for a while, you'll remember Launa. For those who haven't, Launa is a 17y/o Arab mare (that was backed last winter) that I spent some time riding for her owner this past summer and fall. Right now one of my friends is leasing her, and the other day we decided to free jump her... or rather teach her about what a jump chute is and what to do with it. She's a little high strung (after 16 years of sitting in a field, being started under saddle and all the crazy things riding horses do can be a little overwhelming) so we took things nice n slow. Next time (providing she remembers her 'training') mehaps we can actually do some jumping.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Another Step for Launa
Well, it appears that Launa's moving on to another stage of her life; she now has a part-boarder. I'm happy with how this has worked out. Launa now has somebody (aside form myself, that is) to love her, care for her, and keep her training up to date. Additionally, Laura now has a pony in her life again. At the same time, I'm not sure if I'll be able to continue riding Launa, and if that's the case (not that I'd hesitate to relinquish my duties to Laura) I'm really going to miss Launa. She's been so much fun... and I think when she goes, she'll take a little piece of my heart with her.
Cadence has been doing fantastically though. Much lighter on the contact. more consistent through transitions and changes, and oh so much better with that right rein! We're continuing on with the little bit of collection and extension work, as well as the beginnings of lateral movements. Her reverse on the haunches is looking awesome, and the reverse on the forehand going to the right is good, but pushing her through to the left is still nearly impossible. All in good time, I suppose.
When we jumped on Wednesday, I was disturbed to find that my little mare could consistently bounce 24 feet, without lunging, rushing, scrambling, or awkward distances. No idea how she managed that.... We added a pole to the center and fixed the problem though. Well, temporarily solved the problem. It was the same issue we had in our lesson on Sat, where she was jumping the bending lines beautifully, but chopping a full stride off the distances (even with them lengthened) In both cases, we just worked till we could get it consistently. How a wee* thing like her can manage that and still feel so smooth and relaxed, I may never know.
*If 16.1 can be considered wee.... keep her overall stature in mind here
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Onto the Outside Rein
Cadence has been absolutely fantastic, as of late. Her two lunge sessions with my coach worked wonders in regards to getting her balanced, even, and giving to the right rein. What that's meant for us is that now when we canter left, I can actually use my right rein and
A) Check her back
B) Soften her
C) Bring her underneath herself
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above, although C is still more theoretical... theoretically the usage of my right rein should allow me to use that, BUT we're still working on getting the first two 100% of the time.
However, the lunge sessions have also allowed us to truly start working on some collection and extension in the trot. In my opinion, her canter is still not balanced enough to get it there, but we've had some absolutely beautiful moments in the trot.
In Launa news: One of my good friends who is currently on a riding hiatus due to injured horses and school is looking at part-boarding Launa until she's sold. I think it'll be good for both of them, and I hope all works out! She's coming to try Launa out tomorrow, so cross your fingers.
Launa and I also upped the height of our jumping last night. Now we're jumping a cross rail that's 2'3 on the sides, versus 18" :) She's such a cutie.
A) Check her back
B) Soften her
C) Bring her underneath herself
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above, although C is still more theoretical... theoretically the usage of my right rein should allow me to use that, BUT we're still working on getting the first two 100% of the time.
However, the lunge sessions have also allowed us to truly start working on some collection and extension in the trot. In my opinion, her canter is still not balanced enough to get it there, but we've had some absolutely beautiful moments in the trot.
In Launa news: One of my good friends who is currently on a riding hiatus due to injured horses and school is looking at part-boarding Launa until she's sold. I think it'll be good for both of them, and I hope all works out! She's coming to try Launa out tomorrow, so cross your fingers.
Launa and I also upped the height of our jumping last night. Now we're jumping a cross rail that's 2'3 on the sides, versus 18" :) She's such a cutie.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Sad News: For Sale
This post should have been up last Monday, or at least last week, but I seem to have succumbed to another wave of sickness and with mid-terms next week... well, you get the point.
I think the phrase "it was the best of times, it was the worst of times" is an accurate descriptor of my Monday. I couldn't exactly say it was a bad day.... too many good things happened; too many wonderfully fantastic things happened to call it a bad day. At the same time I couldn't say it was a good day, effectively for the same reasons. Here's how my Monday went:
At noon, I discovered that my regular Monday dressage lesson was cancelled and rescheduled for Wednesday. This was disappointing, as Mondaywas a beautiful day... a lesson would have been fun. Then however, an idea struck. Since the weather was nice (in spite of the recent onslaught of bad weather we've been experiencing) I attempted to cajole my dad into trailering Cadence and I down to the Dundas Valley so we could go for a ride. Surprisingly (especially considering the short notice) he agreed.
To me, the Valley is a special place. I love trail riding, and the miles and miles of well kept paths winding themselves through the scenic Dundas Valley provide the perfect backdrop to any trail rider's wildest fantasies. Actually, that's a lie... I think the Rockies or the Himalayas or something equally awe-enducing would probably be (just a wee bit) better. However, in terms of local availability the Valley's the creme de la creme. I digress. So the disappointment of the canceled lesson turned into glee as the opportunity to take my pony on a REAL trail ride for the first time appeared. One strike for a good day, one strike for a bad day. The score is tied at 1 - 1.
The ride itself was fantabulously amazing. So much so, that I feel the need to make up words to describe it. I would have taken pictures (in fact, I went to great lengths to ensure my camera was available and readyfor action) however, my BRAND NEW camera decided to up and break on me. There goes another strike against the good day tally. Current score: 2 - 1 for Bad Day.
Additionally, upon speaking with the BO, I discovered that Judy (Launa's owner) has decided to sell my 17 y/o baby girl. Very disappointing, especially since she's been doing so well recently! However, pairing really isn't a match made in heaven. Launa requires a slightly firmer ride than Judy is capable of giving her, and while she may be an angel for the BO and I, Judy and Launa just don't have the experience to allow them to 'click'. Aside: I've spoken with Judy since her decision to sell Launa, and she's truly done with the mare. Launa's now free to a good home, and Judy (while dedicated to ensuring Launa gets a good home) has sort of given up. No more rides, no more visits, etc. I'll continue riding Launa until she's sold, and I've been asked to increase the number of times I ride her (to make up for both Judy and the BO not working her)... so we'll see what I have time for. So that's one BIG strike against a good day. Score: 3-1, with Bad Day maintaining their lead.
When I got home, I got some news that could have erased ALL the bad stuff. To explain, here's a little history lesson: there's a Canadian tv show called Murdoch Mysteries. It's a crime show set in Toronto in the 1890's. This absolutely fantastic piece of television is currently filming it's 5th and final season, so one of my friends and I applied to be extras on the show. After some emailing back and forth, they said that they'd let us know when they had space (they have to have x number of unionized extras on the show, so they were waiting for a day when there were lots of extras needed) and lo and behold, Monday night they emailed. My friend replied as soon as she'd gotten the email. However, she's an infrequent email checker and by the time she'd replied to them they'd already had to fill the positions (they were for the next day). So I got all hyped up, and finally let myself believe we might make it on the program, only to have those hopes crushed again. It's not my friend's fault, it's not the programs fault, it's not anybody's fault. Still disappointing though. So there's another point for good day, and another point for bad day. Two for the price of one, eh?
I don't know how much of this is relevant, if any. It's just one of those things that's easier to get off your chest. Writing it out and seeing it 'on paper' helps me work through it and figure out how I actually feel. In this case, I'm still unsure. Too many good things, too many bad things. I'll just try to concentrate on the good, and hope for the best.
I think the phrase "it was the best of times, it was the worst of times" is an accurate descriptor of my Monday. I couldn't exactly say it was a bad day.... too many good things happened; too many wonderfully fantastic things happened to call it a bad day. At the same time I couldn't say it was a good day, effectively for the same reasons. Here's how my Monday went:
At noon, I discovered that my regular Monday dressage lesson was cancelled and rescheduled for Wednesday. This was disappointing, as Mondaywas a beautiful day... a lesson would have been fun. Then however, an idea struck. Since the weather was nice (in spite of the recent onslaught of bad weather we've been experiencing) I attempted to cajole my dad into trailering Cadence and I down to the Dundas Valley so we could go for a ride. Surprisingly (especially considering the short notice) he agreed.
To me, the Valley is a special place. I love trail riding, and the miles and miles of well kept paths winding themselves through the scenic Dundas Valley provide the perfect backdrop to any trail rider's wildest fantasies. Actually, that's a lie... I think the Rockies or the Himalayas or something equally awe-enducing would probably be (just a wee bit) better. However, in terms of local availability the Valley's the creme de la creme. I digress. So the disappointment of the canceled lesson turned into glee as the opportunity to take my pony on a REAL trail ride for the first time appeared. One strike for a good day, one strike for a bad day. The score is tied at 1 - 1.
The ride itself was fantabulously amazing. So much so, that I feel the need to make up words to describe it. I would have taken pictures (in fact, I went to great lengths to ensure my camera was available and readyfor action) however, my BRAND NEW camera decided to up and break on me. There goes another strike against the good day tally. Current score: 2 - 1 for Bad Day.
Additionally, upon speaking with the BO, I discovered that Judy (Launa's owner) has decided to sell my 17 y/o baby girl. Very disappointing, especially since she's been doing so well recently! However, pairing really isn't a match made in heaven. Launa requires a slightly firmer ride than Judy is capable of giving her, and while she may be an angel for the BO and I, Judy and Launa just don't have the experience to allow them to 'click'. Aside: I've spoken with Judy since her decision to sell Launa, and she's truly done with the mare. Launa's now free to a good home, and Judy (while dedicated to ensuring Launa gets a good home) has sort of given up. No more rides, no more visits, etc. I'll continue riding Launa until she's sold, and I've been asked to increase the number of times I ride her (to make up for both Judy and the BO not working her)... so we'll see what I have time for. So that's one BIG strike against a good day. Score: 3-1, with Bad Day maintaining their lead.
Murdoch Mysteries' Constable George Crabtree, Dr. Julia Ogden, Detective William Murdoch, and Inspector Thomas Brackenreid
I don't know how much of this is relevant, if any. It's just one of those things that's easier to get off your chest. Writing it out and seeing it 'on paper' helps me work through it and figure out how I actually feel. In this case, I'm still unsure. Too many good things, too many bad things. I'll just try to concentrate on the good, and hope for the best.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Lunge Work and Lessons
For the first time in forever, I've had a pretty horse-free week. That said, this week I have been to three tack shops, ridden two horses twice each, and spent countless hours following the Pan Am's (with limited success). Why does it feel like I've been slacking off?
Actually, I know exactly why it feels like I've been slacking off. I haven't been on a certain 16.2hh TB x Hanoverian mare since Tuesday. On Monday, I had a dressage lesson during which my coach expressed her opinion that Cadence's unwillingness to give properly (to the right rein) in the canter could be more easily cured on the lunge line. Fine by me. Anyhow, the plan was for my coach to lunge the mare on Thursday and Saturday, so Cadence got Wednesday and Friday off in preparation for her 'training time' with the coach.
So Launa's been my only riding since Tues, & I've actually had quite a bit of fun with my 17 year old baby mare. On Monday I jumped her for the second time, and she was a little pro! She trots nicely up to the little x-rail, jumps, and trots calmly away. What a cutie! I've got to get some videos. Yesterday we did some w/t dressage tests, backed up in a STRAIGHT line, and perfected her turn on the haunches. Additionally, we did some stretchy stuff to get that old body to bend! We also practiced dropping and picking up my stirrups at the trot, since last week Launa's owner took a tumble when she lost a stirrup and Launa spooked. The whole dropping them thing wasn't such a big deal. Oddly enough, it was picking the stirrups back up that bugged her. Either way, we just worked on 'safety desensatization' things, and halting from the trot sans reins. Nothing too challenging, but lots of fun.
Actually, I know exactly why it feels like I've been slacking off. I haven't been on a certain 16.2hh TB x Hanoverian mare since Tuesday. On Monday, I had a dressage lesson during which my coach expressed her opinion that Cadence's unwillingness to give properly (to the right rein) in the canter could be more easily cured on the lunge line. Fine by me. Anyhow, the plan was for my coach to lunge the mare on Thursday and Saturday, so Cadence got Wednesday and Friday off in preparation for her 'training time' with the coach.
So Launa's been my only riding since Tues, & I've actually had quite a bit of fun with my 17 year old baby mare. On Monday I jumped her for the second time, and she was a little pro! She trots nicely up to the little x-rail, jumps, and trots calmly away. What a cutie! I've got to get some videos. Yesterday we did some w/t dressage tests, backed up in a STRAIGHT line, and perfected her turn on the haunches. Additionally, we did some stretchy stuff to get that old body to bend! We also practiced dropping and picking up my stirrups at the trot, since last week Launa's owner took a tumble when she lost a stirrup and Launa spooked. The whole dropping them thing wasn't such a big deal. Oddly enough, it was picking the stirrups back up that bugged her. Either way, we just worked on 'safety desensatization' things, and halting from the trot sans reins. Nothing too challenging, but lots of fun.
Monday, October 3, 2011
What I've Been Up To:
I apologize for being an awful blogger. I know, I suck. Its been one day shy of two weeks, so here's whats transpired... or at the very least, the highlights of it:
XC school:
Took the long way there (byaccident) and started out late, so we started with a slightly larger jump:
But then we relaxed a little:
We succesfully conquered both banks and water like old pros! Her two biggest fears. At the end, we strung together a course, and popped over that sans incident, water, banks, and all! Go Mare!
In other news, Launa jumped (well, hopped) for the first time the other day. She treated it like an old pro; I was very impressed. It was caught on camera, so I hope to get the video up soon. After my lesson on Sat, I hopped on my coach's greenie, Z, and rode her too. She's a totally different horse from the one I rode last winter. She's pretty solid in her first level work, and her canter extensions are gorgeous. Like all four feet off the ground, and about a foot in the air gorgeous. My legs hurt after though :)
Cadence has a dressage lesson tonight, so I'll try to be good and post about it tomorrow.
XC school:
Took the long way there (byaccident) and started out late, so we started with a slightly larger jump:
In other news, Launa jumped (well, hopped) for the first time the other day. She treated it like an old pro; I was very impressed. It was caught on camera, so I hope to get the video up soon. After my lesson on Sat, I hopped on my coach's greenie, Z, and rode her too. She's a totally different horse from the one I rode last winter. She's pretty solid in her first level work, and her canter extensions are gorgeous. Like all four feet off the ground, and about a foot in the air gorgeous. My legs hurt after though :)
Cadence has a dressage lesson tonight, so I'll try to be good and post about it tomorrow.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
My 17y/o Baby
I made it through my evening from hell (thanks to my stellar scheduling skills) yesterday, and even found time to eat! Though schoolwork seems to have fallen by the way-side or however that expression goes. Anyhow, Cadence was amazing. I haven't had a chance to do a write up on the lessons from last weekend (dressage friday and jumping Sat), but I'll quickly paraphrase:
Friday: The Mare was insane. Apparently riding every other day does NOT work for her. She was ready to go beat Secretariat and be the first TB cross to win the triple crown. She even refused to pick up her right lead for a while. Frustrating. We survived the lesson, and proceeded to go for a nice long hack.
Sat: Kaitlin (Cadence's old owner/breeder) came down to watch our lesson. Cadence was good at first. Good warm up, good gymnastics, bad single fences/oxerness. We grabbed the bit and bolted a couple of strides beore the fence, only to realize that there was no possible way we would make it over the jump and slamming on the breaks. I landed IN BETWEEN her front legs, on my back. I watched her lift her hoof gingerly over my vulnerable stomach, and was thankful my mare is careful with her feet. I hopped back up after giving her a quick pat, and we popped over the jump with considerably more care. I learned that I really do have to take control and stop her from bolting AT ALL COSTS. I've always tried to bring her back gently, but now I know if I have to haul on her mouth and do a pulley rein before the jump, it's better than the alternative. I was disappointed, because she had been so good in our last jump school. Good lesson to learn though. Oh, and we had a totally failed hack before the lesson.
Now onto Launa and our ride yesterday.
First I took Cadence out for a very successful w/t hack. She was absolutely amazing, and ground tied before and after the ride even when I went into the arena to grab something. GOOD MARE!!!!! Then it was Launa's turn. There were two other horses working in the arena, which isn't a big deal. I often ride her with them. Anyhow, we set up two trot poles, one after the other, and with standards either side. After a little walk/trot warm up (and some rein backs and quarter turns) we walked neatly over them, so I asked her to trot on over. SHe was having no piece of that. I'm talking knocking over the standards, and cantering away (the horse who doesn't know how to canter under saddle yet). Then the other horses left, and she walked and trotted calmly over the DEAD CENTER (something we've nevr been able to accomplish before) of the poles. I even hopped up into my two-point and trotted over them like that for the first time. What a goof. I have no idea what set her off; it's not like we haven't done something similar before... with other horses in the arena I might add. Anyhow, I'll be off to ride both ponies again tonight so we'll see how she does today.
Friday: The Mare was insane. Apparently riding every other day does NOT work for her. She was ready to go beat Secretariat and be the first TB cross to win the triple crown. She even refused to pick up her right lead for a while. Frustrating. We survived the lesson, and proceeded to go for a nice long hack.
Sat: Kaitlin (Cadence's old owner/breeder) came down to watch our lesson. Cadence was good at first. Good warm up, good gymnastics, bad single fences/oxerness. We grabbed the bit and bolted a couple of strides beore the fence, only to realize that there was no possible way we would make it over the jump and slamming on the breaks. I landed IN BETWEEN her front legs, on my back. I watched her lift her hoof gingerly over my vulnerable stomach, and was thankful my mare is careful with her feet. I hopped back up after giving her a quick pat, and we popped over the jump with considerably more care. I learned that I really do have to take control and stop her from bolting AT ALL COSTS. I've always tried to bring her back gently, but now I know if I have to haul on her mouth and do a pulley rein before the jump, it's better than the alternative. I was disappointed, because she had been so good in our last jump school. Good lesson to learn though. Oh, and we had a totally failed hack before the lesson.
Now onto Launa and our ride yesterday.
First I took Cadence out for a very successful w/t hack. She was absolutely amazing, and ground tied before and after the ride even when I went into the arena to grab something. GOOD MARE!!!!! Then it was Launa's turn. There were two other horses working in the arena, which isn't a big deal. I often ride her with them. Anyhow, we set up two trot poles, one after the other, and with standards either side. After a little walk/trot warm up (and some rein backs and quarter turns) we walked neatly over them, so I asked her to trot on over. SHe was having no piece of that. I'm talking knocking over the standards, and cantering away (the horse who doesn't know how to canter under saddle yet). Then the other horses left, and she walked and trotted calmly over the DEAD CENTER (something we've nevr been able to accomplish before) of the poles. I even hopped up into my two-point and trotted over them like that for the first time. What a goof. I have no idea what set her off; it's not like we haven't done something similar before... with other horses in the arena I might add. Anyhow, I'll be off to ride both ponies again tonight so we'll see how she does today.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Welcome to my Life
8:40-3:15 Classes
3:20-4:00 Drive to barn
4:00-6:00 Groom, tack up, ride, etc. BOTH Launa and Cadence
6:00-6:30 Drive to Flute lesson
6:30-7:00 Flute lesson
7:00-7:15 Drive home
7:15-? My niece's second birthday party
And somehow I have to fit in dinner, school work, band practice, and maybe even sleep before waking up nice and early so that I can be at school by 7:20 at the latest. At least the weather's nice!
3:20-4:00 Drive to barn
4:00-6:00 Groom, tack up, ride, etc. BOTH Launa and Cadence
6:00-6:30 Drive to Flute lesson
6:30-7:00 Flute lesson
7:00-7:15 Drive home
7:15-? My niece's second birthday party
And somehow I have to fit in dinner, school work, band practice, and maybe even sleep before waking up nice and early so that I can be at school by 7:20 at the latest. At least the weather's nice!
Friday, September 16, 2011
100th Post of the Year
Personally, I don't think that that's anything particularly important, but I've decided to add tags to all my posts and this seemed like a likely reason to start. However, I couldn't just START doing it... so I'm going back and adding tags to ALL OF THE PREVIOUS POSTS. Apparently I'm insane. So far I've gotten through 2010. So happy 100th post of 2011 to all you Riding From The Ground Up readers! All two of you ;)
On another note, I don't know if I've ever mentioned Launa. She's the seventeen year old Arab who was backed last winter that I've been riding for her owner since July or so... Cute little chestnut mare. Anyhow, now that school's started and I'm not readily available any more Jen (BO who does some of her training/conditioning work) and Judy (owner) have decided I'll be riding her on Tuesdays and Thursdays... the days I DON'T come to the barn. I love my luck.
On another note, I don't know if I've ever mentioned Launa. She's the seventeen year old Arab who was backed last winter that I've been riding for her owner since July or so... Cute little chestnut mare. Anyhow, now that school's started and I'm not readily available any more Jen (BO who does some of her training/conditioning work) and Judy (owner) have decided I'll be riding her on Tuesdays and Thursdays... the days I DON'T come to the barn. I love my luck.
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