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Cynthia G
Member
Username: cgby1
Post Number: 13
Registered: 5-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, Mar 21, 2007 - 8:45 pm: |   |
Hi I am new to this page as I recently started training in dressage. I just purchased a Passier GT dressage saddle and I am hoping that it will fit. It is a 17" seat and I think it is a medium tree. I have a 5/8 thoroughbred quarter cross mare that was restarted in January with the help of a farrier/dressage trainer. He is a godsend as she has navicular, mostly in her right front. He has helped me get her much better with trimming. She is on ixosuprine, joint supplements and we are putting on easyboots with pads. The more exercise she gets the sounder she is. We are thrilled with her progress, she was very reactive with a tendency to buck or bolt and now she much calmer. She was also very hard to bridle and mouthy but now she much better. I may never be able to compete on her but until her daughter is old enough to start we can learn a lot. My husband is a golf fanatic and between that and his job I ride alone. We have horse property and I don't know anyone except my close neighbors and they don't ride. I would love to hear from everyone on their experiences and advice.
Thanks, Cynthia |
Erika L
Member
Username: erika
Post Number: 771
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, Mar 21, 2007 - 10:59 pm: | |
Hi Cynthia, sounds like you don't need any advice .It sounds like you are doing just fine! But you will find horsey friends here anyway, as you probably already know!
I do have one question for YOU, however. You mention giving your horse isoxuprine. I used to give it to my mare years ago after laminitis. I am under the impression from articles I've read, as well as the fact that my vet no longer prescribes it, that isoxuprine is not effective in horses and is no longer prescribed.
Am I mistaken, or has anyone else heard the same? Dr. O, I would particularly like to hear your advice on this since you are always "au current" with the research |
Cynthia G
Member
Username: cgby1
Post Number: 15
Registered: 5-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, Mar 22, 2007 - 2:15 pm: | |
Hi Erika, I wasn't sure it was needed so a couple months ago I let it run out. Within a couple of days she was walking sore on that right front. I have her on a low dose of about 15 a day. They are fairly inexpensive, a 1000 last almost three months. Navicular seems to be non specific with different causes. We think she might not have enough blood flow. When we are working her at a trot or canter she has a bigger stride with the easyboots. It's all trial and error, my old farrier thought I should just have her nerved and be done with it. One of my neighbors had a gelding that they nerved and they still ended up putting him down. My new farrier was trained at Cornell as well as spending some time with Gene O, the natural balance guy (can't remember how his last name goes). He advised me not to rush into shoes and since he is also a dressage trainer I thought that he had all my interests at heart. Her daughter is almost 2 yrs old and half Trakehner so if we can keep going for a couple yrs I will be happy. Cynthia |
Cynthia G
Member
Username: cgby1
Post Number: 16
Registered: 5-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, Mar 22, 2007 - 3:53 pm: | |
I will be getting my dressage saddle in a few days and I am wondering about pads and girths.She is a bright bay with four white socks and a blaze. I had been using a western saddle with a closed cell foam pad. Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks Cynthia |
Fran C
Member
Username: canter
Post Number: 923
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Thursday, Mar 22, 2007 - 4:37 pm: | |
Cynthia, you'll want to match the girth color to the saddle, other than that, go with what's comfortable for your horse. I use a neoprene girth for schooling and a leather one for showing. My neoprene one is a Wintec and it's held up very, very well for about 5 years. Easy to clean. The only issue I have with it is that in the fall, after my mare is clipped, it creates rub spots on her, but that was resolved with a sheepskin girth cover. Once her summer coat comes in, it no longer rubs.
As for the pads, again, for schooling, it's a matter of preference. I prefer black as they don't show dirt and make my gray horse look a little whiter than she actually is at this time of year (probably wishful thinking on my behalf). I use white for showing, and then when it no longer gets clean, buy a new one and use the old as a schooling pad.
I have not found a preference in brand and refuse to pay $60+ for an expensive pad, so usually go with a cheaper brand. They seem to hold up equally as well and when the barn cat decides to give birth on one of my pads, well, I don't get upset about it . I usually buy a medium weight with medium size "waffles" as I like it flexible enough to easily pull up into the gullet of the saddle so it doesn't pull/rub on my mare's withers & mane. |
Cynthia G
Member
Username: cgby1
Post Number: 17
Registered: 5-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, Mar 22, 2007 - 5:24 pm: | |
Thanks I will probably get a neoprene girth also but don't know what size. I know that the saddle has padding built in but the pads seem so thin. I've seen some pads with foam? I was looking at a beautiful french blue pad,(my favorite color)not very expensive,to put aside for show but not sure it is the right color. Both her and her daughter are bays. White might be better. What do you think is a good color on a bay? Thanks |
Wiley Gillmor
Member
Username: wgillmor
Post Number: 57
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, Mar 22, 2007 - 8:14 pm: | |
For DrO's opinion of Isoxsuprine see:
http://www.horseadvice.com/horse/messages/5/10975.html
All the vets I know around here (near Boulder Colorado with clay/rock soil) recommend it and prescribe it.
A dressage saddle should fit well without out any padding at all. The pads are really for looks -- not cushioning or to improve the fit.
White is always the "right" color, but you will need to wash whites after most uses, so it won't last as long. What color will look best on your horse is your taste. Don't let anyone else decide. If you have a picture that shows the color of your horse well, post it here and you will get advice. We'd all like to see her anyway.
The best way to get the right length girth is to borrow from your friends until you find one that fits (the kind doesn't matter). Then measure from the tension bar inside of the buckle from one to the other. Take this measurement to your tack store or call customer service if you order online. Ask customer service to measure on the one you want. Don't rely on the statement that a girth is "32" inches, it's a recipe for returns. I've seen them vary as much as four inches.
Good luck,
Wiley |
Melissa Boschwitz
Member
Username: amara
Post Number: 261
Registered: 7-2000
| | Posted on Thursday, Mar 22, 2007 - 8:50 pm: | |
hi cynthia G!
good luck with your new endeavour! it is much fun!...
if you rode in a hunt seat type saddle before than typically the dressage girth is about 20" shorter than the regular long girth... this is only an estimate however! but it gives you somewhere to start..(am assuming you have either long or universal billets.. if you have short billets than you use a long girth..)
white is traditional for showing.. preferably without even a border....save the colors for home... depending on the type of bay,(and the type of blue). blue may look wonderful on her....
my bay looks great in purple!
as for type of saddle pad i too prefer the waffle weave, and if i can find it i prefer the Roma brand...they absorb moisture pretty good...
my favourite girths are made by cottage craft,
be warned that not all buckles on girths fit all widths of billets on saddles...you might want to measure your billets... the manufacturer may have suggestions...
as far as another pad for comfort, wiley is right that the saddle should fit "as is"... if you choose to add a pad "just in case" make sure you are not affecting the fit of the saddle (in any negative way at least)... a too thick pad can make a saddle that fit fine become too narrow, so check it-or if you arent sure, have someone who's experienced in saddle fit check for you...)..
i find that "usually" a thin closed cell pad or a gel pad doesnt affect saddle fit particularly, but i never assume this, and doublecheck any horse i ride...
if you have access to a good saddle fitter that is the way to go... you may also find that your saddle doesnt fit quite right, and that you need a little padding to help...especially in getting the cantle at the right level.. sometimes a foam type or gel type saddle pad with a wedge type rear can temporarily fix your saddle fit problems till the saddle fitter can come out... its a good investment to find a saddle fitter... most saddles dont fit "off the rack", and as your horse muscles the fit of the saddle will change..
good luck! |
Chris Stevens
Member
Username: stevens
Post Number: 256
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, Mar 22, 2007 - 11:58 pm: | |
Tip for getting white pads white (actually it was Corinne's tip but I'll vouch for it): use an animal stain remover. I used Nature's Miracle and it got a pad spotless that had been washed a couple times before and wasn't quite white.
My other suggestion is to make sure that the buckles on your girth have rollers; they make life much easier for everyone.
Have fun,
Chris |
Cynthia G
Member
Username: cgby1
Post Number: 19
Registered: 5-2006
| | Posted on Friday, Mar 23, 2007 - 1:20 am: | |
Hey Thanks great info! I will look for rollers and I have Nature's Miracle. The dressage saddle won't be here for a week. I will ask my trainer Lynn if he has any girths we could try and I will measure the billets. Her western pad has purple, turquoise and black, I think it looks good on her. We had my old forward seat saddle on her on monday. Lynn got on her first, when she felt his legs go around her she gasped and her back came up. He was quick and brought her head around, got her busy doing roll backs. I am glad he was on her! Her reaction surprised us, she has been doing so well! After he got her relaxed I got on, it has been so long since I have ridden in an english saddle that I can't count the years. She is almost 19 yrs old & it's been longer than that. He said that I have great balance and that I did very well. He is so nice that I always enjoy the lessons but I wonder if I am really doing that good. I will try to post a picture but the last time I tried it was too big. |
Fran C
Member
Username: canter
Post Number: 924
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Friday, Mar 23, 2007 - 8:12 am: | |
Definitely a white saddle pad for show. Dressage is a very traditional sport and at a smaller show, the color may not matter much, but I prefer to cover all bases & go with tradition.
I'm sure you are doing great in your lessons, Cynthia. Remember, it's the journey, not the destination that counts! Enjoy! |
Cynthia G
Member
Username: cgby1
Post Number: 20
Registered: 5-2006
| | Posted on Friday, Mar 23, 2007 - 5:05 pm: | |
Had a lesson this morning, we are doing 2 a week. He worked with her for 1/2 an hour, then I rode. We spend most of the time bending around on circles. Because she is also learning as we go, I have to work hard to keep moving her out while softening her head to the inside. I am doing good on upward transitions but the downwards ones are harder. He says that I should get some small spurs. I have never used them and I am worried that I could get in trouble if she decides to buck. I think that I will wait til I am using the dressage saddle and see if she moves off my leg better. What do you think?
Cynthia |
Corinne Meadows
Member
Username: corinne
Post Number: 934
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, Mar 24, 2007 - 12:03 am: | |
Cynthia...sounds like are coming right along! You have an arab if I recall don't you? My advice is they usually have enough energy that you don't need spur aides and really you should be able to use all of your aides independently before using spurs or you could get into trouble, Arab or not. One time when I had only been riding a year an instructor put a pair on me, then had me post the trot without irons. I listened fool that I am....got him in the side with the spur he bolted and stopped dead at the arena wall at which point he mad a left turn and I went straight. Hit the wall for the first impact, then the ground. Actually hit so hard even with a helmet that I got a CT. Luckily there was no damage.
I repeat if you are just starting out in dressage you need to learn to ask with the aides you have seat, legs etc. Only when you are able to use all of them independently and there is no risk for an unbalanced seat and legs to catch them in the side, and only if you are trying to get a degree of collection or perform an upper level movement that requires their use would I say use spurs. And additionally if you become dependent on them the horse can get dull to the legs rather fast and you might be one of those that needs them all the time. I think you are fine without them for now! Good luck! Rome wasn't built in a day and in this sport it's a lifetime journey! Enjoy every minute. You sound like you are doing great! |
Cynthia G
Member
Username: cgby1
Post Number: 23
Registered: 5-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, Mar 24, 2007 - 2:04 am: | |
Thanks Corinne, we have 4 an arab gelding 23 yrs old, a 33yr mare, her daughter Shimmeree & the third generation her filly Sea Dancer. I am training on Shimmeree. She is 5/8 thoroughbred, quarter cross & her daughter is out of Fueurtanzer, a trakehner. I tend to think your right, she has only been back under saddle for three months. She is doing real well considering that she hadn't been ridden in years and even then she was still pretty green. I don't want to push her too hard and make her sour. I think he said that because I was having a hard time getting her to move out to the rail while keeping her head bent to the inside. I saw that amazing video of the gray mare from one of the other sites yesterday. I was watching her tail this morning while the trainer was on her and she carried it so quietly. I hope she stays like that. I tried to find a picture that I could upload but all of them are 200+ kb. I will have to do some research on how to get a smaller size.
Cynthia |
Fran C
Member
Username: canter
Post Number: 929
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Saturday, Mar 24, 2007 - 1:39 pm: | |
I agree completely with Corinne. If your leg is not completely independant and solid, you're likely to get you and your horse in trouble by wearing spurs. If she needs reminding for forward, use your whip, which is easily dropped in case of trouble. |
Cynthia G
Member
Username: cgby1
Post Number: 24
Registered: 5-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, Mar 24, 2007 - 4:47 pm: | |
I think that I will try using a crop. My problem is that when I bring her head in on the circle she wants to follow it. She picks up speed easily, it is moving sideways trying to maintain an arc where I have problems. Most of my riding has been on the arab gelding, Mystery, trail riding. We bought him at 5 yrs old, he had been in dressage training but he really didn't have the conformation for long term ( his legs are too crooked). Now at 23 he seems weak in the knees he seems to buckle every now and then. We may have to have x-rays to see what is going on. But it really pushed me to get back on Shimmeree, Thank God for Lynn! he is the answer to my prayers. |
Fran C
Member
Username: canter
Post Number: 931
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Saturday, Mar 24, 2007 - 7:03 pm: | |
Hmmm, Cynthia, I'm trying to picture what you mean. If I have this right, it may mean that you are not keeping enough inside leg on her, or it may mean that you are trying to "pull" her around the circle with that inside rein instead of "push" her around the circle with your outside leg & rein and supporting with the inside leg.
Regardless, this is all new to your mare and to you so patience is key. It sounds like you are off to a great start.
Just as an FYI, there's a lady at my barn - she's in her sixties, I think - who started riding last summer. She started taking dressage lessons with my trainer on a former barrel horse. Being a QH, he is so patient and willing to try anything she asks, but again, these concepts are all new to them both. Between her dedication & determination and his kind attitude, they are really making wonderful progress. |
Cynthia G
Member
Username: cgby1
Post Number: 25
Registered: 5-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, Mar 24, 2007 - 8:23 pm: | |
Hi Fran, I probably don't have a strong enough leg plus she is still pretty stiff. The trainer is working with her too and I'm sure it will get better. I took english riding lessons in my early 20's but mostly rode trail with her mom & our arab gelding. I started her when she was about 3 (my husband didn't want to pay for training) the 5th time on her she bucked me off. We sent her to a trainer for one month, got her back and 2 weeks later she bucked my husband off, broke his collar bone & a couple ribs. After that I worked with a trainer who taught me the parelli games. I was able to ride her some but she bolted a few times and bucked me off once more. I managed not to get hurt. Then we moved here and built a house while living in an RV.( too expensive to board 3 horses and rent a house for the four of us, 3 dogs & a cat) We finally put in a barn, an arena & a round Pen in the last 2 1/2 yrs(just in time for her baby). I have never blamed her, just that we didn't know enough to desensitize her. Lynn also spent some time with Dennis Reis and used a method he learned to make bucking less attractive. Without his help I would still not be riding her. |
katrina
Member
Username: kthorse
Post Number: 822
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, Mar 24, 2007 - 8:46 pm: | |
Spurs are a great training aid (only) if you have a long secure leg. Not for for someone learning on a green horse. Or for shorter stirrups. Its easy to get them hot of your leg if you are consistent without spurs. Just give a very soft soft squeeze, no reaction a sharp tap with the crop or a sharp kick. Then stop straight a way and try it again to see if they got the picture. Thats the important part. Always try it again imediently after your first attempt or they will get immuned to your leg. If you keep squeezing and pushing they start to ignore you. Be soft No reaction, then firm, then stop and start over. I have never known a horse that this does not work with. Its best to do it on your own and when you get to work with your instructor they will be amazed at how forward and light off you're leg your horse is. Same goes for using one leg for yeilding etc etc. Sometimes I am lazy and I just hold the crop near what I want moved and he moves it. He knows that he is being asked nicely if he doesnt react then he gets tapped. Good luck. |
Carolyn A Burton
Member
Username: mcbizz
Post Number: 163
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, Mar 25, 2007 - 12:06 pm: | |
I loved your mentioning the sixty something lady just starting to take dressage lessons, Fran. What is it about those good old quarter horse ex-barrel racers that makes them such kind and wonderful teachers? I probably learned 90% of everything I've learned about riding from Cowboy, the best horse we've ever had...(now in horse heaven, lived to nearly 32). My best wishes to the gal you mentioned!
And, I agree about spurs...proceed with caution.
A crop or dressage whip is much safer. |
Fran C
Member
Username: canter
Post Number: 932
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Sunday, Mar 25, 2007 - 7:25 pm: | |
I found out today the lady I referred to is 66! She is SO determined that she has our trainer put a tape recorder on during her lessons. When I went out to the barn this morning, there she was with last week's lesson booming from the tape recorder in her pocket. Just hearing my trainer's voice made ME sit up straighter!
Carolyn, I never would have guessed the horse this lady rides would transform into a calm mount for a beginner. He's only 6 or 7 years old and just stopped racing last summer. I've watched him a few times and he could get hot as soon as he was pointed at a barrel. The owners did take some time "deprogramming" him before offering him up to the lady on a half lease. He's been so sweet with her. I'd say the most trouble she's had with him is getting him into a more forward mode vs. a western jog (maybe she should paint some barrels on the arena walls to get him moving a bit more! )
Cynthia, you are way ahead of this lady because you rode in the past (she had never ridden before until last year) - but sounds like your horse can be a bit of a handful. I'm glad you have some help and wish you loads of fun and enjoyment as you tackle dressage. |
Cynthia G
Member
Username: cgby1
Post Number: 26
Registered: 5-2006
| | Posted on Monday, Mar 26, 2007 - 1:27 pm: | |
Thanks Fran, My trainer couldn't make it this morning,he will be coming wednesday instead. I practiced yesterday mostly on getting her to move her front end, first from the ground and then on her back.Thanks Katrina for reminding me to escalate the cues, I have used it in the past for ground work so I used it in my practice. I am hoping to show a real improvement by my next lesson. I am thinking about getting a DVD by Sylvia Loch. It sounds like it is made for me. It is called Sensitive Schooling The Gaits Bend & Transitions. It is for the rider working the novice horse at home, which is exactly my position. She also has a DVD called The Classical Seat. Has anyone seen them? What do you think? |
Cynthia G
Member
Username: cgby1
Post Number: 28
Registered: 5-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, Mar 28, 2007 - 5:53 pm: | |
I got my dressage saddle yesterday, it's a nice used Passier GT . I thought that it fit her withers but it was a little lower in the cantle, the pommel sits higher(about 1/2 in.). Lynn says that it fits her and if I like I could get a pad that is built up in the back. We used it in our lesson and I really like it. It feels more secure than my old Passier jump seat saddle which I've had for 27 yrs. I bought it at a garage sale & didn't know anything about the brand. The girth that I had fit the new saddle so Passier uses the same length billets on the dressage saddles. I think that we did better on our bending, Lynn says that she is so much better on her mouth. I am going to need a smaller size Easyboot. One of them came off twice while she was cantering. We put gaiters on them but her feet are rather round and don't fit tight front to back. It sounds like a flat tire when it happens. I'm going to the tack store for a new girth and pad, I'll make sure to get rollers and I will bring my old girth to make sure I get the right length. Any ideas on books and DVD"s? |
Carolyn A Burton
Member
Username: mcbizz
Post Number: 175
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, Mar 28, 2007 - 8:10 pm: | |
Cynthia, I'm happy to hear your saddle has arrived and that you like it. Being the "back yard dressage dabbler" that I am, I will give you the name of the two books that have helped me the most. I think Dressage Formula by Erik Herbermann is so excellent...I read it probably three times and learn more each time. His language is so clear and easy to apply. Common Sense Dressage by Sally O'Connor is also one I would recommend...some very good illustration and many exercises to work on at home. I also have Sylvia Loch's The Classical Rider, which is very very good, but not as easy to read and apply.
And Fran, if you're reading this, the 66 year old lady at your barn sounds delightful...tell her I'm ahead of her by one year (I'm referring to age!!!) and that I want her horse!!! |
Melissa Boschwitz
Member
Username: amara
Post Number: 265
Registered: 7-2000
| | Posted on Wednesday, Mar 28, 2007 - 9:04 pm: | |
congrats on finally getting your dressage saddles... typically, depending on the brand, the front and back are either level or the cantle is higher.. you need to see where the center of the seat should be and adjust for that.. if you add a lift under the cantle, make sure you dont end up squashing the withers...
as far as books or videos, you should discuss this with your instructor.. there are so many different styles and methods out there, that if you choose one that is different from what your instructor is teaching, you can get easily confused...
good luck and have fun... |
Fran C
Member
Username: canter
Post Number: 943
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Thursday, Mar 29, 2007 - 8:01 am: | |
Ahh, Carolyn, I think you'd have to fight that lady for that sweet QH...not to mention he's still owned by a teenage girl who couldn't part with him even though she no longer rides him! But, if they ever do decide to move on, I now know who might be interested... |
Cynthia G
Member
Username: cgby1
Post Number: 29
Registered: 5-2006
| | Posted on Friday, Mar 30, 2007 - 4:10 pm: | |
Hi All, I got a new girth, a dressage wedge pad by Cashell and a gray pad w black edge. The girth is a neoprene by wintec w rollers. A 48" barely gets to the second hole on each side. I think it will stretch more as it gets older.I had a lesson this morning. Lynn said that the wedge pad is just right & he likes the gray pad, the white can wait for showing. He says we could easily make it to second level and that he can train her to third level. He said that she getting better at engaging her hind end, her left rear is over stepping the front by a couple inches & her right is on top of the front. I will check with the Tack stop in Temecula to see if they have those books. I know so little about dressage that I have no idea what the different styles are. I will ask him which one that he does next monday. How are the tests judged if people are doing different styles? |
Melissa Boschwitz
Member
Username: amara
Post Number: 268
Registered: 7-2000
| | Posted on Friday, Mar 30, 2007 - 4:29 pm: | |
hi cynthia
the phrase "many roads lead to Rome" applies here...
the judge scores on essentially how things look at that moment, not how you got there.. no matter what style you have to be able to show that you can perform each test.. the judges are taught what constitutes a certain score, tho there is of course some subjectivity to it...
i guess its not so much styles as it is different ways of training...i ride classical style.. there is competitive, french, german, neo classical...and within each style there are differences within various trainers... the two books mentioned above are from two different styles actually (competitive and classical)... understanding the different training methods will help you as a rider, but maybe not so soon! |
Fran C
Member
Username: canter
Post Number: 949
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Friday, Mar 30, 2007 - 4:41 pm: | |
Cynthia, One of the best ways to understand how the tests are judged is to get hold of the USDF tests themselves. At each level, it tells you what the judge is looking for. |
Cynthia G
Member
Username: cgby1
Post Number: 31
Registered: 5-2006
| | Posted on Friday, Mar 30, 2007 - 5:22 pm: | |
Wow, thats a lot of training styles! Can you give me an idea of the differences between them? On the subject of judges, is there a preference for certain breeds? My mare is only 15 hds but so am I! I think I would look ridiculous on a horse that is over 16.2 hds. I understand that certain breeds are built better for different disciplines and activities( like QHs for cutting). She is 5/8 thoroughbred & QH. My trainer says she will be judged more fairly in smaller shows like at Galway in Temecula. |
Corinne Meadows
Member
Username: corinne
Post Number: 957
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Friday, Mar 30, 2007 - 5:45 pm: | |
Cynthia. I say just go with the flow and enjoy the style your coach teaches. I have had to change every two years when we move as it seems everyone teaches a different style. I think right now, if you were venture out to find a specific style etc. it will just confuse you.
As for breeds, I believe most horses can perform dressage although, straight from judges trained with the USDF mouths, they are trained to judge against the German warm blood standard because it would be impossible to know the specifics of how each breed moves etc. but they say that is also to make it fair for every breed, although I wasn't clear on how that worked. LOL.
I have an arab and trained with folks who had Arabs at Grand Prix and have ridden with a famed clinician who trained the first Connemara, Clydesdale and Paints to GP in dressage in this country (and in fact only rides untraditional dressage mounts, all to GP) so I would not worry yourself about breed. Enjoy the breed you have! Most breeds, if they are conformationally correct and good athletes they can be successful but most importantly it requires lots of work on your part and the horses part. We were told just last week we could make GP (Demetrius and I) in four years if we could commit to the type of training needed and trust me if money and distance were not an issue we would. I was so flattered and don't know if that would be in the cards but it is possible! When you are ready to show go to our show posts and there will be lots of advice on which shows will suit you best etc.
Either way enjoy the journey! Enjoy! |
Melissa Boschwitz
Member
Username: amara
Post Number: 272
Registered: 7-2000
| | Posted on Friday, Mar 30, 2007 - 5:57 pm: | |
your mare should be judged fairly no matter where she is shown at... whether or not she'll be highly competitive at a larger show is the issue..
ideally, no matter the size of the show, the exact same test performed the exact same way (a theoretical impossibility of course, but in theory), should get the exact same score no matter the size of the show.. the horse is judged against an ideal-not on type of horse, but on the "perfection" of the movement...
a warmblood are other big moving horse MAY get better scores in the collective marks at the end of the test-esp. the ones marking gaits, but this is not necessarily so...even a locked up warmblood MAY show a bigger movement in his strides than a freed up but naturally short strided QH... SOME judgest may not see the difference...
my little purebred arab that i had many years ago used to compete VERY competitively against big warmbloods at A rated shows...so again, its training, not horse, that should be the final factor...
there has been some trend in getting people to ride a horse that fits them sizewise.. the recent trend towards the big warmbloods got a little out of hand i think...
as far as the different training methods.. oy! that is a huge can of worms...am not sure this is quite the place to discuss the differences between Baucher and Klimke!...a lot of has to do with the horses that were representative of the area (i.e. hot horses for french, heavier warmblood type horses for german), and then different methods were used to garner the control they believed necessary for what was wanted... |
Cynthia G
Member
Username: cgby1
Post Number: 32
Registered: 5-2006
| | Posted on Friday, Mar 30, 2007 - 10:00 pm: | |
Hi Corinne, How are you doing? I am very happy with what we are doing. I am an empty nester, & my husband is a FedEx pilot on a 12 day trip. I finally have my mare back under saddle and now I have a new subject to interest me. I would like to learn more so that I can be prepared and also work with Lynn & my horse better. I am planning to go watch some dressage tests especially the training & level 1. I watch Dressage Unlimited on RFDtv but most of it is upper level. When I was in high school I read everything that I could find on horses in the school library. I have been studying a lot of the natural horsemanship like Pat Parelli, John Lyons, Clinton Anderson, Dennis Reis and Chris Cox. I am trying to learn a new language (dressage) and I am definitely confused. A year ago I took her to a John Lyons certified trainer but taking her away from home was a disaster. She paced her stall and started to act ouchy. That's when we found out that she had navicular. And in trying to get her sound I found Lynn. And now You know the rest of the story! LOL |
Lori
Member
Username: maggienm
Post Number: 434
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, Mar 31, 2007 - 12:38 am: | |
Melissa, what a good explanation of the different schools of thought. |
Ann
Member
Username: lilly
Post Number: 163
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Monday, Jul 16, 2007 - 3:14 pm: | |
Cynthia,
I just stumbled across your thread. Listen, if you really want the inside scoop on what judges think and what is expected out of competing horses, then you need to volunteer as a scribe. Join your local dressage association and ask them to contact you for volunteering. You don't need any experience. They will place you with a judge for the lower levels and as you learn more you can advance up the levels. You won't believe the wealth of information waiting for you!!! |
Cynthia G
Member
Username: cgby1
Post Number: 111
Registered: 5-2006
| | Posted on Monday, Jul 16, 2007 - 8:21 pm: | |
Hi Ann, Thanks for the great suggestion. I will definitely do that. I am hoping to go to a show this weekend. We will probably just do a training level test 1 in training, not to compete. I am hoping that she handles it well. She has done real well in training, and we learned the first test and I am memorizing the 2nd test. But I have to find some boots, if I can't I will try for the middle of August. |
Fran C
Member
Username: canter
Post Number: 1084
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Tuesday, Jul 17, 2007 - 8:04 am: | |
I hope you're able to make your show, Cynthia, and wish you the best of luck. Let us know how you do. |
Ann
Member
Username: lilly
Post Number: 164
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, Jul 17, 2007 - 10:15 am: | |
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