 |
| Also "decent riding" will scream |
Despite growing up riding in an arena all the time, I just can't do it anymore. I don't like bickering with my horse as we do endless circles trying to
At this moment, yes, I would rather be bolting across gopher-hole-ridden terrain than trotting in a circle.
 |
| Where we're headed |
I don't have the same all-access pass I used to (that was incredible), so I'm going to make some different choices. We'll play with jumps and flatwork in the pasture this week. I'm doing my best to line up some trail riding buddies.
 |
| Straps and bits, oh boy! |
So here goes. One way or another, Courage and I are going to find a way forward. I think the road to better dressage involves a long stretch of running through the hills to get our brains sorted out.
nothing does "forward" like hacking out. I think riley would have killed me if I made him do the last year in a ring!
ReplyDeleteha! so I'm not alone. The constant bicker I am having with my young one had me jumping off and yelling at no one yesterday(thank gaud no one was there to see my little fit)! Most of the time, working on the details is fun, but when it is one step-good, two steps-fight/fuss/head toss/oh look, a squirrel...ugh. Go for your gallop girl!
ReplyDeleteYou're already galloping anyway, if he does bolt just keep going and eventually he'll slow down. ;-)
ReplyDeleteAll of us over here do better when we have at least one gallop day a week. Too much dressage and I get pissy, Gina gets pissy, and Moe gets confused. So gallop away! :)
ReplyDeleteI've tried to get run away with by Hemie. Just doesn't happen. There's a reason he never broke his maiden... "Nah, Mom, let's just do a nice canter instead of gallop, okay?"
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your time in the rolling hills :)
ReplyDeleteI'll pass you some of O's forward if you pass me some of your powers to be able to trot in circles without dying! I'd kill for a quiet ride in an arena right about now!
ReplyDeleteYou and I seem to be going through the same thing right now! Too many circles, too little outside fun time. And that will change this weekend :)
ReplyDeleteAn actual conversation that took place when I was riding a half-backed stallion four or five years ago:
ReplyDeleteTrainer: OK, now canter on.
Me: *stares at about 500 acres of openness from inside of unfenced arena* But he'll run away...
Trainer: Then pull on the reins until he stops.
Me: And if that doesn't work?
Trainer: *shrugs* I guess he'll get tired eventually.
"I mean, I don't mind bolting, but I don't particularly want to die." Haha, I think this sums up about how I feel too.
ReplyDeleteTop international dressage trainer I worked with advocated galloping dressage horses for 4 minute stretches. Go for it.
ReplyDeleteWord!!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely. I kind of hate dressage. I do it because it helps Her Highness (and M is trying to drag us [back] into eventing) but like you, I can't spend months perfecting the 15m circle or I will lose it. Which is why I love jumpers, weeeeee.
ReplyDeleteHmmm, sounds familiar.... ;p
ReplyDeleteI've been blasting the radio and singing along while I do my mind-numbing circles. My neighbors probably hate me, or think I've gone nuts, but it does make it more fun! If I had better trails, I'd definitely be out practicing my dressage on them, though. Dressage isn't limited to the arena, it's everywhere..... that's kind of creepy, huh?
Endless circles isn't good for the horses, or the riders brain, sometimes you just gotta make that day to get out for a gallop or something fun - its very refreshing.
ReplyDeleteI hated that part in Wizard's development- when they're starting to come along but still not ready to do any fancy things or jump too regularly so it's this stretch or just... BORING. Wiz was difficult because he'd get really bored and make things "interesting." Now we do flat work and we can work on lateral movements and change the level of connection and transitions and all that stuff and it keeps it more interesting, and the jumping is finally more than cross-rails. But I do SERIOUSLY miss having a bunch of acreage to run across :( The only pasture I have at the new barn is the one he gets turned out in, and he's pretty naughty in it. In his defense, that is his 'play time' area so it is kind of mean of me to mix up his 'zones.' (for example, he can be terrible out in the field, I'll take him into the arena or travel off the farm and he goes right to work-so he knows his 'work zones' and his 'play zones'). But it sucks... I MISS FIELDS! I hope you get out and have some fun :)
ReplyDeleteYay! The pasture is better than the arena I guess lol. Trail rides are the best! I hope you find some buddies to go with. :)
ReplyDelete