Friday Ohmygosh - time is FLYING!

Friday - no lesson with Catherine due to a fully booked schedule. 

Global Freestyle in the evening. 

Rien lessons in the morning and video/photography for Catherine at the same time. It is a pure pleasure to be able to watch so many top horses and riders. I should mention that the corrections for both horse and rider are the same as I have heard from mom over the years!!!! A wealth of knowledge and eye candy all wrapped up with a gorgeous bow of sunshine and good people!

Reminder - check the Farm FB page for photos!!

Thursday! :)

Wendy was very, very good for her lesson for Catherine. We were on the grass arena in front of the barn and she handled the change of venue like the pro that she is. 

Best phrase of the day from Rein - “Get the neck out of the way and just ride forward” or “Ride the hind legs into the collection.”

I learned so very much watching the improvement of the horses and riders in just a few days time! The ability to articulate while knowing instantly what a horse needs from their rider - that is a true gift! 

Wednesday! (sorry for no photos)

Please go to our Facebook Page for photos - I am pushed for time and can not edit/caption everything that needs to go up on 2 sites, so I'll will be doing that there until things settle down a bit more.

Wednesday to Saturday - 

Rien van der Schaft has been here this week working with Catherine and her stable of riders. If you haven’t heard of him that is not a large surprise as I had not either. Rien is a very highly regarded trainer in Holland and has a sensitive touch for fine tuning Grand Prix horses for the international arena. Rein was also on the short list for the US Dressage Coach position not too long ago! He has been a pure delight to watch and listen to each and every day! All of the corrections are logical, well time and executed with the horse’s welfare and progression of knowledge held as the most important facet in the training. 

Wednesday - 

Best phrase of the day from Rein - “Get the neck out of the way and just ride forward” or “Ride the hind legs into the collection.”

I learned so very much watching the improvement of the horses and riders in just a few days time! The ability to articulate while knowing instantly what a horse needs from their rider - that is a true gift! 

Wendy was very good for her second lesson with Catherine. We worked on activating her hind legs and encouraging her to step more under her body as she works forward and uphill without increasing pressure in the bridle. I tried to incorporate the philosophy and concepts from the morning lessons I had observed. At the same time it was a fantastic opportunity for me to work on the bad habits I have in my equitation - slightly rounded shoulders, caved in chest and spread elbows. 

Wyatt was also very good for his work. If you are wondering why I started with Wendy vs. Wyatt with Catherine - that is due to the fact Catherine has seen Wyatt quite a bit over the past few years and she has never seen Wendy at all. So I wanted her guidance as to where/what/how to improve things with Wendy while Wyatt had a bit more time to settle into the routine in the stable. He was very impressed with the big blue sky and distant horizons!! It is quite a change from home and our small (but efficient!) indoor arena.

Speaking of home, I feel absolutely terrible for leaving Mom and Dad behind in the awful weather that arrived with all of that ice! They have been without power for days and it is bitterly cold. My hero Sandro has been helping them take care of the horses and be safe until the power is restored. 

In the stable today the very well known farrier Dean Pearson was here tending to some of Catherine’s horses. He is a delightful man and just every so pleasant to interact with - even on a limited basis. His assistant Matt was very nice also and they celebrities in my eyes - much like so many of the horses and riders here in the stable!

Tuesday! My head is full!

Wow! What a fabulous (albeit hot!) day! A good night’s sleep makes a day stuffed to the brim with education so much better! 

The day started with Wyatt who was much improved in his focus and concentration in today’s ride. After so many months in the indoor arena, he was a bit overwhelmed yesterday, so it was very nice to have my buddy back for a good school. If all goes according to plan, he will have a lesson with Catherine tomorrow to get an idea of what the next month will consist of for his training plan. 

Wendy had a very good lesson with Catherine this afternoon. We focused on getting her to keep her very good contact with the bridle (a real plus to hear how nice it is!) and then encouraging her to take longer strides behind while elevating the forehand and increasing her suspension! A lot was accomplished in just 45 very hot minutes!!

Before anyone even thinks that I am complaining - it is tough on the horses and me to be working very hard with strong sunlight and the temperature in the high 80’s with high humidity. We are all drinking lots of water and taking our electrolytes but it is HOT. Everyone is talking about it - so I don’t feel bad for changing clothes three times a day!

In between my rides I was at ringside frantically taking notes on the lessons that we going on for the staff riders here at International Dressage. Young horses, middle level horses and then Catherine’s big FEI horses...just pages and pages of notes of exercises and corrections to incorporate how to deal/adjust/improve the work. High level, intense, analytical and always with the horse’s relaxation, focus and happiness held as the most important detail! Very, very fun stuff and I will expand on that when afternoon chores are not in need of some attention! 

We have some intense thunderstorms rolling through at the moment - downpours alternating with big lightening! So stay safe my friends in the frozen North!!! 

Monday's stuff! Whew! Thank goodness it's over!

Monday - blew a tire on the trailer on I-95 and pulled off on Exit 58 south of Savannah. Full props to US Rider for sending a repair man promptly to change it out for the spare! Todd’s Auto and Truck Repair rocks!! 

If you are considering hauling anywhere, any length of time or distance, please take a look at US Rider and consider it for your back up plan of emergency assistance. They are set up to help equines and all of the hauling mishaps! They are assisting me with follow up insight as to repairing the damage to the trailer and replacing the tire also - simply wonderful as I am in unknown lands down here!

Although it was not apparent at that time, the tire bits slapping around inside the fender had damaged the exterior turn signal and all of the marker lights on the trailer. As I pulled back on to I-95 near Orlando, I realized I would be driving the trailer without the exterior lights and still had about 190 miles to go and not enough daylight to finish the drive. It was time to pull the hammer down! Fortunately, traffic was light and we had an uneventful trip to the amazing facility at White Fences. Catherine’s stable is magnificent and the staff and amenities too long to list! It is palatial!

The horses unloaded quietly and we made certain that they had plenty of fresh water and good hay until late check in the evening. 

Tuesday brought an early start to the day - 4:30 AM is rise and shine here! Time to get to making certain the horses have had a safe night’s rest and begin all the tasks to keep the barn running smoothly! Both Wendy and Wyatt are continuing to settle in nicely and I had a lovely day regaining my own sea legs after all that driving! Their rides were brief and casual enough to not tax their tired bodies and minds. 

I was able to observe a few lessons from a distance and catch snippets of the amazing horses that are in residence! It is so fun to be among the rock stars of the dressage world! It’s a happening place!

So it is about 8:30 and time to head back to the stables to tuck the horses in for the night. :) 

All my northern friends - stay safe in the mess Mother Nature is handing out to you all! What a mess! I will think lots of warm thoughts in your direction to hopeful push that storm off the coast sooner than later!

Until tomorrow’s update - Happy Riding!

500 miles down, 600 more to go!

I'm tucked into my hotel room and watching an interesting Super Bowl post halftime. 12 seconds, 7 more points for Seattle. Hmph. So much for the team I was rooting for winning.

The trip has been pretty good so far. Wyatt and Wendy (aka Wakanda) shipped great, drank water when we stopped for fuel and we made super time on I-95. We're overnighting in Florence, South Carolina - they're at the awesome Florence Horse Center and I'm a few miles away at a hotel.

Other than a minivan flipping on one of the interstate interchanges towards Raleigh, NC - it was a fairly quiet drive. That disaster had flames and carnage - thoughts and prayers for all involved.  :(

Thanks to Clay Creek Equine for making sure the horse's had the proper vaccinations and health forms, Roland's Repairs in Homeville, PA for making sure the truck and trailer were up to the trip and most importantly - Mom and Dad get huge props for making it possible for me to do this grand adventure in furthering my education. :) Thanks to my students for bearing with me - I'll be home soon but in the meantime - Mom is up to advancing you all! Give her a call!

I will get some photos of the FHC and post them tomorrow night! Now it's time to catch some shut eye and be well rested for tomorrow's adventure on I-95!

Rest well!

Making the list, checking it 12 times!

Packing has been an adventure of "where should I put this?" or "which trunk/box/crate should this be in, so that 1) I remember where it is packed and 2) it is a logical place but most importantly 3) it is accessible!" A few boxes and small suitcases with my things are all that remain to be put into the truck and trailer...I think!

Today is my last full day here on the farm and there are lessons to teach, horses to work, the usual fun stuff to do - turnouts, feeding, tack...so it will be a busy one! The best part of all - it is WARM!! We are in the mid-20's right now and that is fantastic!!

 Being away for a full month means that the refrigerator must be cleaned out! The house needs to be set into "winter mode" - thermostat down a bit but not too much! The cats will be looked after by mom, but they too need their feeders filled and boxes cleaned. The vacuum needs a trip around the house, the bathrooms need to be cleaned one last time and the trash and recycling need to go out.

Adrienne Lyle shared a photo of what Wellington currently looks like - so before everyone gets excited about perfect weather - just remember no place has ideal weather all of the time!

So on that note - it's time to head out and prep the footing for the day's working horses and students!! Have a super day and happy riding!!!

Let the packing commence!

The process of transferring part of our barn is in motion! Piles are being made, tack is clean, horses are in modified work due to the ridiculous cold weather (aka "Survival Mode") and the paperwork is in hand.

If you have never packed your horse and all the necessary equipment for a lengthy stay somewhere other than show weekend, here is a rundown of a few of the "necessary items"-

Where would I be without my Stubben?

-Bandages and protective boots
-First Aid (medications, wraps, emergency supplies)
-Blankets
-Coolers
-Saddle pads
-Saddles
-Girths
-Bridles
-Bits
-Spurs & Whips
-Spare equipment (halters, lead ropes, bridle pieces, reins)
-Mucking equipment
-Buckets

How to get this packed up?

-Hay, Grain & Salt
-Screw eyes and snaps
-Fans & extension cords
-Horse shampoo and other cleaning supplies
-Sponges
-Clippers, clipper blades, clipper wash
-Tack cleaning supplies
-Towels & rags
-Trunks


-Riding clothes (breeches, boots, helmet, gloves)
-Regular clothes
-Warm clothes (base layer, Smartwool socks, jackets, vests, parka, gloves, hat)
-Shower stuff
-Household items
-Sheets, towels, pillows
-House/barn warming gift(s)
-Kitchen 'must haves'
-Computer and other tech gear
-Cameras & Lenses
-Membership cards
-Mobile office supplies


Anyone else catch how much more stuff is required for the horses? LOL There is a logic to have as little change for them as possible...vs. me - well, I can find a store and pick up groceries and whatnot that might be forgotten! There is a feed store vey close to Catherine's stable, so acquiring the horses' preferred feed shall not be too much trouble.

Before the packing can really get started there is the To Do List -
-Truck and Trailer get vetted by a top mechanic
-Vet appointment(s) for the horses - vaccines, health check up, paperwork
-Farrier
-Reservations for travel



Aside from joking about shopping, this is a grand adventure that would not be possible without the support of those who have made it possible to do what I love - THANKS
Mom and Dad!

Woot! Woot!

CHS and Manestream Hotmail at DAD '13

The best part about Dressage is that you never stop learning. Ever. Some people go back to the academic world and further their degree certification in Business. While others go back and expand their knowledge in Healthcare and Nutrition. Riders and Trainers at the top levels of sport have an amazing amount of knowledge that the share with others under their tutelage. I will continuously say how fortunate I am to have been accepted as a student of Catherine Haddad Staller several times over the past few years.

These photos are of the beautiful Pinnacle Farm in Califon, NJ where Catherine had her summer base. I was fortunate to spend a week learning more about her training system and stable management after DAD this fall.

Her riders helped emphasize the importance of being physically fit! A strong core is the root of our strength as riders as well as the ability to isolate and utilize individual muscle(s) and body parts - all of which plays into being more effective and kind riders! 

If your aids are not activated in contradiction of one another, the horse can 'hear' what you are asking them to do! Putting it another way - don't kick/squeeze/pull all at the same time! 

You'll confuse the horse!

Wakanda showing 3rd level at Blue Goose over the summer

Working with Catherine at Hilltop with Wyatt

So with most of a fall and part of a winter of planking and crunches and some training of different horses under my belt, Wyatt and Wendy (aka Wakanda) and I will be heading to sunnier weather to study with Catherine some more! 

I'll be a little bit north but it's the biggest 'name' in the area!

I had thought about having a 'Loxahatchee Or Bust!' sign to hold up - but haven't had time to make it - plus I am too excited to wait any longer to make the big announcement!!! I'm going back to Grad School in my chosen field of study - Top Level Dressage!!! Woohoooo! :) I'm so excited!!! (and grateful! and fortunate! and blessed!! and excited!!!!)

That brings up teaching - if any of my students want to snag a lesson before I leave - get in touch ASAP! The trailer is getting cleaned out today and I'm starting the packing process! I'll be home in the beginning of March to resume teaching with a whole new box of training tools to share with everyone.

I will be blogging about my daily adventures and what each horse does - with photos of course! Videos will happen as I can find a warm body to hold the iPhone! It's going to be a struggle to remember everything that I learn each day without a journal in hand - but I'll do my best to share what I am learning!!

Check back here (or on FB) for other farm news to be added frequently as I have to report back to my full time trainer/breeder/owners of the horses - Anne and Bill Rawle! They will be manning the homefront and keeping business rolling while I am away...and to say I'm eternally grateful to have this opportunity is a massive understatement! (can't stress that enough!!) I am so, so, so lucky to be able to leave home with our horses and go study with a Master for this length of time.

So on that note - it's time to get to my crunches and planking! Stay warm, stay supple, stay focused!

~Happy Riding!~