My last few days with Ronin

I have been riding Ronin for the last 7/8 months. It really has been a phenomenal ride. I have learned so much about being one with the horse....using their universal language. I am so much happier because of it. Finally, I feel like I am on my way to my dream of being an upper level classical trainer. And all because of my hard work, persistence, patience, and a little bit of pure luck (or is it fate?). Ronin is doing fantastic. We were doing some jumping a month ago, had to stop because he has not been consistenly sound. :O( We were not jumping large or crazy....nothing more than a few efforts at appropriate challenges. Turns out the little guy has an acute case of Pedal Osteitis. This condition seems to be like a hallogram...it has many facets. I am looking into it....to see if I can find the most up to date expert information on treating it. He is a great horse....would be a shame to see him not given a full chance at living the dream with me. :O)

Other than that we have been doing basic dressage work...it has been going great. I can start him out in a long and low stretching frame (notice I will never ever describe an ideal stretching frame as "deep" NEVER) and progress on to exercises like leg yield from center line, 20-10-6 metre circles and voltes, serpentines, lengthenings and shortenings, and transitions to and from different gaits. While I was absent from my blog...I had many revelations to share with you about being a classical rider. I will share then with you in time. Right now I have injured one of my hands (2nd degree rope burn!) and can't type as easily as I would like to. :O) Lets just say...I thought I had my gloves...but I only had one....and now I have learned my lesson. Ronin and I have also been doing a great deal of trail riding, riding outside, and working in the XC field as well as utilizing the water jump, band/drop, and logs that are at the farm. He has been doing great...He gives me a little trouble sometimes (Just a teenager questioning authority!! ha ha) but we get through it and move on everytime.
Soon I will have to leave for Mexico...and I won't see my Ronin for a while. I hope it is not too long. Plus...I will miss all of my students like crazy.

I want to post a few educational links I encourage you to look at.

First- Rollkur/Behind the vertical/In front of the vertical explained. This article explains the essence of the biomechanics of the head and neck of the horse and how it relates to incorrect/correct riding. It very clearly explains why you should be riding your horse from back to front.
http://www.sustainabledressage.net/rollkur/behind_the_vertical.php

An article on the Chambon. Where as I always believe that less is more...sometimes not using training aids can be just as cruel as using them improperly. Training aids when understood and used carefully can help the horse and rider overcome harmful confusion and frustration and assist in the development of feel. IF USED BY A KNOWLEDGEABLE AND KIND INDIVIDUAL. I prefer training aids that the horse works himself to create his own pressure and release. Running martingales, German martingale, Chambon, De Gogue, European side reins. Here is an article on the Chambon. Just to give you an idea of the biomechanics of this particular device. http://www.classicaldressage.co.uk/html/the_chambon.html


See you later!