Febe, the neighbourhood alligator.
Just had the horses’ feet done – great farrier, I’m really happy with his work. First class!!
I now know the lay of the land. I have found a good hairdresser, a supermarket called Fresh that has all organic veggies etc., a feed store called Grand Prix, owned by a Canadian couple from Quebec, and great tack stores. I have managed to contain myself. Other than buying huge bottles of Canter Mane & Tail, I’m good for the season. I know you are thinking why are you going on about food and feed? I have spent the last three years in a very small town, with stores that closed at 4:00 p.m. during the week and were also closed on Sundays and holidays. They have lots of holidays in Holland, so Florida, to me, is an oasis.
First show went well. Vitall and I had mistakes though. In the first test he froze. I could feel him shaking underneath me. He was totally star struck being in the stadium. I rode him in there a few days before our test, but it was full with horses, then when we went in on our own he was shocked. So, our piaffe, passage “buttons” didn’t work. It was our first competition since Aachen last spring. Next week will be better now that we both have a feel again for riding down centre line.
The show grounds are great, with super footing. It’s very well organized. It runs like clockwork. The stabling is great, with nice big stalls for the horses.
I had an acupuncturist come out for the horses today. It was fascinating to see how each horse reacted differently. How they started to chew and take deep breaths and just fall asleep. All the horses are really happy here, love going out every day in the field even though it has been a bit chilly the last few weeks. I’m happy I packed some winter clothes and blankets!!
These past weeks, Dressage Canada put together information sessions, and athlete testing for the riders. It was very interesting, I learned a lot! This weekend we have mental training. I am really looking forward to it. I am very impressed with the new programme Dressage Canada has put in place. I think it’s truly fantastic not just putting all the focus on the horses, but also the riders.
I have a resident alligator at my barn I’ve named “it” Febe. I have no clue if it’s a girl or boy. I have to really watch the dogs, especially China. She goes on these walkabouts. The other day I thought she fell into the swimming pool. She came back into the barn soaking wet, but then the next day I caught her coming out of the pond. She was so lucky to have not been eaten. Now when I’m riding I tie them both up, no snacks for the alligator from me!
Update: Lots has been happening! I am loving it here in Wellington.
The horses have been going fantastic. Most of all, I’m really happy with the progression Vitall and I have made. Last weekend at our second competition, we really felt “as one” in the ring. I found I was able to keep the same relaxation from the warm up into the competition ring.
Keeping that relaxation was one of the main things I focused on working with the mental coach. I don’t lose my focus, but we all feel that extra bit of tension as we enter the “show ring.” I wanted to lose that feeling of tension and keep a positive energy flow. I found a few key words I say to myself and take a few deep breaths to get into my “zone” before entering the ring.
Check out this article from Eurodressage.
I started working with Christoph Koschel from Germany. He is in Wellington working with some students and I was able to squeeze in some time with him. I am really, really enjoying it. He has a very positive attitude, very quiet in his manor, but is able to push you to get that extra bit without going over the edge. He has fantastic tips and techniques and he is very supportive of his students. I am learning as much as I can!
At the last competition, I sat with Cara Whitham and watched the Grand Prix and Prix St Georges with her. We were discussing which marks she would give the horse and rider and why so, I learned a lot just listening to her and truly understanding what the judges are looking for. Harmony, relaxation and accuracy were the key things I picked up on and learning about the walk and what they look for in the extended and collected walk.
It’s never a dull moment here in Wellington. I feel like it’s the horse world on steroids – even when you walk into the grocery store everyone is riding clothes. I love it. It’s a fantastic community and wonderful opportunity to be here.
