Tillie's first show back of the season - Fair Hill

I was feeling a tad worried going into Fair Hill...I really only started digging in to prep about two and a half weeks out. I realized the week before, I had yet to ride my dressage test at all on Tillie let alone some of the movements...nor had I stadium jumped her.

Ummm unprepared much?

Attempting to prep for braiding all by myself!

But our jump prep felt great and our final dressage lesson the day before felt really good, relaxed and consistent even through the test.

I did it! Although not beautiful, I did not melt down

I got her all cleaned up and braided...which if any of you remember is a big deal for me lol. I am not a good braider and in the past would get about 3 braids in before losing it and calling someone for help. So was super proud I did it!

Tucked in and ready to go

Tillie the next morning was really offended I left her in all night...so lesson learned, we will try next time putting her in the smaller paddock with Kiss and hope she keeps her braids in. Because her angst lead to some major issues in our dressage test...like 44.5 points of issues to be exact.

Yea not great. Especially since our flatwork has greatly improved. You can see she just was persnickety and super tense....and it led to me getting flustered. The head flicking...well not ideal and I believe to know the cause and working towards fixing it:

I will say, I didnt feel horrible when I saw a few other riders in my open division with similar scores (I mean we were dead last, but at least we didnt canter out of the ring like that one time though). I had Ryan Wood, Jenny brannigan and similar quality riders in my division...OH and Icabod crane. You know Phillip Dutton's previous mount. 

F- ME. 

We could have used this relaxation in dressage

So new focus...dressage boot camp for a week (currently happening). I was feeling really frustrated and resolved to get this figured out because I KNOW we can do better and more than that we have to do better. I was however happier with her canter and trot lengthenings over previous tests...even if the score didnt reflect it.

But on to jumping!

Tillie warmed up amazingly well. Got all the distances, leads and was forward but would rebalance and jumping like a beast. I opted to go in early and felt ready. The course had a lot more combinations than I was expecting, which were a huge issue for us last season we competed. So I prayed our last jump lesson paid off and we would keep the rails up.

So jump one...we pull a rail. Not exactly how Id like to start...and left lead, not sure where that went?! But I will fess up to the first rail. I got too impatient and didnt keep her balanced...I dropped her before.

But all the hard stuff she nailed and was adjustable and responsive...through the second line however she felt pretty darn heavy. She did respond to be, but I had what felt like 25 lbs in both reins.

We pulled the last oxer's rail as well...as you can see in the video, she got low and I didnt hang out long enough in the turn to get her back so we basically came in low and hot.

But we survived and at this point still in the qualification for waredaca...so XC it is.

Out we went...I had the goal to get as close to time as possible knowing full well I tend to run her too slow. 

She came out strong. Like way too strong. So I had to keep her in check more than i would have liked the first few fences. 

You can see here her pulling my arms off down the hill...and i was thinking oh god if this is the whole course I might die. But knew after jump 4 we had a downhill to a good uphill stretch to let her have at it and get out that pent up energy. 

It worked and rest of the jumps came nice and steady out of a good distance...without always adding!

So not exactly the first outing I had anticipated. BUT there was a lot to like despite the frustrating lows. At least coming out of this i know what we need work on. We at least got the qualification needed for waredaca so 3 more to go!

A few people recommended trying perfect prep or something before dressage...if anyone has suggestions on show day help for relaxation please let me know!

Meet my newest mount

I just realized I dont think I ever formally introduced my "baby" horse Kiss (jc name KissTheButterflies).

Finally having my girls together at the same barn felt really nice

I saw an ad posted about her and just could not stop thinking of her. I had fresh money in my pocket to go towards her purchase and it was burning a hole in my pocket.

The day I went to look at her (she is 3 in this picture)

If any of you remember Typo in my adding to the roster post...I sold him pretty quickly to an adult male as his first horse because he is just so chill. I knew pretty quickly he wouldn't be sticking around...i like my feisty mares...and he fit perfectly in with his new owner's agenda. They still are building together and happy which makes me super happy.

One of our first off farm schoolings...can you say wood allergy!?

 Kiss has by far been way easier, more sane and willing than Tillie was at this young age. Sure she has her moments, but she is just so NICE. She was so good at her first few events last season. Worried for sure and just wiggly...so not like the cocky tillie dragging my butt around.

First ever full event, looking the part already

Both my mares could not be any more opposite. Kiss is typically happy to plod along however fast or slow you ask...sometimes more on the slow side. She tends to be a worrier which is something we are working on. Really managing her confidence and protecting that.

Another outing in the season at Loch Moy...having some baby feelings about it all

She jumped around very well and confident though!

She isnt as brave as tillie, but once you show her the way shes usually pretty honest. I admit to not always giving her the driving, supportive ride she always needs to things simply because I am not used to that! Its been a learning curve for me but a very fun one. Hence us sticking at intro last year to feel one another out...we were about to move up to BN for one final event but all the darn rain foiled that and everything was cancelled.

Dressed up in "racing gear" for a paper chase

All that rain didnt help set us up for success this year just yet. This season we are struggling with her big feet somewhat, but we got pads put on and so far **knocking on all the wood** that has seemed to keep her happy and comfortable.

Did i mention she sometimes feels like a human blender?

My goal for her this year (shes is now 5) is to keep plugging away at the confidence building. Lots of miles, traveling and exposure. We will likely live in BN land for a while until she tells me she's bored.

Schooling at tranquility last fall

 The mare has some talent in there I am excited to see come out, but must be careful not to push too fast too soon...because she is so much easier than tillie was, its easy to get carried away.

Not touching this mom!!

Scope for days

 Her legs and feet are so much thicker than Tillie....and her body longer. Its been interesting learning how to put her together. Shes also much lighter in my hands...

First day of trying her

Last week

She was so young and awkward, I really tried to take some time with her...i gave her most of this winter off and the time off hasnt disappointed. Shes come back well aside from the feet issue. 

Just because shes cute

 Our first schooling of the season she was doing much better jumping across and not so up and down...however we went again when the footing was wet and we had that issue again which makes me things studs are needed sooner than I realized.

So that is Kiss!! My princess pony...while Tillie is very much still queen bee. We have a busy season planned between the two! 

Its been a while...

I know I do not have a huge following...but for those of you that do follow my blog, I am sorry for disappearing! Life sort of took over and I had to take a hiatus there for a while. The good news is, it is all for the better and Tillie and I reformed our partnership.

While the time off wasn't exactly planned, we came back into work fresh and without all the baggage. The training was rusty, but still there. We have been working on rebuilding fitness and it seems Tillie has grown up even more over the winter.

Last year, she continued to get more rideable and accepting...but aside from an odd ride here or there since coming back she has been rock solid. Her brain seems to be more focused, she's calmer and much more accepting. She has always been ready to work, but now her work ethic is matched with allowing me to push some buttons and move her around more without so much sass. 

First dressage lesson in quite some time...Tillie didnt miss a beat

This winter seems to have done us both well. I am not putting as much pressure on us and it seems Tillie's answer has been to give me what ever I ask for with way more try than ever before. Which is saying something considering how much she always tried for me before.

Fancy new Lund tack so we look the part!

I always planned to give her time off this winter...just didnt exactly plan on THAT much time. But apparently it was for the best so now its just a matter of refocusing and rebuilding strength. 

We certainly have hit the ground running this spring since I have been back in the saddle...I will be sure to post specifically about each of these things, but Dom Schramm has already been back teaching us...which I missed sorely while he was gone. We have done our first XC school of the season and Tillie was such a rock star it made me want to cry.

The Dream bit seems to be a great option for us XC!

I am excited with how she is feeling. I signed us up for the Twilight CT at Loch Moy next week similar to what we did last season...hopefully it will dust off the cob webs and get us back into the swing of things. 

One of our first jump schools with the jumps put up since being back into work!

I am totally loving my stubben, which I believe I blogged about last before I disappeared:

Not to mention my partnership with Lund saddlery...I can not speak any more highly of the quality of this tack. They are not paying me to say this at all. I chose to partner with them BECAUSE of their foundation their company stands for and because of the quality. 

Her heart on her butt is still there

at least we look the part right?!

I know this has all been a bit vague, but I just wanted to say hello again! I've missed you all and can't wait to catch up on what you all have been up to as well!

I did something crazy

Yes, I know once again I have been MIA...life has had a way of taking over. After my horse tried to gain herself a full vacation by severing a vein....we are back at it and cutting the lighter work period short. Luckily she was only out for 2 days with this...and you best believe I am ready to put her new hocks to use and make sure she doesnt get the zoom zooms all over again.

(beware some graphic photos below)

Yes like Tillie severing a vein after getting loose...

Soooooo much blood

Literally started to panic at this point

To make up for it, I decided to once and for all end my saddle fitting woes (hopefully for the foreseeable future!)...you know since we clearly need to do more galloping.

I got us a dressage saddle not too long ago...and decided to leave our jump saddle alone since it was working for us with the help of a thinline pad + shims. It has been working well for us... that is until recently.

This saddle has been there with Tillie and I since the first year I got her.
and all the ups and down since..so its been hard to let it go

The fit for Tillie wasnt poor, but not optimum either. The bigger issue with fit has fallen on me and the fact it puts me in a chair seat like something horrible and my bottom hits the back of the saddle over fences.

You can kind of see the chair seat happening here

I was willing to make do for my own liking as long as it worked for Tillie...but lately she made it clear when saddling up she is not happy with it. After having 2 fitters take a look, one non-biased to Stubben another a Stubben fitter...it was obvious we both needed to move on especially with our goals for next year.

Which should hopefully not include ANY MORE sedation

So long story long, I bit the bullet and placed the order for one of these:

Stubben Zaria Optimum

If you all remember, I blogged about one when I rode in my trainers, Dom Schramm. It was odd at first and I wasnt quite sold. I think the fact it felt so different was part of it. But when the fitter came back earlier this week and had me try a slew of them...I was hooked and I knew I had to have it.

Tillie the first day back after her injury...laughing at my anxiety

So we are a 29cm tree now, 18" seat (who would have thought!?) and regular flap with a soft seat. I didnt do any fancing color or stitching for fear of how it would wear and longevity...so literally the image above is the color I got with it being the ebony brown with the ligther medium brown duo tone.

Tillie says, I so spoiled!!

The 18" seat shocked the heck out of me, but when trying a smaller seat it just want enough room...especially considering when  your out XC and you get yourself into a hairy situation. The Biomax was something I thought for sure I would want, but after trying it...didnt love it enough to warrant the extra cost. I just never felt like I got the close contact feel I did without it. It also tended to hit my bottom right in a spot I could feel the crease of it ending every tine my bottom touched the saddle.

All done fitting!

I also sprung for the crazy looking girth too, (their Equisoft Girth) but what the hell right?! Whats another few hundred dollars?

Stubben Equi-soft Girth

I will tell you I was a non believer in this girth...paying almost $400 seemed insane to me. I did not receive it for free nor am I being compensated in anyway for saying this but holy cow what a difference it made.

I was always of the belief the girth was meant for XC or galloping when the horse was exerted and working...that it would expand with the horse's breathing helping with regulating its heart rate and comfort when breathing became labored.

Stubben's description of the Girth is as follows:

"The Equi-Soft girth, when properly adjusted, effectively deals with the constriction by giving in all directions and markedly reducing the tension.  This frees the underlying musculature, allows better circulation, and decreases the restriction of motion of the gut.  As respiration is enhanced and the horse experiences less discomfort, pulse rate has been shown to be reduced during exercise.  Since the muscles are less restricted, lateral flexibility is enhanced as well as the horse’s ability to employ the external obliques, serratus and other abdominal muscles necessary to support the topline.  This is manifested in greater extension of the foreleg and more active employment of the hind quarters."

It was INSTANTANEOUS when using this girth + the saddle that I felt the difference. This girth plus the saddle were used on the first go round and the final...both times I had a horse that was through, relaxed and on the aids and her striding was open without being tense. This is just flatting her.

I have been told its like this with some horses while others there is no difference at all. If you are ever at all curious, know your horse has been properly fitted, ulcers checked and soundess but still doesnt seem to be quite fluid....this may be something to try.

Tillie REALLY liked it

So once I wrote out my deposit, I promptly cried a little realizing this cost me more than my first car, but find it really hard to regret at all considering how marvelous Tillie felt and also, the kicker, I felt too! I was in a much better position yet solid and not moving anywhere. It was slightly odd at first with the monoflap because the reduced bulk almost tricked my mind into thinking less support. 

But when we tried a few jumps and Tillie got some sass and excitment, I did NOT move nor did the saddle. Not to say I wont have any falls off this saddle...and just for good measure, I found an AWESOME deal on a Hit Air vets for less than half retail value and just received that today too!

I have been putting off getting one...but I have been told by many people that Training level and above you want to start thinking about it. So when I saw this being listed, I couldnt resist. 

So now that I am officially broke...at least Tillie and myself will have the best comfort and safety there is to offer. Heres to hoping if we dress for success...it will follow. You know the whole, "Build it and they will come" mentalitly. 

Bipolar...my horse is bipolar

This past Saturday was the first day Tillie was allowed back into work after her injections. I fully expected there to be some interesting moments...so much so that I even lunged her lightly to let her sort out some wiggles.

Extremely fit horse + 4 days off of work = pshyco mare

Except this is the horse I got

Ok she did let some sass out on the lunge. But when I hopped on her, there was no tension, no jigging or bracing...not even the usual goading me into argue with her when shes been out of consistent work.
She showed up ready to work and was shockingly good...so bipolar in a good way.

Such a hard life

 I was so freaked out about how good she was, I even took her temp a few times...all was normal! Poor Tillie. I do not give her enough credit, but seriously up until this, if I even gave her a day off I would be riding a very opinionated horse the next day.

Tillie isn't sure what the fuss is about

 Her canter felt AMAZING. We were in the smaller ring, so she naturally tends to balance herself better in this one...and tends to stay straighter and better about not throwing her shoulders around. She was slightly down with her left shoulder when we tracked left, but that was also her more positive hock, and the side she is more downhill on.

Sleepy mare...and looking very tiny in this picture

 It didn't take too much to get her to lift that inside shoulder when in the past, it would sometimes be an open door for bolting, head flicking or any number of her antics. She felt really nice and balanced, even willing to sit and engage.

Donkey Ears

Now, I don't think the injections work THAT fast. I have been told they can take anywhere between 10 days to 1 month before feeling the effects. So I am not really sure why the drastic change.

Her canter has been what we are trying to improve the most lately...and she certainly has given me nice moments, but an not usually an entire 2-3 circles.

At any rate, I am excited to get back into our lesson routine and prepare for our dressage debut next weekend. Here's hoping Tillie stays on this end of the spectrum!