tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4318842770364105067.post189191480612436046..comments2023-08-27T06:04:21.991-05:00Comments on Eventing Saddlebred Style: Video Lesson #14EventingSaddlebredStylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610596082916022402noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4318842770364105067.post-15422903910535109302015-12-09T11:56:02.425-06:002015-12-09T11:56:02.425-06:00I've used a metronome in the past and that rea...I've used a metronome in the past and that really helps. I should probably start again, but I get discombobulated when I have to many things going on at once.<br /><br />There was a 40% off a preorder for the three not that long ago for the Soloshot3. I slapped a dream bundle together for kicks (system, camera, tripod, indoor adapter, tag, etc) and I think it was around $600. I love it and D loves it so much she is getting one. It took me awhile to get the setup down but I think the three is supposed to eliminate a lot of those issues.EventingSaddlebredStylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07610596082916022402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4318842770364105067.post-74218338466383526532015-12-09T11:23:37.372-06:002015-12-09T11:23:37.372-06:00Go with your gut! You know him better than I do!
...Go with your gut! You know him better than I do!<br /><br />I know USEF makes an app that ticks (like the thing people use for the piano, I don't remember what it's called!), but it's only available on iPhone. It's supposed to help you find a rhythm to keep. I've never used it, I don't have an iPhone.<br /><br />Ugh on lacking tack stores! I'm lucky to have one that always seems to have what I need.<br /><br />I'll check out SS for the draw reins! And I'll do some research on the Soloshot3, and waiting until spring will help me save some money to buy it! I ride alone 99% of the time, and I think it'd be super helpful at shows too so I don't have to pay a video fee, and my tech-not-savy mother will be able to watch it if I set it up for her, haha.Codex Dressagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04736021620789376995noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4318842770364105067.post-21890928043087928562015-12-09T10:17:01.405-06:002015-12-09T10:17:01.405-06:00I didn't realize that anyone watched the whole...I didn't realize that anyone watched the whole video, because 30 min is a lot of video.<br /><br />The reason I'm hesitant about the cantering it out is I tried it one day (last spring) and I was actively trying to make it harder (but his response to these things are lock and get faster). The end result was I finally gave up (I don't know the length of time because pony time warp and all). He was shaking and sweat was dripping and quite frankly it made me scared he would run himself into the ground before he stopped. Mentally he wasn't processing. Now that we are more established I may be able to get different results but I don't want to put him in that place again. Maybe I am being too soft but that is what my gut tells me. That being said I think we have found a happy medium. He canters I ask for him to give then we come back and trot and if he asks to canter we can. He has to give me nice transitions if it's his decision no giant leap/bolt scoot.<br /><br />The comment got to me because I was already doubting myself. This week it wouldn't bother me. But I was struggling and it was a little too close for comfort to my negative thoughts.<br /><br />You hit the nail on the head. One of my biggest struggles on all horses is me setting the rhythm. I have no sense of rhythm so I don't always realize when it starts changing on me.<br /><br />You are very correct about the saddle issues and it is at the very top of the list. I'm holding out for the end of the month so I can try some more but that being said I am actively looking just in an area that is lacking in tack stores and fitters. Right now County is the only one that is willing to come here and I'm in like not love. <br /><br />I think the saddle will help with the curling because right now he isn't lifting his back and when he does he will step up and under and push himself out more.<br /><br />They are not rolled leather (I thought they were online) it's pretty square. They do have the pulleys which are amazing. I believe I got them from SS Tack (I can't spell the actual name). Word of warning they tear your hands up if you don't ride in gloves. I haven't noticed them putting significant wear on my gloves. I was looking for the rolled leather but couldn't ever find them either but these are the next best thing.<br /><br />It is a Soloshot2. There are limitations on it and they are pretty pricey but worth it in my opinion. If I were you I would wait and spring for the three because it is supposed to fix several of the things I don't like about the two. You can't use the 2 inside and it takes 10-15 min to set up every time.EventingSaddlebredStylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07610596082916022402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4318842770364105067.post-42081371251609967162015-12-09T09:08:22.039-06:002015-12-09T09:08:22.039-06:00Sorry this is so long! 30min of video got me think...Sorry this is so long! 30min of video got me thinking.<br /><br />I kind of agree with D's "canter it out". We had an OTTB come though that was a tense overachiever- he'd try to answer the questions before his rider even asked them. He was one that if he decided he was cantering, she'd really work the canter until he decided he wanted to trot (no just circling until he stopped- she actively asked him for things to make it harder). Yes, it took a while the first few times and he'd get pretty sweaty even though he was full body clipped. Cantering was his happy place though. It is a tough, rough road though. Don't let that person's comment get you down, in fact, take it as a compliment. He's a difficult horse and as an AA you're still climbing on him every day and doing the work, so steps forward are because of you! Any horse would benefit from a professional and make forward steps faster because it's ridden by one. That's why they're professionals! You're making forward progress riding him yourself, so he's not a professional ride. If you don't want to canter it out, when he gets tense and wants to canter off (like around 16:50) keep your posting rhythm no matter what he's doing under you. You set the tempo and rhythm, not him!<br /><br />Tell me if I'm missing a past conversation here: I think a new saddle would do you wonders (I know you're looking). It looks like this one drops you way back when you're working, which puts you into the backseat and I think you're unintentionally driving him forward and then blocking him up front, which doesn't help either of your tension. That could be why it seems like cantering it out doesn't work- your mind is thinking one thing and your seat is saying another. I think you're fighting your saddle since your ankles end up in front of you instead of in line with your shoulders and hips. Check out 15:06 when he wants to jig forward. I think if you found yourself better supported in the saddle (one that let your ankles support you), you'd feel more comfortable, which would translate back to him, and I think you'd get his hind legs reaching under him a bit more in trot, and then you guys are just going to be on a roll! I feel like he wants to go there and be a good boy. If possible, I'd put a new saddle on the asap list!<br /><br />You had some really great moments in the trot work at the end of the video! Yes he curled, but there was desire to stretch and you softened and he relaxed a little.<br /><br />Also, where did you get your draw reins? They're the rolled leather with pulleys at the bit right? My trainer had a set like that and neither of us can find another!<br /><br />Another question- what camera system do you use to to video yourself? I'd like it for myself!Codex Dressagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04736021620789376995noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4318842770364105067.post-40535651284071628812015-12-08T11:52:58.440-06:002015-12-08T11:52:58.440-06:00Thank you for your kind words. I've had a coup...Thank you for your kind words. I've had a couple of good rides since then so I've been feeling much better about things. He really is such a puppy dog and whoever had him first did a number on him when it comes to under saddle stuff. But he has made huge strides there and I'm hoping once I get a saddle that fits correctly he will be able to relax.EventingSaddlebredStylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07610596082916022402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4318842770364105067.post-64542173888427653272015-12-08T10:16:16.504-06:002015-12-08T10:16:16.504-06:00i'm sorry it was a frustrating ride, made more...i'm sorry it was a frustrating ride, made more so by someone else's careless comments. i hate it when stuff like that gets to me but... well when we invest so much time and effort into our horses, comments like that can cut deep. i get it. anyway glad D had so much awesome feedback, tho i know what you mean about not wanting to just 'canter it out' - that never works for my mare either. try not to let it get you down - the progress is there and happening. (also i kinda loved those first few moments when he was happily and calmly just following you around - it's clear he trusts you and is happy to be around you!)emmahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05686949099663199382noreply@blogger.com