Friday, May 10, 2013

New goals?

Just a quick brain dump on what's going on.  I'd like to start using this blog a bit better to track our progress.  Let's face it.  We have 2 very talented mares who are just getting started but learning quickly.  And with show season now upon us, there's going to be a lot going on.  It will be fun to look back and see how far we've come.

So here we are... May 10th with Shirley and Spider.

Spider has been working a LOT on her dressage.  She's not as brave a jumper as Shirley is and Anita LOVES her so she's been concentrating on her flatwork.  Anita said she quickly ran through the First Level Test 1 in the indoor the other day and thought Spider did really well with the movements.  Her canter transitions are SO much better and Anita was beaming at what she was able to get for a medium canter as well as the transition back to working.  I think we're going to get her out soon to a DLSC dressage show, but probably at Training level to start.  No sense in pushing her physical limits along with the mental ones of going to a show.  I think we're going to start jumping her again as well.  See what she can do and what she wants to do.  Plus of course, good weather means trail rides! 

Shirley is heading to her 2nd show with us later today.  We'll be doing the Green as Grass (18") and the Starter (2'3") Event Derby divisions at the Come Again Farm Spring Show tomorrow.  We haven't been able to specifically school cross country, and our flatwork is coming but far from confirmed.  Just going to A) have a good experience that sets up more good experiences... then B) finish our divisions.  I have no doubt we can actually accomplish both... but to me, the order of the goals is important.

Both girls saw Dr Lieck yesterday (chiropractor).  They both had some significant work that needed to be done. Shirley's was all along her back as well as her stifles.  Spi was out in a few places in her back as well as her left shoulder and left knee.  The plan for today is for a short acclimation ride when we get to the farm tonight so it will be interesting to see how Shirley is after her adjustment (she had the rest of yesterday off and both of them thoroughly enjoyed a couple hours out on the grass).

Tomorrow looks to be a long but nicely paced day.  Ella is taking Thumper and doing the Starter and Beginner Novice Event Derby divisions, and Anita is bringing Cerveza to practice their Third and Fourth level tests.  We start with our first test (me and Shirley) at 8:50am... and end with Anita and Veza doing 4th - Test 1 at 5:10.  In between we have another 4 dressage tests, 4 jumping rounds and a short session of cross country schooling.

Here's hoping my next entry will have plenty of pictures as well as a recap of the event.

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