State of Competitive Show Jumping - Spur Marks

There's been controversy about the FEI blood rules due to an incident involving Bertram Allen and his horse Quiet Easy.

 His spur marks drew blood and according to the FEI rules, any blood due to spurs results in disqualification. FEI Jumping Rules Article 242.3.1, "Mandatory Disqualification - Horses bleeding on the flank(s), in the mouth or nose or marks indicating excessive use of spurs or of the whip anywhere on the horse." The spur marks posted by his groom on twitter: 

I'm shocked by the amount of support I'm seeing for Allen from both top riders as well as my horsey facebook friends. Yes, it's a small cut, but it's still blood caused by spurs. This was Allen's response: 

"I am utterly devastated, just speechless. I have a fantastic relationship with all of my horses, and their welfare is paramount. My foot must have slipped against Quiet Easy's side..."

If you're doing Grand Prix level show jumping, maybe you should know how to not have you foot "slip" with the force required to draw blood"

... as I was riding against the clock." 

aka I was using my spurs to make my horse go faster

"He's a sensitive horse..."

I....what? If he's sensitive, then don't use spurs? 

 "...and it was just a tiny nick."

*sigh*

If you take a spur and rub it against your skin, as a human, it won't leave marks. But if you do it over, and over, and with excessive force...guess what...you'll bleed. As a rider, it's *our* responsibility to know the amount of force to place upon the spurs, we're the ones who can decide whether or not to use spurs, or how sharp/what shape/what length they should be for our particular horse. 

Do I think this guy abuses his horses? No, I'm sure they're well cared for and he didn't intentionally cause his horse to bleed. But I do think that he was rightfully disqualified and he should take this as a lesson to learn from.The rules are there to protect the horse's welfare and I'm still shocked that people are fighting against it. 

End of the Year Analysis

I set a few goals for Calvin and I to accomplish in 2015. This year has been a huge year of change for me personally, more than I expected from the get-go. However, with change comes positive growth and I'm really happy to be standing here at the end of the year looking back at all we accomplished.

Here are the goals set forth Jan 2015:

Goal 1: Finding our motor--impulsion (check!)

Check! Calvin is much more responsive to leg/seat aids. This is one of those "never stop working on it" goals. Not only have we found the motor, but we've been practicing transitions to help fine-tune the stop/go pedal.  

Goal 2: Straightness, straightness, straightness! (check!)

The amount of times Calvin has shoved my leg into the railing has greatly decreased. Since he's growing up, he's learning to be less wiggly under saddle and stay straight.

Goal 3: Building a solid top line (check!)

Calvin really learned to travel long and low, indicating a stronger back. He's really filled out due to both maturity and the amount of work done under saddle. 

Goal 4: Beginning Piaffe 

This was a goal I pushed back for a few reasons. First, I honestly didn't ride him enough this year to feel comfortable teaching him this advanced move, perhaps if I was able to ride 4 days a week this could have happened. Also, his brain just doesn't seem quite there yet to handle the bit of frustration of learning the piaffe, I'll push this into mid-year 2016, with the hopes of having a basic piaffe by the end of 2016 :) 

Overall I'm really happy with our progress. His brain "falls out" less often and he starts to act more like a grown horse and less like a baby. That being said, he's still definitely a baby and I can't fault him for doing baby things like spooking, being wiggly, etc. When I think to my past and all that I did with my previous four year old horses, I'm so happy to be going slow with Calvin. He's super responsive, sensitive, and happy with his "job" of being a dressage horse and that's really all I wanted.

Dressage Update with Pics!

I was fortunate enough to get my mom out to help me take photos of me and Calvin. Those following our progress know what I'm working on: transitions, going primarily off seat/leg, and stretchy trot. He still has baby brain and gets easily distracted by other horses in the arena or outside. However, his brain doesn't fall out anymore, so we've got that going for us ;)

The video is interesting to watch, I'm doing so much work but you can't really tell unless you know what to look for. I'm not so worried about his "frame," but I don't want him to go around with his head up like a giraffe. When he sticks his head up, I increase rein pressure, so being a giraffe is uncomfortable. The "neutral" position is head down or level. On top of that, I'm always working on having him be more forward in the trot. 

Had to add an "oops" moment in here. Calvin tried to "visit"--i.e. divebomb--my mom the photographer. You can see I'm pulling hard left and using my right leg as hard as I can! Never a dull moment with babies. 

How we finish--loose rein, focused, stretching long and low. 

25 Questions--just for fun :)

Just for fun, I'll do these 25 questions that have been floating around some of my favorite blogs:

1. Mares or Geldings? Why?

I've only ever owned geldings, mainly because importing Warmblood geldings from Europe was cheaper (no quarantine). However, I appreciate a really nice mare and would definitely own one. I've seriously considered buying mares while horse-hunting, but for some reason I found a horse that I liked better who happened to be a gelding. I don't buy into the "mares are this way, geldings are that way" stereotype, a nice horse is a nice horse. 

2. Green broke or Fully broke?

At this stage in my riding I appreciate a green-broke horse, that way I can ruin train them just how I like. I've never started a horse from start to finish, so this is a really cool experience with Calvin and I'm soaking it in. My fully broke horses usually have to "learn" my style of riding anyway, coming from European guys to some soft, weak female rider (not saying female riders are weak, just that I'm not a yank & crank kinda person). That being said, I would like to hone my skills by riding a fully-broke dressage horse, something I've never done.

my previous style, something along the lines of "maybe if I throw the reins at him and squeeze I won't mess this up"

3. Would you own a "hotter" breed?

Sure, I would own a "hot" horse. What does "hot" mean though, just more sensitive with lots of "go"? Because that's fine, however if "hot" means "crazy"--then no. Although "hot crazy" is usually created by poor training and I'm over undoing other people's mistakes. It's much easier to create something with a blank slate then undo past trauma. 

4. What was your dream horse growing up?

I think when I was really young it was the Lipizzaner horse because of the riding school in Vienna, which is kind of ironic as I've looped back around to having them as my potential next "big" purchase horse. However, once I started riding at a hunter/jumper barn it quickly became the Warmblood, more specifically Hanoverian.

I mean how could I not?

5. What kind of bits do you use and why? 

I try to use the kindest bit possible for whichever horse I'm riding. Since I started Calvy myself, he goes in a Nathe mullen mouth currently. I have an Herm Sprenger KK, a 3 peice french link, he also goes well in. I've decided the Nathe is better for the basics, such as transition work and learning to stretch into the bit. For Calvin, the KK will be used for more advanced work such as bending, half pass, etc. The KK is a soft bit still, but the Nathe is softer and in my opinion better for a baby-mouth. I do believe that "bits are only as harsh as the rider's hands" to a certain extent...but for young horses or horses just learning I always prefer a french link or rubber bit. 

Nathe

6. Helmets or no helmets? 

Helmets, no question. I grew up riding English and the rule at our facility was helmets required under 18 years old, so I never questioned it. I couldn't wait to ride without a helmet once I turned 18, the only problem was that by the time I turned 18, I was old enough to realize why people wear helmets. I've jumped on occasionally without a helmet, which was stupid, and honestly I'm lucky nothing happened. Anytime someone rides a 900lb+ horse without head protection, we really are taking a huge risk, why not play it safe?

7. Favorite horse color?

Dapple gray! I never thought I'd love a gray horse, actually I used to hate them, but then naturally I bought a gray horse. I don't love the upkeep of gray horses though! 

My gray boy Kai :)

8. Least favorite horse color?

I dislike plain horses, love me some chrome, so naturally I got a plain chestnut horse ;) That being said, chestnut is just so easy to maintain. It doesn't bleach out like bay or black and doesn't show dirt/poo like gray or black either. Needless to say it's grown on me.

9. Dressage or jumping?

Classical dressage :) I do miss jumping though, but I'll never do the big stuff again. I'm too much of a bleeding-heart now and think it's too hard on their joints to jump the big fences. That being said, there's nothing cooler than an action shot of a beautiful horse jumping a massive fence.

10. How long have you been riding?

Oh geez, I've been riding since 8. But took a hiatus for about 5 years when I didn't have the funds and was attending college/beginning of grad school. 

11. Spurs/whip or no spurs/whip? 

I feel like my opinion on this matter changes every day. I think best case scenario a horse should do everything you're asking without spurs/whip, but I don't think things are so black and white. For example, Calvin is lazy sometimes and ignores my leg. So then I either kick him like a cowboy or he gets a smack with the whip. They're both probably the same intensity and create the same response--"fine mom I'll listen." Anyway, I'm still weighing the pros and cons of whips. I'm more conscious of using my legs now, for example instead of 10 nagging soft squeezes, I'll ask twice softly and then if he still ignores I'll give him a kick. Now he's learning to go off my soft cues because he knows if he doesn't listen, he'll receive a consequence. I'll probably use spurs with the more advanced dressage moves, this way you don't have to move your leg as drastically and can just turn your heel to cue.  

12. Your first fall?

Do you ever forget your first fall? Ha! My first fall was because I really badly wanted to canter before I was ready. I saw the other kids in the arena practicing lead changes and was like "oh I can do that no problem." My trainer at the time was like whatever kid, go ahead! So I cantered and basically just bounced right off after three strides. 

My first *real* fall was on a lesson horse named Flora and we were practicing trotting in the arena.  In the parking lot next to the arena the police were practicing on motorcycles, all was fine until a motorcycle backfired. Flora took off at a dead run and I fell, but my foot was caught in my stirrup so I was being dragged. Flora managed to step on my thigh, leaving a nice horse-shoe bruise, and thankfully that's all the damage that was done. I was so scared I wanted to quit right there, but my trainer being the old school type was like "you get right back on that mare" and sure enough, I was forced to get back on. This lesson stuck with me and sure enough after every fall (that didn't end in major injury) I got right back on that goddamn horse. 

13. When was the last time you rode and what did you do?

I rode Calvy last on Turkey day! On the warmup my main focus was long & low, stretching downward and not going around like a camel. Then we practiced trot poles to help Calvin be more conscious of his feet in space. We finished our exercise with transitions, first trot-walk-halt (aced it), canter to trot (also aced), and trot to canter (needs work, getting better). For myself, I am trying to keep my hands as soft and subtle as possible, mainly using my body/legs to steer and cue for transition. We weren't drilled in this with my warmbloods, so it's definitely a learning experience and requires lots of focus. 

These pics aren't from our last ride, but same exercise

14. Most expensive piece of tack you own?

My used Kneidersuss dressage saddle, nothing crazy. 

15. How old were you when you started riding?

Answered this already--8 

16. Leather or nylon halters?

Leather is prettier of course, but nylon for practicality. I actually use rope on Calvin, not sure if there's nylon in it, but it's the best. He's tested the limits of that halter and it has held strong, smart little bugger. 

17. Leather or synthetic saddles?

Always leather for me. Other tack though...well you can read my thoughts on my last post ;)

18. What "grip" of reins do you like?

Depends what I'm doing. For showjumping I always loved the rubber, grippy reins. For dressage I prefer either slick leather or the web reins. For trail, I love my lead-rope reins that are extra long and have clip ends so I don't have to worry about Calvin snapping them.

19. English or western?

I tried the Western thing, and I absolutely love the traditional vaquero look, but I'm just an English person at heart. I will absolutely ride both, and actually I'd prefer to own both styles to suit my mood, but since I can only choose one right now ($$$), I'll stick to what I do best. 

Beautiful vaquero bridle horse

20. How many horses do you currently own/lease?

I've only ever owned one at a time, Calvin is no exception.

I'm sure he loves the individualized attention ;)

21. Do you board your horse? Self care/full board? Home board?

It's a mix of self-care/full board. Calvin shares a pasture with one other horse, so this horse's owner and myself are responsible for cleaning and feeding. We go out a few times a week and refill the 3 full-bale slow feeders and clean the pasture. The boarding facility is in charge of watering. I'd love to home board...someday :)

22. Have you ever had to put down a horse that you loved?

No, I've sold all my horses before that stage and I'm not looking forward to that day, should it ever come.

23. How many saddle pads do you have?

I have three that I'm using, 2 dressage and 1 endurance. I have a few hunter/jumper pads I need to sell...

24. Slant load trailer vs. straight load?

I don't own a trailer, but I like the straight load. However, what little research I've done shows that slant loading is more natural to how the horse would travel loose. I don't own a trailer, so I don't have to make these decisions yet.

25. Why do you ride?

I believe that it's an inherent personality trait, itt's like asking why we breathe, or why we eat. For me, it's what keeps me alive and truly happy. 

Plastic Tack

I love leather.

I love the smell, the feel, the weight. I love the cleaning and conditioning process--seeing dry leather transform into supple glory.  It looks timeless, classy, and harkens back to a different era dominated by horses. Working with leather is working with a living organism: if you don't feed it, nourish it, or care for it properly-- it will crack, fall apart, and ultimately die. Nothing beats well-maintained, broken in, luxuriously soft leather.

loveeeee

But all these endurance people use their plastic tack in god-awful colors and rave about how freakin wonderful it is. Easy to clean, strong, soft, blah blah blah. Whatever, it's ugly, I can't deal with it. But everywhere I look...there it was....plastic tack! What is the big deal...

I just cant...

My hunter/jumper background was screaming at me, I could feel the eternal judgment of George Morris haunting me for even considering such blasphemy. But I needed a breastplate for my saddle so I figured this was a good starting place if I was ever going to venture into endurance tack land. I bought a breastplate in black, because I just can't quite make the leap into colored tack just yet (baby steps people...). I looked up decent brands and settled on a biothane Zilco breastplate: 

"I'm just going to itch my face and ruin everything while you try and take decent pics"

But I'll be damned if I didn't fall head over heels for plastic tack. And trust me...I went in skeptical and wanting to hate it... because it's PLASTIC. TACK. How could something so silly compare to the glory that is leather tack? But ugh, it did an excellent job keeping my saddle secure and fits Calvin really well. In fact, he's filled out quite a bit in his shoulder/neck and he went from the tightest hole in "horse size" to now being in the middle of the settings. Needless to say this breastplate is super adjustable. 

Plastic tack in action

Also if you stick it in the dishwasher (hehehe) it comes out looking brand new. But most days all it needs is a quick rinse with the hose. I've had it for over a year now and it still looks as good as the day I bought it. Plus there is something about spraying tack with a hose that is just so satisfying.

Spray with water and voila

While leather still holds my heart, I have learned to accept the plastic tack for what it is: convenient, easy, and functional. I'm pretty sure my next piece of tack will be biothane as well. Damn you endurance people. 

11.16.15 Update

As we head deeper into fall, we're starting to experience some rain and cooler temps. Calvin of course already has about 90% of his winter coat, so he must be pretty relieved at these cooler temps.

We worked dressage a bit and are continuing to smooth out our transition work. He likes to throw his head up when I ask for the canter from a trot. It should be just one easy, fluid, non-dramatic motion. He's due for a saddle fitting, maybe it's pinching, or maybe he's being dramatic. Who knows. Other than transitions, he's making steady progress. Every day continues to be an improvement from the previous, and really that's all I can ask for.

Sunbleached boy, does he look California or what?

Calvin enjoyed exploring this puddle and actually drank from it. 

Caught the moment he snorted at the water haha

Side note, free-feeding is working out really well for Calvin and I'm really happy with his weight going into winter. Lately, they've been eating really sporadically. Two weeks ago they ate 3 bales in 3 days (normally, one bale lasts 2-3 days!). Then the next week they would only eat 1 bale in 3 days...I don't get it. But it's nice because if they were on scheduled feeding then they might not be getting the extra calories their bodies apparently needed. I could sing the praises of free feeding forever, but that'll be another blog post ;) 

Fuzzball! 

Slow and Steady Progress

It's still so hot and it's October you guys! I'm ready for some cooler weather already. Calvin has his winter coat coming in, poor guy is constantly sweating. I rode him before the barefoot trimmer came so that he'd behave himself for her and he was excellent! He had lots more energy this time, but instead of distracted energy, he translated his energy into more impulsion. We've practiced extending and collecting at the canter. We start at a normal pace, then I ask him to extend to a faster canter, then come back into a regular canter again.

For a lazy horse, he certainly loves to gallop. Any time I ask for more canter he responds with gusto and eagerly launches into what I consider his 5th gear! However, he's not as thrilled to slow down and return to a regular canter, often taking longer-than-necessary to slow down. He is usually too excited to be going quick to think about slowing down, but he eventually tired out and started listening well.

Tired and sweaty horse after our ride! 

Slowly I am starting to see progress with Calvin. He's getting older, he's less baby-brained, and really enjoys his job. The barn was unloading hay off a huge flat-bed truck next to the arena with a forklift and he kept his cool. Only when he heard airbrakes did he flinch, but that was it. We're not competing, we're not winning awards, but we're both happy, healthy, and enjoying our work. 

Also, his feet look excellent! I told my trimmer they look like works of art and she agreed. I'll have to grab some pictures soon. 

Life Stages

This last month has been about learning to accept change. I had some significant changes occur recently, some of them unexpectedly, and ultimately this left me in a big upheaval. That's all I'm going to say about that. But with these new changes, what better time than to go visit Calvin? At times like this, saying less is really more.

Calm

Nose kisses <3

Centered, mindful, and grounded.

Turnout Season

Now that my workload has increased, Calvin's workload has decreased! Not to mention that riding in the September heat is basically unbearable. Lately he has been getting turnouts in the big arena to stretch his legs. For now, these are pictures from his last solo turnout with my SO encouraging him to keep working. For those who aren't horse people, the lunge whip is used as an extension of your arm, not to actually hit him with it. Sometimes horses kick out in play, and you don't want it to be your actual arm in that case. 

Wee big spaces!

There's a 4-year-old Arabian-quarter horse (quarab) that was hauling around the turnout at top speed. The owner asked if I wanted to put Calvin in with her to run together. Just a side note, this never happens in expensive horse land (show jumping or dressage) because their precious little snowflake could get damaged by the other horse. Well, I put Calvin in with her and they ran together! All she had to do was pin her ears at him when Calvin annoyed her and he would back off. He's such a sweet horse, pretty amazing that I could throw him in with another strange horse and he was respectful. Another reason mustangs are great, they grow up in a herd so they speak "horse" fluently. 

It was so nice to see him with another young horse as they ran together. This is probably how parents feel when they see their little kid playing well with others and making friends haha. Anyway, as he grows up its important he still interacts with other horses to stay well versed in the horse language. Maybe next time I'll be able to snap pictures. 

My handsome red boy!

Calvin's History and DNA Testing Results!!!

Texas A&M offers equine genetic testing that can identify the major breeds present in any horse, including mustangs. When I found out it was only $35, I jumped at the opportunity! So I went to the barn, pulled about 15 mane hairs (follicle has to be attached), mailed it off, and waited patiently for three weeks. Since Mustangs are mutts of the horse world, whatever breeds present vary so much from horse to horse. Needless to say, I was really excited to find out what kind of horsey genetic cocktail Calvin was given. I was pretty shocked at what was found!

However, before I get into the breeds present in Calvin's genetics, I need to give a little background on where he is from. Even though Calvin was born in the BLM holding facility, his parents roamed free in the wild. They came from the area known as "Twin Peaks HMA" (herd management area) which comprises of a little under 800,000 acres in Northern CA/Nevada.

Depending on the year, there are 400-750 horses present on this land. While mustangs descended from the Spanish, today this area has more US army cavalry horses released during World War I, but there is also influence from ranch horses and draft horses as well.

With this in mind, we look at the DNA results:

 Calvin's conformation shot from May 2015, 4 years old.

1) Quarter Horse 2) Morgan/Saddlebred 3) British Warmblood

Under Saddle

Breed #1: Quarter Horse

They got their name from being able to outrun any horse under 1/4 mile. The most popular American horse breed today! Used frequently in Western settings from rodeos, to working cows, to English disciplines.

No surprise there, probably some ranch horses that got loose or were let free in the area. This could explain his mellow personality and lack of fear on the trails.

Breed #2: Morgan/American Saddlebred

Morgans are one of the earliest breeds in America and were used during the civil war. They are known for their courage, intelligence, and overall good temperament. The Saddlebred includes the Morgan in its anscestry, but they have more gaited influence.

Morgan

Morgan stallion                                                                              Saddlebred

My first guess was that Calvin had Morgan horse in him. The top picture is such a striking resemblance to Calvin. Those expressive ears and body type seem pretty spot-on. I don't think Calvin has saddlebred specifically, I don't think he looks anything visually like a saddlebred, nor is he gaited. 

Breed #3: British Warmblood

Warmblood is a term used to describe a medium weight horse that is a mix of "hot" horse (thoroughbred, arab, etc.) and "cold" (draft). Now google kind of failed me on what the heck a "British" warmblood is, but to the best of my understanding it sounds like a mix of other European warmbloods and born in Britain. 

 Regardless, I was completely shocked to see any Warmblood in Calvin. But perhaps that's where his ability to jump out of pens came from!  

So there you have it, a very strange mix of horses that produced the puppy horse I have today. How awesome is science?

Update 9.4.15

Calvin's face is looking much better, I finally bought enough stuff for a decent first-aid kit, too little too late... but better late than never?

I'd like to thank Calvin for not sending me to the hospital due to my inadequate planning leading to my health insurance dropping me for the last few weeks. Whoops! I was so paranoid riding him, perhaps he picked up on my fear and decided to behave.

Anyway, he's been really well behaved lately. It was cooler today so I turned him out, best decision on my part. He ran and ran, put on quite the show for everyone when he just did lap after lap at full gallop. Then we were hand walking around to cool off and he was so spooky for some reason, kept spinning at things that don't normally startle him. Seems like he had some energy and I'm glad I wasn't riding him!

 

Gas Powered! Lol, too bad I ended the video before he really powered off, but you get the gist. 

Meeting some barn peeps for a trail this weekend, it'll be nice to have company again, even if our trails aren't anything fancy.

Being Hurt means Quality Time

Because Calvin ripped his face open, I've had to go out and treat his wound every day. Holy hell it's hot, this last week it's ranged from 90-105º where Calvin is located. I board Calvin 35 mins away from my house, the upside is that it's cheap. The downside is that it's far and there's traffic at certain times. Some days I get there before 9am, which is really nice, but some days I bear the heat around 11am and we are both miserably hot.

This is the other pasture adjacent to Calvin's (they only feed alfalfa, hence why he's not in it). I took this shot when it was 105º outside and all these horses are standing in the sun. There's some perfectly good shelter in the middle with shade, but nope, they're just content roasting. I don't get it!

So hot in fact, that Calvin is sweating just standing and eating. It's worse under his mane (ladies with long hair understand this problem) and his chest. His poor buddy, Quest, sweats even more due to wearing a fly sheet. It's lose-lose though, either get eaten by flies or sweat with the fly sheet. The flies don't normally bother Calvin too much, his tail has finally grown to a useful length to swat them away. Although, the worst part about his injury is that I'm having to deal with keeping flies out of it, so gross. Would the world really be worse-off if flies didn't exist?

I was able to ride him a few times this week since on some days I was able to get there early enough to beat the heat.  I have to ride him in the halter still because his injury is still so raw, which means we are training differently, such as re-learning steering with a halter and based on legs/seat alone. He's doing pretty well, the only problem with the halter is that if he decides to be an idiot I really don't have any control. Luckily, it's been so hot that he doesn't have much idiot in him.

We rode in the big arena today with 2 goals. 1) That Calvin will not ram my knees into the railing and 2) To not be an idiot because of the halter. There were two other girls there, and we don't really have much experience with other horses riding in the arena with us because I come at odd-hours. However, this experience was on a weekend so lots of people were out riding. I wasn't sure how Calvin would behave with horses walking/trotting/and cantering by him since a little over a year ago it didn't go so well. I didn't need to worry though, he was absolutely amazing. He didn't try to run after them and was okay being by himself and doing our own thing. He liked to watch the other horses, but made no attempt to be near them. 

Checkin out the other horses

I think he's actually growing up! They were doing crazy stuff too, they were barrel racers so they were galloping past him and cranking on their horses' faces (linked video gives a great example of how rough barrel racers can be). Not all barrel racers are that way, but the people around here sure are. It's painful to watch, but nothing I can do about it. People don't realize you can actually have a better horse when you don't yank on their mouth and spur the crap out of them. Anyway, despite the craziness around him, he was very well behaved in the halter and he listened very well, good boy! 

Bath time! I let his mane grow out to protect his neck from flies since they are the worst this time of year, come cooler temps that mane is getting snipped again, I can hardly wait.