12H of Mean or Meet Ruby

Efforts to calm Galatea in turnout were finally successful - maybe.  Meet Ruby, a 12H pony mare whose modus operandi is to kick first and ask questions later.  This little piece of fluff nearly pushed me off my feet when I had the audacity to remove her from her hay to walk her over to Galatea’s paddock.  17h of horse is easier to handle than 12h that is attempting to take you out at the knees with every step.  Once in the paddock she immediately declared a 15 meter personal zone and the hay feeder hanging on the gate as ‘MINE”!.  That meant that Galatea could not pace at the gate.  Oh, and for good measure, Ruby would periodically go over and munch on the other pile of hay that was Galatea’s.  However, Galatea appeared reassured to have another equine in the paddock with her.   Fingers crossed that this works out.

And.....the gloves have come off in the lessons.  Laura is a stickler for details and her expectations are high.  On the bit – ALL the time.  If the horse inverts on a transition, they are to immediately return to the prior gait and you try again. There must be at least 10 good steps of walk before the horse can go on a loose rein.  The horse must be responsive and to the lightest of aids.  There MUST be straightness.  Inaccuracies in figures are called out as they happen and yes, today you will be riding training level figures with third level collection.  Both Galatea and I are happy in the work and the emphasis on foundational basics.   I am welcome to watch other lessons, which has added to the positive learning environment.  I have not yet met all the other students, but those I have met have been very gracious so I feel comfortable here. As you can see, I am not the only one loving the mirrors in the arena. This one of the over dozen peacocks that call the farm next door home.

If this farm is any indication, the world of dressage is becoming a playground for Iberian horses.  Just as the warmbloods eventually ‘pushed out’ thoroughbreds in the arena, the Iberians may very well do the same to the warmbloods – at least among adult amateurs.  The upcoming White Fences schooling show could be an informative snapshot of this trend, as will the National shows at Global that begin after the 1st of the year.  While in Wellington, Bill connected with several friends who noted that their barns were only half full this season.  I met the property owner this week and learned that the other side of the duplex would also normally be rented out by now; he had had a potential rental and then the people backed out.  So, the financial uncertainties of the coming year are definitely having an impact down here.

May you all have a Merry Christmas!