A Waddling (or a Badelyng or Badling) of Ducks

Other than my landlord, I haven’t met any of my neighbors.  The unit next door is now rented through March, but nobody is there. I am often greeted, however, by these Moscovy ducks who roam the neighborhood at will. Apparently, the terminology for a group of ducks is different depending on whether they are on the ground (a badling, a waddling), in the air (a skein) or on the water (a raft or pontoon). Who knew?

Last week I attended the USDF Trainers’ Conference, a two-day educational event held at Mary Ann McPhail’s beautiful High Meadow Farms in White Fences.  If you try to register beforehand, you will think that you can only attend if you are competing at FEI levels and are a guest of an FEI trainer or a trainer with all three medals.  Don’t be dissuaded. Book that flight!  They don’t ask any questions at the event and have a walk-in table where they will happily take your money with an additional $50 premium. This clinic is definitely worthwhile and for many reasons. So many beautiful riders and horses that only get better with the exercises that they are directed to ride.  Watching this process is a good way to develop an educated eye.  Everyone from adult amateurs to professional trainers to Olympic caliber riders were in the saddle.  And ALL of them were being reminded that “to ride dressage is to accept a life of constant criticism.”  ALL of them were being asked to ride to the fundamentals of the training pyramid – just like us. I watched Endel Ots enter with 7-year-old Lion King – a horse of amazing presence and movement – and spend the first 25 minutes working on exercises to simply relax and supple the horse.  Relaxation/Suppleness is the second rung of the training pyramid and without it, any subsequent work is wasted effort. The clinic is not all about canter pirouettes or zig zags or other fancy tricks, but about leg yields, shoulder-ins, travers, renvers, immediacy of response, getting the horse in front of the leg, and the use of transitions within and between gaits.  And there were small things too that mattered.  It was pointed out to one petite rider that her saddle pad was actually a poor fit because the drop was too large – it extended far beyond the flap of the saddle such that it interfered with the calf of her leg. Talk about hindering your aids.  Of course, the warmer weather was also a bonus of attending in person.  That said, the entire clinic will be available for online viewing/purchase at a substantially reduced cost on the USDF website, and it might be a good way to spend a snow day or two in Iowa.  I feel for all of you, I really do.

            I’m a bit bummed because I had hoped to ride in a schooling show tomorrow and had to scratch.  We ended up injecting Galatea’s hocks and stifles last week and the vet wanted three days of stall rest and hand walking, followed by a day of walking in the tack before we can resume work.  The mare is taking stall rest well because she can see everyone being tacked up inside or outside, and Laura has developed a soft spot for her (so that means a few treats when I am not there).  So, instead of riding, I will be spending the day as a volunteer, which should be a good way to meet people. Laura’s barn continues to be a very nice place to have landed.  The vibe is friendly and supportive.  The care is exceptional and the instruction is very detailed.  I’m just anxious to get back in the saddle and resume work.  I am meeting some fabulous veterinarians down here, but my checkbook and budget are calling for a break.