Equinpilot

After 375 days Rosie gave up her hostage on 5/28.  Welcome to Roscoe's new Filly, Clover! Now I gave everyone  who guessed socks credit for one sock because I am not sure if she has white on her right front, and three stockings. She is unique for a Roscoe foal with her star and stripe. So, the winner of Rosie's foal pool is Betsy! Email me at equinpilot@aol.com to let me know if Riding Warehouse is what you want or another gift card. And the overall winner for 2024 is Liz! Now to see if I can come up with something to equal last years. Let me know if you have any requests. Thanks everyone for participating. As of now, Roscoe has had a break from breeding since mare owners are waiting for 2025. There is still a chance for a 2025 foal.... [Read more]

At the civilized hour of 7am Maggie gave birth to Duncan 2.0, Collin on Saturday. Yes, Rose is still holding out on us. Similar to his brother, his chrome was a little hard to figure out. I waited to see how he dried. I see three stockings and one sock. Maggie came much earlier than everyone expected, so the numbers are really low, but the winner is Liz! Send me an email to let me know if Riding Warehouse is your chosen gift card. Now I will leave you with a family photo of when Duncan came to see Collin.... [Read more]

Finally, the first foal has graced us with their presence. On 5/1 (Debonair's B-day) Fairy Gold released a big, bling boy. She was like 15 days overdue, so her poor owner was totally sleep deprived. She absolutely loves this mare and seems to forgive him for being a boy instead of a girl. The question is what color is he: Chestnut or Palomino? That is part of the reason I waited to do this post. Only one person guessed chestnut, so I gave them credit. Enjoy Roscoe's newest son, SFW Mic Drop (video) Video 2 And the winner is Stacie! Send me an email, equinpilot@aol.com,  to let me know if you want Riding Warehouse or another gift card. Now we wait for the next one.... [Read more]

While we wait for the new foals, here are some updates for the older ones. Castleberrys Royalty Jess, and her son, came up for sale. Duncan's owner worked out a deal with her owner and she has a new home in Kentucky. She has been to clinics, trail rides and will be bred again. It will be exciting to see how she comes along. Castleberrys Ffrewyn Since weaning he has lived in Canada with his brother, Debonair. He has at least one foal on the ground, but was gelded. Recently he was sold to a dressage rider in America. Fynn is now Frosty and hopefully we will see him in the show ring. The ones for sale: Pleinair Nocturne Shelby, Roscoe's half welsh son. He is still flashy with his chrome. His owner got a full welsh stallion to show and promote, so Shelby has not been able to get started. Ad link. Cobs Creek Criterion Duncan is a yearling who has been on trails, shows, and even therapeutic swimming to get fit for YHS. MHS Ragtime Reflection Roscoe's 3 year old daughter can be sold open or bred to one of the stallions her owner has available. Video link. Winter woolie picture.... [Read more]

Whew, time just flies sometimes. I feel like I have been sick on and off most of the winter. Roscoe bred five mares and I know of three confirmed. So here is the line up: Bred 5/11/23 Fairy Gold aka Pixie (Welsh/WB) Bred 5/18/23 Ashland Ginger Rose (Welsh Cob) Bred 6/22/23 Maggie (Belgium/Arab) A chance for a Duncan 2.0 Duncan, finally showing his chrome The basic's: Guess the birth date Guess the gender Extra points for guessing chrome: Face legs body Coat Color  Winner of each will get a $25 RW or store of choice gift card. Overall Grand prize winner (points combined) will get the personalized cross stitch.... [Read more]

So, I have spent all my free time working on the Foal Pool Prize cross stitch. That's why I have not posted. It took longer since my sister accidently cut the fabric too small and I had to start all over once I discovered it when it was halfway done. This was a fun one to put together. Liz has a ton of photos to choose from. These were the ones that make up the final picture And the final product And my sister's framing to finish it up Luckily Liz enjoyed the picture, which is always the goal. I always hope I do people's horses justice. Thanks everyone for participating in the Foal Pool. Roscoe has 3 expected next year, so we will do another one.... [Read more]

And of course just after I posted the last foal results, the last edition arrived early. For the first time ever Roscoe has two fillies in one year. Meet Juliet's (Remember When) filly, SFW Pardon My Ffrench (Kahmee) In a twist Kahmee has two socks and one stocking. Maybe a coronet, but I have not been able to see clearly. She also has a star, stripe, snip. Her owner is thrilled with all the traits Roscoe passed down. Kahmee keeps her mom running now that she has figured out those long legs. Congrats to Liz! She has won this foal pool and the overall prize. Let me know if you have a specific picture(s) for your cross stitch or if you want me to put together something. Thanks for participating this year everyone! We have one confirmed pregnancy so far for 2024.... [Read more]

Two new foals within four days. It took awhile for me to get pictures of the new filly, so that is why I waited to post. Plus I had a horse show hang over. More on that at a later time. So 5/14 Tegan Rhosyn had a beautiful bay Filly. Finally a bay! She has two socks and a little chin spot.  She is already showing off her moves. Meet Tegan Rhiannon Then on 5/18 Lady had a chestnut Colt. He takes after his dad with four stockings and a blaze. Meet Puca, registered name TBD. For the foal pools, we have two winners. Alanna for Rhosyn and Liz for Lady Congrats. I have your emails as long as they have not changed. Let me know if Riding Warehouse is your choice of gift card. And now we wait for Juliet, our final mare. Hopefully she won't make us wait like the other girls.... [Read more]

After an extended wait, Saturday Maggie had a big Colt just before dinner.  Meet Duncan! I waited to post because I could not tell from the pictures what his leg marking are. And I still don't, so since he has four white feet everyone who guessed white on legs got points. I think he has at least 3 stockings. He is super light though. Congrats to Liz! Email me at equinpilot@aol.com and I will send your RW or other stores gift card. Duncan made the news too click here... [Read more]

After a week of warm, wet weather the day  before the show was cold and dreary. Luckily my mom had already cleaned Roscoe's mane and legs while it was warm. So Friday I only had to rinse off the dust and braid him. Roscoe had definite opinions. Saturday started at 4am and I was totally stressed. Mom dealt with me and Roscoe getting both where we needed to be. Roscoe has matured so much since last year in the warm up. He and I are both still tense, but hopefully that will improve as we keep showing. My first class was 2-2, a class of five and I was the second rider. The first rider was sadly eliminated three movements before the end of her test. Not easy to follow, but a bit of relief that I should be able to get a placing we need. This was our first time riding the test at a rated show. Roscoe did super. We have plenty to work on, but it really was a solid test. He got a bit excited during the second lengthening and broke into canter. My friend who also showed, stayed around to watch. All the riding pictures are compliments of her husband. Beware it was windy, so the video is wobbly.  After that class we had a little time. My chill pony in between classes  I really wanted to be done. Roscoe was ready to go. This was a class of nine so I did not think I had any chance to get the placing we needed. Unfortunately our test was going pretty well, despite tension, when I got lost and ended up going to the wrong letter. Then I mixed up the previous version of 2-1 with the current one and walked when I should have kept trotting. That mistake will haunt me for the rest of my life. I told myself I was not looking at the scores until we had taken care of Roscoe. We set about giving him lunch and pulling out his braids. I pulled my phone out to take a picture of his post braid hair do and saw a message from my trainer. "Congratulations" I figured we had gotten third. She came back with 1st. I was amazed.  I looked at the results and saw that I had won the 2-2. 2-1 I had lost a tie for third, and again got fourth. I think I am doomed to that dang white ribbon. The show was a success, we got one of the five placings needed for Roscoe's performance requirements and I have both scores needed for the Bronze. We are on our way. Plus Roscoe was the only pony at this level. No babies yet, though Maggie looks ready to pop.... [Read more]

Every year our vet goes to Aiken, so we have to rely on his wife to do our coggins. Unfortunately, Mom could not get either of them to respond. Love them, but dang people customer service is key. So Mom got ticked and checked with another area vet who is used in the neighborhood. She was able to fit the boys in the next week. And funny story, we tried this vet when she bought the practice from our old vet years ago and she was awful. We never went back to her again. Fast forward and she is the vet for our friend who does the Magna Wave and happened to be nearby when Ember had a choke episode. He had basically cleared it by time she came, but it was great of her to come by. She seems to have found a way to connect to owners since the first time we met her. Mom got the boys ready and the vet offered something we did not even know was still available...handwritten coggins. Yep that poor vet had to draw Roscoe's markings. Been there, done that and it is no fun. Who knew in the age of everything digital that they were still an option. And to make it even better, they were $25 each. Three horses and a farm call was only $125. My jaw dropped when my Mom texted me the amount. For that price I will scan my own coggins to apply online. They arrived quickly too. Bonus was the vet gave us a good tip for giving shots to horses who hate needles, go slowly putting it in. It worked when we gave Roscoe his flu/rhino. She will probably be the first vet we call now. We are lucky to have a ton of vets to choose from, which I know is an issue in other places. Just over a week till show day, and we have more rain coming. Hopefully the pony will not get too dirty. He also has a collection on Monday to see if he will be ready to do his other job. Can't wait for the babies to arrive!... [Read more]

<p>&nbsp;</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKUOUld26vtsyOhSGGtkxOsnT0T4-J7dZDXcUMUi2K8jDhlpEZK0PEwQCBXjXnhyjXEFPSl3KH9dZ8RJW34ewN739ZfLHy1jj6uWc48hzGEZd4xZ9k07HzZtOzDZ852duroYBG8mC6QsFUAc-XBFdZfligHhnsOfeHtrTWEMBbHFv9FPjz0rrvdHau/s1068/entry.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="1068" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKUOUld26vtsyOhSGGtkxOsnT0T4-J7dZDXcUMUi2K8jDhlpEZK0PEwQCBXjXnhyjXEFPSl3KH9dZ8RJW34ewN739ZfLHy1jj6uWc48hzGEZd4xZ9k07HzZtOzDZ852duroYBG8mC6QsFUAc-XBFdZfligHhnsOfeHtrTWEMBbHFv9FPjz0rrvdHau/w404-h268/entry.png" width="404" /></a></div><br /><p></p>... [Read more]

Whew, breeding season was crazy. We had 15 collections for 8 different mares and had 4 pregnancies. Sometimes the mares do not cooperate. So here are the Expectant Mares: Maggie, Belgium/Arab Bred 5/6 Tegan Rhosyn Welsh Cob Bred 5/26 Lady Welsh Cob Bred 6/3 Remember When, Warmblood Bred 6/21 (finally a warmblood) The basic's: Guess the birth date Guess the gender Extra points for guessing chrome: Face legs body Coat Color  Winner of each will get a $25 RW or store of choice gift card. Overall Grand prize winner (points combined) will get the personalized cross stitch. Post your guesses in the comments! Good luck. Now I have to tweak my resume so I can apply for a lateral move at work which will hopefully bring another boost to the paycheck.... [Read more]

After losing DaVinci, a winter storm and my computer going on the fritz, I took a break from the blog. I did not mean to take so long, but life happens.  I got a new computer during Christmas so I am going to start writing again. 2022 was quite the year of ups and downs. So here is a recap. January: Three rides total, that is it. We had a crazy snow fall that screwed up traffic for miles and kept us away from the barn. March: Beginning of a crazy breeding season. And Yes we will have foals in 2023. April: Rated show debut at 2nd level. We survived a windy, cold day even though Roscoe thought he would be eaten by a newmarket cooler. I got my first bronze medal score with a 60%. May: Second rated show, the wheels fell off. Combination of a scary indoor ring and saddle fit issues, made for a slightly disappointing day. We sadly lost Dottie when she could not stop spinning. The barn is so empty now. June: The end of a hectic breeding season, resulted in four pregnancies. After utilizing Magna Wave for years we got our own. August: Ember attended a bit fitting and got his own fancy bit that has improved his work. We finally got our saddle refitted after delays. Roscoe and I went to a schooling show for a redemption at 2nd level.  September: Brought our last show for the year and gave us enough scores to earn Reserve Champion 2nd level. We got a new trainer... but she did not last long. November: All in one day I got offered a new job, Lauren Sprieser rode Roscoe and I got hit in the mouth with a tire iron while changing the flat trailer tire. Now if only I could get Roscoe to feel like how he was after she rode. December: I started the new job, nice raise and got a new trainer. She is pretty awesome. Can't wait for them to come back from Florida. Keep a look out for a Foal Pool!... [Read more]

Winter riding brings the need for warmth. For me my ears are one part that needs to stay warm or I am miserable. So years ago we found this headliner in the motorcycle section of our Marine Corps Exchange.   The liner is super thin, so it barely takes any room in your helmet. It is stretchy and can also be a balaclava or just a neck warmer. It is sleek enough to wear at a show or clinic. Just as many things the price has gone up over the years. It is still worth the $18 price tag.  We just gifted one to our Magna Wave practioner and she was thrilled. She has a long walk to get to her lesson and was looking at something to keep her head warm. I will warn that it holds heat really well, so it can get very warm using it in an indoor. It is durable, mine is still in great condition.  Item:Seirus Thermax Headliner Price: $18-$25 depends on retailer... [Read more]

As you all know Lauren from She Moved To Texas, won Roscoe's 2021 foal pool. She generously donated her gift card amount to a charity. So I really wanted her cross stitch to be special.  Fortunately she has really great photos to choose from of Simon and her dogs. I ended up formatting something completely different than I had ever done. It has a level of depth and nuance I hoped would come through. I gave it to my sister to be transferred to the pattern and crossed my fingers.  Amazingly it worked out to fit all my parameters. It did need every stitch completed to make it come together, but in the end we were happy. My sister found the perfect frame quickly, a process we normally go back and forth on multiple times. We shipped it to Lauren and surprisingly it even arrived early. She was brought to tears, but in a good way. These prizes do not come quickly, though I do try to make them worth the wait. Lauren, Simon and her dogs I am not sure Roscoe will have a foal due next year. It was a rough year for mare owner's. Maybe we will do a pregnancy pool instead 🤔... [Read more]

We said goodbye to Karrigan at our last lesson as she moves with her military spouse. She definitely pushed Roscoe and I to be better and I felt she was invested in our progress. Unlike previous trainer exits, this time there is not an assistant trainer to take over. I was mildly panicked at the thought of no lessons the winter before I attempt rated shows. Enter Lauren who worked it out that I can ride with her until an assistant is hired. Now was nervous for a whole other reason. Which turned out to be for nothing. Lauren is a completely down to earth, tell it like it is person. I found myself calming and feeling like I could do this dressage stuff. And that transferred to Roscoe. He did not get upset or tense.  I included all the working portions of the lesson. Lauren is clearly heard, so you can get an idea of how she teaches.  The lesson was centered on the basic principle of him being "on the bit" at all times. He still fakes it or uses his under neck at times and I have not been tough enough. So after warm up she put us on a circle to begin spiraling. Left is our hard way and it was obvious. He would pop up when I gave the inside rein. But we kept asking him to lift his back, cross his legs and move forward. Slowly,  Roscoe moved differently.   When we stepped up to canter, Lauren specifically stated if he dropped down to trot it was okay. He is allowed to fail. Success is built on failure. Even if he fails the exercise, he still worked the muscles in the process. Permission to fail made for some of the best canter work we have ever done. And when he did trot, he was balanced instead of splatting. Rescuing him in the canter could result in him sacrificing quality. Roscoe definitely thought it was hard and he did not like the new transition parameters. He did try though.  My pony felt fancy! We were by no means where we need to be, but the stronger base was definitely being built. And my ride at home the next day was almost as good. So fingers crossed we can keep it and strengthen him over the winter. I can tell other movements will be easier once we firmly establish him working over his back. Even after only one lesson, I am already thinking I will need to plan to pay the extra to take an occasional lesson with Lauren in between regular lessons with the assistant.... [Read more]

The downside to having a breeding stallion, lessons, shows and a full time job is the trailer is tough to schedule a checkup. We did not notice anything until the well into breeding season and the show season. So we did fixes and watched until we could get it in. Fast forward to the beginning of November. Mom and I were driving back to the barn after a saddle fitting. The roads are hilly, winding and a little narrow, but we have gone this way for four years with no issues. This time we felt a huge bump, or something that only affected the trailer. Immediately we thought it was a tire. A look around showed four tires on both the trailer and truck. Roscoe was good and we could not see anything. We moved on. A week or so later we went to what turned out to be my final lesson with Karrigan. Along the way we found the trailer had no lights. I called our trailer place and told them the problem. Mom brought it in the next day and we hoped it was just a fuse. Which is partially was. The truck blew a fuse, but fixing that did not fix the trailer. So they told us they could not do any work on it until the first week in December. That was not good as I have a lesson scheduled for the first. But with no lights we could not go anywhere, so the trailer stayed in case they could get to it sooner. Thankfully they got to it this week and fixed the lights. Now they needed the truck to adjust our balance system, which we said had not been acting right. When my parents dropped the truck off, they found out why our lights died.   It turns out after three hours of searching for the problem, the bracket to our balance system cut the wires for the lights and the brakes. We have noticed over this year that the brackets had been slipping and it was on the list to tell the trailer people when it went in. We just tightened the bolts. It seems that all the issues we have felt with the balance system probably stem from the wires it was gradually cutting. And the big bump we felt was when the brakes locked after the wires were cut completely. The trailer literally jumped.   This lovely trailer issue snowballed into a big bill. You can bet we will be bringing it back right away if we see any slippage of the brackets. They will added a strip of metal if needed to hold it in place. It figures that the wires are the least protected on the tongue. What are the chances? Virginia requires an annual inspection so our trailer goes in at least once a year, but this all happened after. Hopefully now our trailer issues will be limited to little things like interior lights and the dang moonroof.... [Read more]

Let there be light!... [Read more]

Sadly this winter my trainer is going to Florida so I will be on my own. She was going to come back a couple of weekends but now that's not happening. Lauren Sprieser emailed and said we were stuck with her. Like that is a bad thing. So the winter before my biggest show season will end with camp with Lauren. Although I have ridden at Sprieser for four years, I have not ridden with her. Her lesson prices are nearly double that of my trainer making it too pricey.  I am looking forward to getting her help. Sometimes a different person can say something in another way that causes a light bulb moment. She has seen Roscoe a fair amount over the last six months and may already have ideas. My pocket book hopes we don't fall in love with her training.... [Read more]

I have gone radio silent not because there is nothing to say, but because we have been on an emotional roller coaster with DaVinci. He got two months of EPM treatments, continously treated with PEMF, acupuncture, and Equioxx. We saw improvements and then we saw him go downhill. We made the decision to inform his previous owners of the fact he would leave soon early September.  It was extremely hard to make a choice while he was interacting, eating and showing some improvements. We had to go day by day. I was actually able to pick up and trim a little bit of his feet. He was not running into walls as much. We took off his protective eye mask since eye injuries were the least of his worries. That helped his mobility improve.  My parents had to go to a wedding in October and my dad stressed about something happening while they were away. The vet came just before they left to see Dottie, who could not put her head down, and said DaVinci looked good. Then the day after they returned, Peggy told us DaVinci was lame. Sure enough his left front was problematic. We attempted to treat, but the pain and neurologic issues made it difficult. After a PEMF treatment we managed to get a boot with a soaker diaper on. He did walk better though the pain was evident. Wednesday mom told me he was separating himself. That night we made the decision. His feet were a battle we could not address. We had to do an emergency as the vet was not available until the next week. The next morning we did the painful process of walking him out to the field using Dottie and his breakfast.  Ever suspicious he flipped out,literally, when I put the halter on. We did manage to get him in place again. The vet gave him and Dottie a sedative. DaVinci opinionated as always decided to back up to a different spot. Kudos to the vet for staying with him. Fortunately after that drama the process was smoother than expected for a neurologic horse.  Dottie was very upset as last one in her group. The boys went to the fence line to see. The herd dynamic is amazing. We ended up calling a different burial service than previous times and he was super. My dad and the boys were by DaVinci during the whole process.  Fifteen years ago DaVinci came back to VA after four years in CA where he had a dressage career. We promised to keep him till the end and now he joins the rest of our heavenly herd.  Thank you everyone who helped make his last half year better. His previous owner found his show halter and used it on her current horse at an event in his memory.  And yes he has a Painted Pony. That post will come later... [Read more]

<p>&nbsp;</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE39zK-YXGG444lCRIUjuibC9fmEXo7WHwNnxGZrFX3t5cR-pCwCw7vKbO1kW9XuXRQhKS1daZi0e0EaF_z8kSHTqnyKvmNxU215Kwz2XBL0qt5teLHGF3enpy5z3xfGFObF5qpnfY1v8/s900/FB_IMG_1632932210172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="828" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE39zK-YXGG444lCRIUjuibC9fmEXo7WHwNnxGZrFX3t5cR-pCwCw7vKbO1kW9XuXRQhKS1daZi0e0EaF_z8kSHTqnyKvmNxU215Kwz2XBL0qt5teLHGF3enpy5z3xfGFObF5qpnfY1v8/s320/FB_IMG_1632932210172.jpg" width="294" /></a></div><br /><p></p>... [Read more]

So Ember keeps getting bigger and with each spurt he has to figure out how to use his legs. As I mentioned before I was seriously feeling a lack of skills to move him forward. I could not afford my trainer to work with him, but found help closer to home. My PEMF therapist rides with a hunter trainer in the neighborhood. She was available to assess Ember. The first time, I rode him to show his movement. Dang pony actually cantered for the longest amount ever. She got on and put him through the gaits. Ember was so spooky with her. He did not believe she would protect him from the scary stuff ring side. Even with that he was really good. Her thoughts, he is very green and needs to mature.  The next two times she came while my Mom was there and did training rides. He had some progress and some steps back. She got to see a bit of his muleish behavior. Lunging showed it had to do with being ridden. So we may have to prepare him for work. She believes he is still growing and to focus on bare basics for a while. The best part is that she made my Mom realize that she can ride him. Mom tries to make him a priority since Roscoe has to be mine. Ember will eventually grow and be comfortable with what the trainer calls his enormous movement. When that happens, he will be very cool.  Sadly the trainer's husband had a really bad accident so she has not been able to ride him recently. I will say she and Mom have him moving much straighter than before. A huge accomplishment.... [Read more]

I was beginning to think our Second level debut was cursed. Last month it was canceled due to weather that never actually happened. Then this month is all rain and super-hot, humid weather. Roscoe and I do not do well in humidity. The weather meant we had one ride in the week before the show and that was a lesson where we could not get a good transition. I was seriously questioning my choice to go Second, but I am also a stubborn person who does not like to chicken out. My trainer was not thrilled with my need to prioritize movements, but I do want I need to get through first time tests. The weather forecast was questionable with all the tropical storms developing and moving. The organizer held strong and the show went on. I took a huge chance and washed Roscoe on Friday even knowing there was a chance for rain in the night.  In the morning he had only gotten splash spots on his hind socks. I had used WOW and hoped it would come out okay. Thankfully the early bath was a good choice since I found a flat tire on the trailer when I went to load. Somehow between when I moved it Friday night and Saturday, it was a pancake.  So Mom and I hustled to get it changed which required us to dig out the gravel below to fit the spare. Whew, I was dripping after. While we did that the boys ran around getting excited because the trailer moved a foot. And my previously clean pony rolled in wet mud. Mom saved the day by taking care of him while I wrestled into show clothes. Putting on a tight body shaper cami is no joke after changing a tire.  Together we got loaded and on our way just in time. The show was moving on time and it was time for the tricky part: warm up. The arena is in full sun and can be super-hot. I am still trying to find the right amount of warm up time to have enough horse left over for the test. I did figure out shoulder in is really hard for me without a fence. Our transitions were still tense, so I did what I could. Of course he was ready to go two tests before we actually went. Outside the arena, he really showed a new maturity and found an awesome trot. Our first halt was a dud as he dived. I did remember not to salute with my whip. Not forgetting that again. I am thrilled to say our first medium was super. This will only improve as I learn to sit all that power and he can be free.  Sadly our shoulder in was not as good as warm up, but we showed a tiny bit. The rein back was hesitant because he decided to throw his head up just prior to going into the ring, so I took time to set it up.  All our canter transitions were rough. Definite long term homework there. It was not the worst, so improvement. And my big fear the counter canter went well. The last medium was less impressive, but not horrible. The judge did not talk to anyone, but did make comments of the paper. Her main comment was that he is a very supple and forward horse who needs more engagement in the transitions. Totally agreed. I am always my worst critic, so I nearly fell over when I picked up my score sheet to find we earned a 67% and later found we had placed second. I am absolutely thrilled by Roscoe and that he brings it every show. Another 2nd level rider commented that “we are a great pair and she enjoyed watching us.” Now to get ready for the Welsh show and see if he can gallop.  Thanks for the encouragement! Dad gave me this pin one Christmas and it goes with me every day.  PS we are also prepping to do one more First level test so we can qualify for year end awards. Turns out we are currently first. Not too shabby for only two 1-3 test scores.... [Read more]

Well our July show got canceled and so our 2nd level debut will wait until August. Which turns out to be a good thing. I was feeling more pressure than I normally do and having a confidence crisis. And my pony who reads me well was getting worried too.  Battles galore and drama have filled our rides.    The downward spiral started when my medicine was in a delayed delivery status due to paperwork not getting where it needed to be in June. Added to the thought of missing doses was the fact that my second Covid shot was two days before the show. Spoiler alert: I did have side effects, but still managed to bathe my pony.  And the continued worry about whether or not DaVinci would improve had its own effects .   If you have ever had a chronic disease you know the stress of not wanting to decline, especially due to a paperwork issue. That stress rolled into my riding and it just felt like I was failing all over the place. 2nd has been a goal for four years and now that we are there it is freaking scary. How do I move forward?   I am trying to focus on the details, transitions and building his strength. Plus we are working on his neck, trying to get him to flex either way and get out of the rut only moving one way. Roscoe and I still disagree about counter canter, but hopefully we can pull it off in August. The shoulder in, we are using a 10m circle to help aid in getting our form.   So much is better, and that is what I need to focus on. The video in my last post came after all my crisis and is helping dig me out. Having a respected rider say “Holy S*@t, he looks awesome” goes a long way. My trainer who was riding at the time also decided that Roscoe is emotional and he worries when he does not do things right, so we have to be soft but firm.    For Roscoe, the August show will be his last dressage show for the year. I know 2nd is a stretch so I will debut and retire to focus on training. Goal achieved within our current scope. Our first go is a real ring was not a train wreck so I have hope.   Then both my boys will go to the Welsh show in September. I feel it will be a good mental break for all of us. Everyone send me some longer legs so I can keep up with Ember! Finally we actually have Cobs in our area now. When we stopped showing there four years ago, mine were the only ones. One of those cobs is Roscoe’s son Aderyn Du Flyboy and some others are his grand foals, making it a family affair. The long day will end with a ride in Ridden Cob for Roscoe. Sadly we will still have our mismatched tack then so it will be just for fun.   Ember will get a post about the change in his life soon. But let’s just say the confidence crisis extended to him too. Canter is not a confirmed thing with him and that has made me feel like the worst green baby rider ever. Mom asked me whether or not we should keep him. No way is he going anywhere, so I found help.   Someone is getting big My medicine finally arrived, though I  have to miss another dose to be completely back on track. At least I can pick a less hectic time to miss when I am not totally over faced by life in general.  Meanwhile Roscoe and I can have a career in mobile poop picking :)... [Read more]