Thoracic Glides - Upper back mobility drill
Back in September, I unfortunately got kicked on the hip by a big Warmblood 🥴 The pain was palpable - both in the moment and in the following weeks, and the pain even expanded as I still had to take care of the horses with all that it entails, while my body automatically tried to compensate and did not allow for normal use of the hip.
I therefore wrote to @kph_yoga to get suggestions on how I could alleviate some of the tension I was experiencing. She introduced me to the exercise 'Thoracic Glides' for the first time, and I still don't understand how I’ve managed to be an equestrian for a lifetime without having ever heard of these! Anyone who mounts a horse should practice this kind of upper back and shoulder control 🤩
That's why I've got Katrine to make a short tutorial just for you 🙌
If you have any questions, I will do my best to answer in the comments section and otherwise I am sure that Katrine will check in as well 💛 Also, be sure to check out the previous videos she's made for you especially with equestrians in mind 🏇 They can be found on this page, posted around summertime 2023.
I hope you find as much value in this particular exercise as I do. And if you want to make it even more equestrian-specific, then - once you have a good grasp of the exercise - you can try performing it on a large pilates ball, where you’ll also have to actively keep the pelvis still.
Enjoy 🥳
(Sound on)
Novilheiro
Humans: *Uses our big brains to come up with fancy things to keep our 4-legged friends entertained” 🧠
Animals: “Wauw! Look at this old piece of rope I just found?!? How awesome is this?? 🤩”
How could anyone possibly not fall in love with that attitude? 🥰
Novilheiro is the first son of Vitorino, and has continuously shown so many of the character traits we loved in his father ❤️ Not only in his extremely intelligent and loyal behavior, but also in his willingness to learn and how sharp he is - sometimes it feels like we haven't taught him anything he didn't already know. I had the privilege to get to know his mother very well, and Airosa is a mare with not only a beautiful soul and fantastic confirmation, she also carries some of the strongest lines - in my opinion - when it comes to breeding quality horses with the highest level of courage, rideability and ease in everything they do 🏆
Novilheiro is a stallion way above average and a horse we are very excited to follow as he enters adulthood. He reminds me so much of Vitorino - they even whinney the same way and there is no doubt he, as his father, will grow to do amazing things in his life and be a wonderful partner and friend 🦄
Does your horse enjoy playing with toys? 🏐 If you have ideas, that might be useful for others, please share in a comment 🥳
Uivador CDR
I really feel like I'm repeating myself on an almost daily basis at the moment, but it's kinda crazy how fast these foals grow 🤯 With planning, insemination(s) and pregnancy, these little beings are easily over a year in the making, but once they come into the world, it feels like they develop at lightning speed ⚡
Just look at our beautiful Uivador (Boemio QL x R-Kazan Coussoul x Altivo PC); respectively on the day he was born and then about 3.5 months later 🥰 From a tiny, bouncy baby with long limbs to an impressive 'Look at me-colt', filled with confidence and already with clear indications of the horse he will one day be 🏆
He is out of Lusitanos of the 'old type' of respectively 15 and 18 years of age, and still has a modern dressage character and a lightness in his movements that makes me think that he will be fit for international FEI level dressage 🥇 And of course, the loyal, brave and giving character we associate with the Lusitano, which makes them the very best and safest companion to take out.
The amount of laboratory equipment involved in producing foals via insemination could indicate that breeding is a science 🧪 At the same time, you need to know your history to know what to expect from certain lines and combinations. And yet, the result may be different - and more - than you expected... So perhaps breeding is also a very special form of art? There is certainly nothing more beautiful on earth than a pure Lusitano, if you ask me, and I am deeply grateful that Coudelaria Quinta da Lagoa let me buy Boemio and thus gave me the chance to use him in our breeding program ⭐ And for Eia, who was born at Coudelaria Senhora de Alcamé and who year after year has produced the most amazing offspring; next year, a full brother or sister to Uivador ❤️
It goes without saying that we are really excited about this colt, and consider him a future superstar for PSL breeding and sports. If you would like to meet him, please contact us for a chat
Available 2024-foals
One of the reasons why we decided to move ourselves and the horses from Portugal to Denmark 4 years ago was a burning desire to expand the knowledge of the Lusitano breed outside of Portugal.
It's been 15 years since these amazing horses conquered my heart and with 11 broodmares and 6 adult stallions I think it is safe to say that I haven't looked back since ❤
Every horse that has crossed my path has helped me on my way to where I am today, but no one more than Vitorino. He has given me everything and more, whether in the dressage arenas, in our breeding program or on a personal level, and I'm deeply grateful for every single foal that carries on a small part of him. And sure enough, the first 2024 foal who left us last week (along with her mother, of course) was a Vitorino baby, and there's no doubt that little Uliana V possesses all the excellence we celebrate his foal for 🥇
However, he is not the only one whose offspring we can present with pride; Boemio (R-Kazan Coussoul FR x Scapin x Maravilha) has sired some truly outstanding foals this year, and in the video you’ll see the three of his 2024 foals we currently have for sale 🥰
In my eyes, they are both very different and yet have so many similarities. There is a real potential for dressage, but without compromising on good temperament, courage and well… That Lusitano factor, that means that once you’ve had a Lusitano, it is simply impossible to switch to something else 🇵🇹
Who’s your favorite?
Whether you are looking for a foal with a strong breeding potential or a future riding horse with the elegance for the dressage arenas or the attitude for Working Equitation, (s)he is right here 😍
The foals are of course Piro-negative and can travel all over the world, so if you are in the marked for your next horse and would like to experience our Lusitanos live, feel free to contact me with your wishes and to schedule a visit at our farm in the Southern part of Jutland, Denmark 🇩🇰
www.ow
Rafi CDR
I was so grateful for your sweet comments under the video of Rêve 💛 One in particular really stuck; It was pointed out what a gift it is for every horse buyer to be able to follow a horse's development in pictures and video and thus get a good idea of the horse's foundation before deciding to buy 🦄 That is true, not only for the horses that are sold directly from us, whether they are 10 months or 4 years old, but for all our offspring for the rest of their lives. If in 20 years you are considering buying a CDR-Lusitano, no matter where in the world or which owners he has had before you, you will always be able to trace him back to us, as long as his microchip is intact.
That thought is all I need to share a video of Rafi (Boemio QL x Madrigal MV) today - just as imperfect and at the same time completely perfect as Rêve, though slightly less affected by his ongoing growth period 🥰
He can soon take the prize for having the most fans among you. But who can look at that face without falling completely in love? ❤️ Fortunately, his inside matches the outside, and no matter who ends up being his human, I am convinced that he will be the most loyal, trusting and adventurous partner you could dream of 🎁
For me, Rafi is the epitome of a true Lusitano, and my greatest wish is to find an owner for him who will appreciate exactly that, whether it leads to Working Equitation, dressage, show-training or the ultimate luxury tour partner. Rafi can do it all 🇵🇹
He turned three years old on April 7, and is in loose housing with the other boys. I am sometimes asked how 'stallion-like' they behave, and I can't answer much better than 'what you see is what you get' 👌 The youngsters behave completely impeccably under the supervision of the geldings; They are polite to people and do not push, bite, fight, or whatever it is that is meant by 'stallion-like behavior'. Our philosophy is that stallions should be with other horses, if at all possible. Therefore, l
Rêve CDR
It can be difficult to know what to share. I myself feel that we share a lot, highs as well as lows, and I know that many of you follow us because you get a real insight into our everyday life ❤️ Profiles full of pictures of just washed, freshly trimmed and plaited horses in shiny equipment under a blue sky are plentiful.
But what is appropriate when you have horses for sale? Is there a risk associated with also showing them in the middle of a growing period, in winter fur or after the biggest mud bath of the decade?
I have to admit that I would like nothing more than to show the 3-year-olds who are for sale, strutting around perfectly groomed in a newly leveled arena surrounded by greenery 🎗️ Unfortunately, the situation is that they have naturally started to grow just as the Danish weather made it possible to make videos of them in summer coats and sunshine. What do you do then? Do you show video where they don't live up to their full movement potential? Or do you wait until winter and give them a full trim to be able to show them nicely?
I have gone with a variant of option no. 1, and trust that you can relate to the joy I feel when I see my colts give it full throttle in the fields with their hair flowing in the wind 🥰 Leg wraps and plaits will come soon enough, and you will be seeing them show off on their own and on even ground once they’re done growing 💪 Today you get Rêve in free form - imperfect, yet absolutely perfect 💛 And I just hope that you do not write him off on that basis, because I promise you that there is movement for dressage in him. In addition to a formidable character and the biggest, kindest heart any rider could ever dream of 🦄 If you are looking for a wonderful friend, do not miss out on the chance to come and meet him.
Our colts grow up in loose housing, which - in our opinion - gives them the absolute best start 🌱 Right now, the group consists of three 3-year-olds, two 2-year-olds and two older geldings,
Umila CDR
Buying a horse unseen is, in my eyes, a huge vote of confidence. Fortunately, I have never regretted it when I have taken that chance ❤️
A perfect example of this is my wonderful Milagro D' Arcos (Spartacus CSM x Palomo Linares II), whom I met for the very first time when she stepped off the transporter at our yard in Portugal just over 4 years ago 🇵🇹
Since then she has blessed us with three beautiful fillies, the first two by Vitorino and this year her first by Boemio (R-Kazan Coussoul FR x Maravilha). When Sina and Tamara left here, it was not easy to say goodbye to two such brilliant foals with the best possible character and an incredible amount of potential ⭐ Thankfully, they both moved into the best homes a breeder could wish for, but I’d be lying if I claimed that I wouldn't have enjoyed handling their training and education myself.
In February this year, Milagro suffered a serious injury that caused both a bone fracture and a tendon injury just 6 weeks before her due date. I was worried sick for her, the foal, the birth and the time after. But she is a true Lusitano mare and did not let pain get in the way of anything, and the foal she has given us this year is at least as outstanding as the previous 🥰
Umila is therefore here to stay, and I guess that anyone who sees the video understands how excited I am at the thought of one day being able to see the world between her ears 🦄 So far, she shows everything I am looking for, and I am infinitely grateful that Milagro miraculously handled both rehabilitation and a powerful filly at the same time to perfection.
I have the utmost respect for my mares, and situations like this show exactly what they are made of 🏆 So here is a video of our Umila CDR by Boemio QL x Spartacus CSM - a small filly that has given me reasons to dream big ❤️
Z-Chibanga
The thought of getting in the saddle of any other horse than Vitorino has been almost unbearable. But luckily I have a stable full of wonderful stallions who never stop asking "Is today the day?"
And of course, the day came when we had to get back to business. First with hacks out and then in the arena.
This video is of 20-year-old Chibanga (Navalheiro x Opus-72 x Medalhão). A horse who has more than once faced injuries that only very few horses get a chance to even try to recover from. Fortunately, he has always come back strong, and I think the video speaks for itself. Because even though we are both out of shape after a long break, his eternal joy is contagious to everyone who meets him and his eagerness to work fully on a par with 8 years ago ❤
Afterwards, when I looked at the video of me and my 'little' PowerHouse doing basic work, despite his strength and capacity and the fact that I could have asked him for anything, I came to think of some of the experiences I have had as a trainer; How incredibly difficult it is to sell the idea of the long process and the solid foundation in a world that is crying out for quick fixes.
For now, I'm going to let my beloved Chibanga speak for himself and enjoy a moment in the spotlight, no matter how unspectacular it may seem. You will absolutely get to see him (and us!) back in great shape, but for now I will allow myself to focus on him and our relation, which in every way has been 'through thick and thin'. If that's not the essence of a true friendship, then I don't know what is.
But if you are interested in hearing my thoughts on the process, foundation, education, etc. in a later post, please let me know in the comments. And otherwise, Chibs will definitely appreciate any message about how handsome he is (although I'm a little doubtful if his ego can handle any more fans).
If you're curious about Chibanga's past injury and recovery, I have a video series on YouTube about his way back. The canal is called 'Ribatej
Terceira CDR
Time and time again I am amazed by how well you know our horses. It is an overwhelming feeling to experience how people on the other side of the world can be deeply invested in our everyday life and remember even the smallest details about so many different animals, and I am deeply grateful that you see something in 'us' 🥹
Therefore, I also know that I cannot put 'Available' on a picture of beautiful Terceira without getting questions. Because yes, she was sold when she was just born and has stayed with us for ‘kindergarten’. Unfortunately, her owner has had to come to the difficult decision that right now is not the time for more young horses. I think we can all understand how difficult it is to make the right decision - especially when you have already had a year to come to love your horse - so of course I have promised to do my absolute best to find Terceira a first-class home 👑
So if you are looking for a horse that always says "I have never tried that before, so I can definitely do it", she is right here ❤️ Terceira loves attention and adventure and will follow you everywhere 🌏 She has shown an exceptionally well-balanced mind from day 1 and is a horse you can't help but love ❤️ Whatever your ambitions may be, she will be ready for it and give her best! She is a great prospect for both breeding and riding 🦄
Her father is my fantastic Grand Prix stallion Vitorino CSM, whose bloodlines excel within the Lusitano breed with several GP horses, and strong breeding horses on both mother’s and father's side. He has, among other things, a large amount of Andrade blood and Ortigao Costa on his mother's side 🇵🇹
The mare Eia (approved with 74.5 p) is a very strong mare by Altivo PC, full brother to the famous Xaquiro, and approved with a whopping 81 points. On the mother's side, her maternal grandfather is Haxice AR by Xaquiro. In this way, she is genetically predisposed to great rideability, willingness to cooperate and loyalty - which al
Umaya CDR
The third foal by Boemio, whom I have been looking forward to showing you, is the beautiful Umaya CDR 🥰 I must admit that I am a little worried about a repeat of the situation with Triana from last year 🤭 Because once again I have the most wonderful filly who came into the world so beautiful that you had to pinch yourself. And again, my magical foal decides to grow a mammoth-like coat, which is pretty difficult to overlook - but also something I simply refuse to clip for aesthetic reasons alone ✖️
So that's why I've been really excited to show you the video of her. Because even the craziest fluff cannot hide her excellent movements, elasticity or lovable character 😍
Umaya is by Boemio QL and Farmácia (Pawaroti x Fogoso JGB). Like her siblings, Umaya has everything we want in a Lusitano: courage, curiosity and kindness, in addition to high intelligence and ease of learning, which for me is invaluable. Good legs, and a good head will get you far 👑
This little lady is going to be someone’s best friend and excel at everything she is asked ❤️
The sky's the limit for her 🏆 And I promise you that the fluff will eventually turn into a perfect, gleaming gray coat 😅🥰
https://owec.dk/about-us/contact-us
Urtiga CDR
Once in a while, we manage to create a foal that gets twice as much attention from you compared to all the others. Not necessarily because they are objectively 'the best' or because they have special colors or markings. But they possess some intangible quality that makes it completely impossible not to lose one's heart to them - even through a photo ❤
Urtiga (by Boemio QL) is one of those foals. The firstborn of the year and the epitome of everything you dream of as a breeder. Her preference for napping with her head in my lap didn't exactly make her difficult to love either 🥰
Now, almost 4 months later, we are looking at a truly stunning, feminine Lusitano foal. A foal who just wants to be involved and who you can lean over, pull her ears or whatever you can possibly think of; everything is received with an "Okay, is this what we do? Well, that seems nice." She is not pushy and understands the concept of waiting for her turn and is always a guarantee for wonderful company - all qualities we know from her amazing mother, Gaiteira (Toxico JGR x Galan).
Both are horses that occupy a big space in my heart, and it is therefore an incredibly difficult decision to put them up for sale. My hope is that there is a wonderful person who will offer them a home together. We have sold mares with foals by the side several times before, and there is some kind of relief in knowing that they have each other. Gaiteira, like Boemio, is bred at Quinta da Lagoa, 13 years old, 158 cm tall, approved with 71.5 points and an absolute dream mare for breeding ⭐ We have had 5 offspring after her, and she is confirmed pregnant for next year.
If you are looking for a true 'Ride or Die'-partner, then Urtiga is the obvious choice, and you can contact us at https://owec.dk/about-us/contact-us
She is ready to travel 'now' next to her mother, and otherwise sometime this winter, depending on the natural weaning process.
Uivador CDR
Finally time to begin the video documentation of the 2024-offspring 🥳
We attempt to make videos and pictures of all the foals around 3 months of age, as it is most accurate in terms of how they will develop.
Just like last year, we begin with a breathtaking offspring by Eia. This year a son; Uivador (Boemio QL x Altivo PC), born March 21st 🤩
It is really interesting to look back on them as foals, when you see them older and more developed - and helps us become even more accurate in terms of "predicting the future" when foals are born. It probably takes a lifetime to become really good, but at the same time it is also fun to practice!
I always look forward to seeing them in the arena, and afterwards studying them on video. Luckily, Uivador fully confirmed what we had already seen; Next level gaits and everything you could ever wish for in a future riding horse and possibly breeding stallion. I hope you are as captivated by him as I am, and I look forward to sharing more videos as the little ones get old enough for it to be their turn 😍.
Uivador is by Boemio QL (R-Kazan Coussoul FR x Scapin x Maravilha) and our lovely Eia, where on the father's side you will find Altivo PC by Ufano II from Veiga stud and Quieta, who is also the dam of Xaquiro. On the mother's side, we have Ulmeira by Haxixe AR from the famous Alter Real stud farm, out of Xaquiro. He has a wonderful temperament and is a cheeky, nimble, kind and intelligent little guy, and we are excited to see who turns out to be the right person for a horse like him 🥰
If you want to hear more about Uivador, or maybe arrange to come meet him, you are welcome to contact us: https://owec.dk/about-us/contact-us
He is gray and of course negative for Piroplasmosis, so he can travel all over the world.
