Many may recall this little black gelding I competed 15-20 yrs ago, Du Coteau Lalou Bri. He couldn’t jump high, but he was as matter-of-fact and clever as they come; nothing ever phased him on xc (even when schooling much harder/more tech questions than his level or in life) and he won the dressage at most events. He was one of the winning most horses I ever rode.
Later, while in his teens, he taught several riders how to ride dressage correctly, show jump with more skill and fear not xc. More recently, he’s still being enjoyed by friends of his owner, always stepping into whatever role he’s asked to. Today, he reminded Wendy she knows how to ride and how much fun riding is. By the way, he’s 30years old in this video from today. ❤️
Maggie and Absoroka doing a great job in the Novice Stadium at Huntington today.
Pants came up from Aiken around Thanksgiving. He was very green and VERY unworldly; his world was turned upside down! I’ve gone incredibly slowly with him until he demonstrated some resumed confidence. In the last 2 weeks, he’s progressed in leaps and bounds! Today this happened...nicely light and elastic!
In spite of yesterday’s weather, we went to SBS to the jumper show today. In case it was overly ambitious to assume I wouldn’t run into unforeseen challenges from yesterday’s storm, this morning, I altered my plan of taking 3 and the big trailer to just 2 and used the tagalong. So just the boys went.
Chequers lived up to his name and helped me peel the rust off, and was 1st and 2nd. Darius was super and by then I was feeling still, a bit better. Still more rust to flake off, but Darius feels wonderful! Thank you Stoneleigh-Burnham School for hosting!!!
The boys (and the old lady) have been out together for a couple of days now. Clearly, it’s time to remove the halters! 🤦🏻♀️ James L. Foley
In consideration of Darius’ ulcers and his performance, I was a little slow in being suspicious of ulcers since his dressage has improved so much this summer. In fact, his progress there made me blind to acknowledging the slight change in his jumping. He’s been treated for a couple of weeks now so I figured it was time to check in with his jumping. I’ve been working on getting him more rideable and less reactive to the bit (he’s easily frightened and seems most confident in a plastic Mullen mouth) so the half halts work as well while jumping as they do on the flat. The course was supposed to be 3’7”, although I doubt it was quite that! I’m very pleased with him today.
In consideration of Darius’ ulcers and his performance, I was a little slow in being suspicious of ulcers since his dressage has improved so much this summer. In fact, his progress there made me blind to acknowledging the slight change in his jumping. He’s been treated for a couple of weeks now so I figured it was time to check in with his jumping. I’ve been working on getting him more rideable and less reactive to the bit (he’s easily frightened and seems most confident in a plastic Mullen mouth) so the half halts work as well while jumping as they do on the flat. The course was supposed to be 3’7”, although I doubt it was quite that! I’m very pleased with him today.
Rue and I working with Silke Rembacz Dressage today. I’ve struggled to learn how to be a beneficial partner for this mare the last couple of years. We’ve been slowly developing a partnership this year until early July; from there, it’s been in leaps and bounds! It was exciting and immensely helpful getting to ride Rue with Silke today; we were ready for the next step.
The horses traveled well and have settled in nicely. One could say Darius is pretty happy, esp getting to play with his friend Chequers. Tomorrow, we’ll all get to work!
Rue is growing up to be a lovely horse! Playing dressage horse today with instruction from Sibley Hannigan.
