Groundwork – Page 10 – Virtual Brush Box

Rodney Is Awesome: Attack of the Swimming Noodle

After reading about a groundwork competition in France [Equifeel Championnat Départemental], we decided to try Rodney with the turn on the forehand in a circle. The idea is to put the horses forefeet (or hindfeet) in a prescribed area, then do a full orbit while keeping the two feet within the circle. We (the barnContinue reading “Rodney Is Awesome: Attack of the Swimming Noodle”

Rodney’s Progress, or Approximation Thereof

At the advice of my Groundwork Exercise Designer, we are using standards instead of cones for Rodney’s weave poles. The better to see them. Rodney is doing exceedingly well with this exercise. We will spend 10-15 minutes dragging the standards/poles into a new pattern or to a new location. He will nail it on theContinue reading “Rodney’s Progress, or Approximation Thereof”

Finding One That Fits

(Long post, lots of good things to share.) Rodney had a saddle fit appointment last Saturday. Fred Melnick of Melnick Saddle (saddle evaluation and fitting, billet replacement, saddle reflocking. 205-913-3841 fgmel@aol.com) came out with his bag of tools and several saddles. First off, his angle widget indicted that Rodney’s back is wide to extra-wide. ThisContinue reading “Finding One That Fits”

What is Progress?

Exercise: Asking Rodney to trot in hand. Result: Hopping, fussing, and bouncing sideways at the strike-off. Noticeable but less than previously [Weekend]. Afterwards, we were able to keep going and develop a decent jog for a respectable distance. Theory A: This is progress. While not calm, he is definitely calmER. The performance was better. ByContinue reading “What is Progress?”

Magic Feet

Rodney and I did our mounting block exercise [Where]. Since the ground crew was absent, I did nothing tricksy. After a while, I got bored with sitting and did some flexion exercises from the ground. Look right, look left, give to the bit. Lather, rinse, repeat. After any work session, I can tell Rodney’s moodContinue reading “Magic Feet”

Learning Styles

Crazy Opinionated Jumper Mare [pictured here and here] learned like lightning. She could scope out the height of an entire course as she trotted through the ingate. The only time I ever felt her unsure of a fence height was at an evening show. The ring was covered, the lights were low-power, and the sunContinue reading “Learning Styles”

Field Walks

My walks around the field have morphed yet again. Originally, I walked around our pasture in preparation for jogging around same. It beat jogging on the road. When the jogging habit failed to eventuate, I kept walking. It’s good exercise for body and mind. Often when I get my knickers terminally twisted, I will goContinue reading “Field Walks”