organizing the activities

I haven't been keeping good enough records lately to expect y'all to be up to date on barn activities.... But perhaps you may remember I started writing this past summer about a new on-farm "human resource." 

She comes decorated with fairly impressive judging / officiating credentials nationally and internationally....  And I may or may not have warned her from Day 1 that we would happily exploit the ever loving f*ck out of her extensive knowledge and experience. Ahem. 

you guys remember Spirit?? he's BACK OMG <3 <3 <3

The exploitation began with a number of Fix-a-Test clinics (the last of which still needs a recap here, sorry!). Shorter days, however, necessitated a strategic change. Specifically -- we can't bogart lighted arena space for the "One Horse At A Time" requirements of dressage tests. 

Luckily --- this professional had just the solution: she also specializes in gymnastics! And so -- a group activity for boarders was born! 

lecture time at the OK Corral

Our first such iteration was held this week, omg! Charlie, for his part, agreed to be sound enough for a little light entertainment haha, good boy. 

And overall, participation was really strong! Bc... Well, while this farm can boast an impressive lesson program... There's just a really weird disconnect from boarders. To the point that... Well. Uh. There just aren't really on-farm lessons for boarders. So... Yea. Pent up demand meant basically a full roster for our first holding of these gymnastic sessions, with even more entries expected for the next iteration... 

the ears on this Sir <3

The sessions were great tho. I rode Charlie in the "Poles Plus" division considering he's been NQR and out of work for... gosh, like 2-3 weeks? And.... It felt like a really good experience to see how E teaches, and also what she expects from the horses. 

In a nutshell.... She wants horses to be engaged and forward thinking, but.... Also quiet and purposeful. 

lol his fierce face jumping 2' PVC

This was obviously all of our first times doing this sort of thing together --- and E is new enough to the barn that she really doesn't know everybody and every horse yet. So exercises were intentionally kept inviting and simple. 

But even so... I actually really enjoyed them. We focused on a center line exercise, often even just at the walk. Focusing on precise and balanced turns -- not just yanking the forehand around. 

it wouldn't be 'Fraidy Cat Eventing if we didn't milk
a single clip for every possible frame

The most interesting configuration (and the only one for which I have video) involved picking up the trot just a few steps before a line of trot poles. 

This was so interesting -- almost revolutionary -- in a weird sort of way, bc it really changed how Charlie postured through the transition. He didn't just pick up his trot... He picked it up with reach and impulsion bc those trot poles were right there. 

I know the animated gif above doesn't really show it as obviously as I'm stating it out.... But the difference in feel was pretty distinct. And I definitely foresee practicing my transitions in closer proximity to trot poles and/or cavaletti going forward. 

you're a good boy, sir, and your tail and your shadow too <3

So. A good ride. And a good ride for a lot of my barn mates too!! 

The organizing component is honestly pretty exciting for me too.... Details like optimizing preferences re: timing / height / group size fit right into my skillset -- plus, not gonna lie, my whole goal with this little experiment is to facilitate a really energized and engaged community. So.... The more the merrier, and if people can feel comfortable providing good feedback, the better time everybody will have. 

The amazing on-farm resource we have with E is only really available to us in earnest during the off season so.... here's hoping we can keep capitalizing!