Riva has a club foot - her right front. It is slight, in terms of degrees, but does need correction in terms of shoeing. Our farrier has been working with her for over a year - she has been in front shoes for a year and just had back shoes put on. Our farrier is a a certified therapeutic farrier and wonderful. He now has her club foot in a full pad under her shoe. I had a long phone conversation with him yesterday as to his reasoning for this and his thoughts.
I have never worried too much about the club foot...but after talking with him, I have all kinds of worries. He was reassuring though - said he has more corrections in mind, just can not change too much, too fast. He said her right shoulder will always be weaker and less muscled and she will short stride her right side. He is working toward making this as slight as possible.
So I have been doing some internet research and that just gets me more worked up! Husband and I talked last night about getting her saddle fit checked. With the reading I have been doing, Riva most likely will need a custom fit saddle to accomadate that less muscled shoulder. Can you see $$$$$'s?
Farrier recommends working her more on the right rein - on the lunge and under saddle - to build that shoulder up. He also said to ask my trainer for exercise ideas - already sent off an email to her.
If anyone has any experience with this - send them my way! I love this horse more every day and want to help her however I can. Obviously, I am not rich and we have 2 other horses to care for. I have dreams of showing her in Dressage and hoping down the road to jump her. Our farrier believes she will be able to handle this - but it is too soon to judge how far she can go, since she is only just turning 4 and has much growing, maturing to do.
Anyone out there have ideas for me!
Friday, April 15, 2011
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
A girl can never have too many shoes!
The Diva has back shoes - she is all grown up now! Farrier had been holding off on back shoes, but her hooves were getting too worn down now that she is in full work under saddle. She took it all in stride and did amazingly well for her shoeing. She is normally a handful and gets irritated when the nailing begins. Farrier was pleased with her behavior today. Good Mare!
I put her on the lounge, and she was tracking up well and moving smoothly at w/t/c. On the right lead, she kept doing flying lead changes at the canter. I had husband come out and get her going on the lead and she gave up the switching when he got after her and made her stay on the correct lead. Sometimes, I am just not firm enough...but I am working on it!
We worked inside - had the indoor to ourselves, since it was a gorgeous warm day. Other boarders went out to ride. I worked again on trot to walk to trot transitions with contact. Riva seems to like this and was responding well. We worked in some leg yield at walk and a few at trot. We moved on to canter and got 1 & 3/4 laps on the left lead. 1 lap on right lead. When we tried it again, 1 & 1/4 on left lead - 3/4 on right lead. The left lead feels very rhythmic and smooth once she gets going - right lead is still very up and down and inconsistant. But - no bucking or silliness...I will take it!
I forgot to mention that I cut off most of that lovely mane she had been growing for 3 1/2 yrs last night. I want to braid her for our show next weekend and that hair had to go. I did it really fast, cause it was kinda sad for me. But she looks adorable with her sporty mane - she likes to flip it around now :) We also sticked her to check her height and weight - had not done that for awhile. She is just a hair over 16 hands and weighs about 1065 lbs.
More pics from last night:
I put her on the lounge, and she was tracking up well and moving smoothly at w/t/c. On the right lead, she kept doing flying lead changes at the canter. I had husband come out and get her going on the lead and she gave up the switching when he got after her and made her stay on the correct lead. Sometimes, I am just not firm enough...but I am working on it!
We worked inside - had the indoor to ourselves, since it was a gorgeous warm day. Other boarders went out to ride. I worked again on trot to walk to trot transitions with contact. Riva seems to like this and was responding well. We worked in some leg yield at walk and a few at trot. We moved on to canter and got 1 & 3/4 laps on the left lead. 1 lap on right lead. When we tried it again, 1 & 1/4 on left lead - 3/4 on right lead. The left lead feels very rhythmic and smooth once she gets going - right lead is still very up and down and inconsistant. But - no bucking or silliness...I will take it!
I forgot to mention that I cut off most of that lovely mane she had been growing for 3 1/2 yrs last night. I want to braid her for our show next weekend and that hair had to go. I did it really fast, cause it was kinda sad for me. But she looks adorable with her sporty mane - she likes to flip it around now :) We also sticked her to check her height and weight - had not done that for awhile. She is just a hair over 16 hands and weighs about 1065 lbs.
More pics from last night:
Headed back to the barn
Halt at X
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Lesson Monday & Quiet Tuesday
Lesson night - thanks to all the rain we had Monday morning, L and I had our lesson inside. Which was fine, since we both needed to work on our dressage tests. Only problem with inside lessons was 2 boarders trying to ride at the same time L was having her lesson. Will be so glad when it is consistantly warm and reasonably dry to ride and lesson outside.
Our trainer had Riva and I working on keeping the contact while working on trot, walk, halt transitions. Riva caught on to this quickly and quit flinging her head up after a couple of transitions. We worked this way mostly on the 20 meter circle, sometimes going large around the entire arena. We then moved to canter. Riva has went so many ways with how she likes the contact for canter. When we first began canter work under saddle, I was giving her lots of rein. Then, she went to going better with some contact. Now she is back to 'give me all the rein!'. So my trainer said to let her have the inside rein and just steer with my shoulders - this is difficult for me. I have to trust the Diva not to ram my knee in to the wall, overhead doors, etc. I said a little prayer and gave her rein. She did a full circuit of the arena, at canter, on both leads. Yes! Now if we can just keep this momentum going inbetween lessons.
Tonight - gorgeous weather. L had to work and I was the only one riding at the barn tonight. So peaceful...inside arena was freshly dragged, pear trees in bloom...so of course, I had hubby take pictures :)
Our trainer had Riva and I working on keeping the contact while working on trot, walk, halt transitions. Riva caught on to this quickly and quit flinging her head up after a couple of transitions. We worked this way mostly on the 20 meter circle, sometimes going large around the entire arena. We then moved to canter. Riva has went so many ways with how she likes the contact for canter. When we first began canter work under saddle, I was giving her lots of rein. Then, she went to going better with some contact. Now she is back to 'give me all the rein!'. So my trainer said to let her have the inside rein and just steer with my shoulders - this is difficult for me. I have to trust the Diva not to ram my knee in to the wall, overhead doors, etc. I said a little prayer and gave her rein. She did a full circuit of the arena, at canter, on both leads. Yes! Now if we can just keep this momentum going inbetween lessons.
Tonight - gorgeous weather. L had to work and I was the only one riding at the barn tonight. So peaceful...inside arena was freshly dragged, pear trees in bloom...so of course, I had hubby take pictures :)
We worked on more trot, halt, walk transitions with constant contact. We worked on varying trot speed, 20 meter circles, figure 8's, and some leg yield. Riva was good, a little slow, not bad. We went outside to ride in the dressage arena and work parts of the test. Here is our big finish to Intro Test B:
She was a bit distracted out there tonight - cows in the neighbor's field were sooo interesting. BO coming back from a lesson with 2 of her horses - very looky at them. I was proud of her free walk and medium walk tonight - much improvement. Trot was more energetic outside. She got lots of 'good girls' for that. Loving this weather!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Lesson tomorrow night!
Looking forward to another lesson tomorrow evening with our trainer. This will be our last lesson before our first show...getting nervous and excited.
Oldest daughter came with us today to the barn. She is not into horses like the rest of us - but it was such a nice day to be outside. She took some pics for us.
Oldest daughter came with us today to the barn. She is not into horses like the rest of us - but it was such a nice day to be outside. She took some pics for us.
The Diva & me
Riva gave my oldest a nice 'pony ride'. I told her she is one of only a few people I have let ride her!
L & Hennessy walking around the pond
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Cantering & Windy Spring Days
Riva had Tues off, due to her power float. Wednesday, I expected her to be full of energy, rested, and ready to go...not so much. She seemed very mellow when I groomed and tacked her up. Stayed in the indoor to lunge, since all the other riders had headed outside to ride. She was good - just not much power. Hopped on and got to work.
I asked P to come out and help me a bit with canter. Surprisingly, I was able to get a full lap around the arena not just once, but twice on the left lead - yeah! But it was the slowest canter I have ever rode on her. She did not rush into the canter from trot - no bucking or sillyness - just smooth slow canter. Switched to right lead - full arena once. Tried for a second time, but she just did not have any forward going. I went back to trot - which after canter - she is normally very forward in trot. It was better, but not her normal forward.
Decided to head outside for a little work in the jumping arena. We worked a trot pole line of 3 poles a few times, then walked out around the property.
Today, a boarder was having a lesson in the indoor, so I took Riva outside to lunge. L had been out lunging Henny, but she was already coming in as Riva and I headed out. L said 'good luck and hope she is better than Henny was'. It was windy, but we have worked this Spring in worse. Riva was good on the lunge, listening, despite the fact her favorite Belgium Warmblood was being ridden around the field by the dressage arena. Good Mare - keep those hormones in check!
I decided to go ahead and ride outside. By this time, another boarder had joined us and the BO was walking one of her horses around the field. Lots of distractions, but Riva did well. She never tried to exit the dressage arena - that is a plus! We worked lots of 20 meter circles - worked on consistent trot speed, and on her right bend. We finished out with a long walk around the property. She is doing better every time at staying relaxed - whether we walk out on our own or with L and Henny.
I received comments from two different people at the barn tonight on how well she is doing for an almost 4 yr old. Always makes me feel good.
Oh, and bonus...I ordered a new helmet and it arrived today. Love it and it fits great, comfortable, and I am no longer sporting my daughter's old blue hand me down!
I asked P to come out and help me a bit with canter. Surprisingly, I was able to get a full lap around the arena not just once, but twice on the left lead - yeah! But it was the slowest canter I have ever rode on her. She did not rush into the canter from trot - no bucking or sillyness - just smooth slow canter. Switched to right lead - full arena once. Tried for a second time, but she just did not have any forward going. I went back to trot - which after canter - she is normally very forward in trot. It was better, but not her normal forward.
Decided to head outside for a little work in the jumping arena. We worked a trot pole line of 3 poles a few times, then walked out around the property.
Today, a boarder was having a lesson in the indoor, so I took Riva outside to lunge. L had been out lunging Henny, but she was already coming in as Riva and I headed out. L said 'good luck and hope she is better than Henny was'. It was windy, but we have worked this Spring in worse. Riva was good on the lunge, listening, despite the fact her favorite Belgium Warmblood was being ridden around the field by the dressage arena. Good Mare - keep those hormones in check!
I decided to go ahead and ride outside. By this time, another boarder had joined us and the BO was walking one of her horses around the field. Lots of distractions, but Riva did well. She never tried to exit the dressage arena - that is a plus! We worked lots of 20 meter circles - worked on consistent trot speed, and on her right bend. We finished out with a long walk around the property. She is doing better every time at staying relaxed - whether we walk out on our own or with L and Henny.
I received comments from two different people at the barn tonight on how well she is doing for an almost 4 yr old. Always makes me feel good.
Oh, and bonus...I ordered a new helmet and it arrived today. Love it and it fits great, comfortable, and I am no longer sporting my daughter's old blue hand me down!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Pics from today
Riva was great for her dental work today. Just one shot kept her sleepy for her procedure. She lost a baby tooth as the doc was getting her ready. Doc said she will lose a few more soon. She ground off some hooks on her back teeth, and the rest was normal maintenance.
I took advantage of her shot wearing off to give her a good grooming - shed out lots of hair. By the time I had worked my way all around her, she was starting to wake up and look for snacks. Night off from riding tonight. Hoping for more sun tomorrow.
Sleepy Riva back in her stall - so sweet!
I took advantage of her shot wearing off to give her a good grooming - shed out lots of hair. By the time I had worked my way all around her, she was starting to wake up and look for snacks. Night off from riding tonight. Hoping for more sun tomorrow.
Power Float Today
After having last week off for Spring Break, I took today off to meet the vet for Riva's 2nd power float ever. Last Spring, she had it done and a wolf tooth pulled. She did really well last year, so fingers crossed all goes well today. I plan to try and take a few pics, if my vet has enough assistants with her so that my hands are free.
L and I rode inside last evening. I am so over the cold and rain! Riva was full of energy. BO had brought them in early yesterday since the weather was so crappy. Riva body languange was 'get me outta this stall now!'. Put her on the lunge and had to reinforce when I saw walk, walk now. Canter was lovely and consistent speed without a lot of coaxing.
Got on and after some trot work, I asked P to come out and help me try canter. I had not worked canter since my lesson a week ago. Riva wanted to rush into the canter from trot on the left rein, but not the right. She picked it up every time - P only had to reinforce from the ground once with the whip. She held the canter 3/4 arena on both leads. I went back to trot work and asked for canter once more later in our ride. She picked it up on both leads and held it down the long sides of the arena.
Riva started having issues when another mare entered the arena to work. I swear the old 2 is company, 3 is a crowd should be Riva's motto. Even though she pins her ears at Henny, she works great in the indoor arena with him. But add one more horse, and she turns into angry mare. She had a few sticks and I had to spin her and growl to get her moving. I was experimenting with sitting the trot for a few strides before posting - I noticed this was getting Riva to step out into trot at a better speed. I had been working on this on the left rein, before the other mare came in. I wanted to try a few times on the right rein before we ended for the night. I did manage to get her mind off the other very mellow mare and we ended on a good note.
On a side note, I learned the other mare will be at our first show and in the same class as us. Hoping we can warm up in different arena that morning, or the Riva will not even notice her. One can hope!
L and I rode inside last evening. I am so over the cold and rain! Riva was full of energy. BO had brought them in early yesterday since the weather was so crappy. Riva body languange was 'get me outta this stall now!'. Put her on the lunge and had to reinforce when I saw walk, walk now. Canter was lovely and consistent speed without a lot of coaxing.
Got on and after some trot work, I asked P to come out and help me try canter. I had not worked canter since my lesson a week ago. Riva wanted to rush into the canter from trot on the left rein, but not the right. She picked it up every time - P only had to reinforce from the ground once with the whip. She held the canter 3/4 arena on both leads. I went back to trot work and asked for canter once more later in our ride. She picked it up on both leads and held it down the long sides of the arena.
Riva started having issues when another mare entered the arena to work. I swear the old 2 is company, 3 is a crowd should be Riva's motto. Even though she pins her ears at Henny, she works great in the indoor arena with him. But add one more horse, and she turns into angry mare. She had a few sticks and I had to spin her and growl to get her moving. I was experimenting with sitting the trot for a few strides before posting - I noticed this was getting Riva to step out into trot at a better speed. I had been working on this on the left rein, before the other mare came in. I wanted to try a few times on the right rein before we ended for the night. I did manage to get her mind off the other very mellow mare and we ended on a good note.
On a side note, I learned the other mare will be at our first show and in the same class as us. Hoping we can warm up in different arena that morning, or the Riva will not even notice her. One can hope!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)