Stacey K. posted an article on
Behind the Bit
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Feb 8, 2012, 12:48 pm
"When we're done trying on saddles do I get a treat? (not treeless here)"Riley finally got me to understand that the current saddle I'm using is not workin' for him any more. How'd he make me aware?
Tight back, flat movement
Tense jaw
Reluctance to go foward
Reluctance to go straig... Comment - Like
Stacey K. posted an article on
Behind the Bit
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Feb 7, 2012, 1:29 pm
Older Ansur saddleYears ago I read an article in Dressage Today (April or May 2002, p. 116) about treeless saddles -- actually it was in the Q and A column, and someone had posted a question about treeless saddles. J. Ashton Moore, Ansure saddle user, responded. I don't recall the exact words (read ... Comment - Like
Stacey K. posted an article on
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Feb 6, 2012, 1:21 pm
Ansur Excel (used, for sale now)For whatever reason, despite saddle fitters telling me the County Perfection is fine, Riley doesn't think it is fine. It's been adjusted four times, by reputable fitters, but it is just too narrow for his growing robustness, esp. around his shoulders. He really is g... Comment - Like
Stacey K. posted an article on
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Feb 5, 2012, 1:26 pm
Here it is, my beloved brown County Perfection. Looking at it now I seems a little close to the wither, but it looked right at the time. What do you think? Be honest! Comment - Like
Stacey K. posted an article on
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Feb 2, 2012, 1:18 pm
I recommend this blog, dressagecurmudgeon, which is the kind of writing I would love to do if I was a tuned-in dressage hipster. The writer is more of an insider to the sport than I'll ever be, and she has a sharp wit and ain't afraid to use colorful language.
DC, I'm stealing your photo for t... Comment - Like
Stacey K. posted an article on
Behind the Bit
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Jan 31, 2012, 10:05 pm
Olympian rider Heike Kemmer shows us exercises for riding. Narrated in German, you can still get a lot out of it, and it's fun to watch a rider in goofy positions... Comment - Like
Stacey K. posted an article on
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Jan 30, 2012, 1:18 pm
I tried this saddle -- what a great-feeling saddle, with thinline padding on the seat and underside. I wanted it to work, but it didn't feel super stable on his back no matter where I adjusted the tree. Ri seemed to like it well enough, but it slid forward onto his withers within ten minutes. To be ... Comment - Like
Stacey K. posted an article on
Behind the Bit
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Jan 30, 2012, 11:16 am
I'm learning a few hard truths about myself these days -- I'm not much of a student, apparently.
Maybe I'm just not a good listener. Maybe I can't multitask. Maybe it's hard to hear over the buzz of the arena lights. Maybe I'm just not a quick study.
Maybe all of those things are true.... Comment - Like
Stacey K. posted an article on
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Jan 29, 2012, 1:06 pm
Thanks to sam_j98 on FlickrOne of my readers recently sent me an email asking why I used chains over both my horses, even Harv who she observed seemed "mellow" and "old." Harv might take issue with that last descriptor! He's mature.
It's true that most of the time they're pretty easy boys. The... Comment - Like
Stacey K. posted an article on
Behind the Bit
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Jan 28, 2012, 11:48 am
So normally we look at dressage talent, but this jumping video merits a look, I think. My thoughts? Built a little downhill, and a little dive-y at the jumps, but overall I'm impressed!
You kind of wonder what prompted this, doncha? Comment - Like
Stacey K. posted an article on
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Jan 27, 2012, 11:10 am
As much as I love Hennycam, I always missed seeing the other perspective -- that of the spectator. Take a look at the new split-screen that gives both views! Henny is a cross-country machine -- the confidence he has in himself and his rider are evident here--there is never hesitation, never a baub... Comment - Like
Stacey K. posted an article on
Behind the Bit
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Jan 26, 2012, 1:26 am
Today is my birthday -- the big 5-0! It seems fitting to share a beautiful horse for every decade (my favorite being the first one). For more eye candy go to Performance Sales International Auction.
Oh, and pssst! It is a year for b-day milestones. Harv turns the big 2-5. He's been rocking th... Comment - Like
Stacey K. posted an article on
Behind the Bit
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Jan 25, 2012, 11:13 am
This pony reminds me of a certain cartoon animal from The Lion King. Anyone care to guess which one? He is ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE. I want I want. Comment - Like
Stacey K. posted an article on
Behind the Bit
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Jan 24, 2012, 12:28 pm
I'm now evaluating Riley's back, trying different saddles, and experiencing the new problem of "saddle sliding forward." Believe me that was never a problem with the Harvster (shown left at about age 11). He has a nice big wither, but I always felt like I was sitting in the back seat :-).
What i... Comment - Like
Stacey K. posted an article on
Behind the Bit
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Jan 23, 2012, 12:25 pm
Have you had that sort of dressage dream? It is the horsie equivalent of walking into class naked or finding out you're signed up for a class that you've missed all semester. It seems a little far fetched, but...
Guess what, it really does happen!
And I guess the announcer was speechles... Comment - Like
Stacey K. posted an article on
Behind the Bit
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Jan 22, 2012, 1:00 pm
Amitybee asked for photos -- well, I don't have photos of MY saddle right now but I recently tried a friend's Black Country Vinici, 17.5. Although I LOVE Black Country saddles and monoflaps in general, this was not a perfect fit. Anyone care to critique the fit? I have no dog in the fight, am not us... Comment - Like
Stacey K. posted an article on
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Jan 21, 2012, 12:35 pm
Well, I've looked at some of the Totilas offspring on Youtube. Here are a few of the nicest ones IMHO. They're lovely. When you consider that he's probably being bred to top mares (for that stud fee you're going to use your best lady horses), and all the hype, you'd kind of expect something special-... Comment - Like
Stacey K. posted an article on
Behind the Bit
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Jan 20, 2012, 11:05 am
War may be hell, but saddle searching is somewhere along the way there. Recall that I was whining about the clinic last week. Yes, the clinician was pretty candid about my problems, but you know, for all my complaining I think he really helped me. But there is something I haven't told you (yet).
... Comment - Like
Stacey K. posted an article on
Behind the Bit
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Jan 19, 2012, 1:18 pm
I especially love this girl's walk -- she's a total Marilyn Monroe -- but her gaits are so lofty and regular for a youngster! I love the low-key way she is being ridden -- it looks like she is choosing her own pace, not being pushed into it. I have to admit to loving the big-show trots, and I suppos... Comment - Like
Stacey K. posted an article on
Behind the Bit
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Jan 18, 2012, 1:15 pm
To me this pretty much defines the auction trot. The Europeans seem to have this kind of video perfected. The mare here is THREE YEARS OLD; she's pretty game, I like her sensibility.
Now compare this with the typical sale video made in the U.S. She's not the same type of horse as the one abov... Comment - Like
Stacey K. posted an article on
Behind the Bit
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Jan 17, 2012, 12:47 pm
I think this snippet is a nice summary of where I (and frankly most people, at least in the U.S.) need to go in their riding. It's a good way of describing the goal of dressage at its most basic level, too. Comment - Like
Stacey K. posted an article on
Behind the Bit
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Jan 16, 2012, 12:32 pm
"Where seldom is heard a discouraging word..."
This does not describe my last clinic on Ri-Ri. I have a confessional personality, and would post even the most unhappy of scenes--but Bob did not get much footage. Last time he videotaped he filled up the HD drive on the cam, and I could barely... Comment - Like
Stacey K. posted an article on
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Jan 15, 2012, 1:12 pm
I love the narrative, the shot selections, everything about this video. This lady shows us how it's done...
What do I like about how the video was produced? Start with classy intro followed by immediate action footage -- not five minutes of grooming, mounting, walking, or worse yet a "photo s... Comment - Like
Stacey K. posted an article on
Behind the Bit
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Jan 14, 2012, 1:21 pm
So, while waiting for War Horse, Bob and I watched previews. I thought about one of my favorite movies, The Player with Tim Robbins. You see a lot of "movie pitch men" in that movie, saying things like "Think Out of Africa with Julia Roberts!"
Well, as Bob and I watched a preview that made me... Comment - Like
Stacey K. posted an article on
Behind the Bit
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Jan 13, 2012, 1:10 pm
Harv has a big winter coat that he doesn't really need right now, with temps of almost fifty degrees! He's making do, and one of the big compensating factors is that there is green grass to enjoy. Comment - Like
Stacey K. posted an article on
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Jan 12, 2012, 1:01 pm
Plainer headed, but I love the outline and the steady contact; the rider is awesome, check out the posture and those hands-that-never-move at the trot. What do y'all think? Comment - Like
Stacey K. posted an article on
Behind the Bit
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Jan 11, 2012, 12:53 pm
It's true, he did fall, while GRAZING of all things.
How'd that happen? It was fifty degrees Saturday, and sunny. I took him out to the "back forty" of the barn property, where the summer grass was never mowed -- long, tall fallen over, I thought he'd love it. It turns out he had trouble with the ... Comment - Like
Stacey K. posted an article on
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Jan 10, 2012, 1:00 pm
Bob and I had an 11:45am appointment at the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine at UPenn. The drive and directions were easy-peasy, and it took us perhaps an hour to get there. The building is nothing short of spectacular, all glass and chrome and sunlit. We were in awe.
We waited almost a... Comment - Like
Stacey K. posted an article on
Behind the Bit
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Jan 9, 2012, 1:04 pm
This isn't a new video, but it's a classic. Talk about grace under pressure, on the part of both horse and rider! Comment - Like
Stacey K. posted an article on
Behind the Bit
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Jan 8, 2012, 1:18 pm
Bob and I went to see War Horse tonight.
The
Too much war. Not enough horse.
A review for horse people
Those hoping for horsie realism will be disappointed.
The movie started with the birth of Joey the War Horse. I laughed out loud at the many-weeks old foal that they tried to pas... Comment - Like
Stacey K. posted an article on
Behind the Bit
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Oct 31, 2011, 6:32 pm
I'm glad I prep posts several days in advance. No power at home no power at work, I'm sitting in the dark with my cats right now. This halloween picture comes to you from my droid. A little later I'll go to the gym I joined today just so I can take a shower. I maybe a little late moderating commen... Comment - Like
Stacey K. posted an article on
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Oct 31, 2011, 1:13 pm
The next 7-8 days will be unadulterated self-indulgence and vanity. Pix of me. And Riley.
I just love this photo--it's just nice, of both of us, if I do say so myself...
More to come!Where are my manners?
I really should give a shout out to Stephen Crowers who took many lovely photos of... Comment - Like
Stacey K. posted an article on
Behind the Bit
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Oct 30, 2011, 1:24 pm
A friend of mine has been worried about her brother -- he was having what looked like neurological problems -- shuffling gait, slurred speech, etc., and my friend was concerned about Lou Gehrig's disease. Recently the family learned it was a mild stroke and very treatable.
My friend was in my ... Comment - Like
Stacey K. posted an article on
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Oct 29, 2011, 12:46 pm
This procedure was always a mystery to me. Here is a nice description courtesy of Google Books... Comment - Like
Stacey K. posted an article on
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Oct 28, 2011, 1:20 pm
I remember reading everything I could about this grand horse when I was younger. Was surprised to stumble on this footage of the Big Red the retiree... Comment - Like
Stacey K. posted an article on
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Oct 26, 2011, 1:34 pm
I was upset when Bob called to tell me that he wanted to take Newman back to the cat shelter -- I am fond of our new cat, and even if I wasn't, he'd been at that shelter four years. That's enough. I also got Bob's point that Newman was stalking and chasing our first cat, Red Kitka (RK). Things had... Comment - Like
Stacey K. posted an article on
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Oct 25, 2011, 1:48 pm
A local dressage barn north of where I live has had a banner year, with many of their boarders cleaning up with the ESDCTA year-end awards and earning USDF medals. Maybe this success is part of the reason they graciously permitted me to share these photos of the "dressage out-takes." This talented b... Comment - Like
Stacey K. posted an article on
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Oct 24, 2011, 1:00 pm
Ri eyes the green grass while I try to snap this shot solo.We went to our first "away game" Saturday -- the adult team competition was held in conjunction with a recognized show but the team classes were not recognized. I had expressed misgivings about being in Intro level early in the week, but as ... Comment - Like
Stacey K. posted an article on
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Oct 23, 2011, 1:29 pm
When I was little I read A girl and five brave horses -- the story of the Atlantic City diving horses that started in the early 20th century and ended in the seventies. Yes, the photos of those tiny figures plummeting into a water tub was poignant and moving for an 8 year old horse lover. By golly t... Comment - Like
Stacey K. posted an article on
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Oct 22, 2011, 1:42 pm
Note to self. Marital bliss is not a 24/7 state of mind...
Husand: Can I talk to you a minute?
Wife: What's up?
Husband: Did you leave this grape in the sink?
Wife: Yes.
Husband: I just cleaned the sink.
Wife: It is still clean. A grape is a skin-covered, containe... Comment - Like
Stacey K. posted an article on
Behind the Bit
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Oct 21, 2011, 1:28 pm
I sometimes fantasize about getting professional shots taken with my horses -- but then I recall that I just don't photograph well (not the dazzling vision that I'm am in person, see?). That said, I LOVE seeing horse/rider/owner photos that show a connection between the horse and the person. These w... Comment - Like
Stacey K. posted an article on
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Oct 20, 2011, 1:52 pm
My inner grump says: Damned if you win, damned if you don't. At this Saturday's LAST SHOW OF THE SEASON I've been slotted to do Intro level B and C, not Training 1 and 2 as I had planned. I'm bummed. Why?
Riley is a nice horse, and he's not that green. He's overqualified for Intro level.
Whil... Comment - Like
Stacey K. posted an article on
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Oct 19, 2011, 1:17 pm
Riley went to Bucks County Horse Park Sunday. It was a beautiful, beautiful day, 65 degrees, breezy, and blue skies marked by fast-moving clouds in varying shades of white and grey.
My friend Heather trailered us, and had checked the Bucks County Horse Park web site to make sure there were n... Comment - Like
Stacey K. posted an article on
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Oct 18, 2011, 12:41 pm
CLICK HERE Hi All -- as promised I'm so happy to partnering with designer Kimberly of Enter at A Browbands to offer a bling browband giveaway! Kimberly made the browband shown on the right but she will will create a custom black or brown browband for the winner. All readers need to do to enter is:
... Comment - Like
Stacey K. posted an article on
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Oct 17, 2011, 12:08 pm
In the evening light the color is a bit muted, but you get the idea. Here he is touching noses with Gareth, one of the elder statesmen of our farm. So handsome! Comment - Like
Stacey K. posted an article on
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Oct 16, 2011, 1:49 pm
I just got this "retro swirl" turnout blanket for Ri and Harv - yes, two blankets. I just love the design. The look is from Weathabeeta, and you can buy the design from Dover, Smartpak, and Equestrian Collections. Comment - Like
Stacey K. posted an article on
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Oct 15, 2011, 1:51 pm
When they're good they're very very good.
I was at a conference last week in Pittsburgh. Bob called -- he wants to take Newman back. We had a pretty tense, calm conversation about this. I'm baffled. When I am home in the evening, things are pretty calm and at times very friendly.
Bob is home i... Comment - Like
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