The big news at this show is the presence of Debbie McDonald, one of our best-known Olympic equestian athletes, competing on Felix, one of her younger horses. But last night we found out that Brentina, Debbie's world-famous Olympic and World Cup partner, also made the trip with her for an exhibition ride. I won't be there for that, but we did walk through the stable and meet Debbie, her husband Bob, and both horses. Today I drove back up to watch her Grand Prix ride on Felix (below), and stayed to watch a few others compete.
I also got a massage at a vendor booth to help with a sore, cramped shoulder. Now I need to go ride my horse one last time before we compete, with lovely images of harmony and lightness in my mind for inspiration (click here for a beautiful example). Then I will give my horse a bath, clean my tack, and drop the work and pressure for 24 hours while enjoying a Sabbath rest.
Off to prepare for a dressage show at . . .
7 comments:
I'm sending your blog link to my dressage friend Allison. She enjoys other blogs but doesn't enjoy blogging so much. Our dog Eddie is a ranch rescue that she asked us to take and make a home for. He's great and she was right.
That video is very cool - how in the world do they communicate the different steps with the horse - she was dancing - neat-
Hope your presentation goes well. Have a great weekend. T.
Great video pic to let everyone actually see what can be done when a horse and rider work as a real team!
Now, when are we going to see one of you and your dance partner, Russell? ;)
Bon chance, Mon Ami!
Wow, I'm impressed. You talents are endless!
Lauren, I hope you don't think that me and my horse are in either that photo or that video! We're not THAT talented!
Tina, the dressage rider communicates (ideally) through subtle weight shifts and leg cues, and some through the reins to the bit(s). It's supposed to look effortless to the spectator, like a pair of well-trained ballroom dancers sweeping around the floor together, but it's a lot of work for both horse and rider.
Michelle,
What a great video. I just love watching those horses. Now that I've spend more time than I'd planned watching U Tube, I'll go back to catching up on blogs!
- Franna
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