Part Of A Group That Just Isn't Working

[Sighs]

Coffee sounds like a real character. Mares usually are! We have two. One is a lovely little fine boned thing. She is so sure footed that it feels like riding a hovercraft. Her only vice is that she like to pig root when you ask for canter. Our other mare has a name but we literally call her The Mare. When we introduced her to the herd my big flashy off track thoroughbred was cresting his neck and lifting his tail and throwing out his front hooves in a beautiful floating trot. (Basically saying "look at me - I'm so handsome - I'm the leader of the herd.) She just looked at him, flattened her ears to her head, spun around and gave him both barrels. She's leader of the herd now!

 

[Virtues]

She just looked at him, flattened her ears to her head, spun around and gave him both barrels...

lol this sounds like Coffee's brother Cannon. I'm pretty sure he is the Alpha, though those two talk trash whenever they are around each other (flattened ears, taking chomps at one another) She certainly doesn't take any crap from him, but he is just a bigger, more powerful animal. There are 7 in the heard (Cannon, Rey, Coffee, QT, Casey, Dunny, & Ginger) I know there's a pecking order, but I don't know the heard well enough to put them in order yet. I'm pretty sure it is close to how I posted it above though... Cannon is a stallion, I'm pretty sure Rey & Dunny are geldings and the other 4 are mares.

 

[Virtues]

So tropical storm "Colin" cleared up and headed north of us, which meant I was able to ride today. Today was the last practice before the drill on Sunday. All in all I guess the practice went well, but it really paid a toll on my back. Unlike the last drill this one will be done at a canter. I started out really strong and centered, but by the end of the practice I felt like I was coming unglued. My breathing sucked because I was in pain and my riding just started to go to hell really fast.

I'm so frustrated right now... Sunday is also my birthday, so I really want this drill to go well.

 

[ladee]

You are going to ace it Florian.... you had the same anxiety with your first ride.. and you and your horse did awesome... same thing here... hopefully you have some pain meds to take before.... keeping fingers crossed this will be even better than the first time.

 

[Sighs]

Are you able to ride the drill in a two point position (also known as a light seat canter)? My vet can't sit a canter when his lower back is really bad. The wave motion becomes too much pretty quickly. But if you stand a little in your stirrups (like you would during a showjumping round - not in full jump position - just poised a little above the saddle) it takes the wave motion to your knees rather than your lower back.

Sorry if that is completely unhelpful as you may not have done light seat canter or you may be required to sit for the drill. Bear in mind the practice was probably way longer than the drill so on Sunday you will be strong and centered as you were at the beginning of the practice!

Happy Birthday for Sunday! I'm sure you and Coffee will do great!

 

[Virtues]

Are you able to ride the drill in a two point position (also known as a light seat canter)? My vet can't...

I have never rode in a two point position before, but that seems like it might be very helpful. I have a herniated disc and since the surgery I just can't take impact like I use to; I've lost all stability in my lower back. I'm sure the practice was way longer than the drill. I also got there super early today because I was eager to get started. I got there at 2 practice didn't start until 4. I just went to acupuncture today too; usually I'm good for 1 or 2 days after acupuncture before I start hurting again and need to go back. Luckily I have another acupuncture session before the final drill. I don't think I'll be able to change up what I'm doing for this drill, because I won't have time to practice it before Sunday, but the two point position is something I'm going to ask about and see if I can implement into our next drill.

 

[Virtues]

You are going to ace it Florian.... you had the same anxiety with your first ride.. and you and your hors...

unfortunately no pain meds; I'm a recovering alcoholic so I don't mess around with pills at all either. I'm just going to have to grin and bare this one. I hope I do ace it; that would be the best birthday present ever.

 

[Sighs]

Two point takes a bit of practice and works on your balance and core strength but I'd talk to your instructor about it as its a minor modification that makes a big difference if your lower back is buggered.

I'm sure you'll ace the drill - look forward to the photo!

 

[Virtues]

Here is a picture of the herd they are all American Quarter Horses. That is QT to the left and Ginger to the right; that is Rey's back end that you see and Dunny and Coffee standing behind QT you can only see there ears (sorry getting them to all stand together impossible)

. Way off in the back is Cannon and the only one not in the picture is Casey she was off to the side.

 

[ladee]

They are beautiful @Florian7051 !!!! This is like having pictures of you kids when you spend this much time with them... Hope your back is much better today and the drills are going fine... Can't wait to hear how well you do.... no way would anything less be possible with you in charge and these beautiful guys to work with..Thanks for sharing.

 

[Virtues]

So we had our open house today and I'm pleased to say that there was a super turnout. There must have been over 50 people there. As far as our drill... NAILED IT!!! It's a little too early to tell if the ranch has any investors, but we certainly did turn a lot of heads. I spoke to several people which is a huge deal for me; I have really bad social anxiety. I also met a woman who has sponsored me with gas money to make it to and from the ranch (it's an hour and 20 minute drive for me each way). She was so kind and so excited to meet me, actually the feeling was quite mutual. She helped me groom Coffee before we rode and we talked for a long time about my service and about the ranch and what it's done for me. Until today I only knew of her from the letters we wrote back and forth. I was lucky to be able to take part in today's events it was a true blessing; the best birthday ever! Standby for more pictures, as soon as I get them back I will post them here. Good day all!

 

[ladee]

Awesome news !!! We all knew you were going to do awesome.... can't wait to see the pictures. And you sound really happy about meeting a sponsor.... Just an awesome day all around.... lots of hugs to you !!