June 19, 2011

Hilltops and views



One of the most wonderful ways to waken up is by the sound of a bumblebee and the curtains softly moving in the summer breeze.
Summer time is lovely.

Even if there has not been much happening here, I have been working hard on my riding.
I find that riding often feels like climbing stairs, or hilltops.
You work, and you work and not much happens.
Until one day you're reaching the hilltop, and suddenly you can see the view.

I feel that we are at a shift now, Fame and me.
We're not at the hilltop yet, but I can feel we are approaching.

I have struggled with my seat and position for so long.
Problem is that when you've used your body in a certain way over time it is really tough to get rid of your bad habits. They are good old friends with your body, and your body moves quite contrary to what you are planning yourself.
Very irritating.
Anyway, as you know we had a training weekend with Wiola and Kari from Aspire Equestrian Riding Academy.
I got some very good input, and an extensive written feedback as homework too. I felt it helped a lot both in January and now in May.

In addition to the weekly training we have the Danish trainer Jimmi T Sørensen coming over once a month.
I am very grateful for this because he both put us on track, as well as pushes us a bit further in the training.
I thought we had a good session last time, but this time it was even better!
- I rode Fame in a double bridle in training for the first time, she was a gem.
- And we managed tempi changes in every third stride on the diagonal. (for those of you that are not into dressage: flying changes in every third stride on a straight line)
I am proud as a peacock!
Woot-woot!
(you have to bear with me here, because I will probably not land on Planet Earth until next week)

Best horse there is!

June 03, 2011

Summer!





As some may have noticed there has not been much activity here lately.
Summer came...
And after a looong winter (as I am sure you can understand) staying outside has been much more tempting than sitting in front of the computer!

Today we had +28C/82F, and what could one do after a day at work?
Go bathing with the horses of course!


My daughter even took on a swim suit.
I kept my riding breeches on, but rode without shoes. No sense in keeping them on, as they get soaking wet anyway!



Fame did not see the point in standing still at all.



All the plants have been growing like crazy lately.
Unfortunately, also the nettles....they are reaching toe height!


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A JOURNEY FROM SPRING TO SUMMER

I have some pictures to share from the last month, so here they are.
We start end of April:




The first flowers has come.


I just love that intense, blue colour.


The melting snow feeds all the waterways.


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Beginning of May:


I had a lovely ride with my daughter.


Riding in a carpet of spring flowers:


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Mid May:


Above: a grey day, but I just love those cloud formations over the mountains.



Above: Ferns starting to come up. Looks like an alien invasion!


Fame is contemplating the fields turning green. Pasture time soon?

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We also once again had a visit from Wiola and Kari from Aspire Equestrian Riding Academy.
Another super training weekend - thanks guys!
My daughter has a friend visiting, and they are making Texmex for tonight, so I had some minutes over.
Can't sit here. I think I will chill with a beer in the sun.