Way
2013 Galway Downs HT
Way
Galway Downs Winter HT, Friday
I can’t thank my mom, Teresa Groesbeck, enough for sharing her horse with me; I guess he is pretty good on the flat! I have been practicing a lot at home using the fundamentals that Hawley and DOC have been helping me with and I think it paid off today with Poof! I was able to warm up for dressage almost entirely on the buckle after a quick school in the court earlier this morning, and he went into the show ring relaxed, bold, and rideable. Couldn’t have been happier! We are overnight leaders of Open Intermediate A with a 31.2, right ahead of coach Hawley on Chunky with a 31.6 – stiff competition! 😉
Tomorrow’s show jumping course looks….interesting. Lost of turns and technical lines riding up, down, and across the slope of the arena. I feel that Poof and I are ready to tackle this challenge after all our hard work practicing at home. The cross country course looks fun and I am excited to see some new fences on the Intermediate track.
I am also thrilled to ride Flirtini and Bear at their debut events tomorrow! I can’t wait to see how they do, they are both great horses with wonderfully supportive owners (Kate Shearer and Kingsway Farm, respectively).
Couldn’t be getting through the weekend without my sponsors, of course. I rode in my ECP pads today, used my Heritage gloves, I will use my Revitavet tomorrow after xc, and then I will get to watch all the fun over and over again when I get my Ride On Video in the mail! Be sure to find Nancy Dein at Galway to order a customized Frilly Fillies Ear Bonnets, too! Poof will have his on!
Kick on,
Katy and Poof
Ready or not……. Here we go!
I cannot believe that we are on the eve of Area VI’s first full event for 2013! The schedule at HBE is jam-packed this weekend with over 20 horses competing out of Kingsway Farm, but it looks like it should be a great show 🙂 Can’t wait for tomorrow! Poof shows Open Intermediate at 4pm in Ring 1. See you there!
KG Eventing 2013 Galway Downs Winter HT Competition Schedule
February 1st-3rd, 2013
Temecula, CA
USEF Developing Rider Training Session, Day 4
Holy cow. I think it is finally sinking in that I just spent the week with the US Olympic coach!! I have never been more inspired to be the best I can be an represent the United States on a podium someday. DOC has a way of making you want to beat the best riders in the world….on your bad day!
Today’s lessons were all about cross country exercises (in the ring) and we started the day by discussing the theory of cross country riding and when and why you ride different canters. DOC stressed the importance of developing a consistent “American style” of riding and during our lessons had us utilizing our gallop position and preparation position as we approached fences.
After finding myself often riding too quietly to fences, today I was actually riding too forward into some of the combinations with Wort; DOC wanted to see more of a change in the canter as I approached technical questions. Wort was very obliging and I think I started to get a feel of thinking about “the next” today and thinking ahead of my riding. I will still needs lots of practice. :))
At lunch we had the privilege of listening to Dr. Jack Snyder talk about the common injuries in performance horses, recognizing lameness, how to present horses at FEI jogs, and we also discussed the current USEF and FEI drug regulations.
Now I am on my way home and I have a huge grin on my face thinking about how much fun I had this week learning, riding, and goofing off with all the other developing riders. I really felt like we were all part of a team already, and I can’t wait until March’s training session!
I have several people to thank for helping me make this trip and even get to this point in my riding. Mostly my mom, Teresa, and my dad, Jim. They have always supported me in so many ways, I can’t count them. M-P Ranch Services and Cedarhaven Performance Horses have made a big difference by leasing me an AMAZING rig to haul in. Heritage Performance Gloves, Equine Comfort Products, Meditrax, Ride on Video, Revitavet, Frilly Fillies Ear Bonnets, and Sonoma Saddle Shop have also all been wonderful sponsors and I can’t thank them enough.
Until next time, happy trails!!!
Katy and Wort
USEF Developing Rider Training Session, Day 3
Another amazing day!! The morning started with a lecture on dressage technique and test riding strategy; DOC talked a great deal about ring-craft and using the corners to prepare for movements and give yourself more space in the arena. Then we moved onto more group lessons….and more drill riding! Today we upped the ante and did lateral work and turns in drill formation and I think it’s safe to say there was marked improvement from Day 1.
Later in the afternoon, we each performed an individual FEI 2** or 3*** test in front of David, who scored us, went over the test with us, and then had us re-ride it with his guidance. I have to take a moment to brag because Wort, for having all winter off and only 15 days back in work, tried his little heart out. It did not go unnoticed by DOC, who also complimented my technique in several areas. However, he was not satisfied with the quality of Wort’s canter this afternoon and helped me improve his jump and impulsion. I also need to work on increasing the angle of my shoulder-in!!
This evening, Dayna Lynd-Pugh hosted a spaghetti dinner at her house and we had a great time mingling, relaxing, and sharing Zach Brandt’s bday cake. A great day!!
USEF Developing Rider Training Session, Day 2
Another great day here at FTF! Today started with a jumping seminar on theory and technique, and then we started in on the group lessons. I rode Wort over fences for the first time in over three months and he was pretty darn good! DOC had me improve my lower leg position and was encouraging me to unlock in my body. Also, a huge personal struggle of mine is seeing what David calls “the next” – preparing for and reacting to what is going to happen in ten strides, as opposed to only thinking about what is happening now. So it’s practice, practice, practice for me!
A huge perk to being a part of this training session is getting to watch some of this year’s High Performance riders school their horses with David, as well. It is SO educational!
Tomorrow is more dressage in the indoor – can’t wait!!!
EN’s recap from Day 1:
http://eventingnation.com/home/shannon-lilley.html
USEF Training Session, Eventing 25: Day 1
Hello from Flying Tail Farms. Wow! What a great start to the training session with drill riding in the dressage court. I rode this morning with Mark Grandia and Zach Brandt and we were asked to change bend, length of stride, and gait all on drill formation, without passing or getting left behind. There was heavy emphasis on perfecting the basics and improving position for greater effectiveness in our seat. Wort was a champ, I am so lucky to have such a great horse and so lucky to be here riding with Coach David O’Connor and watching some great riders take instruction. Flying Tail Farms is beautiful and we are all very grateful to Shannon and Dayna for opening it up for us this week.
Outrageous Equestrian 