By Jennifer Klitzke
This was both my and my Spanish Mustang Indian’s Legend’s first recognized horse trial. We competed in dressage, stadium jumping, and cross country over Labor Day weekend 2013.
My Spanish Mustang Learns French
By Jennifer Klitzke
A bi-lingual horse? The German dressage philosophy is predominant in my area so that’s the form of dressage I’ve been taught. When I heard that Classical French Dressage Clinician Susan Norman was coming to town, I had to bring Indy to learn some French. Oui, oui, I am so glad I did!
Susan studied with Classical French Dressage Masters Philippe Karl and the late Jean-Claude Racinet and she’s retained it well! In one 45-minute lesson, Susan quickly addressed the source of Indy’s heaviness issues and gave us plenty to work on until I see her next Spring. Not only is she knowledgeable in French dressage philosophy, she fosters a positive learning environment—affirming what each rider is already doing well, offering new concepts to aid in improvement, and encouraging riders as they learn it.
Susan suggested that I teach Indy elegant balance in lightness beginning at a slow walk so that he can gain confidence in this new way of carrying himself. Indy tends to get heavy on the forehand and lean on the bit.
Susan said, “Don’t accept heaviness from the start.” Her remedy is to lift my hands up, forward, and return my hands to the neutral position above the pommel. Once Indy began to understand not to lean on the bit, just lifting my hands forward and up for a second reminded him to be light.
Our elegant balance in lightness began with counter bend at a walk along the wall. Then Susan asked me to ride Indy off of the wall into a straight line and transition from walk to halt. This is how she explained to halt according to French philosophy: Remain very still in the saddle while alternating a squeeze and release with my left hand as Indy’s left front leg met the ground, and then a squeeze and release of the right hand as his right fore leg met the ground. Within three steps, Indy came to a soft, round, light, square and balanced halt. I had never halted this way before and it works so well without any pulling back on the reins.
From the balanced halt, Susan asked me to release the reins to the buckle so that Indy could stretch and rest his developing muscles. Just like halt, stretch had a French application. I had always been taught to let the horse take a break at a long and low walk. Susan taught me to give Indy a long rein while at a light, balanced halt—and remain halted. What I love about this method is that Indy stretched from a balanced frame vs. collapsing onto the forehand in a walk stretch. In our 45 minute lesson, we took about five one-minute stretch breaks.
After we had grasped the light and balanced walk, Susan asked us to transition into a slow, light and balanced trot on a 15 meter circle. At first Indy only took about five steps before falling onto the forehand and getting heavy in my hands. That’s when we transitioned back to walk to re-established balance and lightness. At each progression of trot Indy took more consecutive balanced steps until we ended with a figure eight.
We may not be fluent in French, but this 45-minute starter course gave us enough to want to learn more!
Merci beaucoup, to those who organized the Susan Norman “Riding in Lightness” Clinic, to Susan who conducted a positive, encouraging, educational, and effective French dressage clinic, and to Timberlein Ranch for hosting the event!
For more information about classical French dressage philosophy, Susan suggested the book, “Another Horsemanship” by the late Jean-Claude Racinet.
Spanish Mustang: Improving Canter
While riding yesterday I remembered two tips I learned while riding at a Mary Wanless clinic for canter. Thing “back-back-back” as you ride the canter and also think of dribbling a basketball with your seat. When the horse in the air, think… of your seat as a suction cup with each stride to hold the horse there a little longer. Together, these tips are really helping Indy slow his canter and be more balance and engaged from behind.
Spanish Mustang: Three Phases in Five Hours
By Jennifer Klitzke
The weather was perfect beginning in the 60s and warming to 75 and sunny for the 2013 Fall Rocking R schooling show. Last month my Spanish Mustang Indian’s Legend (Indy) and I rode a three phase event over two days (three days if you included the course walk). The Rocking R three phase event would be accomplished in four hours (five hours if you counted the course walk). Granted this was only a schooling show, yet just as challenging.
Rocking R Farm’s course is easier in the way that there are no hills, but there were 15 spooky obstacles decorated with cob webs, spiders, pumpkins, and other Halloween decor to negotiate. Indy and I got quite the workout galloping and jumping non stop for five-and-a-half minutes. I was more tired than he was crossing the finish line, but we did it with no refusals and just 20 second over the optimal time which put us in second place out of seven horse/rider teams.
After cross country we had four hours before stadium jumping and dressage, enough time to enjoy listening to the Vikings actually win a football game! A scheduling mixup had us competing in two rings at the same time! I volunteered to go first in stadium jumping, and they moved my dressage ride to the end of the Training Level Test Three group which gave me 10 minutes between stadium jumping and dressage to switch saddles and warm up.
Indy reminded me that he would jump every fence as long as I could remember the course. He did his part and I let him down by forgetting one of the fences. I guess I was so excited that we cleared the new dragon double oxer that I forgot the zebra fence was next. In any case, we had a great ride even though we received a “no score.”
I think in all of the dressage tests I’ve ridden, this was Indy’s best. And I was thankful that I remembered the test! The judge provided helpful feedback on our score sheet such as slowing down Indy’s rhythm for better engagement. We placed fourth out of seven with a score of 61%.
We couldn’t have asked for better weather for our last show of the season. Indy reminded me to write this one down before I forgot. Thanks pal!
My Spanish Mustang at Rocking R photo gallery>
Video: Spanish Mustang: Cross Country
Video: Spanish Mustang: Stadium Jumping
Video: Spanish Mustang: Training Level Test Three
Last Show of the Season
Gearing up for our last show of the year: dressage-cross country-stadium.
Spanish Mustang at Steepleview Horse Trials
By Jennifer Klitzke
Nearly 130 horses competed at the 2013 Steepleview Horse Trials held Labor Day weekend in Starter, Beginner Novice, Novice, and Training levels. Each of horse/rider team competed in three phases: Dressage, Cross Country and Stadium jumping. This was Indian’s Legend (Indy), my Spanish Mustang’s first recognized show and my first three phase event.
Dressage was the first phase and boy-oh-boy was it hot! Ninety-three degrees with humidity. The judge graciously waved coats, but I toughed it out for the camera. Indy and I were in first place after the dressage phase.
Next we had an hour to change into our cross country attire and prepare for the second phase. The goal was to negotiate and jump twelve stationary obstacles along rolling hills, woods, and water in five-and-a-half minutes without double refusals or falling off. Indy hesitated the first obstacle but I nudged him on and he jumped it in slow motion. The next fence he refused and I prodded him over, then Indy exuberantly galloped down the hill. I just prayed to God that he didn’t stumble! Thankfully, God answered that prayer. We completed the course with two refusals, a time fault, and slipped into third place.
Stadium jumping was the final phase and held the next day. It was nearly 30 degrees cooler than the first day. The goal was to jump all fences clean and in order within the allotted time. Several of the two foot fences were double oxers. Indy jumped the course clean without refusals. We would have made time if I didn’t lose my stirrup, but we managed to maintain our third place standing. Not only that, but our team took second place in the team challenge. We came home with the most beautiful ribbons I have ever seen, winnings that paid most of the entry fees, a few more friends, and lifetime memories to replace lifetime dreams.
A huge “thank you” to Steepleview Farm for opening their scenic and well equipped facility, for instructor Len Danielson who gave us the coaching and encouragement to give cross country a try, for the hundreds of friendly people who participated and spectated the event, and for the show organizers and volunteers who made it possible. I will never forget this milestone for as long as I live.
Steepleview Horse Trial Photo gallery>
Spanish Mustang: Dressage Phase
Spanish Mustang: Cross Country Phase
Spanish Mustang: Stadium Phase
Spanish Mustang at St. George
By Jennifer Klitzke
My Spanish Mustang Indian’s Legend (Indy) and I made our first venture to St. George Dressage Academy for a schooling dressage show held July 20, 2013. Perfect weather, friendly people, and a top-knotch facility made for a terrific experience. I loved riding in the enormous well lit indoor arena with fantastic footing and mirrors along the wall as well as riding in the beautifully groomed standard-sized outdoor arena nested between rolling hills and trees. Best of all, dressage judge Jodi Eli provided helpful feedback to riders after each test. She gave specific examples of what was working well and areas that can be improved upon as we move to the next level. Now that’s what I call a schooling show!
Knowing that we would be riding with warmbloods, I came with the attitude of riding our best despite the outcome in the ribbons. Indy and I rode through Training Level tests 1-3 with respectable scores ranging from 64.2% to 66.429%. To my amazement we even placed a first, second and third! Indy piqued peoples’ curiosity as to what kind of horse he is. All of which said, “What a cute horse!”
Judge Jodi commented on how much Indy appears to love his job and what a great team we make. She said he is right where he needs to be for Training Level, and she loves his forwardness. Jodi’s suggestions include working on ways to strengthen Indy’s top line, improve his balance to carry himself more up in the shoulders instead of rushing onto the forehand, and for me to maintain a consistent contact to prevent Indy from getting strung out. She suggested lots of transitions within each gait.
A huge thank you to judge Jodi Ely of Trista Farms and to St George Dressage Academy for hosting and organizing the event.
Video: Training Level Test One
Video: Training Level Test Two
Video: Training Level Test Three
Spanish Mustang at Sunborn Schooling Show
By Jennifer Klitzke
Every time I drive to a show, I seem to under estimate how long it takes me to get there. This time I was prepared with MapQuest, my GPS, and I left two-and-a-half hours before our first class to take the 39-mile trip. Although it was dark and rainy, the weatherman promised clear skies by the time of our first class.
A half hour into my drive I knew I was in trouble when MapQuest sent me 25 miles North instead of East. Then my GPS told me I was in another state as the storm winds pushed my trailer side to side. Was I really meant to be at this show? Or was this just some test in perseverance?
I resorted back to MapQuest which took me too far West and then too far South. After two-and-a-half hours of white-knuckle driving in wind and rain I was about to give up. Then I phoned the facility, and they got me back on track.
My poor Spanish Mustang Indian’s Legend (Indy) took a three-hour trailer ride before we tacked up with only five minutes to warm up and memorize our courses. The people were gracious, kind and understanding. The judge let me school Indy over a few jumps before we took our turn, and just as the weatherman promised, the sun broke through the clouds.
Last year at Sunborn Stables, Indy and I rode our first jumping course over ground rails. This year we were jumping 18″ cross rails and two-foot verticals. Plus moving from Intro Level to Training Level Test Three.
Indy is such a good sport. He jumped every fence placed before him including our first double oxer. We placed fourth and fifth in our jumping classes and hustled off to the trail obstacle course. We weaved through the cones, rode up to the rain jacket, traveled toward the hill when Indy abruptly stopped. He had to go potty. Spectators got a chuckle out of that, but the poor boy had been cooped up in the trailer for three hours and he never had a chance!
Back to the course we climbed the hill, deposited the rain jacket, descended a rather steep hill, walked through the lilly pad, frog hoppin’ pond, and over to a broom and ball. We had to bat the ball from one station to another and concluded our course by walking across a flapping plastic tarp. Indy took first place.
Now a three hour wait until our Training Level Test Three class. I put Indy in the trailer for a break and watched a few Training Level tests. Several Friesians, warmbloods, and a Lipizzaner were ridden by well-schooled riders in consistent and well-connected frames. I listened to how the judge scored each movement.
Then it was our turn. I tacked Indy up 30 minutes before our ride. The storm had left the outdoor exercise arena under water, so we were given four minutes before our test to warm up in the indoor arena. Indy and I gave it our all and scored a 60% for sixth place. I’m just glad we toughed it out and made it to the show after all.
Now if I could only find my way home in an hour of sunshine instead of three windy hours in a storm!
Video: Spanish Mustang jumps two-foot vertical
Video: Spanish Mustang hammin’ it up in the water obstacle
Video: Spanish Mustang riding Training Level Test Three
Spanish Mustang: Three Ring Circus Schooling Dressage and Hunter Show
By Jennifer Klitzke
Last year I had entered my Spanish Mustang Indian’s Legend (Indy) in the Three Ring Circus Schooling Dressage & Hunter Show, but a last minute injury to his lower jaw made it impossible to fasten his bridle, so Indy had to sit the show out. Not this year!
Oh my, just when I think I’ve had the most possible fun time with Indy, we have yet another that surpasses it! Indy and I rode our first Training Level Tests 2 and 3, two hunter courses over 18″ cross rails, and I couldn’t stop. After seeing how beautiful the 20″ vertical hunter course was, we had to give it a go. Flower boxes with white lattice back drops and vertical posts. Oh, Carriage House Farm is such a fantastic facility to ride at. The footing was perfect indoors and out, with plenty of warm up space to hold all of the horses. At last count there were 177 dressage tests ridden and well over 300 hunter and jumper courses ridden.
I was super proud of how bold, consistent, and steady Indy was over the hunter courses. He took the fear out of jumping for me. We have some homework to do before our next schooling show, like establishing, maintaining, and changing to the correct lead. I need to shorten my stirrups, bring my heels down, and provide a better release so that Indy can stretch and round over the jumps.
Later in the day we rode our first of two dressage tests. By this time, Indy was getting tired and began to lean on the reins. My grandma body had a hard time holding him up. We rode Training Level Test Three in the superb indoor arena with rubberized footing. Indy calmly adjusted to the concept of indoor riding. He earned 5th place of 8 rides with a score of 64.2%. Not bad riding with the warmbloods.
Our second ride, Training Level Test Two, was in a standard-sized outdoor ring. Aside from that his spook at the entrance and stumble coming down from canter, I am pleased with how Indy did. He earned 7th place of 14 riders with a score of 61.96%. We could have stretched more in his 20-meter trot on a long rein, and have been more responsive when I asked for a canter transition. Again, more homework.
Thank you to St. Croix Saddlery for sponsoring such a well-run show and for Carriage House Farm for hosting the Three Ring Circus Schooling Show. Thanks to all of the super friendly volunteers.
Spanish Mustang: Three Ring Circus Photo Gallery>
Video: Spanish Mustang: 18″ Hunter Course over Cross-rails
Video: Spanish Mustang: 20″ Hunter Course over Verticals
Video: Spanish Mustang-Training Level Test Two
Video: Spanish Mustang-Training Level Test Three
Spanish Mustang: No Oops Baby!
By Jennifer Klitzke
My heart stopped when I saw him. Indian’s Legend (Indy), SMR 3801. He was posted on craigslist for sale last year, and I knew at that moment he would be mine. It didn’t matter to me that he was conceived by two frolicking yearlings (Indian Scout and Going To Thunder) playing in the pasture with their dams at side. He may not have been planned, but Indy has a destiny, a story, and a “legend” to live out.
Indy isn’t my first horse but he is my first Spanish Mustang. I’ve been a horse owner since 1988 and an avid dressage rider. I can honestly say that Indy is the most versatile, intelligent, bold, trainable, and personable horse I have ever ridden. In the last year, this rather conservative dressage rider broke beyond the four corners of a finely groomed arena to take up endurance riding, trail obstacles, cow sorting, team penning, and even jumping. And Indy has made this possible. I actually think he is having as much fun with all this adventure as I am.
Not only is Indy game for anything, but he excels in the unexpected. He has placed at every schooling dressage and hunter show we have entered and even placed at his first 10 mile endurance ride. In 2012 Indy competed at six shows and ate up 77 miles of countryside on the trail.
Adding up all of our exploits in 2012, Indy has earned 2012 Spanish Mustang Performance Horse of the Year and 2012 Spanish Mustang Conquistador of Performance award by the Spanish Mustang Registry. I am so proud of my Super Star!
Nope, Indy is no oops baby!
