How to Fine-Tune Your Dressage Aids with Steffen Peters

The experienced rider makes dressage look very easy. The reason for that effortless appearance is simpler than many people think: The experienced rider has high expectations. He expects a certain reaction from the horse when he uses light aids. And because of the rider's mental clarity and high standards, his horse understands what he wants.

At dressage shows, this quality is judged in the collective marks under the category of "position and effect of aids." I personally would like the effect of the aids to have a completely separate mark on the test because the quality of that effect says so much about the quality of the horse's training. Dressage is all about using the minimal aids to gain the highest result. If the rider sets his standards high enough and gives the horse a light aid that the horse understands, that is the sport ideal.

When to Use Hot vs. Cold Therapy on Equine Injuries

Deciding whether to use ice or heat on an equine injury depends on many factors. Here's a quick guide to when and why each therapy is most

effective.

• When it's needed: Use when an injury is fresh, less than 36 hours old.
• Why it helps: During this time, damaged blood vessels beneath the skin are hemorrhaging, leading to inflammation and bruising. You'll know you're in that window because the injury site is tender and shows diffuse swelling. During this time, cold therapy will decrease the permeability of the blood vessel walls, slowing  the leaks and keeping healthy, undamaged tissues from "drowning" in excess fluids. Water may be the easiest option for cooling an injury site, but it will not be cold enough on its own. You'll need to use ice, a commercial cold pack or another cooling system.
• Schedule: Apply cold therapy for 10 to 20 minutes at a time and allow at least 30 minutes between treatments to prevent damage to tissues. Repeat the cycle as often as you can, but you'll need four or more sessions per day to really see results. Continue cold therapy until the area no longer swells between treatments.

Terry and Anne Manske and TC

Terry and Anne Manske along with their Morgan horse TC joined Paula Paglia's group in February. They relocated here after a two-year stint in Colorado Springs-too high, windy & cold! Prior to living in Colorado, Minnesota was their home, where they owned/operated M3 Stables, a 20-acre, multi-discipline farm in Prior Lake, MN. M3 Stables had three trainers offering programs in dressage, eventing, english & western pleasure, saddle seat, equitation and driving. In addition to running the stable, Terry operated a dry wall company and Anne worked as a marketing consultant. To say they were busy all the time is an understatement. Arizona life is much more relaxed with more time to enjoy each other and TC.

TC started his training career by learning how to drive and then moved on to western pleasure and hunt seat. His dressage training began in 2012 and it was a whole new world for him. He enjoys Paula very much, listens closely and tries very hard to please. And he is quite sure she appreciates his unrequested, random flying changes! On his first visit with TC, Dr. Kaufman commented on how happy TC is in his new home - and we couldn't agree more. Anne and TC are not currently showing but thinking Paula should show him next March at the Morgan show!

Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

The Unisit Sit Strap System

Wanda Wasowska, from Warsaw, Poland, spent several days with us from March 10th - 24th. She is the one who helped me find Hollywood, my Grand Prix horse and is responsible for helping me earn my Gold Medal. She is now 86 years young and arrived here after 24 hours of travel looking fresh and happy and exactly the same as she did 10 years ago. She is still full of life, with a sound mind and motivated to teach all she knows. I hope at 86 I have that same passion about our sport. Wanda is truly an inspiration!! - Paula  

"Ah ha!" Moments in Riding

Wanda Wasowska, former 1980 Olympian encouraged me to ride travers, to circles to travers; in walk, trot and canter to improve bend. 

"Do it," she said, "until it is easy!"

I love, love, love these custom-designed Gold Pony Design stock ties. They are gorgeous and are of a wonderful quality. Gold Pony Design is offering a special discount to us all in this newsletter. 

Use the following Discount Code when ordering and you'll save 10%!

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