Today's challenge

I think we've used every standard we have!

Lissell's Counter Canter Miracle

So last Saturday we had Susan Graham White in town for a day of dressage lessons.  I noticed that the theme of the day for many riders was the counter canter. For Kelley, it was in preparation for flying changes.  For Erica, it was a balancing tool for her green bean.  I was just praying that Susan didn't ask me to try it.

For those of you that don't know, Lissell was a jumper before I got her.  In other words, the horse came installed with a flying change button.  Well, not really a button, because that would mean that Lissell would have to wait for me to press it.  Basically, Lissell throws in a flying change wherever and whenever she deems it necessary.  This means that the counter canter just doesn't exist for us.  I've tried to breach the subject with her in the past, and she just says, "No, you're wrong." as she does a perfect change.

Which brings us to Saturday.  Susan was having us do leg yield after leg yield at the trot and then wanted one at the canter.  We were on the right lead, and I moved my leg too far back for the leg yield, so Princess Lissell threw in a change instead.  But Susan then told me to keep the left lead.  At this point, my brain was racing, and I was convinced that we were about to see fireworks.  But instead, Lissell stayed with me for the whole exercise.  Wooohooooooooooooo!

Here's the video as proof! 

Lessons have started!

Lessons have started with Susan Graham White. Here is Julia Wendell (of An Otherwise Perfect Farm) and her adorable gelding Picante.

That's a lot of feed!

MHC Business Network

We're here with the Farmer's Coop crew in Frederick on this rainy day. We'll be getting a tour of the mill and then off to lunch.

Videos from today's Stephen Bradley Clinic

Today's exercise.

Here are a few quick videos from today's clinic with Stephen Bradley.

Exercise #1 (demonstrated by Lissell and myself)

Exercise #2 (demonstrated by Mary and Callie)

Exercise #3 (demonstrated by Glenda and Diamond)

December Susan Graham White & Stephen Bradley Clinic Dates

Below are the dates for Susan Graham White and Stephen Bradley.  All clinics will be at A Bit Better Farm in Brookeville, MD.  

While I certainly hope that it won't start snowing yet, please know that should we have to cancel because of weather, you will not have to pay for your lesson.  Both Susan and Stephen are very understanding when it comes to that sort of thing.  :-)

Saturday, December 3rd: Susan Graham White

Wednesday, December 7th: Stephen Bradley

Tuesday, December 13th: Susan Graham White

Susan Graham White lessons are $125 for a 45-minute private.  Stephen Bradley lessons are $110 for a small group (no more than 3 riders). Depending on the day, Stephen will sometimes have extra time for private lessons.  Payment is due before your lesson on the day of the clinic.  Cash, checks and credit cards are accepted.  If you'd like to pay with credit card, let me know so I can send you an online invoice before the day of the clinic.

Let me know which clinic(s) you'd like to ride in so I can reserve your slot! Simply e-mail me at margaret@mythiclanding.com.