West Level Thoroughbreds will likely be represented by not one, however two graded stakes winners on the 2024 Thoroughbred Makeover: Cavalry Cost and Embellished Invader! Their Thoroughbred Makeover trainers, Erin Knehr and Mary Termer, will likely be telling the tales of those two winners in a joint weblog entry every month.
Erin Knehr:
Wow, what a month. It’s actually onerous to jot down an article this month as Calvin and I’ve had so many ups and downs. For these of you on the market retraining your Thoroughbred, you are able to do this! I’ve labored with a whole lot of Thoroughbreds previously so I do know there may be at all times progress after which a step again. It’s nonetheless onerous to cope with, particularly if you end up beneath a timeline. I hold reminding myself if we don’t make it to October it’s OK, however my internal competitor actually desires to be prepared.
We began the month with rain and moist fields which restricted my time in my “ring.” Because of the excessive humidity and excessive moisture we additionally battled hives and different pores and skin points. I suppose you possibly can say we spent a whole lot of time coaching on medicated baths early this month. Then once we did get time within the saddle he gave the impression to be caught.
Uncharacteristic for Calvin, he began throwing himself into the canter, having hassle together with his leads once more and spending a whole lot of time attempting to cross canter. After I began writing this text I stated “on the left facet,” however then it progressed to the precise facet as effectively. As I noticed he’s utilizing a complete new set of muscle mass, it was good to take a step again and have the vet test him out. After a fast vet test to debate his upkeep and a choice to place him on the chiropractic rotation, we’re again within the saddle. The pores and skin points additionally appear to be contained and enhancing, so I hope we’re turning the nook on every thing on the identical time. I’m cautiously optimistic that his canter departures are beginning to enhance once more alongside together with his potential to calm down whereas cantering and never really feel like he must swap his lead on the straightaway. Calvin appeared to overlook that’s not a requirement for a hunter flat class!
So far, I’ve been extraordinarily fortunate that he loves going locations and can hang around on a protracted rein and simply watch every thing occurring. Only a few issues hassle him. My neighbor turned a brand new yearling out within the pasture subsequent to our “ring,” and whereas Calvin was extraordinarily distracted throughout our journey, as you’ll count on when watching a subject of yearlings run round squealing at one another, he held it collectively and didn’t take off operating with them. You possibly can inform he considered it, however determined towards.
On a closing notice, I needed to make sure to present an replace on Calvin’s pasture presents. So I’ll finish this text with the present standing: we’re at the moment at three bell boots this month that are nonetheless lacking. Time to go mow the fields once more and see what I can discover.
Mary Termer:
They inform me persistence is a advantage, as I’m reminded that it’s all of the little milestones that depend. Personally, I’m nonetheless scuffling with the slowness of restarting. I really feel like I’ve gone from 90 miles an hour to nothing, though the progress with Finn continues to be there. Typically it is onerous to see the progress, as I’m the one within the saddle not witnessing it.
Finn has now determined he doesn’t have to run and play cover and search from me after I exit to the pasture. Now he’s determined to play, “I’ll simply stand right here and await my treats.” Progress, not perfection, proper? It additionally helps that his pasture mate Rio will gladly come proper up for treats and Finn doesn’t need to miss out! He nonetheless doesn’t like something however his Nicker Makers and Bakers Bites, spitting the rest out, however I’m nonetheless attempting different issues.
We proceed to have our weekly outings for classes to our coach Dona. Finn takes this all in stride. He self-loads once we depart residence, and stands like a champion on the trailer for me to tack up. Now we have even made a few full day stays on the barn the place I’m instructed he’s quiet however inquisitive, watching all of the happenings. And after I present up after work to select him up from horsey day care, he notices me straight away watching me stroll down the aisle to him. Our bond is slowly however certainly forming.
Final fall, I bought a brand new dressage saddle match for Devin and after shimming it up with 4 saddle pads, I’ve made it work for Finn. His lack of muscle and prime line as in comparison with Devin made for a problem with this new saddle! The saddle fitter got here from the Netherlands two weeks in the past, and he or she labored her magic flocking it to suit Finn. I lastly really feel like I can sit up and Finn is pleased and far freer within the shoulder, with only one saddle pad.
Consistency is essential, proper? I inform myself this time and again as we at the moment are persistently cantering, however not cantering persistently. We actually put cantering on the again burner whereas we targeted on connection and rhythm, not bucking or taking off – and now that Finn has fundamental understanding of the job, we’ve opened this new can of worms, and it’s a little bit of a multitude proper now. I’m studying to take a seat up and belief the transition taking in Finn’s enormous hind leg and stride, which is method simpler stated than carried out. Left is healthier than proper, however we’ve had moments the place I can see the potential.
This previous weekend, we went to our second present. It positively wasn’t social media fairly, however I’m right here to let you know in regards to the good, the dangerous and the ugly. It’s onerous to not get pissed off with our child moments, like stepping out of the ring or an explosive canter transition. However when he can come again and end the second half of the check after that, nailing the second canter, I can’t be something however proud. He watched lunging horses, labored in shut quarters with others and didn’t care in regards to the ins and outs of the concession stand.
So onward we go as we end mud season and head proper into the warmth of summer time. Extra to return as we proceed the saga of our journey.
