West Level Thoroughbreds shall 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, shall be telling the tales of those two winners in a joint weblog entry every month.
Erin Knehr:
Wow, what a month. It’s actually laborious to write 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 plenty of Thoroughbreds previously so I do know there may be all the time progress after which a step again. It’s nonetheless laborious to take care of, particularly when you find yourself underneath a timeline. I maintain reminding myself if we don’t make it to October it’s OK, however my inside competitor actually desires to be prepared.
We began the month with rain and moist fields which restricted my time in my “ring.” As a result of excessive humidity and excessive moisture we additionally battled hives and different pores and skin points. I suppose you’ll be able to say we spent plenty of time coaching on medicated baths early this month. Then after 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 bother together with his leads once more and spending plenty of time attempting to cross canter. Once I began writing this text I stated “on the left facet,” however then it progressed to the proper facet as effectively. As I spotted he’s utilizing a complete new set of muscle mass, it was good to take a step again and have the vet examine him out. After a fast vet examine 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 bettering, so I hope we’re turning the nook on all the things on the similar time. I’m cautiously optimistic that his canter departures are beginning to enhance once more alongside together with his skill to chill out whereas cantering and never really feel like he must swap his lead on the straightaway. Calvin appeared to neglect that isn’t a requirement for a hunter flat class!
Up to now, I’ve been extraordinarily fortunate that he loves going locations and can hang around on an extended rein and simply watch all the things occurring. Only a few issues trouble 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’d count on when watching a area of yearlings run round squealing at one another, he held it collectively and didn’t take off operating with them. You might inform he considered it, however determined in opposition to.
On a ultimate notice, I needed to make sure to present an replace on Calvin’s pasture items. So I’ll finish this text with the present standing: we’re at present 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 endurance is a advantage, as I’m reminded that it’s all of the little milestones that depend. Personally, I’m nonetheless combating 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. Generally it is laborious to see the progress, as I’m the one within the saddle not witnessing it.
Finn has now determined he doesn’t must run and play cover and search from me once I exit to the pasture. Now he’s determined to play, “I’ll simply stand right here and look forward to 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 after we depart dwelling, and stands like a champion on the trailer for me to tack up. We now 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 once I present up after work to choose him up from horsey day care, he notices me immediately watching me stroll down the aisle to him. Our bond is slowly however absolutely 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 high 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 she or he labored her magic flocking it to suit Finn. I lastly really feel like I can sit up and Finn is completely happy and far freer within the shoulder, with only one saddle pad.
Consistency is essential, proper? I inform myself this again and again as we are actually constantly cantering, however not cantering constantly. We actually put cantering on the again burner whereas we centered 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 large hind leg and stride, which is manner simpler stated than accomplished. 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 inform you concerning the good, the unhealthy and the ugly. It’s laborious 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 take a look at 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 concerning 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 season. Extra to return as we proceed the saga of our journey.
