David Blake Dressage

My first blog post. One of my students told me “all first blog posts suck.” I hope that isn’t the case here.

Albert was… Albert today. Worked on the same, getting him over his back and on the aids. The basics are so important, he can become so much better just by working simple exercises, freeing him up through the back and becoming more active.

Cat (Catapult), my seven year old, was expressive today. We worked on the changes, first the fours, then the threes, and finally the twos. The twos are so much quicker, but by the end of the ride, he seemed to relax into them. Finally, we did a little piaffe/passage work; the passage is really coming. Kaitlyn, my student, remarked that it isn’t just expressive, but very active. The piaffe is coming, becoming better and better. I think that Cat is a reflection of how beneficial the entire young horse program has been to someone like me- in developing their horse.

Verden is only two months away- actually, less. Savannah, another student of mine, and Kaitlyn, met with me today to discuss fundraising efforts. They have some really dynamic ideas, and I’m really excited that they are helping me out with this. I always knew Albert was of a high enough quality to go, but he has not been easy. His first show was Del Mar (end of April) where he won the 5 yo class. We took him to DG Bar, and then Flintridge. I was not preparing for the fact that we might go to Verden, although it has always been an aspiration of mine. A few of my students, including my barn manager Angie and her daughter Sam (who used to be my assistant) and my mom will be going for support.

I taught a few students first thing, rode most of my horses; including Albert (I have 23 or so in training), had the meeting, taught through the early afternoon, rode the three stallions, and taught until about 5:30. Albert, on the other hand, worked this morning, was turned out, and then got some shots from Dr. Sullivan around 3pm. He (Dr. Sullivan) is also working on the passport; all of these paperwork items have to be worked out long before the actual show.

I’ll be writing most days; when I am away at clinics it may be too difficult and Albert will not be worked during that time. Everyone has been asking about my Verden schedule, but I’m not sure yet. I got the official invitation, but Scott (Hassler) still has to call with the details.