On the road!

Marti Szczur

 Toby and I took off today for our adventure. 😀😀



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April 14: A Bit about Bits

Marti Szczur
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Rainy morning, so we had a Theory Day, while Toby dried off in a stall with hay to munch. The theme was “bits.”   There are two types of bits … those used for direct contact or indirect contact.   A direct contact bit (e.g., a snaffle) is used for lateral flexion and power (which comes from horse taking the bit. Also allows for horse to become round in back and flex.) Considered “direct” because w hen you apply pressure to the reins of a snaffle bit, the horse feels the same amount of pressure in their mouth.     An indirect contact bit (e.g., curb bit in Western and in English double bridle) is designed to be used when you want to gain more vertical flexion, straightness and elevation. . Single curb bits are designed to be used for riding with one hand, not two hands, as they are not designed for lateral flexion movements. The curb bit is considered “indirect” because  it is a leverage bit , meaning that it multiplies the pressure applied by the rider. Unlike a...
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May 2-3: Goodbyes and Trip Home

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Said goodbye to Bill and Claudia Parkhurst, who have treated as a family member for the past month. Such caring and fun hosts at their Forever Spring retreat. National Bloodstock Transport, LLC   https://nationalbloodstock.com    owned by Jennifer and Kevin Murphy, arrived at 8 am. They are such nice folks with a large and inviting trailer. Toby marched on the trailer and into his box stall, and off they went. I finished packing up and saying final farewell to HHHL friends and headed off to overnight with a college buddy, Kathy Booe, in Charlotte, NC. Another college buddy, Kelly Huffman, joined us for dinner. Toby overnighted in Florence, SC. And, afternoon of next day, I was at our home barn, Rodes Farm Stable to greet Toby. He was relaxed on arrival, had traveled well and was glad to see his old stable buddies.   Thus, ends my great horse adventure of 2022, studying the Happy Horse Happy Life curriculum with Linda Parelli at Happy Horse Haven. And, now begins my p...
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Last lesson day of my HHHL immersion month was focused on reminders about my position (a never ending journey of learning, made even more challenging as my body parts age :-) and challenges of  beginning to improve lateral movements. Key to leg yields is having horse straight, as well as my body with quiet hands and legs. Look where on rail I want to end up, so I have a focus. And, softly direct with outside rein, while only correcting for straightness with inside rein, if needed. Hands together and use elbow and shoulders (torso) to control direction. It should be easy and fluid. Riiiiight. Shoulder-in was easier for us, and again, remember to keep my hands quiet. My torso is in same direction as Toby’s shoulder/head and leg aids are subtle.  Haunches-in is not easy for us. It was difficult for Toby to bend around my leg and place haunches in while bending. It was hard for me to keep my dang legs long. This will be an area for improvement. Luckily, the lesson was vi...
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