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Meet Grace

Born on my farm in 2001,
Grace is the first foal from my
Swedish Warmblood mare, Prima Facia.

Grace's sire is the Danish Warmblood stallion, Rambo.
Learning to Keep Her Neck Out and Reach for the Bit.
NO SPOOKING PLEASE!
Although Grace turns 5 in April, 2006, she is still very much in the development stage of pre-dressage. She walks ,trots and canters, leg yields, sometimes gives a flying change, can counter canter, and does a fair turn-on-the-forehand. However, she stops when she's tired from any gait, and would rather spook and run than work her muscles properly.
Grace is still growing and her longitudinal balance changes every month. She is not strong enough for first level, so this year we will show at training level, and attempt a first level ride late in the show season. It is my intent to take Grace to Grand Prix, and for her to assist me in attaining fourth level instructor certification.
This feature will change to reflect our progress. Enjoy the education!
Wonderful relaxed trot, Grace shows good stretch to the bit and is using her top line completely.
I try a bit of sitting trot and Grace begins to rush. Although the stride looks good, she has flattened her back and because of this, she can no longer keep the stretch to the bit through her neck and she falls behind the vertical. Time to get up and post.
Grace has a nice forward canter but she does not balance longitudinally yet. So, even though she's forward, I have to support her balance with my seat and reins. We are a long way from self-carriage here.
If I stay balanced in my seat, I do not grip or push, I just sit still. Then Grace can practice canter and grow strong without stress.