@MrYOYO654321 She is very sensitive--for instance, if I get a little behind the motion of the jump, if I tip a bit too far forward on the landing, or if I squeeze a bit too hard over a fence (note: I do NOT wear spurs), she lets me know that she doesn't appreciate it. It's not always so grievous that you can see me do it, but she sure knows when I screw up! She also is not keen on being held back when she wants to GO and will react to a strong half halt.
@dragonfly1030 hows duncan doingg? i absolutley love him, hes gorgeous. i use to have a horse JUST like him, same color and same blue eyes. he was 17.3 though haha. but how is hee?
I've just previewed a lot of your videos, you and your horses have improved heaps! This isn't a critique, but if you're struggling with strides and approaches I find that holding in my core and small of my back really regulates strides. Good luck with Duncan and Clue looks like a beauty
@DAerKobe I take no offense. My eye is getting better, and sometimes Clue and I have different opinions. I'm getting more acclimated to tuning my eye and waiting a bit more patiently for a distance, which has helped. I need to get some more recent stuff up on here. :)
I came across your video's when I was looking at some falls and noticed the one of you and Duncan. Clue is the cutest little mare ever! Could you tell us how tall she is and how tall you are? I have a paint mare and she reminds me a little of Clue (not nearly as in shape and trained though!)
Clue is AMAZING and so are you! Just watched all you videos from the very beginning and Clue is a amazing horse and you are an amazing rider! Plus your horses are beautiful!
@LizABeth104 She usually gets worked between a half hour to an hour, depending on what we're working on. I work her (either riding or lunging of some sort) 3-4 times a week.
After Clue foundered a few years back, what did you feed her to keep her filled out without having to worry about her feet? She always looks so well condiioned!
@tbloverinaz She's a pretty easy keeper, so we had to ensure she wasn't eating TOO much while her work load was still light. She was primarily on an alfalfa cube recommended by my farrier (she had lived at the farrier's rehabilitation farm for a couple of months through the worst of it, so she tailored her diet) in addition to her daily allotment of hay. She was on a dry lot (no grass access). Eventually, her diet changed with her workload change.
@tbloverinaz Now, she's on typical grass turnout, eats a regular pellet diet with free choice hay, etc. It's important to keep in mind she was not a metabolic case, but one that resulted from compensatory behavior from an injury (kick in the pasture to left shoulder-->too much weight-bearing to right front). Obviously, it would not be to her advantage to let her become portly, as it could disturb the balance, in terms of weight bearing. If her workload needed to change, her diet would, too.
the pair of you look absolutely fantastic together, i wish i could ride like that! also you have some pretty awesome jump equipment where you ride :) just a question - are you wearing sunglasses or goggles or something while you're riding outside? just curious!
@angel0apthy I actually ride in SSG jockey goggles. Any time you see video footage where I appear to be in sunglasses, that's what I'm actually wearing. :) I'm the only dork on the whole NJ circuit that does that, to my knowledge. The reason is simple--dust sometimes makes my eyes freak out so bad that they become infected. Sunglasses aren't enough to "seal out" the dust. In addition, sunglasses have a tendency to bounce off my face at the most inconvenient times. Thanks so much!
You actually have lovely equitation, and you guys look great together! I just have a question....it's something I've always been a little curious about, so I'm going going to ask, lol. I don't think in any of your jumping or riding videos I've seen you riding the horse on the bit? Since you seem to be such a nice rider, I'm a bit curious as to why you've chosen not to develop that into your riding/jumping? Not a critique, as you guys look great, I've always just kind of wondered, LOL! :)
@Fiera86 There's different definitions of connection and on the bit. Clue is connected and very easy to communicate with, but she is not particularly tolerant of too much contact. She's easy to get in front of your leg, but is very difficult to get round. I'm working on it with her, but I can only do it in spurts--she is the kind of horse who would get pissed off or resistant if I tried to force it with her. She is balanced, moves out well, and responsive--that's all I care about.
@Fiera86 I think it's a stretch to say the horse is not "on the bit" at all. If you're looking for a complete "frame" out of this mare, that's another story. (It's something I do work towards in my flatwork, but I don't post a lot of my flatwork because I think it would get redundant to watch.) Duncan, on the other hand, is easier to bring into a frame, and he is comfortable carrying himself that way.
@ClaireCaipirosco Thanks so much! Other than riding, I do a lot of running...and I've also just taken up mountain biking. :) My saddle...is kind of a joke...it's an ancient Collegiate saddle I bought off of eBay around 2004 that has absolutely no blocks of any kind. The flap is just one continuous piece of leather. I affectionately call it "the pancake" because it's virtually flat and nonexistent. I have tried to upgrade to a new saddle (twice!), but I find that I still ride my best in it.
FYI there is nothing to critique on! nobody should critique you because you are an amazing rider! Even the highest olympic rides fling their legs back and their heels are up! not yours! haha your great ! Glad to hear duncans doing well :)
@showjumper6868 Haha, thanks! Well, I think Olympic riders doing 5 1/2 foot fences can be given a bit of a reprieve if their legs slip time to time...I'm not sure I'd live to see the other side of a fence like that!
god, you two look freaking amazing. it's so awesome to see her jumping like this. i really love watching you guys. i hope duncan is doing well and i'm looking forward to some more updates about him! (:
ok so totally random but is your barn in Northern NJ? If so I think my barn is literally a mile away from yours haha! The indoor looks familiar........ but who knows!
@TheEquestrianStar Yep, it is in the Allamuchy area...I creeped your videos, and your outdoor ring kind of looked like the one at Fox Ridge Farm (I had looked at boarding there a couple years ago). Did I guess right? :) I know Morning Star Farm is pretty close to where Stepping Stone is (the barn I ride at).
@dragonfly1030 ah thats what I thought! The barn I ride at is kind of tucked away and semi-private, its High Meadow Farm on like the next road over from your barn I think. But thats so cool haha!
this made me a little teary, I was just thinking back to two year old Clue, then injured Clue, and she looks so amazing and like you two are having a blast. Love it <3
You guys look amazing! Clue has come along so much since I started watching your videos. I remember asking you which farrier gave her foot problems and now look at her! Can't wait to see more from you guys
@Samber02 Thanks so much! One thing I can say for farriers is that, despite their varied approaches, none of them played a part in everything that happened. Regardless, I am a selective p.i.t.a. about farriers and especially vets, though! :-P Then again, someone has to be! :)
I don't want to seem like a cliche spazz, but FIRST COMMENT! Yay! :-P Love this song! Clue is doing so well--I completely understand how it is to stay with her over fences; I often have the same issue with more barrel-shaped horses, etc. I've been VERY behind on videos (still need to upload some from May to August...yikes), so, thank you, full time job. :-/
@butterfly1341 I'm catching up on your videos, and I totally feel your pain! I love my job, but I don't get to keep up on the updates as much as I'd like to.
@tbloverinaz He's coming along! I need more recent footage, ie. I need someone to get some vid of him now. He's consistently doing walk trot, and we've begun re-incorporating canter.
Clue is such a cutie! I was so sad to hear about Duncan though. He is very lucky to have an owner who is still very much dedicated to him!
You and Clue have been personal inspiration for me to continue pursuing jumping with my QH mare. I've unfortunately heard so many people harping that Quarter Horses don't make good jumpers, can't do dressage, can't do this...what are THEY talking about?
@DressageIsToDance Haha, I think people tend to think of the really muscley halter horses when they think of QHs, or the ones that have been trained for Western Pleasure to carry themselves a certain way for the jog and lope. They don't tend to think of the extensive variety in QH conformation, temperament, and athleticism. ANY breed can have fit, scopey jumpers or fluid, self-carrying dressage prospects, and ANY breed can have quiet, happy-go-lucky "I'd rather be walking on a trail" horses.
@FreckleWitch Thank you! Ozzy is one sexy beast! On the occasions when my dad comes to the barn, he loves to say "Wow, next to Ozzy, your horses look like ponies." Clue, Duncan, and Ozzy are all right in a row in their stalls.
Wow clue is good it's just some vids she twists her head and shakes and stuff do u no why I am curious my horse does that and I don't no why!
MrYOYO654321 3 weeks ago
@MrYOYO654321 She is very sensitive--for instance, if I get a little behind the motion of the jump, if I tip a bit too far forward on the landing, or if I squeeze a bit too hard over a fence (note: I do NOT wear spurs), she lets me know that she doesn't appreciate it. It's not always so grievous that you can see me do it, but she sure knows when I screw up! She also is not keen on being held back when she wants to GO and will react to a strong half halt.
dragonfly1030 3 weeks ago
@dragonfly1030 hows duncan doingg? i absolutley love him, hes gorgeous. i use to have a horse JUST like him, same color and same blue eyes. he was 17.3 though haha. but how is hee?
ilovejustindrewbiebz 1 month ago
@ilovejustindrewbiebz He's doing well--I just posted an update video tonight. :)
dragonfly1030 1 month ago
you are sooo amazing ! <3
karihors 1 month ago
I've just previewed a lot of your videos, you and your horses have improved heaps! This isn't a critique, but if you're struggling with strides and approaches I find that holding in my core and small of my back really regulates strides. Good luck with Duncan and Clue looks like a beauty
DAerKobe 2 months ago
@DAerKobe I take no offense. My eye is getting better, and sometimes Clue and I have different opinions. I'm getting more acclimated to tuning my eye and waiting a bit more patiently for a distance, which has helped. I need to get some more recent stuff up on here. :)
dragonfly1030 2 months ago
cute litte thang i luv her/him can i has her/him? how much $
islandinspired2 2 months ago
Nice horse. : )
jekentmewel7 2 months ago
Lovely, effective equitation! Fantastic horse!
walk4trot2canter3 4 months ago
I came across your video's when I was looking at some falls and noticed the one of you and Duncan. Clue is the cutest little mare ever! Could you tell us how tall she is and how tall you are? I have a paint mare and she reminds me a little of Clue (not nearly as in shape and trained though!)
erinnoelerice 4 months ago
@erinnoelerice Clue is 15.3, and I'm 5'4. Haha, yeah, I have a feeling I know which fall video off of Duncan that was... :)
dragonfly1030 2 months ago
Beautiful horse. You guys are a great pair.
MySweetie777 4 months ago
You are an amazing rider. I watch all of your videos like everyday. How is Duncan doing? You and him are the perfect pair.
littlemsjumpers 4 months ago
Clue is AMAZING and so are you! Just watched all you videos from the very beginning and Clue is a amazing horse and you are an amazing rider! Plus your horses are beautiful!
THEWOLFGIRL1296 4 months ago
Just curious how long have you been riding?
Iwasapony25 4 months ago
@Iwasapony25 On and off my whole life, but the most consistently since college (perhaps around 2001? 2002?). I bought Clue in 2005.
dragonfly1030 2 months ago
You guys look awesome! Glad to see you two are still doing well!:)
jumpersforever 4 months ago
@jumpersforever Thanks! :)
dragonfly1030 4 months ago
BEAUTIFUL! How many hours a day do you have to ride to keep them at this level? You look great together!
LizABeth104 4 months ago
@LizABeth104 She usually gets worked between a half hour to an hour, depending on what we're working on. I work her (either riding or lunging of some sort) 3-4 times a week.
dragonfly1030 4 months ago
After Clue foundered a few years back, what did you feed her to keep her filled out without having to worry about her feet? She always looks so well condiioned!
tbloverinaz 4 months ago
@tbloverinaz She's a pretty easy keeper, so we had to ensure she wasn't eating TOO much while her work load was still light. She was primarily on an alfalfa cube recommended by my farrier (she had lived at the farrier's rehabilitation farm for a couple of months through the worst of it, so she tailored her diet) in addition to her daily allotment of hay. She was on a dry lot (no grass access). Eventually, her diet changed with her workload change.
dragonfly1030 4 months ago
@tbloverinaz Now, she's on typical grass turnout, eats a regular pellet diet with free choice hay, etc. It's important to keep in mind she was not a metabolic case, but one that resulted from compensatory behavior from an injury (kick in the pasture to left shoulder-->too much weight-bearing to right front). Obviously, it would not be to her advantage to let her become portly, as it could disturb the balance, in terms of weight bearing. If her workload needed to change, her diet would, too.
dragonfly1030 4 months ago
Whoops, I thought I had posted the first comment and then it said "comment pending approval", so then I felt a little slow... :)
butterfly1341 5 months ago
the pair of you look absolutely fantastic together, i wish i could ride like that! also you have some pretty awesome jump equipment where you ride :) just a question - are you wearing sunglasses or goggles or something while you're riding outside? just curious!
angel0apthy 5 months ago
@angel0apthy I actually ride in SSG jockey goggles. Any time you see video footage where I appear to be in sunglasses, that's what I'm actually wearing. :) I'm the only dork on the whole NJ circuit that does that, to my knowledge. The reason is simple--dust sometimes makes my eyes freak out so bad that they become infected. Sunglasses aren't enough to "seal out" the dust. In addition, sunglasses have a tendency to bounce off my face at the most inconvenient times. Thanks so much!
dragonfly1030 4 months ago
You actually have lovely equitation, and you guys look great together! I just have a question....it's something I've always been a little curious about, so I'm going going to ask, lol. I don't think in any of your jumping or riding videos I've seen you riding the horse on the bit? Since you seem to be such a nice rider, I'm a bit curious as to why you've chosen not to develop that into your riding/jumping? Not a critique, as you guys look great, I've always just kind of wondered, LOL! :)
Fiera86 5 months ago
@Fiera86 There's different definitions of connection and on the bit. Clue is connected and very easy to communicate with, but she is not particularly tolerant of too much contact. She's easy to get in front of your leg, but is very difficult to get round. I'm working on it with her, but I can only do it in spurts--she is the kind of horse who would get pissed off or resistant if I tried to force it with her. She is balanced, moves out well, and responsive--that's all I care about.
dragonfly1030 5 months ago
@Fiera86 I think it's a stretch to say the horse is not "on the bit" at all. If you're looking for a complete "frame" out of this mare, that's another story. (It's something I do work towards in my flatwork, but I don't post a lot of my flatwork because I think it would get redundant to watch.) Duncan, on the other hand, is easier to bring into a frame, and he is comfortable carrying himself that way.
dragonfly1030 5 months ago
I love the color of your horses , Duncan and Clue and i hope Duncan will get better:)
minimediamm 5 months ago
@minimediamm Thanks, he's coming along great!
dragonfly1030 4 months ago
I'm so jealous of your leg, it's so solid!! What kind of saddle do you ride in?
ClaireCaipirosco 5 months ago
@ClaireCaipirosco Thanks so much! Other than riding, I do a lot of running...and I've also just taken up mountain biking. :) My saddle...is kind of a joke...it's an ancient Collegiate saddle I bought off of eBay around 2004 that has absolutely no blocks of any kind. The flap is just one continuous piece of leather. I affectionately call it "the pancake" because it's virtually flat and nonexistent. I have tried to upgrade to a new saddle (twice!), but I find that I still ride my best in it.
dragonfly1030 5 months ago
Your eq looks so amazing. Like I want your lower leg when you go over the jumps case it doesn't move. You look so good with her!
swo211 5 months ago
@swo211 Thank you very much! I have worked really hard on that, and I still have to remind myself sometimes...that, and my shoulders staying back! :)
dragonfly1030 5 months ago
You are a fantastic rider so shush :P clue is awesome as always. ;)
Ladyinthebarn 5 months ago
@Ladyinthebarn Thanks!
dragonfly1030 5 months ago
FYI there is nothing to critique on! nobody should critique you because you are an amazing rider! Even the highest olympic rides fling their legs back and their heels are up! not yours! haha your great ! Glad to hear duncans doing well :)
showjumper6868 5 months ago
@showjumper6868 Haha, thanks! Well, I think Olympic riders doing 5 1/2 foot fences can be given a bit of a reprieve if their legs slip time to time...I'm not sure I'd live to see the other side of a fence like that!
dragonfly1030 5 months ago
@dragonfly1030 haha yeah i'd probably die!
showjumper6868 5 months ago
god, you two look freaking amazing. it's so awesome to see her jumping like this. i really love watching you guys. i hope duncan is doing well and i'm looking forward to some more updates about him! (:
sockpuppet0991 5 months ago
@sockpuppet0991 Thank you!! :)
dragonfly1030 5 months ago
@dragonfly1030 you and your horse are amaising! (this is the first time Ive seen one of your vids btw) :)
dragonflyinhaven 5 months ago
@dragonflyinhaven Thank you! There's a ton of old footage on here, if you're ever bored! ;)
dragonfly1030 4 months ago
oh my gosh you two look soooo amazing! :D
showjumperluvr4 5 months ago
@showjumperluvr4 Thanks a lot!
dragonfly1030 5 months ago
ok so totally random but is your barn in Northern NJ? If so I think my barn is literally a mile away from yours haha! The indoor looks familiar........ but who knows!
TheEquestrianStar 5 months ago
@TheEquestrianStar Yep, it is in the Allamuchy area...I creeped your videos, and your outdoor ring kind of looked like the one at Fox Ridge Farm (I had looked at boarding there a couple years ago). Did I guess right? :) I know Morning Star Farm is pretty close to where Stepping Stone is (the barn I ride at).
dragonfly1030 5 months ago
@dragonfly1030 ah thats what I thought! The barn I ride at is kind of tucked away and semi-private, its High Meadow Farm on like the next road over from your barn I think. But thats so cool haha!
TheEquestrianStar 5 months ago
@TheEquestrianStar I've not heard of your farm, but it looks beautiful from what I've seen in your videos! :)
dragonfly1030 4 months ago
this made me a little teary, I was just thinking back to two year old Clue, then injured Clue, and she looks so amazing and like you two are having a blast. Love it <3
alittleunraveled 5 months ago
@alittleunraveled Thanks so much for this comment. I never forget where we started and how far she's come. I'm thankful for her life, period.
dragonfly1030 4 months ago
I love your song, Clue is so cute . xx.
MaddieLovesChinga 5 months ago
@MaddieLovesChinga Thanks! I heard it in a commercial and thought it sounded good for a video!
dragonfly1030 4 months ago
she is a beauty! nice jump too! she looks great :)
SuperPonyJumper 5 months ago
@SuperPonyJumper Thanks!
dragonfly1030 4 months ago
Wait where do u ride in nj? :)
showjumperforevs 5 months ago
@showjumperforevs Stepping Stone Farm
dragonfly1030 5 months ago
You guys look amazing! Clue has come along so much since I started watching your videos. I remember asking you which farrier gave her foot problems and now look at her! Can't wait to see more from you guys
Samber02 5 months ago
@Samber02 Thanks so much! One thing I can say for farriers is that, despite their varied approaches, none of them played a part in everything that happened. Regardless, I am a selective p.i.t.a. about farriers and especially vets, though! :-P Then again, someone has to be! :)
dragonfly1030 5 months ago
I don't want to seem like a cliche spazz, but FIRST COMMENT! Yay! :-P Love this song! Clue is doing so well--I completely understand how it is to stay with her over fences; I often have the same issue with more barrel-shaped horses, etc. I've been VERY behind on videos (still need to upload some from May to August...yikes), so, thank you, full time job. :-/
butterfly1341 5 months ago
@butterfly1341 I'm catching up on your videos, and I totally feel your pain! I love my job, but I don't get to keep up on the updates as much as I'd like to.
dragonfly1030 4 months ago
You are an amazing rider;)
jumpingstarr 5 months ago
@jumpingstarr Thanks. You're very kind.
dragonfly1030 4 months ago
Your horse is really pretty. :) And your leg hardly moves over fences!
ThatPonyJumper 5 months ago
@ThatPonyJumper Thank you! I bust my butt to try to keep myself in shape so that they stay put!
dragonfly1030 4 months ago
i want to be just like you some day :)
Harperlo 5 months ago
@Harperlo I wouldn't go that far! I'm just an ordinary person...ok, maybe I'm a bit weird, but "ordinary" in the riding sense, I think.
dragonfly1030 4 months ago
What a talented quarter horse you have! She's a great jumper!
yellowdress61 5 months ago
@yellowdress61 Thank you! :D
dragonfly1030 4 months ago
:) i very much like clue!!!! I do see what you mean re the atheletic jump... love Jens vids too :)
nala135 5 months ago
@nala135 Thanks! She is like a little porpoise! Jen's been better about updates than I've been lately, lol! :)
dragonfly1030 4 months ago
Clue looks great as always :-) Can't wait to see an update on Duncan, best wishes!
tbloverinaz 5 months ago
@tbloverinaz He's coming along! I need more recent footage, ie. I need someone to get some vid of him now. He's consistently doing walk trot, and we've begun re-incorporating canter.
dragonfly1030 4 months ago
Clue is such a cutie! I was so sad to hear about Duncan though. He is very lucky to have an owner who is still very much dedicated to him!
You and Clue have been personal inspiration for me to continue pursuing jumping with my QH mare. I've unfortunately heard so many people harping that Quarter Horses don't make good jumpers, can't do dressage, can't do this...what are THEY talking about?
DressageIsToDance 5 months ago
@DressageIsToDance Haha, I think people tend to think of the really muscley halter horses when they think of QHs, or the ones that have been trained for Western Pleasure to carry themselves a certain way for the jog and lope. They don't tend to think of the extensive variety in QH conformation, temperament, and athleticism. ANY breed can have fit, scopey jumpers or fluid, self-carrying dressage prospects, and ANY breed can have quiet, happy-go-lucky "I'd rather be walking on a trail" horses.
dragonfly1030 4 months ago
Very nice! I love watching your progress. :)
Juneaziz 5 months ago
@Juneaziz Thanks!
dragonfly1030 4 months ago
Me and Clue are on the same page when it comes to Ozzy! You two are looking phenomenal!
FreckleWitch 5 months ago
@FreckleWitch Thank you! Ozzy is one sexy beast! On the occasions when my dad comes to the barn, he loves to say "Wow, next to Ozzy, your horses look like ponies." Clue, Duncan, and Ozzy are all right in a row in their stalls.
dragonfly1030 4 months ago
you guys look better and better each time :) im jealouse of your amazing riding skills! <3
PawzandClaws 5 months ago
@PawzandClaws Thanks! I don't think I'm amazing, but I at least feel like I'm making progress! :)
dragonfly1030 4 months ago