In A Matter of Tact.

Polu and Getta became close companions, never leaving eachothers site. It was weird to see my horse out there in that big field. But each day got easier, especially when I would witness a moment between the two horses. Grooming, nuzzling, sleeping side to side, as they often did. Most of barn ladies were shocked and surprised I decided to do such a thing with Polu. Some even thought less of me based on the decision. I would pull up to the barn, dash to the locker room where I'd change out of my clothes into my barn attire, grab my wellies and treck to the back pasture to give Polu his apple or carrot. I'd then come back to the locker room to change out of my wellies into my jods and boots. I come to the barn mostly in the early to mid afternoon, after the morning work has been done and before my husband would arrive home. It just so happened that I shared this routine with many of the barn ladies. Four ladies in particular were rather close and shared lessons, one after another. While one was riding the other three would chat and watch from the observation room.

One afternoon, I got back from giving Polu his carrot and began to change into my jods and zip up my boots when a gal comes in from the elusive 4 group. She sits down, changing into his jods as well and mentions that Polu is looking rather scraggly...

"Hi Liz, how are you?"

"Hi Pam, good thank you. How are you?"

"I'm well."

A small pause...

"I had no idea that you put Polu into that pasture Liz. I honestly couldn't believe it. I understand that LL raised the board again. Is it really too much for you?"

"Actually, I decided to put him out as advised by Dr. R."

"Oh Liz, you and I both know Dr. R would never suggest a horse to ever be out like that, especially with a lameness. Is everything really OK?"

"Yes, everything is fantastic, actually."

"Well, I just don't know what would posess you to do that to the poor horse. I'm sure he's just upset and depressed living in that enviornment."

"He's actually quite happy."

"And how is Prince, will he be moving out there too? That would be such a shame."

"No, Prince will stay where he is, Pam."

"Well, I'm sorry Liz, that you had to do that."

After that Pam left. She seemed proud of herself for saying the things she did, waltzing out of the room with apparent pride.

I managed to take Prince on a nice ride. Afterwards I was the specticle. The Fab 4, were quite intringed by me it seemed..

The Green Dream

I'd like to think that my horse, Polu, enjoyed his stall, filled with cushy shavings up the walls, all the hay he wanted, fresh water and of course his grain and treats. As I watched him graze freely in the barns far back, large irrigated pasture, I wondered if what I thought was ideal, was actually not to my white horse. He looked so happy and at peace. The wind blew through the trees surrounding this large open space, the birds flew about and the clouds moved above and as I sat there in deep thought, I saw something I had been missing. My horse belonged there. The perfect joining of the green grass, his muzzle scooping it up so gently, Polu, the trees, the birds, the sky, all seemed in perfect harmony. It seemed silly to think that he belonged anywhere else.

LL and I talked long and hard. She brought my to some realizations. I always thought LL was the highest supporter of stalls, blankets, limited turn-out in only flat, irrigated paddocks. I always thought she believed in a stalled horse in general. One that was in work at least. Afterall her barn is filled with horses who have never even been out in the pasture or out much at all.

I was shocked when she suggested we let Polu rest, once he was done with confinement, in the big pasture with Getta, the old GP mount that was once owned by LL's late mother. Getta was extremely sweet. She sat out there lonely, but happy. Although she was pushing 25, on a good day she move across the pasture like she was still 10. No one paid much attention to Getta, the Great GP Lady G, as she was called, but she was always there looking on for a 'hello' from horse or human pass-by'ers.

In a very odd move, we turned Polu out with Getta. I was nervous that Polu would re-injure himself, so we aced him the first couple of times and only let him out for small bits at a time. Androu was paid to sit and watch him like a hawk. Nothing happened, except Getta fell in love. She followed Polu around like a puppy. Quivering at his every move in lust. I don't blame her. Polu was the picture of peace. And soon enough he was on full outdoor living.

There I sat, staring at my Polu. At this point, the vet had told me that he was going to be able to do lower level Dressage, but nothing beyond. She recommended I find him a new home where he could be the dream of a young rider or adult amateur that wanted to do nothing but love a horse and do lower level Dressage. At first, I have to admit, I was on the brink of selling him. LL and I actually had someone lined up to take him, but I couldn't do it.

Saddle-less.

It is funny how life works sometimes. The twists and turns in a seemingly perfect, straight, path. It was so easy for Polu to make a name for himself. He was a talent without any doubt. The way things happen make it disappointing to know that talents don't always get the chance they deserve. Even though I relished in the fact that he was MY horse, I wanted the world of Dressage to have a taste of this exceptional horse and vice versa.

What am I trying to get at? I'd rather not disclose what exactly happened to Polu, but his lameness side-lined him. Work was out of the question and it was to be that way for some time. LL was so disappointed, that for the first time since I've known her, she was actually showing some emotion. LL had enough emotion for the both of us. I wasn't as upset, because even though Polu would not be the star we wanted him to be, he had another chance at this Dressage career, just in a smaller way.

Polu was to be on stall rest and limited hand-walks, starting at 10mins, once a day, which mostly consisted of allowing him to graze. Slowly he was to increase in hand-walks. LL and I both agreed, that since his career was pretty much over for a chance at Grand Prix, we might as well take extra caution and care in his rehabilitation, so when he did come back to work, he'd be for the better. This ment that I would have a chance at becoming Polu's rider once again. What an odd twist.

In the beginning of his stall confinement, I avoided handling him, as he did become a little hot. After the Androu walked him, I'd usually feed him treats and watch over the grooming process. I insisted he was still groomed daily because who wants to see a dirty horse, let alone one who is rehabbing? They should still be clean and presentable.

At this time, LL began to focus more on Prince and I. She saw the talent in him and although he was not going to achieve competitive success past fourth level, we could still toy with GP movements schooling and enjoy rides in the ring without so much pressure. I use that word lightly, as LL was always putting on the pressure for more and better. Although I will be the first to say that I like the striving for perfection bit, LL was actually too much when it came to this.

The Seat. Polu picks on Prince.

"Sit deeper!" She shouted across the arena. I was attempting to quiet my seat and relax into the saddle as Prince took me around. He had an absolutely unflappable canter. "Sit," he would say, "relax, I got it." It was rocking, soft and super comfortable. So comfortable, I should've pinched myself. Polu, as with his his entire self, was very demanding and this included the riders position through all gaits. Sitting his canter was difficult and he was not forgiving. Perhaps that is why I was never a perfect match for my Polu?

"Now, drop the reins and spread your arms out." "And for goodness sake Elizabeth, RELAX!" I couldn't be more relaxed than if I went limp and allowed my back and shoulders to slump. I dropped my reins. LL was so insistant. For the most part, LL was only a small figure an annoying, somewhat present, vouce in the large picture of Prince and I. Although she shouted her demands, I was more focused on my perfect little steed, as he silently, patiently, kindly spoke to me. You would think that such loud words would demand ones attention, but with riding it is often the silent that actually do..

Once my lesson was over, I cooled Prince out around the arena as Maryness walked in on Polu for her lesson with LL. Maryness was such a poised rider it was amazing how strong she actually was. I mean, to withstand the demanding presence and attitude her instructor had. LL, although talented in her own right, had a much different riding style than Maryness. Maryness was a kind pilot, LL was a demanding pilot (who would have thought, right?). So the two of them working together was odd. Opposites attract? Well, I'm not sure, but in some odd way their relationship worked..

Polu had been going so well, when suddenly he came up lame. It was subtle at first, but there. So we had the vet out to do a thorough lameness exam. X-rays were inconclusive, but an ultrasound determined something else...

The Price and the Frog

Prince was not my prince. Polu was. I viewed more as Prince (the horse) as the "frog" instead. In all honesty he was cute. But I had more compliments from mom's and kids than my adult, serious Dressage rider, peers. This had never happened to me. I always had one of the largest, "scariest" horses at any barn. If the parents or children were around, they were told to avoid my horse at all cost because it was "so well trained, it is not for children to be around and pontentially dangerous." Yes, it was true. My last horse, Renaldi was a huge 18+hh almost black Warmblood gelding. He was built like a stallion, with a large neck, big haunches, powerful stifle and one heck of a shoulder. I adored him. He was the quint esential gentle giant though. One of the reasons why I sold him was because he lacked that star-quality spark. He was laid back and kind and this trickled over into the show ring where he moved with a innocent, no-purpose-like, stride. He had no motor or work ethic. So although he was amazing to look at, his was not the Dressage horse he was literally made to be.

Kids avoided me as well, because I owned the horse and I offered no welcoming vibes that the kids were drawn towards. This could be why I have no children myself.. So, now I had Prince and the kids suddenly thought I was welcoming. What on earth gave them that idea, I don't know. Perhaps it was the cute little gelding that was in the end of the lead. His eyes sparkled with affection and his sweet expression lured all the little ones in. I started coming to the barn earlier in the morning to avoid this epidemic.

I rode Prince for the first time. He was so quiet and ready to be asked to do something ("anything!" he seemed to shout) that I was blown away. He was such a puppy dog. Renaldi was the "ok...I guess.." type of horse and Polu was the serious mount upon which he expected perfection out of his rider. But little Prince was different. I felt way too close to the ground though. It was an odd experience.

As I was putting Prince through his paces, I was shocked by his suspension. He thrusted me out of the saddle like I was not expecting. He marched on but only when asked. He was anti-confrontational. I sat on him and relaxed as this was the first time I could be the driver without convincing my steed!

Maryness was excited about Prince and thought he would be good for me. He was schooling fourth level movements, but was a solid third level competitor.

I was optimistic about our future.

So maybe Prince wasn't the frog...

Good Blues and Prince

Polu and Maryness had their debut at PSG and came home with an excellent score. I won't mention the score or location, but it was one of the highest that day and they were just below first place. We all thought Polu was much more of what you wanted to see. He was far more consistent, his departures were crisper. LL was very disappointed that he didn't bring home the blue. She knew the judge personally and felt the judge knew exactly who deserved the winning score. I was pleased and thought LL was acting a little out of context. She (LL) pulled the judge aside later in the day to discuss in detail as to why Polu received the score he did and what was lacking in comparison to the first place horse. LL refused to give me all the details. Maybe as reason for me to seek another trainer? I'm not sure really. She did however say a handful of things like "slighty drops on the fore in downward transitions," "Is not coming under himself enough."

I had my first real proud moment though. Maryness was doing a great job and Polu looked fantastic. LL was being a bit harsh. She explained that we must work harder to get him going stronger so next time, it's the blue instead of the red. LL didn't stop at Polu, she thought Maryness needed some more fine-tuning in execution of the aids too.

Days later, at home again, Polu had gotten a few days off to relax after his good efforts. But it was quickly back to work. LL insisted to Maryness she (LL) ride him 3 days a week to get him up to where he needed to be. Polu was being worked 3 times a week, at twice a day, with three other days once a day and then a day off, usually Sunday. It was a demanding schedule, but Polu was becoming a serious contender for Grand Prix.

After a month of so of LL riding him, she allowed Maryness to resume her regular schedule but also insisted she ride with some well-known trainers throughout the country (and beyond) to hone her riding. LL was very demanding and very persistent in her requests.

I was visiting Polu on a daily basis to ensure everything was up to my standards. Lets get a couple things clear. The riding and training of Polu was taken extremely serious and was being done to a very high standard. That is after all why I was not riding him anymore. But I refuse to have a hair out of place. Polu was to be bathed, groomed, hand-walked (on his off day and 1/day rides), etc everyday. I at times, found it very annoying to see my horse slightly dirty after a ride. The grooms would do a decent job post ride to put him away clean, but I was not satisfied. In addition to his strict training regime, he was also on a strict grooming schedule. Here is what it looked like:

* Monday, Wednesday, Friday - Bathed in a special Grade "A" moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.
* Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday - Bathed in coat color enhancing shampoo.
* Sunday - Bathed in a dandruff shampoo.

I checked amounts daily to ensure the grooms were using the correct amount and actually doing the job. One day I came to find Polu not bathed. I tracked down said Groom, Androu, to ask him why exactly Polu had yet to be bathed. He responded apologetic and explained that they were running 10 minutes behind as a load of yearlings had come in and they needed to get them settled.

"I understand you are busy Androu, we all are, but Polu should be first on your list."

I offered him an extra $50 to get to the job first as Groom B (regularly scheduled groom) was not as detailed. With this extra tip, I expected Androu to attend to Polu first, always.

LL refused to allow Androu to groom Polu as he was the best groom she had and he was reserved for her horses only. Groom B was for the clients. I had to go about getting Androu to groom my horse behind LL's back, which was relatively easy. But nevertheless, these annoyances like mentioned above, we sometimes unavoidable.

Enough about the grooming though..

Recently, when I arrived at the barn, LL had something waiting for me. She said to come by her office as soon as I got there. I pulled into the parking lot, walked through the courtyard to her office, which was on the backside of the barn.

When I turned the corner, I saw a cute horse standing at her side. He was cute, but small and frankly a little distant from the Polu, of my dreams.

"Elizabeth, meet Prince. He is our newest addition. An imported German Warmblood, just came in yesterday."

"He is cute, a little small."

"Yes he is small. He stands 15.3(hh). But he is a great mover for his size."

"Whose is he?"

"Well, I know how much you miss Polu..."

"Wait, wait, wait.." Putting my hand down in a stopping motion.

"I never said I wanted another horse LL."

"Elizabeth, you need to ride. Polu is on the fast track and I don't want to see you get left behind."

Wait..was that a sign of empathy from LL? No... Couldn't have been...

LL handed me the lead-line. Tiny Prince calm stood at the end, waiting for direction.

"Trust me Elizabeth, you'll like Prince. He is just up your ally."

LL walked away smiling. I was unsure what this gesture really meant. But I thought I'd give Prince a try..

Blues Both Ways

I agreed to have Mary-ness ride Polu. - She was to train with LL on a regular basis. I was invited to be there to share my input as horse owner, but not encouraged. There is a difference. - It was that, or no Dressage trainer would touch him. LL was well-known, well-respected. I had to look past my selfish desires, overcoming my intense dreams to one day ride Polu through Grand Prix myself, to now submitting to an overly talented, young, ambitious Dressage rider who was more close to perfect than one could imagine. It was heart wrenching, depressing and internally I felt extremely disappointed in myself.

I mustered up the courage and energy to watch Polu travel far better than he ever had through Mary-ness' riding. It was true, my riding was doing nothing for his future. I watched the weekly sessions, watched the clinics, over only 6 short weeks, Polu was on track for his near-future debut at Prix St. Georges.

LL began to comfort me in a way which was almost uncomfortable.

"Mary-ness is doing such a nice job, wouldn't you say."

Only it wasn't said as a question. LL was not interested in my opinion, only that she kept me content enough to stay quiet. This required occasional, buttery, slathering talks that were meant to make me feel better about my decision that she knew was ripping me up. LL was also aware that I was the type of owner, that if someone tempted me too, I would throw away chances at Grand Prix just to make sure she didn't over-come my role and take my horse away from me. I would only allow so much of me to be taken advantage of.

One very warm and sunny afternoon, after a quiet, solo session I was observing with Mary-ness, she asked me if I would be interested to step aboard my dear Polu. I was stunned and shocked. I sat there in my chair inside the indoor arena, near silent for a minute.

"Are you sure, I don't want to ruin your hard work?"

"Oh don't be silly. Polu knows you. He knows when it's me or someone else up there. A nice pleasure ride won't hurt him!"

"If LL knew I did this, she would be very upset.."

"Trust me. LL won't be ack until tomorrow, so don't worry!"

I quickly darted to me car to grab my boots and breeches, ran to the restroom in the barn and darted back out to the indoor. I slowed to a calm, in-charge walk so Mary-ness wouldn't think I was too desperate for a ride.

I grabbed the reins, griped them in my hand with a little mane and mounted up. I missed the feel of the reins and seeing Polu from atop his back. His ears always thinking, but consistently on his rider.

Mary-ness stepped away and encouraged us forward...