Sunday, March 14, 2010

Google & Dressage Geometry

If you are reading this, you are most likely sitting a computer.   Which also means you're probably familiar with Google.   Me, I'm a big fan of Google, but most especially, I love their logos.   And today's was no exception.

At first glance, I thought Google's logo showed a dressage arena with diagrams of suppling exercises and pirouette work!   Seriously.   Because this is what I see in my mind's eye when I think of dressage ring work.   Shapes.   Circles.   Serpentines.   Geometry.

Okay, so I don't go riding around my arena thinking in terms of Pi, but I do aim to maintain a fixed radius for my circles and voltes, as well as gradual changes in radius and slope for my spiral in, spiral out work.   And for pirouette work, starting with quarter turns, I like to use squares and rectangles.

Thank you, Google, for your first dressage logo!   I suspect Dressage riders around the world will give it a 10!   :-)

Monday, March 1, 2010

Spring Vaccinations

Each year, before the Dressage Competition Season swings back into gear, we get all of our horses vaccinated against several equine ailments.


(Photo from TNT Equine showing Dr. Deme Erickson, DMV) giving a shot

Friday, March 5th, Dr. Jen Sula, DMV, from Blackwater Veterinary Services in Salisbury NH will visit.  Working her way down the barn, she will check each horse one by one.   Heart sounds, gut sounds, respiration, eyes, and a visual check of their overall condition.

Next, each will receive vaccinations against:
Fortunately, instead of jabbing each horse 7 times, some of the vaccinations are provided in combo shots.

Finally, blood will be drawn from those who will be out and about competing this year.   It's sent to the University of New Hampshire's Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory where they test for Equine Infectious Anemia in what is known as the "Coggin's Test".   Proof of a negative result is required to compete.   A copy of the report is sent in with each show entry.

Some may question the expense of this spring ritual.   However, we have enjoyed an excellent record of horsey health, and therefore, no vet bills for nasty equine illnesses.   We really like Preventative Medicine!