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Post by dazzlingduns on Jun 22, 2009 21:20:34 GMT -5
I have enjoyed viewing all the Kigers in training and schooling in this photo category. Thought I'd share a few current pictures of my horses schooling under saddle.  This is Storm Kiger. He is 16.3 hands now. Storm is following in the footsteps of his sire in Classical Stock Seat Riding.  Storm Kiger at the Spanish Walk, ridden with a relaxed rein in romals. He is now beginning to build rythm and cadence to every third stride.  Storm Kiger, sitting trot.  Kiger Sombra, sitting trot  Kiger Sombra responsive suppleness in lateral work with relaxed rein in romals. Enjoy! Melissa www.kigeranne.com |
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Post by dazzlingduns on Jun 22, 2009 21:32:31 GMT -5
Here are a few more candid pictures. I love this first one!  This is Kiger Cougar and Riddle Rendition, "Reed" during their first encounter with each other.  Authentic Image, our three year old stallion. He is bright and charming!  I call this one, "A Kiger Encounter." This is Karen Malloy with Sage Cougar at left, Enterprise Opie in the middle and Magic, far right. Hope you enjoy the pictures. Melissa |
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Post by angelsdream on Jun 22, 2009 21:32:56 GMT -5
WOW Melissa - Storm is 16.3, he sure does have some height on him. Isn't it funny how some kigers will be tall and some are short. He looks so good. I can't wait to see them in Kentucky..are you bringing him?
What is Classical Stock seat riding? That sounds interesting.
They both look wonderful!! Thanks for sharing!
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Post by kigerfan on Jun 22, 2009 22:30:28 GMT -5
Authentic Image is really a looker, I love the sensitivity in his face and would love to see some side views, etc.
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Post by Michelle Clarke on Jun 22, 2009 22:40:43 GMT -5
Melissa...great picts!! Storm in a big boy for sure, people say they loose their handiness when they get big, have you noticed that? Thanks for sharing, it's great to see the Kigers being worked so nicely!
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Post by dazzlingduns on Jun 22, 2009 22:43:52 GMT -5
Thanks for the compliment Angel. Yes, Storm will be one of three horses we are taking to KHP.
Two types of Classical Riding are Dressage and Stock Seat. I believe the term "Cowboy Dressage" is often used to describe Classical Stock Seat Riding. The definition of Classical is, Riding in an art form where the main goal is a happy healthy horse, developing strength, balance, mental stability and longevity of life. The result is true harmony with horse and rider.
Looking forward to seeing you in KY. It won't be long.
Melissa
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Post by kimk on Jun 22, 2009 23:15:04 GMT -5
Lovely horses, lovely pictures, as usual Melissa. I'd like to know more about Authentic Image. I can't believe Storm is so huge!!! Do you use a ropeladder to climb up there??  |
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Post by nrly on Jun 23, 2009 0:27:48 GMT -5
wow loved the pictures, thank you for sharing....
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Post by dazzlingduns on Jun 23, 2009 5:44:40 GMT -5
 Side view head shot of Authentic Image  Side view conformation shot of Authentic Image Sire: Kiger Sombra Dam: Riddle Rendition Michelle, Storm is now six years old. As a three and four year old he was very ackward and uncordinated. As he matures, his cordination, agility and handiness has greatly improved. He has better athletic abilities than his sire. Storm is the largest horse I have ridden. He is learning to utilize his powerful hindquarters to drive forward, lift and lighten the forehand. Self carriage for Storm comes easier now than some of my smaller horses, which allows me to ride him more relaxed, and secure. Achieving this took patience and consistent work. I honestly don't think that Storm will be a high maintenance horse like some of my others. I guess some horses need to be allowed a little extra time to discover their balance and natural abilities. I can't really answer the question about a horse losing handiness when they get big, but I would be willing to say that during rapid growth spells, most would probably become a little clumsy. Every day in the saddle is a new learning experience for me. Thank you for the nice compliment. Kim, I usually find something to stand on when I mount Storm. Throwing a 30 lb western saddle up on him takes some effort also. |
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Post by kimk on Jun 24, 2009 1:04:54 GMT -5
Melissa,
You amaze me, and always have. Keep up the good work, girl! Your horses and horsemanship are inspiring.
Kim
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Post by angelsdream on Jun 24, 2009 8:50:14 GMT -5
oh crud - I logged off before I saw the other pics of Cougar and Image. I do love Authentic Image - he is well put together. You've been hiding that one from us, haven't ya Melissa  How is his movement and temperment? I bet you can't wait to start him. Looks like Magic has came a long way - he is really wanting to check out Karen!!! I like "Cowboy dressage" I know dressage period helps you really gain your seat. |
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Post by dazzlingduns on Jun 24, 2009 12:43:18 GMT -5
  Angel, I can't really answer your question about Image's movement. He hasn't been started under saddle yet, although he does display natural balance and carriage on the lunge line and at liberty. He also displays the typical Kiger floating trot. Saddle work will start this fall. Image inherited his sire's disposition and his dam's athletic ability. Image is a gentleman. Kim, Thanks for the kind words. I am sure you know as well as I do how working with the horses on a daily basis can become a monotonous routine at times. We all need a little inspiration every now and then to get us through the "mundane routine ruts." I have a good friend with a Kiger in PA. She and her horse have been working with a Dressage instructor for a few years now. This friend is a real inspiration to me. She has helped me to determine the true meaning of patience with horses. Melissa |
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How is his movement and temperment? I bet you can't wait to start him.