Category: News

Let’s wrap up 2020

Like most I’m looking forward to wrapping up 2020 and heading into 2021 bigger and better.

 

For me, it’s my first real big year with DDE, with my completion of my EA Coaching I headed out into the big wide world right before that thing we’ve all gotten used to hearing about. Covid – sigh, it’s deflating how much I’ve gotten used to hearing and talking about it on a daily basis. It’s been a little harder developing my coaching and tee business this year then I had originally planned!

 

I’ll be honest so much has changed with the horses and my goals. Literally just crazy looking back now!

 

Earlier in the year I made a tough decision to sell my young horse Minnie, was so heart breaking for me to come to that decision. But I know deep down in my heart it was the right one to make. She found a wonderful loving home and is even out and about competing this year with some great results with her new rider! Which makes me feel like it really was the best decision.

 

My plan with Arnie this year was to have a super year out competing as he turned 20 this year, I really wanted to push ourselves and see what we could do and finish his competition career on a total high. Personally, I was imagining champagne and buckets of carrots for the both of us for Christmas this year to celebrate. I guess in a way we still did ‘just because’ 🙂

 

With this in mind, Arnie winding down and enjoying life and selling my next up and coming horse Minnie. I decided to make a purchase on a horse I honestly didn’t expect to make. A schoolmaster. Aka Mr Bert. I rode him a few times before finalising everything, but after my first ride with him the feeling I got I knew he was my next horse to join the team!

 

The decision to purchase something that was the next level (or two!) above what I was currently riding was a huge decision. I know every journey we go on with our horses is different, but I don’t think you can really compare purchasing a young horse and going through the beginning baby stages to a horse that’s older that has more miles and education with another rider. Each have their own experiences and challenges.

 

Learning how to fly and use the control panel is a challenge in itself! I honestly don’t think it’s as easy as getting on and pushing buttons – ok maybe to some, but not me. They say it can take up to 12 months for a horse to really feel like your own, it’s totally true. It’s a learning curve for both the horse and rider, applying the aids slightly different and working together to form a team.

 

With the new addition added to the stables my goals totally changed. It’s honestly been the most amazing year for me horse wise. Learning how to put movements together, learning how to get that feeling and beginning to control every single foot fall.

 

12 months ago, I wouldn’t have believed you if you told me that I would be learning how to half pass, flying changes and canter pirouettes. Let alone having my first advance start at a competition – ok, I may have flopped it a bit, but it’s all part of my learning and next time will be an improvement.

 

What I’m thankful for during 2020

 

My clients! I’ve enjoyed working with each and every one. Meeting all those lovely horses I teach and their riders who are always wanting to improve. Making and designing all those clothes this year, I haven’t put a number on it but it’s a lot of parcels out the door to the mail man.

 

Of course, it goes without saying my good health with everything going on in the world at the moment. It’s just mind-blowing thinking how this virus has changed the way we live. I’m not even sure when we can go on an overseas holiday again.

 

Last and certainly not least.

 

Creating and being a part of an amazing community. Building a good community is a hard thing to do, it takes time. The DDE community might be small but it’s something I’m proud to be creating. Your support means so much more then you know – every like, every comment, every message, every email opened, every message sent to me all adds up.

 

What are you proud of this year? What have been your highlights?!

 

Happy Riding

Ingrid 🙂

Dressage Dreamers Christmas Countdown Guide- Week Three

You’ve made it to week three of my amazing Christmas Countdown Guide!

 

I know, I know, I feel like I’ve started the whole Christmas thing a little early, but really, I’m probably running a tad late! For us small little businesses each and every order really means a lot, especially that I hand make every order that goes out. I design, cut and press each order as they come in. Nothing leaves my place without being wrapped! It travels from me then with the post man to your place. I take great pride in everything I do, and it means so much to me when I’m able to give a little back to my loyal customers and followers… especially this time of year.

 

Here are my amazing designs to showcase this week!

 

Standardbred Nothing Else

I loved making this design, it looks sooo good on as well! I really tired to capture both the racing and the career after racing in this design. This amazing design is available in a polo $59.95 and hoodie which you can add to your cart by clicking here.

Off The Track Queen Singlet

Suns out, guns out! Why not get this cool singlet as part of your summer wear today! Great to purchase for you and your friends! Click here to select your size. $44.95

Helmet Hair Singlet

Perfect reason to wear this singlet when you are announcing to the non-equestrian world about your hair style! Available in both navy and grey.  $29.95

Team Standardbred Polo

Complete the summer look with this polo. Part of the Team Standardbred collection! Click here to add the Team Standardbred polo to your collection $49.95

 

Week Three goodie- just for you!

Free shipping! No minimum spend, free shipping on all orders from Sunday 15th November to Saturday 21stNovember.

 

So easy to get your free shipping– select Free Shipping as an option on the check out! How great is that!?

 

Just remember, I’m still sending all orders Express Post until further notice! So free EXPRESS shipping!

 

Happy Shopping Dreamers!

Quick view of my daily routine

I’ve had loads of questions about my routine, which also includes my feed. I’ll be honest, it’s something I’m consistently trying to improve and tweak better.

I wanted to do a quick write up about my daily overview with our feed to give you a bit of an insight to my day in the stables, I’m happily admitting to you that I will be doing a blog about our feeding routine soon! Because that sounds like too much fun to do!

The Morning Run

Usually between 6:30-7am all horses who are stabled and paddocked at night are fed hay for breakfast.

The happy horses enjoy their breakfast for about 30 minutes then are turned out to their day paddocks. Those who are paddocked full time are waved goodbye for the day wishing they continue to make the right life choices- ha ha!

While the horses who are stabled are enjoying their morning feed, their stables are cleaned, their rugs are changed to the appropriate weather for the day.

It’s funny, I used to enjoy getting up super early to ride before work, but now I’m finding myself getting into a better routine by turning them out into the paddocks earlier and working in the afternoon.

Probably the most important part of my routine is the cleaning in the morning, having all the stables cleaned, tidying up the feed room, tack room and general stable area. Making sure all the waters are full in the paddocks and stables and any fresh bedding put into the stables if needed. This mentally lets me fly into the afternoon run much better when everything is done in the morning.

I’ll admit it’s something I’m trying to get better at, as some days when I finish work, I don’t really feel like gathering up the energy to ride. But its mind over matter and I get it done!

The Afternoon Run

The afternoon rolls around and it’s time for the afternoon feeds, this is all their hard feeds.

The horses who are paddocked during the day are bought in around 3-3:30pm, this saves them from running around and causing too much trouble in those afternoons hoons. You know the ones that make your heart stop for a second!

At the moment I’m only working one horse, so lucky Bert is groomed, geared up and is worked in the afternoon. It usually takes me around 20-30 minutes before my ride to get him ready, then usually riding around 30-45 minutes pending on what I’m working on that day. Then about 20 minutes after our ride to finish up, untacking, stretching, hosing, oiling feet and other treatments needed.

Bert is then tucked away with his dinner and a hay bag to munch on afterwards. Our stabled horses usually have some hay to munch on at night, this is either left over breakfast (if they were given an extremely large amount that morning) or a small amount given to them. Pending on how the grass is during that time of year also helps on how much they get during the night. We are lucky in terms of grass being in the valley and we can get a little too much feed on the paddocks!

What the dinners are made of

Usually our hard feeds consist of a mixture of lucerne and oaten chaff with a few added feeds and additives.

Hygain

We feed a lot of Hygain, 99% of the horses are fed TruCare. I absolutely love this feed; all our retired horses look amazing on it!

Some of our stabled horses are fed: Hygain Show Torque, Hygain Release and Hygain Balance.

KER

EquiShure – Bert is currently on Equishure for his gut health. It’s probably the one gut health product I’m completely satisfied with. I also use from time to time when needed, B-Quiet, Restore, Hemabuild and preserve.

CEN

Most if not all our horses are fed CEN OIL. We’ve had a few horses in the paddocks who have suffered the itch, so we made compulsory that they all get CEN OIL to help avoid any sort of itching! I can say it’s amazing, I can actually have rugs off these horses who have suffered the itch in the past.

I hope you enjoyed having a little read on my insights on my daily routine. Stay tuned for my training and feeding routines, think I’m finally getting the courage to put these into a fun vlog 😉

Dressage Dreamers Countdown Guide- Week Two

Woohoo, welcome to Week 2 of my Christmas Countdown Guide!

 

Huge thank you to everyone who has jumped in on week 1. There are some amazing tote bags off to you! 🙂

 

My amazing Christmas Guide for this week include:

 

Equestrians Easy To Love Singlet

Literally the latest design from DDE HQ! These have been super popular especially with the warmer weather around the corner. These singlets are a great fit and are available in three colours! Click here to add these to your cart. $39.95

Off The Track Queen Polo

Another summer must have, stylish long sleeve polo with the special Off The Track Queen design, suits for both our horse racing friends ;). Print is on the back, sleeve and front. Click here to check out the polos. $64.95

 

Drink Coffee Tee

Love this design, I wear my tee literally everywhere I go! Available in two colours, will be the best thing you purchase today! Click here to select your size… Psst also available in a matching tote bag! $39.95

Dressage Dreamers Polo

Join the DDE tribe with this comfy grey polo! Print is in black and glitter blue! You know you want one, click here to add to your cart today! $59.95

Week Two Goodie, just for you…

Now for this weeks amazing special! Any orders placed between Sunday 8th – Saturday 14th enter the code: XMAS15 for 15% off your entire order– storewide! How cool is that!?

Don’t forget there is also AfterPay and PayPal as a payment option 🙂

 

Happy Shopping!

Dressage Dreamers Christmas Countdown Guide- Week One

I say this every year, but I want to be totally organised for Christmas this year. I mean, we don’t really have much of an excuse of being busy with everything going on this year. Crazy.

As it is literally around the corner, especially for us small little businesses 😉

My deadline for Christmas orders will be Monday 30th November, this is to allow processing and most importantly transit time with the postman to your door. I will of course be processing orders beyond this date, but I cannot guarantee these will arrive in time for Christmas.

During this time, I will be showcasing a little Christmas guide showcasing some designs each week with a little something extra! Just for you guys, because you guys have seriously been amazing to be this year!

So here we go…

This week with Dressage Dreamers Equestrian and Design (wow, I hope I don’t get hooked on other talents cause it’s some serious typing to get that out- ha!). I want to showcase these awesome popular designs!

Dressage Life Tee

These amazing tees are available in a black tee with either glitter gold or glitter silver print. Available in all ladies sizes in a v neck style tee. $39.95

Click here to check out the Dressage Life Tees

Dressage Queen Polo

I love this design, the glitter rose gold looks amazing on the black polo! This design has been super popular. Available in all sizes $59.95

Click here to visit the Dressage Queen polos

Team Standardbred Tee

The Team Standardbred tees need no introduction thats for sure! I’m so proud that these have been well received within the Standardbred community. Available in many colours and printed on a v neck black tee. $49.95

Click here to get your next Team Standardbred Tee

#1 Groom Polo

These polos went under a lot of Christmas trees last year! Such a cool polo, so comfy and it’s a polo for anyone to wear! $49.95

Click here to put a #1 Groom Polo under the tree this year

Week one extra goodie!

Now, for the weekly goodie! This week (1st November – 7th November), every order will receive a free tote bag! (valued at $29.95) If you would like a specific design (out of the current designs here) please write down in the order notes. Otherwise I will send a random design to you.

Happy shopping dreamers!

What 2019 has taught me

I feel like I have mentioned this a lot this year, but where on earth has the time gone? I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels the years are starting to gain momentum and swing along quicker and quicker!  For me, 2019 felt like a whirlwind. When I first sat down to think about it, I felt what a horrible year it had been, and I felt like I accomplished near to nothing.

I went to one competition, which I rode terrible and I’ve honestly regretted ever since. Especially not been able to redeem myself in the competition arena in 2019. But lets chat about that in a minute!

Here is my little 2019 in a nutshell. 

January was an amazing month; I attended the Olivia Towers Clinic in January. Two of the most memorable lessons that’s for sure! I keep reminding myself I had those lessons with one of my idols.

https://youtu.be/kkK04SdZI0k

From feeling on top of the world from our lessons, I attended the Sydney Dressage Club event in February, for a not so great ride. We didn’t score particularly well. We really didn’t listen to each other; we were quite tense throughout our test.

 

Realising we were having a miscommunication in our connection; I was particularly looking forward to our lesson with Brett at the Sydney Dressage Clinic in March.  We pushed passed any problems we had in the previous weeks to have a perfect lesson with lots to work on at home.

https://youtu.be/KDJiJbVY3HAhttps://youtu.be/EJUvK34yjHI

We were a little quiet after this, we had a few unfortunate events with Arnies feet. If you have been following us for a while you would probably see a little pattern in our year! Sadly, we had a farrier switch and it is incredible how much the horse’s feet an influence the horse’s soundness.

While Arnie was having a little break recovering, I was powering along on the side lines creating the Team Standardbred Tees. During this time, I decided to launch one of the other aspects to ‘Dressage Dreamers’. I really don’t like putting myself out there, it’s scary! But it is one thing I have learnt I need to do. Don’t be afraid, have thick skin, enjoy what you do, remember why you started doing it.

The downwards slide of 2019, I had Arnie up and running again, with such delight. I absolutely enjoy spending time with him. While I had him up and in work again, I sent my young horse Minnie off to schooling. I was a little sad when I saw her face when she loaded onto the transporter, but I knew it was the best decision. To give her the opportunity to the best start to her ridden career.

I took the leap and signed up the ‘Parbery Program’ – best decision ever. I joined in on a webinar one night when it was opened up to everyone. Which I just loved listening in! Once I joined, I jumped into the next weekly group coaching call, thinking it was more the webinar style – you know, when no one can see you and you just listen.  Here I was, showered, in my pjs and dressing gown, glass of wine… the next minute I realise everyone is on video! Whoops, here I was in my bright purple dressing gown!! I honestly looked like one of those DJ’s or something with their big jackets! So yes, from then on, just my pjs or normal clothes 🙂 

We had another amazing lesson with Brett in August, really focusing on our diagonal pair, picking it up between the gaits a lot quicker.

https://youtu.be/piw5Fc-jNdk

I gained the most amazing sponsorship from Eque-Fitt Australia – full details here. It has been the most incredible experience, its one thing I truly lack in, that is rider fitness. It’s a big ‘kick up the arse’ for me to really get into gear and start to actually tick off those rider goals.

Because I never like to do things half-heartedly, I took the plunge and decided to go all out and get all the equipment to make the tees myself. Officially launching the bigger part of Dressage Dreamers! WOW, as I thought before it was hard putting myself out there. It was only a few weeks ago my sister told me just to share a post in a group or two on Facebook, not everyone sees what you post on your page. I hit that button and I’m thankful I did. I had a fair few sales right in time before Christmas. It really did make my year!

One final piece of my timeline for 2019- successfully completing my EA Coaching course!! Look out 2020!

What did 2019 really teach me?

Don’t give up 

You’re going to have a few setbacks in life. Don’t be despondent no matter how hard you fall. Pick yourself up and dust yourself off and get back on that horse (maybe literally!?!)  I’ve had so many setbacks with Arnie and it makes me sad we only had 1 competition ( for a crappy test on the riders view) But I look back at all the amazing lessons and rides at home. I realise these are what really make up my year. Having that ride on your horse, where they listen to everything you ask of them and you always feel like you are on top of the world after each ride.

Standardbred Blues 

I learnt how many people feel somewhat disadvantaged because they ride a Standardbred. To be completely honest with you, I was incredibly upset when I was reading all the answers to my survey. It really does break my heart when I know there are people out there not completely wholeheartedly enjoying their horse. Life is too short to care what people think, you need to do what you can to give your Standardbred (and yourself) the best opportunity to kick some butt. Positive mindset, no victim mentality. I’ve always have my blinkers on, I ignore everything and just focus on what I’m doing and how I can do it better.

Self-development can be a tough ride

For people who know me, I don’t consider myself to be that person in the crowd who is confident and can just breeze through social situations, especially with public speaking! I completed my EA coaching course this year, which was one HUGE goal of mine (go me, happy dance!) I won’t lie, it was HARD. Now the actual information part of riding, I didn’t find hard. Communicating with others, communicating in a confident manner, communicating with authority and communicating in a group of riders is what I learnt to be able to do this year. I’m so relieved and happy to successfully complete it, coaching is one thing I really want to be involved in. I’m just so excited to see what 2020 will bring!

How does your 2019 look? What are you bringing to 2020, let me know.

Happy riding 🙂

Ingrid

Brand Ambassador: Eque-fitt Australia

I’ve always thought of myself as that person who is a little ‘un-lucky’, I can tell you honestly, if there are 10 people in a room and 9 lucky door prizes, I’m that person who never gets that door prize! I know, I know, that might seem a little dramatic… but it has happened!

Bouncing that logic in my mind over the years, I’ve never really been the one to apply for things, or even to approach anyone for any sponsorship or ambassadorship. To be honest I have applied for the odd one or two to miss out on the opportunity.

I can honestly say that my desire to truly better myself as a rider really stems from when I attended the intelligent riding retreat with Brett back in 2016. I mention this retreat in a few posts reflecting about the turning point in my riding, not only with my horses but with my own fitness. It truly was an eye opener and really made me realise the bigger picture about the training system.

In my adult years I’ve never been one to jump at the opportunity to go for a run, (unless it is to the bar 😉 ) it’s always been that ‘thing’ that I’ve planted ‘to do’ at the back of my mind. I probably didn’t take the riders fitness aspect of the training as seriously as I could have until early 2018 when I broke my collarbone and was out of action for a while. Getting a little chubby on the edges will do that to you!!

Once I crawled myself out of the little sad state that I couldn’t ride and I had to rest, I was determined to get on board with my fitness and become a better rider. I have to admit there was even more drive in my mind to get kick started as I had recently purchased a young horse. My horses always get regular body work, I’m always analysing their body when schooling in the arena, and in turn it makes me to start to think about my rider position, how to improve it and if I’m being effective as a rider.

I’ve been following Eque-Fitt Australia for a while on social media, I’ve always been intrigued by the fitness from an equestrian point of view. When I saw the post about being a brand ambassador/sponsorship I saved the post right away! Hesitating, should I, shouldn’t I, what can I bring to the table. Then I thought, what have I got to lose! I applied and then I booked in my first session as well. Because at the end of the day, I needed this push, I needed to book in my first session to kick me into being a dedicated rider about my own fitness.

I’m thrilled to have been chosen to represent Eque-Fitt Australia, I can’t wait to show you the comparison in my posture and the improvements in my fitness. I’m so proud to even put into place regular workouts in place! Go me! J

You can follow Tanase from Eque-Fitt Australia on:

Facebook: Click here

Instagram: Click here

Website: Click here

Keep an eye out on her social media for upcoming clinics in the area! Stay tuned for some amazing photos!

Collaboration Opportunity

If you have been following for a while now, you would have noticed I have been on and off a creative flare!

I created some amazing Team Standardbred shirts to help spread the positive vibe of the Standardbred community. I’m so thankful to all the wonderful ladies who have become apart of the Team Standardbred community so far! I’ve really enjoyed sharing them so much seeing all the lovely Team Standardbred love!

Recently, I decided to take the leap and do everything myself (I swear I’m not a control freak.. ha!) I design, cut and press everything right here at DDE HQ! This has since led me on a little creative spark!

Two amazing tees available , #dressagelife available now and Off The Track Queen! Available very soon!

 

What I’m looking for…

I love how the equestrian community can bound together at times. My favourite saying at the moment is

we rise by lifting others

So true. 

I’m currently looking for some lovely ladies whom would like to collaborate with me! I’m very open to all ideas and would love to reach out to other bloggers/vloggers, social media divas, influences etc.  

If this sounds like you, or you have never collaborated with anyone before (this is all new to me too! 🙂 ) and are interested send me an email!

ingrid@dressagedreamers.com.au

Team Standardbred

It’s no secret I aim to create a positive community within the Standardbred world. I know how many ups and downs there are when we are on our journey re training our 4-legged best friends. Let alone re training a 5 gaited horse under saddle!

I wanted to share the Team Standardbred news that I’ve put together behind to scenes!

I’ve put together some attire to help spread the Team Standardbred love. These amazing Tees are available in 3 shirt colours and 6 different font colours for every single hard working Standardbred rider! You can check these Tees out here! Can’t wait for you to be apart of them team soon!! 🙂

Team Standardbred Tee

There are many groups out there on Facebook, but I thought I would create one for all likeminded people! Meaning, I created a supportive group, a safe place to share our training. All our ups and downs, achievements and frustrations! Not to mention help you stay accountable for your goals!

I always.. always preach you are never alone. We are all on this re training journey. Helping and supporting each other is right up the top of my list! Feel free to pop on by this Team Standardbred Group and be apart of the growing positive community today!

I’ve always got my ear to the ground, don’t hesitate to get in contact with any questions I am more than happy to help and point in the right direction.  🙂

Introducing the New Addition

New Addition

Well, now don’t I feel a little rude. I’ve recently purchased a new addition to the stables and I haven’t even formally introduced her! By recently, I mean just over 8 weeks ago. In my eyes, time flies when you’re having fun!

Formally welcoming ‘Minnie’ to the family. She is a beautiful just turned 4 year old Arabian Warmblood mare by Negro. You might be thinking, she isn’t a Standardbred? No she certainly is not, sired by the wonderful stallion Negro, who is also the sire of Valegro (Olympic Gold medal winner London 2012 and Rio De Janeiro 2016, record breaker and possibly one of the best international dressage horses of this time). Out of a beautiful Arabian mare.

New Addition

Minnie is a future prospect for myself to campaign in pony dressage and possibly the young pony classes, fingers crossed she stays under height for pony dressage. At the moment, she only stands at around 14.1 hh.

While I was casually looking for the next prospect for the last 12 months, I always found a reason to be too chicken to pursue. It was only after my experience while I was on holidays I realised, you only live once. I first saw Minnie’s for sale ad on one of the Warmblood Facebook groups a few days before I left on holidays. As soon as I saw it, I instantly saved it and hit that turn notifications button on. I showed my mum, who  just rolled her eyes thinking, not another chestnut mare!! Then I showed one of my friends who instantly replied, oh I saw that ad. How beautiful is she and by Negro!

New addition

While I was recovering from my injuries in Maun, having no WiFi for almost two weeks. There was lots of Facebook notifications to catch up on. One I wasn’t surprised about was all the notifications on Minnie’s post. As I scrolled through them expecting to read how she was sold to a wonderful home, I was most surprised to read she was still for sale. Instantly in my injury state, tell my mum she is still for sale! I must have been quiet convincing I was well enough over the following weeks, as it wasn’t long until I was on that flight up to Queensland.  I already fell in love with her, but when I saw her in the flesh I instantly knew she was the one. 4 days later Minnie arrived at the property.

new addition

Before Minnie and before Arnie came into the spot light, I had a beautiful chestnut Arabian Riding Pony Mare (another chestnut! No, I don’t think I’m crazy! ? ). Who I have retired from competition approx. 12 months ago due to an injury. I have my fingers and toes crossed to hopefully put her in foal this coming breeding season, I’m so indecisive, I have 3 stallions on my list and I honestly can’t choose which one to go to first. They are all equally as beautiful and what I feel will complement her well. Minnie will be ‘filling her spot’ so to speak.

New Addition
Miss Lily

No need to stress, I have NO intention to retire Arnie from riding. As long as he is, fit, happy, sound and enjoying my company day in and day out he will be with me as my number 1 on the team. I will always have a Standardbred on my team for a riding horse, I already have my eyes on Kiwi Jak when he finishes racing! He is only 5, I have plenty of time to convert him when he finishes racing! Arnie didn’t start his career until he was 12/13 years old.

Here is just a small selection of the many photos I have of Minnie. I’m so smitten with her, I’m looking forward to working with her down the track and watch her grow into a beautiful dressage horse.