Always There Are the Horses

Birthday Horse Weekend Day #1~ACTHA Passionately Pink Ride

2011-02-09T12:50:00.010-05:00

ACTHA ride number three, and this riding weekend started on my fortieth birthday, January 28th! I almost didn't get to go thanks to Jackson setting back and pulling a hitching post almost the size of a telephone pole straight onto my shoulder, chest, and face! OH OW! Usually I just jump up after I fall off, and get right back on, but I actually laid on the ground for about five minutes with this one. My mouth was full of blood, and it was hard to breathe. I spontaneously started crying, which I normally would NEVER do. So, I laid there and analyzed my injuries, and finally sat up with a wince (I called out to Rick who was working on fences not far away, but I think I was croaking his name, not my usual bellow:) deciding I was going to most likely live. Jackson was standing over me the whole time with a concerned look, as if to say, "Mom, that hurt? I'm sorry, but you were putting that Veterycin spray in my face; yes mom, I know we've done it 75 times, but this was the 76th time, so I really had to sit back. OK? Mom?" I went home, rested up, took all the Ibuprofen my kidneys could handle, and packed for the trip the next day. My birthday ruined by a pole? NOT. Thank goodness, it could have been BAD. We arrived at Suwanee Music Park in Live Oak, FL at about 11am, settled the horses into their stalls, and set up camp. A few people decided to go on a trail ride, but I was SOME hurtin' so I opted to chill and save it for the two days of riding that were coming! Thanks so much to my friends who helped me celebrate my birthday, took me on this fabulous trip, and put up with my debilitated, slightly grouchy (pain does that) self all weekend! It was a blast! All proceeds from Day #1 of the "Big Chill at Suwanee" went to benefit the Susan G. Komen fund in support of breast cancer. Luckily, we weren't chilly, it went into the 60's every day!!! :)

Cash feelin' THE PINK!

For those of you who have asked about the tattoo on my arm, and aren't on my FB, here it is...
Fortieth birthday present to myself, I had it placed on my upper left arm.

Setting up camp... Kathy with Amber who was "helping.."

Yummy chicken wings--Rick is such a great grillmeister!

Kasi holds dogs under her spell with her special hand motion.

OOPS! I started to cut it before I was reminded we needed a pic. I wanted that buttercream icing and white cake, MY FAVORITE birthday cake! I received bubble wrap from Kathy and Rick....after going off at a couple of big jumps (minor), and then the hitching post (hurty), I cracked UP! My real present was an eventing vest I had been wanting from Kathy and Rick. It fits PERFECTLY and the navy blue is one of our colors! :) Elise got me a neon orange hat cover to inform hunters NOT to shoot, and a beautiful horse picture frame. Thanks guys.

Amber at seven months...

Harley at one year...

Cast of horses:

Bugs The Morgan

Pokey The Paint-QH

My Jackson :) --AngloArab

Breeze-QH

Mr. Monster--QH

Cash-Clydesdale/QH

How camping with a few cops is different... Elise was told to go ahead and start the fire with a police flare...it looked like a stick of dynamite, not the safety ones you get in your car kit.... LOL.

Night fall on our "camp"

Made sure my boy was settled in for the night... then

I imbibed on Patron and Maestro Dobel Diamond Tequila...
Drink the good stuff and you will not suffer ze hangover!

Day #1 Dawned bright, early, and beautiful!

Kasi and Cash

On the trail, making our way to the next judged obstacle...

Susie on Breeze

Suzanne and Quinn on Tequila and Kahlua
I especially think Tequila the grey is one gorgeous horse, I love his coloring! OH. And his name.... ha!
Their horses weren't in the barn so I didn't get up close shots, but they are gorgeous!

Elise on Bugs

Jackson and I

Rick and Monster

The obstacles were really easy on Day #1... or we are getting better? :)

Cash

Two Lil' jumps as one of the obstacles. Kinda fun watching Western riders jump! Not that many of them can't, some better than myself. It just never looks right, and of course, you can't jump too high without a horn impaling you! ;) There was a major accident from what I hear, a woman went off, and then her horse kicked her. NOT cool...

Kathy won Fourth Place on Day #1, and the Pinkest rider too!
Kathy and Pokey were so awesome!

Cash's breastcollar for Day #1... I LIKE!

Stay tuned for Day #2: "Still Chillin' at Suwanee".....

Always There Are the Horses

2011-02-02T12:42:00.000-05:00

Periodically, I run across this poem, yes, the one I got my blog title from, and reflect on its greatness. So, while I am certain I have posted this three years ago, here it is again!

Always….

I ride because I rode as a child when life was
simpler and somehow more complete. Only the whiff of a
clean horse is needed to remind of days gone by.

For always there have been the horses.

I ride because of all the great horse souls who have
shared their lives with me and taught me more than I
can say. Their names and faces flash before me as old
friends. I ride because of all the horses I shall
never ride. Those I have watched and marveled at from
afar for all their grace and beauty. This, the stuff of a
child's dream, the kind that doesn't die with time.

Always there are the horses.

I ride because the seasons call to me. Each unique in
its appeal and all quite frequently best viewed from
the back of a favorite horse. I ride because of all
things; horses are my passion. They inspire and
encourage, energize, and challenge in ways I cannot
explain to the uninitiated. I ride because of the
rush of stretching oneself just a bit farther today than
before, both mind and body.

Always there are the horses.

I ride because of those briefest of spans when the
partnership comes to full promise. When the path
twists and barriers fall, each footfall is measured
and balanced between the two as a dance.
There are no others, only this moment and this single step to ride.
The memories of those times stand vivid in my mind to
be recalled with all the freshness of the day at will
and in times less grand.

But if I must choose, I ride because I have dreams
yet to live. I ride because I have dreams yet to have;
and what exactly they will be tomorrow I cannot say,
but always there will be the horses.

WORD.

Parelli Parade of Preposterousness

2011-01-21T04:16:00.005-05:00

I found this hanging at the barn the other day, and wanted to share. Now I don't know about all of you. I have never had many opinions on Pat Parelli or his methods. Since meeting and attending dressage great Walter Zettl's clinic's a couple of summers ago--as he was on tour with them--I tended to be more of a fan than not, and do still believe some of the things Pat teaches regarding the horse work. But, heck folks, let's be realistic, once you learn what he is doing I, YES ME, could teach you some of those things. It's the way of horses, and heck just sit on a fence post and watch them, and you will figure out quite a bit. He's a showman, and people want a quick fix. An "Ooh" and an "Ahhh". An, "Oh, I wish I could do that with my Stormy, or my Beau!" I am not saying that his methods don't work very well for the dedicated person training in this way. BUT, this little bit I'm about to share with you has un-Parelli'ed me.

This was found on an equestrian forum by an Austrian dressage instructor at my barn:

I am sending this to a couple of different groups as I feel it is important to get the word out to potential Parelli followers. As many of you know, I am currently recovering from a brain injury from a fall from a horse this summer. This was a green horse, but he spooked while I was getting off, something ANY horse could do, and the odds of a serious accident on a horse finally caught up with me. One thing I have noticed is an ad for Pat and Linda Parelli jumping a horse bareback with no helmet. Also, while I was bedridden, I watched a couple of Pat Parelli's episodes, and he had a young person who was physically disabled riding without a helmet, and it was obvious her balance was not good. I sent a letter to the Parelli's asking them to please advocate the use of helmets. This is their reply, which I think is totally STUPID coming from professionals.

~Patti from W.Va

The Parelli Faculty's Response:

Hi Patti,

Thank you for taking the time to write us. We understand your views and concerns. As quoted by the faculty at our ranch:

You are quite right--helmets are fabulous things, and they save many lives. Tragically though, people who ARE wearing helmets also die or suffer serious head injuries with horses.

Our program is intended to address the safety problem at its root--which is behavioral--rather than address the symptoms of it. Our message is about developing the relationship with the horse, and the savvy level of the rider, so that unsafe behavior is addressed long before the rider gets on the horse--rather than allowing the unsafe situations to occur and hope that the helmet, body protector, etc. will protect us from the consequences.

The reason you do not see our people wearing helmets is because we try to teach people that rather than be brave because they are wearing a helmet to protect them, they would be better off not riding until their horse is behaving safely.

People have called us brave for not wearing helmets, but we say they are a lot braver than we are. We could not get on their horse until we have addressed the issues that cause it to behave in unsafe ways.

We hope this helps,
From the Faculty,
Parelli Centers

In July 2009 The Parelli Savvy Club put out some information on Linda taking a FALL....oh my. A 'misbehaved' horse?!

"Linda was cantering her horse Remmer in a field when he tripped and stumbled approximately twenty feet trying to regain his balance. At the end, he pitched on his nose. Linda was KNOCKED OUT for a few minutes, and under his feet when he tried to get up. She is recovering well at home and has four broken ribs."

I'm willing to wager a head injury too, if she was knocked out for several minutes....uh duh? But, no, that won't be mentioned.

For real? Do I need to expound on this insanity? A well-behaved horse is a very desired and necessary thing. So is a helmet in many (and in my honest opinion, all) instances. Let's see. I've been riding since I was six, and am bringing up my green horse to be a jumper. Last week I went off when he popped a jump set at 2'9 at about 4 feet. I guess my horse is misbehaved, and I'm a bad rider. MY GAWD, I HAVE NO SAVVY!!! I do know one thing. Even if either one of those things is true, my GPA helmet saved my lil' butt. And the butts of more than a couple of friends. Working in a hospital on the pediatric side I have seen more than my share of head injuries in children due to falls and horse accidents, and sadly, heard of some deaths too. Perhaps the U.S.Eventing and Showjumping Teams should stop wearing helmets as well. I mean, they are only jumping giant objects that make my mouth drop open in wonder! I went down to the Florida Horse Park in Ocala, (the USET winter practice grounds) and those jumps will amaze, astound, and yes, frighten the HELL out of you up close. But again, if their horses were trained correctly.....
I have it! We should all train our cars correctly, and stop wearing seat belts! I am SO smart! To me, that is EXACTLY what that reply said. So my Parelli disgust is largely, (OK, completely) due to that PREPOSTEROUS reply!

Meanwhile--My Parelli video is for sale. 'The Seven Games of Parelli Natural Horsemanship' Twenty bucks is the going rate plus s&h of oh...3 bucks? Email me at pinkcurlytail@yahoo.com with the moniker 'Parelli' if you want it.

ZE new helmet... When you fall you have to have something to show for it!! ;) Supposed to be the 'safest' you can really get without going titanium, which I so can't afford! I also picked up a Tipperary Sportage in cocoa brown for my trailriding. Yeah, my shoulder hurt so bad the following day, I felt I needed two new helmets! :) (Really, just birthday presents to me-self!)

2010 Suwanee River Challenge~ACTHA Ride

2011-01-03T09:00:00.001-05:00

Live Oak, Florida

I LOVE this mural!

My friend Brian tells me I am "Brokeback Hilton" camping!

Our horses stalls were about 250 feet from our campsite! :)

Part of the campgrounds....

And what fun is camping without dogs? This is Harley at 10 months..

And Amber (3 months) totally crashed in the bathroom!

Cast of characters from left to right: Kasi on Cash, moi on Jackson, Susie on Dakota, Rick on Monster, Kathy on Elmo. : Not pictured: Babette on Cutter, Suzanne on Kaluha, and Quinn on Tequila

Our first American Competitive Trail Horse Association (ACTHA) ride ever! I decided not to compete, just to "ride" and have Jax and I both get some learning in! He was SO great!!!

Rick and The Monster -- a.k.a. 'Mr. Ed!'

We rocked our emergency dismount at a trot, good deal!

Susie having FUN!

Kathy my Barn Owner.... lookin' good on Elmo!

We are BOTH looking and thinking about this one!

The approach...

Reach for it, REAACHH for it...

Got it! Right before Jackson wheeled around into a major 360! I never lost the hat though, and even got some applause!

Suzanne nails it in under a minute!! :)

THE TARP with a sprinkler spraying across it... Some had to walk across...

...And some of us had a steady Eddy like Cash to walk us across! Good BOY Jackson!

Showoff..

Great scenery, eh? The river is RED from the tannic acid in the the trees! It's so beautiful and odd...

Great pic of Kathy and Elmo!

*GRIN*

Awww! Love this pic of Jax!

Kathy my Barn Owner (and schlepper of Jax and I to awesome rides, and shows! THANKS! :)

Kasi and Cash
High Point Winners!

Babette and Cutter
2nd Place Winners!
YES, our group rocked it!

Susi & Dakota making the hill look like cake!

Believe it or not, I'm deep in thought about something here, Lord knows just WHAT! Yes, I promise I'm not about to cry! :)

Rick (Kathy the barn owner's hubby!) and I contemplating cantering the trail-- then all eight of us in our group did! ;)

Cutest pic from the entire weekend!

Kasi and Cash took the OVERALL Champion for BOTH days! --Deserved!!!-- The first pic is just a little part of her leg, that is how far down she had to reach off his hugeness!

Is Zat YOU Santa Claus?

2010-12-17T08:32:00.000-05:00

I plan on a couple of killer posts to come back from my bloggy hiatus SOON! I have been having a BLAST with Jackson! Wait till you hear all we are doing NOW! I think with over 1,000 pics to weed through, I have become overwhelmed! Until then, myself ,and MY special Santa--who brings me all of life's greatest gifts-- wish you a simple, peaceful Christmas with your loved ones-- furry and human!
--xo
Mindy & Jackson/Santa

San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park

2010-09-20T09:58:00.000-04:00

Parking lot of trailers...and two had just pulled out

Four hour ride yesterday. Seriously the longest and most strenuous Jackson and I have done in awhile, we were both beat by the end, but WOW this State Park is to die for! Pretty much attached to Sawhorse Farm it is 7,000 acres of well marked horse and bike trails. And the horse trails are JUST for the horses! Nice. People trailer in to ride here, but we have our own personal gate, how awesome is that? When my friend who I came to stay with here in Florida heard that the farm borders this park, her mouth dropped open, and her comment was just, "Wow, that's incredible." Now I know what all the hoopla is about. It really is! We ambled about, trotting alot, and the footing is great on most of the trails. You can pretty much find sand or grass with packed sand beneath it. We did find probably one of the crappiest trails in the park at one point, and it was loaded with tree roots, but MAN, there is NO rock. My barefoot horse says, "YES!" On most of the trails you can ride side by side. It was kind of funny at one point. Jackson was just doing his ground covering trot, and Bugs the Morgan was cantering beside us at the same speed. I have officially decided that I hate my Australian saddle, and will trail ride in my flat jumping saddle from now on. I can't handle the way the Aussie throws me out of position. It may be my particular saddle, or the fact that I just am an English rider and can't handle the loss of contact either. Anyhow, next ride will be back in my Bates Caprilli. Enjoy the pics, not many great ones, I only took a few. I was quite absorbed in the forest!

Off-roadin' it on horseback! :)

Can you spot the bridge?

I am looking forward to getting myself in better shape, and I'm actually very surprised that I am not more sore today! I guess riding four days a week is already working on me. The sand and the hills are excellent conditioning for the horses. There are areas of grass with sand underneath, and areas where its ankle deep and white like at the beach. Yeah. Can you tell I'm super excited about the footing? Sorry. Texas rock was harsh! There are going to be many rides in this park, I can't wait!

Walking the walk...

2010-09-18T14:30:00.003-04:00

So, I mentioned in my previous post that Florida is going to be more riding, less talk, and I suppose this is applying to my blog too. But really, I'm having so much fun in my little horsey world, I haven't had the time to blog, haven't been taking pictures, nada. Riding? OH YES! Jackson and I are jumping, practicing in the arena, and conditioning for endurance rides on lots of lovely trailrides in some of God's country, no joke. It is so darn beautiful and the footing is to die for! Lots of new cantering, which is our big deal, (or mine) he will still occasionally stop on the forehand and lean on his bit, he isn't sure what's up yet. That is on the flat when we are out with another horse. When we jump, he comes out of the jumps with a beautiful canter that I can ride all the way around the jumping arena with a smile plastered on my face. I figure the bit leaning and the ultra stops on the forehand are due to, (no not me) but the fact that we are riding with a fast (let's race!) Morgan, and they are feeding off of each other. Jackson was bred for speed and gets really mad at me sometimes when I won't let him GOOO! As in racing on the way home, go. Then I have to remind him that he is not the Black Stallion, and I am not his boy! ;) As long as I know what's up, I'm good, but I'm not ready to gallop yet! :) Especially home! Lots of things to do in this area, ACTHA competetive trail ride in the first part of October and in November, little jumping schooling show in October, hunter derbies (which I really am amped about), and at some point, a nice 25 mile endurance ride to enjoy with Jackson's Morgan buddy, perhaps further later on, but we gotta get everyone in condition, including the humans! Kathy, my BO also has lots of obstacles that we've been working at here and there. Yesterday was a big piece of rubber on the ground. The black contrast against the grass was NOT OK. So I got down and led him across it, and it was if he said, "Oh! That's all this is? OK!" Honestly, he is usually like this with most things except for dogs. He had a bad experience in Texas with some dogs attacking him, and the other night did a nice crow hop when the BO's poodle ran right at him. I stayed on, he regained his composure, and all was well. I can't say that I will ever blame him for not totally holding it together with a dog running straight at him, I don't know that I would! I'm still feeding the 28 horses three nights a week-- I truly enjoy it. Too bad real life steps in or I'd never leave the barn! :) The feedings, mucking, and watering has gotten my upper arms pretty ripped really fast! I have definition in my upper body that hasn't (ahem) been there in longer than I will admit. Even the chicken fat under my arms is gone. Downside: the pain in my left shoulder never really goes away, (broke it 3 years ago--cantering my green thing) but I just keep moving, doing, and popping Ibuprofen and an excellent herbal remedy my friend turned me onto. So update. I'M WALKING THE WALK in the riding realm! Next: finding the proper jumping instructor. Interview time! Yesterday one came out who is recommended by an Olympic medalist in the area. She looked to be twelve. But looks can be deceiving. Still. I like older instructors. I just feel like they've been there, done that. By older, I mean my age-ish or greater. But hey. She may work out just fine. I'd rather take the Olympic medalist, but probably couldn't afford her, and where we are now, she would be stupid or desperate to take us on... :O) Happy fall riding everyone! It's going to be SUPERB! Various pics I stole from Kathy my BO cause I've been too focused on feeding, mucking, and riding! Lots of pics of the obstacles she has available, and these are only a few. She has this contraption that you use to teach horses how to push which prepares police horses to become comfortable with pushing through crowds that is really interesting!

This is the people mover. (I forget the real name!) This is Kasi and Cash at a State Hwy. Patrol event learning how to effectively push through a crowd! We have one at Sawhorse Farm, I call it the ZAMBONI!

Bugs, Jackson's trail buddy

Trailhead..

My jumping buddies Katie and Sonny

Jubilant Are My Feet--He's HERE!!

2010-08-22T08:08:00.007-04:00

My new barn...

Standing at the gate, giving me the eye. I'm driving the Rhino with dinner. "Mom, WHY aren't I FIRST?"

Only locked in to eat. Otherwise he has an open door policy per my request... A horse should be a horse, OF COURSE! :)

Jumps!

Tack room and wash rack. One of three.

I promised a post on the new barn, and MOST importantly, Jackson's arrival--here it is! Jackson arrived Monday night around 8:30 pm. Due to the driver thinking my BO had contacted me of his imminent arrival, and vice versa, I was not there! I was so upset, but he was very well taken care of, and the driver was superb. He had been calling me frequently, giving me updates, and was very good with the horses, their care, and his rig was top of the line--this was reported to me by Linda who was there for his pick-up, and Kathy, who received him. Circle S Transport. Would use him again. He stopped to sleep, took the horses out of the trailer to clean it and give them breaks, a consummate professional, for sure. Insured, licensed, with lots of testimonials.... I was surprised not to have heard from him. Mix-up. Oh well. So by 9:30 pm I drove out to the farm, figuring I would catch him as he arrived. Kathy, the owner of the farm, had called to tell me where he would be put for a couple of days, (normal isolation) with a huge pasture and large stall of his own to get acclimated. So, I drug my buddy out with me, and in the pitch black started making my way to the barn with a tiny flashlight until I could reach the barn lights. I just headed for the place she was putting him, and when I arrived at the gate--and, BOY, was I slow to get it--I realized his halter and long lead with the leather popper at the end were hanging there! I did about three double takes, looking at this equipment. I was in shock. The halter is very one of a kind, and there defintely weren't any look alikes at the barn. I knew this for sure, as I had been working there three days a week for three weeks, but my mind was NOT getting it. Until it did. So I tried to open the gate, and despite the fact that they are made for dummies, could not get it open. So I launched myself over it, chanting "Jackson?, Jackson?" the entire time. So, I face planted OVER the gate. The girl who routinely goes over fences and gates rather than bother with the latches and chains, etc., was SO excited, that I totally got over, albeit FACE and right hand first--NICE set of scrapes on the palm that caught my fall. No stopping, already up and running, shining my flashlight. Then I heard his knicker to me. OH JOY! I found him already making friends with his new barn mates over the fence at the far end of the one acre plot. I grabbed him in the biggest hug EVER, and did not let go for several minutes. Ummm. Yes, there were tears--of JOY! He was a bit sweaty, but looked great. Of course, I got his lead on him to show him off to my friend (also a Kathy, not to be confused with the BO)! She seems to have a way with horses, he took to her right away. He can be aloof with strangers! I could tell he was adjusting from the trip, wondering where he was, and relieved to see me! :) He was given electrolytes the day before, and during the trip--he can be a worrisome drinker-- and hay only the day before, during the trip, and that night. The next morning he was started on his feed. He is doing great with the Seminole Feed (a very popular local brand made in Ocala, FL), and is now back on his ground flax seed, along with an added hoof supplement and electrolytes. Tasted the electrolytes. Salt. Apple flavored as advertised? NO, not so much! ;) Kathy uses a bit of corn oil to get it to all stick together, and it works! No more NOT buying what he needs cause it will be found in the bottom of the bucket! I am a strong advocate of ground flax seed, less sure about hoof supplements and the electrolytes. Too many opinions, placating horse owners--and making money off of them--is frequently the basis of the supplement industry. But shiny, shiny, shiny on the flax! One of the things that cemented in just how much Kathy cares about ALL her horses was the fact that they all get a piece or two of carrot with every feeding. Lots of BO's would only be concerned about their own horses, but nope. Each and every horse gets a bit of carrot, every feeding. Pampered? Yes, these horses are pampered.YAY! My boy deserves it, and I couldn't be more thrilled knowing that Kathy is looking out for his well-being when I'm not there! I have already ridden a few times, nothing big, just getting Jacks acclimated to all there is to see. Last night I enjoyed an invite from Kathy to join in on a dinner party, and watching her eight month old Golden Retriever Harley in the pool--which is totally inside a screened in porch, along with a bar--playing with his ball and launching himself into the pool, was the best entertainment. Her husband is a Mounted State Highway Patrol Officer, and seemed to enjoy BBQ'ing--also safe from bugs in the pool compound--and making us all yummy margaritas! I was also able to thank Hailey, the girl who gave me Kathy's number at the local feed store, and to meet Bette who owns a horse she boards on the premises. Kathy has invited me to accompany her and Bette on an ACTHA camping trip in October, and then another in November! The answer was, of course, an emphatic "YES", and I am looking forward to the experience, not to mention the fun and comraderie. I LOVE horse camping! So, enjoy the pics, the jumping arena is not exactly what I envision in the future, (let's hope I get past 2'3!) but for now--and I'm sure for longer than I would like-- is just fine! I say this only because there are not that many jumps--not so much the height, I probably won't ever get super high--but, eventually I will need bounces, a full course, etc. I can keep costs down by building my own jumps when the time comes! (With permission of course!:) And honestly, those of you who know me will be VERY surprised to note that I haven't even been out there to check out the jumps, what is really there, or how high they will go! Not because I don't want to, but it has been SO hot, we have had rain and thunderstorms like CRAZY! Oh, Florida! Not to mention that every bit of energy has so far been expended on learning how to properly take care of 30 horses in the way I would want my own taken care of! Add riding Jackson around the farm to acclimate him to, ummm, LOTS of new horses; the jumping area hasn't been the priority! We were cantering in the round pen the other day, and he actually BUCKED to show off to the others! I just gave him a swift kick, and onward we went, but I was cracking up. Kind of. Those of you who know my history, know that cantering has been a big thang--lost my nerve big time after a broken shoulder and lots of internal damage three + years ago!-- so I pulled the big girl britches back up, they had started to melt down to my shins--and kept cantering! I'm a bit proud that this was on our first ride at the farm, but it wasn't a huge workout and we just kind of fell into it in the round pen! :) Tomorrow night's endeavor is the jumping arena, and popping over a couple of lil' uns. I am looking forward to the lessons I will be with Ursula (Ushi), a beautifully accomplished rider from Austria. Jumping. Dressage too, as I need the "schooling" on my greenie. But I do admit it. I just want to jump, and trail ride--had to be perfectly honest--but I know the dressage helps a TON! I don't have dressage aspirations--not really--but I love how much it has helped Jackson and I as a team, (greener than grass to start, and still working...) so half dressage, half jumping lessons at first may be perfect! I just want to be the best rider I can be for my horse, enjoying the ride all the way. I had agenda out the ying yang in Texas--along with a forty minute drive, a fear after breaking my shoulder cantering after I first got him, riding alone, a kiddo, and a full time job too-- I have hereby decided Florida is going to be more ride, less talk. Where is my riding going to go? I dunno. But I bet I have more fun doing it, don't you? By that, I mean I don't have that "Gotta, gotta, gotta, mentalilty. It just will be. So much I want to do. Hunter Derby this fall if I can pull it together, along with the ACTHA camping trips and trail rides spell FUN! And I now have a ten mile drive to my barn! Much betta'! Well, enough babbling. Sorry. I know I'm not that interesting.... But happier than I've been in a long time? FOR SURE! The other day I was mucking a stall, stopped, and said to myself, "Oh, my gosh, I AM HAPPY! This is where I want to be!" It was a great moment. Me and the manure. :)

BUT! I do want it said that Texas has been the impetus for any future I have with my horse. Mainly due to a couple of very good friends--you know who you are!-- and an excellent instructor. Please don't think I am not aware of where OUR roots were started, and the love and encouragement I received! Never forgotten, my friends! And Texas won't be forgotten either--good and bad--but mostly, just cause ya'll were in it, and our paths crossed..... xo....

My chariot. Bugs, the Morgan checking things out--wondering if I remembered his feed--of course I did, Bugzy!.... I took the Rhino up to 34 mph the other day. Bad idea. I removed bugs out of my eyes for an hour afterwards!! :)

I never liked paints that much until I met this absolute Sweetheart. Her name is Pie. I just found out she is for sale. I want my roomie/friend (also Kathy) to buy her! She is INCREDIBLY sweet, and awesome in too many ways to go into here. I think I NEED her! Gotta ride her now. This could be bad.... I have never automatically fallen for a horse like I have for her....

Taz. As in Tazmanian Devil. So fitting. He doesn't know he's a pony! He LOVES kids. And food.

Did I mention the food part? :)

Destination Destiny

2010-08-16T08:35:00.002-04:00

Gainesville, Florida. YES, I made it! For those of you who may not have known about it--perhaps wondering about the blog, and where I've been--the move and all it entails have been occupying every thought, idea, and ounce of energy I may have had for the past few weeks! I have moved in with one of my best friends who I've known since my Key West days--which is a bit of time--she is such a great gal! AND, I totally lucked out with my new barn. I had been to two places, liked one, and not the other, but the one I really liked had no openings! I got my friend to drive me to the nearest feed store, oftentimes there are bulletin boards with all kinds of listings. Not so here. All AA circuit barns. And none of them as close as I wanted my barn to be.... I walked back into the store and announced to my friend (who knew one of the employees) that all I could find were super expensive barns, mostly in Ocala which is a 30-40 minute drive. Had I put him in Ocala, I would have boarded him at Karen and David O'Connor's boarding barn! Now that is a neat place! But I want my horse closer than that!!! The young girl behind the counter perked up, and told me about her friend Kathy, who is now my new BO! Her acreage backs up onto State Park land, 7,000 acres worth of riding available! She also is very involved in ACTHA--American Competitive Trail Horse Association-- activities and competitions, and has lots of obstacles set up to practice with. Her husband is a mounted Highway Patrolman and she is very involved in search and rescue which I have wanted to start doing since I GOT Jackson! And, yes, there is a jumping and a dressage arena! Hooray! I have already met the barn instructor a few times--she is from Austria--and she teaches it all. Jumping, dressage, you name it! The best part of this, is the fact that I am totally working Jackson's monthly board off by doing the feeding for all 30 horses three evenings a week. I absolutely LOVE it.

Jackson will be here TODAY (Monday) barring unforseen complications, I am SO thrilled about that I was up all night as if awaiting Santa again when I was five! It is only when I see him getting unloaded from the trailer that I am truly going to believe it though!
I will take you through a limited picture montage here, just the house, and it's surrounding environs, and --of course-- my pets! The new barn pics will come in the next post after I get my boy!

Piper P. McPiperson enjoying the Italian couch

Sugar with her "baby"

About 1/2 mile away from the house...

Pond with algae bloom and lily pads!

Swamp with alligators in it!

Portion of my room...love the ceilings. I detest low ceilings!

Does anyone know what type of spider this thing is? Bleeeccchhh!

Part of my mushroom montage. Fascintating to take pics of them!

View in yard when you look up!

Part of my new residence--typical Florida house. Circa 1955!

Fireplace in my room...

Homegrown Frangapiani. You may know it as Plumeria!

Toasted with A Side of Laughter....

2010-07-18T08:24:00.000-04:00

Yesterday Linda and I set out early to load up our horses, food, and necessary items to go on an early morning trail ride with our equine club Hlll Country Equine Friends . Since my son's father was in Iraq for ten months and I was the sole caretaker, I haven't been available to participate in all of the cool activities this club has had to offer! Also, my time in Texas is drawing to a close, so I was really looking forward to this one! It was supposed to be a camping weekend getaway, and then when folks were not RSVP'ing--due to vacations, a broken arm, and (I personally think) the heat-- it was cancelled and turned into an AM trail ride. Wusses! Just KIDDING! Well, only the true die-hard ride in the heat like I do (Linda too!), I suppose! Bring on the heat! I would've camped anyway! I love camping! We got there, checked in, and preceded to the three campsites that we had reserved. I found out on the way to the Park, that the only OTHER person coming was another woman that I had actually met before. I was happy, she is a cool gal! In fact, my Stubben breast collar used to be hers! I was also hoping our vet and his wife might make it. Our vet = one cool dude. I love that he NEVER minds all my questions, paired with the fact that he is a wealth of interesting knowledge and HELP. So strike the camping trip, AND THEN, our group trail ride! Argh.! The gal who was coming left us a message. She had had a blowout (on her property, thank GOD) and was not going to make our ride time. Our good friend Lorri--who isn't a heat wimp, and was MISSED by Linda and myself-- had gone to Houston to pick up her new Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy named COPPER! BTW: WELCOME TO THE FAMILY COPPER!

Linda and I tacked up, locked up-- *important to note for later*, put the cooler in the shade, and headed out. There were lots of people on the in the park. On the more popular trails. Since Linda helped build the trails (on 5,000 acres!) some thirty years ago, she knew right where to go---shade, shade, and not a lot of rock for my boy's back feet--we need boots--no more rock bruises! It was also one of the paths not as "known about". YEAH! Luckily, we only ran into two groups on our 2 hour trail ride. SWEET! I love navigators who actually know where they are, and what they're doing. So we had some great areas to look at, LOTS of shade, and cantering, trotting areas on some really nice soft ground. Side by side much of the ride! We didn't do TONS of MOVIN', due to the heat of course, but enough to satisfy the itch! We did lots of cooling them out in between, so they were hot, but never panting. Sweaty, but never scarily so. There was a breeze as well, OH HAPPY DAY!

Views in the distance...

She's going up! Tiny hill to get to a photo op....

Linda on Red (the Growth, as I call him....:) He was really nice to Jackson yesterday, Thanks RED!

RED caught in a compromising position...Honestly, for some reason, neither one of us realized he was peeing, WE DO get up off of their kidneys for that! We cracked up when we realized we had caught this later, RED is now humiliated viva la Internet! ---BIG SMUG GRIN on my face---

Why the dislike? He runs me down if the mood strikes him (to get out the gate!) ohhhhhhh....bad, bad bad..., and he IS MEAN TO MY HORSE! HE IS A BIG, FAT, growth of a Missouri Foxtrotter...I tease about him, but I guess I grudgingly admit a "certain" fondness for him. Every few months or so... :)

COOL looking dead woods...

"Mom--Listen. I am quite sure there are EQUINE EATING MONSTERS

in them thar' woods." Me: "Chillax. Let's GO!" So he did (after a nice firm kick!:).

Made it...phew!

Almost perfectly square!

I apologize for the multitude of Mindy and Jackson pics. I have none of us since I hit my goal weight, and Linda shot some GREAT ones (of Jackson anywhoo!), and I wanted to share! Yes, I know his mane still needs pulled properly. I'd rather ride than stand in the heat and play with a mane! It's on my TO DO list. At the bottom. Really, I'm ashamed at my horridness. REALLY. Oh God. I can't live with it... I AM a bad mom, I guess! :) I do know how to pull a mane. Three different (correct) ways, in fact. I have no pride. LOL!

And then...suspenseful music begins to play...DA DA DUMB DUMB DUMB....we got back to our camp, and Linda realized she had brought the ignition key, but not the key that unlocks the truck doors! DOH! I am truly bad luck, this is the third time in 1 month or so that she has lost a key (tubing), locked it in her car (lunch at a restaurant), or forgot it (yesterday)! Seriously. I just shook my head. I should know at this point to A)have copies of all her keys, and B) remind her about any and ALL keys. I just laughed and got on top of the truck cab to get reception via cell phone. I then called MY insurance companies roadside assistance--guaranteed in 90 minutes--WORD. When the tow truck driver arrived to unlock the door, we got him to show us the tool. NOT a slim jim. He showed us how to make it. It involves a long slim piece of thin flexible plastic folded in half with sandpaper at the crease. You can make it for less than $1.50. Cool! He got the door open in less than two minutes. WOW. While we were waiting, we had untacked, given the horses a little hay, ate (quickly), and then rode both horses bareback with halters and lead ropes to the wash rack located about a mile down for baths with my rice brush and a bit of horse wash. LORD, I love that rice brush! If you never do anything, spend the money on a REAL (not synthetic) rice brush! It is the grooming brush I love the most, perfect for baths and getting to the root of the problem! We were leading the horses back from their baths when when Mr. Nice Tow Truck Guy showed up and we told him to go on ahead! As mentioned, he had it open in record time, we loaded the horses, and made a slight detour to the leather/tack store to get various items repaired. SUPER reasonable and great work! We were in there 10 minutes tops and parked in the shade! We made it home, safe, alive, and TIRED! Good times, good times....

Blog Winners--Finally Announced....

2010-07-13T13:37:00.003-04:00

YEAH. Sorry 'bout that. I did, however notify the winners on the specified day!! Congrats to Pru over at BigRedHorse on winning the horsehoe of her choice, she has chosen red and black which are her and Olly's eventing colors. Winner #2 was Kristen who owns Laz over at SweetHorsesBreath . She now has no excuse not to clean her tack--she won the Leather CPR. I put all contestants in a bowl and pulled out the winners, so I did not even do it like I said I would, making it easier to win! I guess the prize giver can change her mind, eh? :) In case anyone is interested in which of the hay bags I would pick if I were to buy one: I really liked the Tye Dye and the Girrafe Print! They are so quirky and weird--cool! That said, they are mongo expensive in my book. But since when are these horsey hunks of love cheap? Which one would I NEVER, EVER buy? The zebra print! UGH...

Congrats, ladies. I do sell the shoes, and for my blog buds will make it very reasonable, but at this time am BACKLOGGED! I really only make them when the mood hits, and custom orders are the hardest. I always worry that they won't be liked and the shoe ends up getting three weeks of thought, and then I do it in an hour! I prefer to go with my gut, make them, and then sell them or give them to friends... That said, I've never done red and black, this will be fun.

I may be blog-o-cating for awhile, but I will post it all e-ven-tuall-y!

Jackson says "Congrats gals, now where is MY treat?"

Don't you love how you think you got a good shot, then realize something like your tack is ahem. not fully latched? argh. It was hot. And this was not taken with my phone even! I got out the darn camera! Points for that at least.... :)

The Dance We Do

2010-07-06T05:33:00.002-04:00

Miles & Piper P. McPiperson a.k.a. The Mayor of Munchtown (18 lb. cat!!!)

This pic is almost a year old, thanks to the teenage NO PICS rule that has come down...

This blog is where I talk about my horse, and this title would have been a rather nice one to illustrate some of my more recent dressage lessons, but I think a post about my first favorite guy (the human one that came ten years before Jackson...) to be a bit more fitting. Rarely do I say much about my son Miles, mainly because I come here to talk about my horse. So. Here we are. Miles is fourteen and has grown to be as tall as me--5'9--maybe taller, and is still growing. Miles also has gingery red hair and a smattering of freckles, and some of the most gorgeous green eyes I've ever seen. I love my son to death, and would gladly die for him in any torturous way you can dream up. It really is true that when you have a baby you reach inside your chest, extract your own heart, and give it away to that little person. Everything changes and nothing will ever be the same. NOTHING. Loving my son as I do, I am SO glad I only had one.

I get every comment in the world regarding this. "Oh, You'll meet someone and have another one", is my absolute favorite! I think it floors people when I tell them honestly, "You know, some people aren't meant to be parents, they just aren't really that great at it, and I have decided not to perpetuate the species any further." The predictable looks of amazement and shock are a sight to see, let me tell you! My favorite thing is when my reply actually seems to get through to someone, and they GET what I'm trying to say. Instead of having four children (and a mental breakdown), I have decided to stop. I personally think it shows great forethought, fortitude, and genuine caring for all the little potential Mindy's that won't get fertilized and hatched! That's right folks, I'm going to take a LEAP and say it! "Parenting just AIN'T MY THANG!" I have no regrets, and I try my hardest, but if you know this about yourself, why would you keep breeding?

My son and I have been battling it out over where he is going to move now that his Dad took an intelligence job in Maryland--he returned from Iraq after 10 months in May, and subsequently retired from the Air Force. Well, not battling JUST about that, we battle about any and everything! We have been like two storm fronts meeting, and fighting for the very same air in the room. Just the other day I nicely asked him to do something, and he just said, "No." There I am, "What, how dare you?" and go to squawk at him (like the teacher in Charlie Brown) and realized I was looking UP at my little 8 lb. bundle of joy. Wha? It freaked me out pretty badly. It was so VERY weird. Teenager in the house. Time to run. I was a VERY REBELLIOUS teenager...

So yes, the decision has been made by my son to go to Maryland and live with his father. We have always manage to co-parent somewhat; I have known his dad since we were both fifteen. I have also decided that after following his dad to three different states in order to keep Miles' world intact, he is now old enough to be without me. I sure hope I'm old enough to be without him! I'll go to Florida I hope, and we can start accumulating our frequent flyer points. Oh. And that is an act of love. I don't really like to fly.... Too bad I can't scuba dive or ride to go see him. Hmmm. I'll have to look into some sponsors for those two ideas... :)

So, the point of this early morning meandering is Miles. And how I think he is the BEST writer. He wrote me the following poem, and I think it's pretty cool. His other writing's are great, but this is a momma favorite. FOLKS! My son can write better than me!!! Oh yeah. Most people can... Well, anyway, enjoy.

Where I'm From

I am from nature, from Portal and Half Life.

I am from a one story house Filled with books and trinkets.

I am from the oak tree who is strong like my Father, and

The Daisy, soft like my Mother. When combined

Making me a leaf. I am from running and wrestling

And Bright neon Red hair, from Glenn and Mindy.

I am from laughing often and extreme stubborness.

From a penny saved is a penny earned,

And lead a horse with a carrot and stick.

I am from Christianity and laid back worship.

I am from Ireland, and sushi and Payee.

I am Miles, and this is where I'm from.

103rd? Blog Post Giveaway!

2010-06-30T09:35:00.004-04:00

Well, I knew my 100th blog post was drawing near, but I have decided to be different. I am presenting a 103rd blog post giveaway for your amusement, amazement, and delight. OK. You're right. I forgot to count. Ohh welll. The prize, or shall I say prize(s) are as follows. 1st prize: One of my homeade beaded horseshoes (made by moi) for the first lucky contestent. Details on how to win to be found below! Please let me know color preferences which I will do my best to honor and get right. If you have a shoe from your own horse, or a horse that has touched your life, past or present that you want me to use, I can do that for you too. Also let me know if you want a used or new shoe. Used will be more rugged and well--used! :) Below are a few examples, but every shoe comes out SO differently! My trainer has the blue one, (my all time favorite!) and our fellow blogger over at Wet Reins is in possession of the other two. Other friends have a few, and I even have one hanging out in my laundry room! Luckily everyone seems to like them. I wasn't sure my friends weren't just pretending, but I took a chance and gave my favorite baby blue shoe (mine and Jackson's colors) to my trainer for Christmas. She called me later in the day in delight. I STILL have the message on my phone it was so cute! Instead of ever mentioning the REALLY cool bag from a great artist/photographer I had bought for her, she couldn't stop talking about where to hang her shoe, and where did I get such a neat thing? The next week, when I told her I had made it, she was even more delighted. Vindication for sure! Prize #2: This will be a random drawing, and unlike the shoe not based on the feedback you give me at all! But I still want some mail and comments! I.E. if you have never, ever even read my blog you should still enter, because your tack and leather products are cryin' for you to WIN this..............................................................................

8 oz. container of Leather CPR Cleaner and Conditioner! Love this stuff, and this one even comes with a sponge! Let us not forget! Leather CPR is ENDORSED by The Queen of Clean! :) Strikes me like an as seen on TV type of thing, but I actually OWN a Queen of Clean book, and it has helped me clean things I thought I would never salvage or see clean! So, how do you win? Pretty simple. I am posting two questions with issues I am currently having with my horse that I need some advice on. If you show me a well thought out answer, you will be entered into the Prize #1 and #2 drawings. If these are things you have no idea about, then tell me something about horse care you think I may not know. Chances are: I may not. If you can't answer a horse care question, WAIT! You can be entered for Prize #2! Just read on, it's really easy. OK. Here are my questions. Question #1: I need hoof boots. Specifically, rear hoof boots that won't come off easily. Bruising to my boy's hinds in the wet winter weather= three abcessess! So, it's hoof boots or shoes (nooooo) to prevent bruising on all of our crazy rock. I plan on purchasing two pairs of boots, but hinds are way harder to keep on, so I need to really find some good boots from someone who has experience in this area. And no. My farrier isn't a lot of help. He shoes over 80% of his horses (I'm in Texas!)....help! Although barefoot is not the norm anywhere I guess! ADVISE AWAY if you have any answers. Question #2: I am planning on moving my horse to Gainesville, Florida in the foreseeable future if life goes according to plan. Huh. Right! Anyway, I need as much information as you may know about long hauls. It is a sixteen hour trip, not that bad, but again, the most I know is that I need to buy some shipping boots and hat, have a health certificate, current vaccine and pyroplasmosis test and Coggins papers in order, and find a company that will actually stop every four hours. He's an easy loader, no problems, but he isn't the greatest drinker which I suppose is my greatest worry. He won't drink the entire trip I am sure, and maybe if I slide the driver a hefty tip they would do a sweet slurry? What about GastroGuarding him for nerves? Again, advise if you are long-distance transport savvy! Lastly, in order to be entered for the #2 prize at the very least (and you will be entered just for playing:), tell me which of these absolutely AWESOME hay bags I would NEVER buy. EVER, EVER, EVER!? Which one is my absolute favorite? (I have two....). It's not that hard, really! Look at my blog and my post styles, the answer will hit you..(maybe? :) Get it wrong, or not, just give it a shot.

Blog winners will be drawn on 10 July, 2010.

Good luck!

More BANG for your buck!

2010-06-29T01:45:00.003-04:00

Jackson has blown three abcessess in the past month or so, all three in his sensitive white rear hooves. He never exhibits any pain, heat, lameness--- nothing to let me know they are lurking. He had one in 2007 about 3 months after I got him, again, same thing. They blow out right at the coronary band (the weakest spot) and then I have a hole. Or three. After talking to the farrier and the vet I am still not sure what to think as far as a supplement goes. They both pssshhahed my idea pretty quickly. The farrier said to do it if I don't have anything else to spend my money on. Then the farrier went on to tell me how people would pay thousands to have Jackson's feet on their horses. Great. The vet suggested shoeing his back hooves. Um. HELLO? No. Prefer NOT TO! REAR? For real? I'll figure out how to keep rear hoof boots on first. That ougt to be more fun than I'm allowed to have! I suppose this is to be expected after the extremely wet weather we had that went ON and ON, a ride on the rock that we normally eat as a snack could have let in organisms through a crack causing infection. Said infection blew out the area of least resistance, the coronary band. The one thing the vet did recommend was soaking J's feet in an Epsom Salt and Iodine bath in warm water. (Note: IF you wear silver rings, TAKE THEM OFF BEFORE YOU TRY THIS. If you have tan riding pants DON'T WEAR THEM the day you go to soak his little tootsies. The pants ended up being fine, silver favorite Celtic Knot, NO, not so much.) :( After the 10 min. (15 if you can) soak with above ingredients, the holes should be packed with Ichthamol which is a drawing salve. Too me it looks like something used for roadwork, and it doesn't smell much better! He suggested a three day course of this, and tomorrow will be our last. I am torn between using Grand Hoof, SmartHoof from SmartPak, or the Springtime Products which I used on my Dakota who recently passed. I am in the middle of a three day taste test with SmartPak. These are the ones in my price range at the current time. I also want rear boots, and I am defintiely not sure which ones I want yet. UGH. They seem like a pain. I amy be getting to the point of just shoeing. Not yet, but getting there. UGH. If someone actually had advice that I felt was "the advice", it would be so much easier!!!

Here is Jackson with his mane pulled and his tail banged. Even though I pulled it, I need to play with it some more tomorrow. It looks wonky. In fact, it looks like I went at it with a pair of straight scissors, which I didn't! But I bet it is WAY cooler. This is the shortest I've ever had his mane, and the shortest I have ever banged his tail! He loved the attention (and the carrots, apples, and "horse" apple oat cookies I would periodically give him.) The two flakes of hay were a win too.

BANGED TAIL!

Oh, Jackson. Thanks for being my horse. Having you poop in the bucket as we soaked today made me feel

really special! Back for another day tomorrow--Iodine, Epsom salt and Icky Black Tar stuff. Anyone need some? This jar will expire and die before we could use it all! :)

And maybe a bath? :) And some Laser Sheen? Some cookies and hay? More pictures? And no rain please!!!!

Cool AS?

2010-06-27T10:13:00.003-04:00

I just found the most awesome website and am so excited to try out a few of their products! Living in Texas where, it gets HOT, ahem. (Ya' think?) I was especially excited to find these products in this month's issue of, well, one of my magazines :) Practical Horseman I think! Not very Dressage Today'ish... I am especially excited about the Cool Medics cooling cap which goes right under your helmet! Lots of fun colors, and once I got to the website, well, let's just say I knew where I wanted to do my Christmas shopping, for my buds and myself. IN JULY! ;) The company can be found at Cool Medics and has items for anyone doing things in the heat, with a special section for riders and their horses (and dogs) ! They also offer lots of products for your favorite construction worker, military guy, or anyone who spends time outside. They have all areas covered!

The oh, so cool looking Cool Medics Cooling Cap. PLOP this pup right under your riding helmet!

Or this one. Comes in thirteen colors and has a spot to pull a ponytail through! Ideal for some... I am more the beanie type!

Was especially thinking of a blogging bud who just had issues with her horse's hind after a lil' jumping accident. Why so cool? Because they stay cool, and while they won't eliminate the need for hydrotherapy, I bet they wouldn't hurt!

Hurry and grab these! They are on clearance for $56.00! I want them! WAH!

The cooling fabric in these boots cool the horse’s legs, and are adjustable by hook and loop Velcro elastic for a tight fit. No need to hose down the legs or use icepacks, simply place on horse and monitor every few hours. The boots ensure cooling for a long time period, and are very good for injuries. They were developed to maximize the benefits of hydrotherapy while eliminating the need for constant hosing. This allows the horse to undergo treatment while still having comfortability and mobility. Sold in pairs.These items are limited only the colors and sizes listed below available. These items are non returnable.

And how cool (ahhh...sounds really coool!) is this vest? For someone who shows it sounds like a life-saver under that hot (get out of my life) jacket! Especially when you are last in the line up! I should have pictured the V-necked jacket which is much more appropriate for under a show jacket! They have Western styled things too.

I'm gonna start off with the Cooling Cap, if that works well, I will obviously become a devoted customer. After pretty much almost dying while taking dressage lessons at 10 am last summer, (yeah, I went behind trailers to puke a couple of times...) cause either I love riding or I am just plain dumb, I want one, and the sooner the better!!!

Oh yeah. I'm not getting a thing by doing this review, (but I would love to do reviews of things I have tried!)just want to share a very cool sounding solution to my desert-y life here in the summer and fall.

TRY a frozen bandana you might say?
Sure, that is 10-15 minutes, tops! Been there and burned (puked and turned WHITE--great!) right through it! Time for something better! The testimonials on the site and satisfaction guaranteed are enough for me to give it a run! At $15.00, for the cap, why not? If it doesn't live up to expectations I won't hesitate to return it! I encourage you to read the product information from the site, it tells you how and why these products work!

PRODUCT INFORMATION:
The products we manufacture are constructed from a patented three-layer fabric that by combining hydrophilic fibers into a fibrous batting core and a thermally conductive lining, will provide cooling after allowing the product to soak in water for 10 - 30 seconds. Not longer.

The water activates the cooling process by charging the fibers with moisture and creating an environment for evaporation. When moisture in the batting evaporates, heat is removed and cools the surrounding area, transferring the cooling effect to the wearer.

Depending upon the environment this cooling could last up to 8 hours, and can be recharged again by simply immersing the product in water to restart the cooling process.

We have laboratory tested this cooling process in a heat chamber, bringing the inside temperature to 114 degrees, and placing the dampened cloth in this heated chamber.

In every test, the fabric, with a separate temperature sensor, has maintained a temperature that is lower by 20 to 25 degrees, for a period of 4 1⁄2 hours, before climbing to the temperature inside the chamber.

Taking the same cloth and recharging it, by immersing in water for 10 - 30 seconds, and replacing it in the hot chamber, immediately brought the temperature done to the lower 20-25 degree range.

ACTIVATION
A simple 3-step process.

•Step 1: Immerse the product in water for about 10 - 30 seconds so that the fabric absorbs the water right to the inner filling. The water does not need to be cold water for this activation process to work. WARNING: DO NOT let it soak for longer than 30 seconds as the product will absorb too much water and you may risk permanently damaging the internal fibers

•Step 2: Gently wring out the excess water so that the product is wet, but not dripping. You may towel dry the inner membrane if you require.

•Step 3: Wear the product. You will be pleasantly surprised how cool you will instantly feel.

RE-ACTIVATE
After a period of time if you feel the product is not cooling you sufficiently, simply repeat the 3 step process.
It might become apparent that while you are wearing the product, it starts to feel that the cooling process has diminished, and it is no longer cooling you. Just like a swimming pool, if you get out the pool because it feels warm, and back in again, to a cool pool, the product will perform the same. Taking off the product, waiting a few minutes and then wearing the product again will feel like the product has been reactivated.

Simple? Are you convinced? I am in LOVE if this product can do this!

In Water We Float..

2010-06-22T08:55:00.002-04:00

We are very lucky to have the Guadalupe River about 15 minutes down the road, and yesterday was our day for fun on the river! This pic I grabbed off the internet as I (sadly) do not have a waterproof camera. I wish. I could have gotten some great pics! We did a two hour "trip" and only ran into a young couple hanging out and talking. We did, however meet the rapids (and then some!) of the type you see here, probably a bit more rapid!

My friend Linda had been talking about going down the river on inner tubes, and I am always hearing stories from co-workers and other friends about how much fun it is. Last summer, thanks to a big lack of rain, it was NO CAN DO on the river. Yesterday, after getting two tubes patched, and a kind gentleman in Bandera selling us two for $20 each (reasonable when you consider that to rent them, it's $10 each time!), we were ready to hit the river. Linda bought two for herself as we had borrowed the ones that we had patched from our friend Lorri. We took my friend Linda's truck and my VW, that way we could park at the "start" and then have a vehicle right where we wanted to get out. This worked. Mostly.

We entered the river, and the water felt great! My son Miles was so excited and happy; which was a pleasure to see, we have been having a tumultous time lately. Teenage-hood is hitting, and it is hitting hard and fast, among other things. The water started out slow, and we floated and relaxed. Our first set of rapids were fun "baby rapids" over a really shallow area. I got over them fairly easily, but Bubba Bob may not have! :) We continued on, just enjoying, and then hit an area of faster moving water, which was DEEP! Probably about 8 feet. It scared my son a little bit as he had been loafing along not in his tube, playing with some boat and toy that he had brought along. Linda helped him back onto his tube, and got him settled with that boat of his (not big, probably 12 inches by 8 inches) and helped him tie back up to her tube. After that we floated for quite some time, and then hit some rapids that we all had a blast on, just a little feeling of, "Oh sh**, I really have no control here!" We then had probably 30 more minutes of floating at a decent rate, not skimming along, but not in the doldrums either, just perfect for an enjoyable (AHHH!) float on your back, catch some rays time.

Then it happened. Major rapids. I did fine, going first, which had nothing to do with it, I just got lucky. Miles got bumped around a bit, and of course now has quite a story. We had gone around a bend, and I couldn't see Linda. People do and have died tubing that river, and while I could hear her voice saying something, I couldn't hear what it was over the rapids. So I waited. She didn't sound distressed. And I waited. Then I freaked. Did she have a broken leg, what had happened? I left Miles with the tubes in the shallows, with STRICT orders NOT to move, and preceded to backtrack THROUGH the rapids (I was thrown backwards and had to start over twice!) before I made it to her. On the way, I retrieved Miles (darn) boat which he had lost, and the truck cable which we had been using as a tube tie. What I failed to retrieve was the KEY to the truck which Linda had had carabined to her tube somewhow. She was looking everywhere for that key (to the side of the rapids), but I convinced her to give it up. We were near the end spot by this point and managed to fit three huge tubes and three people into my VW bug! Yeah!

All was well, that ended well, sort of, as there is a bit more to the story. The spare key opened the doors to the truck when we got back from driving all the way back to her house, and back out there again :), but would not start it. It had gotten it's steering wheel locked, and the front tire was stuck against the curb. Have you ever locked the steering wheel and it will not start until you have a free moving wheel? Imagine that, with one tire totally using the curb as a brake. We had to get back to Linda's for Shorty's chemotherapy appointment, so roadside assistance was called later, and we both hit the the door at the same time, me to get home, her to hopefully unlock the wheel. Finger's crossed that some BIG MEN or their toys were able to help the situation.

Of course I saw my boy, and spent some time with him, unfortunately, not nearly what I had planned, and then I JUST HAD to watch Shorty's chemotherapy...get to that in a sec. Tried on Jackson's new Happy Mouth French Link with Dee's, and he was largely unimpressed. Which is GOOD! I will ride it in the next couple days and let you all know. I do know that I shoved it into my mouth (brand new) for at least 10 minutes and didn't detect a hint of apple flavor, which is what is supposed to get them chewing at it and loving it. My trainer is ALL for it, and named off a few top jumpers she has met who use them, so maybe J. will taste something I missed!!! :) I found a bargain on it about a month ago ($25 off!), and being anxious to get rid of the full cheek look, and liking the look of the Dee's, bought it. We are still using a French Link, no plans to fix something that isn't broken. I have NO control issues, stopping issues, and do not need anything stronger, for sure!I certainly don't expect it to fix any of my riding deficits, but Happy Mouth bits have such a great rep., and then when my trainer was all for it, I thought, why not? I got a pic of him on my phone that I really like, but the quality at 5.0 megapixels is a bit sad I'm afraid! But I love it!

Oh...sad. Can't even blow it up! WHY, oh WHY did I have to forget my camera? Jackson was SO cute yesterday too, he came across probably 3-4 acres when he heard me call, (FEELIN' LOVED), and then risked Red, the big BAD Red Horse of Linda's who tried to keep him away from me, JUST TO SEE ME!!! AWWW. God, I love my horse! I gave him tons of carrots later!

On to Shorty. If you read my blog, you may remember Shorty, Linda's spotted Appy who was given six months to live last September, diagnosed with cancer of the sheath. At the time she had recently had a growth removed, and then when another vet came out to the ranch to do Coggin's, shots, etc. he told Linda that it was already growing so agressively in the ONE month since she had it removed that the prognosis was grim.

At the time, Linda decided NOT to do anything and to let nature take it's course. The reason behind this was that chemotherapy is EXPENSIVE, usually thousands, and why make him feel like crap from chemo. with such a bad prognosis?

Since I had Karen McLain (fellow blogista) paint his portrait for Christmas, I firmly believe that is why he is doing so well (hee hee).... but on with the tale. By TOTAL coincidence, Linda was out on a trail ride three or so months ago, with our Equine club "Equine Hill Country Friends", and met a vet and his wife from Boerne. This guy is a sweetheart, I was so impressed with him when I met him yesterday. Anyway, she told him Shorty's medical story while on the ride, and he told her about a treatment he does (and he and his friend have had quite a bit of success with) injecting the site (Shorty has carcinomas around his sheath, quite common in a pinkie skin Appy) with a chemotherapeutic agent called Cisplatin, and the hores's own serum (spun down into a liquid form). By using the horse's own serum (a blood product) it helps the horse's body kind of "recongnize" parts of the concoction as his own, and basically more effectively killing off the bad things, and leaving his good things alone. Very basic concept, but I hope you get the picture.

Yesterday was his last treatment (four in all), and while he was down the vet ligatured the two growths. Now, they really have no blood supply, and the next six weeks should be the tell all. Will it work? Apparently there has been much success in this area, but most of the studies you read you won't find the vet using the horse's own serum. He says this is "his rocket science oncologist vet friend's idea", and really, mixing it with the horse's own serum makes more sense than the agents they say many vets use--like peanut oil!!

I really liked this vet, he spent about 20 minutes while we were spinning Shorty's blood telling me all about hoof abcessess (which Jackson has decided to give me FOUR of this spring) and what to do, and what not to bother with. He also spent a good deal of time telling me what to look for in a horse transportation agency when I do move him to Gainesville, FL. He also knew all about the pyrolplasmosis test and all the paperwork I will need to get him from Texas and into Florida!

He was there for about two hours for the whole thing, start to finish. One thing I did NOT like. Shorty had to be given Ketamine and totally put down for this (understandable given that it is in the sheath area and so extensive), which was really freaky. Shorty started out just by closing his eyes, and then losing his footing (REALLY FREAKY) and then wham! DOWN! I don't think I'd be able to stand seeing this if it was Jackson, (thankfully Linda would help) because just ask Linda or my friend Lorri; I don't know as much about horses and the ownership like they do (both with like 30 years expereince on me), and I am a huge worry wart with Jackson. I think they would both agree that I have gotten better, but it is REALLY nice to have experienced horsewomen like them around to soothe me when I get freaky!

So I did take Linda's calm cue from her, even though I was wondering why she was doing all this treatment when he was going to have two broken legs (JK)... The vet did his injections, ligatured the growths, we fly sprayed it, and not five minutes later Shorty jumped to his feet! The vet said Shorty metablolizes it fast, because normally with that amount he could get throught an entire castration on most other horses!

Please think positive thoughts in Shorty's direction, he is one fabulous gaited guy, with a wonderful personality and so much fun to ride! I thank Shorty (Spotty--my lil' pet name for him) for some of the most fabulous cantering, confidence building rides of my life! I want that horse back, as does his mama! We ALL want to ride him again, even Miles who really isn't all that into riding! The pic below is my last ride on Shorty, from early summer 2009, not very long before we found everything out.... I remember being very happy that day!

Free to Good Home...

2010-06-15T02:03:00.003-04:00

My brother got me a subscription to this magazine, along with Horse Illustrated and Equus for Christmas last year. I read them cover to cover, but I am offering them to the first person who responds who will enjoy and read them! While having plenty of intersting content, I am an English rider and these need to be in a Western home where they belong! I simply have four other magazines to keep up on, and just won't pull them out to read them again! I am also moving so.... There are fourteen issues, from February 2009- March 2010.All in pristine condition. So the information is current and if you are a Western rider, quite a deal! I only ask that you pay the postage which would be Media Mail, easily less than $5, I would imagine! Ok, all. Who wants them????

No takers yet, for real? Looks like the recycling bin may have a stack o' reading!!!

Remembering a Heartbeat..

2010-06-11T19:36:00.002-04:00

The stars are not wanted now: put out every one;

Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun;

Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood;

For nothing now can ever come to any good.

--W.H. Auden

a small part of the incredible poem "Funeral Blues"

After sixteen years my best friend has left me. Dakota was doing worse, and then, still worse, and then she gave me "the look" you had all been telling me about. She also started to whimper in pain, which I could NOT deal with. I precededed to do one of the hardest things of my entire life yet, and took her into the vet on 1 June. I sobbed like a baby all the way there. I wanted to turn around and go home, to YELL at death, "No, she's MINE, you can't have her!" But I thought about how she had whimpered in pain all afternoon, and I kept driving. I got her there and we went for a short walk through some green grass, and spent time together. She was very calm, which I found odd, becasuse she always shakes and just hates the vet. Not this day. Dakota knew, and she was okay with it. I think she did it for me. She was the strong one. The vet came in and the entire thing was very peaceful. Her heart stopped at 1800. Exactly 6 pm. I held her the entire time, my arms wrapped around her neck. Then I sat and just tried to memorize her face, and kiss her nose enough for the rest of my life. I even sort of convinced myself she wasn't gone, even though I have been a vet tech and am now an RN, and knew quite well she was. The staff were incredible and took me out through the back, telling me to settle on the bill another day. I loved them for making this part as easy as they could, and caring about my feelings.

The drive home was the most desolate hell I have ever experienced. The world seemed black and pointless around me. The days since have been terrible. My superiors have been cold and not understanding, putting me through far more than deserved, although I thank my co-workers for being supportive and caring. I am truly ready to hit the road for Florida--to live with one of my best friend's in Gainesville--I feel my time in Texas is done. I hate it here, and sadly, always have. I have maybe two friends, which is odd, I've always had lots of friends. (Best friends, just a couple...). Five years of hoping a place will get better is a fair shot. I want to leave nursing as well. To do what, I have no idea, but there sure are alot of beautiful barns with $$$$ where I'm going. Maybe I'll go shovel manure for awhile. The difference job wise between nursing and shoveling would be minute.

Since 'Kota died, the house is so empty, I constantly perk up when I hear one of the I.D. tags on a cat or my other dog of a few months rattle, I am poised; waiting to jump up and help Dakota with whatever she needs. Then it hits me. Hard. She's not here. I'll never be able to kiss her on the nose again. I feel like I'm in a fog. Can't eat or sleep, on the edge of losing my mind, which I won't but this HAS TO BE CLOSE. I cannot reconcile the little four week old darling I got in Key West and kept for all these years, to this, well, this urn that I have on the shelf. I am having a mahogony handmade box made with a picture and a plaque on it, but it is not here yet. I just got the urn (and it's ugly, plain, and white) back yesterday and have gone and talked to it once or twice, and shook it to let Dakota know we were home, and that I'm here. Her collar and tag, a card a co-worker sent, and some Wildflower seeds are also there on the shelf where I keep the Dresden Angels from Germany that my mom gave me. I had the chance to bury her on my friend's property, but I want to keep her with me to eventually have a small portion go into the ocean in Key West (her favorite beach to play!) and the rest to go with my ashes someday. I also will not stay in Texas and so burying her here was out of the question.

I suppose one of the hardest things to deal with in not having her here is the "alone" factor. I have been single since my only marriage fourteen years ago. I pledged that I would only be with the right person after that mistake at the age of nineteen, and deal with being alone (if I didn't meet the perfect one) after that. But I always had Dakota. And when that wonderful dog was around, you WERE NOT alone. All the lonely times I would experience were better when she was present. She loved the beach, open restaruants (she didn't need a leash), going for our leashless walks and meeting people, chasing her rope bones (for hours!) and chewing on her rawhides (I had to throw away the Dingo bone bag, it is SO her and looking at it just GOT me), her hanging out of my Jeep or car for "her" rides, and following me for miles on my mountain bike for a trek. She loved horses and trail rides too! I suppose the days will get better, but loss is not my strong suite, I am finding. I will do another post down the road that is a proper tribute to Dakota, and her wonderful personality. Right now I just can't. In fact, right now, the whole front of my shirt is wet, and you'd think I'd never heard of a kleenex. But she deserves some real face time as the amazing, incredible, funny gal that she was, one that will explain why anyone would be so damn sad after having a friend like her around for sixteen years!!

On the Florida front. I do want to go. Probably more than even I really know. I have always promised myself I would move back, and with my friend losing her husband, When Sorrows Like Sea Billows Roll, the timing seems right. Scary, but right. Full circle. I think Jackson will love the jumper barn I have already picked out in Florida, don't you? It is 30 minutes away from the Ocala area--HITS, Canterbury--lots of big name Grand Prix shows, so if I play it right, I will receive lots of jumping training, and of course we will continue our trail rides which we both love more than anything! I, myself never expect to be a Grand Prix anything, but I know I'll enjoy the lessons and showing, even if I'm just in baby classes! Honestly, I don't care. So, while I have a barn (or two) picked out, they can't be too snobby, or snarky as they can tend to be at the higher levels. That, I am certainly not, and won't put up with! I want down to earth and also competitive, the ribbons or the barn status should not rule the day. But the beauty of these places leaves me drooling. Bottom lip on the floor drooling. Especially after flat, brown, dry, scrub tree, no real Grand Prix circuit Texas. At least no circuit in my neck of this huge state. No doubt, Jackson will receive the royal treatment and love every minute of it, even if we can only afford pasture boarding if I leave nursing!

The times they are a changin' as old Bob Dylan used to say, come what may. We never know what is going to come, but it SURE IS going to come regardless, right? Gotta go, gotta move on. Nothin' stays the same....
Brilliant sentiment. But still scary as hell.

And Dakota, I'll be seeing you at the pump.....Mama

If you are wondering about the comment above, see my post When I Get To Heaven.

Last Night.....

2010-05-19T11:51:00.001-04:00

Last Night....

As I lay on my bed, thinking about you, I feel this strong urge to grab you and squeeze you, because I can't forget last night. You came to me unexpectedly during the balmy and calm night, and what happened in my bed still leaves a tingling sensation in me.

You appeared from nowhere and shamelessly, without any reservations, you laid on my naked body....you sensed my indifference, so you started to bite my body without any guilt or humiliation, and you drove me crazy while you sucked me dry.

Finally I went to sleep. Today when I woke up, you were gone, I searched for you but to no avail, only the sheets bore witness to last night's events.

My body still shows your marks, making it harder to forget you. Tonight I will remain awake waiting for you...as soon as you appear I will quickly grab you and won't let you go, will hold you with all my strength so you won't disappear. Won't rest until I squeeze your blood out......you

Freakin' mosquito.

Up the Downhill

2010-05-14T06:15:00.010-04:00

Hello dear readers! Yes, all, (ahem) five of you! Yes, it has been awhile since my last post, and many things have gone on. I will highlight a couple here, but won't bore you with the other tales of woe! First and foremost, I am in the midst of losing my best doggie friend. My right hand girl Dakota turned sixteen in April. I have had her since she was five weeks old in Key West, and she is declining rapidly. She can barely walk, and every few days is incontinent in the house. Sometimes she gets stuck in the dog door in the middle of the night. I am constantly sleep deprived as I listen with one ear open for telltale noises of distress. I give her anti-inflammatories, pain medicine (just in case, although she doesn't seem to be in pain) and MSM, Chondroitin, Vitamin C and Calcium. Easily $200 a month. Not that it matters. Here's the thing. I don't have the nerve to make the appointment to end it. I feel like I should don a black grim reaper's robe and wear that when I take her. And when I think on it too hard, I end up sobbing. It would be so much easier if she were in pain, then the decision would be made because I WON'T endure my baby hurting. I find that so many people while giving lip service to what is happening, are inwardly thinking, "Sixteen years, what is she complaining about?" I know I'm lucky to have been blessed with her for so long, but it makes it almost harder. She is two years older than my son. She has been through EVERYTHING with me....

Lots of other really cruddy things have also been going on, but I won't bore you here. But I am defintiely at an all time low! E-mails are 200+ long, and I just paid the bills, which are (thankfully) not late! A good thing that happened was that I was able to meet our fellow blogger Winter from HorseCentric . Since she came my way for a clinic, I was able to set her up to stay with one of my friends for two nights. Much to my regret, I was only able to have dinner with her the night she came in. My car decided that it wanted to DIE on a hill in the middle of nowhere on the way to said dinner (in the pouring rain)! I had wanted to attend her clinic very badly on the last day, and even though I had my car back, since it was storming and they hadn't found a thing wrong with my car?????, I decided not to chance an hour drive in a torrential downpour not knowing what my car might do! Also, it was not conducted in a covered arena. While I would have liked to have been there for Winter, standing in a thunderstorm auditing a clinic sounded, well, you know, decidedly not fun! Hopefully Winter won't give up on me and we can ride together soon!

Sleep. Sounds good.

On the horsey front. Jackson and I are plugging away at our lessons and working at first level in order to reach that (closer all the time!) goal of making it to a show this year. A few jumps here and there, but I haven't been building them so I've just been practicing lots of two point when I get the chance. My last lesson we worked on lengthening which was pretty cool once I got it! Or the concept anyway! On Tuesday, Linda and I went on a trail ride, and I finally rode her BIG Red Horse, Red, a Missouri Foxtrotter. He is 16.3 and I felt like I was doing a split. It wasn't the height, he is a bit, ahem, FAT. He has lost quite a bit of weight, (he wasn't Linda's main mount until recently) and finally doesn't break into that white frothy sweat between his legs after five minutes! He did break into this really nasty pace that you could not sit or post while riding him. I hated it! It wasn't what you want out of a horse like that, but the Foxtrotter gate is a creature in and of itself, and his owner rarely gets him to do it. It was so uncomfortable, I'm pretty sure he made it up on his own! If you've ever ridden a really nice gaited horse, then you know that it is one of the most sublime do- nothing rides you could have. Post a trot? Why? Canter? Oh. I am? It feels like I'm in a rocking chair. Yeah. This wasn't that! FAR, FAR from that! I could sense immense POWER if he really went, but he was a good boy and his Kimberwick offered comfort, especially when Linda took off at a canter riding Jackson across a big field without us, and he had aspirations of trying a new racing career! So here I am. Getting on with the everyday living thing..... My glass is neither half empty nor half full. Gotta take a big long drink from the hose and move on!

Jackson in his snazzy new halter and Red being nosy (his main job!).....

Come on Mom, Gimme that FUEL...

2010-04-21T14:12:00.000-04:00

Just like a guy! Wants to pump up his muscles..... Funny guy, I love you for cheering me up!

Thee, Thou, Thine

2010-04-20T08:03:00.006-04:00

Recently, I started a small scale endeavor to find out more about Jackson's ancestory. First, let me start off letting you know that I have an amazing horse. I know this. No piece of paper and whatever it had to tell me would change that fact. And if Jackson had come with no papers, that would be alright too. I am a backyard horse owner who just wanted a good horse to have a fun, loving bond with, possibly (OK, OK, HOPEFULLY) show, and to help me meet new friends with a common bond. It seems I have gotten all of that and more! I set out by contacting his breeder Connie, but after not getting her usual reply (and I must admit I was worried, because I ALWAYS hear back from her quickly!) I contacted MiKael over at RisingRainbow who raises Arabians to see what she might know about his lineage.

Why now? Well, Jackson's Birthday is coming up, and many of you may not know this, but I am adopted. So, bloodlines and family histories hold a special fascination for me. (And YES, I have attempted to find the biological parentals, with no luck...). So...I figured I would try to find out all I could about my horse! No matter what, ultimately, it did not matter to me. If I found out his bloodlines were, well, not good, I just wouldn't care all that much. But it appears that this is far from the truth! Below I will post various e-mails between MiKael and I, and then the one I got from his breeder about two days ago! Now, the information I have so far is strictly regarding the Arabian side of his lineage--his papa's line. The Arabian Horse Assoc. only shows his mother's name (The Thorougbred line), but she is Jockey Club registered. Next, I will need to contact or join the Jockey Club, and then find someone who knows MUCH about TB's. Anyone willing to join in the fun, let me know! Below, you find a sad rendering of his papers, but the big names (if you are an Arab fan, may pop out at you), just click on the certificate if you want to actually read the names. They meant nothing to me, so I was happy for the help from MiKael and Connie!

Reply from MiKael--
Does this horse have a big trot? Looks like maybe he should. Seems to me The Fireman was either a high powered park horse or a high powered english pleasure horse. The very top of his sire line looks very well bred. I don't remember the specifics on Negatiw but you can't go wrong there. Then that Bask. Bask was an import from Poland.

The Lamara part looks maybe egyptian to me. Disaan, Rusaan, I think are actually related to one of my broodmares. I'd have to double check but Bey Aana's dam was Rusaana and I believe she was by Rusaan. I been told that part of my mare's pedigree is egyptian.

Looks to me like he's very well bred on his top side. No slouches in the pedigree that I can see. Although I don't know all the horses, the ones around those I don't know are so well bred, I suspect the unknowns are well bred too. It is just the lower female line I know nothing about.

Hope that helps. Am curious about the trot. Not all Bask bred horses trot but it's curious to see which ones do and which don't.
MiKael
Rising Rainbow Arabians

My reply back asked her what exactly she meant by a BIG trot! Not being an Arabian expert, I had questions about that... I sent it from my phone while half awake, and can't access it, but that was what I asked. I did call my trainer Alison, who knows A LOT! She thought MiKael was talking about that big show trot that is used in the VERY Arabian classes. She has no doubt he can do it, but emphasized that in dressage and jumping, that is NOT what we are looking to get.

And MiKael's reply to me:
For me a big trot would be a natural thing that could be cultivated into the big show trot the saddle seat horses do on the Arabian circuit if that's what was wanted. While how a horse is shod can affect that, those horses usually have it naturally. Some that have it can't maintain with a rider on their backs.

Bask was a park horse (the biggest most animated gaits of all saddle seat horses) and as I already told you I thought The Fireman was either park or english pleasure (english would be down a notch from park. The horses from those lines are known for that.

I would think maybe being crossed with a TB would tone down the natural trot some and add more length to the gait. That longer gait would be more suitable for dressage that's for sure.

Now let's see if I can define "big trot" for you. I guess the big trotters pick their knees up high, sometimes with knees even chest level or above, rolling their feet underneath and then out in an animated dramatic motion. From behind you get animated hock action as well (height as well as extension). The horses drive underneath themselves deeply enough their front ends lift off the ground giving them more "room" for that big rolling talk in the front end making them look like they are travelling uphill somewhat. The bigger the trot the more uphill the movement. I'm sure those who are experts with big trotting horses would have more to say but that's what comes to mind for me.

The horses who have this big trot will usually do it loose when they are excited. Most of my horses here can trot level when animated. There is lots of park in my pedigrees. However, that's not what we train for either. And even if we did, most of my horses probably wouldn't qualify for park or english but a handful might be country english. Dressage would be right up their alley as that's more the type of movement I am breeding for.
I'm glad I could be helpful with your horse's pedigree. That's not always the case. There are lots of pedigrees I know very little about.
Good luck in your search with the jockey club. Is your horse Sweepstakes Nominated? If so, there are sport horse and dressage classes on the Arabian circuit that are payback classes that might interest you at some time.
MiKael

Me:
Jackson definitely does not do this that I have ever seen. Not even while out trotting about riderless. Could it be cultivated? Maybe. My trainer thinks so. But as I said, I am not going in that direction. I will now be scrutinizing Jackson's trot at liberty to see if I see those movements, but I am pretty sure I have not! So, I guess the TB in him chased it away, perhaps! :) Oh. And I will now REALLY sound dumb. Sweepstakes Nominated? I have heard of this of course, but I don't think Jackson is. But if it's something you would apply for, then he wouldn't be, because he has not been on the show circuit! Those of you who may know, please send me information on this if you have it, I don't want to bug MiKael with my dumb questions anymore! :O)

And then... YAY! I finally got a reply from Connie which was great, because I was a bit worried! I forgot I had her phone number, or I would have just called!!!

Connie's (Jackson's breeder's) reply:
Sorry, I haven't been on line in a while because of the income tax deadline for the business. It's so good to hear from you! Buzzy was foaled 1-13-82, bred by James or Bette Batchelor in Olympia, Washington. By the way, he really likes apples but mostly gets carrots. He's pure Polish. Bask, and the Buzmen were highly popular and expensive imports from Poland. Some of his owners were: Jane Short from Katy Tx purchased him 6-1-84 to breed the half arabian pinto as he is a registered pinto sire; Sylvia Whitmore from Prineville, Oregon purchased him 9-20-82; Deanna Harville from Alvin, Tx purchased him 12-2-88; Jim Hendrickson from Silver Oaks Ranch, Flatonia, Tx purchased him 7-23-95, then we bought him 10-23-95. He has been a very important part of our family ever since and we have about 30 babies or so; 2 we still have and the rest sold. He's still doing great!
Connie

And now...never before posted picture of....Jackson's Daddy! Lamaras Firebusz a.k.a. Buzzy...
Wow! Look at his conformation! He was 28 this past year, and still a FIREBALL! He is now retired at Connie's ranch, and it is past time for me to go and spend some time with her!

And Jackson and his mama.... This picture has my heart! Thanks for these Connie, they mean so much!!!

Registered names: IB Jackson and IB Jacks (mama). Not sure what the IB stands for....Gotta find out about mama's side to find out I think!!! Jockey Club here I come!! But bottom line, it looks like my Jackson man is 1/2 Polish Arabian, although MiKael's comments about the Egyptian parts are noted too.... and TB!

This has been a fun thing to find out about Jackson, and family histories are cool as! I don't have my own, but I am finding my horse's! It would be interesting to find out if there is a service out there that does the family tree lookups for horses, like you can have done on human family names! Hmmm. If not, maybe I can start a business!!! If anyone out there has advice, opinions, or knowledge, don't hesitate to comment!

Late entry: Thanks to one of my fellow bloggers (and Connie)! for finding and sending Jackson's mama's pedigree for me! Equineline.com will give you the info. regarding your registered TB for those of you who may want to do your own research! I now know through more research, that he has a pretty amazing bottom side as well! Champions in his background include: Mahmoud, Alibhai, Bull Dog, Nasrullah, Royal Charger, Princequillo, My Babu, Migoli, Majideh, and Gallant Man! I have been reading a work of fiction titled 'Horse Heaven' by Jane Smiley about TB racing, and wouldn't you know, so far THREE of the above horses have been mentioned! Quite a little thrill went through me when I found them in print in a (wonderfully entertaining BTW) work of fiction! As soon as I saw each name, I would be like, "Is that?" and run to take a gander at J's momma's pedigree. Then I would do a little dance when my memory did serve me correctly, for no reason other than that is just SO COOL!

Beautiful Blog? Hmmm. OK.

2010-04-05T12:33:00.011-04:00

Jackson after a RIDE Easter Sunday....

Well, I just kind of ignored the beautiful blogger award I received a-hem, a few times. It's not that I'm an extraordinarily private person, but seven things about me that aren't known? I blew that off pretty quick, but it did niggle at me. Private personal things on the internet for the world to see? But, after thinking for awhile I think I can certainly come up with things that will amuse and delight without bringing out all the dirt for the internet hounds out there.... They must be out there and totally interested in ME right? For sure. :)

So seven things.... oh what to choose, what to choose, there are so many fun, quirky factoids that make up moi, just seven? OK. I shall try! Oh, and I didn't download the actual award pic, or post it to my sidebar, and since everyone did it like two months ago, I just posted a pic of me main man instead! :) I'm just a rebel, eh? Lazy is more like it!

1. When I daydream it is that I am an Olympic rider taking the gold on a jump course for my team. I am in my mid 30's and I still dream of an Olympic ribbon :) In some ways I have never left my fifteen year old self behind! Dreams are good, I think, not to mention fun! In reality, I would LOVE to be a mounted cop. After being in the military and my experiences with cops, which largely have not been good, I still want to put on a uniform and ride around ALL shift astride a beautifully trained horse keeping the peace!

2. I rode at Devon when I was fifteen. I worked in a jumping barn, and the snot who was supposed to ride just didn't show. So I had about five minutes to learn the course (I ALWAYS worry about messing it up due to nerves) and get my horse warmed up. My horse Madigan SO took care of me, and we were in the ribbons! I think I was 4th out of 25. Admittedly, it was the horse and not me who won that one.... I hadn't even learned lead changes yet, I was so new to jumping. That horse took total care of me and jumped 3'9 like a breeze...

3. I lived in Key West, Florida for seven wonderful years. I worked in a group home for the developmentally disabled, and on a dive boat on the side in exchange for lessons. Now that I am here in Texas, and haven't been diving in so long, I'm sure I would need a MAJOR refresher! AND NO! I don't have ANY interest in diving in a Texas lake! I plan on moving back to Florida, and some plans are being tenatively made. I will live in a place where I have ocean access, AND horse access. Ah Florida! Horse country all the way, and my location will put me right where I want to be!!! :) Namely, out of Western land! (Sorry, no offense to you Western folks!!!). It won't be Key West, which is a 3 mile by 5 mile island. In Key West there are no horses to be found, not to mention it is just waaaay too expensive for a single mom; it's a place for the VERY rich these days....

4. I grew up on a farm in Ohio.We had pigs, goats, rabbits, chickens, sheep, cats, dogs, cattle, a pony named Popcorn and two OTTB's. It was hard work, but I look back at it now fondly. I had a pony cart and a harness and had some fun with that. I never owned a saddle, just a bridle and a bareback pad. The pony was crazy too... Farm life in Ohio HAS cemented in the fact that I will never again IN THIS LIFE live anywhere where it gets cold , or in any way in the negative temperatures on the thermostat!!! But! I can milk a goat and make homeade bread, butcher a chicken and help a critter give birth! I also have lots of fun, sometimes useless hobby farm facts to shower my friends with! ;)

5. I have always been a rebel. From a very early age if my parents are to be held accountable with their stories. My mom's good friend-- who was my first Montessori school teacher-- still calls me Pippi (for Pippi Longstocking) because she says I am always in a scrape! Some of us just can't help it. Believe me, I've tried. Now, I just work to channel the rebellion into good and not evil! :) Ha ha! Just kidding. But being rebellious makes life hard, I am never the status quo. Sometimes, status quo does sound nice. But, I don't think the rebellion is going anywhere! It is definitely hardwired! I am currently reading a book titled 'The Successful Rebel-Getting What You Want Without Losing Who You Are,' by Tracey and Melissa Cox, in hopes of learning how to channel my inner rebel into a more helpful trait in life!

6. I had many crazy hairstyles as a younger person, one of my favorites was the mohawk I had in high school. I decided to dye it purple, and then (being a stupid 16 year old) jumped into one of my best friend's pools three hours after getting it dyed. His parents weren't too thrilled with the purple water, and I wasn't too thrilled to lose the brilliant purple I would have had! It was still purple, just not as bright as I had wanted.... The purple water was gone in a couple of days...

7. When I was four years old I told my dad that I thought we all are living on the big toenail of a giant. I asked him what he thought about this. I remember the look of delight on his face and how he just LAUGHED and called me his little philosopher. That memory is a good one. I felt so special. Sadly, these days, my dad and I don't really talk at all.

There it is. A few random things. Not even close to the whole of who I am, but a few factoids of the many I have stored away....

A Dressage/Jumping Lesson...

2010-03-28T09:51:00.001-04:00

On Wednesday I had a lesson with Allison. I felt like it was a good lesson, we really worked on getting Jackson on the bit and the impulsion from behind. We achieved this perhaps 1/2 of the time, I'd say. I love having lessons. It is so great to get the advice and hear if you are doing something correctly, or if you are just a sack of potatoes riding in circles making no progress.... At times I do get frustrated though! Allison is tough! But she does manage to get the best out of my riding, as rusty as it may be after our SOGGY, cold winter here in South Texas. South. Right. After we worked for at least 45 minutes on dressage, Allison had us work on ground poles, and she found no faults with my position or my handling of Jackson. The new jumps were (kind of) set up, as we only have it up to 12 inches until we get a new drill bit to move the jump cups around. The other day I had taken Jackson over that tiny 12" jump, and he kept bonking the poles. I was anxious to see if Allison had advice on this, because frankly, my fear was that he didn't have the interest or ability to jump anything higher! (OK...the mind does tend to go to extremes, because he has easily taken a 2 foot jump with nary a bump!) But I was concerned. Why was he dragging his feet on this tiny NOTHING of a jump? He does fabulous on cavaletti or a set of 4 ground poles, so what???? After he did the EXACT same thing with Allison I looked to her for advice. And she gave it! "My dear," she drolls. "He is simply SCOFFING at this jump. He is quite bored and wonders why you are insulting him with a mere 12 inches." "We need to start at 2'6 to get any sort of REAL jump practice going for him." Well hog my hooter, as they say! I broke out into a grin accompanied by a huge sigh of relief. She also went on to tell me that this actually shows a great potential for his jumping ability. He isn't doing any more than he has to over what he consider a jump that is BORRRING, but were he overjumping it she would suggest another career for him. Apparently, if a horse jumps three feet over a 12 inch jump you have an over-excitable horse with no mind for jumping. At 80 years old and having extensive eventing and training of horses under her belt, I believe her! Of course, I am sure there are exceptions and I hope I am not offending anyone, because this is certainly not true for every horse, I'm sure! She has promised to ride Jackson during my next lesson, and I look forward to see how he goes for her. Perfectly, I have no doubt. I hope I am riding horses when I'm 80! I did ask Allison if I should send him out to a trainer for training. The answer was an emphatic "NO!" She told me that if I put the work into him, I will get the results without a trainer. According to her, he has my number, so even if a trainer could get him going totally correctly, when I got him back, I would have the same horse whenever I rode him. I agree, but I had to ask! I want us to learn it all together, even if he is at superstar status and I am somewhere lying in the mud!! So, riding, more riding, and then riding some more! And drilling holes at least to 2'3-2'6 into the jump standards ASAP!

Building JUMPS!! and New Spring Babies!

2010-03-23T06:44:00.004-04:00

Spring babies have arrived! On Sat. and then on Monday, Linda's two goats Sheba and Gertie gave birth! FINALLY! What a long wait! The two littles I'm holding are less than 24 hours old in this picture. Finn, pictured with Miles is also not quite 24 hours old in that pic, taken on Sun., as it was taken before the one's I am holding, (as of now) no-names. They were born late Monday night at 2am-ish.If you check out the size of my hands compared to them, you can see how tiny they are. I have medium sized hands and bone structure, so go from there... As you peruse further you will see me with Sheba's babes Bethany (Linda's pick) and Finnigan (Finn) my pick cause he was "almost" a St. Patty's Day Baby. Oh. And I'm Irish so I like the name....:) Then you can see our jump building endeavor further down, which I will get more into there....

On Sunday, when we went out to see the babies, as Linda had just gotten home from Boston on Sat, where she had been visiting her mom and dad. The very next day was her Birthday, so I was surprised (yet totally thrilled) when she told me that in lieu of riding we would be working on building JUMPS! She told me to meet her at Home Depot the next morning, and I was NOT late! We had talked about building jumps, but I had figured that I was going to have to do it myself. Linda has a lot on her plate, and jumping is more my obsession, not hers. It was only while we getting the jump standards cut to 5 feet instead of 10, that I looked at her and realized what was going on. (YES, I can be an idiot at times, but I do eventually get it..:)

Linda has a slight interest in jumping, but she doesn't even have a horse that she can jump at the current time. She brought me back a beautiful padded bridle bag to match the padded saddle bag she got me for Christmas, as a belated Birthday present. When she gave me that, and told me it was "part" of my present. I didn't expect more and told her so. She takes wonderful care of my horse (some months for free) and the amount I do pay her is, well, let me put it this way, NOT MUCH! So I just looked at her as the cute guy was sawing our wood, and got it. "Oh my God, you are doing this for me aren't you?" (Totally didn't even get it until that moment...) I was like, "You don't even have a horse to jump, and well, WOW!" She just looked at me and said, "Yep, Happy Birthday!" I was really touched. She figured out the PERFECT THING as a gift, and she proceeded to help me build jumps on HER birthday! We got it all home, and since she had purchased jump cups while in Boston, she proceeded to drill, and I made stripes! The standards in the pic are going to be painted white, and they have a 3'9 foot height max. Of course, that is down the road, but I believe in goals, and why not do them right while building, eh? We purchased enough for three jumps and finished part of one, at the lowest (12 inches) due to the fact that we decided we needed a super long drill bit to go all the way through the standard. Once we finished up, after commenting that we would rather be building jumps and teaching baby goats how to nurse ANY day over our jobs as RN's, Linda left to go help some folks move mulch, and I set out on a SOLO endeavor. I don't like riding alone. Since I broke my shoulder it has just been something I avoid. Yep. Fraidy pants. And sick of that baloney! I have decided that since Linda is so busy these days, that is just NOT GOING TO FLY! So I rode alone. And we jumped our new jump, and took lots of ground poles that we also bought for beginner practice. I took Jackson up to the new jump--just to sniff and get acquainted--and instead of looking at it, he proceeded to walk over it. I cracked up. We enjoyed our practice and worked on rounding his back and impulsion from behind, as well as our jumping. He was AWESOME! I could feel it, (head down, and on the bit with impulsion from behind!), but I dare not get too big-headed. Next ride is another challenge. I know just because I get something once there are no guarantees that our next ride (lesson on Wed.) will necessarily pan out! Humble is what a good ride makes me. A great ride is great. But don't count on it being the norm. JOURNEY with no destination but work and more work! BUT!!!! He loves jumping so far!!! Thanks Linda, for making me feel special and helping me build my dream (literally and figuratively)!

Reflections on Riding and Jumping....

2010-03-11T07:29:00.005-05:00

You know that saying everything has a time and a place? Well, it is certainly true. This book has been sitting in my horse library (which is HUGE!) for seven years! It accompanied me on a difficult trip with the military to San Diego for six months where I would occasionally thumb through to glance at pics now and then, but never read the book. At the time, owning my own horse, let alone jumping again seemed unobtainable. A dream. But somehow, having it there in my line of sight gave me hope... Just that picture on the cover. A determined man taking a beautiful horse over a fence. Now, that dream is starting to be what I make of it. My dream is obtainable if I want it to be. :) The other day I glanced at this book as I was purusing my horse shelf, and went, "Hmmm. Let's see what this book has to say." After all, since it helped me in my time of hardship, didn't I owe this book a gander? Definitely. Especially now that I am actually starting to jump my OWN horse. I want to share this book with you. Now STOP. Even if you don't jump (and I currently would put myself--even with experience-- as a wanna be jumper :), please read on because there are some fabulous pearls of wisdom I wish to share with you that this five time Olympian can't be wrong about. William Steinkraus has ridden in five Olympics and took the first individual equestrian gold ever won by an American rider in 1968 in Mexico City. He took along a few more team medals, has ridden on thrity-nine winning Nations Cups teams (usually as anchor) and has won over one hundred individual international competitions. He has been elected to FOUR Halls of Fame. He has numerous other standings under his belt, really quite too much to add here. But I think you get the point that the man has some horse sense. Before my dressage lesson yesterday I pulled out the book to show Allison who is eighty years old, and was quite the eventer in her time. "Ahh. Mindy," she drolls in her english accent, "Now that man is a legend. I own that book. Isn't it great?" She could even name the horse on the cover. Another crazy, but oh so cool thing. She teaches what I am reading. Almost to the word. Bizzarre? Dunno. She is also very Walter Zettl like, I am inclined to think she is just one HELL of a horsewoman and I am a very lucky student! So, on with the pearls of wisdom. They are straight out of the book. Stick around for his epilogue after the aphorisms. Trust me.
Thank you for this informative book Mr. William Steinkraus. I hope to shake your hand one day.....

Two Dozen Useful Aphorisms by William Steinkraus
1. Get your tack and equipment just right, and then forget about it and concentrate on your horse.
2. The horse is bigger than you are, and it should carry you. The quieter you sit, the easier this will be for your horse.
3. The horse's engine is in the rear. Thus you must ride your horse from behind, and not focus on the forehand simply because you can see it.
4. It takes two to pull. Don't pull--push.
5. For your horse to be keen but submissive, it must be calm, straight and forward.
6. When the horse isn't straight, the hollow side is the difficult side.
7. The inside rein controls the bending, the outside rein regulates the speed.
8. Never rest your hands on the horse's mouth. You make a contact with it: you carry your head and I'll carry my hands.
9. If the horse can't learn to accept what you're doing, it isn't any good.
10. Once you've used an aid, put it back.
11. You can exaggerate every virtue into a defect.
12. Always carry a stick (crop); then you will seldom need it.
13. If you've given something a fair trial, and it still doesn't work, try something else--even the opposite.
14. Know when to start and when to stop. Know when to resist and when to reward.
15. If you're going to have a fight, YOU pick the time and the place.
16. What you can't accomplish in an hour should usually be put off until tomorrow.
17. You can think your way out of many problems faster than you can ride your way out of them.
18. When the horse jumps, you go with it, not the other way around.
19. Don't let over-jumping or dull routine erode the horse's desire to jump cleanly. It's hard to jump clear rounds if the horse isn't trying.
20. Never give up until the rail hits the ground.
21. Young horses are like children--give them a lot of love, but don't let them get away with anything.
22. In practice, do things as perfectly as you can: in competition, do what you have to do.
23. NEVER fight the oats.
24. The harder you work, the luckier you get.

And now to his Epilogue which I simply loved.

"A few final words. Taking things for granted is all too easy. But we must never forget, every time we sit on a horse, what an extraordinary privilege it is: to be able to unite one's body with that of another sentient being, one that is stronger, faster and more agile by far than we are, and at the same time, brave, generous and uncommonly forgiving. (How much poorer our lives would be if all our riding experiences were restricted to mechanized transport!)
Only as riders can we achieve some measure of eternal youth, since we can exchange, old, tired bodies for younger, more vigourous ones as easily as changing horses. Luckily, however, there is no surer antidote for the arrogance this circumstance might engender than the horse itself, for no poorer respecter of personages has ever existed. The horse doesn't know or care if you are a prince or a pauper, only whether you can ride with skill and justness. No throne can compare with the back of a horse, and there is no way man can come closer to nature than by becoming one with a horse. Truly, as the French like to say, "L'homme se complete par le cheval," "Man completes himself through the horse." Nobody has every understood or articulated this better than Shakespeare:
When I bestride him, I soar, I am a hawk;
He trots the air, the earth sings when he touches it.....
----Henry V, Act II

I can't put it any better than that folks, so I end here for now......

Trailridin' at Sister Creek Ranch Boerne, Texas

2010-02-19T06:30:00.002-05:00

On Wednesday the weather FINALLY cooperated enough for us to take a 40 minute trek out to Sister Creek Ranch in Boerne, Texas. Located on 700 acres chock full of trails, an arena, a covered round pen, XC jumps, and a barn to DIE for, it didn't take me long to fall in love, and feel the intense yearning to own my own ranch (stable) one day. Linda's friend Kathy from Massachusetts whom she met out on the trail last year was along for the ride, and she rode Linda's horse Red, while Linda rode her new three year old Traveler, and of course I rode Jackson. Linda and I did switch mounts halfway through as I had never ridden her new horse, and have been interested to see what he feels like. Being a three year old, the first thing I noticed is that he has no sides to put your lower leg against! WEIRD! :) I just rode him with a very loose rein and worked on basic aids to start getting him used to the feel of them. He was awesome! He has a sweet trot and is very calm and willing and not spooky at all. Since he is still small and growing, please don't laugh at the pic of us! My 5'9 frame made me look huge; and I weigh 148, not super thin,but i look like I weigh 200 lbs. plus! ;) None of our horses had ever been to this ranch, and Traveler had never even been off of Linda's property! They all took it in stride. We meandered around for a couple of hours, and since Linda forgot the map (doh!) we never really knew exactly where we were. We had a CB though, and easily found our way home without having to radio for directions. (Next time Mindy gets the map, hee hee...). If you want to check out their beautiful facility go to http://www.sistercreekranch.com/

They have two guest houses, a really awesome saloon with full kitchen, RV hookups, pens for your horses, etc. They are not very commercialized, mostly because they want it that way. They don't rent out horses, offer guides, or do any of the dude ranch type stuff, you must bring your own horse and then you can camp in a tent, RV or rent a guest house (pictured below to the left, next to the SALOON!) They have a great weekend coming up in the summer (July) for woman and their horses called "Too Hot To Trot". Sounds like a fun event I will check out. May be too hot to trot, but making friends is always fun! Morning and evening rides are predominant here in Texas in those hot summer months! I can't wait for blasted winter to be over with! Jackson has no shoes and has been exposed to CRAZY amounts of mud for the past two months. The rock we encountered on this ride was NOTHING compared to what we normally do (when we have no MUD months) and at the end of the ride he actually got ouchy! I was a bit freaked out because in the three years I have had him, he has NEVER been ouchy in ANY terrain we have ridden. Linda's horses, (who have shoes in the front!) acted as if they were about to die at the beginning of the ride when we were on the road! But I will keep an eye out and talk to the farrier. He is not lame and is walking as if nothing happened. In fact as soon as we stepped off the road, he stepped out normally. Fairly sure the mud just had to let itself be known in one more ways than it already has. WINTER BEGONE!! Bring on the heat! ;)

Thank God for this day, it was like a dose of Zoloft, lifting my winter funk hugely. I must admit it. I love jumping. I love dressage. But without my trail rides I wouldn't be able to function. Could I love riding the trails more than jumping? It doesn't matter, but I may have to say "Yes..." Luckily, I can do many things on Mr. Versatile so I won't ever have to choose anyway, and I'm never going to be the barn snob who won't take her horse on a trail ride because he's such a valuable competition horse and could get hurt! Trailrides. Yep. My version of Zoloft anyday.....

Saloon to reader's right, guesthouses to left..

Main office

Linda...wish I owned this butt fitting bench! So comfortable!

Linda on Jackson with Kathy on Red ahead of her

Kathy (left) on Red, Linda (right) on Traveler

Steppin' out

Kathy and Linda

Linda on Jackson

Linda on Jackson...Love his face in this one. Isn't it cool to see someone else on your horse sometimes?

Me on Traveler. Come on Traveler. GROW!

View from a ridgetop

Me on Jackson, Kathy up ahead--heading home.

A Horse's View of the World...

2010-02-16T05:19:00.000-05:00

A Horse's View of the World

Do you ever wonder what your horse is actually thinking? How often have you ever wondered if you are on the same page or even talking the same language? Take a look at some of the definitions from the horse's dictionary and compare them to yours.

Arena: Place where humans can take the fun out of forward motion.

Bit: Means by which a rider's every motion is transmitted to the sensitive tissues of the mouth.

Bucking: counter-irritant.

Crossties: Gymnastic apparatus.

Dressage: Process by which some riders can eventually be taught to respect the bit.

Fence: Barrier that protects good grazing.

Grain: Sole virtue of domestication.

Hitching rail: Means by which to test one's strength.

Horse trailer: Mobile cave bear den.

Hotwalker: The lesser of two evils.

Jump: An opportunity for self-expression.

Latch: Type of puzzle.

Longeing: Procedure for keeping a prospective rider at bay.

Owner: Human assigned responsibility for one's feeding.

Rider: Owner overstepping its bounds.

Farrier: Disposable surrogate owner; useful for acting out aggression without compromising food supply.

Trainer: Owner with mob connections.

Veterinarian: Flightless albino vulture

AND FINALLY.....

Only Horse People…

- believe in an 11th commandment: inside leg to outside rein...

- know that all topical medications come in either indelible blue or neon yellow.

- think nothing of eating a sandwich while mucking out a stall.

- know why a thermometer has a yard of yarn attached to the end of it.

- are banned from Laundromats.

- fail to associate whips, chains and leather with sexual deviancy.

- can magically lower their voices five octaves to bellow at a pawing horse.

- will end relationships over their hobby.

- cluck to their cars to help them up hills.

- insure their horses for more than their cars.

- know (and care) more about their horse's nutrition than their own.

- have no problem speaking of semen, abscesses and colic surgery at the dinner table.

- have a smaller wardrobe than their horse..

- engage in a hobby that is more work than their day job.

- know that a good ride is better than Zoloft any day.

Haven't posted in awhile....nothing much going on. Just getting through the doldrums of winter, praying for spring to hit early this year, and for the rain to stay away! I always get a bit down and home bound-ish this time of year, but it is nowhere nearly as bad as it used to be up North. I think I suffer from S.A.D. (seasonal affective disorder), so if I had to exist up there again, I am convinced I would need light therapy. For REAL. Had one awesome dressage lesson in which Allison told me that my form no longer needs the work (hell-a!)--she is now ready to turn Jackson and I into superstars! OK... That was her wording NOT mine! But lo and behold, it was a breakthrough lesson and Jackson rounded himself up, had impulsion from the hind end, and got his head out of the sky, looking for all intents and purposes like a REAL dressage horse! It was an arm pumping lesson, all of our work was shown to me right there in his headset. It needs to dry up and it is time to start working on the superstar part!! AKA: MINDY WANTS TO JUMP!!!! (AND SO DOES THE J-MAN! He whispered it in my ear! :)

Life's Most Beautiful Day!

2010-01-28T04:40:00.001-05:00

Today is my birthday! The only reason I mention it at all, is because three years ago today I met Jackson for the very first time. This is the picture located on the ad on Equine.com that sucked me in, and wouldn't let me GOOOOO....

This is another pic from the ad... Jackson with Yvonne's daughter who was the co-owner. Funnily enough, despite being a Texas horse where the Western discipline is predominant, Jackson was trained and ridden in an Australian saddle with a French Link Snaffle. Yvonne thought he looked wonderful as an "English horse" when she saw him in his new tack. And I still ride him in his French Link....

Jackson the day I met him. I could tell he LOVED his owner Yvonne. She had owned him since he was four months old and I got him when he was seven. Medical and financial reasons forced her to sell; I could tell she DID NOT want to let him go. I don't blame her, he is the very best horse in the world! He was all bit up from the mares he was boarded with, and of course scruffy with his winter coat. I could still see how PERFECT he is!

I fell in love.

I brought him home two weeks later and though we have had anything but an easy road, I wouldn't change it for the world. Thank you Yvonne for the gift you gave me, Jackson is truly the horse of my heart!

Truly life's most beautiful day. The day I was born (hee hee) and the day I met MY horse for the very first time!

Equine Dictionary Definition: in the plate- Said of a rider seated on the saddle on a horse. Hmmm. My favorite place to be.....

Trottin' Into the Wind

2010-01-24T10:00:00.001-05:00

"Oh Lordy, she's kissing me again?" Puts on tolerant face, eyes at half mast.

Yesterday dawned bright and sunny with 70 degree temperatures, calling us to ride. I got out to Linda's and the wind gusts were blowing us over. Easily 35-40 mph. But, nothing was going to stop us from riding (because of rain, mud and schedules, none of us had ridden in 2 weeks...HORROR!) so we set out and tacked up. Jackson tends to spook when it's really windy, but I thought to myself, "Oh well, he'll have to get over it, and I will too, because WE ARE RIDING!" Other than him trying his, "I'm going to back up so you'll turn around and put me away," antic at the onset, he did great! I just did a few circles to make him think he was getting his way, and then finally just gave him a kick and a stern "Walk On!," and he started walking across the big scary pasture with 3 feet of dried grass.

We rode over to Lorri's to pick her up, but didn't do any arena work or jumping today (OK, I did trot cavaletti) but the wind was miserable and it just wouldn't have been fun to hang out there. Not even for jumping. Lots of nice scary noises to freak Jackson out, but he did well with them all, even the rumble of the tin roof on the barn that would have scared me if I were a horse! Lots of good bomb proofing experiences were going on at Lorri's yesterday, including her husband burning the Christmas tree (yep, in the wind! we all just shook our heads over that one, even his wife...MEN! ;) but of course, it helped that he had been there several times before. Still, I was impressed with his calm, (somewhat on alert, but calm) demeanor and "spook smarts." I usually am prepared to sit at least one big side spook, possible 360, or crow hop a ride. That is just my horse and his breed, and I think I am fairly adept at it. I have never fallen off from one of those...although I almost did yesterday, read on!

Monting from the "off" side. I don't use a mounting block too often, but wanted to start that new experience with a nice leg up!

The three of us decided to head out into the back 40 where we often ride, it offers lots of trees, and just a nice ride. There are some super nice paths to trot or canter and a huge open field for practice and fun. We didn't hit the field due to the wind, but had a nice time the first half of the ride meandering along trails and talking. Lorri's horse Ozzie, (also an AngloArab like Jackson) kept having issues with invisible things on the trail, which Jackson decided not to imitate multiple times, despite being right behind her. That is just Ozzie, and Lorri is such a terrific rider that she is unfazed by her antics.

So we got to the point in the ride where we decided to go at a nice pace and trot for a couple of miles. Through trees, sharp turns, up and down ditches, through water, all kinds of fun stuff. Jackson still wasn't having any part in Ozzie's antics, just being my sane reliable mount. YAY! Then we came around a bush, and Ozzie dropped her left back hip and just moved out to the side. Huge side spook, or whatever you want to call it! Assuming Jackson was not going to imitate it, I didn't expect it, but I guess the back burner in my mind said, "Hang on!" cause darned if Jackson didn't imitate the very same movement! I sat it and lost a stirrup, but I was thinking while it happened, "Hmmm. What's the best way to fall off here?" I have less weight and more inner core muscles to thank, (or heck, maybe just luck) for sticking it! And then the culprit of the spook showed himself. Linda's dog Zelbar had gotten loose and skulked after us, making his appearance known in a sly way...

Linda on Traveler her new 3 year old QH/TB

So, once that got sorted out we had a pleasureable, uneventful rest of our ride. Oz proceeded to make Lorri work, especially when we put Jackson in the lead; she believes that since mares RULE and all geldings DROOL, she should be in the front. She will let Jackson ride abreast of her, but she wants to be in charge. Jackson could care less. He loves to be the one forging the trail, but he gives to bossy mare Oz easily, he just doesn't care that much! Lorri cracked me up. She made a comment, saying, "How do we have the same breed of horse, and yours is so sane? He never spooks!" This was after the spook with the dog, but she is correct. Jackson doesn't have half the issues with MONSTERS that Ozzie does. Who knows? Ozzie is a gem in the arena to take a dressage lesson on, but she can be hell on the trails. Lorri handles her fine, and you can often hear a giggle as they are disappearing around the corner at a full out gallop or some other crazy gait, so I think they are a match made in Heaven! Me, I'll stick to my horse on the trails, and ride Oz in the arena! :)

It was great to finally ride; talk about JONESING for something, and I'm glad that we still had fun in spite of that infernal blasting wind!

OOPS! Once again forgot to take my camera out when we were on the trail, I'm a bad blogger! You'll have to settle for the before the ride pics, which Lorri missed as she was tacking up! Next time!

Horse Lovers Defined

2010-01-23T08:45:00.002-05:00

Here's a funny thing I ran across, does any of it sound familiar? :)

THE BACKYARD RIDER:

Usually found wearing shorts and a sports bra in the summer; flannel
nightgown, muck boots, and a down jacket in the winter. Drives a Ford
150 filled with saddle blankets and dog hair. Most have deformed toes
from being stepped on while wearing flip-flops. Has a two-horse
bumper-pull trailer, but uses it for hay storage, as her horse hasn't
been off the farm in 6 years. Can install an electric fence, set a
gate, and roll a round bale, solo. Rode well and often when she used to
board her horse, 5 years ago. Took horse home to "save money" and has
spent about 50 grand on acreage, barn, fence, tractor, etc. Has two
topics of conversation -
1) How it's too hot/cold/wet/ dry to ride.
And
2) How she may ride after she fixes the fence/digs drainage
ditches/stacks 4 tons of hay.

THE NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP DEVOTEE:

Looks like a throwback from a Texas ranch, despite the fact that he
lives in the suburbs of New Jersey . Rope coiled loosely in hand in case
he needs to herd any of those kids on roller-blades away from his F-350
dually in the Wal-Mart parking lot. Cowboy hat strategically placed,
and just dirty enough to look cool. Levi's are well worn. "Lightning"
is, of course, this natural horsemanship guy's horse. Rescued from a bad
home where he was never imprinted or broke in the natural horsemanship
way, he specialized in running down his owners at feeding time,
knocking children off his back on low-hanging branches, and baring his teeth.
The hospitalization tally for his previous handlers was 12, until he was sent to Round Pen Randy;
after ten minutes in said pen, he is now a totally broke horse, bowing
to the crowd, and can put on his own splint boots (With R.P. Randy's
trademark logo embossed on them). R.P.R. says, of all this, "Well,
shucks ma'am, tweren't nuthin'! It's simple horsemanship. With this
special twirly flickitatin' rope ($47.95 plus tax), you'll be
round-pennin' like me in no time!"

THE ENDURANCE RIDER:

Wears Lycra tights in wild neon colors. The shinier the better, so the
EMTs can find her body when her horse dumps her down a ravine. Wears
hiking shoes of some sort, and T-shirts she got for paying $75 to
complete another torturous ride. Her horse, Al Kamar Shazam, used to be
called "you bastard" until he found an owner almost as hyper as he is.
Shazam can spook at a blowing leaf, spin a 360, and not lose his big
trot rhythm or give an inch to the horse behind him. Has learned to
eat, drink, pee, and drop to his resting pulse rate on command.
He has compiled 3,450 AERC miles; his rider compiled 3,445 miles (the
missing five miles are the ones when he raced down the trail without
his rider after performing his trademark 360). Over-heard frequently:
"Anyone have Advil?" "Anyone got some food? I think last year's Twinkies
went bad." "For this pain I spend money?" "Shazam, you bastard-it's
just a leaf" [thud]!

THE HUNTER RIDER:

Is slightly anorexic and trying her best to achieve the conformation of
a 17-year-old male in case she ever has a clinic with George Morris.
Field marks include greeny-beige breeches and a baseball cap when
schooling or mud-colored coat and hardhat with dangling chinstrap when
competing. Forks over about agrand a month to trainer
for the privilege of letting him/her "tune" up
the horse, which consists of drilling the beast until it's going to put
in five strides on a 60 foot line no matter WHAT she does. Sold the
Thoroughbred (and a collection of lunging equipment, chambons, side reins) and bought
a Warmblood, a ladder and a LONG set of spurs. Talks a lot about the
horse's success in Florida without exactly letting on that she herself
has never been south of the Pennsylvania line.

THE DRESSAGE QUEEN:

Has her hair in an elegant ponytail and is wearing a visor and gold
earrings sporting a breed logo. A $100 dollar custom jumper (also with
breed logo) is worn over $300 dollar full-seat white breeches and custom
Koenigs. Her horse, "Leistergeidelsprun dheim" ("Fleistergeidel" for
short) is a 17.3-hand Warmblood who was bred to be a Grand Prix horse.
The Germans are still laughing hysterically, as he was bred to be a
Grand Prix JUMPER, but since he couldn't get out of his own way, they
sold him to an American. His rider fell in love with his lofty gaits,
proud carriage, and tremendous athleticism. She admires mostly while
lunging. She lunges him a lot, because she is not actually too keen to
get up there and try to SIT that trot. When she rides, it's not for
long, because (while he looks FINE to everyone else), she can tell that
he is not as "through" and "supple" as he should be, and gets off to call the
chiropractor/ massage therapist/psychic, all of which is expensive. But
he WILL be shown, and shown right after he perfects (fill in the blank).
The "blank" changes often enough that the rider can avoid the stress of
being beaten at Training Level 1 by a Quarter Horse.

THE EVENTER:

Is bent over from carrying three saddles, three bridles, three bits,
and three unrelated sets of clothing (four, if she is going to have to
do a trot up at a 3-Day). The hunched defensive posture is reinforced
by the anticipation of "a long one" a ditch and a wall, and from living in her
back protector. Perpetually broke because she pays THREE coaches (a
Dressage Queen, a jumper rider, and her eventing guru, none of whom
approve of the other) and pays trailers/stabling/ living expenses to go
600 miles to events that are spread out over 5 days.
She is smugly convinced that Eventers arein fact the only people in the
world who CAN ride (since Dressage Queen's don't jump,
the H/J crowd is too afraid to go OUT of a ring,
and the fox hunters -- a related breed -- don't have to deal with
dressage judges). Hat cover on cross-country helmet is secured with a
giant rubber band, so she can look like her idol, Phillip. Her horse,
(who has previously been rejected as a race horse, a steeplechase horse
-- got ruled off for jumping into the infield tailgating the crowd -- a
jumper, a fox hunter, and a polo pony (no bit stops this thing) has two
speeds: gallop and "no gallop" (also known as stop 'n' dump). Excels at
over jumping into water, doing a head first "tuck and roll" maneuver,
and then her horse, exiting the complex (catch me if you can!), before
his rider slogs out of the pond. He often stops to lick the Crisco off
his legs before continuing gaily on to the merciless oxer jump just
ahead. Owner often threatens to sell, but as he has flunked out of every
other English-riding discipline, he will have to be to a barrel racer.

"Saddle (n); An expensive leather contraption manufactured to give the
rider a false sense of security. Comes in many styles, all feature
built-in ejector seats.."

Now, Now

2010-01-19T06:59:00.002-05:00

Allison & I discussing a lesson

I'm going to be honest. I have a problem. It is something many of you can probably relate to, or not, depending on where you want to go with your horse and what type of riding goals and dreams you have set for yourself. Here it is. I have huge expectations of my horse and myself. That is good, but I think I get too serious at times and am not stopping to appreciate what we've accomplished, and the joy that is right there between my legs (oohhh that sounded a bit...off :) and at the end of my reins. I am IMMENSELY impressed with how far Jackson and I have come in just one year, but sometimes instead of appreciating that, I find it not enough, and wanting more, more, more.

I have no real good pictures of our lessons because my face is so serious I look mad. I assure you I am not mad, but when I concentrate deeply I look mad! I would like to keep my focus and gain the experience of the joy in a lesson. Learning on my horse. I love it, but at the same time, get so driven that I forget about the love! So I must lose the Type A stuff which is probably even impeding our learning somewhat! I just want perfection immediately, and that is not the way with horses. I am not saying that on a trail ride or while loafing around, I can't enjoy myself, because at those times I COMPLETELY relax. But I really want to become a proficient dressage rider and turn Jackson into a jumper. Of course, I know these things take time. I'm just impatient. Does this strike a cord in any of you? If it does, I'd love to hear about it!

Here is a quote that I love from Mark Rashid's book, Horses Never Lie.

"I'm not saying that I think goals are bad. They can give direction and purpose. But the problem I see with being too goal-oriented is that it can be awfully easy to lose sight of the moment, to become so focused on the destination that you miss the journey." "I am beginning to realize that a person never gets 'there.' This is really a journey with no destination. It is an unending process. Everything that is important is 'as you go,' not 'when you get there,' because there is no there!"

So there it is. The words of wisdom to live by. It's the journey, not the destination!

And I must give thanks and kudos to Bre over at G is for Greta for making me my fantastic new banner! Check out her blog, it's wonderful! And thanks again, Bre!

FYI Equine dictionary definition: horsecorser- A dealer in horses, particularly a tricky one.

Walking the Dog

2010-01-17T06:48:00.003-05:00

As a dog lover/owner I am forced to laugh and post this poem to be enjoyed by those with my same warped sense of humor! From the picture I'm sure you can see who rules the roost in my house!

Walking the Dog

Two universes mosey down the street

Connected by love and a leash and nothing else.

Mostly I look at lamplight through the leaves

While she mooches along with tail up and snout down,

Getting a secret knowlege through the nose

Almost entirely hidden from my sight.

We stand while she's enraptured by a bush

Till I can't stand standing any more

And haul her off; for our relationship

Is patience balancing to this side tug

And that side drag, a pair of symbionts

Contented not to think each other's thoughts.

What else we have in common's what she taught,

Our interest in shit. We know its every state

From steaming fresh through stink to nature's way

Of sluicing it downstreet dissolved in rain

Or drying it to dust that blows away.

We move along the street inspecting it.

Her sense of it is keener than mine,

And only when she finds the place precise

She signifies by sniffing urgently

And circles thrice about, and sqauts, and shits,

Whereon we both with dignity walk home

And just to show who's master I write the poem.

--Howard Nemrov

I recently aquired a very cool book: The Equine Dictionary. With each of my posts I'll post a new word with its definition. Today's I know, but I like, so I will post it!

pas de deux: A dressage term: a freestyle dressage program ridden by two riders.

I have a keychain that says "Just Deux It!" and one day Lorri commented that I was catching up with her, one day we would be ready for pas de deux at a show. I'm so sure.... :)

Fall Off Seven Times?? For Real?

2010-01-13T07:57:00.000-05:00

They say that falling off seven times makes you a real equestrian. I beg to differ!
(I can honestly say I have no idea how many times I've fallen off in my life, that would be interesting to know, then I could make it my lucky number! Probably in the 20's or 30's somewhere! Since the age of six...)

Check out this humorous list of 10 simple exercises that will help you become a better equestrian.

10. Drop a heavy steel object on your foot. Don't pick it up right away. Shout, "Get off, Stupid, GET OFF!"

9. Leap out of a moving vehicle and practice "relaxing into the fall." Roll tightly into a ball and spring to your feet.

8. Learn to grab your checkbook out of your purse and write out a $200 check without even looking down.

7. Jog long distances carrying a halter and a carrot. Go ahead and tell the neighbors what you are doing - they might as well know now.

6. Affix a pair of reins to a moving freight train and practice pulling to a halt. Smile as if you are having fun.

5. Hone your fibbing skills: "See hon, moving hay bales is FUN!" and "No, really, I'm glad your lucky performance and multimillion dollar horse won the blue ribbon. I am just thankful that my hard work and actual ability won me second place."

4. Practice dialing your chiropractor' s number with both arms paralyzed to the shoulder and one foot anchoring the lead rope of a frisky horse.

3. Borrow the US Army's slogan: Be All That You Can Be -- bitten, thrown, kicked, slimed, trampled, frozen...

2. Lie face down in a puddle of mud in your most expensive riding clothes and repeat to yourself, "This is a learning experience, this is a learning experience, this is ..."

1. THE NUMBER ONE EXERCISE TO BECOME A BETTER EQUESTRIAN: Marry money.

"Who? ME?"

Sunday Stills~Peggy's Percherons

2010-01-10T12:53:00.005-05:00

The first two pictures are Peggy's Percheron cross ZiZi. Can't wait to go out and ride her, it should be quite the experience after my little 15.3 hand Jackson!!!

Eclipse is Peggy's newest addition, a full blooded Percheron, and is pictured in the last three pictures. Eclipse was 17 months old and 17 hands high when these were taken this summer... WOW.

Aren't they both gorgeous?

Let the Jumping Begin...

2010-01-04T06:43:00.015-05:00

Yesterday started out a bit cold and yucky looking, but I decided to trek out to ride horseface. It warmed up to 51 degrees (argh) which was actually alright once I got the blood pumping a bit! Linda decided to ride her new 3 yr. old QH/TB Traveler who is a newbie and needs some miles. He is going to be quite handsome when he fills out (AND stops BITING saddles and wooden fences), but right now he is a bit gawky. He opened a gate with Linda aboard though, so I am thinking he is quite sane of mind, and take back some of my comments regarding him and his affinity for a certain someone's Australian saddle--he BIT it! That saddle I am not as concerned about, but if he so much as looks at my Bates jumping saddle, fur will fly! :)

We had a nice little trail ride in the acreage behind Linda's house and a nice even, collected trot (maybe a mile total) with Jackson (on the bit!) as the leader setting the pace around the humongous field back there. I informed Jackson that he is a big boy now and had to show Traveler all that he has learned! Then we made the little trek over to our friend Lorri's to ride with her. My ears TOTALLY perked up when Linda told me Lorri was setting up some trotting cavaletti for us to play with. My mind also also went hmmmm.... as I remembered the jump standards that have recently been given to Lorri by a friend who moved. I have been eyeing them for over a month now. I walked Jackson over them before our last dressage lesson (Lorri has an arena where we take some of our lessons) but quickly realized that they were just a bit too high for walking over, I would have to jump 'em!

I have done ground cavaletti with Jackson out at Triple H and jumped things 12 inches or lower on trail rides and on Triple H's XC course, but I haven't (and I'll be honest here) had the cojones to take anything higher. You see, Jackson has never been jumped before, is fairly green, and let's face it, I have had these fear issues which started after breaking my shoulder when I first got Jackson. Those fear issues are getting rather worn, tattered and tiring. In fact, so tiring that they are LEAVING! So when we got to Lorri's we walked, talked and played with our horses around the pasture, and then I started attacking the set of 4 cavaletti you see above at a trot. Jackson did great. He is willing, and he is smart. I will post these pics below, but please don't comment on the equitation! Of course I look like crap, I haven't jumped in, well, let's just say A LONG TIME. (I'm looking forward to jumping things that actually require me to RAISE my stirrups up, and put the KNEE BLOCKS back on my jumping saddle!) Anyway, he took the set of 4 cavaletti well, along with a set of two we also had set up across from them. Lorri and Linda both said he really did them nicely with his legs up and moving evenly with some really nice work with his hocks.

After that, we did some arena work, but I just kept eyeing the two jumps right beside the arena, thinking "Mindy, it IS time." And these are easily accomplished jumps. A horse will jump things this low quite easily. But if he knows his rider is a chicken butt.... Well, I'm sure you know what can happen then! I left the arena by the side door, (and heard just what Allison, my instructor would have to say about THAT in my mind--I quickly made the gals promise that I would not be reported for my lack of dressage etiquette :) and just sat astride Jackson looking at the jumps--contemplating and inwardly feeling so confident that we could do them, but at the same time trying to banish the little tendrils of doubt that were trying to creep in. Of course the girls were all over me after they noticed me standing there just looking for five minutes or so. Take the jumps, you can do it, etc.

"Well, why the hell not?", I thought.

I knew we were ready. Kind of. The first attempt was, well, a gallant attempt. We took the first in the set of two fine (it is lower) and then Jackson ran out (cause I chickened out and let him) on the second one--which is higher even though the pic doesn't really show it. He pulled this a couple more times, and then of course, I had to get the big girl britches out, because if I let him get away with evading a fence at this early stage, and didn't jump it successfully because I let him run out on the jump, well, a jumping team we would quite possibly NEVER be. So, I approached again. Took the first and just applied major leg, with every bit of my mind screaming, "GO!" And he did. He JUMPED it. It wasn't pretty, it wasn't in the middle of the jump (so he took the higher part which is easily 2 feet) but it was done! We came out of the jump at a canter (my old? nemesis) and I thought nothing of it. It felt normal, natural and great. I really didn't have time to do anything but ride it, then Linda started shouting, "You're cantering!" I just looked at her and said, "I know, I'm on his back." LOL. Then Lorri piped in with, "Mindy, TELL him he did good!", which I immediately did. It was the shock and happiness and amazement, all at once, making me forget to instantly reward his AMAZINGNESS! We jumped? (maybe two feet? easily 18 inches anyway!) And came out of it at a canter? AND NO EVERYONE, I DID NOT HAVE EVEN ONE MEETING WITH THE GROUND!! OH HAPPY DAY!

After that, Lorri jumped Kite who had NEVER been jumped before (she jumps her other horse). This is the horse she had the really BAD accident on in June. Kite also ran out on the second jump a few times, so I didn't feel as bad! Lorri is an amazing, accomplished rider who could be an instructor herself, it was really nice having her on the sidelines telling me what to do and what I was doing wrong.

Below are a montage of images from the caveletti at a trot. I wasn't trying to two point, just float above the saddle a bit. The jumps did not warrant it, and my stirrups are at the length I use for dressage! Sadly, my camera was in my pocket when we did our first BIG BOY jump! Next time video is coming into play! Allison and I are going to have to have a talk. I still want to take dressage, as I think it is teaching me a LOT about my riding, but I want jumping lessons now too. We ARE ready.

Linda and Lorri. Without these two and their eternal patience, teaching, and encouragement in the past two years, I don't know where I'd be.

Thanks girls!

My Wish for the New Decade

2010-01-03T08:41:00.002-05:00

Sometimes things don't go, after all, from bad to worse.

Some years, muscatel faces down frost; green thrives, the crops don't fail. Sometimes a woman aims high, and all goes well.

A people sometimes will step back from war, elect an honest man; decide they care enough, that they can't leave some stranger poor. Some women become what they were born for.

Sometimes our best efforts do not go amiss; sometimes we do as we meant to. The sun will sometimes melt a field of sorrow that seemed hard frozen: may it happen for you.
~Sheenagh Pugh

This is my hope for the new decade. The last one can BEGONE! May it do just that please. Really bad times have plagued the last ten years! Time for the earth to enter new orbits, the moon to do something new and unheard of; something! Not everything has been bad, but trust me on the fact that it was a decade of survival and not much else! I am looking forward to looking back on most of it!
May Peace happen for us all!
So while you all are making your resolutions and goals, I am just praying and hoping I am heard. Peace, oh blissful peace....

Triple H Equitherapy-- Horses for Heroes Program

2010-01-02T06:11:00.004-05:00

A few of you know of my volunteer work at the Triple H Equitherapy program as a horse handler, side walker, tack cleaner, and grunt for the yearly Triple H Scavenger Hunt. I am pleased to say that The Hooves to Heroes Program has recently gotten major funding, and at LAST is getting some attention from the military to aid our wounded veterans. I have not participated in working with the veterans as of yet. As you can well imagine, EVERYONE wants to volunteer for those classes, and we have only had three or four riders participate so far. There will be more, and perhaps then I will be placed in a class, but I am not worried about it. I am just happy that the program is finally happening; some of you may know that my son's father is currently in Iraq for one year, and I myself was in the military at one time, so it is wonderful seeing the program getting the funding and attention it deserves!

I just bloom where I am planted out there, and especially love working with the Developmentally Disabled folks as that is where I have 12 years of experience. Having my son full-time has put a bit of a damper on volunteering, especially during the school year.

I currently fill in occasionally, clean tack when I can, and went out last week to help clear trails on horseback for our annual Mounted Scavenger Hunt. I miss my classes! During the summer I was involved in one two hour class for an at risk youth who had been abused, and a two hour class for an autistic child (age 8) and his brother (age 10). Sometimes we forget that the sibling needs a little horsey therapy too! I enjoyed these classes as we taught horse care from the ground up. How to act around a horse, how to groom, tack up, and then the culmination--Riding! My son's brother (age five) has been diagnosed with autism, and I would love to see him out there riding too.

In the future I plan on working on my instructor certification. Sadly, not being able to volunteer as often has put a HUGE hold on that plan for right now. However, I will not give up on those plans, and in the New Year will work to make my volunteering committment more frequent. With summer creeping up, there will be more classes, and I won't have to worry about being there when the kiddo gets home from school to do homework, dinner, and ensure a proper bedtime. I can bring him along and have him clean stalls!! :)

Below is a news article regarding the Horses for Heroes Program, and a quick video featuring football player Mario Williams who made a generous donation.

If you want to see more about the facility and it's programs, go here .

November 2009

Wounded warriors who are part of the Warrior Transition Battalion at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) in San Antonio are benefiting from equine assisted therapy at Triple H Equitherapy Center thanks to a $15,000 donation secured by a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

Jeff Harris of Kerrville, Texas, contacted William Hutton, Los Angeles, who is a friend and Purple Heart member about the therapeutic riding opportunity at Triple H. Hutton sought financial help from longtime friend, Robert Irmas, who represents the Audrey & Sydney Irmas Charitable Foundation, also located in Los Angeles.

Irmas said the foundation is honored to be part of Triple H’s Horses for Heroes program. “Providing support for our wounded service members is a high priority for us and we take this obligation very seriously,” he added.

A few troops who were wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan have participated in therapeutic riding at Triple H over the past 18 months including Staff Sgt. Chris Edwards, Sgt. Omar Avila and Cpl. Javier Rivera. All three suffered extensive burns and other injuries when Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) detonated under their military vehicles. They continue to receive treatment at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio.

But like the true heroes they are, these soldiers are more concerned about how their injuries have affected their families than the impact the disabilities have on their own lives. They are upbeat as they work to recover a sense of normalcy and they are proud to have served their country.

Avila, who grew up in the Rio Grande Valley, says that the therapeutic riding he’s done has enabled him to walk longer distances. “It’s another way of doing therapy that doesn’t feel like therapy,” he says with a smile.

Rivera says that equine assisted therapy is a great way to take his mind off of what has happened. He has fond memories of horseback riding growing up in Puerto Rico and says “I really look forward to coming out to ride.”

Edwards said he could feel the stretch in my scar bands immediately. He said he was excited about getting more disabled veterans interested in therapeutic riding.

Located about 20 miles northwest of San Antonio near Pipe Creek, the riding center provides therapy for children and youth with special needs, adults recovering from injuries, and most recently wounded warriors. Triple H Equitherapy Center is the only nonprofit center in the San Antonio area to be fully accredited by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA). It is one of only about 200 NARHA designated premier therapeutic riding centers in the country.

Please contact Executive Director Richard Dosher at 830-510-9515 or email hhhdream@aol.com to learn more about making a donation to the Triple H Equitherapy Center or to inquire about their Horses for Heroes program.

Texans Defensive End Mario Williams presented a $10,000 donation to the Center for Citizen Leadership's "The Mission Continues" program at an event in Houston in March 2009 hosted by Esquire Magazine and Armani. Our Veteran Outreach Coordinator, Mathew Trotter, who is a volunteer for our organization was on hand to help accept the gift.

"The Mission Continues" featuring Triple H Equitherapy Center's Mathew Trotter

The Gift--Heartfelt Thanks to Artist Karen McLain

2009-12-31T07:11:00.149-05:00

As a few of my faithful readers are aware, my very good friend Linda's horse Shorty has been diagnosed with cancer and given six months to a year to live. Being quite heartbroken by the news, and feeling horrible for my friend, I got to thinking.....

I had found Karen McLain's blog a while ago and had contacted her regarding pricing and information in order to find out about getting an oil painting done of my horse Jackson. Since I always seem to have other things come up monetarily, that had been put onto the back burner for awhile. After Shorty's diagnosis and with Christmas coming, the wheels in my head started to turn. Wouldn't it be great if....

So I contacted Karen once again and explained the situation with Shorty, and that I would like to commission one of her oil paintings for Linda to have to commemorate their life together. I was having computer issues at the time so I went to a friend's house and shot her an e-mail to please call me. She called me back the very same day and we went from there. The whole experience was wonderful and Karen was a superb communicator throughout the whole experience.

Karen wanted to know everything about Shorty. From personality, age, to what disciplines he has been ridden; there wasn't much she didn't end up knowing about him without actually getting to meet him herself.

I told Linda about the gift. Why not keep it a surprise you ask? I thought long and hard. If my horse had cancer and someone was having a painting done for me, I would want to pick the details out myself. Did she want to be in the picture? Would she want a close up or him running in the field? Halter or no halter? After her partnership with him of sixteen years, there were things I needed and wanted to know so that the finished product would be special. Although I love Shorty too, I have only known him for two years and he is not my horse. I wanted a masterpiece, and in order to make that happen she had to know. She told me that it didn't really hit her until a few hours after I had told her, and then she cried.

Last evening I was finally able to see her face as the letter from Karen was read to her (she tried to read it out loud herself, but....tears...), and she saw the painting for the first time. I had already looked at the painting and read the letter, and I CRIED when I saw such a perfect rendering of Shorty. Even though I had very carefully looked at Karen's paintings on her blog, you worry when giving a gift that is so important. That your expectations won't be met. That the horse you know won't be the one in the painting. I need not have worried. As soon as I saw it I gave a HUGE shout, "She got him! She captured him perfectly!" And Linda thought so too. His soul shines through; this is not a generic horse painting. She had also seen Karen's work on her blog, but she commented, "This is her best yet!" Of course it is... :). I wish I had captured it all on video. Her face was a Christmas gift to me. She got a bit teary, but her best friend Lorri was sitting across from us wiping her eyes copiously for all three of us.

Thank you Karen. Your painting was a beautiful way to thank my friend for all she does for me and Jackson, show her how much I love her, and to thank Shorty for being the amazing horse that he is. Folks, you will not regret a painting from this amazing artist!

Sunday Still: New Artwork for My Wall!

2009-12-27T09:46:00.003-05:00

THIS is a Wonderful Life....

2009-12-25T05:28:00.020-05:00

Anne, Lorri and me...Can you believe that Lorri and I both have Anglo Arabs? They are SO different!

Linda on Red (Missouri Fox Trotter), Anne on Allie (Arabian) and Lorri on Ozzie (AngloArab)

On Wednesday we had wonderful 68 degree weather and it was the perfect day for us to hit the trails! I haven't been riding too much in the past month with sickness and weather getting the upper hand. Oh. And work. And the kiddo. There were actually five of us who rode out, but we took these pics without our friend Kathy (later pictured in pink) because she was being a slow butt... :) J.K., Kathy!
We took along tools to clear some trail, officially beginning our work on the annual Triple H Equitherapy Scavenger Hunt. We have changed the date from June to early May because we think the cooler weather in May will attract more riders. Adding new trails and obstacles are imperative to keeping the interest and freshness of the ride alive. Three of us cleared branches and forged trail on foot, while two held the five horses; I'd say we spent 45 minutes clearing and the rest was a relaxing, invigorating ride. Even though we waded streams, and traveled at a pretty fast pace for five riders, it felt as if we were all very much in sync and we all had a ball. If you have ever ridden with this size group, you probably know that this does NOT always happen! :)
As we rode, I reflected on the past year a bit, and how far I have really come with Jackson. When we trot now it feels like another extension of me; we have both gotten so much better at this gate, I am no longer thrown up into the heavens gulping at the stars. We can canter. Collection, check. (OK. Much more collection than ever before, how's that? :) On the bit? Most of the time. Doing things with such comfort and ease that they are automatic? OH YEAH! :) Lost 54 pounds? Done that too. That in and of itself has helped my riding immensely. There are people out there who are overweight and ride superbly. I am not one of them. I was a thin person in a fat body. Seriously. At my thinnest I weighed 127 lbs. at a height of 5'10. Of course, this was at the age of 22, and I was VERY thin. Realistically, I will be happy to lose another 10 lbs. for a happy 135-140. My horse loves the weight loss too. Did I lose the weight for my horse and to be a better rider? Absolutely. My dressage lessons have also been a wonderful thing we have started this past year. With Allison my instructor(who is 79 and was a Grand Prix XC rider in her time), it has really been an eye opening experience, and benefited my riding more than I can say. Although I don't know if I will ever be what you call a dressage rider, I DO take lessons to help our partnership, further our learning, and to aid in mine and Jackson's jumping abilities down the road. I firmly believe if you can perform classical dressage (at least the basics) you are ready for anything! In the next year it will be time to add the next piece of our challenge. JUMPING! We will also be working on obstacles and add a few competetive trail rides and our usual trail riding to the mix for variety and to keep it fun! They don't call him a sport horse for nothing and we both love changing it up!

Back to our ride. We did lots of different and advanced terrain: small spaces, up and DOWN steep hills, deep streams, switchbacks, etc. All the horses took it in stride. We even did a couple little jumps over a log and one drop off. Kathy was riding a seasoned Warmblood XC jumper, and Lorri did them at a wild hand gallop (gotta love those mares!), but Jackson is nothing if not practical, and is so attuned to me. He is one smart guy, and knows just what I am ready for these days! We popped the jumps at a trot...Don't get me wrong. This horse is SO MORE THAN capable of a wild, fun hand gallop in a heartbeat, and could run all day, but he knows that we have that on the list for next years post! :) What a good boy!
As it neared 5pm a really cool mist hung like a light cotton batting with the sunlight over the water. It looked so cool. I am in the light blue in the pics below...wish they were better, I had my camera, but Linda actually remembered to grab hers and take a few! Sometimes it is not a picture taking day, I felt the need to commune with the day, my horse, and my friends...

All I could help thinking was, THIS IS THE LIFE!

Happy Holidays and a very Merry Christmas to you all!
May your rides be many, fun, and fill you up in 2010!

Holiday Goodies Everywhere....

2009-12-23T11:39:00.009-05:00

Below are my HOMEADE HOLIDAY HORSE TREATS! The recipe is from the November 2008 issue of Horse Illustrated but I will include it in case you want to try them! They were REALLY easy! I also included the peppermints after I baked them--just the old fashioned soft sticks which are really easy to break....I made a double batch because I was baking for seven horses--Jackson, Lorri's three and Linda's three. Each batch yielded 15 treats but you could easily make them a bit smaller--mine were a spoonful each--give or take a bit! I used one Granny Smith and one Red Delicous (for sweet and sour taste) and two average size carrots for a double batch...

Also note Miles with his yearly gingerbread house, and of course the torture of the cat turining her into a reindeer. Really, didn't go all that well. She is bent out of shape over the new dog and has declined to celebrate the Holidays this year.

Carrot/Apple Horse Cookies

1 cup grated carrot

1 cup grated apple

2 TBSP. corn oil

1/4 cup molasses

1 tsp. salt

1 cup rolled oats

1 cup flour

Combine the grated carrot, grated apple, corn oil and molasses in mixing bowl and blend well. Gradually fold in the salt, rolled oats and flour and continue blending. Drop the dough by spoonfuls two inches apart on ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned. ( I found it only took about 12 minutes in my oven so watch carefully!)

AND ADD THE PEPPERMINTS AFTER BAKING!!! :)

Jingle Bella Finds a Home

2009-12-16T10:30:00.000-05:00

I have recently had an itch that needed scratched. The yearning for another dog. I kept putting it off, because I really want a Rhodesian Ridgeback. I am not in a place where I can have such a big dog. I have a fenced in yard, but my dog door will only fit up to a medium dog and the x-large size I looked into would come with a hefty $400 price tag. I have the kind that fits into a sliding glass door. Also, I do have a pretty small house, and a dog that is easily the weight of my son, well, I need LAND!!! Since my dog is only five months from being 16 years old, I admit, I am going to need some comfort when she goes. Canine comfort. And I love dogs. All breeds, all types. Small, big, large, extra large, full-bred, mutt, it doesn't really matter to me.

But how to find the right dog? I knew I couldn't go to the shelter. I just can't. I would cry and then leave with two or three and really turn my life into problem city.... So..the other day I went onto Craig's list just to look. I did not expect to see the little face peering out at me that I HAD to follow up on. I talk myself out of things. What if? is my mantra when it comes to things like this. And most of the time, I talk myself out of things by worrying. My biggest concern was my dog Dakota. Not that she would be mean to the dog, but that she would feel displaced or replaced. I have had her since she was 5 weeks old and she'll be 16 in April. I should have remembered that Dakota has no problems with other pets...

So, I found her on Craig's list on Saturday (and the lady removed the pictures that TOTALLY sucked me in, I must call and try to get them), and by Sunday morning I was on the phone. Her face wouldn't leave my mind. I told everyone at work I was waiting for a sign from God. Maybe the sign was that I found her so quickly and that I NEVER go to the pet section of Craig's List. Strangely enough, my friend Rose, another nurse, was the clincher. She said, "She needs a home. Adopt her." Now, no bolt of lightning came down, no sunlight blinding my eyes, but I look up to Rose, so her words were heard. Simple, true words. MY sign. Or perhaps she was just the impetus that made me make up my mind. At any rate, I found myself making a long extra hour trek after work ended at 7pm to go and get her. The owners had been evicted and I'm not sure what the woman who thrust her into my arms relationship was. She had scant information. She's had shots sometime in the past. Not sure how old she is, maybe a year or two. She may be indoor/outdoor. So really, not much help. Food. Oh, just give her canned whatever, no specific brand. (I am inwardly thinking, canned, cheap crap, no way. Science Diet or Iams mini chunks, YES!). But this little girl who weighs exactly 11 lbs. immediately curled up into my arms and nestled in like she belonged there.

The car ride home was uneventful, she settled onto the floor of the car in all my barn jackets and slept. I wondered at what ordeal she had been through in the past few days. I had told my son I would be late because I needed to go see about a Christmas present. I was only 1/2 hour past my normal time, so I actually did well. He was in disbelief when I opened up the car door. "Mom, WHO is that?" "Miles, It's our new dog."
His face lit up and his arms reached out. That's my boy. Loves pets and animals. And she stunk! I didn't want to put her through a bath after all she had been through, but there was no other option. I wanted her to be able to come up onto my bed, and NO WAY that was happening without a bath! She did fine and we dried her pretty fast with her wiry terrier hair. I LOVE terriers after having one as a little kid. One that looked exactly like Toto (with the same name) from the Wizard of Oz. The woman said she is a Norfolk terrier, but I looked them up on the internet. I don't think so. She has big pointy ears with little tufts of fur at the tips. Also, she has a mohawk right in the center of her head! She looks nothing like the Norfolk Terriers I saw pictured who have small ears that flop forward. But she is definitely a terrier of some type.

She is so calm and shy around loud noises and the other pets. She LOVES to sleep on the bed with me and also loves the dog bed I bought a few weeks ago, the one my older dog SHUNNED. We are teaching her to use the dog door, but she is afraid of the flap. Only one accident so far on the first night.

So I have learned: she may have fleas (already treated), she is itchy but haven't seen fleas--skin problem?, needs shots (check, I went and purchased her first one to give her until I get her to the vet for her Rabies and to get fixed), she isn't fixed; she's in heat, so I got a tiny little 11 lb. dog mess which is no big deal, she has no idea how to walk on a leash, she has worms (as evidenced by the butt dragging I've witnessed)but no tapeworms in her poop, and she is the sweetest, most loveable little thing I could've wished for. Thanks Santa Claus!

We haved named her Bella. Bells=Christmas. I'll probably end up shortening it to Bells anyway, because all the pets have nicknames. They told me her name is Sara, but she shows no response to that name so I know it was never Sara. Maybe for one day. Our other pets definitely have their noses bent out of shape. Especially two out of my three cats. This is evidenced by the fact that they have spent the past three days on top of the kitchen cupboards. Dakota, my dog, is feeling a tiny bit neglected, but she sniffs at Bella and has no beef with her...I am just trying to give everyone extra attention. I am sure they are thinking, "Christmas, this is Christmas? Bah, Humbug!" But all three cats were adopted, and Dakota is the only one I paid for in Florida. I will pay adoption/rescue fees now, but I won't buy a pet when so many need homes. I paid nothing for little Bella, but I would have, at least a re-homing fee. But, the woman didn't ask, and in light of the money I need to spend on her medical care due to neglect.... Of course I did buy Jackson three years ago, so I guess I'm not totally altruistic!

Today is my last day off out of three, I wonder how little Bella will fair with me gone and Miles not getting home from school until 4pm? I expect accidents since she is having problems with the dog door... But maybe we'll get lucky! Regardless, I feel blessed!

The Winnah'!

2009-12-15T12:38:00.011-05:00

Folks, we have a Holiday horseshoe winner! Since my son was home sick from school today, I grabbed my OLD first jumping helmet (the one I would have died in back in those days if I'd ever hit my head--really, NO cushioning!) and dropped the entrants names in. I then had Miles pick the winner. Julie from over at Equine Mine was the name Miles picked out.
Julie's advice to me was: "Here are a couple little mantras I like to remind myself of...."My horse has no goals, only I do" and "Make the right thing easy, the wrong thing difficult" and "Never take soundness for granted...everyday I ride I consider a gift." Wonderful advice Julie. Thanks.
If anyone does want a horseshoe, I make them for $15 plus s&h. I can make many different types, different sized shoes, colors, charms, stones, etc. I have recently had an offer to sell them on the Riverwalk downtown in a really cool eclectic gift shop, the owner is going to sell them for $35-85 depending on the beads, size, etc... I have not totally committed to this yet, we shall see...
I will also have another little giveaway sometime after Christmas so you may get a horseshoe yet! Thanks for all the comments, I really enjoyed them.
Come back over tomorrow and meet a new family member! I can't wait for you all to see her!!!

Holiday Giveaway....

2009-12-07T11:25:00.005-05:00

I've been wanting to do a little giveaway of one of my homemade beaded horseshoes and was going to do it in Oct. at my one year blogging anniversary but computer issues put a crimp in that! Here is your chance to obtain your own bit of beaded luck! Just leave me a piece of horse advice/wisdom/anecdote that you have found useful in your own dealings with your horse or the horses you have ridden. If you don't ride, but just love horses, leave me advice too! I will have the drawing on 15 December...if you are an anonymous commenter, please leave an ID or name of some sort at the bottom of your comment. The winner will be announced soon after, and I will obtain contact information then. I will mail internationally so leave me some sage advice folks! The horseshoe you win may not be one of the two pictured!

Amusing Little Update...And NEW additions!

2009-12-01T06:07:00.012-05:00

Turkey Exploded. Stand By Please.

The now infamous Turkey Cake....

After taking the computer to the Doc and one power supply later, I am back to blog land again! Sure have missed being able to post! Just wanted to show you what Miles (my son) made for Thanksgiving. Of course, this cake stole the show, and it was his creation from A-Z. And before you ask where the feathers came from as all 10 people at my friend's house did before partaking in a slice, they came from the local craft store! :)We had a really nice day and Miles got to meet Lorri's new Rhodesian Ridgeback Heike, who, at six months isn't so new (or small) anymore, and then we all got to meet Linda's new horse Traveler who she had just picked up Thanksgiving morning. Traveler started out with the name Cowboy which was a resounding NO! He is a three year old QH with 60 days under saddle. I can't wait to ride him! But he is getting short rides so he'll grow properly yada da dum... but that is why he looks a bit gangly and non-muscular! I will post again and update the riding front, just wanted to say, "HELLO!" my peeps!

Traveler (ummm. Jackson's new twin?)

Heike. Lorri's new Rhodesian Ridgeback

We Canter ON!!!!

2009-11-15T12:40:00.008-05:00

Well, my computer has CRASHED and is from all outward appearances in need of a burial. An ill fated Halloween par-tay with six 13 year old boys seemed to be the end. HUGE SIGH. All my pics are on it. I would probably just work extra and get a new one since this pup is an '04 Dell if it weren't for the pictures!!! Any ideas anyone?

On the riding front, I HAVE NEWS!! Jackson and I cantered, and I didn't fall off. OK. I did fall off, but not because of the canter! LMAO.
Here's the story. I had a riding lesson with Allison and we learned shoulder in, maybe not rock solid learned it, but we did it several times and I actually get the concept and can execute it. SWEET! BUT, the best part came AFTER the lesson. I decided to take Jackson into the field for a little hack.

We went around once at a nice trot with him being ultra responsive and things felt good. I was circling the field's perimeter and as we were trotting I let him break into the canter as I inwardly began giving myself the mantra, sit up and deep and OH SHIT, and OK, this is good, etc.... He stopped when I asked, and for having not much cantering experience with a rider, it wasn't as uncollected and all over as I had expected. Then I messed up. Coming out of the canter and at a trot or fast walk I let go with one hand, threw it up in the air and gave a cowgirl, WOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOO! AND it was REALLY LOUD. Totally stupid because Jackson wasn't ready for that and spooked. I went off. Then he stood over me as if to say, "Well, dang, mom, we did it finally, and then you had to go and SCREAM at the top of your lungs! WTF? I just started laughing. THIS GIRL OBVIOUSLY can't canter on this horse without smelling dirt somehow, someway was my thought.
Because my instructor Allison and friend Linda were standing behind a horse trailer talking they missed it. My whole football field length beautiful canter. ON the up side, they missed seeing me kiss the dirt... They had come out after they heard the yell and both commented that it was a VERY HAPPY yell, but by then I was back up on J's back and walking towards them. They said they couldn't figure out why I had yelled since there I was ONLY walking.....

So coming back towards them I decided to SHOW them what we had done. We again broke into a canter towards them and I AM SURE I had a s--- eating grin on my face. They just stood there smiling and clapping as friends do when they see you overcoming your nemesis. This was such a milestone for us as a team. Sure felt nice to have my big girl britches on and JUST DO IT!!!

Galloping is tomorrow.

Syke.

The Throbbing Heart of News

2009-10-31T10:22:00.016-04:00

On Wednesday the vet came out to vet the horses--the usual shots, Coggins, teeth, etc. He also gave us some very bad news. Two months ago Linda had had a mass removed from Shorty's sheath and we had hoped that this would take care of it. The mass has come back, and the vet says it is a very aggressive melanoma; Shorty has six months to a year to live.

I am so saddened by this news, it is not describable. Shorty is such a special guy. I call him Spotty (my affectionate special name for him, that only I am allowed to call him :). Not only is he a cool looking Leopard Appy with an awesome personality, he is gaited. Smooth rocking gaits, you don't even need to post to his trot, just sit back and enjoy. Another special advantage is that he performs to the level of his rider with nary a complaint. My son has been learning to ride on him, and he is the horse I rode frequently when I was getting my nerve back after my broken shoulder on Jackson. Recently, I have been working on my canter with him to get my aids down (and my confidence up!) before I attempt my green guy.

Linda has raised Shorty, now sixteen, since he was foaled from her red roan. She had no idea her roan threw Leopard apps. so she says she was quite surprised to see him appear! She has gone through times (when he was younger) when he was totally unsafe to ride--even she wouldn't ride him (and she'll usually ride anything)--but he has turned into a steady, reliable mount and it has been wonderful!

He is currently not symptomatic other than the fact that he doesn't run in from the field anymore at feeding time. He still enjoys trail rides and lessons. This is the life he knows, and he will be lightly ridden until he shows that he can't be anymore. Obviously, knowing Linda like I do, she will do everything and then some to keep him as comfortable as possible and then let him go when it is time.

Oh, Spotty, I do love you. We will make the most out of the time we have left. Of course we will see you again in heaven, waiting at the pump--Linda and I already have sent early requests to be in the horse and dog department.....

A Professional Pic of Me and "The Master" and a SICK story....

2009-10-17T07:17:00.006-04:00

Walter Zettl and I

Well, I know it's been awhile, but whatever vile organism that has decided to invade my body has done quite the number. Of course, having been exposed to the H1N1 virus via a patient I was convinced that that was what I had. All flu tests have come back el negativo. I feel a bit better than I did, just fatigued and overall not feeling good. BUT, going on 14 days later, I am still spiking temperatures of 99.0 to 100.4. The Dr. was thinking it was pneumonia yesterday, but I have absolutely NO symptoms of that, AND I've had it before. It doesn't go under the radar in my experience! So she put me on a Z-pack as we both are now convinced it MUST be bacterial somewhere-- hoping is more like it. I've lost 8 lbs. due to lack of appetite, but I am TIRED of being an invalid. I rode Jackson on Wed. thinking that would make me feel better. I had convinced myself I was malingering and a shot of horse therapy would help. I guess it did, but I also threw up, got a sunburn (duh, sunblock....), and spiked the usual temperature the next AM! Probably sooner, but I thought the hot feeling was from the burn....So the next AM I was sent home from work (after hearing how BAD I looked) and hearing from the Dr's secretary (MISTAKENLY) that I was positive for Influenza A AND H1N1! That was OK, the fever was back and I was ready to just lie down anyway. SO---enough of my woes! All you guys doing OK out there? Flu anyone? I sure hope not!

Wanna ride, wanna ride, wanna ride.......

A Girl On Her Horse

2009-10-04T12:06:00.009-04:00

Someone asked me the other day what I was putting into practice as a result of Walter Zettl's clinic. I learned so much,(much was beyond me), but I did absorb some things to add to the arsenal of things I am ALREADY working on. In fact, I got some great tips, but I mostly work from what my instructor teaches. The clinic just helped me with the bigger picture I guess you could say. It also helped to see SO many riders having to work at their canter, I got tons of great info. and feel that cantering is now so close I can taste it. Hopefully, not because I go off and have blood in my mouth along with broken bones! :)

We are working on transitions (of course) with lengthenings; one really good thing to practice that we learned from the clinic is to have the person you are with shout rapid fire transition commands at you. "Walk, trot, walk." etc, really quick. It does serve to wake Jackson up although we are not fast at them at all.

We have been studying turns on the forehand and leg yields at the quarter line...we do NOT get them right a lot of the time. This is my fault of course, because my horse does them perfectly if they are set up right!!! I should say our turns on the forehand are a lot better than our leg yields with the back legs crossing from the quarter line to the track...and that looks so darn cool too!

Also working on straightness while working and backing. We do really awesome backing--look ma I didn't use my reins. Did you notice that I didn't use them to stop that time either? MOM, you obviously just weren't watching the paint dry!!! LOL!

In my last lesson Allison and I began working on shoulder fore in preparaton for shoulder in, which she said was coming very soon. Sholder fore is simply aligning the horses inside shoulder with his inside hip. I can feel when we do it, but when I asked Allison HOW I would know I was doing it right, she said, "When I tell you you are." Obviously a LONG ways to go on that bit just yet. That's OK. I must have been truly awful at it because usually I can at least practice what I've learned....

Also doing TONS of circles, serpentines and ssssnakes (my terminology)....working on initiating turns with the inside leg and then capturing the increase in impulsion with my outside rein while opening the inside rein to indicate direction. The idea is that Jackson will then respond by bending around the inside leg and shifting the balance back. You then GIVE on the inside rein and DRIVE, not pull him around the turn. The rider's outside leg must be slightly back to avoid the horse's hind leg stepping out. Luckily Jackson is a very bendy horse :), but learning dressage and teaching my green horse too is HARD AS, I will not lie.
But when I can float to a fence, take it like a pro, and then float away, I will have my success.
And GOD willing, success I will taste!

Must go now, was exposed to H1N1 and the fever feels like it's back, I had a little bit of energy and instead of getting dog hair up off of the floor I posted... ugh, I am a horrid sick sad soul.

Walter Zettl Dressage Clinic-Kerrville, Texas

2009-10-01T06:04:00.017-04:00

Walter Zettl and moi

Walter

Scott and his Perch/Andalusian cross Sky High Scotty

Caren with Walter getting wired for sound....

Cindy on Unity- Dutch Warmblood

Jackie riding Caesar

On Tuesday I had the wonderful opportunity to go to a Walter Zettl dressage clinic and get some learnin' in! Since Kerrville is only about 45 minutes from my house and the price was right, my friend Linda and I were quite thrilled to get the opportunity to see a master at work. Above are only a few of the riders (there were 7 total) and I learned from each one. As we arrived, craning our necks, to see if we were in the right place (only seven cars?), we went to check it out. And let me tell you. This was spot on cool to see this guy teach. As soon as I arrived and placed my chair ringside (2 chairs down from Walter) beside a to DIE FOR covered arena with MIRRORS (OH!!! I dream of having mirrors...) and incredible footing with tire entrails and sandy loam, Walter took a moment to come up and give me a HUGE bear hug! This was one of about three or four I received that day, and I tell you, you GOTTA LOVE a German hug!!! :) And folks, this was a more private clinic, or not advertised, or well, lets face it, dressage riders in Texas are just not as common as the cactus we grow! The entire day there were never more than 20 folks watching, and this included the seven riders who were participating in the clinic.

Linda tried to get us spots as riders (without my knowledge) and when I heard that I almost died! HELL NO!!! I have had exactly 10 dressage lessons in MY LIFE (as I used to equate dressage to watching paint dry at the lower levels, but as I see what it does for your overall riding, I am HOOKED!)
Only 6 of these lessons have been on Jackson, my own horse. We will be considered for next year apparently, and that would suit me much better, because my horse and I are doing SO well with only six lessons under our girths!

The wonderful thing about watching these riders was that no MATTER how accomplished many of them were, I could see them working at the exact same stuff that I do. At a bit of a higher level perhaps, but the same issues still arose. I would lean over and say to my friend, "she is riding really forward", or,"watch, he's going to tell her to increase her contact", and lo and behold, Walter would be right there with me giving the same advice!

Most of the rider's were working at late first to somewhere in the second level, with one by the name of Sandy Whistler (who BLEW us all away with her horse Papillion that she has trained and started herself as a 3 yr. old and is now ONLY 7!), and is in LATE 2nd level, easily to be 3rd very soon. She got so much applause (hardly anyone else did until the end!), b/c Walter pushed her to do more and she did it flawlessly with things she had never even attempted before. She doesn't want to compete, she does it all for her own rewards, and sadly I did not get a pic due to battery issues, but she sat beside me after she rode and I got TONS of great advice from her. She asked what my riding background had been before I started dressage, and when I said strictly jumpers, she had all kinds of great tips and advice. SHE was awesome!!! I tend to ride quite forward while keeping my lower legs rock steady(as I noticed some of the riders with jumping and eventing experience tended to), and she gave me easy tips to put into practice. (And they WORK oh, so well, as I found out while riding the next day!)....

A BIG thing I realized is that we will all ALWAYS be working on our weak spots. I had always thought that at a higher level of dressage and with tons of practice these would just magically go away. Stupid, I know. But after seeing these ACCOMPLISHED riders still making MY mistakes, well... It helped. The forwardness and my lower legs will improve, but will they always be my nemesis? It appears that this is very possible. Or my wonky left hand and bat wing shoulder that never want to behave?.... :)

Walter talked to me about how he used to ride 8 horses a day, all having to be immaculately groomed and turned out for presentation, clean the stalls, and then, only then, he MAY have had time to watch his instructor ride and teach. Being German-- at the top in most world competition--he most likely did have it very hard. MUCH harder than any working student today in the U.S. It was almost like hearing how our parents had to trudge 6 miles each way in the snow, right? NOT. I told Walter I would take that over my current job ANY day, any time. He chuckled and seemed to give that some thought. He also told me that he is having an ABSOLUTE ball touring with the Parelli's and that Linda P. is really coming along as a student.

I was happy to see and learn at this clinic, but honestly, since my own trainer is VERY Europeon, it wasn't that different from her teaching AT ALL. In fact, it was a mirror image in many ways. They are both the same age, from Europe (she from England) and teach dressage with the same mind set; at times even the SAME sayings. OPEN THE DOOR. That's a big one. This was great because now I KNOW I am learning from the right instructor, the RIGHT WAY!! Parallel teaching. Almost, if not better than taking lessons from Walter. AND, Allison's accent is much easier to understand! LOL!

We felt SO compelled to put into practice ALL that we had learned, we didn't attend Day 2. It was going to be the same riders and I was itching to get my butt on my own mighty Jackson. Walter asked if we were coming back, and I said, "I would love to Walter, but I feel like I need to ride tomorrow. Priorities you know." His blue eyes lit up, and he said, "Oh, yes my love, I DO understand...."

What an awesome experience.

The Horse Boy Revisited....Meeting the Author (and Producer!)...

2009-09-22T23:26:00.010-04:00

On Sunday I had the extreme pleasure of meeting Rupert Isaacson, the author of the book 'The Horse Boy' and then seeing the Sudance film with the same title. Since I have quite a background in the autism realm (12 yrs. experience), my son's little brother is autistic, and of course my volunteer work at Triple H Equitherapy, this book and movie were of extreme interest to me. I had chatted live with Rupert a couple of times online, and while only getting to talk to him a very little bit during the book signing and in the Q&A session after the movie, I am excited to go to his ranch and really have a good convo. He has so much knowledge to impart, not just in the world of autistim, but as a consumate horseman. Raised in England by South African parents, his knowledge of dressage and eventing astound me. Just a neat guy and I'm sure his wife is just as great. I'm always looking for interesting horse people here in Texas so this was a real treat! The Horse Boy movie came out in independent theaters this week, if you don't read, give it a gander. Or do both like I did!!

Meeting Rupert...