Snow in May. Lovely. Cold and wet. The poor horse show at Whitemud was ended early due to the conditions.
Yes, we need the moisture for the wetlands and hay fields...but now I think we need sun and heat more than more wet or hay prices aren't going to be any better this year than last!
A couple new horses came the last few days; Bailey the 3 year old Chestnut came on Friday & Ricco the 3 year old bay draft cross came today. Fonzie seems to think Ricco is a girl, and really embarrassed himself with all his posturing. Bailey just looked away, embarrassed for him. Arriving yesterday was Brie. A 14 year old TB mare that will be living in Dexter's stall. Brie is here to be shown in dressage. Yes, someone is paying me to show their horse! Someone other than Rob! Not only that, she came with a tickle trunk full of tack and accessories, which was fun to go through. Sunny thinks the Tack box is frightening, so once I go through it I will have to lock it away somewhere safe where it cannot eat him.
Brie is apparently even more of a princess than Bliss, so maybe it is a bay mare thing? She definitely likes to call attention to herself in the barn.
I rode her yesterday, and it went great, but she is very out of shape, so I had to refrain from riding her again today.
Advice for the day: rubber boots.
Karen
Monday, May 31, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
I got my second horse show entry today!
Wet annoying day. New training horse came in the rain though; Bailey is a chestnut QH/Paint gelding here to be started. He has led a sheltered life so far, so the new environment is quite exciting for him, but he seems to be a sensible fellow.
There are pictures up from the Friday of the Amberlea show: http://www.canacal.com/sharper/2010Shows/AMSpringDressage2010FriP1.cfm
Near the top is a rather tense tango in the indoor, and an Edgar trying to keep the rain out of his eyes in the outdoor! Pics 125 and 126 are of Tango and I walking, and also feature the legs of my support crew; Amanda and Joan. Please note that Amanda and I were not wussy, and we showed in our proper show jackets! (but if anyone sees a nice show suitable rain jacket and gloves...let me know!)
I am looking forward to the jumping theory clinic tomorrow!
Karen
Wet annoying day. New training horse came in the rain though; Bailey is a chestnut QH/Paint gelding here to be started. He has led a sheltered life so far, so the new environment is quite exciting for him, but he seems to be a sensible fellow.
There are pictures up from the Friday of the Amberlea show: http://www.canacal.com/sharper/2010Shows/AMSpringDressage2010FriP1.cfm
Near the top is a rather tense tango in the indoor, and an Edgar trying to keep the rain out of his eyes in the outdoor! Pics 125 and 126 are of Tango and I walking, and also feature the legs of my support crew; Amanda and Joan. Please note that Amanda and I were not wussy, and we showed in our proper show jackets! (but if anyone sees a nice show suitable rain jacket and gloves...let me know!)
I am looking forward to the jumping theory clinic tomorrow!
Karen
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Pretty ribbons!
I just got the ribbons in for the Ride for Red horse show! They are so pretty!
The clear round ribbons are just basic red flats, with a card on the back to record the height it was earned at, and a string to hang it up. The classic ribbons are rossettes. I let the ribbon maker make some decisions based on what she thought would look nice, be a bit unique, and be in our budget, and she did a great job (Thanks Ringside Ribbons!). She made up a suitable logo for the button, and offset all the placing colours with deep burgandy. The 6ths and the 1sts are the most pretty in my opinion. You will have to come to the show to see them! I may have to ride in a class for a chance for a rosette myself....
Karen
The clear round ribbons are just basic red flats, with a card on the back to record the height it was earned at, and a string to hang it up. The classic ribbons are rossettes. I let the ribbon maker make some decisions based on what she thought would look nice, be a bit unique, and be in our budget, and she did a great job (Thanks Ringside Ribbons!). She made up a suitable logo for the button, and offset all the placing colours with deep burgandy. The 6ths and the 1sts are the most pretty in my opinion. You will have to come to the show to see them! I may have to ride in a class for a chance for a rosette myself....
Karen
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Sunday
First off, I want to thank Laura (Courtney's mom) for making Amanda and I some horse show snacks, and a ready made dinner for Rob and I! It was great not to have to think about what to make for dinner Saturday and Sunday night!
So Sunday was SUPPOSED to be sunny and mild....instead I awoke to find it was raining here...and arrived at the show to encounter snow pellets blowing sideways in the wind. As much as being pelted with snow was cold and slightly painful, it was better than rain!
I didn't ride until mid morning, but Amanda's classes were early, so I got there in time to check on Tango and then watch her 8:18 class. She was in the middle ring, and as the 3rd horse in, the footing was still pretty good as it seemed to manage to dry a bit overnight, and they had harrowed it smooth. The wind and driving snow was a bit annoying though. My hands froze taking pictures! Amanda and Edgar looked good though, and the wind didn't seem to phase them; Edgar actually seemed to lean into the wind and trot all the better! That class was Amanda's high score, with them receiving a 70!
Amanda had her Training level class next, but this class was in the far ring...and the far ring was WET! They again had some lovely trot work (getting 7s for their trot loops!), but Edgar wasn't convinced he could canter through the muck that had developed at center line, and broke into a trot a few times. Still a good effort for the two of them.
Then it was time to get on Tango. Still blowing and snowing, but I felt the footing was holding up enough that I would give it a try. Tango was a little more comfortable in the mud and I was able to do a little warm up. Still not in the actual warm up ring, but in the lunging ring which had less deep footing. She didn't really want to canter, but I figure she may be trying to protect herself and her tendons, so hard to really want to push her past her comfort level.
I had a moment of panic when I looked into the ring I thought I was to go in, and saw the rider before me doing test 3 rather than 4....fortunately Amanda and Joan were there to double check for me and I realized I was in the far/mucky ring to start with. Tango dealt with it reasonably....didn't really want to lengthen, but she listened reasonably well, and dealt well with the snow blowing in her face, but did blow a counter canter and was a little hollow, so our score wasn't as great as i would have liked to finish up, but I guess the other horses struggled too, as we ended with a second.
Next I had my 2nd level debut in the middle ring. I had wondered if it was worth going in the class as I wasn't able to warm her up enough to really get her using her back, and 2nd level is done in collection, but I figured as I was there, I may as well give it a shot...and I am glad I did! Tango tried pretty hard! We struggles with the canter/walk transitions, and the medium gaits were still a struggle as she didn't trust the footing, but we got a score in the low 60s, with some very promising comments!
So we were done! But we couldn't go yet...I had to wait until 12:30 to get the marks from my first class which ran for two and a half hours...and we had to wait to collect Amanda's walk/trot overall CHAMPION ribbon and cooler, and Tango's reserve champion! Go team Hillside!
It makes it easier to take showing in the rain, snow and cold if the horses are good!
Fortunately the rain/snow stopped and we could load up in relative comfort, and I had picked a good parking spot so we weren't one of the many rigs that had to be pulled out by Gerald and his big green tractor!
Good to be home...even if it was raining when we got here!
Karen
(in occurs to me that some of you may not know how dressage scoring works, so here is a simple explanation: The tests are made up of specific commands/movements, that are each scored separate. Some movements are worth double. As well, there are "collective" marks for things like Rider, Gaits, Submission, that are worth extra. In a freestyle, the collectives are for originality, difficulty, music and such... Scores for each movement are from 0-10. A score of 5 means that the movement was done with no major errors, but nor was it anything special...just barely adequate. Below 5 means there was some sort of error or disobedience was seen. Above 5 means that the horse showed something better than just adequate; so was on the bridle, moving well and overall quite correct. A score below 55 means that either your horse had a tantrum or two, or that you likely shouldn't be competing at that level. A score of 55-65 is pretty good, and over 65 is quite good, and likely means you should be considering moving up a level!)
So Sunday was SUPPOSED to be sunny and mild....instead I awoke to find it was raining here...and arrived at the show to encounter snow pellets blowing sideways in the wind. As much as being pelted with snow was cold and slightly painful, it was better than rain!
I didn't ride until mid morning, but Amanda's classes were early, so I got there in time to check on Tango and then watch her 8:18 class. She was in the middle ring, and as the 3rd horse in, the footing was still pretty good as it seemed to manage to dry a bit overnight, and they had harrowed it smooth. The wind and driving snow was a bit annoying though. My hands froze taking pictures! Amanda and Edgar looked good though, and the wind didn't seem to phase them; Edgar actually seemed to lean into the wind and trot all the better! That class was Amanda's high score, with them receiving a 70!
Amanda had her Training level class next, but this class was in the far ring...and the far ring was WET! They again had some lovely trot work (getting 7s for their trot loops!), but Edgar wasn't convinced he could canter through the muck that had developed at center line, and broke into a trot a few times. Still a good effort for the two of them.
Then it was time to get on Tango. Still blowing and snowing, but I felt the footing was holding up enough that I would give it a try. Tango was a little more comfortable in the mud and I was able to do a little warm up. Still not in the actual warm up ring, but in the lunging ring which had less deep footing. She didn't really want to canter, but I figure she may be trying to protect herself and her tendons, so hard to really want to push her past her comfort level.
I had a moment of panic when I looked into the ring I thought I was to go in, and saw the rider before me doing test 3 rather than 4....fortunately Amanda and Joan were there to double check for me and I realized I was in the far/mucky ring to start with. Tango dealt with it reasonably....didn't really want to lengthen, but she listened reasonably well, and dealt well with the snow blowing in her face, but did blow a counter canter and was a little hollow, so our score wasn't as great as i would have liked to finish up, but I guess the other horses struggled too, as we ended with a second.
Next I had my 2nd level debut in the middle ring. I had wondered if it was worth going in the class as I wasn't able to warm her up enough to really get her using her back, and 2nd level is done in collection, but I figured as I was there, I may as well give it a shot...and I am glad I did! Tango tried pretty hard! We struggles with the canter/walk transitions, and the medium gaits were still a struggle as she didn't trust the footing, but we got a score in the low 60s, with some very promising comments!
So we were done! But we couldn't go yet...I had to wait until 12:30 to get the marks from my first class which ran for two and a half hours...and we had to wait to collect Amanda's walk/trot overall CHAMPION ribbon and cooler, and Tango's reserve champion! Go team Hillside!
It makes it easier to take showing in the rain, snow and cold if the horses are good!
Fortunately the rain/snow stopped and we could load up in relative comfort, and I had picked a good parking spot so we weren't one of the many rigs that had to be pulled out by Gerald and his big green tractor!
Good to be home...even if it was raining when we got here!
Karen
(in occurs to me that some of you may not know how dressage scoring works, so here is a simple explanation: The tests are made up of specific commands/movements, that are each scored separate. Some movements are worth double. As well, there are "collective" marks for things like Rider, Gaits, Submission, that are worth extra. In a freestyle, the collectives are for originality, difficulty, music and such... Scores for each movement are from 0-10. A score of 5 means that the movement was done with no major errors, but nor was it anything special...just barely adequate. Below 5 means there was some sort of error or disobedience was seen. Above 5 means that the horse showed something better than just adequate; so was on the bridle, moving well and overall quite correct. A score below 55 means that either your horse had a tantrum or two, or that you likely shouldn't be competing at that level. A score of 55-65 is pretty good, and over 65 is quite good, and likely means you should be considering moving up a level!)
Tango on Sunday. Not the happiest horse, but she sure tried to muddle through the muck! Here we are trotting up center line, and attempting to lengthen across the diagonal. It was hard to convince her to do much of a lengthen, but it is hard to blame her...I think she was afraid of splashing mud on her nose!
I got to pick which Reserve ribbon I wanted....I choose an older "flower" rosette that looks like a sunflower! Eventually I want to box frame it and put it up in the barn....it is an impressively made ribbon.
Photos from the weekend: Edgar
Photos of Edgar's first Gold Dressage show:
The first two photos are from Friday, before it got too sloppy, the last ridden photo is from Sunday...you can't see it in the photo, but it was snowing when this photo was taken! Oh, and Edgar isn't swishing his tail...that is how windy it was when Amanda was riding!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Well...the rain stopped....finally!
Apparently it took a long time to stop raining at Amberlea, and was still pouring when Amanda went back to do night feed Friday night, and was still drizzling a bit today, but not nearly as bad as yesterday, so it was possible to stay dry. But the damage was done; the footing in all the outdoor rings were under water with muck and puddles.
Amanda and I stuck to a similar plan as yesterday; just a walk warm up and a brief trot once in the competition ring to prepare for the classes. We both avoided the warm up ring muck. I don't think Tango would have gone in the ring if I had asked her too anyway!
Fr0m team Hillside, Amanda went first again (with her resilient groom Joan, who came back for an another day of punishment and suffering). She had her Intro test first, and went ok, with just a few wobbles and mis-steps as Edgar dealt with big puddles and uncertain steps. Despite that, Amanda still managed to get a score in the 60's as the rest of the test was lovely, and placed 3rd. She decided to scratch from her Training Test as the ring that was in was even more under water!
Tango and I went about an hour later in the same ring that Amanda had been in. It was our First level test 3, and we were first in for that class...which I think was a good thing as a path hadn't been dug up too much, although I still opted to avoid the puddles that were there, so cut off one corner and one end a bit, but we managed to get in the 60s and another second place.
Then they announced that due to the rain the FEI classes would move indoors...which meant the Freestyle would also move indoor....which made sense due to the wet ring, but was not what I wanted to hear! I had prepared my timing and test to be outside, with the judges at the letters C, H, and E, but with it in the indoor, I had to start differently, and the one judge moved across the ring from E to B. Not a huge deal, but enough to make me even more nervous about that class!
I decided to flip my test around so it made more sense for the judge at B, and I listened to my music about 10 times to ingrain the timing in my head, so I felt more or less prepared.
So in I go for the class, and Tango is ok for our initial trot around (to the right), so we start our test...which starts with me trotting to X (the middle), halting and saluting at X, and then cantering off to the left and doing a lengthened canter down the E wall. I figured it would be an impressive start....but with it being inside, there were spectators along that wall...and Tango proceeded to jam her head in the air and canter sideways....not as impressive a start! And, her reluctance to go forward meant my timing was off for the music! My next moves were at the trot, and she got better, but still less forward than I planned for, so I was really glad I knew the music as I knew where I needed to make up time,, and adjusted my free walk accordingly, and got more or less back in the groove. She remained tense for the rest of the test, making our canter serpentine rough, but we finished ok, with a score that was lower than I hoped (58), but I did get some encouraging comments, so I think that if Tango had behaved as she would have had we been outside, it would have been more impressive.
All in all, I just wanted to get out and do a Freestyle so that I could be more comfortable doing them in the future, as I really think Freestyles are the ultimate goal and the most fun in dressage!
Amanda, Clare B and I watched some of the upper level Freestyles too; impressive!
After those classes, we notices quite a few trailers being loaded and leaving; the wet weather has led to a few people calling it quits, but I am hoping they manage to do something to make it rideable for Amanda and I tomorrow!
Karen
Amanda and I stuck to a similar plan as yesterday; just a walk warm up and a brief trot once in the competition ring to prepare for the classes. We both avoided the warm up ring muck. I don't think Tango would have gone in the ring if I had asked her too anyway!
Fr0m team Hillside, Amanda went first again (with her resilient groom Joan, who came back for an another day of punishment and suffering). She had her Intro test first, and went ok, with just a few wobbles and mis-steps as Edgar dealt with big puddles and uncertain steps. Despite that, Amanda still managed to get a score in the 60's as the rest of the test was lovely, and placed 3rd. She decided to scratch from her Training Test as the ring that was in was even more under water!
Tango and I went about an hour later in the same ring that Amanda had been in. It was our First level test 3, and we were first in for that class...which I think was a good thing as a path hadn't been dug up too much, although I still opted to avoid the puddles that were there, so cut off one corner and one end a bit, but we managed to get in the 60s and another second place.
Then they announced that due to the rain the FEI classes would move indoors...which meant the Freestyle would also move indoor....which made sense due to the wet ring, but was not what I wanted to hear! I had prepared my timing and test to be outside, with the judges at the letters C, H, and E, but with it in the indoor, I had to start differently, and the one judge moved across the ring from E to B. Not a huge deal, but enough to make me even more nervous about that class!
I decided to flip my test around so it made more sense for the judge at B, and I listened to my music about 10 times to ingrain the timing in my head, so I felt more or less prepared.
So in I go for the class, and Tango is ok for our initial trot around (to the right), so we start our test...which starts with me trotting to X (the middle), halting and saluting at X, and then cantering off to the left and doing a lengthened canter down the E wall. I figured it would be an impressive start....but with it being inside, there were spectators along that wall...and Tango proceeded to jam her head in the air and canter sideways....not as impressive a start! And, her reluctance to go forward meant my timing was off for the music! My next moves were at the trot, and she got better, but still less forward than I planned for, so I was really glad I knew the music as I knew where I needed to make up time,, and adjusted my free walk accordingly, and got more or less back in the groove. She remained tense for the rest of the test, making our canter serpentine rough, but we finished ok, with a score that was lower than I hoped (58), but I did get some encouraging comments, so I think that if Tango had behaved as she would have had we been outside, it would have been more impressive.
All in all, I just wanted to get out and do a Freestyle so that I could be more comfortable doing them in the future, as I really think Freestyles are the ultimate goal and the most fun in dressage!
Amanda, Clare B and I watched some of the upper level Freestyles too; impressive!
After those classes, we notices quite a few trailers being loaded and leaving; the wet weather has led to a few people calling it quits, but I am hoping they manage to do something to make it rideable for Amanda and I tomorrow!
Karen
Friday, May 21, 2010
Wet and Windy
That pretty much describes today: Wet and windy.
Amberlea apparently got a lot more rain than we did at Hillside; as I drove up this morning I could see a lot of standing water on the warm-up ring...and still more rain coming.
My first class was at 8:16 in the indoor, with Amanda riding shortly after in the middle show ring. Edgar dealt with the conditions pretty well, but Tango did not trust the warm up ring footing at all, and trotted around like a 30 year old crippled lesson horse....so I didn't end up warming her up much...which meant walking around in the cold in my show clothes getting wet....so heading into the indoor to compete was a welcome respite from the cold! Tango walked reasonably well past the concession during our warm up lap...but as we approached "F" the bell rang, and Tango did a classic spook, spin and rear. Great. Then she didn't want to leave the ring which we needed to do before we started our test, so I had to let her sit and relax while the seconds ticked by, and finally got her out of the ring, turned around and headed up center line within the time allowed!
The result was a tense test, that I rode conservatively rather than risk another naughty moment, and we did OK, but not none of our marks were spectacular, so we finished with a 58 point something, which put us in 3rd at the end of the day.
Amanda and Edgar were in right after me in the outside ring, so I had to watch some of the test while the steward checked my tack, but I was able to get up to the ring so see the last 1/2 of her training test, and it was quite nice; correct and steady. I believe she got a 60 and a 3rd for that class...so two white ribbons for Hillside to start the day.
Tango's next class was outside. Knowing she hated the warm up, and hearing how hard the rain and wind was coming, I got on only a little before my class...but still managed to be soaked and cold before too long! Tango didn't want to go near the warm up, but we went in for a little trot, and then stood under the clock tower to stay out of the wind while I awaited my turn in the far ring.
In order to get into the far ring, you have to enter near the middle ring...and with perfect timing, just as I needed to enter, a poor scared little Halflinger had a complete panic attack, with its child rider in complete red faced tears. Tango wanted no part in going by that! Fortunately pony calmed down long enough for us to go by (pony scratched from the class much to the relief of the terrified child!).
Tango didn't seem to mind the footing in the outdoor show ring, and she felt brilliant as she trotted in (we got a 7 and an "elegant halt" for our entrance), and then as we turned the corner and did our half circle reverse the wind picked up blowing rain in her face and she had a complete head flipping, breaking into canter tantrum...and then settled back down for the next loop, earning another 7. And that was kind of how the test went; moments of brilliance (8s for our lengthen trots), and moments of wind/rain in her face tantrums where we earned 4s. Still, I think I would rather that kind of test than the playing it safe one I did earlier, so I must remember to take risks! She got a 64 for that test, which put us in 2nd.
Amanda's next test was indoors, and Edgar was again very good, and had a nice, accurate test, for a score of 61 and a red ribbon! Yea Edgar.
So, hopefully the rain lets up for tomorrow, and the warm up ring dries out a bit...but it seems neither Edgar nor Tango need that much of a warm up, so glad they are the two horses we have at the show! And I have my qualifying score for the Freestyle...which is on the one hand a relief, on the other hand now I actually have to do my Freestyle, which has given me a whole new set of nervousness! Hopefully just getting out and doing a few will give me the confidence to not be so nervous, but there is something about putting myself out there "artistically" that makes be shy/nervous!
Karen
Amberlea apparently got a lot more rain than we did at Hillside; as I drove up this morning I could see a lot of standing water on the warm-up ring...and still more rain coming.
My first class was at 8:16 in the indoor, with Amanda riding shortly after in the middle show ring. Edgar dealt with the conditions pretty well, but Tango did not trust the warm up ring footing at all, and trotted around like a 30 year old crippled lesson horse....so I didn't end up warming her up much...which meant walking around in the cold in my show clothes getting wet....so heading into the indoor to compete was a welcome respite from the cold! Tango walked reasonably well past the concession during our warm up lap...but as we approached "F" the bell rang, and Tango did a classic spook, spin and rear. Great. Then she didn't want to leave the ring which we needed to do before we started our test, so I had to let her sit and relax while the seconds ticked by, and finally got her out of the ring, turned around and headed up center line within the time allowed!
The result was a tense test, that I rode conservatively rather than risk another naughty moment, and we did OK, but not none of our marks were spectacular, so we finished with a 58 point something, which put us in 3rd at the end of the day.
Amanda and Edgar were in right after me in the outside ring, so I had to watch some of the test while the steward checked my tack, but I was able to get up to the ring so see the last 1/2 of her training test, and it was quite nice; correct and steady. I believe she got a 60 and a 3rd for that class...so two white ribbons for Hillside to start the day.
Tango's next class was outside. Knowing she hated the warm up, and hearing how hard the rain and wind was coming, I got on only a little before my class...but still managed to be soaked and cold before too long! Tango didn't want to go near the warm up, but we went in for a little trot, and then stood under the clock tower to stay out of the wind while I awaited my turn in the far ring.
In order to get into the far ring, you have to enter near the middle ring...and with perfect timing, just as I needed to enter, a poor scared little Halflinger had a complete panic attack, with its child rider in complete red faced tears. Tango wanted no part in going by that! Fortunately pony calmed down long enough for us to go by (pony scratched from the class much to the relief of the terrified child!).
Tango didn't seem to mind the footing in the outdoor show ring, and she felt brilliant as she trotted in (we got a 7 and an "elegant halt" for our entrance), and then as we turned the corner and did our half circle reverse the wind picked up blowing rain in her face and she had a complete head flipping, breaking into canter tantrum...and then settled back down for the next loop, earning another 7. And that was kind of how the test went; moments of brilliance (8s for our lengthen trots), and moments of wind/rain in her face tantrums where we earned 4s. Still, I think I would rather that kind of test than the playing it safe one I did earlier, so I must remember to take risks! She got a 64 for that test, which put us in 2nd.
Amanda's next test was indoors, and Edgar was again very good, and had a nice, accurate test, for a score of 61 and a red ribbon! Yea Edgar.
So, hopefully the rain lets up for tomorrow, and the warm up ring dries out a bit...but it seems neither Edgar nor Tango need that much of a warm up, so glad they are the two horses we have at the show! And I have my qualifying score for the Freestyle...which is on the one hand a relief, on the other hand now I actually have to do my Freestyle, which has given me a whole new set of nervousness! Hopefully just getting out and doing a few will give me the confidence to not be so nervous, but there is something about putting myself out there "artistically" that makes be shy/nervous!
Karen
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Evil subconcious
I get nervous before shows. Well...let's face it, I get nervous about many things...I am a nervous person. If I was a horse, I would be S'argent, but with a roman nose.
So usually before a big show, my subconscious plays evil games with me, and I end up with annoying dreams of forgetting my test, showing up late, or running out of time to braid. Yes, I know...all of the above would be life ending!
True to form, my subconscious had its fun with me last night, and I dreamed that anyone entered in a freestyle was supposed to do a presentation complete with costume and skit, to set the mood for the freestyle. I had neither prepared, so I ran about in a panic, before enlisting Amanda to help me come up with a costume, and come up with a presentation...only to find out that by the time I had it all done, everyone was gone.
Tonight I will likely dream I forgot my breaches or something...
Evil subconscious.
Karen
So usually before a big show, my subconscious plays evil games with me, and I end up with annoying dreams of forgetting my test, showing up late, or running out of time to braid. Yes, I know...all of the above would be life ending!
True to form, my subconscious had its fun with me last night, and I dreamed that anyone entered in a freestyle was supposed to do a presentation complete with costume and skit, to set the mood for the freestyle. I had neither prepared, so I ran about in a panic, before enlisting Amanda to help me come up with a costume, and come up with a presentation...only to find out that by the time I had it all done, everyone was gone.
Tonight I will likely dream I forgot my breaches or something...
Evil subconscious.
Karen
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Reminder that next Saturday (the 29th), we will be having a theory clinic for Jumper showing from 2-4 pm. $15.00 to participate. IF the weather is nice, then anyone who wants to come out early can also help paint some jumps to help get ready for the show! Let me know if you want to come.
Amanda & Edgar, and Tango and myself are off to Amberlea this weekend for the first Gold Dressage show of the year. I am sure Tango is thrilled to be pulled out of her semi-retirement and put back into competition. It will be interesting to see how she does as a dressage horse. I am feeling some pressure as I need to get a qualifying score in my first three tests so I can compete in the Freestyle on Saturday afternoon. Of course with how much I suck at matching music to my horse, and editing the music, if I don't qualify I will take it as a sign that I wasn't meant to embarrass myself.
I seriously understand why people pay big bucks to have someone else make their freestyles...it is harder than it sounds, but I am too stubborn/cheap....and I figure if I keep plugging away at it, I will eventually get better!
Karen
Amanda & Edgar, and Tango and myself are off to Amberlea this weekend for the first Gold Dressage show of the year. I am sure Tango is thrilled to be pulled out of her semi-retirement and put back into competition. It will be interesting to see how she does as a dressage horse. I am feeling some pressure as I need to get a qualifying score in my first three tests so I can compete in the Freestyle on Saturday afternoon. Of course with how much I suck at matching music to my horse, and editing the music, if I don't qualify I will take it as a sign that I wasn't meant to embarrass myself.
I seriously understand why people pay big bucks to have someone else make their freestyles...it is harder than it sounds, but I am too stubborn/cheap....and I figure if I keep plugging away at it, I will eventually get better!
Karen
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Clones?
So I met someone today who owns a cloned horse! They cloned the horse for breeding purposes (it is a stallion).
Anyone want to guess what sport this horse participates in that warrents it being cloned?
No, not a race horse.
Not show jumping or dressage either...
Not a reiner, western pleasure horse, or cow horse.
So what made this horse clone worthy?
It's "original" version....is.....a BUCKING HORSE!!
I had no idea there is that sort of money in bucking horses!
........................
What a weird evening weather wise. I was optomistic and went ahead and built the jump course outside...but 5 minutes into the 6:30 lesson lightenning appeared right overhead...so into the indoor! Did that ever come up fast...fortunately it left quickly too, and we did a nice hack inside, and then were able to head back out to jump, so kind of recreating a show type setting.
I then got on Charmer to demo her to someone...and 10 minutes or so into that ride it started to rain and thunder. Charmer didn't seem to care about the weather though....which is impressive...I remember the first time I rode Dexter outside in the rain, he shoved his head to the ground, stuck his ears out to the side and only wanted to face away from the wind.\
Meanwhile all the horses that were still outside took turns stopping, dropping, and rolling, so be prepared for some muddy horses.
Karen
Anyone want to guess what sport this horse participates in that warrents it being cloned?
No, not a race horse.
Not show jumping or dressage either...
Not a reiner, western pleasure horse, or cow horse.
So what made this horse clone worthy?
It's "original" version....is.....a BUCKING HORSE!!
I had no idea there is that sort of money in bucking horses!
........................
What a weird evening weather wise. I was optomistic and went ahead and built the jump course outside...but 5 minutes into the 6:30 lesson lightenning appeared right overhead...so into the indoor! Did that ever come up fast...fortunately it left quickly too, and we did a nice hack inside, and then were able to head back out to jump, so kind of recreating a show type setting.
I then got on Charmer to demo her to someone...and 10 minutes or so into that ride it started to rain and thunder. Charmer didn't seem to care about the weather though....which is impressive...I remember the first time I rode Dexter outside in the rain, he shoved his head to the ground, stuck his ears out to the side and only wanted to face away from the wind.\
Meanwhile all the horses that were still outside took turns stopping, dropping, and rolling, so be prepared for some muddy horses.
Karen
Monday, May 17, 2010
Hot
It is hot.
I will be teaching outside unless it is crazy windy or pouring rain.
Bring water/something to drink. Wear sunscreen.
There is sunscreen in the barn by the water cooler for pink horse noses, and for humans that have forgotten their own. It is supposed to be the kid's stuff that is purple when you apply it...but I can't see the purple....maybe only kids can see the colour?
I will likely be wearing shorts while teaching, so sunglasses are also recommended.
Hope you are having fun stuck in your stuffy office. The trails were lovely out here :)
Karen
I will be teaching outside unless it is crazy windy or pouring rain.
Bring water/something to drink. Wear sunscreen.
There is sunscreen in the barn by the water cooler for pink horse noses, and for humans that have forgotten their own. It is supposed to be the kid's stuff that is purple when you apply it...but I can't see the purple....maybe only kids can see the colour?
I will likely be wearing shorts while teaching, so sunglasses are also recommended.
Hope you are having fun stuck in your stuffy office. The trails were lovely out here :)
Karen
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
So I have already decided to specialize by only boarding for people without penises who have fully grown brains...but perhaps I should specialize further. I am thinking that perhaps I should be a chestnut only barn. Think about the horses that cause me stress...Mr club foot, mr kicky stall, mr bucky pants., mr put his foot through the gate and stand on it..all non-chestnuts!
Then we can change the barn name to Chestnut Hill!
Sounds like a plan to me.
On another note, I have my first entry for the ride for red show! Some crazy lady with a german sounding horse.
Karen
Then we can change the barn name to Chestnut Hill!
Sounds like a plan to me.
On another note, I have my first entry for the ride for red show! Some crazy lady with a german sounding horse.
Karen
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
It is nice to be able to teach outside this week! I do need to develop my outside voice again though. Just to warn you though...if the weather continues to be warm I may opt to teach in shorts....and wow, are my legs pale!
This week's special project was to wean Coregel from Piper. The two fillies have just gotten too attached, but every time I try to separate them Corey pitched such a fit I was worried for her safety so I would cave. This attempt seems to be going better though. Coregel seems to be comforted by Tango, and Tango seems to be using Coregel as a distraction from having her buddy Java go home.
Piper could care less, and is happy to be out with Carma and the QH fillies.
Entertainment for the day: http://www.welcomehomeveteran.org/DamBeavers.html
Hope you are enjoying the sun!
Karen
This week's special project was to wean Coregel from Piper. The two fillies have just gotten too attached, but every time I try to separate them Corey pitched such a fit I was worried for her safety so I would cave. This attempt seems to be going better though. Coregel seems to be comforted by Tango, and Tango seems to be using Coregel as a distraction from having her buddy Java go home.
Piper could care less, and is happy to be out with Carma and the QH fillies.
Entertainment for the day: http://www.welcomehomeveteran.org/DamBeavers.html
Hope you are enjoying the sun!
Karen
Sunday, May 9, 2010
So yesterday was a long day, with people coming to try out horses, owners coming to see their training horses, and lessons. I had packed things in from 7am-9pm, and things HAD been going well/smoothly, with everyone showing up on time, being accommodating, and the horses behaving as expected...until one goofy chestnut mare decided she should put me in my place by acting like being mounted was terrifying! This, a horse that has never spooked at being mounted before. Doofus.
I think that is why God made chestnut mares though...to keep egos in check. All teenagers should own a chestnut mare.
For the dog lovers out there, check out this link: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/04/16/even-more-creative-dog-grooming-shots-12-new-images/
This is my attempt to create a unique logo for the Ride for Red Clear Round Classic:
Drawing in general is not my strong point, but drawing in Paint is definitely not my forte!
Entry forms/prize lists are available for the show now if you are interested.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Attache's Sugar Daddy
That is Zander's real name. Attache's Sugar Daddy. I think I will stick with Zander. Through an odd twist of fate, it turns out Zander was previously owned by Natalie's cousin, and they hadn't passed his papers to the person we bought him from...so now I have his papers!
Now the trick is to get his papers and Tommy's papers in our names...neither previous owner bothered to transfer the papers.
On another note; Amanda jumped Edgar today! He was amazingly light on his feet. Amanda may need a parachute if she wants to continue to jump him...he got higher and higher with each attempt. We are going to try to make Prix Caprilli an Olympic Event.
And lastly, with this stupid weather, and my stupid cold/flu, I haven't felt like doing much productive once I get in from the barn, and my phlegm filled brain couldn't handle a real book, so Rob suggested I read this Comic collection he bought....Pearls before Swine. I had never heard of it, but it is a great comic strip! Sometimes funny, sometimes insightful, and sometimes a little disturbing. If you haven't heard of it before, here is a link: http://comics.com/pearls_before_swine/
Hope you all have a great Thursday!
Karen
Now the trick is to get his papers and Tommy's papers in our names...neither previous owner bothered to transfer the papers.
On another note; Amanda jumped Edgar today! He was amazingly light on his feet. Amanda may need a parachute if she wants to continue to jump him...he got higher and higher with each attempt. We are going to try to make Prix Caprilli an Olympic Event.
And lastly, with this stupid weather, and my stupid cold/flu, I haven't felt like doing much productive once I get in from the barn, and my phlegm filled brain couldn't handle a real book, so Rob suggested I read this Comic collection he bought....Pearls before Swine. I had never heard of it, but it is a great comic strip! Sometimes funny, sometimes insightful, and sometimes a little disturbing. If you haven't heard of it before, here is a link: http://comics.com/pearls_before_swine/
Hope you all have a great Thursday!
Karen
Monday, May 3, 2010
This stuffy nose is tiresome. I am so glad I invested in a few boxes of Kleenex tissues with Aloe lotion when Natalie got sick. No regular brand tissue for me!
Anyway, decided to get some photos of Coco out and about, including being ridden over the bridge of death
: 
: 
I can't wait to be able to teach outside...but it doesn't look like that is going to happen this week after all :(
Karen
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Sick...again!
Youtube is good when you are sick.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owGykVbfgUE
I seem to have a cold. Perhaps the flu that Natalie had. Not sure. Why is Rob always out of town when I am sick? Smart man...but if he were here he would be making me tea and bringing horses in...the cat isn't nearly as good at either of those things as he is.
So of course, because i am sick, today is hectic. Started ok. Played with little Coco, took Java on a trail ride, lunged a horse...
Also sold both the TB mares today. Natalie bought Secret and took her home, and Shinaya bought Dixie (now named Willow!). Yea!
Then Lana called as she and Ryan were going to haul the new training horse in for me. Apparently Ryan was giving the horse boosters today or something, and so they figured they could haul at the same time...and while they were doing that, they could haul my girls back for me. So had to get a pen ready for my girls. Of course Lana was going to call when they were on there way...but got on a call about a colic and forgot...so they showed up midway through a lesson while Natalie was busy with something else...
But the girls settled in quickly, and the new training horse (Fonzie...yes, a gelding at last!) also settled in, so back to teaching. Then, someone comes out to try a horse we have for sale...the thing is we hadn't set a time, only loosely mentioned Saturday may be possible. Showing & jumping a horse when I can hardly breath is not my idea of a good plan...but I survived.
Of course the horse we advertised as green and needing to be in a program...was too green for them. Duh. That is why we have her advertised as green. What exactly were they expecting?
Have I mentioned before I lack patience when I am sick?
Karen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owGykVbfgUE
I seem to have a cold. Perhaps the flu that Natalie had. Not sure. Why is Rob always out of town when I am sick? Smart man...but if he were here he would be making me tea and bringing horses in...the cat isn't nearly as good at either of those things as he is.
So of course, because i am sick, today is hectic. Started ok. Played with little Coco, took Java on a trail ride, lunged a horse...
Also sold both the TB mares today. Natalie bought Secret and took her home, and Shinaya bought Dixie (now named Willow!). Yea!
Then Lana called as she and Ryan were going to haul the new training horse in for me. Apparently Ryan was giving the horse boosters today or something, and so they figured they could haul at the same time...and while they were doing that, they could haul my girls back for me. So had to get a pen ready for my girls. Of course Lana was going to call when they were on there way...but got on a call about a colic and forgot...so they showed up midway through a lesson while Natalie was busy with something else...
But the girls settled in quickly, and the new training horse (Fonzie...yes, a gelding at last!) also settled in, so back to teaching. Then, someone comes out to try a horse we have for sale...the thing is we hadn't set a time, only loosely mentioned Saturday may be possible. Showing & jumping a horse when I can hardly breath is not my idea of a good plan...but I survived.
Of course the horse we advertised as green and needing to be in a program...was too green for them. Duh. That is why we have her advertised as green. What exactly were they expecting?
Have I mentioned before I lack patience when I am sick?
Karen
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