Rob and I decided to take advantage of the still somewhat cool morning to take Ginger for a walk at Greenlands Garden Center. Because a farm dog with 37 acres totally needs to go places to go for walks. The real reason we go though, is to visit their cats. Bob and the smaller one whose name I always forget (her fault, she mumbles). And to see the carp. The carp/giant gold fish are highly entertaining. On one hand I would love to have a giant fish pond, but on the other hand, I wonder if I would ever be too lazy to go to the store to buy fresh sea food and would start to see them as edible.
Ginger loves going to Greenlands as everyone there loves her, because she is awesome. And there are so many smells. And water features she can drink from. Not that I would let her drink from their display water features...that would be wrong. The staff sometimes have milk bones in their pockets, which seems odd to me, but maybe Milk Bones are some kind of magic plant food the greenhouses don't want you to know about.
When Rob worked nearby we would sometimes meet there for coffee because they have the only restaurant I know of where you can take your dog. It is what every dog person wants. (If the Health department is reading this, I am totally making this part up, of course dogs aren't allowed in the café, that would be bad). Ginger also approved of the café, and showed her approval by cleaning up crumbs from the floor, which seems like something that the health department would approve of, so I am not sure why they are so anti dog in restaurant.
Some other people apparently didn't know dogs were allowed in, so went to the trouble of dressing their dog up like a Service dog just to sneak it in...because neurotic dog owners (like Rob) totally want to take their dogs everywhere, and see no reason why small children should be allowed places dogs are not allowed. We do not have children.
If I was in charge of marketing for Greenlands, my marketing would be: "Here at Greenlands we have awesome cats that don't run away from strangers and you can totally bring your dog in the store and to the café! Oh, and we have plants and stuff you can buy."
So while we were looking for the cats (and by we, I mean me...and maybe Ginger, although I think she was more looking for café related crumbs...but the cat search really could be another marketing direction...find a cat and get 10% off! I found both cats), we decided to buy some plants. Part of me feels sorry for the plants I select as they aren't likely to fair nearly as well as they would in the store, but I try to console myself with the idea they can't feel pain, even though I really think they can. Sorry plants. Along the way I saw catnip plants. This seemed like a fun purchase. Rob even agreed to the catnip plant. Do you know what likes catnip plants? Cats. Apparently not mosquitos though.
Along with a smattering of flowers and such, we bought the catnip plant home...and I introduced to Rolo. Who wanted to lick and lay down in it (sorry plant). So now my thought is, where to I plant this thing so it will a) survive and b) not attract the neglected cats of the Hunter Hill subdivision? I foresee we are soon to be overrun with cats, and it will be all Rob's fault as anyone who knows me knows I have NO judgement when it comes to cats and cat related items.
So I planted it in a pot on a pedestal, hopefully out of cat reach...and have no idea where to put it. Rolo meanwhile is complaining bitterly that he can't find the plant, and that he is now hungry. If too many cats show up in our yard, my back up plan is to turn it into a really belated housewarming gift for our neighbours....I will tell them it is Sage or something...
Karen
Sunday, June 30, 2013
New horse!
This weekend was Steph's last show on Wolfgang, as her new horse arrived on Thursday! His name is Storm, and he is a very brightly colour chestnut pinto/paint. He has enough mane and tail for three horses!
On that note, Wolfgang will be looking for a new lease rider if anyone is interested!
Karen
On that note, Wolfgang will be looking for a new lease rider if anyone is interested!
Karen
MLM Rookie Show!
The weather was lovely and we had a great time at the Maple Leaf Meadows Rookie show. I hope even more people can attend their August show.
We ended up taking Izzy, Wolfgang, Missy and Java.
Izzy was a last minute decision to bring, but I thought it would be good to get her out to more shows so she learns to relax. I think it worked as she went from high strung and nervous, to being moderately curious. I took her in the Senior poles class. Now, before you judge me, I entered "not to be judged" and restated that when I checked in, but they said "that's ok, you may as well be judged", so she was second and first. I thought she might spook at the trees on the standards, so I send her into a good canter, and away we went. It was pretty fun.
Wolfgang, Missy and Java all did great in the under saddle classes, and I think they all placed in the top 3 of their respective classes. Then they had a LONG wait, while the 20 peewee horses went in the their poles class...seriously, small children and ponies EVERYWHERE.
The 2 foot division didn't end up going until about 2 o'clock, but the three horses also did well in that...however if is hard for big horses to win against cute little ponies! I think Wolf got a third and two fourths, and Java a second and a fifth, but don't quote me on that.
I was very happy with the show, and with how Hillside represented itself. I also appreciated Margie and Michelle coming out to help and to cheer us on!
Karen
We ended up taking Izzy, Wolfgang, Missy and Java.
Izzy was a last minute decision to bring, but I thought it would be good to get her out to more shows so she learns to relax. I think it worked as she went from high strung and nervous, to being moderately curious. I took her in the Senior poles class. Now, before you judge me, I entered "not to be judged" and restated that when I checked in, but they said "that's ok, you may as well be judged", so she was second and first. I thought she might spook at the trees on the standards, so I send her into a good canter, and away we went. It was pretty fun.
Wolfgang, Missy and Java all did great in the under saddle classes, and I think they all placed in the top 3 of their respective classes. Then they had a LONG wait, while the 20 peewee horses went in the their poles class...seriously, small children and ponies EVERYWHERE.
The 2 foot division didn't end up going until about 2 o'clock, but the three horses also did well in that...however if is hard for big horses to win against cute little ponies! I think Wolf got a third and two fourths, and Java a second and a fifth, but don't quote me on that.
I was very happy with the show, and with how Hillside represented itself. I also appreciated Margie and Michelle coming out to help and to cheer us on!
Karen
Monday, June 24, 2013
Thoroughbred heart...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Xl0nXkJzGE&feature=youtu.be
This is a video worth watching. The horse is ten. It is like a movie finish.
This is a video worth watching. The horse is ten. It is like a movie finish.
Sunday, June 23, 2013
This week in lessons
Not sure if we will be able to ride outside this week, but fingers crossed! It was so nice being outside this weekend at the show!
This week in lessons we will work on keeping an even rhythm. This will involve counting...and lots of poles! Most distance issues come from rider's speeding up their rhythm coming out of the corners, but by then the horse has its eye on the jump, and is trying to gauge their take off. In dressage, allowing the horse to speed up during say, a lengthened trot, will push the horse onto its forehand which will destroy the quality of the gaits, and the horse's use of its back.
We are also going to work on some body awareness: knowing when you are ahead of the motion, behind the motion, and with the motion...yes, this may become another three bears exercise!
Karen
This week in lessons we will work on keeping an even rhythm. This will involve counting...and lots of poles! Most distance issues come from rider's speeding up their rhythm coming out of the corners, but by then the horse has its eye on the jump, and is trying to gauge their take off. In dressage, allowing the horse to speed up during say, a lengthened trot, will push the horse onto its forehand which will destroy the quality of the gaits, and the horse's use of its back.
We are also going to work on some body awareness: knowing when you are ahead of the motion, behind the motion, and with the motion...yes, this may become another three bears exercise!
Karen
MapleLeaf Meadows!
The show on the weekend was fun! The weather held, and although there were some wet spots, the footing was reasonably good. I appreciated the relaxed atmosphere, and it was overall a well run show that I hope we can include in your schedule from now on!
I am posting about hunters today, because I am too lazy to edit the jumper photos...
Riley/Amelia were Champion of the 14+ cross poles, Gody/Miranda were reserve, and Missy and Lindsay had a 100% survival/completion rate, which is perhaps the most impressive considering it was her horse's first time being jumped outside...ever!
Michelle and Wolf did the 2'9" hunters, and were 4rth in their classes. Wolf struggled a little with the footing, but had some good jumps!
I am posting about hunters today, because I am too lazy to edit the jumper photos...
Riley/Amelia were Champion of the 14+ cross poles, Gody/Miranda were reserve, and Missy and Lindsay had a 100% survival/completion rate, which is perhaps the most impressive considering it was her horse's first time being jumped outside...ever!
Michelle and Wolf did the 2'9" hunters, and were 4rth in their classes. Wolf struggled a little with the footing, but had some good jumps!
Sunday, June 16, 2013
The week in lessons
mud mud mud mud mud!
So again we will be inside for the week! But we will be preparing horses to show at MLM on the weekend. To do this, on Wednesday at 6:30, and possible Tuesday at 6:30 we will be working on a combination as we might see in the jumpers.
For all the lessons we will be working on some spooky jumps as I have been warned that MLM has some spooky jumps in their jumpers, and it is just good practice for the rest of you. Jumping spooky jumps requires the rider to approach correctly with a contained horse that is square to the fence, and has time to look at assess. You DO NOT want them to feel chased to the fence, but nor do you want them to have the chance to slow down and chicken out. What can help is counting your rhythm to the fence...so yes, some public counting may be required!
And just so Joan doesn't chicken out...I bought Rocket a NEW saddle pad! It is awesome. You will like it Joan.
Meanwhile the neighbour has unleashed a swarm of angry bees. She claims it was an accident, but I think it is retaliation for stealing her kitten.
Karen
So again we will be inside for the week! But we will be preparing horses to show at MLM on the weekend. To do this, on Wednesday at 6:30, and possible Tuesday at 6:30 we will be working on a combination as we might see in the jumpers.
For all the lessons we will be working on some spooky jumps as I have been warned that MLM has some spooky jumps in their jumpers, and it is just good practice for the rest of you. Jumping spooky jumps requires the rider to approach correctly with a contained horse that is square to the fence, and has time to look at assess. You DO NOT want them to feel chased to the fence, but nor do you want them to have the chance to slow down and chicken out. What can help is counting your rhythm to the fence...so yes, some public counting may be required!
And just so Joan doesn't chicken out...I bought Rocket a NEW saddle pad! It is awesome. You will like it Joan.
Meanwhile the neighbour has unleashed a swarm of angry bees. She claims it was an accident, but I think it is retaliation for stealing her kitten.
Karen
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
This week
I finally came up with a lesson plan for this week. Being indoors again sucks, but at least it is an option and mosquito free!
So...this week, we are going to continue to work on longer canter session to build fitness in the horses. We are also going to work on forward energy/being ahead of the leg. Whether jumping or dressage, the horse should always have a willingness to go forward, and should be ready to go at a reasonable request.
To this end, we are going to be doing something I usually don't like rider's doing: we are going to be picking up the canter close to a jump and getting FORWARD established so that the horse can make the right number of strides in a line.
This is to combat an ongoing issue with rider's crawling to the first fence and relying on it too much to establish the pace needed for the course. This makes the horse have to take over to an extent and then riders wonder why the horse gets strong by the end...if you have the horse forward, so you can hold from the start, and not need the horse to take over, the horse is less likely to lose the trust in the rider and take over the speed control.
As an aside, I had electro-acupuncture today. It wasn't too bad, and I may do it again, but am waiting to see results. The needles kind of felt like wasp stings, but the pulses didn't feel as weird as I thought...although the pull of the leads on the needles was a little ouchy. Tomorrow a horse is getting done, so I will have a better idea of what he is actually feeling.
Karen
So...this week, we are going to continue to work on longer canter session to build fitness in the horses. We are also going to work on forward energy/being ahead of the leg. Whether jumping or dressage, the horse should always have a willingness to go forward, and should be ready to go at a reasonable request.
To this end, we are going to be doing something I usually don't like rider's doing: we are going to be picking up the canter close to a jump and getting FORWARD established so that the horse can make the right number of strides in a line.
This is to combat an ongoing issue with rider's crawling to the first fence and relying on it too much to establish the pace needed for the course. This makes the horse have to take over to an extent and then riders wonder why the horse gets strong by the end...if you have the horse forward, so you can hold from the start, and not need the horse to take over, the horse is less likely to lose the trust in the rider and take over the speed control.
As an aside, I had electro-acupuncture today. It wasn't too bad, and I may do it again, but am waiting to see results. The needles kind of felt like wasp stings, but the pulses didn't feel as weird as I thought...although the pull of the leads on the needles was a little ouchy. Tomorrow a horse is getting done, so I will have a better idea of what he is actually feeling.
Karen
Monday, June 10, 2013
update from the weekend
Show went great.
Kitten is all better.
Weather is frickin' cold outside.
Lessons will be inside, but not yet sure what we will do.
BRRRRRR
Kitten is all better.
Weather is frickin' cold outside.
Lessons will be inside, but not yet sure what we will do.
BRRRRRR
Friday, June 7, 2013
Barn update
No lessons tomorrow (Saturday) as we are off to Maple Leaf Meadows international for their dressage show.
Kokanee made it safely to Abbotsford BC and was reunited with Roxy.
Kitten is under the weather. Kelsey (MillsHaven vet) was kind enough to fit her in first thing, but kitten was not co-operative about getting her blood tested, so we just gave her fluids and have some probiotics, special food and dewormer for her. You may notice she is a little less friendly, so please leave her be if she seems dopey.
Karen
Kokanee made it safely to Abbotsford BC and was reunited with Roxy.
Kitten is under the weather. Kelsey (MillsHaven vet) was kind enough to fit her in first thing, but kitten was not co-operative about getting her blood tested, so we just gave her fluids and have some probiotics, special food and dewormer for her. You may notice she is a little less friendly, so please leave her be if she seems dopey.
Karen
Monday, June 3, 2013
This week in lessons
Last week's lesson of having riders turn too early, too late, and just right to trot poles was very illuminating. Some riders seemed to struggle a lot with taking a risk and turning a little too late, which may explain why turning too early is such an issue.
I think I am going to keep this "Goldilocks" lesson in mind, and continue to try to have students exaggerate skills to find the happy medium.
My other note from last week is that we need to work on canter and jumping fitness, both for horses and riders, in order to be ready for show season.
So...this week we will hopefully be outside as much as possible, and we will be working on canter fitness, and jump fitness. This will combine with exercises to help rider's keep their eyes up and thinking while jumping...darn thinking!
Alongside this, we will do a new Goldilocks exercise: instead of working on turning, we will be doing a Goldilocks exercise working on finding the right canter to the first jump of a course, but first going too slow...then too fast...then hopefully just right!
Too often rider's start with not enough canter, and then have to let the horse increase as the course continues along...but this encourages the horse to be quick/rushy despite the rider, when it is better that the horse feels it has enough canter to do the entire course, and can listen/trust its rider to put at the jumps with enough power to clear them. You will still need to rebalance as the course goes along, but by starting off with the right canter, you start off on the right hoof!
Please remember your own bug spray: the bugs aren't too bad, but do start to come out by about 7pm.
Karen
I think I am going to keep this "Goldilocks" lesson in mind, and continue to try to have students exaggerate skills to find the happy medium.
My other note from last week is that we need to work on canter and jumping fitness, both for horses and riders, in order to be ready for show season.
So...this week we will hopefully be outside as much as possible, and we will be working on canter fitness, and jump fitness. This will combine with exercises to help rider's keep their eyes up and thinking while jumping...darn thinking!
Alongside this, we will do a new Goldilocks exercise: instead of working on turning, we will be doing a Goldilocks exercise working on finding the right canter to the first jump of a course, but first going too slow...then too fast...then hopefully just right!
Too often rider's start with not enough canter, and then have to let the horse increase as the course continues along...but this encourages the horse to be quick/rushy despite the rider, when it is better that the horse feels it has enough canter to do the entire course, and can listen/trust its rider to put at the jumps with enough power to clear them. You will still need to rebalance as the course goes along, but by starting off with the right canter, you start off on the right hoof!
Please remember your own bug spray: the bugs aren't too bad, but do start to come out by about 7pm.
Karen
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