This years Harvest horse show at Amberlea was perhaps the best attended I have been to: the show barn was pretty much full, and the rings were going all day long. Thankfully the weather was decent, with the show not getting the rain we got at the barn on Sunday.
With all those horses, the parking lot was FULL of trailers, with people finding other places to park...yet people still decided to stop and unload their horses and tack at the barn entrance (keeping in mind there is no other way to get to the parking lot). If everyone did that, it would have taken over 6 hours to get everyone in and unloaded! I noticed that the rider's that unloaded at the entrance were all dressage riders...perhaps used to less populous shows? Or just a false feeling of self importance?
We managed to be lucky and our arrivals and departures were not blocked by these annoying people (Shawn stayed at the show, but I hauled Izzy back and forth).
Shawn and Laureen did awesome. Shawn seems to finally have learned to relax at shows, and Laureen has learned to keep riding under the eyes of the judge ;) Laureen was first in her first level test, and second and third at Training level, ending 1 percent away from being reserve champion of that division! Next step is to improve the leg yielding so that Shawn can get to First Level test two. It was useful I think that Laureen was able to watch some of those tests to see how other riders accomplish that leg yield...often by starting early, but the best ones were done by just preparing the horse correctly, and staying focused on the target.
Izzy and I had a less stellar show. Poor Izzy just does not like indoor arenas! For schooling she was quite concerned about the decorations in front of the judges box (hedge, red wagon, hedgehog, logs and dog), and of the poop bucket. By the time we showed she had accepted the red wagon, and the poop bucket was gone, but the open concession was more than she could handle...in particular the scraping of chairs! She did try, but I just could not get her to relax and use her back, so impossible to perform at that level. Although my scores were 10% worse than the last show despite moving forward in her training, I have to concede that she was much better in the arena than she was in the spring, so hopefully we can continue to see improvement.
(Shawn on the other hoof didn't bat an ear when there was a dog fight in the stands while she was showing...interestingly the person with the dogs was also someone that blocks the entrance unloading...)
So this winter I will be working on getting her more obedient and focused on ME rather than everything else. I have some ideas...and of course I am sure these ideas will carry over to lessons, so be prepared!
Karen
Monday, September 30, 2013
Monday, September 23, 2013
Fall!
Last Saturday was our last jumping show of the season, with Java, Riley and Gody competing in the hunters. It was great weather and all the horses & riders did very well, for a nice finish to the year! Next weekend Laureen and I will be showing dressage to finish up the show year.
This week in lessons, we will have to resign ourselves to riding inside for jumping...just getting too dark and cool at night. Being indoors again means getting used to a smaller space again, so we will be working on riding correct and deep corners, while maintaining a nice, even rhythm.
Now that fall is here, fly sheets and fly masks can be put away for the winter, and rain sheets & winter blankets can come out of storage...maybe if we are ready for winter it will stay away longer!
Karen
This week in lessons, we will have to resign ourselves to riding inside for jumping...just getting too dark and cool at night. Being indoors again means getting used to a smaller space again, so we will be working on riding correct and deep corners, while maintaining a nice, even rhythm.
Now that fall is here, fly sheets and fly masks can be put away for the winter, and rain sheets & winter blankets can come out of storage...maybe if we are ready for winter it will stay away longer!
Karen
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Blasts from the past
I found these pictures on our network...recognize anyone? The first photo is Dexter when he was just under a year old. We used to have a couple stalls set up in the barn I now use to park the Mule. Warmblood babies aren't typically cute...and Dexter was no exception!
This is Rocket soon after we first bought him! He is three years old in this photo. He actually has a semblance of mane! This photo and the next were taken at a barn I used to teach out of...but poor Rocket got so badly eaten by mosquitos we brought him home soon after.
And here is a blurry photo of me teaching Rocky to jump! This would have been a few months after we bought him, so he would have been 9 or 10. He was/is a naturally at jumping.
These are the three horses Rob and I have had the longest and who were here when we build the barn! The others have come to us more recently.
Monday, September 9, 2013
The Sun Sets at 8pm
I managed to still teach all the lessons outside last week...thanks to the misfortune of others and some slightly more crowded than usual earlier lessons, but I think those days are done...
5:30 & 6:30 lessons can be outside for one more week and then I am putting the jumps away for the winter. 7:30 lessons could hack outside, but then will have to go in for jumping.
What will we do this week? More canter poles. I am really liking the canter poles. It has really helped steady some of the horses (and riders...) who want to let their horse go too much before and after jumps, and it has also helped open up the canters of the more laid back horses such as Rocket and Shawn. This will be built on with the addition of a small grid, as well as using canter poles to help riders line up correctly to diagonal jumps!
Remember that this Saturday is the Delaney Vet services open house. I have posted the schedule of talks on the bulletin board in the barn for anyone who wishes to attend.
Karen
5:30 & 6:30 lessons can be outside for one more week and then I am putting the jumps away for the winter. 7:30 lessons could hack outside, but then will have to go in for jumping.
What will we do this week? More canter poles. I am really liking the canter poles. It has really helped steady some of the horses (and riders...) who want to let their horse go too much before and after jumps, and it has also helped open up the canters of the more laid back horses such as Rocket and Shawn. This will be built on with the addition of a small grid, as well as using canter poles to help riders line up correctly to diagonal jumps!
Remember that this Saturday is the Delaney Vet services open house. I have posted the schedule of talks on the bulletin board in the barn for anyone who wishes to attend.
Karen
Money Making idea!
So I had it in my head I wanted to try showing Izzy Western Pleasure as well as dressage next year...and then I looked up how much Arabian show bridles and romal reins cost....THEN Michelle put the idea of not just doing western pleasure, but SIDESADDLE western pleasure with the logical theory that my uneven strength wouldn't matter as much. Made sense to me...but not so much to Rob (buying a headache rack for the blue truck made sense...but not a sidesaddle...he has the silliest priorities). Of course western sidesaddles aren't exactly common, and I am not exactly a common size, so I need to start saving some money...so I came up with an idea!
A HILLSIDE STABLE SWEAR JAR! But instead of swears, it will be tailored to better money making "fines".
This is my idea for fines:
- Everyone will be fined for the improper use of "did good". "Did good" can be used to applaud charitable activities but not for remembering their course or getting the right number of strides. This on its own may pay off a saddle...
- Fines for dirty tack...it still counts if you are riding a lesson horse, which will also encourage people to show up earlier for lessons and clean the lesson tack!
- People under age 21 will be fined for extraneous uses of the word "like".
- People over the age of 21 will be fined for going off course...double fines for those who are going after others who did the correct course.
- Beth will be fined for apologizing. She may need a raise at work to cover this.
-Joan can pay her way out of jumping oxers. As an aside, courses will start being made of only oxers.
- Anyone else who gets pregnant will be fined. Seriously. It's like an epidemic around here!
So bring your loonies & toonies...oh heck, most of you should likely bring a cheque book....
Karen
A HILLSIDE STABLE SWEAR JAR! But instead of swears, it will be tailored to better money making "fines".
This is my idea for fines:
- Everyone will be fined for the improper use of "did good". "Did good" can be used to applaud charitable activities but not for remembering their course or getting the right number of strides. This on its own may pay off a saddle...
- Fines for dirty tack...it still counts if you are riding a lesson horse, which will also encourage people to show up earlier for lessons and clean the lesson tack!
- People under age 21 will be fined for extraneous uses of the word "like".
- People over the age of 21 will be fined for going off course...double fines for those who are going after others who did the correct course.
- Beth will be fined for apologizing. She may need a raise at work to cover this.
-Joan can pay her way out of jumping oxers. As an aside, courses will start being made of only oxers.
- Anyone else who gets pregnant will be fined. Seriously. It's like an epidemic around here!
So bring your loonies & toonies...oh heck, most of you should likely bring a cheque book....
Karen
Sunday, September 1, 2013
This week in lessons
The first week back into Fall lessons! I would like to spend this week going over who wants to ride then as I have some new students waiting to start, and want to see where best to fit them in.
I think it is too dark now to teach 7:30 lessons outside, but we might still be able to do the flat part of lessons outside and then come in to jump if people are interested in doing that.
I would like to continue to work on trot and canter rhythm on the flat and jumping, as well as using placement poles to help encourage horses to take off and land in an even arc with forward momentum for jumping.
Karen
I think it is too dark now to teach 7:30 lessons outside, but we might still be able to do the flat part of lessons outside and then come in to jump if people are interested in doing that.
I would like to continue to work on trot and canter rhythm on the flat and jumping, as well as using placement poles to help encourage horses to take off and land in an even arc with forward momentum for jumping.
Karen
Soccer game success!
Saturday was perfect weather for our first ever soccer game! I have no idea who won...team bay scored against themselves in the first round, and then pushed the ball out of bounds in the second. Team Black seemed afraid to get into a scrimmage. I am thinking it may have been Team Blue with Stephanie and Amelia! Team Chestnut won the runner up game...Gody really liked getting in the way of the ball, and Shawn surprised me my being willing to get right into the crowd.
Next we did an individual challenge...Wolfgang won with Michelle, Percy was second with Laureen, Shawn was third with Roberta, and Izzy was forth with Margie.
Neither Izzy nor Riley were thrilled with the crowds, so events like this is a good preparation for showing...although perhaps Margie would have liked some warning about Izzy's fear of noises...
Beth rode Flicka who it turns out matches Percy perfectly...I think the first 10 minutes was the geldings all eyeing her! Flicka seemed confused by the game and wanted to herd and cut the ball rather than push it...she is a cow horse at heart!
Thanks to everyone who came and to Rob who bar-b-q'ed!
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Horse Racing at its finest.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdmsRcsl_xA&feature=player_embedded
This is clips from a horse racing video game in Japan.
I am sure Saki was involved.
I am not sure the point of the game, but I think the inventors should be held for psychiatric evaluation...
This is clips from a horse racing video game in Japan.
I am sure Saki was involved.
I am not sure the point of the game, but I think the inventors should be held for psychiatric evaluation...
Lessons this week
I am really hoping I can finish out the week teaching outside, so rain, STAY AWAY.
This might be the last week we can really do evening lessons outside as the sun is setting so much earlier.
We are working on two things this week: the halt, rein-back & trot transition, and keeping an even rhythm at the jumps
For the halt rein-back & trot, we are first going to make sure all the horses CAN rein-back reasonably well. To ask for the rein-back, first make sure you come to a complete halt. Then tip slightly forward onto the front edge of your seat bones, put your leg back to create energy, but then block that energy with the hands so the horse backs. If you need to, use your voice. To then move forward into a walk or trot, you sit up and give a bit with the hands. When you get it right, it will be that the horse lifts its leg as if to continue back, but you then transfer the motion to forward, and that leg steps forward instead of back.
For finding rhythm at the jumps, we will be doing canter poles, and then cantering jumps with placement poles both in front of and after the jumps. This will help with horses that tend to rush or stall at the jumps.
Karen
This might be the last week we can really do evening lessons outside as the sun is setting so much earlier.
We are working on two things this week: the halt, rein-back & trot transition, and keeping an even rhythm at the jumps
For the halt rein-back & trot, we are first going to make sure all the horses CAN rein-back reasonably well. To ask for the rein-back, first make sure you come to a complete halt. Then tip slightly forward onto the front edge of your seat bones, put your leg back to create energy, but then block that energy with the hands so the horse backs. If you need to, use your voice. To then move forward into a walk or trot, you sit up and give a bit with the hands. When you get it right, it will be that the horse lifts its leg as if to continue back, but you then transfer the motion to forward, and that leg steps forward instead of back.
For finding rhythm at the jumps, we will be doing canter poles, and then cantering jumps with placement poles both in front of and after the jumps. This will help with horses that tend to rush or stall at the jumps.
Karen
Busy times!
This has been a busy few days!
Saturday was the last of the year's Rookie horse shows at Maple Leaf Meadows. I really enjoy their shows, but it would be nice if more "intro to showing" barns came out to play so the classes could be more competitive! We had some lovely rounds on Saturday (even Zander almost looked like a hunter) and the ribbons would mean more if there was more competition. Hopefully I can post some of the pictures Laureen took of she show when I get some time/energy to go through them all!
MLM has another show this year: it is on the 21st of September, and features Dressage, Hunter and Jumper classes. As always, students are welcome to take lesson horses. This is a great warm up for anyone thinking of going to the Amberlea Harvest horse show at the end of the September.
Yesterday (Monday) was Clare Patershuk's memorial. It was held at the Artery in a kind of scary part of town, but a pretty cool venue that we found out meant a lot to Clare. The memorial was very emotional, and I learnt a lot about the other facets of Clare's life outside of horses. I hadn't planned to say anything at the Memorial, but after Clare's mom got up to talk, and I saw the rawness of her pain, it occurred to me that it didn't really matter what I had to say, but just that I say something...her parents need to know she mattered and still matters, and that hopefully the good memories and positive experiences can eventually shine brighter than the tragedy of her death.
Rob and I had to head home to feed the horses, but we both wish we could have stayed for the music. They had played one song about a Sway Backed Mule which was awesome, so I would have liked to hear more.
Remember this Saturday is going to be a barn get together/bar-b-q and soccer game! Hoping people can make it!
Karen
Saturday was the last of the year's Rookie horse shows at Maple Leaf Meadows. I really enjoy their shows, but it would be nice if more "intro to showing" barns came out to play so the classes could be more competitive! We had some lovely rounds on Saturday (even Zander almost looked like a hunter) and the ribbons would mean more if there was more competition. Hopefully I can post some of the pictures Laureen took of she show when I get some time/energy to go through them all!
MLM has another show this year: it is on the 21st of September, and features Dressage, Hunter and Jumper classes. As always, students are welcome to take lesson horses. This is a great warm up for anyone thinking of going to the Amberlea Harvest horse show at the end of the September.
Yesterday (Monday) was Clare Patershuk's memorial. It was held at the Artery in a kind of scary part of town, but a pretty cool venue that we found out meant a lot to Clare. The memorial was very emotional, and I learnt a lot about the other facets of Clare's life outside of horses. I hadn't planned to say anything at the Memorial, but after Clare's mom got up to talk, and I saw the rawness of her pain, it occurred to me that it didn't really matter what I had to say, but just that I say something...her parents need to know she mattered and still matters, and that hopefully the good memories and positive experiences can eventually shine brighter than the tragedy of her death.
Rob and I had to head home to feed the horses, but we both wish we could have stayed for the music. They had played one song about a Sway Backed Mule which was awesome, so I would have liked to hear more.
Remember this Saturday is going to be a barn get together/bar-b-q and soccer game! Hoping people can make it!
Karen
Friday, August 23, 2013
Next Saturday...
Mark the 31st on you Calendar! We are hoping for good weather so we can have a Hillside Bar-B-Q, photo day and soccer game! Bring your own cameras, and we will use the best to make a Hillside Year Book! Family is welcome to attend!
Normally Hillside provides the beverages, but if we are doing a Bar-B-Q, perhaps this year we will provide burgers instead? Although be forewarned they may be weird non-beef burgers...
We would appreciate some idea of how many guests to expect, so let me know if you are able to attend!
Also let me know if you want to ride in the soccer game :) I am thinking teams of 2 or 3, so we will see how many teams we can get together. I am thinking we may draw for teams to make it more fair.
Planning on starting around noon. Lessons will go as scheduled from 9:30-11:30. Help taking jumps down would be appreciated.
Karen
Normally Hillside provides the beverages, but if we are doing a Bar-B-Q, perhaps this year we will provide burgers instead? Although be forewarned they may be weird non-beef burgers...
We would appreciate some idea of how many guests to expect, so let me know if you are able to attend!
Also let me know if you want to ride in the soccer game :) I am thinking teams of 2 or 3, so we will see how many teams we can get together. I am thinking we may draw for teams to make it more fair.
Planning on starting around noon. Lessons will go as scheduled from 9:30-11:30. Help taking jumps down would be appreciated.
Karen
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
What if...
Lindsay was texting me about yet another show name she thought of for Java...and I had a thought...what if our horses also got to pick show names for us?
I am sure Izzy, Dani and Rocket would name me "Cookie Dispenser" or "Piñata"
Other names I could see horses wanting to name their riders:
- Lay off the Cheesecake (I think this is what Wolf would want to be calling Michelle right about now)
- Princess Pulls a Lot
- Lean and Chip
- Squeaks (you know who you are...)
- MissDirection
- Chatterbox
- GrabMane
I am sure Izzy, Dani and Rocket would name me "Cookie Dispenser" or "Piñata"
Other names I could see horses wanting to name their riders:
- Lay off the Cheesecake (I think this is what Wolf would want to be calling Michelle right about now)
- Princess Pulls a Lot
- Lean and Chip
- Squeaks (you know who you are...)
- MissDirection
- Chatterbox
- GrabMane
This week in lessons...
I am hoping I will be able to teach outside by later in the week, but it seems determined to just keep raining a little bit more each time I get hopeful. For now plan on being inside where we will be working on learning and riding patterns. For the flat portion there will be a pattern that combines trot and canter poles, with leg yielding and a small jump. For jumping we will be doing a hunter course in order to prepare for the show this weekend. Hopefully riders will remember to LOOK where they are going in the air to prompt landing the lead!
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Important Dates
Important upcoming dates:
August 24: Maple Leaf Meadows horse show
August 26: 7pm, The Artery. Memorial/function to remember Clare Patershuk.
September 14: 10am-2pm Delaney Vet Services Open House
August 24: Maple Leaf Meadows horse show
August 26: 7pm, The Artery. Memorial/function to remember Clare Patershuk.
September 14: 10am-2pm Delaney Vet Services Open House
And I was stung by a bee
Spent a long weekend judging horse shows.
Saturday sent me to Westlock where I found more than a horse show...there was a complete carnival, chuck wagon races, chariot races, physic fair and cow show! Quite the event indeed.
Some nice horses attended the horse show, and it was fun to judge, albeit a little warm standing in the middle of a sand ring for 8 hours! With prize money in all the classes (except bareback), some of the competitors had a pretty good pay day that would put dressage and some jumping shows to shame.
I was a little disappointed that there were no foals in the foal class, and only one yearling, but it was a very nice welsh yearling. In a later halter class there was a miniature horse braided up like a big draft...it was very cute!
We had some excitement in some of the classes with horses spooking at a sponsor banner blowing in the breeze and the excitement of the cows nearby. These open shows really test a horse's character!
There was one horse who really didn't want to be in the ring, to the point I actually had to ask them to leave a class...the horse would throw its head straight in the air and just head to the outgate regardless of any horses standing in the way. Later the owner was talking to me...turns out the horse was in some other classes and placing well but with a more experienced rider. The moral of this, is that naughty/nervous horses are just as often an issue with the rider rather than with the horse. Something I wish the riders that punished their horses for being fearful would learn and understand. It really bothers me to see someone (usually kids) yanking on their horse or spurring it when it is nervous. This is simply fear and lack of knowledge equally violence, and the adults in these kids lives need to teach them to take a moment and think with empathy before reacting with aggression. Good life lesson.
Sunday was judging trail in Darwell. Darwell is also a fair with cows and such. I judged the open show last year and was invited to do Trail this year. At these open shows, competitors who want to try for High Point have to do the trail element. Because trail takes so much time, it is held in a separate ring, and people go compete as they have time. We had set the class time to be from 10 to 2, so Rob and I got there for 9:30 to make sure the course was set up properly, and to post the courses.
Rob then took the dogs to Lac St. Anne for some boating adventures, and I waited for my first competitor. And waited. Then I got stung by a bee. I have never been stung by a bee before. It was gross...they leave behind bee gunk and a stinger. A stinger that needed tweezers to remove before my hand (the right one of course) swelled like a balloon. The trail course wasn't really that far from the main show ring, but the path between the two was fenced with field fence (not climbable), so it was a bit of a walk to the show office...and then to the concession to find a set of tweezers...meanwhile my hand swelled up to completely suck in the stinger. So that was fun.
Then back to the show ring...to continue waiting. I don't think my first rider showed up until noon. 2 entire hours I could have been elsewhere. I should have brought a book! At least it was nice out. The actual class itself was fun to judge! I was a little worried by course was too hard, but enough riders did it well, and only a couple couldn't do some semblance of each obstacle, so hopefully the competitors thought it was fair. The hardest advanced elements were a counter canter/lope over 2 poles, the side pass over a short pole, and having to back between two barrels, then around a barrel, then back between the first two barrels. For the novices it was more just remembering where to go!
An interesting observation was that when doing elements involving backing between obstacles, most horses (or was it their rider's) ended up being aimed right at the element they were avoiding! A couple horses almost sat on a barrel, and more than a few stepped on a pole in the novice backing challenge.
Overall though, it was not a bad weekend's work. Thanks to Beth and Stephanie for looking after the barn on Saturday so I could be in Westlock!
Karen
....I would suggest next year we should go compete at some of these shows...but our horses would have to be able to function in sight of a cow, and I am not sure ours would!
Saturday sent me to Westlock where I found more than a horse show...there was a complete carnival, chuck wagon races, chariot races, physic fair and cow show! Quite the event indeed.
Some nice horses attended the horse show, and it was fun to judge, albeit a little warm standing in the middle of a sand ring for 8 hours! With prize money in all the classes (except bareback), some of the competitors had a pretty good pay day that would put dressage and some jumping shows to shame.
I was a little disappointed that there were no foals in the foal class, and only one yearling, but it was a very nice welsh yearling. In a later halter class there was a miniature horse braided up like a big draft...it was very cute!
We had some excitement in some of the classes with horses spooking at a sponsor banner blowing in the breeze and the excitement of the cows nearby. These open shows really test a horse's character!
There was one horse who really didn't want to be in the ring, to the point I actually had to ask them to leave a class...the horse would throw its head straight in the air and just head to the outgate regardless of any horses standing in the way. Later the owner was talking to me...turns out the horse was in some other classes and placing well but with a more experienced rider. The moral of this, is that naughty/nervous horses are just as often an issue with the rider rather than with the horse. Something I wish the riders that punished their horses for being fearful would learn and understand. It really bothers me to see someone (usually kids) yanking on their horse or spurring it when it is nervous. This is simply fear and lack of knowledge equally violence, and the adults in these kids lives need to teach them to take a moment and think with empathy before reacting with aggression. Good life lesson.
Sunday was judging trail in Darwell. Darwell is also a fair with cows and such. I judged the open show last year and was invited to do Trail this year. At these open shows, competitors who want to try for High Point have to do the trail element. Because trail takes so much time, it is held in a separate ring, and people go compete as they have time. We had set the class time to be from 10 to 2, so Rob and I got there for 9:30 to make sure the course was set up properly, and to post the courses.
Rob then took the dogs to Lac St. Anne for some boating adventures, and I waited for my first competitor. And waited. Then I got stung by a bee. I have never been stung by a bee before. It was gross...they leave behind bee gunk and a stinger. A stinger that needed tweezers to remove before my hand (the right one of course) swelled like a balloon. The trail course wasn't really that far from the main show ring, but the path between the two was fenced with field fence (not climbable), so it was a bit of a walk to the show office...and then to the concession to find a set of tweezers...meanwhile my hand swelled up to completely suck in the stinger. So that was fun.
Then back to the show ring...to continue waiting. I don't think my first rider showed up until noon. 2 entire hours I could have been elsewhere. I should have brought a book! At least it was nice out. The actual class itself was fun to judge! I was a little worried by course was too hard, but enough riders did it well, and only a couple couldn't do some semblance of each obstacle, so hopefully the competitors thought it was fair. The hardest advanced elements were a counter canter/lope over 2 poles, the side pass over a short pole, and having to back between two barrels, then around a barrel, then back between the first two barrels. For the novices it was more just remembering where to go!
An interesting observation was that when doing elements involving backing between obstacles, most horses (or was it their rider's) ended up being aimed right at the element they were avoiding! A couple horses almost sat on a barrel, and more than a few stepped on a pole in the novice backing challenge.
Overall though, it was not a bad weekend's work. Thanks to Beth and Stephanie for looking after the barn on Saturday so I could be in Westlock!
Karen
....I would suggest next year we should go compete at some of these shows...but our horses would have to be able to function in sight of a cow, and I am not sure ours would!
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
New horses and other news.
I have been slow updating, but we have two new horses at the barn!
Horse #1 is Flicka, She is a lovely Quarter Horse pony that is in training to learn to be ridden English for a young girl. Flicka was a well trained western horse, but has been sitting for a few years, so needs a complete refresher. Hopefully her training progresses well, and then she will be available for students who want extra riding to ride to give her as much experience as possible. So far I have longed her to get used to the English tack, and been on her briefly. She has an AWESOME jog, so almost seems a waste to make her an English horse, but maybe she can be an all rounder.
Horse #2 is Duncan...Janine's new horse! He is also a Quarter Horse, but at the complete opposite end of the gene pool as he is tall and stream lined! Harder to imagine him chasing cows as he resembles the race horse side of the Quarter horse world...but same kind eye and sweet personality.
Not sure what it is about the influx of Quarter horses...but, at least one of them is a chestnut, so chestnuts still rule Hillside!
Karen
Horse #1 is Flicka, She is a lovely Quarter Horse pony that is in training to learn to be ridden English for a young girl. Flicka was a well trained western horse, but has been sitting for a few years, so needs a complete refresher. Hopefully her training progresses well, and then she will be available for students who want extra riding to ride to give her as much experience as possible. So far I have longed her to get used to the English tack, and been on her briefly. She has an AWESOME jog, so almost seems a waste to make her an English horse, but maybe she can be an all rounder.
Horse #2 is Duncan...Janine's new horse! He is also a Quarter Horse, but at the complete opposite end of the gene pool as he is tall and stream lined! Harder to imagine him chasing cows as he resembles the race horse side of the Quarter horse world...but same kind eye and sweet personality.
Not sure what it is about the influx of Quarter horses...but, at least one of them is a chestnut, so chestnuts still rule Hillside!
Karen
Friday, August 9, 2013
Adventures in Oven Cleaning
When I was growing up, we were led to believe that we would have hover cars, eat pills for nutrients, and have our own personal robot servants. Ensure has come close to the pills for nutrients, but as for the rest, the future has been pretty much a let down.
So in light of the above, who can blame me for not paying attention to the task of cleaning an oven?
When I lived alone I didn't use the oven enough to ever clean it, but a few weeks ago, it occurred to me that perhaps ovens shouldn't have a layer of dinner remains scarred to the bottom, and that perhaps the window at the front should be able to be seen through.
This was my first mistake. I should have realized the door opens so who needs the window, and the burnt food particles at the bottom of the oven just add flavour to whatever I am cooking...mesquite!
Next mistake was believing the "Odour Free" label on the can of oven cleaner. They don't really mean Odour Free. It stinks...a lot...what they mean is it will get you high so quickly that you will soon not notice the horrid smell you are spraying into the thing that you make dinner in.
But I read the label, and sprayed the spray, and shut the door as it said to. Then I needed fresh air. Badly. So I went to the barn, chatted, rode Izzy, fed the horses....and forgot about the oven.
Until 2 weeks later when I went to pre-heat the oven to make dinner (yummy Salmon!).
Do you know what happens when you turn the oven on without rinsing off the Oven Cleaner?
I will tell you what happens.
Visible vapours start to pour out of the stove top elements and out the door. Your throat will close and you will feel faint. Your husband will say "something smells funny" but not bother to get up from the sofa where he is watching TV while you lie spasming on the floor. Fortunately stoves have range fans, unfortunately the cloud of killer fumes will continue to find their way out of the oven for the next hour even though the oven wasn't allowed to get that hot.
Then the dilemma becomes what to do next. The "Easy Off" spray is now BAKED on to the inside of the stove like a sticky greasy layer that was way worse than the former layer of fat, grease and fallen food particles, and the element in the oven will have a sickly grey tinge.
My choice was to just use the toaster oven for the next while.
It then occurred to me that maybe I just needed to Easy Off it again, but this time actually rinse it after the suggested two hours. So I did that. And now my oven has moderately less burnt on gunk on the bottom and the window can now be seen through more or less. But I am afraid to turn the oven on ever again in case I missed a spot of cleaner and infuse our next dinner with toxic fumes that will render me blind and leave me saying "like" five times a sentence. It was not worth it. I think they should just sell disposable oven doors, and I will get one of those tin trays to put at the bottom of my oven, and cleaning the thing be damned. Or take out. That is the worst part of country living...no dinner delivery!
Of maybe you damn kids should get off the computer and get around to inventing that Robot servant like I was promised when I was 8 years old!
Karen
So in light of the above, who can blame me for not paying attention to the task of cleaning an oven?
When I lived alone I didn't use the oven enough to ever clean it, but a few weeks ago, it occurred to me that perhaps ovens shouldn't have a layer of dinner remains scarred to the bottom, and that perhaps the window at the front should be able to be seen through.
This was my first mistake. I should have realized the door opens so who needs the window, and the burnt food particles at the bottom of the oven just add flavour to whatever I am cooking...mesquite!
Next mistake was believing the "Odour Free" label on the can of oven cleaner. They don't really mean Odour Free. It stinks...a lot...what they mean is it will get you high so quickly that you will soon not notice the horrid smell you are spraying into the thing that you make dinner in.
But I read the label, and sprayed the spray, and shut the door as it said to. Then I needed fresh air. Badly. So I went to the barn, chatted, rode Izzy, fed the horses....and forgot about the oven.
Until 2 weeks later when I went to pre-heat the oven to make dinner (yummy Salmon!).
Do you know what happens when you turn the oven on without rinsing off the Oven Cleaner?
I will tell you what happens.
Visible vapours start to pour out of the stove top elements and out the door. Your throat will close and you will feel faint. Your husband will say "something smells funny" but not bother to get up from the sofa where he is watching TV while you lie spasming on the floor. Fortunately stoves have range fans, unfortunately the cloud of killer fumes will continue to find their way out of the oven for the next hour even though the oven wasn't allowed to get that hot.
Then the dilemma becomes what to do next. The "Easy Off" spray is now BAKED on to the inside of the stove like a sticky greasy layer that was way worse than the former layer of fat, grease and fallen food particles, and the element in the oven will have a sickly grey tinge.
My choice was to just use the toaster oven for the next while.
It then occurred to me that maybe I just needed to Easy Off it again, but this time actually rinse it after the suggested two hours. So I did that. And now my oven has moderately less burnt on gunk on the bottom and the window can now be seen through more or less. But I am afraid to turn the oven on ever again in case I missed a spot of cleaner and infuse our next dinner with toxic fumes that will render me blind and leave me saying "like" five times a sentence. It was not worth it. I think they should just sell disposable oven doors, and I will get one of those tin trays to put at the bottom of my oven, and cleaning the thing be damned. Or take out. That is the worst part of country living...no dinner delivery!
Of maybe you damn kids should get off the computer and get around to inventing that Robot servant like I was promised when I was 8 years old!
Karen
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Things you should not let your horse over hear....
You just got work benefits....because your horse will make sure you NEED that chiropractor
You ran out of horse cookies...see above result.
You have put the horse up for sale...because it will put its leg through the fence requiring a long recovery.
You have entered a show that requires braids....because it will ensure it rubs out the center part of the mane.
Your farrier is away for a week....it will be sure to pull a shoe.
It is the first day of a long holiday weekend...as it will do something requiring at least one emergency vet call.
You have someone coming to take photos of you riding...it will be sure to wipe green slime across your boobs...even if you made sure not to let it grab any grass on the way to the ring.
Your mom who is terrified of horses is watching you ride...as your normally lovely horse will step on your toe in the barn, and buck you off in the ring and take off galloping.
You got a bonus/raise at work...your horse will suddenly change shape and need a new saddle, or rip its blanket needing a new one or need a major vet appointment.
"He never spooks"....no horse wants to feel taken for granted...he will find something to spook at...particularly if this comment was in a sales ad and you are in the process of showing the horse to someone...
Karen
You ran out of horse cookies...see above result.
You have put the horse up for sale...because it will put its leg through the fence requiring a long recovery.
You have entered a show that requires braids....because it will ensure it rubs out the center part of the mane.
Your farrier is away for a week....it will be sure to pull a shoe.
It is the first day of a long holiday weekend...as it will do something requiring at least one emergency vet call.
You have someone coming to take photos of you riding...it will be sure to wipe green slime across your boobs...even if you made sure not to let it grab any grass on the way to the ring.
Your mom who is terrified of horses is watching you ride...as your normally lovely horse will step on your toe in the barn, and buck you off in the ring and take off galloping.
You got a bonus/raise at work...your horse will suddenly change shape and need a new saddle, or rip its blanket needing a new one or need a major vet appointment.
"He never spooks"....no horse wants to feel taken for granted...he will find something to spook at...particularly if this comment was in a sales ad and you are in the process of showing the horse to someone...
Karen
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Izzy Show update
As many of you know, Izzy and I were showing this weekend at the first annual Sparkles and Spurs dressage show at Maple Leaf Meadows. It was a Gold rated show, meaning horses needed passports, owners needed to feel the need to spend $$$ to dress in silly outfits and be told what they are doing wrong, and the judges were rated to judge at a National/International level.
This was Izzy's first "real" show, having done two schooling shows (one last year, and one this spring), and one 3" hunter show...the 3" hunter show went well, but at her previous dressage shows we had some pretty big issues with nerves and Izzy's fear of people coughing or dropping pencils...
I chose this show as it allowed us to haul back and forth...something unheard of at other Gold rated dressage shows. I figured as we live at the same location, easier to just haul her back and forth than to worry about her dinner and breakfast feedings.
Schooling was Friday, and I had planned to leave early to give us lots of time to see the rings and such, but blue truck was not cooperating, and Rob had to take me later with white truck. Got there to see a few trailers there already, and one horse being ridden one of the dressage rings. Took Izzy for a walk to find her stall (day stall) and was relieved to find we weren't in one of the portable stalls in the (scary) coverall, but rather we were in the Princess Extra Large stall right beside the porta potty and warm up ring! Score!
Got on to hack, and stuck to the plan of walking until she relaxed, and then schooled her in both show rings (set up side by side in the sand ring). They had it decorated with flowers, and Izzy was being good. They didn't have the judges booths set up yet though, so I was a little worried about that causing some grief, but as it was the only things she really spooked at was the garbage bag covered speakers...particularly when the suddenly boomed noise as we walked by!
I was on her for about an hour...long enough for both of us to be sweaty and feeling prepared and done for the day...meanwhile the bay horse that was schooling in the ring when we first pulled up was STILL SCHOOLING. Pretty sure if you can't get it done in an hour and a half the day before a show, it isn't going to happen. But who knows, maybe they kicked my butt all weekend...
Hauled home, Rob got Blue truck working. Headed back to show after teaching on Saturday. Notice that the parking lot is crammed full. Fortunately the first person I see is Diana the steward and we discuss my parking behind the indoor arena...super close to my stall, the warm up and to shade! Score!
Also notice that the judges booths are trucks. They just aimed trucks at C. I had not thought to school riding straight at trucks. Fortunately it seems that horses in genera, and Izzy included, are not afraid of trucks and these were non-traumatizing a compared to the fancy booths at most shows! Not sure how they would be to judge/scribe in though...I would assume hot?
Went to the nice indoor to school for first class. Izzy is terrified of that ring. I think it is the windows to the kitchen area that bother her the most. They are positioned such that the people behind them are just bodies...neither legs nor heads are visible...just torsos. Not really the most attractive part of most humans when missing the context of limbs and head....
I figured I needed to work past this silliness and work on her submission so we did lots of shapes, transitions and laterals. She continued to eye the one person in the stands with great suspicion. I think he had been yelled at enough by his dressage girl friend that he did NOT MOVE A MUSCLE the entire time...which possibly made Izzy even more suspicious. My big worry is that we would crash into one of the many fancy warmbloods, however that embarrassment was avoided.
Time for our class (first level test 2) so we head over to the ring. It is a bit of a walk, and I can feel her relaxing the further we get from the indoor arena. This seems like a good thing. Until we get into the show ring. And suddenly Izzy is completely deflated and in need of a nap. And so am I. We are supposed to halt, salute, then go across the diagonal in lengthened trot but I have nothing...all the forward I had was left in the warm up ring running from disembodied torsos. Her leg yields were good though, and her walk on a long rein, and we managed a 60 point something which was good enough for third. (I debated checking my score before my second class just in case it disheartened me, but in the end curiosity won out and I did. I did not get my test though until after I was done my second test...but only because I had to go up stairs to do so)
Two hours before my next test. (Second level test 2). Our first attempt at Second Level. Really, I shouldn't be showing second as I am still schooling it, but I wanted judge's feedback to know I was on the right track. The $50 entry per class is less than the $100 lesson fee it seems local dressage coaches charge, so it made sense to me...we will see if Rob agrees after he reads this....anyway... this time I thought I would warm up less as she was tired, so we just did some jogging around the ring to try to relax her. This was ok until I was left alone in the ring and poor Izzy was very aware that if the devil at the end of the ring was going to eat something it was likely her and she really wanted out.
So we headed to the ring...and halt salute...and whinny. And Whinny. Poor Izzy was not happy. Horses in the parking lot and coverall arena shared her sorrow by calling back. I just could not get her to relax. I think she was at the point of being over tired to the point of silliness. Anyone who has been at, or around a tween girl sleepover knows how that goes. Score for that test: 51%. The odd thing was that our movements scored low, but our collective marks (overall impressions) were ok. Normally it is the opposite. So I figure the judge saw some rays of hope. Done for the day so I put her in her giant stall to cool off while I got ready to take us home...and she proceeded to prance laps in her stall.
Sunday I rode earlier: 10:30 ride time, so I left for the show right after chores, then made up a new style of braid as the buttons I had done for Saturday were apparently the most itchy things EVER, and I hate how running braids pucker...so I evented an ugly but functional running scallop braid combo. Izzy approved. She apparently has as little fashion sense as I do.
First test was again the First Level test 2. I tried a new tactic in warm up by avoiding the scary end, and I think this really helped her be able to not get tense as she felt more relaxed in the bridle. She was however about as tired as I was for the class, so there were a few requests that required a second ask with the help of spurs. Ended up with a very slightly higher score, under a slightly harsher judge, and so placed second! She also got a 7 for her gaits which made me pretty happy.
Two and a half hour wait until our Second level test. Time felt like it was standing still. I watched some upper level rides, had lunch, mooched watermelon, had a discussion on AQHA's recent court case regarding cloning, discussed when whips were allowed in classes, argued if there was breed prejudice in dressage, had a nap, cleaned all my tack...and still had over an hour to go. Short warm up, with the goal for this class to be less rushed as that had been a recurring theme in the comments from the day before. We definitely were less rushed, but also tired and our first canter/walk transition ended up being a canter/halt transition, and our second walk/canter transition ended up being a go sideways and then LEAP into the canter. Still, I felt it was better, and the score reflected improvement with a 56+% percent and a fourth. We also got a 7 for our first Renvers.
Apparently our turn on the haunches need a lot of work though, as do our transitions down from the Medium or lengthened gaits. It is just taking too many strides. I also really need to work on making her back round (When I told her I wanted her to be rounder she thought I meant in the belly which she has been working on as much as possible...). It also seems that when tired I get crooked without knowing it. I had no comments on being crooked on Saturday, but today both judges commented on it. I need to work on that!
Overall pretty happy with Izzy and thought the show itself was really well run, with fabulous volunteers which of course are who makes the show a success or failure! Best part? Prize money! Ok, not a lot of prize money, but the $35 Izzy won at this show means my total life time winnings in dressage are $40 and a saddle pad...dressage shows just aren't known for prize money. And it gives me something to put in her passport!
Previously I have show warmbloods in dressage, and there is some benefit to having a lofty moving warmblood. The way movements are scored, you get a 5 if the judge can recognise what you are trying to do, and you score more for doing it well. On a good moving horse, the judge kind of starts you off as a 7 or 8, and if can go up or down from there based on how well you do the movement. On a poor moving horse you are starting at a 5 or 6 and moving up or down from there. This is fair and not breed prejudice, as dressage was made for the warmblood type horse...if it was made for Arabians it would include a lot of hand galloping and hollow backed movements.... My reason for having a little Arabian is that I find her gaits easier to manage and she makes me feel safer even when I can't feel my legs. And she doesn't pull. And her neck is shorter so less braiding needed. Overall, Izzy scored three 6s and one 7 for movement, so I think we are on our way to being able to get decent scores and moving up the levels if I can stay on the right track with her.
Next show for her? I am hoping Harvest in September if I can get her less fearful of sounds!
Karen
This was Izzy's first "real" show, having done two schooling shows (one last year, and one this spring), and one 3" hunter show...the 3" hunter show went well, but at her previous dressage shows we had some pretty big issues with nerves and Izzy's fear of people coughing or dropping pencils...
I chose this show as it allowed us to haul back and forth...something unheard of at other Gold rated dressage shows. I figured as we live at the same location, easier to just haul her back and forth than to worry about her dinner and breakfast feedings.
Schooling was Friday, and I had planned to leave early to give us lots of time to see the rings and such, but blue truck was not cooperating, and Rob had to take me later with white truck. Got there to see a few trailers there already, and one horse being ridden one of the dressage rings. Took Izzy for a walk to find her stall (day stall) and was relieved to find we weren't in one of the portable stalls in the (scary) coverall, but rather we were in the Princess Extra Large stall right beside the porta potty and warm up ring! Score!
Got on to hack, and stuck to the plan of walking until she relaxed, and then schooled her in both show rings (set up side by side in the sand ring). They had it decorated with flowers, and Izzy was being good. They didn't have the judges booths set up yet though, so I was a little worried about that causing some grief, but as it was the only things she really spooked at was the garbage bag covered speakers...particularly when the suddenly boomed noise as we walked by!
I was on her for about an hour...long enough for both of us to be sweaty and feeling prepared and done for the day...meanwhile the bay horse that was schooling in the ring when we first pulled up was STILL SCHOOLING. Pretty sure if you can't get it done in an hour and a half the day before a show, it isn't going to happen. But who knows, maybe they kicked my butt all weekend...
Hauled home, Rob got Blue truck working. Headed back to show after teaching on Saturday. Notice that the parking lot is crammed full. Fortunately the first person I see is Diana the steward and we discuss my parking behind the indoor arena...super close to my stall, the warm up and to shade! Score!
Also notice that the judges booths are trucks. They just aimed trucks at C. I had not thought to school riding straight at trucks. Fortunately it seems that horses in genera, and Izzy included, are not afraid of trucks and these were non-traumatizing a compared to the fancy booths at most shows! Not sure how they would be to judge/scribe in though...I would assume hot?
Went to the nice indoor to school for first class. Izzy is terrified of that ring. I think it is the windows to the kitchen area that bother her the most. They are positioned such that the people behind them are just bodies...neither legs nor heads are visible...just torsos. Not really the most attractive part of most humans when missing the context of limbs and head....
I figured I needed to work past this silliness and work on her submission so we did lots of shapes, transitions and laterals. She continued to eye the one person in the stands with great suspicion. I think he had been yelled at enough by his dressage girl friend that he did NOT MOVE A MUSCLE the entire time...which possibly made Izzy even more suspicious. My big worry is that we would crash into one of the many fancy warmbloods, however that embarrassment was avoided.
Time for our class (first level test 2) so we head over to the ring. It is a bit of a walk, and I can feel her relaxing the further we get from the indoor arena. This seems like a good thing. Until we get into the show ring. And suddenly Izzy is completely deflated and in need of a nap. And so am I. We are supposed to halt, salute, then go across the diagonal in lengthened trot but I have nothing...all the forward I had was left in the warm up ring running from disembodied torsos. Her leg yields were good though, and her walk on a long rein, and we managed a 60 point something which was good enough for third. (I debated checking my score before my second class just in case it disheartened me, but in the end curiosity won out and I did. I did not get my test though until after I was done my second test...but only because I had to go up stairs to do so)
Two hours before my next test. (Second level test 2). Our first attempt at Second Level. Really, I shouldn't be showing second as I am still schooling it, but I wanted judge's feedback to know I was on the right track. The $50 entry per class is less than the $100 lesson fee it seems local dressage coaches charge, so it made sense to me...we will see if Rob agrees after he reads this....anyway... this time I thought I would warm up less as she was tired, so we just did some jogging around the ring to try to relax her. This was ok until I was left alone in the ring and poor Izzy was very aware that if the devil at the end of the ring was going to eat something it was likely her and she really wanted out.
So we headed to the ring...and halt salute...and whinny. And Whinny. Poor Izzy was not happy. Horses in the parking lot and coverall arena shared her sorrow by calling back. I just could not get her to relax. I think she was at the point of being over tired to the point of silliness. Anyone who has been at, or around a tween girl sleepover knows how that goes. Score for that test: 51%. The odd thing was that our movements scored low, but our collective marks (overall impressions) were ok. Normally it is the opposite. So I figure the judge saw some rays of hope. Done for the day so I put her in her giant stall to cool off while I got ready to take us home...and she proceeded to prance laps in her stall.
Sunday I rode earlier: 10:30 ride time, so I left for the show right after chores, then made up a new style of braid as the buttons I had done for Saturday were apparently the most itchy things EVER, and I hate how running braids pucker...so I evented an ugly but functional running scallop braid combo. Izzy approved. She apparently has as little fashion sense as I do.
First test was again the First Level test 2. I tried a new tactic in warm up by avoiding the scary end, and I think this really helped her be able to not get tense as she felt more relaxed in the bridle. She was however about as tired as I was for the class, so there were a few requests that required a second ask with the help of spurs. Ended up with a very slightly higher score, under a slightly harsher judge, and so placed second! She also got a 7 for her gaits which made me pretty happy.
Two and a half hour wait until our Second level test. Time felt like it was standing still. I watched some upper level rides, had lunch, mooched watermelon, had a discussion on AQHA's recent court case regarding cloning, discussed when whips were allowed in classes, argued if there was breed prejudice in dressage, had a nap, cleaned all my tack...and still had over an hour to go. Short warm up, with the goal for this class to be less rushed as that had been a recurring theme in the comments from the day before. We definitely were less rushed, but also tired and our first canter/walk transition ended up being a canter/halt transition, and our second walk/canter transition ended up being a go sideways and then LEAP into the canter. Still, I felt it was better, and the score reflected improvement with a 56+% percent and a fourth. We also got a 7 for our first Renvers.
Apparently our turn on the haunches need a lot of work though, as do our transitions down from the Medium or lengthened gaits. It is just taking too many strides. I also really need to work on making her back round (When I told her I wanted her to be rounder she thought I meant in the belly which she has been working on as much as possible...). It also seems that when tired I get crooked without knowing it. I had no comments on being crooked on Saturday, but today both judges commented on it. I need to work on that!
Overall pretty happy with Izzy and thought the show itself was really well run, with fabulous volunteers which of course are who makes the show a success or failure! Best part? Prize money! Ok, not a lot of prize money, but the $35 Izzy won at this show means my total life time winnings in dressage are $40 and a saddle pad...dressage shows just aren't known for prize money. And it gives me something to put in her passport!
Previously I have show warmbloods in dressage, and there is some benefit to having a lofty moving warmblood. The way movements are scored, you get a 5 if the judge can recognise what you are trying to do, and you score more for doing it well. On a good moving horse, the judge kind of starts you off as a 7 or 8, and if can go up or down from there based on how well you do the movement. On a poor moving horse you are starting at a 5 or 6 and moving up or down from there. This is fair and not breed prejudice, as dressage was made for the warmblood type horse...if it was made for Arabians it would include a lot of hand galloping and hollow backed movements.... My reason for having a little Arabian is that I find her gaits easier to manage and she makes me feel safer even when I can't feel my legs. And she doesn't pull. And her neck is shorter so less braiding needed. Overall, Izzy scored three 6s and one 7 for movement, so I think we are on our way to being able to get decent scores and moving up the levels if I can stay on the right track with her.
Next show for her? I am hoping Harvest in September if I can get her less fearful of sounds!
Karen
Friday, August 2, 2013
Adventures in horse shopping...& texting
A text conversation Friday evening. Person texting in orange, I am in black.
"You guys coming?"
"?I am not sure who this is? do you have the right person?"
"Ill take an offer"
"Still confused"
"Ya. I am selling horse (name removed to protect the likely drunk). You should buy her"
"Oh that mare. we looked at her weeks ago. She was lame"
"No, She's good. Come get her and ill give you a deal that you can't resist"
"Ok, I am busy this weekend, but will see if I have a student interested. What are you asking for her now?"
"2300 (aka same price as before) but to a good home ill take a good offer if you promise to take care of her. She's a great horse"
"Is she at the same location?"
"Yup. For 5 more days"
"What happens in 5 days?"
"Sausage"
"Just kidding"
"Giving her to a friend that wants her. And she don't want to sell her after that"
"Ok, I will keep that in mind"
So...anybody want to buy a seemingly quiet middle aged mare that is fairly pretty, decent sized, but doesn't seem to have more than basic training? I actually did really like her...she was just trimmed really short after being neglected.
And just when I thought it was over...
"come grab her ill give you a deal"
Anyone feel that maybe all cell phones should have breathalyzers?
Karen
"You guys coming?"
"?I am not sure who this is? do you have the right person?"
"Ill take an offer"
"Still confused"
"Ya. I am selling horse (name removed to protect the likely drunk). You should buy her"
"Oh that mare. we looked at her weeks ago. She was lame"
"No, She's good. Come get her and ill give you a deal that you can't resist"
"Ok, I am busy this weekend, but will see if I have a student interested. What are you asking for her now?"
"2300 (aka same price as before) but to a good home ill take a good offer if you promise to take care of her. She's a great horse"
"Is she at the same location?"
"Yup. For 5 more days"
"What happens in 5 days?"
"Sausage"
"Just kidding"
"Giving her to a friend that wants her. And she don't want to sell her after that"
"Ok, I will keep that in mind"
So...anybody want to buy a seemingly quiet middle aged mare that is fairly pretty, decent sized, but doesn't seem to have more than basic training? I actually did really like her...she was just trimmed really short after being neglected.
And just when I thought it was over...
"come grab her ill give you a deal"
Anyone feel that maybe all cell phones should have breathalyzers?
Karen
Sunday, July 28, 2013
This week in lessons...
First off, fingers cross we can be outside this week! Hopefully it doesn't rain too much early in the week...jumping outside it just so much more fun and has more options course wise.
This week in lessons we are returning to lead changes, either flying, simple or in the air. Those of you who have horses with good lead changes can sit by and gloat...
This lesson plan is a direct result of the horse show: we had some lovely jumping, but the lack of any type of lead change really made it hard to shine in the hunters!
Step one is to know if you are on the wrong lead in the first place, to know if you need to ask. If in doubt though, ride the end of the ring as deep as you can to give you time to sort yourself out, and give your horse a chance to do the lead change in case one is needed.
Lead Change type #1: Simple Change through trot. At the show, our riders seemed to know they needed to trot the change, but didn't actually get the trot, so it was just kind of a slow down then go again with no real purpose. To work on this type of change we are going to just trot at each first corner...so don't let them turn until the trot has been achieved! This will help in two ways: one, it will help you think of using the ends, and two it will help you learn to balance in the corners.
Lead Change type #2: Flying change. Some horses just don't have them...maybe they are sore, or just don't have the training, but most horses can get a change over a pole, or if really set up for them with a forward and straight canter. To get the flying change, keep the horse straight, push the horse into the corner with the inside leg back like a leg yield into the corner, then catch the horse with the outside rein and leg and ask for the change more or less like you ask for the canter from a trot/walk. Important to maintain the forward, and to ask for the haunches first so they don't drop their shoulder into the turn and loose their hind end.
Lead Change type #3: Change over the fence. This is easiest when the jump is high enough to require them to actually have all four legs off the ground and a good moment of suspension in the air. The rider needs to put their weight in the outside stirrup (but NOT lean) to encourage the horse to land with the outside front leg first, and open the inside rein off the neck. Looking in the direction of landing can also help, but if you don't want the horse to turn on the land, you have to be careful with this. Looking means turning the shoulders as well as the head! Here is a good video to illustrate this.
Likely this week we will working on lead change type #1 (Simple) and #3 (in the air) and that will likely be enough, but in some lessons we may also work on the flying changes.
Advanced flat/dressage riders will work on haunches in this week. Haunches in (Travers) requires the horse to look down the track with the haunches travelling to the inside and crossing over. The best way to set up for a haunches in is coming out of a small volte/circle. Just before the horse's front end reaches the track, the rider asks the horse to maintain the bend and step laterally along the wall rather than straighten out along the wall. Aids for the haunches in: rider looks down the track with their head/shoulders. Inside leg active at the girth to maintain bend and activity, outside leg behind the girth to hold the haunch off the track and encourage the lateral crossing. Belly button looks to the outside so that the inside seat bone is forward. Inside hand supples and keeps the horse bent and soft to the inside, outside rein against the neck to keep the shoulder from dropping to the wall.
I really like haunches in as a strengthening exercise, but you need to pair it with lengthening and straightening so that your horse doesn't end up crooked and on its forehand as a result of getting overly tired as this exercise really works their hind end!
What else may be fun this week if riders took the time to clean tack before or after riding!
Karen
This week in lessons we are returning to lead changes, either flying, simple or in the air. Those of you who have horses with good lead changes can sit by and gloat...
This lesson plan is a direct result of the horse show: we had some lovely jumping, but the lack of any type of lead change really made it hard to shine in the hunters!
Step one is to know if you are on the wrong lead in the first place, to know if you need to ask. If in doubt though, ride the end of the ring as deep as you can to give you time to sort yourself out, and give your horse a chance to do the lead change in case one is needed.
Lead Change type #1: Simple Change through trot. At the show, our riders seemed to know they needed to trot the change, but didn't actually get the trot, so it was just kind of a slow down then go again with no real purpose. To work on this type of change we are going to just trot at each first corner...so don't let them turn until the trot has been achieved! This will help in two ways: one, it will help you think of using the ends, and two it will help you learn to balance in the corners.
Lead Change type #2: Flying change. Some horses just don't have them...maybe they are sore, or just don't have the training, but most horses can get a change over a pole, or if really set up for them with a forward and straight canter. To get the flying change, keep the horse straight, push the horse into the corner with the inside leg back like a leg yield into the corner, then catch the horse with the outside rein and leg and ask for the change more or less like you ask for the canter from a trot/walk. Important to maintain the forward, and to ask for the haunches first so they don't drop their shoulder into the turn and loose their hind end.
Lead Change type #3: Change over the fence. This is easiest when the jump is high enough to require them to actually have all four legs off the ground and a good moment of suspension in the air. The rider needs to put their weight in the outside stirrup (but NOT lean) to encourage the horse to land with the outside front leg first, and open the inside rein off the neck. Looking in the direction of landing can also help, but if you don't want the horse to turn on the land, you have to be careful with this. Looking means turning the shoulders as well as the head! Here is a good video to illustrate this.
Likely this week we will working on lead change type #1 (Simple) and #3 (in the air) and that will likely be enough, but in some lessons we may also work on the flying changes.
Advanced flat/dressage riders will work on haunches in this week. Haunches in (Travers) requires the horse to look down the track with the haunches travelling to the inside and crossing over. The best way to set up for a haunches in is coming out of a small volte/circle. Just before the horse's front end reaches the track, the rider asks the horse to maintain the bend and step laterally along the wall rather than straighten out along the wall. Aids for the haunches in: rider looks down the track with their head/shoulders. Inside leg active at the girth to maintain bend and activity, outside leg behind the girth to hold the haunch off the track and encourage the lateral crossing. Belly button looks to the outside so that the inside seat bone is forward. Inside hand supples and keeps the horse bent and soft to the inside, outside rein against the neck to keep the shoulder from dropping to the wall.
I really like haunches in as a strengthening exercise, but you need to pair it with lengthening and straightening so that your horse doesn't end up crooked and on its forehand as a result of getting overly tired as this exercise really works their hind end!
What else may be fun this week if riders took the time to clean tack before or after riding!
Karen
Monday, July 22, 2013
Lessons for this week
Jumping lessons will work on a simple hunter course: starting small, then actual jumps.
We will then convert the horse to a basic jumper course if time allows. Again starting small, then actual jumps. Trying to incorporate roll backs before and after the jumps like we worked on last week.
This is in preparation for the MLM show next Saturday...let me know if you want to go! There are 2 trailer spots available.
Flat/Dressage lessons this week will work developing a hand that is independent from the seat and from the eye. A few of you have a silly/unproductive habit of looking down when doing transitions and such! It is important that you can adjust your seat forward or back, without your hand moving as well. Or move your hand without your seat moving.
Neck straps or hooking a finger in the mane may be useful for this lesson/skill set.
Karen
We will then convert the horse to a basic jumper course if time allows. Again starting small, then actual jumps. Trying to incorporate roll backs before and after the jumps like we worked on last week.
This is in preparation for the MLM show next Saturday...let me know if you want to go! There are 2 trailer spots available.
Flat/Dressage lessons this week will work developing a hand that is independent from the seat and from the eye. A few of you have a silly/unproductive habit of looking down when doing transitions and such! It is important that you can adjust your seat forward or back, without your hand moving as well. Or move your hand without your seat moving.
Neck straps or hooking a finger in the mane may be useful for this lesson/skill set.
Karen
A wasted Sunday
Margie and I got up early, and hit the road under the cloudy skies of yesterday. Headed south to Olds to look at a 15.3 hand QH mare, with a pretty colour. We had seen pictures, and a blurry video, so she seemed worthwhile to take the drive for, as apparently pretty colours sell quickly around Edmonton!
The owner wasn't to be there, but the property owners were ok helping us. Apparently helping us just meant showing us which horse it was, but never mind. We pull up...and notice we just missed watching them collecting semen for AI in their yard...because apparently it was breeding day. Who doesn't want to hang around on breeding day? Soon trailers started arriving with more mares and foals for breeding day...lots of cute babies|!
But who wants to approach a man carrying a fake horse vagina to ask about the horse you are there to see?
So we waited a little, then the wife came over and told use where to find the mare. So we go to the barn, scrounge for a halter and lead rope....and pull out what looked to be a pony. Obviously the same colour and markings, but nowhere close to 15.3! Maybe 14.3? And not a bulky 14.3 either. So we took her out of the stall...and she was also a tad obnoxious with a weird hoof crack that was NOT just a surface crack as we had been told...so we put her back, and asked if the farm owners had anything for sale.
They did, and pointed is in the direction of a field to look for a Buckskin (Margie heard Mexican, and was curious what a Mexican horse look like). So we go looking for horses in mud, grass and trees. And find a short palomino (why are the cute ones so short?), and a couple nice chestnuts, including one with lots of white and a grey mane...we liked that one. Further into the forest we found the buckskin, who was the unfortunate friend of a giant beast of a Quarter Horse who was a bully and a little worrisome to be around.
The buckskin was ok, but saddle scars on his shoulders, and a very small/common head.
We went back to ask about the chestnut we liked...and found out he was a well trained roping horse, so worth pretty good money...of course.
So we left and headed back to Red Deer to have lunch as we couldn't go see the next horse until 1:30ish. I was very excited about this one as it was advertised as QUIET and jumping well to 2'6". It has evented and done 4H. Good colour, and I thought pretty.
And she was pretty with a decent build. Kind of weird hooves, but nothing horrid.
Now the owner had told me when I made the appointment she had been hurt/bucked off her young horse, so couldn't ride. Something about soft tissue damage and a crushed hand... When we got there she said she could hack her for us, but I saw little point...after all, this was an ALL CAPS QUIET horse. And for hacking she was. She felt oddly short strided on the grass, but listened well, and I felt comfortable enough to drop the reins to the buckle and wave my arms (one at a time of course) at the canter. I kind of liked her.
The I started jumping. Went to trot into a cross pole...but mare wouldn't trot, and burst to a canter two strides out. Seemed odd for a QUIET horse, but maybe she hates trotting jumps, or just doesn't do it much. So I thought I would canter it the other way, giving her the reins to lope over it. She did stay decent to it...but flung herself over knees down...and then jammed her fronts into the ground on the land and crop hopped/bucked. I lawn darted into the lawn. Ouch!
So then the owner mentions she hasn't jumped for 2 and a half weeks...other the hay bales she jumped her over the night before "to cool her out" This made zero sense to me, but then I just did smoke my head into the ground face first.
So I looked at her and Margie and said: "So if you jumped her last night, why can't you jump her today".
"Oh, it was just little hay bales. I don't want to get hurt again."
"well, if you could jump hay bales, why can't you jump a little today? Am I making sense here?"
So yes, the owner got on the mare...which is what I should have done in the first place...and I could have seen the issue that lead to me injury..
First, the owner has taught the horse to canter two strides out from trot jumps. I have no idea why. Second, she sits up in the air and gives no release. Exactly how someone rides a horse that is either very powerful (think Justice) or wants to buck on the land. Third...there is something wrong with the horse...she jumped knees pointed down AKA is a leg hanger...a bad one. Over a bigger jump (which I didn't ask the owner to do) she swung her legs to the side.
So I asked if that is normally how she jumps, and got a wishy washy answer that she felt odd over the one jump.
So we left. And I struggled to bend my right leg enough to get my half chap off!
lesson learned...give sellers the 3rd degree before driving more than 30 mins and ALWAYS have them ride first!
Karen
The owner wasn't to be there, but the property owners were ok helping us. Apparently helping us just meant showing us which horse it was, but never mind. We pull up...and notice we just missed watching them collecting semen for AI in their yard...because apparently it was breeding day. Who doesn't want to hang around on breeding day? Soon trailers started arriving with more mares and foals for breeding day...lots of cute babies|!
But who wants to approach a man carrying a fake horse vagina to ask about the horse you are there to see?
So we waited a little, then the wife came over and told use where to find the mare. So we go to the barn, scrounge for a halter and lead rope....and pull out what looked to be a pony. Obviously the same colour and markings, but nowhere close to 15.3! Maybe 14.3? And not a bulky 14.3 either. So we took her out of the stall...and she was also a tad obnoxious with a weird hoof crack that was NOT just a surface crack as we had been told...so we put her back, and asked if the farm owners had anything for sale.
They did, and pointed is in the direction of a field to look for a Buckskin (Margie heard Mexican, and was curious what a Mexican horse look like). So we go looking for horses in mud, grass and trees. And find a short palomino (why are the cute ones so short?), and a couple nice chestnuts, including one with lots of white and a grey mane...we liked that one. Further into the forest we found the buckskin, who was the unfortunate friend of a giant beast of a Quarter Horse who was a bully and a little worrisome to be around.
The buckskin was ok, but saddle scars on his shoulders, and a very small/common head.
We went back to ask about the chestnut we liked...and found out he was a well trained roping horse, so worth pretty good money...of course.
So we left and headed back to Red Deer to have lunch as we couldn't go see the next horse until 1:30ish. I was very excited about this one as it was advertised as QUIET and jumping well to 2'6". It has evented and done 4H. Good colour, and I thought pretty.
And she was pretty with a decent build. Kind of weird hooves, but nothing horrid.
Now the owner had told me when I made the appointment she had been hurt/bucked off her young horse, so couldn't ride. Something about soft tissue damage and a crushed hand... When we got there she said she could hack her for us, but I saw little point...after all, this was an ALL CAPS QUIET horse. And for hacking she was. She felt oddly short strided on the grass, but listened well, and I felt comfortable enough to drop the reins to the buckle and wave my arms (one at a time of course) at the canter. I kind of liked her.
The I started jumping. Went to trot into a cross pole...but mare wouldn't trot, and burst to a canter two strides out. Seemed odd for a QUIET horse, but maybe she hates trotting jumps, or just doesn't do it much. So I thought I would canter it the other way, giving her the reins to lope over it. She did stay decent to it...but flung herself over knees down...and then jammed her fronts into the ground on the land and crop hopped/bucked. I lawn darted into the lawn. Ouch!
So then the owner mentions she hasn't jumped for 2 and a half weeks...other the hay bales she jumped her over the night before "to cool her out" This made zero sense to me, but then I just did smoke my head into the ground face first.
So I looked at her and Margie and said: "So if you jumped her last night, why can't you jump her today".
"Oh, it was just little hay bales. I don't want to get hurt again."
"well, if you could jump hay bales, why can't you jump a little today? Am I making sense here?"
So yes, the owner got on the mare...which is what I should have done in the first place...and I could have seen the issue that lead to me injury..
First, the owner has taught the horse to canter two strides out from trot jumps. I have no idea why. Second, she sits up in the air and gives no release. Exactly how someone rides a horse that is either very powerful (think Justice) or wants to buck on the land. Third...there is something wrong with the horse...she jumped knees pointed down AKA is a leg hanger...a bad one. Over a bigger jump (which I didn't ask the owner to do) she swung her legs to the side.
So I asked if that is normally how she jumps, and got a wishy washy answer that she felt odd over the one jump.
So we left. And I struggled to bend my right leg enough to get my half chap off!
lesson learned...give sellers the 3rd degree before driving more than 30 mins and ALWAYS have them ride first!
Karen
Monday, July 15, 2013
The week in lessons
Well, it looks like we will be indoors for at least the first part of the week as the outdoor arena is once again under a layer of water. Seriously...has it ever been this wet and humid in Edmonton?
I think we may cover the different (basic) ways of changing direction and why/when you would use them: Across the diagonal, through the middle, half circle reverse, reverse half circle, and the roll back. In keeping with that, for jumping, we might do jumping and turns/changes of direction, which may also lead to some work on lead changes, changing in the air.
We may also work on feeling for the lead both on the flat, and when jumping, so be prepared for lots of canter transitions as part of the flat work.
Karen
I think we may cover the different (basic) ways of changing direction and why/when you would use them: Across the diagonal, through the middle, half circle reverse, reverse half circle, and the roll back. In keeping with that, for jumping, we might do jumping and turns/changes of direction, which may also lead to some work on lead changes, changing in the air.
We may also work on feeling for the lead both on the flat, and when jumping, so be prepared for lots of canter transitions as part of the flat work.
Karen
No, a family of bunnies did not explode...
The plethora of hair is actually from Phelps.
What or who is Phelps you ask?
Phelps is the matted smelly beast that was laying in front of the barn door Saturday morning as I went out to feed. I am not always fully awake when I feed hay, so my brain was really trying to figure out what exactly was staring at me...did Ginger get fluffy or was it Amarillo the neighbourhood husky? Or did the neighbours get another fluffy creature that decided our place looked more awesome?
But it was none of the above...it was a neglected looking dog, with mats the size of dinner plates layered like scales on its back, and hanging fur balls looking like really sad Christmas décor. I immediately named him Phelps and called Rob. Between the two of us, I think we spend 4 to 5 hours brushing the poor guy over the weekend! So far, we haven't found any lost dog ads matching his description, and none of the nearby vets have been contacted, so we aren't sure if he was dumped or?
He appears to be an Australian Sheppard crossed with an ottoman. He seems old...teeth have bad tartar build up, and he has trouble getting going in the morning. He also seems partially deaf...or as Janine says, just has the typical male selective hearing! It doesn't seem like he has ever been trained or even worn a collar, and the collar we have put on him for containment purposes isn't to his liking. He also seems to think cats are edible...something I am really trying to discourage, but I wish a cat would help by clawing his nose rather than running away (which just makes it that much more exciting).
If you come out, feel free to take him out of the stall using the rope or lunge line to lead him or tie him up. He is really good with the horses, but I just don't want to risk a kitty catastrophe., and he doesn't know he isn't allowed upstairs or in the arena yet.
karen
What or who is Phelps you ask?
Phelps is the matted smelly beast that was laying in front of the barn door Saturday morning as I went out to feed. I am not always fully awake when I feed hay, so my brain was really trying to figure out what exactly was staring at me...did Ginger get fluffy or was it Amarillo the neighbourhood husky? Or did the neighbours get another fluffy creature that decided our place looked more awesome?
But it was none of the above...it was a neglected looking dog, with mats the size of dinner plates layered like scales on its back, and hanging fur balls looking like really sad Christmas décor. I immediately named him Phelps and called Rob. Between the two of us, I think we spend 4 to 5 hours brushing the poor guy over the weekend! So far, we haven't found any lost dog ads matching his description, and none of the nearby vets have been contacted, so we aren't sure if he was dumped or?
He appears to be an Australian Sheppard crossed with an ottoman. He seems old...teeth have bad tartar build up, and he has trouble getting going in the morning. He also seems partially deaf...or as Janine says, just has the typical male selective hearing! It doesn't seem like he has ever been trained or even worn a collar, and the collar we have put on him for containment purposes isn't to his liking. He also seems to think cats are edible...something I am really trying to discourage, but I wish a cat would help by clawing his nose rather than running away (which just makes it that much more exciting).
If you come out, feel free to take him out of the stall using the rope or lunge line to lead him or tie him up. He is really good with the horses, but I just don't want to risk a kitty catastrophe., and he doesn't know he isn't allowed upstairs or in the arena yet.
karen
Thursday, July 4, 2013
News Article
http://www.edmontonsun.com/2013/07/04/manitoba-man-charged-with-impaired-driving-causing-death-in-head-on-crash-that-killed-young-edmonton-woman?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=recommend-button&utm_campaign=Manitoba+man+charged+with+impaired+driving+causing+death+in+head-on+crash+that+killed+young+Edmonton+woman
I didn't even know she was a painter.
I hope her boyfriend pulls through. I met him at the barn, and he seemed like a nice guy. I hope he is still able to go away to get his Masters and pursue his dreams.
I didn't even know she was a painter.
I hope her boyfriend pulls through. I met him at the barn, and he seemed like a nice guy. I hope he is still able to go away to get his Masters and pursue his dreams.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Very Sad
(Percy) Clare died on the weekend after being hit head on by a drunk driver.
What a senseless way for anyone to die, much less someone who gave so much back to the community in working for the Sexual Assault hotline and through her chosen career as a psychologist.
Her brother called to inform me this afternoon. It feels surreal and so unfair. She had so much to look forward to in her near future, with her upcoming move to Montreal and her recent completion of her Masters Degree. So many moments unlived. So many memories unbuilt.
My heart goes out to her family and her boyfriend, as well as to everyone at Hillside that will miss her.
If anyone is able to attend, her funeral is this Saturday (the 6th) at 2pm, at Hainstocks Funeral Home, 9810-34 ave. Instead of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Sexual Assult Centre of Edmonton. https://www.sace.ab.ca/index.php/support-sace
I have a prior commitment that weekend, but Rob and I do plan on making a donation in Clare's honour.
Of course I would normally turn TO Clare for help in dealing with grief and emotions, and somehow that is just making it extra hard for me right now.
I will miss you Clare.
Karen
What a senseless way for anyone to die, much less someone who gave so much back to the community in working for the Sexual Assault hotline and through her chosen career as a psychologist.
Her brother called to inform me this afternoon. It feels surreal and so unfair. She had so much to look forward to in her near future, with her upcoming move to Montreal and her recent completion of her Masters Degree. So many moments unlived. So many memories unbuilt.
My heart goes out to her family and her boyfriend, as well as to everyone at Hillside that will miss her.
If anyone is able to attend, her funeral is this Saturday (the 6th) at 2pm, at Hainstocks Funeral Home, 9810-34 ave. Instead of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Sexual Assult Centre of Edmonton. https://www.sace.ab.ca/index.php/support-sace
I have a prior commitment that weekend, but Rob and I do plan on making a donation in Clare's honour.
Of course I would normally turn TO Clare for help in dealing with grief and emotions, and somehow that is just making it extra hard for me right now.
I will miss you Clare.
Karen
Monday, July 1, 2013
This week in lessons
This week is looking to be HOT.
I would kind of like to teach out there, but we will see. It was definitely cooler inside today!
Bring water bottles or something to drink, and dress sensibly just in case we do head outside.
Not sure what the lesson plan will be as my brain melted today.
Also, now that summer is here, lessons can be taught during the day, so let me know if you are available day times for July and August!
Karen
I would kind of like to teach out there, but we will see. It was definitely cooler inside today!
Bring water bottles or something to drink, and dress sensibly just in case we do head outside.
Not sure what the lesson plan will be as my brain melted today.
Also, now that summer is here, lessons can be taught during the day, so let me know if you are available day times for July and August!
Karen
Sunday, June 30, 2013
The catnip may have been a mistake...
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
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
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
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Reminders
Board is DUE!
Horse & Rider Tack shop has their Grand Opening on Saturday: details in the barn. They are located behind Earls on Wye in Sherwood Park.
There are some shows we will be going to in June towards the end of the month. Please talk to me if you are interested in attending these shows. Details in barn.
Please bring your own (human) bug spray if you think we will be riding outside. I do have some in the barn in case you forget, but prefer you bring your own. Hillside has spray for the Hillside Owned horses, but owners must provide their own fly spray for their own horses. We spend WAY too much on bug spray last year!
Karen
Horse & Rider Tack shop has their Grand Opening on Saturday: details in the barn. They are located behind Earls on Wye in Sherwood Park.
There are some shows we will be going to in June towards the end of the month. Please talk to me if you are interested in attending these shows. Details in barn.
Please bring your own (human) bug spray if you think we will be riding outside. I do have some in the barn in case you forget, but prefer you bring your own. Hillside has spray for the Hillside Owned horses, but owners must provide their own fly spray for their own horses. We spend WAY too much on bug spray last year!
Karen
Sunday, May 26, 2013
lessons this week
I spent some of Sunday scribing at the Amberlea Meadows Dressage show. Scribing is a good way to learn from someone who gets to see so many dressage tests ridden and so gains to much insight. Getting to see a variety of horses, and all quite well ridden, was motivational and inspirational.
A key element that was mentioned, and that I know certain Hillside horses need to work on, is IMPULSION. The desire to move forward and push from behind. This increase in push, doesn't mean an increase in speed, but it does mean an increase in power. It means the rider can't be LAZY, and must push the horse into a waiting outside rein, while maintaining suppleness with the inside rein and active inside leg. The rider should feel (and the horse should appear) as if going slightly up hill.
We will likely be jumping indoors again this week, as copious rain is forecast, but we will be working on a basic hunter course again, and I am hoping that riders will show me correct approaches to the diagonal singles and lines.
We will also working a bit on hand position.
Hands should hold the reins as if holding a baby bird: with purpose but without tension. Reins should be held as though valuable, and as if not wanting to be dropped. The thumb should hold the reins from slipping, but the fingers should be folded such that only the back of the hand, and not the knuckles of the fingers are visible.
The wrist should be held straight, with the thumb flat along the forearm. If your hand is in the correct position, the little hand bones should not be visible along the back of your hand! If you can see the bones poking out the back of your hand, your hand has tension that the horse will be able to feel, and you will have issue getting the horse to relax and give to your hand!
Karen
A key element that was mentioned, and that I know certain Hillside horses need to work on, is IMPULSION. The desire to move forward and push from behind. This increase in push, doesn't mean an increase in speed, but it does mean an increase in power. It means the rider can't be LAZY, and must push the horse into a waiting outside rein, while maintaining suppleness with the inside rein and active inside leg. The rider should feel (and the horse should appear) as if going slightly up hill.
We will likely be jumping indoors again this week, as copious rain is forecast, but we will be working on a basic hunter course again, and I am hoping that riders will show me correct approaches to the diagonal singles and lines.
We will also working a bit on hand position.
Hands should hold the reins as if holding a baby bird: with purpose but without tension. Reins should be held as though valuable, and as if not wanting to be dropped. The thumb should hold the reins from slipping, but the fingers should be folded such that only the back of the hand, and not the knuckles of the fingers are visible.
The wrist should be held straight, with the thumb flat along the forearm. If your hand is in the correct position, the little hand bones should not be visible along the back of your hand! If you can see the bones poking out the back of your hand, your hand has tension that the horse will be able to feel, and you will have issue getting the horse to relax and give to your hand!
Karen
Monday, May 20, 2013
This week in lessons
This week in lessons we will be focused on avoiding mosquitos!
I really want to be able to jump outside, but making the horses stand around between rounds seems unfair given the insane amount of insects.
We CAN warm-up outside for the lessons that want to, but we will again come in to jump.
Lessons will include some spookier jumps and some inside turns. We will work on seeing how short we can make the turn, while still keeping the turn wide enough so that the horse has time to see and adjust for the fence.
We are also going to work on using our eyes in the AIR, not just on the land. This seems to be an issue for a few riders, and looking while in the air can really aid with landing the leads and making turns.
Karen
I really want to be able to jump outside, but making the horses stand around between rounds seems unfair given the insane amount of insects.
We CAN warm-up outside for the lessons that want to, but we will again come in to jump.
Lessons will include some spookier jumps and some inside turns. We will work on seeing how short we can make the turn, while still keeping the turn wide enough so that the horse has time to see and adjust for the fence.
We are also going to work on using our eyes in the AIR, not just on the land. This seems to be an issue for a few riders, and looking while in the air can really aid with landing the leads and making turns.
Karen
Monday, May 13, 2013
This week in lessons...
This week in jumping lessons:
If it is nice out, we will try jumping outside! I think what we will do is hack and do some warm up jumps outside, and then come in to do a course. The course will be a timed "make your own course" jumper challenge! People that were able to do last week's challenge successfully will get a second taken off their time....and there will be a prize for the top three.
For the hack portion (if outside) we will be doing trot and canter poles to help keep the horses in a steady rhythm, and to maintain that stead rhythm through turns and such.
For the dressage we will also be working on this. If outside, we will be doing leg yield - trot poles - leg yield, to keep the horses thinking forward even through the laterals, and may also incorporate some shoulder fore to get the horses really using their hind ends.
it is important as we start to ride outside again, that you remember that in a bigger space your horse can be going much more forward without feeling like it is, so you have to be able to monitor and moderate your horse. Transitions, circles and serpentines are good for this!
I can't wait to be outside again!
Karen
If it is nice out, we will try jumping outside! I think what we will do is hack and do some warm up jumps outside, and then come in to do a course. The course will be a timed "make your own course" jumper challenge! People that were able to do last week's challenge successfully will get a second taken off their time....and there will be a prize for the top three.
For the hack portion (if outside) we will be doing trot and canter poles to help keep the horses in a steady rhythm, and to maintain that stead rhythm through turns and such.
For the dressage we will also be working on this. If outside, we will be doing leg yield - trot poles - leg yield, to keep the horses thinking forward even through the laterals, and may also incorporate some shoulder fore to get the horses really using their hind ends.
it is important as we start to ride outside again, that you remember that in a bigger space your horse can be going much more forward without feeling like it is, so you have to be able to monitor and moderate your horse. Transitions, circles and serpentines are good for this!
I can't wait to be outside again!
Karen
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
The geldings have gone crazy..
The East pen dried up enough, so I felt it made sense to move the geldings around: Magnus, Shawn and Percy are now in that pen, and Wiley is now in the West pen. I didn't think this would be that exciting as the horses all know each other, but holy cow! There was much running and calling and nuttiness and Zander seems determined to keep the strange coloured horse away from the "normals". Rocky is back out with Rocket and friends, and they are all bravely heading out back for grass throughout the day, so I will have to start shutting the gate at night so students don't have to go searching for their horse at night.
We are still lessoning inside, but hopefully the outdoor arena will be suitable for hacking in by this weekend, and jumping in as soon as the sun is a little higher at night...and we are no longer in a wind tunnel!
We are still lessoning inside, but hopefully the outdoor arena will be suitable for hacking in by this weekend, and jumping in as soon as the sun is a little higher at night...and we are no longer in a wind tunnel!
Monday, May 6, 2013
On the weekend
On the weekend I judged a fun little open show at the Fultonvale arena, put on by the folks at Colchester stables. It was great weather, and very suitable for my big floppy hat!
The show was well run, but the warm up rings were somewhat chaotic...this is something we need to work on at Hillside as our horses are used to having only a few horses in the ring at once. They need to get used to horses beside, in front, and behind them. I am thinking a soccer match later this month? Say a Saturday afternoon?
I wouldn't mind taking some students to one of the smaller fun shows, say the one at Hastings, if anyone is interested later in the year. If you think you may want to try this type of show, I recommend going to watch one first...there is another one at Fultonvale this Saturday.
Anyway, the key things that messed people up were trying to do more than their horse was capable of. For example: doing the 3 foot course rather than the 2 foot one, and having their horse refuse the first jump 3 times. Or trying too hard to do a lengthened trot and breaking to canter. Or showing in a curb when your horse isn't ready and should be in a snaffle.
The other major mistakes were in the jumping: horses would start out great, but the rider's would fail to rebalance during the course, and would FLY at the last jump (which was in a line going to the out-gate). This went hand in hand with not using the corner adequately. Coincidence? I think not.
Highlight of the show was the last class: walk-trot equitation. A little girl on a lovely bay horse was second place in a very large class. She rode well on a suitable mount and very much deserved it. When her name and number was called in second her face lit up like she has won Olympic gold. Good for her, and I hope she keeps that joy for a long, long time.
And that is another secret to showing...if you are nice to your horse, look like you are having fun and are overall a nice competitor, the judge will want you to do well. If you act/look like a spoiled princess, well...not so much.
I hope everyone else had a great weekend!
Karen
The show was well run, but the warm up rings were somewhat chaotic...this is something we need to work on at Hillside as our horses are used to having only a few horses in the ring at once. They need to get used to horses beside, in front, and behind them. I am thinking a soccer match later this month? Say a Saturday afternoon?
I wouldn't mind taking some students to one of the smaller fun shows, say the one at Hastings, if anyone is interested later in the year. If you think you may want to try this type of show, I recommend going to watch one first...there is another one at Fultonvale this Saturday.
Anyway, the key things that messed people up were trying to do more than their horse was capable of. For example: doing the 3 foot course rather than the 2 foot one, and having their horse refuse the first jump 3 times. Or trying too hard to do a lengthened trot and breaking to canter. Or showing in a curb when your horse isn't ready and should be in a snaffle.
The other major mistakes were in the jumping: horses would start out great, but the rider's would fail to rebalance during the course, and would FLY at the last jump (which was in a line going to the out-gate). This went hand in hand with not using the corner adequately. Coincidence? I think not.
Highlight of the show was the last class: walk-trot equitation. A little girl on a lovely bay horse was second place in a very large class. She rode well on a suitable mount and very much deserved it. When her name and number was called in second her face lit up like she has won Olympic gold. Good for her, and I hope she keeps that joy for a long, long time.
And that is another secret to showing...if you are nice to your horse, look like you are having fun and are overall a nice competitor, the judge will want you to do well. If you act/look like a spoiled princess, well...not so much.
I hope everyone else had a great weekend!
Karen
This week in lessons
This week in lessons I am bringing back the Hillside Challenge!
This week's challenge is a flat work challenge. I am going to attempt it on Izzy today and will try to video to give you an idea of what we are doing and how. The challenge will incorporate the ideas of pushing your horse around rather than pulling it, and also rating speed to make steering easier.
For jumping, we are going to continue to work on finding the straight line to diagonal jumps, and also to finding the straight line while doing inside turns. This means keeping control of your horse's outside shoulder through the turns so that your horse feels in balance coming out of the turn, and so can jump the fence with its hips behind its shoulders, and able to see the jump from both eyes.
The keys to being straight are:
- USING OUTSIDE AIDS TO PUSH THE HORSE AROUND THE TURN RATHER THAN INSIDE TO PULL IT INTO THE TURN.
- RATING THE HORSE'S SPEED SO THAT IT IS IN BALANCE, AND ABLE TO BE ADJUSTED TO BE MORE FORWARD, OR MORE BACK.
- BEING STRAIGHT IN YOUR OWN BODY.
- And perhaps the hardest of all.... PATIENCE
It is important when turning that your horse should turn in around your inside leg, and not push out from your inside leg. I need to figure out how to illustrate this as it is key to so many things for jumping and dressage.
Also note:
Geldings MAY be moving pens this week. The east pen is dry so I will be putting 3 geldings out there, and taking Wiley and Rocky out of the isolation pen. (Rocky will be thrilled to see the last of Wiley!). I have not yet decided who will go where, but will likely be making the moves on Wednesday. Talk to me before then if you have any requests.
Karen
This week's challenge is a flat work challenge. I am going to attempt it on Izzy today and will try to video to give you an idea of what we are doing and how. The challenge will incorporate the ideas of pushing your horse around rather than pulling it, and also rating speed to make steering easier.
For jumping, we are going to continue to work on finding the straight line to diagonal jumps, and also to finding the straight line while doing inside turns. This means keeping control of your horse's outside shoulder through the turns so that your horse feels in balance coming out of the turn, and so can jump the fence with its hips behind its shoulders, and able to see the jump from both eyes.
The keys to being straight are:
- USING OUTSIDE AIDS TO PUSH THE HORSE AROUND THE TURN RATHER THAN INSIDE TO PULL IT INTO THE TURN.
- RATING THE HORSE'S SPEED SO THAT IT IS IN BALANCE, AND ABLE TO BE ADJUSTED TO BE MORE FORWARD, OR MORE BACK.
- BEING STRAIGHT IN YOUR OWN BODY.
- And perhaps the hardest of all.... PATIENCE
It is important when turning that your horse should turn in around your inside leg, and not push out from your inside leg. I need to figure out how to illustrate this as it is key to so many things for jumping and dressage.
Also note:
Geldings MAY be moving pens this week. The east pen is dry so I will be putting 3 geldings out there, and taking Wiley and Rocky out of the isolation pen. (Rocky will be thrilled to see the last of Wiley!). I have not yet decided who will go where, but will likely be making the moves on Wednesday. Talk to me before then if you have any requests.
Karen
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Oh good
I thought this type of ad was limited to American Craigs list...
"
2yr old broke to ride,very quiet and good with children can ride him single or double on him,He has been started on barrels,good with his feet,easy to catch and good with other horses,can ride him bareback or with the saddle,has been treated for lice and dewormed,Around 12.3 H.H."
So the text is bad enough...a two year old that is being ridden on barrels and doubled on? That is a lot of weight bearing/wear and tear on a baby.
But you have to see the pictures.
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I think there are a total of three laying down with children photos, three of helmetless kids standing on pony, and two of sad baby pony being ridden in a CURB bit by helmetless child whose feet don't even reach the stirrups.
Yes, you too can buy a pony that will lay down while you ride! And you can use it to pick apples from the tall branches!
Poor pony. At least it looks healthy.
Karen
"
2yr old broke to ride,very quiet and good with children can ride him single or double on him,He has been started on barrels,good with his feet,easy to catch and good with other horses,can ride him bareback or with the saddle,has been treated for lice and dewormed,Around 12.3 H.H."
So the text is bad enough...a two year old that is being ridden on barrels and doubled on? That is a lot of weight bearing/wear and tear on a baby.
But you have to see the pictures.
Yes, you too can buy a pony that will lay down while you ride! And you can use it to pick apples from the tall branches!
Poor pony. At least it looks healthy.
Karen
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Silly people
As many of you know, I have Gody advertised for sale. In some ads I also mention a willingness to take a lesson suitable horse in part trade, because really, that would be ideal for me as I wouldn't be without a horse, and it could really work for someone who wants a more athletic horse, as I don't need a horse as athletic as Gody for lessons, and would be more than happy with a 2'6" horse, with sporadic lead changes.
For some reason though, people seem to think it makes sense to offer me their teenaged, needing to step down to little jumps horse, for straight trade...no cash on top. Why on earth would I want to trade my younger, sound, very athletic and very simple horse for their older and less athletic equine?
Really, if I was interested in such a trade, shouldn't that raise a whole pile of red flags?
Silly people.
If he doesn't sell soon Lindsay is going to add Western Pleasure shown to his resume...that would be an interesting mix of skills for a warmblood!
Karen
For some reason though, people seem to think it makes sense to offer me their teenaged, needing to step down to little jumps horse, for straight trade...no cash on top. Why on earth would I want to trade my younger, sound, very athletic and very simple horse for their older and less athletic equine?
Really, if I was interested in such a trade, shouldn't that raise a whole pile of red flags?
Silly people.
If he doesn't sell soon Lindsay is going to add Western Pleasure shown to his resume...that would be an interesting mix of skills for a warmblood!
Karen
Monday, April 29, 2013
Roxy
Roxy went "home" to Abbotsfort BC today. Well, should make Kelowna by tonight, then the rest of the journey tomorrow.
As I look outside at the blizzard I have to ask myself...why on earth didn't I go with her!
(and of course her owners were kind enough to send me a photo out their door...all green and flowery...)
I will miss Roxy. She was pretty easy to take care of! Glad she is reunited with her owners though, and I hope they have fun with her.
Karen
As I look outside at the blizzard I have to ask myself...why on earth didn't I go with her!
(and of course her owners were kind enough to send me a photo out their door...all green and flowery...)
I will miss Roxy. She was pretty easy to take care of! Glad she is reunited with her owners though, and I hope they have fun with her.
Karen
Sunday, April 28, 2013
this week in lessons...
This week in lessons we will be continuing to work on rider fitness by doing work/transitions while in the two point, and some work without stirrups as well. It will be fun. Riders without belts or with bad grammar may find themselves doing the two point and no stirrup work concurrently.
Walk to canter transitions, and canter transitions on the 1/4 line (so you can't use the wall to help balance your horse) will also be part of our warm up.
For jumping, we are going to be working on getting perpendicular to the jumps regardless of the location and approach needed to the jump. I have a few ideas to help with this, and it will help lead to next week when we will be working on a simple jumper type course.
The reason I want to work on getting perpendicular to the jumps, is that it is very important for the horse to be able to see the jump equally out of both eyes, and to approach with a straight body, so that the horse can time its take off properly.
This last week I watched rider after rider turning to the oxer on the diagonal right after they passed the jump on the side, rather than going down the track to find the correct approach. Interestingly this wasn't so much an issue with the diagonal jumps that were approached directly from the end of the ring. This makes me think that it is in part a mental block...the rider's feel the jump on the side is blocking their approach or line of sight, and so panic and want to turn ASAP. I think the key to resolving this issue is to work on rider's keeping a larger frame of view and using the ring despite the obstacles in the way.
This leads me to something else we need to work on: being able to adapt and continue doing an exercise despite riders or jumps being somewhat in the way. We did that a little last week with the 4 loop serpentines and trying to keep trotting and avoiding oncoming traffic by adjusting the loops. This is something we need to continue to work on, as well as to work on communicating intent so we can better share the arena with things get busy...and for when we go to shows and there might be more than 4 or 5 riders in the arena! So passing skills, and taking in what is going on in the entire arena while riding will be another skill I will try to work on over the next little while.
Karen
Walk to canter transitions, and canter transitions on the 1/4 line (so you can't use the wall to help balance your horse) will also be part of our warm up.
For jumping, we are going to be working on getting perpendicular to the jumps regardless of the location and approach needed to the jump. I have a few ideas to help with this, and it will help lead to next week when we will be working on a simple jumper type course.
The reason I want to work on getting perpendicular to the jumps, is that it is very important for the horse to be able to see the jump equally out of both eyes, and to approach with a straight body, so that the horse can time its take off properly.
This last week I watched rider after rider turning to the oxer on the diagonal right after they passed the jump on the side, rather than going down the track to find the correct approach. Interestingly this wasn't so much an issue with the diagonal jumps that were approached directly from the end of the ring. This makes me think that it is in part a mental block...the rider's feel the jump on the side is blocking their approach or line of sight, and so panic and want to turn ASAP. I think the key to resolving this issue is to work on rider's keeping a larger frame of view and using the ring despite the obstacles in the way.
This leads me to something else we need to work on: being able to adapt and continue doing an exercise despite riders or jumps being somewhat in the way. We did that a little last week with the 4 loop serpentines and trying to keep trotting and avoiding oncoming traffic by adjusting the loops. This is something we need to continue to work on, as well as to work on communicating intent so we can better share the arena with things get busy...and for when we go to shows and there might be more than 4 or 5 riders in the arena! So passing skills, and taking in what is going on in the entire arena while riding will be another skill I will try to work on over the next little while.
Karen
Sunday, April 21, 2013
This week in lessons
This week in jumping lessons will be similar to last week as it appears we need to practice learning and riding a course a little more! This week I will post the courses in the arena as well as in the barn for those of you who need more time to figure it out.
The course will again be of a hunter type, but slightly different, and we will again school it tiny to practice the pattern before making them actual jumps.
The key is to look for logical patterns in the course, so you can think through which is the next jump even if you go blank part way through! Good hints as to if you are going the right way is if the jump is set to be jumped that way (ground line on the approach side) and if the turn makes sense for a hunter course (such as not a hair pin turn!).
I also want to continue with the circle to start and finish so that the course has a nice start and finish to frame it.
For dressage lessons, we will continue to work on counter bend, with it moving on to the next progression of working on counter canter.
Karen
The course will again be of a hunter type, but slightly different, and we will again school it tiny to practice the pattern before making them actual jumps.
The key is to look for logical patterns in the course, so you can think through which is the next jump even if you go blank part way through! Good hints as to if you are going the right way is if the jump is set to be jumped that way (ground line on the approach side) and if the turn makes sense for a hunter course (such as not a hair pin turn!).
I also want to continue with the circle to start and finish so that the course has a nice start and finish to frame it.
For dressage lessons, we will continue to work on counter bend, with it moving on to the next progression of working on counter canter.
Karen
Monday, April 15, 2013
Lessons this week
In lessons this week we are going to do an actual course. It will be a hunter type course and we will do a working hunter pattern and a handy hunter pattern. Handy hunter is different as the course is meant to show the horse's obedience and to be more challenging so will contain a trot jump and an inside turn.
The course's will be posted at the in-gate so that you can learn them as you would at a show. We will then practice the pattern as poles/little jumps, before making it a "real" course.
The key to hunters is to keep an even rhythm, get straight to the jumps, use the corners to give yourself time to get your lead change, rebalance, and ensure you have the right canter. You want to give your horse the opportunity to show how well it jumps by getting a good, or slightly long distance and leaving it alone as much as possible at the base. For this reason hunter jumps tend to be encouraging to the horse, with generous (well set back) ground lines and fill to help the horse find a good arc.
For flat work we will be working on adjusting the stride: long trot to short trot, long canter to short canter. The key with bringing the gaits back is to remember the LEG. The leg has to push the hind quarters under to shorten the horse, while the hand contains the front. The longer gaits should come from allowing the horse to move out...not by kicking...as you want to have the horse ALWAYS thinking forward, so the desire to go forward should always be there.
For Dressage lessons, we will be working a bit on counter bend vs true bend, and on counter canter vs true canter. This requires the understanding that the horse should bend in (or out) from where the rider is sitting...so the part of the horse where the rider sits (barrel) should be the furthest point out on the arc, with the head/neck/shoulder, and the haunches bending in (or out) from that point. Too often riders want to pop the shoulder out to create the illusion of bend, resulting in an off kilter and unbalanced horse. This requires LEG. Inside leg at the girth to keep the barrel stable as the point the horse bends in from, outside leg to hold the haunch IN, and inside rein active to bring the nose in (Outside rein against neck to hold shoulder from popping out, but not crossing the withers!)
It will be fun, so see you all soon!
Karen
The course's will be posted at the in-gate so that you can learn them as you would at a show. We will then practice the pattern as poles/little jumps, before making it a "real" course.
The key to hunters is to keep an even rhythm, get straight to the jumps, use the corners to give yourself time to get your lead change, rebalance, and ensure you have the right canter. You want to give your horse the opportunity to show how well it jumps by getting a good, or slightly long distance and leaving it alone as much as possible at the base. For this reason hunter jumps tend to be encouraging to the horse, with generous (well set back) ground lines and fill to help the horse find a good arc.
For flat work we will be working on adjusting the stride: long trot to short trot, long canter to short canter. The key with bringing the gaits back is to remember the LEG. The leg has to push the hind quarters under to shorten the horse, while the hand contains the front. The longer gaits should come from allowing the horse to move out...not by kicking...as you want to have the horse ALWAYS thinking forward, so the desire to go forward should always be there.
For Dressage lessons, we will be working a bit on counter bend vs true bend, and on counter canter vs true canter. This requires the understanding that the horse should bend in (or out) from where the rider is sitting...so the part of the horse where the rider sits (barrel) should be the furthest point out on the arc, with the head/neck/shoulder, and the haunches bending in (or out) from that point. Too often riders want to pop the shoulder out to create the illusion of bend, resulting in an off kilter and unbalanced horse. This requires LEG. Inside leg at the girth to keep the barrel stable as the point the horse bends in from, outside leg to hold the haunch IN, and inside rein active to bring the nose in (Outside rein against neck to hold shoulder from popping out, but not crossing the withers!)
It will be fun, so see you all soon!
Karen
Stupid last few days.
I am seriously tempted to load up Izzy and Ginger and drive south until I find somewhere warm and dry and just ride off into the sun. I am so tired of wet and mud and SNOW!
Before you ask how the show went on the weekend...I didn't go. I did go on Friday to school her and that went MUCH better than last time, so progress is being made with my silly spooky mare. I really wanted to show Saturday as the schedule was ideal: I was the second rider of the day meaning I would be able to warm her up, then review the test, then show without much waiting. Alas we got as far as the highway when the trailer started to slip so we turned around and came right home. No show is worth driving on slippery roads. Izzy seemed confused to be right back where we started, and not that thrilled to be put back out in a blizzard!
I could have shown on Sunday, but the schedule was far from ideal: last arena time to warm up was well over an hour before I showed, and I just didn't see that being the ideal situation to get her better in the ring...plus I just felt unmotivated for some reason. I blame the never ending winter, but there was also a lot going on towards the end of the week:
On Friday I also took Dexter in to the vet to get his neck x-rayed. Turns out he does in fact have a broken neck: C2 looks like it was broken, and C2 and C3 both have some arthritis at the top. The break in C2 is long healed, but the new bone that developed from the break is putting pressure on his spinal cord, and causing progressive damage. Fortunately it is unlikely to be painful for him, and he likely has no idea his hind legs aren't fully listening to him. Also fortunately there should be some warning signs before he progresses to the point he is no longer safe. Unfortunately this puts an end to the hope I will one day be able to ride him again. I know it seemed unlikely given he has been off for so long, but the hope was still there, and I am mourning that loss of hope. Dexter was a great horse to ride, and I don't know if I will ever again have a horse as nice as he could have been (and was on good days!).
Thursday I went to the Dr. and he feels we are getting closer to a diagnoses (apparently there are 250 connective tissue disorders which is why it has been so hard to narrow it down), but now that I have Dexter's diagnoses I am not as sure I want to know. Maybe it is better to have false hope than to know? I am not sure. Of course it will likely be months before I get to see a specialist, so lots of time to think about it.
What else...
Oh, I wrote up new barn rules that will be posted in the barn. It is a shorter list now that I no longer deal so much with beginners/kids. I was tempted to add: "Belts must be worn on pants with belt loops" and "improper use of the phrase 'did good' will be punished by loss of stirrups", but I refrained.
Also the barn is closed Friday morning until 1:30ish. If you need to be there during that time, come talk to me and I will explain, and you can decide if you still want to come out.
Karen
Before you ask how the show went on the weekend...I didn't go. I did go on Friday to school her and that went MUCH better than last time, so progress is being made with my silly spooky mare. I really wanted to show Saturday as the schedule was ideal: I was the second rider of the day meaning I would be able to warm her up, then review the test, then show without much waiting. Alas we got as far as the highway when the trailer started to slip so we turned around and came right home. No show is worth driving on slippery roads. Izzy seemed confused to be right back where we started, and not that thrilled to be put back out in a blizzard!
I could have shown on Sunday, but the schedule was far from ideal: last arena time to warm up was well over an hour before I showed, and I just didn't see that being the ideal situation to get her better in the ring...plus I just felt unmotivated for some reason. I blame the never ending winter, but there was also a lot going on towards the end of the week:
On Friday I also took Dexter in to the vet to get his neck x-rayed. Turns out he does in fact have a broken neck: C2 looks like it was broken, and C2 and C3 both have some arthritis at the top. The break in C2 is long healed, but the new bone that developed from the break is putting pressure on his spinal cord, and causing progressive damage. Fortunately it is unlikely to be painful for him, and he likely has no idea his hind legs aren't fully listening to him. Also fortunately there should be some warning signs before he progresses to the point he is no longer safe. Unfortunately this puts an end to the hope I will one day be able to ride him again. I know it seemed unlikely given he has been off for so long, but the hope was still there, and I am mourning that loss of hope. Dexter was a great horse to ride, and I don't know if I will ever again have a horse as nice as he could have been (and was on good days!).
Thursday I went to the Dr. and he feels we are getting closer to a diagnoses (apparently there are 250 connective tissue disorders which is why it has been so hard to narrow it down), but now that I have Dexter's diagnoses I am not as sure I want to know. Maybe it is better to have false hope than to know? I am not sure. Of course it will likely be months before I get to see a specialist, so lots of time to think about it.
What else...
Oh, I wrote up new barn rules that will be posted in the barn. It is a shorter list now that I no longer deal so much with beginners/kids. I was tempted to add: "Belts must be worn on pants with belt loops" and "improper use of the phrase 'did good' will be punished by loss of stirrups", but I refrained.
Also the barn is closed Friday morning until 1:30ish. If you need to be there during that time, come talk to me and I will explain, and you can decide if you still want to come out.
Karen
Monday, April 1, 2013
Clinic Update
Clinic update in short:
- went well I think!
- I am exhausted
- Many of the horses are exhausted
- I do not work you guys nearly hard enough
Izzy jumped a course on Sunday, and I am going to try to jump her once and a while as she seemed to like it and I think it will improve her canter and her bravery.
The main thing I learnt was to keep her neck much straighter to keep her more balanced and focused. This required a much shorter rein and lots of leg! Interested how this concept is almost the opposite of how the Centered Riding Clinician wanted me to ride her, yet I got similar results with her wanting to use her back more.
For the jumping riders, he really wanted to see those horses "dressaged" in the corners and between jumps, and put jumps very close to both ends of the ring for some exercises, forcing riders to use the space. He also had riders go through the patterns with a very short canter to start with, to ensure control, before opening up to a jumping pace. Riding to jumps on a short canter means lots of work so they keep cantering, and means riders have to sit UP, and just follow the horse in the air, not give.
For riders who took the clinic, we will spend this week filtering through what you took away from the clinic. For riders who did not participate, we will work on some of the skills he worked on with the clinic.
- went well I think!
- I am exhausted
- Many of the horses are exhausted
- I do not work you guys nearly hard enough
Izzy jumped a course on Sunday, and I am going to try to jump her once and a while as she seemed to like it and I think it will improve her canter and her bravery.
The main thing I learnt was to keep her neck much straighter to keep her more balanced and focused. This required a much shorter rein and lots of leg! Interested how this concept is almost the opposite of how the Centered Riding Clinician wanted me to ride her, yet I got similar results with her wanting to use her back more.
For the jumping riders, he really wanted to see those horses "dressaged" in the corners and between jumps, and put jumps very close to both ends of the ring for some exercises, forcing riders to use the space. He also had riders go through the patterns with a very short canter to start with, to ensure control, before opening up to a jumping pace. Riding to jumps on a short canter means lots of work so they keep cantering, and means riders have to sit UP, and just follow the horse in the air, not give.
For riders who took the clinic, we will spend this week filtering through what you took away from the clinic. For riders who did not participate, we will work on some of the skills he worked on with the clinic.
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