Friday, October 30, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Well I don't think we have any H1N1 patients yet, but it does seem that there is something going around with lots of kids staying home sick. The horses are liking the break, and I am glad you are choosing to not share your germs, but I hope you all get better soon.
I am planning to get my H1N1 vaccination as soon as the wait times shorten...I think it is a good idea, but wow, is there ever a lot of misinformation out there regarding the vaccine!
On another note...it looks like Beamer will be hanging out with us for a little while longer...his owner is in Cuba enjoying the sun. At the rate he is learning he will be a 1rst level dressage horse by the time he leaves! He is such a clever little horse. I am not sure why arabs tend to have a bad reputation...I love them! Too bad they don't tend to come in 16+ hand versions so I actually fit them well enough to show them in dressage...
All the boarded horses have been dewormed as of today. I have to finish the last two Hillside horses tomorrow. THey aren't that happy with the taste of the Quest Plus...I can't blame them as I managed to taste some too...it is bitter!
Karen
I am planning to get my H1N1 vaccination as soon as the wait times shorten...I think it is a good idea, but wow, is there ever a lot of misinformation out there regarding the vaccine!
On another note...it looks like Beamer will be hanging out with us for a little while longer...his owner is in Cuba enjoying the sun. At the rate he is learning he will be a 1rst level dressage horse by the time he leaves! He is such a clever little horse. I am not sure why arabs tend to have a bad reputation...I love them! Too bad they don't tend to come in 16+ hand versions so I actually fit them well enough to show them in dressage...
All the boarded horses have been dewormed as of today. I have to finish the last two Hillside horses tomorrow. THey aren't that happy with the taste of the Quest Plus...I can't blame them as I managed to taste some too...it is bitter!
Karen
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Monthly reminder...
The end of the month is fast approaching, so that means board is due! October was a very expensive month for us, with new shelters needing to be built, as well as round bales being bought and prepaid, so timely payment is especially appreciated this month.
Karen
Karen
Monday, October 26, 2009
In my search for a potential lesson horse, I have found some interesting ads:
Luke is a very friendly 3 yr old palomino qh stud, blaze & 4 socks. Hes been saddled, longed, ties well, good for the farrier, and is a very calm horse. Would excel in any direction you take him. Very quiet and well mannered. For sale as an unregistered stud, he is from reg stock but no papers. Luke also has a belly nut so I would not recommend him for any breeding program. Thanks.
A belly nut?!? Took me a while to realize she meant that he has a retained testicle. Poor horse, sounds cute, but not many people are going to want a horse that needs an expensive surgery right off the bat. At least they knew how to spell longed. That has to be one of the most widely misspelled words in horse ads. It can also be "lunged", but people often write it "lounged" as in the horse knows how to lounge....yes, I am sure it does.
Of course if you want spelling errors, then buysell.com is the place to look:
BEAUTIFUL GREAT MOVING 6 YEAR OLD BAYRONE MAIR ROAD ENGLISGH AND WESTERN BY 6 AND 8 YEAR OLD GIRLS WAS SHOWN AS...
Maybe the ad was written by the 6 and 8 year old girls? Actually I think many of the ads are phoned in and typed out by someone who has no clue about horses...or spell check.
Pony Harness For A TeenComplete
I could think of a few teens that should have harnesses....
Horse shopping is so much fun.
Luke is a very friendly 3 yr old palomino qh stud, blaze & 4 socks. Hes been saddled, longed, ties well, good for the farrier, and is a very calm horse. Would excel in any direction you take him. Very quiet and well mannered. For sale as an unregistered stud, he is from reg stock but no papers. Luke also has a belly nut so I would not recommend him for any breeding program. Thanks.
A belly nut?!? Took me a while to realize she meant that he has a retained testicle. Poor horse, sounds cute, but not many people are going to want a horse that needs an expensive surgery right off the bat. At least they knew how to spell longed. That has to be one of the most widely misspelled words in horse ads. It can also be "lunged", but people often write it "lounged" as in the horse knows how to lounge....yes, I am sure it does.
Of course if you want spelling errors, then buysell.com is the place to look:
BEAUTIFUL GREAT MOVING 6 YEAR OLD BAYRONE MAIR ROAD ENGLISGH AND WESTERN BY 6 AND 8 YEAR OLD GIRLS WAS SHOWN AS...
Maybe the ad was written by the 6 and 8 year old girls? Actually I think many of the ads are phoned in and typed out by someone who has no clue about horses...or spell check.
Pony Harness For A TeenComplete
I could think of a few teens that should have harnesses....
Horse shopping is so much fun.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Animal Cruelty!
I got a desperate call last night...all I could hear was frantic meows and barking. Thinking it was a crank call I ignored it...a decision that will haunt me and these sad creatures for a long time...
I will make sure to warn Bliss tonight lest there is a costume awaiting her too....
Karen
Surprise!
Anyone that came to the barn last night was in for a few surprises; #1 was the huge truck with the 40 round bales we had been eagerly awaiting. I was nervous buying sight unseen, but it is nice grass hay...just what we want to have for the horses to munch on to stay warm over the winter! #2 was Larry duck sitting at the entrance way acting liked he owned the place. I think his summer home is making him feel he is better than the rest of us. #3 was the new light in the tack room...it is so bright in there that I think it motivated Clare and Amanda to clean their tack!
karen
karen
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
I have been blog lazy...
I will be deworming horses next week; Hillside horses as well as those of you who signed up for me to deworm your horses. It would be great if all the horses could be dewormed by the end of the month. Remember to use a product that addresses Tapeworms if you are deworming your own.
Amanda came up with a brilliant motivational saying today to cheer up someone whose school team keeps not winning (aka loosing). "Failing gives you the strength to succeed"
??? Huh...I thought failing meant you didn't have the strength to succeed...
But anyway, from this we got the idea of putting together a Hillside motivational calendar with candid photos of horses and students of Hillside...so we need more brilliant sayings; twelve in total.
Things along the lines of:
"Even when you compete against yourself, you can still loose" (we were thinking of a photo of Ri and his 3rd place in a class where he was the only entry...hey it was their first dressage show, give them a break!)
And this one Milo inspired when he went to jump through the opening in the deck door to get into the deck...only to find that Rob had replaced the glass...kitty went head first "thump!" so: "Using your head isn't always the best idea". Not sure of a picture for that though as I don't think throwing Milo at the door would be very ethical...maybe a photo of someone going head first into a jump? Anyone have a photo of that? If not I am sure Tango can help with that...I will just tell a new student to lean at a jump and grease the saddle...
Karen
Amanda came up with a brilliant motivational saying today to cheer up someone whose school team keeps not winning (aka loosing). "Failing gives you the strength to succeed"
??? Huh...I thought failing meant you didn't have the strength to succeed...
But anyway, from this we got the idea of putting together a Hillside motivational calendar with candid photos of horses and students of Hillside...so we need more brilliant sayings; twelve in total.
Things along the lines of:
"Even when you compete against yourself, you can still loose" (we were thinking of a photo of Ri and his 3rd place in a class where he was the only entry...hey it was their first dressage show, give them a break!)
And this one Milo inspired when he went to jump through the opening in the deck door to get into the deck...only to find that Rob had replaced the glass...kitty went head first "thump!" so: "Using your head isn't always the best idea". Not sure of a picture for that though as I don't think throwing Milo at the door would be very ethical...maybe a photo of someone going head first into a jump? Anyone have a photo of that? If not I am sure Tango can help with that...I will just tell a new student to lean at a jump and grease the saddle...
Karen
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Duck Wrangling 2009
With the cool weather appearing to be here to stay, it is time again...to bring Larry home. We have a few students, and more than a few horses that have yet to meet Larry, so that should be interesting. I wonder if Larry and Milo will get along better this year?
Remember to not let Larry outside unless you plan to watch him and herd him back into the barn; once caught we don't want him going back across the road until next year as he isn't easy to catch the second time!
Karen
Remember to not let Larry outside unless you plan to watch him and herd him back into the barn; once caught we don't want him going back across the road until next year as he isn't easy to catch the second time!
Karen
Monday, October 19, 2009
I learned something new yesterday...
For a while now I have been wondering why the leaves on some of the trees have remained green despite the snow and time of year. I guess it is because we had a late spring and an early fall, so the trees didn't get enough "heat units"...or in other words they didn't get enough days of 5 degree or more temperatures. Hopefully this warm break in the weather will be enough to allow the trees to go into dormancy as well as give the horse's a second chance to grow a real winter coat!
Karen
Karen
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Equine Massage Therapist
I think we are getting Cathy back out to do some body work on Diesel, so if anyone would like their horse assessed/massaged, let me know. I can't recall what the cost was last time...it isn't cheap, but she does good work and it is interesting to watch.
Her website: http://www.w4therapy.com/
Karen
Her website: http://www.w4therapy.com/
Karen
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Helping horses in need
An acquaintance of mine has a horse rescue down in Alabama. You can vote for her rescue (or one of your choosing!) at http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/shelterchallenge.faces?siteId=3
The votes help allocate available funds to the different rescues.
the rescue I am voting for is Dusty trails horse rescue.
If you look at the new arrivals page, scroll to the bottom...how sad is that little yearling, with the "bed sores" and bony protrusions. There are many sad stories on her page, and Monica looks after all the horses pretty much by herself.
It is a tough situation in the US with high hay prices in many regions, high unemployment, and no "buyer of last resort" with slaughter no longer available in the US, so it is good that there are people like this to help the horses.
I worry that we will see more skinny horses around Edmonton with hay prices what they are this year. I am slightly relieved that our neighbours seem to be feeding their horses hay this year, so hopefully hillside won't have to feed them again this year.
Karen
The votes help allocate available funds to the different rescues.
the rescue I am voting for is Dusty trails horse rescue.
If you look at the new arrivals page, scroll to the bottom...how sad is that little yearling, with the "bed sores" and bony protrusions. There are many sad stories on her page, and Monica looks after all the horses pretty much by herself.
It is a tough situation in the US with high hay prices in many regions, high unemployment, and no "buyer of last resort" with slaughter no longer available in the US, so it is good that there are people like this to help the horses.
I worry that we will see more skinny horses around Edmonton with hay prices what they are this year. I am slightly relieved that our neighbours seem to be feeding their horses hay this year, so hopefully hillside won't have to feed them again this year.
Karen
Arab Empowerment Secret
I don't care that it is only a few degrees below zero...it is freaking cold out! This morning was particularly bad as it was warm enough that the snow was melting on their backs , and then the wind picked up. Poor Beamer seemed cold even after finishing his morning hay so I decided to bring him in first for training. Once in the barn I dried him off and decided it was a good day to try him out in his arab practice costume; basically a cooler that hangs to his knees and has an angled sequined strap to go around his hindquarters...and his full name spelt out in glitter. I figured his outfit would help him to dry and be warmup up quickly.
It took me a bit to figure out if it should go over or under the saddle, so I opted for over the saddle pad and under the saddle.
He lunged well in, so I got on...and he was brilliant! Suddenly straight lines and 20 meter circles at trot were possible! And what a trot...he is a powerful mover. But then...he cantered! Right lead first, and it felt good so we tried for left and he managed to that too. Pretty good for his fifth ride.
Maybe if Michelle sends me tassels for his reins he can learn to stretch out his neck a bit and do lead changes...he just wanted to be recognized as the beautiful arabian he is.
By the time we were done riding, and he had eaten his krunchies, he was all nice and dry, so it seemed a shame to send him back out into the snow and wind, so I decided to put a rain sheet on him, so I looked for a sheet to fit...guess whose fit? Bugsy's old rain sheet...13.1 hand pony mare's rain sheet fit 15.1+ hand arab gelding. He is one compact horse.
Pilgrim is going to have to lope tomorrow to catch up to Beamer...he won't want to fall behind the young whippersnapper!
Karen
It took me a bit to figure out if it should go over or under the saddle, so I opted for over the saddle pad and under the saddle.
He lunged well in, so I got on...and he was brilliant! Suddenly straight lines and 20 meter circles at trot were possible! And what a trot...he is a powerful mover. But then...he cantered! Right lead first, and it felt good so we tried for left and he managed to that too. Pretty good for his fifth ride.
Maybe if Michelle sends me tassels for his reins he can learn to stretch out his neck a bit and do lead changes...he just wanted to be recognized as the beautiful arabian he is.
By the time we were done riding, and he had eaten his krunchies, he was all nice and dry, so it seemed a shame to send him back out into the snow and wind, so I decided to put a rain sheet on him, so I looked for a sheet to fit...guess whose fit? Bugsy's old rain sheet...13.1 hand pony mare's rain sheet fit 15.1+ hand arab gelding. He is one compact horse.
Pilgrim is going to have to lope tomorrow to catch up to Beamer...he won't want to fall behind the young whippersnapper!
Karen
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
A tuesday Parable
I was told a Parable a long time ago, which had appreciable wisdom, and as I age I can see how that same wisdom can transfer to other aspects of being a decent human being. The original Parable is about anger:
"A young family move to the grandparent's farm so the kids can grow up in the clean country air. The grandfather notices the young grandson playing out back with his sister. The boy is making a toy fort, but makes a mistake and takes out his frustration on his younger sister. The grandfather notices the young boy doing this again and again; every time something frustrates the boy, he gets angry with his sister, mother, or father.
One day the grandfather sees the young boy getting mad, so he goes over to him with a bucket of nails and a hammer. He shows the boy a brand new post, and tells the boy that when he is angry, he is to vent his anger by hammering nails into the post. The first time the boy hammers many nails, but as time goes on he is finding he has to do less hammering to feel his anger dissipate, until one day he realizes he is able to control his anger and no longer needs to vent it at someone or by hammering nails in the post.
He excitedly tells his grandfather that it has been two weeks since he last put a nail in the post! Grandfather tells him he is proud of him, and to mark each day that he is not venting his anger, he can pull one nail out of the post to mark the occasion. The grandson finds that taking the nails out takes much longer than putting the nails in, and that it is many months later before the post is free of nails.
The young boy takes his grandfather over to show him how he has removed all the nails from the post as a symbol of being able to control his anger. He is quite proud of himself! The grandfather takes the boy by the shoulder and asks him to look at the post. "I am proud of you for learning to control your anger, but can you see how that even though you removed all the nails from the post it is still not the same post as it was before? It is full of nail holes and no longer is as strong as it was. The same is true of angry outbursts: despite apologies and good intentions you can never completely undo the damage that an angry outburst causes to another person."
This same parable applies also to lying. Even if you apologize for the lie, the damage to the relationship is done, and the level of trust or respect will never be the same. Of course there are different levels of lies; some are "little white lies", some are meant to protect the feelings of another, but most are more selfish. If you stick with my parable, you can think of the small lies as thumb tacks, and the big ones as fencing nails. Even the thumb tack will do damage just not as much.
Kids lie as part of their developmental process, and some people just don't seem to outgrow it. Teenagers are funny in that they often seem to use lying as a power struggle and then act shocked when the adults around them no longer trust them or extend to them the same privileges and respect. The truth is that most lies are found out, and most people can sense dishonesty without knowing the precise lie. Most kids/teenagers lack the ability to keep a lie straight anyway.
Plus, even if the lie is never found out, it will still damage the relationship as there will be this guilt between you and the person you lied to.
Occassionally you know someone is lying to you, but they don't know you know. In these cases it can be fun to run with the lie and torture them until they confess.
One of our boarders is having big trouble with a coworker who is regularly lying about work related matters...things easily found out. Makes no sense and jeopardizes the company and other employees as well as customers. Why she is lying is unclear...it seems like it is to make the lives of those around her difficult.
Some lies are meant to spare feelings, but usually tact is the better way to go in the long run.
Some lies are done so someone can get their own way despite what is in their (or others) best interests...such as lying so they can go to a party or so they can avoid studying for an exam their parents don't know about. These lies are stupid as they usually just end up hurting the liar as well as damaging the trust.
People lie to avoid awkwardness (grow up), or to avoid jail. Some people lie to avoid conflict or out of fear; this kind of lie reflects badly on both parties.
And people lie to show someone else up...kind of a power struggle. Bad kind of lie.
And that is my lesson in morality for the month... anyone have anything they think they should tell me?
Karen
"A young family move to the grandparent's farm so the kids can grow up in the clean country air. The grandfather notices the young grandson playing out back with his sister. The boy is making a toy fort, but makes a mistake and takes out his frustration on his younger sister. The grandfather notices the young boy doing this again and again; every time something frustrates the boy, he gets angry with his sister, mother, or father.
One day the grandfather sees the young boy getting mad, so he goes over to him with a bucket of nails and a hammer. He shows the boy a brand new post, and tells the boy that when he is angry, he is to vent his anger by hammering nails into the post. The first time the boy hammers many nails, but as time goes on he is finding he has to do less hammering to feel his anger dissipate, until one day he realizes he is able to control his anger and no longer needs to vent it at someone or by hammering nails in the post.
He excitedly tells his grandfather that it has been two weeks since he last put a nail in the post! Grandfather tells him he is proud of him, and to mark each day that he is not venting his anger, he can pull one nail out of the post to mark the occasion. The grandson finds that taking the nails out takes much longer than putting the nails in, and that it is many months later before the post is free of nails.
The young boy takes his grandfather over to show him how he has removed all the nails from the post as a symbol of being able to control his anger. He is quite proud of himself! The grandfather takes the boy by the shoulder and asks him to look at the post. "I am proud of you for learning to control your anger, but can you see how that even though you removed all the nails from the post it is still not the same post as it was before? It is full of nail holes and no longer is as strong as it was. The same is true of angry outbursts: despite apologies and good intentions you can never completely undo the damage that an angry outburst causes to another person."
This same parable applies also to lying. Even if you apologize for the lie, the damage to the relationship is done, and the level of trust or respect will never be the same. Of course there are different levels of lies; some are "little white lies", some are meant to protect the feelings of another, but most are more selfish. If you stick with my parable, you can think of the small lies as thumb tacks, and the big ones as fencing nails. Even the thumb tack will do damage just not as much.
Kids lie as part of their developmental process, and some people just don't seem to outgrow it. Teenagers are funny in that they often seem to use lying as a power struggle and then act shocked when the adults around them no longer trust them or extend to them the same privileges and respect. The truth is that most lies are found out, and most people can sense dishonesty without knowing the precise lie. Most kids/teenagers lack the ability to keep a lie straight anyway.
Plus, even if the lie is never found out, it will still damage the relationship as there will be this guilt between you and the person you lied to.
Occassionally you know someone is lying to you, but they don't know you know. In these cases it can be fun to run with the lie and torture them until they confess.
One of our boarders is having big trouble with a coworker who is regularly lying about work related matters...things easily found out. Makes no sense and jeopardizes the company and other employees as well as customers. Why she is lying is unclear...it seems like it is to make the lives of those around her difficult.
Some lies are meant to spare feelings, but usually tact is the better way to go in the long run.
Some lies are done so someone can get their own way despite what is in their (or others) best interests...such as lying so they can go to a party or so they can avoid studying for an exam their parents don't know about. These lies are stupid as they usually just end up hurting the liar as well as damaging the trust.
People lie to avoid awkwardness (grow up), or to avoid jail. Some people lie to avoid conflict or out of fear; this kind of lie reflects badly on both parties.
And people lie to show someone else up...kind of a power struggle. Bad kind of lie.
And that is my lesson in morality for the month... anyone have anything they think they should tell me?
Karen
Monday, October 12, 2009
Thanksgiving
Either I have been raking the arena in my sleep or Amanda once again did it for me...thanks Amanda!
Rob and I went for Turkey dinner last night at my parents house. Our traditional Thanksgiving dinner means Turkey with stuffing, gravy, cranberries, mashed potatoes, Yams with Apricots and Pecans (YUMMY), buns, green beans and the dreaded mini cabbage looking things whose name escapes me right now.
I like to coat half my turkey in the sauce from the Yams and the other half in cranberries.
Mike and Ginger came along and were very well behaved earning them some Turkey. I completely forgot to bring some home for the cats though!
Things to be Thankful for this year:
My Dad's health seems to be improving and hopefully the doctors have come up with a solution. Mom is still doing great. Robs parents are doing well too, and their health seems improved from last year. I am thankful for a great bunch of boarders, lesson students and friends. I am thankful for my horses and for having a warm place to ride them this winter. I am thankful for the outdoor arena and for how many days we were able to use it this year! I am thankful for having a husband who likes the horses and is skilled and motivated to build things like an indoor arena and to repair the shelters and fencing the wind (and the horses) seems determined to destroy.
Karen
Rob and I went for Turkey dinner last night at my parents house. Our traditional Thanksgiving dinner means Turkey with stuffing, gravy, cranberries, mashed potatoes, Yams with Apricots and Pecans (YUMMY), buns, green beans and the dreaded mini cabbage looking things whose name escapes me right now.
I like to coat half my turkey in the sauce from the Yams and the other half in cranberries.
Mike and Ginger came along and were very well behaved earning them some Turkey. I completely forgot to bring some home for the cats though!
Things to be Thankful for this year:
My Dad's health seems to be improving and hopefully the doctors have come up with a solution. Mom is still doing great. Robs parents are doing well too, and their health seems improved from last year. I am thankful for a great bunch of boarders, lesson students and friends. I am thankful for my horses and for having a warm place to ride them this winter. I am thankful for the outdoor arena and for how many days we were able to use it this year! I am thankful for having a husband who likes the horses and is skilled and motivated to build things like an indoor arena and to repair the shelters and fencing the wind (and the horses) seems determined to destroy.
Karen
Saturday, October 10, 2009
If we are so smart...
It humans are the smarter half of the horse/rider partnership, why is it that we are so quick to get after and/or punish our horses for dropping a shoulder, or being slow with a transition, yet we seem so quick to forgive ourselves for a forgotten half halt, a dropped shoulder or a tipped pelvis?
Karen
Karen
Boaders are like Cockroaches
One goes, and five more are there to take their place!
Our good friend Sailor came back for the winter, and a gorgeous warmblood filly named Tia also arrived. Someone needs to tell Tia to grow a winter coat!
Still a couple more horses to come in the beginning of November and then we will be very much full, with one very nice sounding lady and her new horse on our waiting list...so you boarders better watch your step and scoop your poop...you are replaceable!
Just kidding...I love you all and would be sad to see any of you go!
And now on a lighter note:
I am not sure who made this, but it wasn't me, so don't give me the credit! Maybe I should come up with a dressage version though...
Karen
Our good friend Sailor came back for the winter, and a gorgeous warmblood filly named Tia also arrived. Someone needs to tell Tia to grow a winter coat!
Still a couple more horses to come in the beginning of November and then we will be very much full, with one very nice sounding lady and her new horse on our waiting list...so you boarders better watch your step and scoop your poop...you are replaceable!
Just kidding...I love you all and would be sad to see any of you go!
And now on a lighter note:
I am not sure who made this, but it wasn't me, so don't give me the credit! Maybe I should come up with a dressage version though...
Karen
Friday, October 9, 2009
So how many of you woke up today and though "wow, this would be a great day to do some work outside! Perhaps some post pounding!" And then realized with profound regret that you had to go to work, and so couldn't enjoy the winter wonderland outside.
No one?
Just my husband?
I think about half the post pounding we have ever done has been in the snow...it sure brings back memories of when we built the place and we were working hard to get the fencing up for boarders to be able to come for December!
Today Rob put some new posts out back so horses can go out there in November, and in the geldings field so we can put in some gates between paddocks. Watch...as soon as we get the new fencing done, and the shelters built the weather will warm up again...
Karen
No one?
Just my husband?
I think about half the post pounding we have ever done has been in the snow...it sure brings back memories of when we built the place and we were working hard to get the fencing up for boarders to be able to come for December!
Today Rob put some new posts out back so horses can go out there in November, and in the geldings field so we can put in some gates between paddocks. Watch...as soon as we get the new fencing done, and the shelters built the weather will warm up again...
Karen
Boobies
Did you know that October is Breast Cancer awareness month? I thought all summer was breast cancer awareness month as it seems to be featured on so many campaigns and fundraisers and pink ribbons are everywhere. Why is it that breast cancer gets so much publicity? You would think that breast cancer was the leading cancer in Canada, yet it is number 3 for new cases, and number 2 for deaths (in Canada). Do you know what number one is for new cases and for deaths? Anyone? Anyone at all?
If you guessed lung cancer you would be half right; lung cancer is number two for new cases and by far number one for deaths...so smokers PAY attention! Lung cancer is by FAR the most likely cancer to KILL you, yet people aren't as keen to raise money for it...there is no yellow stained ribbon on sale for lung cancer.
Number one for new cases though is prostate cancer. A cancer that only affects men. A cancer that is hard to self diagnose, although a blood test (PSA test) may help with early diagnoses...but you have to pay for it....although I don't think it is expensive. You would think the number ONE cancer in Canada would get more publicity, research and testing.
Another serious cancer in Canada? Colorectal cancer; a cancer that is evenly spread between men and women, and that is estimated to have almost as many new cases as there will be breast cancer, and almost double the deaths...but no brown ribbons for colorectal cancer.
So why is it that breast cancer gets so many more fund raisers and so much more publicity?
Is it because it seems like one of the more treatable/hopeful cancers, with the possibility of curing patients more likely? Everyone likes to back a winner...
Or is it because everyone likes boobies?
Is it human nature to want to save the women over the men? (Breast Cancer is the number 2 killer of women in Canada after lung cancer)
Or is it that the people that have the other types of cancer would rather not talk about it? That I can get too.
I personally would rather have a colon and lungs than a boob....and I am sure Rob would prefer a prostate, lungs and a colon over boobs too (they estimate 50 men will die of breast cancer in 2009 in Canada). Plus boobs can be rebuilt...not sure if the other three organs can be.
Perhaps the colon and prostate people need to come up with a cute mascot for their cause...so people won't feel they need to think about the body part itself.
We can have Colin Colon and Prostate Pete! And they can have large chested girl friends! That will get attention...it always comes back to the boobs.
Karen
If you guessed lung cancer you would be half right; lung cancer is number two for new cases and by far number one for deaths...so smokers PAY attention! Lung cancer is by FAR the most likely cancer to KILL you, yet people aren't as keen to raise money for it...there is no yellow stained ribbon on sale for lung cancer.
Number one for new cases though is prostate cancer. A cancer that only affects men. A cancer that is hard to self diagnose, although a blood test (PSA test) may help with early diagnoses...but you have to pay for it....although I don't think it is expensive. You would think the number ONE cancer in Canada would get more publicity, research and testing.
Another serious cancer in Canada? Colorectal cancer; a cancer that is evenly spread between men and women, and that is estimated to have almost as many new cases as there will be breast cancer, and almost double the deaths...but no brown ribbons for colorectal cancer.
So why is it that breast cancer gets so many more fund raisers and so much more publicity?
Is it because it seems like one of the more treatable/hopeful cancers, with the possibility of curing patients more likely? Everyone likes to back a winner...
Or is it because everyone likes boobies?
Is it human nature to want to save the women over the men? (Breast Cancer is the number 2 killer of women in Canada after lung cancer)
Or is it that the people that have the other types of cancer would rather not talk about it? That I can get too.
I personally would rather have a colon and lungs than a boob....and I am sure Rob would prefer a prostate, lungs and a colon over boobs too (they estimate 50 men will die of breast cancer in 2009 in Canada). Plus boobs can be rebuilt...not sure if the other three organs can be.
Perhaps the colon and prostate people need to come up with a cute mascot for their cause...so people won't feel they need to think about the body part itself.
We can have Colin Colon and Prostate Pete! And they can have large chested girl friends! That will get attention...it always comes back to the boobs.
Karen
Thursday, October 8, 2009
It may come as a suprise to you...
But the roads are a tad on the icey side...
The first snow fall of winter always seems to bring out the most accidents. I don't think it is only because we aren't used to driving in the snow, I think it is also because the roads are still so warm that the snow hits them and causes a layer of water and ice. On our way back home today we witnessed a truck pulling a small trailer fishtailing; its trailer got caught in the berm and spun the truck around before the two parted company. I was amazed the fellow kept as much control of his truck as he did. Fortunately the big trucks that were behind him were able to stop in time to avoid a casualty.
I imagine it will only get worse as the temperature drops for the night and the water on the road freezes under the still falling snow, so if anyone feels unsafe coming out tonight, make up lessons are available on Saturday or next Wednesday at 7....just let me know.
Also ....
This is my one hundreth blog post! go me!
Karen
The first snow fall of winter always seems to bring out the most accidents. I don't think it is only because we aren't used to driving in the snow, I think it is also because the roads are still so warm that the snow hits them and causes a layer of water and ice. On our way back home today we witnessed a truck pulling a small trailer fishtailing; its trailer got caught in the berm and spun the truck around before the two parted company. I was amazed the fellow kept as much control of his truck as he did. Fortunately the big trucks that were behind him were able to stop in time to avoid a casualty.
I imagine it will only get worse as the temperature drops for the night and the water on the road freezes under the still falling snow, so if anyone feels unsafe coming out tonight, make up lessons are available on Saturday or next Wednesday at 7....just let me know.
Also ....
This is my one hundreth blog post! go me!
Karen
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
New Freestyles!
So I am determined to do better at Freestyle next year, and Equine Canada is helping! They have new guidelines for what is allowed and not allowed that will be written right on the tests. I think Clare should also do a Freestyle with Sunny or with Whisper. These clearly set up rules and allowed movements would have been nice to know this year! I think I have my test planned for next year...I am going for a much higher difficulty so lots of work this winter.
karen
karen
Monday, October 5, 2009
Here's a shock...
After spending two days really cold I am sick today! Shocking! Not sure if it is the flu though...more likely a migrain. Janine was kind enough to text me to let me know we are in for another windstorm tomorrow. ENOUGH OF THE WIND! Snow in the forecast too, so time to make sure the winter blankets are in the barn and ready to go.
Karen
Karen
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Well Sunday of the show was again cold...but this time it was also wet! Yippy. Footing was good in the dressage ring, but a few horses slipped in the jumpers. I don't think it was so much a problem with the footing as a problem with the riders not riding for the conditions. I felt extra sorry for the horses in tight standing martingales who couldn't use their necks to balance.
The Hillside team wasn't as stellar as yesterday; Fancy and Sara were tired (but were reserve champion of the 2'9" division!), Ri was good, but I think he was getting tired/frazzled too, as just before Amanda's second last class he decided her jacket was a harbinger of death to be spooked at. Whisper had good moments punctuated by anxiety...but still much better than last year.
I kept myself warm by looking after the gate for the dressage ring when I was free...for some reason I like looking after the in gate and helping the riders know where they are at and keeping things running smoothly.
I have also learned that getting out and helping, even in an unofficial capacity, is appreciated and is as good advertising/networking as anything; people get to know who you are and feel like they can approach you when you are helping out.
And now a trip down memory lane....When I was a teenager I knew that deep down I wanted a career with horses, although I really didn't see how it would be possible, as I didn't want to muck stalls or groom for the rest of my life...and all the trainers I knew got their start from parents in the business of through independent wealth. That didn't stop me from still working hard towards this apparently unattainable goal; I groomed for kids with their own horses (sometimes for pay, sometimes for lunch, and sometimes just for a sharing of knowledge), I assisted with lessons, and I hung out helping when I could. Eventually I became the official groom to a trainer, and teaching, but still cleaned stalls, volunteering to help on Holidays if needed. I figured the more things I did, not only the more money I would make, but the more doors I might open. At shows I didn't just help my trainers, but I also helped other trainers if needed by holding horses, setting jumps if I was standing there anyway and so on. Sometimes the pompousness of the people I worked for would wear off on me, but for the most part I tried to stay true to myself.
I think this is why I felt welcomed by the trainers from "the good old days" even though I am not at the jumping shows much anymore, and I think my past actions, from back before I ever saw Hillside as a possibility, are carrying me in good stead now.
That doesn't mean I was or am nice to everyone though...sometimes picking your enemies wisely is also important; knowing what or who you stand against can help define you, and can help motivate. I cannot watch cruelty idly, or poor ethics.
I like this better than how it was with my old trainers. I like that I feel a mutual respect with the trainers i know and respect from the old days. I like that I don't feel it is an "us against them" thing, and that I can go to them for advice or trust them not to steal clients....it definitely wasn't like that at the barn I used to be at! I am happy having Hillside be a farm team for bigger barns if I have students that wish to move on and be more focused on showing and do bigger and better things, and I think it would be good for the industry if barns worked together to help clients be with a program that best suites them; either depending on their focus or depending on the teaching style & system.
Karen
The Hillside team wasn't as stellar as yesterday; Fancy and Sara were tired (but were reserve champion of the 2'9" division!), Ri was good, but I think he was getting tired/frazzled too, as just before Amanda's second last class he decided her jacket was a harbinger of death to be spooked at. Whisper had good moments punctuated by anxiety...but still much better than last year.
I kept myself warm by looking after the gate for the dressage ring when I was free...for some reason I like looking after the in gate and helping the riders know where they are at and keeping things running smoothly.
I have also learned that getting out and helping, even in an unofficial capacity, is appreciated and is as good advertising/networking as anything; people get to know who you are and feel like they can approach you when you are helping out.
And now a trip down memory lane....When I was a teenager I knew that deep down I wanted a career with horses, although I really didn't see how it would be possible, as I didn't want to muck stalls or groom for the rest of my life...and all the trainers I knew got their start from parents in the business of through independent wealth. That didn't stop me from still working hard towards this apparently unattainable goal; I groomed for kids with their own horses (sometimes for pay, sometimes for lunch, and sometimes just for a sharing of knowledge), I assisted with lessons, and I hung out helping when I could. Eventually I became the official groom to a trainer, and teaching, but still cleaned stalls, volunteering to help on Holidays if needed. I figured the more things I did, not only the more money I would make, but the more doors I might open. At shows I didn't just help my trainers, but I also helped other trainers if needed by holding horses, setting jumps if I was standing there anyway and so on. Sometimes the pompousness of the people I worked for would wear off on me, but for the most part I tried to stay true to myself.
I think this is why I felt welcomed by the trainers from "the good old days" even though I am not at the jumping shows much anymore, and I think my past actions, from back before I ever saw Hillside as a possibility, are carrying me in good stead now.
That doesn't mean I was or am nice to everyone though...sometimes picking your enemies wisely is also important; knowing what or who you stand against can help define you, and can help motivate. I cannot watch cruelty idly, or poor ethics.
I like this better than how it was with my old trainers. I like that I feel a mutual respect with the trainers i know and respect from the old days. I like that I don't feel it is an "us against them" thing, and that I can go to them for advice or trust them not to steal clients....it definitely wasn't like that at the barn I used to be at! I am happy having Hillside be a farm team for bigger barns if I have students that wish to move on and be more focused on showing and do bigger and better things, and I think it would be good for the industry if barns worked together to help clients be with a program that best suites them; either depending on their focus or depending on the teaching style & system.
Karen
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Apparently Milo agrees
So as I sat typing the last blog...I saw a big blur and heard a thump on a big living room window. it seems Milo was trying to jump on the back of the sofa and under estimated the strength of the window.
Poor guy really wants to be an indoor house cat now that is starting to get cold out, but he is just too mean to Fluffy little Kit Kat and she came her first.
Poor kitty.
karen
Poor guy really wants to be an indoor house cat now that is starting to get cold out, but he is just too mean to Fluffy little Kit Kat and she came her first.
Poor kitty.
karen
To summerize:cold
Today was day 1 of the Amberlea show. Overcast, windy and COLD. Fortunately very little rain fell, and it waited until all but Clare were done. I had planned to wait until Clare rode her second test...but coldness and tiredness won out. I was pretty happy to come home to find Rob had supper ready!
Ri was once again a steady little dressage horse, and placed in all 4 of his classes, with Amanda breaking into the 60's today! The ribbons are SO pretty. The real start of the day though was Sara and Fancy; they won their 2'9" jumper class posting a double clear, and then were 4th in the 2'9" jumper medal! Hopefully she can repeat the magic for stake day!
Ironically Ri's old owner is stabled next to us.
Also stabled next to us is a barn that thinks it is a good idea to tack their three horses up in the alley making it extremely difficult to get horses past them. I am not talking putting finishing touches together either...I am talking three horses tied up for over 30 minutes...in a narrow alley with tack boxes and such. Last thing I want to do when I am hurrying for a class is to dodge behind three horses I don't know who are tied so close together that it doesn't feel safe to push them over into each other. I really do not get what is so hard about tacking up in ones stall!
Also interesting was the warm up ring for Sara's medal class...four horses also in the jumpers with their heads tied to their chest via a overly tight standing martingale. Two were attached to cavessons, so although disturbingly tight, not what I consider cruel over little jumps, but the other two...yikes. There was the uber tight standing done up to the stiff, and very tight rope noseband (OUCH!), but even worse? Someone had a standing martingale done up to a figure-8 noseband! A figure 8 noseband loops high on the horse's face, and then down around the jaw...so a pull on the martingale would cause the thin straps to pull the fragile bones of the horse's lower jaw up into its upper jaw. The trainer was someone I more or less respect and should know better. What happened to training? What happened to actually learning to ride? And this was an equitation class! Horsemanship people!
The best part for me about this show is the nice chats I have had with some of the other trainers. I don't go to a lot of jumping shows, and on Friday I kind of felt out of my element and missed the familiar faces at the dressage shows, but it didn't take long to feel welcome by some of the other trainers that I know from my past, and from recent transactions. It was nice to talk to Linda about her transformations over the years and how she figured out how to balance riding and home life, and to listen to her words of experience. It was good to catch up with Kris, and with Cheryl too, both trainers I like to have a good relationship with and support. I had a fair number of trainers ask if I had horses for sale too...maybe I am missing a possible niche for Hillside?
So...for tomorrow....I am going to dress warmer! And hopefully the horses do as well or better tomorrow!
Karen
Ri was once again a steady little dressage horse, and placed in all 4 of his classes, with Amanda breaking into the 60's today! The ribbons are SO pretty. The real start of the day though was Sara and Fancy; they won their 2'9" jumper class posting a double clear, and then were 4th in the 2'9" jumper medal! Hopefully she can repeat the magic for stake day!
Ironically Ri's old owner is stabled next to us.
Also stabled next to us is a barn that thinks it is a good idea to tack their three horses up in the alley making it extremely difficult to get horses past them. I am not talking putting finishing touches together either...I am talking three horses tied up for over 30 minutes...in a narrow alley with tack boxes and such. Last thing I want to do when I am hurrying for a class is to dodge behind three horses I don't know who are tied so close together that it doesn't feel safe to push them over into each other. I really do not get what is so hard about tacking up in ones stall!
Also interesting was the warm up ring for Sara's medal class...four horses also in the jumpers with their heads tied to their chest via a overly tight standing martingale. Two were attached to cavessons, so although disturbingly tight, not what I consider cruel over little jumps, but the other two...yikes. There was the uber tight standing done up to the stiff, and very tight rope noseband (OUCH!), but even worse? Someone had a standing martingale done up to a figure-8 noseband! A figure 8 noseband loops high on the horse's face, and then down around the jaw...so a pull on the martingale would cause the thin straps to pull the fragile bones of the horse's lower jaw up into its upper jaw. The trainer was someone I more or less respect and should know better. What happened to training? What happened to actually learning to ride? And this was an equitation class! Horsemanship people!
The best part for me about this show is the nice chats I have had with some of the other trainers. I don't go to a lot of jumping shows, and on Friday I kind of felt out of my element and missed the familiar faces at the dressage shows, but it didn't take long to feel welcome by some of the other trainers that I know from my past, and from recent transactions. It was nice to talk to Linda about her transformations over the years and how she figured out how to balance riding and home life, and to listen to her words of experience. It was good to catch up with Kris, and with Cheryl too, both trainers I like to have a good relationship with and support. I had a fair number of trainers ask if I had horses for sale too...maybe I am missing a possible niche for Hillside?
So...for tomorrow....I am going to dress warmer! And hopefully the horses do as well or better tomorrow!
Karen
Friday, October 2, 2009
First rides
It is interesting when I get on a horse for its first time. There are a few typical reactions; the fearful horse tends to stand stock still with its head wither height...the back feels like a stiff board and it is as though the horse is afraid to breath...this is the horse that is the most likely to buck so I usually just sit there until the horse takes a deep breath. The super bratty/social horse tends to turn its head side to side and back up trying to figure out where I have gone and how to get to the cookie pocket. The smart horse sits for a moment finding its balance, notices I am not standing there to tell it what to do, and then heads straight for the outgate. Then there is Beamer. Beamer waits until I am on, then heads off to the far end of the arena to explore the big door and the scary man door. Then he takes us over to the corner, down the track, stop to poop, then over a yellow pole that was frightenning yesterday, back to the far door, then back to the other end to the out gate, then over to eat some weeds...all the while keeping a nice forward walk with absolutely no loss of balance or hesitation....which considering how refined he is, amazed me! He felt like a horse that had been ridden for years and it was hard to want to get off...it was kind of fun to see where he was going to take us next!
....
It was odd hauling to a show and setting up stalls without having a horse of my own to show...but at the same time I am glad I didn't take Dexter...showing at 7pm outside just doesn't sound like fun to me. Hopefully the snow misses us until after the show. We need the moisture, just not while showing outside! I like showing at Amberlea though; familiar, well organized and friendly.
Hopefully tomorrow goes well!
Karen
....
It was odd hauling to a show and setting up stalls without having a horse of my own to show...but at the same time I am glad I didn't take Dexter...showing at 7pm outside just doesn't sound like fun to me. Hopefully the snow misses us until after the show. We need the moisture, just not while showing outside! I like showing at Amberlea though; familiar, well organized and friendly.
Hopefully tomorrow goes well!
Karen
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Amberlea Show!
The schedule is up!
http://www.amberleameadows.com/images/Harvestshowtenativeschedule09.pdf
And ride times!
http://www.amberleameadows.com/images/Harvest_Show_ride_timesSaturday%20Oct%20%203.pdf
Amanda and Sara will ride early on Saturday; Amanda's ride time is 8:48 (then a LONNNNGGGG break) and Sara's first class starts at 8:30. Fun.
Poor Clare rides at 6:54 on Saturday!
And Sundays schedule:
http://www.amberleameadows.com/images/Harvest_Show_ride_timesSunday%20Oct%20%204.pdf
Sunday is a WAYYY better schedule with Amanda riding after 9, and Clare is the last dressage rider of ours at 2:14.
So...anyone want to do afternoon chores on Saturday?
Karen
http://www.amberleameadows.com/images/Harvestshowtenativeschedule09.pdf
And ride times!
http://www.amberleameadows.com/images/Harvest_Show_ride_timesSaturday%20Oct%20%203.pdf
Amanda and Sara will ride early on Saturday; Amanda's ride time is 8:48 (then a LONNNNGGGG break) and Sara's first class starts at 8:30. Fun.
Poor Clare rides at 6:54 on Saturday!
And Sundays schedule:
http://www.amberleameadows.com/images/Harvest_Show_ride_timesSunday%20Oct%20%204.pdf
Sunday is a WAYYY better schedule with Amanda riding after 9, and Clare is the last dressage rider of ours at 2:14.
So...anyone want to do afternoon chores on Saturday?
Karen
It is hard to believe that one week ago we were posting temperatures in the low 30's!
The leaves have now given up trying to stay green, and the grass is also going brown and dormant. Fall is here and winter fast approaching.
For me it means the barn is starting to fill up, so more time spend on morning chores. Last night I had 6 horses in the barn, and starting tonight there will be 7, with the remaining two horses coming in later on. Six horses is the magic number though...six stalls worth of manure will always fit in the Mule, and six stalls use one bag of shavings. Adding that seventh horse adds the challenge...can I fit it in the Mule or must I do a second trip? Once horse 8 and 9 come in, then it is easy...I just know to plan on two loads.
Dexter is by far the messiest horse in the barn...which sucks as he is MY horse, so I am not making money cleaning up after him...but I do want him in the barn so I can keep him fit and work on second level moves. Plus, he is going to be a once a week lesson horse for the winter to earn his keep.
Quanta is by far the tidiest horse, although that claim will shift to Sailor as soon as he comes. Maybe Sailor can teach Ri to be tidier as he taught Kokannee last year...
Karen
The leaves have now given up trying to stay green, and the grass is also going brown and dormant. Fall is here and winter fast approaching.
For me it means the barn is starting to fill up, so more time spend on morning chores. Last night I had 6 horses in the barn, and starting tonight there will be 7, with the remaining two horses coming in later on. Six horses is the magic number though...six stalls worth of manure will always fit in the Mule, and six stalls use one bag of shavings. Adding that seventh horse adds the challenge...can I fit it in the Mule or must I do a second trip? Once horse 8 and 9 come in, then it is easy...I just know to plan on two loads.
Dexter is by far the messiest horse in the barn...which sucks as he is MY horse, so I am not making money cleaning up after him...but I do want him in the barn so I can keep him fit and work on second level moves. Plus, he is going to be a once a week lesson horse for the winter to earn his keep.
Quanta is by far the tidiest horse, although that claim will shift to Sailor as soon as he comes. Maybe Sailor can teach Ri to be tidier as he taught Kokannee last year...
Karen
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