Hey, Clare, Amanda, Christine! I have good news! Brittany left a blank cheque for her mom's horse's board (silly girl), so I figure board for December will be $38,000 USD, so we can bring Artreyou home for us to ride at FEI levels. Of course this boy would also work....
And to pay for hauling, there will be a $1000.00 late fee for board not paid by tomorrow....
Amazing how things just seem to work out...which one do you want?
Karen
Monday, November 30, 2009
Bye Pill!
Grey Gelding/Dillion/Pill left today for his new home in "The Land of the Linving Skies" (Saskatchewan) where he is going to persue a career as a pony club horse. He loaded great and looked quite special in his new winter blanket and shipping boots. I am happy for his owners that he sold, but in some ways wish I had more time with him, as I was just starting to figure him out and I think he would be a fun bridless horse with some time.
The snow today seems fitting for the transition into December, but I hope the roads are still ok for you guys to make it to the barn!
Karen
The snow today seems fitting for the transition into December, but I hope the roads are still ok for you guys to make it to the barn!
Karen
Sunday, November 29, 2009
November 30.
Board is due tomorrow!
Yippy!
And before you complain about the board bill...read the November issue of Horse Sport; they have an article called "Those @#$%#@ Boarding Fees Explained / A Labour of Love, Not Money". The barn they study charges $750.00 a month for inside board and that only includes hay and complete feed...and an indoor arena that is a lot smaller than ours!
The article also contains quotes and comments from yours truly! When I was originally interviewed I was told the article was about what people wanting to run a boarding stable should know, so my comments were more to that end. They got one important thing somewhat wrong though...it implies that I am the one who is the construction expert who designed the barn and not Rob! I would be afraid to ride in an arena I built!
I think I have about 10 or so quotes in the article, and I think I sound ok. It is kind of neat to read about our barn in a national publication!
Karen
Yippy!
And before you complain about the board bill...read the November issue of Horse Sport; they have an article called "Those @#$%#@ Boarding Fees Explained / A Labour of Love, Not Money". The barn they study charges $750.00 a month for inside board and that only includes hay and complete feed...and an indoor arena that is a lot smaller than ours!
The article also contains quotes and comments from yours truly! When I was originally interviewed I was told the article was about what people wanting to run a boarding stable should know, so my comments were more to that end. They got one important thing somewhat wrong though...it implies that I am the one who is the construction expert who designed the barn and not Rob! I would be afraid to ride in an arena I built!
I think I have about 10 or so quotes in the article, and I think I sound ok. It is kind of neat to read about our barn in a national publication!
Karen
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Pretty horse alert...
Michelle's Mother in Law brought her mare in for training today. I knew she was a draft cross, which I tend to like, and had seem some photos, but I wasn't prepared for how much I would like this mare! She is a Canadian crossed with a Percheron/Arab, about 15.2 hands, black, with an amazing mane and tail. She moves great and is built like a very nice riding horse with a pretty face to top it off. Her name is Xena, and I can't wait to start riding her.
It made me think that maybe Christine should start perusing the Arab/Percheron ads...seems like it may be a promising cross for dressage, which an easier looking trot than the average Friesian.
Karen
It made me think that maybe Christine should start perusing the Arab/Percheron ads...seems like it may be a promising cross for dressage, which an easier looking trot than the average Friesian.
Karen
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Blind Dates
Recently one of our Hillsidenites had a successful blind date...this brought back my memories of my two not so successful experiences of the blind date type...
I was a focused youth, so while in school and working at Freelance Farm, I did not date; my time, money and energy was spent on either my classes or my horses...which is exactly how it should be by the way. When I finally quit working at the barn and got a "real job", my co-workers felt that I needed a boyfriend; I was the only one at work who was not married and for some reason this was an issue.
Now I hadn't been at this job long, but I was highly motivated, so it didn't take me long to work up from data entry to assistant accountant and then to office manager/assistant accountant. Anyone with sense would have seen I was ambitious and keen. One day the Payroll Clerk decided it made sense to set me up with her son. He was younger than me, but not by much, so I agreed; I figured the Payroll clerk knew me well enough by this time. I was wrong.
Payroll Clerk's son picked me up at my condo, in his ancient sedan and we went to a movie...I think...I don't actually remember what we did. He looked like he was too young to even need to shave. It was creepy. I remember feeling like I was this kids mother. He may only have been 3 or 4 years younger than me...but he was as Christine K would say "daft". He was content to live in his parent's basement and to work at the grocery store...not that there is anything wrong with that when you are young...but he had no ambition to move beyond this, and key goals included buying a new video game. Seriously, I was trying hard to find some ray of hope or ambition in this kid, but nada. Not a clever brain cell in his grey matter. Couldn't hold a conversation that wasn't about video games or his job. I swear his mom set us up to try to help motivate him, otherwise I have no idea what she was thinking. At least that date ended very obviously with no chance of a second. Seeing mom the next day was awkward...but then she was about as daft as the son.
Blind date number two was set up by the people in the office next door. He was a former employee that was now self employed. This one sounded good on paper: smart, ambitious, nice, lived in his own townhouse and made very good money and picked his own work hours.
He picked me up and my place, and we likely went for dinner...maybe a movie? I used to wear skirts a lot back then, and I remember i was wearing something somewhat short (above the knees, but safe to sit down in short...something I would feel ok wearing to the office), and I think it made him very uncomfortable! I remember he was decent looking, and he didn't do anything wrong...he just lacked any interesting qualities or spark. Trying to make conversation was exhausting which seemed odd as he was obviously a somewhat worldly person. I thought maybe he was nervous, and I figured he was a nice, successful guy, so I SHOULD like him...so I went on date #2. He invited me to his place and made dinner. I dressed more conservatively. I just remember sitting on the edge of his sofa, in his insanely clean house, feeling SOOO out of place as he talked about wanting to buy a house with someone, have kids, go to church on Sundays and live a normal average life. He thought that I owned a horse was "cute"....likely figuring it was a phase I would move past when I started popping out babies. My mom would have liked him, but can you imagine me in that role? He attempted a good night kiss...it was awkward and sloppy and sealed the door that there would be no date #3. I just wanted to get back to my happy little condo! Money definitely cannot buy charisma, and being smart doesn't guarantee someone a personality.
Blind dates are such an odd concept...really they should be a good idea of the setter upper knows both people, but I think sometimes people just want to play match maker and figure the right age and right gender is enough...or maybe it is just some cruel joke played by unhappy married people on their carefree single friends...
Karen
I was a focused youth, so while in school and working at Freelance Farm, I did not date; my time, money and energy was spent on either my classes or my horses...which is exactly how it should be by the way. When I finally quit working at the barn and got a "real job", my co-workers felt that I needed a boyfriend; I was the only one at work who was not married and for some reason this was an issue.
Now I hadn't been at this job long, but I was highly motivated, so it didn't take me long to work up from data entry to assistant accountant and then to office manager/assistant accountant. Anyone with sense would have seen I was ambitious and keen. One day the Payroll Clerk decided it made sense to set me up with her son. He was younger than me, but not by much, so I agreed; I figured the Payroll clerk knew me well enough by this time. I was wrong.
Payroll Clerk's son picked me up at my condo, in his ancient sedan and we went to a movie...I think...I don't actually remember what we did. He looked like he was too young to even need to shave. It was creepy. I remember feeling like I was this kids mother. He may only have been 3 or 4 years younger than me...but he was as Christine K would say "daft". He was content to live in his parent's basement and to work at the grocery store...not that there is anything wrong with that when you are young...but he had no ambition to move beyond this, and key goals included buying a new video game. Seriously, I was trying hard to find some ray of hope or ambition in this kid, but nada. Not a clever brain cell in his grey matter. Couldn't hold a conversation that wasn't about video games or his job. I swear his mom set us up to try to help motivate him, otherwise I have no idea what she was thinking. At least that date ended very obviously with no chance of a second. Seeing mom the next day was awkward...but then she was about as daft as the son.
Blind date number two was set up by the people in the office next door. He was a former employee that was now self employed. This one sounded good on paper: smart, ambitious, nice, lived in his own townhouse and made very good money and picked his own work hours.
He picked me up and my place, and we likely went for dinner...maybe a movie? I used to wear skirts a lot back then, and I remember i was wearing something somewhat short (above the knees, but safe to sit down in short...something I would feel ok wearing to the office), and I think it made him very uncomfortable! I remember he was decent looking, and he didn't do anything wrong...he just lacked any interesting qualities or spark. Trying to make conversation was exhausting which seemed odd as he was obviously a somewhat worldly person. I thought maybe he was nervous, and I figured he was a nice, successful guy, so I SHOULD like him...so I went on date #2. He invited me to his place and made dinner. I dressed more conservatively. I just remember sitting on the edge of his sofa, in his insanely clean house, feeling SOOO out of place as he talked about wanting to buy a house with someone, have kids, go to church on Sundays and live a normal average life. He thought that I owned a horse was "cute"....likely figuring it was a phase I would move past when I started popping out babies. My mom would have liked him, but can you imagine me in that role? He attempted a good night kiss...it was awkward and sloppy and sealed the door that there would be no date #3. I just wanted to get back to my happy little condo! Money definitely cannot buy charisma, and being smart doesn't guarantee someone a personality.
Blind dates are such an odd concept...really they should be a good idea of the setter upper knows both people, but I think sometimes people just want to play match maker and figure the right age and right gender is enough...or maybe it is just some cruel joke played by unhappy married people on their carefree single friends...
Karen
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Questions...
Does anyone have a dog whistle? I want to see if Mike can hear one. It is hard to keep track of him in the dark, and if I lose site of him it can take a while to find him again...and he can't hear me calling him, so it can be a little worrying. Usually he is over at the fence flirting with the neighbours two young female dogs though...dirty old man dog!
I am also looking for some stackable rubbermaid bins that open at the front like the bulk bins in the grocery store. Does anyone know where I can find them?
Reminder about the Christmas Party on the 13th of December too; 1:00 pm.
We are going to have a $20.00 Secret Santa gift exchange (gifts don't have to be horsey, as non riding family members can also come and participate), a snack potluck, beverages, Hillside Trivia, and other games. All Hillside clients, friends and their families are welcome to come, just bring something for the snack table!
Karen
I am also looking for some stackable rubbermaid bins that open at the front like the bulk bins in the grocery store. Does anyone know where I can find them?
Reminder about the Christmas Party on the 13th of December too; 1:00 pm.
We are going to have a $20.00 Secret Santa gift exchange (gifts don't have to be horsey, as non riding family members can also come and participate), a snack potluck, beverages, Hillside Trivia, and other games. All Hillside clients, friends and their families are welcome to come, just bring something for the snack table!
Karen
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Certifiable...
Certified. A term meant to legitimize the skills of the holder. People seem to take for granted that if you are "certified" you know what you are doing over someone who isn't.
The problem is, that ANYONE can issue a certificate. They sell them for a dollar and the Dollar Store. But if you are running a program, you can just add the $1.00 certificate to the end of a course and suddenly people end your course claiming to be professionals.
The biggest "certification" to hit the horse industry is the Certified Equine Massage Course. I know people who have taken some of these courses, and they do sound good, but I don't know if they all are. The main thing that worries me about these courses though, is that the people running the course, and teaching, are also the ones testing! Is it really in their best interest to fail their students? Massage is something that can do a lot of good, but it can also do damage...or just use up money without benefit. A certificate without standardized testing or independent testing is of questionable value.
There are also the coaching/teaching certificates. The Equine Canada program is good; to get our level 1 coaches certificate you are taught and tested by multiple people. You have to take numerous courses, work with a mentor, and show you can do the job. This does make it an expensive certificate though...thousands of dollars, but i do think it is a legitimate standardized program and is good for the industry. A level 1 EC coach can do basic dressage, jumping, and has good barn and management skills. A level 2 coach has shown to have the skills to coach to a high level. Level 3 means you are a national level coach! EC coaches have to keep up their skills and learning through clinics and mentoring.
But there are other coaching certificates...where level 1 means you can help a beginner rider walk and trot. Level 2...you can teach canter. Level 3 you can teach aids and start over fences.
So...you see someone saying they are a Certified Level 2 coach...and you may think EC which means, WOW, you have lots of skills and experience and are a high level coach...when really, you just know how to tell someone how to kick a horse into a canter.
And some of these coaching programs have the program instructors also grade and pass the students...not sure how legit that is.
It is not that I think these programs are BAD, just misleading....good money makers for the program holders though!
So....to that end, I am going to run a How to Sell your Horse Certification course!
We will cover such topics as:
1) how to take photos that make your horse's head look gigantic
2) How to take photos to hide your horse's club foot
3) How to borrow children to place between your unbroke horse's feet to show how quiet it is.
4) How to borrow children to put on your unbroke horse's back to show how quiet it is.
5) The many ways tarps can be used to show how well trained your horse is.
6) How to spell words like "lunge" and "exercise".
7) How to measure your horse to make it a full 1 inch to 1 hand taller than it really is!
8) How to successfully show your horse to potential buyers even though you don't have any sort of arena and the horse hasn't been ridden in weeks!
9) How to distract potential buyers while the horse acts up.
10) How to subtly discourage try outs and vet checks while still selling your horse.
11) and finally, how to avoid law suites when selling your horse! (who am i kidding...horse people are oddly reluctant to pursue evil sellers...if they weren't, then J.N. wouldn't still be in business...
All things i am learning while trying out horses...
I am charging a mere $1500.00 for this 2 day CERTIFICATE course! Then you can advertise your horse as being sold by a Certified seller!
The problem is, that ANYONE can issue a certificate. They sell them for a dollar and the Dollar Store. But if you are running a program, you can just add the $1.00 certificate to the end of a course and suddenly people end your course claiming to be professionals.
The biggest "certification" to hit the horse industry is the Certified Equine Massage Course. I know people who have taken some of these courses, and they do sound good, but I don't know if they all are. The main thing that worries me about these courses though, is that the people running the course, and teaching, are also the ones testing! Is it really in their best interest to fail their students? Massage is something that can do a lot of good, but it can also do damage...or just use up money without benefit. A certificate without standardized testing or independent testing is of questionable value.
There are also the coaching/teaching certificates. The Equine Canada program is good; to get our level 1 coaches certificate you are taught and tested by multiple people. You have to take numerous courses, work with a mentor, and show you can do the job. This does make it an expensive certificate though...thousands of dollars, but i do think it is a legitimate standardized program and is good for the industry. A level 1 EC coach can do basic dressage, jumping, and has good barn and management skills. A level 2 coach has shown to have the skills to coach to a high level. Level 3 means you are a national level coach! EC coaches have to keep up their skills and learning through clinics and mentoring.
But there are other coaching certificates...where level 1 means you can help a beginner rider walk and trot. Level 2...you can teach canter. Level 3 you can teach aids and start over fences.
So...you see someone saying they are a Certified Level 2 coach...and you may think EC which means, WOW, you have lots of skills and experience and are a high level coach...when really, you just know how to tell someone how to kick a horse into a canter.
And some of these coaching programs have the program instructors also grade and pass the students...not sure how legit that is.
It is not that I think these programs are BAD, just misleading....good money makers for the program holders though!
So....to that end, I am going to run a How to Sell your Horse Certification course!
We will cover such topics as:
1) how to take photos that make your horse's head look gigantic
2) How to take photos to hide your horse's club foot
3) How to borrow children to place between your unbroke horse's feet to show how quiet it is.
4) How to borrow children to put on your unbroke horse's back to show how quiet it is.
5) The many ways tarps can be used to show how well trained your horse is.
6) How to spell words like "lunge" and "exercise".
7) How to measure your horse to make it a full 1 inch to 1 hand taller than it really is!
8) How to successfully show your horse to potential buyers even though you don't have any sort of arena and the horse hasn't been ridden in weeks!
9) How to distract potential buyers while the horse acts up.
10) How to subtly discourage try outs and vet checks while still selling your horse.
11) and finally, how to avoid law suites when selling your horse! (who am i kidding...horse people are oddly reluctant to pursue evil sellers...if they weren't, then J.N. wouldn't still be in business...
All things i am learning while trying out horses...
I am charging a mere $1500.00 for this 2 day CERTIFICATE course! Then you can advertise your horse as being sold by a Certified seller!
Monday, November 23, 2009
More Western!
Pill the western Horse!
I should have put my chaps on to complete the image. I seem to be getting back into the western riding again, I just wish the horses I have to ride western fit my new saddle...the old wide one puts me in such a chair seat! Anyway...Pill would make such an awesome western horse with some training! I great all around show mount. I hope he finds a good home.
For lessons this week, we are getting back to basics and working on the fundamentals of keeping a straight horse, even rhythm, and maintaining pace in (and out of) the corners. I am also going to start using Zander and Tommy a bit in the lesson rotation, so keeping things simple will let those two start to get the hang of things.
Karen
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Video of Pill!
Even though we decided not to add Grey Gelding to our lesson string, he is a nice horse, so we are going to try to help his owner find him a new home. To that end he is going to stay with us for one more week and I am working on getting some nice photos and video of him. Of course it would snow last night to make sure that the grey horse would roll and get muddy...
tamara helped me do a little english video of him today:
And pictures:
He is out of shape which I think is why he is having trouble holding himself steady, but is a nice gelding and will do well for someone. I hope to do a western video of him as well.
All this videoing lately is really showing me how much I need to work on my position! I have gotten lazy. You can't really tell my arm is in a splint though can you? I didn't think that would look good on video, but didn't want to risk taking it off, so I just left my hoody on to hide it.
KarenThursday, November 19, 2009
http://edmonton.kijiji.ca/c-pets-livestock-for-sale-Quiet-Mare-for-sale-well-started-W0QQAdIdZ169509654
Oh my...this "mare" is the same age as Coregel and Piper....my two little yearling babies. The "Rider" is 7 years old...the same age as...well....someone in grade school. Is the logic that the child is young and light weight so perfectly ok to sit on baby horse's kidneys?
And who needs a helmet, corral, reins or any sort of safety...kids bounce right?
Maybe this is why so many saddlebreds are sway backed at an early age...
But calling her a mare rather than a filly makes it ok...
Did I mention I hate horse shopping?
Karen
Oh my...this "mare" is the same age as Coregel and Piper....my two little yearling babies. The "Rider" is 7 years old...the same age as...well....someone in grade school. Is the logic that the child is young and light weight so perfectly ok to sit on baby horse's kidneys?
And who needs a helmet, corral, reins or any sort of safety...kids bounce right?
Maybe this is why so many saddlebreds are sway backed at an early age...
But calling her a mare rather than a filly makes it ok...
Did I mention I hate horse shopping?
Karen
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Tommy the western horse!
So as we have decided to not keep Tommy for jumping, we are going to sell him. In order to market him I need to test out what he can do...apparently he can do western! Ok, it is a little rough, he hated the bit I had on him and my Eq is awkward at best...but he can neckrein...and if you watch the end of it, he can spin!
He is a really fun horse, and so sensible...just not a 3'6" jumper, so I am confident we will find him a good home. We will use him in lessons until he is sold; you guys will love him!
He is a really fun horse, and so sensible...just not a 3'6" jumper, so I am confident we will find him a good home. We will use him in lessons until he is sold; you guys will love him!
I like chestnuts. You cannot have too many chestnuts in a barn (or sorrels of you prefer). To add to our chestnut numbers, we have Grady. Grady is an extremely cute paint/appy cross. Yes...he is a paint appy cross....with no spots of any kind! Very nice looking horse though. He is here for training. Based on how easily he settled in, I am thinking he will be easy to work with. I really have been lucky this year with the training horses I have been sent. Even the supposed bay bucking bronco has been simple and sweet.
Karen
Karen
Monday, November 16, 2009
The Nerve!
Amanda actually had the nerve today to say her horse was cuter than Tommy! I think her recent fall has affected her judgement...
I can't believe it is already mid November, yet it was 13 degrees out today! Crazy. Only what, 6 weeks until Christmas?
Hard to get in the Christmas spirit without snow on the ground, but the stores are sure trying to get us in the shopping mood. Chocolates and tinsel everywhere.
So...what do you guys want for Christmas this year? I need to start organizing the barn party!
Karen
I can't believe it is already mid November, yet it was 13 degrees out today! Crazy. Only what, 6 weeks until Christmas?
Hard to get in the Christmas spirit without snow on the ground, but the stores are sure trying to get us in the shopping mood. Chocolates and tinsel everywhere.
So...what do you guys want for Christmas this year? I need to start organizing the barn party!
Karen
Sunday, November 15, 2009
So I rode Tommy today as I decided I might as well see what he is like...and I really liked him. He is on the peppy side, but light in the mouth, and very light off the leg (laterally). A little fresh, but not spooky or overly silly....so now I am not sure what to do with him. Darn Cute Horses!
I also rode Grey Gelding...."Dillon". He is not at all in shape, so we just did walk/trot....and he was ok. Sitting on him was like sitting on a big overstuffed couch. He may need his teeth done as he would occasionally flip his head up, but when he was relaxed, he felt good. Needs some retraining though...didn't seem to get the idea of listening to seat aids, or understanding lateral work....but then it was his first time really being ridden in a while, so perhaps I should cut him some slack!
The new horses are all so friendly though. I really like their personalities; they make Rocket look bad in that respect! (don't worry Rocket, I still love you best). It will be interesting to see how they do this week...hopefully at least one of them will be in the lesson rotation starting next week!
Karen
I also rode Grey Gelding...."Dillon". He is not at all in shape, so we just did walk/trot....and he was ok. Sitting on him was like sitting on a big overstuffed couch. He may need his teeth done as he would occasionally flip his head up, but when he was relaxed, he felt good. Needs some retraining though...didn't seem to get the idea of listening to seat aids, or understanding lateral work....but then it was his first time really being ridden in a while, so perhaps I should cut him some slack!
The new horses are all so friendly though. I really like their personalities; they make Rocket look bad in that respect! (don't worry Rocket, I still love you best). It will be interesting to see how they do this week...hopefully at least one of them will be in the lesson rotation starting next week!
Karen
Saturday, November 14, 2009
A public service announcement...
Back in the summer, a training client explained that they were running late as they had been behind an erratic vehicle on their way out. They opted to hang back and keep an eye on the vehicle to see if they need to call the police. It wasn't long before the vehicle caught the edge of the range road, and the car was pulled into the ditch. Fortunately the driver was not hurt, and the car just needed to be towed out...it could have been a lot worse if the car had hit something or flipped. The reason for the incident? Teenage driver was texted while driving.
More recently there was a local incident were a van driver collided with another vehicle that made a left turn right in front of them. The driver and passenger of the left turn vehicle both died on scene. The van showed no signs of having attempted to swerve or break. The reason? driver was texting. Sure the left turn vehicle may have been in the wrong, but the texting driver will forever have the image of two dead women and know that it may have been avoided had he been paying attention to driving rather than texting. he will have to live with those two deaths forever.
I can't call either of the above events accidents...they aren't...they could have been avoided or minimized with an attentive driver.
Cars go fast, and all it takes is a moment of inattention to cause a wreck; fishing for something in the back seat, answering a cell phone, eating....but what takes even more attention is texting.
Heck, I can't even text and walk!
So...think about the possible consequence of taking your eyes of the road....is it worth it?
All in all, I think texting has almost become an addiction for some people...they seem to get anxious knowing a text is waiting for them...but how often are texts actually anything of long term consequence? Maybe we need to organize a texting intervention for the barn teenagers...
I think a certain teenager's anti texting parents may have been on the right track when they refused to get their daughter a texting phone.
Karen
More recently there was a local incident were a van driver collided with another vehicle that made a left turn right in front of them. The driver and passenger of the left turn vehicle both died on scene. The van showed no signs of having attempted to swerve or break. The reason? driver was texting. Sure the left turn vehicle may have been in the wrong, but the texting driver will forever have the image of two dead women and know that it may have been avoided had he been paying attention to driving rather than texting. he will have to live with those two deaths forever.
I can't call either of the above events accidents...they aren't...they could have been avoided or minimized with an attentive driver.
Cars go fast, and all it takes is a moment of inattention to cause a wreck; fishing for something in the back seat, answering a cell phone, eating....but what takes even more attention is texting.
Heck, I can't even text and walk!
So...think about the possible consequence of taking your eyes of the road....is it worth it?
All in all, I think texting has almost become an addiction for some people...they seem to get anxious knowing a text is waiting for them...but how often are texts actually anything of long term consequence? Maybe we need to organize a texting intervention for the barn teenagers...
I think a certain teenager's anti texting parents may have been on the right track when they refused to get their daughter a texting phone.
Karen
Kokanee's Back
My little chestnut rabicano quarter horse friend is back for more training! He is almost 5 and looks grown up enough to start jumping this spring! Koke may be available to lease/part lease in the spring if anyone wants a very nice hunter/open show horse for 2010.
Karen
Karen
Friday, November 13, 2009
Jumping Saddlebred!
I jumped Zander today! Ok, it was just small; the little boxes and a tiny yellow crosspole...but he was awesome! Cantered right up and over without changing his rythm. According to Christine he looked super tight and cute with his little chestnut knees. At the same time he didn't pop me out of the tack at all, so the best of both worlds! Then I dropped the reins to see what he would do and he cantered pretty much into Triton who didn't bat an eye...lesson horse of the future?
Shouldn't be too long before Zander is ready to be a lesson horse...i think he is going to be a barn favourite in no time (after Rocket of course...no one can replace Rocket). Come to think of it if I just had a barn of Rockets and Zanders teaching (and learning) would be so much easier.
Now...to bad all sellers couldn't be like Zanders owner! She was honest and easy to work with.
Karen
Shouldn't be too long before Zander is ready to be a lesson horse...i think he is going to be a barn favourite in no time (after Rocket of course...no one can replace Rocket). Come to think of it if I just had a barn of Rockets and Zanders teaching (and learning) would be so much easier.
Now...to bad all sellers couldn't be like Zanders owner! She was honest and easy to work with.
Karen
Friday the 13th
Normally I don't even think about Friday the 13th...but today is proving to be an annoying day, so maybe there is something to it. To make a long story short it looks likely that Tommy won't be cutting it as a lesson horse for jumping, so now I have to decide what to do with him. He is so sweet and cute, so I am very dissappointed but I am sure he will make someone a lovely mount. We will likely use him in lessons until sold unless his owner takes him back.
On a slightly more positive note, a grey gelding came in for us on trial. He is a decent sized horse, likely around 16 hands...but FAT! And out of shape. I have him for 2 weeks to see how he does. Fingers crossed he is as nice as Zander as horse shopping is not any fun. Please don't make fun of his tail...it should grow back!
Karen
On a slightly more positive note, a grey gelding came in for us on trial. He is a decent sized horse, likely around 16 hands...but FAT! And out of shape. I have him for 2 weeks to see how he does. Fingers crossed he is as nice as Zander as horse shopping is not any fun. Please don't make fun of his tail...it should grow back!
Karen
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Meet Tommy!
Tommy is the next lesson horse prospect; a 7 year old registered 1/2 Arab (supposedly crossed with a Warmblood, but I haven't seen his papers yet so who knows!). He has show experience in jumpers. He came of the trailer like he was an old pro at moving around and was very well mannered. His face markings are really cool...the black spot around his right eye is roanish and looks really neat. He needs a hair cut though!
Tommy (aka Hail Storm) arrived late this afternoon...I was beginning to wonder if he would get here at all: The hauler ran into some unexpected problems, so called to let me know he would be about 2 hours late...he had tried to call the seller, but her vmail was full and couldn't reach her...not only that but the hauler was having trouble with his own cell phone. So...I tried calling the seller and sure enough, no answer and no room in the vmail...so I called a number the seller had called me on once before; turns out it was gramma's house in Calgary! Gramma figured the seller would call me when she got cold enough waiting.
Sure enough she called a little later and told me she had to go to work...so she was going to leave him in a paddock with his halter on and a lead rope...she was also supposed to leave the signed Bill of Sale and a note...so the hauler would know he wasn't stealing a horse! So a couple hours later the hauler gets there and sees the horse but no person and no note. To make matters worse, his cell phone was working again, but only if he drove back down the road. Fortunately the sellers dad came home a little later and found the note the seller left...which said "Sorry, I couldn't stay". No number, no explanation, nothing. At least he was able to talk to the dad to know the horse could go with him!
Fortunately the hauler had patience and the horse was easy to load and he arrived here safe and sound in a nicely sized box stall.
I would definitely use this hauler again; it was Braeden Transport booked through www.barnkrescue.com Not only were they very well priced, had a decent/safe stock trailer, but they also were very good at communication and letting me know what was going on. Much appreciated!
Karen
Tommy (aka Hail Storm) arrived late this afternoon...I was beginning to wonder if he would get here at all: The hauler ran into some unexpected problems, so called to let me know he would be about 2 hours late...he had tried to call the seller, but her vmail was full and couldn't reach her...not only that but the hauler was having trouble with his own cell phone. So...I tried calling the seller and sure enough, no answer and no room in the vmail...so I called a number the seller had called me on once before; turns out it was gramma's house in Calgary! Gramma figured the seller would call me when she got cold enough waiting.
Sure enough she called a little later and told me she had to go to work...so she was going to leave him in a paddock with his halter on and a lead rope...she was also supposed to leave the signed Bill of Sale and a note...so the hauler would know he wasn't stealing a horse! So a couple hours later the hauler gets there and sees the horse but no person and no note. To make matters worse, his cell phone was working again, but only if he drove back down the road. Fortunately the sellers dad came home a little later and found the note the seller left...which said "Sorry, I couldn't stay". No number, no explanation, nothing. At least he was able to talk to the dad to know the horse could go with him!
Fortunately the hauler had patience and the horse was easy to load and he arrived here safe and sound in a nicely sized box stall.
I would definitely use this hauler again; it was Braeden Transport booked through www.barnkrescue.com Not only were they very well priced, had a decent/safe stock trailer, but they also were very good at communication and letting me know what was going on. Much appreciated!
Karen
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Not all tissues are made equally...
I have a cold.
I am very whiny when I have a stuffed nose. Rob is lucky to be away.
Thank you Wyn for the muffins. they made my throat feel better.
I am however not impressed with the bulk buy stash of Kleenex Rob bought a while ago. Now that my nose has had the pleasure of Kleenex with lotion, the regular kind is just not up to par.
And despite the commercials trying to say otherwise...toilet paper is not a good substitute for proper lotiony tissue.
Tissue technology has spoiled me.
Zander trotted and cantered poles today like he has done it a million times before. So...if my phlegm clogged brain can handle it...I plan to try jumping him tomorrow! I am so excited.
And...we need a name for a black and white pinto that is coming tomorrow. He has more white than black...so more white on him than Triton, but similar pattern. Must be a two syllable name. So far the best I have come up with is Wally. I don't know why. Or Tommy.
We might have Lana or Meagan out on Friday, so if you want your horse checked by the vet, let me know!
Karen
I am very whiny when I have a stuffed nose. Rob is lucky to be away.
Thank you Wyn for the muffins. they made my throat feel better.
I am however not impressed with the bulk buy stash of Kleenex Rob bought a while ago. Now that my nose has had the pleasure of Kleenex with lotion, the regular kind is just not up to par.
And despite the commercials trying to say otherwise...toilet paper is not a good substitute for proper lotiony tissue.
Tissue technology has spoiled me.
Zander trotted and cantered poles today like he has done it a million times before. So...if my phlegm clogged brain can handle it...I plan to try jumping him tomorrow! I am so excited.
And...we need a name for a black and white pinto that is coming tomorrow. He has more white than black...so more white on him than Triton, but similar pattern. Must be a two syllable name. So far the best I have come up with is Wally. I don't know why. Or Tommy.
We might have Lana or Meagan out on Friday, so if you want your horse checked by the vet, let me know!
Karen
Monday, November 9, 2009
Things I did today
Today (Monday) I finally got to ride Zander! I was ready to kill him in the barn and when I tried to get on him...but once on him he was great! His walk is a little quick, but his trot felt so big strided and long, and his canter was very controlled and balanced. Not only can be canter out nicely, but he can also collect extremely well. I can't wait to jump him! Tomorrow I will introduce him to the idea of poles and see how he does.
I also went grocery shopping; in the past when Rob has gone away it was an excuse to buy junk food...but this time I resisted! Rob's attempts at having us eat healthier are rubbing off on me! My granola bar addiction is still there though...
And....I reset the arena clock! Climbing on a ladder is not something I enjoy doing so it took a while to muster the courage. It is set about 2 minutes fast, but I am NOT going back up there to fix it, so we will have to cope.
What excitement awaits me for tomorrow?
Karen
I also went grocery shopping; in the past when Rob has gone away it was an excuse to buy junk food...but this time I resisted! Rob's attempts at having us eat healthier are rubbing off on me! My granola bar addiction is still there though...
And....I reset the arena clock! Climbing on a ladder is not something I enjoy doing so it took a while to muster the courage. It is set about 2 minutes fast, but I am NOT going back up there to fix it, so we will have to cope.
What excitement awaits me for tomorrow?
Karen
Sunday, November 8, 2009
So Christine finally got around to reading the instruction manual for her Brendrup trailer and found out that it doubles as an automatic horse washing machine! She figured she would try it out on Hans first as he is so mellow, and with the long black hair, every spec of dust shows up. So in we loaded Hans to the horse washing machine, and Christine set the dials:
She should have read the instructions better though...apparently she should not have used hot water or bleach...because this is what came out of the trailer when the cycle was done:
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Zander and Triton are both in the bottom paddock to the south of the barn.
She should have read the instructions better though...apparently she should not have used hot water or bleach...because this is what came out of the trailer when the cycle was done:
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Just like anything that shrinks in the wash, he is now much shorter (14.3 hands), but just as wide. He is all spotted from the bleach, and his mane seems to have unravelled in the wash and is now about a foot long. He also seems to have regressed a year. To make things less confusing, we have decided to name the shrunken horse "Triton". Along with his change in size comes with amazingly impressive knee action and presence at the trot.
This weekend also saw the arrival of the new potential lesson horse! Michelle tried him out and hauled him in for us. She tried him out amidst shooting next door and he handled it all well, so she figured he might make a good lesson horse! He has settled in very well, and is a friendly and social equine. I am really excited to try riding him tomorrow!
He came with the name Alexander (Alex), but as I teach an "Alex", I decided to change his name, so he is now "Zander". Thanks to Jessie for the name suggestion!
He is just over 15.2 hands, 7 years old, and a saddlebred arab cross. He has a dressage and trail riding background, so the test will be to see if he can jump too, but we will give him some time to settle in before introducing him to jumps.
Zander and Triton are both in the bottom paddock to the south of the barn.
Karen
Friday, November 6, 2009
Is anyone else tired and confused by the pissing match between the EC and AEF?
I can see that the AEF feels that their organization is threatened by a stronger national organization, and the EC wants more money to establish more national programs so it wants to get bigger. It seems one can't get bigger without one getting smaller.
I found EC's email interesting, in particular that they are trying to create standards for commercial boarding and lesson programs. That is interesting and due, but I really haven't seen any evidence of that being done/worked on.
I do kind of see that it makes sense that provincial members are included in the National organization, as certain programs such as trails and horse ID programs should be run nationally (in my opinion) but they affect the more casual provincial members.
On the other hand I think the AEF does a great job and I appreciate their presence...I do not think a national organization would do as good a job at coordinating local show schedules and member clinics/programs, or be as good at passing along local interest information. So I am torn...but I do not think the current pissing match is good for ANYONE and I think that the AEF is going about it the wrong way...they should be talking about what they DO, and where our fees to them go, and not about legal technicalities. Tell me WHY you are better than the EC, not why the EC is evil.
Karen
I can see that the AEF feels that their organization is threatened by a stronger national organization, and the EC wants more money to establish more national programs so it wants to get bigger. It seems one can't get bigger without one getting smaller.
I found EC's email interesting, in particular that they are trying to create standards for commercial boarding and lesson programs. That is interesting and due, but I really haven't seen any evidence of that being done/worked on.
I do kind of see that it makes sense that provincial members are included in the National organization, as certain programs such as trails and horse ID programs should be run nationally (in my opinion) but they affect the more casual provincial members.
On the other hand I think the AEF does a great job and I appreciate their presence...I do not think a national organization would do as good a job at coordinating local show schedules and member clinics/programs, or be as good at passing along local interest information. So I am torn...but I do not think the current pissing match is good for ANYONE and I think that the AEF is going about it the wrong way...they should be talking about what they DO, and where our fees to them go, and not about legal technicalities. Tell me WHY you are better than the EC, not why the EC is evil.
Karen
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
But what does it mean?!?
As you know I am spending a lot of time going through horse ads, and every once and a while I come across an ad for a horse where it is "guaranteed sound". Usually done so in bold, and over misspelled.
But what does that mean? Does it mean the horse is as far as the owner knows sound, so they are willing to stake their reputation on the horse's general soundness at the time of sale? That they will return all money paid if the horse is lame, or refund the cost of a vet check if the horse doesn't pass?
Maybe they have x-ray vision and know exactly what is going on inside the horse and can see that arthritic changes aren't taking place internally.
Or does it mean "please God, don't let them vet check my horse or I will never get it sold. With enough bute it should stay sound a day or two...or at least be lame on both sides enough to even it out so it looks sound..."
Or perhaps "Yep, it's sound...all 4 legs have been nerved so many times the horse can't feel anything so it could have a nail in its ankle and still wouldn't limp".
I am not sure what people mean when they say "negotiable to a good home" either. Does that mean the horse can go to a bad home for full price, but if the home is good, you can get a deal?
And I am really tired of all the photos of helmetless children sitting bareback on the unbroke colt to show how quiet it is...
Karen
But what does that mean? Does it mean the horse is as far as the owner knows sound, so they are willing to stake their reputation on the horse's general soundness at the time of sale? That they will return all money paid if the horse is lame, or refund the cost of a vet check if the horse doesn't pass?
Maybe they have x-ray vision and know exactly what is going on inside the horse and can see that arthritic changes aren't taking place internally.
Or does it mean "please God, don't let them vet check my horse or I will never get it sold. With enough bute it should stay sound a day or two...or at least be lame on both sides enough to even it out so it looks sound..."
Or perhaps "Yep, it's sound...all 4 legs have been nerved so many times the horse can't feel anything so it could have a nail in its ankle and still wouldn't limp".
I am not sure what people mean when they say "negotiable to a good home" either. Does that mean the horse can go to a bad home for full price, but if the home is good, you can get a deal?
And I am really tired of all the photos of helmetless children sitting bareback on the unbroke colt to show how quiet it is...
Karen
Is there a time when a person looks more stupid than an adult trying to catch a rambunctious little dog?
Today after chores I went looking for Mike and Ginger, only to find them running around our yard after a scurrying dustmop. As I got closer I could indentify the dust mop as our neighbour's girlfriend's little dog Amy...a possible Shitzu crossed with a Yorkie? Cute dog, and just went crazy playing with our two...but not sure a little dog is safe with Ginger as every once and a while she looks at it like it may be a prarie dog... Plus, I don't want to be picking little Amy out of a horse's hoof, so I thought I should send her back home.
Do you know how hard it is to catch an ankle high fur ball up and down hills and around hay bales? The chase was driving Ginger crazy too as the little dog would run under things that Ginger couldn't Then its owner starts to call for her...so she runs for the fence..and crashes into it (we have mesh up to keep their other dog out from crawling over). But she doesn't learn...she just tries again and keeps running full tilt into the fence!
Perhaps the breeders bred these dogs so small the brain no longer fits?
Finally she dazed herself enough I could catch her and lift her over the fence safetly...and along with her went any desire I ever had to have a little dog...I will stick with cats for small cute pets!
Karen
Today after chores I went looking for Mike and Ginger, only to find them running around our yard after a scurrying dustmop. As I got closer I could indentify the dust mop as our neighbour's girlfriend's little dog Amy...a possible Shitzu crossed with a Yorkie? Cute dog, and just went crazy playing with our two...but not sure a little dog is safe with Ginger as every once and a while she looks at it like it may be a prarie dog... Plus, I don't want to be picking little Amy out of a horse's hoof, so I thought I should send her back home.
Do you know how hard it is to catch an ankle high fur ball up and down hills and around hay bales? The chase was driving Ginger crazy too as the little dog would run under things that Ginger couldn't Then its owner starts to call for her...so she runs for the fence..and crashes into it (we have mesh up to keep their other dog out from crawling over). But she doesn't learn...she just tries again and keeps running full tilt into the fence!
Perhaps the breeders bred these dogs so small the brain no longer fits?
Finally she dazed herself enough I could catch her and lift her over the fence safetly...and along with her went any desire I ever had to have a little dog...I will stick with cats for small cute pets!
Karen
Sunday, November 1, 2009
I HATE horse shopping!
Rob and I left this morning with high hopes that we would find a decent lesson horse prospect; a little small, but child ridden, jumped, and a good age and breed.
So we get there...to a boarding stable that will remain unnamed...to find the horse in a smallish pen. Muddy of course, but everywhere is muddy. She looked cute, and as her owner went to catch her, I casually looked in her water tub...completely EMPTY! Not a drop of water. Hay cubes in a tiny bucket nailed to the rail that somehow the horse must wedge its head into eat out of...so the horse has hay cubes (which are dried/compressed hay) and no water. Oh, and NO shelter either (and she was on outside board).
The horse gets closer and suddenly I start to doubt her age, but her teeth showed the owner was likely accurate about her age...she was just a very skinny horse; ribs and spine sticking up. A skin pinch showed she was indeed dehydrated as well.
So we get her to the barn and Rob goes searching for a bucket and the poor girl sucks down two buckets of water without lifting her head. That is when i noticed her feet...hinds looked good, but fronts obviously hadn't been done for months...apparently the "barn arranges all farrier work", so the owner (who hadn't been out much) had no idea when she was last done, or even who the farrier was. This poor horse's heels were well over an inch longer than they should be.
At this point I was really hoping that this horse would be great and we could take her home and fatten her up...but not surprisingly she had a limp and an attitude that goes with a horse that is in pain. Poor girl. Nice horse though, but we can't buy horses out of pity anymore...so another bucket of water for the horse, and brushing off, and we left with a heavy heart. (still no water in her pen!)
I am absolutely SHOCKED that this well established boarding stable allows horses to go without water for long enough that they show signs of dehydration, and would allow a horse to get that skinny without discussing it with the owner. and leave a skinny horse without a blanket or shelter. The hoof issue...well to me that should be on the owner, but if the barn manages that to an extent that the owners don't even know who the farrier is, well, the they should also be accountable for the neglect. There isn't even a place for owners to write that the horse needs its feet done as far as the owner knew or we could see...and she looked!
And this is why I hate looking at horses...it can be so hard to leave them behind.
Karen
So we get there...to a boarding stable that will remain unnamed...to find the horse in a smallish pen. Muddy of course, but everywhere is muddy. She looked cute, and as her owner went to catch her, I casually looked in her water tub...completely EMPTY! Not a drop of water. Hay cubes in a tiny bucket nailed to the rail that somehow the horse must wedge its head into eat out of...so the horse has hay cubes (which are dried/compressed hay) and no water. Oh, and NO shelter either (and she was on outside board).
The horse gets closer and suddenly I start to doubt her age, but her teeth showed the owner was likely accurate about her age...she was just a very skinny horse; ribs and spine sticking up. A skin pinch showed she was indeed dehydrated as well.
So we get her to the barn and Rob goes searching for a bucket and the poor girl sucks down two buckets of water without lifting her head. That is when i noticed her feet...hinds looked good, but fronts obviously hadn't been done for months...apparently the "barn arranges all farrier work", so the owner (who hadn't been out much) had no idea when she was last done, or even who the farrier was. This poor horse's heels were well over an inch longer than they should be.
At this point I was really hoping that this horse would be great and we could take her home and fatten her up...but not surprisingly she had a limp and an attitude that goes with a horse that is in pain. Poor girl. Nice horse though, but we can't buy horses out of pity anymore...so another bucket of water for the horse, and brushing off, and we left with a heavy heart. (still no water in her pen!)
I am absolutely SHOCKED that this well established boarding stable allows horses to go without water for long enough that they show signs of dehydration, and would allow a horse to get that skinny without discussing it with the owner. and leave a skinny horse without a blanket or shelter. The hoof issue...well to me that should be on the owner, but if the barn manages that to an extent that the owners don't even know who the farrier is, well, the they should also be accountable for the neglect. There isn't even a place for owners to write that the horse needs its feet done as far as the owner knew or we could see...and she looked!
And this is why I hate looking at horses...it can be so hard to leave them behind.
Karen
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