Horses are expensive creatures, as we all know. They require food and water, and should also receive regular farrier work, deworming, and vaccinations. They require these things even when not being ridden.
Let's say we have a lesson barn that only has an outdoor facility, so they only teach from May to September. That is 5 months of teaching. Maybe they can carry into October a bit, and maybe they can start before May, but I am thinking they need time to recondition their horses, and time to allow for make up lessons to cover for when the weather is uncooperative.
So five months to make money, and 12 months to spend it. In a year like this one, where prices for rounds bales have doubled, and the hay supply is short, it can be hard for stables without a good relationship with a feed supplier to get enough hay. Alternatives to hay are there, such as green feed and hay cubes, but it is still a tricky year for feed.
Now if you are the above mentioned seasonal stable, your first choice might be to try to earn income year round somehow...say by trying to lease your horses out. But hard to get someone to pay for a horse they can't ride as you don't have facilities. Next step is that you might try to sell some of the horses that aren't able to be used in lessons...but with the market the way it is, those types of horses don't go for much, and quite often the meat buyer is the only ready market for untrained horses or questionable quality, or of an age that makes you wonder WHY they are untrained.
So now, this stable is in trouble. They don't have the income to support their horses, they don't have a way to make more money (other than getting another "real" job, but rarely seems to be a consideration), and they can't seem to sell there horses for the price they are asking...and don't want to just give them away...do what to do, what to do.
Well, hey, the horses aren't being worked...so do they really need farrier work? We can save money there...but that isn't enough. Dental work? Nah, don't need that. Vaccinations aren't needed as our horses don't go anywhere...
Hmmm...maybe we can get away with not feeding them so much either. I mean, they may get thin, but we have time in the spring to fatten them up....The ASPCA can't do anything as long as we have feed here and no dead horses...
Well there is the solution! We won't feed them so much! Their hair will hide the ribs!
Only it got warmer sooner than you expected...and the hair is coming off...and people driving by can SEE those ribs. And they email me. And they phone me. And they PM me. See you forgot to take into account that the barn you learned the little trick of inadequate care over winter as a cost saver had something going for it you didn't; their paddocks were all hidden from the road, and they had blankets on the worst ones... and they were better liars.
If you need help...if you are truly in over your head (the horse business is not an easy one!) then ask for help. Hillside Stable will help you! Other barns would help you! But please, please, get some help for your horses, and some help coming up with a better business plan so this doesn't happen again next winter.
Karen
Sunday, March 7, 2010
I will make is simple
A hand is 4 inches.
There are therefor 3 hands to a foot.
So a 15 hand horse is 5 feet tall at the withers.
An 18 hand horse is 6 feet tall at the withers.
If you are 5 feet tall, and your horse is shorter than you, then your horse is 15 hands or less (allowing for the fact you are likely wearing some kind of shoes as you stand beside your horse).
if you are 5 foot 3 inches, and wearing runners, and can easily see over your horse's withers, then your horse is not 15.2 hands unless you have eyes on the very top of your head.
Measuring sticks are not expensive, and good ones have levels to make it simple.
If you do not have a measuring stick, then stand your horse square on level ground, hold a level on its withers (hold the level level!) and measure from the ground to the level.
If you are unable to measure your horse, then put in the ad: "I think my horse is 15 hands, but we have not measured her."
Do not blindly accept what the person who sold you the horse before told you.
Even vets make mistakes, so don't accept their word unless you saw them measure your horse and feel comfortable with the technique used. I remember when YJ was first set to come, his owner told me he was likely 15.3 hands, based on him being measure as 15.2 hands by the vet the year before (and she showed me the vet report to prove it). He was 15.1 hands when he came. Horses do not shrink between their 3 year old and 4 year old year.
Any questions?
Karen
There are therefor 3 hands to a foot.
So a 15 hand horse is 5 feet tall at the withers.
An 18 hand horse is 6 feet tall at the withers.
If you are 5 feet tall, and your horse is shorter than you, then your horse is 15 hands or less (allowing for the fact you are likely wearing some kind of shoes as you stand beside your horse).
if you are 5 foot 3 inches, and wearing runners, and can easily see over your horse's withers, then your horse is not 15.2 hands unless you have eyes on the very top of your head.
Measuring sticks are not expensive, and good ones have levels to make it simple.
If you do not have a measuring stick, then stand your horse square on level ground, hold a level on its withers (hold the level level!) and measure from the ground to the level.
If you are unable to measure your horse, then put in the ad: "I think my horse is 15 hands, but we have not measured her."
Do not blindly accept what the person who sold you the horse before told you.
Even vets make mistakes, so don't accept their word unless you saw them measure your horse and feel comfortable with the technique used. I remember when YJ was first set to come, his owner told me he was likely 15.3 hands, based on him being measure as 15.2 hands by the vet the year before (and she showed me the vet report to prove it). He was 15.1 hands when he came. Horses do not shrink between their 3 year old and 4 year old year.
Any questions?
Karen
Saturday, March 6, 2010
New Horse!
Do you know why we don't have goats? I know, I know...they are oh so cute and playful...but if you want to know why we don't have goats, take a look at the new horsey and his used to be lovely tail!
At first I was quite crushed to see his once full tail bobbed even higher than Shawn's unfortunate encounter with scissors, but now I think that we can perhaps start it as a new trend, reminiscent of the old style field hunters. Of course to make this look like a trend we will have to have other horses sport the same style...shall we start with Egdar? :)
Anyway, the new horsey is named Calvin. He is a registered QH gelding that is well trained for a variety of western events...and he is big for a Quarter Horse and close to 16 hands! He belongs to Clare2, who had to leave him behind when she moved to Edmonton...he is now here to be sold. Maybe we will turn him into a jumping horse!
If anyone is looking for a very cute, nicely trained, big Quarter Horse for sale, keep this boy in mind! I will have photos soon, and hopefully he will be fit enough to video next week!
Karen
At first I was quite crushed to see his once full tail bobbed even higher than Shawn's unfortunate encounter with scissors, but now I think that we can perhaps start it as a new trend, reminiscent of the old style field hunters. Of course to make this look like a trend we will have to have other horses sport the same style...shall we start with Egdar? :)
Anyway, the new horsey is named Calvin. He is a registered QH gelding that is well trained for a variety of western events...and he is big for a Quarter Horse and close to 16 hands! He belongs to Clare2, who had to leave him behind when she moved to Edmonton...he is now here to be sold. Maybe we will turn him into a jumping horse!
If anyone is looking for a very cute, nicely trained, big Quarter Horse for sale, keep this boy in mind! I will have photos soon, and hopefully he will be fit enough to video next week!
Karen
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Horses aren't dogs
It can be a tricky thing with horses. They have personality and an ability to bond. They have character and learn to recognize their human friends. In these ways they are pet like. On the other hand though, they are expensive, require training to be safe to be around, and don't fit well in your living room....and you definitely don't want one to sleep on your bed at night!
Most people buy a horse or start riding because they like horses. And usually they bond with that horse and "love" it. But at some point they may find their skills or ambition requires a new horse, maybe they get too tall for it, or maybe that horse earns an injury that prevents it from continuing to progress in the direction the rider wants to progress in.
And so then the difficult decision comes to sell the horse. A decision most people wouldn't even consider with a dog or cat. Why? Because dogs and cats are cheaper, don't live as long, and don't require as much of a commitment...and because they rarely are needed to fulfil our ambition and goals.
There is a tricky line though, between using a horse as a tool to fulfill ambition, vs using the horse in a respectful manner that benefits both horse and rider. Many of the show horses you see in the ring are only there because they have joint injections and/or are on pain killers to show; is that ok even though it is wearing the horse our faster? On the flip side, some riders will never reach their goals or potential because they are held back my their horse's limitations...and is it fair to expect someone to spend $500+ a month on a horse that they cannot ride/enjoy?
Do competition goals corrupt the purity of riding for the joy of horses? Or does competition encourage better riding and set standards of skills? What about if you are a professional, who needs their horses to set their reputation? That is a lot of weight to put on an equine who really has no concept of the responsibility they are being entrusted with...and pros tend to go through horses faster than the more casual rider, as it does them little good to continue with a less than able horse. I struggle with the ability to be objective in this manner with my own horses...it is hard to break from the love of the horse, and the need to have a horse to showcase/develop my skills.
Then there are the people who sell their problems on to the next person; horse is lame, dangerous, or quirky? Sell it! Don't worry if you were the one who created the issue in the first place...it is too expensive to be responsible for the horse you damaged and it would mean you can't have a new horse...so let someone else clean up and pay for your mess....
For the most part though, I think people are reluctant to part with their horses, and struggle with the idea of selling. The worry of how their horse will be treated, and the loss of the bond they shared together can make the decision to sell a difficult one. Sometimes though, it is in the horse and the riders best interest, if neither one is happy or suited for each other.
And fortunately horses are surprisingly adaptable, and there are other people in the world that also take good care of their horses....it is just a hard balance between the heart and practicality, and between selfishness and mutual best interests.
Karen
Most people buy a horse or start riding because they like horses. And usually they bond with that horse and "love" it. But at some point they may find their skills or ambition requires a new horse, maybe they get too tall for it, or maybe that horse earns an injury that prevents it from continuing to progress in the direction the rider wants to progress in.
And so then the difficult decision comes to sell the horse. A decision most people wouldn't even consider with a dog or cat. Why? Because dogs and cats are cheaper, don't live as long, and don't require as much of a commitment...and because they rarely are needed to fulfil our ambition and goals.
There is a tricky line though, between using a horse as a tool to fulfill ambition, vs using the horse in a respectful manner that benefits both horse and rider. Many of the show horses you see in the ring are only there because they have joint injections and/or are on pain killers to show; is that ok even though it is wearing the horse our faster? On the flip side, some riders will never reach their goals or potential because they are held back my their horse's limitations...and is it fair to expect someone to spend $500+ a month on a horse that they cannot ride/enjoy?
Do competition goals corrupt the purity of riding for the joy of horses? Or does competition encourage better riding and set standards of skills? What about if you are a professional, who needs their horses to set their reputation? That is a lot of weight to put on an equine who really has no concept of the responsibility they are being entrusted with...and pros tend to go through horses faster than the more casual rider, as it does them little good to continue with a less than able horse. I struggle with the ability to be objective in this manner with my own horses...it is hard to break from the love of the horse, and the need to have a horse to showcase/develop my skills.
Then there are the people who sell their problems on to the next person; horse is lame, dangerous, or quirky? Sell it! Don't worry if you were the one who created the issue in the first place...it is too expensive to be responsible for the horse you damaged and it would mean you can't have a new horse...so let someone else clean up and pay for your mess....
For the most part though, I think people are reluctant to part with their horses, and struggle with the idea of selling. The worry of how their horse will be treated, and the loss of the bond they shared together can make the decision to sell a difficult one. Sometimes though, it is in the horse and the riders best interest, if neither one is happy or suited for each other.
And fortunately horses are surprisingly adaptable, and there are other people in the world that also take good care of their horses....it is just a hard balance between the heart and practicality, and between selfishness and mutual best interests.
Karen
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
The dates are set!
I have set the dates for the Hillside run Horse shows to be held at Fultonvale!
They are going to be ran on July 4 and August 29th, with classes from 12" - 3'6" and will be beginner rider/green horse friendly.
The show name is: "Ride for Red Clear Round Classic" and it is benefiting the Canadian Blood Services. We are also going to be organizing a blood drive where you can donate blood in Hillside's name.
My dad is practically a vampire with all the blood he has been getting, so it would be nice to help replenish their stocks by raising awareness and encouraging donations.
I will be doing up prize lists shortly, but I need to get some sponsors on board first. Any ideas on good company's to approach for sponsorship? I want to offer prize money, but this is a benefit show so we need sponsors to make that possible. I will also be looking for help building some show jumps...i was thinking of making signature jumps for the corporate sponsors!
Karen
They are going to be ran on July 4 and August 29th, with classes from 12" - 3'6" and will be beginner rider/green horse friendly.
The show name is: "Ride for Red Clear Round Classic" and it is benefiting the Canadian Blood Services. We are also going to be organizing a blood drive where you can donate blood in Hillside's name.
My dad is practically a vampire with all the blood he has been getting, so it would be nice to help replenish their stocks by raising awareness and encouraging donations.
I will be doing up prize lists shortly, but I need to get some sponsors on board first. Any ideas on good company's to approach for sponsorship? I want to offer prize money, but this is a benefit show so we need sponsors to make that possible. I will also be looking for help building some show jumps...i was thinking of making signature jumps for the corporate sponsors!
Karen
Monday, March 1, 2010
Coincidence?
As some of you may have heard, they are going to be putting up new transmission lines. Ugly, big, transmission lines that they are trying to sell as needed and as the only way to address our electricity needs. Some poeple aren't buying that they can't go under ground, and some people question the need at all.
So is it a coincidence that we have had three power outages lasting from 40 minutes to 2 and a half hours in the last couple weeks? Not at prime use times, or during bad weather either...just spontaneous and annoying power outages. Perhaps someone is trying to sway public opinion?
Thank goodness Rob put emergency lights in the barn and arena that come on in the event of a power failure. I remember teaching at a barn without emergency lights a few years ago. I had a client on a nervous horse when the lights went out, and we found ourselves in pitch black! I remember being quite concerned that the horse would end up running me over in the dark! Fortunately someone came with a flashlight and we could get the rider safely off, and the horse back in the barn....not that the horse cared much for the flashlight.
Karen
So is it a coincidence that we have had three power outages lasting from 40 minutes to 2 and a half hours in the last couple weeks? Not at prime use times, or during bad weather either...just spontaneous and annoying power outages. Perhaps someone is trying to sway public opinion?
Thank goodness Rob put emergency lights in the barn and arena that come on in the event of a power failure. I remember teaching at a barn without emergency lights a few years ago. I had a client on a nervous horse when the lights went out, and we found ourselves in pitch black! I remember being quite concerned that the horse would end up running me over in the dark! Fortunately someone came with a flashlight and we could get the rider safely off, and the horse back in the barn....not that the horse cared much for the flashlight.
Karen
Friday, February 26, 2010
Chestnut mares
Chestnut mares have a reputation for being firey and difficult, opinionated and passionate. Apparently Piper didn't get that memo as she is super sweet and laid back. Coregel and Carma on the other hand seem to be determined to fill the stereotype!
I rode Carma for the first time yesterday....well "rode" may be an exaggeration, it was just walking at one end on a circle and one change of direction, while Clare2 held YJ in the ring for moral support. For a little mare, she sure feels powerful even at the walk! I think she is going to be a fantastic junior jumper when she grows up...in the meantime I think I need to go back to ground work to give her more confidence in the ring. She didn't feel nearly as small under me as I thought she would. She has a nice wide barrel.
After putting her out, I brought Coregel in (she was pressed against the gate waiting to see if Carma was going to come back alive). Coregel has settled down a lot, and stood quietly in the barn while I brushed her winter woollies and picked her feet. I then made the mistake of leading her out the other end of the barn and around the north side of the barn....apparently horses coming from that side of the barn are evil, as the other three chestnut fillies in her pen ran off in horror when she came around that side of the barn, and stood as far back as the could in wide eyed terror! (Bliss meanwhile just stared at them as she chewed her hay...she wants to make it very clear that she is NOT a chestnut mare in any way, shape or form!).
Poor Coregel thought that there was a monster behind her and started to practice her passage beside me....she did her best to hold it together though. Once in her pen she ran to the safety of her pals, only to have them run from her as she was apparently now a north side mutant. Only Piper was willing to get near her for a while!
Sometimes it is hard to remember that Carma is four, and Coregel and Piper are only two....Carma looks the youngest, and acts the silliest!
By the time they settled down, the fuzzy fillies were pretty warm. Fortunately it was a nice day for them to cool off.
Piper also got some attention and came in to be brushed. What a big girl she is getting to be. I am glad she is so mellow and I hope she stays that way.
I have also started riding Tango again; it is funny that I used to think her gaits were so big and hard to sit...but after a few years with her more athletic son, her gaits aren't nearly the work I remember them to be. I am enjoying being back on her....not sure if she feels the same though!
I think this will be the spring of the mares, as that seems to be mostly what I have booked for training and to ride this year!
Karen
I rode Carma for the first time yesterday....well "rode" may be an exaggeration, it was just walking at one end on a circle and one change of direction, while Clare2 held YJ in the ring for moral support. For a little mare, she sure feels powerful even at the walk! I think she is going to be a fantastic junior jumper when she grows up...in the meantime I think I need to go back to ground work to give her more confidence in the ring. She didn't feel nearly as small under me as I thought she would. She has a nice wide barrel.
After putting her out, I brought Coregel in (she was pressed against the gate waiting to see if Carma was going to come back alive). Coregel has settled down a lot, and stood quietly in the barn while I brushed her winter woollies and picked her feet. I then made the mistake of leading her out the other end of the barn and around the north side of the barn....apparently horses coming from that side of the barn are evil, as the other three chestnut fillies in her pen ran off in horror when she came around that side of the barn, and stood as far back as the could in wide eyed terror! (Bliss meanwhile just stared at them as she chewed her hay...she wants to make it very clear that she is NOT a chestnut mare in any way, shape or form!).
Poor Coregel thought that there was a monster behind her and started to practice her passage beside me....she did her best to hold it together though. Once in her pen she ran to the safety of her pals, only to have them run from her as she was apparently now a north side mutant. Only Piper was willing to get near her for a while!
Sometimes it is hard to remember that Carma is four, and Coregel and Piper are only two....Carma looks the youngest, and acts the silliest!
By the time they settled down, the fuzzy fillies were pretty warm. Fortunately it was a nice day for them to cool off.
Piper also got some attention and came in to be brushed. What a big girl she is getting to be. I am glad she is so mellow and I hope she stays that way.
I have also started riding Tango again; it is funny that I used to think her gaits were so big and hard to sit...but after a few years with her more athletic son, her gaits aren't nearly the work I remember them to be. I am enjoying being back on her....not sure if she feels the same though!
I think this will be the spring of the mares, as that seems to be mostly what I have booked for training and to ride this year!
Karen
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
I bought new breeches!
I finally made it over to Tudor Tack today. First time since Bert sold it. I apparently selected the wrong day to do it, as they had tack pulled off the racks and on the floor and were in the process of reorganizing, which made finding tack difficult...fortunately help was readily available.
I am sorry to see Burt go, but I think the new owner will do well, and it sounds like she has some exciting plans. Right now she is just trying to make it feel more like "hers" and reorganize it in a way that makes more sense to her. I do like the leather sofa and magazines for when non-horsey spouses/parents come along! She is also planning to have a website, and on-line shopping!
The Open House/reopening is in March; there is a poster with details in the barn. It sounds like it will be lots of fun with all sorts of prizes, discounts, and food! They also gave me a basket of horse treats to take back to the barn, so it is on the water cooler! They are actually horse and dog treats, and smell very gingerbready!
Speaking of food....I finally bought the Kashi granola bars that Courtney suggested....I bought Pumpkin Pie! Pumpkin Pie Kashi granola bars are extremely yummy, and they do not have corn syrup in them! (they have rice syrup instead...not sure if that is better or worse...) Rob has bought me some good snacks lately too, but not as healthy; Hobnobbs, and Pocky sticks. Pocky sticks are yummy....just don't look at the fat content!
Karen
I am sorry to see Burt go, but I think the new owner will do well, and it sounds like she has some exciting plans. Right now she is just trying to make it feel more like "hers" and reorganize it in a way that makes more sense to her. I do like the leather sofa and magazines for when non-horsey spouses/parents come along! She is also planning to have a website, and on-line shopping!
The Open House/reopening is in March; there is a poster with details in the barn. It sounds like it will be lots of fun with all sorts of prizes, discounts, and food! They also gave me a basket of horse treats to take back to the barn, so it is on the water cooler! They are actually horse and dog treats, and smell very gingerbready!
Speaking of food....I finally bought the Kashi granola bars that Courtney suggested....I bought Pumpkin Pie! Pumpkin Pie Kashi granola bars are extremely yummy, and they do not have corn syrup in them! (they have rice syrup instead...not sure if that is better or worse...) Rob has bought me some good snacks lately too, but not as healthy; Hobnobbs, and Pocky sticks. Pocky sticks are yummy....just don't look at the fat content!
Karen
Monday, February 22, 2010
The Mane Event!
They have all the clinicians posted for the Mane Event in Red Deer!
http://www.maneeventexpo.com/ab/default.asp
I am excited to go again, and plan to take a horse. I am open to riding someone else's horse there too to give it exposure.
The TTeam Touch and dressage are my main focus again this year, but I am also curious about the western dressage!
If you haven't been before, I highly recommend the Mane Event for the clinics, the breed demos, the discipline demos and the shopping!
Karen
http://www.maneeventexpo.com/ab/default.asp
I am excited to go again, and plan to take a horse. I am open to riding someone else's horse there too to give it exposure.
The TTeam Touch and dressage are my main focus again this year, but I am also curious about the western dressage!
If you haven't been before, I highly recommend the Mane Event for the clinics, the breed demos, the discipline demos and the shopping!
Karen
Friday, February 19, 2010
Rosa is at her new home...
Little Rosa left for her new home today. As it turns out, it isn't really a new home; I guess she spent 4 months at Spoons previously, so Shelley was already familiar with her. I think Rosa will be happier with other arabians and away from the warmbloods and Morgans she was forced to live with here!
Speaking of Arabians, Michelle has decided to sell Beamer, so if anyone is looking for a super easy to ride/train purebred sport horse type arabian (I think he is four this year), he is worth taking a look at! He was soooo easy to train and left here after the 5 weeks training being able to do training level dressage. He is flashy, very well balanced, and going to be a decent size I think....although not quite big enough for Michelle, hence her reason for selling him...and I think he comes with his fancy purple Arabian Costume! She is also selling her TB gelding, and will then be shopping for a bigger part arab so she can do the arab shows as well as the open shows.
Karen
Speaking of Arabians, Michelle has decided to sell Beamer, so if anyone is looking for a super easy to ride/train purebred sport horse type arabian (I think he is four this year), he is worth taking a look at! He was soooo easy to train and left here after the 5 weeks training being able to do training level dressage. He is flashy, very well balanced, and going to be a decent size I think....although not quite big enough for Michelle, hence her reason for selling him...and I think he comes with his fancy purple Arabian Costume! She is also selling her TB gelding, and will then be shopping for a bigger part arab so she can do the arab shows as well as the open shows.
Karen
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Deworming has been fun. Thanks Amanda for helping with it today!
I am using this new liquid version that is the same product as Exodus, and the label says you can feed it, or syringe it. I figured it would be easier to know they got it (and not waste it!) if we just syringe in down. The horses seem displeased enough, that it seemed unlikely they would eat it mixed in food anyway....but Bliss proved the exception; she LICKED the extra off her stall door and was looking for more!
We decided then that it may be easiest to deworm Edgar by feeding it to him....he ate it in a way that made it seem that he was only eating it as he felt sure that this was the last food he would ever receive as he is always on the edge of starvation.
So we are good for deworming for a bit. Next up is vaccinations! I will see if there are any new recommendations for this year, and then will put a sign up sheet in the barn for boarded horses. I plan to get them vaccinated in mid March just like last year. If you plan to vaccinate your own horse, that is fine, but the product will need to be approved.
Karen
I am using this new liquid version that is the same product as Exodus, and the label says you can feed it, or syringe it. I figured it would be easier to know they got it (and not waste it!) if we just syringe in down. The horses seem displeased enough, that it seemed unlikely they would eat it mixed in food anyway....but Bliss proved the exception; she LICKED the extra off her stall door and was looking for more!
We decided then that it may be easiest to deworm Edgar by feeding it to him....he ate it in a way that made it seem that he was only eating it as he felt sure that this was the last food he would ever receive as he is always on the edge of starvation.
So we are good for deworming for a bit. Next up is vaccinations! I will see if there are any new recommendations for this year, and then will put a sign up sheet in the barn for boarded horses. I plan to get them vaccinated in mid March just like last year. If you plan to vaccinate your own horse, that is fine, but the product will need to be approved.
Karen
Monday, February 15, 2010
Pictures of me in a dress!
The wedding was held at old timers cabin. It was a very suitable location and I loved the log walls! The table setting was nice but simple, with the center pieces being baby Spruce trees to take home and plant; attractive, non intrusive, and environmentally friendly! They also had these really neat battery opperated candles to add ambiance to the table.Hopefully you recognize Rob and I. I wish we had gotten photos earlier on as when we got there my hair was nicely curled... but that never manages to last....
I went with the frumpy but comfy shoes. I was glad I did as we did spend a fair bit of time standing. I was glad I brought the wrap/scarf too...not sure it is considered fashionable, but I dislike being cold, and I really dislike when the bare skin of my back comes into contact with the bare metal of a chair!
The people with me in the other photo are Rodney and Gillian. Riding friends from the past! Please note we choose to pose in front of the cupcakes to discourage others from taking any...I like being around people with similar sensibilities to me!
Then there is the photo with me and the groom and bride! Nicole and I first met when I was 15 or 16 and she was a year younger. And yes, that is the dress she made herself! Her first (and perhaps last!) attempt at being a seamstress, and she didn't stick to anything simple! I was impressed! (Rob was disappointed she did a good enough job that the dress stayed on the entire evening....)
Karen
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Busy weekend!
What a busy weekend this was!
On Saturday the lady who tried out Rosa previously came back for a second ride, so Rosa has a new owner! She will be leaving to her new home next weekend. I think it is a good match; this women has experience with arabs and will be moving her to an arab barn. She is planning to train dressage with her and was busy buying her new tack already!
Then it was the wedding. We did take pictures, but those will have to wait until I have more energy! Rob's idea to have a car take us to and from the wedding was great and felt decadent.
The wedding went smoothly and quickly....well, other than the justice of the peace who. spoke. very. de. lib. er. ate. ly. It was a nice ceremony...well the part I listened too before I started to day dream....oops!
The speeches and slide show were particularly well put together and entertaining.
Rob and I were sat with two people from my past; Gillian who used to clean stalls with me at Sunrise, and Rodney who was a trainer there, and who is now a very successful hunter/jumper trainer in Calgary. It was great catching up on their lives, as well as recalling people from our mutual pasts. Gillian and Rodney are both very down to earth and entertaining people, and it was nice to see them again. Hopefully I convinced Gillian to come riding as she hasn't ridden since her younger days!
Then today, after morning chores, I went to Colchester to judge their lesson horse show. The show ran smoothly and was lots of fun. The most common mistake was riders using too much inside rein, and the horse circling out of the next jump. It was nice to see the good sportsmanship exhibited by all the participants, regardless of how they did. The lack of indoor plumbing was a bit of an issue for me...no outhouses for me in the winter!
Karen
On Saturday the lady who tried out Rosa previously came back for a second ride, so Rosa has a new owner! She will be leaving to her new home next weekend. I think it is a good match; this women has experience with arabs and will be moving her to an arab barn. She is planning to train dressage with her and was busy buying her new tack already!
Then it was the wedding. We did take pictures, but those will have to wait until I have more energy! Rob's idea to have a car take us to and from the wedding was great and felt decadent.
The wedding went smoothly and quickly....well, other than the justice of the peace who. spoke. very. de. lib. er. ate. ly. It was a nice ceremony...well the part I listened too before I started to day dream....oops!
The speeches and slide show were particularly well put together and entertaining.
Rob and I were sat with two people from my past; Gillian who used to clean stalls with me at Sunrise, and Rodney who was a trainer there, and who is now a very successful hunter/jumper trainer in Calgary. It was great catching up on their lives, as well as recalling people from our mutual pasts. Gillian and Rodney are both very down to earth and entertaining people, and it was nice to see them again. Hopefully I convinced Gillian to come riding as she hasn't ridden since her younger days!
Then today, after morning chores, I went to Colchester to judge their lesson horse show. The show ran smoothly and was lots of fun. The most common mistake was riders using too much inside rein, and the horse circling out of the next jump. It was nice to see the good sportsmanship exhibited by all the participants, regardless of how they did. The lack of indoor plumbing was a bit of an issue for me...no outhouses for me in the winter!
Karen
Thursday, February 11, 2010
I am not a phone person.
Obviously my life requires me to talk on the phone; to family, to existing and potential customers, and to make inquiries, but in general I much prefer person to person chats.
On the phone you can't see where the other person's attention is focused; are they surfing the web? Driving? Peeing? Do they sound abrupt because they are in the middle of something or because they don't want to talk to me?
I used to do some telephone tech support for a software company, and it was so much harder to know if someone actually understood what you were saying if you couldn't see them....typically they would say they understood so they didn't feel stupid, but if I could see them, I felt that I would see the glazed look of lack of comprehension (kind of the look Joan gives me when I tell her to jump something....see Joan, I told you I would fit you into the blog!).
It also can also be easier to take something the wrong way over the phone, or to not realize how important/upsetting a topic is to someone, whereas in person you would read those signals. And then it turns into an argument over the phone and that is perhaps the most frustrating form of argument!
And then with a cell phone, I feel more pressure to be 100% accessible by phone...which is dumb. I hate calling someone and having them answer only to say they can't talk right then! (I could have left a message easier on your vmail if you hadn't answered!) But then I am worried it might be something urgent, or with Rob away, that he may worry if I don't answer, so I answer at inappropriate times such as when bringing horses in, or riding...but then I feel rude telling the person that I can't really talk then.
I remember "back when I was young", and not only did we not have cell phones, but we also didn't have answering machines! Nor email! And yet we survived! I think I drove my parents crazy talking to my friends on the phone for hours! And it was a little frustrating to be calling home for a ride (from a pay phone) only to reach a busy signal over and over and over.
Ah yes, the "good old days".
Do you think that video phones will be a "thing" in my lifetime? Gosh, that would be scary! I would have to do my hair and be careful what I did and where I went while talking on the phone... Yikes!
Karen
Obviously my life requires me to talk on the phone; to family, to existing and potential customers, and to make inquiries, but in general I much prefer person to person chats.
On the phone you can't see where the other person's attention is focused; are they surfing the web? Driving? Peeing? Do they sound abrupt because they are in the middle of something or because they don't want to talk to me?
I used to do some telephone tech support for a software company, and it was so much harder to know if someone actually understood what you were saying if you couldn't see them....typically they would say they understood so they didn't feel stupid, but if I could see them, I felt that I would see the glazed look of lack of comprehension (kind of the look Joan gives me when I tell her to jump something....see Joan, I told you I would fit you into the blog!).
It also can also be easier to take something the wrong way over the phone, or to not realize how important/upsetting a topic is to someone, whereas in person you would read those signals. And then it turns into an argument over the phone and that is perhaps the most frustrating form of argument!
And then with a cell phone, I feel more pressure to be 100% accessible by phone...which is dumb. I hate calling someone and having them answer only to say they can't talk right then! (I could have left a message easier on your vmail if you hadn't answered!) But then I am worried it might be something urgent, or with Rob away, that he may worry if I don't answer, so I answer at inappropriate times such as when bringing horses in, or riding...but then I feel rude telling the person that I can't really talk then.
I remember "back when I was young", and not only did we not have cell phones, but we also didn't have answering machines! Nor email! And yet we survived! I think I drove my parents crazy talking to my friends on the phone for hours! And it was a little frustrating to be calling home for a ride (from a pay phone) only to reach a busy signal over and over and over.
Ah yes, the "good old days".
Do you think that video phones will be a "thing" in my lifetime? Gosh, that would be scary! I would have to do my hair and be careful what I did and where I went while talking on the phone... Yikes!
Karen
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Well I took the advice
I took part of Amanda's advice and part of Paige's and got an empire waisted dress at Le Chateau.
Normally that is not my style of dress, but apparently that is the "in" style right now unless I want to go super formal!
The dress is also not a colour a normally wear, with the skirt part being "Hermes" browns/golds and white. The top part is black. I tried on some shrugs to help me stay warm, but they were all the sweater kind and made me look frumpy! So I settled for a coordinating wrap/scarf.
So...now to decide on shoes. I am NOT buying new dress shoes, as those are even hard to find than runners (which I am still looking for!), so I have to select from what I have: Stiletto heel boots that make me 6'2", high heel but slightly frumpy black shoes that put me a little over 6' (they are part patent leather, and part cloth), or metallic sandal type heels (they are kind of between pewter and gold colour if that makes any sense).
The boots are the most comfy, but I will be insanely tall, and the dress is kind of knee length (it isn't an even length at the bottom, so some hangs above my knees and some to my knees...I think extra smalls are supposed to be much shorter so not sure it hangs in the right spot!), so I am thinking the boots and the dress will just highlight my knobby knees...
Anyway, thanks in advance to Paige and Amanda for helping out on Saturday so I can enjoy the evening out with Rob, and to ClareP for helping on Sunday so I can judge a show! (She will be cleaning stalls in the afternoon and then doing afternoon chores, so don't be alarmed that the barn isn't clean if you come out to ride on Sunday!)
On a "I think" good note, they are sending dad home for a few days. He will be back home either tomorrow or Friday, so mom is understandably in a tizzy trying to get the house ready for him, as he still isn't all that mobile and the house has lots of stairs! My sister and her family are sticking around to help which is great too, so maybe i will have time to see them again. I think they are going to try to have him at home part of the week, and then in the hospital for a few days when he gets transfusions. I think my mom is overwhelmed a little with him coming home as he isn't very mobile, but I am sure it will all be ok!
Karen
Normally that is not my style of dress, but apparently that is the "in" style right now unless I want to go super formal!
The dress is also not a colour a normally wear, with the skirt part being "Hermes" browns/golds and white. The top part is black. I tried on some shrugs to help me stay warm, but they were all the sweater kind and made me look frumpy! So I settled for a coordinating wrap/scarf.
So...now to decide on shoes. I am NOT buying new dress shoes, as those are even hard to find than runners (which I am still looking for!), so I have to select from what I have: Stiletto heel boots that make me 6'2", high heel but slightly frumpy black shoes that put me a little over 6' (they are part patent leather, and part cloth), or metallic sandal type heels (they are kind of between pewter and gold colour if that makes any sense).
The boots are the most comfy, but I will be insanely tall, and the dress is kind of knee length (it isn't an even length at the bottom, so some hangs above my knees and some to my knees...I think extra smalls are supposed to be much shorter so not sure it hangs in the right spot!), so I am thinking the boots and the dress will just highlight my knobby knees...
Anyway, thanks in advance to Paige and Amanda for helping out on Saturday so I can enjoy the evening out with Rob, and to ClareP for helping on Sunday so I can judge a show! (She will be cleaning stalls in the afternoon and then doing afternoon chores, so don't be alarmed that the barn isn't clean if you come out to ride on Sunday!)
On a "I think" good note, they are sending dad home for a few days. He will be back home either tomorrow or Friday, so mom is understandably in a tizzy trying to get the house ready for him, as he still isn't all that mobile and the house has lots of stairs! My sister and her family are sticking around to help which is great too, so maybe i will have time to see them again. I think they are going to try to have him at home part of the week, and then in the hospital for a few days when he gets transfusions. I think my mom is overwhelmed a little with him coming home as he isn't very mobile, but I am sure it will all be ok!
Karen
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Today was vet day part 1, with 6 of the horses getting their teeth done, and sheaths cleaned (if applicable, Carma did not get hers done :) ). The vet is back out next Tuesday to do the remaining horses as well as anything else that comes up in the meantime.
Clare P was around to help with the visit today, which helped a lot as Meagan had an assistant to do the sheath cleaning, so it went quickly!
After the vet visit I had to clean out the stalls we used, and then made the mad dash into town to my mom's house; my sister who I haven't seen for a few years was in town with her family to see our dad. It was the first time I got to see her twins! They are almost two years old now, and once they warmed up to me, where quite entertaining. It seemed that bringing me toys was their way of accepting me or something and I ended up behind a wall of ancient toys my mom keeps around. Those toys brought back memories! My sisters oldest child reminds me so much of me when I was young (this sister looks a lot like me, but she has the better nose).
Towards the end of the rather rushed visit my sister allowed Ginger to come visit the kids. They had never met a "real" dog before, only a toy poodle, so mom and kids were unsure of meeting Ginger, but as usual Ginger did not disappoint:
The three kids were all very gentle and quiet with her, and thought her fluffy tail and curious tongue were the best! Poor Ginger was unsure of what was expected of her, and just laid low/quiet. I think she was disappointed that there was no Turkey smells as usually when she goes over there is SOMETHING cooking that she gets to sample!
I wish I could have taken Mike too, as he is great with kids, but he is too heavy for me to lift in and out of the truck now days, so I just took Ginger. I think Mike was happy enough to nap after a busy morning sniffing the vet!
Karen
Monday, February 8, 2010
Snack crisis resolved!
I have found new snacks to satisfy my hunger! Slightly healthier...but definately not as cheap.
1) Arrowroot cookies! How could I forget them? Dipped in tea, or layered with cheese...
2) Cheese! I bought this little probiotic cheese things, and they are yummy. I also like Baby Bell...but not cheap!
3) Milk to Gos. On sale!
4) Soup at hand...as long as I ignor the sodium content I am fine.
5) Precut/washed Mango spears! So yummy!
6) Tuna snack packs
7) Pizza bred
And so my weaning off corn syrup begins...
And thanks for the brownies Laura!
Karen
1) Arrowroot cookies! How could I forget them? Dipped in tea, or layered with cheese...
2) Cheese! I bought this little probiotic cheese things, and they are yummy. I also like Baby Bell...but not cheap!
3) Milk to Gos. On sale!
4) Soup at hand...as long as I ignor the sodium content I am fine.
5) Precut/washed Mango spears! So yummy!
6) Tuna snack packs
7) Pizza bred
And so my weaning off corn syrup begins...
And thanks for the brownies Laura!
Karen
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Looking ones age...
I often get comments about how young I am to be training/running a barn, or how I have so much knowledge for someone so young. It makes me wonder if sometimes my young look might make people take me less seriously. So what is it about me that makes me seem younger? Is it that I dress like a grubby barn kid? That could be it...but how else should I dress in the barn? perhaps I actually should be paying for hair cuts? Make up? Grey Hair? Take up smoking to get more wrinkles?
How should someone in their mid to upper 30's look to look their age? How should I dress?
I also need some outfit advice for this weekend...I have a wedding to go to, and I have no idea what to wear! My casual/funnish dresses are too summery and I would likely be cold. I have considered trying to find a jacket to go with one, but that is tricky and beyond my limited fashion skills. I do like the idea of a dress/skirt with a jacket though... (oddly when I went to type "dress", my fingers automatically typed "age" at the end....horses and riding is always on my subconscious!)
Relating to that, anyone want to help in the barn next weekend? Afternoon and evening chores on Saturday, and possibly afternoon chores on Sunday?
Oh, there is also a lists of horses on the white board in the barn; this is all the horses eligible for the winter free deworming with Exodus. If you want to deworm your own horse, that is fine, just let me know...but all the long term boarded horses HAVE to be dewormed in Feb with the same dewormer OR something else that our vet approves of. I plan on getting them all dewormed over the next 2 weeks.
Karen
How should someone in their mid to upper 30's look to look their age? How should I dress?
I also need some outfit advice for this weekend...I have a wedding to go to, and I have no idea what to wear! My casual/funnish dresses are too summery and I would likely be cold. I have considered trying to find a jacket to go with one, but that is tricky and beyond my limited fashion skills. I do like the idea of a dress/skirt with a jacket though... (oddly when I went to type "dress", my fingers automatically typed "age" at the end....horses and riding is always on my subconscious!)
Relating to that, anyone want to help in the barn next weekend? Afternoon and evening chores on Saturday, and possibly afternoon chores on Sunday?
Oh, there is also a lists of horses on the white board in the barn; this is all the horses eligible for the winter free deworming with Exodus. If you want to deworm your own horse, that is fine, just let me know...but all the long term boarded horses HAVE to be dewormed in Feb with the same dewormer OR something else that our vet approves of. I plan on getting them all dewormed over the next 2 weeks.
Karen
Horse show name:
What do you think would be a good name for the shows we are thinking of holding this summer? It is going to be a jumper show, with clear round and stake classes. We are also using it as a fund raiser/awareness campaign for Canadian Blood Services. Possibly have a mobile blood unit come to the show to get spectators out to watch and donate blood?
So when thinking of a name, consider the type of show and the ease of remembering the name!
Names suggested:
- Jump Start Classic
- Just Jump It Classic
- Clear Round Classic
- Up and Over Classic
- Ride for Red
- Jump Quest
What do you think?
Karen
So when thinking of a name, consider the type of show and the ease of remembering the name!
Names suggested:
- Jump Start Classic
- Just Jump It Classic
- Clear Round Classic
- Up and Over Classic
- Ride for Red
- Jump Quest
What do you think?
Karen
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Cute mare month
So it seems like the theme for training horses this winter is cute little mares! The latest one is a mini version of my old TB gelding Ross....she is also a TB, but is only 14.2 hands! She is here to see what all she knows and to jump.
Karen
Karen
Friday, February 5, 2010
Brrrr....cold wind tonight. And what is with all the humidity and frost this winter? Ok, I vastly prefer this to 20 below or colder, but I miss the "but its a dry cold" thing!
Rob and I went to get running shoes today at the running room. It was my first time at Millenium Place, and what I mad house! I forget it was Teacher's convention and kids were everywhere! I saw a bit of myself in the sales lady...she admitted she was not a multitasker and fact that there were more than 3 customers in the store had her clearly overwhelmed. Still, she took the time to "assess" Rob and I. This assessment involved seeing how we stood, and then watching us walk across the wet/dirty floor in our socks and later in trial shoes. Walking is something I don't often really put thought into, but as soon as someone is watching it is suddenly the most complicated thing!
Apparently I put a lot of weight down on my heels and rock to the outside of my foot a bit which I guess is why running gives me shin splints and sore knees. Unfortunately they didn't have anything nearly narrow enough for my oddly shaped feet, so I couldn't buy any runners today. (I tried on one pair that would have droven Ginger crazy as it had craze shiney stripes that she would have bit at...it is good those didn't fit!).
Rob got a nice pair of runners though, and the sales lady gave me a shoe model number and size to try to find at Sports Check or similar, so next week I can start calling around for the magic running shoe.
Dexter's new Merino Wool saddle pad came today too. It is a full dressage pad with the the sheepskin sewn right in on either side of the spine. I love the way it fits off his withers and spine! Not the most attractive dressage pad though, so if Dexter seems to go well in it, I will have to see if they make a nicer looking pad for showing. You can kind of feel how the saddle can move a bit on the pad without moving his hair. Hard to explain, but I have to think that would feel better for the horse?
Karen
Rob and I went to get running shoes today at the running room. It was my first time at Millenium Place, and what I mad house! I forget it was Teacher's convention and kids were everywhere! I saw a bit of myself in the sales lady...she admitted she was not a multitasker and fact that there were more than 3 customers in the store had her clearly overwhelmed. Still, she took the time to "assess" Rob and I. This assessment involved seeing how we stood, and then watching us walk across the wet/dirty floor in our socks and later in trial shoes. Walking is something I don't often really put thought into, but as soon as someone is watching it is suddenly the most complicated thing!
Apparently I put a lot of weight down on my heels and rock to the outside of my foot a bit which I guess is why running gives me shin splints and sore knees. Unfortunately they didn't have anything nearly narrow enough for my oddly shaped feet, so I couldn't buy any runners today. (I tried on one pair that would have droven Ginger crazy as it had craze shiney stripes that she would have bit at...it is good those didn't fit!).
Rob got a nice pair of runners though, and the sales lady gave me a shoe model number and size to try to find at Sports Check or similar, so next week I can start calling around for the magic running shoe.
Dexter's new Merino Wool saddle pad came today too. It is a full dressage pad with the the sheepskin sewn right in on either side of the spine. I love the way it fits off his withers and spine! Not the most attractive dressage pad though, so if Dexter seems to go well in it, I will have to see if they make a nicer looking pad for showing. You can kind of feel how the saddle can move a bit on the pad without moving his hair. Hard to explain, but I have to think that would feel better for the horse?
Karen
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Life Lessons from the barn
Sometimes someone comes to you with a problem, and the solution seems so obvious to you, but to them it was a daunting issue, with no easy remedy. And then you wonder why you can fix someone else's problem so easily, but not your own?
This is so true in riding, where even "amateurs" can watch the professionals ride, and see problems with their position, training, or style...even though you couldn't ride as well as them, you can still "ring side coach", yet can't solve their own very basic problems.
Similarly, how often do we see someone (or ourselves!) jump from one similar problem to another? Whether it is poor boyfriend choices, poor eating choices, or poor horse purchases, people tend to recreate the same problem over and over and over, and can't seem to permanently break the cycle; only give themselves a brief respite by trying again at the same thing!
There is an Italian proverb that goes something like "There is joy in a new set of problems". How true!
I find this is very true with training and coaching. Getting a horse in for 5 weeks training is a very satisfying experience (for the most part!) as it is a new set of problems, and typically I can gain considerable progress in that time, or over come an existing issue that has plagued the owner for years. Same with getting a new student from another barn; often I can see that student in a new light and come up with new solutions that make me look brilliant!
When I have a long term training prospect, that I work with for years such as my own horses or boarded horses, or with long term students, usually I will hit a wall at some point, where I realize we aren't progressing, or the student has an issue I just cannot pinpoint or resolve. With the students it is usually easier to overcome this stumbling block as I can discuss it with them, but with the horses it is more complicated.
I think this is why some barns (and some owners!) have a high turn over rate of horses...they are looking for joy in a new problem!
The odd thing I am realizing is, is if a totally new horse (or rider) came in with that same set of issues I am stonewalled on, I would be able to address it and deal with it.
So why is that? I think it is because I get too close to the issue. My subconscious doesn't want me to let go of what I have been doing, as to do so would mean I failed in the first place with my original technique...so stubbornly my subconscious sets up a wall that doesn't let me look at the problem with the same fresh eyes as I would a new client.
But is my subconscious being fair? Did I really fail if I am no longer seeing progress? The whole hindsight is 20/20 thing? Well, maybe not. Maybe I used the best techniques at the time, for the horse/rider at the time. The fact that they no longer work might not be due to a faulty technique, but rather than the horse/rider outgrew that technique!
Back to "life" examples; it is how the methods you used to choose a boyfriend in highschool/university, may have been great for then, but once you wanted to search out husband material, those same search methods would likely fail. That does not mean those date finding methods were bad, just not appropriate for your current/new goals.
Or perhaps a better example would be learning to ride a bike; most people learn with training wheels on their little bike. This helps you gain confidence and skills while riding, but if you keep those training wheels on forever you are never going to able to go on trails, turn well, or look cool, so at a certain point, in order to progress, you need to give up the training wheels. Something parents might have a hard time doing as it may mean watching their kids fall a few times, but it is the only way to progress. This doesn't mean the training wheels were a bad technique; they were suitable for starting out, but at some point need to be taken off and thrown away!
So I have found myself hitting a wall of progress with a couple of horses; but I have decided that instead of considering that wall to illustrate mistakes on my part, instead I am going to look at it as a stepping stone to the next level requiring me to take a fresh look at those horses....just like I would if they just came in for training and to move on.
And so far, it seems to be working....so take that subconscious!
Karen
This is so true in riding, where even "amateurs" can watch the professionals ride, and see problems with their position, training, or style...even though you couldn't ride as well as them, you can still "ring side coach", yet can't solve their own very basic problems.
Similarly, how often do we see someone (or ourselves!) jump from one similar problem to another? Whether it is poor boyfriend choices, poor eating choices, or poor horse purchases, people tend to recreate the same problem over and over and over, and can't seem to permanently break the cycle; only give themselves a brief respite by trying again at the same thing!
There is an Italian proverb that goes something like "There is joy in a new set of problems". How true!
I find this is very true with training and coaching. Getting a horse in for 5 weeks training is a very satisfying experience (for the most part!) as it is a new set of problems, and typically I can gain considerable progress in that time, or over come an existing issue that has plagued the owner for years. Same with getting a new student from another barn; often I can see that student in a new light and come up with new solutions that make me look brilliant!
When I have a long term training prospect, that I work with for years such as my own horses or boarded horses, or with long term students, usually I will hit a wall at some point, where I realize we aren't progressing, or the student has an issue I just cannot pinpoint or resolve. With the students it is usually easier to overcome this stumbling block as I can discuss it with them, but with the horses it is more complicated.
I think this is why some barns (and some owners!) have a high turn over rate of horses...they are looking for joy in a new problem!
The odd thing I am realizing is, is if a totally new horse (or rider) came in with that same set of issues I am stonewalled on, I would be able to address it and deal with it.
So why is that? I think it is because I get too close to the issue. My subconscious doesn't want me to let go of what I have been doing, as to do so would mean I failed in the first place with my original technique...so stubbornly my subconscious sets up a wall that doesn't let me look at the problem with the same fresh eyes as I would a new client.
But is my subconscious being fair? Did I really fail if I am no longer seeing progress? The whole hindsight is 20/20 thing? Well, maybe not. Maybe I used the best techniques at the time, for the horse/rider at the time. The fact that they no longer work might not be due to a faulty technique, but rather than the horse/rider outgrew that technique!
Back to "life" examples; it is how the methods you used to choose a boyfriend in highschool/university, may have been great for then, but once you wanted to search out husband material, those same search methods would likely fail. That does not mean those date finding methods were bad, just not appropriate for your current/new goals.
Or perhaps a better example would be learning to ride a bike; most people learn with training wheels on their little bike. This helps you gain confidence and skills while riding, but if you keep those training wheels on forever you are never going to able to go on trails, turn well, or look cool, so at a certain point, in order to progress, you need to give up the training wheels. Something parents might have a hard time doing as it may mean watching their kids fall a few times, but it is the only way to progress. This doesn't mean the training wheels were a bad technique; they were suitable for starting out, but at some point need to be taken off and thrown away!
So I have found myself hitting a wall of progress with a couple of horses; but I have decided that instead of considering that wall to illustrate mistakes on my part, instead I am going to look at it as a stepping stone to the next level requiring me to take a fresh look at those horses....just like I would if they just came in for training and to move on.
And so far, it seems to be working....so take that subconscious!
Karen
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Ground Hogs Day
February is here. Isn't today ground hogs day? February tends to mean increased interest in horse training and sure enough the calls have been coming in. My newest training project is a very pretty bay arab mare named Concept. She is here for some finishing work/jumping training. Her owner is the person we got Triton from.
I have a little TB mare supposed to be coming this weekend for similar training too. Actually...most of the horses booked for training are mares this year!
I am not sure if it is the start of training season, the good visit I had with my mom and dad on Sunday, or that Rob is home for a few days after being gone far too long, but I feel like I am over what ever has been weighing me down lately. Yesterday was the first time in a while where I didn't feel the overwhelming need to nap!
So time to get back to writing, to organize the theory clinics and to get ready for show season!
I had good news about dad today too...he will be allowed home a few days at a time (with a nurse coming by to check on him). It is too bad my parents have a split level, but maybe the stairs will do him good. He is sticking to the theory that "there is always hope", so I will go by that too.
Karen
I have a little TB mare supposed to be coming this weekend for similar training too. Actually...most of the horses booked for training are mares this year!
I am not sure if it is the start of training season, the good visit I had with my mom and dad on Sunday, or that Rob is home for a few days after being gone far too long, but I feel like I am over what ever has been weighing me down lately. Yesterday was the first time in a while where I didn't feel the overwhelming need to nap!
So time to get back to writing, to organize the theory clinics and to get ready for show season!
I had good news about dad today too...he will be allowed home a few days at a time (with a nurse coming by to check on him). It is too bad my parents have a split level, but maybe the stairs will do him good. He is sticking to the theory that "there is always hope", so I will go by that too.
Karen
Saturday, January 30, 2010
I want to thank everyone for all the support. Those sharing personal experiences, helping me understand the treatments and care my dad is getting, and for letting me talk.
They have had to stop treatment. The MDS was too far along. They estimate 1-3 months. My mom wasn't sure if all that time would be spent in the hospital, or if he could go home at all. I know he feels he has left so much undone. I think he has known his time left was short; as ill and weak as he was he still made the trip to the jewelery store to make sure my mom had something to remember their last Christmas together.
I will go see him tomorrow.
Karen
They have had to stop treatment. The MDS was too far along. They estimate 1-3 months. My mom wasn't sure if all that time would be spent in the hospital, or if he could go home at all. I know he feels he has left so much undone. I think he has known his time left was short; as ill and weak as he was he still made the trip to the jewelery store to make sure my mom had something to remember their last Christmas together.
I will go see him tomorrow.
Karen
Friday, January 29, 2010
SNACK EMERGENCY!
I need a replacement snack! For years now, I have depended on Quaker Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola bars as the cornerstone of my snacking needs....but I am fickle, and it seems they are no longer doing the trick! Perhaps I reached my lifetime Corn Syrup quota? Yikes, I hope not!
I tried alternating with other granola bars, crunchy, chewing, yogurt covered, chocolate covered....but none of them have the attention of my taste buds.
So many other snacks are salty and make me worry about too much salt. And remember I can't eat potato products.
Yes, I know, I could just pack a healthy lunch/dinner, or I could use the kitchen in the barn, but I like to have a selection of edibles that can be safely stored in my pocket.
I was enjoying Yops for a while, but it didn't take me long to tire of them. Same with Crispy Minis.
The little Clementine oranges have become my staple snack, but I fear those are seasonal...so then what?
I need ideas people! You don't want me cranky and undernourished when I teach you!
Karen
I tried alternating with other granola bars, crunchy, chewing, yogurt covered, chocolate covered....but none of them have the attention of my taste buds.
So many other snacks are salty and make me worry about too much salt. And remember I can't eat potato products.
Yes, I know, I could just pack a healthy lunch/dinner, or I could use the kitchen in the barn, but I like to have a selection of edibles that can be safely stored in my pocket.
I was enjoying Yops for a while, but it didn't take me long to tire of them. Same with Crispy Minis.
The little Clementine oranges have become my staple snack, but I fear those are seasonal...so then what?
I need ideas people! You don't want me cranky and undernourished when I teach you!
Karen
New years Resolution 2010
The Canadian Horse Journal recently had an article/interview with a couple of up and coming dressage riders, and in it they touched on cross training (for the riders, not the horses). I have always been a little lazy about exercise, using the theory that a) I am thin, and b) I ride/look after a barn full of horses and c) I am lazy.
But, I have decided to change my ways! Starting last week, I have started to run, with the goal being to run at least 5 days per week. I am taking it slowly, for now just trying to run long enough to really get my heart pumping...which sadly only takes a couple laps around the indoor arena, or a run from the hay shed to the end of the drive and back! But I figure taking it slowly will still help improve my cardio, while being less likely to cause weight loss. I usually run in the indoor arena at night while Dexter has his rolling time...having him trotting behind me is a good motivator to keep up the pace!
Ginger is less of a motivator; when I run outside she gets confused and tries to herd me by snapping at my mittens. It is sad that my dog thinks that my running is cause for alarm.
My next step is the purchase of actual running shoes, as those would probably be better to run in than my winter paddock boots or walking shoes. I have silly narrow heels, so it is tricky to find shoes that fit (excuse number 4 for not exercising!)
Once I have decent running shoes I can also use the treadmill that sits unused beside me as I surf the internet...
Health wise I am also trying to improve my sleeping habits as I have been a light sleeper for far too long, and I spend too many days trying to fit a nap into my schedule. One suggestion I received is to learn meditation. I think that is a great idea, not only for sleeping, but also for controlling show nerves. Clare2 apparently is a meditation supported so she has offered me some CDs to try, but if anyone knows a good book or course to take, it would be appreciated!
Karen
But, I have decided to change my ways! Starting last week, I have started to run, with the goal being to run at least 5 days per week. I am taking it slowly, for now just trying to run long enough to really get my heart pumping...which sadly only takes a couple laps around the indoor arena, or a run from the hay shed to the end of the drive and back! But I figure taking it slowly will still help improve my cardio, while being less likely to cause weight loss. I usually run in the indoor arena at night while Dexter has his rolling time...having him trotting behind me is a good motivator to keep up the pace!
Ginger is less of a motivator; when I run outside she gets confused and tries to herd me by snapping at my mittens. It is sad that my dog thinks that my running is cause for alarm.
My next step is the purchase of actual running shoes, as those would probably be better to run in than my winter paddock boots or walking shoes. I have silly narrow heels, so it is tricky to find shoes that fit (excuse number 4 for not exercising!)
Once I have decent running shoes I can also use the treadmill that sits unused beside me as I surf the internet...
Health wise I am also trying to improve my sleeping habits as I have been a light sleeper for far too long, and I spend too many days trying to fit a nap into my schedule. One suggestion I received is to learn meditation. I think that is a great idea, not only for sleeping, but also for controlling show nerves. Clare2 apparently is a meditation supported so she has offered me some CDs to try, but if anyone knows a good book or course to take, it would be appreciated!
Karen
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Show Schedule 2010.
I am trying to work on our show/clinic schedule for 2010, but the shows dates aren't all posted yet. I think we will try to hold two schooling Jumper shows this summer, but not sure of the dates. Likely June and August. They would be held at the Strathcona arena.
I will post the tentative schedule in the barn on Saturday, including theory dates. I think we will have theory classes on Feb 7, 28, March 21, and April 10.
If any riders want to go to the Gold Level jumping shows, please let me know and I can arrange a coach to help you at those shows! (Gold Level shows means your horse needs a passport and the owner/rider needs a Gold Level Equine Canada membership). Same with if you want to go to a jumping show that is in conflict with the dressage shows.
As usual, most of the shows are at Amberlea, but we also may go to Still Meadows, Hastings Lake and Eyeford for some more affordable/casual shows. The shows we may hold will also be casual/affordable and will be perfect for lesson horses and students as the levels will go from simple poles to 3'3". If anyone hears of local area hunter/jumper schooling shows, please pass that information along to me!
We will also try to have an "at home" fun show/barbecue again, as those are fun/entertaining.
Karen
I will post the tentative schedule in the barn on Saturday, including theory dates. I think we will have theory classes on Feb 7, 28, March 21, and April 10.
If any riders want to go to the Gold Level jumping shows, please let me know and I can arrange a coach to help you at those shows! (Gold Level shows means your horse needs a passport and the owner/rider needs a Gold Level Equine Canada membership). Same with if you want to go to a jumping show that is in conflict with the dressage shows.
As usual, most of the shows are at Amberlea, but we also may go to Still Meadows, Hastings Lake and Eyeford for some more affordable/casual shows. The shows we may hold will also be casual/affordable and will be perfect for lesson horses and students as the levels will go from simple poles to 3'3". If anyone hears of local area hunter/jumper schooling shows, please pass that information along to me!
We will also try to have an "at home" fun show/barbecue again, as those are fun/entertaining.
Karen
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Pictures from today
I took the dogs for their noon walk to check on the horses...and what did I see? Magnus and his best bud Kokanee hanging out in the sun shine. If you look closely at the first photo, you will notice that Kokanee's blanket is firmly in Magnus's mouth...and his eyes are closed! As far as I could tell he was asleep like that.
Then I called Kokanee's name, and his head popped up and he came trotting over to see me. Magnus did not look impressed that his security blanket had left him!
I went around to the other side of the arena....and there was Coregel, dead to the world, napping in the sunshine. When I approached she quickly got up as if to say "who me? I wasn't sleeping!"
A few moments later she got up, and all the fillies decided to prance around in the snow. The photo on the right shows (from right to left), Piper, Carma, Coregel, and Tia. Bliss did not want to hang around the chestnuts apparently and she remained sunbathing in the shelter!
Karen
Monday, January 25, 2010
Dad update
Thank you for keeping me and my family in your thoughts.
Dad is doing much better and I think that is making it easier for my mom to regain some semblance of normalcy.
On Saturday they said Dad could leave ICU, but there are no beds available in hematology, so he is still there, just without a dedicated nurse.
Today I was there in time to see him out of bed and walking which was great! I was allowed to guide the IV thingy along with him. This is not a small pole like I see on TV...this is a fairly large wheelie thing, with a row of monitors and a steering wheel to maneuver. As we started to walk, I was suddenly hit with the responsibility involved! Not only did I have to keep it close enough so as to not pull the IV out of his arm, I also had to make sure I didn't clip his heels as we squeezed by the desks.
This made me realize it is a good thing for all concerned that I am not a nurse. I could not have a job where mistakes have so much of a potential ramification. So here is to the nurses!
Karen
Dad is doing much better and I think that is making it easier for my mom to regain some semblance of normalcy.
On Saturday they said Dad could leave ICU, but there are no beds available in hematology, so he is still there, just without a dedicated nurse.
Today I was there in time to see him out of bed and walking which was great! I was allowed to guide the IV thingy along with him. This is not a small pole like I see on TV...this is a fairly large wheelie thing, with a row of monitors and a steering wheel to maneuver. As we started to walk, I was suddenly hit with the responsibility involved! Not only did I have to keep it close enough so as to not pull the IV out of his arm, I also had to make sure I didn't clip his heels as we squeezed by the desks.
This made me realize it is a good thing for all concerned that I am not a nurse. I could not have a job where mistakes have so much of a potential ramification. So here is to the nurses!
Karen
Friday, January 22, 2010
Over Zealous Advertising
Have you seen the television ad for the fabric sheet bar you stick in your machine? Apparently it changed the life of the lady in the ad! Apparently adding a fabric sheet was costing her time, effort and stress! Cleaning products and home products seem to get the most over the top advertising, with women dancing joyously, unable to contain themselves once they were given the wonder of this new product!
Horse advertising is not immune to the over the top verbiage. Amanda, who is apparently addicted to horse advertisement reading, pointed out a recent Kijiji ad for a :"Once in a Lifetime horse!". To me a once in a lifetime horse is a Big Ben, or a Monopoly. Maybe even a Pax (now deceased Palomino lesson horse at Whitemud that was the best horse EVER!) or a Rocket...one of a kind as they are so great to learn on.
What this ad showed, was a barely started 9 year old mare. They didn't list any outstanding or rare bloodlines, any show record, nor any unique traits. The photos were poor quality and didn't show anything special in either build or colour. The ad did say she has "strait" legs. She may indeed be a very nice mare, and worth the amount they are asking, but the ad does nothing to show what makes her so special. Is the hope that the viewer of the ad won't go beyond the heading?
Amanda missed another ad though; this one starts with "The Sporthorse that will take you to Nationals!" How? Can he drive? No mention on breed or height...no pictures to show anything other than a big headed fluffy paint...but he is a dressage super star because he trots pretty in the field! Maybe he is a good horse, but again, the ad gives no evidence that the horse is anything more than a flashy coloured paint. Not even so much as a conformation shot to back up their claim as to his future stardom.
Maybe I need to work on my verbiage for the horses we have for sale...
From now on, they are all Olympic contenders!
Karen
Horse advertising is not immune to the over the top verbiage. Amanda, who is apparently addicted to horse advertisement reading, pointed out a recent Kijiji ad for a :"Once in a Lifetime horse!". To me a once in a lifetime horse is a Big Ben, or a Monopoly. Maybe even a Pax (now deceased Palomino lesson horse at Whitemud that was the best horse EVER!) or a Rocket...one of a kind as they are so great to learn on.
What this ad showed, was a barely started 9 year old mare. They didn't list any outstanding or rare bloodlines, any show record, nor any unique traits. The photos were poor quality and didn't show anything special in either build or colour. The ad did say she has "strait" legs. She may indeed be a very nice mare, and worth the amount they are asking, but the ad does nothing to show what makes her so special. Is the hope that the viewer of the ad won't go beyond the heading?
Amanda missed another ad though; this one starts with "The Sporthorse that will take you to Nationals!" How? Can he drive? No mention on breed or height...no pictures to show anything other than a big headed fluffy paint...but he is a dressage super star because he trots pretty in the field! Maybe he is a good horse, but again, the ad gives no evidence that the horse is anything more than a flashy coloured paint. Not even so much as a conformation shot to back up their claim as to his future stardom.
There is also a Horsetopia ad, for an FEI dressage Prospect. ALL horses are "prospects" I suppose, so they aren't lying, but if you watch the video, you will see a slightly above average TB gelding. Not a bad horse, but nothing to say "wow, that is a fancy dressage horse", so after the heading the horse comes as a dissappointment...when he is actually a decent looking horse...just not something that screams FEI dressage to me.
Do these types of ads actually work?Maybe I need to work on my verbiage for the horses we have for sale...
From now on, they are all Olympic contenders!
Karen
Thursday, January 21, 2010
The rules of the road
Well, actually the rules of the hallway...
I am not the most patient walker. I like to walk at a brisk pace. I have long legs, wear sensible shoes and am usually on a tight schedule. Ambling through crowds is not my thing. If I were a horse, I would have a free walk of "10".
When I visit the hospital, I have to go down a fairly narrow hallway to get from the parkade to the ICU. It is a boring walk, past offices and the dentistry area. There are no horses to look at, so why walk slowly. Plus, once there, I am eager to see my dad, so not interested in dawdling.
Sometimes there are stressed families walking with a typically elderly loved one who hog the width of the hall. I am ok with that. I can see that they are a unit who walk together for strength, and understanding that gives me patience. But there there are people like today: on the way in, there was a lady who managed to take up the entire hall...not because she was overly large, but because she was walking dead center in the hallway with elbows jutted out. And she walked slow...like she was on her way back to a job she hated and wanted every moment of her walk to last. I think she was a nurse. I really wanted a horn to honk or to yell out "slower traffic keep right!"
Then on the way back, there were two people who were obviously together as they were talking loudly to each other about the person they had come to visit...yet the man was about 5 meters in front of the woman. Not only did I want to pass them so I could walk a normal speed, but I also did not want to listen to what I considered to be a private conversation. Only they were walking so far apart from each other, that passing one of them, and then yielding to oncoming traffic, would have meant I would be between them. That would have been odd. So I waddled along while they discussed why Tim wasn't awake yet.
Walking in Malls, particularly around Christmas are enough to send me over the edge. Particularly if I go when the "Age Challenged" are there....walking shoulder to shoulder in a group of chums hogging the entire hallway as they chit chat about who likes who like no one else in the mall matters. I vastly prefer shopping during school hours! Malls are also famous for people who just stand around in the middle of the hall, chatting or gazing about lost. Pull off to the side if you have stalled!
It just makes sense to me to pass left to left, that slower traffic stay to the right, and that teenagers be banned from public places. These few simple rules would make walking in public so much nicer for those of us who have places to go and people to see.
Karen
I am not the most patient walker. I like to walk at a brisk pace. I have long legs, wear sensible shoes and am usually on a tight schedule. Ambling through crowds is not my thing. If I were a horse, I would have a free walk of "10".
When I visit the hospital, I have to go down a fairly narrow hallway to get from the parkade to the ICU. It is a boring walk, past offices and the dentistry area. There are no horses to look at, so why walk slowly. Plus, once there, I am eager to see my dad, so not interested in dawdling.
Sometimes there are stressed families walking with a typically elderly loved one who hog the width of the hall. I am ok with that. I can see that they are a unit who walk together for strength, and understanding that gives me patience. But there there are people like today: on the way in, there was a lady who managed to take up the entire hall...not because she was overly large, but because she was walking dead center in the hallway with elbows jutted out. And she walked slow...like she was on her way back to a job she hated and wanted every moment of her walk to last. I think she was a nurse. I really wanted a horn to honk or to yell out "slower traffic keep right!"
Then on the way back, there were two people who were obviously together as they were talking loudly to each other about the person they had come to visit...yet the man was about 5 meters in front of the woman. Not only did I want to pass them so I could walk a normal speed, but I also did not want to listen to what I considered to be a private conversation. Only they were walking so far apart from each other, that passing one of them, and then yielding to oncoming traffic, would have meant I would be between them. That would have been odd. So I waddled along while they discussed why Tim wasn't awake yet.
Walking in Malls, particularly around Christmas are enough to send me over the edge. Particularly if I go when the "Age Challenged" are there....walking shoulder to shoulder in a group of chums hogging the entire hallway as they chit chat about who likes who like no one else in the mall matters. I vastly prefer shopping during school hours! Malls are also famous for people who just stand around in the middle of the hall, chatting or gazing about lost. Pull off to the side if you have stalled!
It just makes sense to me to pass left to left, that slower traffic stay to the right, and that teenagers be banned from public places. These few simple rules would make walking in public so much nicer for those of us who have places to go and people to see.
Karen
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
A sense of self
We all define ourselves in one way or the other. We likely have one definition we share with others, and then many definitions we keep to ourselves; too insecure or embarrassed to share.
For example, I define myself in part by my weight. Less so now than as a kid, but if I was to describe how I think of myself, my weight would come into it. If I woke up tomorrow and was even a pound over the ideal weight for my height, I am not sure I would be able to reconcile myself with my body. Yet at the same time I don't judge others for being chubby...this is part of who I am, it doesn't need to be part of who everyone is.
(and it is not like I don't eat...so please don't read into this that I diet to keep my weight! I just know that if I did start to pack on the pounds I would have great emotional difficulting with it even though I realize I would look better with another 20 pounds or so!)
I could just have easily come to identify myself as being tall, or having a big nose, but it was my weight people made a big deal about when I was a kid, and it was my weight that led to attention and nicknames, so it is my weight that has stuck with me as something that is "special" about me.
I do not think this is a good thing, and consciously I know that gaining weight would be a good thing...but it would be hard to loose something that I feel has defined me for my life.
I also like to think of myself as clever. I think this is a more positive trait, and one likely instilled in me mostly by my parents who encouraged thinking and logic. When I am out of my element, outclassed, or shut down by someone and I feel I am not able to be clever, I feel empty and frustrated. It is easy for me to become addicted to computer games that allow me to feel clever, like Sudoku or Scrabble (I am good at scrabble!). On the dark side of clever comes sarcasm though...I have tried to loose that side of it.
Growing up I also defined myself as someone who had to have a horse. Throughout school I worked hard to be able to have a horse, and I have not been horseless since I was 14 or 15 years old. For some reason this became an important thread in my life. In hindsight, not having a horse while in University may have been beneficial overall, but I could not do it. Having a horse gave me purpose, drive, and it was part of who I was.
So three different sides of how I define myself. One that I think is unhealthy, one that I think can be positive, and one that helps me focus.
All things that were somehow set when I was younger. I am adding new definitions to myself as I grow up, but I think the self I created as a child will remain with me for the most part.
Parents have a large responsibility in helping a child create a good sense of self, but we all contribute to someones sense of self whenever we make a big deal about something regarding someone else. The big deal can be positive or negative, it doesn't matter...if someone feels that is something that is unique or key about them, they will integrate it into their identity.
So when we make a big deal about a child not eating enough, they may decide that is part of their persona. Or if we laugh about how bad their math skills are, then they may relish the attention, and continue to be bad at math so that they can look for a repeat of that attention. Give them the label of bully without working to help them create a new, better label, then they will be the bully. It is important to find good identifiers and to stress those; hobbies, kindnesses, skills. Allow those things to define them.
One of the hardest things about growing old, has to be that you can start to loose the things that define you; your appearance changes, your mind slows, you retire.
No wonder men struggle against balding despite the fact that most women think bald can be sexy...men have to redefine what they think of how they should look.
Some medications that can save your life, can also change your image; make you gain or loose weight, slow your brain, or silence the voices. I can totally see how this would be hard to take. Do doctors help their patients redefine and adjust their sense of self?
If you take honest stock of how you define yourself, how much of that definition is healthy? Is it holding you back or causing you to make the same bad decisions over and over? Is it the same definition someone on the outside looking in would give you? Is there someone in your life you pick on about something? Can you see that maybe you are causing them to define themselves by that same trait?
I am working to redefine myself. I am taking stock and trying to do away with the unhealthy images that are holding me back, and to create a new sense of self that will impower me to get where I want to go. I need to loose my fear of failure that makes me reluctant to give the things that are important to me my best shot. I need to find peace with who I am and what I look like. I am not sure what the steps are to give yourself a core makeover, but life is good and it is time I gave myself a sense of self to go with who I am now, and who I could be if I just put myself out there that little bit more.
Karen
For example, I define myself in part by my weight. Less so now than as a kid, but if I was to describe how I think of myself, my weight would come into it. If I woke up tomorrow and was even a pound over the ideal weight for my height, I am not sure I would be able to reconcile myself with my body. Yet at the same time I don't judge others for being chubby...this is part of who I am, it doesn't need to be part of who everyone is.
(and it is not like I don't eat...so please don't read into this that I diet to keep my weight! I just know that if I did start to pack on the pounds I would have great emotional difficulting with it even though I realize I would look better with another 20 pounds or so!)
I could just have easily come to identify myself as being tall, or having a big nose, but it was my weight people made a big deal about when I was a kid, and it was my weight that led to attention and nicknames, so it is my weight that has stuck with me as something that is "special" about me.
I do not think this is a good thing, and consciously I know that gaining weight would be a good thing...but it would be hard to loose something that I feel has defined me for my life.
I also like to think of myself as clever. I think this is a more positive trait, and one likely instilled in me mostly by my parents who encouraged thinking and logic. When I am out of my element, outclassed, or shut down by someone and I feel I am not able to be clever, I feel empty and frustrated. It is easy for me to become addicted to computer games that allow me to feel clever, like Sudoku or Scrabble (I am good at scrabble!). On the dark side of clever comes sarcasm though...I have tried to loose that side of it.
Growing up I also defined myself as someone who had to have a horse. Throughout school I worked hard to be able to have a horse, and I have not been horseless since I was 14 or 15 years old. For some reason this became an important thread in my life. In hindsight, not having a horse while in University may have been beneficial overall, but I could not do it. Having a horse gave me purpose, drive, and it was part of who I was.
So three different sides of how I define myself. One that I think is unhealthy, one that I think can be positive, and one that helps me focus.
All things that were somehow set when I was younger. I am adding new definitions to myself as I grow up, but I think the self I created as a child will remain with me for the most part.
Parents have a large responsibility in helping a child create a good sense of self, but we all contribute to someones sense of self whenever we make a big deal about something regarding someone else. The big deal can be positive or negative, it doesn't matter...if someone feels that is something that is unique or key about them, they will integrate it into their identity.
So when we make a big deal about a child not eating enough, they may decide that is part of their persona. Or if we laugh about how bad their math skills are, then they may relish the attention, and continue to be bad at math so that they can look for a repeat of that attention. Give them the label of bully without working to help them create a new, better label, then they will be the bully. It is important to find good identifiers and to stress those; hobbies, kindnesses, skills. Allow those things to define them.
One of the hardest things about growing old, has to be that you can start to loose the things that define you; your appearance changes, your mind slows, you retire.
No wonder men struggle against balding despite the fact that most women think bald can be sexy...men have to redefine what they think of how they should look.
Some medications that can save your life, can also change your image; make you gain or loose weight, slow your brain, or silence the voices. I can totally see how this would be hard to take. Do doctors help their patients redefine and adjust their sense of self?
If you take honest stock of how you define yourself, how much of that definition is healthy? Is it holding you back or causing you to make the same bad decisions over and over? Is it the same definition someone on the outside looking in would give you? Is there someone in your life you pick on about something? Can you see that maybe you are causing them to define themselves by that same trait?
I am working to redefine myself. I am taking stock and trying to do away with the unhealthy images that are holding me back, and to create a new sense of self that will impower me to get where I want to go. I need to loose my fear of failure that makes me reluctant to give the things that are important to me my best shot. I need to find peace with who I am and what I look like. I am not sure what the steps are to give yourself a core makeover, but life is good and it is time I gave myself a sense of self to go with who I am now, and who I could be if I just put myself out there that little bit more.
Karen
Monday, January 18, 2010
Sunday, January 17, 2010
How to get a job 101
I have a job posting up for someone to come work part time as a groom/barn assistant. The ad is fairly specific as to the hours and requirements, and also specifies how to apply.
So...
Hint 1: make sure you more or less work the schedule specified As much as I appreciate the keenness of a 14 year old, I would rather not encourage dropping out of junior high.
Hint 2: Have relevant skills and outline them. Sending me your resume with absolutely no mention of horses is unlikely to get you a job.
Hint 3: Use a keyboard with all the letters. "R U still hiring?" isn't going to get you the job. How hard is it to type those 4 extra letters? "4 me 2 call" was another interesting abbreviation.
Hint 4: Don't tell me you have your own business training horses, and then get pissy when I tell you I think it may present a possible conflict of interest to have you assisting me with my training horses. Getting pissy won't win you any friends, and it certainly won't help change my mind!
Hint 5: Have you heard of spell check? Or research? Don't tell me how you have worked with Stalions, and Shetlons and then be shocked when you don't hear back from me!
The fun of hiring.
On the same note, later this week there will be an info sheet posted in the barn: we are looking for boarders and students who are interested/able to assist on a casual basis should the need arise, such as during horse shows, or in case of an emergency.
Karen
So...
Hint 1: make sure you more or less work the schedule specified As much as I appreciate the keenness of a 14 year old, I would rather not encourage dropping out of junior high.
Hint 2: Have relevant skills and outline them. Sending me your resume with absolutely no mention of horses is unlikely to get you a job.
Hint 3: Use a keyboard with all the letters. "R U still hiring?" isn't going to get you the job. How hard is it to type those 4 extra letters? "4 me 2 call" was another interesting abbreviation.
Hint 4: Don't tell me you have your own business training horses, and then get pissy when I tell you I think it may present a possible conflict of interest to have you assisting me with my training horses. Getting pissy won't win you any friends, and it certainly won't help change my mind!
Hint 5: Have you heard of spell check? Or research? Don't tell me how you have worked with Stalions, and Shetlons and then be shocked when you don't hear back from me!
The fun of hiring.
On the same note, later this week there will be an info sheet posted in the barn: we are looking for boarders and students who are interested/able to assist on a casual basis should the need arise, such as during horse shows, or in case of an emergency.
Karen
Friday, January 15, 2010
Update
My dad is doing much better! Still in ICU, but no longer wearing a breathing mask, so he can now talk and see. I was there while he got a blood transfusion...I admit to being a little squeamish at the sight of the big bag of blood.
His main nurses are great; quiet and efficient, which is a relief after hearing Amanda's horror stories.
I was able to have a nice lunch with my mom in the cafeteria too, and she was able to show me how to get back to the parking lot without taking the convoluted route I had been taking! Apparently I just had to go down some stairs and through a short corridor, rather than that giant horse shoe shaped path I had been taking. That place is confusing!
Thanks for your well wishes.
Karen
His main nurses are great; quiet and efficient, which is a relief after hearing Amanda's horror stories.
I was able to have a nice lunch with my mom in the cafeteria too, and she was able to show me how to get back to the parking lot without taking the convoluted route I had been taking! Apparently I just had to go down some stairs and through a short corridor, rather than that giant horse shoe shaped path I had been taking. That place is confusing!
Thanks for your well wishes.
Karen
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Bye Bye Buddy!
Buddy is set to leave on Monday for his new home.
Buddy has been here since pretty much the start of Hillside. Laureen bought him soon after, as his owner was looking to sell him, and has since learned a lot from Mr. Grumpy, as have many other riders who had to opportunity to work with him.
My favourite Buddy moment was when Nicole was putting him down after buying Shawn....and Buddy bit her :) Laureen in her Peter Pan costume was pretty special too; Buddy looked cute dressed as Tinkerbell!
Buddy picked up jumping well, but his forte was dressage. He was like two horses in one: he could be the lazy trail horse who would hardly go...until you picked up a crop and then he set off like the show horse he could be.
Buddy is the only lesson horse here that I have never ridden.
I will miss Buddy, but I know that as he ages he will be better off in a home that isn't interested in jumping and that will work him regularly as his body allows. He is far too young to retire, but he deserves to slow down a bit.
His new owners seem to be the perfect match; knowledgeable, kind, and patient. Buddy seemed to appreciate all their attention last night, and I hope he does well in his new home.
He will be leaving on Monday afternoon if the weather cooperates.
Karen
Buddy has been here since pretty much the start of Hillside. Laureen bought him soon after, as his owner was looking to sell him, and has since learned a lot from Mr. Grumpy, as have many other riders who had to opportunity to work with him.
My favourite Buddy moment was when Nicole was putting him down after buying Shawn....and Buddy bit her :) Laureen in her Peter Pan costume was pretty special too; Buddy looked cute dressed as Tinkerbell!
Buddy picked up jumping well, but his forte was dressage. He was like two horses in one: he could be the lazy trail horse who would hardly go...until you picked up a crop and then he set off like the show horse he could be.
Buddy is the only lesson horse here that I have never ridden.
I will miss Buddy, but I know that as he ages he will be better off in a home that isn't interested in jumping and that will work him regularly as his body allows. He is far too young to retire, but he deserves to slow down a bit.
His new owners seem to be the perfect match; knowledgeable, kind, and patient. Buddy seemed to appreciate all their attention last night, and I hope he does well in his new home.
He will be leaving on Monday afternoon if the weather cooperates.
Karen
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Life
I admit that in many ways I have lived a fairly sheltered life. I have not lost a loved one (human), nor have I had to spend much time as a visitor in the hospital. In part this may be because I don't get close to many people, but I think also it is in part that we didn't have any relatives close by growing up, so I was never that close to my grandparents or uncles who passed away when I was a child. I didn't attend the funerals, and I never saw my parents grieve openly for their losses. Losses that I had no way of understanding at the time.
But then maybe nothing can prepare someone for seeing their parents age, and their health give out. My dad has been sick for a while. Being kept functional with regular blood transfusions, but still able to be at home until this week. It seemed to happen so fast; one week he and my mom were traveling the world attending conferences and meetings, and then he started to get tired. Seemingly out of the blue he went from a very active man who made being in their 70's seem young....to being old. Not his mind though. As tired as his body seems, his mind is still my dad. Maybe you never feel old in your mind though. I know as I kid I thought 36 would feel old...but it doesn't. Maybe it is just the body that fails and the mind that struggles to comprehend.
Dad was admitted to the hospital this week. Today I felt my cough was under control enough to be allowed to visit, but by this time he was moved to the ICU, and wearing a mask that made talking almost impossible, and unable to wear his glasses to see. I still wanted to go, but to be honest, I wasn't sure what I would do, or how it would be when I got there. I thought the time would drag carrying on a one-sided conversation. I was wrong. Time flew, and leaving there was the hardest thing I have ever done.
My dad wants to reminisce, and so do I, but I couldn't without crying, and I didn't want him to feel guilty that I was crying, so the conversation barely ventured beyond the mundane.
I want to tell him all the gifts he gave me that will be with me forever. Not the items, but the parts of me that I attribute to him and mom. The quest to learn and to question would be the biggest one. Dinner at our house was spent in the kitchen with no TV and we would talk about random events and curiosities. (So if you ever wonder why we get into strange conversations at the barn...it is my dad you have to thank!) Even as the youngest I never felt silly for voicing my opinion.
My mom and dad made sure we got to travel and I remember the trip to Mexico the most; we drove there in an unairconditioned station wagon in the heat of summer. We didn't stick to the tourist roads, and the sight of people living in make shift tin shacks and the dead dog on the side of the road left a lasting impression. Going to East Berlin and talking with one of their scientists about how he was stuck on that side of the wall, while his family was on the western side...seeing the still bomb damaged building he worked and understanding that his fear of being overheard saying the wrong thing was very real. These were trips that opened my eyes and helped me see and try to understand from another view point.
I want to tell my dad how proud I am of him taking up Karate as an adult, and then going on to teach it. For looking after his foreign university students during holidays. For setting a good example always. For being patient and reliable. For having a profession he enjoyed and sharing that with his kids. With dad, work didn't have to be work. Yes, it required effort, but that effort had its rewards.
These are things that I want to say before it is too late. Eulogies are wasted at the funeral.
My poor mom too; I can see she is tired. All the medical mumbo jumbo. All the tests and test results she is trying to understand. Being home alone while he is at the hospital and trying to distract herself from the inevitable so she can function. They have been together for about 47 years. 47 years. She is a very independent woman with a life of her own, but I still cannot imagine what she is going through.
It is hard too, to not turn it inward, and to imagine myself in his place. Who will be at my bedside while I gasp for breath and want my pillow fluffed? Will I have the same strength he has been showing in the last few months?
Dad is breathing well enough to be off the face mask now, I hopefully when I go back he will be able to talk and see. Maybe then I will have found the strength to say what I want to make sure I say. To both him and my mom.
Karen
But then maybe nothing can prepare someone for seeing their parents age, and their health give out. My dad has been sick for a while. Being kept functional with regular blood transfusions, but still able to be at home until this week. It seemed to happen so fast; one week he and my mom were traveling the world attending conferences and meetings, and then he started to get tired. Seemingly out of the blue he went from a very active man who made being in their 70's seem young....to being old. Not his mind though. As tired as his body seems, his mind is still my dad. Maybe you never feel old in your mind though. I know as I kid I thought 36 would feel old...but it doesn't. Maybe it is just the body that fails and the mind that struggles to comprehend.
Dad was admitted to the hospital this week. Today I felt my cough was under control enough to be allowed to visit, but by this time he was moved to the ICU, and wearing a mask that made talking almost impossible, and unable to wear his glasses to see. I still wanted to go, but to be honest, I wasn't sure what I would do, or how it would be when I got there. I thought the time would drag carrying on a one-sided conversation. I was wrong. Time flew, and leaving there was the hardest thing I have ever done.
My dad wants to reminisce, and so do I, but I couldn't without crying, and I didn't want him to feel guilty that I was crying, so the conversation barely ventured beyond the mundane.
I want to tell him all the gifts he gave me that will be with me forever. Not the items, but the parts of me that I attribute to him and mom. The quest to learn and to question would be the biggest one. Dinner at our house was spent in the kitchen with no TV and we would talk about random events and curiosities. (So if you ever wonder why we get into strange conversations at the barn...it is my dad you have to thank!) Even as the youngest I never felt silly for voicing my opinion.
My mom and dad made sure we got to travel and I remember the trip to Mexico the most; we drove there in an unairconditioned station wagon in the heat of summer. We didn't stick to the tourist roads, and the sight of people living in make shift tin shacks and the dead dog on the side of the road left a lasting impression. Going to East Berlin and talking with one of their scientists about how he was stuck on that side of the wall, while his family was on the western side...seeing the still bomb damaged building he worked and understanding that his fear of being overheard saying the wrong thing was very real. These were trips that opened my eyes and helped me see and try to understand from another view point.
I want to tell my dad how proud I am of him taking up Karate as an adult, and then going on to teach it. For looking after his foreign university students during holidays. For setting a good example always. For being patient and reliable. For having a profession he enjoyed and sharing that with his kids. With dad, work didn't have to be work. Yes, it required effort, but that effort had its rewards.
These are things that I want to say before it is too late. Eulogies are wasted at the funeral.
My poor mom too; I can see she is tired. All the medical mumbo jumbo. All the tests and test results she is trying to understand. Being home alone while he is at the hospital and trying to distract herself from the inevitable so she can function. They have been together for about 47 years. 47 years. She is a very independent woman with a life of her own, but I still cannot imagine what she is going through.
It is hard too, to not turn it inward, and to imagine myself in his place. Who will be at my bedside while I gasp for breath and want my pillow fluffed? Will I have the same strength he has been showing in the last few months?
Dad is breathing well enough to be off the face mask now, I hopefully when I go back he will be able to talk and see. Maybe then I will have found the strength to say what I want to make sure I say. To both him and my mom.
Karen
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Entitlement Rant
I belong to a few different horse forums, and one thing I see over and over again, is a sense of entitlement with respect to horses. People feel it is their right to have a horse, to ride that horse, and that the world should provide that for them.
One recent example, was someone complaining that their board was about to go up $70 per month if they didn't take part in the barn lesson program. They didn't want to move though, as the barn was well run, and even with the increase was more affordable than the other barns in the area. People responded to this complaint with comments such as "it is just a cash grab, you should move" and "I would be so pissed off...you should move". Huh? The barn is increasing rates and still cheaper than the other similar facilities? Why shouldn't they price their services competitively? Oh...because it means you have to skip your morning Latte, I see....
Another example is people wanting a well trained horse for free or cheap (but not too old or unsound!), because they love horsies and deserve one for going through the effort of typing the want ad, or replying to an ad. Who cares that someone has put time and effort into training and caring for that horse, and who likely paid good money for the horse...this person deserves the horsey, so you must sell your horse at a price they can afford...and deliver it to!
You wouldn't believe the number of requests I get for a free horse to ride, yet when I suggest they work off a part lease by helping with chores/grooming, I never hear back. Because I should pay to feed and care for a horse so they can ride when convenient rather than let my students have an extra horse to ride?
Or they think 1 hour of their time working in the barn should equal 1 hour of lesson time...um, I don't think so!
And then there are people that try to talk me down in board rates because they can't afford my rates. Again, they are unwilling to work to make up the difference, but they don't want to board somewhere cheaper as they like the heated barn/arena, so I should just give them cheap board because they deserve it.
The other side of the entitlement coin is the people that think because they have a horse, they should be able to ride it. Or if you have a horse, you should let them ride it. It doesn't matter if the horse is unfit, old, or that the rider is extremely overweight, they own the horse, so they should be able to ride it. And god forbid I turn down a student because I don't feel I have a horse able to adequately support their weight without undue risk of injury. If you want to ride and you are overweight, at least go to a gym and work on your fitness before climbing on a horse. The horse does not owe you a ride, and not all horses are suited to carrying extreme weight. Some people get this and limit their activities on the horse until they loose weight, and they join a gym to help them along...but then others just call themselves "fluffy" and say that riding is their exercise...and claim prejudice if they are not allowed to ride or are judged for it.
Horses are expensive, living beings. People who own them have to work to pay for them, (or be lucky enough to be born/marry rich!), work to maintain them, and owe the horse the best chance of long term health/soundness. Boarding stables do not owe it to you to be within your budget; they are a business like any other. Horses do not owe you a ride; they owe you nothing. It was your choice to buy them and to agree to care for them...they had no say in the bargain.
It is sad that not every horse crazy kid can have a horse, but many programs exist to at least allow kids the opportunity to ride without owning a horse, and opportunities are always there for those willing to actually work to achieve their dream....so take responsibility for achieving your dream and stop blaming your parents, the horse seller, the boarding stable, or prejudice against your weight. You are the only one who owes you anything!
Karen
One recent example, was someone complaining that their board was about to go up $70 per month if they didn't take part in the barn lesson program. They didn't want to move though, as the barn was well run, and even with the increase was more affordable than the other barns in the area. People responded to this complaint with comments such as "it is just a cash grab, you should move" and "I would be so pissed off...you should move". Huh? The barn is increasing rates and still cheaper than the other similar facilities? Why shouldn't they price their services competitively? Oh...because it means you have to skip your morning Latte, I see....
Another example is people wanting a well trained horse for free or cheap (but not too old or unsound!), because they love horsies and deserve one for going through the effort of typing the want ad, or replying to an ad. Who cares that someone has put time and effort into training and caring for that horse, and who likely paid good money for the horse...this person deserves the horsey, so you must sell your horse at a price they can afford...and deliver it to!
You wouldn't believe the number of requests I get for a free horse to ride, yet when I suggest they work off a part lease by helping with chores/grooming, I never hear back. Because I should pay to feed and care for a horse so they can ride when convenient rather than let my students have an extra horse to ride?
Or they think 1 hour of their time working in the barn should equal 1 hour of lesson time...um, I don't think so!
And then there are people that try to talk me down in board rates because they can't afford my rates. Again, they are unwilling to work to make up the difference, but they don't want to board somewhere cheaper as they like the heated barn/arena, so I should just give them cheap board because they deserve it.
The other side of the entitlement coin is the people that think because they have a horse, they should be able to ride it. Or if you have a horse, you should let them ride it. It doesn't matter if the horse is unfit, old, or that the rider is extremely overweight, they own the horse, so they should be able to ride it. And god forbid I turn down a student because I don't feel I have a horse able to adequately support their weight without undue risk of injury. If you want to ride and you are overweight, at least go to a gym and work on your fitness before climbing on a horse. The horse does not owe you a ride, and not all horses are suited to carrying extreme weight. Some people get this and limit their activities on the horse until they loose weight, and they join a gym to help them along...but then others just call themselves "fluffy" and say that riding is their exercise...and claim prejudice if they are not allowed to ride or are judged for it.
Horses are expensive, living beings. People who own them have to work to pay for them, (or be lucky enough to be born/marry rich!), work to maintain them, and owe the horse the best chance of long term health/soundness. Boarding stables do not owe it to you to be within your budget; they are a business like any other. Horses do not owe you a ride; they owe you nothing. It was your choice to buy them and to agree to care for them...they had no say in the bargain.
It is sad that not every horse crazy kid can have a horse, but many programs exist to at least allow kids the opportunity to ride without owning a horse, and opportunities are always there for those willing to actually work to achieve their dream....so take responsibility for achieving your dream and stop blaming your parents, the horse seller, the boarding stable, or prejudice against your weight. You are the only one who owes you anything!
Karen
Monday, January 11, 2010
It just had to wait until AFTER Rob went back up North...
Anyone who came out to the barn this afternoon would have seen the excitement that comes every winter on the first warm day...the snow sliding off the roof. It started slowly with the occasional "thump"....which was enough to make Carma almost sit down in the barn when it thumped right outside the door. Coregel and Piper were less concerned by the sound and more concerned with their proximity to a cookie. Later, as Laura was riding Zander and I was riding Bliss, the thumps progressed to loud thundering swooshes as snow cascaded past the windows. Zander was not impressed. Bliss did not seem so concerned with the snow as with the crazy saddlebred who kept careening her way.
Most of the other horses that were ridden tonight were good about the snow falling, with just a few startled looks, but no serious issues.
When the snow started falling off over the barn in huge sheets, the horses in there would call to each other like a roll call to make sure each horse has survived the moment.
I can only imagine how loud the sound of snow falling would be if our arena/barn wasn't so well insulated!
Of course all that falling snow isn't just falling nicely out of the way...so this is what I had the joy to discover when I openned the North door:
Larry was not impressed with the wall of snow as it prevented his escape to the great outdoors! He pecked at Milo as he managed to crawl out.
I was not impressed with all the shovelling required to get the door to open easily and to clear a path to drive the Mule into the barn...if any parents/spectators get bored tomorrow, I am sure there will still be snow to shovel!
Karen
Most of the other horses that were ridden tonight were good about the snow falling, with just a few startled looks, but no serious issues.
When the snow started falling off over the barn in huge sheets, the horses in there would call to each other like a roll call to make sure each horse has survived the moment.
I can only imagine how loud the sound of snow falling would be if our arena/barn wasn't so well insulated!
Of course all that falling snow isn't just falling nicely out of the way...so this is what I had the joy to discover when I openned the North door:
Larry was not impressed with the wall of snow as it prevented his escape to the great outdoors! He pecked at Milo as he managed to crawl out.
I was not impressed with all the shovelling required to get the door to open easily and to clear a path to drive the Mule into the barn...if any parents/spectators get bored tomorrow, I am sure there will still be snow to shovel!
Karen
If you ask a parent if they would pay $1000.00 to keep their kid from likely harm, most would say yes. If you ask a parent if they would pay $5000.00 to keep their kids from permanent scarring, they would likely say yes. So why is it I see so many want ads posted by kids for horses under a $1000.00? Or for horses they can train themselves? I loved the want ad for the pony for a 9 year old to train themselves. Because that seems like a good idea....
Of course the kids wants the horse to be old enough to ride, but not too old (apparently 9 is old for a horse when you are a kid). Big enough to feel cool on, and able to jump/barrel race or whatever. What sort of horse do the parents think their child is going to get for this price? You may get someone responding to the ad who just wants to make some kids dream come true...but far more likely is you are going to find someone who is going to read SUCKER all over the ad, who is going to lie about their horse's age and/or soundness and perhaps even drug the horse to make it seem safe to unload their mistake on this hopeful child.
The parents likely don't know enough to know better, and the child sees beauty and potential in every horse...until that horse plows them into the ground time and time again shattering the illusion.
And of course the parents will chalk it up to a learning experience and move on, never thinking to go back to the seller and expose them as the lying cheat they are...because horse people seem to be the "bend over and take it" kind for whatever reason...loath to pursue the liars and the cheats...which in turn just encourages them to put the next hopeful child in danger.
And the horse they bought? It is unlikely it will meet a fair and just end.
Sometimes I feel people should have to have a license to buy a horse. Something that forces them to be aware of the scammers out there, the risks, and what to look for. Advice as to what they should expect to pay and what level of training the horse should have for their child's experience.
Karen
Of course the kids wants the horse to be old enough to ride, but not too old (apparently 9 is old for a horse when you are a kid). Big enough to feel cool on, and able to jump/barrel race or whatever. What sort of horse do the parents think their child is going to get for this price? You may get someone responding to the ad who just wants to make some kids dream come true...but far more likely is you are going to find someone who is going to read SUCKER all over the ad, who is going to lie about their horse's age and/or soundness and perhaps even drug the horse to make it seem safe to unload their mistake on this hopeful child.
The parents likely don't know enough to know better, and the child sees beauty and potential in every horse...until that horse plows them into the ground time and time again shattering the illusion.
And of course the parents will chalk it up to a learning experience and move on, never thinking to go back to the seller and expose them as the lying cheat they are...because horse people seem to be the "bend over and take it" kind for whatever reason...loath to pursue the liars and the cheats...which in turn just encourages them to put the next hopeful child in danger.
And the horse they bought? It is unlikely it will meet a fair and just end.
Sometimes I feel people should have to have a license to buy a horse. Something that forces them to be aware of the scammers out there, the risks, and what to look for. Advice as to what they should expect to pay and what level of training the horse should have for their child's experience.
Karen
Friday, January 8, 2010
I realize I have let my jumping skills slide in the last couple years, so poor Blissy is getting to be my jumping lesson horse to get me back up to skill! This oxer looked big to me...but apparently it looked even bigger to Bliss's hind end as she flipped it way up to clear it by extra!
Bliss has a tonne of heart when it comes to jumping and is never looking for a way out. Now I just need to work on adding some finess to the ride and doing actual courses and then she should be ready to take someone to the winner's circle in hunter/jumper or even equitation classes.
Karen
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
I am still keeping an eye on the horse ads for a new lesson horse, and wow are there ever some cute mini ponies for sale right now! If we were a mini pony barn, we could fit 4 times the horses in the barn, the trailer could become a double decker and fit like 12 ponies, and the hay in the hay shed right now would last all year!
Not too long ago there was a very cute appy coloured pony on Kijiji advertised as being bomb proof and simple to ride/jump...and then you click on the photo to enlarge to see that on either side of the jump the pony is jumping there is a person standing with arms outstretched to create a jumping chute so the pony can't run out. Hmmm....
I think I am going to hang on to Piper after all, and not sell her. I am still considering trying to find Diesel and Rocky new homes, although I haven't done much to advertise them. Laureen has also decided that it is time to find Buddy a new home that will give him more attention too. I have appreciated using him in lessons, but as he shouldn't jump much anymore, and I don't have many non-jumping students, so he isn't getting used enough to keep him in shape...and as a few of commented, he is fat!
Buddy needs a home that will keep shoes on him year round, and that will trail ride with him, and/or do basic dressage, so if anyone knows anyone that would offer this trustworthy gelding a great home, please let me know!
Karen
Not too long ago there was a very cute appy coloured pony on Kijiji advertised as being bomb proof and simple to ride/jump...and then you click on the photo to enlarge to see that on either side of the jump the pony is jumping there is a person standing with arms outstretched to create a jumping chute so the pony can't run out. Hmmm....
I think I am going to hang on to Piper after all, and not sell her. I am still considering trying to find Diesel and Rocky new homes, although I haven't done much to advertise them. Laureen has also decided that it is time to find Buddy a new home that will give him more attention too. I have appreciated using him in lessons, but as he shouldn't jump much anymore, and I don't have many non-jumping students, so he isn't getting used enough to keep him in shape...and as a few of commented, he is fat!
Buddy needs a home that will keep shoes on him year round, and that will trail ride with him, and/or do basic dressage, so if anyone knows anyone that would offer this trustworthy gelding a great home, please let me know!
Karen
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Why I don't ride two year olds....
I often get people trying to convince me to take their two year old into training and who try to argue with me about my policy about not riding them at that age. (Equally though I get people praising me for this policy.) I know that race horses are started that young, as are futurity horses, but that is not my market and I prefer to train for the long term, and follow the principles of classical training which have found that horses train better, and last longer if allowed to mature and develop unencumbered by a rider until 3 or 4 years of age.
My own horses are lightly started at 3 and a half, and then brought into regular work at age 4, but if a customer wants their horse started at 3 I am ok with that, but I do not find that those horses end up any more ahead than the ones started that little bit later by the time they are 4 or 5.
Recently I had someone email me wanting to come to Hillside for lessons to prepare her "mare" for dressage showing this year. Her goal was training level and perhaps some first level in 2010. The age of her horse? Not even 3 years old yet! When I replied that I didn't feel comfortable asking that much of a young horse she came back with "I understand if you don't feel qualified". Yes...that is what I said...
But I digress.
The common justifications are typically: "My vet ok'd its joints" or "race horses are started younger" or "he's big, he can handle my weight".
First off, vets don't take a "when to start young dressage/jumping horses 101 class". In fact, almost all the research North American vets study, and almost all the cases they follow are based on the racing industry! An industry where people are thrilled to have the horse last until 7 years of age!
Some owners just ask the vet if the knees are closed and use that as the test to see if the horse is physically ready to be ridden...but the horse matures from the bottom up, so the knees may be mature, but the upper joints and spine are not....and you sit on the spine/shoulders, so perhaps it makes sense to wait until they are closer to done growing to put weight on them. And if you think about it, the bigger the horse, the more the joints will be "open" so the more risk to them, so the more the taller horses should be held off training until older.
You can read more about how horses mature in this wonderful article:
Dr. Deb Bennett's Article
The excuse that race horses are started younger is another annoying argument. Race trainers need to start their horses young as the money is when the horse is 3 years old...by 4 they are past their prime, and not that many horses race past 5; usually they have either earned a spot in the breeding shed, or have gone on to other careers such as riding horses or dog food.
There was a study funded by the racing industry a little while ago to try to justify the early starts. They looked at a number of horses and looked at when they broke down vs when they started racing...and found that a high percentage of the horses that were racing past age 7 were racing at age 2. Some people took this to mean that racing at 2 was GOOD for them. The problem with this study was that they didn't take 100 random horses and start some of them for the track at 2, and some at 3, they just studied them after the fact, and didn't take into account when their training started, just when it was they first raced. Gee, isn't it possible that the reason most of those horses that didn't race at 2 where still trained to race at 2, but broke down mentally or physically and that is why they didn't race that year?
People can always find facts to justify their position, but I think it is important to question those facts if the position offers them financial gain.
So...why don't I ride 2 year olds, or ask 3 year olds to do 1rst level dressage? Because at that age they are physically not developed enough to support the weight of a rider without tensing their back (gee, maybe this is why I don't have horses buck when I first ride them...). At that age their joints are more prone to injuries and damage to the cartilage. Damage that people often turn a blind eye to as it tends to not affect the horse until its early teens, but it isn't it better to wait a year and have a sound horse an additional decade?
Maybe if people stopped training their riding horses so young, people wouldn't look at a teenage horse as old and we could save money on joint injections.
Karen
My own horses are lightly started at 3 and a half, and then brought into regular work at age 4, but if a customer wants their horse started at 3 I am ok with that, but I do not find that those horses end up any more ahead than the ones started that little bit later by the time they are 4 or 5.
Recently I had someone email me wanting to come to Hillside for lessons to prepare her "mare" for dressage showing this year. Her goal was training level and perhaps some first level in 2010. The age of her horse? Not even 3 years old yet! When I replied that I didn't feel comfortable asking that much of a young horse she came back with "I understand if you don't feel qualified". Yes...that is what I said...
But I digress.
The common justifications are typically: "My vet ok'd its joints" or "race horses are started younger" or "he's big, he can handle my weight".
First off, vets don't take a "when to start young dressage/jumping horses 101 class". In fact, almost all the research North American vets study, and almost all the cases they follow are based on the racing industry! An industry where people are thrilled to have the horse last until 7 years of age!
Some owners just ask the vet if the knees are closed and use that as the test to see if the horse is physically ready to be ridden...but the horse matures from the bottom up, so the knees may be mature, but the upper joints and spine are not....and you sit on the spine/shoulders, so perhaps it makes sense to wait until they are closer to done growing to put weight on them. And if you think about it, the bigger the horse, the more the joints will be "open" so the more risk to them, so the more the taller horses should be held off training until older.
You can read more about how horses mature in this wonderful article:
Dr. Deb Bennett's Article
The excuse that race horses are started younger is another annoying argument. Race trainers need to start their horses young as the money is when the horse is 3 years old...by 4 they are past their prime, and not that many horses race past 5; usually they have either earned a spot in the breeding shed, or have gone on to other careers such as riding horses or dog food.
There was a study funded by the racing industry a little while ago to try to justify the early starts. They looked at a number of horses and looked at when they broke down vs when they started racing...and found that a high percentage of the horses that were racing past age 7 were racing at age 2. Some people took this to mean that racing at 2 was GOOD for them. The problem with this study was that they didn't take 100 random horses and start some of them for the track at 2, and some at 3, they just studied them after the fact, and didn't take into account when their training started, just when it was they first raced. Gee, isn't it possible that the reason most of those horses that didn't race at 2 where still trained to race at 2, but broke down mentally or physically and that is why they didn't race that year?
People can always find facts to justify their position, but I think it is important to question those facts if the position offers them financial gain.
So...why don't I ride 2 year olds, or ask 3 year olds to do 1rst level dressage? Because at that age they are physically not developed enough to support the weight of a rider without tensing their back (gee, maybe this is why I don't have horses buck when I first ride them...). At that age their joints are more prone to injuries and damage to the cartilage. Damage that people often turn a blind eye to as it tends to not affect the horse until its early teens, but it isn't it better to wait a year and have a sound horse an additional decade?
Maybe if people stopped training their riding horses so young, people wouldn't look at a teenage horse as old and we could save money on joint injections.
Karen
Monday, January 4, 2010
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Amanda rode her new horse today; he is VERY sweet...in the arena. In the barn...perhaps not so much. NO FEEDING EDGAR in the barn at all. Not even a scrap of hay. He is fine in the barn when he is not thinking of food or attention from Amanda....he is a very smart fellow and already definitely knows she is his person and demands her complete attention and adoration!
I need to get a picture of her on him...after seeing her on Ri it is hard to recognize her on the big boy, but they do look good together and I can't wait to take them to shows. (in part because I want to see that mane tamed!)
We tried Rosa western today, and she seems to know a thing or two about it. I wish I had better western bits and an arab style western saddle, but we seemed to go ok.
http://s226.photobucket.com/albums/dd89/HillsideStable/Rosa/?action=view¤t=Rosa_western.flv
Karen
I need to get a picture of her on him...after seeing her on Ri it is hard to recognize her on the big boy, but they do look good together and I can't wait to take them to shows. (in part because I want to see that mane tamed!)
We tried Rosa western today, and she seems to know a thing or two about it. I wish I had better western bits and an arab style western saddle, but we seemed to go ok.
http://s226.photobucket.com/albums/dd89/HillsideStable/Rosa/?action=view¤t=Rosa_western.flv
Karen
Friday, January 1, 2010
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year everyone! Have you planned your goals for 2010?
Dexter and I are aiming for second level, and I am going to work to find more confidence at shows and over fences.
Some changes to start the year:
Jerry left for his new home today:
Jerry and his new "jockey!" and Amanda's new horse "Edgar" arrived!
Edgar is a monster who eats small children and arms, so do not hand feed him or leave children unattended in the barn or near his paddock. Joan, there is a $5.00 fee if you want to brush is mane or tail.
Chance will also be coming today and will be here for the next few months.
Stay warm!
Karen
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