Roxy went "home" to Abbotsfort BC today. Well, should make Kelowna by tonight, then the rest of the journey tomorrow.
As I look outside at the blizzard I have to ask myself...why on earth didn't I go with her!
(and of course her owners were kind enough to send me a photo out their door...all green and flowery...)
I will miss Roxy. She was pretty easy to take care of! Glad she is reunited with her owners though, and I hope they have fun with her.
Karen
Monday, April 29, 2013
Sunday, April 28, 2013
this week in lessons...
This week in lessons we will be continuing to work on rider fitness by doing work/transitions while in the two point, and some work without stirrups as well. It will be fun. Riders without belts or with bad grammar may find themselves doing the two point and no stirrup work concurrently.
Walk to canter transitions, and canter transitions on the 1/4 line (so you can't use the wall to help balance your horse) will also be part of our warm up.
For jumping, we are going to be working on getting perpendicular to the jumps regardless of the location and approach needed to the jump. I have a few ideas to help with this, and it will help lead to next week when we will be working on a simple jumper type course.
The reason I want to work on getting perpendicular to the jumps, is that it is very important for the horse to be able to see the jump equally out of both eyes, and to approach with a straight body, so that the horse can time its take off properly.
This last week I watched rider after rider turning to the oxer on the diagonal right after they passed the jump on the side, rather than going down the track to find the correct approach. Interestingly this wasn't so much an issue with the diagonal jumps that were approached directly from the end of the ring. This makes me think that it is in part a mental block...the rider's feel the jump on the side is blocking their approach or line of sight, and so panic and want to turn ASAP. I think the key to resolving this issue is to work on rider's keeping a larger frame of view and using the ring despite the obstacles in the way.
This leads me to something else we need to work on: being able to adapt and continue doing an exercise despite riders or jumps being somewhat in the way. We did that a little last week with the 4 loop serpentines and trying to keep trotting and avoiding oncoming traffic by adjusting the loops. This is something we need to continue to work on, as well as to work on communicating intent so we can better share the arena with things get busy...and for when we go to shows and there might be more than 4 or 5 riders in the arena! So passing skills, and taking in what is going on in the entire arena while riding will be another skill I will try to work on over the next little while.
Karen
Walk to canter transitions, and canter transitions on the 1/4 line (so you can't use the wall to help balance your horse) will also be part of our warm up.
For jumping, we are going to be working on getting perpendicular to the jumps regardless of the location and approach needed to the jump. I have a few ideas to help with this, and it will help lead to next week when we will be working on a simple jumper type course.
The reason I want to work on getting perpendicular to the jumps, is that it is very important for the horse to be able to see the jump equally out of both eyes, and to approach with a straight body, so that the horse can time its take off properly.
This last week I watched rider after rider turning to the oxer on the diagonal right after they passed the jump on the side, rather than going down the track to find the correct approach. Interestingly this wasn't so much an issue with the diagonal jumps that were approached directly from the end of the ring. This makes me think that it is in part a mental block...the rider's feel the jump on the side is blocking their approach or line of sight, and so panic and want to turn ASAP. I think the key to resolving this issue is to work on rider's keeping a larger frame of view and using the ring despite the obstacles in the way.
This leads me to something else we need to work on: being able to adapt and continue doing an exercise despite riders or jumps being somewhat in the way. We did that a little last week with the 4 loop serpentines and trying to keep trotting and avoiding oncoming traffic by adjusting the loops. This is something we need to continue to work on, as well as to work on communicating intent so we can better share the arena with things get busy...and for when we go to shows and there might be more than 4 or 5 riders in the arena! So passing skills, and taking in what is going on in the entire arena while riding will be another skill I will try to work on over the next little while.
Karen
Sunday, April 21, 2013
This week in lessons
This week in jumping lessons will be similar to last week as it appears we need to practice learning and riding a course a little more! This week I will post the courses in the arena as well as in the barn for those of you who need more time to figure it out.
The course will again be of a hunter type, but slightly different, and we will again school it tiny to practice the pattern before making them actual jumps.
The key is to look for logical patterns in the course, so you can think through which is the next jump even if you go blank part way through! Good hints as to if you are going the right way is if the jump is set to be jumped that way (ground line on the approach side) and if the turn makes sense for a hunter course (such as not a hair pin turn!).
I also want to continue with the circle to start and finish so that the course has a nice start and finish to frame it.
For dressage lessons, we will continue to work on counter bend, with it moving on to the next progression of working on counter canter.
Karen
The course will again be of a hunter type, but slightly different, and we will again school it tiny to practice the pattern before making them actual jumps.
The key is to look for logical patterns in the course, so you can think through which is the next jump even if you go blank part way through! Good hints as to if you are going the right way is if the jump is set to be jumped that way (ground line on the approach side) and if the turn makes sense for a hunter course (such as not a hair pin turn!).
I also want to continue with the circle to start and finish so that the course has a nice start and finish to frame it.
For dressage lessons, we will continue to work on counter bend, with it moving on to the next progression of working on counter canter.
Karen
Monday, April 15, 2013
Lessons this week
In lessons this week we are going to do an actual course. It will be a hunter type course and we will do a working hunter pattern and a handy hunter pattern. Handy hunter is different as the course is meant to show the horse's obedience and to be more challenging so will contain a trot jump and an inside turn.
The course's will be posted at the in-gate so that you can learn them as you would at a show. We will then practice the pattern as poles/little jumps, before making it a "real" course.
The key to hunters is to keep an even rhythm, get straight to the jumps, use the corners to give yourself time to get your lead change, rebalance, and ensure you have the right canter. You want to give your horse the opportunity to show how well it jumps by getting a good, or slightly long distance and leaving it alone as much as possible at the base. For this reason hunter jumps tend to be encouraging to the horse, with generous (well set back) ground lines and fill to help the horse find a good arc.
For flat work we will be working on adjusting the stride: long trot to short trot, long canter to short canter. The key with bringing the gaits back is to remember the LEG. The leg has to push the hind quarters under to shorten the horse, while the hand contains the front. The longer gaits should come from allowing the horse to move out...not by kicking...as you want to have the horse ALWAYS thinking forward, so the desire to go forward should always be there.
For Dressage lessons, we will be working a bit on counter bend vs true bend, and on counter canter vs true canter. This requires the understanding that the horse should bend in (or out) from where the rider is sitting...so the part of the horse where the rider sits (barrel) should be the furthest point out on the arc, with the head/neck/shoulder, and the haunches bending in (or out) from that point. Too often riders want to pop the shoulder out to create the illusion of bend, resulting in an off kilter and unbalanced horse. This requires LEG. Inside leg at the girth to keep the barrel stable as the point the horse bends in from, outside leg to hold the haunch IN, and inside rein active to bring the nose in (Outside rein against neck to hold shoulder from popping out, but not crossing the withers!)
It will be fun, so see you all soon!
Karen
The course's will be posted at the in-gate so that you can learn them as you would at a show. We will then practice the pattern as poles/little jumps, before making it a "real" course.
The key to hunters is to keep an even rhythm, get straight to the jumps, use the corners to give yourself time to get your lead change, rebalance, and ensure you have the right canter. You want to give your horse the opportunity to show how well it jumps by getting a good, or slightly long distance and leaving it alone as much as possible at the base. For this reason hunter jumps tend to be encouraging to the horse, with generous (well set back) ground lines and fill to help the horse find a good arc.
For flat work we will be working on adjusting the stride: long trot to short trot, long canter to short canter. The key with bringing the gaits back is to remember the LEG. The leg has to push the hind quarters under to shorten the horse, while the hand contains the front. The longer gaits should come from allowing the horse to move out...not by kicking...as you want to have the horse ALWAYS thinking forward, so the desire to go forward should always be there.
For Dressage lessons, we will be working a bit on counter bend vs true bend, and on counter canter vs true canter. This requires the understanding that the horse should bend in (or out) from where the rider is sitting...so the part of the horse where the rider sits (barrel) should be the furthest point out on the arc, with the head/neck/shoulder, and the haunches bending in (or out) from that point. Too often riders want to pop the shoulder out to create the illusion of bend, resulting in an off kilter and unbalanced horse. This requires LEG. Inside leg at the girth to keep the barrel stable as the point the horse bends in from, outside leg to hold the haunch IN, and inside rein active to bring the nose in (Outside rein against neck to hold shoulder from popping out, but not crossing the withers!)
It will be fun, so see you all soon!
Karen
Stupid last few days.
I am seriously tempted to load up Izzy and Ginger and drive south until I find somewhere warm and dry and just ride off into the sun. I am so tired of wet and mud and SNOW!
Before you ask how the show went on the weekend...I didn't go. I did go on Friday to school her and that went MUCH better than last time, so progress is being made with my silly spooky mare. I really wanted to show Saturday as the schedule was ideal: I was the second rider of the day meaning I would be able to warm her up, then review the test, then show without much waiting. Alas we got as far as the highway when the trailer started to slip so we turned around and came right home. No show is worth driving on slippery roads. Izzy seemed confused to be right back where we started, and not that thrilled to be put back out in a blizzard!
I could have shown on Sunday, but the schedule was far from ideal: last arena time to warm up was well over an hour before I showed, and I just didn't see that being the ideal situation to get her better in the ring...plus I just felt unmotivated for some reason. I blame the never ending winter, but there was also a lot going on towards the end of the week:
On Friday I also took Dexter in to the vet to get his neck x-rayed. Turns out he does in fact have a broken neck: C2 looks like it was broken, and C2 and C3 both have some arthritis at the top. The break in C2 is long healed, but the new bone that developed from the break is putting pressure on his spinal cord, and causing progressive damage. Fortunately it is unlikely to be painful for him, and he likely has no idea his hind legs aren't fully listening to him. Also fortunately there should be some warning signs before he progresses to the point he is no longer safe. Unfortunately this puts an end to the hope I will one day be able to ride him again. I know it seemed unlikely given he has been off for so long, but the hope was still there, and I am mourning that loss of hope. Dexter was a great horse to ride, and I don't know if I will ever again have a horse as nice as he could have been (and was on good days!).
Thursday I went to the Dr. and he feels we are getting closer to a diagnoses (apparently there are 250 connective tissue disorders which is why it has been so hard to narrow it down), but now that I have Dexter's diagnoses I am not as sure I want to know. Maybe it is better to have false hope than to know? I am not sure. Of course it will likely be months before I get to see a specialist, so lots of time to think about it.
What else...
Oh, I wrote up new barn rules that will be posted in the barn. It is a shorter list now that I no longer deal so much with beginners/kids. I was tempted to add: "Belts must be worn on pants with belt loops" and "improper use of the phrase 'did good' will be punished by loss of stirrups", but I refrained.
Also the barn is closed Friday morning until 1:30ish. If you need to be there during that time, come talk to me and I will explain, and you can decide if you still want to come out.
Karen
Before you ask how the show went on the weekend...I didn't go. I did go on Friday to school her and that went MUCH better than last time, so progress is being made with my silly spooky mare. I really wanted to show Saturday as the schedule was ideal: I was the second rider of the day meaning I would be able to warm her up, then review the test, then show without much waiting. Alas we got as far as the highway when the trailer started to slip so we turned around and came right home. No show is worth driving on slippery roads. Izzy seemed confused to be right back where we started, and not that thrilled to be put back out in a blizzard!
I could have shown on Sunday, but the schedule was far from ideal: last arena time to warm up was well over an hour before I showed, and I just didn't see that being the ideal situation to get her better in the ring...plus I just felt unmotivated for some reason. I blame the never ending winter, but there was also a lot going on towards the end of the week:
On Friday I also took Dexter in to the vet to get his neck x-rayed. Turns out he does in fact have a broken neck: C2 looks like it was broken, and C2 and C3 both have some arthritis at the top. The break in C2 is long healed, but the new bone that developed from the break is putting pressure on his spinal cord, and causing progressive damage. Fortunately it is unlikely to be painful for him, and he likely has no idea his hind legs aren't fully listening to him. Also fortunately there should be some warning signs before he progresses to the point he is no longer safe. Unfortunately this puts an end to the hope I will one day be able to ride him again. I know it seemed unlikely given he has been off for so long, but the hope was still there, and I am mourning that loss of hope. Dexter was a great horse to ride, and I don't know if I will ever again have a horse as nice as he could have been (and was on good days!).
Thursday I went to the Dr. and he feels we are getting closer to a diagnoses (apparently there are 250 connective tissue disorders which is why it has been so hard to narrow it down), but now that I have Dexter's diagnoses I am not as sure I want to know. Maybe it is better to have false hope than to know? I am not sure. Of course it will likely be months before I get to see a specialist, so lots of time to think about it.
What else...
Oh, I wrote up new barn rules that will be posted in the barn. It is a shorter list now that I no longer deal so much with beginners/kids. I was tempted to add: "Belts must be worn on pants with belt loops" and "improper use of the phrase 'did good' will be punished by loss of stirrups", but I refrained.
Also the barn is closed Friday morning until 1:30ish. If you need to be there during that time, come talk to me and I will explain, and you can decide if you still want to come out.
Karen
Monday, April 1, 2013
Clinic Update
Clinic update in short:
- went well I think!
- I am exhausted
- Many of the horses are exhausted
- I do not work you guys nearly hard enough
Izzy jumped a course on Sunday, and I am going to try to jump her once and a while as she seemed to like it and I think it will improve her canter and her bravery.
The main thing I learnt was to keep her neck much straighter to keep her more balanced and focused. This required a much shorter rein and lots of leg! Interested how this concept is almost the opposite of how the Centered Riding Clinician wanted me to ride her, yet I got similar results with her wanting to use her back more.
For the jumping riders, he really wanted to see those horses "dressaged" in the corners and between jumps, and put jumps very close to both ends of the ring for some exercises, forcing riders to use the space. He also had riders go through the patterns with a very short canter to start with, to ensure control, before opening up to a jumping pace. Riding to jumps on a short canter means lots of work so they keep cantering, and means riders have to sit UP, and just follow the horse in the air, not give.
For riders who took the clinic, we will spend this week filtering through what you took away from the clinic. For riders who did not participate, we will work on some of the skills he worked on with the clinic.
- went well I think!
- I am exhausted
- Many of the horses are exhausted
- I do not work you guys nearly hard enough
Izzy jumped a course on Sunday, and I am going to try to jump her once and a while as she seemed to like it and I think it will improve her canter and her bravery.
The main thing I learnt was to keep her neck much straighter to keep her more balanced and focused. This required a much shorter rein and lots of leg! Interested how this concept is almost the opposite of how the Centered Riding Clinician wanted me to ride her, yet I got similar results with her wanting to use her back more.
For the jumping riders, he really wanted to see those horses "dressaged" in the corners and between jumps, and put jumps very close to both ends of the ring for some exercises, forcing riders to use the space. He also had riders go through the patterns with a very short canter to start with, to ensure control, before opening up to a jumping pace. Riding to jumps on a short canter means lots of work so they keep cantering, and means riders have to sit UP, and just follow the horse in the air, not give.
For riders who took the clinic, we will spend this week filtering through what you took away from the clinic. For riders who did not participate, we will work on some of the skills he worked on with the clinic.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Clinic Schedule Sunday
| Sunday | ||||
| 8:30 | Amelia | Stephanie | Jennifer | |
| 10:00 | Jasmine | Lindsay | Karen/Izzy | |
| 11:15 | Clare | Katelin | Brittany | Katlyn/Boones |
| 12:45 | Lunch | |||
| 1:15 | Tracey/Koolio | Karen/Coregel | ||
| 2:15 | Jessie | Joan/Fox | ||
| 3:30 | Michelle | Carolyn | Amber | |
| 5:00 | End |
Clinic Schedule update Friday& Saturday
Let me know if more changes would make your life easier!
Friday:
Saturday:
Friday:
| 8:30 | Michelle/Warrior | Karen/Izzy |
| 9:30 | Amelia/Riley | Stephanie/Wolfgang |
| 10:30 | Lindsay/Missy | |
| 11:15 | Joan/Fox | Carolyn/Beckham |
| 12:15 | Lunch | |
| 12:45 | Jessie/Rocket | Tracey/Koolio |
| 1:45 | Emma/Java | Karen/Coregel |
| 2:45 | Clare/Percy | Katlyn/Boones |
| 3:45 | Brittany/Leragon | Jennifer |
| Finished |
Saturday:
| 9:00 | Clare/Percy | Katelin/Justice | Brittany/Leragon | |
| 10:30 | Karen/Izzy | |||
| 11:30 | Tracey/Koolio | Jasmine? | ||
| 12:30 | Lunch | |||
| 1:00 | Carolyn/Beckham | Katlyn/Boones | Jennifer | |
| 2:30 | Emma/Java | Amelia/Riley | Stephanie/Wolfgang | Joan/Fox |
| 4:00 | Katelin/Perris | Michelle/Warrior | Amber/Kokanee | |
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Apparently coming up with a clinic schedule is challenging...
Not sure why it is so hard, but I seem to be struggling with a clinic schedule!
I do have Friday sorted out, but let me know if you have an issue with the time allotted.
I do have Friday sorted out, but let me know if you have an issue with the time allotted.
| 8:30 | Michelle/Warrior | Karen/Izzy |
| 9:30 | Amelia/Riley | Stephanie/Wolfgang |
| 10:30 | Lindsay/Missy | |
| 11:15 | Jessie/Rocket | Tracey/Koolio |
| 12:15 | Lunch | |
| 12:45 | Clare/Percy | Joan |
| 1:45 | Carolyn/Beckham | Emma/Java |
| 2:45 | Karen/Coregel | Katlyn/Boones |
| 3:45 | Brittany/Leragon | Jennifer |
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Yikes is it ever windy out! The wind is coming from the perfect direction to make the door fart and be very howly. Perfect opportunity to see if my "head down" conditioning with Izzy is working to make her more brave, and it seems to be helping...her hind end only gave out once :) Yesterday I jumped her for the first time: just a little cross pole on a circle at canter...she was great! Now I just need to find a jumping saddle for her super wide shoulders...
Clinic is approaching quickly: I hope to post at least Friday rides times by this weekend, so let me know if you have any additional time requests. There are still spots on the weekend, and possibly one or two on Friday if you know anyone else who may be interested!
Also, will likely be using the blanket stall for stabling for the clinic, so will be spending time next week to clean it out. If you want me to take any of your blankets in to Horse & Rider (Sherwood Park) for cleaning and/or repairs let me know as I will be taking a load in next week! Remaining "in use" blankets will be hung at the barn entrance, with "out of season" blankets put upstairs for the weekend.
Karen
Clinic is approaching quickly: I hope to post at least Friday rides times by this weekend, so let me know if you have any additional time requests. There are still spots on the weekend, and possibly one or two on Friday if you know anyone else who may be interested!
Also, will likely be using the blanket stall for stabling for the clinic, so will be spending time next week to clean it out. If you want me to take any of your blankets in to Horse & Rider (Sherwood Park) for cleaning and/or repairs let me know as I will be taking a load in next week! Remaining "in use" blankets will be hung at the barn entrance, with "out of season" blankets put upstairs for the weekend.
Karen
Monday, March 18, 2013
This week in lessons
This week in lessons we will be working on hands/arm position.
To help with arm strength and dexterity, you will all have to start by shoveling snow for at least 5 minutes...or raking the edge of the arena. Let's call it the Hillside Fitness program!
Kidding.
Sort of.
Rob actually did a good job of clearing snow from the driveway and parking lot.
But I am serious about working on arm and hand position, both on the flat and over fences.
I will have an "off horse" exercise for those who tend to straighten their arms, to show how doing this blocks the energy and ability to give to the horse, and creates resistance in the horse.
We are then going to work on the horse to create awareness and muscle memory for the range of movement we should allow our hands/arms to have (maintaining straight line elbow/wrist/bit). We are also going to work on developing consistent contact in the gaits that you have an independent seat (meaning your hands can act independently of your body so you aren't going to be unfairly poking your horse in the mouth by having contact).
Once you are able to have a consistent contact, your horse will take more comfort in the bit, as the bit will be steadier, and the horse will have a more consistent line of communication. The losey goosey reins are more jabby/bumpy to the horse, and sensitive horses will react to that type of contact by getting nervous.
To help get this consistent contact for jumping, we will be doing jumps on an arc, as well as a skinny jump. For both jumping and flat there will be a bit of a stearing exercise to help instill the need for contact and proper hand/arm usage.
Karen
To help with arm strength and dexterity, you will all have to start by shoveling snow for at least 5 minutes...or raking the edge of the arena. Let's call it the Hillside Fitness program!
Kidding.
Sort of.
Rob actually did a good job of clearing snow from the driveway and parking lot.
But I am serious about working on arm and hand position, both on the flat and over fences.
I will have an "off horse" exercise for those who tend to straighten their arms, to show how doing this blocks the energy and ability to give to the horse, and creates resistance in the horse.
We are then going to work on the horse to create awareness and muscle memory for the range of movement we should allow our hands/arms to have (maintaining straight line elbow/wrist/bit). We are also going to work on developing consistent contact in the gaits that you have an independent seat (meaning your hands can act independently of your body so you aren't going to be unfairly poking your horse in the mouth by having contact).
Once you are able to have a consistent contact, your horse will take more comfort in the bit, as the bit will be steadier, and the horse will have a more consistent line of communication. The losey goosey reins are more jabby/bumpy to the horse, and sensitive horses will react to that type of contact by getting nervous.
To help get this consistent contact for jumping, we will be doing jumps on an arc, as well as a skinny jump. For both jumping and flat there will be a bit of a stearing exercise to help instill the need for contact and proper hand/arm usage.
Karen
Monday, March 11, 2013
Horse show on the weekend...
It was an exciting start to the show season at Amberlea!
Missy played rodeo horse on Saturday, but then was quite good on Sunday for her classes, and Lindsay came home with their first ribbon (3rd)! Missy was talkative in the barn, but pretty good one in the ring.
Magnus was not pleased to be at a show, and tried his very best to let Clare know, but was tired/settled enough for their classes that they both survived, although perhaps a little slow to get good scores.
Izzy saw danger everywhere and it is clear I have a lot of work to do before our next show! Our only good scores where for our leg yields...for everything else she was way too tight and jumpy. In our last class she felt like she was starting to relax...but then someone coughed and she almost fell over.
On a definate plus side though, all three horses loaded reasonibly well, the weather was decent, and lots was learned!
Missy played rodeo horse on Saturday, but then was quite good on Sunday for her classes, and Lindsay came home with their first ribbon (3rd)! Missy was talkative in the barn, but pretty good one in the ring.
Magnus was not pleased to be at a show, and tried his very best to let Clare know, but was tired/settled enough for their classes that they both survived, although perhaps a little slow to get good scores.
Izzy saw danger everywhere and it is clear I have a lot of work to do before our next show! Our only good scores where for our leg yields...for everything else she was way too tight and jumpy. In our last class she felt like she was starting to relax...but then someone coughed and she almost fell over.
On a definate plus side though, all three horses loaded reasonibly well, the weather was decent, and lots was learned!
Lessons this week
In lessons this week we will be working on the flying lead changes again...as long as the horses aren't too peppy to handle it!
We will start by reviewing the basic aids we used two weeks ago (refer to blog from two weeks ago if you need to!), and then we will be using that same premise to ask for the lead changes after a jump.
On the flat, we will be asking for our canter depart on the quarter line rather than along the wall or in a corner, to ensure that we are properly setting our horses up for the correct lead. To set your horse up correctly, you want to make sure you have them slightly bent/positioned around an active inside leg at the girth, you want them lighter off the inside rein (give and take with fingers NOT arms to create this lightness in conjunction with active leg), while reaching into a following outside rein. Then outside leg comes back as the horse is about to step down with its outside hind leg so that it strikes off on the correct lead.
It can help to time the aids if you post on the correct diagonal if trotting. If sitting (trot or walk), you want to ask for the canter as you feel your outside hip dropping.
Karen
We will start by reviewing the basic aids we used two weeks ago (refer to blog from two weeks ago if you need to!), and then we will be using that same premise to ask for the lead changes after a jump.
On the flat, we will be asking for our canter depart on the quarter line rather than along the wall or in a corner, to ensure that we are properly setting our horses up for the correct lead. To set your horse up correctly, you want to make sure you have them slightly bent/positioned around an active inside leg at the girth, you want them lighter off the inside rein (give and take with fingers NOT arms to create this lightness in conjunction with active leg), while reaching into a following outside rein. Then outside leg comes back as the horse is about to step down with its outside hind leg so that it strikes off on the correct lead.
It can help to time the aids if you post on the correct diagonal if trotting. If sitting (trot or walk), you want to ask for the canter as you feel your outside hip dropping.
Karen
Friday, March 8, 2013
Funny and interesting...and a little scary!
The 2012 Supreme Extreme Mustang Make Over, youth edition.
Apprently we need to dress more appropriately to train...
Apprently we need to dress more appropriately to train...
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
So it's for a writing class I am taking...
For my writing class I had to write an essay and then publish it online somewhere. Something about childhood, but since my head injury and medication I can only remember snippits from my childhood, and I am not sure how much of it is real memory vs thinking I remember...does that make sense? I do however remember the feeling of sitting staring at the presents under the Christmas tree and trying to guess what they contained.
So here it is:
So here it is:
Bright & Shiny
Children are often told that they can achieve anything they
put their mind to, and be anything they want to be. They are set up to believe
that life is a clean slate full of promise and reward, so they should set their
sights high and dream big! Parents don’t want to be the ones to explain to
their child that they are too tall to be a jockey, too sensitive to be a
surgeon, or too near sighted to be a helicopter pilot. Parents want their kids
to be protected from reality as long as possible...putting off the inevitable
collision with the real world.
Like many, I can remember sitting around the Christmas tree
as a child, imagining what dreams the gifts contained. Brightly wrapped parcels
with hidden name tags, containing anything the imagination could conjure. My
wish list stuck in my head as I tried to consider which items could fit in
which parcels. The lights from the tree would shine and blink and make
everything seems magical. Sitting beside that tree, looking down at the gifts
would fill me with hope and elation.
I wasn’t silly enough to actually think that the item that
topped my Christmas list could actually fit in one of those parcels, as ponies
can be hard to wrap, but there was the hope that one year a box might contain a
halter or brush that belonged to a pony waiting for me at the barn. If not a
real pony for Christmas, than perhaps one of the plastic Breyer ponies that eventually
lined my bedroom shelves and taunted my imagination. Christmas was set up as
magical time, and even now as an adult, thinking about the excitement of
looking under the Christmas tree brings back those feels of hope and
expectation.
By the time Christmas would come, I would have assigned
dreams to those boxes of mystery such that my expectations would be high! Of
course year after year, those boxes were found to contain sweaters, games and
books. All sensible gifts, that under normal circumstances would have been much
appreciated, but as Christmas was a time of magical wishes, those normal,
sensible gifts were little more than a let-down. They were a reminder of the
reality that a family with four kids that lives in the city, just isn’t that
likely to have a pony.
So eventually the pony slid down my wish list to become only
a line at the bottom. Left there perhaps as a selfish reminder to my parents of
the let down of not having been able to give me a pony. The top of the list was
filled my more sensible and practical gifts: things that my parents may
actually be able to procure.
Working within the parameters of reality didn’t lessen my
enjoyment of Christmas or the magic of wondering what was in the parcels,
rather it increased it, as the gifts could meet my expectations, and I was more
likely to be right about what was within the magically boxes. I imagine it also
made Christmas easier for my parents who no longer had to guess what I wanted
other than the pony!
Even though I learned the lesson of realistic expectations
as a child at Christmas, it didn’t stop me from taking courses in University
that would lead me to a job that I would not have wanted to do, nor did it stop
me from trying to play with the wealthy in the world of horses, spending money
that likely could have been better spent elsewhere. Despite lessons showing
otherwise, the concept of “anything is possible” is so ingrained at a young
age, that it is hard to shake and move beyond. Life has to keep correcting and
reminding us of reality, often with emotionally trying consequences.
I blame parents, teachers and TV specials for the encouragement of
this lie. I don’t think they do so because they want to see children fall flat
or be crushed when reality sets in, but rather because they want to believe
that anything is possible for the child for as long as they possibly
can maintain that charade. The problem is that children grow up feeling let
down or like failures along the way, as they realize that there are some things
that just aren’t possible. Perhaps even worse: the child that reaches adulthood
with no understanding of the reality of limitations, and meets the world
overwhelmed by possibilities and pressure, along with the fear of failure. Is
it really any wonder that some kids end up being career students and live at
home for years into adulthood?
I still get excited by bright shiny packages with my name on
them; I just no longer expect for a pony to be inside, and I am happier for it.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Vaccination time again!
I have posted a chart in the barn for owners to check off which vaccinations they would like their horse to receive this year. If you don't remember, and just want to repeat last year, there is a check box for that too!
Please remember that E/W/T is required. I would also strongly recommend flu/rhino as well this year, as it does provide some protection against the Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1), which has mutated to create a neurological form that can cause severe issues including death.
Horses usually contract EHV as young horses, but can carry the virus in their system to become ill again when under stress (such as long trips or shows). The virus can mutate to form the neurological form which is extremely contagious and easily transmitted. This means that show horses, and horses that travel are at higher risk, but that in theory, even a closed herd can be affected by EHV-1.
Strangles vaccine is also recommended, but Westnile is up to individual owners.
Vaccinations will be done beginning of April, and mid April (depending on our vet's recommendation we will vaccinate for some things one day, then the rest a separate day to limit the risks of reactions). Any boosters needed will be booked as required.
Owners are welcome to vaccinate their own horse, but please keep in mind that should your horse have a reaction to the vaccine, or get sick despite the vaccine, the maker of the vaccine will take some liability for treating your horse ONLY if the vaccine was administered by a vet.
Karen
Please remember that E/W/T is required. I would also strongly recommend flu/rhino as well this year, as it does provide some protection against the Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1), which has mutated to create a neurological form that can cause severe issues including death.
Horses usually contract EHV as young horses, but can carry the virus in their system to become ill again when under stress (such as long trips or shows). The virus can mutate to form the neurological form which is extremely contagious and easily transmitted. This means that show horses, and horses that travel are at higher risk, but that in theory, even a closed herd can be affected by EHV-1.
Strangles vaccine is also recommended, but Westnile is up to individual owners.
Vaccinations will be done beginning of April, and mid April (depending on our vet's recommendation we will vaccinate for some things one day, then the rest a separate day to limit the risks of reactions). Any boosters needed will be booked as required.
Owners are welcome to vaccinate their own horse, but please keep in mind that should your horse have a reaction to the vaccine, or get sick despite the vaccine, the maker of the vaccine will take some liability for treating your horse ONLY if the vaccine was administered by a vet.
Karen
Monday, March 4, 2013
Ah, pre-spring at the barn
Things are starting to melt, lending to a lovely odour of melting horse poop and a stream across the parking lot that you really don't want to walk in.
The horses are shedding and apparently nutty. Such fun!
For lessons this week we will be working a little on counter canter. It is important to work on counter canter along side flying changes, as we want the horse to listen to our aids, and not try to guess which lead we want. This is important for a few reasons: counter counter may be asked for in an equitation test or a dressage test, counter canter builds fitness, and also because being able to control which lead your horse is on can really help in bending lines so your horse isn't flopping around from one lead to the other.
For this week we will just keep it simple and ask the horse to do a gentle shallow serpentine at canter without changing leads. Next week we will up the challenge and ask them to pick up the counter canter on the long side and carry it through the corner! We will test the control in a bending line by not allowing the horse to change leads.
Obviously this will be easier on the horses that failed last week, but most horses did show a willingness to do flying changes when set up for them!
It is important to note that counter canter does not equal cantering on the wrong lead. You need the horse slightly bend towards their leading side, but with a fairly straight neck. This means a stronger than usual canter aid needs to be maintained so the hip stays OUT. The biggest mistake is if you lose control of the shoulder and the horse gets crooked through the neck/wither. It is very important to maintain the outside rein to keep the neck pretty straight, with just slight bend in.
For jumping we will do a straight forward course, with poles place to help with the lead changes after the jumps to see if last week's exercise can carry forward to a full course.
No challenge this week.
Karen
The horses are shedding and apparently nutty. Such fun!
For lessons this week we will be working a little on counter canter. It is important to work on counter canter along side flying changes, as we want the horse to listen to our aids, and not try to guess which lead we want. This is important for a few reasons: counter counter may be asked for in an equitation test or a dressage test, counter canter builds fitness, and also because being able to control which lead your horse is on can really help in bending lines so your horse isn't flopping around from one lead to the other.
For this week we will just keep it simple and ask the horse to do a gentle shallow serpentine at canter without changing leads. Next week we will up the challenge and ask them to pick up the counter canter on the long side and carry it through the corner! We will test the control in a bending line by not allowing the horse to change leads.
Obviously this will be easier on the horses that failed last week, but most horses did show a willingness to do flying changes when set up for them!
It is important to note that counter canter does not equal cantering on the wrong lead. You need the horse slightly bend towards their leading side, but with a fairly straight neck. This means a stronger than usual canter aid needs to be maintained so the hip stays OUT. The biggest mistake is if you lose control of the shoulder and the horse gets crooked through the neck/wither. It is very important to maintain the outside rein to keep the neck pretty straight, with just slight bend in.
For jumping we will do a straight forward course, with poles place to help with the lead changes after the jumps to see if last week's exercise can carry forward to a full course.
No challenge this week.
Karen
Friday, March 1, 2013
Slight change of plans...
So it seems many people are otherwise engaged tomorrow, so it won't be much of a barn party...but, this gave me another idea: we will still discuss goals and showing this year, and still chat, give out the challenge awards and get together, but we will do it while cleaning tack! Yippy!
This might become a monthly thing for the spring/summer, with different activities. This month tack cleaning, next month perhaps braiding? Trailer loading? Bandaging? Maybe a horse soccer game once we can get outside?
We will also continue with a once a month barn challenge: This month's winners were:
Ball challenge: 1st Emma/Java, 2nd Stephanie/Wolfgang , 3rd Shawn/Roberta. For the obstacle course challenge we had two successful horse/rider combinations: Amber and Kokanee, and Laureen and Percy. Can't say those are the two horses I would have guessed to be the most successful, but there you have it!
Hope to see at least a few of you tomorrow!
Karen
This might become a monthly thing for the spring/summer, with different activities. This month tack cleaning, next month perhaps braiding? Trailer loading? Bandaging? Maybe a horse soccer game once we can get outside?
We will also continue with a once a month barn challenge: This month's winners were:
Ball challenge: 1st Emma/Java, 2nd Stephanie/Wolfgang , 3rd Shawn/Roberta. For the obstacle course challenge we had two successful horse/rider combinations: Amber and Kokanee, and Laureen and Percy. Can't say those are the two horses I would have guessed to be the most successful, but there you have it!
Hope to see at least a few of you tomorrow!
Karen
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Spring Fever!
Spring has come early and a few of the horses are showing by being a little nutty...geldings in particular! I think it is in part that it is getting icy, but also because their is no Warrior to get them playing :) Boarders should consider free longing their horses if possible so they have non-ridden time to stretch their legs. I will be doing the same for any peppy lesson horses.
It also seems that working on lead changes and dealing with peppy ponies is taking up enough of the lesson that we aren't doing the challenge this week and instead doing the lead change exercise and then incorporating that into a simple jumping course.
I may move some of the horses around over the next week as well, so please be sure to check the white board to find your horse if it isn't where it normally is!
It also seems that working on lead changes and dealing with peppy ponies is taking up enough of the lesson that we aren't doing the challenge this week and instead doing the lead change exercise and then incorporating that into a simple jumping course.
I may move some of the horses around over the next week as well, so please be sure to check the white board to find your horse if it isn't where it normally is!
Monday, February 25, 2013
Dale Irwin coming to Hillside!
Keep Easter long weekend open, as I have confirmed that Dale Irwin will be coming to teach a three day clinic the last weekend in March. Dale is a top level eventing and dressage coach. Two years ago I rode Brie in a clinic with him and really appreciated his teaching style and ideas. I feel that his international level experience gives him the depth needed to be able to quickly assess issues, and give us the tools to progress.
(don't confuse Dale Irwin with Chris Irwin the "Natural Horsemanship" trainer)
The clinic will be available for riders to ride in two or three days of the clinic. Single days will only be available if time allows. Friday will be flat work/dressage, and Saturday/Sunday can be either flat or jumping.
This clinic is open to anyone, and even if you don't want to ride in it, you will likely learn a fair bit by watching. I am planning to jump Izzy in the clinic, so could be entertaining!
He is good at teaching all levels of riders and riders.
Rates still to be determined. If anyone is interested in subsidizing the clinic by helping with morning barn chores during the clinic OR by offering to host Dale for the weekend, please let me know!
Karen
(don't confuse Dale Irwin with Chris Irwin the "Natural Horsemanship" trainer)
The clinic will be available for riders to ride in two or three days of the clinic. Single days will only be available if time allows. Friday will be flat work/dressage, and Saturday/Sunday can be either flat or jumping.
This clinic is open to anyone, and even if you don't want to ride in it, you will likely learn a fair bit by watching. I am planning to jump Izzy in the clinic, so could be entertaining!
He is good at teaching all levels of riders and riders.
Rates still to be determined. If anyone is interested in subsidizing the clinic by helping with morning barn chores during the clinic OR by offering to host Dale for the weekend, please let me know!
Karen
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