Greetings all... it's the Wednesday after Galway and I am still en route to home from my crazy trip to the wild west! Crazy was the word to describe it all week... every single person who heard that I drove had just one thing to say... "Seriously??". Yes.. seriously.
I can't complain, life on the road has been exponentially easier since I was able to take Joe's big LQ trailer. Having Kate Harris as my groom has been a godsend and she takes top notch care of the horses so that has been one less worry for me. We also brought along our personal driver/bodyguard/disc jockey... Adrian!
What a time we had in California. It started off a bit like vacation since we arrived so early. We went to some of the local vineyards and bought up some great wine. We went downtown to some restauraunts which was a real treat. Temecula is a very cool city and it was great to be at a horse show that was close to so many amenities.
Robert Kellerhouse, the organizer, totally gave us the hookup! Literally! We forgot our generator... and I'm too stingy to pay $250 for a weeks worth of electricity. So he found us a spot where we could plug in and we had a super posh place to park our rig for the week. Except for the possessed awning constantly trying to kill us, we had a sweet set up.
By now everyone has seen the results for the event and I have mixed feelings about my performance. I am still learning how to prepare these horses for their major competitions and I haven't been able to receive the lessons and coaching this fall that I am used to. I figured since Hewie will be moving up to Advanced next year I would go ahead and put him on the same fitness program as Donald. I think that may have been a mistake! I could barely hang on to the horse all weekend! He certainly won the warmup for dressage, until someone started a kubota! He lost his cool, and the $1,000 horse came out. I was proud of him for managing to get it together in the ring as he was literally spinning before he entered, but I had high hopes for him to win the event. He certainly has the capability, some times he just loses his head. Donald put in a lovely test despite the mud and muck in the 3* arena. It was a shame that we had to follow Buck and Reggie for obvious reasons! Although dissapointed in the score, I was thrilled with how rideable and relaxed Donald was and I think he is at a point in his dressage that is the perfect platform to build upon for next year. He will be ready for some big scores in the spring.
Out walking, my gag reflex started at about fence 5. Ian really put in some massive upgrades to the course and it was tricky.. very tricky. Extremely big, gallopy and ditches everywhere. I didn't actually start to feel good about the course until I was riding it. I was again dissapointed in Hewie on Saturday, he was feeling a bit too good I think and jumped us into trouble at the angled ditch and brushes which were early on in the course. He was really getting some air time over the fences and I just couldn't convince him to jump more conservatively. It made it difficult for me to keep him on his lines. He also spooked about mid-way through the course and spent an entire minute spinning in the arena. How embarassing. When he crossed the finish line, I finally felt he was relaxed enough to jump the course properly, and I wish I could have just cantered out and done it all again! He was barely sweating in the D-Box. I was pretty irritated at him, good thing he has the cutest smushy face, it is impossible to stay mad at him.
Donald smoked around the 3* track and exceeded all my expectations. It was the best cross country round I have ever had on him. Fit and full of running to the end, we took all the direct lines and came in a comfortable 10 seconds under time. Even though neither horse has had an injury, they both looked sounder than ever before on the Sunday morning at a CCI. I think both Hewie and Donald are really benefitting from my fitness program and the wonderful Florida footing.
They tried their bests on Sunday in the showjumping but both horses found the footing in the arena a bit difficult. Donald added just 1 rail to his dressage score to finish the CCI3* in 12th. I am so tickled with him and it is almost hard for me to give him his necessary time off now, I want to keep working on them both!
They are on holiday now and will be for the next month or so. They had a huge year and deserve a rest. Although I am not thrilled with my performance at Galway, it is so comforting to be bringing home two sound, healthy and happy horses and for now all my plans for next year are still in tact. In the end the real success is to keep a happy horse and now during the holidays I will have the pleasure of watching them graze in their field together after a job well done this year.
Until next year,
Katie, Hewie and Donald
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Gone bush
Greetings from california!! There is a saying in New Zealand that if you have run away, gone rogue, taken off, etc; you have gone "bush". We have certainly done that and more! The red boys and I made it safely to temecula for Galway, against all odds! Joes groom, Kate Harris, has come with me to help and she has been an absolute godsend. Our friend Adrian has also joined us on our gypsy quest, which he decided to do in the last 30 minutes before we left! Not sure that he has fully realized what he has committed to but he will soon find out! So far he has not asked us where the nearest Hilton is...
We set off on Saturday morning from Ocala in the pissing rain. We made it all the way to Arnaudville, Louisiana to stay at Kylie and Court Ramsay's beautiful Pharmview farm. The Ramsays' son Calvin has my Arriador to ride, they were off competing Training level at Holly Hill when we arrived but I will surely see them both on our return trip.
On to Sunday, our most difficult driving day. Today we tackled the entire state of Texas in one go. To my shock and surprise Adrian drove most of the day and did quite well. Not too bad for a city boy! He did however introduce us to the highlight of the drive tha day which was Bucee's beef jerky. We stayed the night at a cute farm outside of El Paso, where they marveled at my "Clydesdales" that were sporting "casts" on their feet! Hewie had a minor tweak-out in his pipie corral stall but he soon settled in for the night.
Here we are, Monday! We have somehow been accepted by multiple border patrol guards into the state of California! Donald and Hewie were thrilled to be off the trailer and into their big beautiful stalls at Galway Downs. We arrived at dusk so I did not get to see most of the venue although I have been told it is one of the best in the west. I also managed to pick up a job driving 6 pro logs out for the event to be used on the course. I have always brought my own horses but never my own jumps! So Big Red, Little Red and the course have arrived.
Still can't believe we have made it all the way to Califronia! These horses take us to some amazing places. I am forever grateful to have such unbelievable partners in Donald and Hewie, partners who allow me to go on these wild adventures. I will post an update tomorrow after I can get the boys out for a flat school and trot.
Xoxo
The crew
We set off on Saturday morning from Ocala in the pissing rain. We made it all the way to Arnaudville, Louisiana to stay at Kylie and Court Ramsay's beautiful Pharmview farm. The Ramsays' son Calvin has my Arriador to ride, they were off competing Training level at Holly Hill when we arrived but I will surely see them both on our return trip.
On to Sunday, our most difficult driving day. Today we tackled the entire state of Texas in one go. To my shock and surprise Adrian drove most of the day and did quite well. Not too bad for a city boy! He did however introduce us to the highlight of the drive tha day which was Bucee's beef jerky. We stayed the night at a cute farm outside of El Paso, where they marveled at my "Clydesdales" that were sporting "casts" on their feet! Hewie had a minor tweak-out in his pipie corral stall but he soon settled in for the night.
Here we are, Monday! We have somehow been accepted by multiple border patrol guards into the state of California! Donald and Hewie were thrilled to be off the trailer and into their big beautiful stalls at Galway Downs. We arrived at dusk so I did not get to see most of the venue although I have been told it is one of the best in the west. I also managed to pick up a job driving 6 pro logs out for the event to be used on the course. I have always brought my own horses but never my own jumps! So Big Red, Little Red and the course have arrived.
Still can't believe we have made it all the way to Califronia! These horses take us to some amazing places. I am forever grateful to have such unbelievable partners in Donald and Hewie, partners who allow me to go on these wild adventures. I will post an update tomorrow after I can get the boys out for a flat school and trot.
Xoxo
The crew
Sunday, October 16, 2011
T minus 2 gallops to Galway
I feel like when you are getting ready for a major 3 day competition, your life can be measured in gallops. You live and breathe for that weekly run and then pray it goes well, hold your breath until you get home from the track and see that your horse looks okay. I am so fortunate to have my neighbor Stacey Emory's beautiful grass track on loan to me, so for a rational person there is not much to worry about. However, when you get closer and closer to your big event, rational thought goes out the window. The gallops leading up to the "Big Day" are zen-like. There is something very eerie about your last gallop before the competition, I will try to explain it more when it gets here.
For me, right now, Galway is still a go.
Both Hewie and Donald did a big gallop yesterday and were totally on form. I can say honestly that I don't think they have ever looked or felt better in their lives. It is amazing how little I have to work on their gallops. A shift of weight in my toes and they swap leads. I close my pinky finger around the outside rein and their balance comes up for the turn. They are fit, ready, and very in tune with what I am doing. They look like winners. They act like winners. Both of them have changed so much from the beginning of this year to now. They look like different horses. Donald finally has a topline and Hewie finally has an ass. They are shiny, bright, tuned up and ready for California. I'm fancying my chances.
I have been helping my friend Rachel ride some at a jumper barn here in Ocala. She is going through a pretty rough time and I have a few hours to spare, she needs a bit of a break so I have been running out there to try and lend a hand. It has been good practice for me just to sit on lots of horses. Riding is the best way to improve your riding, and I need to be really good at riding when I get to Galway.
I had a small freakout moment when I talked to Joe the other day who has been stuck in England. I have just been really worried about not getting tons of lessons leading up to this event. Jon Holling has been helping me out and I love how he works with my horses. Very demanding but in a patient and considerate way that I know my horses appreciate. I haven't called him this week because I didn't want to bug him before the Pan Ams, and my heart absolutely breaks for him. Obviously, if anyone deserved to go it was Jon, but sometimes it is not meant to be. It is devastating and unfortunate but at the end of the day we have to make the best decision for the team, and I know one day I will be there too. I will be in Jon's shoes. He is a class act and I know it will work out for him.
My mom and I were talking about how it was very strange not being at Fair Hill this year. Galway 3* is so new that it doesn't register in my brain yet. I just automatically associate fall 3* with Fair Hill.. and I'm not there.. not competing.. not eating crab bisque.. not buying fuzzy hats at the trade fair.. not walking thru the tunnel.. feels unnatural to me.
Galway is a new adventure. A new tradition maybe? At least no fuzzy hats will be required ;)
x
k, big red, & little red
For me, right now, Galway is still a go.
Both Hewie and Donald did a big gallop yesterday and were totally on form. I can say honestly that I don't think they have ever looked or felt better in their lives. It is amazing how little I have to work on their gallops. A shift of weight in my toes and they swap leads. I close my pinky finger around the outside rein and their balance comes up for the turn. They are fit, ready, and very in tune with what I am doing. They look like winners. They act like winners. Both of them have changed so much from the beginning of this year to now. They look like different horses. Donald finally has a topline and Hewie finally has an ass. They are shiny, bright, tuned up and ready for California. I'm fancying my chances.
I have been helping my friend Rachel ride some at a jumper barn here in Ocala. She is going through a pretty rough time and I have a few hours to spare, she needs a bit of a break so I have been running out there to try and lend a hand. It has been good practice for me just to sit on lots of horses. Riding is the best way to improve your riding, and I need to be really good at riding when I get to Galway.
I had a small freakout moment when I talked to Joe the other day who has been stuck in England. I have just been really worried about not getting tons of lessons leading up to this event. Jon Holling has been helping me out and I love how he works with my horses. Very demanding but in a patient and considerate way that I know my horses appreciate. I haven't called him this week because I didn't want to bug him before the Pan Ams, and my heart absolutely breaks for him. Obviously, if anyone deserved to go it was Jon, but sometimes it is not meant to be. It is devastating and unfortunate but at the end of the day we have to make the best decision for the team, and I know one day I will be there too. I will be in Jon's shoes. He is a class act and I know it will work out for him.
My mom and I were talking about how it was very strange not being at Fair Hill this year. Galway 3* is so new that it doesn't register in my brain yet. I just automatically associate fall 3* with Fair Hill.. and I'm not there.. not competing.. not eating crab bisque.. not buying fuzzy hats at the trade fair.. not walking thru the tunnel.. feels unnatural to me.
Galway is a new adventure. A new tradition maybe? At least no fuzzy hats will be required ;)
x
k, big red, & little red
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Poplar Place CIC
26 September 2011
We are back from Poplar Place! Or as the Ag Station cop told me… 11 horse trailers have been through goin’ to Popular Place!
We left on Thursday in the ginormous Joe Meyer Eventing rig. Joe and Ruthie were kind enough to let me take their wheels for the weekend since they are in England. Yep, just me, two dogs and two red ponies. First time doing a weekend horse show by myself AND first time using the living quarters. Foresight is nonexistent and hindsight is 20/20...
Poor Hewie had a bit of drama before we left for the show. On Sunday he got stuck with a hot nail on his LF. He was pretty lame the next morning so I pulled the shoe off right away and started the soak-ice-pack routine. I was able to give him a little bute but had to stay within the FEI guidelines since he was entered in the 2*. We jumped with Jon Holling on Wednesday and he seemed to be all right, so cautiously off we went. Hewie trotted up like a pro at his in-barn and seemed to be ready to go.
Thursday night was a bit of a cluster. Between checking in, riding Donald and getting organized for the next day I barely had time to set up the LQ. Right, so, turns out campers have different plugs that won’t fit in normal outlets. Who knew? Obviously not me. Good thing Kyle Carter knew and he generously lent me a converter so I could plug into the generator. Got the plug, got the generator going, just in time for a gigantic thunderstorm. Of course, the generator dies (out of gas), and there is no way I am going out in the monsoon to fill it up. Meanwhile the spooky dog is freaking out at the thunder and spinning in circles, making it difficult to unpack and get settled. A 10’ area suddenly becomes very, very small when there is a terrified animal sharing your space.
Also, despite desperate attempts, I never could convince the refrigerator to get going. I purposely packed the thing full because I wasn’t going to try and unhook at the show - hydraulic jack a little dicey.
I think it goes without saying that I am not cut out for camper living.
Friday morning comes and I am certain I look like death. Donald goes at 8:30 in the CIC3* and in order to maintain our new dressage day routine it meant I was in the barn at 5am. He was a bit of a twit when I did our “pre-ride” in the morning and I was worried he would be up to his old tricks again. Proof is in the pudding, what I am doing with him is working and he put in a really good test (for him). Very steady, relaxed, calm. That is what we are going for right now. I had a very short time between Hewie and Donald so I hustled to get on him and see how he felt. Basically OK but came up a little short in the 10m circles. Decided to play it safe, pull him out of the 2* and gave him a gram of bute. Of course… suddenly completely sound! Donna at Poplar was so sweet and let me enter him in the HT to practice a test in which he was a spooky hot mess. To stay on the safe side I did not do any more with him that weekend.
The 3* course definitely rode harder than it walked. Rarely do I have to scrap a bit on Donald but we did this weekend. Between the angled cannons, double corners and the gnarly rail/bank/coffin at the end, our work was cut out for us! We jumped clean and had the 2nd fastest time of the day. I underestimated the terrain at Poplar and it was a pretty good test of fitness. It is clear Donald needs to be more fit for Galway but he is just about where he should be now, lots more trotting and a few more good gallops and he will be all set for our Cali trip.
I got held in the jog on Sunday morning, mostly I think because I trotted him up like an idiot the first time. I sprinted down the lane with his head cocked sideways like I had never seen a jog strip in my life. Maybe it was the combined lack of sleep and lack of nourishment from my failed attempt at camper living. Other than a small stifle rub Donald had not a hair out of place, so of course I chose to represent him, which he passed easily.
The show jumping course was long and tricky. Since I have been having some lessons with Jon he has been a distance Hitler, I get reemed if I’m not loving the base. It is good for me and he is right. I am having a hard time making myself see that extra 6 inches and my eye is off. It will take me a few more jump schools to start seeing a more correct distance. In the meantime, at Poplar in the show jumping I rode like an idiot. I think I missed at every jump. Better lucky than good… I think Donald thought I was trying to kill us both and he suddenly became extra careful. All the rails stayed up but I had a few time faults. I am trying to see a deeper distance by holding when I need to be riding forward to the same distance. I will need to get this all sorted before Galway and practice, practice, practice.
The Red Moose ended up in 3rd again and although I am getting tired of seeing yellow ribbons I am thrilled with him. This was his best 3* finish yet and I am so happy to see him being consistent. I have always known that I have a wonderful cross country partner in Donald, but I feel that we are really finding our groove as a team in general. He is a funny horse and it takes a while to “get” him. He will now just go to some dressage and show jumping shows, maybe an Intermediate horse trial on the way to California. Trying to put the finishing touches on what I hope will be a winning performance.
Hewie is fine now and I will have to find another Intermediate run for him. He is spooky and sensitive and is the type of horse that needs to keep running to be at his best. I also have a whole month now to figure out the living quarters.
Til next time
Katie, Donald and Hewie
We are back from Poplar Place! Or as the Ag Station cop told me… 11 horse trailers have been through goin’ to Popular Place!
We left on Thursday in the ginormous Joe Meyer Eventing rig. Joe and Ruthie were kind enough to let me take their wheels for the weekend since they are in England. Yep, just me, two dogs and two red ponies. First time doing a weekend horse show by myself AND first time using the living quarters. Foresight is nonexistent and hindsight is 20/20...
Poor Hewie had a bit of drama before we left for the show. On Sunday he got stuck with a hot nail on his LF. He was pretty lame the next morning so I pulled the shoe off right away and started the soak-ice-pack routine. I was able to give him a little bute but had to stay within the FEI guidelines since he was entered in the 2*. We jumped with Jon Holling on Wednesday and he seemed to be all right, so cautiously off we went. Hewie trotted up like a pro at his in-barn and seemed to be ready to go.
Thursday night was a bit of a cluster. Between checking in, riding Donald and getting organized for the next day I barely had time to set up the LQ. Right, so, turns out campers have different plugs that won’t fit in normal outlets. Who knew? Obviously not me. Good thing Kyle Carter knew and he generously lent me a converter so I could plug into the generator. Got the plug, got the generator going, just in time for a gigantic thunderstorm. Of course, the generator dies (out of gas), and there is no way I am going out in the monsoon to fill it up. Meanwhile the spooky dog is freaking out at the thunder and spinning in circles, making it difficult to unpack and get settled. A 10’ area suddenly becomes very, very small when there is a terrified animal sharing your space.
Also, despite desperate attempts, I never could convince the refrigerator to get going. I purposely packed the thing full because I wasn’t going to try and unhook at the show - hydraulic jack a little dicey.
I think it goes without saying that I am not cut out for camper living.
Friday morning comes and I am certain I look like death. Donald goes at 8:30 in the CIC3* and in order to maintain our new dressage day routine it meant I was in the barn at 5am. He was a bit of a twit when I did our “pre-ride” in the morning and I was worried he would be up to his old tricks again. Proof is in the pudding, what I am doing with him is working and he put in a really good test (for him). Very steady, relaxed, calm. That is what we are going for right now. I had a very short time between Hewie and Donald so I hustled to get on him and see how he felt. Basically OK but came up a little short in the 10m circles. Decided to play it safe, pull him out of the 2* and gave him a gram of bute. Of course… suddenly completely sound! Donna at Poplar was so sweet and let me enter him in the HT to practice a test in which he was a spooky hot mess. To stay on the safe side I did not do any more with him that weekend.
The 3* course definitely rode harder than it walked. Rarely do I have to scrap a bit on Donald but we did this weekend. Between the angled cannons, double corners and the gnarly rail/bank/coffin at the end, our work was cut out for us! We jumped clean and had the 2nd fastest time of the day. I underestimated the terrain at Poplar and it was a pretty good test of fitness. It is clear Donald needs to be more fit for Galway but he is just about where he should be now, lots more trotting and a few more good gallops and he will be all set for our Cali trip.
I got held in the jog on Sunday morning, mostly I think because I trotted him up like an idiot the first time. I sprinted down the lane with his head cocked sideways like I had never seen a jog strip in my life. Maybe it was the combined lack of sleep and lack of nourishment from my failed attempt at camper living. Other than a small stifle rub Donald had not a hair out of place, so of course I chose to represent him, which he passed easily.
The show jumping course was long and tricky. Since I have been having some lessons with Jon he has been a distance Hitler, I get reemed if I’m not loving the base. It is good for me and he is right. I am having a hard time making myself see that extra 6 inches and my eye is off. It will take me a few more jump schools to start seeing a more correct distance. In the meantime, at Poplar in the show jumping I rode like an idiot. I think I missed at every jump. Better lucky than good… I think Donald thought I was trying to kill us both and he suddenly became extra careful. All the rails stayed up but I had a few time faults. I am trying to see a deeper distance by holding when I need to be riding forward to the same distance. I will need to get this all sorted before Galway and practice, practice, practice.
The Red Moose ended up in 3rd again and although I am getting tired of seeing yellow ribbons I am thrilled with him. This was his best 3* finish yet and I am so happy to see him being consistent. I have always known that I have a wonderful cross country partner in Donald, but I feel that we are really finding our groove as a team in general. He is a funny horse and it takes a while to “get” him. He will now just go to some dressage and show jumping shows, maybe an Intermediate horse trial on the way to California. Trying to put the finishing touches on what I hope will be a winning performance.
Hewie is fine now and I will have to find another Intermediate run for him. He is spooky and sensitive and is the type of horse that needs to keep running to be at his best. I also have a whole month now to figure out the living quarters.
Til next time
Katie, Donald and Hewie
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Adventures of an Eventing Gypsy
Jeez it’s been a while since my last update. I apologize for not keeping up on this but when you can’t seem to stay in the same time zone for more than a week it gets a bit tricky. The months of July and August have absolutely flown by as I have traveled from state to state, horse show to horse show, sofa to sofa. My road trip diet was basically made up equally of candy, coffee and alcohol. I like to call this the “trifecta”. I have the caffeine shakes, significant debt from purchasing diesel fuel, and a left arm tan that would make a truck diver jealous.
But how lucky was I?! Donald and I received a travel grant from the Broussard family and the Endowment Trust to attend the Rebecca Farm CIC3* in Montana. If we competed there, we were eligible for a much larger grant to go overseas. I found out about my grant just about the last minute, so I scraped and scurried to find a way out there. Luckily for me my new neighbor in Florida, Joy Meyer, was planning to head out there too. I called them on a Wednesday and we left the next day. I had never met Joe or his girlfriend before, no better way to get to know someone than spend 4 days in a truck with them I suppose.
5 blown tires later we arrived in Salt Lake City where Joe and Ruthie had some sales horses to drop off. I’m sure the 3 of us were quite the sight, unkempt, unwashed, covered in grease and dirt from changing tire after tire. At least now I had an excuse for looking so disheveled, rather than I simply cannot be bothered with a hairbrush or makeup.
At last we were on our last leg of the journey to Montana. Joe had two rides, Snip in the CIC3* and Heidi the mare in the Preliminary. My Donald of course was in the CIC3* also. I got a lot of crap from my friends about driving, how horrible it must have been to go all that way. I am really glad we did the drive. I saw a lot of parts of the country that I otherwise would never have gotten to see. This country is so big and beautiful, it has so much to offer. Except gas stations. We sort of ran out of those when we hit the Montana state line. Luckily I am extremely experienced in running trucks down to the last drop. When I hit 0 Miles to E in their truck Ruthie got all sweaty and I think Joe’s eye started to twitch. No big deal, coasted in on neutral to Ovando, Montana, a town I will never forget!! We bought ALL of their diesel! And a pie.
We arrive at Rebecca Farm!!! Everything is stunning and built to perfection. It is the perfect venue. It has all the bells and whistles. Donald got a humungous permanent end stall which, being 17.2, I think he greatly appreciated. Joe and Ruthie went lake trout fishing and we had fresh Montana fish.
Of course Donald trotted up at the first inspection like a pro. I then had my grant interview with some of the members from the committee. It was a bit of an emotional time being at Rebecca Farm, since the grant was given to us developing riders by Miss Becky who died of cancer last year. It is an extremely selfless and generous thing that she did for us riders, but that is just the type of person she was. I had written the Broussard family a letter after attending Miss Becky’s memorial at Rolex this year. It was on the Thursday after my horrendous and embarrassing dressage, I didn’t really feel like leaving my hotel room and I looked like I had gotten hit by a bus. I went anyway, and it was just amazing to be around these wonderful people, like how Miss Becky was, people who just wanted to support you no matter what. We started to talk about the letter in my interview and before I knew it they were crying, I was crying, nothing really got accomplished but some crying. Not really the way I wanted it to go but if nothing else it was sincere.
SO Surprise Surprise, Donald is up to his old tricks in Dressage again. I wish I had been able to get him out to a dressage show before loading up for Montana but there just was no time. It is strange, more than he is being a jerk I really do think he gets scared when the spotlight is on him. He normally a very confident horse with a bit of an ego but he just feels all clammy and nervous sometimes in the ring. I got on the computer that night and entered 3 dressage shows.
Also not a shocker, Donald ran clean and fast XC. Just 4 seconds over the optimum time which I am a bit bummed about. I need to learn how to shave the seconds off a bit more since he just is not a fast horse. I had one down in the show jumping, the middle part of the triple which was a tall and airy vertical. Overall we finished in 13th place which is my unlucky number since this will be the 3rd 3* that I have finished in 13th place. Must do better.
On the road again, this time back to Salt Lake City for Joe to teach a 3 day clinic. I picked up a few rides there and got to have some lessons with Joe which I really enjoyed. I think Donald appreciates the way Joe works with him as he is not really the type of horse you can just kick and kick or push around. The barn in Salt Lake is amazing and the people are just the best. I can’t wait to go back. I wish I skied or snowboarded since the barn is right near several resorts like Snowbird. But being afraid of heights and snow kind of puts the kabash on that plan.
After the clinic we headed east back through Wyoming and Kansas and eventually we hooked up with my trailer in Michigan. We paid someone to drive my rig up with Joe and my 2* horses to meet us. Joe and Ruthie headed off to Millbrook and I took my ponies to Michigan to stay with my good friend Jamie and do a bit of family visit.
I learned some amazing things and met some wonderful people on the trip to Montana. The Broussards treated me like family and I am so grateful to have them in my life. Joe has a wealth of knowledge and he was extremely generous to answer all my questions without getting too annoyed. Ruthie is a marketing and PR genius and it was so helpful to get her insight also. I am not sure if Joe and Ruthie realize that they are stuck with me now. More importantly I learned how to make a margarita in the backseat and roughly 20 obscure ways to open a beer bottle. And I kicked their asses at Monopoly. Every time.
The time I spent in Michigan was really good for me to work on my own with my horses. I went to dressage shows, I jumped on my own, I spent time really getting back to solidly communicating with my horses. I took them to a local Intermediate horse trial where they finished 3rd and 4th. On to Richland Park, the big event in August. Donald was in the Advanced horse trail and Hewie in the Intermediate. I also had Pips, the 4yo, in her first Training level.
I didn’t really do much breathing on Thursday before Donald’s dressage. I did a bit of a different warm up. Low and behold, it worked. Donald scored a 36 which put him in 7th place in a very big and impressive Advanced class. I had to scroll top-down to find his result rather than bottom-up!! Good boy Big Red!! Hewie also put in a good test finishing on a 35 in the Intermediate.
Cross Country Day!! Duh, Donald and Hewie are super stars yet again. They are so much fun to run and jump with. They know their jobs perfectly and we just get along great. I was 10 seconds slow on Hewie which I was kicking myself about because he is extremely fast. He can be a bit green and spooky in the woods and road crossings and he gets out of balance easily. I just err on the side of caution when I ride him since he is only 7. Donald bombed around the big and technical track and jumped every fence just as I thought he would. Took a bit of a leap into the 2nd water and I got snapped out of the tack since is big and I am small. Of course Donald being the true professional he just held his line and jumped the frog out without a question. I was 4 seconds slow on Donald again. I am not being too hard on myself about it right now since both Donald and Hewie are not as fit as they will be in 2 months when we are at our big fall 3 day, Galway in California.
Donald was tied for 3rd going into show jumping which I was freaking out over a bit. He is finally getting some really good results and is even the 9th placed Advanced horse in the country. I turned him a bit too quickly in the arena to 4a which was an upright vertical down a hill with a brush box and I don’t think I gave him enough time to study it and I had the rail down. For being a big horse Donald is surprisingly sensitive and I think it rattled him a bit, he got a bit scooty so I also had 5 down which was an angled vertical. Other than my mistake he truly is jumping better than he has ever jumped. Luckily for me the rails fell easy for everyone and we held on to our 3rd place in the Advanced division. Hewie also had one rail which I was pretty upset about because I literally did not even hear him touch it. He is jumping so well and in such a good rhythm, it is like butter.
The little mare Piper also finished on her dressage score in 3rd place at her first Training level. WOW what a nice girl she is. She is for sale…. !!
We packed up and drove 18 hours straight back to Florida. SO GOOD TO BE HOME!! I’m currently working on tackling The Jungle aka my yard. Going to hit some more dressage shows and practice my show jumping, obviously. Get the boys a bit fitter. I decided to skip on the AEC’s since I truly am just a bit burnt out physically and financially. I am going to work on things at home and take both of them to Poplar Place where Donald will do the CIC3* and Hewie will do the CIC2*. I think Poplar and Galway are the only two 3*’s in North America that Donald has not done yet. He has jumped around every other one, some two or three times. Was really hoping to get overseas this fall but it was just not in the cards for me. Next year. Galway seems like a pretty cool Plan B and I am really getting excited to head out to the left coast.
Kisses from Donald, Hewie and me of course
But how lucky was I?! Donald and I received a travel grant from the Broussard family and the Endowment Trust to attend the Rebecca Farm CIC3* in Montana. If we competed there, we were eligible for a much larger grant to go overseas. I found out about my grant just about the last minute, so I scraped and scurried to find a way out there. Luckily for me my new neighbor in Florida, Joy Meyer, was planning to head out there too. I called them on a Wednesday and we left the next day. I had never met Joe or his girlfriend before, no better way to get to know someone than spend 4 days in a truck with them I suppose.
5 blown tires later we arrived in Salt Lake City where Joe and Ruthie had some sales horses to drop off. I’m sure the 3 of us were quite the sight, unkempt, unwashed, covered in grease and dirt from changing tire after tire. At least now I had an excuse for looking so disheveled, rather than I simply cannot be bothered with a hairbrush or makeup.
At last we were on our last leg of the journey to Montana. Joe had two rides, Snip in the CIC3* and Heidi the mare in the Preliminary. My Donald of course was in the CIC3* also. I got a lot of crap from my friends about driving, how horrible it must have been to go all that way. I am really glad we did the drive. I saw a lot of parts of the country that I otherwise would never have gotten to see. This country is so big and beautiful, it has so much to offer. Except gas stations. We sort of ran out of those when we hit the Montana state line. Luckily I am extremely experienced in running trucks down to the last drop. When I hit 0 Miles to E in their truck Ruthie got all sweaty and I think Joe’s eye started to twitch. No big deal, coasted in on neutral to Ovando, Montana, a town I will never forget!! We bought ALL of their diesel! And a pie.
We arrive at Rebecca Farm!!! Everything is stunning and built to perfection. It is the perfect venue. It has all the bells and whistles. Donald got a humungous permanent end stall which, being 17.2, I think he greatly appreciated. Joe and Ruthie went lake trout fishing and we had fresh Montana fish.
Of course Donald trotted up at the first inspection like a pro. I then had my grant interview with some of the members from the committee. It was a bit of an emotional time being at Rebecca Farm, since the grant was given to us developing riders by Miss Becky who died of cancer last year. It is an extremely selfless and generous thing that she did for us riders, but that is just the type of person she was. I had written the Broussard family a letter after attending Miss Becky’s memorial at Rolex this year. It was on the Thursday after my horrendous and embarrassing dressage, I didn’t really feel like leaving my hotel room and I looked like I had gotten hit by a bus. I went anyway, and it was just amazing to be around these wonderful people, like how Miss Becky was, people who just wanted to support you no matter what. We started to talk about the letter in my interview and before I knew it they were crying, I was crying, nothing really got accomplished but some crying. Not really the way I wanted it to go but if nothing else it was sincere.
SO Surprise Surprise, Donald is up to his old tricks in Dressage again. I wish I had been able to get him out to a dressage show before loading up for Montana but there just was no time. It is strange, more than he is being a jerk I really do think he gets scared when the spotlight is on him. He normally a very confident horse with a bit of an ego but he just feels all clammy and nervous sometimes in the ring. I got on the computer that night and entered 3 dressage shows.
Also not a shocker, Donald ran clean and fast XC. Just 4 seconds over the optimum time which I am a bit bummed about. I need to learn how to shave the seconds off a bit more since he just is not a fast horse. I had one down in the show jumping, the middle part of the triple which was a tall and airy vertical. Overall we finished in 13th place which is my unlucky number since this will be the 3rd 3* that I have finished in 13th place. Must do better.
On the road again, this time back to Salt Lake City for Joe to teach a 3 day clinic. I picked up a few rides there and got to have some lessons with Joe which I really enjoyed. I think Donald appreciates the way Joe works with him as he is not really the type of horse you can just kick and kick or push around. The barn in Salt Lake is amazing and the people are just the best. I can’t wait to go back. I wish I skied or snowboarded since the barn is right near several resorts like Snowbird. But being afraid of heights and snow kind of puts the kabash on that plan.
After the clinic we headed east back through Wyoming and Kansas and eventually we hooked up with my trailer in Michigan. We paid someone to drive my rig up with Joe and my 2* horses to meet us. Joe and Ruthie headed off to Millbrook and I took my ponies to Michigan to stay with my good friend Jamie and do a bit of family visit.
I learned some amazing things and met some wonderful people on the trip to Montana. The Broussards treated me like family and I am so grateful to have them in my life. Joe has a wealth of knowledge and he was extremely generous to answer all my questions without getting too annoyed. Ruthie is a marketing and PR genius and it was so helpful to get her insight also. I am not sure if Joe and Ruthie realize that they are stuck with me now. More importantly I learned how to make a margarita in the backseat and roughly 20 obscure ways to open a beer bottle. And I kicked their asses at Monopoly. Every time.
The time I spent in Michigan was really good for me to work on my own with my horses. I went to dressage shows, I jumped on my own, I spent time really getting back to solidly communicating with my horses. I took them to a local Intermediate horse trial where they finished 3rd and 4th. On to Richland Park, the big event in August. Donald was in the Advanced horse trail and Hewie in the Intermediate. I also had Pips, the 4yo, in her first Training level.
I didn’t really do much breathing on Thursday before Donald’s dressage. I did a bit of a different warm up. Low and behold, it worked. Donald scored a 36 which put him in 7th place in a very big and impressive Advanced class. I had to scroll top-down to find his result rather than bottom-up!! Good boy Big Red!! Hewie also put in a good test finishing on a 35 in the Intermediate.
Cross Country Day!! Duh, Donald and Hewie are super stars yet again. They are so much fun to run and jump with. They know their jobs perfectly and we just get along great. I was 10 seconds slow on Hewie which I was kicking myself about because he is extremely fast. He can be a bit green and spooky in the woods and road crossings and he gets out of balance easily. I just err on the side of caution when I ride him since he is only 7. Donald bombed around the big and technical track and jumped every fence just as I thought he would. Took a bit of a leap into the 2nd water and I got snapped out of the tack since is big and I am small. Of course Donald being the true professional he just held his line and jumped the frog out without a question. I was 4 seconds slow on Donald again. I am not being too hard on myself about it right now since both Donald and Hewie are not as fit as they will be in 2 months when we are at our big fall 3 day, Galway in California.
Donald was tied for 3rd going into show jumping which I was freaking out over a bit. He is finally getting some really good results and is even the 9th placed Advanced horse in the country. I turned him a bit too quickly in the arena to 4a which was an upright vertical down a hill with a brush box and I don’t think I gave him enough time to study it and I had the rail down. For being a big horse Donald is surprisingly sensitive and I think it rattled him a bit, he got a bit scooty so I also had 5 down which was an angled vertical. Other than my mistake he truly is jumping better than he has ever jumped. Luckily for me the rails fell easy for everyone and we held on to our 3rd place in the Advanced division. Hewie also had one rail which I was pretty upset about because I literally did not even hear him touch it. He is jumping so well and in such a good rhythm, it is like butter.
The little mare Piper also finished on her dressage score in 3rd place at her first Training level. WOW what a nice girl she is. She is for sale…. !!
We packed up and drove 18 hours straight back to Florida. SO GOOD TO BE HOME!! I’m currently working on tackling The Jungle aka my yard. Going to hit some more dressage shows and practice my show jumping, obviously. Get the boys a bit fitter. I decided to skip on the AEC’s since I truly am just a bit burnt out physically and financially. I am going to work on things at home and take both of them to Poplar Place where Donald will do the CIC3* and Hewie will do the CIC2*. I think Poplar and Galway are the only two 3*’s in North America that Donald has not done yet. He has jumped around every other one, some two or three times. Was really hoping to get overseas this fall but it was just not in the cards for me. Next year. Galway seems like a pretty cool Plan B and I am really getting excited to head out to the left coast.
Kisses from Donald, Hewie and me of course
Monday, July 4, 2011
Kids These Days
Allow me to stray from my typical training updates and write about something that has been on my mind.
Oh, and Happy 4th! Enjoy some beer and fireworks (but not near the barn!)
Since Bromont and moving to Florida I’ve been on a little bit of a “Summer Break”, I’ve had some extra time to do some reading, writing, and generally just time to pay attention to what’s going on in the world.
I’m disappointed in the youth of eventing at the moment. This all started at Bromont, where two young ladies were stabled in the same aisle as us. My student Natalia, my great friend Christy, and my mother all came to support me that week. 1 horse is not enough work for 4 people, so when we weren’t taking care of Hewie, we were adding to the team effort. Our neighbor across the aisle had 4 horses for 2 people so of course we spent a good deal of time helping them braid, take care of horses in the vet box, schlep things back and forth from the barn, etc. Nothing extraordinary but simply things that needing doing. Natalia was also sweet enough to help Emma, Phillip’s groom, on cross country day when everything was crazy. And of course, there is ALWAYS something to do at Team BDJ!
In our particular aisle, there was a young girl. A young girl whose horse blankets were the same color as Phillip’s. A young girl who was certain Natalia had stolen her cooler and spoke to her in such derogatory manner you’d think she was a sailor. Until she saw Big Phil’s name embroidered on the rug. Oops. Same young girl, hours later, severely disrespecting her mother (whom I am certain writes the checks) in the middle of the aisle in front of her grooms, coach, peers. How and when did this become acceptable behavior at a horse show?
Same horse show, different young girl. She was being paid to groom for a young rider. At several points throughout the weekend, she had been asked to do a task by her rider, to which she replied, “No”. Knowing the wonderful family of this young rider well I am sure the groom was paid up front and her every need was attended to without question. The girl, who was currently at one of the best competitions in North America, refused to attempt to learn something by doing work and then complained about wanting to reach to Advanced level. And no, I’m sorry, playing games on your phone for the majority of the day will not help you reach that goal.
If you’re a young rider sitting there thinking, Gosh, I have the talent, if I had those opportunities I would never muck it up like those girls did. I’m really hoping that I would agree with you, but sadly, I have seen many BN/N kids starting out that display the same terrible work ethic and “poor me” attitude. My attention was drawn to a post on the Chronicle (Yes, I do admit I read the Chronicle sometimes, ever since my 12 page train wreck meltdown thread). This post was by a young girl who was venting about not having opportunities, about being better than her peers, about how she should be able to compete more than she is. Venting is OK and I certainly understand the sentiment, but venting is annoying and pointless behavior unless you use it to help you find a better solution. There is a sense of entitlement and a “things should be easy” attitude with some of these young riders, and I know more than most, because often my working students walk through the doors with that chip on their shoulders. Some of these working students don’t make it past their first month, because I am simply unwilling to accommodate that attitude. The good ones buck up and make every day a learning opportunity, and those working students I often have gone way above and beyond for.
Here is a memo to you young riders out there from someone who isn’t armchair quarterbacking. In this sport you never reach the top and think Yes, I’ve done it. I feel like some of you think that once you reach the Advanced level it is all sunshine, rainbows and smooth sailing. In reality, this is where the true hardship begins. I own two upper level horses, one that I have produced myself from day 1 and one that had been produced to the Intermediate level. I am clearly more fortunate than most to have access to such fabulous partners, but it hasn’t been without struggle. It is all on me to keep them fed, keep shoes on their feet and a roof over their head. It is on me to provide myself with the best coaching and lessons that I can afford. After all that is said and done, yes, sometimes there isn’t money leftover to compete them or do all the things I want to do. I had a conversation this winter with Sharon White, when I was down south for the winter training with Donald and Hewie and wasn’t able to be in Maryland working. I was struggling so badly to keep the farm in Maryland going and also stay on track with my competition schedule. I remember asking her with tears in my eyes, how do you do this? You seem like you have it together, what’s your secret? All she said to me was, “You are doing it”. That’s when I realized it will never get any easier, so I better decide if this is something I want. It is.
My point and the bottom line for me is, how badly do you want it?
Badly enough to move 800 miles away from all your friends and family to be a working student? Badly enough to wake up at 3am on a daily basis to gallop racehorses for extra cash to compete? Badly enough to move 900 miles again to be closer to more training opportunities? Badly enough to keep going after being completely humiliated and heartbroken at one of the biggest events in the world? Badly enough to prove every person who ever called you lazy, untalented, stupid, or just plain not good enough, wrong?
I hope every young rider takes a good, hard look in the mirror and asks themselves;
How badly do you want it?
Oh, and Happy 4th! Enjoy some beer and fireworks (but not near the barn!)
Since Bromont and moving to Florida I’ve been on a little bit of a “Summer Break”, I’ve had some extra time to do some reading, writing, and generally just time to pay attention to what’s going on in the world.
I’m disappointed in the youth of eventing at the moment. This all started at Bromont, where two young ladies were stabled in the same aisle as us. My student Natalia, my great friend Christy, and my mother all came to support me that week. 1 horse is not enough work for 4 people, so when we weren’t taking care of Hewie, we were adding to the team effort. Our neighbor across the aisle had 4 horses for 2 people so of course we spent a good deal of time helping them braid, take care of horses in the vet box, schlep things back and forth from the barn, etc. Nothing extraordinary but simply things that needing doing. Natalia was also sweet enough to help Emma, Phillip’s groom, on cross country day when everything was crazy. And of course, there is ALWAYS something to do at Team BDJ!
In our particular aisle, there was a young girl. A young girl whose horse blankets were the same color as Phillip’s. A young girl who was certain Natalia had stolen her cooler and spoke to her in such derogatory manner you’d think she was a sailor. Until she saw Big Phil’s name embroidered on the rug. Oops. Same young girl, hours later, severely disrespecting her mother (whom I am certain writes the checks) in the middle of the aisle in front of her grooms, coach, peers. How and when did this become acceptable behavior at a horse show?
Same horse show, different young girl. She was being paid to groom for a young rider. At several points throughout the weekend, she had been asked to do a task by her rider, to which she replied, “No”. Knowing the wonderful family of this young rider well I am sure the groom was paid up front and her every need was attended to without question. The girl, who was currently at one of the best competitions in North America, refused to attempt to learn something by doing work and then complained about wanting to reach to Advanced level. And no, I’m sorry, playing games on your phone for the majority of the day will not help you reach that goal.
If you’re a young rider sitting there thinking, Gosh, I have the talent, if I had those opportunities I would never muck it up like those girls did. I’m really hoping that I would agree with you, but sadly, I have seen many BN/N kids starting out that display the same terrible work ethic and “poor me” attitude. My attention was drawn to a post on the Chronicle (Yes, I do admit I read the Chronicle sometimes, ever since my 12 page train wreck meltdown thread). This post was by a young girl who was venting about not having opportunities, about being better than her peers, about how she should be able to compete more than she is. Venting is OK and I certainly understand the sentiment, but venting is annoying and pointless behavior unless you use it to help you find a better solution. There is a sense of entitlement and a “things should be easy” attitude with some of these young riders, and I know more than most, because often my working students walk through the doors with that chip on their shoulders. Some of these working students don’t make it past their first month, because I am simply unwilling to accommodate that attitude. The good ones buck up and make every day a learning opportunity, and those working students I often have gone way above and beyond for.
Here is a memo to you young riders out there from someone who isn’t armchair quarterbacking. In this sport you never reach the top and think Yes, I’ve done it. I feel like some of you think that once you reach the Advanced level it is all sunshine, rainbows and smooth sailing. In reality, this is where the true hardship begins. I own two upper level horses, one that I have produced myself from day 1 and one that had been produced to the Intermediate level. I am clearly more fortunate than most to have access to such fabulous partners, but it hasn’t been without struggle. It is all on me to keep them fed, keep shoes on their feet and a roof over their head. It is on me to provide myself with the best coaching and lessons that I can afford. After all that is said and done, yes, sometimes there isn’t money leftover to compete them or do all the things I want to do. I had a conversation this winter with Sharon White, when I was down south for the winter training with Donald and Hewie and wasn’t able to be in Maryland working. I was struggling so badly to keep the farm in Maryland going and also stay on track with my competition schedule. I remember asking her with tears in my eyes, how do you do this? You seem like you have it together, what’s your secret? All she said to me was, “You are doing it”. That’s when I realized it will never get any easier, so I better decide if this is something I want. It is.
My point and the bottom line for me is, how badly do you want it?
Badly enough to move 800 miles away from all your friends and family to be a working student? Badly enough to wake up at 3am on a daily basis to gallop racehorses for extra cash to compete? Badly enough to move 900 miles again to be closer to more training opportunities? Badly enough to keep going after being completely humiliated and heartbroken at one of the biggest events in the world? Badly enough to prove every person who ever called you lazy, untalented, stupid, or just plain not good enough, wrong?
I hope every young rider takes a good, hard look in the mirror and asks themselves;
How badly do you want it?
Monday, June 27, 2011
Summer Update
Hi everybody - thought it was finally time to get this blog back up and running and to update you all on life in general.
So, yea, Kentucky didn't go so well for me. I'm not sure what happened, Donald got a little spun up from all the thunderstorms and because of the weather I wasn't able to prepare him the way I had been doing all year long. I sometimes forget that he is a young horse and still acts green occassionally. It was a hard pill to swallow and still is at times. The thought of what happened still stings, but I am using it as motivation. Que sera sera, on to the next.
Jersey Fresh was a huge redemption weekend for us where Donald and I finished 4th in the CCI3*, our best 3* finish to date. I think Donald felt bad about Kentucky, he really did try hard to make it up to me. He got a nice vacation after Jersey and is starting back into work now.
While Donald was on vacay, his little brother Hewie got his chance to shine at the Bromont CCI2*. Fabulous dressage put him into 16th going in to cross country. Hewie is still very much "the baby" around the farm so I was nervous about him on Saturday, he is still growing up and has a lot to learn, I wasn't sure how he would handle the big track. Maintaining focus is sometimes hard for "Screwy Hewie". His jumping efforts were fantastic and he went smoothly through every combination. However, he gets a little bit of "tunnel vision" in the long open gallops so turning around the track was a bit difficult, we ended up with a bit of time added to our dressage score. He jumped super for me on Sunday, we had two rails down, the front poles on oxers where I got a bit ahead of him.
Also, in other news, WE MOVED. I found a fabulous place in Florida that I adore. After discussing my riding future with Buck at Kentucky we all agreed that if I was going to be in this for the long haul I needed to put myself in a position where I could have access to more training opportunities. Ocala is a fantastic place for me to work with Buck on a more regular basis. I'm also located close to many top show jumpers and dressage riders. I'm excited to be so close to such wonderful trainers because most of all I just want to learn and be better.
All of the horses traveled safely including Fibi, who is due to foal now in a week! She is having a baby by Oldenburg stallion Banderas. I'm so excited about this cross. Fibi's baby will be a half brother or sister to my former 2* horse Rosetta Stone. He/She will also be an uncle or aunt to my Pickles, which will be sort of awkward since it will be younger than him. We have a strange family tree growing around here.
For now Donald and Hewie are mostly trotting and flatting, I'm waiting not so patiently on this new addition and also to hear on my Rebecca Farm travel grant. I really hope that Donald and I will be getting on a plane at the end of July!
Til next time,
Katie
xoxo
So, yea, Kentucky didn't go so well for me. I'm not sure what happened, Donald got a little spun up from all the thunderstorms and because of the weather I wasn't able to prepare him the way I had been doing all year long. I sometimes forget that he is a young horse and still acts green occassionally. It was a hard pill to swallow and still is at times. The thought of what happened still stings, but I am using it as motivation. Que sera sera, on to the next.
Jersey Fresh was a huge redemption weekend for us where Donald and I finished 4th in the CCI3*, our best 3* finish to date. I think Donald felt bad about Kentucky, he really did try hard to make it up to me. He got a nice vacation after Jersey and is starting back into work now.
While Donald was on vacay, his little brother Hewie got his chance to shine at the Bromont CCI2*. Fabulous dressage put him into 16th going in to cross country. Hewie is still very much "the baby" around the farm so I was nervous about him on Saturday, he is still growing up and has a lot to learn, I wasn't sure how he would handle the big track. Maintaining focus is sometimes hard for "Screwy Hewie". His jumping efforts were fantastic and he went smoothly through every combination. However, he gets a little bit of "tunnel vision" in the long open gallops so turning around the track was a bit difficult, we ended up with a bit of time added to our dressage score. He jumped super for me on Sunday, we had two rails down, the front poles on oxers where I got a bit ahead of him.
Also, in other news, WE MOVED. I found a fabulous place in Florida that I adore. After discussing my riding future with Buck at Kentucky we all agreed that if I was going to be in this for the long haul I needed to put myself in a position where I could have access to more training opportunities. Ocala is a fantastic place for me to work with Buck on a more regular basis. I'm also located close to many top show jumpers and dressage riders. I'm excited to be so close to such wonderful trainers because most of all I just want to learn and be better.
All of the horses traveled safely including Fibi, who is due to foal now in a week! She is having a baby by Oldenburg stallion Banderas. I'm so excited about this cross. Fibi's baby will be a half brother or sister to my former 2* horse Rosetta Stone. He/She will also be an uncle or aunt to my Pickles, which will be sort of awkward since it will be younger than him. We have a strange family tree growing around here.
For now Donald and Hewie are mostly trotting and flatting, I'm waiting not so patiently on this new addition and also to hear on my Rebecca Farm travel grant. I really hope that Donald and I will be getting on a plane at the end of July!
Til next time,
Katie
xoxo
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
The Moment
When you've been working so hard for so long to achieve a dream like going to Kentucky, there comes a moment when you realize that all the sacrafice and suffering has finally paid off.
On Sunday night I had that moment. I had just brought Hewie home from Ocala where he finished 7th in his first CCI 2*, a huge accomplishment for a horse that I had previously seriously doubted. It is amazing what can happen when someone believes in you, Buck has always taken a liking to Hewie and has basically made him what he is. He added only one rail to his dressage score which was an error on my part. I have an amazing horse in Hewie and I was glad to see him home safe, comfortable and successful.
Seeing Hewie and Donald out in their paddock at Buck's together again made me realize how far they, and I, have come these past four months. They have never looked fitter, shinier or happier. I've learned to be a better partner for my horses and am now ready to enjoy the rewards. Kentucky or not, I'm coming away from my time here a better, stronger, smarter rider and person.
My working student Jax is down here with me now and has been my saving grace. I couldn't have done it without her help at Ocala, juggling Hewie's 2 star and also making sure Donald stayed in work to be ready for Kentucky. I'm excited to be able to share this journey with her, she has been working so hard in Maryland making sure things keep ticking along up there in the bitter north. She deserves the break and a chance to see some of the world's finest horses and jumps.
A week from today we will be in Lexington preparing ourselves for the "big dance". We will also be reuinted with Buck who currently is in England getting ready for Badminton with Reggie (Ballynoecastle RM). I'm hoping for solid back to back weekends for team BDJ, we've all been working so hard and Buck really deserves a good ride there.
With Buck and basically everyone else gone, it's quiet around the barn and I think that's a good thing for me right now. It gives me an opportunity to refocus and mentally prepare myself for next week. Without the hustle and bustle of a busy training barn, I have a chance to clear my head and focus on the small details of my riding.
I'll update more next week when we are shipping off to Kentucky.
xoxox
Katie, Hewie and Donald
On Sunday night I had that moment. I had just brought Hewie home from Ocala where he finished 7th in his first CCI 2*, a huge accomplishment for a horse that I had previously seriously doubted. It is amazing what can happen when someone believes in you, Buck has always taken a liking to Hewie and has basically made him what he is. He added only one rail to his dressage score which was an error on my part. I have an amazing horse in Hewie and I was glad to see him home safe, comfortable and successful.
Seeing Hewie and Donald out in their paddock at Buck's together again made me realize how far they, and I, have come these past four months. They have never looked fitter, shinier or happier. I've learned to be a better partner for my horses and am now ready to enjoy the rewards. Kentucky or not, I'm coming away from my time here a better, stronger, smarter rider and person.
My working student Jax is down here with me now and has been my saving grace. I couldn't have done it without her help at Ocala, juggling Hewie's 2 star and also making sure Donald stayed in work to be ready for Kentucky. I'm excited to be able to share this journey with her, she has been working so hard in Maryland making sure things keep ticking along up there in the bitter north. She deserves the break and a chance to see some of the world's finest horses and jumps.
A week from today we will be in Lexington preparing ourselves for the "big dance". We will also be reuinted with Buck who currently is in England getting ready for Badminton with Reggie (Ballynoecastle RM). I'm hoping for solid back to back weekends for team BDJ, we've all been working so hard and Buck really deserves a good ride there.
With Buck and basically everyone else gone, it's quiet around the barn and I think that's a good thing for me right now. It gives me an opportunity to refocus and mentally prepare myself for next week. Without the hustle and bustle of a busy training barn, I have a chance to clear my head and focus on the small details of my riding.
I'll update more next week when we are shipping off to Kentucky.
xoxox
Katie, Hewie and Donald
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Being an adult sucks.... until it all pays off
Instead of sleeping in until 10 and then getting some Waffle House.. I have finished riding 4 horses.
Instead of hitting the bars.. I am driving through the night to teach or get back to my horses in Florida.
Instead of spending that extra $50 on shots at the club, I have an insurance bill to pay.
Heels? Like, High Heels? What Are Those?
Instead of celebrating with friends after a horse show, I am drinking a bottle of wine and doing my taxes.
The clock just hit 9:30... time to go to bed while the rest of the world goes out.
Yes. I am an Adult. I am boring and old. I am walking the straight and narrow. Things are different when you set a goal and will stop at nothing to achieve it. I've had to make some huge sacrifices along the way. The day I actually take the time to brush my hair is a big deal. I now consider going to Pepe's a luxurious occasion. I have less friends, less time, less money, less everything.
Even with all that I am missing, my life has been changed forever. Kentucky or not, I have learned the dedication and drive it takes to be successful at this level. There is no room for error. Your uninterrupted focus is paramount. There are now so many things I can't do. But look at my return... I am entered in one of the few CCI4* events in the WORLD. I have reached the upper echelon. I may not be ultra competitive.. yet.. but I am here. I have arrived. I know now what it takes and hope to continue to do this time and time again.
I had a wonderful weekend coaching my girls in Maryland. Everyone had a great weekend and I am beyond proud. The fact that they did so well despite me not being around all winter shows their true grit and determination. They are also learning what it takes.
Tomorrow morning I head off to the Fork for Donald's last run before the Big Dance. I am choking up as I type this. Part nervous but mostly excited. I am just hoping those 7 or 8 minutes on Saturday go smoothly so I can get to the main event. I have worked so hard, and Donald has too. He has been absolutely wonderful this spring and deserves to have a shot at the best track in the country. He has equaled me in my efforts. It's like he also knows what is at stake.
Hewie is at home in Florida being kept in work by Casey. She is a godsend and what an amazing person. To keep going and helping the rest of us out even after her own horses' freak (but minor) injury.. true class. I know I will come back to Hewie in better shape than when I left him and I have no reservations about his CCI2* in 2 weeks. He is in the best hands.
It will be a whirlwind next 3 weeks. There is no rest for the weary.. just keep pushing.
xoxox
Katie, Donald and Hewie
Instead of hitting the bars.. I am driving through the night to teach or get back to my horses in Florida.
Instead of spending that extra $50 on shots at the club, I have an insurance bill to pay.
Heels? Like, High Heels? What Are Those?
Instead of celebrating with friends after a horse show, I am drinking a bottle of wine and doing my taxes.
The clock just hit 9:30... time to go to bed while the rest of the world goes out.
Yes. I am an Adult. I am boring and old. I am walking the straight and narrow. Things are different when you set a goal and will stop at nothing to achieve it. I've had to make some huge sacrifices along the way. The day I actually take the time to brush my hair is a big deal. I now consider going to Pepe's a luxurious occasion. I have less friends, less time, less money, less everything.
Even with all that I am missing, my life has been changed forever. Kentucky or not, I have learned the dedication and drive it takes to be successful at this level. There is no room for error. Your uninterrupted focus is paramount. There are now so many things I can't do. But look at my return... I am entered in one of the few CCI4* events in the WORLD. I have reached the upper echelon. I may not be ultra competitive.. yet.. but I am here. I have arrived. I know now what it takes and hope to continue to do this time and time again.
I had a wonderful weekend coaching my girls in Maryland. Everyone had a great weekend and I am beyond proud. The fact that they did so well despite me not being around all winter shows their true grit and determination. They are also learning what it takes.
Tomorrow morning I head off to the Fork for Donald's last run before the Big Dance. I am choking up as I type this. Part nervous but mostly excited. I am just hoping those 7 or 8 minutes on Saturday go smoothly so I can get to the main event. I have worked so hard, and Donald has too. He has been absolutely wonderful this spring and deserves to have a shot at the best track in the country. He has equaled me in my efforts. It's like he also knows what is at stake.
Hewie is at home in Florida being kept in work by Casey. She is a godsend and what an amazing person. To keep going and helping the rest of us out even after her own horses' freak (but minor) injury.. true class. I know I will come back to Hewie in better shape than when I left him and I have no reservations about his CCI2* in 2 weeks. He is in the best hands.
It will be a whirlwind next 3 weeks. There is no rest for the weary.. just keep pushing.
xoxox
Katie, Donald and Hewie
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Ups, Downs and In Betweens
So they say about life with horses, the highs are so high and the lows are so low. It's a sport of extremes. One day you may feel on top of the world, and the next you could be crying in the surgery barn at Peterson and Smith.
Well, the "Up" side is that Donald is great and I finally put my entry in the mail for "the big day". I'm having a really hard time being happy and excited about it because the "Down" side is one of my best friends' horses sustained an injury and is no longer going to be Donald's barn mate at the Horse Park. Special Blend, or Leo, had an inflammatory reaction to an ankle injection and had to be hospitalized. At first the vets thought it was an infection and that would have been devastating, but nothing grew in the culture and he is expected to make a full recovery. I've spent the past few days with Casey and Leo making sure that he (and Casey) was okay and the surgery went well. I know Casey (and everybody, including me) is just thrilled that he is going to be okay and return to competition when he's ready, but I feel like I've lost my co-pilot in this adventure. I feel selfish thinking that, but the fact that I had a great friend to go through this with kept me sane. I'm really feeling the pressure now as we get down to the wire here. I'm terrified of screwing up or something dumb happening. Enter paranoia. I may have to check myself into a psych ward when this is all over.
Actually I feel like I've lost a lot the past 4 months, but maybe it's not such a bad thing. I've realized, in taking 4 months to basically do something for myself, that so many people in my life weren't in it to support me. They were in it for personal gain. Now that I've been gone for 4 months I've realized exactly who matters and who doesn't. I know who the people are who just wanted me around so I could ride their horse, do things for them, invite them to horse shows or just in general wanted my attention and focus. The people who just wanted to be a part of the lifestyle, not a part of my life as a whole. I guess at first I was upset that these people were backing out of my life but then a very smart friend reminded me, you have to break some eggs to make an omelette. The people who matter are still there, ready to pick up exactly where we left off 4 months ago. The people who aren't upset that I haven't spoken to them in 2 weeks because to be honest I haven't had time to speak to anybody really, even my own parents. Those are the people worth keeping. Those are the people that I love. Those are the faces I am going to be looking for as I'm coming down to the Rolex Arch and the finish flags on Saturday.
I'm hoping that when I finally do get home, I can grow this number of faithful friends. I met so many wonderful people at my fundraiser, it was a huge success. I'm blown away by the generosity of our eventing community in Maryland. I was absolutely thrilled to see so many smiling, well-wishing faces at Loch Moy last weekend. For every one shady person out there that I know I met at least 3 or 4 wonderful, amazing people who came out to support Donald and I. I hope these people keep coming, I had a blast with everyone and couldn't have come up with a better way to spend a Saturday. It was a long, tough day as we shuffled horses in and out of our cross country field but we got through it. My clients did such a great job helping, I'm so thankful, my friend Mike made all the food which was amazing and my working student Jax just worked tirelessly before, during and after. Biggest thanks of all goes to my landlord, Carolyn, who generously donated her schooling field for the day so I could use it. Amazing, just amazing.
I know I haven't given much of an update with the horses today but they are doing fantastic. Donald will run again at the Fork 3* and Hewie is now just practicing until his CCI2* in April. They look fit, shiny and happy.
I'll give a shout later in the week after a few lessons and promise to update more about the ponies, because that's what it's all about!!
xoxoxox
Katie, Donald and Hewie
Well, the "Up" side is that Donald is great and I finally put my entry in the mail for "the big day". I'm having a really hard time being happy and excited about it because the "Down" side is one of my best friends' horses sustained an injury and is no longer going to be Donald's barn mate at the Horse Park. Special Blend, or Leo, had an inflammatory reaction to an ankle injection and had to be hospitalized. At first the vets thought it was an infection and that would have been devastating, but nothing grew in the culture and he is expected to make a full recovery. I've spent the past few days with Casey and Leo making sure that he (and Casey) was okay and the surgery went well. I know Casey (and everybody, including me) is just thrilled that he is going to be okay and return to competition when he's ready, but I feel like I've lost my co-pilot in this adventure. I feel selfish thinking that, but the fact that I had a great friend to go through this with kept me sane. I'm really feeling the pressure now as we get down to the wire here. I'm terrified of screwing up or something dumb happening. Enter paranoia. I may have to check myself into a psych ward when this is all over.
Actually I feel like I've lost a lot the past 4 months, but maybe it's not such a bad thing. I've realized, in taking 4 months to basically do something for myself, that so many people in my life weren't in it to support me. They were in it for personal gain. Now that I've been gone for 4 months I've realized exactly who matters and who doesn't. I know who the people are who just wanted me around so I could ride their horse, do things for them, invite them to horse shows or just in general wanted my attention and focus. The people who just wanted to be a part of the lifestyle, not a part of my life as a whole. I guess at first I was upset that these people were backing out of my life but then a very smart friend reminded me, you have to break some eggs to make an omelette. The people who matter are still there, ready to pick up exactly where we left off 4 months ago. The people who aren't upset that I haven't spoken to them in 2 weeks because to be honest I haven't had time to speak to anybody really, even my own parents. Those are the people worth keeping. Those are the people that I love. Those are the faces I am going to be looking for as I'm coming down to the Rolex Arch and the finish flags on Saturday.
I'm hoping that when I finally do get home, I can grow this number of faithful friends. I met so many wonderful people at my fundraiser, it was a huge success. I'm blown away by the generosity of our eventing community in Maryland. I was absolutely thrilled to see so many smiling, well-wishing faces at Loch Moy last weekend. For every one shady person out there that I know I met at least 3 or 4 wonderful, amazing people who came out to support Donald and I. I hope these people keep coming, I had a blast with everyone and couldn't have come up with a better way to spend a Saturday. It was a long, tough day as we shuffled horses in and out of our cross country field but we got through it. My clients did such a great job helping, I'm so thankful, my friend Mike made all the food which was amazing and my working student Jax just worked tirelessly before, during and after. Biggest thanks of all goes to my landlord, Carolyn, who generously donated her schooling field for the day so I could use it. Amazing, just amazing.
I know I haven't given much of an update with the horses today but they are doing fantastic. Donald will run again at the Fork 3* and Hewie is now just practicing until his CCI2* in April. They look fit, shiny and happy.
I'll give a shout later in the week after a few lessons and promise to update more about the ponies, because that's what it's all about!!
xoxoxox
Katie, Donald and Hewie
Thursday, March 17, 2011
The Stress Diet
The Stress Diet
So my last day at Red Hills went wonderfully. Donald jumped well but had 2 unfortunate rails down. I am still learning how to maneuver that big moose around the show jumping, he’s a lot to move around. Hewie jumped fabulously, probably the best he’s ever jumped, he had 1 down in the middle at a square oxer off a turn. I’m thrilled with both of them. Dr. Furlong also took a peek at Donald after Red Hills and said he looks great, fit and sound.
Sunday was also unfortunately my last day of Krispy Kreme donut binge eating. Bad form to be stabled right next to competitor hospitality… between Donald, Hewie, the dogs and I we consumed probably over a dozen boxes of donuts over the weekend. Time to buy new pants and avoid mirrors.
Luckily for me (and my bathroom scale) my life has taken a turn for the crazy. So busy that I literally do not have a spare second in the day to sit and eat. I have so much going through my head all the time that I feel drunk 24/7. No joke. Eating and sleeping are without a doubt the last things on my mind. I call this the “Stress Diet” and I’m sure it happens to every rider who is preparing for this thing in April. The journey to Kentucky takes on a life of its’ own, it consumes you, it owns you.
I’m currently sitting on a flight back to Maryland which I made without a second to spare. You know those people that stick their hand into a closing elevator door, desperate to keep it open so they can get inside? Yea, that was me this morning, except it was an airplane. I also saw a really cute guy in the airport who started to talk to me, then I stubbed my toe and tripped. Hate those subtle inclines that you always have to look out for when walking around in airports.
I’m really looking forward to being back in Maryland for a few days, checking in on the farm and doing my cross country fundraiser. It will be so good to see some familiar faces. I could really use a boost in my morale. I’m so lucky to have to much support, all the people coming, all the people that donated items for my auction. I have some amazing people in my life. Being away from everyone at home is very hard for me even though I know this is what I have to do to be ready for Kentucky. Sacrifices.
I hope to see everyone on Saturday.
Xoxox
Katie
So my last day at Red Hills went wonderfully. Donald jumped well but had 2 unfortunate rails down. I am still learning how to maneuver that big moose around the show jumping, he’s a lot to move around. Hewie jumped fabulously, probably the best he’s ever jumped, he had 1 down in the middle at a square oxer off a turn. I’m thrilled with both of them. Dr. Furlong also took a peek at Donald after Red Hills and said he looks great, fit and sound.
Sunday was also unfortunately my last day of Krispy Kreme donut binge eating. Bad form to be stabled right next to competitor hospitality… between Donald, Hewie, the dogs and I we consumed probably over a dozen boxes of donuts over the weekend. Time to buy new pants and avoid mirrors.
Luckily for me (and my bathroom scale) my life has taken a turn for the crazy. So busy that I literally do not have a spare second in the day to sit and eat. I have so much going through my head all the time that I feel drunk 24/7. No joke. Eating and sleeping are without a doubt the last things on my mind. I call this the “Stress Diet” and I’m sure it happens to every rider who is preparing for this thing in April. The journey to Kentucky takes on a life of its’ own, it consumes you, it owns you.
I’m currently sitting on a flight back to Maryland which I made without a second to spare. You know those people that stick their hand into a closing elevator door, desperate to keep it open so they can get inside? Yea, that was me this morning, except it was an airplane. I also saw a really cute guy in the airport who started to talk to me, then I stubbed my toe and tripped. Hate those subtle inclines that you always have to look out for when walking around in airports.
I’m really looking forward to being back in Maryland for a few days, checking in on the farm and doing my cross country fundraiser. It will be so good to see some familiar faces. I could really use a boost in my morale. I’m so lucky to have to much support, all the people coming, all the people that donated items for my auction. I have some amazing people in my life. Being away from everyone at home is very hard for me even though I know this is what I have to do to be ready for Kentucky. Sacrifices.
I hope to see everyone on Saturday.
Xoxox
Katie
Saturday, March 12, 2011
XC Day at Red Hills
Today was so great, I feel so spoiled to have such nice horses.
Donald went right around noon in the 3*. It's always a big tough track here at Red Hills There are a lot of small changes in terrain and twists in the course that make it ride much tougher than it walks.
He went great out of the box, blasting through the first corner combination, the coffin and the bounce banks. Just as I felt we were hitting our stride and reached a perfect rythm for the course, eeerrrp... Hold on Course. They held David Koss, who works for Bruce, and I at the same stopping point for 30 minutes while they dealt with Kyle Carter's fall on Madison Park at the angled brush fences at 14. It's always nerve wracking when someone has a fall and the curtains go up, but the event officials told us while we were on hold that Parker walked into the trailer which was a huge relief. I heard he was resting comfortably which is awesome. I also saw Kyle walking around tonight with his arm in a sling, not looking too bad, so thankfully I think they're both okay. The event officials did a really good job of communicating with us as we were on hold.
Donald is very much a horse that needs to build. Sometimes I swear he is sleeping when he comes out of the box. I was worried about him starting again after standing around for so long. He went on to jump the double brushes, the 1st and 2nd waters and the tough double corners easily. However, he never seemed to get that "fire" back. He "superman-ed" it into the 3rd water and landed a little dead on his feet in deep water. As I pulled hard to turn him he just fell completely behind my leg and slowed to a halt mid-combination. Sort of a bummer as that incurred us 20 penalties but it's not an issue that I'm concerned about going home to fix - just a schoch of bad luck with the hold and whatnot. I circled him and he jumped out just fine, and on home we went. I'm very pleased with him and I really couldn't have asked him to be any better today.
Hewie went a few hours later in the Intermediate and I really felt like this was a "make it or break it" moment for him. Red Hills is his 4th Intermediate and definitely the biggest track he's been on yet. He's a little bit.. well.. radical at times. I was pretty sure the big atmosphere and difficult fences would do one of two things, sit him down and make him focus or he would bolt into the woods to hide. Lucky for me he was just perfect all the way around. He has gotten so physically strong and he is just now showing how much scope he truly has. I'm so lucky to have such a wonderful horse in Hewie. He really has a huge heart and I know he would do anything for me.
Both the horses look great tonight. Donald came into the D box today with a whopping temp of 100.8 so clearly not too stressed. Jogged both of them up tonight looking sound and strong. I'm going to try and get some good sleep tonight before the jog early tomorrow.
xoxo, kisses to ponies
k
Donald went right around noon in the 3*. It's always a big tough track here at Red Hills There are a lot of small changes in terrain and twists in the course that make it ride much tougher than it walks.
He went great out of the box, blasting through the first corner combination, the coffin and the bounce banks. Just as I felt we were hitting our stride and reached a perfect rythm for the course, eeerrrp... Hold on Course. They held David Koss, who works for Bruce, and I at the same stopping point for 30 minutes while they dealt with Kyle Carter's fall on Madison Park at the angled brush fences at 14. It's always nerve wracking when someone has a fall and the curtains go up, but the event officials told us while we were on hold that Parker walked into the trailer which was a huge relief. I heard he was resting comfortably which is awesome. I also saw Kyle walking around tonight with his arm in a sling, not looking too bad, so thankfully I think they're both okay. The event officials did a really good job of communicating with us as we were on hold.
Donald is very much a horse that needs to build. Sometimes I swear he is sleeping when he comes out of the box. I was worried about him starting again after standing around for so long. He went on to jump the double brushes, the 1st and 2nd waters and the tough double corners easily. However, he never seemed to get that "fire" back. He "superman-ed" it into the 3rd water and landed a little dead on his feet in deep water. As I pulled hard to turn him he just fell completely behind my leg and slowed to a halt mid-combination. Sort of a bummer as that incurred us 20 penalties but it's not an issue that I'm concerned about going home to fix - just a schoch of bad luck with the hold and whatnot. I circled him and he jumped out just fine, and on home we went. I'm very pleased with him and I really couldn't have asked him to be any better today.
Hewie went a few hours later in the Intermediate and I really felt like this was a "make it or break it" moment for him. Red Hills is his 4th Intermediate and definitely the biggest track he's been on yet. He's a little bit.. well.. radical at times. I was pretty sure the big atmosphere and difficult fences would do one of two things, sit him down and make him focus or he would bolt into the woods to hide. Lucky for me he was just perfect all the way around. He has gotten so physically strong and he is just now showing how much scope he truly has. I'm so lucky to have such a wonderful horse in Hewie. He really has a huge heart and I know he would do anything for me.
Both the horses look great tonight. Donald came into the D box today with a whopping temp of 100.8 so clearly not too stressed. Jogged both of them up tonight looking sound and strong. I'm going to try and get some good sleep tonight before the jog early tomorrow.
xoxo, kisses to ponies
k
Friday, March 11, 2011
D Day down.. XC tomorrow
Circles and lines are finally over. Dressage day is my most stressful day, basically because I'm not very good at it. I have to work twice as hard to be half as good as some of these guys. The level of dressage proficiency in eventing now is just amazing. Some of these riders and horses are just so, so good. Every time I enter the warm up at an Advanced horse trial, CIC or CCI it's like getting a free riding lesson. Some day I will be that good, I just need to learn how to half pass first.
I was thrilled with both Donald and Hewie. Donald is and always has been a tough one in dressage. When he's bad he's BAD, but even when he's good it's hard to score well. He's a big long horse and it's painfully obvious when he's not engaged and connected. We get called out on it a lot in our tests but I'm learning how to shorten him up and ride him more uphill. Today was probably the most relaxed and attentive he's been in the ring, now I just need to trust that he's not going to blow up anymore and ride him a little bit stronger.
Hewie had a good test today, very focused and steady, I'm struggling now to obtain the "flash factor" necessary to ride a winning test. The horses go quietly and consistantly but now I need more "bling" on my tests. Something to work on for sure.
After walking cross country with Buck, I feel pretty good about it all. The 3* is big of course but doable. The turns and terrain make you want to slow down, but Buck really made a point of telling us to keep galloping where we can, that the course will reward a forward ride. I'll have to remind Donald to suck it in because some of those skinnies are REALLY skinny. The Intermediate course will definitely be the biggest Hewie has ever seen. I expect his eyes to literally be falling out of his skull at the finish line, poor guy. He may be a nervous nellie but he's the most obediant and trusting animal I have ever met. As long as I don't steer him wrong and try to keep him out of trouble he will be just fine.
I do love coming to Tallahassee for this event because it's put on so well. We're lucky to have our stalls right next to the hospitality tent, complete with coffee and all the Krispy Kreme donuts a human (or dog, or Donald) could ask for.
Speaking of dogs.. remind me to buy some leashes for my mutts. Today a lovely man who happens to be the stable secretary here stopped by with the young girl who works with his horses. My younger aussie Roni naturally started to beg for attention from the girl. So we all chatted, and before I knew it, the poor girl was on the ground being rolled on and licked by my dog, knocking her diet coke all over the place, covering Roni and the sweet girl who was just trying to pet her. Instead she was mawled by an attention starved australian shepherd. The girl was soaking wet, I was terribly embarrassed, and Roni was just sticky. As the good horse people they were, they just laughed it off. Leashes.. tomorrow... bad dogs!
Donald runs in the 3* tomorrow around lunchtime and Hewie goes at 3:30. I intend to get out there early to walk some more and mull over lines and distances and such. Wish us luck!
xoxox
k
I was thrilled with both Donald and Hewie. Donald is and always has been a tough one in dressage. When he's bad he's BAD, but even when he's good it's hard to score well. He's a big long horse and it's painfully obvious when he's not engaged and connected. We get called out on it a lot in our tests but I'm learning how to shorten him up and ride him more uphill. Today was probably the most relaxed and attentive he's been in the ring, now I just need to trust that he's not going to blow up anymore and ride him a little bit stronger.
Hewie had a good test today, very focused and steady, I'm struggling now to obtain the "flash factor" necessary to ride a winning test. The horses go quietly and consistantly but now I need more "bling" on my tests. Something to work on for sure.
After walking cross country with Buck, I feel pretty good about it all. The 3* is big of course but doable. The turns and terrain make you want to slow down, but Buck really made a point of telling us to keep galloping where we can, that the course will reward a forward ride. I'll have to remind Donald to suck it in because some of those skinnies are REALLY skinny. The Intermediate course will definitely be the biggest Hewie has ever seen. I expect his eyes to literally be falling out of his skull at the finish line, poor guy. He may be a nervous nellie but he's the most obediant and trusting animal I have ever met. As long as I don't steer him wrong and try to keep him out of trouble he will be just fine.
I do love coming to Tallahassee for this event because it's put on so well. We're lucky to have our stalls right next to the hospitality tent, complete with coffee and all the Krispy Kreme donuts a human (or dog, or Donald) could ask for.
Speaking of dogs.. remind me to buy some leashes for my mutts. Today a lovely man who happens to be the stable secretary here stopped by with the young girl who works with his horses. My younger aussie Roni naturally started to beg for attention from the girl. So we all chatted, and before I knew it, the poor girl was on the ground being rolled on and licked by my dog, knocking her diet coke all over the place, covering Roni and the sweet girl who was just trying to pet her. Instead she was mawled by an attention starved australian shepherd. The girl was soaking wet, I was terribly embarrassed, and Roni was just sticky. As the good horse people they were, they just laughed it off. Leashes.. tomorrow... bad dogs!
Donald runs in the 3* tomorrow around lunchtime and Hewie goes at 3:30. I intend to get out there early to walk some more and mull over lines and distances and such. Wish us luck!
xoxox
k
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Almost Ready for Red Hills
The first big event of the season is upon us, Red Hills in Tallahassee, Florida. I have the privledge to be running the 3* with Donald and the Intermediate horse trial with Hewie. I'm excited and nervous for this outing, particularly with not one but two big 3-days looming in the not-so-distant future. Hewie will be going to Ocala for his CCI2* and Donald.. well.. he is supposed to do that thing in April.
It's different this year. Everything is. I think everything changes when you have your sights realistically set on a four star. You're that much more demanding on yourself and your attention to detail improves. Every flat lesson, every jump school, everything is that much more important and real. You refuse to let yourself or your horses get away with anything. Perfection isn't something you strive for anymore, it's necessary.
Last year at Red Hills my goal was to get both horses around safely and have a positive, confidence building outing. My goals are the same this year but amplified. Every stride is a step closer to the last week in April. It's a lot of pressure and it's very difficult being a 24-year old Advanced level newbie from modest means trying to deal with it all.
It's even harder trying to push out the other stressors in my life. I'd love to say the background events in my life don't get to me, but they do. They weigh on me and impact my focus. I do my best to "trim the fat" but sometimes it's just unavoidable. Trying to juggle finances, employees leaving, horses coming and going, relationships and general horse world drama is a daily struggle. After all is said and done with the horses, I barely have enough emotion to care for anything else. I guess this is part of being a successful upper level rider, the mental aspect, the "Mind Gym" (from a great book my friend Lainey Ashker gave me. A must read.).
I'm going to try my best to maintain my focus, to give my horses the best possible ride, to maintain a positive attitude and always be hopeful and humble. This weekend is a big one and I'd like to come away from it that much more prepared for "the big day".
Wish us luck! We head out tomorrow!
xoxox
k
It's different this year. Everything is. I think everything changes when you have your sights realistically set on a four star. You're that much more demanding on yourself and your attention to detail improves. Every flat lesson, every jump school, everything is that much more important and real. You refuse to let yourself or your horses get away with anything. Perfection isn't something you strive for anymore, it's necessary.
Last year at Red Hills my goal was to get both horses around safely and have a positive, confidence building outing. My goals are the same this year but amplified. Every stride is a step closer to the last week in April. It's a lot of pressure and it's very difficult being a 24-year old Advanced level newbie from modest means trying to deal with it all.
It's even harder trying to push out the other stressors in my life. I'd love to say the background events in my life don't get to me, but they do. They weigh on me and impact my focus. I do my best to "trim the fat" but sometimes it's just unavoidable. Trying to juggle finances, employees leaving, horses coming and going, relationships and general horse world drama is a daily struggle. After all is said and done with the horses, I barely have enough emotion to care for anything else. I guess this is part of being a successful upper level rider, the mental aspect, the "Mind Gym" (from a great book my friend Lainey Ashker gave me. A must read.).
I'm going to try my best to maintain my focus, to give my horses the best possible ride, to maintain a positive attitude and always be hopeful and humble. This weekend is a big one and I'd like to come away from it that much more prepared for "the big day".
Wish us luck! We head out tomorrow!
xoxox
k
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Repeat Success at Rocking Horse
I'm still smiling from the weekend
Donald was just awesome again in the dressage, scoring a 38. It was hot and humid and he was a little slow on his feet, I felt like he could have easily knocked off 5 points had he been a little more fresh. To make it even better, Brian Ross was my judge, and he has given me some of my worst scores ever! Finally, I have pleased this judge! If I had ended my weekend right there I would have been thrilled.
On to showjumping. The arena at Rocking Horse is hard for me to jump in, it's small, there are a lot of jumps crammed in, and I'm riding a 17.2 hand moose. I had one rail but there were very few clear rounds so I wasn't terribly upset. I am going to try and make it over to HITS or some small jumper shows later this season to try and really up my game in the show jumping, I want to try and leave the poles up in April.
The cross country was a great first Advanced of the year, but there was enough to do. Two corner combinations, a real sunken road, lots of narrows and angled lines. Buck told us to just take it slow and be careful since the footing was a little hard. Donald was wonderful to jump and I saw a forward deep distance nearly every time. I didn't kick him in the gallops and just let him go at his own pace. To my pleasant surprise I was only 15 seconds or so off the time. I felt really great about this because it meant that I was saving my time elsewhere on course, not just galloping like crazy. I wasn't picking to the fences, I was riding smarter lines and keeping a better rythm throughout. Donald isn't an exceptionally fast horse so all these things are very important to him being up on the clock.
He rounded out the weekend in 7th place in a large Advanced class. I'm so happy with him! He got lots of kisses and of course some extra grain.
My girls also did a great job this weekend on their ponies. Brooke took her pony Tally to her first recognized BN and Lauren took her pony Cheyenne to their 3rd Novice. Cheyenne is a very reliable pony and nearly always finishes on her dressage score, she and Lauren added 0.4 time faults for being 1 second over the time, which I actually was very happy about, since it means she went at the correct pace the whole way. They finished their weekend in 6th. Tally and Brooke had a green rail in stadium and had a beautiful double clean XC round, which we all were thrilled about, being Tally's first event and all. Tally and Brooke finished in 9th in the BNR which was a fairly large class. I'm very, very happy for them both.
This weekend is an off weekend from competition, so I'm going to run the two ponies back up to Maryland and check on things up there.
xoxo
k
Donald was just awesome again in the dressage, scoring a 38. It was hot and humid and he was a little slow on his feet, I felt like he could have easily knocked off 5 points had he been a little more fresh. To make it even better, Brian Ross was my judge, and he has given me some of my worst scores ever! Finally, I have pleased this judge! If I had ended my weekend right there I would have been thrilled.
On to showjumping. The arena at Rocking Horse is hard for me to jump in, it's small, there are a lot of jumps crammed in, and I'm riding a 17.2 hand moose. I had one rail but there were very few clear rounds so I wasn't terribly upset. I am going to try and make it over to HITS or some small jumper shows later this season to try and really up my game in the show jumping, I want to try and leave the poles up in April.
The cross country was a great first Advanced of the year, but there was enough to do. Two corner combinations, a real sunken road, lots of narrows and angled lines. Buck told us to just take it slow and be careful since the footing was a little hard. Donald was wonderful to jump and I saw a forward deep distance nearly every time. I didn't kick him in the gallops and just let him go at his own pace. To my pleasant surprise I was only 15 seconds or so off the time. I felt really great about this because it meant that I was saving my time elsewhere on course, not just galloping like crazy. I wasn't picking to the fences, I was riding smarter lines and keeping a better rythm throughout. Donald isn't an exceptionally fast horse so all these things are very important to him being up on the clock.
He rounded out the weekend in 7th place in a large Advanced class. I'm so happy with him! He got lots of kisses and of course some extra grain.
My girls also did a great job this weekend on their ponies. Brooke took her pony Tally to her first recognized BN and Lauren took her pony Cheyenne to their 3rd Novice. Cheyenne is a very reliable pony and nearly always finishes on her dressage score, she and Lauren added 0.4 time faults for being 1 second over the time, which I actually was very happy about, since it means she went at the correct pace the whole way. They finished their weekend in 6th. Tally and Brooke had a green rail in stadium and had a beautiful double clean XC round, which we all were thrilled about, being Tally's first event and all. Tally and Brooke finished in 9th in the BNR which was a fairly large class. I'm very, very happy for them both.
This weekend is an off weekend from competition, so I'm going to run the two ponies back up to Maryland and check on things up there.
xoxo
k
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Orange Horse does Ocala and Red Horse does Rocking Horse
Old news is better than no news, right?
I took Hewie to his 3rd Intermediate this past weekend at Ocala. I had a long conversation with him about how he had to maintain his focus in the jumping, no more silly technical 20's allowed. He had his Bogey for the year. My working student Karen Shea also took the mare she has been riding, Razzmatazz, in her (Karen's) first ever event at Novice. Tazz is owned by my good friend and sponsorship coordinator Christy Hughes and has just been the best partner for Karen to learn to event on.
I felt bad because I rushed Hewie into the dressage ring and he didn't get a great score. I am still trying to figure out how to warm this horse up properly, too long and he gets sweaty and dull, too little and he's all jacked up. I was dissapointed in that, only to head into a fabulous double clear showjumping round. Way to go Hewie!
Karen finished her first day on a 39.5, finished the whole competition on that score as a matter of fact. Earned herself a pretty Yellow ribbon. I am so proud of her. She rode her cross country like a champ, looking just like an old pro.
Hewie was the most relaxed he's ever been on cross country, focused, attentive.. he was just fabulous. I'm so proud of the round he put in. We were a few seconds late so he finished on his dressage score and change in 6th place.
On to Rocking Horse this weekend.. the first Advanced of the year.. everyone at the barn is a little geared up. We had dressage lessons today and all of the girls at Buck's red horses (including mine) were a little fresh. I got some really good work out of Donald but I was pretty dissapointed, he hadn't blown up in a while and I had figured we were past it. Buck brought up a good point to me while I was wallowing in my sorrow. I had told him that I feel like if I can't even practice my dressage calmly at home, what am I thinking trying to go to Kentucky. He said that right now Donald is ready for Rocking Horse, not Rolex, he hasn't peaked yet and there is a lot of work left to be done before Kentucky. He told me not to get too hard on myself and just focus on the task at hand. He's right and I'm lucky to have him guiding me.
My other working student Jax is down here this weekend helping the students and I. Brooke and Lauren are taking their ponies BN and Novice at Rocking Horse as well. I got to introduce them to some fun Ocala locations, like Pepe's. It should be a fun and succesful weekend for all of us and I'm looking forward to it.
xoxox
k
I took Hewie to his 3rd Intermediate this past weekend at Ocala. I had a long conversation with him about how he had to maintain his focus in the jumping, no more silly technical 20's allowed. He had his Bogey for the year. My working student Karen Shea also took the mare she has been riding, Razzmatazz, in her (Karen's) first ever event at Novice. Tazz is owned by my good friend and sponsorship coordinator Christy Hughes and has just been the best partner for Karen to learn to event on.
I felt bad because I rushed Hewie into the dressage ring and he didn't get a great score. I am still trying to figure out how to warm this horse up properly, too long and he gets sweaty and dull, too little and he's all jacked up. I was dissapointed in that, only to head into a fabulous double clear showjumping round. Way to go Hewie!
Karen finished her first day on a 39.5, finished the whole competition on that score as a matter of fact. Earned herself a pretty Yellow ribbon. I am so proud of her. She rode her cross country like a champ, looking just like an old pro.
Hewie was the most relaxed he's ever been on cross country, focused, attentive.. he was just fabulous. I'm so proud of the round he put in. We were a few seconds late so he finished on his dressage score and change in 6th place.
On to Rocking Horse this weekend.. the first Advanced of the year.. everyone at the barn is a little geared up. We had dressage lessons today and all of the girls at Buck's red horses (including mine) were a little fresh. I got some really good work out of Donald but I was pretty dissapointed, he hadn't blown up in a while and I had figured we were past it. Buck brought up a good point to me while I was wallowing in my sorrow. I had told him that I feel like if I can't even practice my dressage calmly at home, what am I thinking trying to go to Kentucky. He said that right now Donald is ready for Rocking Horse, not Rolex, he hasn't peaked yet and there is a lot of work left to be done before Kentucky. He told me not to get too hard on myself and just focus on the task at hand. He's right and I'm lucky to have him guiding me.
My other working student Jax is down here this weekend helping the students and I. Brooke and Lauren are taking their ponies BN and Novice at Rocking Horse as well. I got to introduce them to some fun Ocala locations, like Pepe's. It should be a fun and succesful weekend for all of us and I'm looking forward to it.
xoxox
k
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Rocking Horse Recap
FINALLY
I have learned to sit the trot on my horse, and it has paid off! Donald was proudly tied for 4th after dressage.. Top 5.. Something I never thought I would see on that horse until AFTER all 3 phases. We are not a hot mess anymore.. We’re hot.. Well… ya know ;)
I’d like to think it is just all my hard work paying off, but maybe it is because I threatened Donald on the way to the show. I told him that if we were still bad at dressage, I was going to pack everything up and leave for Maryland straight from Rocking Horse. He would be back in his paddock at home with 8 inches of snow. I don’t think he liked that idea.
At any rate, things are shaping up for us not to be a total embarrassment in the ring at Rolex.
Donald and I bumped down a few places after show jumping where I made a rookie mistake. Running at the long spot tends not to work above Training level.. Oops. On the plus side, I did get to ride with a bit and spurs this time and he jumped very well.
On to Cross Country! It was Donald’s playground and he was foot perfect. I think he was so happy to be back out there. I tried him in the snaffle but I think I would like my gag bit back for the next go. Donald has a special bit that I rigged up for him. It is like that fairy tale.. Goldilocks and the Three Bears.. The snaffle bit is too small, the gag is too big, but the PONY GAG is just right! I found these perfect pony sized gag ropes and put them on his full cheek bit, perfection, it’s “Just Enough”. I think Goldilocks is right? Or is it Little Red Riding Hood? Who was that chick that went into the woods and ate porridge? Or was it the bears that ate the porridge? What is porridge?
Hewie’s day was good and bad. He was good in the dressage but got a little nervous and curly. I struggle to make Donald round enough, Hewie is almost TOO round. Hewie jumped his big ole heart out in show jumping, he had the last rail down with his back tippy toes. I think he jumped so hard he wore himself out. I’m very pleased.
Sunday. Cross Country. Poor Hewie, he was doomed from the start. As we biked the XC I knew the exact moment where he would lose it. The course started in the middle of the field, then worked its way back around to the front of the venue.. Right.. By.. The.. TRAILERS. Ugh, I knew it, and there was nothing I could do about it. We jumped 1, and 2 and 3, and headed towards the first combination. Then it happened, a piercing scream… DONALD. He saw us! He screamed at us! He SABOTAGED us! Hewie’s head flew up in the air, started screeching back, and peeled out. The turbo kicked in and we were a screaming, wild orange lightning bolt. Eyewitness accounts described it as “Shocking” and “Very Fast”. I like to call these episodes his “Zig Zag”. I barely got him back under control enough to jump 4, a table, but there was no hope for us, I was still riding an emotional lunatic and there was no way I could keep him focused enough to jump 5 B, the corner after the skinny. Being the rational one of the two, I simply circled around and picked off the corner in fine fashion, settled the nervous wreck and we went on our way. He jumped spectacularly around the rest of the course. At that point my technical 20 put us so far behind, I just took it slow and carefully guided him around, he is so green at the Intermediate level that even when he makes mistakes I want to make sure he is safe and gains confidence.
Next time we go XC… Tell Hewie to leave the Zig Zags at home!
I have learned to sit the trot on my horse, and it has paid off! Donald was proudly tied for 4th after dressage.. Top 5.. Something I never thought I would see on that horse until AFTER all 3 phases. We are not a hot mess anymore.. We’re hot.. Well… ya know ;)
I’d like to think it is just all my hard work paying off, but maybe it is because I threatened Donald on the way to the show. I told him that if we were still bad at dressage, I was going to pack everything up and leave for Maryland straight from Rocking Horse. He would be back in his paddock at home with 8 inches of snow. I don’t think he liked that idea.
At any rate, things are shaping up for us not to be a total embarrassment in the ring at Rolex.
Donald and I bumped down a few places after show jumping where I made a rookie mistake. Running at the long spot tends not to work above Training level.. Oops. On the plus side, I did get to ride with a bit and spurs this time and he jumped very well.
On to Cross Country! It was Donald’s playground and he was foot perfect. I think he was so happy to be back out there. I tried him in the snaffle but I think I would like my gag bit back for the next go. Donald has a special bit that I rigged up for him. It is like that fairy tale.. Goldilocks and the Three Bears.. The snaffle bit is too small, the gag is too big, but the PONY GAG is just right! I found these perfect pony sized gag ropes and put them on his full cheek bit, perfection, it’s “Just Enough”. I think Goldilocks is right? Or is it Little Red Riding Hood? Who was that chick that went into the woods and ate porridge? Or was it the bears that ate the porridge? What is porridge?
Hewie’s day was good and bad. He was good in the dressage but got a little nervous and curly. I struggle to make Donald round enough, Hewie is almost TOO round. Hewie jumped his big ole heart out in show jumping, he had the last rail down with his back tippy toes. I think he jumped so hard he wore himself out. I’m very pleased.
Sunday. Cross Country. Poor Hewie, he was doomed from the start. As we biked the XC I knew the exact moment where he would lose it. The course started in the middle of the field, then worked its way back around to the front of the venue.. Right.. By.. The.. TRAILERS. Ugh, I knew it, and there was nothing I could do about it. We jumped 1, and 2 and 3, and headed towards the first combination. Then it happened, a piercing scream… DONALD. He saw us! He screamed at us! He SABOTAGED us! Hewie’s head flew up in the air, started screeching back, and peeled out. The turbo kicked in and we were a screaming, wild orange lightning bolt. Eyewitness accounts described it as “Shocking” and “Very Fast”. I like to call these episodes his “Zig Zag”. I barely got him back under control enough to jump 4, a table, but there was no hope for us, I was still riding an emotional lunatic and there was no way I could keep him focused enough to jump 5 B, the corner after the skinny. Being the rational one of the two, I simply circled around and picked off the corner in fine fashion, settled the nervous wreck and we went on our way. He jumped spectacularly around the rest of the course. At that point my technical 20 put us so far behind, I just took it slow and carefully guided him around, he is so green at the Intermediate level that even when he makes mistakes I want to make sure he is safe and gains confidence.
Next time we go XC… Tell Hewie to leave the Zig Zags at home!
Monday, January 24, 2011
It's Go Time
Go Time.
This week is going to be spent preparing for our first competition of the season, Rocking Horse I. I went out on a limb and entered Hewie in the Intermediate straight away, the dude has done a year and a half of prelim, if he's not ready now he ain't ever gonna be!
I'm really glad I did. We did our XC school today over at Longwod and I took both Donald and Hewie. I kid you not when I say it was a perfect day. Perfect venue, perfect weather, perfect footing, and perfect horses. They did everything I asked of them and more. They're so much farther ahead this year than they were at this time last year, and I know it is because they are now a product of a good program. When I get to go out there and have my horses go absolutely beautifully, it makes all the sacrafices I am making to be down here worth it.
Buck made us do an interesting exercise today and it really got me thinking about how important position is. We had to jump a series of XC fences with only one hand. We joked that this was our "test" to go to Rolex. I jumped around the first time successfully but when I came back he asked me if I noticed how much my hand was moving (the free one, not the one on the reins). He asked me to do it again but keep my hand perfectly still. It not only improved my balance but my eye got better and so did the rythm of my ride.
The most important thing I'm learning, and the scariest, is that at the four star level there is no room for error. My rookie mistakes are not tolerated anymore. Every time I throw a leg over a horse it's focus, focus, focus... I can see my efforts paying off but I still worry about messing up from time to time.
Now I just have to remember to get my jacket dry cleaned... or my mom will have a fit!
xo
k
This week is going to be spent preparing for our first competition of the season, Rocking Horse I. I went out on a limb and entered Hewie in the Intermediate straight away, the dude has done a year and a half of prelim, if he's not ready now he ain't ever gonna be!
I'm really glad I did. We did our XC school today over at Longwod and I took both Donald and Hewie. I kid you not when I say it was a perfect day. Perfect venue, perfect weather, perfect footing, and perfect horses. They did everything I asked of them and more. They're so much farther ahead this year than they were at this time last year, and I know it is because they are now a product of a good program. When I get to go out there and have my horses go absolutely beautifully, it makes all the sacrafices I am making to be down here worth it.
Buck made us do an interesting exercise today and it really got me thinking about how important position is. We had to jump a series of XC fences with only one hand. We joked that this was our "test" to go to Rolex. I jumped around the first time successfully but when I came back he asked me if I noticed how much my hand was moving (the free one, not the one on the reins). He asked me to do it again but keep my hand perfectly still. It not only improved my balance but my eye got better and so did the rythm of my ride.
The most important thing I'm learning, and the scariest, is that at the four star level there is no room for error. My rookie mistakes are not tolerated anymore. Every time I throw a leg over a horse it's focus, focus, focus... I can see my efforts paying off but I still worry about messing up from time to time.
Now I just have to remember to get my jacket dry cleaned... or my mom will have a fit!
xo
k
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Today I am too exhausted to write anything worth reading really. So I’ll just make lists.
Life In The Sand
Pros
Good footing for the horses
Cheap (free) to build arenas
Beat up footing is fixed with every rain storm
Studs seldom required
No Mud
Sand roads better than dirt roads
Makes horses shoes very shiny
Feels “beachy”
Hurts less when you fall
Cons
In my eyes
In my clothes
In my car
In my house
In my bed
In my shoes
In my teeth sometimes (especially unpleasant)
In everything
Whips you in the face when it’s windy = Sand Burn
Makes dogs itchy
Not actually near a beach
Life In The Sand
Pros
Good footing for the horses
Cheap (free) to build arenas
Beat up footing is fixed with every rain storm
Studs seldom required
No Mud
Sand roads better than dirt roads
Makes horses shoes very shiny
Feels “beachy”
Hurts less when you fall
Cons
In my eyes
In my clothes
In my car
In my house
In my bed
In my shoes
In my teeth sometimes (especially unpleasant)
In everything
Whips you in the face when it’s windy = Sand Burn
Makes dogs itchy
Not actually near a beach
Friday, January 7, 2011
Jump Day!
Every morning Buck writes in "the book" what all the horses are doing that day. So far since I've been down here, all that's been written next to Donald and Hewie is "trotting". Yesterday we spiced it up, we did 40min instead of 20. Trotting on Donald is horrendously boring, and a little painful. He's so big that is trot is sort of bone-jarring. Awesome. Hewie is the opposite, he's so exciting to trot. Exciting does not = Pleasant. Instead of trotting he mostly leaps and bolts, with his tail straight up in the air like an Arab. My horses are cool.
Low and behold, when I showed up to the barn this morning.. What was written next to their names? JUMP. The activity that makes all other horse-related activities bearable! Sweet sustenance of life! I finally was released from trotting prison!
Since the horses did so well at their fall 3-days, they had most of the winter off. After a tough year competing I like to give them at least 4-6 weeks of rest. This was the first time they had jumped since mid-October. I expected to be a little rusty, but I didn't expect to be this bad... we started jumping over a 2'6 oxer so naturally, like any experienced Advanced level rider, I come around the corner and charge at it full speed, while Donald's head is straight up in the air. Nice. I got a serious reprimand for not being able to jump a Beginner Novice sized fence. Failure.
After the fences got bigger we got better. We did some good gymnastics and I was surprised how rideable Donald was and how clean he was jumping. Hopefully I can keep this going all spring. Hewie jumped like a million bucks, but as usual, rode like crap. Rooting and crowhopping in between the fences, barely steerable. Sometimes when I ride him, I'm not really sure what his legs are doing underneath me.
My baby horses are continuing to go well. We are painting jumps at the house to we have stuff to school them over. They are also sick of trotting.
xo
k
Low and behold, when I showed up to the barn this morning.. What was written next to their names? JUMP. The activity that makes all other horse-related activities bearable! Sweet sustenance of life! I finally was released from trotting prison!
Since the horses did so well at their fall 3-days, they had most of the winter off. After a tough year competing I like to give them at least 4-6 weeks of rest. This was the first time they had jumped since mid-October. I expected to be a little rusty, but I didn't expect to be this bad... we started jumping over a 2'6 oxer so naturally, like any experienced Advanced level rider, I come around the corner and charge at it full speed, while Donald's head is straight up in the air. Nice. I got a serious reprimand for not being able to jump a Beginner Novice sized fence. Failure.
After the fences got bigger we got better. We did some good gymnastics and I was surprised how rideable Donald was and how clean he was jumping. Hopefully I can keep this going all spring. Hewie jumped like a million bucks, but as usual, rode like crap. Rooting and crowhopping in between the fences, barely steerable. Sometimes when I ride him, I'm not really sure what his legs are doing underneath me.
My baby horses are continuing to go well. We are painting jumps at the house to we have stuff to school them over. They are also sick of trotting.
xo
k
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
For Sale "Compass Rose"
Video of Chloe at The Maryland Horse Trials July 2010
Day 1
Okay, well this is actually day 4. Everything between day 365 and now is sort of a blur. My feeble attempt at responsibility on New Years Eve landed me on the couch with the spins, laughing at anything that sounded or resembled the word "boob". Staying at home playing board games actually CAN get you into trouble. Real good start to the year, real good.
As if I wasn't in enough pain on New Years Day, I had to make everyone else suffer along with me. Somehow I convinced Josh and a former student, Annie, to get in the trucks and drive to Ocala during the night. Why do people allow me to do these things... I must be very convincing.
15 hours and a blown tire later we arrived in Ocala! Around 8am something started beaming through the window of my truck.. it was very strange.. at first I was spooked and startled but I slowly started to remember what it was that I was seeing... SUN. We settled the big boys into their stalls at Buck's where they were very happy to be with the rest of their Chestnut Eventing Family. Two of my best friends ride with me at bucks, Casey McKissock and Kerry Blackmer, they also have odd chestnut geldings.
I've spent the past two days legging up Donald and Hewie and starting to school my two Training level babies, Helios and Compass Rose. They all feel great considering they had 2 months off. Hopefully I can find Chloe (Compass Rose) her new eventing partner down here, Buck is going to take a look at her tomorrow and I have a few other calls to make. She is wonderful, now to just find her a person!
I have to admit that even though I am loving the sunshine and warm weather, I'm pretty homesick. I know the farm is in good hands, my working student Karen is beyond wonderful and she's doing a great job. There is no better place than Che' Loch Moy. It's home. Although, our landlords down here at the cottage are SO fun! Jean and Sevy. They own our "Rancho Martinez". They are wonderful, hysterical people. For the past two days I couldn't figure out how to work the gas range, and Jean asked me if I was retarted. We are going to get along just fine.
I hear hungry horses, especially Donald.
xoxo
k
As if I wasn't in enough pain on New Years Day, I had to make everyone else suffer along with me. Somehow I convinced Josh and a former student, Annie, to get in the trucks and drive to Ocala during the night. Why do people allow me to do these things... I must be very convincing.
15 hours and a blown tire later we arrived in Ocala! Around 8am something started beaming through the window of my truck.. it was very strange.. at first I was spooked and startled but I slowly started to remember what it was that I was seeing... SUN. We settled the big boys into their stalls at Buck's where they were very happy to be with the rest of their Chestnut Eventing Family. Two of my best friends ride with me at bucks, Casey McKissock and Kerry Blackmer, they also have odd chestnut geldings.
I've spent the past two days legging up Donald and Hewie and starting to school my two Training level babies, Helios and Compass Rose. They all feel great considering they had 2 months off. Hopefully I can find Chloe (Compass Rose) her new eventing partner down here, Buck is going to take a look at her tomorrow and I have a few other calls to make. She is wonderful, now to just find her a person!
I have to admit that even though I am loving the sunshine and warm weather, I'm pretty homesick. I know the farm is in good hands, my working student Karen is beyond wonderful and she's doing a great job. There is no better place than Che' Loch Moy. It's home. Although, our landlords down here at the cottage are SO fun! Jean and Sevy. They own our "Rancho Martinez". They are wonderful, hysterical people. For the past two days I couldn't figure out how to work the gas range, and Jean asked me if I was retarted. We are going to get along just fine.
I hear hungry horses, especially Donald.
xoxo
k
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