Your Horse, In Training- Abby Part 1

(Abby- Photo property of Marcy McBride)

I've started this post three times now but each time I've come out with a long and boring chronological list of Abby and our time together. I was attempted to answer Leah's question of "How much time have you actually spent with Abby?" but found that there was no short way to explain the relationship an owner has, or does not have, with their horse while it is in training. I finally gave in to the idea that I needed to write a few posts on the subject and that it really is a topic worth exploring. First, the story of Abby.

Abby- Part 1

Abby and I first met exactly one week after I purchased her. And yes, against all reason I bought a horse sight-unseen. Within two days she began training at a barn located an hour and half drive and one border crossing away from my home. From the first week of 2008 until the last week of 2008 Abby was in training full time. During that year I made the trip once a week to watch her be ridden and to take a lesson (on a lesson horse) with my trainer, Kari. On December 31st 2008 Abby stepped on a trailer and headed off to McBrides Quarter Horses on a breeding lease that is scheduled to end after weaning in the fall of 2010. I haven't seen her since.



So, to answer Leah's question... How much time have I actually spent with Abby? Very little in the grand scheme of things. However, there is a great dichotomy between the amount of time, energy and thought I've put in to that mare vs. that actual amount of time I've spent in her presence. Some people send their horses off to training and don't look back. I actually did just that with two horses in the past. But with Abby I was there pretty much every step of the way. Even when I wasn't in the barn with her I was thinking about what I had seen in the week before and trying to decide what I'd like to see from her in the week to come. I'd also spend time with Abby when I was at the barn, tacking, brushing and taking her out for a graze. I fell in love with her from the first but I really came to respect and appreciate her qualities over that year in 08.

And there was plenty to apprecaite. I learned to recognize the way her mouth pinches when she's stressed, the grunt in every stride when she's in season, and the glazed over look to her eye at feeding time. I've experienced pride of ownership, seeing her blossom and improve every single week, watching her walk so calm and cool in to the arena at her first show, and hearing her being admired and cooed over by everyone who came to know her. I've laughed at her attempts to look light and graceful as she deer hops through the field, (a ridiculous sight for a for a mare of her short stature and compact build) and puzzled over her quirky habit of putting her back feet in any available bucket when standing in the cross ties. Since I bought Abby there has not been a single day where I haven't spent some thinking about her care and future, not an hour where I haven't felt ultimately responsible for her long term well being. I think that qualifies me as more than just a name on her papers.



However, when Abby was in training I often felt that she was not my horse. And, through no fault of my trainer, I forgot that it was suppose to be our future that we were training and working towards. The bond between Abby and Kari was mutual and obvious even to casual observer. Abby came to me quiet, sweet and safe to handle and ride but she had heaps of baggage under saddle. Completely locked up in body and mind, she'd thunder around the arena, her feet hitting the ground so hard you could hear it anywhere in the barn. She's huff and grunted and refused to hidge her joints. If you picked up the reins she'd mentally shut down.

It would have been impossible to get Abby past the hurdles she came to me with if it hadn't been for the compassion, patience and persistence of Kari. To a horseman who was unwilling to look deep, Abby lacked talent, athleticism and try but Kari saw a mare who's talents were locked up inside a hard shell of distrust. If it were not for bond that Kari forged with Abby I wouldn't have the horse I do today. Kari cracked my mare open by riding her everyday without ever giving her a single thing to worry about. She earned her trust and with every week Abby became softer, smoother, more settled in mind and body.

The first week I had Abby in training I was told (not by my trainer but by her boss) that Abby wasn't ever going to make it as a reiner. After three months we were all convinced Abby would make a talented reiner but that she was more of a trainers horse as she required mental babysitting (though she'd be plenty safe for me to ride.) I spent six months completely absorbed and frankly obsessed with watching and facilitating Abby bloom without having any hope that she could be a horse I would eventually show. The more talent she showed the less I felt enabled to ride her. The more my trainer fell in love with her, and the more people told me how nice of a mare she was the less I felt I had a right to ride her. After eight months of owning her and dispute the fact that she was perfectly safe for me to ride from the first, I had yet to step on my own horse.

I grew increasingly anxious over the prospect of getting on her, let alone the idea that one day I'd have to bring her home.

More to come...

Keeping a horse, now and forever.

Miss Abigail and her filly.

Have you ever dreamed of raising a foal from birth and keeping that horse for it's whole life through? Or have you already lived that dream, many times over?

I have never owned a single horse for more than five years. I can imagine what it would be like to have one horse for ten, fifteen or twenty years or more. I was simply shocked at the results of my poll question "What is the longest you've ever owned a horse?"

Check out the results!

under 1 year 2 (5%)

1-2 years 3 (7%)

3-5 years 6 (15%)

6-9 years 9 (22%)

10-13 years 6 (15%)

14-18 years 4 (10%)

19-22 years 4 (10%)

22+ years 6 (15%)


Six people have owned a single horse for over 22 years! My goodness! I would have guessed that less than two could claim to have. 35% of those who responded have owned a single horse for more than 14 years!

I have owned Abby for over two years now but oddly enough I've never actually had her at "home"... she hasnt even stepped foot on Canadian soil as of yet! On one had I cant wait to begin our life together and at the same time I feel like she's been apart of my daily life since she stepped off that trailer on a cold January day in '08. I love my little Miss Abigail but also cant imagine what it would be like to have her in my immediate care. I only hope that one day soon, this year even, she'll come home to stay, for good.... and maybe even forever. She's a keeper, that mare. And as hard as it may be to remember at times, she's mine:)

A Plethora of Updates....

I love the word plethora. It sounds so... anatomical when really it's anything but....it's like a word in disguise...

*blank stare*

So I have a spattering of updates for you. Where to start?

First....

That big move I told you about? It's not happening.

But that is not necessarily a bad thing. The reason why we're staying put is because my DB has an amazing business opportunity that will hopefully equate to more horsey $$ for me (That is how I measure our finances- by how much expendable horse dollars it creates:). But most importantly this new job has inspired him and filled his mind and heart with a new verve for life... it's piqued his innate creativity and rekindled his passion for business.

You know that expression, "If Momma aint happy, aint nobody happy?" well... the truth is that goes both ways. "If Daddy aint happy, aint nobody happy either!" He's happier and so am I.

Second...

I've put on a bunch of weight. Weight I could ill afford to gain. Two months. For two whole months (since my sisters accident) I've been pretty much sittin' on my derriere and eating like I aint got nothin' to loose. My Buddha belly would but Buddha to shame. I just have to get my bodatiously bubbly butt moving again and get ready for summer. I plan on starting immediately... just as soon as the weather clears... next month some time.

Third...

Horses. Where are the horses? I have not taken a lesson or gone for a ride in two months. Why? Well my mind was filled with little else but my sister's health for the entire month of March. The month of April I found I had regressed back into the Great Depression of 09! I only realized just how depressed I was in 09 after I'd come out the other side. I swore to myself I wouldnt get back to that state. But the stress of our disastrous trip, facing a move, and trying to reorganize (pretty much) my entire life (and feeling ill equipt to do so) brought on a new dose of the blues. I plan on hitchin' up my big girl panties and getting out of this hump immediately.... just as soon as the weather clears... next month sometime.

Forth....

A new plan. I need to make a new plan!!! *she says like the manically stressed White Rabbit in Alice In Wonderland* I need to figure out a new work plan! School Plan! Horse Plan! Life Plan! Travel Plan! Dog Plan! A new plan! I need a new plan!!! I plan on starting a new plan immediately....next month sometime...when the weather clears.

Fifth....

I went to the Brooks n Dunn Last Rodeo concert last night! It was awesome! In case you didnt know these guys are parting ways at the end of this tour! I cant begin to understand why but I guess they have their reasons. Boot Scoot n Boogie, Cowgirls Dont Cry, Rock My World Little Country Girl, Believe, My Maria... these guys have so many classics it's not even funny. We had a great night. Oh and did I mention that while DB was in the washroom a couple of cops came in to use the facilities and discovered a couple... copulating in one of the stalls? The cops forced open the door and the fornicating freaks tumbled out all in a tangle.

That was the highlight of DB's night! Let me tell you!

Sixth...

Hawky-dog has my number. So last month I spent $518 on a half dozen x-rays in an effort to diagnose Hawk's mystery lameness...to no good effect. The mystery lameness remained a mystery. The vet recommended $600 pulse therapy. I decided that I'd rather spend $24 on a weeks worth of anti-inflammatory drugs just to give him some immediate relief and then go from there. One week and $24 later...he was sound. He still has a bad day now and then but nothing even close to how bad he was. I hope he'll continues to improve.

Seventh...

Hmmm... you know... I think that's all I got! And you wont believe it but the weather actually is clearing! I swear! When I wrote "when the weather clears... next month sometime" the windows were speckled with raindrops, the wind was howling and the sky was leaden gray. As I finish this post the rain has stopped. The wind has calmed and I see a patch of blue on the horizon. I think it's a sign. Dont believe me? See for yourself!!!

Time to get movin'.

Unusual Horse Names and New Abby Pics!

(New picture of Miss Abigail (Abby) with her big baby belly. She is due on the 28th of this month! Still lookin' a little rough in her winter clothes.)

I dont know about you but I LOVE unique horse names! Over the years I've known (or owned) horses with common names like Abby, Ellie, Rocky, Tucker, Trooper, Tonto, Dusty, Rusty, Musty, Blue, Little Blue, Old Blue, New Blue (those "blues" were actually owned by the same person!) Comanche, Cowboy, Sugar, Honey... etc. etc. etc.

As horsemen we're not always the most creative folk when it comes to naming our horses... or children actually... I actually knew a chuck wagon racer who had three kids named Dusty, Colt and Blaze. Seriously.

(Look at that belly!)

Most of the horse I've owned have come to me with common names. Up until Ellie I was in the habit of changing a horses name to something unique but then some ol'cowboy I knew told me that it was ill luck to change a horses name and so, as I'd had a string of "ill" luck, I figured that when i bought my next horse I'd just stick with what came and just hope and pray I didn't end up with another Tonto... and so Abby stayed "Abby" until Marcy, the wonderful lady who has her on a breeding lease took to calling her Abigail. I fell in love with that name for my sweet little mare and I feel like I snuck by that name change rule as we haven't changed her name so much as expanded upon it:)

In the past I may have gone a little too unique...even my friends couldn't remember the uniquely titled Gala, Shaunti (shawn-tee), Keo (Key-o) or Loachan (Low-can). But over the years I've run into a few horses (and dogs) with unique, fun and creative names that suited the horses well.

(Looks like she could use a day at the spa!)

Crayola- a wildly marked paint.

Truck- a 1400 pound Appy on a 15.3HH frame.

Taikya (ta-kie-a)- a beautiful gray half Arab

Tonka- a big buckskin

Jablo- (hab-low) a gorgeous imported Hanoverian

Sparrow- a doe eyed blood bay fresian cross

Grissom- I havent met this hunter/jumper TB yet but I LOVE the name.

Ready- a TB lesson horse I rode as a teen

("I may be a porker but I still have me one fine lookin' ass!")

I know I've come across so many more but for some reason they're just not coming to me now.


What are some cool and unique names you've come across or come up with yourself? One you cant wait to use? Or are you scared that someone might "steal" it:) Like that baby name you told your bridesmaid?

allbreedpedigree.com

This evening I was buzzing around looking at horses online when I realized just how much and often I've come to depend on allbreedpedigree.com. It is easy to assume that such a popular site would be common knowledge but then I realized that there might be some folks out there that dont know how broad and far reaching their pedigree database has become and how fun it can be to search back and look at some pictures of the old legendary sires or even those who's blood contributed to the horses we own and love today.

A feature on allbreedpedigree.com that you might not know about is that if you right click on the name of a specific horse within the pedigree you can actually look up "progeny" details (it will list all the sons and daughters of that horse within the database) without becoming a member. This can be useful in finding brothers or sisters of some of your favorite horses or to research the produce record of your own stock. (remember that allbreedpedigree is a growing database built on contributing horse owners like you and me. It is far from complete.)

Also, at the top you will see a name listed and beside it a little "i" next to a picture icon. If you put your cursor over the the "i" information on that horse will appear (in some cases no details are entered, just the AQHA reg. number, etc. but there may be such details as produce ans performance earnings, titles and show records.). Your cursor over the picture icon will allow a picture to open. The little red astric (*) next to any name in the pedigree indicates that a photo is available for that horse.

I hope that allbreedpedigree will continue to expand and remain (mostly) free to use. In the past doing pedigree research through AQHA.com could become an expensive prospect, especially for a chronic horse shopper and pedigree junky like me:)

(note: I have no affiliation with allbreedpedigree.com)

Team of Horse Crazed Blogger-Buddies!!

It's a well known by both my friends, family and fellow bloggers that I tend to stalk horses online.... I peruse the sale ads sites, sniff up deals, bookmark favorites and then go back time and time again to see if my chosen few have sold. However, rarely do I look at horses locally (as to avoid temptation) and I have a rule about not contacting sellers unless I'm in the market...

However, I'm not great with rules.

And so, when in summer of last year I found a local mare online that really liked and despite the fact I was in no position to buy a horse.... and despite that she was vastly inappropriate- not being the right size, breeding, conformation, training or having potential in any discipline I'm interested in- and despite my golden rule, I contacted the owner and immediately starting scheming how I might get her....

However, eventually logic did win out and after watching some video and getting the advice from Cheli's Team of Logical-Minded Friends I talked myself out of pursuing her any further....

I told myself to forget about her and never looked back.

*hysterical laughter* Oh my! As if... A rabid dog with a juicy bone aint got nothin' on me baby!

I didnt forget about her. But I did move on.

*snort* Oh, I crack myself up.

Less than a month later I was e-mailing the owner again to see if we could work out a lease but the owner needed to get her sold and I couldnt commit to a lease to purchase. I knew it was for the best.... and so I actually resisted temptation for a second time!

But the story doesnt end there! I had to resist her yet again when I discovered that she had come back up for sale or lease early this year by the lady who purchased after I crapped out! I contacted the new owner but quickly discovered that a lease wouldnt work due to an issue I'll not get into here (to due with bad bitchy blood with a related party).... and so I let her go once and for all....

Of course that didnt stop me from lamenting over her, watching her videos and going back to moon over her picture a few times a month... or week... (not everyday, I promise!) I just couldnt put my finger on why I was inexplicably drawn to her, why I was infatuated with a horse I've never met and would never allow myself to buy....

Okay, so it's not exactly unheard of for me to obsess over horses I want. But this one was more inexplicable than most!

And so I went out and found Jewel, the horse I am currently semi-leasing- a nice, broke, quiet and sensible mare.

Anyways, yesterday I went out to the barn for the first time in a month, looking forward to a nice little ride to get back in to the swing of things before my lesson (also the first in a month) on Monday. The barn where Jewel lives is a small private farm with just 6 stalls and a few run-in sheds, and just two boarders. The two paddock/sheds had been empty for some time and so I was a little surprised when I went to grab Jewel from the field to find an unfamiliar sorrel mare staring back at me from across the fence. I walked up to greet her, clucking softly and cooed "Hey there stranger, who're you?" when a rustling from the dark confines of the adjoining shed brought me up short. I squinted into the blackness to find a faint white stripe bobbing in tune with the rustle of hay in a plastic trough. I clucked again and a head shot up. A black mare, bright eyes glinting in the faint light huffed a breath to take in my scent. A chill ran up my spine as I took in a thin white blaze both distinct and familiar in shape. The mare. My mare. The one I'd never met but lusted after for months! She had found me.

"Damn it!" My brain piped up, "Step away from the horse Chelsi. Dont go to her. Dont! Stop! No, if you pet her you're going to want her! Oh man! Her muzzle just touched my cheek! Oh no! It's so soft! Run! Get away before it's too late!" And then... *sigh* I gave up. I gave in and loved up on her. I let myself "feel" her.

And then I phoned DB (Darling Boyfriend) and the rest of the Chelsi's Team of Logic-Minded Friends and let them talk me down.

I cant have this mare.

No way. No how.

I'm almost ready to accept that.

So I'll now address my Team of Fellow Horse Crazed Blogger-Buddies...

*motions towards the floor... or in the case keyboard*

Tak'er away!

PS- I'm pretty sure she's not sound and wouldnt stand up to hard work... just a minor detail, really...

The Pull of the Project Horse

(Aztec stallion Brio)

Last night I was having supper with DB and chatting, as usual, with the wonderful folks who staff and run the restaurant when one of the girls there gave me the latest update on her mother's horse, Cisco. Now, this is a gelding is one I've been intrigued with for some time as a few months ago the Mom and I were having a chat and she expressed how she doenst have any time for Cisco and wondered if I wanted to spend some time with him, (she also lent me a DVD of him showing a very cute four-year-old Andalusian QH cross (Aztec) gelding with a pretty way of going and a decent yet green handle under saddle.) At that time I had a lease horse and was taking lessons and so after much (inner monologue) debate I resisted the temptation and declined her offer.

Since then I've heard off and on that the distention between her Mom and Cisco continued....the longer he sat not being used the more the distance between them grew until everything came to a head one day when her Mom met and fell in love with a Mini... a mini who Cisco met and instantly decided to kick the crap out of. Anyways, last night I hear that Cisco is for sale. Of course I havent stopped thinking about him since.

(Diesel the Beagle hanging out at the barn, looking at Roxy's paddock)

Next horse, Roxy. A solid bay four-year-old bay mare I met a few weeks ago. She isnt clicking with her owner either... a difference in personality types we'll call it. Well, her and I got along just fine. She has a pretty head, nice big solid body and a sweet eye. I didnt ride her but I did spent a good while hanging over the fence loving up on her. Roxy will come up for sale next month. I havent stopped thinking about her either.

(My friend's Arab cross mare, barnmate of Roxy)


What is it with the pull of the "reject"horse. ("reject" meaning the horses the owners dont want for whatever reason.) Is it Flicka Syndrome? Is it just that I have a soft spot for to the misfits? Is it that I want to make a good horse, instead of buy one. Pride? Greed? Scottish thrift? I want to buy both of these horses.... even though neither of them really suit my needs.

I can not buy them.... but that doesnt mean that I have to stop dreaming about what I'd do with them if I could!

The horse I think I should love + update- more on Willy

I found a gelding today that I think would make a sound prospect for many riders. He isn't, to the best of my knowledge, killer well bred or totally finished out in a specific discipline but he moves beautifully, freely and with a nice frame and he appears quiet, sound and very well broke.




I am going to be a little presumptuous here and suggest that Willy is the kind of horse that we women should buy the first time around but often dont... not until we've over indulged our "Flicka Syndrome" one time to many and have come to appreciate a safe steady Eddie (or Willy)... to for go all of that wild fire and romance for a consistent, safe and enjoyable companion.

I dont find the prospect of buying this gelding necessarily exciting... but he is the kind of horse that would be smart to look at!

Willy's ad says that he is a 12-year-old, APHA gelding, 15.2HH tall with experience in reining, cows, clinics and as a schooling horse. He hauls, ties, clips, bathes and has placed in shows. The ad claims his video will tell the story and I believe it does.

I could take Willy today and show him at some level of reining, Western Pleasure, Trail, Cattle Penning or throw a rope off of him and then throw an English saddle on him and show him on the flat or try some dressage. He really could be a Jack of all trades.

I think he's priced well at $4500us.

(FYI- I dont know the owners of Willy and havent actually sent them this post (but will). I cant say if Willy really is a good prospect or not but he is the kind of horse I'd personally travel to see. Willy is in NW Washington.)

I left the following comment (or I should say, a less articulate version of this comment) on Story's All Gear No Skill blog in an effort to offer my advice on the subject of giving up a good horse who just isnt working for it's rider. Also, my opinion on how we, as horse lovers, are often inexplicably drawn towards certain horses, a "love at first sight" phenomenon, even though that horse isnt necessarily the best fit.

My comment....

"I am a hopeless romantic who leads with her heart and has bought many horse after "falling in love" at first sight (or even at first sight of their ad!) On paper a few of those horses even worked on paper too but in end many caused me a lot of heartache when I was forced to sell them because they were not a good fit. What I had to learn was to respect good, solid horses and to have faith that, given enough time, I will fall in love with any horse, especially one who make me happy and helps me follow my dreams.

It is SOOO unemotional sounding (and I am anything but) to say that you should only buy a horse that fits your needs on paper...
.... While I want to instantly fall in love, (when I first meet my future horse) I know now that it is more important that the horse works for me and that she be sweet and willing....
... I know that it is possible to find both at the same time (because I've had it happen) but I had to learn to stop leading with my heart. Think of it as falling in love with that friend you've known for ages, the one who's always been there for you but you never felt romantic towards until one day something changes."

Dont hold me to it or anything but I think that when I go to buy my next horse I'll try really hard to focus first on whole "respect" thing and not put so much stock in my level of attraction towards a certain prospect.

It's much easier to sell a horse that does everything you need but who you dont love than to sell a horse that you love but who doesnt do anything you need.

Why I Suck at Riding.

You know what is frustrating? That I've been riding for damn near 15 years and I still suck at it. As much as I've tried to learn, as many hours as I've spent in the saddle, for all the bruises and bad falls, and countless dollars invested, I still- still- suck.

Bear with me for a moment or two... or five and I'll explain....

Maybe I shouldn't use the word "suck" but that all-encompassing layman term best sums up the dichotomy between where I am at as a rider and where I want to be... and how incredibly frustrating it is to understand a concept and yet be unable to execute it in the simplest of forms.

For example. I am given a drill:

Trot my horse down the centre of the arena and over four polls. Then, in three strides, pick up the canter and ride over two more poles.



This task, at face value sounds like it should be simple. And, in theory, it is... I know what I have to do and think that I should be able to do it... maybe not perfectly but competently at least.

Here's what I visualize doing... it might not be correct but it's what I aim for:

As I come to the corner at the top of the arena I need to adjust my rein and send my horse forward freely and in a balance frame, (which means I need to be able to create a balanced frame through the position of my feet, legs, seat, and hands in conjunction with the stride, rate and implultion of the horse.)

I need to look where I am going and decide where I need to make the turn so that I can ride a straight line to the poles.

As I get to the corner I need to keep him bent, upright and balanced through the turn (with my inside hand tipping his head in, my outside leg asking for the turn and my inside leg holding the bend. The squeeze of my legs drives his impulsion but the check of my hand forces his weight back into his hind quarter which frees up his shoulders and allows him to stay upright in the turn.)

After the turn I need to straighten him for the line to the poles, (being sure to look past the poles not at them) as well as assess his pace in relation to the position of the poles and adjust accordingly.

Post quietly over the poles.

As my horse goes over the last pole I sit in the stride, reach my outside leg back, push forward with my pelvis, bend him slightly to pick up the correct lead and send him into a canter.

I then check the speed of that canter in relation to the coming poles.

As he canters over the poles I turn to look where I am going next, adjust the horses bend and my body again for the turn and then set up for the next repetition.

Through all of this I am checking my body position (the balance of my weight between my seat, legs and feet, that my pelvis and elbows are moving fluidly with the horse but my upper body is quiet, that my shoulders are square and back and head is up, heels down.)

All of the above is what I think I should be doing in order to successfully negotiate the drill. Instead this is what I do:

As I'm trotting up the arena and setting up to make the turn I realize that my reins are too long, my foot has slipped back too far and my forward impulsion is lacking. While my mind is completely occupied with all that I'm doing wrong and my body is struggling to correct it, I miss the turn that will set me on a straight line to the poles.

Then, instead of yielding him over to the correct line I instinctually steer him into an over correction that (inevitabley) takes me right past the right line, which forces me steer him back the other way and so instead of a straight line we do the snake for six strides which is about when I look down and panic because now the poles are but a stride away. Because I'm looking at the poles my weight has fallen forward and caused my horse to stall...

The snowball effect continues as, in my bid to salvage the course I kick him forward. This sends his head in the air, hallows out his back, sets me off balance and forces him to prance through the poles. He ends up trip over two of the three anyways.

Of course by the time we come out the other end and get partially recollected we're late picking up the canter. Again I kick him forward but my horse is off balance from sliding over the poles and so he picks up the wrong lead. By now the second set of poles are beneath us... which I know because I'm looking down at them . Now, my horse is no dummy, he aint takin' the chance of hitting these poles again so he does a Lipizzaner leap over the last poles. We canter out, off lead and out of control with my ass in the air and my hands scrabbling for enough rein to pull him to a stop before I fall off. Alas we come to a hault.

...And then I say a very bad word under my breath.... which no one can hear because I've forgotten to breathe.

And then I chastise myself for failing at such a simple task. I tell myself I can do it. And so I try again.

And again, until there is a moment, however brief, wherein it all comes together. My body, mind, and horse move gloriously as one and the transitions become seamless- the stride rhythmic. Everything flows together and becomes just that simple. For the briefest moment in time, I can ride.

That moment is what we chase... we seek to capture that illusive and seductive feeling of competence.... to suspend that moment of unity and make it stretch to encompass the whole of our ride... or at least the better part of it.


I ride, in pursuit of that moment.

Donning Half Chaps- Not as simple as you'd think!

So I decided that today was the day! I was going to don my new half chaps and take my lesson looking like a (semi) normal English rider.... I don't know why I found the idea of doing so embarrassing but I did...

But, as I drove to the barn, I suddenly realized that not only did I feel totally and inexplicably like an impostor and idiot for wearing those dark brown suede zippy thing-a-ma-poppers wrapped around my calves but I actually had no clue how to put the freakin' things on! And so I picked up the package in hopes that there would be a helpful picture on the front.... as you'd think there would be! But oh no! Oh no!...Little Miss I-know-how-to-put-my-half-chaps-on jumping her horse over the logo wasnt even wearing the product! Loser!

I pulled over in a school parking lot and decided to try them on.... I mean, how hard could it be right? Right. Ha!

I pulled them out... there was some vents on one side, meshing on the other, a zipper, a little heel strap (that totally reminded me of those pants we used to wear in the early 90's and that I saw in Macy's last month!) and a puffy bit at the bottom. Hmmm.... So I tried it one way and it looked kinda right but then I realized that the zipper was on the inside of my leg and I figured that wasnt a goo thing....

Again, I picked up the package to see if there were instructions... but I guess the folks who make half chaps figured that strapping the bloody things to your legs would be pretty much self explanatory. *sigh* And so I tried them on the other way in an attempt to make the zipper go to the outside but no such luck.... The little strap thingy on the bottom was all out of place and the fabric was all bunched and awkward looking... and to top it off they were really pretty tight and so I thought, "Dang, I guess I got the wrong size."

It was about that point I noticed that I was running late and there was no time for further contimpation of the great mystery, the inconquerable puzzle that are half chaps! As I sped my way towards the barn, my cheeks burning, I muttered to myself "coward, pansy, cowgirl up!"

As I hopped out of the car I looked down at my legs and thought "that just aint look right" but wearing half chaps in the first place was a pretty foreign and embarrassing idea.... and so.... I walked into the barn.

Within a minute Shannon, my instructor walked by. I knew that at any moment she'd notice my new attire and so I figured I'd bite the bullet and mention it first...and so I say, "Ahh... so... I went and bought a pair of half chaps... I'm not sure but I dont think they fit me right, I think their too small.... or something..." *blushes scarlet*

Shannon, bless her heart, doesnt laugh. She just walks by all casual like and says, "Well, could be 'cause you have them on backwards."

"Oh!" I say.... when really I'm thinking, just shoot me now....instead I manage to sputter out, "Well, I figured that the zipper needed to go on the outside..."

Shannon: "Well, yes..."

And then it clicks.

I dont just have them on backwards (with the front facing the back and back to front) but I also have the right leg on the left and the left leg on the right.

Nice.

I cant remember exactly what I said after that. And I cant say, in polite company, what I was thinking to myself but I'm pretty sure the words, "this is SO going on my blog" were uttered.

*hangs head in shame*

But I do have to admit that by the end of my lesson I could have kissed those bloody half chaps!! Man! What a difference they made in my ability to keep my leg still!

And yes, in the end, I did figure out how to put them on properly (thank you very much!).

Jewel and Cara- Energy Created or Contained.

Last week I had the pleasure to ride one of my good friend's horses, Cara. She is a mare whom I have long admired, one of those gritty, no-nonsense, matriarch types that doesn't know the word quit and steps surely wherever she goes. She is not the doe-eyed, placid looking kind, oh no! A stranger with a practiced eye would hesitate to walk up and give Cara a casual stroke or familiar rub...her look and poise, though not threatening, commands respect. And if that stranger were to pull her out for a ride, she'd likely set herself in a stoic stance of indifference, of quiet resignation that would let you know that to be used is entirely Cara's choice and entirely your privilege.

I did ride Cara once before, on the day that Barb went out to try her for purchase. It didnt take but few minutes on her back before I met Barb's eye and nodded in silent agreement. Purchasing this mare was never a question even though she wasnt especially trained, bred nor especially fancy in type. I know for a fact that Barb has never once regretted buying Cara or had a moment where she considered selling.

Last week, when I stepped on Cara, the overwhelming feeling I had, pressed against my chest, was that of pride. Why should I feel proud to ride a horse? Perhaps because in Cara there is this energy that made me feel as if I were riding atop one of the big mythical dragons in Avatar. There is an electric surge in her every stride, a siting-on-the-edge-of-a-precipice feeling of riding astride a bundled powder keg of energy and power- a firecracker just waiting to be ignited. All of which could make a rider feel helpless, anxious and in danger. But Cara is broke- she has brakes and steering and a sound mind, she is sensible and light in feel. That combination of unbridled energy and bridled control is intoxicating. It fills you with both adrenaline and confidence, power and humility. As I loped her around I had this distinct sensation that I must suck her energy up into my core and hold it there, balanced, like my foot over the touchy gas pedal of a sports car. I didnt want to get off.

After my ride on Cara I drove directly over and hopped on Jewel. Let me tell you, the short time frame between each horse made the difference in their type and feel all the more pointed. When I pulled Jewel out and lazily stroked her coat I was filled with peace and when her eyes fell half closed and she sighed deeply, I felt my own breath slow to match her steady, even cadence.

Stepping on Jewel and settling into her is to be filled with a sense of quiet, to feel her rock solidly beneath me. And when I pick up the reins, I take into me a sense of power and purpose, knowing that I must pick her up too and send her out with my own energy. That ball in my core is still there but with Jewel I must take it and press it down and into her, like my foot over the rusty clutch of an old Ford.

Jewel brings me her own brand of joy. I love the feel of her when we've finally come together and made something click. And when I stop her, as a reward for having done something right, and she licks and chews and drops her head, I know I have done something right too. She is not electric nor does she inspire my pulse to race and my breath to come short but she fills me with a quiet and blessed contentment.



Two horses- one who creates energy within me and one whom I must create energy within. Both beautifully unique. Both horses. Both an honor to ride.

The Arab Stink Eye!

Have you ever been given the 'stink eye' by an ol'Arabian gelding?

Well let me tell you, I sure have!

Would you think any less of me if I told you that this look...


I find a little scary?

... this is the look that says, "Back off Buddy! I ain't buyin' what you're sellin' so go peddle em' apples someplace else, or else... !!!"

But ever so often I come across that grumpy horse with the laid back ears and fierce stink eye and I get to thinkin' that maybe... just maybe it's all one big bluff...

And so I tentatively... oh-so-slowly reach out a trembling hand....I inch slowly towards his gnarly forelock... my fingers itching for the first soft touch of his silken coat.... but then I pause...there is that look again...

And I think to myself that maybe it isnt a bluff after all.

And so I tentatively, oh-so-slowly extract my hand from that ol' geldings reach....

And thank my lucky stars that it's still intact.

Riding Lesson #3 with Pics

Riding lesson number three! And once again, I almost died. Once again, I absolutely loved it. My number one recommendation for those thinking of taking up the sport of English riding is to- for heaven's sake- take a months worth of cardio classes first!

(Just call me "Stumpy")

Of course it doesnt help that I'm grossly out of shape. But for the first time in along time I feel like I am on my way to feeling good, both physically and mentally. It just sucks that it take so damn long to get to where I need to be! A very kind fellow horseman, friend and photographer was around this evening to take some pictures of me riding. I've posted two of three. The third was just... not... flattering....even though it was a really nice photo.

That pretty paint I'm riding is Dustin, he's such a sweetie, I just love riding him. It's a good thing too because I find it difficult to stay on the top side of this guy and breathe at the same time let alone do some of the simpler things like directing, posting and keeping my hands up (which I'm not doing in the above photo.) Did I mention that it is necessary to breathe while riding? Funny thing, that.

Do you find it hard to ride and breathe at the same time?

Love,

Stumpy

The English Saddle- An instrument of torture.

Today I had my second English riding lesson....if you could call what I did "riding". While I absolutely loved every minute of it there is no doubt in my mind that the English saddle was designed as an instrument of torture (for the out-of-shape rider). I am not going to claim to have stoically bared the pain- I actually called my instructor "evil" at one point... though of course she is anything but. I am actually thrilled with my instructor , she is really nice, very good at directing me through a problem and blessedly encouraging. I like her- even if she did make me ride two point until my legs burned, my knees shook and my expression became set in a look that can only be defined as, *I am going to die, sweet-mother-of-.... holy shit, I'm going to die! "

Did I mention that I loved every minute of it?

Good!

Though I have to admit that at times I was really frustrated with not being able to meet the physical demands of riding.... with being unable to will my protesting muscles into the right position. But it will come with time. And because I rode hard and pushed my body to the limit today, I'm one step closer to getting to where I want to be tomorrow. And that feels good... even if my legs are gettin' fit to stage a strike :)

I am going to see my lease horse, Jewel tomorrow and will be sure to get some pictures to post. I might have to walk to the barn like a eighty-year-old bowlegged cowboy but by god I'm getting on a pony again tomorrow if it kills me!

Till then. Cheers! *downs two Advils*

It's Raining Horses!!!

I signed a lease today on a mare named Jewel!!!! I am SO excited!!! AND I've ridden two times in as many days and I'll be three for three tomorrow! How happy am I? THRILLED.

Pictures will be soon to come on Jewel. She is about 14.2, bay with a bright white star, built like a brick shite-house and as cute as a button. My English lesson is tomorrow AND I was offered another horse to ride last night.

When it rains, it pours.... It's rainin' horses baby!!!

Dirty Bunny

(1)

Wow! The comments made on my post "Breed Profiling" is the perfect example of why I love to blog! I am grateful to have such reasonable, intelligent and sincere people to reflect ideas off of and with whom to debate the endless questions, concerns and controversies of the crazy world of horses!

It seems the overwhelming sentiment of our collective comments was that a horse must be judged and treated as an individual.

While I agree, absolutely, that one should never count or discount a horse because of his breed, I believe that those stereotypes exist for a reason and can be used to our advantage.

(2)

Is it our resistance to racism and (human) prejudice, stereotyping and profiling that makes us feel defensive about applying negative qualities to a breed? I too have actually taken (mild) offense to a strangers comment that they "hate" a particular breed. I too feel the need to defend such statements with examples of those horses who have proved the exception. Even if it is my own biases! Why, just recently I considered leasing an Appaloosa! and even once made an offer to purchase one despite my (generally) ill-favored opinion of the breed. I am always willing to consider and find merit in the individual but that certainly doesn't mean that I'd go seeking an Appaloosa if were in the market to purchase!

For example, I own a lazy Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler). I've known other lazy Blue Heelers. But when my Mom, a mildly active and over worked mother and wife, went looking for a dog I didnt recommend she look for a Blue Heeler, despite my experience with those dogs that defied the the reputation of their breed.

(3)

Breeds- by definition- are collective stereotypes...our human effort to selectively reproduce animals that are homozygous (alike) in qualities.

Have you ever had an experience with a horse, dog or any kind of animal that turned you off of a breed or species- even though it was the faults of the individual, not a common fault of their breed?

For me it is Poodles. I know they are smart, athletic and amazing dogs but when I was a child my Grandmother's friend had a poodle that used to harrass and bite me (until one I day I bit it back!) and my Aunt had one that would pee while standing on it's front legs (I found this disturbing for some reason). To this day I cant seem to get past my poodle prejudice ... then there was that thing I saw that time with the (aptly named) "Dirty" bunny and the cat... cant shake that one either... but I'll leave that story for another day!

Any animal prejudices of your own?

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Be sure to vote on my bizarre (but not creep, promise!) poll question!
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(4)

Today's pictures are inspired by Pioneer Woman's "sunset" photo contest! Which is your favorite (1,2, 3 or 4)?

Breed Profiling

A family I know who has been boarding "outside" horses at their farm for a few years now has recently decided that they no longer wish to take on Thoroughbreds. It is not (at least entirely) for lack of respect or affection for the breed but instead due to a trend they noticed in the added expense, attention, and headache that their past Thoroughbreds clients have generated.

Some people, being equal opportunity enthusiast would take offense to applying breed profiling when selecting potential boarding clients but as someone who has boarded "out" (at large barns with a variety of breed types and large turnover numbers) for the better part of my adult life I actually have to support her decision as I too have noticed trends in different breed types.

For instance, most smaller quarter horses, ponies, and even draft and draft crosses require half (or even a quarter) of the calories needed to sustain the average larger thoroughbred (of course every horse is an individual and I am speaking very generally here...and yes, that is my attempt to be diplomatic). The quiet blooded breeds tend to be more content to hang out in the field, causing less trouble- generally not pacing fence lines, weaving, cribbing, and stirring their stalls into a manure mash. Some breeds, you must admit, are hardier than others- being less fussy about feed, less prone to digestive issues, injury, accidents and sensitivity to the elements, (bugs bites, weather etc.) ....of course, the exception proves the rule (diplomacy).

If I were trying to make an (ever allusive) buck in the boarding industry I think I too would use breed profiling as a starting point....because really how is that any different than breed profiling for positive traits. like endurance, speed or cow sense? Why is it that even I, who doesn't hesitate to show a marked bias for a certain breed *cough* Quarter horse *cough* still feel so guilty for admitting to not preferring (or dare I say disliking) a particular breed? For example Appaloosas (excluding My Boy and Rusty and any other reader's Appy....of course:) are not my favorite horses... It doesn't matter that I come by that honestly- having caught nothing but shit and abuse from every single solitary appy I've ever thrown a leg over) I still feel it is disrespectful...or somehow wrong to admit a... prejudice against some breeds?

Do you have a breed prejudice?

Head Case

(Pictures from my hike with my sister yesterday)

I'm a freakin' head case. A crazy horse person! This blog is aptly named "horse crazed mind"... though maybe it should read "crazed horse mind"... only that doesn't sound nearly as good:)

So... that impossible to find leasing situation? Not so impossible after all. In fact, two days ago I was offered the chance to ride a beautiful, sweet, great minded, well trained (English jumper) mare at a really nice (indoor) facility, not 20 minutes from home by a lady I know takes amazing care of her horses and is a warm, friendly and (bless her heart) even sane!

Not a single fly in the ointment except one...

Leasing is not the right option for me.

I heard you sigh! I know, I know! Hear me out...

It was not until that such an ideal situation came along that I realized I had inadvertently created the same situation for myself as I had so carefully crafted for my mare Abby.

You see, in 2008 Abby and I both worked damn hard in a training program. We both came a long way in learning the fine art of reining. A lot of money... (that is an understatement) was spent getting her and I to the point where our old bad habits were broken down and replaced with new, supple, and better ways of riding.

In New Years of 09 I sent Abby out on a two year breeding lease. I did so because I could no longer afford to keep her (or I) in training and I felt it was better to have her sit unused (from a riding perspective) than to bring her home and have her used casually where she could potentially loose her training and redevelop those old bad habits. I was so focused on my horse that I never stopped to recognize that the same could be said of me... not until a year later (and a year away from horses) - when I was offered the chance to ride a well trained English horse- did I think of all the time, effort and money I put into MY OWN training and how perhaps the year away from riding was a saving grace... allowing me, like Abby, to preserve the foundation I put on my self and avoid the casually and subconscious relearning of bad habits that can develop through casual riding.

I am going to go back to reining lessons. I will need a tune up, to be sure... but I hope that once I regain my strength and co-ordination, once the proverbial dust has been blown off my mind, I will find that most of what I learned in 08 will be there, in tact and ready to be built upon.

Now, at this time I cant go back to my trainer, Kari, no matter how much I love her. It takes an hour and half one way to get to her barn and the gas, plus cost of lesson would come out to about $75 a lesson. WAY out of my budget. I'm going to look local and see if I cant book a lesson for this week! I have some reservations about the style, ethics, and training methods of a new instructor... but still, I'm really excited to get started again!

The Ride is the Reward

I am looking for a horse to lease. *sigh* Here we go again! Over and over again I've gone through the pros and cons in my head... weighing the benifits of ownerships against the problems with free leasing, the cost of lessons vs. the issues of sharing a horse in a semi-lease agreement... and have come to back time and again to the same conclusion...

At this stage of my life the responsibility of horse ownership- both the time, money, stress and attention is too great of a commitment to take on given that I need to focus on advancing my education, career and other interests.

Which leaves me with leasons or leasing...

And...

Lessons do not afford me enough time on a horse for the cost.

Free leasing isnt much less of a commitment than ownerships.

Semi-Leasing (shared riding) often leads to schedule/overuse issues.

Which leaves me with my own idea of leasing. It's simple. Straight forward. And hopelessly unobtainable.

To find some person who keeps their horse in above average condition, at an excellent facility with an indoor and close to trails, who never has times to ride, is opinionated about training methods/handling, and reasonable to deal and who just happens to own a nice, broke, sound, no-nonsense horse that they'd like to have ridden by a complete stranger (where, when and how she prefers and on her schedule.) Oh, and within a half hour drive of my house...

I want to ...

Drive to barn, groom, tack, ride, put away and drive home. End of story. I'll pay a flat monthly rate- consistent, predictable, and non-obligatory for the privilege and leave the for the owner to worry about the rest. Like a gym membership.

Thanks.

*hangs head in defeat*

To make matters worse...

I feel so selfish for admitting that as I've never owned a horse for the sole objective of riding- ever. In fact, I've looked down on people who seem to care nothing of their horses but of the use and enjoyment that can be derived from them... those who don't even know how to saddle their own horse, let alone care, feed or train one.

And yet still, I want to use a horse!


Bleh!

The choices all suck!

To own a horse is to be consumed- with the constant worry over their health and safety, of farrier appointments, worming, vetting,and the inevitable and unexpected financial costs... For me it is to stress over the where/who/what/when dynamics of boarding, of where to buy hay, or find a decent farrier. It is spending $180 on iron shoes instead of those Jessica Simpson silver pumps, buying Big D blankets instead of a fabulous purple Guess pea coat, and covering the cost of a vet bill that would have paid for a trip to New York city. It is sacrificing and reaping the reward... it is living a way of life I miss every. single. day but one that comes at a price I'm no longer willing to pay- not until I can afford both the school, the pea coat, the pumps and the hay, blankets and board.

To lease is to have to bite your tongue, to refrain from training, to mind your own business- just shut up and ride. To lease is to always remember that the horse you are riding is not your own and to respect the owners wishes. To doing things their way and having to always stress over just what their way is. Leasing is not being able to discipline, to not ride as long or as often as you see fit...

Leasing is like driving your mother-in-laws car... you have to remember just how the seat was petitioned, to park at the back of the lot, to wash it before you drive it back, to not drink or eat for fear of dropping a crumb and to expect that, no matter how consciencious you were, if there is even the smallest scratch to paint that she didnt notice before you left, you will be held to blame! And there will be hell to pay!

That is leasing a horse.

I just want to ride.

I dont want to lease. Or to buy. But I want horses in my life.

And to make things worse, I feel guilty for it. Maybe because for me having horses has always been about the my emotional attachment to an individual, my deep rooted commitment to providing for their mental and physical well being and to the process of developing a better animal. Riding has always been, for me, a byproduct of horse ownership- a reward for having succeeded in meeting my horses needs.



I do not ride my horse if he has not been fed. If he is sore. If he is wet or cold. If he is in need of shoeing. I do not ride my horse if his condition or the condition of his environment is poor. I do not ride if his stall needs cleaned, if hay needs hauled out or a fence needs fixing. I do not ride if I do not have time to put him away dry, cool,and clean. The responsibility of providing for my horse has always has come before the ride. The ride has always been the reward.



More on this next post....

Christmas Crack

As a horse(less) crazy little girl there was only one thing I REALLY wished for every Christmas... My dreams of Christmas morning looked something like this...

(I found this picture on google images and just had to share!)

I hope you all are ready for Christmas and able to enjoy this evening with friends and family! I've had a very busy week (who hasn't?) but have finally made my way up to my sister's house to celebrate the holidays and am finally able to sit back and enjoy (well... stand up and cook I guess I should say, but you know what I mean...)

Last night my sister gave me some Christmas Crack. Ever heard of it? This sinfully delicious substance is aptly named- it is highly, highly addictive! And unfortunately easy to make (I say unfortunately because this is a recipe you'll wish would take hours and hours so that it wouldn't be quite so tempting to whip up!) Here is the recipe.

Christmas Crack

one cup butter
one cup brown sugar
one cup chocolate chips
one cup butterscotch chips
soda crackers


-Preheat oven to 400 F

-Lay out evenly soda crackers on a baking sheet.
-Melt one cup of butter and one cup of brown sugar on the stove, make sure it is completely melted and hot.
-Pour over soda crackers.
-Put in oven for approx. 2 minutes till bubbling a bit.
-Turn off oven.
-Mix together one cup of chocolate chips and one cup of butterscotch chips.
-Evenly sprinkle the cracker/butter/sugar with the mixture of chocolate chips and butterscotch chips.
-Put back in oven for a minute till the chips get soft.
-Pull out and with a spatula evenly spread out chocolate.
-Put in freezer overnight.
-Crack into pieces.

Serve cold!

Merry Christmas!!!