End of 2008

Well Im going to sit down and write this now because chances are that I wont have time over the next few days to do it. So here is my list of BIG things that happend this year and things Im really looking forword to in 2009. I dont do resulutions only on Jan 1st. To much shit can happen tomorrow to stop living life today. I make resulutions every day to do things better. Somtimes I dont follow though... but I try :)

1) finished my first year of my BA with a 91 average. (now my total average is 89.58 think they will round up?) Hard to belive that I took 3 years to finish a 2 year program 6 years ago...

2)I still have a lump on my thyroid. They dont think its cancerous. I go for another scan in Jan. Hopefully its either stayed the same or srunk. Otherwise surgery here I come. I did radiation for it (one time thing) but still managed to get though security into the US :)

3) Showed for the first time as an Open competitor, without another trainer backing me up. And didnt fall on my face. One of the greatest moments was walking up to the owner who gave me a chance and telling him that his mare just won Grand Champion. And then watching him almost fall over. (and then managing to do that two more times, as well as a reserve) Rumor is the Incentive fund cheque will be over $500. Just for the points I put on that doesnt count the owners or his son's points.

4) We ended up the year Champion yearling mare, yearling trail, reserve lungline, champ amature mare, and reserve youth mare in NB. We also got reserve in NS in some of the same classes even though we didnt attend many shows there.

5) Making the top 10 national list. Although I dont know my placings yet, compared to other years we will be in for yearling mares, lungline and trail. WOW never thought that would happen I was hoping for one top ten placing!

6) Having a fantastic summer showing, having my best friend help me and getting to know my current boyfriend before either of us would admit to likeing eachother.

7) Going out with my boyfriend Trevor. He loves horses as much as me (maybe more because he owns alot!) understands my need to show, and has suported my efforts to improve myself and my education (both horse related and not) I hope he would say the same about me! Im really looking forword to 2009 to see where this is going...

8) Finishing school in 2009... and maybe starting again to finish getting my degree in another year or two.

9) Dealing with my RA. Which has always been a chalange. However I think I ok with it more now that I can show and train, and have a life, even though I still have it.

10) Great horses to show next year. The comming 2yo, and my friends new horse that I have loved for several years. His owners gave her a chance to purchase him and shes giving me the chance to show him next year in halter. I also have the oppertunity to show an AQHA mare in the Open and halter with 'pony kid' :) should be a fun summer!

11) AND I got to go to Congress :)

So how much snow is too much snow...?

So its snowing again... And as much as I would like a 'white' christmas, We are going to get alot of snow tonight! And Im not a big fan of winter. Snow is ok, but I would much rather have sun and grass than snow and wind!

So, how do you take the next step in a relationship? I'll have to start looking for a job in another month, so that I'll have somthing lined up for work term, it would be nice to know which area I'll be living in. And as much as I would like to go up there for lots of reasons, am I ready for that? Are we ready for that?

And then the friends/clients said that if I wanted to show there horse in the open/sr classes I was more than welcome to. But that means sticking close to home....

ahhhhhh... lol no one is going to understand what the hell Im talking about!

Its almost christmass

And I cant wait.... oh wait I can. Im enjoying the break and the time that it allows me to spend with the boyfriend. If only the weather didnt interfear. Going to the old boss's place on the weekend for the annual christmass party with my friend, and spending at least friday night at her place. With school and the boy, I havent been spending as much time with her as I would like. But show season is comming :)

Everything is quiet on the horse front. The national listings arnt up, and Im thinking its going to be a while for them :(

Its been a crappy few days

Spent the weekend at the boyfriends place. Had a good time, was great to see him and hang out with him and his family. Finaly got to see the rest of his horses. Aparently he thinks he's going to kick some ass this summer with his new horse.... I sugested that he might not, and that I might beat him. Aparently that did not go over well. To me even if Im going into the ring with friend or student I still want to win. Of course Im going to be really happy for them if they beat me but I wouldnt expect them to blow the class for me or vice versa. Im not sure if he just expected me not to show this summer (not going to happen!) and just help him out, or if he was going to give me one of his own to 'show' so he could get some points on his own horse.

Anyways.... cross that bridge when we come to it.

Just a few more things at school then im done. Was going to get my excell project done today but ended up procastanating then my joints hurt so bad I took my "happy" drugs then couldnt concentrate on anything. bluahh....

IV tomorrow

5 days left

Till school is over for Chistmass. Kind of crazy that its gone by so fast. Seems like only yesterday that I was worried about moving back into dorm. And now Im trying to figure out what I need to bring home for the next month.

Ive got a few more things to do for homework and a few tests as well. But after that Im done. And then to figure out what im doing all month!

An Accountant or........?

So for anyone that doesnt know Im back in school taking Business Admin. courses on my way to becoming an accountant... or somthing like it. You see, I know accouting/numbers has always been my thing. Yes love horses and I like to think Im good at it, but I am a 'box'. (We took these personality tests in school, Im a box, lock me in a room hand me the work and leave me alone I'll get it done. Although this works for training horse you have to "network" and Im really bad at it!) Anyways, I love formulas and how they work ALL the time. And accounting is really just a big formula (yes I am a nerd....). Now I only have 5 months left of school, and I have to make a choice.

Do I go back to the bank in some form? (although not a great long term goal id get sick working there), do I go and start my Degree in BA and work twards my masters? (or do a bit of both?)

...But then theres the other part of me, and maybe its just becase I know it, but.....

I have this comming 2 year old the owners want me to show. And I know if I'm going to show it I have to get my ass in gear in the next 3 months and get some saddle time to get some muscles. And I dont really have the cash for lessons.... But a local trainer may let me work off some ride time.... And then Im back where I started... Riding and breaking colts... And wishing I didnt have a day job.... And then I sat down and worked out the show season. Ive got the 2yo, possible yearling (depending on what the owners want), a 4yo to show in open halter, and possibly helping the boyfriend with his own show string. AND a mom/son team at home that wants help with there 2 horses and possible show there mare in AQHA halter....

And then I need the 2yo at where ever I am because if its going in the futuritys in the fall I need to be on it, and I have a place near home to keep her. But will I be home? What if the thing with the boyfriend works out and he wants me to move up there with him? BLAH!

And dont worry I thank god that I have these problems to work out, and the health seems to have stabalized a bit. Even if some stuff falls out of place its shaping up to be a fantastic summer of showing. So any thoughts? Anyone understand? I really just needed to get it out!

The pictures above are from the last 2 shows where we won both the NB and NS yearling allarouds and the yearling halter award in NS

So starting last wensday the BF picked me up and we had a nice supper out. (Bit of a date..) Then we took off to the Airport to pick up the clinician that was doing the inspectors clinic on Friday and Saturday.

Thursday I stayed in the hotel, and did homework. They did a tour of the city but I decided that I really should get homework done. We had planed on going out with some friends for supper but ended up going to a lobster supper with everyone else from the conference. We had a great time, however everyone non local thought we were married (and when found out we werent, I got told to marry him as he was so great). The local aparently didnt know, but I mean come on its not a secret we had everyone making fun of us all last weekend!

Went out with the tour group on Friday where we went to some local stores and had lunch at some fancy place. The clients and BF's sister showed up and joined us for the rest of the tour. We then headed back to the hotel, then went to the inspectors clinic.

Saturday we spent the morning at the clinic, while everyone else had some tours of the local horse places. We then had meetings in the afternoon. That evening we had a banquet with an awards presentation (Res. champion yearling, lungline, and maritime breed 2 and under) then the dance.

Sunday BF had meetings, then we drove to my parents place for supper (which went well by the way) then on to his palace because in the morning.... We went to the states to pick up his new stud colt. Who is amazing. By The Hunter, and out of a world champion mare. Everyone is extreamly excited about this colt. Anyways had a great weekend at his place. Wish I was back there. And I went to school for two days and now im home! Busy week

IV infusion

Well the Iv for my RA meds is suposto take 3 hours ok? And I was told to expect a bit of flu/cold symptoms (head acke, tiredness, ect) Which is fine, I get that when I dont get my meds plus my joints hurt.

Well I go in yesterday for my second treatment... starts at one, 3 hours on then one hour wait time then Im done. Well yeah except it was one when I got hooked up they ran saline for 30 min then started the drug. About 1/2 way though my head starts to hurt a bit so the nurse decides to slow it down, which adds on more time. My head still hurts by the way so not sure if its directly related or not. So its now 5 pm and I still had to wait the additional hour. By this time I feel bad, the poor nurse is missing supper with her family and Im stuck to this stupid line.

I didnt get out of there till 6, missed supper at the cafateria so I had to go get some (and Im not suposto dive opps...) Then ended up in bed by 7:30. Just feeling crapy and tired. The BF calls when he gets home at 10:45 but of course Im groggy and stuff, but he just wanted to make sure I was ok.

THEN I get up at 6 to do home work, dont get it all finished, go to class all stressed still slightly sick and find out that class is cancled. Yippie! So now im going to go finish my homework. ;)

NB awards:

Well we had a great banquet last night came home with more awards than expected which was nice!

Chance, the owners son got Grand Champ. Youth Mares
Dennis (the owner) got Reserve Grand Champ. Amature Mares

I got:
Grand Champ. Yearling Mares
Grand Champ. Yearling in hand Trail
Grand Champ. Maritime Breed 2 and Under
Res. Champ. Lunge Line

All and all a good year. The national banquet is next weekend, and we dont find out about year end national top 10 lists so cross your fingers for me!

Yes I have a handicap sticker

On my rearview. In plain sight. Its blue. My car is White...... I only used it when I have to. For the past week our gravel parking lot at school is being preped to be paved over the Nov 11 weekend. So parking for about 30 cars is gone. So I'm thinking "I'll park out front, out of the way and that will let someone else have my gravel spot that might have to drive in every day"

Yeah that worked. I got a warning for parking in a handicap zone.

Ummmm hello?

Pisses me off. I dont really like using it. It doesnt get me any closer to the door or anything. It is a big help when I'm going home and stuff because I can't carry anything so it helps with that. Anyways Im going to go steal a good spot in the lot tonight and let somone park in the street tomorrow.... yeah

2 year old masters

So I watched the 2 year old masters and was plesently surprised. The horses I liked in the HUS were all in the top 6. The Western Pleasure horses moved like they should. I wonder what the hell happens to them between the ages of 2 and 3. But my friend had a point. We watched the best of the best that night. The day we watched the 2 year old were the limited riders.... good but not the best. Is that the problem?

So Im sick with a cold. Which means I miss my infusion this week. Im not to upset about missing 4 hours tied up to an IV unit but It does put me further behind scedual to gettting these meds going.

New insersts are fantastic! make me want to walk more. Its a maricle that they can do that!

LL, and health

So I watched the lungline today. Quite suprised with the lack of prep. Some people didnt even get to lope there second way. Now there were alot of good horses but about 1/2 shouldnt have been there.

So I havnt mentioned anything yet about my new boy friend. Mostly because he was new! lol But I didnt want to jinx anything. But it seems to be good so far ;) I cant wait to see him again next weekend at our regional banqet. And yes he has and shows horses so hes a good match.

Disapointment at Congress

Well I watched the 3 year old snaffle bit 1st round tonight and boy is it sad. Horses throwing there heads, bad leg movement, horses fliping there heads. No wonder other horse people think were crazy.

How good is it to put in place the new movement rules then only make the 'little guys' follow them. There were horses there that fell apart (movement went so bad it was funny), horses so canted to the inside at the lope they were crossing there front legs, but still made it onto the finals over good horses. But guess who the big names were riding?

Good news is that a horse that is out of the QH barn I worked at (out of the stud I worked with and I rode his mother)(and a half brother to my friends 2 horses) Is at the congress. We hope to go see him tomorrow :)

Congress Day One

Bonnys friend rode tonight, went really good the first way but his horse wasnt consistant enough in the second direction. There are alot of lame horses showing about 1 per 20, and some of the movement is crap. Its so robotic, no flow what so ever. And the money!! Crazy! Aparently John brought the new guy to congress which kinda pisses me off, I never got to go with them. But Bonny had a good point... I got left at home to manage the place, there both going at different times so that one of them is always home. Anyways sorry Im rambling....

There is sooo much stuff it is amazing!! But soo much money show shirts starting at $400. Saddles (comparable to what other people were showing in...) 4000+

Bought some Q-babys which I love, a cell phone holder a necklace that I have been wanting for a year, and a Chinch sweater

P.S.

Im going to try to keep this updated so I have a record of what we actually did at congress so I remember!

1/2 way there

Sitting in the hotel room watching the congress sale online to see what my former bosses old brodmare goes for. Im kinda pissed though I mean shes given him wonderful qualitly foals, she has a sup. in halter open and youth and produces halter AND riding horses. But shes N/H and he doesnt want to breed her anymore... so why pass her along? Why not just kick her out and let her have her retirement (that shes more than earned! )

Anyways going to watch the friend show on monday night, aparently theres somthing like 180 horses in his class. Thats nuts!!! Glad Im not showing!!!

2 days!

So although I still have two days untill I leave im now back at my parents place and in the process of packing stuff, and deciding what not to pack lol. So unfortunitly my former boss will be heading home at the same time that were heading up and I havent heard yet how he did, so im still crossing my fingers for him. A friend is showing on Monday night but other than that we dont know anyone going this year. But that could be a blessing in its self we will be able to see and do whatever we want without having to worry about horses and riding/lunging in the middle of the night.

school and getting ready to leave

So I officaly have 2 classes left untill we leave for congress! Im so excited... Its going to be a killer week when I get back though! a bunch of tests and assignments are all due so I hope to do homework when Im not at the show.

So Im seeing a killer guy. Hes nice, sweet, caring, loves horses and is taller than me what could be better? oh for him to live closer but anyways......

So my list of things to buy at congress
1-congress down vest
2-congress hat
3-mare show halter
4-new number clips
5-belt and purse
-new felt hat?

Im so excited.... I used so alot! Oh and I started Remicade treatments yesterday.... each 100ml is worth $1800, and they used 4 of them thank god the goverment is covering it!!!!!!!!!!!1

12 days untill congress.... am I a crazy halter person....

12 sleeps untill we leave for congress! I almost dont want to go its going to put me into debt. But I promised myself that I was going to do it this year no matter what! I cant let money hold me back.

So am I a crazy halter person?? I like to have horses blanketed... I like to have them living inside (with lots of turn out just inside during the night or when they might get sun bleached.....) Who knows I mean I dont think halter is the end all to be all. Its great for the young horses gets them exposed to lots of stuff before you even get on there backs, and ultimitly you want to be able to ride the horse... If I had a really good halter horse I would only show it halter though just like if I had a really good WP horse I would only show it WP. But it needs to be able to move because some people just arnt like me and would like to ride the horse to.

I know of a bay that is a prime example. He halters, qualified for worlds like 7 times. Goes Grand open gelding at least once per show. He also shows HUS, SMS, HSE, and places really well in these classes as well. At home they jump him. Prime example of what I want, quality, legs, movement and mind!

last show... national title?

So we did our last show... got the yearling halter championship, yearling all-around (halter, lunge line, trail) and went grand under one judge. A GOOD weekend! We also helped to pay the show bill in a big way which I am extreamly happy about. We also got a great 20+ year old trophy to go with the halter win. We added her name to a long list of some very good horses. That was a great moment.

We also won my first ever neck sash :) I almost cried.

Its been a long 3 years.

From the day I found out I had RA and thought I would never ride again.... to finding out how true that really was. Though the cancer scare when I thought that I couldnt handle any thing else happening to me health wise. To today.

1 show left

So we went to the 2 day 4 judge show and did ok. Not as well in halter as I would have liked. There was another mare there that was like a hand taller.... and she won even though they could hardly lead her and she wasnt cliped..... oh well. We did manage to win a lunge line class and trail, and ended up being high point yearling all around.

They took the points from either halter mares, geldings, or stallions, then the placings from lunge line and train and we got the highest score. It must have been tight though I think we only won because we placed over more horses in halter than the stud did.

another day on the ..... school.....

So we dont have class untill monday, so although it was a total waste of time comming up to school this early it does mean that I can go home early to get ready for the show in plenty of time and not in a rush, like I thought I would be.

Cant wait to show!

Oh and I think I sprained my foot....dont ask me how but I did!

Back in Dorm

So I moved into dorm I have a fairly larg room, its actually a double that only I am living in (thank god!!) Got everything in ok, went to supper with the fokes and met some nice people. But now I have a hanger on. I mean I dont mind hanging out and stuff but not 24-7 with someone I just met 13 hours ago.

Showed a friends mare in halter this weekend, and showed in showmanship as well (first time in like 5 years!) I managed to place each day but I thought my placings in halter would be better. I did however end up in a crappy spot of the arena which made my 3yo appendex look more uneven then she was!

Yearling went home yesterday, her owners seemed ok but they tend to not talk unless somthing pisses them off so I guess its a good thing they were quiet.

How do you tell.....

So rode two horses last week. Pony kids' pony (who btw is a HARD ride at the lope I give the kid credit shes not easy!!) As well as the pally that they are looking at to replace the pony. I broke out the pally, then rode her on and off the following year when she came back for training. Shes not a kids horse. The former boss seams to think she is. He also seems to think that she is sound...... both of which she is not. They not only tryed to show her on saturday (ok yup shes lame) but then tried on sunday as well (no doupt buted to the eyeballs, I did work for this guy remember!)

I was really disapointed in him and the shit he tried that weekend. 2 of thouse horses shouldnt have been there. Hes taught me so much now im standing back and going "thank god im not working with him and ruining my name this summer."

Now im in the middle because we ended up telling the owner that the horse isnt sound (long time friend of both mine and PK's familys) so she called the trainer pulled the horse out of training, and is bringing the horse home this weekend. But seriously some one had to do somthing.

So now Im looking at next year. Will I be 'sound' enough that I can ride a bit? Could I even take in somthing already broke and show prep it? The plan is to start taking lessons after congress with a top trainer about 30 min from school. Hopefully he can give me some guidence... my other well has been contaminated.......

Yearling is good! Crossing my fingers we can beet the DZ Weedo colt in 2 weeks :)

one week one day

Left untill Im done work at the bank. Its not that I havent learned alot, or havent met people that will be friends for a long time. Its the same ness of it. Doing the same thing for the same people day after day after day after day afterday..........................

I miss figuring out the mind of the horse in front of me, watching that horse learn and devolop, exposing its personality to me. And I dont like people enough to want to be a teacher.

Although I guess I kinda am.... Pony kid is doing well, learing how to work with his horse and not just trying to ride. The pony knows what shes doing now, and we hit a pont where I had him push her around on her forhand to get her moving off his leg it took a few seconds but then it clicked, and they did perfect turns both ways. It was a lighbulb moment for him. Its not the pony its him that is the problem, and when he gets it right she will do what he wants no questons asked. BUT he has to get it right first!

A horse in training again..

Well the filly finaly showed up at the clients for boarding for the next month while she is in training. She was bad the second day but was much better today. I ended up lunging her with only one hand as my right was too swollen and sore to even hold the lung line. Moving good and acting good. Stood tied too :) The first time she kicked up a fuss but stood today for an hour without a fuss. Hopefully she will learn that she doesnt need to be in constant movemment to be happy.

Ok my list of Things you should know before you go into a bank:

If you havent had a shower in 2 days please put on some deorderent. You might not smell your self but we do

Just give me the money and the paper work. I will get it done. I will do everything. You dont need to hand it to me in 30 steps!!!

Dont bring in 30 cheques and expect me to process them one at a time and still be all happy. See above.

Yes other people use the bank too. Know what you want before you come up to me.

Dont come in at 5 min to 5 unless its desperate. (ie deposit cheque you need before weekend) If you just need cash, or to pay a bill, thats what the ATM is for.

We have rules that we must follow. We dont just do it to you to piss you off.

One Grand one WTF

Did nothing but 1st in trail the first day. QH guy was impressed wanted to know how long I had been working her on the obsticals.... I didnt have the heart to tell him one day..... Owner of DZ weedo colt complemented us on the yearling said shes improved a whole lot.

Second day we got Grand again. :) we were doing the math and figure we have about 16 open points on her. If the points work out about the same as last year were on the top 10 list for sure :) which was my goal.

The big chalange is comming up in september. High Point yearling. Halter, Lungline, and In Hand trail all count so Id really like to win it for her owners. Anyways shes comming home this month to get her firmed up a bit and work on the trail stuff some more.

Some horses make me look good.... not the other way around....

So went out to work the super yearling today. Ive never lunged her. Her owner has a completly different way of lunging her. She was execelent!!! she tryed to turn around a few times, but she was more like "thank you!!! I totaly get why your doing that it make sooo much more sence that what we were doing before!!" lol shes going to look like a different horse this weekend....

So were doing yearling trail this show... and no one knows how were suposto do it or whats in the rules. We can be asked to sidepass, but it doesnt say if you can touch the horse or not. And so we tryed a few trot poles, backed around stuff, and then there was a tarp..... and so I said what the hell shes smart. So we walked up to the tarp, she smelled it, I jumped up and down on it making noise..... then turned and walked over it....

And she followed at a walk.

I love this horse more every day...... If only I had the money!!!!!

Visiting the boss

So went for a drive and visited my former boss. I really do miss it there. And the old man is having a hard time. But I couldnt have gone back, my health just wouldnt have handled it. But it kills me going back, and seeing him in so much pain and being so tired and still trying to hold the farm together. They didnt breed any horses this year. But they have a new guy helping out. Im not sure what kind of a rider he is but the borders are really happy with him so far.... the last one was beating the halter horses :(

so Im not glowing

They gave me a dose of 10 mci. They START treating cancer with 100 mci.... guess I over reacted :) oh well gave me a 4 day weekend! Im off to a paint show on the weekend with some friends (well its only a short drive so Im going over there after feeding) :)

Im ok really, but....

So this happened earler this week but with all the crap going on I forgot to write about it.
Recently in the town I live in. 50-70 bales were found on fire and had to be put out. They dont know if it was arson or the bales over heated on there own...but...this is just a reminder to ...
Check your new hay for heat!!!!!!! With the weather all over the place... who knows what might happen.
And... The farmer who owns the hay is very sick. Although he is in everyones prayers, the local farmers have steped up and put off there own haying to get his done. And now they are saying that its possible someone set his bales on fire. How much do some people have to put up with?!?

Oh and i guess that I got 10 of what ever they gave me. Cancer treatment starts at 100 and goes up from there. So I started asking all these questions and the doc starts laughing. She like "thouse are great questions, but your not getting enough to effect you like that!" Although she said that I shouldnt go to the states this weekend. Aparently they can find radioactive in just about anything including thyroids!!

So off to feed the piggys in the morning.....(she said I shouldnt hug baby pigs for over an hour but other wise Im safe in the barn.... I said I wouldnt want to hug my pigs!!!)

oh about that crappy doctor again...

my RA doc wrote to the board of directors for the province about him. She also mailed her credentials, awards, and attachivements to this doctor as well as some info on RA (which she was a reaserch assistant on in med school) And told him that if he ever wants to talk about either RA or meds associated with it to call her.

I love her!!!

She also said somthing priceless " I wouldnt dare put a person to sleep but he thinks he can tell you all about your meds?!?!"

hummm this time tomorrow glowing in the dark??

So worked all day then spent 2 hours online looking for and at horses with a client via email. Its so hard finding a nice looking horse for a decent amount of money. (and for a kid!) If its broke enough its broken, if it works its too expensive. All we want is simple;

1) broke
2) ok enough mover to show QH (would take slightly less broke or with some soundness issues ie.supplement) but he is a youth
3) not too big (15 hh is fine!)
4)older is fine(to 17 or older if sound)
5) gelding or mare
6) not a 12 hour drive away

And were flexable on most points but were getting responces like "I have this gelding whos 15,000, when we clearly put 6000 and under" Money is the issue we'll deal with anything else. Aparently when you say 'Youth Horse' that means big money. to me that still means sound and safe.

So were still on the hunt but Im at a paint/open show this weekend so i'll ask around.

Its also hard because although I know alot of people, alot of people dont recognize me. This is (I belive) due to being a 'home' trainer, who didnt get to go to many shows, and my body/face changing so much due to the drugs. The locals know me, but I got an email with total BS from a trainer in Que. I mean I saw the horse, I know there were no other horses in that class you 'won' or that division you were 'champion' in.

The other good part is that you get the letters from locals going "I have a great horse that would fit in your program", or "I just dont have time for him this year, do you remember him last year? hes about the same" When the horse was broke but just but got around the ring just fine.

Anyways Im off to find out about some young stuff that I broke thats been sold on a few times, maybe I can get one of them back ..........

sooo long time no see....

So they ended up canceling my surgery, and are now going to try radiation with radioactive iodine. Yeah i know, I'm going to glow. Im just hoping that everthing will work out and that my thyroid will kick in, and that the growth will srink. Oh and that my pitituary starts working again that would be a bonus!

On the yearling side..... I ended up being able to go to the show last weekend. The owners did there best getting her ready, but her coat could use a little elbow gresse and her lunging sucks but shes grown alot! and super friendly and quiet. So we head out to the show ring. My BF came with to help me (although she says i'm really high maintance lol) and now says she hates halter because its soooo boring. Oh well I did help her for a long time with her own horses :P

So we were the only yearling fillys there so we won that class and went into the grand champion class thinking that if she stood quiet we'd be happy. Well she went reserve champ. mares! LMFAO I didnt belive it the owners didnt belive it, it was funny! I mean shes a well built horse but not 'halter' prep condition. Although I guess thats saying somthing about what they are looking for in a halter horse now...........

So we go the next day planing the same thing.... Our goals were to have her set up better than the day before. Well we went Grand Mares!!! WITH A YEARLING!!!!!!!!!! I walked out of the ring and her owner goes "did you get reserve again? thats great!" He almost fell over when I said that she went grand. "this horse??? a yearling????" That hardly ever happens. She then went on to win her amature and youth classes as well (they are not divided by horses age only there handlers).

We dont know for sure how many points we got but we beat the aged mares who earned 6pts so thats 6 the first day and 7 the second. If this year goes similer to last shes alraday made the top 10 list for the country in yearling mares. Even if she was a qh we would have had enough points to qualify for the Worlds in one show :P

So I went for my pre-op this morning (surgery on the 16th for removal of 1/2 my thyroid) and I delt with the rudest doctor I have ever met. (hes the guy that does the meds so that you go under, cant remember the name!)

It all begain when I mentioned that I couldnt take tylonal 3 because I was alergic to somthing in it. And he said "well can you take regular tylonal?, because if you can, your not alergic so you can take it" And on and on about how I wasnt alergic to tylonal but somthing in it, so I was wrong, even when I agreed with him I was wrong! (because I kept saying it makes me sick, and he keept saying "well if regualar tylonal doesnt......")

Then he looked at my drug list (which has 10 items ranging from antiinflamatories to BC!) And says "why are you taking all this?? This is too much!" (insert the "no ****" look here!) I calmly explain that I have RA and that my RA Dr. has me on several drugs plus the drugs im on for side effects, pain, bloodpressure ect.He keeps going "This is too much meds for you, your only young I would cut all of these out, you dont need all of theses!" as he scratches out my 2 pain pills and one relaxer (for my back, which was damaged by? you guessed it, more meds!) my gut pills (trust me you dont want to know why I take them!!) and then all my vitamins. saying "you know you could go to physotherpy and get all that fixed with exercises (my back)" I said that I had been there for 2 years and they were unable to help me, so he said "well you actually have to DO the exercises." "you know all of this is in your head right??"

At this point I really want to punch him, but because my arthritis (thats all in my head) is so bad I cant hold a fist, so I cried which I hate! but I was so fustrated by this point.....And then he goes "what are you upset about? My daughters friend has cancer and she has to go though surgery. She has problems! your just on too many drugs."

And I just felt like telling him to go f*** himself because if it was all in my head I certanly wouldnt be living back at home with my parents, and I would be able to ride and train everyday like I used to, and I wouldnt be where I was talking to him!!!

And seriously I have an RA specilist, family Dr., 2 thyroid Dr.'s, plus the hormone Dr. Im going to see, AND 2 internilists, who all didnt have a problem with the drugs Im on!Anyways I got out of there and called my dr. thats doing the surgery and told his receptionst about it. He's going to call me monday. I just needed to rant! Sorry for all the spelling mistakes!!!

Ive retired!

Sorry I havent posted in so long. What with the new job and all, I come home and all I want to do is crash or zone out! The job is going really well. I'm in training, learning how to be a customer service rep. at a national bank. Although I have greater things in mind we all have to start somewhere!

So ive decided to retire. This way by the time I'm done school I'll be able to show amature. It might mean some paperwork for the next few years, proving that im leaseing the horses that I show, and not reciving any money for showing them.

Although it was a tough decision, I just couldnt keep up with all the people that wanted me to teach them. And all the stuff with the App people. I mean you dont want me to teach your kids at a show, Im always wrong, but you still want me to teach you at home. Nope not going to happen! So its taken alot off my sholders, and I feel so much better already :)

Well the super pony was super....

Well the pony won the 18 and under command. Its basicly like simion says, follow the commands the ones that dont get kicked out untill there is the winner. And the pony won :) It was the riders first ever 1st place. In all he picked up 3 ribbons, and he was the most happy over the fact that his pony did well at her first show this year. Now thats a good student.

He actualy calmed me down after the Horsemaship class "Remember Sam, we came to get more miles on her and she did really well in the pattern!" I need more of these kids!

I start my new job tomorrow! Im so excited. I get weekends and holidays off! Its the first job I've ever had that I get that time off without pleading..... either I was working away on a horse farm or at home on our pig farm.

Still worried about this other kid. I like her. She is a good friend. But she just wont listen when I try to tell her that she could be crippling her horse. Why do people think its a good idea to chase points? And now shes all about getting enough American point to get her "World Show Qualifer" buckle. But it is no competition...... all you need for App is to win one American Pointed class..... How much work is that?

done?

Well I think I should stop teaching. Im worried now that this one kids horse is going to give me issues. This mare is older (14) now breed (for a Jan baby) and gets injections every 6 months. This owner belives that she can and will show every weekend for the entire summer and it will be ok.

Did I mention that she is chasing all-arounds? Oh and not just at the breed shows. (of which there is one each month... that would be ok...) But every weekend she plans on showing her mare all day. (all for a local all-around award which last year was a jacket...........)And the mare is not fit enough yet. (they only have an outdoor, and there seems to be a difference between what I say everyday is and how often the mare really gets ridden)

And now she was at the show yesterday and by the 3rd class i'm going "that mare is off" and she continued showing all day yesterday and all day today. I dont want my name ruined because of there stupidity to not realize what is happening under there own ass! And I told the rider and her mother but they didnt listen.

Its not the first time they havent listened to me but have gone behind my back to ask other trainers the same question they just asked me. Im starting to think that its not worth the agervation.

horse show.................................. yeah right

Cant imagine why local shows think that buy hiring a cheep judge they are helping there show. The judge at the show yesterday was retarted! Right before the first class they had an annoucement "horses shown in a shank bit must be ridden one handed, horses shown in a snaffle can be shown either one or two handed"

Then what does this smartash do?!?!? places kids in the equation class that either obvously fixed there horse with both hands, grabed horn durring the pattern or rode the entire class two handed .... all of them RIDING IN A SHANK BIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Come on I mean it was bad enough when a girl's horse did a stop and spin at the lope and went 5 strides the other way before corrected that the judge missed ENTIRLY and placed 2nd.... but I mean you just announced the rules.... And then didnt follow them!!!!!

And yes my student was ignored but we didnt go to the show to place, only to get more miles on the Morgan cross pony. (And he passed everything in the ring lol ) but seriously... I mean at least we followed the rules!

Opps

Totaly forgot to talk about the reason why I picked that line for the title. My lesson students are starting to drive me nuts!!! I dont understand why the parents are paying me all this money and then not taking my advice. It just seems so silly. Even one parent who doesnt want me comming to the shows to coach her daughter (who pays me not the mother) asked me if I would start teaching her this summer!?!?! Im like "hello, you embaress me at shows by telling your daughter to ignore me and you want me to teach you???" god some people!

Soooo, I think Im going to 'retire' again

So best friend got rolled over on Wensday night. Her young horse was comming around the corner and slippled and went down on both of them. Now before anyone panics she's ok. Brused leg, foot and they think she did some tendon damange to her knee but she should be ok in a week or two. Doctor told her that she used up one of her 9 lives, then she told him about the last time the other horse fliped over on her..... and the dozen or so other horsey accidents shes had over the years.

So saw the ENT guy in town and got the biopsy results... its not cancerious but it might be..... hows that for a defention! But eather way he's going to take it out on the 16th of June. So although that means I'll be on hormone replacement drugs atleast we should be able to get it figured out before school starts.

Not a bad day pain wise. RA specilist recomended that I start the prednisone again :( But Ive decided that im going to wait. I just dont see the point on going back on it for a month and then trying to come off it for the next 6 months. Local doc gave me some more pain med to get me though the next month. and the sulfa drugs are working a bit they just give me the runs!

I'm so going to rip that out tonight!

Got the sleep clinic machine.... its nothing really a thing on my finger and a thing in my nose. (like an oxygen thing not like .... ya know....) anyways the things in my nose are extreamly anoying! Im sure at some point im going to rip it out but I have to tape it to my face. (did I mention that tape gives me a blochy red look?)

And now the ENT doctor in town has moved my appointment to tomorrow instead of next Wensday. And they have the results of my biosopy from 2 weeks ago... Cross your fingers for me...

ok ok I take it back

Ok she called back and wants to exchange lessons with her and her daughter for the duration of our stay. I still have to do my own stall and buy my own feed so thats a much better deal for the two of us..

Im bording and you want me to do my own chores?

Yeah so I was going to bring a young horse closer to home to work with but I called the lady and she was like well I charged 150 5 years ago and everything has gone up sence then......... And I understand that but I was going to buy my own feed and everything..... And then the kicker... and you'll have to do your own stall every day....

ummmmmm hello? 1st of your not a bording barn (local are around 250, 300 (full service!) with indoor arena, feeding, seperate turn out ect.) there is no indoor just an outdoor, and turn out when ever her horses go out (on 30 acres but I like to be able to catch a horse without a 20 min walk)

i dont know I mean I ran a bording barn I know it costs alot. But I doupt that a yearling will eat alot of hay (at $2 a bale thats $60 if one bale a day, plus bedding, oh and did i mention they are usualy out 24-7 in the summer.....) And I have nothing against her making money but if shes not doing chores the horses are out so eating little hay and using little bedding....

grr so much for friends doing a favor

Typing with a wrist brace is hard....

Yup im gimped up today... and now I have to go to the sleep clinic tomorrow. I dont see why i mean my Doc already told me they want to take out the tonsils. Lol for that matter they should have taken them out when I was 7!

Lessons with Pony kid on thursday, hes going to a red-neck show on the weekend. (Yes we have thouse in Canada) What ever happend to "the coach knows best" Ive got these kids chasing points in multiple curcits this year and all Im worried about is if there horses are going to survive (let alone the fact one of them is in foal, and her owners still want to get 5 more All-Arounds on her!) They thought I was crazy when I sujested that they only show ApHCC shows this year. "But well miss out on all the other awards!" Yeah, that $30 saddle pad is sooooo worth 10 weekends of showing!

And then when I found a stake class (big prize money $200+) and it ment giving up a 'fun' show they didnt even want to change there plans because someone might get ahead of them in points.... does anyone understand that??

Should have been at the horse show....

So yeah horse show canceled.... Spent the day at the cottage with my family.... *sigh* back is super sore as is my pinkie still. Shoulder is doing much better but was still awful last night I got to stop sleeping on it seems to be worse when I do that. Nothing big going on this week. Horse show for the kids on Sunday/sat. Possible one for me on Monday. Oh and I start work on Tuesday. Oh yeah and I have a sleep study thing to get done. Apparently they want to take my tonsils out.....

Stop thinking so much!

Was the advice that new coach/best friends trainer advised. Aparently I'm worring too much and not "enjoying the ride" enough. Which is true I mean I the last time I went for a lope and didnt worrie about what the horse looked like was 4years ago.... He thinks that my quiteting my bran down a bit I should be alble to relax a bit more, and therefore not get so nervous. I mean I know my bran is working a million times a minute faster than it needs to be "ie will she spook now?, fix this fix that, lope now nope jog...." you get the idea!

And now the show tomorrow is cancled due to all the rain :( Not so bad though I mean my sholder is killing me and I cant move my pinky. But I was hoping that kicking some ass would boost my mood a bit :D

Why "on the ground"

I figured that I should probly add why I called this "On the Ground", well thats kinda where I am right now.... lol on the ground!

Im 26. And ive been riding from the age of 7. I grew up taking lessons in dressage and western showing both my own horse and anything else in the barn that was sane enough to get on. I did the trials for Olds placed on the top 10 wait list, and decided to go to the local Agricultural college. I have a diploma in agricultural business.

I worked during the summers at a Fjord farm where I learned how to drive, and I taught and trained all summer. I also got a chance to learn from great teachers who came to the farm for a "vacation". The next summer I worked for former Olympian Hugh Graham, who I groomed for at shows, and at home. I also helped manage the barn, delt with vets for breeding procedures (Kingridge was one of the first farms to do embro transplants on a large scale, and my dad was one of the first non vets trained to do embro transplants on cattle, therefor I knew alot and learned alot more...) I learned alot about managing staff, and stallions here. I also kept the fox hunters fit and sound.

I then made a big mistake, but it ended up ok...instead of going back to Ont I ended up working for somone local, but that didnt work out. Thats all im going to say about that! I ended up in Milton Ont. Groming for a former member of the German Young riders team. I managed/ rode/ groomed all of his horses inculding 7 GP level jumpers. Learned alot about how flat work leads into jumping and how BROKE your horses should be! After about a year the boss decided he was going to stop showing untill his kids were older, and an oppertunity came up in NB so I moved back to the maritimes.

I worked for a maritime QH farm. While there I taught/trained/and managed the farm when the owners were on the road. Students that I started and coached won the AQHA rookie in both amature and youth for NB. I worked both with the WP/allaround horses and the halter horses, having horses that I fitted qualify for worlds several times,

I left that farm thinking I was burnt out and needed some time off, wrong! Turned out I had Rheumatoid Arthritis and I took the next two years to get my life back together. During that time I judged shows, did clinics and passed my EC Judges test.As much as I hate the fact that I will never be able to be a "trainer" again ive been lucky to get some great students. Students that have reached there goals while showing at either a local or even national level. They've given me the hope that even though I may now never become a world class trainer I may still become a world class coach.So im now riding again, a once a week lesson student , Ive gone back to school and my students are making a name for themselves. (TOP 5 and TOP 10 National listings)

Day 3... back from trainers

Went to my 'trainers' place yesterday. This is the farm that I used to work on, which my former boss/coach/trainer still owns. I really miss the place, and I know they wish I could come back but with my RA, training full time is no longer an option. And now with all of these specilist appointments and everything I couldnt have the time off that I would need to get to these appointments. Also I mean although I was learning alot and stuff, I couldnt afford to go back.

So Super pony was at trainers for a month for training, and she looks great! Now the only problem seems to be getting the kid ready to ride now at the ponys level. Before I was doing a bunch of work trying to get him to teach the pony. Now that the pony knows, we need to get him to know how to use all the buttons.

I may be showing on the weekend on my friends horse. If I manage to get my guts setteled.... I now have a fear of being bucked off, which is bad because I broke this horse and shes never even attempted to buck me off. I guess thats what happens when you get old eh? Friend is also taking her new horse to see how she goes in a "show" enviroment. Should be an intresting weekend.

Day 1 - scan and I finaly told my parents...

Went to moncton and got the thyroid scan done. Only one side seems to be working, unfortunity it seems to be the side that the doctors wanted to get rid of because the growth is there. So I think we need to play a wait and see game before we take any drastic action.

On a good note told my parents that I was bringing home that yearling soon. So they know. :) I need somthing to do if everything else goes to shit! Also Ive decided that im going to Congress no matter what this fall. Im letting John know that im hitching a ride tomorrow!