Ok and here comes the annual tradition of setting goals for the new year! So goals from last year can be found here. For a breakdown, here is what I wanted to focus on for this year -
1) Ride different horses. Even if its just the kids horses, more saddle time on different horses will make me more confidant.
Kind of done, I rode Oscar and Lucy this year and Chilly most recently, and I did get one ride in on Hottie but this is a goal that I am going to try again on this year.
2) Try to continue to ride Oscar at least twice a week.
Done! I ride Oscar twice a week on the minimum, and got to riding 4-5 times this summer. Hopefully once the weather gets a bit better we can get back to that, or at least riding Chilly and Oscar both on the nights that I do get to the barn.
3) Take more pictures of the horses and try to get someone to take photos of me on the horses.
Done! Thanks to some friends with cameras I actually got some good pictures this summer (including the one at the top of the page)
4) Try to get to 2 horse shows this summer and show!
Done! I got to 4 shows this summer and rode at all of them! And even showed for 3 days in a row at our last show.
5) To loose 20 pounds before show season. (May)
Done! Total loss was about 40lbs in total for the year. (some gained some lost this fall) I hope to lose even more but its a very good start.
6) To have more "wow look what we just did" moments weather at home or at shows.
Done! Being top two in a tough showmanship class at our first show, winning our first jacket, NAILING a tough trail pattern, and best of all riding Lucy with no bridle (or halter) our last ride together this fall.
7) To keep on top of my finances, If I want to seriously start looking
for a new horse in 2014 I need to have a decent size budget to do that
with. Most of Lucas' money went to fixing my car, and paying off loans
not so much saving for a new horse.
Yeah, as much as I want a new horse I NEED to move out of my parents place. Student loans will be done next year.. and besides, with the time off work and out of the saddle that my ankle replacement will need, money / time will be tight.
So goals for 2014!!
I am going to reuse some of my goals from last year to continue on this year ...(is that cheating? I really like them?!?)
1) Ride different horses. Even if its just the kids horses, more saddle time on different horses will make me more confidant.
2) Try to continue to ride at least twice a week.
3) To have more "wow look what we just did" moments weather at home or at shows.
4) To have some serious plans to be out of my parents house and be closer to work by this time next year. Its going to mean moving away from the barn but part of the plan is going to be finding a way to ride.
5) To show this summer. Doesn't matter what horse or where but I want to show. I'd really love it to be with Chilly. (And maybe Lucy at the exhibition lol)
6) To make myself go out and interact with people who might not necessarily be horse related.
7) To try to get out to a clinic or two this year and ride in them!
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Sunday, December 29, 2013
3rd ride on Chilly
I managed to get my 3rd ride in today on Chilly. We kept her and her pasture buddy in while we did stalls, and then I took her out, got her brushed and put her to work. I lunged her in the sidepull again today, left the bit off.to keep her happy. Shes really starting to grow and develop and now that she's level again its making 'slow' and correct so much easier for her.
As much as I don't like her pushing and slightly stressing about the bit in her mouth she carries her head very low, and keeps her back up when she does it. Its also helping her develop her back muscles. We just have to find one she doesn't fuss with as much. As for bits, we've tried a plain medium mouthed snaffle, a french link, and a ported barrel bit (no chains or shanks or anything, just hooked to the bridle, but I wanted to see if the port with more room for her tongue would make her happier, it didn't) Anyone have any ideas of what else to try? We're going to try a mullen mouth next as well.
So after she got lunged I got my mounting block out, D held her for me (although its not really needed, we want to make each situation easy, and to avoid issues when every possible. I need the block, having someone make sure she doesn't move away, means that we never give the opening for an issue to arise). We walked for about 5 minutes, doing small and large circles each direction, stopping, backing and turning her sharply into the wall. We then jogged about a circle each direction before going on a walk in figure 8's all around the arena.
Shes such a good little mare. We just need time, and I need to stop eating Christmas chocolate!
As much as I don't like her pushing and slightly stressing about the bit in her mouth she carries her head very low, and keeps her back up when she does it. Its also helping her develop her back muscles. We just have to find one she doesn't fuss with as much. As for bits, we've tried a plain medium mouthed snaffle, a french link, and a ported barrel bit (no chains or shanks or anything, just hooked to the bridle, but I wanted to see if the port with more room for her tongue would make her happier, it didn't) Anyone have any ideas of what else to try? We're going to try a mullen mouth next as well.
So after she got lunged I got my mounting block out, D held her for me (although its not really needed, we want to make each situation easy, and to avoid issues when every possible. I need the block, having someone make sure she doesn't move away, means that we never give the opening for an issue to arise). We walked for about 5 minutes, doing small and large circles each direction, stopping, backing and turning her sharply into the wall. We then jogged about a circle each direction before going on a walk in figure 8's all around the arena.
Shes such a good little mare. We just need time, and I need to stop eating Christmas chocolate!
Friday, December 27, 2013
Crazy Christmas, crazy weather
I haven't been out to the barn much at all over my week's vacation. Either I had family stuff going on, or it was storming (freezing rain and another 20 cm of snow (total over the past 3 days)). The one day I did get to go out it was -20, too cold to work the ponies in that.
I got out this afternoon for a quick break in between boxing day shopping with my mom and visiting with friends in the afternoon. Chilly was not excited to work and even bucked on the lunge line! She never bucks so it was quite unusual for her. So we went from having goals of lunging and driving with the bit, to lunging only with the bit, to me having to take the bit off her and put her back into the side pull to lunge her, and no driving of any sort got done. Oh well that is how it goes with babies I guess!
Oscar is good, but managed to break his halter somehow over the past two days... sigh... I guess I should be happy that it was leather, and it did break. But now it needs to be fixed.
And for an intresting photo comparison, her are 2 pictures of Chilly, (the first two, please excuse the messy floor, and the round spot on Chilly's hip is a bite mark) and a picture of Lucy from last spring. They are really starting to look alike!
I got out this afternoon for a quick break in between boxing day shopping with my mom and visiting with friends in the afternoon. Chilly was not excited to work and even bucked on the lunge line! She never bucks so it was quite unusual for her. So we went from having goals of lunging and driving with the bit, to lunging only with the bit, to me having to take the bit off her and put her back into the side pull to lunge her, and no driving of any sort got done. Oh well that is how it goes with babies I guess!
Oscar is good, but managed to break his halter somehow over the past two days... sigh... I guess I should be happy that it was leather, and it did break. But now it needs to be fixed.
And for an intresting photo comparison, her are 2 pictures of Chilly, (the first two, please excuse the messy floor, and the round spot on Chilly's hip is a bite mark) and a picture of Lucy from last spring. They are really starting to look alike!
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Another great ride on Chilly
And it was better than the first ride, and I have video proof! Please excuse the puffy sweater we're still in weird temps for our area, and layering is the only way to survive. Shes still fussy about stopping and backing in the side-pull, but shes not fully comfortable in a bit yet.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Did it.
It's -15C, I have RA, I have an ankle that needs replacing, wrists that no longer function, and I need to loose more weight.
But tonight I tacked Chilly up, lunged her for 10 minutes, got the mounting block out (C held her just in case) and I got on Chilly. Alone with no one else in the arena with us, I walked her around, stopped her, turned her both directions, and backed her up.
She was so solid underneath me. Even grown up, broke horses can be 'funny' with a new rider for a circle or two until they figure out the new person. Not with her, she wanted to follow C, but once I encouraged her to walk away she listened to me.
What a great ride.
Monday, December 16, 2013
Helmet is here!
And I love it! Fits great. I have a bit of a cone head so I have to get the extra padding lined up in the right spots but I did a temporary 'stick' job and it felt much better. Best part is that it fits my long oval head perfectly, and there are so many air vents! I can't wait to ride in it this summer. Now the countdown is on to ride chilly!
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Too cold to ride
It sucks, it went from -2C on Tuesday to -25 on Saturday. The general rule of thumb in the barn is that we don't work the horses hard when the temps are -15, and we don't do much at all at -20. We have been known to saddle up and walk/play over trail stuff when we haven't been able to ride for over a week, but the temp change was so quick this week I haven't ridden since Tuesday.
Its just as well, my new helmet won't be in until Monday, and we are supposed to get a major storm on Sunday so it will most likely be Tuesday before I get to ride again.
Its days like this though I am very thankful for my office job! I can go to the barn and do my weekend work then head home to get warmed up! I don't have to stay in the cold all day and try to work horses that don't want to work!
P.S - to all my southern readers, today was the first day all the horses poop froze. I know its colder out west, but it still sucks to be breaking ice out of buckets in January!
Its just as well, my new helmet won't be in until Monday, and we are supposed to get a major storm on Sunday so it will most likely be Tuesday before I get to ride again.
Its days like this though I am very thankful for my office job! I can go to the barn and do my weekend work then head home to get warmed up! I don't have to stay in the cold all day and try to work horses that don't want to work!
P.S - to all my southern readers, today was the first day all the horses poop froze. I know its colder out west, but it still sucks to be breaking ice out of buckets in January!
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
New Helmet!
Well its been ordered and its on the way. I ended up getting an IRH Elite Xtreme. Its the same as the helmet I tried on the weekend but black. (Sorry the picture is so big!)
As far as showing western in the helmet goes, I really didn't notice that much of a problem with it this year. Granted for the most part I only showed reasonably small local shows, but I could never really look at a class and go "yup I lost that class because of my helmet". Around here 99% of the shows require everyone under the age of 18 to wear a helmet in all classes. I was one of the kids that the rule first effected. For the most part we always wore our helmet when we showed. And as the kids now begin to age out more and more just keep their helmets on.
There are a few kids who don't ride at home without them (which I think is just plain silly. No one is even going to see you at home!) but I hope that them seeing me wear one every ride will make them think its more normal.
As far as showing western in the helmet goes, I really didn't notice that much of a problem with it this year. Granted for the most part I only showed reasonably small local shows, but I could never really look at a class and go "yup I lost that class because of my helmet". Around here 99% of the shows require everyone under the age of 18 to wear a helmet in all classes. I was one of the kids that the rule first effected. For the most part we always wore our helmet when we showed. And as the kids now begin to age out more and more just keep their helmets on.
There are a few kids who don't ride at home without them (which I think is just plain silly. No one is even going to see you at home!) but I hope that them seeing me wear one every ride will make them think its more normal.
Monday, December 9, 2013
In search of a new helmet
No worries I haven't fallen or anything like that *knock on wood*! My current helmet getting older (bought in early 2011) and I wear it often and sweat a lot! Its also starting to feel a bit loose on my head, which is a sure sign that the padding is going south.
I currently have a Lami-cell competitor. I love the harness and the general 'fit' of this helmet... However its not very cool in the summer, and it doesn't have a removable liner which makes washing it a PITA. (Did I already mention that I sweat a lot?)
So I took some time on the weekend when I was Christmas shopping and looked at some helmets. What really sucks is that in the Maritimes there are very few tack store options. So I was only able to try on some IRH's, Charles Owens, and Tipperary.
I did like the IRH Xtreme, but they only had it in gray. And personally wearing a helmet and riding western can look funny enough, I'd rather have a black helmet (and black will go with all of my show clothes that I already own).
Yup too light.
The Tipperary helmets didn't fit right at all (or at least didn't feel comfortable). Troxel helmets all have those stupid adjustable clips on the back that I don't like.
I did like the Charles Owen Gr8, but at 340 dollars I just couldn't commit. The Jr8 only has a different harness but I really didn't like the fit of the harness.
So that's where I'm at. Does anyone have any tips or recommendations? I'm leaning more towards the IRH because I think it will be cooler, but I know that CO has a 'return' policy of sorts if you fall off with one of their helmets....
I currently have a Lami-cell competitor. I love the harness and the general 'fit' of this helmet... However its not very cool in the summer, and it doesn't have a removable liner which makes washing it a PITA. (Did I already mention that I sweat a lot?)
So I took some time on the weekend when I was Christmas shopping and looked at some helmets. What really sucks is that in the Maritimes there are very few tack store options. So I was only able to try on some IRH's, Charles Owens, and Tipperary.
I did like the IRH Xtreme, but they only had it in gray. And personally wearing a helmet and riding western can look funny enough, I'd rather have a black helmet (and black will go with all of my show clothes that I already own).
Yup too light.
The Tipperary helmets didn't fit right at all (or at least didn't feel comfortable). Troxel helmets all have those stupid adjustable clips on the back that I don't like.
I did like the Charles Owen Gr8, but at 340 dollars I just couldn't commit. The Jr8 only has a different harness but I really didn't like the fit of the harness.
So that's where I'm at. Does anyone have any tips or recommendations? I'm leaning more towards the IRH because I think it will be cooler, but I know that CO has a 'return' policy of sorts if you fall off with one of their helmets....
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Friday, December 6, 2013
Final day of the 5 day challange
21) Favorite classes to watch
Usually either the equation classes or the lunge line (yearling or 2 year old) I must have a short attention span both usually last under 2 minutes per exhibitor!
22) What's in your cooler at a horse show
Sports drinks and lots of water. I have a weird system in that I have to maintain a strict salt/water ratio. If I drink too much water I get a migraine Too much salty food, same thing. (And yes my blood pressure stays good during all of this) Chiro has related it to my muscles and how they function but keeping on track of my salt and water intake is very important when showing in the heat. Other than that usually snacks like fruit, cheese and dry cereal.
23) One thing about showing (or riding in general) you wish you could change
Expense. To go to shows with good judges, it costs money. I wish I had more money. Also as much as I love the stock horses and the western pleasure, I dont like how the horses are moving right now.
24) Your ringside crew
D and C are wonderful but because I show on my own, all of the barn parents, and significant others are a big help to me when I need a hand. They help with everything from carrying things from my car to giving me a hand with my chaps. We all cheer each other on and BBQ when everything is done for the day.
25) Best prizes
I love the cooler I won with Lucas, but I especially love the jacket Lucy and I won this summer. And can I just say I love trophys?!? I love having that memory of the show that I can display in my house. If I get something practical it gets used and abused in the barn! (And by this I mean brushes, buckets ect)
Ta Da! The end, big thanks to Lauren for sharing Tracey's idea. Their blogs are She Moved To Texas and Fly on Over.
Usually either the equation classes or the lunge line (yearling or 2 year old) I must have a short attention span both usually last under 2 minutes per exhibitor!
22) What's in your cooler at a horse show
Sports drinks and lots of water. I have a weird system in that I have to maintain a strict salt/water ratio. If I drink too much water I get a migraine Too much salty food, same thing. (And yes my blood pressure stays good during all of this) Chiro has related it to my muscles and how they function but keeping on track of my salt and water intake is very important when showing in the heat. Other than that usually snacks like fruit, cheese and dry cereal.
23) One thing about showing (or riding in general) you wish you could change
Expense. To go to shows with good judges, it costs money. I wish I had more money. Also as much as I love the stock horses and the western pleasure, I dont like how the horses are moving right now.
24) Your ringside crew
D and C are wonderful but because I show on my own, all of the barn parents, and significant others are a big help to me when I need a hand. They help with everything from carrying things from my car to giving me a hand with my chaps. We all cheer each other on and BBQ when everything is done for the day.
25) Best prizes
I love the cooler I won with Lucas, but I especially love the jacket Lucy and I won this summer. And can I just say I love trophys?!? I love having that memory of the show that I can display in my house. If I get something practical it gets used and abused in the barn! (And by this I mean brushes, buckets ect)
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| Lucas and his cooler |
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| Jacket and trophy |
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| haul from Lucy's last show |
Chilly video (and pictures)
Well Chilly was a very good girl last night but she was a little tired and frustrated last night by the time I put her away. Its not a bad thing, I threw out some tougher stuff at her while we were driving and although she 'got it' shes a bit like her mother, her brain got too full too fast. So she'll have tonight off and we'll try again on the weekend. She is now just 15.1 in the front and 15.2 in the hind and is bigger than her mother! Her father maxes out at 15.2-15.3 (he is deathly afraid of the measuring stick). Shes also gained a bunch of body condition and muscle. So onto the video:
First one is her 2nd time driving with the bit, and first time jogging with one in. She's still fussy with the bit, but she doesn't give up just tries to figure it out.
This is her lunging a bit earlier with the bit in. Still fussy, even though there is no pressure, but working on figuring it out. (And yes her teeth have been checked, shes loosing some front baby teeth but nothing that the bit would effect). Personally I'm leaning to going to a mullen mouth with some tongue relief, or a french link. Her mother is the same with single jointed snaffles.
First one is her 2nd time driving with the bit, and first time jogging with one in. She's still fussy with the bit, but she doesn't give up just tries to figure it out.
This is her lunging a bit earlier with the bit in. Still fussy, even though there is no pressure, but working on figuring it out. (And yes her teeth have been checked, shes loosing some front baby teeth but nothing that the bit would effect). Personally I'm leaning to going to a mullen mouth with some tongue relief, or a french link. Her mother is the same with single jointed snaffles.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Day 4!
16) One thing you'd like to change about your horse.
I'd love for Oscar to have new hocks. They are both fused, and mostly painless for him, but it makes his lope so rough neither of us enjoy it.
I'd love Chilly to have a tiny smidgen more energy *I might take this back later as she gets fitter* Shes a bit like her mother that once her gas tank is empty you might as well get off her and put her away!
17) Your horse's future
A tough one. Oscar will continue to be ridden by me for the winter. His mom is done school next December and things are still up in the air for the summer. She's got practicals and I'd love to be showing Chilly. We'd like to find a nice child for Oscar to show walk/trot with next summer but we'll see.
I'd love to have Chilly for my very own. However hopefully I'll show her this summer, and we'll find her a nice person to love her next year.
18) My worst show ever...
I had some bad shows as a kid but my worst one was my first show with Lucas. We had a major melt down on both of our parts. We got though it but it was not a fun weekend.
19) Favorite horse show venue.
I have to say that I loved grooming at the old Collingwood show. Weather was great, good tents, nice rings. Our local facilities leave something to be desired. The Sussex NB facility is good but the stalls are only like 9x9. Makes it hard if you have anything bigger than 15 hands.
20) Show day routine
Usually I get up, hay and water and then clean stalls while the horse has a chance to eat some hay. We then go for a little lunge (if we have showmanship and halter) and practice the showmanship pattern or pieces that were having issues with before going back to the barn. Then if the horse gets grain they get it then while I finish painting feet, putting the fake tail in and tidy up the rest of the horse (and me!) Once that is done I get dressed in show clothes, do my make up, get the horse haltered, do their make up and get ready to go in the ring. Days I ride first are a little more laid back but I try to be ready about 20 min before my class so that I can have that ride time if I need it. Getting me into my chaps takes at least one other person so that is a team activity, just about everything else I do on my own.
I'd love for Oscar to have new hocks. They are both fused, and mostly painless for him, but it makes his lope so rough neither of us enjoy it.
I'd love Chilly to have a tiny smidgen more energy *I might take this back later as she gets fitter* Shes a bit like her mother that once her gas tank is empty you might as well get off her and put her away!
17) Your horse's future
A tough one. Oscar will continue to be ridden by me for the winter. His mom is done school next December and things are still up in the air for the summer. She's got practicals and I'd love to be showing Chilly. We'd like to find a nice child for Oscar to show walk/trot with next summer but we'll see.
I'd love to have Chilly for my very own. However hopefully I'll show her this summer, and we'll find her a nice person to love her next year.
18) My worst show ever...
I had some bad shows as a kid but my worst one was my first show with Lucas. We had a major melt down on both of our parts. We got though it but it was not a fun weekend.
19) Favorite horse show venue.
I have to say that I loved grooming at the old Collingwood show. Weather was great, good tents, nice rings. Our local facilities leave something to be desired. The Sussex NB facility is good but the stalls are only like 9x9. Makes it hard if you have anything bigger than 15 hands.
20) Show day routine
Usually I get up, hay and water and then clean stalls while the horse has a chance to eat some hay. We then go for a little lunge (if we have showmanship and halter) and practice the showmanship pattern or pieces that were having issues with before going back to the barn. Then if the horse gets grain they get it then while I finish painting feet, putting the fake tail in and tidy up the rest of the horse (and me!) Once that is done I get dressed in show clothes, do my make up, get the horse haltered, do their make up and get ready to go in the ring. Days I ride first are a little more laid back but I try to be ready about 20 min before my class so that I can have that ride time if I need it. Getting me into my chaps takes at least one other person so that is a team activity, just about everything else I do on my own.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
The 5 day challenge day 3
11) Critique your horse's conformation
Doing Oscar because he's easy. His hind end is very weak, and his hocks are set out behind him. His neck is tied in a bit high, and he is very narrowly built. He's also slab sided (mostly a result of him being so narrow) He does have a good slope to his shoulder and a kind eye which makes up for some of his faults :)
12) Horses favorite riding excercise
Oscar likes long trotting. And showmanship (I think that should count) Chilly likes being ridden lol she doesnt know much about it yet!
13) Favorite spa day products
I love vetrolin products, small (SHARP) rubber curry's. (I go though 2-3 a year) and I love natural bristled brushes.
14) Three best things about your horse
Oscar is completely trustworthy (but he hates cows), I know that no matter what kind of a day I am having health wise, Oscar will do his best to do what I'm asking him to do, and to be as easy on me as possible when I'm having a bad day. I can also put anyone on him that visits me or the barn. He'll pack them around and make them feel like real 'riders', I think thats what he does with me too!
15) Favorite picture of your horse
One of each of the horses that I've loved over the past couple of years
Doing Oscar because he's easy. His hind end is very weak, and his hocks are set out behind him. His neck is tied in a bit high, and he is very narrowly built. He's also slab sided (mostly a result of him being so narrow) He does have a good slope to his shoulder and a kind eye which makes up for some of his faults :)
12) Horses favorite riding excercise
Oscar likes long trotting. And showmanship (I think that should count) Chilly likes being ridden lol she doesnt know much about it yet!
13) Favorite spa day products
I love vetrolin products, small (SHARP) rubber curry's. (I go though 2-3 a year) and I love natural bristled brushes.
14) Three best things about your horse
Oscar is completely trustworthy (but he hates cows), I know that no matter what kind of a day I am having health wise, Oscar will do his best to do what I'm asking him to do, and to be as easy on me as possible when I'm having a bad day. I can also put anyone on him that visits me or the barn. He'll pack them around and make them feel like real 'riders', I think thats what he does with me too!
15) Favorite picture of your horse
One of each of the horses that I've loved over the past couple of years
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| Lucas |
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| Chilly |
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| Oscar |
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| Lucy |
Monday, December 2, 2013
Day 2 of the 5 day challenge
6) Favorite equestrian book and movie
Ummm Jilly Cooper's Riders for sure. I re-reading it for like the 7th time right now. Movie, most likely International Velvet. The horsey stuff is correct, which drives me crazy in most horse movies.
7) Most common riding misconception
That I suck. No really, most days I wonder how I stay on! I think my lack of confidence gets me in more trouble than anything else.
8) 2 riding strengths and 1 riding weakness.
Belive it or not my lack of riding confidence is also a big help to me, I'm never afraid to ask for someone elses opinion on my riding or on what my horse is doing.
My legs are good, solid basis of support. Even with my bum ankle my legs are always able to tell the horses what I want when I want it.
My biggest riding weakness is my inability to "let go" with my hands. Lucas made it worse, but Lucy helped me figure it out, its still something that I struggle with somedays.
9) Least favorite thing about horses and/or riding.
How absolutely heartbreaking it can be some days. There have been lots of times that I wish I could have loved a non animal sport. Hockey sticks usually don't break your heart by turning up lame before the big show, or by being starved by the person you sold them too.
10) What do you feed your horse?
Well for "my" horse (either Chilly or Oscar) both get a scoop and 1/2 of whole oats, and Oscar gets MSM. They only get grain at night right now. They have free choice hay or haylage outside and more when they go in their stalls at night (about 2 large flakes worth).
Ummm Jilly Cooper's Riders for sure. I re-reading it for like the 7th time right now. Movie, most likely International Velvet. The horsey stuff is correct, which drives me crazy in most horse movies.
7) Most common riding misconception
That I suck. No really, most days I wonder how I stay on! I think my lack of confidence gets me in more trouble than anything else.
8) 2 riding strengths and 1 riding weakness.
Belive it or not my lack of riding confidence is also a big help to me, I'm never afraid to ask for someone elses opinion on my riding or on what my horse is doing.
My legs are good, solid basis of support. Even with my bum ankle my legs are always able to tell the horses what I want when I want it.
My biggest riding weakness is my inability to "let go" with my hands. Lucas made it worse, but Lucy helped me figure it out, its still something that I struggle with somedays.
9) Least favorite thing about horses and/or riding.
How absolutely heartbreaking it can be some days. There have been lots of times that I wish I could have loved a non animal sport. Hockey sticks usually don't break your heart by turning up lame before the big show, or by being starved by the person you sold them too.
10) What do you feed your horse?
Well for "my" horse (either Chilly or Oscar) both get a scoop and 1/2 of whole oats, and Oscar gets MSM. They only get grain at night right now. They have free choice hay or haylage outside and more when they go in their stalls at night (about 2 large flakes worth).
Sunday, December 1, 2013
The 5 day Challenge Day 1
Copied from She Moved to Texas!
1) Most Influential Person on Your Riding.
I think this is a multi part answer, my best friend has been a huge influence on me for the past 9 years that I've known her. From dragging me to horse shows when all I wanted to do was sit at home and mope, to being a sounding board for riding problems, and concerns.
My other one would be my first riding instructor ever. From teaching me to tack up when I was 7 to having training discussions with me last fall when I'm 31 she has been a great sounding board when I need an outside perspective.
2) Piece of tack you'd love to splurge on.
I think my new to me Wenger show saddle counts (since I'm still paying for it!). But I'd love some good show bridles, and I'd love a brand new pair of custom field boots.
3) Top 5 riding playlist.
Anything country really, as long as it has a good beat.
4) Most important aspect of your barn
The people. And the fact they let me play with all of the horses and do just about anything with them. The stuff we do as a barn family is always a blast even if we don't have horses involved. I also love the fact that although we can get lessons at any time from either C or D, the indoor is almost always open to ride in every night/day. Even when someone is having a lesson, everyone tries to accommodate everyone else and work together so that we can all ride and be home at a decent hour.
5) Three winter riding goals
1-to ride on a regular basis (Both horses!)
2-to take Chilly to a clinic (either in barn or off property)
3-to work on showmanship at least once a week with Chilly
1) Most Influential Person on Your Riding.
I think this is a multi part answer, my best friend has been a huge influence on me for the past 9 years that I've known her. From dragging me to horse shows when all I wanted to do was sit at home and mope, to being a sounding board for riding problems, and concerns.
My other one would be my first riding instructor ever. From teaching me to tack up when I was 7 to having training discussions with me last fall when I'm 31 she has been a great sounding board when I need an outside perspective.
2) Piece of tack you'd love to splurge on.
I think my new to me Wenger show saddle counts (since I'm still paying for it!). But I'd love some good show bridles, and I'd love a brand new pair of custom field boots.
3) Top 5 riding playlist.
Anything country really, as long as it has a good beat.
4) Most important aspect of your barn
The people. And the fact they let me play with all of the horses and do just about anything with them. The stuff we do as a barn family is always a blast even if we don't have horses involved. I also love the fact that although we can get lessons at any time from either C or D, the indoor is almost always open to ride in every night/day. Even when someone is having a lesson, everyone tries to accommodate everyone else and work together so that we can all ride and be home at a decent hour.
5) Three winter riding goals
1-to ride on a regular basis (Both horses!)
2-to take Chilly to a clinic (either in barn or off property)
3-to work on showmanship at least once a week with Chilly
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