Dressage Pony

One of these days

2012-02-12T19:11:00.000-08:00

According to my phone it's 20 degrees. But it's really 4. There's snow on the ground and my motivation has dwindled like the temps. What's worse is that Netflix is running movies like Wintervention and Endless Winter across my favorites and suggestions.

Their humor is not appreciated.

So, I've taken to catching up on the reading.

A recent post over at Eventing Nation kinda made me rethink a bunch of things.

A lot of people have bucket lists (a list of stuff that you want to do or accomplish before you kick the bucket) and at one point I thought they were hokey. Namely because of the people writing them wanted to scale K2, run an ultra marathon or launch themselves out of a perfectly functioning airplane.

All of those, while great, aren't remotely fun. In fact, you can count me out.

Then Annie posted this.

And then it kinda made sense. So I started throwing together a bucket list for my own goals. Among them is to ride as many times to Grand Prix as I physically can, consistency, and some interesting show venues. But more intrinsically, being a good person ranks in there too.

Between the bad weather we have been able to ride.

Rides have been concentrating on the quality of compression and rotation on the pir's. Sinari has been gaining more and more balance and more and more compression in the canter tour work. She's also getting smart about the changes to the point where I have to really be sure I'm counting otherwise she'll throw three's and two's in. The trot tour is still by far the easiest for her at the moment and the lateral work in it has been class.

The cold has also made her forget the half halt.

She's due out to start trot sets soon if the weather clears out. Hopefully we'll be able to roll through 4-2.

Roll away your stone

2012-02-05T18:59:00.000-08:00

It's been a catch up week with everything.

We all got back last week and now the tedious part of unpacking, reorganizing and setting up camp up here again.

Everyone has settled in well an have gotten back to work. If there is one small perk is that the weather has been mild this year in Kentucky (I'm sure we're going to pay for it later), but rainy. We're already on track to match what we did last year. So we're regulated to the indoor until the weather and footing clears out.

Which is depressing.

But, it's time well spent. I just wish I could hack out and work on some of the cardio stuff.

Being home also means seeing the young guy in his winter grounds.

Sincere hasn't changed personality wise since I chucked him out on the hills for the winter. Still goofy, protective, macho. He's looking pretty good and should be ready to come back in around April or so.

With spring becoming more inevitable, and with January over, it's time to start moving on to February goals.

January:
-Compression/Rotation for Sinari
Check. The pir's finally feel solid and compressed. The canter feels so much more organized.
-Solid counting for changes
Done with difficulty. She now has to do the changes without taking over or loosing balance which is harder, so we're back to contract negotiations.
-Educated zig zags
I finally got this down without being a total moron about it!
-Upping the balance point
Done, it's making that feeling the go-to point through fitness that needs to happen next.

February:
-Compresssion
-Half Steps
-Fitness
-Changes
-Roll through 4-2, PSG
-Compression, rotation

She dreamed of paradise

2012-01-30T18:55:00.000-08:00

Home from Florida.

It's hard to even imagine how the month went or how each day passed like an unbroken line. Or even harder, I forgot the feeling of snow and cold and for just a single second, I thought I was in summer again.

Yes, the place really is like venturing down the rabbit hole. It's a completely different universe.

Florida is amazing.

Even being removed from the hub of the dressage universe (Wellington versus Ocala), you get a taste of what it's like to be around people who all have a singular goal that's common to yours and can chat pony. But if you're not riding, there's something to do.

It's literately being in a buffet, and somedays you just don't know where to begin.

I went down with the intent to train, but as usual things just unfolded. Not only did I train, but I also got to view training sessions of not just high performance dressage, but eventing as well (kind of a perk when you live with an international eventer).

The best part was rolling through the PSG work and making it our own, getting the compression and rotation on the pir's and starting the pi/pa work. Having full mirrors to make fun of ourselves, and being around the crew again.

I got to visit the new show grounds (which will be really fun to show at), caught a weekend Grand Prix at WEF, I got to help people on the ground and got to see and visit fantastic farms and friends and I drove my first gooseneck trailer.

I proved to myself multiple things.

I also jumped.

You can blame Atkins for that one.

In the end, we accomplished everything that we've set out to accomplish and it was well worth the time and effort put into the trip. Learned a lot about ourselves in the process, and got a head start for this year.

Will we go back next year?

Indefinitely yes. I can't see another winter without it.

Time flies

2012-01-29T07:17:00.000-08:00

It's almost end of January, and I forgot to recap the goals!

December:
-Condition, fit and hack out
Weather started to turn foul in KY, and we got as many rides in between the holidays and other activities. Felt, as usual it wasn't enough, but got through it.
-Clip
Managed to clip as much as I could between holidays, client horses and other things. Slightly unsuccessful on one poor pony's case.
-Clinic in TN
Score, went down, did well. Also spent a week with Jim in Fl.
-Pack
Check although what shipment when was more confusing. Lesson learned, send everything with the horses.

January:
-Compression/Rotation for Sinari
-Solid counting for changes
-Educated zig zags
-Upping the balance point

Under Pressure

2012-01-14T04:14:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's Friday. The days have really just blurred together. I only have a few more days here in what seems like a never ending horse show.

But I think that's what happens when you put your head down and train like there's no tomorrow.

Time here has been spent very well. All three horses are going great and well, the new found holes in my breeches serve only as proof that you really can ride your ass off. I think I would give my right arm for a whirlpool and some salts.

Sinari is doing all the PSG work. We've put the screws in the last two workouts to her to ramp the balance, compression and the fitness up. Needless to say the results have been mixed (partially me, sometimes her), but I have a feeling she'll sign on soon enough. I really wanted to roll through the entire test, but the monster canter tour is getting the better of us at the moment. I was deservidly snarked at for doing changes after the pir tour not in the right place. Today it's more of the same, compress, compress, compress, and rotation.

Merlot, had a day off and came back ready to go. We've been upping the compression and lateral work with him. He now has turn on the haunches, shoulder in, leg yield, canter-walk-canter, haunches in, traverse, renverse, and a few other tricks in his bag. I really want to toy with the change, but since he's doing a test, I don't want to screw with his counter canter too much. He still likes to fall out the left shoulder, it's annoying but fixable. We've now have to really start pushing the tests.

Wylie is still in development, we do relaxed sessions with lots of walk breaks. His lateral work has always been very strong so it's more or less about organization with him. He doesn't last very long still but at the same time he also tries super hard. Have also been working after him to keep in front of the leg, and balance on the smaller circles.

Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle (yeah)

2012-01-11T18:55:00.000-08:00

We've now been in FL for about a week. It's been one giant good thing after another so far, and while I thought I would have time to write extensively, I've had people make better use of my time here.
While the ponies arrived ahead of me (Wednesday) and I left not soon after that at 4am to trek south.
The drive isn't bad and I made good time, but when I hit Georgia at 8:30am and the landscape flattened like a pancake, the drive just stretched out longer, and longer and longer. Boredom and the radio got the best of me.

Truth is, it's an easy 13 hours. Especially when you have a radio, a cell phone and some things to do along the way.

My first stop was at Peter and Amy Atkins' to go set up the ponies at their place. The ponies arrived in better condition than I did. By the time I set up it was 830 and I still had to find my way to where I was staying.

With minimal lost-ness, I got there and collapse into the single most comfortable bed.

Friday I popped on all three for an easy day. Everyone felt fine. Saturday and Sunday was much of the same, minus the first solo trek to Wellington.

I went down to Wellington as a volunteer to be a scribe at the USEF High Performance Clinic with Steffen Peters and Anne Gribbons. There was indeed a lot of star power there, but in addition to that, it was a sheer joy to watch and sit at the table listening and learning for the day. I saw so many lovely combinations both from the A list and B list, and excused myself a little early to go home and try some things out on the horses.

Sunday I give a light day for all three (chiro'ed) and begin packing for the trek to Wellington again. I'm not looking forward to packing up my horses... again. But this is well worth it, we're going to go train with Koford.

Fast forward to now... it's almost Thursday, and we hit the ground running here. Sinari is doing extensive work in the collected canter (pir, changes, half pass), Merlot is working on up hill balance and lateral work and prepping out for his big Welly-world show, and Wylie is busy turning heads while coming back into fitness.

As for myself, it's physically hard. I have sores on the back of my legs and around my ankles from my boots. I wake up stiff. I'm drinking water like it's going out of fashion, and popping Advil too.

But, in all honesty, I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Can't you see I've waited long enough?

2012-01-04T18:41:00.000-08:00

Today's the day. A long road ahead of us, a longer road behind us.

It's bitter cold here and while I'm snuggling up to my tissue box, blanket and Vitamin C, we've been packing non stop, prepping non stop and pushing non stop to start the first leg of the trip. It's been long days and longer nights.

There are a few things that I've already learned about packing, one of which is get a bigger bag and never try to do things around the holidays. People never respond.

Also that Home Depot has good, large trunks to pack your horse's stuff in (and they're open late!), that work with your rep's to get your stuff in order in another place, have cash on hand, a kind word, and have a good home and away support team.

The ponies loaded up today and are currently en-route to Peter's farm in Ocala. They'll be there earlier than I will. Normally I would be right down with them, but I have some minor things to finish up at the house prior to going down (like packing the electronics that I need an minor foodstuffs) I'll be leaving before the crack of dawn tomorrow, and hopefully will be down there early afternoon.

Fast Tracking

2012-01-03T05:42:00.000-08:00

Mr. Merlot

2011-12-28T05:50:00.000-08:00

Mr. Merot is a 2005 Welsh/Thoroughbred pony and honestly, makes the ponies that went down centerline at Gladstone National Championships look like hunter rejects.

He has the best of both worlds going for him and the looks (and scores) to boot. Seriously this pony has done great things on the east coast and would be competitive in any situation that we put him in.

Merlot is the type that is not only talented, but safe and fun to be on. You can literately pack him around anywhere with or without a care in the world and he has been there and done that on multiple occasions, big and small situations, with both youth, pro and now AA. By no means 100 percent push button, he's going to make someone a really nice pony schoolmaster (he's corrected me on a few occasions about my canter departs), but in the end he's a solid citizen with flash and class.

Yes, Merlot is for sale.

Why? Well, of the two Merlot is a good candidate for the sport and for a kid or a AA to do something with while learning the ropes. Plus honestly, he just needs his own human, he thrives off of personal worship and adoration. He's a serious ham. I (and his owner) would like to see him go to a home that will be competitive with him. He's fairly priced at $25k and can be viewed while with me in Florida.

Interest should be pointed towards his owner Cory Gregory: corygregory@mac.com

Turn the clock to zero

2011-12-26T18:26:00.001-08:00

How many times will I look back at 2011 and look, sometimes with amusement, wonder or sadness, of all the things that we've done?

It was a hugely challenging and rewarding year. Literally expanded horizons and took things back on the road. With highs and lows in between, but I can honestly say, we met every goal set out and a little bit extra along the way. I'm forever proud of my ponies, and the people who are in our corner.It's been nothing short of an adventure, and it only has really just begun.

2011 Horsey Stuff:

Donatelli.

Finish bronze
Did this in style on my birthday.
Go PSG and 4th level
I didn't get to compete but I did roll through the entire fourth level and PSG prior to fall, and even had the entry done for Pony Cup for PSG.This year we're set to roll out from the start.
Continue to teach and train Sincere, bring him to shows
Sincere didn't make any cameo appearances, but by the end of fall he did his 30 days under saddle and is now resting up for spring.
Finish first part of L program
Achieved, and got my sitting/scribing hours done to boot. I'm an L Candidate. Need to now go on to the second part of the program.
Continue to grow the business
The business hit turbulence around April when my former business partner pulled out. It took me until August to regroup and reform the business as a single entity. But so far, doing pretty darn good! Managed to host two more clinics in the past two months, and I have what seems like a pretty full roster for 2012. I'm cautiously optimistic for 2012, and still work towards being on even footing on all times.
Save for 2012 breeding and in general
I, on a whim, purchased a breeding to Donatelli. Don't know where I'm going with this, but I think it's somewhere good. General savings were slaughtered again. I had also decided not to breed Sinari. It's not fair to take her out for two years and expect her to return. Embryo transfer just isn't an option.
Improve wardrobe
I did! Three new pairs of white breeches, new show shirt, new (old) pin, new boots and a few other items to go out on the road with me. I'm still adding to my collection of polos.

All in all, it was a good year with amazing friends and family. I can't wait for 2012 to be here, and see what's in store for us then.

Goals 2012:

Sinari to roll at 4th/PSG and school around I2.
Start/finish Silver Medal
Find a schoolmaster, start working towards CDI's
Ride Sincere, and get him through his first big boy outings
Continue to grow the business, but find balance in between.
Finish 2nd half of L program, gain scores for r.
Start my apprenticeship for my organizers stuff

God rest ye merry gentlemen

2011-12-22T11:19:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa,

The holidays are nearly here, and I know some well-deserving ponies that could use some extra schwag near their stalls this holiday time.

Sinari has been the best this year, for her I would like to make her job easier. Perhaps a Back on Track Blanket to complement her arsenal of Back on Track Saddle pads? Or hey that County Saddle we've had our eyes on for the last two years would be lovely as well.

For Sincere, who doesn't really need much, extra apples (fresh Gaylas are his favorite) for him and extra time with me who doesn't get to see him very much. If you can find a way to turn him into mini Toto, that would be great too, but I like him anyways.

Also Santa, don't forget about the two newbies. They're cruising along too:)

Mr. Merlot needs a great new home where a kid or an adult amateur can love on him all day long and take him out and kick ass with him. I'm sure he's easily transportable in that sled of yours and won't eat the cookies, and I'm sure you have a list of little girls who would just dote on him.

For Wylie, a way to organize himself. Although he is getting there quickly, somedays are physically challenging. Also if you could let him get about 100lbs of muscle while in Florida. That boy has some talent and would be fun to go play at the top with him.

Finally Santa, if you have room for one or two more things for myself, it would be awesome.

I know you can't increase the hours in a regular day (more would be appreciated), but if you can find a small tour horse that I could compete CDI's with I would be greatly obliged, and help me finish the L program and obtain my scores for my Silver, produce another wonderful young horse and just go out and have fun, it would be great. But since you know me, I would settle for a good year and good horses any day of the week.

You know where I live:)

Naked

2011-12-20T05:49:00.000-08:00

(People have asked for regular updates with Florida travels, so consider this a blog within a blog)

I keep forgetting it's December, there are only two weeks left out in the year and everyday seems jam packed full of stuff to do.

Before I skipped town for the weekend I had a lot to do. Between packing and prepping, I've now been away for two consecutive weekends. Last week was my last meeting with Koford before we skip down south and this past weekend I hosted a clinic with Shannon Peters at Two Swans Farm.

Last week's clinic with Koford went great, Sinari has come back stronger and more into the work. She's really firing, just needs the fitness at this point. I came home to work on pir's and cleaning up the collection. It also helps that I've inherited a good pair of eyes on the ground that can be equally torturous as I can.

I came home to ride the boys, and they have been super stars. I've been playing with the balance and connection with both of them now (and now that I have a few new tricks in the bag from Shannon, we'll be rocking right along), taking them deeper and then when released bringing them up to move with more uphill balance. Wylie is incredible, he's such a scopey mover with a ton of action.

The sale pony, Merlot, is moving right along with the program as well, and when he gets it, has great mediums and can sit. He's going to make someone a really nice FEI pony.

Also last week, because the weather was nice, we clipped.

Clipping ponies is always an adventure, they seem to grow twice the hair of a normal horse. Monday I worked on Sinari, and while everything was great, I think I screwed her face up.

Sinari, unfortunately, needs drugs to be clipped, she tends to panic . I think she had something done to her earlier in her life. She came out of the drugs a little sooner than expected and lost my line on her face, so... it looks entertaining.

The other problem was lack of light in the barn. When you clip you need as much light as you can, and with some barns there isn't always enough light or time to get everything. I managed to get the boys and girl clipped out prior to FL departure, and still had enough time to slam down laundry to the local soap house. But I'm afraid some spots may be interpretive at best.

This particular trip down south was for business purposes, but in reality, "bacation" would have been a more apt term. I got to hang out with people and get to play with ground work in the pi/pa tours. I met even more fantastic people, and hope to see them again very soon.

While not my first time hosting in FL, it was my first time in Wellington.

Talk about a different league. It was like pitching for a minor team and then being expected to pitch for the Yankees in the world series. Challenging, intriguing, hard, and lots of expectations.

Best view in town.

The sheer amount of dressage, quality horses and people is enough to send any normal dressage queen over the edge in seizures. I had the immense pleasure of hosting at Two Swans Farm with a world class riders riding under another world class rider.

I came back far more educated and a little more hungry than planned. I have a whole fun set of exercises to play with now.

The entire weekend was incredibly productive on the organizational front, I confirmed shipping dates and I also started to get something of a schedule thrown together. Now I'm back for two more weeks of holidays, riding and packing.

New faces

2011-12-13T19:41:00.000-08:00

Christmas came early, I got new ponies to play with the other week (been belated on introducing them).

Wylie Court Jester (Wicked Court Jester) and Mr. Merlot are two ponies that I've been watching for years. They are fantastically bred ponies that have pretty much made waves on the east coast. They are every dressage rider's dream ponies and would easily hold their own in Europe. I envied them and Cory Gregory for years. Never in a million years would expect to get a phone call asking if I wanted to take up the reins.

But, life, as with ponies occasionally takes a turn.After a flurry of conversations with Cory, the boys came down to be legged up for the spring.

Both boys settled in without a hassle, and have been getting back to work for the past two weeks. While we're still on our honeymoon period, they are showing very well. They are exceptionally fun and challenging in their own ways. They are two very distinct rides and I can't wait to really dig in.

The best part is they will be shipping in to Florida with Sinari.

Fashionable accessories.

2011-12-12T11:17:00.000-08:00

The leg work for Florida continues on.

Sinari got her shoes tacked on. For the last eight or nine years, we've gone barefoot, and competed successfully with nothing with what nature gave us, so the change was something that I had to think about.

Before hear the boo hiss of renegade hard-core barefoot people out there, I did it with a lot of thought in mind. First being keeping soundness during the year. In 2011 alone we've gone on more than 11 different surfaces, each one of them had their own challenges and features. Support was needed there.

Secondly, despite having a good hoof keeping her hooves from becoming bruised/sore/ect was a challenge during peak training times. The ground here changes rapidly from week to week especially in summer and being on different surfaces wear the hoof differently. She was literally wearing her hooves out.

Finally, it was also a confidence issue. She just wasn't digging the pir's or mediums. I think she wasn't getting enough traction and re-directing the energy enough to really dig in and sit.

The change has been enormously positive she just motors in the mediums and has a bit more confidence in the collection. The compression is much stronger. This weekend on a new surface she dug in and was uphill, expressive and confident. The only thing that is lacking is the high gear fitness, she could only last maybe 10 minutes of intense work without a walk break.

Give it another three weeks and we can roll through a steady 4-1.

Entries also opened up for the Gold Coast opener. While I want to do Wellington, Ocala is turning out to be a more reasonable option as far as costs, move up scenarios and trailer time (10 minutes versus four hours). But then there's also the issue of scheduling, on the weekend of the Ocala show I have a Young Rider Graduate conference in Wellington, within the same week I may have a clinic to ride in as well.

So... choices. Either way we'll be stuck in a trailer, either way we'll be doing something.

Eyes up on the horizon

2011-12-04T19:01:00.000-08:00

I hate packing.

The only thing worse is driving.

I did both a lot as a student, and eventually had it down to a science. Packing came down to three big boxes and a few minor bags. Driving came to don't stop until you run out of gas.

Packing for horses is a little different, especially when crossing state lines. I thankfully have people in Florida who are making the transition that much easier, helping me find good sources for bedding and general supplies, giving me tips (like bring your own hay) along the way. But it also means counting pennies.

The hard part is the 30 days prior to take off when all organizational hell breaks loose, especially when you're trying to get your horses conditioned and your barn packed up not just once, but twice.

Sinari is getting her traveling shoes back on. She is being moved again prior to going to Florida, just as a way to leg up for the up coming season. Between that it's a clinic with Koford, my trip to Wellington and a number of other things as well. I need to get the vet out next week to do some clipping, chiro work, fresh coggins and I think a few miscellaneous pack items.

Sincere is going to his wintering grounds to grow up a bit before being brought back as a three year old. I'm really excited about him coming under saddle again.

I hate splitting the herd up, it's very hard not getting to see him every day or play with him. I enjoy seeing both, but for now, he belongs outside in a herd to grow up.

It's finally December and we're down to the last 30 something days on the calendar year. I don't know where November went at all, it's actually hard to imagine that it felt like September two weeks ago.

November goals:
-Fit and hack out
Check, as many times as I could with the weather.
-Clip
No.
-Winterize trailer, small welding project and lay mats down
No.
-Continue with 30 days
Finished, with flying colors.
-Work lateral work
Check, I think we lost our half halt
-Prepare for Florida
Check. Preparations are well under way.

December:
-Condition, fit and hack out
-Clip
-Clinic in TN
-Pack

Shameless promotion: Jim Koford

2011-11-30T17:37:00.000-08:00

For those who know him, Jim Koford is an amazing guy and one of the best people in the industry to know. Bar none.

Seriously, who else can roll around Rolex and compete Grand Prix dressage the next and then go out for a beer and shoot the breeze? Koford.

Jim is known for a lot of antics, but recently he's managed to find himself in a place that a lot of us would envy: high performance dressage with not just one, but two horses that have a very serious shot at the Olympics, World Equestrian Games and several other venues where the Team is planning on showing up.

One of the horses is Rhett (R. Johnson). He is American-bred (in fact Kentucky-bred) by Shirley McQullian who lives maybe six miles from my house.

This is indeed a unique situation.

A lot has been said over the years by numerous people who have bemoaned, that despite successes of the US team, the field is still, for the most part made up of European imports. That breeders do not support the efforts of trying to field riders with international-caliber mounts via their program.

Not in this case.

We, as an American community, have a superb opportunity to showcase two Americans, one horse, one human, on the world stage. We, as a breeding community, have the opportunity to send a message to others that yes, small breeders who thoughtfully breed and support riders CAN be competitive in here and Europe. We, as a riding community, finally have a shot to bring someone who is authentic, personable and realizes, it's about something greater and far more important than the DQ mentality.

So why the hell NOT support them?

While there are the normal ways (Medal Equus, direct donations, sacrifices), McQullian and several members of the community have put together a treasure trove auction of canvas art, pottery, bronzes, jewlery, breedings, lessons, books and other fun items on FACEBOOK.

While I'm sure everyone has gotten their Holiday shopping done, I would be much obliged if you would visit, leave a comment and pass the word along. If you find something interesting, bid on it, the auction ends December 10th.

In the meantime, if you run across Koford, give him a kick in the ass and a slap on the back. He's gonna need all the help he can get.

Editorial: Opportunity (or about thanks)

2011-11-23T18:57:00.000-08:00

Karen over at CONTACT recently posted about Boyd Martin's Working Student Position and the unfair's of being charged to work, and the only uber rich/affluent can afford to do that position.

Three years ago I would have been doing the "right on sister!" routine with the crowd, but nowadays, not so much.

Partly, it's due to me coming to realize how the horse business operates, the other part I think comes from now realizing what I have, and being more than grateful for the hand I have now.

At one point or another roughly three years ago, I was right there, horse rich, cash poor, educationally starved and very, if any, zero to no help in the bank department.

What I had literally scraped together for my lesson money was about a quarter of my paycheque at the time (Starbucks Barista and starting-out free lance writer on limited work hours due to college for those referencing) and if I was frugal enough, I could do it every two weeks.

I kept my mare at bare-bones minimum with an outdoor and fed what I could afford (grass hay). I had also then stopped competing, and was pretty much languishing about things.

It sucked.

Not just because I couldn't afford to do anything, but I was really stuck in a rut.

I decided if I wanted what I wanted, and to really bring the potential out in my mare (and me) I needed to do something different.

Problem was I didn't know how or what. Truth is there isn't a heck of a lot of opportunities for training level AA's out there, especially on "alternative breeds". My scores (after looking at what I'm achieving now) were laughable, and I lived with people who didn't think I could even ride anything bigger than 14.2.

Something had to change.

Things didn't begin to change for me until I made a change. Hindsight being what it is, it started with the barn. I switched to a reining barn where dressage, let alone meters, wasn't understood. I had breathing room, and an indoor and life became great.

I also then, after I quit editorial (inconsistent cush job), took a really crappy job that paid consistently so I could take lessons with a local dressage trainer. My schedule also became consistent. It also lead me to pick up a mare, breed her and got very lucky. I got to one point, plateued, and then pushed to another.

When I had started Team EnGaged, all I really wanted was the opportunity to educate myself. I never knew where it would lead. It's lead to something good, and while it will never allow me to retire, it's network and plethora of people that I've come to rely on I'm hugely appreciative of.

You see, no one is obligated to hand out positions to help yourself, employers aren't even obligated to make sure you progress. So when somebody asks you to carry you're fair weight (work wise, financially, ect), you a choice of stepping up or stepping out.

Little by little things have built up to a place where I feel I've actually done something, and the sensation of whining about what I don't have and the inability to take advantage of opportunities is gone.

Does it suck I can't go out on a lark and take three months to do serious intense training? Yeah, but I can't afford to take three months out of a full time job, keep my life and work towards future goals. So, I figure out what I can afford to do, work my pitute for it and continuously push boundaries.

Are there setbacks? Yes, a lot. But it's the willingness to take what you have and make the best go of it that makes opportunities available to you and your horse.

The lesson inevitably is, sometimes opportunities are more direct than others, and some have better chances, but the ones that are most assured, and appreciated, are the ones you've developed over time, bit by bit.

So don't bemoan those who have the means and capability to do, be thankful, and stay hungry.

The heart is alive tonight

2011-11-20T19:38:00.000-08:00

Three days of rain and a dentist appointment knocked us out of our game plan.

I've been naughty and haven't had the ponies floated in awhile. Actually, for Sincere it was his first time in the chair. Quick drugs and he was an unbalanced mass of two year old. Poor lad had the most work done, wolf teeth yanked, angles re-righted, seat put in, hooks begone and all the while the vet was amusing how small his mouth was for a two year old.

While he was under I took the opportunity to pull his mane to a reasonable length.

Sinari, who was also floated just had a couple of hooks. She's already going and doing better.

I'm still excited about up coming winter, I'm excited at the possibility of an entire string coming with me, however it's presenting challenges.

First is settling in at home base, which is proving a bit difficult with the holiday coming up. I want home prepped up so I can leave and come back with very little drama. This means a lot of networking and pre-packing/arranging, supplying both sites, assuring transport and care for those staying behind.

The next is preparing, Sinari is out of her beach body and into her santa suit. She's only lasting about 20 minutes of solid work and then there are the contract negotiations with her (yes my right leg means something). She's an extremely rewarding ride, and hopefully will keep the hotness when the fitness returns.

I have clinic on the 10th and 11th of December, and then I'm out hosting again the week after. I'm fighting weather and time.

Then finally there's execution and survival. I'm hitting a deep budgets, and I need to make sure my bills are covered and paid and I can return, I need to make sure that my contracts are signed and ready to roll. Scary stuff for me, and a huge gamble.

But needless to say I'm excited and ready to roll out.

Rolling in the deep

2011-11-13T19:15:00.000-08:00

Fall is something else in the horse industry. Between the color, clipping and the year end wrap up, the whole population is in transition.

Kentucky winters are catch and catch all. Some years they're mild, and will not get below 50 degrees; and others, well... you don't get to leave the house for three months.

There are people who are making the yearly trek down to Florida and then there is the indoor shuffle. I've officially joined the thundering herd, at least temporarily.

My herd is back in transition. I spent this week trying to recover from my last week's trip to Florida and planning the next few trips down there as well for business.

I have decided to go to Florida this year with Sinari. I've been avoiding it in years past simply because I didn't have the cash and it feels stupid to take a horse down there that isn't competing at a certain level. I also felt stifled to expand my network in an unknown area. It wasn't until recently did I know anyone that does that trip, and felt comfortable enough to do it.

We've ended up in Ocala this year simply because of friends and cash flow and hopefully by next year we'll be in Wellington as an FEI pair (I'm planning on using the time to get my scores at fourth and qualify for DAD and part of my silver).

The trek to Florida also means prepping up and out for it. A first major goal since the splint.

Sinari is back to being powder keg hot. It's nothing short of wonderful. She doesn't last long still but with another few weeks she will be back to it. Worked a lot of lateral work, a lot of schooling pir's and changes. Her changes are bigger, but inconsistent. Trying to find my schedule with her has been a bit challenging, but with a few upcoming changes it should be better.

Sincere I couldn't be happier with. He walks, trots and canters under saddle, off the lunge, round, and fairly balanced. He is above all obedient. It bodes well. He too will be breaking for winter fields and then back to work in spring. As a 2 ½ year old, he's done plenty.

I also did a minor fashion splurge for the 2012.

I purchased my first shadbelly. I've been holding off for a while, I wanted a nice one, and nice ones run in the area of 600 on up. Then I ran across this one, of all places Facebook. A 14R, for 30 bucks. Sold. It arrived the other day, tried it on and while the waist needs to be tailored a little shorter (and I was thinking about putting different buttons on it), it fits like an old favorite jacket. It's beautiful and elegant, and surreal.

Another surreal thing is I got the notice that I was accepted into the USDF Young Rider Graduate Program.
I had applied a bit on a whim not thinking I would be remotely competitive enough or even accepted. A lot of the riders who apply have been to the NAJRYC, have been competitively mounted and trained since the age of 18. While I've been trained, and continue to have access to really good teachers, I've never been competitively mounted on anything trained by someone else. Plus I'm only now getting good results and records.

So to be invited to that and have the potential to go to the FEI Trainers conference has made my day.

Everytime I Return

2011-11-08T19:53:00.000-08:00

I've been through six states in the last four days. I think that has to be a new personal record. The on-the-road gig plus or minus a few other projects has put a crimp in updating.

Despite whacky scheduling, I couldn't be happier with the way things are turning out with the ponies.

Sinari is positively electric with the change of venue. I can barely put a leg on her without going across the arena with megawatt power. The bonus is she's utra-light in the bridle. She still doesn't last very long, but her efforts haven't gone unnoticed or unappreciated. Need to ride her a bit more tactfully.

Sincere is a huge success. There is something about watching a colt you've bred and pushed onward to start his career under saddle. From the first ride to now, he's doing light work. He has the best attitude, and a ton of ability for being so new to the work. I can't wait to get in the irons.

Recapping October:

October goals:
-Clean, winterize trailer, stow summer supplies.
Check.
-Continue to walk and begin to condition again.
Conditioning is doing great, working like a fiend.
-Complete 30 days with Sincere
In around day 10. Got a late start.
-2012 schedule.
Check. Should see some great stuff.
-Finish paperwork (L Program, awards, ect)
Sent everything in, officially awarded Bronze, now an L Candidate, and working on a number of projects.

November goals:
-Fit and hack out
-Clip
-Winterize trailer, small welding project and lay mats down
-Continue with 30 days
-Work lateral work
-Prepare for Florida

The Sound of Winter

2011-10-30T19:40:00.000-07:00

October has been eventful.

In Kentucky, it's Breeder's Cup and Auction season. The yearlings have gone to sale and the last major championship for the signature industry

After a week's vacation, I'm back at home and going full steam with prepping in for 2012, plus finishing up a series of projects and planning out things for '12. Between that and hearing about the weather up north and East, I feel exceptionally lucky that snow hasn't come our way yet.

I'm excited to be back with Sinari under saddle. She has been going like her hair has been on fire. She's slowly coming into fitness again, but the work with her has been more than productive. She gives 110 percent every time out now, and has actually become very hot in the work.

With the time off she lost a lot of endurance, while she gives it all, she can't maintain beyond short spurts. I don't think the winter coat is helping either. She'll be clipped out sooner than later, and the fitness is returning slowly.

Sincere has also been going well, he's doing his first 30 days. I've been roughly to four of the sessions, and I'm really happy with how he's coming along. He's an eager student, easy to get along with and willing to work. I seriously can't wait until he's four and going full gear. In the meantime, I'm really enjoying seeing him accept the work.

Hair

2011-10-23T14:49:00.000-07:00

Sinari's nick name with several people is Tina Turner. Same diva attitude, same hair.

On a good day, the volume of it trumps that of one of those candy floss cones you get at the carnival, on a bad day, it's more like Bride of Frankenstein.

It's extremely pretty, and, occasionally an extreme pain in the ass.

Traditionally, the pony has always sported a long running, french braid when working. She works five or six days a week, which means five or six days of braiding. You get pretty quick about doing it, my best time was five minutes with 28 sections.

Normally, when a horse is in work with me, long manes get chopped. Many an Andalusian, Lusitano, Haflinger and Freisan mane went by the wayside. I My mother insisted otherwise on this one.

So, for the last eight years, I've been braiding. Every ride.

Since April, I was debating about giving it the old chop and pull. She has a lovely topline and neck that supports the buttons, and would compliment her build.

And, then today, then I bit the bullet, and did it.

It felt much like cutting off of Aslan's mane, or something short of what I did three or four years ago to myself. I ended up with a foot of soft blonde mane and a lot of pulling ahead of me. It also now looks like she had more topline because of the weight and curl of it.

Wide open spaces

2011-10-21T11:15:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we broke camp and had the opportunity to get out into a different facility for a while.

This was a huge lifestyle change for Sinari.

For the last five years, she was pretty much in a stall on extremely limited turnout (two hours daily, in good weather). Occasionally we caught luck and got to turn out for three or four days, but for the most part it was stall central.

Her stall was really deeply bedded, I spent a good portion of my paycheque and afternoons making sure it was just right. She also had a dutch door and a window to look out of so she wouldn't be bored or feel closed off. The barn itself had high, open ceilings.

I became a quintessential DQ in that regard. If anything was less than ideal, it was hand grazing and hand walking.

When we moved, that situation changed, drastically.

We went from 3 hours, max, to 8 in a very grazed down two acre field.

Coming off a splint, I was holding my breath for the first three weeks as she pounded around her field at whatever gait she choose.

Since she didn't melt, break, blow up or disintegrate, it really made me start to think about horse keeping, turnout and injuries in general.

Horse keeping became easier. I first noticed I wasn't burning through two bales a week, and 10 bags of shavings. But I have a feeling this is going to change, not just with winter but with work load. But for now she gets good forage out in the field.

But it's what I've noticed about her physically that's changed.

After we've backed off the work, she lost a bit of muscling and condition. Over the summer I was constantly working to keep soreness in check.

Off the bat, her back and hips are less sore. She's much more loose in the work, and the problem places seem to be going away. She's due for a chiro appointment.

Then there's the current issue of the old splint. Splints are created by the bone being reformed/re-modeled from work. They happen in many cases, but I think lack of turnout had a factor in this due to the non-gradual nature of the conditioning work (coupled by really packed ground) involved.

So while I'm not going to go to the opposite end of the spectrum of total pasture puff, I'm actually happy with the changes in place to allow her to be a horse and allow her to physically re-charge for the work at hand.

Learning to walk again

2011-10-16T08:08:00.000-07:00

Sinari is back under tack doing light work. I'm immensely happy to have her back. She's steadily gaining back conditioning with the work.

I'm still working and riding the horses. I need to, they're just as much fun as the ponies and I have someone exciting in the wings.

Namely we've been concentrating on forward, supple and balance, taking the time to lay some firm rules down for the push back to 4th and PSG. There is some grumbling from the girl about committing to that much balance, but already it feels better.

Hopefully we'll be further up to speed by the end of the month. Florida is still under consideration with her.

Sincere, however, has been going gang busters in his work. Lunging lightly under saddle, he's really accepted the job. He's worn saddles, bridles, side reins and Vienna reins. Accepted it all, with class and maturity. He looks awesome and minus some willy nillies from spooking at the turkeys, he's pretty darn brave. I can't wait to see him go on as a three year old and a fully formed four year old.

Since this is the end of the year, it means paper work. I shipped in my L paper work, my Bronze Medal application (conveniently online), the photo release form for the USDF Year Book, YR Graduate Application, and a few other things (trying to get my 2012 calendar in order). I have a few projects on the stove, and I still have clipping I need to get done with the ponies.

But right now, it doesn't matter, I'm taking a week break from the rush and I have an excellent view of the ocean.

The Blog has it's own paperwork as well. I'm still surprised after 250 plus posts and a number of years, that people actually read what I write. But then again, it still comes as a surprise when people come up and comment about articles I've written or edited professionally as well.

We recently received the One Lovely Blog Award from Dressage on the Quarter. Dressage on the Quarter posts very regularly, and, has a diverse amount of discussion.

Because of the perpetual nature of the award, I nominate the blogs to the left. They are good reads and aren't always just dressage-related.

The other condition of the award is I have to divulge 7 things about myself. So here it goes:

1. I meet my heroes on a regular basis. I'm surrounded and continually inspired by the people who I train with, who I know, and who I work with. They keep me, the ponies and my perspective fresh. I think it's uber neat that I get to play, frequently, with those who help shape and impact the sport (not just dressage) on a far reaching level.

2. It takes a village to raise an FEI horse. I rely on my team on a day-to-day basis to help us get where we're going. Currently on board is a small army of individuals and companies that keep us afloat. I'm hugely ambitious, and want to compete as many times as I can with the ponies at the FEI level, so I seriously cannot do it without them.

2a. Within the same vein: my ponies and horses are awesome too. They are deeply apart of my life and have been for sometime. They've sometimes come from odd, unexpected places as well. Sinari was found on a tobacco farm in back woods Kentucky, Sincere was bred out of two plain bays (and out of a dam that was never started under saddle and came to me malnourished) and the others I've found through just a bevy of network contacts and luck. I feel immensely privileged to have talented, willing and capable equines. When I'm away from them I don't feel right, so I carry video and photographs of them everywhere.

3. I'm pursuing my L, and eventually my 'r' for Dressage and DSHB. I'm currently apprenticing for my CDI organizers license as well (it's a five year push).

4. I'm a work-a-holic. I enjoy having multiple projects, staying busy and solving complicated, huge projects (as well as the cute small ones). Especially after they've created issues. It's a huge rush seeing the resolution come through. Whether it be a complicated article, piece of code, design flaw, riding issues, I don't care, if there's a way to make things less complicated, more effective and more beneficial to a larger part of the world, I'm right there tinkering with it. It also means vacationing and taking time for myself is hard (not to mention 2a).

5. I love to read and watch movies. I regularly abuse my iPad, Netflix and Library card. It also doesn't help I work for the world's largest retailer and I have access to all the new stuff coming out prior to it hitting the shelves. During the off and winter season, I probably roll through a book every week or so.

6. I'm find myself becoming more and more frustrated with the trend of feel good training within the discipline. I like uncomplicated (and happy), but I realize to progress you have to break a few eggs to get there. Training isn't always pretty, it's not meant to be perfect. It's meant to allow development. When things don't go well, or a new idea is met with resistance, just keep going.

7. I believe you are never where you don't belong.

Wake me when September ends

2011-10-02T12:41:00.000-07:00

September in Kentucky has always been a month of transition, and like everything in transition, you get a bit of good and bad.

A year ago, Kentucky played host to the biggest equestrian block party for three weeks, and I think still a year later we're having a small hang over from it. I was in WEG Candy Land and rehabbing Sinari from when she cast herself at the first Christoph Hess clinic. Sincere was not really doing much of anything except eating.

Transition a year later.

This month we were still convalescing for different reasons. A small splint popped earlier in August, which we began treating aggressively. While it cleared out in a week, Sinari still remained sensitive, and we were cautious about putting her back to work before that sensitivity cleared up. We skipped NDPC, the rest of the season, and the doldrums set in.

I began working Sincere more earnestly to ready him for his first 30 days. The more I played with him the more he really took up the challenge. I took on a few more horses that needed to be ridden, and started planning 2012. I became a little more active in the region via the BOD, I even was conscripted to different disciplines for some extra work.

Finally, we were cleared earlier this week to walk, and for the first time, in a month, I rode something smaller than 17.2 hands, super wide and was worked beyond first level.

Holy mother of pearl what a different feeling.

My hips didn't wishbone when I got on and there was the odd feeling of not having a mile of neck in front of me. Everything was compact. Everything felt... small.

We strolled through the lanes around the property, nothing huge or spectacular, just out for a stroll. It ended too soon, but I know they'll be more to come; hopefully the weather will hold for it.

Needless to say the majority of goals I set out weren't accomplished this month, except supplying out winter and trying to end the year's endless paperwork.

September Goals:
-Clinic in TN
Nixed.
-Condition, keep running through PSG.
Nada
-Ready supplies for winter
Check! Found a reliable source for winter hay, need to still re-supply, and clean blankets.
-Transitions
Nein.

October goals:
-Clean, winterize trailer, stow summer supplies.
-Continue to walk and begin to condition again.
-Complete 30 days with Sincere
-2012 schedule.
-Finish paperwork (L Program, awards, ect)

Baby Love (SHN v. DAD)

2011-10-02T06:59:00.000-07:00

It's a bonus show weekend, two championship shows going off at the same time in two different places.

The East Coast tradition, Dressage at Devon, where every breeder hopes to end up and Sport Horse Nationals, where every Sport Horse person with an Arabian wants to as well.

I unfortunately happen to on both sides of the fence.

One of my goals this year with Sincere was to make it to AHA's Sport Horse Nationals. I felt his quality at the start of the year wasn't going to be up to the Dixon Oval (boy was I wrong). Plus SHN, is, after all in our backyard. Easy decision right? Hauling distance versus not hauling, hotel versus my own bed, roses over rosette. Not.

Unfortunately, timing and cash flow didn't work out for SHN.

On doing the entire entry for one (!) class, was over $500, including stabling, memberships I would have to have and a few other requirements. This, for a single in hand class, for a two year old. What made the class attractive in 2010 and not 2011? Cash payout, which they abolished this year. For two minutes in the arena, it's roughly $4.16 a minute, no payback.

Normally, I don't complain about show costs. I'm used to filling out entries for myself and several other competitors and seeing the tabs that are racked up in the name of pursuing blues.

However, I really couldn't justify this cost when I sat down and ran the numbers against Devon, who has the largest breed show in America attached to it and also no payout. Cost: $350 for three classes, which included stabling ($1.94 a minute if you really want to do the math) and the registration cost for USDF for Sincere to compete. My memberships to USEF and USDF already allow me in, and the best young horses on the East Coast are there.

So the future choice becomes: Garland of Roses or Dixon Blue?

Don't get me wrong, I love both shows.

A placing at Devon would mean serious street credit for Sincere. It would mean a lot in other departments as well. I've always wanted to show Devon.

A placing at SHN would mean street credit in the breed for the boy as well, but there's something that would be sour about placing there, especially after I saw the classes run and scored.

I believe AHA has taken a huge step and risk in bringing the show to Kentucky on a permanent basis. I believe that they are trying to revitalize an industry that has been a victim of their own success, in a way that allows regular people to compete their horses in a national championship venue in disciplines that naturally promote and award good, ethical training practices.

The joy of the SHN show is that the in-hand classes are huge and the quality is bell-curved.

You have everyone showing young horses all the way through mature stallions. Everyone gets a spin on the triangle. Where most breed shows are drying up, this one boasts serious numbers (43 for half arabian geldings alone). Their definition of how an amateur can handle horses is open; but unlike open shows, the classes aren't strictly run to the morays of Dressage Sport Horse Breeding or Hunter Breeding. The show is a hybrid between an open dressage, hunter, carriage show and an Arabian show.

That's where the sour feeling comes in.

While it's great that the class numbers are big, and that an amateur can handle a non-relation owned horse, there are bigger problems.

The breeding classes are mashed together, so it's a mixed bag of movers and judges (hunter judges place hunters and dressage judges place dressage), there's also a score for "arabian type" which I don't believe has any bearing on what would make a good sport horse. You're not allowed a whip handler, and you're not allowed to make a double pass either.

Most of this is tolerable, but there is one bothersome point: is that there is no end result to the process.

Where normal in hand shows are just for young horses (6 and under with the occasional appearance by a mature stallion), AHA is producing the next halter industry, and ignoring the creation of a pipeline from in hand to a performance career. They are ignoring the point of why breeding classes exist not as permanent places to show, but as a way to identify, develop and award talent and breeding programs that produce it.

So, while I'm still interested in showing at SHN in future under saddle classes, for the 99 percent of the time that Sincere will be competing, it will be in the regular world, against every other horse, where I know his placings and wins aren't tempered with the statement: 'just the best of the breed', but rather just the best.

I wanna go

2011-09-27T19:40:00.000-07:00

Mary Phelps, Whip; K. Gage, Groom. Phelps Photo

It's been busy out here.

The year end stuff has finally caught up with us and it's the final drive to October.

Most of my last two weeks have been spent on the road, training, grooming, finishing up 2011 or planning out 2012.I haven't really seen my guys, or ridden any of my usuals.

I partly blame the weather. My outdoors have been under water now for the last two weeks. So, I've spent the weeks finishing out my paperwork so I can go forward with graduating the L, attend few conferences and figure out winter.

But needless to say it hasn't been short of adventurous.

After getting to ride 17.1 hand giants (a nice mare and two lovely geldings), clipping a few ponies (see above photo for results) I was conscripted into service by Sterling Graburn for the weekend for a HDT in Louisville.

I'm not an exact stranger to driving, but I am a complete novice when it comes to the particulars and morays. Within an entire weekend, I think I managed to get grasp on the basics of it. I even groomed and navigated. I ran into old friends and even made a few new ones.

The quality of horses here ranged from VSE to international caliber. It was incredibly pleasant to experience that range and hospitality of both competitor and organizer.

It felt nice to step out of my discipline for a bit and go in to a place that is a little out of my depth, but not too unfamiliar at the same time.

Now I'm back at home, readying for the final go for October, sending Sincere off for his first 30 days and trying to gain more saddle time while closing out the last bit of the year.

We've got to make it rain somehow

2011-09-13T20:29:00.000-07:00

I started writing this complaining about the weather. Up until Friday, it was raining, and spent another week grounded because of weather and a convalescing pony.

Seems like karma can't catch a break.

With the free time and plowing through my weekly groceries, I managed to catch up on paperwork. I was glued into the USEF National Dressage Finals pretty hard, cheering on friends who made it to the pinnacle of the season. Over the weekend I managed to stop by the NDPC/MSEDA show to watch a few of the rides, be around people and carry out appointments.

But, between rounds, I found out it's very hard for me to sit on the sidelines.In fact, it really bites.

So I went back to the barn, and instead of feeling out, I went to work.

Sincere was groomed and worked in hand. He's going through another growth spurt, and while he isn't swan ugly, he's not looking like a super model either. He's amazing to work with and alongside. Soon he'll be shipped out to winter pasture to grow up a little further.

Sinari was groomed, going to have to clip her soon. She's regained a lot of her energy and she's becoming jealous of Sincere. Hopefully will be back under saddle soon and preparing out for winter season.

Inches

2011-09-03T19:05:00.000-07:00

It's dry out. You step on the grass out here and it's like walking on dead leaves. The ground is hard, and we're in need of some rain. We haven't galloped in ages. Otherwise, the last bit of summer is loosing it's grasp.

I'm not ashamed to bid this summer farewell, it's one that I haven't gotten to reflect on or idle in too much. The horses and I were busy from one weekend to the next, with few breathers until now.

The last week has been slow in the work department, the pony is still off. Her soreness is gone, but just want a vet clearance prior to taking her back into the program. Sincere is still going forward with what he's doing (hint: not a heck of a lot). There are a also a few interesting developments. Arena fever has set in and our attentions have turned to fall and winter training.

I wish we had a competitive indoor series like Europe, we have the facilities for it, and we do have a decent fall season schedule in October. However, personal plans are taking over around that time. So, forcibly, our show season is done. Next year though is already holding a lot of promise.

August Goals:
-Clinic in TN
Check, and had a lot of homework for it.
-School through PSG
Check, perfectly do-able, just going to take some practice.
-Send entry in for NDPC
Check, and then scratched.
-Re-flock saddle
Check, Sara Ivie of County Saddles is awesome.
-Transitions, halts, lateral work
Better transitions, and better lateral work, but need to tighten up the canter-halt transition.
-Finalize Kur.
Still toying with music. Going with Dr. Who, just need choreography.

September Goals:
-Clinic in TN
-Condition, keep running through PSG.
-Ready supplies for winter
-Transitions

I get knocked down

2011-08-29T17:54:00.000-07:00

It's been a tough few weeks at base camp.

Work has been beating up on me for a little while now, and late-season exhaustion has officially kicked in. It's always the last stretch that is the hardest. Kind of like the 10th round in boxing, where both parties are slugging it out. There's just that urge just to continue to see what you've started to the finish.

After the clinic, we took Monday off, worked Tuesday and Wednesday. Normally with a show on the horizon, I don't leave town, but as a change of pace, I went to San Diego for a business trip. Sinari is a little confused by the R&R time, but I think it will help keep her fresh for the final push of the season.

I hated to do it, but I canceled our PSG test at NDPC. She was a little sore. So instead of pushing the issue and potentially having a greater problem, I erred.

Despite the light two weeks the predominate theme has been tempi's, pir's and canter tour.The timing has gotten better for the canter zig-zag, but the left-right change is sticky and the right pir is very large still.

The trot work is coming well. The half pass has gotten flowy-er before the break I could add a lot of power.

Sinari isn't the only one who is shining with the work. Sincere, is quickly proving he's going to be a nice horse.

Aside from the serious delight to work around, he's a clever mover. The goal as always with him is to keep his interest in the new work and develop consistency within the gaits.

No one said it would be easy but no one said it would be so hard

2011-08-17T19:01:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we finally scored a pair of eyes on the ground and started to throw the test together.

Prior to this weekend I had maybe done the meat of the test a dozen times either concentrating on just trot or canter tours, and even then I didn't do them in entirety (yeah those two canter pir's to the four's, threes and extended... woo).

On the surface the PSG is the equivalent of fourth level. Same movements. Different beast entirely.

It's deceptively flowy, with softball setups on paper. In reality it's rapid fire execution and claims serious real estate in making the rider and horse be fit to actually carry through and execute. This is not a test for the under prepared. I think the test writers must have been laughing all the way to the bank when they wrote it.

With this weekend we identified two weak spots in our work. Canter zig zag and the pir's. The pir's are still too large but the zig zag is a matter of attacking the set up. The tempi's were also weaker because we ramped up the balance.

It's also the first time I felt what we are going up against.

It's hard. Especially the canter work at the end where it all happens all at once with separate scores on just about everything. It doesn't help that we're stuck in arenas where the dimensions are skewed.

But the challenge has given me food for thought of what I want to do with this part of my life. Is it hard? Yes. These are the hardest tests in the sport.

Does it make me want to do this for the rest of my life? Yes. Insanely, yes.

So it's time, as Koford has said, to throw our big girl pants on and suck it up. Four weeks till lift off.

How to see the sun rise

2011-08-06T20:01:00.000-07:00

The two Bronze rides from VA came in the mail the other day, I finally figured out how to upload them to Youtube.

Sunset in July

2011-08-01T19:21:00.000-07:00

We went back to work last week and started hauling through the training. We had our arguments about certain items, and we began discussing the tempi's again and a number of other things, but it seems that we're right where we need to be. We've worked through the vast majority of elements in the PSG, and I'm feeling fairly satisfied over it. Today she worked pir's with moderate success.

The time in the fields did her well, although she came back from her gallop sets a little more braced and rushy. I'm happy to have her back in the arena. I managed to carve out a kur, I just want to get it in front of JK and CF for final approval before I ship the tapes out and stick it on Youtube.

August for us is normally a light month, there is only one show in-state and it's usually too hot to even thing about attending unless you're desperate for a score. Riding is usually kept to early mornings or evenings, and there's usually a lot of water involved for all parties.

I'm using this month to prep up for the final show of the season, the National Dressage Pony Cup. The NDPC is a strictly pony-only show, it's sister show, East Coast Pony Cup, takes place later this month in New York. While I really wish I was going, a lot of good ponies are going to be there, but it's just not in the cards this year. I have a feeling that I will be the only one at PSG at this one, and the judges are pretty alright.

I've seriously waited for this entry for a long time and I'm still a little hyper, and a little sensitive about entering. It's a huge leap. But I trust the training, and I trust the people that have brought me to this point and believe that the pony can do it.

So far, we've managed to get good training in, and it doesn't feel like we're over doing things, and hopefully within the four weeks we can put everything together. Despite a low-key schedule there is a lot being planned to get us through the month.

But for now July's recap:

July Goals:
-Clinic in TN
Check, it didn't go exactly as planned, but ended up exactly how we needed to be.
-VA Show
Check, biggest success of the month. Had a fantastic time there. Want to go back.
-Finish Bronze
Check. Best birthday present the pony could have given me.
-Halts and transitions
Still need work, we need to bump those 6's and 7's.
-Condition, condition, condition
Check. She's gained more muscle for the mediums and extensions.
-Decide level for NDPC
See photo:)
-Finish Kur.
Check. Just have to choreograph.
-Tempi's, big, bold tempi's.
Rehashed these. She needs an adjustment and a reflock to really start swinging for the fences.

August Goals:
-Clinic in TN
-School through PSG
-Send entry in for NDPC
-Re-flock saddle
-Transitions, halts, lateral work
-Finalize Kur.

I keep my eyes fixed on the sun

2011-07-24T16:46:00.000-07:00

In case you didn't get the memo, it's hot.

Normally, we still work through the heat, but this has been beyond excessive with triple digit temps and the humidity being off the charts. The pony has more 'fro than usual.

Sinari was in her stall sweating with a fan, however, Sincere was busy bouncing off the walls and playing with his Jolly Ball. The ADD two year old doesn't mind the heat so much. He's just happy to be active.

Normally, after a large show the pony gets about two days off and then a light week of hacking in the fields. But the weather interfered and we stuck to pony parlor, re-organizing the supplies, wrap-up efforts and hand grazing until Friday, where the weather broke temporarily and I was able to lunge just a little bit in the indoor. Saturday was much better, when we finally got under tack and went hacking over hills for a short while.

Despite weather, she's come back fresh, which makes me incredibly happy, she power walked out to the fields and did short canter and trot sets before the humidity became too much. I'm planning on doing a 50/50 week with her- start the week in the fields and then go back into the arena for starting up the fall season.

The time off with the pony also meant I got to play with the young man. He was more than happy for the attention. Pulled his mane, sorted his tail, trimmed the fetlocks and lunged him once or twice. Feet trimmed today. The big news for him is that he wore a saddle for the first time, and was completely awesome with it.

Begun making fall plans for both and this week we have visitors in town.

Through every open door

2011-07-19T19:15:00.000-07:00

We've finally unpacked, cleaned the trailer out, threw the laundry together and Sinari has had a good couple of rolls. It looks like she came out of it alright. Her attitude is cheery, her legs are tight and cold and she's not sore. We should be back to under saddle by Thursday and in the arena next week.

Dressage at Lexington was nothing short of fantastic. Achieved everything that needed to be achieved, plus more. I'm still honestly floored about the entire thing.

I didn't expect to take this trip this year. In fact, I was prepared to just stick to Kentucky and a few Ohio shows. But, a few months ago JK challenged us to throw our big girl pants on and come to Dressage at Lexington in July, a first major East Coast showing for the pony. Feeling, game I entered us not really knowing what to expect.

What I didn't know was that this was a number of major qualifiers for the bigger championships. Several large barns show here, several large riders do as well, several of which are high performance riders from other disciplines. Even the AA base is ultra strong at this show.

We left last Wednesday around 8am before the heat and the Breyerfest crowds hit Lexington, and arrived safely around 3ish in the afternoon after white knuckling it through West Virginia. The Virginia Horse Center is a beautiful, sprawling facility with hills. The view is breathtaking.

We landed not in a quiet park, but in the middle of hunter pony princess hell. For the first time we were easily the biggest in the group and definitely the oddest. We were surrounded by jumps and kids at every turn.

After I got her settled, I went to check in and school around the arenas, what was left of the hunter pony crowd gathered to watch us go through the paces. Some hooting and hollering went down after we went through a few lines of changes and lateral work.

Thursday rolls around and the weather is nothing short of a perfect 80 degrees and partially cloudy. I get up feed, walk and lunge her out. JK and crew arrives, unpacks and we proceed to start to school horses. Sinari still feels great, no hitch, but a little behind the leg. We school transitions up and down, in and out to get the brain firing. I get to meet the other clients, who instantly make us feel at home. By the end of the day we're set and ready to roll.

Friday was another early start, a quick breakfast and trying to find the nearest coffee source, all of us were at the barn sorting horses and getting everyone ready for the early classes and preparing for the mad dash of the afternoon. I get up, warm up, and go and ride at the hill. Unlike Kentucky, there are huge amounts of space for warmup, I virtually have my own arena. Which is great because it settles her down and clicks her in. She puts in a solid round and consistent test to earn into mid 63 percent with great comments, and second place against confirmed horses.

Friday night I catch up with people and watch good horses previewed for the Saturday auction. Keenland this is not.

Saturday comes through with more perfect weather. Sinari warms up, this time with a small fan club forming on the rails. Small girls, and a few of the clients came out to cheer. I'm frankly not used to this, but the pony transitions into diva and channels her inner Aretha. She knocks out the test with consistent 65 percent, ending second to a really nice pair by 1 percentage point. Proving she belongs here and is capable I just have to ride the test clean, she does the rest. Due to the management using the same judge, we have to still compete Sunday to finish out the USDF Bronze. But the highlight is ending up Reserve Champion for the Sporting Horse Amateur Challenge (Individual).

Saturday night rolls around and it's found out that it's my birthday on Sunday, Justin drives five plus hours to spend the night with me. I feel seriously lucky and on top of the world. I've had the best meal I've had all week.

Sunday breaks, and the pony and I are running low on batteries. I get lost on my way back to eat breakfast with my parents. My cell phone doesn't stop going off with text, phone calls and messaging since 2am, so I'm on little sleep. We stick to the normal routine, but threw in an extra walk to keep loose. I drive around on the Bobcat to kill time and start packing up. My support crew is leaving after their last tests, my parents, who also spent the weekend left early that morning to travel home. Only Justin and JK's horses remain. For the first time, I feel the pressure of completing out the weekend well.

We warm up in the covered arena, and everything is going according to plan. She's firing all cylinders despite being tired. She's doing everything as cleanly and I'm not riding like an idiot. Then they clear the arena to drag it, and we get chucked outside. We're interrupted, then delayed then allowed to go in early. The pony wilts mildly, she sucks behind and fades in the mediums. Her normally great lateral work felt weak. I ride it as cleanly as I can, and we go and cool out. I'm proud of what she's done and we've finally got our stuff together to ride tests.

Ten minutes later I'm screaming up and down the barn and running to find, score texting came through. 61 percent. We've done it, we've achieved the bronze. Two seasons, countless hours later. I don't care we ended up fifth in the class. I don't care that we have a six hour journey back. We came to accomplish this, and we did it.

We're now back in Kentucky, plotting a bit of 2012, but looking to perhaps make it a double threat with Silver in the wings. Next on the schedule is a stop in Tennessee and then a show in September at KHP.

The bronze age.

2011-07-17T20:18:00.000-07:00

Long trip home so sorry about the quick note.

Achieved USDF Bronze today with the pony, what makes it even more special is that it was my birthday. Thanks to everyone who came out, celebrated and has been more than supportive of Sinari's career.

Go Pony!

Up that great big hill

2011-07-10T19:16:00.000-07:00

It's bleeding hot out here. July hit and I think the weather finally figured out what it's supposed to be. Which is unfortunate, because while I'm sure several girls enjoy sweat rolling in unmentionable places, the rest of us do enjoy less balmy conditions.

It would seem that a more brilliant person wouldn't move south to school either, but that's another logical question for another time.

Despite the crap weather, Sinari and I still managed to put in a full six day work schedule. On the nastiest of days we hit the fields for brief hill and gallop sets. We ran through 3-2 with good results, and with this past clinic we are as prepared for this upcoming show as we can get. We even finished out on a technical high note.

The highlight of the weekend among other things was the pony doing half steps, running through fours and threes, and working on canter pir's. We were nailed on extensions, preparing, executing and finishing them. Had a bit of difficulty on my end on keeping the neck loose. But, people have noticed a huge positive change in her topline, her energy and her training.

Because of a few circumstances, I had some extra time and for giggles, I got on a horse of the 17.2 hand variety.

I've been wanting to get on larger horses for sometime. I love working the ponies, but I feel to improve the candidate pool (and myself) and ride them out to the max, different horses are necessary. Larger horses just have a different feel entirely, you have to be twice as effective, and in many ways, more tactful.

I got on a really nice mare. Probably the nicest I've sat on pedigree wise and ability wise. She was a huge reflection of those qualities and her training. What a fantastic feeling. By no means was she easy to package. A mile long neck and many buttons to push. Doesn't tolerate people hanging on her, or nagging her. But what a grand mare. The timing is what through me the most. With Sinari, there is a lot of wait and prep time between movements with this girl it was a quick half halt and always go. I had forgotten how much easier it is not having to manufacture extension and I've definitely have an idea of big changes now.

But it also creates impatience. I can't wait for Sincere, who has the best of both worlds to come under saddle. He's looking great, I wish I had the cajones to enter him in VA. They have a pretty competitive breed show, but I want him to really prep up and gain topline before I let him hit the road.

On the list was a few major plans formed along the way. But right now, the push and prep for VA has begun. Monday is a light day off with me shipping out the laundry, doing coffee and a few minor errands. Tuesday is chiro and pack.

We're arriving two days early to work out the kinks and get her loosened up after the long trailer ride. But lord, if it's anything like the ride home today, I'm going to have to double up on the electrolytes.

Everyday I'm shuffling

2011-07-03T08:48:00.000-07:00

If there is a downside of a fit horse is that there are more buttons to push.

Sinari has been going nothing short of gangbusters within the work recently. Despite the heat and wacky work schedules, she's gained a lot of expression and carrying power. The trot is still hard for her, but her canter has become much nicer and her lateral work is very clean. She can easily do four's and threes. We began working the pirouettes in earnest to help create more sitting power and uphill balance. Going out in the fields really helped clear her mind and prep her for the upcoming journeys.

June Goals:
-Majestic Show
Check. Got out there, in odd circumstances and managed to put in a decent show back after two years off.
-Finish Bronze
Negatron. Tough judge panel plus equipment issues plus just wasn't firing on all buttons.
-Finish out requirements to test for L program
Need one more score.
-Halts and transitions
Doing much better, but still a little inconsistent in the balance in the halts.
-Send in entry for Dressage at Lexington
Check, attending DAL this month.
-School through 4-1
Check, ran though all the elements. She feels comfortable, but needs more fire in the extensions, and a hair bit more expression in half pass.
-Put show trunk together
Check. I need to learn to unpack it.
-Continue conditioning
Check. Out in the field twice a week until the ground becomes rough. One word: hills.

July Goals:
-Clinic in TN
-VA Show
-Finish Bronze
-Halts and transitions
-Condition, condition, condition
-Decide level for NDPC
-Finish Kur.
-Tempi's, big, bold tempi's.

Momma was a rolling stone

2011-06-26T16:47:00.000-07:00

I have a rare easy weekend this week. Despite downtime, the next two upcoming trips (and a few projects) are weighing heavily on me.

The pony is on a small arena hiatus. The weather is too nice not to play out the fields, so the focus has been cleaning up the forward and back transitions. We'll be back in it by this week in the arena running through third two.

I know summer means traveling. If you're a horse person, it means your trailer never gets unpacked and your social life becomes slim pickings.

I had forgotten what it means to be a gypsy or at least a temporary one. I forgot what it means to live out of a bag, with a mobile and a laptop.

There would be summers before I was 16 where I would spend weeks away from home. When I was 18, and became a working student there was a time where I and the horses would be on the road once a week for at least four days at a clip. When I was a regular journalist, it became weeks.

Over the years, I and the herd grew roots. Leaving town became a pill, packing became a chore, the crowds became too much, gas became expensive and frankly I tended to like my hermit status (not to mention bed).

Last weekend we went north to compete, this time we went south to condition and to prep up for Virginia.

I had never been south of Kentucky before with a trailer, I haven't personally hauled by myself over that much of a strange distance or for that long of a time or over mountains. It was well worth it. I loved seeing everything and meeting everyone. It was nice being on the other side of the fence, if just for a little bit.

It was a good productive week leading into the weekend. I got Sinari over the mouth thing and had someone pointed out that my curb was too low. Have to punch some holes and chop some billets. Was left with a bunch of things to work on, and a few more problems to resolve. Met the loveliest, most generous people in the sport and saw what could be the most inspiring view to practice around in a long time (but sorry no photos or video!!)

The next few weeks will be concentrating on what we lacked during the Ohio trip. I also am in the process of finishing up the kur music. In the interim, she was adjusted and got back to business with Sincere. But the summer is going to be a long one.

Sister golden hair

2011-06-14T17:03:00.000-07:00

I took a two year hiatus from showing, namely to figure out what I wanted to do, get re-organized and to figure out if we were cut out for the upper levels.

The weeks spent with JK proved we could hack the training, the two years allowed me to obtain transport, solid education and a new team, and all that was left was to enter to figure out whether or not we could still pull a test off.

We slipped off last weekend to Ohio for the first time since Pony Cup. Paxton, now called Majestic hosts a regular series of dressage shows throughout the year.

The show itself was as small, laid back show, especially for a CDI* in a qualifying year. 15 CDI competitors and the majority of regulars from around the region. Despite the laid back nature of the show, the judge panel wasn't handing out any freebies. Very few people broke above 60 percent at second and above on Saturday and Sunday, and even the people who were regularly scoring well into the 60's and low 70's a few weeks ago were struggling with the panel.

The first day was done cold turkey with mistakes and we were properly hazed for it.

On our way up we hit a four car pile-up that held us for three hours, we didn't arrive until nine. This was coupled by high winds, torrential rain, thunder and hail. So no practice. Her being in heat didn't help. During second level she popped a change during the counter canter and in third level she broke after the extended canter.

The second day, we redeemed ourselves. She put in two solid consistent tests, despite slipping in and out of tension, that I'm extremely proud of. We broke the 60 percent barrier and managed to salvage a little bit of the goals I had set out for us. We ended well in the collectives. She earned no less than 7's on her gaits and 7's on harmony and impulsion. Sinari was also really consistent in her balance and I was consistent in my position.

I also need to obtain more wardrobe. Namely breeches, a few shirts and I need to take my jacket in to have a few inches shaved off.

Along the way, I finally figured out that showing is different from training. The idea and concept of preparing and entering the arena for a test instead of a session is something I'm still working to master. In the 10 years I've ridden the sport, I've maybe shown three to four seasons total and it shows.

In the end the summary is: good to be back, have some items to work on, we're going to make it.
This week, we're taking it a little easier, going to be hacking and galloping out on the fields until Thursday

In the meantime, yes, photos and video will be up as soon as I get to it. This weekend we're out of town again.

Fortunate son

2011-06-05T19:38:00.000-07:00

The more I play with Sincere the happier he is.

He becomes intensely jealous of Sinari whenever she goes out and works and seems to skulk about the idea of a day without getting attention.

So with that, I started throwing more variety at him. In the normal addition of going in and out of the barn, eating and sleeping, he now has a minor job description.

He wears a sursingle (no side reins), a saddle pad, wears an in-hand bridle with his chifney, goes for long walks, knows his vocals pretty well, and is being worked more frequently on the triangle. No two days are the same, and the sessions maybe last 10 minutes.

He has no trouble doing any of these things, in fact none of the routine bothers him and he doesn't mind obliging to the requests, where the other two year olds in the barn is more reactive and far less tolerant.

The next step with him is to develop his consistency in the same short sessions.

He has three good, uphill gaits, however because of his maturity he doesn't always have the strength to sustain for more than a little while. I want to develop his topline and more elasticity and suppleness. This is a lifetime of emphasis, but the more he can develop on the ground the better it will serve when he is under saddle.

Devil in the details

2011-06-05T17:51:00.000-07:00

T-minus six days until show season kicks off and I feel a hair under prepared. The pony however is primed and as ready as she'll ever be, putting in consistent works for the last week.

Possibly because it's been two years, tests have changed, facilities, people and my team have changed. Everything is different. Now there is the added expectation of completing out my goals in finite time.

Or it could be that I've been running around like mad trying to find where all my show equipment actually went. Found my coat, stock tie, pants, gloves, had to order a pair of tall boots, can't find my nice sunglasses, my last good Fleck whip was stolen, my stock pin is probably in the black hole under the bed and my bucket and bridle hooks seem to have gone AWOL as well.

Until yesterday I haven't memorized the full tests (normally I would have them memorized forwards and backwards) that I'll be riding. Just have been stringing bits and elements together and should be running through the full things this week. I'm very thankful that both have large canter tours and the trot work is uncomplicated and in good spots.

Also in a change, I've loaded the tests onto iPad to practice on the whiteboard application, and because I'm not helping, volunteering, sitting and only showing one, I loaded books onto the iBook reader. Heck, if the show office has wireless, I can even watch Netflix between rounds. Also loaded the little camera up for hopefully some video.

Expecting a bit of a curve rejoining competitive society (not to mention a full schedule), I actually began packing today. I did a quick clean over the equipment, unpacked the box which hadn't been touched since we got back in early May, emptied the contents and began to sort.

With horse shows, you need doubles of everything you have at home and a few bits of specialized equipment that stay with the trailer. I'm lucky that Sincere and Sinari now share a regular grooming kit and I can augment the left over brushes shampoos and other items into a new bucket. But eventually, more things will probably become permanent fixtures in the trailer and new supplies will need to be purchased.

Made up new grooming buckets and bath buckets, checked the levels of the supplies (it should get me through July, or worse case scenario, end of June). Found Sinari's show halter and lead, shipping boots, found the snaffle bridle, loaded the trailer down with the spare buckets, extra basic supplies and started with the other items. I still need to copy my paperwork, and stick that in the portable folio, find the saddle cover and bridle bags, the shipping fuzzies and a few other items.

In between, working with Pennfields and a few other people we've developed a nutritional plan for the pony to create peak performance before and during the show. So far, it's worked out great.

All in all, it seems like we're on the right track, but the real devil is in the details.

A little bit

2011-05-22T17:09:00.000-07:00

So we didn't go to Spy Coast this weekend.

I took a hard look at the way he looked and pulled the entry. Otherwise, he was ready.

I guess it boils down to being picky. Sincere is still shedding out and gaining weight back from a hard winter. I'd rather show him at his best the first time out. He deserves that much. He handles really well on the triangle and in different situations he knows a lot more than your average just-turned-two-year-old.

The other thing that had bothered me about the entry was the rule stipulation that, mandatory, two year olds have to wear bridles with bits.

Let me clarify, at USDF shows, it's optional for two year olds. You can show in a halter or bridle (with or without a bit) and you see a lot of long two year olds sporting snaffles, usually stallions and usually at the major high-pressure shows.

Sincere turned two less than a week ago, and would have been the youngest in the class. I wasn't 100 percent comfortable with a short two year old even wearing a latex covered french snaffle and being run around a triangle by someone who I barely knew.

Instead of showing, I started working towards the next one. I started walking him in new and different places, standing him up, and walking him out. He got his first (and several subsequent) bath since '10 and had his mane pulled. He's learning to be braided, and I'm learning how to do buttons... again.

The more he does, the happier he is. Even though he has a slight worrisome personality (more or less doesn't know what to do), he really does try and more importantly, wants to do his best.

Feels like home again

2011-05-22T10:42:00.000-07:00

Training wheels are off and we're flying solo for a while.

While it's great to be at home with everyone under one roof, there are certain things I miss about being away.

We put the pedal to the metal and seriously ramped up arena time. We've been actively schooling since last Friday and finished up the eight day marathon yesterday with being able to gallop and trot steadily over the hills for the first time in weeks. We were both happy not to see an arena for 45 minutes.

Somedays are better than others.

There are some days where we nail a sold canter- halt or a not so large pir. Then there are days where tempi's are non-existent. But for the most part, the solution to the bad days isn't to back off, it's to pick up again the next day and work on it until resolved.

The last official lesson was Wednesday. In a packed arena, we went through our paces. Sinari, recovering from a bad week of being in season and non-stop schooling indoors, was still a little stuck on the right, but was on target in the deep footing, giving good lateral work (baby zig zags), good changes and improved mediums. Her warm up is getting more consistent. I got picked on (and validly so) about the curb rein.

I've received what seems like two months of marching orders. Smaller pir's, stronger mediums, work on the tempi's, and get the halts down. I've also received the order to get current tape on the mare at least once a week.

So far we're right on target for a June show. Hopefully it means completion of my bronze, L program requirements, and being able to focus the summer on solidifying other levels.

It also means revamping an entire kur. I've been listening to new music and coming across different things and sent a few ideas onward.

Boy you've got to see what tomorrow brings

2011-05-08T10:39:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since I posted something about Sincere.

To be honest, what can you write about a yearling? He eats, sleeps and has a basic lifestyle.

Sincere is a bit more advanced in the fact that he loads and has been some places. At this point he hasn't shown anywhere (or at least publicly, the vet clinic doesn't count), hasn't really begun work and hasn't experienced much of the world by himself.

About two weeks ago, I made the decision to move him to where Sinari is to begin training. This is a huge change for him. It breaks him away from his normal herd, it puts him in a concentrated situation and mentally/physically starts preparing him for his future life.

It's also the first time I've been able to consistently touch him on a daily basis since he was born, it's also the first time I've really watched him move in a long time on a decent surface and had him evaluated.

In short, I have a really nice horse. Where he'll go is beyond me, but I think he'll end up in the dressage arena.

Minus some minor mishaps (he thought picking a lock was great fun), he's been progressing every day. I started started free lunging to develop his gaits, he's had multiple baths, is in the process of getting his mane razored to a respectable length. Over the next few days he'll start wearing a bridle, and go out for walks around the grounds.

The idea is to aim for the Spy Coast Young Horse shows which are taking place down the road from us. The series starts later this month, and I figure it would be a good place to start.

Gone baby gone

2011-05-07T16:40:00.000-07:00

My time in boot camp is slowly coming to a close. We've been intensive, daily work for the past five weeks, with only, maybe a handful of non-riding days due to weather or out of town status. It's been a non-stop marathon of learning and creating a program for the next few months.

The away part of the program came to a close in the past week.

The pony and I traveled all of 10 miles home and the challenge of working without training wheels or daily eyes is only starting. I'm slightly scared about backsliding, but I know help is only a phone call and video away.

Sinari has gained so much fitness over the past four or five weeks, we bumped up the schooling to all of fourth level. The changes are clean and pretty, but I need to learn to count. The mediums come and go, but they are getting better Her current favorite trick is to drop her shoulders and run. But by far her lateral work can be considered an easy 7 if the tempo is kept up.

April has flow by and so has our goal list:

-Gain more elasticity in the trot
Definitely more power, but could have more sit.
-Ride anything over 15 hands.
Didn't get to do, timing and the fact I was shipping horses around like mad, I only had time for one.
-Make the most of the next six weeks
Almost up, but it's been a thrill of an adventure. Can't wait to do it again.
-Finalize saddle
Sent the cheque
-L Program
Finished up session C, preparing to do sitting hours and find a 2012 final session site.
-Just ride damnit.
Achieved!

May Goals:
-Not allowed to drop the shoulders on the forehand
-Small Pir's
-Accurate 3's and 4's.
-Mediums/extensions
-Sitting hours
-Nail second/third level
-Find boots.

Pride in the name of love

2011-04-24T05:36:00.000-07:00

I have become the Epsom salt queen.

Not for the pony, but for myself. In the past three weeks, we've taken a total of four days off. Two purposeful, the other two due to weather. Even in high winds and so-so weather we rode.

But I've discovered muscles that haven't been existent for sometime, and some that still need developing.Still figuring out the mediums and extensions, still need to make the pir's smaller, and the tempi's are coming along very well.

The pony has been progressing rapidly, consistently and what seems like break through after break through. I'm the one who occasionally has the brain fart, over shooting (!) the centerline and conceptually getting my head wrapped around some of the exercises. By far she excels in the collected work and lateral, it's easier for her to work in the canter, but the trot stuff is coming just nicely.

Despite extra curricular stuff, this is easily the best time of our lives. The show schedule has been amended, and it looks like we'll be doing some out of state traveling.

For the first time in about two years, I want to do more and I don't care how much work I have to put in.

Boot camp

2011-04-05T19:36:00.000-07:00

I've been at a cross roads for sometime.

On one hand my barn and life is pretty good on the other hand, I'm not progressing to the point where I'm being challenged.

Before the Hess clinic, I had made up my mind to take six weeks, move house and go to a friend's barn and just train. It's the first time I've ever done this, probably not the last. But it's my effort to actually give what I want a shot. So out I went to start a sojourn. This is my test to see if I can hack it.

Clinic ended Sunday, the girl had a single day off and today, well, today we were back at it.

The pony didn't know what to make of the mirrors, the good footing and the fact that being the shortest, chesnuty horse in the barn award went to her. She has turnout again. I think she honestly died and went to pony heaven.The fact her stall is twice as big as her one at home probably tickles her as well.

But as the saying goes, the more beautiful, the more work it is.

The last four days have been a feeding frenzy of nervous energy. I didn't know what to expect, or how to expect, or what to do. So finally the day came when I got to tack up, ride out and work our tails off. It was a relief.

Immediately the stirrups and whip was yanked and a few more institutions were added. We spent a solid 35 minutes working at the trot without stirrups, complete with lateral work. Canter work was really nice and spent another 15 to 20 minutes working through that. All good, pony improved after and for the next two days while JK is out, we have work. A lot of work.

Cruising attitude

2011-04-04T20:01:00.000-07:00

The weather has warmed up and I'm not around my computer as much to do frequent updates.

March was out like a lion! We accomplished as much as time would allow between the weather and everything else.

-Ride as much as the weather will allow
Check. Despite downpour, we even got to the outdoor.
-Prepare for Christoph's visit
Check, but I should have watched the tape a few more times.
-L program
Check. Session B down. Session C in the works. Sitting hours scheduled for May.
-Run through third
I did this with Christoph with mixed results. But hey, we ran through third!
-work on walk turn on the haunches
Check.
-Half pass and lateral work
Good, but, really need more respect for the inside leg.
-Purchase new dress boots
Unfortunately I ran into a bit of a bind on this. I have my eye on a pair.

Ever since March, we've been running non-stop from point a to point b. Finally, Christoph came into town and while I didn't think we weren't prepared enough we did find out a lot about ourselves during so.

We were in good company for this clinic- everything from a green broke just turned three year old all the way up to an High Performance pair of geldings. It was a huge population of 12 rides. Sinari was the only pony, and only Welsh.

Friday we went over to school, and ran into old friends and made new ones. I spent the afternoon schooling around the arena working on minor things, and making sure we have the right stuff in the right place.

The first day I put her in the double and it didn't go as well, I'm not coordinated enough for the reins and Christoph was constantly asking me to get off the curb. She was behind my leg, and worked on creating a cruising altitude for trot and canter which seems twice as quick in the tempo from what we normally go through. It felt like we were on the verge of out of control, but at the same time it was like driving a sports car. We also worked on a ton of lateral work. She excels at the lateral work, especially half pass.

Second day, we slapped the snaffle back on and while my hands looked out of control it went better. We ran through 3-1 at the end of the day, despite not knowing the test and testing out a new saddle we muddled through alright. I was happy with her changes, and the improvement on the second day was easily marked to where Christoph cracked his infamous smile and nearly pulled me out of the saddle when he shook my hand.

But now comes the hard part.

April starts the marathon part of my season. We are temporarily staying with friends down the road to be in training with a rider and to figure out a few things for the upcoming future.

April Goals:
-Gain more elasticity in the trot
-Ride anything over 15 hands.
-Make the most of the next six weeks
-Finalize saddle
-L Program
-Just ride damnit.

Little lion man

2011-03-27T19:39:00.000-07:00

April is the cruelest month, said T.S. Elliot, but I don't think he's lived in Kentucky in March.

Between a basketball-obsessed town (local team made it to the Final Four) and the weather, sometimes things just don't work out to plan.

Came home from Stephen's clinic and we hit the ground at first with a stumble then a solid run. The pony didn't want to leave her vacation spot, Sincere wanted to help in assisting to catch the pony, and I spent a solid hour walking up and down hills, much to my behind's amusement.

We worked a solid three days this week (with the intent of doing four) and Sinari felt great, reeling off changes, doing consistent, difficult lines and getting good works in. Zero tension. Then the temps tanked and like the water on the ground, her back froze and everything that she could do, went underground.

No bueno.

She feels prepared to see Christoph again, but not prepared enough to show what she really knows. Either way it will be a learning experience and I should have interesting video to post here.

Shameless self promotion

2011-03-20T07:01:00.000-07:00

For those of you who are curious (or just wish to live vicariously), Team EnGaged (www.teamengaged.com) who I am a partner of launched it's blog last year to easily update people before, during and after the events. Please visit:

teamengaged.blogspot.com

for details and don't forget to follow us there, on Facebook and on Constant Contact!

HeLlo HeLlo

2011-03-19T09:27:00.000-07:00

It's the wee early hours of the morning (alright it's 7am after the time change) and the weather has been too nice to stay inside. So no blogging.

The week was busy to say the least, between three clinics (Stephen Bradley this week, Christoph next and two weeks after Debbie McDonald) to execute and prepare for, finding riders, creating media campaigns, attending the L program, riding and that pesky thing called a day job it's hard for a girl to catch a break.

Last week I went up to Ohio to finish out the B session of the L program. Everything went well and all participants, from my experience had a good time. These sessions only serve to improve the community and create better future judges. We went through the entire scale and the use of marks. Plus there was also a lot of side discussion of judge fetishes. In the end, I came home ready to work again. There is something strange about the effect the program has on me, it creates the expectation that if I am to judge then it's my responsibility to ride the test as physically as best I can.

The pony is doing fantastically for coming back into fitness. We worked thoroughly on bending and quality of movement through short periods of time. Sessions maybe, at most last a half hour at this point before she's tired. She is still a little sticky in the walk-canter transitions.

In two weeks we have Christoph Hess (I Judge) coming to view us and eight of our closet friends and then maybe the Debbie McDonald clinic.

Have you ever seen the rain?

2011-03-09T19:45:00.000-08:00

It feels like I've gone in to the wrong sport with all the rain. It feels like I should be growing hydroponics instead of ponies.

Falling in to the I can't believe it's already March crowd, it feels like February just blinked by.

Unfortunately the weather has not.

It's been non-stop rain and at best a slow pace to get ready for the season. It really does suck to have your arena under water, and be regulated to indoors. We did manage to get off the property and school in another arena, which rocked.

But all progress made over the winter and the two months came to a temporary grinding halt and pushed the season back to June.

Sinari came in heat strongly this year and it knocked not only her changes out of the equation, but locked up her entire right side for the week. The poor pony, who normally gives so much couldn't tolerate light sessions or have the attention span for it. She was lightly ridden, and worked on.

February:
-Ride as many times as the weather will allow
Check. The weather lightened up enough to get in a solid two weeks in.
-half halts
Much better. She comes back faster and is much better prepared.
-transitions
Walk-trot is coming along great, the canter-walk is a little sticky at the moment. Transitions within gaits are coming along well.
-Regain fitness (horse and rider)
Started, I feel that this is ongoing.
-Prepare materials for L program
Did. Binders are ready and waiting to go for this weekend. Need to finish HW.
-run through second and third level
Ran through second, schooled elements of third
-big, bold changes
bold, not so big.

March:
-Ride as much as the weather will allow
-Prepare for Christoph's visit
-L program
-Run through third
-work on walk turn on the haunches
-Half pass and lateral work
-Purchase new dress boots

For all the wrong reasons

2011-02-26T07:24:00.000-08:00

Tis the season for FedEx dates and baby making in Kentucky.

In Kentucky, you'll find the majority of the mare owners on the road this month trolling the back roads up and down to have their stock live covered by the stallions. For non thoroughbred owners it means getting to know your FedEx delivery guy a lot better (and hopefully tipping him generously when he hauls three Equitainers up your drive).

With a small break, I've become involved in following a contest series that's taking place on Facebook with winning breedings to some of the best stallions in the nation.

The contest is in two portions, the first being a popularity driven and the second and currently ongoing- essay portion. The essays are open to the public, and are quick reads between rounds. The entire concept is great, and has huge publicity for stallion owners.

I've begun reading through the submissions. The essays range from hard core pedigree addicts to mare owners praying on a dream and a genetic gamble. But somewhere in between I look at the mares and I go why would you cross or even reproduce or why would you post that photo of that mare looking that way in a public forum?

The things that people see and then hear what they expect out of the cross is even more concerning. Everything from an advanced eventer out of a short stirrup pony to a children's mount out of a half wild, unrideable mare.

What's worse is that some of the worst entries are from experienced breeders.

I really begin to wonder about the state of American breeding when this is occurring and where some people are getting their information from.

I know several good breeders in stone's throw distance from me that have done excellent jobs of consistently producing top quality horses that are very well loved, and equally talented for their chosen discipline. They are knowledgable and calculated when it comes to pairings. They do their homework, and as a recent acquaintance said: they load the dice. If they have to keep the offspring until it matures and goes under saddle, they have their teams in place to consistently produce good young horses.

When I look at contests such as the one going on above, I really begin to wonder whether breeding in America has become a personal romantic notion, or a mechanic's mathematical equation with the expectation of superior results. I wonder if they are prepared to accept the consequences of their actions and have the long-term ability to keep something if it doesn't turn out to be exactly what they want, or support it in a way so it is successful?

Personally, I enjoy the ulcer-inducing, wallet draining, wait-and-see game even almost two years after Sincere was born. It's so far been a great adventure, learning experience and for the most part, enjoyable time. I've had excellent help along the way.

But when that sperm met that egg, I was just as unknowable, and romantically induced as some of the mare owners that are participating. It's funny what time and a little perspective does to you.

On the road

2011-02-20T19:03:00.000-08:00

I spent the majority of my weekend (and week) in the cab of my truck running around, but between everything I managed to squeak in the first solid works of the new year on the pony.

The weather really opened up to mid fifties and soared to low sixties. It was so nice, I had trouble finishing out the regular office work week.

My outdoor finally cleared out from underneath the snow and water to be solid enough to work on. While I do have an indoor, I prefer to work outside where the footing is a little better and there's a bit more room to play. The indoor is reining deep. She worked well in the high winds and felt much more adjustable.

Coming back from light riding/no work is a serious task this year. I hope to not loose the ground we gained over the last season. I've become a little more vigilant in warming up and cooling down, as well as the quality of work that goes on in between.

To help change things up we took a road trip to another facility down the road. It was the first riding trip off the property in over a year and I was nervous. It was the quiet day at that farm, and I had the indoor to myself. Despite the kick up in wind and seeing carriages for the first time in god knows how long she did well (Sinari is a driving reject among several things).

Went through elements of second and third but mostly picked one or two heavy themes throughout the session (bend and adjustments).

She's unfit, but still remembers about everything minus the new lines for flying changes. Give it three weeks and we will be able to run through fourth and maybe PSG.

Here comes the sun

2011-02-13T19:11:00.000-08:00

It's been well over a week of strict no riding. The weather has pounded this region fairly hard within the last week or so. What I thought was an extended break was more or less a window and have been grounded ever since.

I can't say the time off hasn't done the pony good. While she isn't as fit, she is maintaining and improving through the schedule that I've got her on.

Goals January:
-Ride as many time as the weather will allow
Achieved, there were times where we managed two to three works in a row, but everything was infrequent. I've begun to make arrangements to do Florida next year.

-Refine half halts
With infrequent work this became harder.

-lateral work
played with shallow half passes, namely half pass, immediately straight, half pass again. Did a little bit of pir work when she offered.

-transitions
Better, sharper, but not sustainable at the moment.

-Develop show schedule
Achieved!

February:
-Ride as many times as the weather will allow
-half halts
-transitions
-Regain fitness (horse and rider)
-Prepare materials for L program
-run through second and third level
-big, bold changes

You've got the music in you

2011-02-01T18:08:00.000-08:00

Up until Tuesday, the pony was on what seemed like perpetual winter break.

The weather has temporarily subsided at least till next Wednesday, until then the pony is back under saddle and feeling really nifty.

But between rounds of doing nothing I've reopened up the freestyle, namely music selection. My last selection was from BBC and Torchwood, the one prior was a Zimmer composure of The Corpse Bride. These were decent personal freestyles, but nothing to go on and be competitive with.

Truth is, there is a million music choices out there and a million things I would like to use or experiment with. The difficult thing and the biggest mistake is to plug too many things in one place. As a really nice kur composer put it for me: zen is best.

So during the snowy weeks, I started pushing around for new music.

Dr. Who was a top choice, but there are too many bits to string together from different pieces, and it was not feminine enough. Slumdog Millionaire was another choice (NAJYRC individual played it), but the Bollywood soundtrack was too many BPM and would make her move like a sewing machine. I briefly considered U2, Muse and a few other big bands, but again the variety and volume would make the music hacked.

I went back to Zimmer's library of work. The lovely thing about movie soundtracks is that the pieces are automatically cohesive an naturally have a storyboard behind them. I've chosen a few, and will try them out when Sinari becomes more fit.

Lay me down

2011-01-22T19:12:00.000-08:00

I've been running nonstop since the L program and today was the first day I experienced sleep past 7 am. But the pleasure was interrupted by my alarm and no fresh pot of coffee waiting downstairs. It was further punctuated by cold floors, frosted windows and no remote starter for the car outside.

Winter has revisited us in the Bluegrass, and this time it struck with single digit temps and more ice. The three day window that I had for riding was promptly nixed due to the errands and other items that weren't taken care of while I was away.When the weather closed in on Thursday I knew the ponies and I were officially down with cabin fever.

The weather never really bothers me in regards to plans, but it did manage to cause a bit of stress when it came to today.

Today we were taking Sincere off the property for the first time by himself. Normally, we would have waited until spring to attempt things like this, when the weather is warmer- but this was a long standing, and very overdue appointment.

Today we castrated Sincere. It was a decision that I had made in November.

After discussing this with my vet, I had opted to do this not on the farm, but at a hospital.

I've seen both sides of the spectrum when it comes to gelding. I've seen everything go absolutely well and look like they haven't been touched and then I've seen horses keel over and die from sepsis, post-surgery colic and be crippled from having stifles and joints torqued out.

I wasn't going to run that risk, and even though it was twice as expensive, I'm at least sleeping tonight.

He shipped well and acted incredibly mature for his age, the attending barn manager was helpful throughout the process and he settled in about 10 minutes into the entire check-in ordeal.

We left, had brunch, got the call that he's now incapable of reproducing- and we have the option of picking him up today or tomorrow. We opted tomorrow. I checked in on him around one, and he was happy, bright, alert. Demanding his usual cookie. On enough pain killers that he probably doesn't realize what just went on down there.

The only thing that had bothered him was the straw. For the life of him he couldn't understand why anyone would put that much inedible hay in front of him and that deep. He eventually figured it out to his disappointment that the vet's barn wasn't not an all-you-can-eat buffet.

Now for that paperwork...

Stylin'

2011-01-17T19:19:00.000-08:00

1. Thank and link back to the person who awarded you this award

2. Share 7 things about yourself

3. Award 15 recently discovered great bloggers

4. Contact these bloggers and tell them about the award!

1. I actually was nominated twice, JJ of The Joy of Horses and Checkmate over at Chasing the Dream. Thanks for both for reading and supporting the ponies egos.

2. a. I dislike winter immensely. I become crabby almost intolerable during winter. But I know we're not ready to go to Florida.

b. I'm a pedigree geek and meeting a few larger midwestern breeders this past weekend only proved it. I love looking over pedigree and seeing how it relates to performance and train-ability. I hope to get my r in DSHB in a few years.

c. I co-own a business that specializes in equestrian education (www.teamengaged.com). I work around the coolest people in the industry, and also some of the nicest. I really enjoy this part of my job.

d. My aim is to eventually compete FEI as much as I can. I truly enjoy this part of dressage. I didn't understand the lower levels until I began working through PSG and beginning the L program.

e. I found Sinari in a back yard in Central Kentucky with my mother when visiting Kentucky the first time. She's now my up and coming FEI horse. No one can pronounce her registered name correctly.

f. In my spare time I like to read and watch movies. My Iphone has a list of books and my netflix is continuously updated.

g. I strive to be a positive force in the community. I feel far too often that people are too self-involved to not look around and help grow the sport in a collaborative fashion.

3. I nominate the people on the left, many of them are very new to the list.

4. Check.

Language

2011-01-16T19:40:00.000-08:00

January is a dead month for a lot of reasons, namely because temperatures dip into the teens and the great indoors looks much better than frostbite.

January is also the start of several educational programs at USDF around the country including the L Program.

Signed up in December, I trekked up to Ohio this past weekend for Session A: biomechanics and conduct.

Truth be told, when the word biomechanics is uttered, I glaze over faster than hot sugar on dough. On paper, its naturally boring material between abducting and adducting legs, center of gravity, non-brilliant movement, lateral gaits, origination and creation of bend (it'll surprise you), engagement, impulsion and diagram after diagram.

Add a little kinetic energy to that dry material and it actually comes alive. Throw in different breeds and types, and you have a party.

Judging, first and foremost, is a systematic use of language and scale applied to standards. While, as a rider you know what the movements are and you may know what a good movement or gaits are, but applying a figure and appropriate language per directives and with the knowledge behind correct bio mechanics is difficult.

It's much like Helen Keller learning associating the right words with the physical thing. It's learning to recognized water in different forms and learning to adapt the language to it. Everything still the same, is now different.

We went through four marathon sessions of biomechanics, biomechanics in relation to the pyramid and threw in conduct for good measure. It was an incredibly pleasurable while challenging in certain areas. In the end the group was grasping it, now comes the difficult part of finding willing subjects to perform tests (good and bad) in front of you.

Calendar Girl (and boy)

2011-01-12T18:25:00.000-08:00

Show season is almost here in Kentucky and I'm being forced out into the world due to the list of goals, and obligations.

Being from the north, there is usually an indoor series or two by February, but moving south and watching the season start late (April), it's rather frustrating. Over the years though, things have started earlier. Currently there are a few small one day recognized shows in March and if I have my way in the next few years, there will be an indoor series.

In a way I miss a 30 minute drive time to reach a horse show, average time to get to one here ranges from 15 minutes to 4 hours. Being budget minded, I'm looking towards the 15 minute to 1 1/2 hour range for Sinari and keeping it strictly Lexington for Sincere.

To add to the difficulty there are NO USDF/EF young horse shows that are nearby. KDA did away with theirs about two years ago, and MSEDA I don't know if they will be running theirs. Spy Coast farm is doing a low-key young horse series (non-rated with USEF/DF judges) which we'll attend as well. It even looks like they'll provide runners too.

So far it looks like we'll be double-timing in April and maybe May.

June is questionable as well as August. September, October and a bonus round in November if a clinician's dates fall through.

Tentative schedule.

Personal:

January 14th-16th: L Program

March 11th-13th: L Program

April 30th: L Program

May 21st-22nd: Three Phase Event at Shaker Village

May 25th- 29th: Sitting hours

For Sinari:

April 2nd-3rd: Christoph Hess clinic

April 8th-9th: April show at Majestic Farms

May 6th-7th: Run for the Roses at Majestic Farms

September: Christoph Hess Clinic

October 15th and 16th: KDA Fall Classic I and II

Sincere:

Various: Spy Coast

June 28th-July 3rd: Silverrama

September: Sport Horse Nationals (depending on how he'll look)

Various: SAHIBA

Maybe I'll get lucky next year and get to go to Florida where they have 15 events in a span of three weeks.

Process the progress

2011-01-07T20:00:00.000-08:00

I'm late on posting the December recap, I blame the recent nice weather which allowed us to get outside consistently for a few days.

Sinari did well with the time off, although I suspect the lack of turnout (weather induced) gave her a lot of rest. When we did return to work she was rock solid after three days of refreshing and reminding that the standing rules are still standing.We worked mostly on adjustability, re-affirming the inside leg and half halts.

Goals December:
-1/2 Pirouette to full pirouette
Much better, less schooling size more competition size. Still have to be aware of the last step and pivots.

-Quality between-gait transitions
Better, started doing medium/extended to collected.

-Changes on different lines/set ups
Good not quite there. She's behind the aids.

-Condition.
Not quite where I like it to be. With two weeks off due to weather,

Goals January:
-Ride as many time as the weather will allow
-Refine half halts
-lateral work
-transitions
-Develop show schedule

Change is gonna come

2010-12-31T18:05:00.000-08:00

52 weeks have come and gone again.

To say it was a quiet year would be an understatement. We didn't compete, just re-focused on what we needed to and handled the extraordinary circumstances that accumulated into a highly successful year.

We not only solidified ourselves for the competitive year ahead, but added a huge amount of depth and expertise to the team. It took 12 months of revamping, schooling, conditioning and re-tooling to be where we are now.

With the weather on the mend we'll see the start of the season soon and a few other things

Horsey Stuff:

Condition and train through I1. Gotta nail them tempi's!
We conditioned through PSG. She is solid there.
Continue to teach and train Sincere. Make him a responsible citizen.
More than responsible, he is growing up to be a very nice individual. I want him to grow up FASTER.
Acquire more farm implements.
Acquired a trailer and a new truck. Bobcat lends me their Tool Cat. Does that count?
Successfully execute clinics.
We not only did that but formed the company behind them (www.teamengaged.com). We hosted five, including Edward Gal and Christoph Hess. We'll see more of them next year too.
Save for Embryo Transfer
Unfortunately no. I tried, but the burden of starting a business, and paying bills on multiple things actually decimated my accounts.

Non Horsey stuff:

Repair credit score, develop more savings
Repaired, but decimated my savings. My 401k though is doing pretty good.
Go to school
Attending L program. That should count for something.
Develop more 'me' time.
Despite busy schedule I did take off a few days here and there to be away from the horses and to be with family and friends. I didn't get to travel much due to double work obligations and the WEG, but it was incredibly special to have all my friends visit all at once.

2011:

Horsey Stuff:
Finish bronze
Go PSG and 4th level
Continue to teach and train Sincere, bring him to shows
Finish first part of L program
Continue to grow the business
Save for 2012 breeding and in general
Improve wardrobe

It's going to be an interesting time...

Amateur Hour

2010-12-28T17:58:00.000-08:00

The winter has given me a bit more time to write and more time to think.

In the US, horse people over the age of 21 are seperated in to two categories: Professional and Amateur.

When I turned the magical age, I was no different. I made my decision to stay amateur.

At the time it wasn't a tough decision.

I was with a newly minted bachelor's degree, a real job and a number of things that distinctly defined being an amateur.

As the years went on, I really started to resent my status.

I disliked the fact I couldn't compensate my time and what time I did have in the saddle was limited. I had to be careful about riding and always constantly aware of my boundaries. Finally, that the game became one of money and not of ability.

I also thought that having scores at training level actually equated to something and being a newly minted twenty something I also thought I ruled the universe.

I was on the verge of burning my card, going pro and making a big mistake.

Then I woke up and smelled the cupcakes.

Being an amateur isn't about limitations, it's about opportunity.

Collectively, there isn't an expectation for amateurs.

If anything we're expected to pay our dues, take a few lessons, volunteer, go to a couple of shows and potentially progress. If we're lucky we'll get our bronze, a few good scores and great memories.

Therein lies the joy: no expectations.

While a lot of us don't have money, we do have time and choice.

AA's are in a unique situation. I don't know of any place else in the world where a person can be picky about what they choose to bring through the levels, who to train with, openly making mistakes, taking Pudding Head to a show or responsibilities we would like to take (or not) on.

I personally do not have to answer to students. I do not have to take on horses that I feel that wouldn't go through the levels or benefit me in some personal way. I don't need to get on a horse that may kill me or was sent to me for a thirty day fix. I don't need to sell my best horses because I need to pay my bills. I'm content staying competitive or non-competitive. I don't need to qualify for anything I don't want to. I can still be an official. I don't have to play too many politics.

I ride, I train, I clean my stalls, I go home. I have a steady income with insurance.

In my own amateur way, while it seems like a cop-out, it's not about who got here first. It's how long you can last, and there are many things that I needed (and still needing) before I make a leap into that realm. I can be far more protective about my record, my ponies' records, I can build things up at my pace without too much hassle.

So while I will not be able to earn individual sponsorship, or be paid, I can still train effectively, still learn from the best, choose my shows wisely and be far more in control of my equine career.

It's good to be an amateur, for now.

Lephant in the room

2010-12-24T14:38:00.000-08:00

Even though winter bites (falling on ice in my barn's driveway today is the highlight so far), it has provided a good opportunity to plan and plot for the upcoming months.

During my research, I found out about the L program being held in Ohio this year and the next.

Doing the L program and, ultimately becoming a judge, has been a goal of mine since '09.

Normally the program is held in Michigan from winter to spring, and then again in fall. Michigan from Kentucky is roughly a six hour drive, and a pill to fly into during the winter. So, I had applied, late, thinking that all spots were filled.

Received the call the other day from USDF notifying me that I am an L Judge Candidate.

This is a step in the direction where I would like to end up with my USEF card.

Over the next two years I have to attend all sessions, and test to obtain license. I also have to finish out my score requirements, and by May, I should have most of my sitting hours completed in advance of the 2012 deadline.

I have to say, I'm really excited, but there is a challenge ahead. I need to compete, and finish out my bronze early in the year (April/May) and then buckle down for the finishing climb to FEI so things are set for the later plans.This helping run 12 clinics, a board position, a young horse to show and a full time job to balance.

Teach me baby

2010-12-19T16:16:00.000-08:00

Ah youth.

The snow pack has finally stabilized enough in some areas that walking actually feels safe again.

Sinari is now on two weeks sans turnout (hand walking up and down the aisle everyday) because I nearly busted my butt going up and down the driveway just walking. She's taking it well, but massive bribery has occurred meanwhile

Sincere though seems to be fairing very well in the recent downturn in weather. Even went out and shot a few photos of the long yearling.

It's hard to say where he's going somedays. First glance he can easily fit into the hunter mold with a nice sloping shoulder and compact build. If I took him to the line, he wouldn't be terribly out of place. But then he moves and he can move large, and being 1 and 3/4's he's actually really well balanced. Then he gallops across what, to my footing princess eyes deems challenging, without really thinking twice.

So in the end, he'll decide what he wants to do. Right now, I'm just enjoying him.

Can't stop thinking about tomorrow

2010-12-13T19:00:00.000-08:00

In the past two weeks, we've managed to work a total of four times.

This seriously sucks.

Even though we have an indoor, we still need to trek to it over the ice and tundra. There is the warm up that never really happens, the work that doesn't seem terribly productive and the three days of down time between rides because the temperature drops to single digits.

Then there is the pesky temperature. While Kentucky has never been known as a sub-tropical winter state, but it is also not known for snow and ice. This year, we have both, in spades. It's making life more difficult.

Sinari doesn't get turned out in foul weather, Sincere comes inside and I explore my other hobby: baking. The weather makes for jittery ponies and me wishing for a more southern location.

But with the down time comes time for planning and plotting.

My first ultimate goal is to get holiday shopping out of the way. I've been having trouble thinking of things for people this year.

After that, first plan is to get Sincere gelded, there is an appointment on the books to do so immediately after holiday. The boy is a little over a year and a half and is now getting the heft of a young stallion. Time for the lower lobotomy. Somedays I still wish he was a filly, but it wouldn't be the same. If not looking too bad he'll be aimed for the Sport Horse Nationals late September.

Sinari's schedule is trickier. There are a number of shows to aim for, a number of things to do and prove. The plan is to finish scores out at third level and spend the majority of the summer running through PSG. Run through PSG and hit the fall shows.

As for myself, if the USDF website would cooperate, I need to find the dates for the L program in Ohio.

Little boy blue

2010-12-05T17:32:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted too much lately about Sincere, simply because nothing really exciting is happening to him yet. He eat, he sleeps, socializes and does the young horse thing pretty well.

It's his second winter here. I remember the blanket Sincere wore last year. It was three sizes too big and the tail flap hung down to his gaskins.

Not this year. He fits it perfectly. Among other things, he went up a halter size, his tail is way longer, main blonder. His feet are bigger. His head is clunky. Still likes to canter around, but when he trots, he's got a good trot. He's becoming more horse like without loosing the pony aspect of things.

Now I'm actually hoping he'll reach the 14 hand mark.

I'm dreaming of a not-so-white Christmas

2010-12-05T16:58:00.000-08:00

Snow came early this year. Really early. So much so that I've become intensely jealous of the riders who post on their Facebook status that they're wintering in sunny Florida.

I'm still riding and working around the barns, but the weather is making me less enthusiastic about getting out of the house, and more about curling up with a few books. Youtube is also a recent addiction, training videos give me more to work on regularly.

Sinari is doing incredibly well despite weather swings. We've managed to hold down a consistent schooling schedule. It's also December, which means a recap of goals:

-Flexion. More permeable on the inside to an adjusting aid.
Far better. Getting 30 percent more without doing twice the work is feeling great. However keeping it for a full 30 minutes can be hard.

-Transitions in and out of gaits and between gaits. Reaching more for 8's now instead of 7's.
Better, but reaction needs to be quicker.

-Halt, reinback walk transitions
Worked on some, but not enough.

-Fit enough to run through 3-1 or 3-2.
Ran through 3-1, did well.

-Snowbird entry.
Very glad we avoided this one, we had a bad snow storm.

Goals December:
-1/2 Pirouette to full pirouette
-Quality between-gait transitions
-Changes on different lines/set ups
-Condition.

December also means Christmas. Here's my wish list:

Love Back on Track products. Sinari rides in a Back on Track saddle pad. Seriously goes better because of it. Now I would like five of them, the hock boots and blanket for daily therapy.

My old schooling pair has finally become that- a schooling pair. I really need a new pair of boots.

I would like to organize my trailer for next year. Apparently we have a decent show schedule planned.

Other than the minor stuff (shadbelly, supplies, a million tax free dollars, complete state of the art barn with super footing, serum to make Sincere age about a year, ect), I feel lost as what to ask for this year.

Sweeter than bounty itself

2010-11-25T12:43:00.000-08:00

2010, like November, is nearly at it's end and there is much to be thankful for.

The ponies and I lead unusual lives.

I am thankful that everyday they lead me on an amazing adventure. I am thankful that when the day is done, and we look back we are doing so together. Without them, I am nothing, and with them, I am everything.

I am ever thankful of what we accomplished and the team that was developed behind us. Without them, I would not be on the path that we are taking.

I hope the start of the holiday season sees you all in comfortably, and that you may have a warm house, a good meal, and everything that brings you joy.

Thanksgiving is sweeter than bounty itself.

One who cherishes gratitude does not cling to the gift!

Thanksgiving is the true meat of God’s bounty;

The bounty is its shell,

For thanksgiving carries you to the hearth of the Beloved.

Abundance alone brings heedlessness,

Thanksgiving gives birth to alertness.

The bounty of thanksgiving will satisfy and elevate you,

And you will bestow a hundred bounties in return.

Eat your fill of God’s delicacies,

And you will be freed from hunger and begging.

-Rumi

I don't need a parachute

2010-11-07T16:15:00.000-08:00

Tina Tuner hair, kickin' new blanket.

The week, like the weather, passed by quickly. There's a lot moving around now, and there are a lot of things that are in the air at the moment. But the one thing that remains consistent is Sinari.

We spent the week in and out of the arena, with a quick body clip that nearly ended in disaster- the blades flew off as I was finishing up some spots on the left. Hilarity ensued. Overall she's there, and doing pretty fantastic.

Monday we pulled an exercise from the Gal clinic about making the gaits adjustable. Went out to a field and worked on compressing the walk.

I had forgot to do October wrap up and update for November goals. Now that we're about two weeks into the month, and finally able to focus on what we did and where we're going in the final two months of the year.

October's Goals:
-Conditioning/get back into a solid four day week schedule.
Somewhat achieved. Some days my schedule over rode what was going on at the barn, but for the most part we were working four days a week. We did get out in the fields (which softened due to rain).

-On the aids changes
Achieved. She is way sharper to the point where she threw good fours in for giggles. She's always been crack about the fun stuff.

-Transitions
Cleaner, but need to refocus on the quality of transitions- as in not becoming too straight in them.

-Add more lateral work
Score. Leg yields and a few other things. She does fantastic shoulder in now, but occasionally looses energy.

-Consistency
Way better, but she still tires more left than right. But looks like we're on track for a 2011 FEI premier.

November goals:
-Flexion. More permeable on the inside to an adjusting aid.
-Transitions in and out of gaits and between gaits. Reaching more for 8's now instead of 7's.
-Halt, reinback walk transitions
-Fit enough to run through 3-1 or 3-2.
-Snowbird entry.

Lower lobotomy

2010-11-07T07:58:00.000-08:00

I've been uncharacteristically silent about Sincere lately.

Aside from a few scratches, more shots than he cares for, and matted burrs in his tail, he's a happy camper.

The quiet bit has to deal with some contemplation since the GOV made the recommendation to keep him intact until he is two.

After talking to a number of people, and looking at the market, my current lifestyle and capabilities, it was decided that he should be gelded.

It isn't a reflection of his behavior or his conformation. It's just that he doesn't have the current requirements to make that career path successful. So, it's off they come for a happier lifestyle.

Truth be told, there is an incredible amount of ego when it comes to that decision. There were times where I thought he could be a competitive pony stallion. There were times where I thought he go into the books and reproduce successfully. But then I look at what it takes to have a good stallion (from sheer raw gaits/talent to genetics), how much negotiation and promotion goes on. So from a good stallion, he'll be a great gelding.

Other than that, he's fantastic, if not finally awkward looking.

Get bent

2010-10-30T18:24:00.000-07:00

We're back in the full swing of training, and the weather, time and everything else is cooperating for once.

Sinari, despite the odd days on and off has come back exceedingly well. With the support team firmly in place, her work has improved. The ground has even softened up to go for a canter or two in the fields.

We have decidedly gone back for the next few sessions and reaffirm and build a finer base, which she's already benefited from. I haven't worn my spurs in about a month and until recently, worked in the snaffle.

The joy about Sinari is that she has most of the tricks already programmed. She's always been really crack at the changes, and things like the tempi's are really no issue.

It's just now about making sure that they are solid enough to go forward by next summer to the FEI.

In the meantime, I am aiming for a small winter show at the start of December. Third level.

7th Heaven.

2010-10-21T19:24:00.000-07:00

I'm not a stranger to verband inspections.

I've been to about eight to ten in the past five years, mostly the ISR, AWR and GOV inspections. Each time I go as spectator, I pick something up about conformation, movement and presentation.

While Sinari is registered with AWR as a sport pony, and as Welsh D I wasn't completely happy with the quality of what the book was showing. So, when an opportunity presented itself to show in front of a different book, I took it.

The Hanover book is one of three German pony books (the other two are Weser- Ems and RPSI) that inspect and represent the sport pony population. Of the three, Weser- Ems and RPSI have American offices, the Hanover people... well, they have email and one inspection in the states per year. In Illinois. And when I breed, to have the foals inspected, I need to ship to Germany. Ouch.

The German books are notoriously tough, and it's been a while since I presented anything. So I was a little more than nervous. So the day before I spit polished the mare, worked on standing her up.

The inspector looked her up and down, watched her move (thankfully Sterling was handling I'm not fit to run anymore). She looked amazing for just being pulled back into work. Minus the walk, everything was above board, earning an overall score of 7.3333, .2 shy of being considered in to the premium book. Because I was tired and a bit stressed, I forgot to ask about mare performance testing, and whether or not they would allow me to go forward and do it at the GOV site next September or I would have to earn my scores.

Overall I'm pretty impressed.

Next big project is clipping.

Fields O'er Which the Reaper's Hand has Passed

2010-10-17T18:36:00.000-07:00

The ink has barely dried on WEG, and with a minute window of opportunity, I responsibly shunned responsibilities for a weekend and escaped with the boy to a location that had a total of ten stoplights and no cell phone reception.

I went to the woods to get briefly get away from my life before the winter season and inspection struck and I would be unable to get away. I rode lightly throughout the week, checked in on young one, made a few decisions and then made arrangements to make sure everyone is looked in on.

It was fantastic. An hour out of Lexington, the world changes. The world slows.

And being unable to have much contact with the outside world, I did things that weren't among the normal routine.

I slept in, I took a long bath. I read two books. We watched movies (on cable), we ate... a lot.

To add to things, fall is a pretty time in Kentucky, and to be in the woods, is to watch the world transition.The fields are empty, the barns are full, and the colors turn bright.

Most times, fall means clipping the unenviable dread of the following season.

The reality of my, or any horse person's situation, that vacations or time off is non existent. When you do get it, run with it. Run hard. And never feel guilty about it.

We came back today, and while already the emails have started piling up, the house needs to be cleaned, the cats needed to be coddled and the week returns to normal tomorrow, It doesn't feel impossible to get through.

From the center

2010-10-07T19:05:00.000-07:00

WEG is over for me and I'm very happy to be able to walk away from the chaos for a little bit. I also didn't realize September has ended and we have slipped into October.

I'm happier about getting back to riding at an quiet barn, and back to routine. Since Gal's clinic, life has been non stop. At the barn the owner was hosting several reining pairs for the freestyle and people were in and out constantly.

This past weekend was the first weekend I actually got to sleep in, eat breakfast not at break neck speed and catch up with a few neglected items.

It also means I'm getting on the pony more and in cold weather, it's been adventurous!

It's also helped us out a lot. First day back I just stayed out of the way while she went on and did tons of stretch, bend and deep work, followed by the second day of working through transitions. Today she reeled off a set of four time tempi's, the first time in three months. I understand they were probably gimmes, but I'll take them.

Sinari has come back much stronger, but in the same breath, less fit. Cold weather and more forgiving ground means we actually get to go out galloping.

With the end of September, it means recap time:

-Transitions, transitions, transitions.
yes, yes and yes. These have become much crisper in the past month.

-Forward
Yes, much more in front of the leg.

-Get back to normal.
Yes, we have been cleared to canter and the majority of work. Even threw in a few changes.

October's Goals:
-Conditioning/get back into a solid four day week schedule.
-On the aids changes
-Transitions
-Add more lateral work
-Consistency

Stud Muffin

2010-10-03T16:59:00.000-07:00

When Sincere was born, I was really disappointed that he came out as a colt.

It wasn't because he was imperfect, quite the contrary, it was because he was a colt.

I like fillies. I like competing mares. Mares have more to give, and the lines are far more precious than that of their male counterparts. And like my mother, anything male in the household tends to end up getting neutered at one point or another.

It also probably doesn't help that the colts I really hadn't really gotten along with for various past reasons. Many of them being that geldings were zero personality pushovers and the stallions I handled weren't the best of individuals and I wish I could put nuticals in place of testicles.

So when Sincere came out, I pretty much said lower lobotomy please.

I cannot say what entered my mind when I showed photos to the GOV of him. Perhaps it was because he's going to push pony, or just the sheer fact that I have interest seeing this cross go onto a proper book that would promote him as an athlete instead of a halter reject. When I mentioned that he was going to go under the knife, they advised against until the two-year-old keuring was complete.

Huh? Since when was sparky a candidate for keeping the appendages? And what are they potentially seeing that I'm not?

The world on a string

2010-09-29T08:46:00.000-07:00

I'm slowly waking up. This week was a blur of last minute appointments, hand shakes and clean up.

It's day five of WEG, and I'm in the thick of it. I'm sitting in the hacienda-styled IALHA booth. I've made a few friends, and caught up with people that I haven't seen in awhile.

The booth sits across and adjacent to the Parelli and Lyons booths has actually been interesting. Both are very nice individuals, and offer fellow vendors coffee almost every morning. No Kool-Aide yet.

The horse community is my extended family of sorts, while we may not share the same DNA, we occasionally share the same dysfunctional and addictions.

Life isn't too bad here.

The bus (amazingly) runs on time and is a great drop off location. There is a huge variety of people and things do to, daily. And, yes, while prices are very high (minus the Bit of Britain people who are amazingly cheap), I think the general feeling is a happy one among the visitors.

The equine village is huge, and the Alltech experience is by far amazing. The only thing I have to really fault is that they need to develop more variety of their already outstanding line of beer.

The place is literally a candy land for horse people and I'm sorry for those who are missing it, I'm also sorry my time here is short.

Although short, it's busy.

I also got to chat to the heads of the GOV, to catch up with breeding news and to ask them their opinions about the ponies in question. We'll be attending inspection next year barring a few items on the agenda. I've talked to potential sponsors, talked to potential clinicians and venue sites. I've also caught up with the current ones to say thanks and to keep them in the loop of things.

I literally have walked about 15 to 20 miles.

It also means I haven't seen too much of the ponies lately. I know Sincere is alive and well, Sinari is being ridden infrequently at best. Which, doesn't surprise me (considering schedule) and also disappoints. I was hoping to use the week off from work to bring her back more consistently. We are cleared to canter, we are cleared to go back to quasi-normal work, it's just been a pill as far as scheduling a ride.

Otherwise, it's been a great adventure so far and I can't wait to continue it.

Grace be with thee

2010-09-19T19:59:00.000-07:00

If you asked me ten years ago what I would be doing in 2010, I would tell you I would be riding, and be in the north east. I would have told you Germany would still be earning gold medals and the US would still be an alright team. I would have told you I would have been a professional something-or-other and an Adult Amateur.

I would have been fine, if not accepting of this.

I moved to the south east for university, not expecting to stay, but ended up staying. I ended up working as a staff writer, an editor, a website developer and photographer. I found Amazon to actually pay. I found a pony, and lost the horses. The Dutch team came to power, and has remained there. World breeding has improved, and we now have amazing individuals. There is even a large event in my backyard on occasion.

With the start of Team EnGaged and the evolution of the 2010, 2011 roster I feel more than blessed with my team, the teachers, the trainers, and the opportunities that have developed for this region. I feel privileged to be one of its stewards to help guide and shape it for coming years. I feel honored to have met, and learn, from the very best.

While I can give some insightful report to Edward's clinic, I'm going to leave that to the auditors and the pundits. What I will tell you is he is the real deal.

Above anything else, yesterday, I was reminded grace exists. That community, no matter how battered, still is able to ban together and create new foundation and that the occasional risk does pay off.

I cannot thank the individuals enough who had made that day special in my mind and others. Let us continue building, and growing. Let us continue to celebrate education, and our accomplishments. Together, we can move forward.

Time is on my side

2010-09-11T18:54:00.001-07:00

Time has been slipping towards the inevitable around here.

There are less than 14 days to go for WEG, and one week for Edward Gal's clinic. Everything, and I mean everything, has been kicked into high gear.

Sinari's training has both progressed and taken a step back.

While we are still at the walk and trot. we've managed to clean up more of the basic work. Transitions are much more clear, there feels like more self carriage and a bigger trot. We've also been working on the extended walk to collected walk and shortening the walk steps. On the side, halt transitions as well.

We also took a step back from the double and the spurs. We're back in the snaffle and getting her hotter off the leg. Also spent the majority of the week without stirrups to help my position.

All in all, it's good. But man, I miss lateral work.

Editorial: Universal benefit

2010-09-03T20:34:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I received a flier in my email for a US pony clinic that is regionally taking place and sponsored by the USDF, hosted by the pony maven herself, Lendon Gray.

How proud I was to read that ponies are finally getting a boost from the national governing body. And how disappointed I was when I read further that it was just for the juniors*.
I am open that I am an adult pony rider. It's been my primary interest now for the past six plus years. This is despite being aged out of the FEI pony division for over a decade and now being considered an adult amateur.

I also consider myself very lucky. My primary mount, Sinari, is working FEI, and hopefully Sincere will follow along. I'm also lucky to have exposure to the best in the industry to help facilitate that goal of continuously reaching for FEI.

Unfortunately there are some hard truths to this path:

If you are an adult, training/riding FEI on a pony, in the US, you are out of luck with help from your governing body. FEI doesn't recognize adults on vertically challenged equines (can't compete CDI's unless specified pony classes), and unlike Europe, there aren't specific pony awards, strong pony verbands or governing body supported shows that support the production of dressage ponies.

To add to this conundrum the pony-kid population that does dressage that is qualified for these clinics are low, and sometimes non-existent in some areas. Not to mention the pony population to truly support them is lagging as well.

It is also been known for sometime that the main population of pony candidates isn't with the juniors, it's with the adult amateur/open population who has the time and financial backing to develop the population.

While, this is changing, slowly and for the better, developing ponies with a varied pool of talent, bloodlines and rider capabilities alongside the sheer square footage of the regions is dauntless.

So, if the idea is to develop ponies the are competitive with Europe, while remain competitive to the FEI levels and boost the population, it would be of benefit to have equal consideration among both adults and juniors to participate in the clinics.

This would not only give the pony population a national way of being developed to team quality, but begin to develop a market for breeders to showcase their offspring, a start of an end market and the potential creation of a network of pony schoolmasters. This system creates known riders to develop the pool of talent to further the quality, but also allows breeders to produce the future quantities (weeding out and developing bloodlines) to support the upcoming talent.

But, until a population is developed by the national governing body that is rewarded to its dedication to the ponies, the pony population will remain with the hunters and driving and not dressage.

-----
*Lendon later disclosed on Facebook that they do accept adults as second tier choices.
*Ellie Brimmer also mentioned that Para Equestrians are allowed to compete ponies at the international level, despite age and status with their NGB.

I know where you go, is where I want to be

2010-09-01T19:17:00.000-07:00

Fall means burrs and the end of summer slick long yearlings.

As we enter into the year and a half mark, Sincere has grown up mentally, but not physically. Which makes me a happier than usual person. I think his mother's genes are finally taking over in the phenotype department. His classmates are a full hand taller.

He's still nice to look at, and hasn't hit the yearling uglies yet. But I think that will change when I put the blanket on him.

The pumpkin colt has accepted a lot more things in his life. Although his grand adventure to the park never occurred (time schedule was flummoxed), he did manage to do other things in life, among them is begin to be prepared to be gelded.

For many reasons, we elected not to do a field surgery. I've seen and experienced one too many bad ones and it's not a bad thing to have a 24 hour stay while being watched under sedation. For this, he's receiving jabs to update and prepare him for the inevitable separation.

Sincere is also in the stall more frequently and doing more grown up things such as now wearing a saddle pad and having a sursingle flung on him occasionally. He's pretty cool with everything as usual.

Recapping August's goals:
-Going to a show
Prepared, never got to. Which was a dissapointment.

-Loading/unloading
Nope.

-Prepare for lower lobotomy.
-Yep.

September goals:
Get through the last series
Get through WEG
Load in trailer

Hook me up a new revolution

2010-09-01T18:57:00.000-07:00

I had every intention of writing last week, but frankly, time and energy (lack of) got to me. With the impending WEG and Gal clinic, things are only starting to heat up.

First, Sinari is doing fantastically. The exercises given to us by Christoph plus the concentrated work at the trot has really come along. But I still miss lateral work and flying changes, not to mention cantering.

So to pass the time, I've taken away my stirrups. I felt I needed to refine my position a bit and learn to ride the movements with a more uber streich-like hand.

It's also been a month of experimenting. I've started the SUCCEED digestive conditioning program challenge. For the next 90 days, the pony will be on the sauce. Already, after one week she's more supple behind the saddle, and feels much happier while girthing up.

She apparently feels so good that when I walk in the barn with the tube in hand she lunges and sucks on it like a lollipop. Thank you SUCCEED for making my pony an addict.

Any event, recapping August:

August goals:
-Pirrouettes/Half Pass:
Lost out on this one. We weren't allowed on anything smaller than a 20 meter circle, let alone lateral work.

-Tempi's
Lost again. No canter = no changes. But we did work through changes of bend.

-Forward:
Score! Much more forward through the Kyra K exercise and colder weather.

-Run through PSG once
Negatron.

September's goals:
-Transitions, transitions, transitions.
-Forward
-Get back to normal.

To every season

2010-08-24T18:08:00.000-07:00

I've been silent due to the pick up around here. It's about 30 days to WEG and the pace has dramatically increased around town and at home.

I'm kinda happy to have light sessions at the barn.

We've been under saddle for about two weeks now, while we haven't been cleared to canter, we've been cleared to do lots more trot work.

Which despite the boring nature of straight lines and 20 meter circles, it's actually been a good time to implement what we learned at Christoph Hess' clinic, to go over the finer points of transitions and the scale. We needed to do this, it has helped create more consistency.

Her walk has improved from the short concentrated work. It feels perky enough where she can start working half steps again after the ban has lifted.

It's also been a good time to clear up some equitation issues and experiment a little more with the double.

But what I miss most is the lateral work. It's second nature at this point to integrate it into the daily work. But since we can't use it at the moment, we've done other exercises to help keep up the suppleness. Serpentine and corners.

I'm also going to miss much of what I laid out for us in August. I would have liked to run through PSG at least once and perhaps work on the tempi's but, not in the cards.

Go speed racer

2010-08-13T19:49:00.000-07:00

With my partner out and about in the universe, I'm in charge of feeding the boy.

Since the hot weather hit the region, the grass, and his main caloric intake, has burned off. Enter in concentrates and some one on one time. He's been regularly on this diet now for about two weeks, and caught up with the weight.

The fun part about feeding time is I get to fuss over him and to try new things.

Among the list is getting him used to the idea of having a saddle pad on/flung him. I thought the first time was a fluke because he didn't react, the second and third time it was pretty dead on he didn't care. I upped the ante with a sursingle (didn't girth it just placed), I got more reaction out of the fly spray. We also got to lead in tandem through several gaits, the dressage arena and around various farm implements with him being on the right and his travel companion on the left.

For a yearling, this isn't too bad at all. The last set I handled were pills of the first order and would no sooner mow you down for a blade of grass than mind you.

Then I decided today was a great day to learn to pony.

I love ponying. I think it's a fantastic way to let young horses see the world while developing muscles and brains.

Except one problem, I don't have a pony that ponies. Nor do I have the equipment to do it with (I like western saddles for this cause).

What I do have is a golf cart.

We lead without minor incidence (some stop and stare) but otherwise, he was happy to lead on his off side back to the paddock to see his buddies. Got lots of apple treats and scratches. He's come a long way.

These boots are made for walking

2010-08-10T18:37:00.000-07:00

We're back under saddle and needless to say I'm a much happier person. It was a long, boring two weeks of cold hosing, hand grazing and adjustments. I think Sincere is officially sick of me.

The ride itself was nothing spectacular. Just a brief walk around the polo field. She was great.Would have gone and rode today if it wasn't for the 103 degree weather and me sweating standing still. There are times I miss the North East, this is one of them.

Our return has meant a few more sacrifices, specifically, my right boot. The Mountain Horse zipper finally gave out and went off the track. So I'm tracking down the ye olde boot smithe to fix so I don't look so hillbilly like. It also reminded me that I need to find a pair to go in the public with.

Fall is definitely approaching quickly, the town meter which had read 800 days till WEG a few years ago has been pushing lower double digits, the weather has become more bi-polar and people are swinging towards championship season. I can't wait for WEG, and the crown of the season for Team EnGaged- Edward Gal's clinic.

The end of summer and soon the season is the cornerstone of our year out. While she isn't 100 percent now, give it a few weeks and she will be up to snuff to go onto PSG next year. I don't know if we'll reach the goal of running through the PSG once this month, but by September we should be going well enough for one of the Snowbirds.

Rubber ducky, you're the one

2010-08-02T18:51:00.000-07:00

Often times in my travels, the baby is put by the wayside.

It's a terrible, yet sometimes fortunate thing.

As much as I want to see, and play everyday, it's sometimes best to let the young horse grow up on his own. I'm afraid if I play with him too much he'll not only forget that he's a horse, but get burned out on attention.

So for the past two weeks, I haven't seen the kid. I felt guilty and traipsed out there on Sunday and did the girliest thing I could- I bathed him, soap and all.

He was really unamused by this aspect, now smelling like tea tree oil, cherries and other very feminine flavors. But he did well, standing up on the ties, without calling or any huge flair (and this was with his buddies calling to him). In fact, I think he secretly enjoyed the pony parlor day.

Sincere, was dare I say, mature for his age.

So with July gone, our goals:

-Consistency on the cross ties
Met and exceeded. Doesn't mean I can wander out of sight and have him stay put. But for the most part, he stands up.

-Loading and unloading
Haven't practiced this any.Tomorrow we'll get to see how he rolls.

-New and different places.
He goes to different places on the farm, without a fuss as long as there are cookies involved. Sincere has always been easy going that way. He reminds me of the porgy little mamma's boy who always wants a cookie and is spoiled to death by his aunties. At least with him, food motivation is a good thing. He'll do about anything as long as there are treats involved. Huzzah for the food motivated baby.

August's goals:
-Going to a show
-Loading/unloading
-Prepare for lower lobotomy.

That's why they call it window pain.

2010-08-01T19:14:00.000-07:00

It's tough sitting at home at the high point of the season.

Normally this time of year we have at least two or three shows under our girths and we're well on our way to at least one or two more.

We're not this year.

I've had several people ask me this year why I'm not taking the pony to the shows or going to the Pony Cup. Apparently our absence has been felt somewhere.

I decided back in 2009 that to reach PSG, I needed to take the year to develop the pony up without holding back.This means sitting out from the shows to school up without having to go back and work on the tests that we are showing.

It also means a substantial investment in equipment, support crew, training and time. All of which come out of the ubiquitous show fund.

Already this year I've obtained a trailer, put Sinari on Adequan IM and Legends, developed a bevy of support crew (chiro, acupuncture and massage) and are on our way to obtaining a County Saddle. We're training weekly with our coach, and clinicing regularly with great judges.

It doesn't mean that we're not happy sitting on the sidelines, but it means that we'll be prepared for the next go around and more ambitious goals (Devon anyone?).

It's also means that we've accomplished the majority of our goals every month, goals such as July's.

Straightness
Got it, almost too well. Have to go back to bend and flex.

Action/reaction
Improved.

transitions in and out of the gaits and between
Improved, and with some new tricks to help get a better amplification. But as said before need more forwardness.

tempi's
Accomplished, but we need more time on these. I like to do them in the outdoor to get the space and timing correct.

August feels a bit buggered already with time off. So if these come to fruition I'll be very happy.

August goals:
-Pirrouettes/Half Pass
-Tempi's
-Forward
-Run through PSG once.

The view from the corner office

2010-07-31T06:26:00.000-07:00

It seems happenstance between Sinari being temporarily off, and my current schedule for scribing has taken over my life.

I'm three days deep into watching very talented Juniors and Young Riders ride quality horses. Not all rides were great. There were a number in the high 50's, low 60's. On top of this, we broke into the 70's maybe four or five times throughout the week, and these were deserved scores by pairs that had rode ultra-clean and maxed out tests.

I'm finishing up my hours needed to pursue my L, and by the end of today, I'll have a surplus of hours. Which, in my book is great.

But the perk isn't just finishing off my required hours, or sitting and watching the FEI arenas with ultra-cool (and very nice) international judges who have been teaching me from everything about where to shop for judge clothes (thank you Ms. Foy) and the finer details of 7's versus 8's, all the while giving me a perspective from a greater standpoint. No, the perk is sitting in the box at the crack of dawn in Kentucky, sipping on coffee waiting for the first ride to come down the concourse, knowing that this is where I feel at home and best serving of a sport that has already provided so much.

Heartbreak warfare

2010-07-28T19:30:00.000-07:00

I've been holding off on this post for a little while now for a few reasons.

First, and mostly, there's been a lot on the plate. The clinic was a massive success, beyond what I had expected for the results, quality and turnout. Christoph is a clinician worth attending and riding with. Even as organizer, I want to ride with him as many times as I can. We're booking for next year.

Sinari was beyond cool for this and despite having the screws thrown at her in horribly hot weather and by the end of the first day she was sitting more like an I2 horse than a 3rd pushing PSG. When she got it right, she was truly impressive and I think she showed the glimmer for the future.

Our clinic was over for us after day one, I came in Sunday when I found Sinari more that just lame. Our theory is that late Saturday, early Sunday she became cast in the stall. While she got herself out of it, she had huge amounts of swelling on the right side. Thankfully nothing broken, nothing strained. In short, shit happens, and occasionally it happens in the least convenient moment.

A quick call to the vet, lots of reassurances to everyone and multiple things later we were bandaged up and retired out for the day. But admittedly, it was a lonely ride home.

Fast forward to today, we're almost out of the woods. Sinari has progressed phenomenally. We'll be off the major drugs tomorrow and the standing wraps.

If we're lucky, should be back in the saddle in the next coming weeks.

I wish all my pony peeps best of luck at the Pony Cup this year, I heard the fields were pretty light, probably a reflection of the recovering economy. If everything works out this year, we'll be back up there.

Don't make much of it

2010-07-18T15:52:00.000-07:00

The loading series of Legend is over, and we have one more of Adequan to finish off the series.

The change has been remarkable. Her gaits have amplified, she's gained about 7 to 10 pounds of muscle in all the right, hard to develop places.

The gaits and more importantly, the level of comfort within the work has notched up as well. Which makes me very happy.

The last few weeks were dedicated to solidifying the basics for the upcoming Christoph Hess clinic, and it's paid off. The more recent sessions have included working on the fours with the occasional threes, starting quicken the half pass to include rapid changes of bend, more definitive half steps/passage transitions, and the ever elusive pirouettes.

Ah, pirouettes the bane of my current existence.

It's not that I dislike the movement, it's just conceptually hard for me to size them correctly.

Sizes run large and currently entering the next county. It's not that we can't do small ones, it's just we haven't done them, and the concept of space in a 20x60 meter box on a 900 pound pony can be skewed.

Meanwhile, Sinari, for the most part gets them when I conceptually sort things out. Go figure that the pony read the manual before I did.

Because the pirouettes are becoming better, everything else (the canter on the spot, and the cousin of the pir, the half pass) is benefiting from the attention to the little topsy movement.

My current favorite workout exercise is the half pass to centerline to pirouette at the canter to a single or if we're feeling particularly great to a line of fours.

I think we're prepared as prepared can get for this.

This upcoming week promises already to be more than active with last minute preparations and moving about. Did I mention my work schedule now runs from 6am to 2:30pm to avoid the heat? I wonder if I'll survive till Thursday.

Some assembly required

2010-07-14T19:19:00.000-07:00

Admittedly, when I saw Sincere with his bumps, bruises and mono-boob lump, I was not surprised.

Yes, sooner or later the boy needed to burst his bubble wrap, but seriously did he have to do it in a major way?

One part of me was unamused, accustomed to seeing several horses do several more stupid things. The other part, the mothering part (or what's there for a mothering part) was somewhat concerned over the situation.

Lesson learned, nothing about Sincere is small.

For the most part, he's healing up, if not a little sore from his misadventures with whatever he tangled with. His D-cup mono boob has drained to a training bra sized, his bruises have begun to scab over and the bumps, while still tender are going down as well. We collectively decided not to coddle him in this, that being turned out would help the stiffness and keep him from stocking up.

His boo-boo's have also given me the excuse to coddle him extensively.

He regularly stands on cross ties to be groomed, takes baths now without fuss (minus being sprayed in the face), he stands for his dousing of fly spray, and dons the pink SWAT with pride. He is easy going, and enjoys his rewards (food motivation is a plus in my book).

He still needs to wear his fly mask. The flies are atrocious.

Using your noggin

2010-07-10T20:38:00.000-07:00

Growing up in a family of lawyers, there was always talk of lawsuits. From the usual things about taxes to the bizarre twists of liability laws. I grew up with people, corporations and the legal system doing things that a normal person would seem unfathomable.

So, it was a natural step when I started riding (at the ripe age of three) that a helmet should be the proper finish to the habit-of-the-day of a Mickey Mouse bathing suit, jods and paddock boots. My parents continuously remind me that my fashion choices remain to be unusual, even to this day.

While the habit has changed from jods to breeches, from paddocks to tall boots, Mickey Mouse for Ralph Lauren. The helmet, aside from updating, hasn't.

And despite a short run for immortality, I have worn my helmet. It has literally saved my life numerous times, and occasionally allowed me to stand up to naughty pony hi-jinks.

So soon comes the day to don the shadbelly. Over the years the norm has been when you go FEI, you get your top hat and your tails and life goes on.

Frankly, aside from never quite looking right in a top hat, I've never been comfortable with the idea of going without protection. If Dumbo had his magic feather, I have my helmet to save the most valuable, and best part of me. Bones can mend, tendons can be repaired. Brain damage is something I cannot afford to have.

With that thought, I made a personal choice not too long ago and forgo social acceptability, and wear my helmet alongside the shad.

It wasn't a huge leap, some momentous occasion, or even one that deserves to be called courageous or daring, but one that I hope musters some amount of personal thought as to what is covering your most valuable of assets.

Lumps and bumps

2010-07-08T18:42:00.000-07:00

Sincere has always categorically been in my book, a jock.

His handsome, athletic looks really underscore how tough he really is.

So while I normally dispatch with the normal boy chores of keeping his whites white, his mane and tail free of burrs, and the occasional boo-boo.

When I got the call today of, you really need to go see the boy. I was not really prepared to see him sporting all sorts of fun new bruises, a lump between his front legs and scratches in various spots.

The same colt who, at his last place, survived less-than-ideal fencing, rolling under a fence into a strange herd, the stupidity of a working student, an impromptu trailer ride and numerous other things, finally broke his bubble wrap. He is scratched, dented and none worse for wear.

It doesn't mean, as one of his primary caretakers, I don't get to dress his wounds with care, fret a little bit and decorate him in pink SWAT.

Sincere will live.

He's now being accustomed to a new routine, he gets bathed, regularly (this time without protesting, it's too hot). He's groomed on cross ties and is generally learning about his job in life.

So, recapping June, we did meet our goals (if not on the fly). He did load into the trailer, he did go someplace. We didn't get to swim, but we have started to condition for next year.

July's goals:
-Consistency on the cross ties
-Loading and unloading
-New and different places.

Chemical romance

2010-07-04T19:15:00.000-07:00

I live in the thoroughbred cradle of the world, and along side it, there is a major equine pharmaceutical industry.

If you have a problem, there are multiple ways of solving it, among many paths legally, illegally, asinine and old wives way.

While, as they say in the commercials, results may vary, I've usually taken the approach of ounce of prevention versus pound of cure over the years. Sinari has had regular oral supplements for a few years now and is seen by her chiro/massage lady (in addition to all the regular work).

But, since the climb officially began for FEI this year, things have changed. The work is intense. The expectation of consistency has risen. The normal back cracking, oral supplementation won't hold up to the rigors of long term, day-in-day-out training and competing. I've added acupuncture.

And now, I've added pharmaceuticals to the mix in the form of IV delivered Adequan and Legends. We've hit full tilt on the loading stages, and while my wallet feels anorexic, the pony is looking fantastic. She's not PSG due to the inconsistency of work, but already she sits far better, works much easier.

So recapping June's goals:

-Changes.
Cleaner, easier, better balanced changes. Now to up the ante to do them dead on straight. Would like to experiment with the tempi's again.

-Lateral work
Better, but, lacked focus this year. She had brilliant moments and moments where she felt good to do it all, and then moments where she was scrambling. She offered more pirouette work because we cleaned up a lot of it.

-Action/reaction
This mainly had to deal with half halts and going up to the bit and me taking the leg off. When she's tired, she likes to run through.

July:
Straightness
Action/reaction
transitions in and out of the gaits and between
tempi's

A quick note on the photo-- that was Sinari in early 2003, just prior to turning five.

I cannot grow old in Salem's lot

2010-07-02T20:26:00.000-07:00

I finally got a chance to catch up here.

It was a whirlwind tour of clinics, photographs and other things that have landed across my desk all at once. Not to mention the regular work, taking care of the ponies and making sure that the laundry (an ongoing battle at my place) is getting done.

First, the Stephen Bradley clinic went off wonderfully. I met dedicated riders, exquisite facility and fantastic horses. Not to mention the technician himself- Stephen Bradley, the most down to earth individual you'll ever meet. We will be having him back on a quarterly basis. So, if you event, come join us for a good time.

The photo on the left is from the second day. But you can check out our facebook page here for more photos and to check out the upcoming events.

Sinari has been gaining more and more consistency over the past few days. Consistency has always been an elusive for us, some weeks are better than others, and having strings of good ones can be rare sometimes. But we've changed a few things. Acupuncture is a huge part of it but we've started on a new course of stuff that is really making the difference. Can't be happier at the moment. I'll post photos to illustrate the difference soon.

Sincere too has worked into his new digs and is continuing on in education. But he's standing butt-high at the moment and I'm just trying to ignore the gangling weed in the yard.

101 Things: Number 92: The written word

2010-06-29T18:06:00.000-07:00

The horse industry is a handshake and nod industry.

Very little formal papered agreements pass through our hands in regards to employment, obligations and rights. The industry norm is usually based on reputation and the good of one's word within the community.

In other words, you expect Jim Bob to show up with the monthly delivery of 100 tons of hay for X dollar amount on Tuesday (he also expects a cheque and a beer). Or you expect that barn builder to throw your fence up at X dollar amount per foot and finish the job at hand.

Because they said they would.

These are unusual practices to to any industry outsider and is confusing considering the amount of cash, capital and product that flows through our hands.

On any given day, a collective, well-bred herd with a performance history is worth minimum, $10,000 and even the cheapest

I remember way back when, even as a working student, that there was no written contractual obligation, just a verbal agreement that I would show up three days a week and clean stalls for a lesson once a week. It wasn't up until recently, that I started putting things in formal writing including keeping track of expenditures and personal labor.

I would like to think that every handshake and nod deal that I've transacted with has gone fabulously, with the goods delivered in full on both parties ends, but all things said, it's also an industry that you've come to expect the unexpected.

Getting things in writing (e.g. creating a contractual obligation) is a necessary thing, it clarifies party responsibilities, creates clear boundaries, and protects individuals from, among other things, faulty memories.

So do yourself a favor, periodically review your boarding contracts, and your transactions. You never know what you might find.

All in the family

2010-06-19T20:27:00.000-07:00

I've followed Sinari's family for sometime.

Her dam, Maid Marion, who is spry at 17, pushed out her newest colt earlier this year. Her full-sister Erin, is also a producing as well. Sinari's sire, Comet has long been gelded (seems to be a trend with horses I've owned).

The line, especially the dam lines, have always been of interest to me. They are strong lines, and do well even when crossed with less-than-stellar, if sub-par stallions. I've tried to obtain the dam on a few occasions to produce another half to Sinari, but no dice.

So, when I saw a two-year-old colt by North Forks Cardi out of her half-sister, Anwylyd, it automatically piqued my interest due to the impending ET with Sinari and this stallion.

The colt, Fogerty FF, which had recently sold to Maine, was sold to an FEI rider as a dressage prospect and is expected to mature about 16 hands.

A few quick email exchanges, and then a very long, but great phone call, I got to know the family that much better.

Her half sister, Anwylyd, who stands 16 hands (whereas Sinari is 14.1), is a black, but similarly marked (two hind socks). She has the same low-tolerance of children, stupidity and shots. She, like Sinari, is a firecracker undersaddle, good gaits and has the same stop and stare mechanism when spooked.While her under saddle career started later, she showed good talent for the sport.

From what she told me about the particular nick, it crossed incredibly well (I think it will be a repeat cross) and the sire improved everything that the damline needed improving while improving ability, and not loosing the sensitivity.Watching these horses mature into heavy-hitting performance horses only serves to bolster the proof.

With glowing recommendations like that, it's making me really impatient to do this cross.

Speaking of the pony, it's been hot and under saddle work has been regulated to outdoors, and during the evening. We've stuck to the polo field, working on sorting out a few things (namely changes) and some piaffe. This week is shaping up to be busy, work, riding, Stephen Bradley Clinic and a photo shoot with Michael Modecki. Oh yeah, we've been invited to help demo the Welsh breed at the International Equestrian Festival. Anyone know where I can find a shadbelly on the fly?

Moving on up to the east side

2010-06-19T19:30:00.000-07:00

It has been a long week of planning, packing and moving in the ugliest of hot weather.

I finally had enough of spending a portion of my weekend traveling out to east of nowhere Kentucky to visit Sincere. It ate up a good portion of my gas and not to mention budget when I had to run out there for only an hours worth of time. Feasibly, it was alright for an in-between, but long-term, to make him a successful candidate for the sport, he needed to be closer to home.

So we made arrangements to move, and we did so on Thursday.

I was a little worried about how he would have handled to the travel. The last time he shipped was with his mother, this time he would have to load himself (which we haven't done) and travel about 80 miles back near where Sinari is. The heat too played a huge factor, it was awful out and I wasn't looking forward to moving, let alone having a horse on the road in it.

Good news is that with a small bit of encouragement from behind he got on with very little issue, traveled the length of the 80 with very little fuss and stepped off into his new world. Ate and drank normally and was no worse for wear.

It feels great to have him nearby, I've already been out twice to play.

We kicked off the homecoming with a shower (unamused), a mane combing (unamused) and a walk about away from the herd (really unamused). I'm sure he'll get used to the idea of being in and out of the stalls more, and getting regular baths, especially since the weather is giving me the excuse.

Ready to run

2010-06-14T18:19:00.000-07:00

The hot weather has slowed everyone down, mentally and physically and my normally exuberant boy spends most of his time in the run in shed now.

I can't say I don't blame him. I wish I could hang out in the shade too, preferably with a box fan or six on me, a tall cool drink of something on the side and my friend around me.

Reporting on what's been going on with Sincere for May is a bit like reading the Level One readers; basic, with very little effort.

Truth is, as much as I like working on the upper level stuff, I enjoy the young horse end of it as well. He is enthusiastic about his current job, works well on the triangle and clips. Isn't too sure about the farrier and pulling his mane is a pain (even with drugs), but overall not a bad month of progress.

For June, I guess working on conditioning, trailer loading. If I have time, I would like to take him for a dunk in the pool, and get him through one of those fun lead trough trail courses. Keep the next few months especially easy for the heat and his upcoming lower-lobotomy.