My California Girl

Allie & Merlin

I love when my girls make time to visit when they are in town.  Allie has since moved to California, not far from San Diego and was in town for a visit with her family and made time to meet me for dinner last night.  It is amazing to see the girls grow up and to follow their paths.  Some aspects of the roads they are on are similar to mine, some are not.  I was a stop on the path in their lives at some point and when we get together, we always get a kick out of laughing about old times at the shows with the horses and ponies. 

The big sister/mom in me (two monikers I will actually never wear) always listens and can’t help but try to add some wisdom and advice.  Because my journey in life has been far from perfect, I feel I can offer some lessons from my war stories.  So, I do.  Most of all, I offer the message that you can do anything you want, be anything you want.  Aim high and, to quote one of my favorite sayings by Emerson, “Hitch your wagon to a star.”

Like a parent, I want the best for my girls but most of all, I want them to realize their potential.  Women are powerful, powerful people and once they figure that out, the knowledge of that power can catapult them to personal success they never expected.  And I feel once anyone realizes how simple it is to take one step towards their own progress and how quickly things start falling into place after that, it is a high like none other. 

In my darkest days during the most trying of times, knowing that I just had to put one foot in front of the other and something good could come from it is what kept me going.  And got me to here.  But I’m not done, and I get excited just thinking about where these feet will take me next and I can’t wait to see where my girls are headed.

Grab mane!

What a weekend!  Got to ride both days and had the special treat of having a friend from high school days come and visit!  It is so rare when I have friends visit at the barns (one can’t expect visitors often, though, as let’s face it, riding is really boring to watch!) so it feels like Christmas when they do. 

On Saturday, I rode at Denise’s on little Molly mare.  She was a really good girl and I really enjoyed that ride.  I rode with Bob and Maeve in their lesson again – I always enjoy riding with them.  Such a nice couple.  Denise had to run to a show after that so I drove my friend back to Fairfax so they could see the rest of the people on their list, then I headed back to horse country for a ride at Jess’s.  I rode Phaleen, who is just pretty, pretty, pretty!  She has huge ears but I love them!  She has the prettiest dishy face too.  Phaleen was my practice ride.

Cool pic! I love it!!!

Next day, I went back to Jess’s and had a lesson on Lenny.  Ack!  I’m such an idiot on Lenny!  Lenny has a huge thrust off the ground and for the life of me, I have the hardest time staying with his jump!  I’ve mentioned it before when I ride him – he really forces me to ride right.  God save me if I don’t!  All I can say is, there was a lot of mane grabbin’ goin’ on!  My friend took a video of me and I can see (and trust me, people have told me this before) that if I get there long, I sit up too soon (basically, I’m sitting up over the jump) and at that point, the horse is just kicking his hind-end up which means I then get kicked in the butt and land in a heap on the other side.  Over the next jump in this line we practiced, I had my foot more out in front of me and it gave me a much more secure seat in the air and on landing.  

I was so displeased with my being such a chicken on Lenny that I asked Jess if we could do as many lessons as possible on Lenny moving forward.  It’s just absurd that a person with as many years experience as I have is reduced to such a goofball when riding a certain type of horse!  So, that’s gonna stop and we’re gonna get that right.  GAME ON!!!

All of that was yesterday and the weather was just spectacular.  I am afraid it is probably one of the last days we are going to have like that.  But, soon, things will get chilly enough to where a day in the 40’s is going to feel fantastic.  So, I should stop whining.

Weekend Wrap-up

No weekend is complete without my riding all over the countryside.  This weekend was no different. 

Bob and I headed to our usual breakfast Saturday morning, ran a bunch of errands then headed our separate ways.  He, to the boathouse, me to my barns.  First stop was Dover, though.  Dropped off a blanket and a fly sheet to be cleaned so that I can store them away until the miraculous day arrives that I might have another horse.  Was glad to get those out of the basement and garage where they have been residing for quite some time.

On to Middleburg to visit Denise and ride Flash and Molly.  Rode Flash in a lesson with Allison on Winnie and rode Molly in a lesson with Bob and Maeve.  Worked hard, as usual, and had a blast.  Flash is such a good horse.  He’d make a fabulous equitation horse because he’s so smooth.  We worked through some gymnastics, which were a lot of fun.  Great way to work on your position, which I am always striving for. 

On little Molly, we did a four stride line trotting a stack of poles, then trotting an X and cantering away.  She was a good girl.  Very good pony that Denise has done a nice job on.  She’ll make some little kid very happy some day. 

Afterwards, I headed to Jess’s for my lesson on Klink.  The Klinkernator.  He is my sensitive little flower.  I do enjoy riding him – I like the more sensitive ride.  We focused a lot on an outside line which jumps you into a short distance to the corner.  While I could find a quiet distance in to the two stride line, coming out was always much quicker and as usual, it takes me a few times to get coordinated enough to do my job to help make the line ride correctly and to keep Klink straight to the corner to allow for a clean lead change.  Once my brain was engaged, we ended on a very nice note with a sane jump in, out and a quiet ride through the turn with a nice clean change.  While every horse I ride is completely different, one thing that can remain constant on each horse for me is that I ride smart every time.  I’m getting better at executing a plan much quicker but I don’t like to have to ride through something 4 or more times before I nail it.  You don’t have that kind of time when you are in the show ring on course.  You have that one round and that is it.  So, you have to make good, accurate riding a habit.

The next day, I’d intended to spend with Bob but learned that he needed to go to the boathouse so what do you think I did?  That’s right! Headed to the barn!  I rode Klink again and we worked on an exercise to help us both be smarter about jumping into a short distance to a turn.  I set up a cavaletti in the middle of the ring, giving myself about 4 strides to the end of the ring.  We jumped it at the trot, stopped on a straight line and alternated which way we turned and came back.  Then I did it at the canter and did the same thing, alternated directions to canter off from the halt.  Then I moved the cavaletti to the rail and cantered over it, each direction.  This was too easy because he landed on the correct lead every time.  But, it was a good exercise for us both. 

Sam and I went to lunch together after that – did a little stop at Wendy’s.  Tons of screaming kids in there being ‘attended’ by inattentive parents that all needed to be slapped.  It was so bad, other patrons were sitting outside eating in their cars.  We almost did the same but fortunately, they left before we sat down.  I shot some very wide-eyed, “REALLY?” stares at them a few times.  The kids seemed to be raised by wolves and the parents were clearly oblivious.  Makes me want to have kids just to show push-over, oblivious parents that you and your children can actually practice good manners in public.  That you are not the only people in the world and public places are exactly that.  Public places.  So, respect other people surrounding you.

Off soap box….

If you want to go to Heaven, drive west

I know this might catch the eye of those who might live in our western states but I apologize, I’m not talking about your neck of the woods.  I’m talking about Northern Virginia horse country. 

This way to heaven

By day, I work in a suburb to Washington, DC.  I’m on what used to be referred to as the technology corridor.  It still is the technology corridor but now, it is more correct to call this the defense corridor.  For cyber-stalkers, I’m a stone’s throw from Dulles Airport and have a wonderful view of it from my swanky office.  I’m not kidding when I say a wonderful view.  The sun sets to the west of us, where all of the horse barns are located, and casts the most serene scene while tucking itself into bed for the night behind the Bull Run Mountains. 

As I elbow my way down the Toll Road along with everyone else fighting their way get to the next chapter of their day, I am always stricken by the view of  the sun taking its last peek through the clouds and shining ‘just so’ through the American flag fixed proudly above the airport, surfing on a gentle breeze off the mountains.  I don’t know if it is simply because I’m an American or because I’m a Marine’s daughter but I am very patriotic and do love to see our flag on display.  A Marine Corps flag next to it would be icing on the cake.

Don't forget to wipe your boots!

After about a 50 minute drive, I’m at one of the doorsteps in God’s country.  God’s country has back roads lined with stone walls, split rail and black board fence and pristine green fields kept up by his most loyal caretaker, the horse.  And I, as a loyal subject of the horse, pay my respects to it and the sport at least four times a week.  Good weather, bad weather, hot weather or cold, I am there.  Communion with the horse is not for you if you can only show up every now and then.  There’s no room in the pew for you.  I’m sorry, you’ll need to stand at the back.  The rest of us have been blessed.  We are horse people.

Needless to say, I rode last night.

Tonight’s ride

Too many details to cover for my next posting of my visit to Syracuse (I’ve at least started it) so I’m going to have to skip to filling you in on my ride tonight.

There is constant discussion amongst horsewomen about how they juggle job, home, family and riding.  Thankfully, I don’t have kids and have made certain I won’t have kids but it doesn’t make it any less difficult for me to get out to the barn.  In the words of Nike – Just Do It.

I pack my bag of riding clothes the night before and put the bag in my car.  I have already made certain that all of my equipment is clean.  I usually do it after my ride but if there is an item here or there that I didn’t get to, I do it before the ride.  I never show up less than immaculate, that means me and my equipment.  Like George Morris said in the video I borrowed from Dani and watched on Sunday, “I have a system and I NEVER EVER budge from it.”  I love him.

Ideally, I get to work early so I can leave early.  And I eat at my desk to make that happen as well.  I’m expected to put in 8 hours or whatever it takes to get the job done.  Realisitcally, I am on the clock as long as my boss is awake.  So, if I am up at 6 a.m. and I see an email come through from him, I answer.  Same at night.  I don’t claim that time – it would be a matter of minutes – but my boss at least knows I make a strong effort to be accessible.  Every boss I have ever had has always been cool about me getting to the barn.  With my last boss, I had to sort of work him into the idea that I just might leave after 7 hours but I’d make it up at some point.  With my new boss, who basically got me because of acquiring my last company, we discussed my loyalties to the sport in my interview.  He had absolutely no problem if I left early on Wed/Thu to get to the barn.  Smart girls will get on a level with their bosses where they can swing the same deal.  You’re not 14, you’re an adult and need to make certain everyone respects you as one. 

Anyway, I slipped out at 4:00 p.m. to get a lesson from Sabrina, which, quite frankly was about a half-hour later than I needed, given the time change.  I completely forgot to get to the office earlier to make that a full 8 hours so I wrote my boss a note saying I ducked out a half-hour early (he was in a meeting) to beat daylight.  Thankfully, with the sun setting in the west and all the barns I ride at being in the west, we get just a wee bit more of light out that way.

Made it to the barn in about 45 minutes.  Thanks to Shoogie being clipped and blanketed, grooming was a breeze.  He was a little fresher than usual.  Aside from going around like a giraffe, I actually like him on the fresh side.  He can be a bit dull otherwise and requires lots of spur at the beginning of the ride.  I had my Prince of Wales spurs on tonite which proved to be sufficient. 

We did a proper warm up and moved on to doing things like a figure 8 at trot and canter (with simple change), making a point to stay as straight as possible before changing direction.  This is especially tricky at the canter because I can forget and break into my inside hip and drop my shoulder for this.  After a few reminders, Shoogie and I stayed organized and executed nicely. 

We started out trotting over a little X.  Paying close attention to maintaining straightness and an even rhythm.  This is especially hard when you are on a fresh, distracted horse.  Shoogie likes to lolly gag a bit by ogling the other horses out in the field.  There is lots of looking one direction with shoulder popped in other direction going on.  And, lest we forget the drift towards the barn.  These things are corrected by me with a ‘chatter’ of my spur, as Torrance Watkins calls it, a strong outside leg to correct the drift to the barn and maybe even a little bit of a shoulder in or an indirect rein.  Lots of work and I try it all to get through. 

On the landing, I always, always finish.  In other words, if he lands on the wrong lead, I do a simple change through the trot, wait until he is balanced, ask for the canter, and finish on a few nice, soft strides of the canter.  People, always, always finish and teach your students to finish.  It is like nails on a chalk board for me to watch other people who just careen through the turn with no regard to the ugliness of not finishing the job.  Not that it matters that it bugs me.  Look at a video of yourself doing that and trust me, it’ll bug you.  Plus, you are training the animal, which requires repetition (thanks George) and diligence on your part.  Ride right.

Off soapbox.  After warming up over the X a few times, we then worked in doing so over two Xs on a figure 8.  We then worked at the trot through a two element gymnastic of two Xs, then did the same at the canter.  Eventually, after jumping the two Xs, we continued through the corner to an oxer as the second element of an outside line.  I nailed that thing in stride each time and was very pleased with that.  Because as it is with jumping, there are so many things that must be remembered and be correct and held out for all the way to that jump and if you and the horse disagree or change your minds at any point, things just don’t work out.  So, Shoogie and I both went beautifully to that jump.  I made a specific point of focusing on being as deep in my heels as possible – something that riding Lenny at Jess’s forces me to do or he’ll jump me out of the tack.  The deeper my heel, the more solid my position. 

I did have to stop and back Shoogie two times when he thought it would be fun to drag me through the turns after jumping.  Um, there’s no reason to land and haul ass, my equine friend.  Therefore, ass, meet teeth.  After tactfully backing up (this means without being emotional or abusive) once off the right lead and once off the left lead, my did we have a very respectful partner.  Which allowed me to be soft on the landing and ride a respectable, finished circle at the end.

I always enjoy my lessons with Sabrina, even though neither of us typically has time to do them together.  She keeps a sense of humor, picks up on all the right things and keeps things interesting. 

When I got home, Bob and I sat down with the dinner I brought home (no, ladies, you do not need to feel pressured to cook meals – a man will eat whatever you put in front of him – if he doesn’t, show him the curb), then, after he did the clean up, I vacuumed the lower level because our cleaning lady has been MIA for several weeks now, and I cleaned my boots. 

And now, I am exhausted and it is only 9:00 p.m..  Time to unpack my work clothes and re-pack my bag for tomorrow and do it all over again!  That’s how you juggle job, home, family and riding.  At least for this night.  Throughout the week, there’s a whole science to it.  I will refrain from boring you more.

Syracuse Recap Part I

I love going to the big shows – the good shows that bring all the best talent.  I hate it at the same time.  It absolutely KILLS me to watch the good riders ride.  It sort of gives me a hamster-on-a-wheel feeling, which is something I’ve had for the past five years.  Even though, when I look at my blogging (which is one of the reasons why I keep this thing) I realize I have actually made some headway in working towards my goals.  Quite a lot of headway for a girl who hasn’t owned a horse she could jump in something like, what…six or seven years?  I try not to know the exact amount of years because that would bum me out even more. 

Anyway, I feel as though I should be farther down my personal road.  And quite frankly, how I stay motivated is beyond me.  I think because I have been doing this sport for as long as I have, I feel I can’t stop now or it would make the past 40 years all for naught. 

I am lucky in that I live in a very equine sport-heavy area.  There is no shortage of horses to ride and places to ride them.  I can give myself a pat on the back for always managing to keep several horses under my butt through my networking efforts.  But I can’t help but wish for having my own horse to train my way and to build a partnership with.

Dani (right) and me

Until then, I continue to be a faithful student of the sport and try my best to be as correct as possible in my riding and my horsemanship every single ride.  And, as a student of the sport, I made the trek this past weekend to the Syracuse Invitational with Dani, one of my best horse-girl buds who is as respectful of doing the right thing by the sport as I am.  Dani and I speak the same language and are ‘Morrissians’ – disciples of George Morris.  Which doesn’t mean we rode with him, it just means that we believe in his methods and respect his contribution to the sport.  We’ve attended several of his clinics together and own all of his books and watch as many of his videos as we can.   Also, my trainer in college trained with him and was practically a clone so I am comfortable with the lingo and philosophy.

The ASPCA Jump

We went to the show to specifically watch the ASPCA Medal Finals which really was a treat.  The show is nicely done, a newer show on the circuit which, with a few improvements could easily become one of the best shows around rivaling shows like Harrisburg.  The Syracuse Invitational’s heart is in the right place and can become whatever it wants to be. 

Leslie's boo-boo

While the show ran, there were several clinics taking place in the adjoining building.  I made a point of attending the talk with Leslie Burr Howard.  She’s been an idol of mine for many years and came up through the George Morris system.  Leslie was a delight and had a great sense of humor, especially after crashing a tractor through the wall in the indoor during the Ride and Drive competition (which was hilarious). 

Leslie Burr Howard - An idol of mine

She opened her talk by asking people to ask questions that were important to them – questions that she might be able to answer, given her experience in the business.  The first person was most curious about the timeline of Leslie’s success.  After that question was answered, I raised my hand and asked what advice she could give those who don’t have their own horses, who didn’t in the forseeable future expect to own a horse.  Her answer was one that gave me confidence that I’m on the right track.  She said to realize that you will be riding a lot of not-so-good horses, which will only make you a better rider.  To be certain that you always practice textbook horsemanship to build trust with an owner so that you can continue to ride their horses.  And to give every horse the best ride you possibly can.  Check, check and check.  I can never doubt that I am constantly striving to ride well.  It is most definitely a moving target for me but I never let that goal out of my sight.

The vendors were nice – Dani and I both did some damage while doing our part to boost the economy.  We both LOVE outerwear and picked up some beautiful Helly Hansen jackets at Hadfield’s, who had their fabulous mobile shop parked curbside.  I wish I could direct you to the exact jacket but the jacket selection on the Helly Hansen site is just vast and while I was surfing there trying to find it, I noticed a ka-zillion other jackets and clothing that I would die to have.  Best that I navigate away.

Best surprise of all while in Hadfield’s came from running into an old friend, Harry, who I haven’t seen in about 20 years.  He’s from Holland and I remember him as being a skinny, silly and sweet guy.  He rode with my hateful husband at the time at Chestnut Lawn where they both worked.  I hosted dinners for the guys from Chestnut Lawn, at our humble little apartment from time to time.  They were sweet guys and I always enjoyed seeing them.  They were bright spots in a crappy time in my life.  So, when reintroducing myself to Harry, I got the warmest, warmest hug.  We swapped phone numbers and emails and I plan on catching up in full as soon as I can.  He was working at the show so we were only able to do a brief catch up.  What a blast from the past!

The Saratoga Saddlery guy (a.k.a. the Margarita Man) talked me into a shirt I would never buy for myself (um, because they cost over $200 and are just a bit edgier than I see myself as being).  I actually love it already because of that (the edgy part).  My favorite line from him, “You, in this shirt, would be illegal in most states.”  Sold.  I also bought a Joules Beaufort polo shirt – navy, white and yellow.  Fits me like a glove and I’m ready for it to be warm all over again so I can wear it.

This was fun!

We ate at some neat places.  First night, we ate at bc.  Second night at pastabilities.  We got lucky at both places and didn’t have to wait long to get in.  Each booth at pastabilities had it’s own little board with the magnetized words on it so you could form all sorts of crazy sayings.  Syracuse is quite the sleepy town (well, in comparison to the DC area), despite being a college town and it didn’t appear that there was a large selection of decent restaurants (lots of pubs though!) to choose from.  So, places tended to be quite packed due to the lack of other restaurants to select from.

Have so much more to say but I’ll have to do my Syracuse reporting in parts because there is just way too much to share.  To be continued.

All my bags are packed and I’m ready to go….

I hate packing.  The dogs hate it too.  As soon as they see that suitcase, they go into a dither.  Sassy will go so far as to get inside of my bag in hopes I’ll either take her with me or it will slow me down.  She’s lucky to be alive right now, actually, given that she bit me this morning when I went to kiss Bob goodbye.  God forbid I should touch her man.  She’s lucky I didn’t punt her from one side of the house to the other.  Freaking barracuda.   

This is a quickie trip.  Dani and I are headed to Syracuse for the Medal Finals because we are such horse geeks, it’s not even funny.  I dig that about us, though.  Dani is my horse girl and she’s Bob’s ‘The Hills’ girl.  They chat ‘The Hills’ when Dani comes to visit or if I hand Dani the phone, they txt about it.  Me, I’d be watching some documentary if left to my own resources.  But Bob does love his trash TV.  And since, in reality, I really don’t care about TV (except for the Today Show and NBC Nightly News), we watch what he wants to watch. 

So, I leave tomorrow after work.  Have tried to upgrade myself to 1st Class but because I’m a peon, I don’t think I’ll get it.  It’s a regional jet anyway so it’s not like it is decent first class.  It’s a short flight – I’ll survive. 

I really try to be a minimalist when I pack but somehow, it never works.  But I think I got it right this time.  Just a few sweaters, a few jeans, same shoes, my nifty Spyder ski jacket (as if I ski)…. you get the picture.  Of course I’ll wear underwear but didn’t think we needed to cover that here. 

I’ll try to Tweet.  That is, if something worth Tweeting about happens…. we’ll see.  I’m just psyched to hang wit Dani.

Twiddling with my blog

I’m all proud.  Not only did I add a chat widget but I managed to figure out how to put a hyperlink of text under my Women’s Colony button in the sidebar to the right so you can go directly to my post they published there.  Hah! Do ya hear it?  Yup, that’s me, patting myself on the back.

I can’t take too much credit for the chat widget (although I’m not even sure if it shows if I’m not logged in to Meebo and I can’t access Meebo while I’m at work – that’s probably a good thing).  That was a click and drag, sign up, done.  So, now, if you are visiting my blog while I’m on there you can chat with me!  That might get a little weird for me but we’ll see how it goes.  It takes cyber-stalking to a whole new level!

Behold my upgraded blog!

Weekend Wrap-up (more)

I love riding in the fall

My, my how I love fall.  I feel like fall is my month since I was born in it.  As you might already know, if you’re a friend or a good stalker, this is my birth month.

The picture above is of Tracey (on the right) and me riding in the fall one year.  I had a similar fall day today for riding.  Went to visit Sabrina.  She was going to give me a lesson but I was so beat from yesterday, I just wasn’t feeling it.  So we decided to do a trail ride.  The day was just beyond gorgeous and perfect for it.  I rode Shoogie and she rode Malcom.

Supremo Gold - a.k.a. Shoogie

That’s Shoogie above.  No, that’s not me on him.

Star Innis - a.k.a. Malcom

That’s Sabrina on Malcom.

Anyway, the boys were pretty good.  Well, very good, except they don’t have a lot of gate experience.  Which means they got some today.  There is something to be said for training your horse to walk up close and parallel to a gate and stand quietly while you undo and redo it.  Our boys didn’t quite get that the first 50 tries.  But on the way back, they both did very well and stood quietly. 

The ride was gorgeous but I couldn’t help but think about how the large trail we were on was clearly carved out to be part of a housing development in the not too distant future.  All along the trail were manhole covers marked ‘Loudoun County Sewer’.  Regardless, the ride seemed to go for miles and I’m hoping we can enjoy it for quite some time before everything gets screwed up.

I have to say, there is absolutely nothing more wonderful than being carried by a horse across beautiful countryside.  I always feel truly blessed to be a part of this sport on days like this. 

After our ride, a group of us went to Glory Days for lunch.  I had a nice fat mushroom and swiss burger.  Yummy, yummy, yummy.  Then, it was off to get my car cleaned.  It was pretty nasty from my drive in Middleburg on Saturday.  I always get a kick out of the look of surprise when the car wash guys open the back of my car.  They look at all the horse stuff a little perplexed, they look down and realize there is only about a 2″ swath of carpet they can vacuum back there.  Some don’t even bother, the guy today gave it an obligatory swipe with the vacuum head then moved on to the windows. 

Was supposed to go get my nails done after all of that, but I chose a fat burger instead so it looks like tomorrow will be nail night.  God forbid I should be seen with less than perfect nails.  Dey be pretty banged up right now.  Especially since I came home and cleaned a bunch of my equipment today.  Now that I think about it, my ladies would have been horrified if I came after riding.  My nails take two showers and a good scrubbing with a nail brush to get all the horse and barn dirt out from under them. 

Off to get ready for tomorrow.  It’s going to be a busy week!

Weekend Wrap-Up

Well, the weekend’s not over yet but I feel like I need to crank a few lines out before the day gets away from me. 

Bob’s brother, Matt was in town this weekend.  Friday, we went out to dinner at Carrabba’s and Saturday, we did our traditional breakfast at Silver Diner.  The first time I ever met Matt was at Silver Diner so I always appreciate it when Bob and Matt fit time into their man-schedule to do breakfast with me so we can carry on our tradition.  Plus, you know how I love my breakfast. 

After breakfast, I headed out to Middleburg to ride.  Had a blast riding Flash in one of Denise’s lessons.  Flash is cool.  He’s a TB and is my kind of ride so we mesh pretty well.  After that, we took the ponies to the indoor to motor them around a bit.  They are both green so we keep the rides pretty basic.  Working with youngsters is fun.

After our rides, we headed to Hunter’s Head for lunch.  Such a cozy, warm place.  It was packed in there!  That place kills me.  It is this fairly small place in the middle of a little piddly town but people love it.  They use all local produce and meats.  Have never had a bad meal there.  I had the crab and tomato soup and the field greens.  Yummy!  The pumpkin cheese cake was so, so tempting but thankfully, I didn’t have time to get it.  I was off to my lesson at Jess’s.

I had a lesson on Klink.  He worked my butt off today.  Or Jess did.  Not sure who to blame.  We rode indoors because the weather was being weird.  Sun one second, rain the next.  We did a simple exercise of jumping two jumps on a figure 8 and it never ceases to amaze me how hard exercises like this are.  For me, asking for a good canter transition is work.  I want them to canter from the walk.  Not every horse knows how to do this so it takes a lot of diligence from the rider’s part to set the horse up for the transition and to ask for it each time.  Once you have the canter, just sitting very still in your body and soft in your arm takes work.  Every step, every turn takes work.  Then, you have to get to the fence, keeping the pace the same on your approach which does not involve just holding the reins.  All the way to the jump, it is a constant conversation with the horse thru your legs and hands.  Finding the right distance is always a challenge, then, landing and getting a smooth lead change, regrouping then doing the exercise all over again.  It is tough and exhausting!

I love every aspect of riding and the horsemanship involved with it.  Where many want to simply ride and rush out of the barn, I enjoy the grooming, tacking up, untacking, bathing the horse and cleaning and putting my tack away.  I enjoy taking care of the horse and my equipment.  Yes, it all takes extra time but that’s horsemanship. 

I’m headed to ride at Sabrina’s today.  Just one ride for me today then it is off to the salon to get my nails back in shape for the week!  Friday, I leave for Syracuse!  Dani and I and some of her clients are going to the Syracuse Invitational to see the medal finals!  I can’t wait!!