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For those of you in America, this weekend is an extra special holiday - it's LABOR DAY! Meaning, we American's celebrate the hard working men and women of this country by not working. Traditionally, it also means the end of summer, back to school (for those students that haven't returned already), and SALES!
Today, I'm on the hunt for the best equine deals and steals. My hope is to check off a few items on my wish list, and perhaps save a few buckaroo's, too! While I have a few specialized places I like to go (like TwoHorseTack), I have a few favorite places to do my general shopping, and I've outlined them below. The following sites were each recommended by friends, and my question to you blog-world is simple: Where do you do you equine shopping? What do look for to be on sale? What are some of your seasonal buys?
WHERE I SHOP TILL I DROP:
1. Stateline Tack This site is my go to site for most things. I personally believe they do the best job of showing items exactly how they are, with the most customer reviews. I will personally shout that they have outstanding customer service from the mountain tops! When I needed (wanted) my saddle to arrive before my 3-day trail ride, they ensured it arrived on time at no extra fee! Their people have also helped me find the best products for me and my man when I knew very little. 2. horseloverz.com The black hole of horse shopping. With features like "Deals of the Day" and "Flash Sales", plus "Customer favorites" and "Featured Brands", it's easy to get sucked in. While I am often tempted believe this is a trustworthy outlet, I have my reservations so I am reserving my recommendation for now. Some products I know, look different on their site, so I wonder? The site does have some great features if you're willing to spend hours Regardless, they're advertising free shipping all weekend long and the Horses In the Morning radio show hosts swear by them. Have you ever ordered from horselovers.com? How was your experience? 3. Riding Warehouse Another true favorite of any equine shopper, Riding Warehouse always seems to have something great. Their big sale this weekend, 20% off site wide! Depending on what you're looking for, they may have exactly what you need. 4. Tractor Supply This store is physically a 5 min drive from my house. Clearly, I shop here often and am a proud rewards card member. They carry just about everything you need for nearly every critter on your farm. I also like to pick up husband gifts here as well. I mean who knows when he's going to need some new ratchet straps, tools, manly things, but they've always got a discount bin in the store that could essentially act as my man's toy chest. 5. Southern States This is where I buy all Jean-Luc's feed. It's easy and they have some great programs. I buy locally, and one thing they do worth mentioning is their SHOW rewards program. All you have to do is remember to save your feed bags proofs of purchase. Southern States developed the SHOW Program to provide all non-profit horse associations and clubs their very own sponsorship tool. By simply registering your organization with our home office and submitting proof of purchase seals found on the back or side of each horse feed bag, you can raise thousands of dollars. Details here. Prayers for TexasThe events of this past week and the insanity that has wrecked Texas is not at all lost on me. My heart both simultaneously sores, and breaks every time I watch Cowboys like the now infamous Chance Ward out there saving livestock (you likely saw the video of his son, Rowdy, on horseback working tirelessly to open a gait for another horse and free it from a round pen earlier last week... but in case you didn't you can check it out here). This weekend, if you wish to truly celebrate those laboring to save others, bloodhorse.com has put together an Emergency Response Groups Helping Horses in Texas Flood List. You can learn more about how and where to help HERE.
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Friendly blog advice from fellow horse blogger and professional author Anna Blake Anna Blake is a blogger that I really enjoy reading. There's just something about her style that makes seem like that horse crazy aunt you can't get enough of. In her blog Relaxed & Forward: AnnaBlakeBlog, she describes herself by saying,
"I’m a horse advocate, equine professional, award-winning author, and proud member of the herd at Infinity Farm, on the Colorado prairie. I train horses and riders equine communication skills and dressage, and I write parables about horses and life." Clearly, she is someone to with life-lessons to give. A few days ago she wrote a post titled, How to Relieve Your Horse’s Anxiety. I was hooked from the title considering this past weekend had been one of the worst for Jean-Luc and me. He actually had a mini-bucking fit in the round pen! I was hoping I would find some sort of solace in the time I'd spent with my exceptionally rude equine. Jean-Luc has his temper, but he has never gone full-on bronco in the pen like that. I was confused and also hurt that my horse wanted to be away from me that bad. Is spending time with me really so awful that rodeo shenanigans are called for? Perhaps. It is no secret Jean-Luc desperately wants his horsey friends with him at all times. After reading Anne Blake's post though, I felt much better. While do believe Jean-Luc has some things he is working through, I am also painfully aware that I need to take a look in the mirror occasionally. In her post, Anna sets up something for the reader to try and find, “Tell me why my horse is a spazz bucket!?” The answer isn't always your horse, though. She lays it out there, pretty harshly, that the problem is often times your understanding of their discomfort. Jean-Luc my escape from the real world. In many ways, this means he could actually take on more than some riders who have their mental issues locked and loaded. That said, the reason I believe we work so well is that he honestly doesn’t care diddly about what happened to me, “out there.” I know our best days are the days when I can unload everything at the barn gate, and as guru/yogi as it sounds, “just be”. That said, this past weekend showed me the importance of the "collected" mindset. Up until this point, we always worked in places that I knew he could see his horsey friends. While under some stress, so long as he can see them Jean-Luc usually remains calm. This weekend our work out did not accommodate for his need to see the rest of his herd because they were on the top of a hill grazing far away. Also, I felt it was time to start tilting his head back towards me with the lunge line when he would look away. I was determined to get more focus on me. I am quite sure this is what lead to his stress and he just needed to let it out. He dropped his head low, and sped up around the pen. I was so in shock that he was actually going to buck, the first time I let it happen just to ensure I wasn't crazy and that was the action he was going for. To be honest it was intimidating. I chose to accept his outburst, though, and like a parent working through any child who throws a temper tantrum, I let it happen. Afterwards, I carried on with the rest of our work mostly ignoring the fuss bucket. To the best of my ability, I tried to remember that he was upset. Something in his world was getting rocked, and he was not presently capable of dealing with it. Let me back up for just a second . . .to be clear, I was not this self-aware while in the pen working with him. The level headed thinking I feel that I have now has only come after days of retrospect. The only thoughts I had at the time were, "This is scary!", "I know why your last owner sold your pouty butt," and "It looks like we're going to be here a while." I’m not entirely sure I handled it as well as I could have, but two solid hours of work later I had gained enough confidence to hop on and see what else we could accomplish. While under saddle I worked on leg cues. Turns out Jean-Luc picked up circling with leg pressure really quick. He honestly does have a great brain! I believe one of the reasons we found success that day was because, like Anna Blake's post suggests, I began the day with only one expectation or goal, “Pay more attention to me than where your horse-buddies are.” I wasn't trying to bite off more than I could chew, just enough that we were able to end on good, progressive notes. I truly feel that while the day started a little rocky it ended well because I kept a cool head despite the tantrum. Throwing a fit back would have ended in disaster, for sure. Yesterday I repeated the same lesson almost exactly. This time - no bucks! Though I'm not sure we're finished with these little outbursts, I believe we are at a tipping point in our journey. Today, I saw that I received a little shout out and vote of confidence from Anna B. Here's to hoping her reassurance carries us into our time together this afternoon while on our regular Tuesday trail ride! Tuesday was a nice girls day ride with Liz. I truly needed and enjoyed it. After some unexpectedly amazing news, I met her and our farrier at the barn. She was extremely kind and caught Jean-Luc ahead of time so that we could go on a brief trail ride together after the shoeing. Liz and my BM informed me that Jean-Luc was an easy catch and stood like a proper gentleman. Our farrier had not trouble shoeing, which is normal, and things went off without a hitch. After getting new shoes, Liz and I saddled up, just barely missing a rain storm, and headed out. Her lovable husky, Keni, came with us, and we both relaxed making the idle girly chat. Jean-Luc acted a little hot, but I didn't think much of it. He tried to nip once or twice at Keni and quickly corrected him to let him know that biting pups was not acceptable behavior. As we were coming up out of a small wooded area and into a little grassy meadow, though, Jean-Luc uncharacteristically heaved both back legs in the air, bucking one strong buck and then just standing there. I was in shock, and extra surprised I didn't come off. Anyone that has ever ridden with me, especially growing up, knows I used to live in the dirt. But not this time. This time I was able to sit that buck, I believe in large part thanks to my King Series Classic Distance Rider Saddle. I have owned this saddle for just around two months and there are plenty of reasons to love it, and a few that might make someone else consider purchasing something different. WHY DID I BUY THIS SADDLE: I wanted something comfortable. I was looking for something I could sit in for hours and not have my knees, butt, or back screaming in pain. I wanted an easy 8 hours in the saddle before I had to even think about getting off. HOW OFTEN DO I RIDE IT: 3 - 4 times per week WHAT FEATURES MET MY NEEDS: The fact that this saddle did not have wide fenders that would hurt your knees and ankles when torqued to the side was important. I also liked that the saddle did not have a horn I could get skewed on. I also liked that the saddle is light - 22 lbs total. UNEXPECTED DELIGHTS: This saddle is not made of the best quality leather, but it holds its own for sure. I really like that there are so many places to hook things. WHAT DID I CHANGE: The saddle came with some stirrups that were super heavy. I traded them out for some ratty aluminum ones that I plan on fixing up soon. I also added some para chord strings to the back and extra carabiners for latching things on. First and foremost though, I will let anyone that plans on ordering this saddle that they will likely need to punch new holes for the stirrup length (Unless they have the legs of someone like Micheal Jordan?) The stock length of the stirrups was comically long. WHAT COULD BE BETTER: I knew what I was getting into when I purchased this whole set up for around $350. Don't use it. Be sure to purchase a proper girth at the same time you purchase the saddle. I honestly can't think of anything I would use the girth that came with this saddle for. It's beyond questionable. Make no mistake, for the price point this is a good saddle, but I wonder how long the leather will hold up. It already looks like there are years of use and few spots absolutely have some extra love already. That said, the first time I used this thing was on a 3 day trail ride where I spent no less than 8 hours each day in it. I rode it through rain, sun, and wind. The thing was pretty abused but rides like the day I got it. I have also had some trouble finding the ride pad for this saddle. It is a little too big to use just an English Pad, and while Western pads work fine I am a minimalist. The pad pictured is also an endurance pad that is ever so slightly too small because of the saddle's skirt. CONSUMER SATISFACTION RATING: 7/10 All in all, I give this saddle a 7/10 rating. I can't tell you how many people ask me if it's a Tucker. While it clearly is not, I even fooled myself once when looking at someone's real Tucker and thought they had the same saddle I have - go figure. The saddle saved me from being dumped but isn't as secure as an Australian or Western. It is easy to put on and off, and great if you need something to sit in for hours. I liked the Classic Distance Rider because its design reflects the historic McClellan saddle of the 1800s. If you don't already know, George B. McClellan, a career Army officer in the U.S. Army, was in charge of designing a saddle by studying the latest developments in engineer and cavalry forces including field equipment. (or so Wikipedia Says) Based on his observations, McClellan proposed a design that was adopted by the Army in 1859. The McClellan saddle was a success and continued in use in various forms until the US Army's last horse cavalry and horse artillery were dismounted in World War II. Today, the McClellan saddle is used by ceremonial mounted units in the US Army. The saddle was used by several other nations, including Rhodesia and Mexico, and to a degree by the British in the Boer War. The saddle came in various seat sizes that predominantly ranged from approximately 11 to 12 ½ inches. (It looks like many of the Pandora Saddles used by today's endurance racers).
I am pleased that I have something one might consider "classic" and look forward to adjusting this bad boy so that she fits my needs. Like my believe in cars, I believe every saddle needs a good name, what shall I call her?
Day 101
We did/ are doing a thing! After some adjustments to my saddle we went to work inside the barn tonight while the rain sprinkled down on the tin roof.
Note how far forward Jean-Luc is bringing his back foot. He also isn't moving the legs the same side of body together, but instead in a four-beat pattern. The gait starts in the back left leg. Watch as his back feel hit (ever so slightly) before his front. The head bob is also a dead giveaway that a horse is gaiting, because he is hollowing out the base of his front shoulders. He has to in order to properly perform a gait. Building those muscles in particular are difficult, but the foundation for which everything else grows. According to the trainer I've been working with, these are the first signs to properly training the gait and getting rid of that pace. GOOD BOY Jean-Luc! He doesn't have much speed or control yet, and he still isn't all that smooth, but the progress we have made in the past two weeks can't be ignored. Our number one one goal for the next few months is absolutely going to be locking that gait in and working on muscle tone. As I keep tweaking our work, and equipment, I find myself continually amazed at the education we are both receiving. The other night I was able to ride a true gaited horse, Lil Bit, for a brief period of time. Experiencing his gait was pretty disheartening initially. He was so smooth, and honestly his movement was so foreign to me. I clearly did not buy a gaited horse, and I clearly have much to learn. That said, I laughed all the way across the field - this is my first gaited adventure after all. After feeling how Lil Bit moved, I can absolutely see why people love it. Riding the "wiggle" must produce some wild brain chemistry, because I really could not stop laughing as we zoomed through the field. It didn't take long for me to become encouraged and happy that I have something to work on with Jean-Luc, too. I have faith that we will get there. We just need time. He's 13 years old and was never taught how to properly use his body. The amount of retraining we must do is extensive. Besides, as my horseback riding rock, Liz, always points out, "I bought a horse with a good head." Jean-Luc is very smart, spooks little, and minus a few things as close to perfect as I could afford. As I have posted before, we are finally starting to have fun together. He is my 12-year-old self's dream come true. Below is the longer form video of some of our lesson tonight. Watching it back makes me laugh. I felt like our gait was SO FAST, but it really isn't, it's just that it is a gait. Do you have something that took forever to train your horse? What did it feel like once the finally started to learn? What was your breakthrough moment? Days Since Jean-Luc Came Into My Life 99 Jean-Luc forever changed my life May 7, 2017. Today makes 99 days that we have been in each other's lives. Since getting together, I have made sure to go out to the barn and spend time with him at least 3 days per week, and usually closer to 5. Yesterday I also turned 28, so it seems like a fantastic time for goals and reflections. So, what exactly have Jean-Luc and I achieved in less than 100 days? Actually, it's quite a bit.
4. Make New Horseback Riding Friends - This goes without saying that since I joined the Randolph County Riding Club I have made several dozen new friends, many of whom are down to ride just about any time. I even have made two friends, Allen and Dolly that I can call up just about any time and they're up for an adventure. I am so thankful to know these people and have them help me along the way. 5. Learn to "Gait" - This clearly is going to be an ongoing process, but thanks to some help from friends, dozens of youtube videos, and determination, I'm really proud to say that I took my pacey TWH and taught him how to properly move his body. The next steps are to work on holding the gait, and speeds, but looking at where we started and how far we've come, I'm impressed with our progress. 6. Take The Best Care Possible of My Horse - This is on going for all horse owners for sure. I believe we are constantly learning new things and better ways to take care of our animals. Since owning Jean-Luc I have learned so much and I don't plan on stopping anytime soon. 7. Volunteer for the Endurance Ride - This is one event I have wanted to help with for years. The level of learning that takes place anytime I volunteer for events like this is outstanding. Just hanging around and listening to the way people work with their horses and their perspectives is worth the time. So glad I helped this year and can't wait to do it again in 2018.
8. Secret Goal - No details her, but someday I'll share. 9. Find Myself & Regain Some Confidence - Since Jean-Luc has come into my life I have been forced to become a more confident person and find myself again. I'm happier than ever, and I attribute that to my "therapy sessions" with Jean-Luc. Prior to Jean-Luc, some things in life had really done a number on me and my ability to be a leader. With Jean-Luc in my life, I have regained some of that back only to discover a new ability to focus more on smaller goals that lead to larger pictures. My confidence returns a little more every time I ride or just spend time at the barn, though if this were a scale of 1-10, I'd say I'm hovering between a 4 and 5 right about now. As for what we'll accomplish in the 100 days, well those goals still need to be written. They absolutely involve working on our herd bound issues and working with feeling secure while it's just the two of us. That issue alone is my biggest annoyance at this point. In the coming days I also hope to do more trail rides away from the barn (maybe three more before winter), and if at all possible I hope to be able to audit either a gaited horse class or one on competition trail riding. In the words of our beloved Capt. Picard, "Things are only impossible until they're not!"
Fridays are great days for reflections. This week Jean-Luc and I accomplished a few really great things:
Three simple goals that really had a lot going on behind them, most notably - confidence. That simple little word has been the spur in my heel for our success to date. I know this. I ride often ride alone, and I never wish to do anything that would put me in a bad situation. My personality tends to keep me overly cautious, and that is a good thing. However, the other day I was listening to an interview with Monty Roberts on the Horses In the Morning Radio Show. Monty shared a story about a woman who knew her horse hated dogs. He could not stand dogs. He was terrified of dogs. This woman came to his clinic and Monty had one of his trainers inspect the horse, then hop on the horse in a round pen. Because he's Monty, he just so happened to have friends with herding dogs available to run around the horse controlled via whistles. The horse did nothing. Monty then asked the woman to get on her horse. As you might guess, the horse started fidgeting, moving around, and fussing. Monty asked the woman to get off and then asked her about her own fear of dogs. SHE was terrified of them, and thus so was her horse. I have heard it over and over that horse are psychic, they can read your thoughts, they can feel your emotions. So, as a solution for the issues I was having with Jean-Luc I did something I hadn't actually tried yet, I tried riding Jean-Luc as if I were the trainer, showing my inner-self how silly I was being. If you think this sounds like a head trip, you would be correct. When I got out of my car all I did was pretend that Jean-Luc was not my horse. Instead, I imagined I was a trainer that came to the barn to help "some poor lady" who had clearly bit off more than she could chew. This "Lady" was fearful. I knew better. I would anticipate antics and pay them no mind. I would push this horse to do as it was told because, as a trainer, I wanted to prove to "this lady" that her horse could do exactly what she asked. Like I said - total head trip, but it worked. That weird little thought in the back of my mind, switching from "poor little lady" to "bad ass trainer" has really helped. Also, there's something in the fact that I don't look at Jean-Luc as "mine." I think, in some ways, the delicate nature lifestyle by which is the previous owner allotted him made me timid when working with him. Until last week, I saw him a little bit of a wimp (sorry bud) but isn't at all. In fact, he has a lot to give. Until this week, however, I hadn't really asked for it. So, yay for strange trippy head tricks. Now, to put some actual training and structure behind it. I learned this lesson from Mary Kitzmiller. She takes the idea of "move your horse's feet" to another level and really breaks it down. According to Kitzmiller, if you work out these 5 parts of your horse, every time you are with them, then issues like fussing while tied up, herd bound issues, and more all seem to dissipate. Kitzmiller's 5 Sections You Should Train Every Day / Breakdown of Control Your Horses Feet Are:
So she asks herself each day, "What have I done today to work the horses ____." Of course, each exercise depends on where the horse is in their training. This to me makes total sense, because the exercises can all be different. It's a simple checklist and guideline to follow as you work with your horse. It isn't complex, and you shouldn't ever need to write it down unless you build out specifics. I am excited to see what comes from it with Jean-Luc. This whole post is a very long way to acknowledge something that has been on my mind. The I still don't think we're "there" yet. Truth is, I haven't had a moment yet when I think he's enjoying our time together as much as time with the herd. But . . . now that I actually calculate things, I may be getting ahead of myself. Jean-Luc and I have officially been in each other's lives for 96 days. (Wednesday, August 15 will make 100!) I do, however, think we are close, and that fills me with hope. The video at the beginning of this post is a terrible filming of the first day I thought Jean-Luc might actually be having fun gaiting around the round pen. It was the first glimpse I saw of his personality, outside of "please put me back on the field with my friends so I can eat things." Seeing that has made me hungry for more. Rather than disparage that we aren't "there yet," I'll simply choose to be thankful that we have come this far in less than 100 days. It also means I will definitely do a write up next week about how both my life and Jean-Luc's has really changed in the past 100 days. Wow. (Bonus Goal: I have begun negotiations with my horse husband, and opened up discussion about planning for a new truck!)
August 5, 2017 - My first official Ride Between Rivers (RBTR), and first endurance ride ever! This is an event that has seemingly been going on since before I was born. Each year during the first full weekend in August, the Randolph County Regional Riding Club hosts riders from all over the East Coast to compete in either a 50 or 30-mile endurance ride.
Begining as early as Wednesday, riders and crew stake out their spots in a small valley nestled between Randolph and Upshur County West Virginia, known as Ellamore. Ellamore is an unincorporated community located on County Route 151 along the Middle Fork River 8 miles southeast of Buckhannon.
For weeks prior to the event, the club works hard to clear trails and make the most welcoming atmosphere possible. According to event organizer Jennifer Poling, the event hosts between 80 and 100 riders on average. In 2017, there were just around 90 individuals from as far north as Vermont, and South as South Carolina.
Considering this was my first go at anything Endurance related, I had no idea what to expect. My dear friend Hannah had signed up to work the timing station with me meanwhile supporting our number one endurance gal, Liz. (If you have the chance, please check out Liz's blog post on her rider experience competing on the same horse she did ten years ago to the day! It is an absolute treat.) Our club leader told us we should arrive around dawn. Hannah and I were not pleased, but that is the nature of these things when working with horses. I've read plenty of blogs that have riders waking up at 4:30 AM or before, so I considered myself lucky. This was also my first foray into that experience as well. Though I was tired, it was mostly because I had volunteered to work a Jazz Walk event late into the night prior. Somehow I double booked myself? I won't make that mistake again. I have to say, I love horse people. When we arrived, knowing nothing about what we would be doing, we were greeted with open arms. It was about 5:45 AM and riders were already asking us questions. "When do we start?" "Are you the timers?" "Where's the bathroom?" You know the important questions, questions Hannah and I could mostly handle.
Before long we met with Jennifer and our amazingly organized helper T! She was incredible. That's all I can say about it. The spreadsheet OCD game is strong with that one.
Jennifer explained how the morning would work, starts, finishes, and even shared a little about the different riders and "celebrity" horses we had at the race. Some were trying to make the U.S. National team and used our race as a conditioner - awesome! It was an honor to have so many people from so many different places, that is for sure. Eventually, our fearless leader and club president arrived. He is the definition of Yosemite Sam, and thus that is what I'll call him. Sam, was bright eyed and bushy tailed, and since I'm somewhat . . . extremely dyslexic he called me over to help him with shouting out the timing numbers to those who would be writing the In Times (Hannah and T). 6:30 AM was the start time for the 50-mile racers. About fifteen minutes prior to the start of the race, riders began showing up, circling their horses like sharks waiting for chum. They each tried to get focused in their own way. My view for all of this was great, and simultaneously a lot to take in. Some riders tend to hang near the front ready to take off at a moments notice, while others hang in the back with a very chill demeanor.
Finally, it was time to begin! Many individuals took off at a full canter. Sadly, I wasn't prepared to film the start of the race, so I missed all the running. I can't really imagine taking off like that, and trying to then set your pace for the day? Honestly, the winners this year ran a race that many might consider reckless. Though I agree, again, this was my first time attending one of these so, it's hard for me to say.
Hannah and I spent the rest of the morning getting to know those around us. We chatted with T and learned more about the riders and endurance racing in general from Sam and Jennifer. We even met the woman who coordinates the Vermont 100! She was an absolutely outstanding silver fox of a woman. Everything she did, she did with such ease. She had no crew, just a small Jack Russell Terrier that would sit on her lap while she chilled and read during their 45-minute break. Her level of experience and ability to just "be" compelled me to tell her that she could clinic this day. She ended up coming in 7th place in the 50-mile ride.
The morning wore on and about brunch time Jason, from my favorite little Bistro arrived. I had no idea volunteering to help this ride would mean we got fed, but we sure did! Jason makes a mean BBQ, but I had no idea what he would have up his sleeve for breakfast. He did not disappoint. Jason whipped up a bacon, fried egg, and cheese croissant for each of the timers. Honestly, I'd already had a quick fast food breakfast around 5 AM, but Jason's was so much better! Hannah and I were in good spirits when it was time for the 30-mile racers to start. Our friend Liz was in this group, and smartly, waited for the chaos to leave before hitting the trail with her lesson student.
The day was long, but around 1 PM the first riders from the 50-mile ride were about to finish. The two in the lead had been going back and forth all morning. Everyone knew it was going to be a photo finish. Both riders in the lead had pushed to the brink of insanity. Never the less, here you have it, the winners of the 2017 RBTR photo finish.
The last rider did not cross until 4:50 PM, overall a really good time for everyone considering they had until 6:30 PM before being disqualified. While there was plenty of drama to go around, the worst thing that happened all day occurred when the radio buzzed, "Rider 104 is down. Does anyone have eyes on horse 104?"
This horse was known for dumping its rider. In fact, several people even went by the horse in the morning to tell him to be nice to his owner today. Sadly, a rouge sponge got wrapped around his leg in the river and terrified him. Luckily, after about 45 harrowing minutes, the trail crew got things under control and saved the day. Horse and rider 104 even completed the race! By the end of the day, everyone was ready for food, friends, and fun. The Club sponsored dinner for the riders, and we gorged on spaghetti and meatballs. Eventually, the keg was tapped and many danced the night away under a full-moon and bonfire to the Soda-Pop Gypsies.
From what I understand, other rides can be a bit more "stuffy." Many people told me how much they loved riding here, in West Virginia because of how hospitable we are. I do believe we are unique in this way. Regardless, I look forward to the RBTR 2018.
I have no idea if Jean-Luc or I will ever attempt such a ride, but I loved helping with it. If we did it would absolutely be with our new fancy gait we've been working on. I have no idea how people post 50 miles, but I respect so much. Do you ever have one of those days when nobody else is around but you and your horse absolutely nailed everything? Well today was that day. Jean-Luc and I killed it! He remember his gait lesson. Out of a 45 min chill session, we paced one time! That is all.
We all say it. "Man, work was rough today. I just want to go home and curl up in bed." That was absolutely me yesterday. Work has me more than a little twisted. While the exact details can remain a mystery, it suffices to say that my work is about as stable as our current political climate.
Also, I had a little something happen on Wednesday this week that made me have to start taking a medication that really does not agree with my life style. I can't have caffeine or alcohol for the next two weeks. As a person that drinks no less than 24 oz. of black, Mississippi mud-like coffee every morning ... this struggle is REAL! I can't remember the last time I just didn't have caffeine; it's been at least three years. Let me tell you what I will never forget, though - the lack of caffeine migraine that replaced my simple morning ritual. I had many thoughts yesterday as I tried to focus at work, (specifically to never become a drug addict), but also, I did not want to go on this ride I had promised I would take earlier in the week. You see, Liz introduced me to a very nice man in her office that, like me, needs a break every once in a while from the insanity that is work. I think most might agree that horses are (usually) a great place to seek refuge. Her coworker is a talented gaited horse trainer, but his horses aren't with him right now. In fact, they're many states away. I can't imagine what that must be like? He worked with his horses every day. They were his, and eventually his wife's life. Now, life has provided them both with other things to occupy their time, however, horses still hold a deep place in his heart. I can relate. I remember what it was like, not so long ago when I'd do anything to just sit in my favorite four-legged chair for a few hours. Not having the opportunity to do so was tough. That is why, despite my utter discomfort and lack of motivation, I kept my word last night. I met Allen [names changed for privacy]out at the barn for a ride. After making my peace with my frustrations, I parked my car at the edge of the barn and went inside to grab two halters. Lil' Bit is another gaited horse that we've been given permission for Allen to use. Lil'Bit also isn't the biggest fan of Jean-Luc. Yesterday was a good day for me to test my own resolve though because I simply wasn't in the mood to be afraid of their antics. Especially when it comes to a horse named Cody, and Jean Luc's best friend. That horse literally herded my horse away from me! Yes. I watched the snot look me dead in the eye and run away with his best friend (my horse) behind him. Cody was just acting up more than actually threatening anything, though. He didn't even run far. When I went into the field to meet them, he just herded Jean-Luc back to the rest of the horses. After catching Jean-Luc, I tossed the second halter over Lil'Bit's head with relative ease. There were a few moments that made me nervous only because I was taking number two horse and bottom of the herd number nine horse, out together. Naturally, the rest of the herd surrounded us. They were confused by the dynamic I was creating and followed the three of us all the way to the gate. All in all, there was little excitement though. Allen arrived at the barn shortly after 6 PM. I was swinging a saddle over Lil'Bit, as he parked his navy blue sedan. Allen and I made idle chit chat, bridled the horses, and lunged them in a few small circles before mounting up. Truth be told, I was nervous. The day before, the horses had really acted up, but I just kept telling myself this was a different day. I was determined to be brave and stay calm. I knew Jean-Luc didn't like leaving the herd, but I thought maybe with Lil'Bit he would be okay. I was right. As we crossed the little creek and made our way into the big field I noticed I was able to ride a pretty loose rein with Jean-Luc. "This is nice," I thought in my head. Usually, when riding through that field we're a little bit of a mess. Feet go one direction my hips say to go another. Before I know it, often Jean-Luc is tossing his head and in total wild mustang mode. But not today! Jean-Luc and Lil'Bit jockeyed some for who would lead, but eventually, Lil'Bit won out (he's faster). We made our way to an old gravel road and on the way there Allen explained to me where the gait originates on a gaited horse (back left leg in case you don't know). He went on to help me understand how to "feel" the gait. He honestly made me feel better about my confusion, explaining how in the beginning, it's very hard to tell the difference between a horse's walk and gait. If you push too hard, they will go straight into the pace - which is exactly what I was doing with Jean-Luc. Once we hit the road Lil'Bit and Jean-Luc were able to walk side by side. This was great for me since all I had to do was mimic Allen's actions. Suddenly, like magic, the movement I'd been struggling to get for months now happened! Jean-Luc gaited! At first, it was so tiny and for such a short amount of time, I would never have known we were gaiting without Allen telling me we were. "Pet 'em!" he reminded me. I gave Jean-Luc tons of love on his shoulders and a big scratch between his ears where I know he likes it. "That's the gait?" I said confused. "That's it. You have to stay slow until he gets it. If he paces, let him commit to his mistake, then drop him down into the gait. The second he slows and does what you're asking to release the contact. That's his reward," Allen said. Allen clearly has done this a time or two. In fact, at one point he even apologized for knowing so much and just not knowing where to start when it came to sharing his knowledge. That whole notion made me laugh inside. I literally had a professional, killer lesson, all for the outstanding price of ... ride this other horse. Working on the gravel road was incredible. I can see why gaited trainers like having them. This road was basically flat and a few miles long. It was perfect for training. Before I knew it Jean-Luc stayed in a solid gait for nearly a mile. Once I knew what I was looking for, I really started to chase the feeling of the gait. Getting Jean-Luc to perform it required constant focus, timing and various pressures from my thighs, calves, ankles, and hands. There was a sweet spot, and I was finding it. "Look at your horse!" Allen kept yelling with excitement. I can still remember how he said it. It was the kind of phrase that made you feel like you were accomplishing something special. Despite a freak storm, we walked the length of the road twice. Allen was thrilled to be there, and I told him how coming out and riding was exactly what I needed. On the way back he started to tell me all the other things he could teach Jean-Luc and me (side passes, neck reining, spins, etc.). By the time we got back to the barn, we agreed this needed to become a regular thing. So, for now, we have a standing appointment Tuesdays at 6 PM. I am so lucky to have even received the smallest amount of gaited help around here. I can't wait to see what happens in the next few months! I've said it before, Jean-Luc isn't a unicorn. Or, if he is, then he is only a unicorn to me. Yesterday, Jean-Luc apparently wanted to prove me wrong. He wanted the world to see him and his beautiful, self-made horn. So ladies and gentleman, here he is! I give you, Jean-Luc the unicorn! Yup, after searching the field for nearly thirty minuets, I found my handsome devil with trotting around his head in the air. Something looked a bit, off. "Your forelock looks lovely, who came out to braid...Oh my!" I thought to myself. There he was. My man, plus 17 burrs allow smashed in his forelock. Honestly, who could anything but laugh? I brought him back to the barn, and didn't have too much trouble cleaning them out - but not before a few priceless photos! Eventually, I was able to saddle up for a brief ride and work on Jean-Luc's gait. He still doesn't quite have one yet. He's very pacey - meaning he likes for his front and back legs, on the same side, to move at the same time. When I brought him home, I quickly realized Jean-Luc's never gaited a day in his life, and teaching it was going to take time. Furthermore, I've never owned a gaited horse, nor do I really know the intricacies that come along with it. It's been a journey already, but after some help from a few amazing trainers (Ivy is my hero!) and locals, we're starting to actually muscle up the correct parts of our bodies and somewhat perform that smooth glide. Here are a few very short sessions Liz helped me film last night. Watch for the 4-beat pattern. His back leg should hit before his front. Jean-Luc hits it only once or twice, then his legs start moving together. Later this week I have a ride scheduled with a local gaited horse guru. He's fantastic and really knows his stuff. He's already worked with Jean-Luc and me once, so I'm excited to see if notices any improvements or what he thinks? Truth is, I won't be surprised if doesn't notice much. We've slacked a little on actually gaiting in the past few weeks.
So what about you? Do you have anything you're working on that some might call "too big for your britches?" How are you tackling them? |
AuthorMy name is Chelsey. HorseGenerator's Cuevo Gold, or as he's known around this barn, "Jean-Luc Ponycard", was foaled in 2004 from Generator's Hurricane & Cheyenne's Little Bit. Top 10 Blog Favs.Archives
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