Adam and I had a great day at the beach on Sunday. Such a gorgeous New England day! I took a few photos with my phone and for the millionth time I thought to myself, argh I really would like a REAL camera. I started looking online and then became overwhelmed with all of the choices.
So, I am asking for some recommendations for a good beginner digital camera. It doesn't have to be anything too fancy because frankly I don't currently know how to do much more than point and click. If you can't recommend a specific camera, is there a brand that I should focus on? And what should I be looking for in a camera? And I guess price isn't really a huge issue, I've waited this long to get one, so if I should wait a little longer and save up for something that would be worth it in the long run I'm good with that. I really appreciate any guidance.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Mawage
As I was sweating it out on the elliptical this morning, I glanced over at the computer and watched picture after picture flash through the save screen from our wedding day. I saw the faces of friends and family and us and it made me smile. As our two year wedding anniversary fast approaches (7/23), I am reminded of how lucky I am to have a husband that I love deeply and a support system of wonderful people to lean on when I may have a day now and then that I want to tag out.
Today is a beautiful day in New Hampshire, high seventies/low eighties for a high, low humidity after a several day stretch of air so thick you could cut it with a knife. So today Adam and I are going to head out and recreate our first date...We'll go to the beach and go for a long walk and I'll remember that day when this crazy white water kayaker kid told me that he couldn't let me walk on the beach without holding my hand and I gave him my first eye roll and of course let him take my hand.
It ain't always easy but I think that's what makes it so beautiful. And so worth it.
Today is a beautiful day in New Hampshire, high seventies/low eighties for a high, low humidity after a several day stretch of air so thick you could cut it with a knife. So today Adam and I are going to head out and recreate our first date...We'll go to the beach and go for a long walk and I'll remember that day when this crazy white water kayaker kid told me that he couldn't let me walk on the beach without holding my hand and I gave him my first eye roll and of course let him take my hand.
It ain't always easy but I think that's what makes it so beautiful. And so worth it.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Summer so far
Apologies for the lapse in posts. I was at horse shows for a lot of May and June and then I had the pleasure of being in a friend's wedding. In all of the hustle and bustle, I didn't carve out the time to sit down and write.
If I had to sum up horse show season thus far, I would have to say it's a mixed bag. We have had some good classes, we have had some not good classes. I did go home home with a blue ribbon from one show, but in thinking back to all of the rides so far this season, I would not count that one as my best. Our best class that I think we've had so far, we got third place, which was a good ribbon in a class of nice horses. We were on our game and it felt super satisfying exiting the ring with that yellow ribbon. I was proud of my horse for working so hard and we really worked as a team. That was a good one.
There have been times this season that I have questioned if this show world is really for me and I don't think I've really answered that for myself yet. I think maybe I will scale back and stick to the local shows and just have fun, rather than putting the pressure on myself (which no doubt my horse feels when I'm riding) and showing out of New England. Not sure what I'm going to do, I guess that's a to be continued. For now, I don't have any plans to show next. I'm sure I will later in the season, but not for the next little while.
I'll leave you with a picture of our victory pass at a show in NH...
If I had to sum up horse show season thus far, I would have to say it's a mixed bag. We have had some good classes, we have had some not good classes. I did go home home with a blue ribbon from one show, but in thinking back to all of the rides so far this season, I would not count that one as my best. Our best class that I think we've had so far, we got third place, which was a good ribbon in a class of nice horses. We were on our game and it felt super satisfying exiting the ring with that yellow ribbon. I was proud of my horse for working so hard and we really worked as a team. That was a good one.
There have been times this season that I have questioned if this show world is really for me and I don't think I've really answered that for myself yet. I think maybe I will scale back and stick to the local shows and just have fun, rather than putting the pressure on myself (which no doubt my horse feels when I'm riding) and showing out of New England. Not sure what I'm going to do, I guess that's a to be continued. For now, I don't have any plans to show next. I'm sure I will later in the season, but not for the next little while.
I'll leave you with a picture of our victory pass at a show in NH...
Monday, May 13, 2013
We'll never forget the little people...
Mario & I made our television debut last week on our local station. You'll see our mugs about halfway through the segment. Enjoy!
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Mr. Perfect turns 13
The next week I found myself driving to his house to pick out my future mister. In no shape or form was I in any position to have a puppy. None. I barely had two cents to rub together, I was living with my mother and grandmother with no apartment prospects on the horizon...I was pretty much a hot mess. I went back weekly to watch him grow up until that day that he could come home with me. I will never forget that day several weeks after our first meeting.
I had mentioned to my mom that these puppies were born and she reminded me that acquiring a puppy would not be the wisest thing to do. In not so subtle terms, I'm pretty sure she said no. A lot. Every time I talked about the puppies. But it was done. This guy had gotten into my heart and he wasn't leaving. So, off I went to pick him up. He and I made the hour ride to the house, him on my lap, me realizing that I had probably made a really dumb decision. One that I was at peace with.
I scooped him up and into the house we went. Well, like me, thankfully both my mother and grandmother are suckers for a cute face. The anger and disappointment in my irresponsible decision quickly subsided and we found ourselves on the front lawn discussing potential names for this not so little bundle of fur. And so began our journey, one that that I am so thankful is still ongoing.
That dog has been a loyal friend in a world where few exist. On Sunday, April 28th he turned 13. He's been and continues to be so much to me...My walking companion, my shadow, my protector, my constant. He's always there, whenever I need him. Now that he has reached "senior" status, he relies on me to help keep him comfortable. And he is. He is a happy senior, living a good life. Yes, he's slowed down some...But let's face it, Kobe was never really fast anyway.
I decided that entering your teen years as a big dog is a pretty big milestone, so we had a little birthday party for him this past weekend. I baked a doggie cake. Yes, yes, I did. A couple of his closest friends came over and they ate cake, treats, and played. I think he had a good time...
Monday, April 22, 2013
"This class is going to be crazy!"
The Park division is so much fun! It's a faster pace, and you can really ask your horse to step up and give it his all. Something that I didn't like about showing in Country Pleasure last year was that I really had to hold Mario back. This year, I have to push him! We had a lot of horses blowing by us, so I need to work on just letting him go. I'm really used to applying pressure to the reins at the canter to get him to slow down, but I need to ease up and just let that boy run. I learned that at this show.
Mario and I warmed up in a different ring than our competitors in our Championship class. When we came to the warm up ring where everyone else was before going into our class, there were two horses that were out of freaking control. "This class is going to be crazy!" I heard a guy say. He was right. One of those two horses nearly collided with Mario and me when we were cantering second direction of the ring in our class. I had to make a quick decision to steer Mario to the right to avoid crashing. Unfortunately the judge did not see this near collision and when I veered right, I came a little closer than I would have liked to the judge. It may have hurt us, it may not have - who knows.
I have to say though, something that my uncle Gary said to me really rang true as I reflected over the last couple of days about the show, "If you're having fun, the ribbon doesn't matter." So true. This horse show was the first time that I truly had so much darn fun that the ribbon didn't matter. My horse is so safe and I completely trust him. He listens to me in the ring. As I was watching some of these other horses I realized that he may not be THE best of the best show horses (I mean, he's pretty darn close) but he's also not going to hurt me. Some of those horses I watched this weekend made my pulse race and not in the good way! I'll take a horse that may take third/fourth/fifth over a horse that will win every time if I know I'm going to have fun and not fear for my life.
Our next show will be Bonnie Blue in Lexington, VA in a couple of weeks. I believe it may be webcast and will for sure let you know the information if I'm right about this.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Update from my phone (sorry for short post)
Ok showing tonight. http://arabianhorseglobal.com/hsg-live-events/ in class #39 three gaited park horse amateur - starts at 7 my class will prob be like 7:30.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Keeping on
I fully realize that at times like these, events such as horse shows seem a little trivial (some of you may be thinking, uh, they're trivial even in the best of times - haha). Although I did not personally know anyone killed or injured in yesterday's attack, I mourn with the people who lost their loved ones and I am sending healing thoughts like no other to the people fighting in hospital rooms in Boston right now. This could have been any of us; you or me. As I have heard echoed across the media over the last 24 hours: we can't let them win. Foreign or domestic, terrorists will not take away our joy. So as I mourn in my own private way, and you in yours, in honor of those lost and those fighting to survive, we will keep on keeping on.
So. This week Mario and I head to West Springfield, MA to show at UPHA Chapter 14 Spring Premiere. What's cool? They're webcasting the horse show this year! If you have any interest in checking us out, here is the link. My trainer has not decided which class we will enter in yet. We will either show in the Amateur Park class or the Novice Park class (I will edit this post when I know). If we show in the Amateur Park class, our qualifier will be tomorrow night and our championship will be on Friday. If we show in the open class, our qualifier will be Friday and our championship will be Saturday night. Here is the schedule for all of the sessions (I bolded any class that we may be in, all times Eastern):
Wednesday Night
Friday Morning
Saturday Night
So. This week Mario and I head to West Springfield, MA to show at UPHA Chapter 14 Spring Premiere. What's cool? They're webcasting the horse show this year! If you have any interest in checking us out, here is the link. My trainer has not decided which class we will enter in yet. We will either show in the Amateur Park class or the Novice Park class (I will edit this post when I know). If we show in the Amateur Park class, our qualifier will be tomorrow night and our championship will be on Friday. If we show in the open class, our qualifier will be Friday and our championship will be Saturday night. Here is the schedule for all of the sessions (I bolded any class that we may be in, all times Eastern):
Wednesday Night
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17--7:00 PM
34. Equitation-USEF Saddle Seat Medal
35. Hackney Harness Pony-UPHA Classic
36. Morgan Park harness-Amateur
37. Saddlebred Three-Gaited -Open
38 . Roadster Pony-To-Bike-Jr. Exhibitor
39. Saddlebred Three-Gaited Park Horse-Amateur
40. Equitation- UPHA Pleasure Challenge Cup- 17 & Under
41. Morgan English Pleasure-Ladies
42. Roadster Pony-To-Bike - Amateur
43. Saddlebred Park Pleasure UPHA Classic
44. Morgan Pleasure Driving-Jr, Horse
45. Saddlebred Five-Gaited-Amateur
46. Morgan Park Saddle-OpeFriday Morning
FRIDAY, APRIL 19- 11:00 AM
109. Saddlebred Five-Gaited UPHA Classic
110. Equitation-Morgan Saddle Seat Championship
111. Morgan Classic Pleasure Saddle-Jr./Novice Horse
112. Equitation- Saddle Seat- Limit Rider
113. Morgan Hunter Pleasure-Ladies
114. Roadster Pony-To-Bike-UPHA Classic
115. Saddlebred Three-Gaited English Country Pleasure-Jr. Exhibitor Cham
116. Morgan Hunter Pleasure-Jr./Novice Horse
117. Saddlebred Three-Gaited Park -Jr./Novice Horse
118. Morgan Western Pleasure-Amateur/Jr. Exhibitor Championship
119. Saddlebred Three-gaited English Show Pleasure 14-17 Championship
120. Saddlebred Three-Gaited -UPHA Classic
121 . Saddlebred Three-Gaited Country English Pleasure-Novice Horse
121.1. NEHC Saddle Seat Medal
20 MINUTE BREAK
122. Morgan Park Harness-Jr./Novice Horse Stake
123. Saddlebred Three-Gaited Park-Amateur Stake
124. Opportunity-Pleasure Driving-Open Championship
125. Morgan Classic Pleasure Driving-Open Championship
126. Walk/Trot Pleasure Championship-Any Seat- 11 & Under
127. Saddlebred Country Pleasure Driving-Open Championship
128. Morgan Classic Pleasure Saddle-Jr. Exhibitor Championship
129. Roadster Pony-To-Bike-Amateur Championship
130. Saddlebred Three-Gaited Park Horse-Jr. Exhibitor Championship
131.Opportunity- Hunter Pleasure Championship
132.Opportunity- Western Pleasure Championship
Saturday Night
SATURDAY, APRIL 20 - 6:00 PM
173. Equitation-Saddle Seat Sr. Championship
174. Friesian Pleasure Saddle - Stake
175. Saddlebred Three-Gaited Amateur Stake
176. Morgan Classic English Pleasure- Open Championship
177. Saddlebred Three-Gaited English Country Pleasure Adult Champ
178. Morgan Hunter Pleasure-Jr. Exhibitor Championship
179. Saddlebred Three-Gaited Park Horse-Open Championship
180. Opportunity- Roadster-To-Bike Championship
181. Hackney Pony Pleasure Driving-Open Championship
182. Saddlebred Fine Harness-Open Championship
183. Morgan English Pleasure-Amateur Championship
184. Roadster Pony-To-Bike Stake
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Hi!
I went out to the farm and watched Mario's training session this morning. Snapped this shot. Such a cutie. I took some video also and will work on editing it - should be able to post it later this week. I'll ride him tomorrow and then he ships out to our first horse show on Monday. Hard to believe it's already here!
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
What makes him such a great horse?
Our local television station came out to the barn today to tape a segment for their nightly half hour program on which they showcase what's happening around New Hampshire. They often run stories about local businesses, farmers' markets, artisans, and so on. My trainer asked me if I would be willing to head over and answer some questions about Mario on camera and also do some riding. Uh, yes!
It was a really fun afternoon. The reporter interviewed my trainer and her staff, they walked around and videoed the grounds as well as horses being worked. It was a super opportunity to get the word out about American Saddlebreds and Saddle Seat riding. Even if it was just on the local level. Hopefully a viewer or two will get the spark to start riding lessons and will come out to the farm and experience the joy that comes with riding. All you have to do is ride once to get hooked. Smile.
Thinking back on the day, one of the reporter's questions sticks out in my mind. What makes Mario such a great horse?
I hope that my answer did justice to him. In a nutshell I responded that he was a true ambassador for his breed. He is an absolute show horse at his core - he loves to go out in the ring and let everyone know that he's somebody. But in the off season when showing is far from our minds, he goes to the beach and out on the trails through the woods and is happy (and safe!) as can be out there. He is everything you could ever want in a horse.
I do not know if what I said in my interview will make it to the segment. Nevertheless I will post a link to whatever ends up airing here for you so that you can see the farm and its happenings.
It was a really fun afternoon. The reporter interviewed my trainer and her staff, they walked around and videoed the grounds as well as horses being worked. It was a super opportunity to get the word out about American Saddlebreds and Saddle Seat riding. Even if it was just on the local level. Hopefully a viewer or two will get the spark to start riding lessons and will come out to the farm and experience the joy that comes with riding. All you have to do is ride once to get hooked. Smile.
Thinking back on the day, one of the reporter's questions sticks out in my mind. What makes Mario such a great horse?
I hope that my answer did justice to him. In a nutshell I responded that he was a true ambassador for his breed. He is an absolute show horse at his core - he loves to go out in the ring and let everyone know that he's somebody. But in the off season when showing is far from our minds, he goes to the beach and out on the trails through the woods and is happy (and safe!) as can be out there. He is everything you could ever want in a horse.
I do not know if what I said in my interview will make it to the segment. Nevertheless I will post a link to whatever ends up airing here for you so that you can see the farm and its happenings.
Sunday, April 7, 2013
What exactly is Saddle Seat?
I'm guessing that those of you who read this blog (Hi, Uncle Gary!) have very little idea what I'm talking about when I discuss my style of horseback riding. So here's a little tutorial about the style of riding that I compete in: Saddle Seat. This is by no means a complete description of my chosen riding style, but more of a glimpse, so that some of what I talk about here on this blog makes sense.
As widely respected American Saddlebred trainer, Smith Lilly, aptly puts it in his newly released book, Saddle Seat Horsemanship:
Saddle Seat horsemanship, at its core, is about the careful development and refinement of the natural exuberance and inherent majesty that all horses possess...Such training should be enjoyable for both horse and trainer. We are only asking the horse to do what he most enjoys and delights in doing of his own accord. And, in turn, we as riders and trainers come to know the indescribable joy that comes from riding a horse that is giving all of the proud carriage, all of the height of action and all of the natural charisma that he has to offer.
Commonly, I'm asked where the jumps are. No, I do not jump. And no I don't race. Yes, we go around a ring, but there's a lot more to it than simply going around in a circle.
Within Saddle Seat you may choose to show in equitation or performance classes. In equitation it is the rider that is being judged (overall picture is important, so it's key that your horse is turned out nicely also). For further reading about equitation, you may want to spend some time reading this site. I'm not going to dive much deeper into equitation because Mario and I show in performance classes. In performance classes, it is the horse that is being judged. There are several divisions from which to choose when showing in performance.
Last year Mario and I competed in a performance division called Country Pleasure. According to the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Rule Book, a horse showing in Country Pleasure should exhibit the following:
Manners and suitablity as a pleasure horse are paramount. Transitions from one gait to another should be smooth and effortless. Special emphasis is given for a true, flat walk. Entries must be asked both ways of the ring to halt and stand quietly on the rail. Horses must stand quietly and back readily in the lineup. A Country Pleasure horse may be less showy than a Show Pleasure horse.
We did pretty well in this division last year. But over the winter Mario has been working a little differently and showing us (my trainer and me) that he wants to do a little more in the show ring. Normally, the next "step up" would be Show Pleasure. Show Pleasure has many of the same requirements as Country Pleasure with the exception of halting. Also a Show Pleasure horse is generally more animated than a Country Pleasure horse. But, Mario is working a lot more animated and really wanting to be a big, bold-going show horse, the stronger he gets (all the while still being a perfect gentleman).
This year, we will be showing in a division called Park. A Park horse (again, according to the USEF Rule Book),
To be shown at an animated or flat walk, trot and canter. Horses should stand quietly in the lineup. The Park horse should be stylish with finish and quality and well-mannered. The performance should be animated and graceful at all gaits.
There are some significant differences between a Park class and a Country Pleasure class. In a Park class, flat walking and halting are not a requirement. Neither is backing. Manners are still important, but there is more emphasis placed on performance. Of course, we won't really know if this is the right move until we get him in the ring in a couple of weeks, up against the other guys. The great thing about Mario, is that he is suitable for Country Pleasure, so we can always go back to that if we've misjudged him in the off season. It will be interesting to see!
For more information about the American Saddlebred and Saddle Seat riding:
The American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA)
As widely respected American Saddlebred trainer, Smith Lilly, aptly puts it in his newly released book, Saddle Seat Horsemanship:
Saddle Seat horsemanship, at its core, is about the careful development and refinement of the natural exuberance and inherent majesty that all horses possess...Such training should be enjoyable for both horse and trainer. We are only asking the horse to do what he most enjoys and delights in doing of his own accord. And, in turn, we as riders and trainers come to know the indescribable joy that comes from riding a horse that is giving all of the proud carriage, all of the height of action and all of the natural charisma that he has to offer.
Commonly, I'm asked where the jumps are. No, I do not jump. And no I don't race. Yes, we go around a ring, but there's a lot more to it than simply going around in a circle.
Within Saddle Seat you may choose to show in equitation or performance classes. In equitation it is the rider that is being judged (overall picture is important, so it's key that your horse is turned out nicely also). For further reading about equitation, you may want to spend some time reading this site. I'm not going to dive much deeper into equitation because Mario and I show in performance classes. In performance classes, it is the horse that is being judged. There are several divisions from which to choose when showing in performance.
Last year Mario and I competed in a performance division called Country Pleasure. According to the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Rule Book, a horse showing in Country Pleasure should exhibit the following:
Manners and suitablity as a pleasure horse are paramount. Transitions from one gait to another should be smooth and effortless. Special emphasis is given for a true, flat walk. Entries must be asked both ways of the ring to halt and stand quietly on the rail. Horses must stand quietly and back readily in the lineup. A Country Pleasure horse may be less showy than a Show Pleasure horse.
We did pretty well in this division last year. But over the winter Mario has been working a little differently and showing us (my trainer and me) that he wants to do a little more in the show ring. Normally, the next "step up" would be Show Pleasure. Show Pleasure has many of the same requirements as Country Pleasure with the exception of halting. Also a Show Pleasure horse is generally more animated than a Country Pleasure horse. But, Mario is working a lot more animated and really wanting to be a big, bold-going show horse, the stronger he gets (all the while still being a perfect gentleman).
This year, we will be showing in a division called Park. A Park horse (again, according to the USEF Rule Book),
To be shown at an animated or flat walk, trot and canter. Horses should stand quietly in the lineup. The Park horse should be stylish with finish and quality and well-mannered. The performance should be animated and graceful at all gaits.
There are some significant differences between a Park class and a Country Pleasure class. In a Park class, flat walking and halting are not a requirement. Neither is backing. Manners are still important, but there is more emphasis placed on performance. Of course, we won't really know if this is the right move until we get him in the ring in a couple of weeks, up against the other guys. The great thing about Mario, is that he is suitable for Country Pleasure, so we can always go back to that if we've misjudged him in the off season. It will be interesting to see!
For more information about the American Saddlebred and Saddle Seat riding:
The American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA)
Monday, April 1, 2013
Confidence
I've had a couple of "bummer" rides over the last couple of weeks. Rides that I think about for hours after they're over. Days, actually. Until the next one. Trying to figure out what I should have done differently to make them better. I think that these are the best rides. Blessings in disguise. For it's these rides that I learn the most about my riding & my horse.
When you have a bad ride, the worst thing that you can do is blame. Blame your horse, blame your trainer, blame your equipment. Ultimately, when you have a bad ride, it's your fault. You're the one in the saddle, you're the one holding the reins. How are you going to improve if you shove the blame on everyone/everything else? You're not.
So I thought about some of the things I've done up in the saddle recently and thought about the orders my trainer barked at me. And then this weekend a lot of it clicked and I had a phenomenal ride. In the words of my trainer, "You get an A+ for today." It all came together at a pretty great time. Our first horse show is just around the corner and I will be going into it with a lot of confidence.
Confidence is essential in the show ring. Confidence is not something that comes easily to me. For me, I've always thought if you're confident, then you're cocky. But I think that I'm learning what the difference is. When you're confident you believe that you have what it takes to get the task at hand done. Being confident is not a bad thing. Anyway. That's what's on my mind tonight. Above is a picture from our ride this weekend. Horse and rider focused, happy, and ready to get the job done.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Goals for 2013 Show Season
I was asked recently to think about what my goals for the 2013 horse show season are. I had to pause and really think about this one. What are my goals? Last year was pretty simple. It was Mario's first show season, so my goal was to have clean classes and help build his confidence in the show ring. I wanted to make sure that his experiences in the ring were positive. Setting goals to achieve is an important thing for any sport because if you don't have them, then what the heck are you working toward? I have a couple of goals for 2013.
1. Win a class. This may seem like a "duh!" of course that's a goal. But I really want to take that victory pass once this year. Easier said then done, but we can do it. Our best ribbon last year was a second place but I really think we have the capability to win one this year.
2. Shake the nerves. Sometimes I get myself so worked up that I have to be perfect and not make mistakes in a class...that well, I get nervous which causes me to make mistakes. I really want to work on keeping this whole show thing in perspective and have fun with it. I do not have to be perfect. It is OK to make mistakes, the world will not end if I do. I think this will also help get us to goal #1.
1. Win a class. This may seem like a "duh!" of course that's a goal. But I really want to take that victory pass once this year. Easier said then done, but we can do it. Our best ribbon last year was a second place but I really think we have the capability to win one this year.
2. Shake the nerves. Sometimes I get myself so worked up that I have to be perfect and not make mistakes in a class...that well, I get nervous which causes me to make mistakes. I really want to work on keeping this whole show thing in perspective and have fun with it. I do not have to be perfect. It is OK to make mistakes, the world will not end if I do. I think this will also help get us to goal #1.
Friday, March 22, 2013
Here goes nothing...
I met my personal deadline and fired off a couple of samples to the horse publication today. And now, I wait. It's hard to believe that it was just a week ago that I decided I'd give this a try. In just one week, I can feel myself being more at ease with a blank screen. A week ago this terrified me. But now I eat, sleep, and breath possible topics for my next blog post and dream about articles that I'd like to write about the horse industry.
The profile that I wrote about my fellow barn mate was completed this morning after a long night of writing and re-writing. I wanted to make sure I did justice to someone that I admire so much. Even if no one saw it but her. It was important to me that I told her story in a way that would make her proud. Talk about nerve-wracking...I sent the write-up to her for approval before I submitted to the pub as a courtesy. I anxiously awaited her response and was relieved when I read it.
So that is that. The first step is completed but hopefully it's the first of many. I've discovered how much I enjoy this. And I have to say, it's so much more fun writing about someone else other than yourself. Being able to talk to someone, ask them pointed questions, and use their responses to help shape their story is so much darn fun. Fingers crossed I get the opportunity to do it again!
The profile that I wrote about my fellow barn mate was completed this morning after a long night of writing and re-writing. I wanted to make sure I did justice to someone that I admire so much. Even if no one saw it but her. It was important to me that I told her story in a way that would make her proud. Talk about nerve-wracking...I sent the write-up to her for approval before I submitted to the pub as a courtesy. I anxiously awaited her response and was relieved when I read it.
So that is that. The first step is completed but hopefully it's the first of many. I've discovered how much I enjoy this. And I have to say, it's so much more fun writing about someone else other than yourself. Being able to talk to someone, ask them pointed questions, and use their responses to help shape their story is so much darn fun. Fingers crossed I get the opportunity to do it again!
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Writing, Writing, Writing
Today I'm working offline on a rider profile. As I mentioned a couple of days ago, one of the riders at my barn has agreed to let me write about her. This write-up will serve as one of the samples of my work that I plan to submit to a horse publication (tomorrow!) in hopes that they'll offer some freelance writing opportunities to me. It will be a long night tonight, but my friend has taken great care in her answers to my questions; she's given me a lot to work with and I hope I do her justice. If she gives me permission, I plan on posting it here for my readers.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Show Season
Today is the first day of spring. Looking outside here in New Hampshire you wouldn't know it. Instead of those first traditional signs of spring we have a fresh blanket of snow covering everything. 12" of it. Mother Nature may throw snow at us, delaying our spring time warmth, but she can't stop the beginning of horse show season! It is so here and I am amped to get out there and show my horse.
The list of shows for Mario and me is a bit unknown at this point but one is a definite: Devon (http://www.devonhorseshow.net/). I went to Devon for the first time last year and just had the best time. It's the one horse show that I can think of off the top of my head that has top-notch hunter/jumpers and saddle seat contenders. The show organizers want exhibitors to be there and it's apparent. There's "Devon Club" every evening (free drinks and food), they deliver a goody basket daily to each barn containing horse and people treats, the footing in the ring is excellent for the horses rain or shine, and the town itself has lots of fun shops. It's a good time!
Some likely shows that we'll attend are:
UPHA Chapter 14 Spring Premiere
Springfield, MA
(no website available)
Bonnie Blue
Lexington, VA
(http://www.horsecenter.org/Events/May-2012/Bonnie-Blue-National-Horse-Show-USEF-rated.aspx)
Greater Boston Charity Horse Show
Topsfield, MA
(http://www.greaterbostoncharityhorseshow.com/)
Syracuse International
Syracuse, NY
(http://www.ashany.org/)
ASHAV
Lexington, VA
(http://www.ashav.net/)
Mario started working differently in the off-season and we made the decision to switch his division this year. When you have a young horse, you have to let them tell you when they're ready and what they want to do. So the schedule for 2013 will really be decided by my trainer (I'll be going to Devon, however, even if my horse is not!). I'll keep you posted on our progress as we get into the season.
The list of shows for Mario and me is a bit unknown at this point but one is a definite: Devon (http://www.devonhorseshow.net/). I went to Devon for the first time last year and just had the best time. It's the one horse show that I can think of off the top of my head that has top-notch hunter/jumpers and saddle seat contenders. The show organizers want exhibitors to be there and it's apparent. There's "Devon Club" every evening (free drinks and food), they deliver a goody basket daily to each barn containing horse and people treats, the footing in the ring is excellent for the horses rain or shine, and the town itself has lots of fun shops. It's a good time!
Some likely shows that we'll attend are:
UPHA Chapter 14 Spring Premiere
Springfield, MA
(no website available)
Bonnie Blue
Lexington, VA
(http://www.horsecenter.org/Events/May-2012/Bonnie-Blue-National-Horse-Show-USEF-rated.aspx)
Greater Boston Charity Horse Show
Topsfield, MA
(http://www.greaterbostoncharityhorseshow.com/)
Syracuse International
Syracuse, NY
(http://www.ashany.org/)
ASHAV
Lexington, VA
(http://www.ashav.net/)
Mario started working differently in the off-season and we made the decision to switch his division this year. When you have a young horse, you have to let them tell you when they're ready and what they want to do. So the schedule for 2013 will really be decided by my trainer (I'll be going to Devon, however, even if my horse is not!). I'll keep you posted on our progress as we get into the season.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
How We Came to Be
"He can take you to the store!" a woman's voice exclaimed from the porch. My horse trainer and I looked at each other with grins creeping onto our faces, we shrugged, and walked toward her. We still joke about that to this day. Oh, you need a gallon of milk? Mario can take you to the store. Mario is my horse and this is the story of how we came to be.
The woman who called to us from the porch is the manager/trainer at a famous American Saddlebred breeding farm in Kentucky. When it was time for me to find a new horse, this was the first stop that we made. As we got to the porch, she started giving us additional details about the horse she wanted me to try.
"The Brian Horse" she called him, was a four year old gelding who came to her from another breeder. When he arrived on her farm, she decided he needed some "extra work" and sent him to a Mennonite in town for some additional training. While there, "Brian" went all over town pulling a buggy ("He can take you to the store, you see!"). Not exactly a big selling point since I was looking for a show horse, but I guess if times got tough, it was good to know that he could be my transportation.
"He needs to be loved," I remember her saying.
We walked into the barn and I took a peek into the one stall with the open door. Instantly, I knew what she meant. I saw a timid, chestnut horse with a white star on his face and a kind eye. He needed some weight, and definitely, yes, some love. OK, a project I thought to myself. He wasn't much to look at, but judging a horse before you get him out of his stall is a mistake.
When it was my turn to ride him, I knew right away that I liked the way this horse carried himself. Some horses will "hang on the bridle" and the rider has to carry their horse's head around with the reins. It gets heavy fast and it's not a fun ride. This was not a characteristic that I was interested in having my horse possess. Brian set his head all on his own and didn't require much from me. I was happy with the way this was going. It was hard to wipe the smile off my face as we struck a trot. Now it was time to see if he could take both canter leads.
Brian was not broke to canter, so we headed to a bullpen and I had to run him into the canter. It was not pretty but he did take both leads eventually and my trainer said it was workable. He had also never worn a full bridle (a requirement for the show ring and some horses refuse to wear them). This was a risk if I chose to take him back to New Hampshire. A project.
When we left the farm that day, I really didn't want to leave Brian there. But there were a couple more appointments to keep and that was the right thing to do. I tried out additional horses and there was one that I had to consider. He was completely finished and could have gone to a horse show that day. He was a nice horse, kind and easy to ride but he didn't have that "it" factor for me. My trainer said she'd be happy to have either of them in the barn and that the decision was up to me. I had to get back to New Hampshire for work and she was staying in Kentucky for a horse show. She told me to think about it on the plane ride home and to let her know when I made my decision.
For me, it never really was a decision. As hokey and cliche as it sounds, that horse chose me. Broke is boring and why do it if it's easy? There's no challenge in that. I had a gut feeling about this guy. As soon as we landed and the pilot gave the OK to turn on electronic devices, a wave of panic came over me, what if someone else scooped him up already? From the plane, I called my trainer on the phone.
"The Brian Horse." I told her when she answered.
I'm going to call him Mario, I thought to myself as I looked out the plane window. I realize it's sort of a silly name. I named him after the Nintendo game character. It just came to me and I decided to stick with it.
That was a year and a half ago. Below is a video of our very first ride at home together. He's green in the video, that will be obvious! But the parts are all there. I love this guy. Choosing to bring him home was the right decision.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
The woman who called to us from the porch is the manager/trainer at a famous American Saddlebred breeding farm in Kentucky. When it was time for me to find a new horse, this was the first stop that we made. As we got to the porch, she started giving us additional details about the horse she wanted me to try.
"The Brian Horse" she called him, was a four year old gelding who came to her from another breeder. When he arrived on her farm, she decided he needed some "extra work" and sent him to a Mennonite in town for some additional training. While there, "Brian" went all over town pulling a buggy ("He can take you to the store, you see!"). Not exactly a big selling point since I was looking for a show horse, but I guess if times got tough, it was good to know that he could be my transportation.
"He needs to be loved," I remember her saying.
We walked into the barn and I took a peek into the one stall with the open door. Instantly, I knew what she meant. I saw a timid, chestnut horse with a white star on his face and a kind eye. He needed some weight, and definitely, yes, some love. OK, a project I thought to myself. He wasn't much to look at, but judging a horse before you get him out of his stall is a mistake.
When it was my turn to ride him, I knew right away that I liked the way this horse carried himself. Some horses will "hang on the bridle" and the rider has to carry their horse's head around with the reins. It gets heavy fast and it's not a fun ride. This was not a characteristic that I was interested in having my horse possess. Brian set his head all on his own and didn't require much from me. I was happy with the way this was going. It was hard to wipe the smile off my face as we struck a trot. Now it was time to see if he could take both canter leads.
Brian was not broke to canter, so we headed to a bullpen and I had to run him into the canter. It was not pretty but he did take both leads eventually and my trainer said it was workable. He had also never worn a full bridle (a requirement for the show ring and some horses refuse to wear them). This was a risk if I chose to take him back to New Hampshire. A project.
When we left the farm that day, I really didn't want to leave Brian there. But there were a couple more appointments to keep and that was the right thing to do. I tried out additional horses and there was one that I had to consider. He was completely finished and could have gone to a horse show that day. He was a nice horse, kind and easy to ride but he didn't have that "it" factor for me. My trainer said she'd be happy to have either of them in the barn and that the decision was up to me. I had to get back to New Hampshire for work and she was staying in Kentucky for a horse show. She told me to think about it on the plane ride home and to let her know when I made my decision.
For me, it never really was a decision. As hokey and cliche as it sounds, that horse chose me. Broke is boring and why do it if it's easy? There's no challenge in that. I had a gut feeling about this guy. As soon as we landed and the pilot gave the OK to turn on electronic devices, a wave of panic came over me, what if someone else scooped him up already? From the plane, I called my trainer on the phone.
"The Brian Horse." I told her when she answered.
I'm going to call him Mario, I thought to myself as I looked out the plane window. I realize it's sort of a silly name. I named him after the Nintendo game character. It just came to me and I decided to stick with it.
That was a year and a half ago. Below is a video of our very first ride at home together. He's green in the video, that will be obvious! But the parts are all there. I love this guy. Choosing to bring him home was the right decision.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Monday, March 18, 2013
A New Challenge
Last Friday I contacted one of the horse industry publications that I subscribe to offering my services as a freelance copy editor or proofreader (my comfort zone). I received a response from the editorial director with news that I hadn't anticipated. They are looking for freelance writers (so outside of my comfort zone!).
She asked if I could provide samples of my work. I replied honestly saying that I really hadn't written much more than a cover letter since I graduated from college. So I offered to profile one of my fellow horseback riders and my horse trainer and submit them as samples. She thought this was a great idea. It would give them a feel for my writing style and I would see if it's something that I enjoy.
But there's a bit of a problem! See, there's a reason why I haven't really written much since graduation. I remember not getting a job right out of college as a result of a review of my writing. From that day forward, in my mind, I was a crummy writer. Admittedly, I didn't exactly "live up to my potential" in college. I got by and did OK but spent a lot of time on "extracurricular activities." But this is something that I'd really like to do. I want to put the work in to get better.
So, I asked one of the ladies at my barn if she'd be willing to answer some questions and let me write about her. She agreed and I spent the weekend thinking about what direction I wanted this write-up to go in. I came up with a handful of questions and sent them to her. She'll get her answers to me by Wednesday. That's where I am at this point. But wow, this is hard. Just coming up with some pointed questions was not easy for me. Admittedly, I could be making it harder than it should be. But only because I have that nagging voice in the back of my head telling me that I can't do this. I think I can. I am determined to do this.
This blog post is an attempt to dust off the cobwebs and get writing. I know that it's not very good, but it's a starting point! It is the first of what will be many to come. I will be writing daily for the next month as a challenge to myself to get better with each post. I am going to mostly write about horses, to get myself in that frame of mind. I know this blog is supposed to be to update you, my family (my only readers) on my happenings and I apologize if horses don't interest you. I'll try to throw some other stuff in now and then. But for the next month, it's horses baby!
Side note: If you know of a good resource or two related to writing improvement, please share it with me. Thank you!
She asked if I could provide samples of my work. I replied honestly saying that I really hadn't written much more than a cover letter since I graduated from college. So I offered to profile one of my fellow horseback riders and my horse trainer and submit them as samples. She thought this was a great idea. It would give them a feel for my writing style and I would see if it's something that I enjoy.
But there's a bit of a problem! See, there's a reason why I haven't really written much since graduation. I remember not getting a job right out of college as a result of a review of my writing. From that day forward, in my mind, I was a crummy writer. Admittedly, I didn't exactly "live up to my potential" in college. I got by and did OK but spent a lot of time on "extracurricular activities." But this is something that I'd really like to do. I want to put the work in to get better.
So, I asked one of the ladies at my barn if she'd be willing to answer some questions and let me write about her. She agreed and I spent the weekend thinking about what direction I wanted this write-up to go in. I came up with a handful of questions and sent them to her. She'll get her answers to me by Wednesday. That's where I am at this point. But wow, this is hard. Just coming up with some pointed questions was not easy for me. Admittedly, I could be making it harder than it should be. But only because I have that nagging voice in the back of my head telling me that I can't do this. I think I can. I am determined to do this.
This blog post is an attempt to dust off the cobwebs and get writing. I know that it's not very good, but it's a starting point! It is the first of what will be many to come. I will be writing daily for the next month as a challenge to myself to get better with each post. I am going to mostly write about horses, to get myself in that frame of mind. I know this blog is supposed to be to update you, my family (my only readers) on my happenings and I apologize if horses don't interest you. I'll try to throw some other stuff in now and then. But for the next month, it's horses baby!
Side note: If you know of a good resource or two related to writing improvement, please share it with me. Thank you!
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