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.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)