(Oscar at Radnor)
I`d rather take some Wyoming cowgirl that could "ride the hair off a skunk" and teach her how to jump, than some eq queen, and teach her how to gallop. Speed won`t intimidate a rider who is "part of the living, breathing horse."
Amie, Aaron, Kasia, Robyn, Orianna and Quest
Angela Volk photo
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
land loss
If there is ONE culprit in the deterioration of American riding, it`s land loss. ANY tried and true young foxhunter deals with this type of situation every time they have a run, if they live where there are hills. They only have to smash th...eir face on their pony`s crest a few times before they figure out that there`s a better way! But if a rider never gallops, never deals with terrain, never has to tough it out, can they really think of themselves as a real rider? Frank Chapot and Kathy Kusner rode in the Maryland Hunt Cup, just to put "then versus now" in some perspective.
Here`s one of the great riders, back in the day, right where he/she needs to be, dropping at some speed into this water jump. Years ago, I heard this interesting insight; "Good event riders have more in common with bronc riders than they do with equitation riders." This refers to their ability to "put their body where the horse ain`t" Think that one carefully through, if you are a brainwashed "style" rider.
Here with For Pete`s Sake, years ago at Millbrook----Put that leg in a place that helps "anchor" the upper body in balance. Foxhunt, or work cows in Wyoming, or ride the rough, back country on endurance rides, and your body will start to go where it needs to be. Get OUT of the damn little ring if you want to become a good rider.
Riders in rough terrain, riders of buckers, riders who have developed a sense of "thrust/counter thrust" learn to use their whole bodies as balancing tools. This includes sticking their legs out "on the dashboard", if the situation calls for it, which can seem quite at odds with the "fixed" and overly stylized equitation poses that sometimes get ribbons in shows. "Outdoor" riders don`t sweat that posing stuff. Like Western artists Russell`s and Remington`s cowboys and Indians, they ride to function first, form second. When appropriate, the good riders can be as stylish as anyone, but never in a posed way.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Galloping speeds as they may relate to horse falls
Galloping speeds as they may relate to horse falls:
When I rode in my first event in 1962, fifty years ago, the optimum speed at the advanced level was 570 meters per minute. The cross country courses, by and large, were big but basically straightforward and you could get into a flowing rhythm.
Today, cross country courses tend to be much more complex and technical, with more combinations, mor...
When I rode in my first event in 1962, fifty years ago, the optimum speed at the advanced level was 570 meters per minute. The cross country courses, by and large, were big but basically straightforward and you could get into a flowing rhythm.
Today, cross country courses tend to be much more complex and technical, with more combinations, mor...
e places to set up, speed up, slow down, much less flowing. And the advanced cross country speed is 570 meter per minute, exactly the same as 50 years ago.
What this does is get riders to chase when they have an opening, to make up for all the "set up places" where they have to throttle down. It`s very tiring for the horse, speed up, slow down, and, with no proof, just gut feeling, I think leads to hooking and flipping, those rotational falls that are the deadly little "secret" of upper level eventing. It needs to be addressed by smart, savvy horsemen.
What this does is get riders to chase when they have an opening, to make up for all the "set up places" where they have to throttle down. It`s very tiring for the horse, speed up, slow down, and, with no proof, just gut feeling, I think leads to hooking and flipping, those rotational falls that are the deadly little "secret" of upper level eventing. It needs to be addressed by smart, savvy horsemen.
More Denny thoughts
1979, York at Chesterland, a "touch and go" bank. These require quick reflexes and a keep going forward attitude. These "questions" test a horse better, in my opinion, than the extreme angles and narrow skinnies that don`t exist "in nature....
" Somehow, cross country course design has gotten "weird."
If a horse can`t tell what a jump IS, it`s hard to navigate. Yes, the Michael Jungs and William Fox-Pitts of the eventing world can make it happen anyway, but is "weird" to a horse`s eye what we want to ask?
If a horse can`t tell what a jump IS, it`s hard to navigate. Yes, the Michael Jungs and William Fox-Pitts of the eventing world can make it happen anyway, but is "weird" to a horse`s eye what we want to ask?
Dilemma: We all know that when horses gallop faster, almost all of them "flatten" more, like greyhounds, to have more reach. This is an effective way to cover ground, but a potentially lethal way to approach a jump that isn`t sloping and fo...
rgiving, like a steeplechase fence. A faster, flatter approach leads to a faster, flatter trajectory. Simple physics.
Now that courses have become more technical, there are more places that riders have to set up, to be precisely accurate. They have to break the gallop rhythm, and this slows the speed. To make up for all the slowdowns, they have to race where they can. And if they race at some big table, and miss the distance, that`s the recipe for a rotational fall. There have been many of these falls by eventing`s very best riders, not just the lesser riders. Something is "broken."
Now that courses have become more technical, there are more places that riders have to set up, to be precisely accurate. They have to break the gallop rhythm, and this slows the speed. To make up for all the slowdowns, they have to race where they can. And if they race at some big table, and miss the distance, that`s the recipe for a rotational fall. There have been many of these falls by eventing`s very best riders, not just the lesser riders. Something is "broken."
Tamarack hill farm Denny Emerson
Obviously, an endless series of straightforward fences like big logs would miss the point, just as "yank and crank" endless combinations of angles and skinnies, miss the point. If XC designers WANT to create "Outdoor Hickstead Jumping Derbi...
es" out of jumps that, when hit, don`t fall down----the horse falls instead----then don`t ask them to race at old fashioned cross country speeds at them. Those speeds were created for more galloping courses. Where is the common sense, and awareness of basic physics?
Friday, December 14, 2012
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
100 years old and still riding!
http://www.barnmice.com/video/video/show?id=1773158%3AVideo%3A507515
We are horse riders - you don't have to understand us! Written by Inge Allard
We are horse riders- you don't have to understand us! Real riders believe in the 11th rule: With the inside leg and the outside rein. We know that all external medicine is either waterproof, blue or yellow. We have no problem, to eat a sandwich directly after mucking the stable. We know, why a thermometer has to have a... string attached on the end. We are not welcome in laundrettes. We don't think a.........nything sexual if someone talks about chains, whips or leather. We can lower our voice instantly by 5 octaves to shout at a horse scratching the floor. We will rather quit a relationship than our hobby. We try to talk to our car to make it up the hill. We have better insurance for our horse than our car. We can tell 20 different descriptions and causes for bulges and bumps on a horse. We know more about our horses diet than our own. We use words which would even embarrass a sea man. We have less to wear than our horse, our hobby is creating more work than our job. And we know that mucking a stable is the best cure for depression. If you are a real rider please post that on your Facebook♥
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Some info from Britt Mills
This is written by Dr. Britt Mills.
I have seen cases lately of horses injured by lay chiropractors and want to
emphasize to owners that they need to educate themselves so that they can protect
their horses. Here are a few tips that will help:
1. Make sure your horse has been examined by a veterinarian to determine
... that it is not a lower limb lameness, neurological issue, or a non-chiropractic
medical issue.
2. Ask the chiropractor about their training. Ask specific questions about course
names, locations and hours attended. Don’t hesitate to postpone the visit
while you do the research on credentials. Many people who call themselves
chiropractors have had no formal training or a weekend course.
3. If any methods are extreme or harsh, stop the visit immediately. Your horse
can’t tell you if a treatment method doesn’t feel right so be very aware of
what is going on.
4. Ask lots of questions. Someone competent will not mind giving you answers.
5. Long lever techniques can be particularly dangerous. This is where the
practitioner is using the lower limbs to adjust the spine or pelvis.
emphasize to owners that they need to educate themselves so that they can protect
their horses. Here are a few tips that will help:
1. Make sure your horse has been examined by a veterinarian to determine
... that it is not a lower limb lameness, neurological issue, or a non-chiropractic
medical issue.
2. Ask the chiropractor about their training. Ask specific questions about course
names, locations and hours attended. Don’t hesitate to postpone the visit
while you do the research on credentials. Many people who call themselves
chiropractors have had no formal training or a weekend course.
3. If any methods are extreme or harsh, stop the visit immediately. Your horse
can’t tell you if a treatment method doesn’t feel right so be very aware of
what is going on.
4. Ask lots of questions. Someone competent will not mind giving you answers.
5. Long lever techniques can be particularly dangerous. This is where the
practitioner is using the lower limbs to adjust the spine or pelvis.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Take Action - by Frank Waters
By: Frank Waters
Successful people take action.
The difference between greatness and mediocrity ...is how often you try. The greatest mistake you can make is to be afraid of making one. The earlier you make those mistakes the better. Don't be afraid to try.
No one that has ever lived has ever had enough power, prestige, or knowledge to overcome the basic condition of all life - you win some and you lose some.
Decide what you want from life. Set your goals high. The world will turn aside and let you pass if you know where you are going.
Use your imagination and turn your possibilities into reality by taking action. Taking action now is one step closer to you becoming the success you always wanted to be. Have a great day everyone and BIG HUGS!
The difference between greatness and mediocrity ...is how often you try. The greatest mistake you can make is to be afraid of making one. The earlier you make those mistakes the better. Don't be afraid to try.
No one that has ever lived has ever had enough power, prestige, or knowledge to overcome the basic condition of all life - you win some and you lose some.
Decide what you want from life. Set your goals high. The world will turn aside and let you pass if you know where you are going.
Use your imagination and turn your possibilities into reality by taking action. Taking action now is one step closer to you becoming the success you always wanted to be. Have a great day everyone and BIG HUGS!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
The Seven Stages of Aging on Horseback - by Cindy Hale
The Seven Stages of Aging on Horseback
By Cindy Hale
About once a week I trail ride with my good friend Debbie. We showed horses together for many years, and I'm really enjoying introducing her to the more laid back experience of trail riding. So when she called to cancel this week, I was surprised. Then she explained that she'd taken a tumble off her gelding while riding in the arena, and needed to take it easy for a few days. We were both disappointed, and together we lamented how our bodies just don't withstand the insult of getting tossed from the saddle anymore.
"Let's face it," I told Debbie. "We're getting older. When we fall off we don't bounce."
Indeed. Though we used to consider falling off just another aspect of horsemanship, nowadays we see it as something we'd really like to avoid. It has nothing to do with fear and everything to do with
a loss of elasticity that occurs to human bodies on the other side of thirty. Yet because we're horse crazy women we continue to ride, leading the non-horsey folks around us to think we're suffering from some kind of dementia. So that you can understand this concept better-or maybe prepare yourself-here's a little chart that explains it all.
a loss of elasticity that occurs to human bodies on the other side of thirty. Yet because we're horse crazy women we continue to ride, leading the non-horsey folks around us to think we're suffering from some kind of dementia. So that you can understand this concept better-or maybe prepare yourself-here's a little chart that explains it all.
The Seven Stages of Aging on Horseback
Stage I: Fall off pony. Bounce. Laugh. Climb back on. Repeat.
Stage II: Fall off horse. Run after horse, cussing. Climb back on by shimmying up horse's neck.
Ride until sundown.
Ride until sundown.
Stage III: Fall off horse. Use sleeve of shirt to stanch bleeding.
Have friend help you get back on horse. Take two Advil and apply ice packs when you get home.
Ride next day.
Have friend help you get back on horse. Take two Advil and apply ice packs when you get home.
Ride next day.
State IV: Fall off horse. Refuse advice to call ambulance; drive self to urgent care clinic.
Entertain nursing staff with tales of previous daredevil stunts on horseback.
Back to riding before cast comes off.
Entertain nursing staff with tales of previous daredevil stunts on horseback.
Back to riding before cast comes off.
Stage V: Fall off horse. Temporarily forget name of horse and name of husband.
Flirt shamelessly with paramedics when they arrive. Spend week in hospital while
titanium pins are screwed in place.
Flirt shamelessly with paramedics when they arrive. Spend week in hospital while
titanium pins are screwed in place.
Start riding again before doctor gives official okay.
Stage VI: Fall off horse. Fail to see any humor when hunky paramedic says, "You again?"
Gain firsthand knowledge of advances in medical technology thanks to stint in ICU.
Convince self that permanent limp isn't that noticeable.
Promise husband you'll give up riding.
One week later purchase older, slower, shorter horse.
Gain firsthand knowledge of advances in medical technology thanks to stint in ICU.
Convince self that permanent limp isn't that noticeable.
Promise husband you'll give up riding.
One week later purchase older, slower, shorter horse.
Stage VII: Slip off horse. Relieved when artificial joints and implanted medical devices
seem unaffected. Tell husband that scrapes and bruises are due to gardening accident.
Pretend you don't see husband roll his eyes and mutter as he walks away.
Give apple to horse.
seem unaffected. Tell husband that scrapes and bruises are due to gardening accident.
Pretend you don't see husband roll his eyes and mutter as he walks away.
Give apple to horse.
Trust me. Despite a lack of bounce-ability, aging on horseback isn't so bad,
as long as you know what lies ahead.
And as long as you keep your sense of humor.
as long as you know what lies ahead.
And as long as you keep your sense of humor.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Stunned
Bakerview Horacio (aka. Little Brother)My good friend Barb Allen, the lady who owns Bolynn stables down the road from me, wants to travel to Florida with us. Barb, her daughter Cera and one horse. I was just starting to think that this trip wasn't meant to be and then whammo - Barb called.
They want to take one of their horses to florida. And they want to bring their truck camper and HORSE TRAILER and follow us!!! They want 2 horses in one trailer and the stuff in the other trailer (ie. hay, supplies, etc). We would drive together the whole way and if there was a problem then there would be an entire truck and trailer and camper to help until further assistance could be found.
Barb is an incredible person. I totally trust her with anything and everything. She is a really good friend and I could not ask for a much better person to travel with (other than Grandpy and my mom of course!).
I am completely stunned, dumbfounded, and shocked. This could not be any better. Wow.
And yes mom if this happens I am already working on leaving earlier than Jan 1 ..... ;)
I feel like someone is watching over me - 1) keeping me and my family safe and 2) Making one dream turn to reality
I did see the moon last night big, clear and glowing bright as ever...."maybe I am crazy but I don't care" (my own personal quote)
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Florida
We are tentatively planning on going to Florida in the end of Dec, arrive mid Jan, stay until the beginning of March and return home mid march. That is plan A.
Plan 'B' is if I cannot afford to bring Biggles then we will fly down mid beginning of Jan and come home mid February? Something like that.
Both plans include being able to go to David O'Connors farm (He is the Canadian Olympic team Coach) at least 5 days per week. He will be training the short listed Canadian team riders at this time and I want to learn EVERYTHING I can (I will be a sponge for information). I am not short listed or even long listed but I hope to be one day!! This experience will bring me one step closer to my dream of not just riding for Canada but bringing home top quality horse care and training knowledge at the Olympic level for myself and my students.
Plan 'B' is if I cannot afford to bring Biggles then we will fly down mid beginning of Jan and come home mid February? Something like that.
Both plans include being able to go to David O'Connors farm (He is the Canadian Olympic team Coach) at least 5 days per week. He will be training the short listed Canadian team riders at this time and I want to learn EVERYTHING I can (I will be a sponge for information). I am not short listed or even long listed but I hope to be one day!! This experience will bring me one step closer to my dream of not just riding for Canada but bringing home top quality horse care and training knowledge at the Olympic level for myself and my students.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Friday, July 1, 2011
Break through
With the combination of Parelli natural horsemanship learning and an incredible dressage clinic with Joni-Lynn Peters I have had a major break through with Bakerview Palermo (Biggles)!
He has always been easy to ride yet I could not harness his exuberant nature on the ground and his thicker skin under saddle. However just in this last month I have tapped into the exciting talented special horse that he is.
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I am very excited to see where this partnership takes us. I know that I have not even scratched the surface of this horses talent so we will see.....
He has always been easy to ride yet I could not harness his exuberant nature on the ground and his thicker skin under saddle. However just in this last month I have tapped into the exciting talented special horse that he is.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Inspiration for the day
''Risk more than others think is safe. Care more than others think is wise. Dream more than others think is practical. Expect more than others think is possible.'' (Claude T. Bissell)
Saturday, June 4, 2011
The Good, The Bad and the Ugly....
Good news is that I have been having super lessons and training with Julia Bostock. Rode at the Kelowna jumper show and had a great week working on calming down my "irraticism". Quest was a star and progress was great. Also did schooling rounds at Topline and that was successful.
Kelowna Jumper show above left, and Topline warm up rounds above right.
Orianna and Quest at Kelowna Jumper show
More good. Clinic at Johvale with Rebecca Howard was excellent. Again lots of work on quality of pace, line, jump, etc. Did the skinny corner that Quest did not understand last year and that was awesome.
The bad. On day 3 about half way through the lesson I said to Rebecca that I felt very satisfied with everything and that I thought that I should finish on that note. I then followed the group down the hill to the trakehner. Rebecca said "Robyn do you want to go first". Greed took over. I felt sure he would just pop over the trakehner and then I would call it a day. Unfortunately he did not understand the question and would not do it. Ugggh. I truely think that he did not understand the question and that he thought he was done jumping for the day. My riding was pathetic going into the jump as my mind has also turned off as well as my body. I was so upset with myself. I have never done that before. Fortunately I do not feel that he cannot do it or won't in the future so that is good. In hindsight I should have trusted my instincts and resisted greed. Put that forth to learning experience. Grrrr. This has also reinforced not to push the desire to go Prelim again to quickly.
Quest at my trailer before Lynne Larson clinic.
The Ugly. May 12 I hopped on a green horse and he got scared, bolted and I came off. I went to the hospital and ended up with 2 fractured ribs and a pneumothorax. The pneumo was small so it resolved on its own which was good. Not able to ride, not able to lift, push, pull, breath. Not exactly what I had planned for the beginning of my eventing season.....Uggggh again.
I rode for the first time since my fall on June 1st and that went well. I am scheduled to ride in a dressage clinic on June 8 and 9 so I am aiming for that. Posting trot only - no sitting trot yet.
More ugly. I am pretty depressed about the delay of my plans. We make goals, make plans, get all of the jumper shows, cross country schooling, stabled at an indoor in the winter to properly leg up my horse/s all to have it go splat. I am fully aware that this is the life of a horse girl/person but it still sucks. I believe in fate so maybe this was meant to slow me down a little or help me organize my thoughts or....something.
Even more ugly. Actually really ugly. Biggles had an allergic reaction to something and he developed hives all over his body and neck. His face swelled up and he looked aweful. I gave him antihistamines, and many other meds and he was better within 24 hours. Quite scary and not fun. But he is better and cheekier than ever.
Allergic Reaction above, swollen face below.
All better and blinking or snoozing
The good again. Margareta and Bertel Berg have offered to give me another horse! The have offered to give me Little Brother. Little Brother is a half brother to Biggles. He is a 16.1hh+ dark bay Swedish Warmblood gelding, 5 yrs old. He is gorgeous and lovely and sweet and kind. He is like a young Quest. I am so excited about him. I am so lucky.
Little Brother - he has the ``look of the Eagles``
Kelowna Jumper show above left, and Topline warm up rounds above right.
Orianna and Quest at Kelowna Jumper show
More good. Clinic at Johvale with Rebecca Howard was excellent. Again lots of work on quality of pace, line, jump, etc. Did the skinny corner that Quest did not understand last year and that was awesome.
The bad. On day 3 about half way through the lesson I said to Rebecca that I felt very satisfied with everything and that I thought that I should finish on that note. I then followed the group down the hill to the trakehner. Rebecca said "Robyn do you want to go first". Greed took over. I felt sure he would just pop over the trakehner and then I would call it a day. Unfortunately he did not understand the question and would not do it. Ugggh. I truely think that he did not understand the question and that he thought he was done jumping for the day. My riding was pathetic going into the jump as my mind has also turned off as well as my body. I was so upset with myself. I have never done that before. Fortunately I do not feel that he cannot do it or won't in the future so that is good. In hindsight I should have trusted my instincts and resisted greed. Put that forth to learning experience. Grrrr. This has also reinforced not to push the desire to go Prelim again to quickly.
Quest at my trailer before Lynne Larson clinic.
The Ugly. May 12 I hopped on a green horse and he got scared, bolted and I came off. I went to the hospital and ended up with 2 fractured ribs and a pneumothorax. The pneumo was small so it resolved on its own which was good. Not able to ride, not able to lift, push, pull, breath. Not exactly what I had planned for the beginning of my eventing season.....Uggggh again.
I rode for the first time since my fall on June 1st and that went well. I am scheduled to ride in a dressage clinic on June 8 and 9 so I am aiming for that. Posting trot only - no sitting trot yet.
More ugly. I am pretty depressed about the delay of my plans. We make goals, make plans, get all of the jumper shows, cross country schooling, stabled at an indoor in the winter to properly leg up my horse/s all to have it go splat. I am fully aware that this is the life of a horse girl/person but it still sucks. I believe in fate so maybe this was meant to slow me down a little or help me organize my thoughts or....something.
Even more ugly. Actually really ugly. Biggles had an allergic reaction to something and he developed hives all over his body and neck. His face swelled up and he looked aweful. I gave him antihistamines, and many other meds and he was better within 24 hours. Quite scary and not fun. But he is better and cheekier than ever.
Allergic Reaction above, swollen face below.
All better and blinking or snoozing
Little Brother
Little Brother - he has the ``look of the Eagles``
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Confidence
I had this "epiphany" last year once I started riding my horse Quest.
I went from riding CCI** in 2001 with great plans for 2004 Olympics to having a wicked fall at Rainier 2002 where Mack and I fell and I separated my shoulder. Three weeks later I was back on him riding Preliminary to get my confidence back and he severely injured his stifle. Rehab of 6months to a year. Start again in 2003. Mack showing no lameness but does not feel right. Flexions, blocks, injections in hocks, injections in his coffin joints, and finally injections in his back. Things were starting to get to be too much to keep him going. Semi retire him and do dressage and jumper shows in 2003 and 2004. The dream starts to rapidly fizzle. My confidence is pretty shaken. So I pick myself up and start some nice young warmbloods. Both ended up being not that interested in cross country. Another blow to the confidence. Bring Mack back to event in 2005 and he fractures his pasturn bone on cross country and had to be put down three weeks later. Push forward. Start some young horses but my stars were not lining up.....Each thing was chipping away at my confidence. I was really not aware how bad it was until I started riding Quest this year (March 2010).
Dr. Susi Cienciella and Dr. Bruce Baker had offered me Susi's horse "Quest" to ride. Susi said "I just want someone to ride him. He is so bored in the field. He just wants to be ridden." I had a very strange pressing feeling to pursue this horse. I sat on Quest and had an instant bond. I brought him home a few days later as a 'free lease.' I mentioned to Susi that I would ride him at home and maybe take him Entry level eventing as 'that was all I needed and wanted to do at this point in my life.' I do not know what I was thinking when I said that - I think it was my 'lack of confidence' talking. Each day Quest and I grew closer and closer and after three weeks I bought him (Dr.Susi and Dr.Bruce generously offered to sell him to me for $1).
We did a clinic at Pre-Entry, a clinic at Pre-Training, one event at Pre-Training then straight into Training Level. Within three months he was going training level eventing and doing well! Quest just kept giving me the feeling of 'yes we can'. Wow what a feeling. Confidence slowly coming back. And this horse just keeps giving and giving. Not only did he give me confidence but he required me to give him confidence back. Throughout this season I would feel him question what I was asking him to do and then I would give the 'you can do it', 'we can do it' back to him.
Yes we can. What a great feeling. Complete trust. The feeling of confidence. The feeling of CAN do it. Quest has come into my life to restore my confidence in my riding. That is my epiphany. Confidence.
I went from riding CCI** in 2001 with great plans for 2004 Olympics to having a wicked fall at Rainier 2002 where Mack and I fell and I separated my shoulder. Three weeks later I was back on him riding Preliminary to get my confidence back and he severely injured his stifle. Rehab of 6months to a year. Start again in 2003. Mack showing no lameness but does not feel right. Flexions, blocks, injections in hocks, injections in his coffin joints, and finally injections in his back. Things were starting to get to be too much to keep him going. Semi retire him and do dressage and jumper shows in 2003 and 2004. The dream starts to rapidly fizzle. My confidence is pretty shaken. So I pick myself up and start some nice young warmbloods. Both ended up being not that interested in cross country. Another blow to the confidence. Bring Mack back to event in 2005 and he fractures his pasturn bone on cross country and had to be put down three weeks later. Push forward. Start some young horses but my stars were not lining up.....Each thing was chipping away at my confidence. I was really not aware how bad it was until I started riding Quest this year (March 2010).
Dr. Susi Cienciella and Dr. Bruce Baker had offered me Susi's horse "Quest" to ride. Susi said "I just want someone to ride him. He is so bored in the field. He just wants to be ridden." I had a very strange pressing feeling to pursue this horse. I sat on Quest and had an instant bond. I brought him home a few days later as a 'free lease.' I mentioned to Susi that I would ride him at home and maybe take him Entry level eventing as 'that was all I needed and wanted to do at this point in my life.' I do not know what I was thinking when I said that - I think it was my 'lack of confidence' talking. Each day Quest and I grew closer and closer and after three weeks I bought him (Dr.Susi and Dr.Bruce generously offered to sell him to me for $1).
We did a clinic at Pre-Entry, a clinic at Pre-Training, one event at Pre-Training then straight into Training Level. Within three months he was going training level eventing and doing well! Quest just kept giving me the feeling of 'yes we can'. Wow what a feeling. Confidence slowly coming back. And this horse just keeps giving and giving. Not only did he give me confidence but he required me to give him confidence back. Throughout this season I would feel him question what I was asking him to do and then I would give the 'you can do it', 'we can do it' back to him.
Yes we can. What a great feeling. Complete trust. The feeling of confidence. The feeling of CAN do it. Quest has come into my life to restore my confidence in my riding. That is my epiphany. Confidence.
love
special bond
YES WE CAN!
Confidence
Passion - by Frank Waters
PASSION:
Passion is a sense of immense determination of what we want from a strong feeling about a thing, person or an achievement. It is a strong intense emotion that compels us to be enthused with a desire to have or achieve our wants! When we have a passion for something, it is a wonderful excitement of knowing that this is what we want. To really feel that PASSION, it is telling us that we have a strong positive affinity to go after what it is that we want. Passion is an intense drive, an overmastering feeling, a conviction of what I want to do! My passion is to make a difference and I know that every day I do. My passion is to be the best at what I can be, my passion is to continue to improve in everything I do, my passion is to continue with my purpose in life of being a good human being, my passion is for all to have what they want in a positive way that will only serve for the good around them. I have many other passions that one day will come to fruition so I take one day at a time! Be passionate about what you do in your life, your goals, your relationships, your work, your sport, what you feel in your heart and watch that passion change your life. Tell yourself every day that you are the most passionate person you know and that you are intensely passionate in everything you do then watch others try to emulate you! Quite simply because those around you will want to be more passionate than you in a positive way, now wouldn’t that be wonderful?
Passion is a sense of immense determination of what we want from a strong feeling about a thing, person or an achievement. It is a strong intense emotion that compels us to be enthused with a desire to have or achieve our wants! When we have a passion for something, it is a wonderful excitement of knowing that this is what we want. To really feel that PASSION, it is telling us that we have a strong positive affinity to go after what it is that we want. Passion is an intense drive, an overmastering feeling, a conviction of what I want to do! My passion is to make a difference and I know that every day I do. My passion is to be the best at what I can be, my passion is to continue to improve in everything I do, my passion is to continue with my purpose in life of being a good human being, my passion is for all to have what they want in a positive way that will only serve for the good around them. I have many other passions that one day will come to fruition so I take one day at a time! Be passionate about what you do in your life, your goals, your relationships, your work, your sport, what you feel in your heart and watch that passion change your life. Tell yourself every day that you are the most passionate person you know and that you are intensely passionate in everything you do then watch others try to emulate you! Quite simply because those around you will want to be more passionate than you in a positive way, now wouldn’t that be wonderful?
Written by Frank Waters
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
"I have been preparing for this my whole life."
Not too long ago I was reading a particular post on Eventing Nation which got me reflecting on my own riding. It was an interview with David O'Connor in regards to applying for the US Coaching position. At one point it was written that David stated, "I have been preparing for this my whole life." This statement stuck in my head and is still there. I began to think that I have been preparing for my whole life - to present myself as a rider - to him. This is especially true now more than ever as I think I finally have two (maybe 3 soon) incredible horses that are putting the final few pieces of my puzzle together. Just to clarify - I have a very, very big puzzle and there is still a few other pieces left......
I was talking with a good friend of mine last week and she said that according to studies of children that at age 5 years old and at age 10 years old they are the most uninhibited by external life pressures and it is the most likely time that a person will express their passions in their personality (of course given the opportunity). For example if a young person is freely dancing to music and loving it that potentially this is their true passion. Now what were you doing when you were 5 and 10? What were you doing, thinking, or even dreaming of every day?
At age 5 I was begging my mom and dad to build me cross country jumps so I could practice!! I was dying to get out of the ring and gallop and jump! Pictured below is me on my first pony Pilot putting one of those jumps to the test. I really liked this jump as I thought that it was really big and the direction that I am going there was a downward slope on the landing side which I thought was really challenging and fun!
I was talking with a good friend of mine last week and she said that according to studies of children that at age 5 years old and at age 10 years old they are the most uninhibited by external life pressures and it is the most likely time that a person will express their passions in their personality (of course given the opportunity). For example if a young person is freely dancing to music and loving it that potentially this is their true passion. Now what were you doing when you were 5 and 10? What were you doing, thinking, or even dreaming of every day?
At age 5 I was begging my mom and dad to build me cross country jumps so I could practice!! I was dying to get out of the ring and gallop and jump! Pictured below is me on my first pony Pilot putting one of those jumps to the test. I really liked this jump as I thought that it was really big and the direction that I am going there was a downward slope on the landing side which I thought was really challenging and fun!
At age 5 I was insisting that I had to go in jumping shows so I could get good at jumping in the ring. I thought that this jump was the biggest jump in the entire world and I was quite apprehensive to do it but I was determined to do it. If you look closely at my cheeks in this photo you can see that I am holding my breath and puffing my cheeks out - kinda funny.
At age 10 I would gallop my pony or any of the horses from Pacific Riding for the Disabled (we lived on the property) around the big field. There was cross county jumps there too and I would sneek over the jumps and gallop up the hill. I also would do gallops in the mud to practice riding in the mud as at events it was often muddy so there you go.
I am 34 now and am still that little 5/10 year old girl as yesterday I found a giant puddle in the back field at the barn and I was out there in a flash with my young warmblood so I could get him in water and practice for water jumps.......
Through this reflection I refer to myself as "Quietly Persistent." Quietly persistent at putting the pieces of my own life puzzle together with the hopes and dreams of eventually being ready to present myself to DOC as a competent, passionate event rider. If and when I actually get to bring my horses to train with David I will say to him "I have been preparing for this my whole life." I hope I don't fall off after that!!!
Monday, March 21, 2011
We get our stop watches back!!!!!!!!!!!!
WWWHHHHooooOOOO
I was reading through the Canadian Eventing Rule book and noticed that there is no rule for 2011 about not being allowed to wear stop watches on cross country. Any one that knows me knows how passionate I am about being able to wear a stop watch so of course I emailed Equine Canada regarding this. This is what I got in relpy:
I was reading through the Canadian Eventing Rule book and noticed that there is no rule for 2011 about not being allowed to wear stop watches on cross country. Any one that knows me knows how passionate I am about being able to wear a stop watch so of course I emailed Equine Canada regarding this. This is what I got in relpy:
Good Morning Robyn
For 2011, watches are allowed on the cross country for all divisions. Please refer to Article D3111 Cross Country Scoring for specifications on timing for each division.
Sandra
Sandra de Graaff
Equine Canada/Hippique Canada
Equine Canada/Hippique Canada
866-282-8395 x 10
So I am very happy.
To summarize the rule book for time faults
- Prelim and training have a 30 second window - watch allowed
- Pre Training has a speed fault window for time faults - watch yes
- Entry level - no time faults - still posted for learning - watch yes
- Pre entry and Starter - no time faults - posted for learning - watch yes
Good.
So I am very happy.
To summarize the rule book for time faults
- Prelim and training have a 30 second window - watch allowed
- Pre Training has a speed fault window for time faults - watch yes
- Entry level - no time faults - still posted for learning - watch yes
- Pre entry and Starter - no time faults - posted for learning - watch yes
Good.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Current progress
So I have both Biggles and Quest at Bolynn Stables (formerly Swanson Mt Stables) and it has been great. Pictured below is the boys in their paddock. It is March 4 and it keeps snowing and snowing and everyone seems to be getting very tired of the snow. I keep trying to remind myself that my horses feet are getting iced (by standing in snow) every day so that could not be better. I am lucky to have both boys at the indoor and am just playing with them right now, getting them fitter, getting tack organized, and rearranging my life over and over so I can continue to follow my goals and dreams.
Below is a picture of Quest - he has a really big belly! We are working on that big belly to get it smaller soon. I am loving the Ecogold saddle pad (below) - it really is an exceptionally nice saddle pad - no joke.
Well, I am off to the barn to work the boys and work with a horse in training. Then I come back home to change into my scrubs to go into Vernon to work as a nurse this evening. Busy, busy, busy but totally worth it.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
Update
So I have not posted anything in a while. I have moved the horses to Bolynn stables (formerly Swanson) and everything is going very well. I am really focussed on a gradual, progressive fitness build up for Quest and he is looking great. He still has a bit of a hay belly but that is next on the fitness list....Started lessons with Julia Bostock and LOVING it!! I am striving for quality show jumping this year (less wingin' it). Biggles is looking amazing and has settled in like a pro. Gina is doing a great job keeping him busy and helping him mind his manners. I am riding 2 horses for Barb/Cera, the owners of Bolynn and they are in full training 5 days/week. Started picking up some new lessons and Pony Club stable management lessons are in full force. I am really looking forward to getting started with Biggles half brother, called Little Brother. He is coming 5yrs, dark bay, big, and gorgeous. He comes for training in early spring.
First outing is tentatively planned for March 25/26 at Thunderbird - indoor jumper show (Gateway series). Horse trials also has a clinic at mrec that weekend so I am debating going to that. Then to topline for the April jumping show.
First outing is tentatively planned for March 25/26 at Thunderbird - indoor jumper show (Gateway series). Horse trials also has a clinic at mrec that weekend so I am debating going to that. Then to topline for the April jumping show.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Monday, January 31, 2011
Extravaganza Equestrian Invasion
The Extravaganza Equestrian invasion of Bolynn stables (formerly Swanson Mt. Stables) has begun! Biggles and Quest are at the barn and Amie is transporting Folly today. Gina is busy arranging how to 'make it happen' to get out there to ride Biggles. Barb and Cera's horses Zoe and Winnie are in full training as dressage and hunter prospects and they are going very well. We will be looking for more horses to come in for training to add to our team so advertising is starting this week!
Yesterday I sent of my declaration of intent to compete in the CCI* at Rebecca Farms for July. I also added one in for Bromont CCI (June) just in case I came into a pile of money and had the opportunity to go - I would be really upset with myself if I had not declared and had the chance. I will also be declaring for the CCI* at Galway Farms in November. Declaring does not mean that I am doing it for sure - it just lets Equine Canada know that it could be a possibility and that I am 'thinking' about it.
Exciting year so far.
Yesterday I sent of my declaration of intent to compete in the CCI* at Rebecca Farms for July. I also added one in for Bromont CCI (June) just in case I came into a pile of money and had the opportunity to go - I would be really upset with myself if I had not declared and had the chance. I will also be declaring for the CCI* at Galway Farms in November. Declaring does not mean that I am doing it for sure - it just lets Equine Canada know that it could be a possibility and that I am 'thinking' about it.
Exciting year so far.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
New Beginning by Frank Waters
Would you like a new beginning?
There is nothing like this moment in time to set a course for the rest of your life. Here's what you have to do in making that happen! Take 15 minutes and write down what is important to you and where you would like to go with your life. What do you want your life to become? What do I have to do to get there? Make sure you are open to the possibilities by creating a vision of your future filling it with abundance. It is now time to move forward by not dwelling on the past. Whatever negativity and failure in your life, wherever your thinking is today, it is time to let go and celebrate new beginnings, remember, yesterday is gone and you cannot bring it back, go forward! Keep asking yourself what you want, let your imagination go crazy and again, write down the answers. Now that you have started the journey on your wants be open to having them. Do not look back, spend every day re enforcing what it is you want by reading your list! Just go for it and make it happen, it is up to you!
Written by Frank Waters
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Very General plan for Spring
Planned Clinic and Events:
May 6-8th Interior Clinic at Johvale
May 21-23 Johvale 2 day horse trials
June 25-26 Topline Horse trials - Topline Horse trials
Tentative Schooling show dates:
March 25-27, 2011 - Thunderbird Equestrian Center - Gateway Series Hunter Jumper Indoor Schooling Show February5th Dressage % day - Fieldstone (equestrian centre in Kamloops)
February 19th Jump day - Fieldstone (equestrian centre in Kamloops)
March 6th Dressage % day - Fieldstone (equestrian centre in Kamloops)
March 19th Jump day - Fieldstone (equestrian centre in Kamloops)
March 6th Dressage % day - Fieldstone (equestrian centre in Kamloops)
March 19th Jump day - Fieldstone (equestrian centre in Kamloops)
Sun Meadows for more info at 250-573-5812
April 16-17 Topline - warm up rounds/dressage % day
April 21-24, 2011 Thunderbird - 'Season Opener' Outdoor Hunter Jumper Schooling Show
OR April 23 - 24 -Kelowna Riding Club Dressage Show (Hilda Gurney judge)
June 10 - 12 Topline Spring Derby or Aspen Event in Washington, USA
July 8/9/10 - Whidbey Event - Whidbey Island Wash, USA
July 20 - 24th Rebecca Farms Event - Montana, USA
July 30/31 - Topline Event
Sunday Jan 23, 2011
I went an education session with Hillary Clayton yesterday and it was excellent. So much information on horse back issues especially bony changes. So interesting yet a little bit making me paranoid now.... Not with my two boys as they are 100% sound all over their entire bodies but for other horses having issues now this information has given me a whole new perspective.
Biggles and Quest have now been at Cathies indoor for 23 days and the horses progression is going well. Horses are getting fitter and it is time to start jumping. People ask about my plans for the year and I can never really answer as this is such a strange year.
Last year Quest came into my life in March as a 'lease, project, fun horse' for me to play on at 'Entry level' eventing for a few years. I have a family, a normal job (nursing), and should just have fun and enjoy riding locally at a low level so I thought that would be perfect. Quest did a clinic at Pre-Entry level in the beginning of April, a clinic at Entry level in the end of April, competed Pre training in May (won the event), competed Training level in June (won it), competed Training level in July (won it), competed Training level in October (came second) and ended up tied for first for the BC Horse Trials Year End Awards for Training level! This horse is truely amazing. I also feel he has great potential to do more. So with that in mind I want to do more but I do not want to push him. I strongly feel that he has the ability to go at least Intermediate level. With this in mind I now have to develop a better understanding of him in competition. I have to get his and my 'Ducks in a row'. Last year we were more or less "Winging it". I had never taken him in any schooling shows or practice rounds and only schooled him cross country a few times - yes - definitely "Winging it." So I do not want to wing it this year. To not wing it I need to (my ducks):
Biggles is ready to get on a serious program now. He is 5 1/2 years old rising 6 soon. I have (and Gina too) been working on getting a solid base with him and balancing work and rest to coincide with his growing for the last 3 years. He has changed so much in the last 2 months it is unbelievable. Biggles jumps 4'3(1.25m) in a grid with ease, free jumps 1.25m with ease, and so far seems to thrive on activity - the busier and more electric the atmosphere the better Biggles is - now that is a awesome quality - so he is pretty exciting! Biggles ducks are:
From here we will see where he is at. It is time for him to really train, get out, and compete. It is time to get going. Go Biggles Go!
I want the snow to go away. I am ready to get on with it. Lets go!!!
Biggles and Quest have now been at Cathies indoor for 23 days and the horses progression is going well. Horses are getting fitter and it is time to start jumping. People ask about my plans for the year and I can never really answer as this is such a strange year.
Last year Quest came into my life in March as a 'lease, project, fun horse' for me to play on at 'Entry level' eventing for a few years. I have a family, a normal job (nursing), and should just have fun and enjoy riding locally at a low level so I thought that would be perfect. Quest did a clinic at Pre-Entry level in the beginning of April, a clinic at Entry level in the end of April, competed Pre training in May (won the event), competed Training level in June (won it), competed Training level in July (won it), competed Training level in October (came second) and ended up tied for first for the BC Horse Trials Year End Awards for Training level! This horse is truely amazing. I also feel he has great potential to do more. So with that in mind I want to do more but I do not want to push him. I strongly feel that he has the ability to go at least Intermediate level. With this in mind I now have to develop a better understanding of him in competition. I have to get his and my 'Ducks in a row'. Last year we were more or less "Winging it". I had never taken him in any schooling shows or practice rounds and only schooled him cross country a few times - yes - definitely "Winging it." So I do not want to wing it this year. To not wing it I need to (my ducks):
- Jump more show jumps at home
- jump higher show jumps at home
- attend jumper clinics/lessons
- go to jumper shows for practice rounds
- school more cross country
- more cross country clinics
- dressage lessons
- a couple of Pre-training events to get the ball rolling
- a couple of Training events to see if we are not winging it anymore
Biggles is ready to get on a serious program now. He is 5 1/2 years old rising 6 soon. I have (and Gina too) been working on getting a solid base with him and balancing work and rest to coincide with his growing for the last 3 years. He has changed so much in the last 2 months it is unbelievable. Biggles jumps 4'3(1.25m) in a grid with ease, free jumps 1.25m with ease, and so far seems to thrive on activity - the busier and more electric the atmosphere the better Biggles is - now that is a awesome quality - so he is pretty exciting! Biggles ducks are:
- Improve his canter
- Get out to little schooling shows
- clinics
- work on his flying changes
- more exposure
- Jumper shows
- Eventing
- Dressage shows
I want the snow to go away. I am ready to get on with it. Lets go!!!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
comprimise
 |
| Before hair cut |
Today I got 8 inches of my hair cut off and I am donating it to the BC Cancer Society to help make wigs for cancer patients. Makes me happy.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
If you have lack of confidence you will kill your motivation! Don't put all your focus on what you want but remember how lucky you are to have what you already own! Look around you and know you have already achieved all of this, and then move forward to new things! Now rejuvenate your confidence and get motivated for the future by building on your current success. Remember, the more negatively you think, the more excuses your mind will give you to fail!
Written by Frank Waters
Saturday, January 15, 2011
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