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

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♥

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.

Castanet Classifieds - 6 yr old QH H/J Gelding

Castanet Classifieds - 6 yr old QH H/J Gelding

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Courtney King Dye - Riders4Helmets

I Love Living Life. I Am Happy.

LOOK AT YOURSELF AFTER WATCHING THIS.mp4

Stunned

Bakerview Horacio (aka. Little Brother)

Good morning,
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)

Bakerview Palermo (aka Biggles)

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. 

New Website

http://robynzimmereventing.webs.com/

Quote of the day

Thought of the Day: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” ___Mark Twain__

that what i call it talent

I love this!!!

Your thoughts guide you to your destiny.
If you always think the same you will always get to the same place.
Think in a new way and you will be a new person.
Give happiness to all and you will live in peace.
Create peace in your mind and you will create a world of peace around you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Gc4HGQHgeFE

motivation - more of this needed - and persistance

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SbXgQqbOoU&feature=player_embedded

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. 

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.....

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)

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

Little Brother - he has the ``look of the Eagles``

Horse Lover Buys More Stuff

Robyn's Quest - by Andrea Blair, Paperhorse Photography

Paperhorse photography - Andrea Blair - did this for me! She will be following Quest all season.
Click on the link for the video. 
Password is: paperhorse (if needed).

http://vimeo.com/22540932

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.

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?

Written by Frank Waters

"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!

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!!!

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:

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

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.

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. 

Mein Lukas beim Springen

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. 

The North American Riders Group Presents George Morris "Insist on Excell...

Original muppets mana mana song

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.

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

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)

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):

• 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

Then once all of that has been done and tested then I might be able to make a plan for the season.  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:

• Improve his canter
• Get out to little schooling shows
• clinics
• work on his flying changes
• more exposure
• Jumper shows
• Eventing
• Dressage shows

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!!!

comprimise

Before hair cut

My husband Aaron got me a gift certificate to get my hair done.  He asked when I was going to make an appointment.  I said after I ride the horses.  He then said he wanted my hair cut to be beautiful.  I said I will get a hair cut that is suitable for riding, suitable for my lifestyle, does not take any work, and one that looks pretty.  He sighed and suggested that it should be in the opposite order and beautiful not just pretty.  I looked at him and told him that we will have to comprimise.  I think we are supposed to agree to comprimise.....hmmm.  We will see what happens....

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.

 

 

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

I got my Ecogold saddle pad and brushing boots this week!  I won the saddle pad in an Ecogold random draw.  I also entered an Ecogold contest previously (Christmas time) and I received $35.00 towards anything Ecogold of my choice and I chose the dressage boots.  

Thank you Ecogold!

Patence + Persistence + Perspiration = Success

There are three principal reasons we lose our focus of motivation.

1. Lack of ...confidence – If we don’t believe we can succeed, what’s the point in trying?
2. Lack of focus – If we don’t know what we want, do we really want anything?
3. Lack of direction – If we don’t know what to do, how can we be motivated to do it?

Firstly, repeat to yourself several times a day, every day, “I have confidence in me.” Then do the same with your focus! Remember, repetition is a powerful way of changing our thinking from the negative to the positive. Direction, there is only one, FORWARD, keep going forward, taking steps back will only slow down the process to succeed. Staying motivated is not easy, take small steps and with each success, more will follow building up you confidence, eliminating negative thoughts and changing your anxiety about the future. You will fail on the way, many times, but never give up. By doing this you will learn how to nurture motivating thoughts, neutralize negative ones and focus on the task at hand. What separates the highly successful is their ability to keep moving forward! As Walt Disney said, “If you can dream it, you can do it”!

By: Frank Waters

Dalai Lama

  

 

This is an excellent video:

Life = Risk Video

Jan 1, 2011

Robyn Zimmer

 (previously - Robyn Mortimer)

Accomplishments/Experience

EC Coach 1
Coaching for approximately 20 years
Started coaching with the local Pony Clubs teaching D level
Successfully competed CCI** and CIC** level Three Day Eventing in Canada and the United States
with qualifying results
Was given a Grand Prix trained dressage horse at age 12 (From Andrea Taylor)
Have competed in jumper shows since the age of nine including Thunderbird and Milner Downs
Competed across Canada representing BC in Pony Club competitions (Rallies, National Prince Phillip games, National Quiz)
Ranked 4^th in Canada - FEI standings for eventing - 2001
131^st World Ranking in FEI eventing (October 2001)
Named to the Canadian Talent Squad for three day eventing - 2002
‘A’ Level Pony Club
Have trained horses for all disciplines since 1990 (20+ years)
Received Foxwood Hill Scholarship for dedication and talent - 2001
National Examiner for Canadian Pony Club (B2)
Certified Mentor for those seeking Equine Canada Coaching Certification
Have evented approximately 28 different horses
Have been a ‘Catch Rider’ in all disciplines since the age of about 10.
Have started many young horses
Worked at a welsh pony breeding farm in training for hunter/jumper
Worked at a Warmblood Breeding Farm when I was 17 yrs old - Pegasus Stables
Worked at a Canadian Horse breeding farm (23 Canadian horses) teaching, backing young horses, training horses, showing, jumping

Equestrian History

 

I was born into the horse world as my mother is Maureen Walters, Level 2 coach, Senior judge, FEI Steward, Master Course Conductor for Equine Canada, current Prix St. Georges rider,  and much, much more …. I got my first pony when I was two and competed in lead line that year and have been competing ever since. 
 　

My mom was always teaching lessons and would have me with her as she could not afford a baby sitter at that time. We lived at Pacific Riding for the Disabled for several years where I would assist the disabled riders with tacking up, grooming and riding.  I competed in my first three day event on my pony Lucky at age 9 (Langley Riders Mini Event).  Later we moved to Regents Park, an 80 acre Equestrian Farm in Aldergrove. I would tack up numerous school horses, warm up, cool down, and jump any horse available to me. I painted jumps for $3.00 per hour and I thought at that time it was the best job ever.  My mother taught me about top quality horse care and farm management every day as she was managing Regents Park.  We lived in an area attached to the indoor arena so at any moment my mom needed me she would tap on the window and say "Robyn get your hard hat - I need you to get on this horse right now!"  My mom provided daily education, feedback and advice on every aspect of horses from care to working with boarders, to how to teach lessons with school horses and of course riding. Some of the feedback was not that positive....."ROBYN!!!  WHAT WERE YOU THINKING!!  YOU CAN NOT DO THAT!!!"  she would often exclaim at the top of her lungs.  Any one who knows my mom knows how passionate she is about horses and how she reacts when something is not done properly (don't mess with my mom).  At age 10 I started eventing more consistently. In 1989 Andrea Taylor gave me her Grand Prix trained dressage horse “Martins Gyseyn”. I practiced and learned from his extensive dressage training as well as competed him in all three disciplines (dressage, jumpers, and eventing).  My mom also gave me her horse Woodbyrne (Woody) as we could not afford for us both to ride.  She also gave me all of her tack, riding clothes, and equipment.  I rode him Preliminary level eventing and along with daily coaching from my mom I took clinics from the top local trainers.  By age 13/14 we moved to Sirrocco Stables in South Langley (Sirrocco was mainly a dressage barn at that time) and I began riding and training horses for people, cleaning stalls, pulling manes, painting fences, turning out horses and teaching riding lessons in Pony Club to earn money to fund my riding.  I also began showing other horses for added income. From there we moved to Bakerview Stables where I rode approx. 5 horses per day after school, taught riding lessons for the local Pony Clubs, tested Pony Club and competed in shows.

　
I would ride any breed, colour, size, shape etc. just for the love of horses and riding. I often would take on  difficult horses and enjoyed the challenge. I also trained and showed the Swedish stallion ‘Flaminko’ when he first arrived from Sweden (dressage lessons and clinics with Deitrich VonHopfgarten, Lorraine Chappell) . In 1994 we moved to a small farm in Chilliwack and my mom bought me ‘Extraordinaire’, a thoroughbred off of the race track for me to event. I trained him and competed him in the upper levels of eventing and some dressage and some 3’9” jumpers. He is the horse in which I attended 11 years of specialized eventing clinics with Lucinda Green, Therese Washtock, Nick Holmes-Smith, Robin Hahn, Bruce Mandeville, Peter Grey) and obtained many of my riding goals and dreams (see accomplishments). During this time I also continued training and competing other horses, teaching lessons, and testing Pony Club (B2 PC Tester). I moved to Armstrong in 2004 and the following year ‘Extraordinaire’ aka ‘Mack’ fractured his pastern and had to put down. He is buried on our farm by the big tree. Since then I have been rebuilding my young group of horses.  

I am 34 years old, married to a wonderful, supportive man, Aaron, and now have a daughter who is three, Orianna Dawn Zimmer. We own a farm in Armstrong near O’Keefe Ranch where we have the horses, 2 dogs, 2 cats. Outside of horses I am a Licensed Practical Nurse and a Certified Resident Care Aide and have a Palliative Care certificate (specialized training for end of life care). I have worked with senior citizens in a retirement home in Vernon for the last 6 years.  Orianna has a heart defect and has three open heart surgeries and two heart procedures during the last three years.

I have always been very passionate about horses, riding and horse care and love to teach the things that I have been able to learn to those who also love horses. I plan to return to training horses, teaching riding and horsemanship lessons this year to individuals who have a passion for horses like myself.

　

Current Equestrian Goals

Return to higher level competition in 2011 - Preminary Level eventing with a CIC*/CCI* by this fallPlan on completing my Coach 2 certification in 2011
Working with “Bakerview Swedish Warmbloods” breeders of top quality Swedish Warmbloods.