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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.
　

Be the "I did it Rider"

The horse world is a very hard place to be.  You can be at the top one minute then at the bottom the next.  In reality the bottom can last a long time for some people.   You read the stories of the odd few that have "made it" and you wish it was you.  You are envious.  You try and try but things just do not seem to go exactly right. 

It is funny how us horse people set our sights on the olympics (and only the olympics for some reason) when if you look at it realistically the odds of having the horse, the money, the soundness, the support and all of your lucky stars aligned all together at the same time and then make it only to have all of that happen once every four years the odds are really not that great.  Probably 99 percent of horse people will end up in disappointment all because of the statistical improbability of 'making it' to the Olympics. 

For some reason we keep the dream alive.  Is it punishment that we seek?  Is it a false sense of reality?  Have we been brought up in an equestrian society that places all emphasis on "You are only good if you have been to the Olympics"?  Therefore we think that in order to be good or have others see you as good that we have to strive for the Olympics.  Strange.  Self defeating.  But then again some people that you know have had that success and you start to think - hey if she/he can maybe I can too.  The horse person returns to the dream.  The horse person has to dream.  Without dreams there are no goals, no hopes, no aspirations.  But more often than not that single Big dream won't come true.  But we still dream as there is that one chance in a million that your dream will come true and if it did that would be the most possibly be the most amazing feeling in the world.  On the other hand not making it after trying and trying - would that not be worse - a life filled with self defeat?

So that being said continue to dream.  Dream  big dreams but also dream smaller dreams.  Smaller dreams would also be considered smaller goals.  More realistic goals.  More attainable goals.  If one has smaller goals then would have some feeling of success, satisfaction, and self esteem will be achieved.  I really like having the one star, two star etc as it gives a FEI experience while still being within reach.  So with that in mind I have set a goal of competing Prelim this year on Quest and doing at least a CCI * or CIC * with him.  Realistic, attainable, possible.  I will still maintain the dream of competing a high level again however my small dream is Prelim/one star and see where it takes us. 

The moral of this is take the Olympic dream out of the equation (don't lose it just put it to the side) and put in broader more general attainable big dreams and also add in some smaller dreams/goals in hopes of being the rider who 'did it' (ie.  rode Advanced) rather than the rider who "said she was going to the Olympics but never made/did it."  I want to be the rider who strived to be competent at Intermediate and  accomplished it - the "I did it rider".  I will give this a try and see what happens.

Randoms for Monday Dec 21th

Quote of the day

To be honest, if you want something, you chase it. Don't wait for it to happen all by itself, because it won't.

- EventingSafety John from Eventing Nation

Horses are Good for the Heart

Horses are Good for the Heart

Ask me to run in deep sand on a beach for half an hour because it is good for me and I would tell you to get stuffed.  Put me in a huge sand riding ring with a jump and a horse running free then hand me a lunge whip and watch me willing run around in the sand for a an hour.  I huff and puff and sweat like crazy but I don't care because I have to help that horse get through that jumping lane....

Tell me to go for long walks everyday down the road or on a treadmill because it is 'good for my heart' and I would say, "My goodness why?  What a waste of time.  I will not."  Take me to a horse show where my camper is 500m from where my horse is and watch me walk miles and miles and miles back and forth and back and forth and back and forth to my horse each day. 

Tell me to go hiking in the forest down through trails and up steep hills - noooo thanks.  I will whine and complain every step of the way.  Put cross country jumps in a 50 acre field that runs through trails up hills and down steep mountain slopes and I will trudge through any trail/path many times over without a word of complaint.

Tell me to do bicep curls at the gym to strengthen my arms.  I tried it.  I went over and grabbed the little five pound weights and could barely do 10 reps.  Then that same day watch me carry full water buckets, heavy saddles, 50 pound feed sacks, 12' poles, huge standards, and push wheel barrows full of water logged horse manure.  Hmmmmm

Tell me to strap weights on my ankles and wrists while going for a walk to increase my strength and endurance.  Unn - nahhh  Give me a saddle, bridle, saddle pad, girth, helmet, whip, gloves, and a grooming kit and tell me that my horse is 'way over there' and watch me strategically place and hang all of the equipment all over my body so that I am able to walk over a great distance to my horse. 

Tell me to go outside in minus 26 degree weather in a snow storm with 2 feet deep of snow on the ground and the wind blowing like crazy to "go out and get some exercise" and I would say that you are out of your mind.  Now put my horses into the picture.  They need to be fed and cared for.  I put on two pairs of pants, two toques, 4 jackets, gloves and my insulated gum boots and off I go in the minus 26 snow storm to feed the horses without a problem.  Slowly fighting through the deep snow each step of the way, walking sideways to break the wind, and carrying a water bucket in each hand as the horse water is frozen.....Huffing and puffing and sweating like a pig .......I would not give it a second thought - the horses needed their supper..... 

Tell me to take up Karate.  "Wax on Wax off."  Naaadaaa.  I would rather just brush my horse with my left hand, brush my horse with my right hand.  Pick up the rubber curry comb.  Brush in circles with the left hand, circles with the right hand.  Below is a picture of the Karate Kid showing us 'how to feed a horse from your hand' - karate style. 

 

Tell me to go running.  Go for a run down the road.  That would be very good for your health Robyn.  And do interval training.  Yes.  Wind sprints.  You run, walk, run, walk then run again.  Very, good for health and fitness.  Not in your life I would say.  Sooo not me.  Hhahahaaaa.  Here we go.  My horse breaks a fence and is now galloping down the road.  What do you see.  Robyn running after it. The horse stops to eat grass.  Robyn walks.  The horse puts his head up and starts trotting further down the road.  Robyn runs to catch up.  Horse stops as he sees something scary.  Robyn walks slowly to try and casually get closer to catch the horse.  Horse lets Robyn get very very close.  Horse then spins around and gallops down the road in the complete opposite direction.  Robyn now runs down the road after it.  You get the picture.  A horse girl's version of interval training. 

Tell me to do lunges at the gym to strengthen my gluteal muscles (my bum muscles) and my thigh muscles.  I would reply, "That is so boring.  Yuck."  But give me a a wheelbarrow full of manure and a muddy hill to go up in order to dump it and watch me step forward, bend at my knees, push with my quads and buttocks, and repeat over and over.

I am quite healthy; healthy thanks to horses.  Horses make active living easy.  Healthy living is good for muscles, bones, joints, lungs, and the heart. 

Therefore horses are good for the heart.  :) 

Funny video for a giggle

The end

Randoms for Thursday Dec 16th

I really hope Santa brings me a Charles Owen Helmet for Christmas.

I like the tack website Victory Canter and Tack Depot.  The tack store in Falkland called Big M Tack is one of my favorite tack stores.  You can order what you want through the Tack Depot and then it goes to Big M Tack then one picks it up from there.  Great deals.  Pretty nice bridles for $50.00, saddle pads for $20.00, winter blankets for $100.00 and I have tested many things out for over a year and they have been great.  Black padded crank noseband with a flash for $12.00

There is an excellent sports psychology video for riders on Ecogold facebook.  Also other great videos can be found at the Ecogold website.  Click on video and blog to see them. 

I did not win the Ecogold saddle pad contest but everyone that entered got given a $35.00 gift certificate toward any ecogold product!  So I think I will pick the white dressage boots......I will keep trying to win a saddle pad. 

Equestrian Helmet Fact Sheet

Courtesy of the BC Medical Association.© Horse Council BC 2005

Equestrian Helmet Fact Sheet

1. Over 33,000 people in BC ride horses. Athletes involved in horse riding are

more likely to suffer head trauma than those involved in football, boxing or

soccer.

2. Head injuries are the most common reason for admission to hospital or even

death among riders. Most injuries occur during pleasure riding.

3. A fall from 2 feet (60 cm) can cause permanent brain damage. A horse

elevates a rider 8 feet (3 meters) or more above ground.

4. A human skull can be shattered by an impact of 7-10 kph. Horses can gallop

at 65 kph. Children s skulls are the most vulnerable.

5. Ten to fourteen year olds are the children most likely to be involved in an

accident with a horse, however all ages are at risk.

6. A rider who has had one head injury has a 40% chance of suffering a second

head injury. Children, teens and young adults are most vulnerable to sudden

death from a second impact syndrome; severe brain swelling as a result of

suffering a second head injury before recovery from the first head injuries.

7. Death is not the only serious outcome of unprotected head injuries. Those

who survive with brain injury may suffer epilepsy, intellectual and memory

impairment, and personality changes.

8. Hospital costs for an acute head injury can be in the range of $2000 per day.

Lifetime extended care costs may easily exceed $3 million. There is no

funding for rehabilitation outside the medical setting.

9. Helmets work. Most deaths from head injury can be prevented by wearing

ASTM (American Society for Testing Materials), SEI (Safety Equipment

Institute) approved helmets that fit correctly and have the chin strap firmly

applied. Other types of helmets including bike helmets, are inadequate.

10.Racing organizations require helmets and as a result jockey now suffer less

head injuries than pleasure riders. The US Pony Club lowered their head

injury rate 29% with mandatory helmet use. Britain s hospital admission rate

for equestrians fell 46% after helmet design improved and they became

routine in use.

11.The BCMA (BC Medical Association), CMA (Canadian Medical Association),

AMEA (American Medical Equestrian Association) and the AMA (American

Medical Association) recommend approved helmets be worn on all rides by

all equestrians.

I have been given permission to reprint this information.  This information is from the Horse Council BC Website under brochures. 

 

Quest.wmv

Turn up the volume it is really funny!!!

Honey - All That I Need is a Fence for my Horse

Honey - All I Need is a Fence for my Horse

I am so lucky to have Aaron. 

We bought our farm Dec 26th 2003.  We got possession of it in January 2004 and the first thing I did was run (actually non - intentionally slide on my bum) down the hill to the plateau.  I said to my husband "I know we do not have any extra money and I know I am really far in debt but all I need is a fence for my horse."  Take note a true horse person does not say want, they say "need" and by only asking for a fence for one horse it sounds fairly easy.....The picture is of Aaron looking accross the plateau saying, "So you want what and where?" 

Aaron said "We can't do anything right now as the ground is frozen but as soon as the snow goes I will see what I can do."  I was soooo excited that I went down again with many bright orange cones and began trudging around in the snow placing them stategically around the property.  As I had in my mind that Aaron was actually standing in my future riding ring, I placed the cones way over on the other side of the plateau.  Aaron said, "Why are all of the cones way over there?  I thought you wanted them here."  Well no honey this area is where the riding ring will be.  He replied "What?  Riding ring?  I thought all that you needed was a fence."  Well yes I need a fence but I need a riding ring too.  But don't worry about the ring, all I really need is a fence for Mack.

The snow finally went away in the spring and Aaron said that we would get a bundle of rails and a bundle of posts and he would build me the fence.  Yippee.  Once again very excited I ran down to the plateau, reorganized my cones and layed out the rails where the paddock was to be.  Below is a picture of the rails and cones ready for Aaron.  Aaron looked at it and said "That is huge!  That is not a paddock, that is a field!  That is way bigger than I thought."  Yes honey it is big - isn't it wonderful.  And there is room for more than just one horse in there.  Aaron, "More than one horse.  What are you talking about you just have Mack."  But honey Mack will need a friend when he gets here so the paddock has to big enough for two horses.  But again don't worry about that, all that I need is this paddock.  When Aaron got closer to the extremely large paddock to have a better look he noticed some extra cones and rails on the ground (see the cones and rails that are perpendicular to the top part of the paddock) and he stopped in his tracks.  He asked, "What is this?"  I said, that is where the shelter will be.  All horses need shelter.  But don't worry about that now, all that I need is this fence up so I can bring Mack home. 

My husband is a very smart man.  My husband is not a push over (anyone that knows him will attest to this).  It is not that he did not 'get the big picture' or 'get tricked into anything' he was actually storing this information in his memory and was choosing not to tell me that I was insane.  He truely understands the craziness.  So that being said Aaron shook his head wondering what he had got himself into mumbled under his breath, "I have got to keep a tight rein on this girl's imagination or I could be in big trouble."  He then went and got the 80 pound post pounder and started on the fence.  Aaron pounded every one of the posts by hand and hammered up every rail within a single weekend.   Soon after he did the fence he built a big shelter, a small pony shelter in the paddock as well as a tack/feed shed right next to the paddock.   My husband thought that he was going to get ahead of my imagination.....See picture below.  Note: there is three horses........

Now it it 2005 and I have three horses in one big paddock.  I really prefer to feed my horses seperately. This was especially important considering how much more feed the thoroughbred would need compared to the quarter horse crosses.  So I mentioned to my husband that I needed to separate the horses and it would require just one more fence/paddock for the thoroughbred.  He glared at me and said, "I thought you said you just needed the one paddock."  Well not now that I have three horses and the thoroughbred eats so much more than the others so I just need one paddock beside this one for the one horse (Notice a theme here???).  Aaron went and got the post pounder again and made another paddock.  See below - the next paddock is on the left side of the picture.    

As I had mentioned earlier that all horses need a shelter one can only guess what I asked for next.  Yes.  A shelter for the new paddock.  New shelter far left in picture below.

Now that I had two paddocks, two big shelters, one pony shelter, a tack shed, and three horses I needed a cover for the hay.......Honey, I need to cover my hay.  He said, "I know dear, you do not have to say anything more about this."  See below.

Since the hay shed I have "needed" two more paddocks and one more shelter.  Aaron also has the holes for another shelter dug waitng for posts......Trying to get ahead of me again .....

During all of this I also started asking him about the riding ring.  It started with "Honey, All that I need is a fence for my Riding Ring!"  Hahhaha  I love my husband.  He is the only person that can keep my craziness and imagination under control while at the same time make my dreams turn into reality. 

Love you honey :)

Randoms for Thurs Dec 9th

Randoms

Yesterday Extravaganza Equestrian surpassed the over 400 total views to date!  Thanks for reading.  Any questions or comments send me an email to azimmer1@telus.net
Quote(s) of the day:

“If you greatly desire something, have the guts to stake everything on obtaining it.”
- Brendan Francis


"A star is a naturally talented rider who wants to gain as much knowledge as possible through working very hard."
- unknown

just a horse

Randoms for Tues Nov 7th

Randoms


December is human health month (hopefully).  Time to get to the chiropractor, doctor, orthodontist, dentist, and any other health appointments that I have been putting off because I was "too busy riding horses."


December is also "work as much as I can" month.  Working on Christmas is usually double time and 1/2, boxing day is time and 1/2, and New years day is time and 1/2.  I want to work those days :)


I am aiming for one piece of writing per week.  I have started this week's personal story and it is coming along nicely (I think).


Quote of the day:


"The most important thing is rhythm; you can jump anything with rhythm.  Don't worry about 'seeing a stride' let the rhythm take you to the fence until your eye kicks in.  Keep the impulsion, the rhythm, and horses head up, keep the shoulders forward, the heels down, keep still, soften the rein on take off."
- unknown

Horse Council BC - Equine Education Conference - I am going to this!!!

Escape the winter weather! Join other like minded equine enuthusiasts at HCBC's "Equine Education Conference" running January 22 & 23, 2011 in Kelowna, BC. Enjoy two days of socializing, networking and learning at a FIVE star resort!

  

Our exceptional speaker line up includes:


Dr. Hilary Clayton who will speak on the Biomechanics of the Equine Gait. A gifted veterinarian and researcher, Dr. Clayton will teach you how your horse moves, conditioning programs and how to deal with lameness.

Judy Wardope will teach you how to "Improve Your Eye for Functional Conformation". Judy will demostrate the connection between how a horses' conformation affects its ability to perform. You will also learn techniques to evaluate your horse's conformation and how to make good performance and training decisions.
Jennifer Woods is a Livestock Handling Specialist with a degree in Animal Science. Her "No Stress Horse Hauling" presentation will cover off how to make educated choices when purchasing a trailer, equipment maintenance, accident response and horse behaviour and handling.

Paton & Martin Veterinary Services will teach you "What Your Vet Wants You to Know."  Also covered will be the latest information on deworming, wound management and lameness.
Mike King of CAPRI Insurance comes with a wealth of knowledge in the insurance industry,specializing in "Equine Insurance Coverage". Mike will explain in detail the in's and out's of insurance and the importance of proper coverage.

Shelly Henshaw, partner in the Waterstone Law Group, will talk about "Equine Legal Issues". Specifically the precautions to take in buying and selling horses, drafting liability waivers as well as negotiating and preparing agreements pertaining to the leasing, training and boarding of horses.
Isabelle Aube specializes in "Equestrian Athlete Conditioning and Rehabilitation". Isabelle will walk through how to teach riders to improve their performance by incorporating simple and easy techniques into their daily routines.
Juli Holloway of CopperMoon Communications is a media specialist with a background in website design and development. Her presentation will cover how to make your website "stand out", using your website to attract sponsors and making use of online tools. 

Randoms for Monday Dec 6

Randoms

Here is a really neat video clip of Parelli riding with no saddle, no bridle.......
Pat Parelli


Nice horse for sale = Flag
http://www3.telus.net/absolutehorse/horses/index.htm


Quote(s) of day:

"Less can be more."


"Give up control to get control."


"Things must become repeatable."


- Conrad Shumacher 1999

FEI World Cup Dressage - Grand Prix Freestyle to Music 2008

Sunday Dec 5th Random Thoughts

Random Thoughts

Extravaganza Equestrian has been going for about 5 days and there has been over 300 total visits to the site!!!!  It might be my mom going to the blog 300 + times reading the post on her addiction or my husband checking it many times a day making sure that I do not write anything incriminating about him........


Interesting website:
Euro Dressage

Canadian Equestrians Named to Leadership Roles within the Canadian Olympic Committee

http://www.eurodressage.com/equestrian/2010/12/04/canadian-equestrians-named-leadership-roles-within-canadian-olympic-committee

yourdictionary.com
whinny (hwin′ē, win′-)w

intransitive verb whinnied whin′·nied, whinnying whin′·ny·ing

to neigh in a low, gentle, cT

Quote(s) of the the day:

"All you have to do to succeed is decide to succeed."
- Jimmy Wofford


"It is okay to have butterflies flying around, just make sure that you make them fly in formation."
- Denny Emerson 1988

I Ride - Author Unknown

I ride.
That seems like such a simple statement. However, as many women who ride know, it is really a complicated matter. It has to do with power and empowerment. Being able to do things that some might had once considered out of reach or ability. I have considered this as I shovel manure, fill water barrels in the freezing rain, wait for the vet/farrier/hay delivery, change a flat tire on a horse trailer beside the freeway or cool a gelding out before getting down to the business of building a warm fire after a long ride.

The time, the money, the effort it takes to ride, calls for dedication. At least I call it dedication. The men in my life call it the sickness. It’s a sickness I‘ve had since I was a small girl, bouncing model horses and dreaming of the day I would ride a real horse. Most o f the women I ride with understand the meaning of the sickness. It’s not a sport. It’s not a hobby. It’s what we do, and in some ways, who we are as women, and human beings.

I ride. I hookup my trailer and load my horse. I haul to a trailhead somewhere, unload, saddle, whistle up my dog and I ride. I breathe the air, watch the sunlight filter through the trees and savor the movement of my horse. My shoulders relax. A smile rides my sunscreen-smeared face. I pull my hat down and let the real world fade into the tracks my horse leaves in the dust. Time slows. Flying insects buzz loudly, looking like fairies. My gelding flicks his ears and moves down the trail. I can smell his sweat and it is perfume to my senses. The rhythm of his walk and the movement of the leaves become my focus. My saddle creaks and the leather rein in my hand softens with warmth.

I consider the simple fact that I ride. I think of all I do because I ride. I climb rugged trails, wade into a freezing lake, canter through the pine trees all the while laughing and feeling my heart in my chest. Because I ride, I sew, and hammer, use power tools, and cut trees. I can use a map and GPS, and load the camper by myself. The daily job I do and long hours I put in, the sacrifices I make, and the other places that I have decided not go. Most everything I do, I do because I ride.

The beauty I have seen because I ride, amazes me. I’ve ridden out tot find lakes that remain for the most part unseen. Caves, dark and cold beside rivers full and rolling are the scenes I see in my dreams. The cliffs, of Tam McArthur, soaring eagles on the wing, the deer and elk that bound through the trees, all add to the empowerment and joy in my heart.

I think of the people, mostly women, I’ve met. I consider how competent they all are. We haul 40 ft rigs and we back into tight spaces without clipping a tree. We setup camp, tend to the horses, cook and keep safe. We understand and love our equine companions. We respect each other and those we encounter on the trail. We know that if you are out there riding, you also shovel, carry water, wait and doctor. Your hands may be a little rough and you travel without makeup or hair gel. You do without to afford the sickness, and probably, when you were a small girl, you bounced a model horse and dreamed of riding a real one.
( unknown author)

Random Thoughts of the Day

Randoms:

Lucinda Green wants steeplechase back in eventing - Horse and Hound


We have an excellent facility here in Salmon Arm - Topline Stables
Here is a short eventing report that I wrote for the Gaitpost Magazine:
Topline Summer Horse Trials And Combined Test - you have to scroll down to find it.
  http://www.gaitpost.com/Equestrian-News.aspx?

The website Three Days three ways is running a Thelwell pony contest.  Check it out.


Horses for sale in the Okanagan.  Here are some great sites:
 
Cross Country Horse Sales

http://www.vickidaviesequine.com/


Quote(s) of the day:

In riding you must focus on what you want to happen, instead of what you are afraid might happen.


A relaxed horse will learn - a tense confused horse will fight.


Ride both sides of the horse and control both ends.


It isn't as easy as it sounds, but then, whoever said that riding was easy?


- Sally O'Connor



Photography
Paper Horse - Andrea Blair Photography

Erin Rispin Photography

Interesting

I wonder how this works??  Maybe it is best not to wonder.

The Addiction - Horses

My mom has an addiction - Horses



Here is a brief overview of the last 15 years.

"Robyn, I will never own another arab/part arab" - no need to explain why she did not want an arab.
"I never want to own another grey horse.  Too much work keeping them clean."
Soon after those statements she ended up with a grey anglo arab gelding - Popeye

"I do not want to own another thoroughbred - I am too old for them.
I also do not want to own a horse that is big - I think under 16 hands is good."
Soon after this my mom ended up with a very big, sturdy, 16.2hh Thoroughbred gelding - Big Daddy (aka Spud)

"Ok Robyn you can make fun of me for getting a grey anglo arab, then a big 16.2hh tb but I am serious this time when I say no more big horses for me.  I am a short lady and I do not want to fall very far.  My next horse is going to be under 16hh.  Oh ya and no mares either.  They cause too much trouble."
My mom's next horse - yep - an almost 17hh, giant Warmblood Mare!!!! - Lacy (Harmony's Legacy)

"Robyn, I know I said I wasn't going to get a big horse, or a mare but I could not pass this up she is soooo nice.  But after Lacy I will have a horse under 16hh and no mares.  Lacy is a good mare but she is enough.  And as I am nearing 60 no more young horses for me."
Here she goes again - she bought (Harold bought for her with her permission) a 2 year old warmblood mare that was already 15.2hh at 2!!!!  - That is Lucy (Harmony's Promise)

There is more...... "Now listen to me Rob, I have 3 horses total right now and that is enough.  Actually 2 is the best but 3 is my limit.  No more horses for me.  Listen to me and learn from me - don't get too many horses stick with 2 or at most 3 but no more."  I mentioned to her that we might start looking for a pony for Orianna for next spring - after our cold snowy winter.  NEXT YEAR.  So my mom decided to 'put her feelers out' to see if there were any nice ponies that may be available for next spring.  The next thing you know - my mom now has gotten the most wonderful pony and is going to keep it at her place for winter.  And she is in love with him and is saying that if he wasn't for Orianna that she would keep him for herself - ahhhh!  Now mom has 4 horses!

It goes on......"Ok, Ok.  I know I am nuts Robyn.  I fully admit it.  But that's it.  My barn is full.  No more horses.  I swear once I get back down to 3 horses I can get my life back to normal."  Sure mom.  All of us are now joking about all of these horses, mares, large giant horses, etc and it is pretty funny until......I said to my mom that I really liked this pretty little chestnut mare of Margareta and Bertel Berg and that I was going to travel down to the coast to pick her up.  I had arranged with the Bergs that I would train her and help them sell her next year.  As it was November of this year my mom did not want me to drive down to get her.  She also did not want the Bergs to drive down either (they live in Kelowna near me).  So what did my mom do - she bought Carolina!!!!  She bought a 4 year old, chestnut, warmblood, mare!  Now my mom has 5 horses!!  The only thing that partially saved mom this time is that Carolina is about 15.2hh - finally something that fit into her "under 16hh." 

So the moral of this story is .......hmmmmmm............maybe I will leave that up to someone else (I might get in trouble).

Love you mom,
Your daughter,
Robyn