tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40086835169666897852024-03-13T18:31:12.463-07:00The Spotted PonyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512053956342828104noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008683516966689785.post-25430425823186610672015-10-23T22:13:00.002-07:002015-10-23T22:13:11.926-07:00The Worth of a Horse...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">I haven't posted in a while. Lack of motivation... lack of time, and lets face it who actually reads my blog posts?... They are more for me then for anyone else, but lately I've been doing a lot of self contemplation about what's important in life so I'm sending this one into the void and I hope that if someone else reads it they take something positive away from it. </span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">I've seen my fair share of life struggles... divorced parents, abusive step parents, long distance moves, strained relationships, lost time with family that can never be made up (but thankfully are better now) job losses and struggles, hard life choices, and it seems to me the one constant thing in my life has always been, and hopefully always will be, horses. I work like crazy to afford my horse addiction. Most normal people would, and have told me that the amount of money I spend on my horse and the amount of work I do to make sure I can continue to keep him ... the sacrifices I've made and the choices I've made just to ensure his future are crazy... I don't spend nearly as much as some do on this crazy sport... and recently I started to think maybe they were right? Maybe. I let the negative creep in. </span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Life has a tendency to knock you down...</span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">The $600+ in student loans take their toll... and its going to take 8 years to pay them off.. yep 8 years. The student loans are a quarter of your take home pay... Side note... don't take out loans for school its not worth it!</span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">People you thought were your friends take advantage of you... not paying rent, and then not splitting the refunds from your recently vacated shared apartment... and basically stealing money from you after you so patiently and forgivingly let so many things slide and did something nice for them to help them... all the while acting like you're crazy for suggesting you can't trust them financially or as a friend... and throwing away 2 years of friendship. </span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">The job you love you also hate... because you're working so hard just to keep a float, and do the best you can for the 16 first graders depending on you to shape their future. How are your screw ups, learning curves and imperfections going to affect them... their futures... their lives? Yet you can never seem to get ahead or find a life balance... all the while feeling like the scape goat for our country's failing education system... when in reality our government is making decisions that don't allow us teachers to do our jobs and our parents are failing to parent. Never mind the fact that every year you face the possibility that your job could disappear and you could be back to square one... again. </span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">You start to wonder if life will ever smooth out... feel normal or be easy... ever. Even just for a moment. You get stuck in the negative. And you think maybe letting go of the one thing you care so much about might make life easier... take one stress factor... finding away to keep from losing what you love off your plate... accept the inevitable... rip off the bandaid... give up. And, then you have a day like I had to day and you remember why... why you fight so hard to hold onto what you love. </span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">I had a day off work. I put everything aside and stopped thinking about it. I rode in a lesson today. The sun was shining. There was a breeze and it was just cool enough that it felt like fall in Florida finally. We had a small... almost insignificant moment... literally a moment... where I was working so hard to ride my horse correctly even though every muscle in my body was protesting and then I felt it click... and for that one moment my horse was connected and carrying me... really truly... not just half way...rather then me struggling to hold him together... to keep myself balanced and for a split second riding felt easy... or easier. It didn't last... we went right back to struggling to find a balance and a connection, but I realized that all the hard work we do together made that small moment possible and that if we keep working those small moments will become bigger... longer... better and more connected. Maybe life is that way too... the small moments make the hard ones bearable. </span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">I rode him back to the barn with that realization and my horse was perfect and quiet on the rode despite our friend's younger less experienced horse having moments of spookiness and I thought about how far we'd come together in a relationship thats lasted over ten years. I spent the evening hanging out with my horse friends at the new barn we are moving to and I realized how many awesome friends I have made because of my horse. How many amazing connections I've made because of him. </span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">In every up and down I've faced... every loss... every achievement... ever moment... good... bad... positive... negative... aggravating... and awesome moments, horses have always been there for me. </span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">You can't put a price tag on that. </span></i></b><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512053956342828104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008683516966689785.post-71593915898527351162015-10-04T12:59:00.000-07:002015-10-04T12:59:40.897-07:00Make It Go Sideways... Where to start? the last 3 weeks have actually been pretty eventful in spotted pony land... which is a very nice change considering how little I've had time to ride in the last 6 months. Tomorrow is my last day of freedom before spring break ends and the teaching marathon to summer vacation begins, and I plan to make the most of it, and keep my forward momentum going so that by some miracle we might be ready to try a training level dressage class at some point this summer .<br />
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Rio went to his first show in... a really long time, and his first english pleasure show ever with his young leaser Laura. It was fun getting to know Laura and her mom Carol a little bit better, and bond over the experience through prepping for the show which included a 3 and a half hour braiding marathon... I will never do that again! I'd rather pay someone else to braid! </div>
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I was really impressed with the two of them I have to say. Rio got off the trailer and pretty much settled in like it was his long lost home. He placed well despite some communication glitches between the two, and a lot of rushing between classes. </div>
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More importantly I think going to the show served a few good purposes. First, we all got a little closer, and having a team is vital to riding and showing successfully. Second, I was able to get Rio out in a controlled setting, and act as support from the ground which was a confidence boost for myself. With out their help, and ability to haul a trailer that probably would not have happened, and it made the idea of going to a show and riding myself a little less intimidating. I was able to school Rio between classes, and give Laura a few pointers, that I think made a difference in their final two rides of the day. Again a major confidence boost for me in what I know, my ability to teach others, and how well I know my horse. </div>
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Laura was able to compare her riding with the other competitors and I think came away with a better understanding of what it means to have connection and consistent contact through the reins and using her seat as a driving factor to attain that connection. She's starting lessons with my new instructor, and I am very excited to see her work on her dressage skills because I think she has a lot of natural ability and drive, and the end result will be a very good rider. I have to also selfishly admit that the added rides Rio will get out of it with Casey our new coach will be an equally awesome bonus. I see such a difference in how he responds to aids and moves in just two lessons with her. </div>
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We've got a lot to work on. Our biggest issue is that Rio is stiff through his back and needs a lot of suppling and strengthening in that department. I'm working on sitting straight, and keeping my center of balance back over the saddle so that I can ride more effectively to help him bend and stay balanced. When I'm correct he's correct. Its made me much more aware of how I affect him. Even though we're struggling the thing that excites me the most is that by the end of each lesson I can feel a difference in my own posture and effectiveness, and in Rio's responsiveness to my aides. While the next several weeks are going to be stressful with all the testing and the end of school year routines to get through making that progress is a very motivating factor in my attitude when it comes to making time to ride at the end of a 12+ hour work day. </div>
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The other part that I love about our new riding instructor is how fun she makes the lessons. She listens to what you want, and sets realistic goals to work on, and she has a sense of humor about the whole thing that makes you relax. Even during our first lesson 5 minutes in I felt like I was talking to a friend which hopefully she will become, but point being she made it very fun, and very not intimidating. My favorite quotes of the week include... make it go sideways... which sounds silly, but the little bit of lateral movement I've learned to get out of him really has made a huge difference in suppling him... and "You have to bend... you're not a 2 by 4, your not a 2 by 6, and you're definitely not a 2 x 8".... which pretty much accurately describes Rio's main issue right now. At the very least the banter back and fourth makes for an interesting ride. </div>
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Given how much work his canter needs this may be a lofty goal, but I'd like to enter him in a training level dressage class at some point this summer, which right now doesn't seem completely impossible if we can find some consistency over the next couple of months. </div>
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On a side note... my roommate is fired! The job of picture taker and videographer is now open for applications... the only major requirement is that you be able to keep the camera focused on the horse... in the right direction... though I will admit her videos are entertaining... just a little... </div>
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Happy riding all!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512053956342828104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008683516966689785.post-44317755361507387672015-03-15T17:52:00.000-07:002015-03-15T17:52:12.621-07:00Back to Basics<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />The number of posts you've seen on this blog in the last 6 months (hint - 0) is a pretty good indicator of how NOT motivated I have been to ride or to write for that matter! But! Hopefully we are back on an upswing!</i></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: small;"><i>If you could picture Rio for about the first half of Casey's<br /> ride on him this is what he would probably have looked like!<br />He did eventually give into her!</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>To recap Rio stepped on a nail last May. That resulted in no riding for a good three months, and then right about the time he was ready to go I got a new job! Yeah for the job! I LOVE it! I get to do three jobs in one, Gifted Teacher, ESE Teacher, AND staffing specialist (think lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of paper work, and meetings with occasionally grumpy parents). Minus the paper work I get to work with some really cool people, and some pretty awesome kids... and it pays for the horse addiction, that try as I might, I can't seem to kick! For the most part I love it. </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>But, I digress.... over the last 6 months we have gained 2 pretty amazing leasers who love my horse as much or more than I do, and make it possible for me to afford the occasional lesson, and keep my sanity when I can't get out to the barn because of work or family obligations... which unfortunately for me, has been ALOT of the time lately. </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>We're back atSeminole, and despite the fact that I'm looking to move closer to work which is currently a 50 minute commute... I don't think I will be moving my horse any time soon. Too many crazy people in the horse world, and for the first time in a while I am generally happy with where we are! So now you are pretty much up to date... on with the real blog topic for today!</i></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: small;"><i>Laura (one of my awesome leasers!) and Rio. </i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Rio, and I have been out of lessons since our last trainer moved up to Ocala. In an effort to gain some forward momentum with my riding again I took a lesson with a dressage trainer who happens to lease the property up the road from my barn yesterday. </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Let me just say; I have been riding for 25 years. I have taken lessons with at least 7 or 8 different trainers over the years, not including little clinics and one time rides for outside help. I'm not a great rider, but I am by no means a bad rider. I've learned a lot from every one of those trainers including an international level trainer, but I think the lesson I had this weekend was quite possibly THE single best lesson I've ever had... or at least one of them. And, do you know what we did? We spent the majority of the lesson working on an elementary move. Turn on the forehand. </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>It was a light bulb moment for me though because for the first time in my riding career I was able to feel exactly what it means to ride inside leg to outside rein, and use my outside rein effectively. I've read about it. I've had trainers tell me inside rein to outside leg. I thought I understood the concept. And, then I felt the difference when I was able to get Rio to do the turn on the forehand, and nope... I really never had a clue!</i></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: small;"><i>Rea & Rio (My other awesome leaser)</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Casey got on him for a while during the lesson which was enlightening too because I was able to see him move under her, and watch her respond to all of his little hissy fits about having to work, and give, and bend. He spent a good chunk of the time going sideways every time he would throw his shoulder, or root and try to pull her out of the saddle to avoid the work, and eventually he gave in did his job. When I finally got back on him he was so much more responsive to my leg, and I realized that I was a big part of the problem with him not being as responsive as he should be. I over use my leg and work harder then I need to, and as a result he tunes me out, and stops listening, and I work even harder to get his attention. Its a snowball effect. </i></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: small;"><i>Lauren & Rio! So much to update on I almost forgot to mention<br />our former lesson student turned adopted little sister came<br />for a visit at Christmas! At some point I will do a before & after...<br />Lauren learned to ride on Rio when she was 9 ish. She's almost 18 now!</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>I went back out today and had some one-on-one time with the pony practicing on my own what we'd worked on in the lesson, and playing with my outside rein more. I put him back in my german martingale to avoid what what I'm now dubbing the giraffe effect. I warmed up at the walk encouraging him to really stretch, and then worked for a while on turn on the forehand to get him back in the mindset of giving to my aids more, and to remind both of us what it felt like. We followed up with some serpentine work, and low and behold using my outside rein correctly he gave me a really nice bend through the turns instead of fighting me. I even got some shoulder fore towards the end of our ring work, and finished with with some work over cross rails because my horse actually loves to jump now... small revelation if you've read our earlier posts from years past! </i></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: small;"><i>Carol clipping Rio for our show next weekend!</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>One kind of really cool revelation I got from watching Casey ride him, and then from playing a bit on my own is that my horse has had little to no actual training for lateral movements, but when you ask correctly he will give them to you. It made me realize what we could be capable of with a little time and effort, and the right teacher. </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>At the end of the ride I took him out around the 2 mile trail loop in our neighborhood by himself... again another awesome accomplishment. A year or two ago that never would have been possible. Today he walked down the road calm, but alert and enjoying himself. The one or two opportunities he had to be a little bit spooky I resorted to playing with turn on the forehand down the side of the road and he was so focused on having a different job to do rather then just walking forward that he forgot to spook at the barking dogs or the trash can we were waling by. </i></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: small;"><i>Ninja pony...<br /></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Next weekend he goes to his first show with Laura, walk , trot, equitation and possibly cross rails. Its nothing big, but it will be his first time to a show in a while, and I am excited to get him out and see how they do. I'm hoping that with a little bit more work, and more free time over the summer I will get to a dressage show or two... that's the goal I'm setting for myself at least. I want to get consistent enough with my riding to try a training level dressage class. </i></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>I think Rio could probably do it no problem... Its my confidence I have to work on. Which, I'm noticing is a common theme for me! Casey spent a good chunk of my lesson telling me to stop blaming my riding for all of our little issues. My principal at work tells me at least once a week that I need to give myself more credit, and that I'm doing awesome for being "new" to everything that is being thrown at me. I never thought of myself as a perfectionist, but I'm starting to question that now!</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNE_XY0Hk-PRW1gcLAX59Bul2ozlyodn7aoOAAQlHfqlc5AjuZi_E51ty1YFK6fY-H4fgDWgKOx4rvMHfibB3kCHxI-PPgZYfA_hwQEq3xtLTW9r4CP5FTQGIAn3WJxJ9gxrfbQCAsasP7/s1600/IMG_3854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNE_XY0Hk-PRW1gcLAX59Bul2ozlyodn7aoOAAQlHfqlc5AjuZi_E51ty1YFK6fY-H4fgDWgKOx4rvMHfibB3kCHxI-PPgZYfA_hwQEq3xtLTW9r4CP5FTQGIAn3WJxJ9gxrfbQCAsasP7/s1600/IMG_3854.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></i></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: small;"><i>Ready for our riding lesson yesterday...</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>All in all life is good. Things are moving in the right direction, and with a little luck and a lot of prayers they'll continue to move in the upward direction!</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Until next time... hopefully not six months from now (sorry!) Rio & I hope all our friends, family and readers are well!</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: small;"><i>Rock'n it out on the trail... super pony style!<br /></i></span></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512053956342828104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008683516966689785.post-4529588393916193942014-10-17T21:43:00.001-07:002014-10-17T21:43:17.729-07:00Growing Pains & Self Reflection<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7cY4rmWGXUR6tkRuSIaWgtNVJaDU-kmoo4K4X9zSvWo8z7rOOAdhJL27tTVXtK_i5pSckPtcxVH6mRXpj0kKdL4kDFVHjni3J1jWqcJ44ngMFgDgCQJhWtZiLAZBi7t88s3t-eiLxfvN/s1600/PositiveThinking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7cY4rmWGXUR6tkRuSIaWgtNVJaDU-kmoo4K4X9zSvWo8z7rOOAdhJL27tTVXtK_i5pSckPtcxVH6mRXpj0kKdL4kDFVHjni3J1jWqcJ44ngMFgDgCQJhWtZiLAZBi7t88s3t-eiLxfvN/s1600/PositiveThinking.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
"Disclaimer…. this is not a horse blog… infact my horse centered blog has been decidedly un-horsey as of late...perhaps I should start a new blog! But, it does pertain to things that ultimately make my horse life more attainable… and might give someone else hope, perspective, and forward momentum… so read on at your own risk! For those of you who just want to hear about the horse already… we will return to our regularly scheduled program shortly! I have a lesson on Sunday and will finally have something to share in that department. "<br />
<br />
47 days ago I gave myself a challenge and while I haven't accomplished all the small pieces of that challenge my life has drastically changed for the better in ways I could never have imagined. And, the even better news is that I have 53 more days and a lifetime after that to keep moving forward.<br />
<br />
My goals were smallish: loose weight, eat healthy, ride more, blog more, be more positive, do things that make a difference. Be accountable! For the first time in a very long time I can say I set a goal that I am following through on, and that I am truly happy. And, it didn't happen in the way I had imagined.<br />
<br />
In fact, everything went out the window with in a week of giving myself the hundred day challenge. My focus jumped from accomplishing the smaller goals above to finding a new job… that new job is what has been a springboard towards accomplishing my smaller goals and going beyond.<br />
<br />
The short version of a long backstory is that I graduated college Suma Cum Laude ready to face the world, and thinking that having my degree after 8 years of hard work would be the magic answer to officially becoming a self-sufficient happy "grown up" member of society. What followed was a hard life lesson in self worth.<br />
<br />
Finding a teaching job now or then was/is hard. The demands put on teachers are almost unattainable. As a result I took the first job that came along rather then believing that I was worthy of the best, taking my time, and being picky. While that job as an ESE facilitator in a charter school was one I could have stayed in long term and learned from I wasn't making enough to survive or getting the support I needed as a new teacher to continue to grow. From there things snowballed. I took a very difficult long term sub position followed by a middle school reading position where I dealt with some very challenging students, and a very unsupportive administration. I left that position feeling so defeated and wondering if I had made the right decision to in becoming an educator. Perhaps I was just not cut out for it. I took on a private school position where I felt more secure because my knowledge base was so broad in comparison to other staff in the small school that I was finally able to have moments where I felt I contributed positively even through many many struggles, but in the end I was left unsatisfied because the school's financial limitations, and choices, made it so difficult to meet the students needs appropriately. At this point it was time to rectify and give it one more go or give up. I was living at home again because of car issues and financial difficulties and I'd pretty much hit a low.<br />
<br />
As miserable as I was, I think it took hitting that low point, and taking ownership of the fact that my choices brought me to that point rather then looking at it as though all these bad things had "happened to me" for me to finally fight back. What's the saying…? Something along the lines of if you keep getting asked the same question and being told your wrong change your answer? I had to change my mental approach to life. One small step at a time I began to do just that.<br />
<br />
In july I moved out of my mom's house despite it being a very real fear in my mind that I would not find a way to pull my own weight and support myself. It was long overdue time to cut the safety net I'd created for myself… something I needed to do in order truly move forward. I finished my recertification. I applied to 3 counties and I started interviewing. To say that I had focused intensity was an understatement. I lived, breathed, ate, and slept job applications and interviews… some times having one interview a day while still working 60 hours a week, and taking the time to continue applying. I felt lost… and that's an understatement. Two years in a private school and I was so far behind current teacher evaluation trends that I had plenty of moments of "what if I can't cut this?" I was grumpy. I was tired. I'm pretty sure my roommate wanted to kill me.<br />
<br />
But, then something happened. I found a job. I found the right job for me, something I should have made a focus all along. And, I did it in two weeks in a climate where despite there being a teacher shortage, the competition for jobs is still very intense. Making it all happen in such a short time period made me realize that despite my own poor self image of prior experiences someone still saw something in me that until that moment I couldn't see in myself.<br />
<br />
I am now a proud member of the Tildenville Tiger family teaching gifted, and ESE students… even taking on the role of ESE staffing specialist. And, while I have A LOT to learn for the first time in a very long time I am happy. I feel like goals are attainable. I don't see them as challenges that will never be overcome. In large part thanks to the support of my principal who is taking the time to give me tools.<br />
<br />
I changed my approach because past choices weren't working. I prayed to God to put me in the right place, and to give me courage and self worth. I said thank you instead of always asking, but never really giving back. And, I took action to make the changes I wanted happen. But, I also directed my focus towards positions I knew would be a better fit and I was open and honest about my struggles.<br />
<br />
The end result is that I found a job where I can give back and make a difference, where I can feel successful, and where I am no longer afraid to ask for help because I feel supported by my principal and my fellow teachers. And, I'm able to give back everything I've gained in my short time at Tildenville by helping other new teachers who feel as stuck and as scared as I did. In doing so I'm realizing just how much I know, just how much I have to give, and just how capable I am.<br />
<br />
As a result of the positive and self confident attitude I've developed, I've also achieved my smaller goals with family support loosing a total of 33 lbs in 2 years, becoming more fit, more active, and more healthy, becoming financially independent, and being able to do more with my riding and my horse.<br />
<br />
I'm finally where I wanted to be 5 years ago, and should have been all along. I don't regret my past. In fact God has made sure to surround me with reminders of it in the people around me…. God puts you where you need to be. Perhaps I needed to go through those challenges to help others. I learned a lot of things the hard way. I look around me now at other new teachers, at my roommate, and some of my younger friends and I see the lost version of myself in a few of those faces. I also see what they can become. And, I better see myself and just how far I have come. The reality is they will have to fight there own battles, but I hope I can use my experiences to set positive examples.<br />
<br />
I also recognize there will be challenges still to come, but I fully intend to face them head on with confidence and positivity. Bring on the last half of my positivity challenge!<br />
<br />
Go forth and make a difference in your life or someone else's.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512053956342828104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008683516966689785.post-74849664637377525322014-08-23T17:02:00.001-07:002014-08-23T17:03:27.959-07:00The Hundred Day Challenge...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0XpCfsjNkWhpQDfzCrABYY06JsKayq0J-M99pcRlj_kcJc2HMNJTT3DMMkg_FT0Ge0Qnugwwry7CrTgTxbbSor5za94eiYR4oFuemKZ4hvs-HrY7gkn5ZOyiusy0FgNOgPKbtlzH670u/s1600/IMG_0365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0XpCfsjNkWhpQDfzCrABYY06JsKayq0J-M99pcRlj_kcJc2HMNJTT3DMMkg_FT0Ge0Qnugwwry7CrTgTxbbSor5za94eiYR4oFuemKZ4hvs-HrY7gkn5ZOyiusy0FgNOgPKbtlzH670u/s1600/IMG_0365.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Soooo this was supposed to be a long overdue update on our move... Why we moved... Where we've been... And why we're now back where we started... But then I decided that I probably would have spent the entire blog complaining about a lot of negative experiences. Honestly I'm tired of focusing on the negatives and ready to focus on the positives... And, so, without further adu... I give you my 100 day challenge....<br />
<br />
I've seen a lot of people doing a lot of good things lately....<br />
<br />
I got challenged for the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge which I fully intend to take up just as soon as I find someone willing to hold a camera and 5 spare minutes to accomplish the task... I also plan to donate, because that's what's really important and it's a good cause... You all should too!<br />
<br />
In October the 22nd annual Chdren's Miracle Network Trail<br />
Ride takes place to benefit Schans research for kids with cancer... It's an awesome cause that I've donated to 4 years in a row now and I plan to make this year number 5. If you live in the central Florida area or can travel in, come join me!<br />
<br />
Another great cause, and positive movement is the ride it forward challenge, which is what actually inspired this blog. Joe a former Biggest Loser contestant, is riding across the US to support living an active lifestyle, and is specifically working to help kids realize that getting off the the coutch and away from electronics can be a good thing... This is especially near and dear to my heart because I work with kids!<br />
<br />
Joe rides a bike, but talks about getting out and getting in to shape all sorts of different ways, and I think horseback riding is an amazing option. You not only have to be over all very fit to ride effectively, but it teaches balance, coordination, teamwork, and responsibility.<br />
<br />
Last summer I kicked myself in the butt and lost 25 lbs... And improved on my riding skills, but then things just kind of stalled out. I got busy with work. Rio got hurt. My main riding buddies lost their horses and my trainer moved to Ocala. We've been stuck in a rutt for a good 6 months now.<br />
<br />
But, seeing all these positive movements have inspired me to pick up the pieces, dust myself off and spread a little posativity of my own...<br />
<br />
I'm giving myself a week to plan and organize and 100 days (starting September 1st) to accomplish the following:<br />
<br />
- Get back into healthier eating habits<br />
- Exercise every day even if it's just taking 5 minutes out for sit-ups & push-ups on my way out the door<br />
- Ride or work with the horse a min of 3 days a week...he's closer &<br />
I have a lighted ring... No excuses now!<br />
- loose the remaining 23 lbs to reach my goal weight<br />
- Do something positive for someone else just because every day!<br />
- Blog progress, updates and just in general weekly<br />
- AND... Hopefully inspire a few others to start thier own 100 challenge whether it be getting in shape or just accomplishing something you've been putting off...<br />
<br />
It also doesn't hurt that by putting it in writing I now have to follow through!<br />
<br />
Stay positive... Move forward... Love life!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512053956342828104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008683516966689785.post-35566877220582820912014-07-16T16:42:00.001-07:002014-07-16T16:42:30.644-07:00A Journey Come Full Circle<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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Have you ever made a decision and then spent what seams like an eternity looking back and wondering if it was the right decision? But, once you've made the choice you really can't undo it and you, probably will never know what would have happened had you made the opposite choice?<br />
<br />
I feel like that's the last 2 & 1/2 years of my life… at least when it comes to decisions I've made regarding my horse, which, lets face it is an irrationally large priority in my life. Only my other horse friends will ever understand that.<br />
<br />
I made the choice to move my horse from a barn that he'd spent two years at. A barn where I had friends. A barn that was as professional as a backyard barn can be. A barn, where I could see him everyday thanks to a lighted arena. A barn that, for the most part, is affordable… unlike so many in this area. And, I regretted it every day since I left. Its one of those places that, without God's good grace and timing you can't go back to because they are always full.<br />
<br />
I wanted to follow friends so that I'd have people of my riding level and competitive ambitions to ride with. So, I took a risk against my gut knowing the horse boarding market, and what was likely to happen. I can't say that all the stress, hopping between barns wasn't worth it. I made stronger friendships with the girls that I followed. I meant and made new friends along the way. Despite the issues and challenges at each new barn I'm still grateful that I meant those people and learned from my experiences there. Despite challenges and disappointments I don't want to point fingers or complain. I improved my riding exponentially, and meant a trainer who I will always have great respect for. And, the bond with Rio is that much greater because of it.<br />
<br />
Mostly, it made me realize and appreciate what I had left behind. When I wonder what the purpose of this journey was, I think maybe it was for me to realize that I can overcome challenges, and achieve anything I want to anywhere I go. I never had to leave to do what I wanted to do despite the barn not being show oriented. But, maybe I had to leave to realize that. It also made me realize that I have to make the best decision I can for me and my horse no matter what others want, and not feel bad about making that decision. I'm going to take what I've learned, and go after what I want.<br />
<br />
In August Rio and I go home, unplanned by me, but somehow I think I had God on my side. And, I can't wait to see what the future holds, and what we can accomplish.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512053956342828104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008683516966689785.post-29213492148497039142014-05-31T19:21:00.005-07:002014-05-31T19:25:15.903-07:00Jail Break...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCkj2ywaovfSxNZcWk6aaBOTpdC4iMxAowg_P9fbzaEep5oN7XGvU6MztGY-7WfoQGtnYF9pifvbUruABd6Oj5sSMPkBX46fbell-ZvyZzH8S-py_XxRw4xqOOodH1pWDq-5mzjg6BhPE/s1600/Trouble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCkj2ywaovfSxNZcWk6aaBOTpdC4iMxAowg_P9fbzaEep5oN7XGvU6MztGY-7WfoQGtnYF9pifvbUruABd6Oj5sSMPkBX46fbell-ZvyZzH8S-py_XxRw4xqOOodH1pWDq-5mzjg6BhPE/s1600/Trouble.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<i style="color: #274e13; text-align: center;">Its been one week since Rio stepped on a nail… longest week of my life. I keep holding my breath waiting for him to turn up lame indicating an abscess or bone infection. So far everything looks good. Thank GOD… And, I do mean thank God. I feel like everything that could go wrong went wrong, but in the best possible of circumstances. And, I truly attribute that luck to the heavens. </i><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #274e13;"><i>The nail was "Just" long enough and hit in just the right place to possibly have hit the bone… so any hope that it was small and not going to be a big deal went out the window after 6 sets of X-rays confirmed an 80% chance that it did in fact hit the bone. </i></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #274e13;"><i>When it was all said and done the problem was caught and treated quickly and aggressively and I truly hope we've dodged a bullet. I found the most amazing vet who has been working with me all week to treat him. He's bent over backwards to make it as affordable as humanly possible. Everything that was done should have cost me about $1500, but total I think I put about $1100 into him thanks to some very nice discounts. </i></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #274e13;"><i>We moved barns, yes AGAIN, and I think this barn is a keeper FINALLY. The owner is amazing, knowledgable, and has been a huge help and very patient with my emotional state during all of this and with all the work involved to keep him moving forward infection free. </i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-1kVQoltw-z_t745NNTXL7CgbO9oDVyekoFujdYu-KX0oUvwrhr01ZDDMfikishKJQ_9kqVrF_6WPOj43plHOybStj2Lkl1xDCrn5_CYeWWrAyI50d6iOL5CCopYDAWabqKmA9fxqvs0/s1600/Cavalloboots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-1kVQoltw-z_t745NNTXL7CgbO9oDVyekoFujdYu-KX0oUvwrhr01ZDDMfikishKJQ_9kqVrF_6WPOj43plHOybStj2Lkl1xDCrn5_CYeWWrAyI50d6iOL5CCopYDAWabqKmA9fxqvs0/s1600/Cavalloboots.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #274e13;"><i>Today, I broke down and bought Cavallo boots for Rio. The nicker and happy winny as he trotted away to find his girlfriend tonight made spending yet more money VERY worth it. He's been locked in a stall 24/7 for 7 days now. So, he was very happy to be outside… and not attached to a person at the other end of the lead rope. </i></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #274e13;"><i>Rick, my most awesome farrier comes out to trim him Wednesday. I'm hoping for more good news. Dr. Mike cleared him to start riding in 2-3 weeks assuming the farrier also clears him, the whole is closing up by that point and I ride in the cavallos. 2-3 weeks of no riding is so much better then no riding for 6 months. </i></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #274e13;"><i>There is still a chance that 2-6 months from now an infection or abscess will rear its ugly head so in the mean time I'll be praying… a lot. But, everything that could be done has been done, and now its all in his hands…</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilww9wZrQZgO5m1GuI4NSqamOFKdx6OPJtU_w4mcfyAHeF5Q2LxLxKKhZZyAx_xzmQysEWrTNbo1m03RNR7AGGijgNbVweTGSkqZ2l3HEFYC7GrClKi0dHGqj_2Y8N0MP4Q9OsvtAswAC4/s1600/jailbreak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilww9wZrQZgO5m1GuI4NSqamOFKdx6OPJtU_w4mcfyAHeF5Q2LxLxKKhZZyAx_xzmQysEWrTNbo1m03RNR7AGGijgNbVweTGSkqZ2l3HEFYC7GrClKi0dHGqj_2Y8N0MP4Q9OsvtAswAC4/s1600/jailbreak.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><i>Happy weekend all!</i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512053956342828104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008683516966689785.post-11384512240860597782014-05-24T23:02:00.002-07:002014-05-24T23:02:49.331-07:00Pay It Forward...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizFJl58XoY86xTkeKQ0c1klZ7e63NGHjzeBvuvWEdzwUm-KHG0svFU6WjvjvARjqW3fRHX8Va2PdSkI_VjONuicAlNnPWT2kRtfdmKesVUcL7qQ8ECFvRf8Rh1W_mmFqQhZhJ1PfcnNTe/s1600/Go+Forward.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizFJl58XoY86xTkeKQ0c1klZ7e63NGHjzeBvuvWEdzwUm-KHG0svFU6WjvjvARjqW3fRHX8Va2PdSkI_VjONuicAlNnPWT2kRtfdmKesVUcL7qQ8ECFvRf8Rh1W_mmFqQhZhJ1PfcnNTe/s1600/Go+Forward.jpg" height="312" width="400" /></a> </td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">My new motto… Go Forward. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When the unthinkable happens it can be easy to be negative. I've spent a lot of time worrying about a lot of things, and I decided recently that it was time to clear out the negativity in my life. What brought on this life changing event you may ask? Cleaning out boxes I found dog tags I had purchased in support of spinal cord injury research in honor of Christopher Reeve… my new motto of late is "Go Forward". It's what's pushed me to look for a better job, and to move out of my mom's house and into an apartment… to let go of my past and stop acting like a victim of it… to "go forward" and make my situation better because there's not an option for it not to be. Tonight that faith was tested when my best friend was hurt.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZrivYvm5Hc0h-kekJ2sN9WXRcXlVFV36cdMBRdgRSMOVachLDSxpniqAV8lF9v4Xtv-taW_xt0SKGhmGJYlOerD8mSFqOWgnllEM8KpyCBa7mMOxa75BEZHmHN7bv5WndIUs_m3XMtlBG/s1600/nail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZrivYvm5Hc0h-kekJ2sN9WXRcXlVFV36cdMBRdgRSMOVachLDSxpniqAV8lF9v4Xtv-taW_xt0SKGhmGJYlOerD8mSFqOWgnllEM8KpyCBa7mMOxa75BEZHmHN7bv5WndIUs_m3XMtlBG/s1600/nail.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spot the jail…?</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I got a call around 5:30 or 6:00 in the evening that my horse had come in from the pasture lame and upon further inspection had stepped on a nail. If you don't know anything about horses this seems like a minor issue that can be fixed by simply pulling the nail out of the foot… not so unfortunately. </span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Four traumatic hours later, 3 sets of x-rays to confirm what parts of the foot the nail had hit, and a procedure that involved putting a tourniquet on the leg to inject I.V. antibiotics directly to the foot in hopes of preventing an infection of the coffin bone, I'm looking at a best case scenario that there will be no infection and the hoof will heal in 3-6 months… I'll be out about $1200 all said and done. Worst case scenario the nail hit his coffin bone… he ends up with an infection of the bone and either needs a $3500+ surgery and continued treatments or worse needs to be put down. I can't even allow myself to think about the latter option. Rio is my best friend and has been with me through thick and thin over 10 years. So I'm praying and asking everyone else to pray for him, and for me too that everything heals with out complications.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That being said I have some AMAZING people in my life, and while I wish this hadn't happened at all there was a lot of luck on my side. We caught the problem with in about a 6-8 hour window at most which means he wasn't sitting there with a nail in his foot over night or longer. The nail was still there and we were able to do radiographs to confirm proper treatment before removing it. Had the nail not been in place when we found him or had a well meaning boarder or barn owner pulled it out not knowing any better the whole could have sealed up and I would have never known why he was lame or that there was a possibility of bone infection until it was too late to do anything about it…. there's a lesson to be learned for any horse loving readers out there that aren't educated on what to do in the case of a puncture to the foot… NEVER pull out a nail or foreign object with out the help of your vet no matter how harmless it looks and when in doubt about anything ALWAYS call the vet out… had I left it till morning I he could very well be in even worse shape. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As I sat crying and feeling completely helpless about all the what ifs my friends were there to pick me up and keep me positive. </span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQW9ODfjwOkgwsWGo7NNIaXUNyFWmYmOPP7IgeeXZausglxsqcWShax9tt_pxpwBGEYMq_oiujj_Va51VVva0Hp9u4uuWcr0ok77epAg6Awa9xE-xvahSQwgyObRB8vP-PnBLwzpTVvOJ/s1600/xray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQW9ODfjwOkgwsWGo7NNIaXUNyFWmYmOPP7IgeeXZausglxsqcWShax9tt_pxpwBGEYMq_oiujj_Va51VVva0Hp9u4uuWcr0ok77epAg6Awa9xE-xvahSQwgyObRB8vP-PnBLwzpTVvOJ/s1600/xray.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">getting X-rays </td></tr>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One of the other boarders even offered the comfort that should worse come to worse she would help me find a way to pay for it and pay her back… this is a person who really barely knows me and she's telling me hey don't worry we'll figure it out. My roommate drove me out there… went and got me dinner, picked up medications and disinfectant for his foot, and let me cry on her shoulder and I know she hates emotional stuff like this! My trainer, and my ferrier both offered to help and gave me sound advice. And, when I finally found a vet that would come out at 7:00 at night on a 3 day holiday weekend it turns out he's a lameness specialist… that and he gave me a major discount on all the stuff he needed done, and is going to try to work with me as much as possible.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The new barn owner where we are moving has offered to help with his care and let me ride one of her horses until Rio is on the mend…. Her friend is dropping everything to move us tomorrow on short notice so that he will have a dry clean stall to stay in rather then being out in a paddock. ..my friends have all offered to help come out and clean and bandage his foot because I have to work 10-12 hour days. I feel so completely and utterly blessed that so many people are rallying around us and I hope that one day I can pay that forward. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Please pass this on to your friends! We can use all the prayers and help we can get… and if it helps someone else in the same situation avoid the disaster of potentially pulling an object of a punctured foot and escalating an already bad situation than that is worth it too. </span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thanks to everyone who has offered support! Rio and I love you all!</span><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512053956342828104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008683516966689785.post-72257756496111793192014-03-31T20:54:00.002-07:002014-03-31T20:54:47.709-07:00Don't Blink <div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don’t Blink. Blink and the next thing you know life has
somehow fast forwarded with out you even being aware of it. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Its April. The last time I posted… well I’m not even sure
when that was (sorry!). How did that happen?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">March has come and gone, quietly marking the anniversary of
a few life changing events… for me at least. And, I would be amiss not to share
them here. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In March 2009 I lost my Grandma who, outside of my mom and
my sister I was probably more close to then most of my family members. Just two
weeks later I lost my mare Katie. </span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8Ckqv43jycfM7D1v0C4SrQJW60phG64owvMzatiuAbFdv2wsAJGbbUHz88IkEsNPGqbTP1VDvSexQdvvIAz15G0NY0yAgQy_9h5_m8JcSCj4TWbQ6t8FuCupv4-P42bgpgvAv2Vv-t4k/s1600/Grandma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8Ckqv43jycfM7D1v0C4SrQJW60phG64owvMzatiuAbFdv2wsAJGbbUHz88IkEsNPGqbTP1VDvSexQdvvIAz15G0NY0yAgQy_9h5_m8JcSCj4TWbQ6t8FuCupv4-P42bgpgvAv2Vv-t4k/s1600/Grandma.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><i><b>Last Christmas with my Grandma</b></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Katie was one of those once in a lifetime horses. More
significant, maybe, because she was my first horse.</span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She was just a little bay Quarter Horse, but during our 18+
year partnership she taught me how to ride and a whole lot more about what it
means to be human, to love, and to build a partnership.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She was thrown away by her humans , left to starve, and
landed in my life at a time when I needed her even more then she needed
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the day I found out my mom
had paid to buy her from the people who’d left her to starve and she was mine I
remember brushing the skinny, muddy little horse and wrapping my arms around
her. I promised her I’d never let anyone else hurt her. I promised her she’d
always be with me and I kept that promise despite many hard times and life
transitions. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She was small, with an unclear past, and at times a giant
attitude and a big buck, but she was mine and somehow we found a bond and a
partnership that lasted almost 2 decades.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimAzacpczNuHWaSXpjsTxu8FNejMkbs-OzJo8Eju3cOO3Jv5c6xqN1vFpTh9Ig-Cvrhd-9SWSWBlTMxVqW-YwxMu4fz6WbYI56EdI4J7EEO-D3clZhRB8OYdIqsTGSfLevJegJASWVEBb7/s1600/Katie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimAzacpczNuHWaSXpjsTxu8FNejMkbs-OzJo8Eju3cOO3Jv5c6xqN1vFpTh9Ig-Cvrhd-9SWSWBlTMxVqW-YwxMu4fz6WbYI56EdI4J7EEO-D3clZhRB8OYdIqsTGSfLevJegJASWVEBb7/s1600/Katie.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>Katiedid 2005</b></span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was also in March/April of 2005 that I started leasing my
current partner in crime Rio and it was in March of 2008 that I bought him. He
wasn’t my first horse, but he was the first horse that I’d sought out, bonded
with, intentionally bought by myself no help, no intention to sell on to
someone else, not a rescue, not my sister’s horse or a friends horse… <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A really big, grown up decision. Somehow
despite moves, and changes, and job losses, and school, and life struggles
we’ve made it to our 9 year mark together and I pray every day that he will
always be with me and that I will always be able to be there for him in the way
that I was for Katie. </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2DE6mULrmVi9DQm70ZKcceUR93t8Pk-4G2QMNQq8IHkr1nmO9OA3pRDJaegY_2KZvhurrhuDNUmvg5_ujsX3gkeOBpKvEwug0FKFkwEBGG1drH6LrYwe2iiNUmd6Vf5AEJg4ZumpxeCM/s1600/RioSix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2DE6mULrmVi9DQm70ZKcceUR93t8Pk-4G2QMNQq8IHkr1nmO9OA3pRDJaegY_2KZvhurrhuDNUmvg5_ujsX3gkeOBpKvEwug0FKFkwEBGG1drH6LrYwe2iiNUmd6Vf5AEJg4ZumpxeCM/s1600/RioSix.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Rio at 6 years old 2005</span></b></i></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In March 2012 my niece was born making me an Aunt. And, GOD,
I never knew I could love someone so much. She is the most amazing little girl
with so much personality, and I hope that I will always be able to be there for
her.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A year later in March my nephew was born… he is so much like
my sister… who despite our occasionally turbulent relationship and differing
opinions is probably my favorite person on this Earth…. Shhh don’t tell her
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s going to be such a
sweet caring little boy if you can pinpoint a kid’s personality at only a year
old. He’s so smart, and so handsome. I hope that he stays his sweet, out going
self. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbE5W9ujuBFM00UR9xcpxN34tC-IiyElLPNRgFOCGWySJ7sYjZahJftB7lVWt6XrcQoc-gBnRvCfnoA1vZ8pz2_RIHks1Ix6ywriIVvXBp5Ny7W8Ask7dKYmjiwo0XP6rSVxOuGpfZ18A9/s1600/Liam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbE5W9ujuBFM00UR9xcpxN34tC-IiyElLPNRgFOCGWySJ7sYjZahJftB7lVWt6XrcQoc-gBnRvCfnoA1vZ8pz2_RIHks1Ix6ywriIVvXBp5Ny7W8Ask7dKYmjiwo0XP6rSVxOuGpfZ18A9/s1600/Liam.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Liam & Aunt Sammy</span></b></i></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwSYi8cn7g5j-YtsI-3MLZW0h5PD3kB4tDKmP7stU2Qp-OAcMqagYPa629hAFszBl_UrpiGZ8Yc5rZ-iLJcYagK5N2RVa1aDEZ-z6L8mGI2MZKNcne3Vjr-AAL140pEqTM8nNw6X54sIW/s1600/Evelyn+Rose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwSYi8cn7g5j-YtsI-3MLZW0h5PD3kB4tDKmP7stU2Qp-OAcMqagYPa629hAFszBl_UrpiGZ8Yc5rZ-iLJcYagK5N2RVa1aDEZ-z6L8mGI2MZKNcne3Vjr-AAL140pEqTM8nNw6X54sIW/s1600/Evelyn+Rose.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><i><b>Evelyn Rose & Aunt Sammy</b></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope that all the ups and down’s of life don’t change who
they are inside right now, the way life has a tendency to do to most people. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was March of last year that I started taking lessons with my most amazing trainer which has changed the way I ride. I've learned more in one year then I have in more then 20 years experience. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So it seems March is destined to be full of so many
memories… good and bad for me… what is the saying… in like a lion out like a lamb?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">March this year hasn’t proven to be much different. This
year I’m at a cross rode trying to decide on some career changing choices and
hopefully put myself in a better position financially and tackle some demons
that I’ve been hiding from for a while now…. Through it all my Pony has kept me
sane. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope that through all the changes and choices I make this
year that I’m able to continue to keep Rio in my life, and to grow with him. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have grown so much in the last year and I hope to find
time to share more about that in the next few days. If you read my blog, and
you’re still with me after a sever month hiatus… stay tuned! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp2OPmnP6JjQ4jbszpfLppiBCUiYdh03llrXwqOK-Kb_1ah_50IVxc1mFhmZAMzq18xpxo8rE-Wwg1em5pUmPCEVM5cP3exoXlTOa3AcNr1ykAOLKM9tgrRChPC_s4iXgqtaKNXQ3XdwyL/s1600/Rio+March+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp2OPmnP6JjQ4jbszpfLppiBCUiYdh03llrXwqOK-Kb_1ah_50IVxc1mFhmZAMzq18xpxo8rE-Wwg1em5pUmPCEVM5cP3exoXlTOa3AcNr1ykAOLKM9tgrRChPC_s4iXgqtaKNXQ3XdwyL/s1600/Rio+March+2.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><i><b>Rio March 2014</b></i></span></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512053956342828104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008683516966689785.post-47287243241609499582013-10-19T15:15:00.002-07:002014-02-25T11:41:24.002-08:00Everything Happens For A Reason...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwEHAyY8eeEmpZ2eq6uGHfMr-OqV3-laE0I4SkvynJKgaOneTjvdML9LYAJY6pVdf1AX5TNOZYLt8D1orgCcnCy4xNipkpg_m4UPZTwA0xi3DCvTbCVcPe0QJyzR9VRZr4Jwn38ltZwQ4/s1600/IMG_0705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwEHAyY8eeEmpZ2eq6uGHfMr-OqV3-laE0I4SkvynJKgaOneTjvdML9LYAJY6pVdf1AX5TNOZYLt8D1orgCcnCy4xNipkpg_m4UPZTwA0xi3DCvTbCVcPe0QJyzR9VRZr4Jwn38ltZwQ4/s320/IMG_0705.jpg" height="320" width="270" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new saddle... in need of matching stirrups though...<br />
this happened to come from my dressage saddle. </td></tr>
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Cliche I know, but its true everything happens for a reason and I firmly believe that. Take for example, today. I was supposed to be out riding on the Children's Miracle trail ride, but 5 minutes before I leave the house I get a call my partner in crime has a stomach bug and is sick. I was depressed about not going because I love this event so much, especially given I could have ridden with other friends once I got there had I not canceled my original trailering plans.<br />
<br />
But, as it worked out my trainer happened to have a saddle for me to try and just happened to be showing at Silver Sands this morning (about 30 minutes from my new barn). The trainer comes all the way from Lees Burg almost 90 minutes away so its not exactly an easy feet between our crazy schedules to make lessons happen so when she called and said she'd be this way I was actually a little upset I thought I'd miss her by going on the trail ride. When my friend canceled our plans it ended up working out perfectly for her to stop by on her way home from the show.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stubben Siegfried </td></tr>
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Now keep in mind we've been shopping saddles for 3 or 4 months if not more, with no luck. We probably tried 6 or 7 different saddles of varying shape/sizes tree widths and most did not fit him and OR if they came close to fitting him they did not fit me. Even the dressage saddle that I have and have been riding him in for the past 8 years didn't really fit him 100% correctly and it was too big for me.<br />
<br />
I wasn't exactly holding out hope that this saddle would work given that I'd tried a similar saddle 2 weeks ago (a version of an older Stubben) that clearly did not fit the minute you sat it on his back with out even having to seriously look at it. BUT... drum roll...... this one actually fit him really, really well! And, the better news is that it fit us both appropriately! So I am now the proud owner to be of a Stubben Siegfried all purpose saddle originally made in Switzerland and sold for over $2400 brand new. I'm getting it for about a fifth of that price and my trainer is amazing because she's buying it and allowing me to use it until I can actually afford to buy it off her which is going to entail me selling my 2 saddles both of which don't fit Rio, but are good saddles. When its all said and done I should actually make money if I get my asking price for the two I'm selling and Rio finally gets to ride in a saddle that doesn't make his back sore.<br />
<br />
It was amazing to actually feel him loosen his back muscles and swing underneath me. He's a good mover and always has been for a foundation bred Appaloosa, but now I have a better understanding of why he took so long to truly warm up under saddle and go at his best. He may not have been noticably sore to the touch with the dressage saddle, but I would ride 30 minutes of walk trot just to get him moving freely because the saddle was sitting down on his spine. And, when I rode in any other saddle it was always obvious that it made him very sore the next day.<br />
<br />
Part of the reason I started looking at new saddles was also, so that I could do some more jumping. If you've ever jumped in a dressage saddle you know its not the easiest thing to do. My trainer is bringing out jump standards since I don't have any at my current barn and I'll be set to "jump" (no pun intended) back into regular training now that I have a saddle that allows proper form over fences.<br />
<br />
For the sake of trying a jump with the new saddle before making a decision we hopped over some drainage pipe covering that was out in the pasture.... more like a small novice cross country jump then a show jump fence. It was about 2'6 solid and fairly wide. Let me put this into perspective for you. Rio used to stop at a small 6 inch cross rail throwing on the breaks and looking back at me like I was crazy when we first attempted jumping years ago. Since working with our current trainer his willingness to approach a jump has improved hugely. He's been taking small cross rails that were a foot or less and more recently I started taking him over verticals slowly raising them to see what I could convince him to do. He'd been over logs on the trail, but nothing more then 6-12 inches wide and barely off the ground. Until today the most he'd done was a 2'3 vertical which is super skinny, not really all that big or imposing looking fence, but enough of a jump that the horse has to do more then just step over it.<br />
<br />
I thought for sure the more solid object would send us straight back to square one, but not only did he take it easily he cleared it more then once and from a trot on a short approach with a rider, who' lets face it, may not be green in her over all riding skills, but is when it comes to jumping and seeing distance. I was absolutely over the moon with his work today.<br />
<br />
As for me, I felt a little awkward and out of sorts in the saddle at first and I was unsure, but the more I rode the more comfortable I became with the saddle. I'm used to having more of a knee block for support, but that's only because I was riding with a shorter jump length stirrup in my dressage saddle so my knee would hit the more prominent knee roll and I would use that as a crutch to support my seat, but in reality I was never riding in correct position no matter what I did short of dropping my stirrups which created other issues for me so I was never really free to move with the horse or use my body effectively when riding.<br />
<br />
The trainer's assessment was that Rio did indeed move much more freely under this saddle and that she'd never seen my position better then it was after riding in this saddle for just 30 minutes. I made the decision to go ahead and get the saddle knowing that I would have to work to build up my muscles and muscle memory to a point where I am truly riding correctly, and that while it was a very different feel this saddle would help me accomplish that. It helped the decision making process that my trainer was so supportive of the choice and so knowledgable being a former international level evener and Grand Prix jumper with years of experience behind her. I am beyond blessed to have found her. Especially given that there is no way I could have purchased a second saddle with out first selling my other saddles. She so willingly stepped in to help out and is just an amazing fiend and teacher.<br />
<br />
I was also happy to see that she was happy with Rio's weight gain! I see him all the time so sometimes I think its wishful thinking that he's gained, but she took one look at him after not seeing him for 3 weeks and said "no, he looks a hundred times better". I hopped on him bareback while we were waiting for my trainer and was pleasantly surprised to find that I was actually very comfortable. His top line has filled out quite a bit and it wasn't like riding on... I can't even come up with a good description, but if you've ridden bareback on a skinny horse you now its not comfortable....<br />
<br />
I'm getting to know the owner and other boarders and really like the new barn, and most importantly Rio is happy and healthy.<br />
<br />
Over all, despite missing out on the trail ride, it was just a really good day!<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512053956342828104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008683516966689785.post-21647051568149359442013-10-15T19:24:00.001-07:002013-10-15T19:24:29.946-07:00The One In Which We Play Musical Barns...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2O2vR6gM0YbM6Qx83vsT0G6woh_pCp6NazfyM7Ul1IcV_iIhIPrq2-hUdofOPUdQzz3AWN0ZYL_ATHYPN_y7Eif3fSGh3moD3eJ7qHET812nt7OuMFOTaLsr8jbU6cOZCUnrQmw6ODtXy/s1600/IMG_0575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2O2vR6gM0YbM6Qx83vsT0G6woh_pCp6NazfyM7Ul1IcV_iIhIPrq2-hUdofOPUdQzz3AWN0ZYL_ATHYPN_y7Eif3fSGh3moD3eJ7qHET812nt7OuMFOTaLsr8jbU6cOZCUnrQmw6ODtXy/s320/IMG_0575.JPG" width="320" /></i></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Ready to move out...</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i> <span style="text-align: center;">I may not have written a blog in a while, but that doesn't mean there's not lots to update... if anyone even really reads my blog given how sporadic I am about posting regularly. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Big news item A - we've moved barns again. With both of my riding buddies moving out of the neighborhood there didn't seem much point in keeping my horse at a barn where he was turned out on sand at a barn that was too far for me to get to on a regular basis... </i></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>And, when last I left you all we were dealing with skinny horse issues... we seemed to have resolved that issue... not by adding more or different feed to Rio's regimen, but by moving barns yet again.... I'll let you come to your own conclusions about what was going on there, but lets just say my horse is eating half of what I was paying for him to eat at our old place and gaining weight at his new place. </i></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmVKhd5eSySuS8pOLZoLLSP-2RxEcncWx9SSXrI0duyOCyVhR4V2tOo2VsPCbnfDG9HB1KiXpKzewkDvrx2Yhmtw0ESesLS0nNGW7IXlQO8MlOyO3E8nAIl0XXr_LP2PrHAYIyL3y4R7jG/s1600/IMG_0577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmVKhd5eSySuS8pOLZoLLSP-2RxEcncWx9SSXrI0duyOCyVhR4V2tOo2VsPCbnfDG9HB1KiXpKzewkDvrx2Yhmtw0ESesLS0nNGW7IXlQO8MlOyO3E8nAIl0XXr_LP2PrHAYIyL3y4R7jG/s320/IMG_0577.jpg" width="240" /></i></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Peak-A-Boo</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>As it turns out it was a good move regardless of what spurred me to look at yet another barn... I say yet another because this makes barn number 5 in just under 4 years since moving to central Florida... And those of you who know me know I'm pretty loyal. I typically stay in one place once I find a good fit. We were at our last barn in GA for 5+ years. </i></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Once upon a time I had a gut feeling the Orlando area wasn't a good place to keep horses, and now that we're here it turns out I was right. There are very few places that are reasonably priced, safe, clean, offer good care and proper feed, and have decent amenities... like a bathroom for boarders. I'm really not too hard to please. </i></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>All the complaining aside I think we've finally hit the jackpot. We're staying at a friends place in Osteen which is about 15 minutes outside of the Sanford area where I live. Its the first boarding facility I've found in 5 years that has grass!!! Rio is in seventh heaven to say the least. And, for the first time since moving he's turned out with other horses. For a horse who was raised in a natural heard setting its obvious watching him run with the group that he has missed being a part of the heard. </i></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>And, while he spends most of his time turned out he does have a stall for bad weather days & the friend who owns the barn has taken amazingly good care of him so far doing everything I've asked to make things a good fit for us. </i></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>The barn is missing a graded arena, which I really miss. Riding in the pasture when its been wet because of rain is a bit of a musical chairs act in and of it self trying to find a dry enough place to ride. But, the trade for lack of arena happens to be close to 1500 acres of trails right out our backdoor. </i></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlSCjKWvHPpOb7c4BBaX_5_hJQjdVWoffzzqCjucTXuNK20Dx9u2wEnkm7n55rwey22tTyouGTOsLeTbNF_qor_KiPmZyFtRELnWkywzSvI-fimWJOFJ7ADeAAYhPf0X0lJe7t9PG0eXx/s1600/IMG_0692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlSCjKWvHPpOb7c4BBaX_5_hJQjdVWoffzzqCjucTXuNK20Dx9u2wEnkm7n55rwey22tTyouGTOsLeTbNF_qor_KiPmZyFtRELnWkywzSvI-fimWJOFJ7ADeAAYhPf0X0lJe7t9PG0eXx/s320/IMG_0692.JPG" width="320" /></i></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Out with his new friends</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Over all Rio is happy and that makes me happy. Riding time is limited because of work, but I'm still working with my trainer a couple times a month, and looking at a group lesson here or there with the trainer across the street from out new place. We are still on the hunt for a new saddle... how hard could it be to find something to fit both of us was apparently not the right mantra to begin that search with because three months later I still have not found a saddle. </i></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>On the plus side the horse I was told would never jump is now jumping 2'6 verticals willingly. At some point in the near future I will do a training update because Rio is truly doing amazing, but this blog is getting a little long as it is. </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>And, lastly we're headed to the Children's Miracle Networkd for the third year in a row. Its a great cause & a lot of fun. Look for a blog update about that soon! If you want to donate to the cause you can sponsor Rio & I <a href="http://www.helpmakemiracles.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=account.profile&confirm=WW91ciBwcm9maWxlIGhhcyBiZWVuIHVwZGF0ZWQu" target="_blank">here</a>. </i></span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512053956342828104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008683516966689785.post-55126424598854937902013-08-31T12:09:00.001-07:002013-08-31T12:09:06.163-07:00Never Say Never...<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Its a two in one blog kind of day. Mostly I just don't want to miss writing down all the cool things that have been happening lately, but putting them all in one post it started to seem... well a bit like trying to read The Odyssey, Gone With The Wind or War and Peace rather then a blog update. Anyways make sure to check out my blog from last weekend that was posted this weekend because I'm so busy I don't have time to blog... you can see that <a href="http://thespottedpony.blogspot.com/2013/08/flying-solo.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>And, the reason I don't have time to blog.... </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>School is officially back in session. Which means long, long, torturous work hours. I keep reminding myself that its worth it to be able to have Rio. And, I do love the kids despite all my complaining. </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>My real reason for posting this blog though is this!...</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>We've been slowly working on adding a little bit of jumping to our routine with the help of my trainer, but up to this point he'd only free jumped 2' and never done more then an 18" cross rail under saddle.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>My leaser was riding with me to day and she asked if he'd go over the vertical. I said I don't know lets find out fully expecting him to stop short and the above is what I got instead! </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i> When I bought Rio, he would either plow through or just plain refuse to jump anything, even a six inch cross rail. I know this doesn't look like much... and lets ignore for the moment my HORRIBLE form, but it is indeed a 2'2" vertical. And the standards that he's pretty close to clearing thanks to his majorly over jumping the fence are 3'3. Verticals are also more difficult to jump then a cross rail because they maintain their hight all the way across so they look more imposing to the horse. Just to make sure it wasn't a flue we went over it again 2 more times. </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>I once had a trainer tell me that maybe he was just not cut out to be a jumper and I foolishly believed her. All the dressage we've been working on has improved both our balance so much that even though he still hesitates at times going to a fence we are doing more then I ever thought possible and of course when things don't go as planned to a jump its usually my fault not his...</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Something to be said for the saying "never say never". </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Personally I think I should get extra points for jumping in a dressage saddle... cannot wait until I get a replacement saddle and a few more months with the trainer under our belt. </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Happy three day weekend all!</i></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512053956342828104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008683516966689785.post-63370869626064339122013-08-31T11:03:00.001-07:002013-08-31T11:04:28.777-07:00Flying Solo...<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Do you remember that moment as a child when you finally road your bike with out training wheels? That feeling of sheer terror when mom or dad let go of the bike and you thought you might fall for the one millionth and one time, followed by the exhilaration of freedom in finally accomplishing something you'd worked so hard for when you managed to stay upright moving forward, the wind blowing in your hair and newfound independence finally within your grasp. Learning to ride a bike is a right of passage for youth, and its just one of many steps we take along the path to growing up.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Being an educator and now an Aunt to two beautiful little kids I can't help, but look at the world around me with my "teacher" glasses on, realizing that we never stop growing (if we're lucky). There are always fears and unknowns, but each experience makes us a stronger version of ourselves. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>I see that in my riding and in my horse's development, especially lately, since starting back in lessons with my most awesome trainer. Rio has always been a curious willing horse, but there have been times when he was afraid of his own shadow, or the trash can on the corner, or the giant sandhill cranes trumpeting as they walk lazily down the road in front of us, or the enormous... at least to Rio, barking Chihuahua, or the kid on the bike wising by with out a a care in the world, or the imaginary horse eating monster that no one else can see. You get the idea. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>When I first acquired Rio he was a green coming six year old. And, when I say green I'm not exaggerating . We used to go around the ring with our head in the air looking more like a giraffe then a horse looking at everything and pulling every stop in the book to avoid any real work. We used to spook on a regular basis sometimes sitting down like a dog in the process. New things always triggered disaster.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>In the past few weekends I've out and down the road by myself relaxed (for the most part) and enjoying the ride going a mile and a half all on our own. And, I realized in that moment how much my pony has matured and grown up.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>I am a super proud momma.</i></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512053956342828104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008683516966689785.post-82003156046149666522013-08-08T21:31:00.002-07:002013-08-08T21:32:03.219-07:00Horse Therapy?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHWX51bcRheU0kpuk14klqvGScLMmzX3EU6MXTg22dPgdM3PNsYqCNuWkgD8nfS6ldhgaiRmZq9Twy_3Y8vXEQJqr0CUwYBILWsvrzPl_qox1eu9sjFNVlyqtH40sOw7Gwb5LHqjOe-7Dz/s1600/IMG_0341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHWX51bcRheU0kpuk14klqvGScLMmzX3EU6MXTg22dPgdM3PNsYqCNuWkgD8nfS6ldhgaiRmZq9Twy_3Y8vXEQJqr0CUwYBILWsvrzPl_qox1eu9sjFNVlyqtH40sOw7Gwb5LHqjOe-7Dz/s400/IMG_0341.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying on a friends saddle...</td></tr>
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Its quite amazing what the human body can adapt to. I watch my niece learning to walk... and actually learning to walk in general is a pretty tough feet even when you don't have added roadblocks to fight through like hypotonia (low muscle town) in her case; And, I"m truly amazed.<br />
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And, then I look at my own history and what I've overcome, and how my body has adapted to life's activities with out me really even realizing it.<br />
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There's a lot of similarities between my niece and I. We were both born premature. We were both born posteriorly (face up as apposed to the normal face down position). We both had some abnormal muscle tone, and neither of us crawled. 30+ years ago they didn't have the medical knowledge they do today. It was labeled developmental delay because I was 10 weeks premie. I eventually caught up with my milestones, and aside from some fine motor issues due to week shoulder and girth muscles and some mild scoliosis that has affected overall body alignment, I never really felt that I was different or that anything held me back.<br />
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Its funny that at almost 32 years of age horses and riding are forcing me to realize just how much the things I was born with have affected the way my body moves, and works. I've been in denial for a while... I'd had doctors ask me about back pain as an adult because apparently I am far enough out of alignment in my hips that it "should" be causing me some pain, and it became more apparent to me when my sister moved my feet into proper alignment to complete an exercise during a work out and I actually felt off balance standing correctly because I had become so used to standing incorrectly.<br />
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My riding lesson this week was just one more confirmation of just how much my body has incorrectly adapted itself to be able to do daily activities despite being out of alignment & having weaker muscles.<br />
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Because I want to start jumping more we've been trying different saddles on Rio. Riding in my dressage saddle I've felt slightly off center, and uneven in my stirrups despite the stirrups being very much even. I chalked it up to the fact the saddle needs to be reflocked and was sitting uneven. When I started riding in other saddles and realized the off balance feeling was not limited to my dressage saddle the thought popped into my head that perhaps I was sitting unevenly because of the way my hips are misaligned. When I pointed this out to my trainer she confirmed that I do tend to ride with more weight on one seat bone and let my right shoulder collapse in, sitting lower then the left shoulder. On that same right side I have much harder time keeping my leg position and heel down position required to have a good anchored seat in the saddle. When we work to the left I have a bad habit of picking up the wrong diagonal so much so that I know when I'm actually on the right diagonal because I feel out of sync with the horse's movements.... what an odd concept.<br />
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An even more interesting concept to me though, was how much my habits as a rider have affected Rio. He tends to favor my good side when we ride, and struggles more on the side that is more difficult for me. When the chiropractor adjusted him at one point last year she mentioned that he had more muscle development on one side of his back then the other. And, when we were trying on saddles they consistently fit better on one side over the other because of the amount of muscled development on each side, and the difference in his shoulder alignment. The more I look at it the more I realize these things are definitely not a coincidence. He's developed in this way because of how I ride.<br />
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My trainer, of course was quick to point out that they use horses for physical therapy for exactly this reason. Their gait mimics natural walking movement for riders with more sever disabilities. It's going to take a lot of work to retrain my brain and muscles to ride in a correct position, but riding offers a really unique, and natural way of working on my issues that will only benefit me in every aspect of my life. Having a personal trainer and doing some weight resistance training is also helping. Yes the horse is an expensive investment BUT, hey he's my councilor, and now he's my physical therapist as well.<br />
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I hope with all my heart my niece doesn't face anymore struggles in her life, that she achieves everything she wants in life... but that doesn't mean I won't use this to convince my sister to let me get her on a pony as soon as possible...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512053956342828104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008683516966689785.post-37649828681440059892013-08-04T21:55:00.001-07:002013-08-04T21:55:22.161-07:00What Do You Feed Your Horse?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What do you feed?</td></tr>
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Lets play a game... who actually reads my blog? For the most part I write mainly to to document my life with my horse for myself, but occasionally it turns out to be a good way to get some feed back.</div>
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Todays topic? Equine Nutrition.<br />
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I've had horses in a variety of settings for 2/3'rds of my life... that's over 20 years for those who want to date me... I won't actually put out there how old I am getting... yikes. One major thing I've noticed since coming here to Central Florida is that compared to other states and even other areas of Florida, feeding a horse in Central Florida is particularly expensive, a lot of horse barns (unless you're at an $800 a month show barn and sadly sometimes even then) do one of two things to save money. One, they skimp on feed and are ok with a horse who has a body conditioning score of 3 or 4 (go <a href="http://horse.purinamills.com/products/BodyConditionsScoringChart/default.aspx" target="_blank">here</a> to see what I'm talking about with regards to a BC Score) OR they feed crappy feed. I've been in four barns in three years since moving here and been at both types of barns.<br />
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I've never had to worry about these problems until I moved to Sanford. When I had my horse on my own property in Colorado I fed close to a bale of T&A a day and grain if needed and kept my expenses to $150/horse roughly a month. At the bigger boarding barns you payed a fixed rate and the horse got what they needed regardless of how much or how little the amount was. I think the least I paid for boarding was $150 (pasture) $250 (stall) and the most I ever paid was $350 for a stall with T&A, grain, shavings and full care.<br />
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Our most recent move has turned into a major headache, but at the moment I don't have an affordable alternative so here I sit trying to make the best out of the situation. Rio initially lost weight for a couple of reasons. One, he was put into heavier work being ridden 4-5 hours a week W/T/C and occasionally jumping as opposed to a weekly trail ride. 2. He was sharing his paddock with a food aggressive horse. And, 3. H went from eating 24/7 on a round bale or pasture his whole life to eating a fixed diet that was really not enough given his increased work load.<br />
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At his thinest I would have put him at a 3.5 BC. He's now what I would consider a 4 maybe a 4.5 after adding extra hay to his diet and increasing his grain intake. While he is maintaining at that level he's stalled in gaining, and I still see a difference in his energy levels so I'm now looking at further changing his feed. I'm looking for the most cost effective way to give him a quality diet long term and to help him gain a little more weight through his top line and neck.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXs1oHApw4t4D9PA1sI8ZslczQKqGIZk3U4xNCLVq5pAi2ryHQPKcIvYtN80Z0UIESDwFQg7qpaqA1YvFRA2nnWMrEmLheJl5w5A9aM4YRultV8I9q04BkOs15SraO-T_Z5FVqoLtTtC0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-07-31+at+7.28.39+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXs1oHApw4t4D9PA1sI8ZslczQKqGIZk3U4xNCLVq5pAi2ryHQPKcIvYtN80Z0UIESDwFQg7qpaqA1YvFRA2nnWMrEmLheJl5w5A9aM4YRultV8I9q04BkOs15SraO-T_Z5FVqoLtTtC0/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-07-31+at+7.28.39+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rio - working with my trainer</td></tr>
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He's currently getting 2 good size flakes of T&A & 4 quarts of Safe Choice pelleted feed twice a day.<br />
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I would rather increase hay then grain, but T&A is so expensive here that its difficult to add too much more with out going well over my budget. Feeding coastal requires feeding so much more coastal then T&A to maintain his weight that it doesn't end up being that much more cost effective unless you're feeding round bales. Why not get a round bale? A. He is a big waister of hay when I feed off a round bale. B. most places won't deliver to where I'm at because its hard to get a big truck or trailer onto the property. C. A round bale won't fit through his current paddock gate and moving him to an alternate paddock means he looses shade and shelter that is ideal in his current paddock.<br />
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I've also looked at feeding alternative supplements like beat pulp or alfalfa cubes, but unless I want to be responsible for soaking and feeding the beat pulp or alfalfa cubes twice a day this is pretty much impossible. The Barn Owner doesn't want to take the time to soak feed, and my schedule is so hectic that I would be lucky to get there once a day.<br />
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So my current solution? Buy a few extra bales of coastal so that I can add a flake or two more hay to his diet and change to a feed with a higher get/protein content. Which is where you come in... if anybody takes the time to read and respond to the blog that is (which I would really appreciate!).<br />
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I'm looking at different feeds and trying to make a decision between them. I'm looking at content of the feeds hoping to find something that is not too much above a 12% protein content, but that has a high fat content. I'd prefer to stay away from high sugar/starch based feeds, and from anything that has corn as the number one ingredient.<br />
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So far I've narrowed it down to the following...<br />
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<b>Purina Products</b><br />
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<a href="http://horse.purinamills.com/products/ultium/ECMD2-0032693.aspx" target="_blank">Ultium</a> - currently my top pick I think<br />
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<b>Southern States Products</b><br />
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<a href="http://www.southernstates.com/catalog/p-6219-legends-performance-pelleted-50lb.aspx" target="_blank">Legends Performance</a><br />
<a href="http://www.southernstates.com/catalog/p-7563-triple-crown-senior-formula-textured-50lb.aspx" target="_blank">Triple Crown Senior</a><br />
<a href="http://www.southernstates.com/catalog/p-7562-triple-crown-training-formula-textured-50lb.aspx" target="_blank">Triple Crown Training</a><br />
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<b>Nutrina Products</b><br />
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<a href="http://www.nutrenaworld.com/products/horses/xtn/index.jsp" target="_blank">XTN</a><br />
<a href="http://www.nutrenaworld.com/products/horses/safe-choice/safechoice-perform-horse-feed/index.jsp" target="_blank">Safe Choice Perform</a><br />
<a href="http://www.nutrenaworld.com/products/horses/safe-choice/safechoice-original-horse-feed/index.jsp" target="_blank">Safe Choice Original</a> - what he currently gets<br />
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My questions are many, but I'll try to keep it short. Has anybody used any of these with success for gaining/maintaining weight on a horse in moderate or above work? Are there any that I should know to stay away from for whatever reason? What's better, textured or pelleted? I like the TC feeds, but they are textured and I've heard that textured feeds are not as easily digestible??? Safe Choice Original that he's currently on has a protein content of 14% and a fat content of 7%. All the other feeds range between a 12-14% protein content & have an 8%-12% fat content. Should I look at adding weight builder or similar supplements into his diet or will bumping his fat content up by 5% really make that big of a difference? How do the different products compare price wise in this area?<br />
<br />
Note that, yes, he had his teeth floated in April. Yes he had normal blood work panels done at that same time. Yes, he is wormed on a rotation on a regular basis. He has no known health problems. The one thing I have not ruled out, but will call a vet for if a change in feed doesn't help, are ulcers.<br />
<br />
No he is not extremely thin, but my trainer, and vet do agree with me he does need some weight.<br />
<br />
Suggestions that I haven't listed are more then welcome!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YjeQOHeIq5IGawu3ruGciqTOFAtxYGvTVEKt1Huvk9SiQUvvTCOln7DvNMXZocckdyVG_ULgaLGWAe4EIiN-TWcLBcC15EtgPZDQ__WDVuT1y4UltS8sktJIxp18dhK6wwS0k4AN0ebe/s1600/FergusHay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YjeQOHeIq5IGawu3ruGciqTOFAtxYGvTVEKt1Huvk9SiQUvvTCOln7DvNMXZocckdyVG_ULgaLGWAe4EIiN-TWcLBcC15EtgPZDQ__WDVuT1y4UltS8sktJIxp18dhK6wwS0k4AN0ebe/s640/FergusHay.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out the most awesome<a href="https://www.facebook.com/FergusTheHorse" target="_blank"> Fergus...</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512053956342828104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008683516966689785.post-47253080570091596312013-07-27T21:33:00.001-07:002013-07-27T21:33:24.394-07:00Look Where You Want To Go...
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UGNuEVsH9NZNfiLchPbyqhnMPAqxvoIwydjDWwYgtzGI5j0gku8xGilflZFdyLWGjMg_a3-8oRkVraPyZIUCCgKn4N3LXsnyR7Kg8fBU8gaQuerLHK-Ts_U7DSh0M8cvhSMutfHdlX-B/s1600/IMG_0427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UGNuEVsH9NZNfiLchPbyqhnMPAqxvoIwydjDWwYgtzGI5j0gku8xGilflZFdyLWGjMg_a3-8oRkVraPyZIUCCgKn4N3LXsnyR7Kg8fBU8gaQuerLHK-Ts_U7DSh0M8cvhSMutfHdlX-B/s400/IMG_0427.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warming up for our lesson...</td></tr>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><b>Look where you want to go...</b> How many times have I heard it,
thought it, and said it to my own riding students? Only about a million times. If
you’re looking down and something happens that’s where you’re headed, down to a
usually not so pleasant dismount off your horse. If you look a head of you, if
you have a plan, your body follows through subconsciously with out thought and
the horse picks up on those movements and responds to them. </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i>Its frustrating, having ridden for 24 years of my life, to
realize I’m still making rookie mistakes.
As we progress in our lessons my trainer is adding in some small jumps,
and lately she’s also been adding some more complicated entries to the jumps
having me approach off a tight angle or a bending line trying to get me to look
ahead, have a plan, and be focused on more then one area of the ring, and one
step in my riding at a time. Its one thing to take a jump, but we won’t be able
to do a course if I can’t multi-task with my brain a little bit and get my eyes
pointed up and a head of us. Mind you, I have ridden some small jump courses,
but I was always on a horse that seemed to have auto-pilot. Point. Shoot. Jump.
I didn’t have to think about it on the school horse I was riding. Riding on a
green horse (at least where jumping is concerned) is a whole new ball-game. Rio
is still unsure, and often unbalanced approaching a fence so when I’m not
looking where I need to be with a plan in place well ahead of each jump or turn
our ride falls apart and he knocks jumps, hesitates, or refuses all together. </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i>I used to think Rio just didn’t like jumping. Some horses,
training or not will go over a fence the first time you point them at it like
they were born to do it. The more
we ride, and the better I get at looking ahead instead of down at Rio, and the
more balanced I am, the better Rio takes each jump. </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i>We had a rather frustrating lesson on Wednesday, which
consisted of me trying about 25 times to get through a particular pattern and
over a small set of cross rails coming off a very tight bend. But, in the end
when we finally got it; when I’d finally put all the puzzle pieces together I
realized Rio doesn’t dislike jumping at all really. I was just not providing
the direction he needed to be confident about what I was asking him to do. </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i>Today I road him down the road to a neighboring barn to work
with a friends horse & to expose Rio to a new setting… God forbid we
actually ever want to show I want him to have as many new experiences as
possible with out it being a major deal. He was extremely well behaved once we
got down to work. A few minor spooks at some polls and jump standards piled
along the fence and a little apprehension about riding in the ring with horses
he didn’t know, but five minutes into the ride he was behaving like he was at
home. </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i>I warmed him up long and low at the walk and trot, before
coaching my slightly less experienced new leaser through some basic walk trot
work with him. By this time he was fully focused and plenty warmed up so I
asked for the canter which is something we’ve been struggling with lately.
Getting a collected canter from a walk or standstill is also a nemesis of ours…
at least with out Rio throwing a small tantrum about having to do the work.
Quick side note - I’ve been
working him on the lounge line in side reins a couple of times a week, as well
as working to make sure we are both better balanced and in good rhythm at the
trot when under saddle. Apparently all that work has paid off, because today
for the first time in quite a while I got a good balanced canter on the correct
lead in both directions. Really for the first time ever, I couldn’t tell a
difference between his good side and his bad side, and we maintained our canter
through several circles and through turns. Before it would have been a fight to
hold the canter around the ring one time when working on his off side. </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i>Since we were having such a fantastic ride, and Rio was
rather forward and game to go I figured why not try a couple of cross rails. We
trotted through the first couple of times, and on the third go around he landed
in canter and I was able to maintain a balanced canter to bring him back around
to the jump so I let him approach at a canter. He took the jump like it was
really no big deal and by the fourth circle through he was looking for it. On
the fifth cycle I broke our pattern asking him to turn before the jump so that
I could bring him back to a walk and I actually had to over correct our course
with my seat & legs because he was locked on to the jump and ready to go again
if I’d let him. It was a complete 180 in attitude from our Wednesday lesson
& completely negates my theory that he just doesn’t enjoy jumping. </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i>I can look at this turn around and say, well he’s figuring
out his balance and so am I which is helping our ride over all, but the biggest
difference in today’s ride was that I made a conscious effort to be looking well ahead or us,
not only not down at the horse or my position, but well out ahead of where we
were aiming. </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i>Looking ahead isn’t just a part of riding. It’s a metaphor
for life really. It seems like the
last 10 years of m life have been nothing, but one big transition after another.
A move to Florida. The completion of my B.A. and a new job every year since
graduating trying to find where I fit best. When things get scary its easy to look down and burry your
head in the sand hoping life will just fix itself. </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i>This last year of teaching and this summer have been all
about digging myself out of that hole and looking ahead to my future rather
then just doggy paddling a long against a current and hoping it will get
easier. God gives you
opportunities, but its up to you what you make of them. </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i>This summer I took initiative to get healthy, working extra
hours so that I could work with a personal trainer and I’ve lost 16 pounds
since the start of the year, and 10 of those this summer. Getting fit has
really helped my confidence level, and my riding. Training with my most amazing
coach has made a huge difference in how I ride. I always thought I had a good
partnership with Rio, but I’ve realized until recently I was letting him down
by not being the leader he really needed, and I didn’t even know I was doing it
until we found L. I’m headed into a new year of teaching staying in the same
position for the first time since graduating college and already I’m seeing
positive changes that have been made in our small school because of advice I
gave, and I’m starting to see myself as an educated adult who’s opinions are valued.
The lesson’s I’m learning through riding are lessons I plan to apply to my life
and to my teaching in the classroom. And, I’m fully confident that this will be
the most amazing year yet because I’m looking forward for the first time in a
very long time. </i></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512053956342828104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008683516966689785.post-38919194377512706032013-06-12T15:46:00.001-07:002013-06-12T15:46:31.607-07:00I'm A Keeper...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8VnNSPD7uolsoO0-ghH9rTb_MBAjdVHz-J9XulM05KtdAQCwyeayeMH34EFnDMBXYsUjnL5AtSunz_9zXJc0MCsSwfV4Ziz9N64ENum3oFVNbShqh9EiW-KViPU_7Gy6BGezCwmG2IK0/s1600/IMG_1811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8VnNSPD7uolsoO0-ghH9rTb_MBAjdVHz-J9XulM05KtdAQCwyeayeMH34EFnDMBXYsUjnL5AtSunz_9zXJc0MCsSwfV4Ziz9N64ENum3oFVNbShqh9EiW-KViPU_7Gy6BGezCwmG2IK0/s400/IMG_1811.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exhausted pony...</td></tr>
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Do you ever get a warm and fuzzy feeling all over when someone you really admire compliments you? That's how I'm feeling right now... that and more then a little lucky I've found myself in the situation that I currently am in... and what situation is that you might ask?<br />
<br />
I've eluded to the fact that I've found an amazing trainer in my last couple of blog posts, but I really haven't had time to write a blog post that will explain just how awesome she is or how much we have grown since starting with her in March. There just are no words to do her justice really.<br />
<br />
I have spent my whole life wishing I could train more seriously, but never having the money, the time or the right horse. And, when I have been able to take lessons its been mostly with backyard rider/trainers who are good, but not great. Even when I was taking lessons with a Prix Saint George level rider and judge a few years back I never quite felt that we clicked. We spent a lot of time working on the horse which she was good at, but you'd think that she'd have also corrected my hunter/jumper seat to make it more correct for dressage which would have helped the horse work in a proper balanced frame more easily... yeah not so much.<br />
<br />
So I feel truly blessed to have found my current trainer (we'll call her L for the purposes of this blog), who just to give you some background, is a now semi retired combined training (evener) and show jumper who has competed at the top levels, was at one point long listed for the Olympics, and rode with the top riders competing at Rolex, one of only a few 4 star events in the world. She's trained in Europe and across the U.S. with some incredible mentors in her time. She retired from competition after loosing her last advanced level competition horse to a heart attack. She had stopped training on a large scale, and was just enjoying life leasing a horse to start training him for CDE (Combined Driving). The horse she was leasing (and has since bought) happened to be at my new barn for a short time and so with a a little convincing she started training both Megan and I.<br />
<br />
In just a short few months maybe 8 lessons total I have made more progress in my riding then I probably have ever made in 25 years of riding and taking lessons on and off with different people. L being European trained teaches a classical seat as a basis for everything else weather you are doing dressage or wanting to jump or go cross country. She takes everything slow and methodically, and what I love most is that she never puts limits on any horse or says they can't do something until the horse proves otherwise. Her philosophy being that a horse is only as good as its rider verses the other way around. So many American trainers look for quick fixes or focus on fixing the horse with out truly fixing the rider's issues as well.<br />
<br />
The little corrections she has made to my position in both seat and hands have made me a more secure rider, and my improved riding has changed Rio's response to what Im asking. While we are still working on building muscle (his & mine!) he much more readily carries himself which makes my job as a rider so much easier. All (or most anyways) of his spooks and silly behaviors are going away because, (a) he knows that I am solid and that he can trust me to support him when he needs it, and (b) because he's carrying himself and working from the back end he really has no where to go but forward. Its much harder for him to spook, jump sideways, or evade the bit.<br />
<br />
I find myself riding with a longer leg, a more open hip and ribcage, and a properly anchored heal. I used to ride with short stirrups (more hunter style) because I felt like it gave me more support, but now that I've corrected my whole leg position all the way through my hip I am actually much more comfortable riding with a longer leg. I've found too that its ok to ride with a shorter rein (which used to drive Rio bonkers) because instead of pulling on his mouth I'm pushing him into the bit from his back end so that there is contact, but I am never truly pulling on him. In this way my hands are actually more steady. It was never the tight contact he hated, but more so the fact that I was always bumping him in the mouth. It kills me now knowing that the "dressage" trainer who started him with his former owner used to tie his head down because he is so smart, and has picked up quickly on the idea of self carriage, that there should never been a need to force him into a frame in the first place.<br />
<br />
Today L and I worked on lounging with side reins and ground work so that I would be able to work on improving Rio's balance and top line with out the weight of a rider on days when my riding time is limited. I had the chance to talk quite a bit with her after not having seen her in a month because of summer schedule changes.<br />
<br />
At the end of that conversation I was told that I am indeed a keeper. That while she's looking to open her own barn in the next year or so and get back into competitive riding she doesn't want to take on a lot of boarders or riding students. She only plans to keep a hand full long term, and along with one of my BFFs Megan I am one of only a few that are in her long term plans. She even mentioned taking Megan and I on as working students so that I would be able to work off my board and train on a more regular basis with out going broke... in and of itself she's already working with me and not charging charging anywhere near what she could given her abilities...that includes the opportunity to ride her horses so that I get more experience outside of just riding Rio who is now in his teens, and will eventually be too old to compete at higher levels if I were to want to go down that road. These are all things that I have heard come out of Megan's mouth, but until I actually heard L say them to me I took it all worth a grain of salt. These words coming from L are huge praise because I know she only takes people that she respects and enjoys working with at this point in her life and career. And the fact that she is a true horse lover, always putting the horses first, and is willing to entrust her horses in my care was an even bigger compliment in my eyes.<br />
<br />
For the first time in a long time, because of my riding and the relationships I'm building through it. I'm taking my own health and fitness more seriously, and I'm realizing now more then ever that even though its hard work to financially and physically keep horses a part of my life that with the effort and the right connections horses will always be a part of my life. I don't know what the next few years of riding hold in store for me or what will happen when Rio is ready to retire, but its very exiting to have the opportunities I'm gaining, and its made me a better person and given me a goal to work towards and more importantly the belief that I can reach those goals that I am setting. And, that philosophy has carried over to everything I do in life both in and outside of horses.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdpKuOggaJJvIYyOG8XBQ8Oe9OvZrZmB5MT4RaBQcScNtQM7RJuSijq4TEIB4k2kxcWUw7mYomgBtdcg8WCiRDgPo6hUU-CA5D0ZfufERtzaahMQpnMqTBDCziMWfxEhtVswF5efbz_AY/s1600/Change.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdpKuOggaJJvIYyOG8XBQ8Oe9OvZrZmB5MT4RaBQcScNtQM7RJuSijq4TEIB4k2kxcWUw7mYomgBtdcg8WCiRDgPo6hUU-CA5D0ZfufERtzaahMQpnMqTBDCziMWfxEhtVswF5efbz_AY/s400/Change.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My current mantra....</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512053956342828104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008683516966689785.post-16061351537629363812013-06-11T11:41:00.000-07:002013-06-11T11:57:03.491-07:00Feeling A Little Water Logged...As I type this grey clouds are moving into view and I can hear the low rolling clap of distant thunder. I know we need the rain, don't get me wrong, and it is very beautiful. But, it's put a damper on riding lately... no pun intended... damp get it? Ok maybe not so funny. But, seriously, what happened to Florida being the "SUNSHINE" state!<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2P6RlQL6x84KO4LXEnLv4BkvWIbTgSCrEOn6sce-5mroC5IClTQLZmSC3b2rSO2P511OFLGw14dJXmCVQPhr5umEyCgkNii1nSsFCp13UzdikU39jGBFMDEGD7V2yLDJ5L64zLgc4RM8f/s1600/scooba+horse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2P6RlQL6x84KO4LXEnLv4BkvWIbTgSCrEOn6sce-5mroC5IClTQLZmSC3b2rSO2P511OFLGw14dJXmCVQPhr5umEyCgkNii1nSsFCp13UzdikU39jGBFMDEGD7V2yLDJ5L64zLgc4RM8f/s320/scooba+horse.jpg" width="221" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I feel like maybe Rio & I should take up scuba lessons</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Clearly riding has been limited because of the weather, but we've still made some good progress in the last few weeks when we do ride.We've spent quite a bit of time on the trails with Megan & Belle which has really been good for both Rio & I. He no longer rides out tense and really seems to enjoy the trails. We've found a good clear spot for safe canters and gallops, and a nice open area to work on flat work out on the trail. And, we have the added bonus of riding in the woods and jumping over small obstacles and logs. We run into all kinds of critters, bunnies, birds, deer, bear, turtles, horse eating butterflies, even occasionally people, and or people with their dogs, and we pass by cows, goats, dogs, and other horses turned out as well as people working with tractors and larger machinery in their yards. Not too much bothers him anymore. Lately I've even been riding him on a loose rein which never would have happened on the trail before. We lead now as well, no longer bent on following the safety of another horse. Rio even walks back a short distance from Megan's barn on his own content to be by himself which I NEVER thought would every happen. The different sights and sounds take away from the monotony of riding circles in the ring which has been good for my super smart pony who's wheels are always turning.<br />
<br />
We've become entertainment too for the people whose houses back up to the open grassy area where we will occasionally do some flat work or hill work. You'd think they'd never seen a horse before the way one guy stares. I even had a family role down their car window to say hi and point at us while we were walking back down the rode from Megan's barn to ours... I felt kind of like we were objects in a zoo.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1RsJCqFTMAwZPEKF3WoJEQe19QfGjyNyfac8ZupwCys1HFimMMYfqioDdT9qDolYdY1uXkQvKtKA-8qeHMn9kAG3z8BnAgGX2V-XgWvhevO4lOh49XOWVSafVOn5HV5U-cla1TY1UNcf/s1600/RidingLessonRain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1RsJCqFTMAwZPEKF3WoJEQe19QfGjyNyfac8ZupwCys1HFimMMYfqioDdT9qDolYdY1uXkQvKtKA-8qeHMn9kAG3z8BnAgGX2V-XgWvhevO4lOh49XOWVSafVOn5HV5U-cla1TY1UNcf/s320/RidingLessonRain.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lesson in the rain</td></tr>
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Rio is spending his summer vacation teaching little kids how to ride... something he is surprisingly patient with for such a big guy who's mind is always working. We've made friends with 2 of the girls from my church and their mom who love Rio, and of course Rio being such a big ham, loves all the attention they shower on him. Last week the girls got to experience a riding lesson in the rain... again I ask where is the sun!? It didn't seem to phase them at all, and it actually cooled things off and felt kind of good. Today, though it is poring out not just drizzling so our lesson may have to hold off. I'm bummed out because I've really come to enjoy teaching the lessons.<br />
<br />
And, speaking of lessons, I've been taking lessons since March with an AMAZING trainer! We have made so much progress, but that deserves a post all of its own. Hopefully I'll have time to update again this weekend. I've also traded tutoring services for personal training services so along with riding 3-4 days a week I've added walking/running a few times a week, and working out with our trainer twice a week to my weekly regimen... taking lessons again and riding with friends who want to ride competatively more has definitely woken up the sleeping athlete in me. I'm hoping to take advantage of the time I have as a teacher during the summer to get both Rio and I into better shape. More on that in a later post per haps.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhARjteLeuPf3Tujvr8rPcuAipWFf8A2n7XzhUt3zvOO2lbboLPdCD93su8AJVjG3gkohfxd8uNtPKZ8OOEPsVbjEJx1hAoiTTHzJ-d9RzHfVl77XyKMll5Y6x_05o3ykBPp2nCRzB4A27Y/s1600/RioDrawing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhARjteLeuPf3Tujvr8rPcuAipWFf8A2n7XzhUt3zvOO2lbboLPdCD93su8AJVjG3gkohfxd8uNtPKZ8OOEPsVbjEJx1hAoiTTHzJ-d9RzHfVl77XyKMll5Y6x_05o3ykBPp2nCRzB4A27Y/s320/RioDrawing.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katie's depiction of Rio</td></tr>
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For now, I'm just staring out at the down pore of rain, saying a silent prayer to the rain gods, and hoping it stops before I have to go back out in it to tutor... or at the very least in time for me to teach my lesson tonight... I don't think they are going to cooperate though. *Sigh*.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time to build an ark!</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512053956342828104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008683516966689785.post-63463883131729499852013-05-21T20:48:00.002-07:002013-05-21T20:48:44.126-07:00Even More Extreme Sports...Just when I thought I'd found the most unique extreme horseback riding event this pops up on my FB page...I stand corrected...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvnKjePScpRgtyKJKDbnDnM3fwSOqZxCmd91lKwj25DzvmHRUS93ZBcH-Z07nFdPmBmlpuXW3xmX4ay9ODGD74i53kxZutze7Psww9QXoS_BQ0fI0pgj3SSEYNGMc36vluMOp5FdHlbV-G/s1600/WaterSkyingHorse.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvnKjePScpRgtyKJKDbnDnM3fwSOqZxCmd91lKwj25DzvmHRUS93ZBcH-Z07nFdPmBmlpuXW3xmX4ay9ODGD74i53kxZutze7Psww9QXoS_BQ0fI0pgj3SSEYNGMc36vluMOp5FdHlbV-G/s400/WaterSkyingHorse.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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For more water skying horseback riders check out this <a href="http://www.horsenation.com/2013/05/14/6-photos-of-people-water-skiing-with-horses/" target="_blank">link</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512053956342828104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008683516966689785.post-88829995946200037742013-05-09T17:39:00.002-07:002013-05-09T17:39:24.665-07:00Taking Extreme Sports To A Whole New Level...Horseback riding is a bit of an extreme sport in and of itself. I don't think most people appreciate that fact. My friend Megan and I were discussing this after my lesson last night in what has become an every other week tradition of getting dinner at the local sports bar after a ride.<br />
<br />
I suppose it depends on the type of riding you do, but when you really stop to think about it the horse and the rider put their own lives at risks when they go out for a ride every time. I mean, really, would a thousand plus pound animal do even half the things us crazy people ask it to do if it didn't enjoy the partnership and the challenge? Thousand pound horse vs. hundred and something pound human... no I really don't think so. <br />
<br />
And for those of you who say the horse does all the work my sore ankles... and pretty much every other part of my body would beg to differ after last nights lesson! Riding with any real purpose requires strength, coordination and balance... and I almost forgot stamina and no fear. I will definitely be hitting the gym and the yoga mat this summer in an attempt to beef up my core strength for the purposes of bettering my riding skills.<br />
<br />
Anyways, my real reason for this post was to point out this...<br />
<br />
I've heard of skijoring, but this takes it to a whole new level of crazy things that crazy people do with horses...<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10200446685023534&set=vb.1048842868&type=2&theater" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10200446685023534&set=vb.1048842868&type=2&theater</a><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512053956342828104noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008683516966689785.post-6476420757185195692013-04-30T20:08:00.000-07:002013-04-30T20:08:08.072-07:00Adventures In Trail Riding...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The small hurricane that hit just<br />
before I made it to my car...</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Let me preface this entire story with... I was not going to ride tonight... I was going to take the night off... catch up on house cleaning, get groceries, maybe watch a movie & cuddle with Buster. But, no, I was drug out kicking and screaming by my two crazy friends. "its my last night at the barn" "You have to come!... even though I'm only going to be moving up the rode."</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>I tend to be the annoying voice of reason in most situations and lets face it of the four of us I am the oldest in the group so its my job to have my head screwed on straight.... that, and I've done my fair share of stupid things and learned the hard way from them. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>So anyways, we head out on the trail tonight even though its already thundering and there's a 60% or better chance of rain... and not just a drizzle, but a </i></span><br />
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">Rio trotting over a log taken in a ride<br /> earlier this week</span></i></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>torrential down poor akin to a small hurricane with thunderunder and lightening hitting almost on top of us. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>We've been doing a lot of exploring lately, and recently found a short strip of cleared grass with brush on either side. Safe for a good canter or gallop. We manage to make it about half way around and reach the clearing. I'm holding my breath as we trot down it and turn around to come back because I can feel Rio gearing up to go... the third time we've done this, and he's figured out he's going to get to run every time now. The encroaching storm has the horses a little worked up too.... and then there's Sky the Thoroughbred practically pushing him from behind because she wants to go so badly.... Crystal's logic is that Rio acts as a break for Sky... comforting as long as she actually listens to Crystal's half halts rather then running us over. </i></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">Belle & Megan at the bank coming back from a ride<br />earlier in the week. </span></b></i></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Rio has such a big solid canter that even though Belle is rocketing down the path at a full gallop we barely break from the canter if at all the entire run. I have to say though despite all the factors in tonights ride that could have had him amped up he and I were probably the most balanced we've been ever going at that speed in an open straight away. I was really super pleased. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>At this point I can hear the thunder getting closer, but we've hit the woods. We take a few minutes to play jumping over fallen logs and head for the the road back towards home. I'm thinking to my self... "self maybe you were just being a big sissy". "You're going to make it back no issue before the storm hits!"</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>And, that's when I see Belle freeze at attention to something in front of us and I hear some one say "look there's two little bears"... great just great. Two little bears equal bear cubs which probably means bigger meaner momma bear is probably not too far away... warning danger will robinson danger!</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>If we go forward we run the risk of finding Mamma. If we turn around we run the risk of getting caught in the storm.... Needless to say we turned around. We broke the number one rule of trail riding which is never run towards home. I think we made it back in record time. I managed to get Rio untacked and put away before the down poor came, but didn't quite make it to my car so I ended up getting drenched anyways... At least we weren't out with the horses in it. That would have been a nightmare! It was raining so hard I couldn't see where I was going walking back to the car. And, when I finally did get the courage up to try driving in it the streets were pretty flooded and there was a giant tree branch down in the rode. </i></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">Sky & Crystal... last weekends ride</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">.</span></b></i> </td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Out of all the craziness one thing was solidified for me. My horse trusts me and I trust him... wow have we come a long way in a short couple of years. Rio used to spook at every thing and be high energy on the trail pulling, and racing through it and generally being a nut. Tonight of all nights when he had every reason in the book to be spooky... rain, thunder, lightening, wind, cantering toward home, other spooky horses, being left behind a bit by said horses, and wild horse eating animals... he did not spook once, not even a flinch... I could tell his energy was up, but he listened to every single cue I gave him. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>When its all said and done it makes for a good story I can tell my kids some day, but I don't think I'll be doing any more pre-storm rides... I'll let Megan the brave and Crystal the crazy have fun with that.... then again who </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i> knows!</i></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><i><b>I could take a lesson from Fergus...<br />If you haven't seen Jean Abernathy's cartoon... totally go do a search fro Fergus the Horse!</b></i></span></td></tr>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">Check out the rain...</span></i></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><i><b>For my friends...</b></i></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512053956342828104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008683516966689785.post-18916744114289593372013-04-26T21:59:00.000-07:002013-04-26T21:59:22.294-07:00I Blame It On Them...<br /><span style="text-align: center;">My mom recently threatened to set up a match.com account for me... apparently she's decided I need to get a move on and get married. I even had my friends threatening to do the same thing on E-Harmoney tonight.</span>Aside from a few bad past relationships and a crappy family life growing up, I blame my lack of a social life, and a guy on my horse and these three girls....<div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Above - Megan & Belle, Rio & I, Crystal & Sky<br />Below - Christian & Rio</td></tr>
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I've always had an obsession with horses, but it seems to have grown ten fold since I found people to ride with who have the same goals as I do. When I was a kid I was more then happy to have my little rescue horse and be able to ride at all. But, when we'd attend the <a href="http://www.nationalwestern.com/" target="_blank">National Western</a> or go out trail riding at the local hack stable I'd find myself wistfully wishing I had a horse I could show, or at the very least other riders my age to hang out with. I wanted to join the <a href="http://www.westernaires.org/" target="_blank">Westernaires</a> (if you don't know who they are check them out by clicking the link) so badly even tough I was not a western rider just to be around other kids who rode more seriously. My parents just did not have the time or finances to support those dreams, and as I got older and took on the majority of the horse expenses myself through high school, college, and on to adulthood neither did I.<br />
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Growing up I got my fix from reading the <a href="http://www.saddleclubtv.com/home.php" target="_blank">Saddle Club</a> series, and daydreaming what it might be like to go riding with characters Stevie, Lisa, and Carol weather it be going to a schooling show, riding on a haunted Halloween Trail Ride, or taking horses out camping and getting lost in the woods. I read every horse book known to man, and watched every horse movie, and on the rare occasion I got to take my little mare to a 4-H meeting with neighbors down the road who had a trailer I lived for it despite the fact she pretty much hated leaving home and would spend the hour trying to find a way to buck me off.<br />
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Moving from the small backyard properties I grew up with and into my first real boarding barn setting in College was a step in the right direction towards achieving my goals of riding with a group and working towards showing, but even then it was difficult to juggle.<br />
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When I moved to the Central Florida area I got my first real exposure to off sight trail rides with my gelding who, unlike my barn sour little quarter horse mare, actually loves trail riding. And, in the last year I had the opportunity to meat up with the three aforementioned culprits shown above.<br />
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I fallowed them to our current barn even though I loved Seminole Stables where we'd been for a couple of years because having my own little pony club of friends seemed to be falling into place... good things come to those who wait, pray daily, and work their butts off. Despite some drama with the current barn owner... a long story for another day... I'm still convinced that all things happen for a reason. Had I not moved to the barn we are at now I never would have met our current instructor, who in four lessons has made more progress with me and my Appaloosa horse then then our last dressage instructor did in a years worth of lessons. More on that in a future blog to be sure. And, with other friends to ride with weather its a training session in the ring or a road trip out to the trails its just that much more motivating to put in the effort to get to the barn consistently.<br />
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Riding 6-10 hours a week on top of working 60 hours a week has been a challenge. I'm often tired, and grumpy about the prospect of dragging myself to the barn at the end of a long day, but 20 minutes in and I don't want to leave. For once in my life I feel just a little bit like an athlete. And, for the first time since graduating college and moving further south I have group of friends who all like riding as well... Riding pretty much is my social life...<br />
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So, I've come to the conclusion that I just need to find a guy who will tolerate, or better yet love horses and the horsey lifestyle as much as I do, because I don't see that part of my life changing anytime soon.<br />
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Anyone know a single cowboy?<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512053956342828104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008683516966689785.post-31550214598499335422013-04-22T22:11:00.000-07:002013-04-22T22:11:45.809-07:00Happy Birthday Rio!<br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Wednesday April 17'th marked Rio's fourteenth birthday and 8 years under my care and ownership. Wow has time flown by! </span></div>
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No matter how old I get I will always have a little bit of kid inside me, and yes I am one of those crazy people who celebrate their animal's Birthdays and treat them like family. So you can bet we celebrated this year just like we do every year. But, this year was especially special because I had 3 amazing friends to celebrate along side. </div>
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Rio got his annual overdose of treats including peppermints from his second mom Christian, giant carrots from the farmers market provided by Aunties Megan and Crystal and I brought out apples and cookies... </div>
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I figured since cake wasn't such a huge hit the last two years (<a href="http://thespottedpony.blogspot.com/2011/04/birthday-cake-massacre.html" target="_blank">see The Birthday Cake Massacre</a>) we'd try sugar cookies. They were a much bigger hit!</div>
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And, while Rio may be turning 14 I think it was me who hit an early midlife crisis. After we finished our treats we spent the afternoon taking pictures and doing stupid things like around the world... pure pressure at its finest ladies and gentlemen. You'll notice I was smart enough to NOT tell my friends about the movie function on my camera until after I'd been successfully hazed into completing the game myself... at which point I let Megan video everyone else... I'm sure they'll be payback coming my way in the not so distant future. </div>
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We finished out the afternoon with a nice quiet trail ride. It felt a bit nostalgic... like we could have been taken from the pages of the classic kids book series "The Saddle Club" that is near and dear to most preteen horse loving girls of the nineties, </div>
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myself not with standing. Over all it was a great day, filled </div>
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with fun, and I am beyond blessed. </div>
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Do not attempt this at home...</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512053956342828104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008683516966689785.post-43851721897156333842013-04-22T16:21:00.004-07:002013-04-22T16:23:09.248-07:00The Elusive & Rare Equigiraffe...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizP88LFnLl-pC0Z81NBy26DKN_ynh4XiHghy0DGwyPMAe-GZ3m7KFwocyOvKbag7IU154uHFLDvPPiEQ_usxiirfjorOTVLeipHTLaYMky3JTkGBUMulMgL6dPdG-EhA_5koKXNFS0NTRO/s1600/EquiGeraff2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizP88LFnLl-pC0Z81NBy26DKN_ynh4XiHghy0DGwyPMAe-GZ3m7KFwocyOvKbag7IU154uHFLDvPPiEQ_usxiirfjorOTVLeipHTLaYMky3JTkGBUMulMgL6dPdG-EhA_5koKXNFS0NTRO/s400/EquiGeraff2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Its believed a new highbred species of equine has been spotted at a local barn in the Central Florida area. The tree eating animal is believed to be a cross of Equine (Equus Ferus) and the Giraffe (<span style="background-color: white;">Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata). </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">The newly termed Equigiraffe is an extremely sensitive animal, often picky and </span>opinionated towards its fellow equine counterparts and in its diet as was evident when the equigiraffe was offered a cookie alongside other horses during the recent siting. The species has a catlike independent personality. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Though occasionally stubborn when put to work the new breed appears to love jumping! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The equigiraffe (pictured) is believed to be one of only a few existing, but further studies are being observed. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>For Megan.... lol.</b></i></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512053956342828104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4008683516966689785.post-55782444998242456062013-03-16T11:24:00.002-07:002013-04-22T18:17:29.901-07:00Love My Vet... Just Say'n<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxsuRkO_bK8v4eE3sPhIhmEgMog2I6n8w6TZRTm8QCvJDSgFJxDv62BleYSYiTq1jEFf2pykQmriV2A5fDqpHVo711NP1MyYEEZjTrZShvz6bnxZWRAm5sUoGokHKwXq2L-lHVxJP5WTq/s1600/IMG_1639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxsuRkO_bK8v4eE3sPhIhmEgMog2I6n8w6TZRTm8QCvJDSgFJxDv62BleYSYiTq1jEFf2pykQmriV2A5fDqpHVo711NP1MyYEEZjTrZShvz6bnxZWRAm5sUoGokHKwXq2L-lHVxJP5WTq/s400/IMG_1639.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: small;">In dreamland post sedation to recheck his tooth</span></b></td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">R</span></b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i>io had his dental re-check this morning. We went in expecting to pull the tooth and the ligaments around the remainder of the tooth had actually tightened up around the tooth and healed. Rather then traumatize him again the vet opted to leave the remainder of the tooth. We'll recheck again in six months when his fall vaccines are due. Awesome! In the mean time I get to rinse his mouth with salt water 2-3 times a week to help keep any food from building up and causing another infection back there. Here's hoping he stays healthy and problem free.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b>W</b></span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-style: italic;">hile I'd have liked to avoid putting him through 2 sedations and two hours of torture... and the unexpectedly larger vet bill it was an educational experience. I knew that horse's teeth continually erupted through the gum line as they wore down through out life. I knew the reason for annual dentals... that their teeth often ware unevenly leaving sharp points. I never stopped to think about the fact that different teeth come in at different stages in their early life and that because they continually grow and come in at different rates the roots of the teeth are actually very tough and long. Some teeth are harder to pull then others depending on the age of the horse, and that is what happened to Rio. The good news is that while the whole tooth was loose initially it looks like everything is healing up now that the cracked peace has been removed and the infection is gone. Obviously its better he keep the tooth then loose it so I was happy. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: small;"><b>Took advantage of the drugs to trim & pull his mane... long overdue! <br />Was the easiest mane pull ever!</b></span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">I</span></b><i style="color: #6aa84f;"> love my vet. He treats my horse like his own every time he sees us. He always calms my nerves even if its just a phone call with questions about how to do something, and unlike some of the vets in the area he really is in it for the best of the horse and not for the money. Rocky only does what is absolutely necessary. He could have pulled the tooth. He could have charged me for more work then was really needed. Not only did he not do that, but he only charged me a half a trip fee. He didn't charge a re-exam fee or a fee for the sedation (usually a $40 fee). He could have easily gotten another $100-$150 out of me today even only rechecking the tooth, but he charged me $25.... and then drove back after he realized he forgot to drop my coggins when he could have just as easily e-mailed it to me and moved on... he is truly worth his wait in gold. I've met plenty of bad vets and farriers in the last 3 years since moving to the central Florida area, but I think I've finally lucked out and have a decent team lined up in my horse's court. </i><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b>S</b></span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-style: italic;">pring break starts in less then 10 days and we are good to go and healthy just in time to hopefully take our first lesson with the trainer at the barn over the break. We are definitely in a good place!</span><br />
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