I am sooo lucky. Phantom is infinitley patient with me. I have been ridiculously fortunate with the animals that have entered my life. Kiyara was one of a kind, Lacey the sweetest of dogs, Phantom is my lovable "Goober Boy," and Indy is a smaller, fluffier Goober Boy.
Phantom is and has always been the best "report card" of my riding. If I get it right, he immediately does what is wanted. Usually our struggles are my adjustments to release tension and put myself in the correct position. I haven't taken a lesson for several years now, so I continue to work on my "list" of reminders from the last lesson I took from Cathi. Mainly I try to get Phantom on the bit moving forward and round, and attempt leg yields and shoulders-in.
My current routine is to work at the walk until I get a proximity of a connection. It seems like it takes forever while Phantom goes through his Arabian-at-the-alert stage. When I get that feeling that the reins are "coming from the bottom of my fingers" then we've attained that connection from bit to elbow. From this point I can ask for a trot and usually get a pretty good depart. I generally begin with a posting trot and, depending on my position (again), we can continue with connection and Phantom's back round like a "beachball" -- or I can completely ruin it all and we're back to Arabian-at-the-alert at a faster gait. *sigh*
Phantom's canter has long been an issue. Cathi advised me that he bulges right with his midsection and tips his nose left. All this bulging and tipping blocks his straight, forward motion. So I work on getting me in a balanced position so I can straighten Phantom and when and if that's accomplished we get some nice work. My efforts have paid off, since Phantom's canter departs have improved and he manages to keep the canter instead of falling out. He used to do this Mixmaster thing and it was all I could do to get the canter. Even Cathi struggled when Phantom was in a mood. We've progressed to the point that I can canter a 10 meter circle.
We usually take a brief breather after our canter work before attempting a sitting trot. Now, Phantom usually begins with a lovely trot. However, it quickly disintegrates because of me. Once I get myself situated correctly, my equine report card returns to his lovely trot and we work on serpentines, leg yields and shoulders-in. On those days that rider's dream about we glide around the arena. Phantom is connected through a soft hand directly to my elbow and on occasion has a foamy mouth. A minor shift of weight and we change direction. He is a willing and alert partner and I am relaxed and kind.
Today wasn't one of those float-on-air days, but we eventually got to a good point where we had each worked out of our tension and moved as a team.
I generally finish our ride with a stretchy posting trot on a long rein, and then a bit of a walk. Phantom's reward for a job well done is a bit of grazing in the open area. The facility is encircled with fencing and the gate is kept closed. Not that our horses are inclined to go anywhere with their heads buried in the grass. The winter turnouts are grazed over and it will be a month or so before the summer turnouts have regrown enough. So the horses love it when we let them loose to assist with mowing the open area. Phantom's pasture mate Guinness was also loose, so the pair hung out around the round pen where our newest arrival is turned out for the time being.
So all in all, a good day for both of us.
Works for me. :-)
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Barn Bunch
The Barn Bunch plotted a surprise birthday party for Trainer Tracey. We gathered last night at the appointed location and were escorted to a separate party room. We were all pretty pleased with ourselves until Tracey arrived -- she parked her car right outside the window of the party room where we were all seated!! Fortunately, the blinds apparently blocked her view (nor was she expecting a crowd) and we got her good! Although we feared the "mass of candles" on the cake would set off the sprinklers [ :-) ] a good time was had by all.
I've been very fortunate to make and keep good friends from several of the stables where I boarded.
A little background is needed here, I suppose. I acquired my first horse when I was 29. Unmarried, no significant other, friends and coworkers all married with or starting families and socializing with others at the same life stage, modest income, afraid I would be trapped home alone if I opted to save for and buy a home. Living on a single income, realistically I could afford ONE thing to spend discretionary money on: car payments, a fixer-upper house or small condo, travel, a horse.... In one of those convergent moments, a friend had a litttle red mare to find a home for and I still had a savings account. So I did something I had always wanted to to -- buy an Arabian horse.
Of course, it was all I could do to own a horse. Lessons were out of the question and stabling was self care. Over time, I moved my mare from stable to stable, working up from self-care, to partial-self care, to full-care as promotions and pay raises allowed. I had always wanted to give jumping a try and when we finally arrived at a hunter-jumper barn it took me a year before I could afford one lesson (flat) a week. Somewhere along the line I started jump lessons, and when the stable offered a package deal ($X amount each month for unlimited lessons) we were off and leaping!
I made some marvelous friends at the hunter-jumper barn that became my primary social group. Interestingly enough, we all kind of moved on at the same time, taking our horses to a couple of different barns. At the eventing barn where I eventually ended up, I met another group of great people. I also acquired my second horse (the gray purebred Arabian I had always threatened my 3/4 Arabian mare with if she didn't behave -- like she was concerned that I would replace her). The little red mare became a working woman supporting herself as a lesson horse and was the darling of the women and girls who learned to ride on her.
We moved again to our current location, established by a good friend who had evolved into a wonderful trainer. From the handful of believers who brought their horses to the barn we grew into yet another group of great folks who shared a love of horses. Regrettably our owner and trainer had to give up her dream, but the new owners of the facility turned out to be the lovely people she promised they were. Although the group of boarders changed over time, it still remains a bunch of good folks.
A lot of people outside the horse world assume horse ownership is only for the rich. For a period the red mare and I competed in hunter-jumper shows where we encountered the moneyed people who spent an amount equal to my entire net monthly income for their horse (board, training, lessons). Most of them were nice, but the spoiled and self-absorbed were plentiful, also. Traits I didn't seem to encounter as much at the more modest level of stabling and showing that I participated in.
The barn bunches that I have enjoyed owned horses because they loved the animals, not the competition. I don't click with the folks who put competition first and treat their horses like tennis rackets or golf clubs -- repeatedly changing horses/equipment to find a winner. The barn bunches I've belonged to cheered each other's victories, consoled losses, and understood that the passing of a companion animal was a big hurt. We watch out for each others' horses, share treats with their stablemates, and willingly loan and share equipment. We safely and courteously share the arena -- no prima donnas to dodge -- and display concern for the welfare of all the horses at the barn, not just our own.
Once again my horse and I are surrounded by good people. My little red mare has since moved on to greener pastures that I'm sure she shares with former stablemates that have also passed on. My little gray guy is very content at his current location and well cared for.
Unfortunately, our various work and personal schedules mean members of the current barn bunch don't often get together. But ask us to give of our free time to spiff up the barn for the annual Horse Owner's Workshop presented by the local feed store -- and everyone is there. Likewise a party to show our regard for one of our members.
The Barn Bunch -- they're the people who understand why a piece of metal that goes in a horse's mouth costs so much, and need no explanation as to why and how horses fill our souls.
I've been very fortunate to make and keep good friends from several of the stables where I boarded.
A little background is needed here, I suppose. I acquired my first horse when I was 29. Unmarried, no significant other, friends and coworkers all married with or starting families and socializing with others at the same life stage, modest income, afraid I would be trapped home alone if I opted to save for and buy a home. Living on a single income, realistically I could afford ONE thing to spend discretionary money on: car payments, a fixer-upper house or small condo, travel, a horse.... In one of those convergent moments, a friend had a litttle red mare to find a home for and I still had a savings account. So I did something I had always wanted to to -- buy an Arabian horse.
Of course, it was all I could do to own a horse. Lessons were out of the question and stabling was self care. Over time, I moved my mare from stable to stable, working up from self-care, to partial-self care, to full-care as promotions and pay raises allowed. I had always wanted to give jumping a try and when we finally arrived at a hunter-jumper barn it took me a year before I could afford one lesson (flat) a week. Somewhere along the line I started jump lessons, and when the stable offered a package deal ($X amount each month for unlimited lessons) we were off and leaping!
I made some marvelous friends at the hunter-jumper barn that became my primary social group. Interestingly enough, we all kind of moved on at the same time, taking our horses to a couple of different barns. At the eventing barn where I eventually ended up, I met another group of great people. I also acquired my second horse (the gray purebred Arabian I had always threatened my 3/4 Arabian mare with if she didn't behave -- like she was concerned that I would replace her). The little red mare became a working woman supporting herself as a lesson horse and was the darling of the women and girls who learned to ride on her.
We moved again to our current location, established by a good friend who had evolved into a wonderful trainer. From the handful of believers who brought their horses to the barn we grew into yet another group of great folks who shared a love of horses. Regrettably our owner and trainer had to give up her dream, but the new owners of the facility turned out to be the lovely people she promised they were. Although the group of boarders changed over time, it still remains a bunch of good folks.
A lot of people outside the horse world assume horse ownership is only for the rich. For a period the red mare and I competed in hunter-jumper shows where we encountered the moneyed people who spent an amount equal to my entire net monthly income for their horse (board, training, lessons). Most of them were nice, but the spoiled and self-absorbed were plentiful, also. Traits I didn't seem to encounter as much at the more modest level of stabling and showing that I participated in.
The barn bunches that I have enjoyed owned horses because they loved the animals, not the competition. I don't click with the folks who put competition first and treat their horses like tennis rackets or golf clubs -- repeatedly changing horses/equipment to find a winner. The barn bunches I've belonged to cheered each other's victories, consoled losses, and understood that the passing of a companion animal was a big hurt. We watch out for each others' horses, share treats with their stablemates, and willingly loan and share equipment. We safely and courteously share the arena -- no prima donnas to dodge -- and display concern for the welfare of all the horses at the barn, not just our own.
Once again my horse and I are surrounded by good people. My little red mare has since moved on to greener pastures that I'm sure she shares with former stablemates that have also passed on. My little gray guy is very content at his current location and well cared for.
Unfortunately, our various work and personal schedules mean members of the current barn bunch don't often get together. But ask us to give of our free time to spiff up the barn for the annual Horse Owner's Workshop presented by the local feed store -- and everyone is there. Likewise a party to show our regard for one of our members.
The Barn Bunch -- they're the people who understand why a piece of metal that goes in a horse's mouth costs so much, and need no explanation as to why and how horses fill our souls.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Writing Conference
I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of my Willamette Writers Conference brochure. The website (see my list of favorites) now lists the workshops offered as well as agents and editors who will be present.
For anyone located in the Pacific Northwest who has writing aspirations I highly recommend this conference. Not only are the workshops fabulous, but it offers the opportunity to pitch your project to agents and editors. The screenwriting track gets stronger every year and Hollywood types attend in abundance. Agents and editors cover nonfiction and all genres of fiction.
I've pitched a couple of times -- not as scary as expected -- and was asked to submit. I didn't pitch anything last year. Not sure what I'll do this year. My Christmas story for Middle Grade (MG) readers is a hard sell because it's seasonal. My Young Adult (YA) story from the viewpoint of the reluctant horse on quest includes "talking animals" which, apparently, are not popular among the literary crowd. Although, the red mare in question isn't a cutesy animal but an equine with attitude who would rather be home eating well instread of encountering fantastic creatures on quest. And my current YA desert adventure project isn't yet completed and in horrible first draft shape. So....
The great thing about the WW Conference is that the agents and editors are encouraged to spread out during the lunches and you never know who you will be sitting next to. A couple of years ago I shared a lunch table with Andrea Brown, a well-known agent (I have since learned) who specializes in fiction for young readers. So attendees may have more opportunities to talk up their work than expected.
The workshops are offered in tracks (nonfiction, general fiction, genres, young readers, screenwriting, etc.), but attendees are free to sit in on any workshop that interests them. Some workshops are repeated over the 3-day conference. The presenters are patient with newbie writers and most are honest about the business end of publishing.
And the conference provides the opportunity to hang out with people who share your passion for writing. Very interesting to chat with fellow attendees about their projects. And no need to explain that you are still a writer even if not yet published.
So, I need to finish my current project and take a new look at my adventure about the red mare. As they say, place butt in chair and WRITE.
For anyone located in the Pacific Northwest who has writing aspirations I highly recommend this conference. Not only are the workshops fabulous, but it offers the opportunity to pitch your project to agents and editors. The screenwriting track gets stronger every year and Hollywood types attend in abundance. Agents and editors cover nonfiction and all genres of fiction.
I've pitched a couple of times -- not as scary as expected -- and was asked to submit. I didn't pitch anything last year. Not sure what I'll do this year. My Christmas story for Middle Grade (MG) readers is a hard sell because it's seasonal. My Young Adult (YA) story from the viewpoint of the reluctant horse on quest includes "talking animals" which, apparently, are not popular among the literary crowd. Although, the red mare in question isn't a cutesy animal but an equine with attitude who would rather be home eating well instread of encountering fantastic creatures on quest. And my current YA desert adventure project isn't yet completed and in horrible first draft shape. So....
The great thing about the WW Conference is that the agents and editors are encouraged to spread out during the lunches and you never know who you will be sitting next to. A couple of years ago I shared a lunch table with Andrea Brown, a well-known agent (I have since learned) who specializes in fiction for young readers. So attendees may have more opportunities to talk up their work than expected.
The workshops are offered in tracks (nonfiction, general fiction, genres, young readers, screenwriting, etc.), but attendees are free to sit in on any workshop that interests them. Some workshops are repeated over the 3-day conference. The presenters are patient with newbie writers and most are honest about the business end of publishing.
And the conference provides the opportunity to hang out with people who share your passion for writing. Very interesting to chat with fellow attendees about their projects. And no need to explain that you are still a writer even if not yet published.
So, I need to finish my current project and take a new look at my adventure about the red mare. As they say, place butt in chair and WRITE.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
"Puppy" Play Time
Indy is my current dog and second Sheltie. Lacey, my first Sheltie, adopted me at the Oregon Humane Society and was such a sweetheart I fell in love with the breed. Regrettably, due to illness, Lacey was humanely euthanized a year ago and was placed in the OHS columbarium with our other dogs.
I went Sheltie shopping last fall and was directed to a woman who acted as a liaison between northwest Sheltie breeders and potential dog owners. She connected me with Indy's owners who were seeking a good home for him. It seems he already exceeded the AKC height limit for Shelties at one year of age. Their loss was my gain. I thought I wanted another female, but Indy has proven to be such a character I'm glad he came my way. He obviously had a more loving and stable beginning than Lacey had, as evidenced by his utter lack of concern when under foot.
Horse people are typically dog and cat people, too. I'm not much into cats, although I do love the Critter Control Staff at Canby Equestrian Center (Moe and Romeo). Dogs often accompany their people to the barn and wait patiently while their people "waste time" with the equines. When it is safe to do so, we've started letting our dogs have play time in the arena.
Our current play group is comprised of Indy, Abigail (a cocker puppy), and Breeze (a 5-year-old rescue greyhound). They are hysterical as they run around the arena. Breeze goes into race mode and frequently mistakes Indy for the mechanical rabbit that she once pursued. I think he's finally figured out that he can change direction faster than she can and, when his "cutting horse" moves fail, Breeze runs right past Indy if he stops to sit or lay down.
Today Abigail and Indy had the arena to themselves. Abby is growing like a weed and becoming more sociable and braver as she gets older. She is all over Indy and they take turns chasing each other, although Indy has more stamina at the moment. Abby had us in stitches today when she stalked Indy as he paused to catch his breath. And we were surprised and amused when Indy jumped nearly three feet over Abby who unexpectedly stood up just as he made his leap.
Eddie and Charlie, Jewel & Steve's mini dachshunds, have yet to join the puppy play group at the barn, but we can imagine the dynamic the little "hot dogs" would add to the mix.
As they say, no outfit is complete without a few dog hairs. Or horse hair....
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Gone with the Wind
Whew! It was such a windy and blustery day, none of us rode our horses.
I arrived at the barn first and just felt happy that I wasn't blown off the road on the way. I decided I did not want to deal with the rattling barn and arena from the saddle. I was going to be a whuss and longe with side reins. Turns out it was a good decision. I had all the excitement I needed when Phantom got loose in the arena while I was trying to attach the side reins.
I had longed him first without the reins to get the "piss and vinegar" out of his system. He took off a couple of times when the wind slammed into the end wall of the arena and I just let him race around me. Well, the wind shook the arena again while I was occupied with the side reins and he bolted. At least he's contained in the arena, you say. Um...well...our arena doesn't have a gate. So the first thing I did was run to the open gate and block it. Fortunately, Phantom had no intentions of leaving. One trip around and he was willing to let me rescue him from the "bogey wind."
We returned to business and Tracey the trainer arrived well into our longe session. She didn't want to ride either! Just when the lull in the wind lured one into relaxing -- whoosh! -- it shook the end wall again. By the time I was ready to leave, another boarder had arrived and she, too, decided against riding. She had Cody rigged up in surcingle with side reins.
Funny how we all decided we could wait until the storm blew through to return to the saddle.
I arrived at the barn first and just felt happy that I wasn't blown off the road on the way. I decided I did not want to deal with the rattling barn and arena from the saddle. I was going to be a whuss and longe with side reins. Turns out it was a good decision. I had all the excitement I needed when Phantom got loose in the arena while I was trying to attach the side reins.
I had longed him first without the reins to get the "piss and vinegar" out of his system. He took off a couple of times when the wind slammed into the end wall of the arena and I just let him race around me. Well, the wind shook the arena again while I was occupied with the side reins and he bolted. At least he's contained in the arena, you say. Um...well...our arena doesn't have a gate. So the first thing I did was run to the open gate and block it. Fortunately, Phantom had no intentions of leaving. One trip around and he was willing to let me rescue him from the "bogey wind."
We returned to business and Tracey the trainer arrived well into our longe session. She didn't want to ride either! Just when the lull in the wind lured one into relaxing -- whoosh! -- it shook the end wall again. By the time I was ready to leave, another boarder had arrived and she, too, decided against riding. She had Cody rigged up in surcingle with side reins.
Funny how we all decided we could wait until the storm blew through to return to the saddle.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
$ for Words
I got a brief writing job last month and received payment. Whoo hoo!
The job was related to my environmental writing experience, and may lead to future work. Now, my writing goal is to write and publish fiction. But being recognized for my writing skills and receiving money is delightful for any writer.
Writing is a job done in isolation and requires confidence in your abilities and chosen project. That confidence waxes and wanes. The trick is to keep on keepin' on.
So -- even though my recent job wasn't in the fiction arena, it was still an acknowledgment of my writing abilities.
Speaking of fiction:
I got a bee in my bonnet and have been sidetracked doing background work on a new story idea. I'm such a Gemini! Bouncing from one project to the next, leaving behind a trail of unfinished stories.
But...I will finish the current project. I have a first reader who wants to see it and that's incentive to complete the "Crappy First Draft" and render a much-edited second draft (or more) for review and comment.
Write on.
The job was related to my environmental writing experience, and may lead to future work. Now, my writing goal is to write and publish fiction. But being recognized for my writing skills and receiving money is delightful for any writer.
Writing is a job done in isolation and requires confidence in your abilities and chosen project. That confidence waxes and wanes. The trick is to keep on keepin' on.
So -- even though my recent job wasn't in the fiction arena, it was still an acknowledgment of my writing abilities.
Speaking of fiction:
I got a bee in my bonnet and have been sidetracked doing background work on a new story idea. I'm such a Gemini! Bouncing from one project to the next, leaving behind a trail of unfinished stories.
But...I will finish the current project. I have a first reader who wants to see it and that's incentive to complete the "Crappy First Draft" and render a much-edited second draft (or more) for review and comment.
Write on.
Friday, March 14, 2008
March is Half Over?!
I can't believe that March is already half over.
MILD WEATHER OVER
We've had some unbelievably nice weather lately. The teaser I wrote of earlier. I rode Phantom outside twice this week. Some trot work in our outdoor arena, and a "walkabout" with some bending work at the walk.
Then our usual wet and wild weather returned. Yesterday my jeans were saturated during my morning dog walk, from the bottom of my dripping jacket to the hem. So Phantom and I were back to the covered arena today. We actually did quite well. Got some decent posting trot work. Struggled through our usual Mixmaster initial canter work. But some nice sitting trot work once I got my seat.
Learned that my favorite trainer got a new job in the "real world" that gives her more time to do important stuff, like give riding lessons.
Phantom managed to break one of the front clips of his turnout sheet. Easily replacable. But his back-up turnout sheet was damp and mildewy from hanging under a leak in the roof. *sigh*
Phantom looks like a reggae horse now that I have his long mane braided.
FIDO WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM
You've heard the quip: "If your dog is fat, you aren't getting enough exercise."
I don't use the scales, but my jeans are definitely getting roomier. Thanks to my dog.
Lacey, my first Sheltie, was arthritic in her old age so we didn't do much walking her last couple of years.
Indy is still puppyish and wants to go! So we walk to a nearby park twice a day and take longer walks on the weekend at the high tech campus. Plus playing tag and Fluffy Puppy in the house.
Amazing how moving helps one lose weight.
20/20 VISION
Had my eyes checked yesterday and ordered new glasses. I can't believe the cost -- even with insurance coverage. But my new glasses are pretty cool looking and even have a touch of bling.
WRITE ON
After a hitch in the getalong I'm once again making progress on my YA novel. Getting to some action scenes.
Still just trying to get the first draft on paper. Then I'll rework it like crazy.
My thoughts keep wandering off to two other stories I want to write, but I don't have the skills for them yet. Patience!
MILD WEATHER OVER
We've had some unbelievably nice weather lately. The teaser I wrote of earlier. I rode Phantom outside twice this week. Some trot work in our outdoor arena, and a "walkabout" with some bending work at the walk.
Then our usual wet and wild weather returned. Yesterday my jeans were saturated during my morning dog walk, from the bottom of my dripping jacket to the hem. So Phantom and I were back to the covered arena today. We actually did quite well. Got some decent posting trot work. Struggled through our usual Mixmaster initial canter work. But some nice sitting trot work once I got my seat.
Learned that my favorite trainer got a new job in the "real world" that gives her more time to do important stuff, like give riding lessons.
Phantom managed to break one of the front clips of his turnout sheet. Easily replacable. But his back-up turnout sheet was damp and mildewy from hanging under a leak in the roof. *sigh*
Phantom looks like a reggae horse now that I have his long mane braided.
FIDO WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM
You've heard the quip: "If your dog is fat, you aren't getting enough exercise."
I don't use the scales, but my jeans are definitely getting roomier. Thanks to my dog.
Lacey, my first Sheltie, was arthritic in her old age so we didn't do much walking her last couple of years.
Indy is still puppyish and wants to go! So we walk to a nearby park twice a day and take longer walks on the weekend at the high tech campus. Plus playing tag and Fluffy Puppy in the house.
Amazing how moving helps one lose weight.
20/20 VISION
Had my eyes checked yesterday and ordered new glasses. I can't believe the cost -- even with insurance coverage. But my new glasses are pretty cool looking and even have a touch of bling.
WRITE ON
After a hitch in the getalong I'm once again making progress on my YA novel. Getting to some action scenes.
Still just trying to get the first draft on paper. Then I'll rework it like crazy.
My thoughts keep wandering off to two other stories I want to write, but I don't have the skills for them yet. Patience!
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