Back to Training

Today Summer was back to her "old self" and by that I mean she was girth sour (just a little bit) and decided she couldn't move forward without me carrying a crop. It's a weird concept actually because I don't even have to "remind" her I have the crop for her to have a 180 degree change of attitude.

Today we worked on rhythm (posting trot) and straightness in the corners (ride deep into them and look where you're going or you're never going to get there! Words of wisdom from some lady named Trish) I felt like I had knees made of jello today so I know my position wasn't the greatest and my hands were all over the place!

I'm also working on making my lines straighter and trying hard to keep Summer out of the schooling horse "rut" in the ring. Grrrr, it's harder than I thought!! We're training again tomorrow so I think I'll so soak in some Epsom Salt so I'm ready.

The smallest MARE ever!

What a cutie patootie! Thumbelina is a mini (dwarf) mare who stands 17 1/2 inches tall. Such a little sweetie pie, isn't she?

Click here to learn more about Thumbelina: http://www.worldssmallesthorse.com/

Mares! (Ya Gotta LOVE 'em)

A cool book I found while searching online by Betsy Kelleher. Check it out!

"Mares often require special handling before their best side is evident." Betsy Kelleher

A Letter From Your Horse

When you are tense, let me teach you to relax.

When you are short-tempered, let me teach you patience.

When you are short-sighted, let me teach you how to see.

When you are quick to react, let me teach you to be thoughtful.

When you are angry, let me teach you to be serene.

When you are worried or scared, let me calm your fears.

When you feel superior to me, let me teach you humility and respect.

When you feel self-absorbed, let me teach you to see the world around you.

When you are lonely, let me be your companion and best friend.

When you are tired, let me carry the load.

When you need to learn, let me teach you.

After all, I am your horse.

Author Unknown

Summer Days are Better Than Others

Enough said.

Spring Fodder and White Pants

Sooooo, today's lesson was awesome! Just kidding, it didn't even happen.

Picture it: Alpha Mare's two favorite "sisters" became new boarders at HER (did you hear that?) HER barn yesterday and today was designated "I'm the boss and don't you forget it" day. Too bad no one informed me or I would have brought along some extra carrots to celebrate the special occasion.

When I arrived to the barn for my lesson (wearing my brand new Pikeur full seat leather breeches), I trotted out to get Summer from the pasture. Well, let's just say she had other ideas and/or plans for me. When I was finally able to halter her and get her out of the pasture, the "crazy mare, I'm in season, and I'm super PO'ed you'd take me away from my girls" horse put on her superwoman cape and ran me into the pasture boards knocking me down and dragging me across the grass (notice the pretty picture). When I finally decided to let go of her she galloped away and back to HER herd. Ok, so at least she returned to the scene of the crime, right?

Here's what happened next:

My amazing trainer arrived and put Summer through an impromptu "Moody Mare Boot Camp" session. Summer quickly found out who the real Alpha Mare was.

FYI It wasn't me.......yet, but I'm working on it!!

Spring Cleaning

"A canter is the cure for every evil." Benjamin Disraeli

• To make your horse's stockings bright white, rub some cornstarch into them after they have been washed and dried.
• Before you apply hoof polish, use a brush to gently remove dirt from the hoof.
• Use polo wraps or shipping boots to keep your horses legs clean before your horse show.
• If your horse is rubbing his tail, try cleaning the udder or sheath, as horses will rub their tails to "scratch that itch."
• Try this cheap shampoo: use 1/2 regular LEMON dish soap with conditioner. You can pick up a bottle at the Dollar Store.
• Neatsfoot oil is a great leather cleaner and conditioner. Lexol is also a wonderful leather conditioner.
• Baby Oil on the muzzle of your horse makes it soft and shiny.
• Don't share grooming supplies or make sure to disinfect grooming tools prior to using them on other horses.

Finally Friday

Summer has the day off today as I return to my job at the hospital as a Registered Nurse. Here is a great picture of her waiting for dinner and a rerun of The Golden Girls. Of course she has a tv in her stall, don't all divas?

Happy April!

Today I spent about 45 minutes cleaning all the mud, shedding hair and muck off my girl. For just a moment she shined like such a beautiful Dressage horse, "Oh, what a sweet mare." But that was before she grabbed hold of my ponytail, pulled on it and soaked my hair in slobber. But, I wouldn't have it any other way!

Our lesson was uneventful (meaning I stayed on the entire time and didn't pass out or vomit from the heat). We are working on my position and overall strength and endurance and I finally feel like my body is starting to change for the better. Hey, I can trot without stopping (most days) for 35 minutes. Kudos to my mentor/trainer and friend: Trish! I heart you!

"There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man."

Winston Churchill

Welcome Wednesday

Hi there! Thanks for visiting my new blog. I'm excited to begin this new journey and to share my passion for all things "horsey." My once in a lifetime horse is a 20 year old Warmblood named Summer Breeze. I'm a life long rider who is returning to the discipline of Dressage after a devastating pelvic fracture left me out of the saddle for almost 9 months. I have been blessed with a wonderful trainer/mentor who has the patience of a saint. After all, she has to put up with 2 Alpha Mares trying to learn the ballet of horsemanship. Grab your helmets, tack up and ride along as we trot our way through every emotion imaginable!!