tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7034546976043245152024-03-06T00:10:05.247-06:00My Life As A RiderA blog about a horseless rider's equestrian career and horse obsession.RiderWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05679157278313699794noreply@blogger.comBlogger113125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703454697604324515.post-7446584209888174792013-07-12T16:18:00.002-05:002013-07-12T16:21:16.363-05:00Liebster Blog Award<div>
Thanks, Jess at <a href="http://jessandprinceofthieves.blogspot.com/">Hopeful Jumpers</a> for throwing this my way - I'm glad to play along as it's fun to learn new things about each other! Similar to Jess, I'm going to take the blogger's lazy way out and invite anyone who reads here with a blog of <200 followers to accept the award, and have fun with it, too!</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">HOW TO ACCEPT THE AWARD:</b><span style="line-height: 18px;"> The Liebster Blog Award is a way to recognize blogs who have less than 200 followers. </span><i style="line-height: 18px;">Liebster</i><span style="line-height: 18px;"> is a German word that means beloved and valued. Here are the rules for accepting the award:</span></span><br />
<ol style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank the person who nominated you and include a link back to their blog.</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">List 11 random facts about yourself.</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Answer the 11 questions given to you.</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Create 11 questions for the bloggers you nominate.</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Choose 11 bloggers with 200 or fewer followers to nominate and include links to their blogs.</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Go to each blogger's page and let them know you have nominated them.</span></li>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">11 Random Facts About Me:</span></b><br />
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1. Despite growing up in New Jersey, a fact of which I'm very proud, I do not "tawk like dis." An occasional "cawfee" slips out, especially if I've been around my relatives, but generally people are shocked to learn I'm from the Garden State. I also don't look remotely like Snooki or other "famous Jersey Girls." :)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQSB9RLsJpeXpIhwTLw9rydtMmvsPy0Wy1tjjkrr2_iURhw62613L3wWtmyvbe8t_U6Iz1ygU3dB43hrM__U9N6U-BFqzMGuhUtz2K-U6I1hfleOM9wpvoPTVbJ4U14Ot3KGs62do6A/s400/jersey-girl-guido.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQSB9RLsJpeXpIhwTLw9rydtMmvsPy0Wy1tjjkrr2_iURhw62613L3wWtmyvbe8t_U6Iz1ygU3dB43hrM__U9N6U-BFqzMGuhUtz2K-U6I1hfleOM9wpvoPTVbJ4U14Ot3KGs62do6A/s320/jersey-girl-guido.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>NOT ME. </b></td></tr>
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2. I'm a huge fan of Secretariat and have a number of cool collectible items featuring him, including photos (taken by both famous photographers and regular folks), plates, stuffed animals, sculpture, etc. </div>
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3. The Secretariat collection is not too odd (I guess it is if you're not a horse person), but I also have a large collection of stuffed guinea pigs. Believe it or not, there are enough of them out there that I can refuse to add ones where the toy manufacturers think cavies have <i>tails</i>. Argh!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Attention Ty Toy Co. - Do you SEE any tails???</b></td></tr>
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4. In February I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. RA, for those who don't know, is a chronic auto-immune disorder that causes inflammation and deformity in the joints. White blood cells attack the synovial membranes, which makes it quite different than the far more common osteoarthritis, which affects the intra-articular surfaces of joints. The good news is that I have a much, much better prognosis than those who were diagnosed with this disease only ten years ago, due to the wealth of new drugs that been developed. The bad news is the drugs are horribly expensive and might not work. Everyone is different. My treatment goal is no pain and no joint damage so we are pressing forward. Right now, I'm taking an inexpensive, low-tier drug that is finally helping after taking almost three months to build up in my system... I was getting mighty discouraged. It is very hard to remain positive when your feet, knees and especially hands hurt too much to do practically anything (get dressed? Hah. Bras and tucking shirts in = hardly happening). Now you know why I haven't been blogging, i.e. typing, much. </div>
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5. I went to Europe twice in H.S. but haven't been back since. Really, REALLY want to visit Scotland!</div>
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6. My favorite color is carnation pink.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioOzLlsyJt87B8JmJC6nf4o6XRT1cCruTHSrG1KAibR887CeoT5D-RyZ2GrDEOcRslGYi-Ejv3i-rLcaDCMvDtIB-Kw73RGBFaZYs9hvVb1jUxj_N2ukp7AFTUlbv6gQ7ltTlPUDKygg/s400/crayons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioOzLlsyJt87B8JmJC6nf4o6XRT1cCruTHSrG1KAibR887CeoT5D-RyZ2GrDEOcRslGYi-Ejv3i-rLcaDCMvDtIB-Kw73RGBFaZYs9hvVb1jUxj_N2ukp7AFTUlbv6gQ7ltTlPUDKygg/s200/crayons.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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7. My junior year in H.S. I was on the indoor track team. My barn had no indoor, and riding was postponed; I missed running and jumping, so I figured if I couldn't do it on a horse I'd use my own two legs. I was made into a high jumper, and was fairly mediocre at this - better at jumping a horse, for sure!</div>
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8. I love to read and read books that run the gamut from romance (Rosamunde Pilcher) to war non-fiction (WWII, Civil War) to blood n' guts thrillers (adore Jack Reacher, and anything by Harlan Coben). </div>
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9. The most famous people I've met, as in actually talked to, not just seen in person, are the actors <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0731772/?ref_=sr_1">Cliff Robertson</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001449/?ref_=sr_1">Frank Langella</a>. You may or may not recognize their names but I know you've seen them in the movies. Mr. Robertson is best-known for playing the title character in "Charly," (1968) and more recently, Uncle Ben in the Spiderman movies. Mr. Langella has been in <i>tons</i> of movies as a supporting character, but played Nixon in "Frost/Nixon," for which he was nominated for Best Actor in 2009. He's good at creepy guys, LOL. This makes sense because the time I met him was back stage when he was playing "Dracula" on Broadway (photo below). My mother has known Frank since H.S. (she dated his best friend!), so she always gets to go back stage when he's in NYC.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9fZZP0MjDlukP1MYBCj-_lNk15fTLjCcmtl7DjYGA8E1FpRLX_6jMPLHbdJXmX9IMEUEXVjhSyxpXU062stenM1rLI_GueHIUmS6iuPKk_OTmxQh57QzZtVU21C1LiWd0r6GrfsPzQ/s350/dracula3-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9fZZP0MjDlukP1MYBCj-_lNk15fTLjCcmtl7DjYGA8E1FpRLX_6jMPLHbdJXmX9IMEUEXVjhSyxpXU062stenM1rLI_GueHIUmS6iuPKk_OTmxQh57QzZtVU21C1LiWd0r6GrfsPzQ/s320/dracula3-1.jpg" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>He was some pretty hot stuff back then! </b></td></tr>
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10. The most famous person I wish I'd met, but will forever regret not at least seeing in person, is Princess Diana. I simply adored her. I did get to meet her butler,
<a href="http://www.paulburrellrvm.com/"> Paul Burrell</a>, when he came here repping his furniture line. He was lovely and gracious. </div>
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11. My internal body clock would like to be permanently set to "Bedtime 1:00, Wake Up 9:00." This has wreaked havoc with my on-time arrival performance at every job I've ever held. ;)</div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: large; line-height: 18px;"><b>11 Questions Given To Me:</b></span></div>
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<ol style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<li style="color: #333333; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Favorite color of horse? Grey. (Duh!)</span></li>
<li style="color: #333333; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Favorite place to trail ride or horse show? Trail ride on a beach. Haven't done this yet bareback in the tropics, but it's on the bucket list.</span></li>
<li style="color: #333333; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Most embarrassing fall? Off the runaway Arab at </span><a href="http://mylifeasarider.blogspot.com/2011/07/little-hope-for-me-part-2.html" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Little Hope Ranch</a><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">.</span></li>
<li style="color: #333333; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">If you could change one thing about your horse what would it be? That it was mine, since I don't have one! :-(</span></li>
<li style="color: #333333; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Biggest riding challenge? Lack of core fitness, and complete physical inability to turn toes in.</span></li>
<li style="color: #333333; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Favorite dinosaur? Stegosaurus. </span></li>
<li style="color: #333333; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Favorite holiday? Easter. Joyous church celebration, cute animals, yummy candy.</span></li>
<li style="color: #333333; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Thing that you are most afraid of? Having no family. </span></li>
<li style="color: #333333; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Roller skates, or ice skating? Ice Skating, I've always loved it. But I canNOT roller blade, which I don't understand!</span></li>
<li style="color: #333333; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Favorite board game? Life.</span></li>
<li style="color: #333333; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; line-height: 19px;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Art museum, zoo, science </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: Cantarell; line-height: 19px;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">museum, or amusement park? Science museum.</span></span></li>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Cantarell;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 18px;"><b>11 Questions for Bloggers I Nominate:</b></span></span></h4>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Cantarell;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">1. Describe your dream horse.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Cantarell;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">2. Favorite breed of horse?</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Cantarell;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">3. Age you started riding?</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Cantarell;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">4. Most embarrassing fall?</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Cantarell;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">5. Item at the top of your Horsey Bucket List?</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Cantarell;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">6. Favorite famous race horse?</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Cantarell;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">7. Riding discipline you would most like to try?</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Cantarell;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">8. Piece of tack you covet?</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Cantarell;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">9. What other pets do you have?</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Cantarell;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">10. Favorite song/artist to listen to at the barn?</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Cantarell;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">11. Your horse's favorite kind of treat?</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><br />
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<div><strong>P.S. I'm sorry for the disjointed look of this post, but I've spent over an hour wrestling with the HTML and I officially give up! </strong></div>
RiderWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05679157278313699794noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703454697604324515.post-9724211573674702082013-06-28T17:13:00.003-05:002013-06-28T17:13:30.304-05:00IRH IR4G Riding HelmetI fully intend to continue my KY/Rolex travelogue (when I have time), but I have to interrupt and tell you that I finally bought a new helmet and I LOVE IT!!!! Believe me, it's been a long road and a LOT of looking but I'm very happy with what I got. In case you think I haven't done my homework, here's how it went:<br />
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I made the mistake of trying this on first, at the WEG in 2010. You probably recognize the Charles Owen AYR8. Of course I loved it and it fit great. Problem: <i>way</i> too much $$$.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifPRTSmLjkVFtrNup5Qc6FGtE9JPmdq-HhQkmsvOGVPchSlv1xd7J2eSY6PC16iSMGL_DXOpxbLiOErpn4SdrGmJEDRp0L7Gg_aVJBPVDJFUtTxsryh-Ylf2eGDcxCmR9Zp3p1orBlbg/s150/CO+AYR8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifPRTSmLjkVFtrNup5Qc6FGtE9JPmdq-HhQkmsvOGVPchSlv1xd7J2eSY6PC16iSMGL_DXOpxbLiOErpn4SdrGmJEDRp0L7Gg_aVJBPVDJFUtTxsryh-Ylf2eGDcxCmR9Zp3p1orBlbg/s150/CO+AYR8.jpg" /></a></div>
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So then I went to the local tack shop, where I found this, the Ovation Deluxe Schooler. This is a very popular helmet, and it also looked and felt great. It is also a very good price, only $50.00</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qxdixUWMRnV6Yf0LADPxdxOyeUp2ZKxkGxatYsR-H8_gH1A3HtRnKB8f79-y0pLDFtRl12QOU3CPFq4T81TRoi7wmH829_ADXNSkHPYkolGmKm4tNrywWqtoCi6NKwEDZq_zFMOnhg/s151/Ovation+schooler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qxdixUWMRnV6Yf0LADPxdxOyeUp2ZKxkGxatYsR-H8_gH1A3HtRnKB8f79-y0pLDFtRl12QOU3CPFq4T81TRoi7wmH829_ADXNSkHPYkolGmKm4tNrywWqtoCi6NKwEDZq_zFMOnhg/s151/Ovation+schooler.jpg" /></a></div>
I was on the verge of buying one of these when I decided I really, truly wanted something a little more upscale that wasn't billed as for the "entry-level rider," and that I'd be happy to show in (what can I say, I'm not even riding right now, much less showing, but I like to plan ahead :-)). So I did some more looking online/in catalogs and thought this IRH Elite would be good:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgnEJP8KZeKszFZu6AVGbJPqHgpledY_t9OM7EQ3u1cqxkIoyN2BqbJLL1L4P4F4vaTZcXB6SPM2Fq6ajeuaGWP1UbPVm5CsNTaTiPhHCxUTw-ojGNmvL_VLmcfNFOmVxwHT3dZ6nvow/s150/IRH+Elite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgnEJP8KZeKszFZu6AVGbJPqHgpledY_t9OM7EQ3u1cqxkIoyN2BqbJLL1L4P4F4vaTZcXB6SPM2Fq6ajeuaGWP1UbPVm5CsNTaTiPhHCxUTw-ojGNmvL_VLmcfNFOmVxwHT3dZ6nvow/s150/IRH+Elite.jpg" /></a></div>
When I tried this on, however, it didn't fit. Ugh. But this other kind of IRH, the ATH SSV, <i>did</i> fit and looked pretty good. Seemed like it might be a bit hot, though. My current helmet is so well-ventilated that I've been spoiled.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFnb4vIpZvOo5ll1z1MgJOPe-grlm5wEtyTEthtRV2nQKlOAb2-WNNkPS2pAHLeWbvhYaGwpM1tiGxW98b9LjKM9sFXpwo03KaZctg4SE9svfmTbk9H76lrHlUL503kcNiNp-cVB5kgg/s150/ATH+SSV+helmet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFnb4vIpZvOo5ll1z1MgJOPe-grlm5wEtyTEthtRV2nQKlOAb2-WNNkPS2pAHLeWbvhYaGwpM1tiGxW98b9LjKM9sFXpwo03KaZctg4SE9svfmTbk9H76lrHlUL503kcNiNp-cVB5kgg/s150/ATH+SSV+helmet.jpg" /></a></div>
This is where I left things for quite a while. I looked at sales now and then trying to find a killer deal on the SSV but nothing really came up. Then I thought I'd wait until International Helmet Awareness Day (IHAD). Then, only a month or so ago, along came the new Dover catalog, and what to my wondering eyes should appear but a brand-new offering from IRH that was a perfect copy (they're good at that) of the <a href="http://www.doversaddlery.com/one-k-defender-helmet/p/X1-36324/">One-K</a> (out of my price range). Hmm... I was VERY interested.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJCQDjWTrTE5Ph8A80H4_fhz9QBpQqa8LRnPEjf-LIIR6EV5UeNsvSCx90CeXSYKeRxo50qOhDOXhWrIRySWSiARNEfFwNHRv3jpAE7zPm4R69iABmh6YszaGiYGw-Tzxzdodrt7fNQ/s300/IRH+IR4G.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJCQDjWTrTE5Ph8A80H4_fhz9QBpQqa8LRnPEjf-LIIR6EV5UeNsvSCx90CeXSYKeRxo50qOhDOXhWrIRySWSiARNEfFwNHRv3jpAE7zPm4R69iABmh6YszaGiYGw-Tzxzdodrt7fNQ/s300/IRH+IR4G.jpg" /></a></div>
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I was even more interested when I visited the <a href="http://www.ridingwarehouse.com/">Riding Warehouse website</a> for the first time (I think I Googled the name of the helmet, or followed a link from somewhere - not sure) and found the helmet for $30 less than Dover's price. AND - yes, they were discounting them further on IHAD! SOLD. Even though I'd never seen one in person, or tried one on, I had to have it. If it didn't fit it would go back, no matter how great it looked, as I'm not up for taking chances with my head.<br />
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It came today, and pending a test ride, I have to tell you I am THRILLED. It fits and looks great, snug but not headsplittingly-tight, and no mushroom head - really comes down nicely on the noggin. The harness is comfy and easily adjustable. It seems to be very well-ventilated. Here's an amazing thing: I knew the liner was removable, but it actually comes with an <i>extra </i>liner, which will certainly come in handy for really hot days! It also came in a nice drawstring bag. Again, I haven't actually ridden in the thing yet but I will be sure to report on performance when I do. As for now I could not be more pleased!<br />
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P.S. If you want one of these helmets, hurry up and call Riding Warehouse as their current stock is very limited. State Line Tack also has them for a good price as well, though.RiderWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05679157278313699794noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703454697604324515.post-81877338265291096072013-06-14T18:17:00.000-05:002013-06-18T10:51:35.814-05:00"Thoroughbreds For All" Event in KYOh, dear... I <i>am</i> sorry I've been absent from the blogging scene. I have been expending a lot of creative energy over on my <a href="https://facebook.com/MillcreekSpreaders">Millcreek Spreaders Facebook Page</a> (hope you'll pay it a visit!), so this poor blog has fallen by the wayside. However, I am ready to get back to telling you about my trip to Kentucky in April.<br />
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The first event I attended, held the Friday night I arrived, was "Thoroughbreds For All." Sponsored by New Vocations Racehorse Adoption, this featured evaluations both in-hand and under saddle of some of their current horses by internationally-renowned 4* eventer Philip Dutton, former top jockey Chris McCarron, a Lexington veterinarian and an eventing trainer. I drove (at a rapid rate; I always seem to wind up having to jet around Lexington because I spend too much time yapping with the friend I stay with) to the farm and thankfully my phone GPS got me there in good order, because as usual it was down a winding country road and very easily missable. This is the second year the event has been held and they had a huge turnout of people!<br />
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Here's the view down the barn aisle. Of course I made a beeline to see the horses, even foregoing the tasty-looking buffet until after they had been inspected:<br />
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Naturally I fell madly in love with one of them. This guy was such a character - you could tell he will be some lucky person's total pocket pony, as he wanted nothing more than to engage with humans:<br />
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His name was English Major and I really hoped he would be one of the featured horses of the evening. But even without seeing him move, believe me, I was ready to throw him on a trailer and take off! (Note: He wasn't even grey. I guess I'm partial to chestnut with chrome, too. :-)<br />
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After I'd visited with the barn inhabitants, I had the pleasure of meeting up with none other than Stacy K., author of the <a href="http://www.behindthebitblog.com/">Behind the Bit blog</a>. I've been reading there for at least three years and was quite excited to hang out with her in person! It's not often that I get to attend events like this with a fellow equine enthusiast who really knows what's going on. We enjoyed the dinner buffet and settled in on the bleachers in the arena.<br />
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The first demo was Chris McCarron riding a TB fairly new to the NV program. This horse was being extremely looky-loo, I'm sure because a crowd on bleachers did not normally accompany his lessons. No doubt he fancied himself right back in the paddock at the track. Chris unsurprisingly dealt with him quite admirably, though Stacey and I agreed that neither one of us would want to ride a recently off-track TB in similar conditions.<br />
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Next about six horses were brought out in hand and walked and trotted around for the "judges." I found their commentary absolutely fascinating; I know quite a bit about conformation, and have some knowledge of how function follows form, but these folks picked up on all <i>kinds</i> of stuff. Plus, they were quite interested in the horses's background. For example, check out this stunner:<br />
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What a GORGEOUS boy! Really nice confo, too. Unfortunately, Philip and the vet made it quite clear that they would have serious reservations about putting this guy into any kind of sporthorse training. Reason being, he never even made it to the track due to ongoing suspensory issues (unspecified) to both fronts. Really a shame... I hope he finds a wonderful home with somebody who just wants to trail ride or do very low-level stuff, and love on their "Black Stallion" eye candy.<br />
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This one had a perfectly stunning head:<br />
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I get a kick out of TBs with very Arabian-looking heads, as they seem to be throwbacks to the three TB ancestors. Of course you can't "ride a head," as the saying goes, but rest of this fella wasn't bad, either, and he <i>was</i> one of the horses they brought back out under saddle. I was disappointed that my pal English Major didn't come out either time (more about him at the end).<br />
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Here are some pretty poor photos of the horses being worked:<br />
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The riders were all pros and they had a good time putting three of the NV horses who we'd seen in hand through their paces. All W/T/C'd around for a bit and then were challenged with some jumping. I'm not certain if any of these horses had even been walked over a pole before. However, a pole started them out, then little crossrails, then a straight fence and believe it or not, these brave riders then asked the newbies to negotiate an oxer. You can see that in my photos. Not big but when a horse has never even jumped before the results can be interesting, to say the least!<br />
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Mr. Chestnut Arabian Head turned out to be a nice boy. He had a good trot and an iffy canter the judges said would improve with work, but he had no qualms about hopping over the jumps. A little bay mare whom the judges had been lukewarm about in-hand also did a great job, jumping in good form, and if I recall correctly actually wound up getting the best assessment overall for sporthorse potential. She was pretty nondescript-looking but again, you can't judge a book by its cover, especially a horse!<br />
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All in all this was a terrific event. I came away feeling like I had a much better handle on how to evaluate a TB for H/J/eventing potential (should I ever have the need, and let's hope I do). If you have the opportunity I highly recommend attending!<br />
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P.S. Regarding English Major: Sometime last month NV officially offered him for adoption on their website. He went quickly... color me unsurprised, if sad that he wasn't coming home with me. :-) Here's their cover photo of him - is it any wonder someone snapped him up?<br />
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<br />RiderWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05679157278313699794noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703454697604324515.post-61869221433536406082013-05-06T17:01:00.001-05:002013-05-06T17:03:55.096-05:00I Have a Favor to Ask... and Rolex/KY Preview!Well, I'm back from Kentucky and of course I had a PHENOMENAL time... looking forward to telling you all about it, just as soon as I can download pictures from my new camera! In the meantime, I have an announcement: My Rolex trip was not "strictly pleasure." I have a new freelance job and I was doing a little business for them while I was gone.<br />
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I'm sure you know what this is...<br />
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Phew, I can smell it from here. Not to mention, all that manure had to get from the stalls to the pile somehow. How many teetering wheelbarrows full of poop have <i>you </i>accidentally dumped? I can remember crying a couple times when I did just that as a kid. Nothing like half an hour of hard work winding up back on the ground.<br />
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Nope, there's definitely a better way than wheelbarrows. As far as that stinky pile, there are many things you can do with your horse manure. Keep heaping up the teetering mound and hope it doesn't burst into flames, have it hauled away, properly compost it or - spread it on your fields, before or after composting.<br />
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And speaking of manure spreaders, guess who is the new Public Relations Consultant for one of the companies that makes them,<span style="color: #cc0000;"> <a href="http://www.millcreekspreaders.com/"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Millcreek Spreaders</span></a></span>?<br />
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I will spare you any further commercials, but suffice it say, this company is run by great people and they make a great product (with an excellent warranty) right here in the USA. I am proud to be working for them.<br />
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Here's where you, my faithful blog readers, come in. If you're on Facebook, I would be extremely grateful if you could visit the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/MillcreekSpreaders"><span style="color: #cc0000;">brand-new Millcreek Spreaders Facebook page</span></a> and "Like" it. They had zero social media so I'm starting from scratch. Hopefully you'll enjoy the content I'm posting or sharing, so please feel free to like that and/or share it as well. <br />
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In addition to that, or if you're not on Facebook, I'd love to get your answers to a few questions. Grassroots marketing survey!<br />
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1) Have you heard of Millcreek Spreaders? If so, how?<br />
2) Have you ever used any kind of spreader? What brand? What did you like/dislike about it?<br />
3) If you were in the market for a spreader, how would these factors rank in your consideration:<br />
- Recommendation from a friend<br />
- Quality<br />
- Price<br />
- Ease of use<br />
- Reputation of company<br />
- Celebrity endorsement<br />
4) Where might you research your purchase? E.g. online via website, Facebook, ask a friend, etc.<br />
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And finally, how would you like to win an iPad Mini? Millcreek is a sponsor of the <a href="http://www.riders4helmets.com/">Riders4Helmets</a> iPad Giveaway! They had a booth at Rolex and were taking entries there, but luckily you can also<a href="http://www.riders4helmets.com/register-for-giveaway"> enter on their website</a>. They're giving away a body protector and a bunch of gorgeous helmets, too!<br />
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THANK YOU for taking the time to do any of these things. It will really help me out! I already know a lot more about poop-flinging than I used to, that's for sure. ;-)<br />
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And now back to our regularly scheduled programming. A little taste of what I saw in Lexington:<br />
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<br />RiderWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05679157278313699794noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703454697604324515.post-30883207039337892162013-04-22T16:25:00.000-05:002013-04-22T16:25:58.852-05:00How To Meet Calvin BorelIt's really very simple. First you go here...<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">then you notice a not-too-tall guy who looks extremely familiar, and realize that you watched him on TV winning the Kentucky Derby the year before, and then you nearly faint, and then you pull yourself together and try to act cool and wait until someone </span><i style="text-align: center;">else</i><span style="text-align: center;"> asks if they can get a photo with him, and then you shake his hand and smile like a grinning fool when he puts his arm around you and his wife takes your picture...</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">and then you send it to all your horsey friends and they're really, really jealous. :-)</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Yep, I met Calvin Borel at the Maker's Mark Secretariat Center (MMSC) in 2010 during the WEG! I actually had been told he was going to be in the MMSC trade fair booth signing autographs later that afternoon, and the employees and volunteers were very excited to meet him. Since I was on my way out of Lexington I was very disappointed I would miss seeing him. What nobody knew was that he was going to drop by the Center (which is in the KHP) before he went to the trade fair. I was happily looking at horses in the barn when all of a sudden I turned around and there was Calvin!</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">The rest happened just the way I described. We were all kind of tongue-tied but Calvin could not have been nicer or more friendly, and his wife was a doll, too. She was also an expert at taking people's photos with her famous husband. I can't imagine what that would be like... I think Mrs. Borel probably gets a fair amount attention herself, though as she is taller than her husband and an extremely attractive young blonde.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">One of the OTTBs in the barn. I especially noticed this one because he was a) grey and b) had the most Arab-like head I think I've ever seen on a TB:</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">After my barn tour I stopped by the MMSC office. I really wanted to scoop up this mailbox and spirit it out to my car but I think they might have noticed. I did get Calvin to sign a poster of Big Red that I bought from them, though. </span><br />
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After I left the MMSC, I had one more stop planned before I headed back to St. Louis. It, too, was related to Calvin Borel: I went to Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby Museum. I am going to try and post about that visit before I leave for KY this time so you all will feel ready for the First Saturday in May!<br />
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P.S. I may go back to the MMSC on this trip to Lexington, but I'm not sure if I'll have time. I will definitely be stopping by their booth at the Rolex trade fair, though, to see if any other celebrities make an appearance on their behalf!RiderWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05679157278313699794noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703454697604324515.post-22935064245533485872013-04-19T14:10:00.001-05:002013-04-19T14:33:54.855-05:002010 World Equestrian Games (WEG) - Part 2 - Behind The Scenes!I apologize for the long delay in posting the second half of my WEG discussion. I finally managed to get into Photoshop at home and find some more pictures. Doing this has definitely gotten me psyched up for my Rolex trip, needless to say!<br />
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This table was the second jump by which I stationed myself on WEG Cross Country day, after trying - and failing - to get close enough to anything at the Head of the Lake water complex. I think people staked out spots there at about 6:00 AM (no doubt it will be the same for Rolex).<br />
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Anyway, once I got the hang of when to hit the shutter button on the iPhone, I actually managed to get some fun pictures.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">You can baaaaarely see the simply enormous ditch before this fence - it was wide AND deep!</span></i></td></tr>
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As I mentioned in my previous post, one of my favorite things is how excited the horses are to be on course. I never get tired of watching them gallop by!<br />
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A lot doesn't go smoothly on x-country courses. Here's someone I caught sadly meeting the end of their competition at a ditch (the rider may have actually fallen in it, I don't recall):<br />
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You can see by the sky what a gorgeous day it was for WEG XC. What a blessing for participants and spectators alike! (I will be packing my raincoat and Wellies for my Rolex trip, though, as I will be out on course even if I <i>am</i> slogging around in muck.)<br />
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Unfortunately, the next day dawned cold and rainy. I was extremely grateful I'd thrown my raincoat in the car at the last minute or I would have been truly doomed. As it was, I hadn't thought to bring a down vest so I piled on literally every top I'd brought with me. I was also glad I had my paddock boots since they kept my feet pretty warm. I would have been dying in the sneakers I'd worn the day before.<br />
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The stadium jumps were gorgeous, of course...<br />
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and the winners were deserving and proud. Unlike most of the spectators, I stuck around for the medal ceremony:<br />
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Afterwards I got to thinking about the warm-up ring. I had left my assigned seat and wandered around the stadium a bit, and caught a glimpse of it. The riders were going back in that direction after the ceremony. I wondered if maybe, just maybe, I could go over there... I figured it would be guarded and I'd never get near but I had to try. Guess what - no guards. Here's who I spotted first:<br />
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Why, I do believe it's none other than New Zealand's Mark Todd, one of the Eventers Emeritus at these games! Demonstrating good horseman's behavior, his main concern was getting blankets on his tired and patient mount. He was oblivious to me snapping photos and I dared not to even say, "Congratulations." (NZ finished third)<br />
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Here is the second-place Canadian team, doing a group photo with their coach David O'Connor. It was weird seeing one of the best American riders ever a) not riding and b) coaching somebody else. No worry: he is now the new American coach, back where he belongs.<br />
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And last but not least, I was truly thrilled to lurk not 12' feet away from the champion British team, who were doing a TV interview with a reporter! I actually captured some of this conversation on video, too, but due to technical ineptitude I afraid I don't have it for you. After a couple minutes I was shooed away from the scene by a volunteer, but it was very cool.<br />
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Yes, even though the goofy (undoubtedly custom-made and extremely expensive) British hunt cap William Fox-Pitt is wearing adds a few inches, William Fox-Pitt is extremely, and I mean EXTREMELY tall. Very pleasant and polite, too. His height only adds to my awe of his eventing accomplishments, because imagine the potential for lawn-darting when you're so far above the horse's back.<br />
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I made one last trip through the shopping area on my way out of the Games, stopping to admire these bracelets. Only slightly out of my price range, LOL.<br />
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After another very long walk, I arrived tired and happy back out front of the KHP where my friend would pick me up. I'll be seeing this sign again soon, though, and I can't wait!<br />
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RiderWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05679157278313699794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703454697604324515.post-56395916866044480332013-04-19T11:41:00.001-05:002013-04-19T14:25:12.143-05:00Rolex, Here I Come!Been a little busy lately, helping Son plan and carry out his Eagle Scout project. All went well and I'm extremely proud of him. However, my busy-ness has not prevented me from laying plans to finally, FINALLY make it to Lexington for ROLEX!!! Yahoo!<br />
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I wanted to go last year but started a new job in April, so leaving town for several days was not in the cards. So despite much hemming and hawing, rearranging and feeling guilty on my part, the tickets are bought for the weekend phases, the vacation from work is secured and the lodgings with my friend (same one who kindly housed me for WEG and the National Horse Show) set up. I've also notified a couple other bloggers of my acquaintance that I'd like to meet them there. Wendy (<a href="http://racehorsetoshowhorse.blogspot.com/">From Racehorse to Showhorse</a>) and I got together the last time I went down to Lex, but I have not met Stacey (<a href="http://www.behindthebitblog.com/">Behind The Bit</a>) so I'm looking forward to that. Maybe I will trail around after her in the shopping venue watching her scoop up lots of goodies.<br />
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My own shopping is probably going to be limited to a Rolex t-shirt. I already have a cool hat from WEG, so I'll get a Rolex pin to add to my collection that I have on it (WEG pin and NHS pin). While I might not be actually buying much, you can bet I'm planning to try on or sit in some fun stuff, like helmets and high-end saddles. I've read that my bony rump will undoubtedly love the butter-soft environs of a CWD, for example, so maybe sitting in one isn't such a hot idea - I don't think a saddle like that is ever going to be in my budget, alas!<br />
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I debated a great deal over what ticket to purchase for the stadium jumping on Sunday. The most coveted seats are those close to the ring, but I finally opted for sitting up higher in the grandstand underneath the covered part. Rolex has a bad habit of being rainy and I didn't want an excess of water to spoil any part of my fun. I'll be sitting towards the in-gate end of the arena which I'm hoping will facilitate me being able to scoot over to the warmup ring, either during the competition or directly afterwards. As you will see in my next post - <a href="http://mylifeasarider.blogspot.com/2013/04/2010-world-equestrian-games-weg-part-2.html">World Equestrian Games (WEG) Part 2</a> - doing the latter yielded some up-close and personal photos of Very Famous Eventing People, which was a lot of fun.<br />
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I have also gone all to pieces and purchased an actual camera. No more relying on my trusty iPhone for photography! My budget was miniscule, so it's nothing fancy, but I'm hoping it will be useful enough for some decent jumping and galloping photos. It does do HD Video so I'll be filming a bit, too. Probably nothing will emerge as good as this...<br />
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but I will certainly try. I think my favorite part of watching eventing is seeing the enthusiasm on the horse's faces when they're going XC. My plan is to track down Wendy and her husband Matt and see what they are shooting. In case you think<i> </i>they don't know what they are doing, may I present the cover of the brand-new issue of<i> Practical Horseman...</i> photo taken by none other than Matt Wooley!<br />
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I'm just tickled for him and Wendy - it's actually his <i>second</i> Practical cover, too. Congratulations!RiderWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05679157278313699794noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703454697604324515.post-1070992148682552062013-03-26T17:11:00.000-05:002013-07-08T13:40:11.579-05:00What's Inside the HorseYes, I have another video for you! Now, this time when I say "what's inside the horse," I'm not referring to anything touchy-feely: I mean guts, bones, ligaments, muscles, etc. - what's<i> literally</i> inside. We are talking extremely scholarly dissection here. I found it absolutely riveting. However, if you are the squeamish type (and were never an An Sci/Pre-Vet major like yours truly) you might want to skip it. I am putting the link down lower on purpose as even the frozen image could be disturbing. Nonetheless, I wanted to share this, in case anyone else will find it just as fascinating and educational as I do.<br />
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To give you an outline to help you decide if you want to watch or not, basically, these folks set out to explain just what enables a Thoroughbred race horse to run so fast. They investigate the role of the forearm musculature, the tendon/ligament support in the legs, the role of the hoof and take a look at the lungs - I had NO IDEA they were this big, honestly! The voluminous amount of intestines is briefly shown being removed. We are shown the larynx and trachea and find out exactly why and where some horses need "tie-back" surgery (although the surgery itself is not mentioned for some reason). We briefly see the hind-end musculature and the spleen. Almost last but not least, the heart is removed and compared to a cow heart. Again, I had no freaking idea they were THAT big! Can you name another extremely famous race horse, besides this one, who was found to have a very over-sized heart? I didn't know!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">*Gratuitous Photo of Big Red* Isn't this gorgeous??!? I have it as my screen saver. Galloping at Belmont, I believe. Whatta horse.</span></i></td></tr>
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The reason the video has the long and unwieldy title (which really doesn't do such a hot job of explaining what it's about) is the sequence when the horse's leg is put on a mechanical "stressor" machine and the exact load on the tendons is aptly illustrated, if in rather grisly fashion. Believe me, it will make you appreciate the job your horse's front boots are doing protecting the back of those forelegs - especially if he's prone to overreaching. YIKES.<br />
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So here is the video. I'm very glad I stumbled across it (filmed and shown in the UK, originally) as I learned a lot of useful information. Probably nothing new to a certain reader who's getting ready to graduate from vet school - yay, Jess! :-) - but to the layperson, it's a revelation. I hope you find it the same!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/WHlqZ6VZvKE" width="560"></iframe>RiderWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05679157278313699794noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703454697604324515.post-59504593481885569622013-03-22T12:02:00.001-05:002013-03-22T12:02:02.961-05:00Horse Reunion - DO They Have Emotions?I dare you to watch this video and not cry:<br />
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Of COURSE they remembered each other. I knew they would. How perfectly wonderful to see this, though. As far as horses having emotions, I don't think there's ever been any doubt in <i>my</i> mind... ;-)RiderWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05679157278313699794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703454697604324515.post-55440331936649180142013-03-21T16:32:00.000-05:002013-03-22T11:15:41.796-05:00War Horse On Stage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_f-o2jJM9hi_KNJ2GjSEXWEKndgGikUADhpQv6yfJrfP_5raPW0Ib4BzlwWY0Zs0GvkJzKqGuvpoeu7IscUdk-igulOE8FrZY1J_IVvsHcBwV86hNVPTacHM_uxoldV3U0gP9ACDjA/s1600/war-horse1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_f-o2jJM9hi_KNJ2GjSEXWEKndgGikUADhpQv6yfJrfP_5raPW0Ib4BzlwWY0Zs0GvkJzKqGuvpoeu7IscUdk-igulOE8FrZY1J_IVvsHcBwV86hNVPTacHM_uxoldV3U0gP9ACDjA/s320/war-horse1.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
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I had the privilege of seeing <b>War Horse</b> on stage last night. I have already written about my obsession with the story and a review of the movie <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=703454697604324515#allposts/postNum=35">in this post</a>, so you know I was excited. When the show closed in New York I was absolutely heartbroken - I'd desperately wanted to go see it, but just did not have time when I was home in NJ. So when I learned the play was going to travel and would be coming right here to St. Louis, I was overjoyed!<br />
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The tickets were my Christmas present from my mom and I bought them back in December, so I've been looking forward to the production for three months. It did NOT disappoint. What an incredible, amazing, fantastic show!<br />
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Of course I was most anxious to see the horse puppets and how life-like they really are. The answer is, so real you can almost totally suspend disbelief. Every little nuance of "horseness" is replicated: the tiny shudders, the breathing, the manner of eating and grazing, swishing of manes and tails, the subtle movements of ears - these puppeteers have got it DOWN. Their ears are a bit oversized (although we know there are horses, like dear Zenyatta, who have some pretty big ones, LOL) but I think that is the better to communicate with to the audience.<br />
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The only thing that was not accurately represented was the whinnies, which were much too high-pitched. I don't know about you but I can make a pretty darn good neigh come out of my human throat - it just hurts to do it so I don't try it often. (My friends in elementary school used to beg me to do this on the playground... is it any wonder other kids thought I was strange? :-)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Joey and equine buddy Topthorn </span></i></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRbWGiIVnGDUaMJRA5fDBTD8tYUYlrplXq3_JUonAB_gbxaSiaCQRq8KRzeKJSrKJiUOH8hNRov17NpRTEGycJVN8G_21Dcyd6xdyVIDjC7YOHyV0FycjKjBVGbBtz5vah-7DLfrC2Wg/s1600/Joey+and+Topthorn+II.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRbWGiIVnGDUaMJRA5fDBTD8tYUYlrplXq3_JUonAB_gbxaSiaCQRq8KRzeKJSrKJiUOH8hNRov17NpRTEGycJVN8G_21Dcyd6xdyVIDjC7YOHyV0FycjKjBVGbBtz5vah-7DLfrC2Wg/s400/Joey+and+Topthorn+II.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
If you didn't know the story ahead of time, and/or are not a horse person, it might be hard to determine that Joey and Topthorn became best friends after a bit of a rocky start. There is a scene when they are turned out together and just like real horses, "come to an agreement:"<br />
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I just loved Topthorn's puppet. He's a little bigger than Joey and just has a different presence. I also loved these other puppets (especially the grey one), even though they really weren't onstage all that much:<br />
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This neat wheeled goose puppet provided some comic relief (there actually are some good laughs in the dialogue, too):<br />
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For me - and I'm sure everyone else - the most heartrending part of the show comes when Joey and Topthorn are put to work pulling the heavy gun carriage. The two horses who first come onstage hitched to the carriage are a completely different kind of puppet, clearly indicating they are thin and sad and horribly overworked. It was painful seeing them. And of course, the worst is yet to come... but on the off-chance you don't know the story, I won't give away the entire plot. Incidentally, I discovered that the movie follows the play's plot more closely, not that of the book. I'd been curious about that.<br />
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This is my favorite image that I found online of Joey and Albert:<br />
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The human on the left is Joey's "head operator." Before seeing the show, I had been told that the humans "blend in" after a while. I did find this to be true. You'd think they would be intrusive but no, you become so caught up in the story that you barely notice them. I was able to talk to one of the actors in the theatre lobby after the show, and I asked him if they ever bring the puppets out for the public to see. He said only on media occasions as they prefer to preserve the mystique by not letting people see them close up. I guess that makes sense, but I'd love to be able to touch one!<br />
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I highly, highly encourage you to go see <b>War Horse</b> if comes to your hometown or somewhere close by. The tickets were fairly expensive here (my sweet mom encouraged me to get awesome seats so last night's were <i>very</i> pricey, like $75, for third row in the balcony) but believe me, they are absolutely worth it. I might even go back and sit in a cheap seat just to experience it again. NOT TO BE MISSED by any horse-lover, that's for sure! RiderWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05679157278313699794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703454697604324515.post-41431759453088662052013-03-19T17:33:00.001-05:002013-06-28T17:25:12.799-05:00Ode to the Fugly BlogA little over six years ago, I started a new job. It was my first foray back into corporate America in thirteen years. What had I been doing in the interim? Raising a couple of terrific kids, volunteering at school, and volunteering for a bunch of groups with and for the kids. I was also able to get back into horses, taking lessons for about 3 1/2 years and doing a few little shows.<br />
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Unsurprisingly, the time came when the family income needed a boost, not a drain. "Hmm, do I take a lesson or buy Son that new pair of sneakers he badly needs?" So back to the workforce I headed, if only for 25 hours a week as a part-time Receptionist at an IT company. The best part of this job was it came with full family health insurance (Hubby is self-employed and DIY insurance was a huge and increasingly expensive drag). I chose to overlook the fact that I was massively overqualified (I have a B.S. in Communications and worked in Corporate Communications/Marketing previously) and would be almost literally chained to a desk.<br />
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Sure enough, here is how I felt on about Day 2:</div>
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The intellectual capacity needed to operate a switchboard is about nil, 90% of the time. I love to read, but get aggravated by interruptions; you know, like, the phone ringing. I am not sufficiently stimulated watching reruns of "Hoarders" or "48 Hours" (activities others resort to while sitting in the same chair). I desperately needed Something. To. Do. I really hadn't spent all that much time on the Internet up until then, thanks to the one computer/three users situation at home, but now, here I was with the whole world available online and a PC to myself.</div>
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I headed to the one place where I had spent some time before, <a href="http://www.guinealynx.info/">Guinea Lynx</a>. This is the ultimate resource for guinea pig-loving people and I especially enjoyed keeping up with the forums. One day I wandered into a forum for "anything goes" topics. What's this? A thread about a blog discussing bad horse conformation? (Turns out, I have lots of company in the Horse 'n Pig Fan Club) I was intrigued... and thus, I found myself on Fugly Horse of the Day.</div>
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WOW. Here was someone who could write well, was hilarious, shared useful information on conformation and horse sports, reported on happenings in the horse world and wasn't afraid to call out hoarders/abusers/general idiots as she saw fit, which was often. I dove in and spent many happy hours and days and weeks reading old posts until I was completely caught up.<br />
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I also registered to comment, because I definitely had things I wanted to say. I had quickly discovered that FHOTD Comments were worth many <i>more</i> hours of entertainment and education, with an extremely lively group of regular posters, and a few troll-types who seemed to enjoy stirring the pot no matter what the topic. People came and went and but some of us turned up almost every day. Comment streams, back when things really ramped up at FHOTD, would run into the 300s. I was there for all of this. If anyone reading here is curious, on Fugly I've always been "Lost My Marbles."<br />
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My family grew accustomed to me coming home and saying, "You'll never believe what I read on Fugly today..." or, being dragged over to the computer to be shown a picture. I learned all <i>kinds </i>of stuff, ranging from the realities of horse slaughter in the USA (I'd had no clue previously how the industry worked/where the horses came from) to recognizing a good from a bad horse rescue, to some new words ("asshat" and "upgrade," referring to rehoming equines), to hoof mechanics and shoeing and the debate about no shoes at all. Almost every day there would be something new, something interesting, <i>something</i> for me to think about regarding equines - my favorite topic. I didn't always agree with Cathy but I sure enjoyed reading what she had to say!<br />
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Here's a picture that Cathy claimed is the all-time "Fugliest of the Fugly Horses" featured on her blog:<br />
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I'll certainly never never forget her. Ye gads. Goataloosa, perhaps? These two are a couple of other shining examples of "what not to breed, EVER," that I stored away:</div>
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Epic parental failures were also always popular. This type of thing was guaranteed to have our friend Fugs seeing red, p<span style="text-align: center;">articularly since this poor pony seems to be elderly and has a foreleg that looks like it can barely carry his own weight, let alone that of a rider:</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Photo courtesy of Hoovesblog.com, by way of Craig's List - of course</span></i></td></tr>
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The day I opened the Fugly Blog, always my first destination on the Internet, and read that Cathy had had enough and was selling, I bawled like a baby. What?? How could she do this to me? I had to have my daily dose of Fugly or I was going to crack up... Well, I guess the situation wasn't quite <i>that</i> desperate. Thanks to meandering around the horsey Internet, I had discovered other worthwhile blogs and places to visit. I also decided to start my very own place to hang out, which of course you're reading now. But I really <i>did </i>cry, and not just for one day. This was crappy news.<br />
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I have stuck with FHOTD through all the subsequent writers and permutations, some of whom I liked more than others, but all of whom I was happy to listen to and learn from. Guest bloggers with some different viewpoints turned up, too. There were Mugly, Snugly and Snarkly, Charm and most recently Ontario (I may be leaving someone out, for which I apologize). Ontario seemed really excited to be taking over the blog and had lots of energy and enthusiasm. She, more than anyone else since Cathy left, seemed determined to try and help horses in a desperate situation. Most recently it was by rattling some cages and asking readers to contact authorities in the case of severely neglected TBs in Louisiana.<br />
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The extremely sad result, I can only surmise at this point, has been the complete demise of the blog. There have been no new posts since February 20 (the day after the appeal to contact people in LA) and although the site has experienced numerous technical difficulties since Ontario started, the website is now completely down and has been for a week. Ontario has not been heard from in any regard, including the Fugly Facebook page, where one might think she could throw in a little blurb by way of explanation. I just hope she is not physically harmed or had something tragic happen in her family.<br />
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I know not everyone appreciated Cathy's sense of humor, or agreed with her (the creation of a couple other blogs directly critiquing her are certainly evidence of that!) but I am very depressed, indeed, if this is the ignominious end of something that truly means a lot to me. Fugly Horse of the Day has sustained me through many a very long day, given me food for thought, hugely increased my horsey knowledge and brought me much laughter and tears. I refuse to say R.I.P. just yet... here's hoping.<br />
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One more, for posterity. Holy crap.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29XJ7-k657Y8hiyY5CAXVnTGEem4a6jJcqnRyrYZ9BtGafi2WzRcgj47Wfs9zR21Grtu4lcUequDz4onyRqITacK4X8rMZNuJw9LxlbnwPRrrviaeHSeZnVs1FuNPaLCkcoDAacb2iA/s1600/pintofugly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29XJ7-k657Y8hiyY5CAXVnTGEem4a6jJcqnRyrYZ9BtGafi2WzRcgj47Wfs9zR21Grtu4lcUequDz4onyRqITacK4X8rMZNuJw9LxlbnwPRrrviaeHSeZnVs1FuNPaLCkcoDAacb2iA/s1600/pintofugly.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Courtesy of the Fugly Horse of the Day Facebook page. No details available on this unfortunate creature!</span></i></td></tr>
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P.S. A regular fellow FHOTD reader, who goes by "Mercedes," has started the aforementioned <a href="http://hoovesblog.com/">Hoovesblog.com </a>and picked up the gauntlet to some extent. She is extremely knowledgeable on conformation, for one thing, and has dished up the sarcasm as well (something I, with my sharp tongue, do appreciate). We'll see if she keeps things going but I hope she does! </div>
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RiderWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05679157278313699794noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703454697604324515.post-28583149645437098042013-03-01T18:23:00.002-06:002013-03-29T16:31:20.769-05:00My Other Favorite BlueIt's time to tell another story I've alluded in previous posts. Here is a better look at my profile picture:<br />
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As you can tell by the ribbon I am holding, this was taken at a horse show. But not just <i>any</i> horse show: this was the very first one I'd participated in since I was sixteen. Twenty-one years had passed in between. So the mere act of riding in this show was a pretty big deal!<br />
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Once again, like the opportunity to go foxhunting, this event was courtesy of my second-to-last lesson barn. I had been riding there for about nine months, I think, when I was told about the Academy show they had coming up. I wasn't sure what "Academy" meant but turns out that means strictly for lesson students. I double-checked to make sure but yes, I was eligible! I instantly knew I wanted to participate, even though the thought made my stomach churn.<br />
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Time to drag out and dust off my tall boots. These had been languishing since after my first couple of lessons at this barn (I had quickly learned that everyone lessoned nowadays in half chaps and paddocks, which suited me fine). I also purchased a new pair of breeches and black gloves. Other than that, no fancy attire was required so I was all set. I actually could have showed in the half chaps and paddocks but since I had the boots I wanted to wear them, dorky as they are.<br />
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I signed up for the Age 18 & Up division (hah), which consisted of two OF classes and one flat class, all Hunters (I don't think there were any Eq classes at this show, or maybe I wanted to skip them). I didn't know what horse I'd be riding but I figured it would be the <a href="http://mylifeasarider.blogspot.com/2012/01/chestnut-mare-beware.html">famous red-headed mare Polly</a>, since I'd been put on her quite a bit in lessons. This was okay; she was a pain in the neck but when properly motivated - and I had hopes the show atmosphere would help - she was a lovely jumper and mover.<br />
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The big day arrived and I arrived early at the barn in a state of high anticipation, excitement and nerves. My family tagged along for moral support as did my friend C, who had recently become <a href="http://mylifeasarider.blogspot.com/2012/03/im-feeling-short.html">LiRoi's mom</a> and didn't want to ride in the show. I went to pay my fees and get my number and was told that sure enough, I was supposed to ride Ms. Polly. However, when I went to her stall, guess what?? Someone else was there. The person who was grooming her who told me, "I don't know what the deal is because *I* am supposed to be riding Polly," and she didn't seem inclined to budge. Uh-oh...<br />
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Along came my trainer, who looked at me standing in the barn aisle holding my saddle and grooming bag and appearing somewhat stupefied. She laughed, jerked her thumb in the direction of another stall and said, "What about Marbles? Have you ever ridden him?" I was a bit taken aback because no, in fact, I had NOT ever ridden Marbles and I didn't necessarily think the day of a horse show was the <i>best</i> day to "break in" a new mount! However, if I wanted to show, and I really did, it looked like this would be the case. My trainer told me I should do fine with him and that I wasn't too tall to ride the pony, for that is what he was (about 14.1 and a half, but definitely a pony).<br />
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I went in the stall and introduced myself to Marbles. He had a bit of a sour expression but he seemed to appreciate my grooming efforts, especially the <a href="http://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?pgguid=2e87c4aa-7b6a-11d5-a192-00b0d0204ae5">Grooma</a> being used on his neck. That elicited a nice stretch and a flappy lip. I laughed because the top of his rump was filthy, something I've often found to be the case with school ponies who are often groomed by little kids who can't reach there. I tacked him up and climbed aboard, with only about ten minutes to go before the first class which was OF. The pony felt absolutely wonderful; I've always liked the small ones and he had smooth and pleasant gaits. I felt an instant connection with him. We did a little W/T/C and hopped once or twice over the jump set up in the warm-up area. I found out he had auto-changes and was given the world's fastest lesson in how to ask for them. Auto-changes were something only one other horse I'd ever ridden (American Mare) had as an option and to be honest, I really didn't know what I was doing! All this hurrying-up was actually a good thing because I literally did not have time to be nervous.<br />
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Into the ring we went, for eight fences. It wasn't a large (2') or long course but in my mind it might as well have been the Grand National. Somehow we got around, in halfway decent form, and I heaved a huge sigh of relief when we exited. Wow! I'd done it! Actually completed a jumping course at a show (keep in mind, at this point I could barely make it around five jumps in lessons).<br />
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When the other adults were done (there were five of us altogether) we awaited the results. To my utter and complete shock, my number was called first. FIRST!! What? I didn't even know the horse I was riding, for pete's sake! As I was handed my blue ribbon and cute green picture frame trophy, I told the judge, "You've made an old lady very happy today," and she responded, "Well, you earned it!" While Marbles still wore his grumpy expression (which I soon learned was typical for him) I was grinning from ear to ear, as you can see in that photo.<br />
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I wish I could tell you I went to further glory in the show but I left too long for a fence in the next jumping class, causing me to lose a stirrup and some control, and finished fourth. Then Marbles tried to bite everybody that came near him in the flat class, causing us to be yelled at several times by my fellow riders and us to finish dead last in fifth place. I was a bit disgusted with Mr. Crabby Pony following the latter excursion but still floating on a cloud after that first big win.<br />
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Here we are with all our loot:<br />
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It truly was one of the proudest days of my life. </div>
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I'm sorry I have been absent from the blogging scene. I have something going on physically (still in the pending diagnosis stage) that makes typing (and would make riding) a bit painful, and also some other "life happenings" that have left me in not much of a mood for writing. However, recalling happy events and thinking about horses helps me to stay positive, so I'm going to try and put some stuff up here. I have more to say about Marbles, for one thing. The little curmudgeon became extremely dear to me!<br />
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In the meantime, here's one last photo from a much earlier horse show of mine, when I was about seven. I assume I was in mid-clap, given the ring-side location, but it looks a bit like I was praying (that I would be assigned <a href="http://mylifeasarider.blogspot.com/2011/02/grey-baby.html">Grey</a> in my next class, maybe?). At any rate, I think this appropriate because I'm definitely appealing to The Man Upstairs right now for help and guidance in dealing with things. Here's hoping He is listening. Thank<i> you</i> for reading!<br />
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<br />RiderWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05679157278313699794noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703454697604324515.post-37308128581596096402013-02-08T17:01:00.000-06:002013-02-08T17:01:08.025-06:00A-Hunting I Did Go, Part 2I had a great time when I attended Blessing of the Hounds, and was thrilled to see actual hunters in person for the first time, but I still thought there was no way *I* was ever going to be able to actually do it. Yes, some of our school horses could be leased, but I wasn't a member of the Club and certainly didn't have the wherewithal to become one.<br />
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So imagine my shock and delight when I showed up at the barn one day for my weekly lesson to find a notice tacked on the board, titled "IFS Day at the Hunt." What??? It sounded a lot like <i>students</i> were invited to go out with the hunt, upon paying a lease fee. I literally couldn't believe it, and figured there had to be a catch. Trying to act cool and collected, I asked my trainer about "the rules." Would I <i>really</i> be allowed? Yes, she said, you are - but you can't jump, <i>and </i>you have to have the right clothes. Since she'd never seen me wear anything to ride except paddocks, half-chaps, pull-on jods and random cooler/warmer top dressing, she clearly thought this would stop me from being able to go.</div>
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Hah - little did she know. I was so determined to participate in this event I would have begged, borrowed or stolen <i>anything</i> I needed, including the lease fee. Fortunately my mother came through with the latter as a birthday present. I took stock of what else I had: Nice helmet-check. (Kind of) tall boots-check. Beige breeches-check. Show shirt-no. Stock tie-no. Jacket....no. Uh-oh. The latter was definitely going to be a stumbling block, because a) a decent one is fairly expensive, especially on my budget, and b) I knew I would be hard to fit. Equestrians are just not supposed to be busty, you know. </div>
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At this point I had an incredible piece of luck. My local farm and garden store, which sells horse feed, hay, grooming/care supplies and a little bit of tack, at that time carried some riding clothes as well. They had not done well with the latter venture, particularly with the English clothes (there's a good, exclusively English tack shop in our area). Virtually the same week I found out about the hunting opportunity, they decided to cut their losses and mark everything down 50%. Thus I was able to pick up a brand-new wool blend navy pinstripe show coat for $75. I had to get a ridiculously huge size to accommodate the girls, but it fit fairly well in the shoulders and I figured a tailor could take in the 10" of excess fabric at the waist.</div>
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I found out that correct attire at this event actually wasn't a stock tie, but a button-down shirt and tie. No problem there! I was on my way. I soaped and conditioned my saddle and boots, brushed my helmet, laundered my good faux-sheepskin pad and generally made everything spiffy.</div>
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I trotted off to a tailor with the jacket and emerged with a more or less satisfactorily taken-in garment. I think the lady truly didn't understand it was for riding, not for street wear, so the waist was still several inches too wide. (This roominess actually came in handy later on, as you'll see) One last thing I added in a pocket was my husband's silver flask, which contained - I'm not lying - water. Plain 'ole H2O, that was my stirrup cup of choice. I get tremendously thirsty riding and didn't want to keel over from dehydration on an unseasonably-warm day! </div>
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The end result of all this effort can be seen here.<br />
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The giant smile and tears glistening in my eyes were free. :-) Yes, dear readers, I went hunting. I think I existed on a different plane that day since I just couldn't believe I was really doing it. My family came out for the grand send-off and took pictures of me grinning like a fool, thank goodness. My mount was a little Arabian gal, believe it or not: yes, the only one in our barn, and a delightful ride (I've mentioned her in another post). She was good as gold all day, excited and "up" but nothing I couldn't handle, sure of foot and well-behaved around the other horses and dogs.</div>
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As for the hunting itself - well, that was interesting. Basically, it was a very fast trail ride! We went through the woods, up and down hills and across creeks. At one point we long-trotted down a road for a half mile or so. There were very few jumps, so I didn't miss much in that department. I never saw Renaud, and the dogs may not have either, but as with the other we had a good time looking! </div>
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The following year, the Hunt decided to allow IFS students to come again for the day. This time attire had to be more formal, and fortunately I was able to borrow my friend's shirt and stock tie and canary vest. It was much colder out that day and I appreciated the extra layer, along with the fact that I didn't feel like a sausage due to my over-sized coat.*<br />
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The second time I went I had to be at the hunt barn, where the school horses had been brought the night before, early in the morning (6:30, if I recall correctly). Now, make no mistake, I am most emphatically not a morning person but THAT day I got my butt out of bed in plenty of time! One thing I remember is as I was driving down my street in the pitch dark, a beautiful, huge, light-colored owl flew right in front of my windshield. I'm sure it was our neighborhood barred owl, who I'd identified by imitating his call to a MO Conservation agent (yes, my kids were mortified). This is still the only time I've ever seen him and I'm glad it was on such a special morning.<br />
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I rode the same little mare again and we had a wonderful time. My only regret from this outing is that virtually everyone in the field, including some of my fellow students, hopped over a log that lay at the edge of the meadow where we were finishing up. It was not very big - <i>maybe</i> 2'6", if that - and I knew Miss Arab and I were perfectly capable of jumping it. I would have too, except the BO's daughter happened to be right by me and told me not to. Drat. I can still see that log and if I'd known I wasn't going to hunt again for the foreseeable future I might have ignored her... (probably not, I'm a hopeless rules-follower and hate "getting in trouble." And what if I broke the horse? Eeek.)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">That's us in the background of this photo. This was typical - trotting through the woods. I have a very serious look on my face! Although, you probably can't see it because the photo is sideways... I'm sorry. It came into my phone that way and I fixed it. It came into the computer that way and I fixed it. It showed up in the "photo choice" area here correctly, but when I import it, it's sideways. I GIVE UP!</span></i></td></tr>
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Sadly, the hunting opportunity was not offered again while I was still riding at that barn. I don't know if it was a liability issue or what (though I did sign a release both times). A couple years later the Hunt sold its home property to Billy Busch for his polo establishment and moved operations about 25 miles further west. While still "rural," their old country is getting more and more developed, so this made sense. Nonetheless, I was very sorry to see them go from the area.</div>
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So there you have it - a dream fulfilled not once, but twice. I still think I'm extremely lucky to have done it at all!</div>
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*It has not escaped my attention that a current trend in riding jackets appears to be the uber close-fitted, tech fabric "Euro coats," which do have an (I think) slightly unfortunate way of making all but the most slender of riders resemble well-heeled sausages. No, thanks. :-)</div>
RiderWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05679157278313699794noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703454697604324515.post-10880423949677983012013-01-30T16:55:00.001-06:002013-01-30T17:01:57.918-06:00A-Hunting I Did Go - Part 1How many times in your life have you gotten to do something you'd always dreamed of, and/or thought you would never be able to do?<br />
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Growing up, foxhunting was something "other" English-riding equestrians did, those with their own horses and money and connections. I was aware of the existence of a hunt in our area of New Jersey (<a href="http://www.monmouthcountyhunt.com/">Monmouth County Hunt</a>) but never saw it and didn't know anybody who belonged. Certainly no one in my equestrian circles, at any rate. Even a girl I was acquainted with who had a pretty fancy pony, showed a lot and did Pony Club never rode out with the hunt.<br />
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Foxhunting, to me, has always seemed like the epitome of H/J participation. It's the whole POINT, after all, of hunters (or used to be). I like the tradition, the elegance, the clothes, the whole bit. I also adore pictures of the sport and have collected a number of hunting prints that hang around the house, as inspiration and decoration.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0I58ItaqhA2cq3WG0P3QxYD_TBxy5NcvYvhzTcyZyhMx4-FOcwy0SlxEt1um6Zs-PxgyddxFM4_oSfUWG5-WFLH9S9lONE1lQZLbYCh3-4Eh00H35Z3EU0t2UIHn2VZ6dicsFK_J0w/s1600/Fireplace.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0I58ItaqhA2cq3WG0P3QxYD_TBxy5NcvYvhzTcyZyhMx4-FOcwy0SlxEt1um6Zs-PxgyddxFM4_oSfUWG5-WFLH9S9lONE1lQZLbYCh3-4Eh00H35Z3EU0t2UIHn2VZ6dicsFK_J0w/s320/Fireplace.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Over the fireplace - there are two smaller prints from this series in my bedroom as well.</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNR807YzEx2SrU5OQzNE_VXGjr87Iw5EHNJMuQYvQLWEGXsO-DCDN4i69WpmJ2WUVCnm12iexPtrM-2d2Xtz_U_tNpMKmOPGJ38FIN3Eapw1Zx97b-eIBJc9DJSVkFbagOeeAYCU2u4g/s1600/Dining+Room.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNR807YzEx2SrU5OQzNE_VXGjr87Iw5EHNJMuQYvQLWEGXsO-DCDN4i69WpmJ2WUVCnm12iexPtrM-2d2Xtz_U_tNpMKmOPGJ38FIN3Eapw1Zx97b-eIBJc9DJSVkFbagOeeAYCU2u4g/s320/Dining+Room.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Dining room. This one was a gift from an old BF, and I've never really liked it, but it IS nicely framed!</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaaLJkRObgDq5bNaZeU2jtv1hqk3IqS86_JWxaaXIjwqsRw_0Ucb-b84hLF-gGhqhjegN788olOLO7rwDhumBioUuJufRbRUh8RO8vKWuvmgzpEcxjF51PhWJJaeZ-m9-r495ewSQ06w/s1600/Powder+Room.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaaLJkRObgDq5bNaZeU2jtv1hqk3IqS86_JWxaaXIjwqsRw_0Ucb-b84hLF-gGhqhjegN788olOLO7rwDhumBioUuJufRbRUh8RO8vKWuvmgzpEcxjF51PhWJJaeZ-m9-r495ewSQ06w/s320/Powder+Room.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Print on top was a gift from MIL. Bottom one I "made:" I cut the sides off a gift bag, found two frames in a junk store and had the mats cut at Michael's. Put it all together and voila, nice hunting prints. The wallpaper was already up in the powder room when we bought the house, and fact that my decorative items matched was a big plus. This room is "all-horsey" and deserves a post of its own!</span></i><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">When I started lessons at my second-to-last barn I became aware that some of the boarders, along with the BO, were members of the <a href="http://www.bridlespur.com/">Bridlespur Hunt</a>, our local and very venerable institution. Even the gal I befriended first at the barn was a member; she'd joined about a year earlier, but having tragically lost her own mare she was temporarily grounded. As we became friendlier I started hearing more about the Hunt Club. I learned there were different levels of membership, that not everybody who rode was an "expert," and that people sometimes leased horses to go out.</span></div>
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I suddenly found myself invited to something called "Blessing of the Hounds." About all I heard in advance was Friend would be riding a leased horse from the barn, it was fine to show up on foot and observe, I could hang out with her husband while she was off doing the actual hunting, and there would be brunch afterwards. There was a fee for the brunch but Friend was covering it. I set my alarm for very early in the morning and laid out what I fervently hoped would be a suitable outfit. What does one wear to <i>watch</i> a hunt?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ThWyIkMyu7iTPCw63enM3GlHwfp3pIjPAXTDAtgOLREcmkhWaMYhIYSfuZs93r1Frh6MnAXCkx3i7Ck-1synJBXDNlQtDaaY6SufhXkyirSUD81yfurTVxiljiSrUuLdZqT3IuKuJA/s1600/Me+on+foot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ThWyIkMyu7iTPCw63enM3GlHwfp3pIjPAXTDAtgOLREcmkhWaMYhIYSfuZs93r1Frh6MnAXCkx3i7Ck-1synJBXDNlQtDaaY6SufhXkyirSUD81yfurTVxiljiSrUuLdZqT3IuKuJA/s320/Me+on+foot.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Slightly dilapidated print of me, by the hound kennel. It was pretty funny when the barn owner failed to recognize me, cleaned up and in civilian togs!</span></i></td></tr>
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I still chuckle when I think of this outfit because while yes, I <i>was</i> appropriately dressed, I made the mistake of wearing those nice khakis and brand-new paddock boots. The former were quickly <i>muddy</i> khakis and the latter were broken in emergency-style when I found myself walking about two miles behind Basset Hounds... but I'm getting ahead of the story.<br />
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I pulled into the Hunt's home grounds and was immediately blown away by the pageantry. OMG - LOOK - wow, they really <i>do</i> wear <strike>red scarlet</strike> <a href="http://www.dtc.umn.edu/~reedsj/pink.html">Pinke coats</a>! There were hounds milling about and talking, horns blowing, horses dancing and prancing in anticipation and in the midst of the melee, a black-garbed cleric of some type ready to recite a suitable lesson. All of the horses were braided and gleaming, and all the riders beautifully turned out (I later learned that BotH is one of the fanciest-dress days of the hunt season and the horses aren't normally braided). There was even a lady with a face-netted top hat. I found my friend, properly attired in black coat, white stock tie, canary vest and polished boots, but she was pretty busy trying to keep our usually staid lesson horse four-on-the-floor.<br />
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The blessing was eventually read and the hunt departed, not cross-country but in single file onto a trail leading into the woods. Okay, <i>that</i> part didn't look much like my hunting prints, but whatever - not as much open countryside with convenient hedges and bushes as in Merry Olde England. Next thing I knew Friend's husband and I were invited to go along with the "Basseting" group. Huh? This turned out to be following a pack of the low-slung dogs wrangled by a nice lady, ostensibly trying to hunt down and flush hapless rabbits. Having nothing else to do at the moment, this seemed fine, so off we went. And walked... and walked... and walked. Basseting was a lot of exercise! Let me hasten to add that *NO BUNNIES WERE HARMED* on this excursion, which was also fine with me.<br />
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The mounted crew eventually returned after about an hour and a half, horses and riders breathless and steaming. I don't think a fox was ever sighted but everyone seemed to have had a good time looking. My friend also didn't jump at all, which is how I found out about "hilltopping." Ah, there really <i>is</i> a way for beginners to enjoy going out with a hunt! Interesting...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvedZOVW0sr4ginxOv_aEzu1DswZ88iqiqWxzRBNaD3-7jAGJ2qRKwa1GIBEdLqjG50KMEHvOqsjOeTIDVUgs6uK8BGe9tzhZWJVFRMo87w7WjblOonk5xCzEaMjd-6KZx0lZ_xye5A/s1600/MO+Hunting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvedZOVW0sr4ginxOv_aEzu1DswZ88iqiqWxzRBNaD3-7jAGJ2qRKwa1GIBEdLqjG50KMEHvOqsjOeTIDVUgs6uK8BGe9tzhZWJVFRMo87w7WjblOonk5xCzEaMjd-6KZx0lZ_xye5A/s320/MO+Hunting.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Member of the Bridlespur Hunt, 2011 season. This is typical Missouri hunt country.</span></i></td></tr>
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After the horses were untacked, cooled down and left to enjoy hay nets, we repaired to the Club House for the brunch, which by then (as you can imagine) I was more than ready to enjoy. I felt a bit out of my element but my friend is very social and wheeled me around introducing me to all and sundry, so I didn't have time to feel out of place. People were almost universally friendly and welcoming so it went just fine. I was particularly impressed with the Grande Dame of the affair, a wonderful lady in her late eighties who was still riding. I also had a good time looking at the decorations in the Club House. These ranged from faded B/W photos of earlier masters (mostly named Busch) and a stuffed fox to gorgeous old trophies. It was NOT a fancy establishment, by any means; just an old house, with wooden floors scarred by years of boots and spurs, tatty chairs well-covered in horse and dog hair and a cozy atmosphere. I liked it a lot.<br />
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By the time this was all over, I was exhausted from a combination of nerves, cold air and a lot of hiking. My friend had to stick around but her husband was ready to go, too, so I volunteered to drive him home as we lived very close to each other. Friend's Hubby and I promptly proceeded to take the wrong turn out of the Hunt Club lane and wander around the back roads of greater southern St. Charles County for the next 45 minutes (neither of us had lived in the area very long). That was the most embarrassing part of the day, so really, I got off pretty easy!<br />
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Next installment: I Get To RIDE!RiderWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05679157278313699794noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703454697604324515.post-90667951439031265442013-01-09T23:28:00.002-06:002013-01-09T23:29:22.554-06:00These Boots Were NOT Made For Ridin' - UPDATE!I have enjoyed my pseudo riding boots so much that when I found a similar pair in brown at Target, while boot shopping for my daughter before Christmas, I had to try them on. They fit in the calf - astoundingly - but that store didn't have my size. I went off and forgot all about them... until yesterday, when I had occasion to visit Target.com. I wondered if they might still have the boots and lo and behold, a store in the St. Louis area DID. I'm still trying to decide if I want to make the hour and a half round trip to pick them up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvr2S1joq3fNjdLqKeP1Zm42IdbJhpKcnsPqeHu7BN391nNjK24zOXXsImX8qzCRYQXHHsVIxdEu-OoH_zIjpTJeOS0wAdtGkbWVk8c3qkUJv2WbZ65-ZahP8elfzVwBAPaK3D81Kdg/s1600/Boot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvr2S1joq3fNjdLqKeP1Zm42IdbJhpKcnsPqeHu7BN391nNjK24zOXXsImX8qzCRYQXHHsVIxdEu-OoH_zIjpTJeOS0wAdtGkbWVk8c3qkUJv2WbZ65-ZahP8elfzVwBAPaK3D81Kdg/s320/Boot.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Yes, very similar indeed to my other boots but the brown color is nice (no photo of those I can grab).</span></i></td></tr>
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In the meantime, I went back to Target.com and read the reviews on these boots. I couldn't believe it when I got to this one (copied and pasted, complete with misspellings):<br />
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<i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial; line-height: 17px;">I was looking for something cheap for the few equestrian show I do, and sort of sad that these weren't as great as I thought. Definately going to buy real leather boots for my hunter shows. These are good for simple fall fashion. For me, the calf was a bit too wide, but I like where the zipper stops. Love the almond toe. The top half just it kinda floppy and looks all right for being a cheaper boot. Just need to break them in. Not bad enough I would ever return them becuase they do serve a good </span><span class="moreLinkLocation" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">purpose. </span><span class="show-less" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a class="review-details" href="http://www.target.com/p/women-s-merona-kadens-tall-rider-boot-assorted-colors/-/A-14139064" style="border: 0px; color: #0069ff; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: baseline;">see less</a></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">I am dumbfounded, to say the least. Your eyes are not deceiving you - YES, this girl actually thought she could wear them into the show ring! I realize that not everyone will be cantering around the Dixon Oval, but for heaven's sake, even someone attending a local fun show should probably realize that fashion boots from Target are not going to fly. The fact that she specifically mentions attending "hunter shows" is even scarier. I don't think she's been to very many if she thinks that people wear boots with floppy, foldable tops, metal on the heels (I suppose they look a bit like spurs?) and two straps around the ankles when they are actually mounted and not serving as spectators.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 17px;">This decides it - I'm definitely dragging my relics out of the closet, complete with manure-filled treads, and wearing them to the office. They are real leather, after all, so they must be correct...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">(Note: I do plan to wear my real tall(</span><span style="line-height: 17px;">ish) boots to work next October, when I dress up as the Lone Ranger for Halloween. I've done that costume in the past and it was a big hit, although it's more effective when I bring my husband along as a reluctant Tonto. Outside of my lone fellow equestrian, nobody is going to notice the boots are too short.)</span></span><br />
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RiderWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05679157278313699794noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703454697604324515.post-9038619060440624842013-01-04T17:42:00.000-06:002013-01-09T23:31:13.027-06:00"Poor" Little Rich Girls<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Happy New Year!</b></span></div>
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Hope you all had a very blessed and Merry Christmas/Happy Hanukkah! I had a lovely holiday with lots of time off with my family, for the first time in a long time. I didn't quite make my goal of 50 posts for 2012, but I have lots of good things lined up so I'm not going to worry about it.<br />
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If I could just get the blasted iPad to work properly with Blogger I'd be more flexible with blogging time, but even when I switch browsers it's not right. Hello, Google? Has it failed to escape your attention that there are a few of us Apple tablet users out here?<br />
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Anyway, I am looking forward to a horse adventure-filled, if not riding-filled, 2013. As always, thank you for reading - I appreciate each and every one of you!<br />
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The title of this post refers to the young ladies mentioned on this magazine cover:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVH59cqMSiRsWAW0Sva7TrXTsBz-wcHQBbSHBFcrbKtAWQ5_sPDwT4-AamESOG_QaKFuAmD4lVHmTdmIC73FpdxAj67ZP2L-ophpuiqW0xZwtgtotjSNMZ_gnQ5OVKd7Wp1ME8mMNkA/s1600/town+and+country+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVH59cqMSiRsWAW0Sva7TrXTsBz-wcHQBbSHBFcrbKtAWQ5_sPDwT4-AamESOG_QaKFuAmD4lVHmTdmIC73FpdxAj67ZP2L-ophpuiqW0xZwtgtotjSNMZ_gnQ5OVKd7Wp1ME8mMNkA/s320/town+and+country+cover.jpg" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I've heard hairnets are not necessary in Europe - maybe so, but I think that sticking-out hair is annoying!</i></td></tr>
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I will confess to being fascinated by the likes of the two Jessicas (Springsteen and Gates), Charlotte, Athina and Georgina. Isn't it fun to imagine what you would do with horses if you had a virtually unlimited budget? I'd say about 99.9% of the population has no clue what that would be like, but these young ladies involved in the equestrian world are doing just that (maybe they <i>are </i>given a budget by parents or trustees, but I have feeling they're generous).<br />
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Here's what I would do: buy a splendiferous estate in the heart of VA hunt country. If anything needed bringing up to state-of-the-art on the horse side, I'd have it done/built/fixed (barn, arenas, pastures, etc.) While I was at it I'd renovate the house with all modern conveniences, while keeping the old-fashioned charm and (hopefully) Georgian exterior as intact as possible. Furnish with EVERYTHING equestrian-themed right down to the TP. And what livestock... well, of course I'd start with a couple of TBs for me - a show hunter and a fox hunter (I'd consider a WB or draft cross for the latter). A QH for the hubby. A cute pony or two just because. "Something" for the kids, although I actually don't know what horse sport Son would pursue given the chance and Daughter doesn't really want to ride. I would be happy to provide a retirement home for a small herd of TRF (Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation) horses. A Jersey cow, some sheep and some chickens would round out the animals. And oh yeah, let's not forget the <i>staff</i> to take care of all this because if I was that wealthy it would be all riding and horses, all the time and someone else to cook/clean/feed/muck/maintain and do all the hard stuff!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVVKX8rdIY_y2_mDWuA7cSOABnfrKUSCHWLs7JZ7PrvZAY1SCcltHog1oCs0x4vTahX2KU1EBmMUpVGDthhfLQz8UQ15a12T0_S3YPi2v8rExPppxQQXSUrh1gmBScH8i6ra7WNOm5Rg/s1600/Snake-Hill-Road-004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVVKX8rdIY_y2_mDWuA7cSOABnfrKUSCHWLs7JZ7PrvZAY1SCcltHog1oCs0x4vTahX2KU1EBmMUpVGDthhfLQz8UQ15a12T0_S3YPi2v8rExPppxQQXSUrh1gmBScH8i6ra7WNOm5Rg/s1600/Snake-Hill-Road-004.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.middleburgrealestate.com/35487-Snake-Hill-Road.html">This would do nicely</a>.<br />
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The only thing I wouldn't change would be my family - e.g. I wouldn't be trading in Hubby for a younger model - and my dog. She could stay as the One and Only Canine because she is perfect and I adore her. My guinea pig, too, and I'd even keep cleaning his cage myself.<br />
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*BUMP* That's me landing back on Earth. Where was I... right, Society Equestrians. We have Charlotte:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfFdghG7iJXAcEuceUEc3jKP48dz_p02PIA4efI2vdUhzQDkh_fgT9pNrY9b6HW5VMLRM8jdEl9Qyr_dzazGueymmV0grhbJbETqUXdXK_7Uha4VIusVvJdUfegQNtho0Sy0D6ykksQ/s1600/casiraghi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfFdghG7iJXAcEuceUEc3jKP48dz_p02PIA4efI2vdUhzQDkh_fgT9pNrY9b6HW5VMLRM8jdEl9Qyr_dzazGueymmV0grhbJbETqUXdXK_7Uha4VIusVvJdUfegQNtho0Sy0D6ykksQ/s320/casiraghi.jpg" width="244" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Boy, did she inherit some killer genes...</i></td></tr>
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Jessica S:<br />
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Jessica G:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlmX5dfKlzK-SYXSQU5FRfCAMQ7WabQ5p1HztUHQVqA2qZm-Vdv2oGUmzjqNvp9S5UDtu9EbzrJI0ga4oaMwPP6_Jmpk-D_oirGYtG56ispQmN1AcFUwKnnNqtjHLkiFZ7jpCsBDqE1w/s1600/gates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlmX5dfKlzK-SYXSQU5FRfCAMQ7WabQ5p1HztUHQVqA2qZm-Vdv2oGUmzjqNvp9S5UDtu9EbzrJI0ga4oaMwPP6_Jmpk-D_oirGYtG56ispQmN1AcFUwKnnNqtjHLkiFZ7jpCsBDqE1w/s320/gates.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Nice sourpuss face on the horse - I'd be embarrassed to have this in print.</i></td></tr>
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Athina:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPGhVuvCSLCI7jSS02UIf4ODSJsPreGqvkFDZzaTylc1P4kL3I9ee7MMmnl0jLhoY6EnPz9UbFiGk316kg10yAh7EB18Zls-06Xyf_G7S2J69T-QpeBA_OUhJvYi7ZUTPGQ6vJrpkOQ/s1600/Onassis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPGhVuvCSLCI7jSS02UIf4ODSJsPreGqvkFDZzaTylc1P4kL3I9ee7MMmnl0jLhoY6EnPz9UbFiGk316kg10yAh7EB18Zls-06Xyf_G7S2J69T-QpeBA_OUhJvYi7ZUTPGQ6vJrpkOQ/s320/Onassis.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
And Georgina:<br />
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The only one of these young ladies who I have seen in person, and/or of whom I have any real knowledge is Jessica Springsteen. The others might be wonderful individuals, kind, hard-working and devoted to their sport, or they might be spoiled brats but I really couldn't say. A dear (younger) friend of mine rode Juniors alongside Jessica S. back East, and has also been at shows with her as adult, so I trust her when she says Jess is, in fact, polite, kind, <i>very </i>hard-working and deserves what she has achieved. Glad to hear it!<br />
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I don't think she appeared in this issue of T&C, but another young equestrian whose dad's pockets are pretty bottomless is Destry Spielberg. I didn't know her name until today but looking at these other gals caused me to Google "Spielberg equestrian" and that's who came up. Mom Kate Capshaw rides, too, but it's Destry who particularly interests me. Why? I knew Mr. Spielberg purchased Rumba for "his daughter" to ride in Jr. Hunters after the horse won the 2009 $100,000 International Hunter Derby Finals. [Side note: I have entertained myself wondering what happened when the phone rang in the barn and the trainer (John French) was told Steven Spielberg was on the line. You think the price went up just a <i>hair</i>? :-) Of course I'm being silly - I'm sure that people like that use an intermediary when buying almost <i>anything</i> or else they'd be paying double what the rest of us do.]<br />
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At any rate, I've been wondering how the kid was doing on this practically priceless push-button hunter. Talk about a little bit of pressure! Well, here they are:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikAaj66P1442cJMHSSIDeHRjSeqtZYdJrE52M8b59hrsckFu_jOq6UqZ_j8Trcvu7xxL7dYDiuzZfbgvjvGL1VZA2uFuZ4aZz6vA0Knw0JpZxv8Ng0RHPmI-sTJ8tm7PduzVnw3plPVg/s1600/Destry-Spielberg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikAaj66P1442cJMHSSIDeHRjSeqtZYdJrE52M8b59hrsckFu_jOq6UqZ_j8Trcvu7xxL7dYDiuzZfbgvjvGL1VZA2uFuZ4aZz6vA0Knw0JpZxv8Ng0RHPmI-sTJ8tm7PduzVnw3plPVg/s320/Destry-Spielberg.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo courtesy of The Daily Truffle</i></td></tr>
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Somebody ought to send this in to George - he'd snark on the fleece girth, but I doubt he'd take issue with the horse's form, weight or cleanliness. Ahem. Now, the rider - definitely jumping ahead and lying on the neck. Otherwise, pretty good. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Upg11AYUKpU">Here's some video, too</a>.<br />
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I think when I go to sleep tonight I'll imagine myself as the pilot on this boy, just a-lopin' around making 3'3" look like gentle exercise. *sigh* Miss Spielberg does a good job but I see the anticipation and jumping ahead, as well as a bit of reaching for the stirrup. In my very humble opinion they could stand to be a hole shorter. Rumba is round and I get that she wants to keep her leg on, but... In short, Destry looks kind of nervous and I can't say I blame her.<br />
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Off to look at more Middleburg properties - <i>this</i> kid likes to daydream!RiderWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05679157278313699794noreply@blogger.com52tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703454697604324515.post-11303801874925370862012-12-21T15:24:00.000-06:002013-04-19T11:43:26.086-05:002010 World Equestrian Games (WEG) - Part 1I have been meaning to do a post about my adventures at the World Equestrian Games, and I just found some photos I had handy on this computer. There are lots more but if I wait until I remember to send them over this will never get done. So, without further ado - the WEG!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOHyBUpzf8ejy1QTIa73BZgRfIlCVUUfTI7J_xsUWwBRMm6_HteMwqdkG-HAAONJjk41cxgV3pYmdQYH99vI-2KBhxCQZPhhYjiZWp7OvWY18An10L1VFtcDwyTd9wUVAeWBuWvGJRBw/s1600/program.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOHyBUpzf8ejy1QTIa73BZgRfIlCVUUfTI7J_xsUWwBRMm6_HteMwqdkG-HAAONJjk41cxgV3pYmdQYH99vI-2KBhxCQZPhhYjiZWp7OvWY18An10L1VFtcDwyTd9wUVAeWBuWvGJRBw/s320/program.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">I picked up this promo brochure way back in '08 and had it stuck in my bedroom mirror. I thought it was Rich Fellers and Flexible but the blaze is wrong. ETA: Sapphire and Mclain Ward, thank you to reader L. Williams!</span></i><br />
<span style="text-align: left;">The minute I read in Practical Horseman that Lexington/the Kentucky Horse Park had landed the World Equestrian Games for 2010 (which I think was in 2007), I was determined to go. No way was I missing such a huge event located only six hours away! Never mind that tickets would be expensive... and lodging, if I could find it, even more so: I. Was. Going. Right away I planned on watching the 3-Day Eventing, as I'd thoroughly enjoyed that at the Atlanta Olympics. I've seen some famous show jumpers, and I do love that, too, but there's just something so cool about being a spectator on a x-country course, even if eventing isn't "my" equestrian sport.</span></td></tr>
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I watched the horse news carefully and found out when tickets would be going on sale. Then the prices were announced - ouch. The dream began to slip through my fingers, as I added up the cost of tickets, gas, food and lodging. By spring of 2010 I'd kind of given up on the whole thing, I'm afraid. But never fear, it was Facebook to the rescue! I found an old friend of mine going back to elementary school. We had lost touch years ago and I was tickled when she turned up on social media. I was even <i>more</i> tickled when I learned that she lives not 10 minutes away from the Kentucky Horse Park. I couldn't believe it - would she be willing to have a weekend guest? YES!<br />
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Once I had a bed to sleep in, the rest fell into place. My mom graciously agreed to buy me tickets for Saturday and Sunday as my birthday gift. My friend said she'd feed me dinners. She even said she'd drop me off at the KHP so no need to fork out $20/day for parking. It was on!<br />
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I arrived in KY Friday night and my old friend and I had a great reunion (we still like each other, whew :-). The weather, if I recall, had been a bit iffy, but Saturday dawned sunny and pleasant, perfect for horses and riders on x-country and spectators, too. I got up and dressed and out the door in record time, anxious to be at the Park. My friend dropped me off at the entrance, as planned, and I started to walk.... and walk.... and walk. I'd forgotten that it's a loooooong way in from Ironworks Pike! Lots of people joined me from the parking lots, though, so I felt pretty smug about saving my $$.<br />
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I bought my ticket and entered the park right by the main grandstand. The horses had already started on the course, and I followed the crowd right to where hundreds of people had gathered, at the Head of the Lake water complex. Folks were really packed in and it was hard to see, but I didn't care - I was THERE, hurray! When the first horse came through I think I cried. Wow, what a grand partnership and those horses are so freakin' BRAVE! Full of run and jump, just point 'em in the right direction and by golly, 98% of the time they're gonna go over it, whether it's down a huge drop they don't even know is coming, a log they can't see over, or some other insane creation that no right-minded rider would ask a horse to negotiate. But as eventers will tell you, they <i>aren't </i>normal!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBsa4RQwR4qBvQQ1x61zhE-FuTEcwm8OIl3oZqgygZ5Tjxp2Y1tvq-M1bwJZV3HXOQriYJCF4vFu9ih8cJR5NV9c0oOJ0X8WnvdIOWdpFM0GOoYr_y_QNaoW5Baqq2-j02gkm2sharbw/s1600/water+jump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBsa4RQwR4qBvQQ1x61zhE-FuTEcwm8OIl3oZqgygZ5Tjxp2Y1tvq-M1bwJZV3HXOQriYJCF4vFu9ih8cJR5NV9c0oOJ0X8WnvdIOWdpFM0GOoYr_y_QNaoW5Baqq2-j02gkm2sharbw/s320/water+jump.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Not my photo, found online)</span></i></td></tr>
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As the day went on, I figured out a couple things. One was to keep going until I found a place to stand where I could actually see something. My best view of the water turned out to be alongside the galloping lane going in. After I'd had my fill of that, I decided to find some other jumps that weren't quite so popular. Another tip was how to - believe it or not - actually capture some halfway decent photos with my iPhone. Viewing my frustration, a fellow spectator gave me the tip of hitting the shutter button just as I heard the horses' feet go "thump" upon takeoff from the ground. Hence, I was able to get these:<br />
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Not too bad, right? I don't know who the first two riders are but that one with the "cottage" jump is Philip Dutton. It was late in the day and I believe he was the last US rider on x-country, and had a fault-free round which we badly needed.<br />
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Speaking of spectators, one of my most favorite aspects of x-country day - out of a truly magical day that I spent literally in horse heaven, just awed and overjoyed to be there - was talking to my fellow onlookers. I am not shy and retiring so everywhere I went and sat or stood for a while, I struck up a conversation with someone nearby. Quite often they weren't even from the U.S. I met people from Great Britain, Australia and Germany (who spoke excellent English). I met a professional photographer slung about with giant lenses and camera bodies. I met people who were decked out in full (expensive) casual horsey regalia, like Hermes scarves and Dubarry boots, and others who had on well-worn jeans, scuffed paddocks and a battered fleece. Regardless, it was just such a treat to be surrounded by so many fellow horse-lovers. I did talk to a few people who didn't know much of anything about horses and were there because it was a "big event" taking place nearby - good for them!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo courtesy of TheHorse.com</i></td></tr>
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The crowd that day was a record, some 55,000 strong if I recall. The perfect weather certainly helped and I was thrilled for the organizers. Now, out of that enormous crowd, are you the least bit amazed that I ran into someone I know? The horse world is only so big, I guess! :-) And unsurprisingly, it was the horse I recognized first. This was not a competitor: no, it was someone in foxhunting attire who was serving as an outrider. She and her lovely B/W Pinto gelding were standing in one place, on hand in case of a runaway or other mayhem. I thought, hmmm, that pair looks familiar... I went up and yes, they were from the Bridlespur Hunt Club right here in my neck of the woods, and I'd actually been hunting with them twice. The lady is well-acquainted with my friend who used to be very active in the hunt club and though I had to remind her we'd met, she did remember me. I was <i>really </i>delighted when she gave me her "volunteer lunch" that she didn't want - having checked out the prices in the food concession stands, I was more than happy to snarf down a warm baloney-and-cheese sandwich, broken potato chips and some crumbly cookies. (Yes, I'm a cheapskate and will eat almost anything that's free.) I did attempt to feed the horse one of the cookies, lest you think I'm a total pig...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Becky Holder and Courageous Comet - somehow missed seeing them, unfortunately, but one of my favorite TBs! I think I missed them because Comet was injured on course and had to retire before they got to "my" area at the time.</span> Photo courtesy of TheHorse.com.</i></td></tr>
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In Part 2 I'll cover Stadium Jumping day and the rest of the many delights at the WEG!RiderWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05679157278313699794noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703454697604324515.post-41378876906222475482012-12-21T14:55:00.000-06:002012-12-21T14:55:17.717-06:00Changing a Light Bulb?<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I just saw this over on a new blog I've been reading (<a href="http://horsecountrychic.blogspot.com/">Horse Country Chic</a>), and the author in turn obtained it from Chronicle of the Horse. TOO funny! I believe my favorite is the one regarding show jumpers...</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">HOW MANY RIDERS DOES IT TAKE TO CHANGE A LIGHT BULB?</span></b></div>
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<br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">ENDURANCE RIDER</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">: Light bulb? Do you mind, I'm trying to get my horse's pulse / respiration / hydration levels to respectable levels. Once that is done, I have another 50 miles to go before I can even think about changing a light bulb. Um, any chance that the light bulb could assist me in my conditioning regimen.....</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">DRESSAGE QUEEN</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">: Me! Change a light bulb? Are you joking? I couldn't possibly be expected to subject myself to such a menial task. Change it yourself. Oh, and wash your hands when you are finished. The very thought!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">CLASSICAL DRESSAGE QUEEN</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">: These things can not be rushed, but must be approached slowly, with great patience, and adherence to the principles laid down by the classical masters, otherwise the light bulb will not attain its true potential, but will forever just be a shadow of its true self. Never, ever, use any type of gadget when changing the light bulb. That is an offense to the principles of classical light bulb changing.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">EVENTER</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">: Hmm, as soon as my arm is out of this sling broken after falling off at that large stone wall (whilst riding Prelim cross-country) I'll change it. Until then, deal with the dark. It will put hair on your chest. Only prissy Dressage Queens require lights, anyway.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">SHOW JUMPER</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">: Why on earth would I need to change a light bulb when the whole world knows that the sun shines out of my ass. Why, when I release over a jump, the spectators are practically blinded.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span class="highlight1">HUNTER</span> <span class="highlight1">PRINCESS: </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Change the lightbulb? Surely the groom handles that part? I mean how else would my six hunters get braided? If I MUST change the lightbulb, surely my trainer will climb up the ladder first to make sure it is safe? And then of course, my groom will hold the ladder as I climb up, and make sure all the dirt is dusted off my boots as I ascend?</span></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">BACK YARD HORSE PERSON</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">:</span></b><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">Do I have to do everything??!! Oh yeah, I guess I do. Well, I’ll get to it as soon as I’m done mucking stalls, cleaning and filling the water tank, cleaning and filling the water buckets, raking and sweeping, stacking the hay, setting up for night feeding, cleaning my tack, picking out manure from the paddock, brushing and exercising the horses, and whatever else needs to be done</span></div>
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<br /><span style="line-height: 20.78333282470703px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">NATURAL HORSEMAN:</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> You must instill respect in the light bulb, so that it sees you as the Alpha light bulb, using "Light Bulb Dynamics (TM)" (Video available at $99.00 on my website). Once you have done this, you will find that there is really no need to change the light bulb at all, but that the light bulb will, with very little coaxing from you (using the patented "Light Bulb Coaxer" designed by me - $49.00 each, for an extra $49.99 you get the video thrown in) will behave as all good light bulbs should.</span></span></div>
RiderWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05679157278313699794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703454697604324515.post-28238545091528557092012-12-18T15:32:00.001-06:002013-01-09T23:37:34.214-06:00The One Where I Want To Punch SomethingDear readers, RiderWriter is pretty angry right now.<br />
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Why?<br />
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Because I just opened FB to discover a post from Chronicle of the Horse, with a link to an article about Kelley Farmer debuting some new Hunter Derby horses this past weekend. How nice for her but big deal, right? Well, it WAS a big deal when I read the rest of the title:<br />
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<h1 class="title" style="background-color: white; color: #174100; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 26px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px;">
Kelley Farmer Has A New Crop In Action At Lake St. Louis Hunter Derby</h1>
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WHAT??? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!</div>
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Needless to say, I was not there. Oh, no, I was sitting in my house not doing much of anything, completely oblivious to the fact that there was a $25,000 USHJA Hunter Derby going on 10 minutes away. Which would have been only the second real Derby I've ever gotten to see, having enjoyed every second of <a href="http://mylifeasarider.blogspot.com/2011/10/derby-not-in-ky.html">the first one</a>. And where Kelley Farmer showed up, all the way from Wellington, to win the thing with her top horse Taken and roll out her new ones.</div>
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I am just ill. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Yeah, yeah, yeah, it's Kelley and Taken. The ones I didn't see win. </span></i></td></tr>
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Now, I did know that there was a H/J horse show this weekend. I'd seen the trailers on our main drag, and I do try to keep up with the schedule at the National Equestrian Center. But I thought it was just another Winter Series show, not a big whoop-de-doo with a HUNTER DERBY.</div>
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*Goes off to stomp something, and breathe into a paper bag*</div>
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Just so you all know what I missed,<a href="https://www.chronofhorse.com/article/kelley-farmer-has-new-crop-action-lake-st-louis-hunter-derby"> here's the article</a>. Have fun reading it. I'll have to settle for hoping you would have enjoyed my write-up, too, had I simply<i> been there</i>. I tried to call the NEC to see if they might be doing any more of these any time soon/the next six months, but they're on holiday break. Take it from me, there was no mention of this event on their stupid website. It's not helping that I already missed the other big Derby this year, too, at the Charity Show because of "something" I had to do at the same time. I forget what it was but I hope it was important!</div>
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Alright, I guess I've calmed down now. My blog has to be good for something. :-) It's only a horse show... And my next post will be about a really special horse show that I<i> did</i> go to! </div>
RiderWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05679157278313699794noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703454697604324515.post-53511463823849162972012-12-11T17:01:00.001-06:002013-01-30T16:57:54.707-06:00BB&G, Part 3 & Self-Critique, a la GeorgeBet you thought I was done talking about B. Barns, but nope, there are still more tales relating to this establishment! (<br />
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I distinctly recall the 4-H meeting when some of the kids' parents joined us because Trainer had a special announcement to make. I was very worried because I think I had heard she was losing her lease on the property. But no, she was much excited, bubbling over with big talk. A sort of blueprint document was spread out, and little 3-D paper buildings plunked down: we were looking at plans for the new, improved BB Luxury Equestrian Estates development! Huh?? Our Club President's dad was a developer, I knew that much (they had two horses at the barn) and apparently he was the one behind this grand idea. There would be a huge, round indoor arena, several barns, improved pastures, and a number of homes.<br />
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I didn't quite know what to make of this. I didn't think Trainer had a lot of money, so I didn't know how it was all going to work, but I sure hoped that it would because I really loved my barn life at BB&G, the 4-H Club, and "my" lovely girl American Mare. Trainer was an excellent instructor and I learned a ton about riding and horse care from her. She was generous to a fault, never even charging me a fee to ride her horses at shows or for her time at them; I showed for the cost of entry fees and trailering. She genuinely loved horses, loved teaching and was a huge advocate of 4-H. For those qualities alone I would remember her fondly.<br />
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Long story short, sadly, the Luxury Equestrian Estates never were built (although the property today, is, in fact, covered in large homes). I assume Trainer had a falling-out with President's Dad, and/or he couldn't get financing. Trainer, kids and horses were forced to relocate, and the whole establishment picked up sticks and moved to a new facility about 15 minutes away. It was a far cry from the old one, unfortunately. Not much turnout, one ring, and a barn. The whole thing was surrounded by busy roads.<br />
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I continued taking lessons, doing 4-H and showing. We didn't just go to 4-H shows, by the way; we went to another series of local unrated affairs as well. These were held at a place called Freedom Farms. I liked the fancy ribbons they gave out there, and it was an appropriate level of competition for me.<br />
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I actually have one picture from a 2'6" jumping class taken when I was around 15, the only actual real photographer's photo I've ever gotten of me at a show. But I refuse to share it on the grounds that you would instantly lose all respect for me - yes, it's really THAT bad. :-) I would like to think it was just "a moment in time," but I have a distinct feeling that any jumping photo of me ever taken is going to have my toes out at 90 degree angles... and probably a lot of other faults. (I know I have mentioned the toe thing before. Here's the deal: I can sit on the floor, put the soles of my feet together, and lean forward until my head touches my feet with <i>my knees all the way on the floor</i>. Now those are some funky hip joints! So I walk/stand very duck-footed and have always struggled to turn my toes in while riding. Nowadays nobody seems to care much but back then... whooo. Not good.)<br />
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Every time I look at this picture (that no, I'm still not going to show you) I crack myself up imagining what George Morris would have to say if I submitted it to Jumping Clinic. After he had wiped the tears of laughter from his eyes, he'd write something like this:<br />
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<i><b>"This rider needs to work on tightening her leg. Her heel is down, but I can see daylight between her knee and the saddle. I have never seen a toe turned out that far - it is well beyond the maximum 45-degree angle. Returning to small crossrails and no-stirrup work would help strengthen the leg.</b></i><br />
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<i><b>The rider is not so much as jumping ahead, as simply standing in the stirrups. Her hip angle is far too open and she has not let the thrust of the horse close it. Her short release is okay, but one hand is far higher than the other. Her eyes are up and she is looking for the next jump.</b></i><br />
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<i><b>This horse is merely stepping over this little jump and has a bored expression. I cannot evaluate her form accurately with this small fence, but I would like to see her knees more even. The mare needs some groceries and she should be braided and her hooves polished, even for a small schooling show. She needs a better-fitting browband as well.</b></i><br />
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<i><b>Whomever thought it was a good idea to attire a teenage girl in a loud, white/blue/black/red plaid coat, jodphurs with garters and paddock boots should be taken behind the barn and shot. This outfit is not appropriate for her age and looks ridiculous. Also, the excess stirrup leather needs trimming." </b></i><br />
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I was riding the chestnut OTTB mare who was the other main lesson horse at BB&G. She was a stereotypical opinionated redhead and we really didn't get along all that well (Patty Flower mostly rode her, in fact). I fail to remember her name, which tells you something. At any rate, she was a hard keeper and didn't have a lot of bloom to her coat. She could jump 3'6," though, and her front end sharpened up over bigger fences.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">As
far as my hideous outfit, it's called "I borrowed the jacket from Trainer
and therefore the price was right." Picture something like the above, except with a narrow red thread, tailored in luxurious 100% polyester double knit. You could wad it up into a ball and stuff it into your backpack, and upon extraction it would instantly spring back into coat-dom. We knew I needed tall boots, but
having had no luck thus far finding any off the rack (and my long-suffering
mother sensibly refusing to get customs), I was consigned to paddock boots and
jodphurs even though I know now I was definitely too old for them. I remember
thinking the paddock boots, which had punched toe caps, were really pretty
spiffy.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Regarding the standing in the stirrups - I have no idea why this was going on. I have a few snapshots taken of me jumping in a lesson (at night, in a dusty indoor, so not exactly the best quality) and I'm not doing it in those, and certainly my instructors have never mentioned it, so I think it was a function of nerves/a flat-jumping horse/what have you. I may have weirdly-assembled hips, but they <i>do</i> bend! :-)</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">Towards
the end of my career at BB, I started riding a new school horse, a fugly-but-cute bay
gelding named Little Brown Jug. Mare was pretty much retired; she'd developed a
large and painful sarcoma or</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="line-height: 115%;"> melanoma under her tail, and Trainer
was trying to get another foal from her (she'd had one in the past, a colt whom
T kept and stood as a H/J stallion). Jug was a TB, but had a full-sized horse
head on a pony body. The story I got was he had been starved as youngster and
his growth was stunted. We got along very well, fortunately.</span></div>
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I have a distinct memory of my last class at my last show ever as a junior rider. It was a 4-H show and Jug and I were waiting for our turn on the outside course. The sky was fast-darkening with an approaching storm. To the sound of rumbles of thunder we made our way around the jumps; Jug was a good jumper but being so small, he made 3'6" feel like a lot taller. Up and over we flew (with me being jumped loose over a couple of fences that had to have been at least 3'9") and as we finished I remember thinking, "Well, this is it. Who knows when I'll ever show a horse again?"</div>
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It took twenty years.</div>
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(Story coming!)RiderWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05679157278313699794noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703454697604324515.post-39189026880603463132012-12-07T16:59:00.000-06:002012-12-07T18:08:17.594-06:00Horsey Quotes <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><b>“Riding a horse is not a gentle hobby, to be picked up and laid down like a game of Solitaire. It is a grand passion. It seizes a person whole and, once it has done so, he will have to accept that his life will be radically changed.”</b> </i>~Ralph Waldo Emerson</div>
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There are a great many horse-related quotes out there, but this is one of my favorites (as I whole-heartedly agree with the sentiment!). Another is:<br />
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<i><b>"There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man."</b></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This one is often attributed to Ronald Reagan, who was fond of repeating it. It's also attributed to Winston Churchill, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Dr. John Abernethy and Woodrow Wilson's physician, Dr. Gary Grayson. Now, I don't know about you, but I've never heard of the latter two gentlemen. I always figured Winston Churchill was the one who said it. Or maybe it was M.C. Self, writing in Horseman's Encyclopedia in 1946 (a famous and well-regarded tome), who said it first? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Well, no, apparently not! The ORIGINAL author of this quote appears to be the Duke of Beaufort. Unfortunately, there have been a lot of Dukes of Beaufort, but I </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">think</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> they're talking about this one, the 10th Duke:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">He was quite a horseman, helping establish major horse shows, serving as Master of the Horse for three British sovereigns, and also serving as Master of the Beaufort Hounds for many years (this is the hunt of choice for the royals - I've seen plenty of photos of Prince Charles, Camilla and the young princes out with them). In addition, his family seat is Badminton House - yes, <i>that</i> Badminton, home of the horse trials. The Duke died childless but thank goodness his relations have kept the estate in the family, and the fabulous 3-day event venue as well. So I think it's probably safe to assume that he was indeed the first person to come up with this apt saying.*</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This isn't really a quote, but I've bet you've all heard the words, <b>"It's just a horse."</b> I've also heard it applied to both of my dogs and my guinea pigs. ESPECIALLY my guinea pigs ("You spent </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">how</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> much at the vet, on a RAT??!?"). Don't you just want to slug people sometimes?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And finally, I really appreciate this sentiment:</span><br />
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<i><b>"Horses are not my whole life, but they make my life whole."</b></i> ~ Author Unknown</div>
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Yes, they sure do. :-)<br />
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I encourage you to find a couple of these quotes, with nice illustrations, and many more at <a href="http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/horse-quotes">this entertaining site</a>. Lots of neat stuff on there!<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">[*Researched via <a href="http://www.quotationspage.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=181">quotationspage.com</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Somerset,_10th_Duke_of_Beaufort">Wikipedia</a>]</span>RiderWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05679157278313699794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703454697604324515.post-35541939495445264502012-12-05T16:34:00.001-06:002013-01-09T23:44:02.063-06:00Polo in St. Louis<i>Note:</i> I started this post a couple months ago and set it aside. Time to finish! You will hopefully be hearing a lot from me in the next few weeks as I realized I'd like to hit the 50-post mark for 2012, since that's how many I posted in 2011... We'll see. I'd better leave myself something to write about in 2013!<br />
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Last Saturday was a beautiful day for a polo match, sunny, warm and breezy. The crowd was out in full force (over 1,000 spectators!) for the biggest charity event of the season. Admission was by the car load and all the funds generated went to a local and extremely reputable children's organization.<br />
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<a href="http://stlpolo.com/">The St. Louis Polo Club</a> is the second-oldest in the nation, having been founded in the late 1800s. My good friend has been involved for the last few years, taking lessons and playing in some lower-level matches. I myself took a lesson two years ago and rediscovered why I abandoned my position as a team alternate during my first year of college: it's REALLY hard! I couldn't lift my right arm for about a week afterwards. The people who get good at polo practice, practice, practice, believe me. It may be an elitist sport but it's also a<i> lot</i> of work! <br />
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The Busch family (as in Anheuser-Busch), scions of St. Louis, have long been involved in horse sports and helped found our foxhunting organization, the Bridlespur Hunt Club. They also have owned many top-notch hunters and showjumpers, among them the fabulous <a href="http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/2009/04/052.shtml">Miss Budweiser</a>. Nowadays the Busch family's equestrian focus is on polo. William K. Busch, better known as "Billy," purchased land and barns formerly owned by the hunt club and constructed his own polo grounds, called Blue Heron. This facility is about a quarter mile from my friend's farm which makes it extremely convenient for her (and me).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgat2Gwpvx-6AwjYXctlrnc48nAEDERO6Zv9d07nAn7ueM3i0QrdqgN53qGgTSsioXH2LXScFHWBV5dsNHwm25u4GHAaMSiVw62g5CthW2lFBFArP654pnOJlGlpWf9xMqbmUvJ3qw_4Q/s1600/polomallet+and+board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgat2Gwpvx-6AwjYXctlrnc48nAEDERO6Zv9d07nAn7ueM3i0QrdqgN53qGgTSsioXH2LXScFHWBV5dsNHwm25u4GHAaMSiVw62g5CthW2lFBFArP654pnOJlGlpWf9xMqbmUvJ3qw_4Q/s320/polomallet+and+board.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I have attended a number of matches now and they're really a lot of fun. I always dress up (hanging around with multi-millionaires, one of whom flies his helicopter in for matches, will do that for you) and if my friend is going to be working a goal zone I usually manage to persuade someone else to come with me. On this particular day it was my son:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmKw6DNV5hL5zVe8HWEPxTTLZOprCUN9qDD7br2-Iu0nVNiUMCEfioDh7M8-kw2HQ3A7pktw6DUNdN9cUIhUEZpg1iXgs86W7yJOn-IjaUVKgmaH2EAIXhvxjwZNi-407X-xlXifN8g/s1600/polophoto+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmKw6DNV5hL5zVe8HWEPxTTLZOprCUN9qDD7br2-Iu0nVNiUMCEfioDh7M8-kw2HQ3A7pktw6DUNdN9cUIhUEZpg1iXgs86W7yJOn-IjaUVKgmaH2EAIXhvxjwZNi-407X-xlXifN8g/s320/polophoto+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
He was delighted to have an excuse to wear a Polo shirt to polo. ;-) Hunter actually is on the list now to be a "flagger" at matches, i.e. work the goal zone, and he was able to do that on another occasion. Since it was his first time I went with him - I'll tell you about that experience in another post.<br />
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For this match we were merely spectators. As always, I was mainly interested in the ponies: their tack, manner, way of going, attitude, etc. Here's a cool shot from the St. Louis Polo Club website:<br />
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There was a spirited discussion not long ago about polo over on the <a href="http://fuglyblog.com/">Fugly Blog</a>. A lot of people were agitated about the amount of gear the ponies wear, particularly the draw reins; it certainly <i>can </i>look like overkill. However, having played the sport a bit myself, I can attest that every piece of tack truly does have a purpose. I sure appreciated the stopping power of double reins and draw reins, not to mention I would not care to be bashed in the face by an up-flung head in the heat of play.<br />
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And those ponies - let me tell you, they LOVE their job. The girls (they're mostly mares) are excited and enthusiastic every time they're ridden out. I've never seen one with ears pinned, with a wringing tail, being balky or exhibiting any other sign other than that they're delighted to be in play. Furthermore, if you've ever read the Rudyard Kipling short story called "The Maltese Cat," you'll suspect that some of these ponies know more about the game than their riders do! I believe it.<br />
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Here's the "Winner's Circle" photo from this match:<br />
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The players will often invite their kids up on the platform, which is nice, as long as the youngsters are not sprayed with champagne or beer. Those sort of libations are extremely popular with polo players, especially after a hot match!<br />
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Son and I again with the winner's podium. Kraftig is the new brewery that Billy B. has founded, following the buyout of the family firm by In-Bev. (In case you're wondering, I stay pretty much the same color year-round - no St. Tropez tan for me. I burn to a crisp without gallons of sunscreen.)<br />
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This picture is from another awards presentation after a match. It's of my friend and two of the winning players, with their "trophy" art. I took this and it's now on the STL Polo website. I can assure you that it's probably the ONLY example of my stellar photography on the Internet, other than this blog...<br />
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If you live anywhere near where people play polo, I suggest you check it out. Not all polo is played by high-flying types, either; I gather that many clubs are distinctly more rough-hewn and people of all income levels/types of horses get together and play. It's a great spectator sport!RiderWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05679157278313699794noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703454697604324515.post-5594823906528770782012-12-05T14:31:00.002-06:002012-12-07T18:14:06.993-06:00BB&G, Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It was a cold winter's night when I happened to look out the window of my trainer/4-H leader's home and saw a scene much like this one. Yes, I really was the one who first saw it and no, it wasn't the grotty home I was standing in that went up in flames (though with the general level of care lavished on the place, it would have surprised no one). It was the other, older and currently unlived-in house on the farm that was blazing away. This was located about a quarter mile away down the lane which is why nobody had noticed until then.</div>
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I had never seen a house on fire and I was shocked. I think I stuttered and pointed and then finally got out the words, "The house is on fire!" followed by, "NO, NOT THIS ONE!" A dash for the door did ensue amongst my fellow 4-Hers, but it was to see the sights, fortunately not because they thought themselves in imminent danger. Any plans to discuss the care and feeding of the senior horse (or whatever topic we had been assigned) were instantly dismissed, of course, and the rest of the evening was spent watching the police, firetrucks and firefighters deal with the "disaster." The truth was, nobody really cared; local teenagers had been using the place as a party joint and it was just as well that someone's (possibly) careless cigarette had burned it down. The house was quickly reduced to ashes and the general attitude was, "Good riddance."</div>
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The house fire was but one of many memorable moments during my 4-H career. Here are some others which didn't involve property destruction:</div>
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<b>Horse Bowl</b></div>
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I think I mentioned that I joined our brand-new Horse Bowl team right away. Horse Bowl, for those who are unfamiliar, has nothing to do with <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1HW3yNEBYY">this</a>; no, it's a game- show type of event with teams competing to answer equine-related questions quickly and accurately. You ring in and if you answer correctly score points; points are also subtracted for wrong answers, so you have to feel confident before hitting your button. My good memorization skills and love of minutiae served me well in this endeavor. Team members were assigned areas of specialization, though, and unfortunately I was given the dry and uninspiring topic of "Nutrition." I would have been much happier with "Anatomy," "Lameness," "Tack," or pretty much anything else but that's what I got. So I studied my little heart out learning things like the ten essential amino acids (I <i>still</i> know most of them...) correct Ca:Ph ratios, and ration-balancing, which I particularly hated because it involved math.</div>
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Our team did well enough one year to make it to the State championship. We didn't win but I acquired the nice little trophy that stands on my Horsey Shelf. Being in Horse Bowl was a great experience and I recommend it to any young equestrian. (Still going strong in NJ - <a href="http://nj4h.rutgers.edu/horses/horsebowl/">here's the website</a>)</div>
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<b>Presentations</b></div>
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Every year a 4-Her participating in Horse Project (and I would imagine other projects, too) had to prepare a report including visual aids to be presented first to the club. It could be on any horse-related topic you chose, and you were judged individually, not against anyone else. I think we received evaluations ranging from "Poor" to "Superior." If you did well enough you could advance beyond club level. Luckily, I've never had much of a problem with public speaking but some kids had a terrible time.</div>
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I remember two of the presentations I did in particular. One was about equine teeth - I still recall a lot of what I learned - and the other was on Lipizzan horses. That one was particularly fun because I had a slide show from <a href="http://mylifeasarider.blogspot.com/search/label/Lipizzans">when I went to Vienna</a> to see them at the Spanish Riding School. This presentation was a huge hit. I received a Superior score in the club, a Superior score at the County Finals, and earned myself a trip to the State Finals, where I also received a Superior (yes, I <i>was</i> very nervous there!). I always wonder if anyone else in NJ 4-H ever had photos of the real Lipizzaners as part of their presentation? Here's the trophy I was awarded at State:</div>
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<b>Horse Shows</b></div>
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I have to say my favorite aspect of being a part of 4-H was - the horse shows! Our shows were held at our lovely county fairgrounds, where there were at least two standard rings and an "outside" hunter course, on the grass. I really didn't know what to expect the first time I went to a 4-H show but I quickly learned. Some people were very serious competitors, had nice horses, and were pretty cutthroat. Others were content just to be there with their little backyard ponies and have a good time. I guess I fell somewhere in the middle: I liked to win, and I got to ride some pretty good horses, but I always tried to be complimentary to others and help out when I could. </div>
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Well, MOST of the time. There were two people in particular who I remember vividly from 4-H showing, Navajo Saddle Blanket Girl, and Sandra J., who I very happily could have strangled on numerous occasions. Sandra J. and I had History behind us. Her mother had been my Brownie Girl Scout leader and a nastier woman has never lived (even my mom agreed). She played favorites with her daughter <i>all</i> the time, which drove me bonkers, and Sandra herself was a spoiled rotten brat. Then, to my everlasting dismay, the family acquired two horses for their little darling (actually a horse and a pony) that they kept in their backyard right down the street from me. <a href="http://mylifeasarider.blogspot.com/2011/01/but-wait-she-does-have-horses-in-her.html">I wrote about this here</a>. If I didn't despise Sandra already this definitely did the trick.</div>
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Sandra belonged to another 4-H club and was always at the shows. 4-H classes were separated by age, not ability, so we would wind up in the same ring a lot. Sometimes she would beat me, and sometimes I would beat her. I'm afraid I was rather pleased when the latter happened. In particular, I recall a certain Sr. Equitation on the Flat class.... </div>
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It was the last show of the season and I was riding a bay OTTB mare called "Mom's Apple Pie," "Mom" for short. This girl belonged to Trainer's Daughter and was her Big Eq/Maclay horse. Mom sure had the ability for 3'6" but she was HOT, hot, hot. (Trainer's Daughter did okay on her but they never made it to the Garden) To ride her, using TD's Prix de Nations saddle, no less, was a real treat and I was determined not to screw up. Mom was behaving, I'd managed to force my toes in every time I passed the judge, and things were going fine - until we were asked for the right-lead canter. I can remember exactly what happened. I cued her for the canter depart and Mom went UP, not forward. I asked again - same result. Finally, on our third try, I got her settled enough and away we went (thank God on the correct lead). Unfortunately, the judge had seen the whole thing. I knew any chance for a ribbon was gone.</div>
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So imagine my utter shock when I not only placed in the class, I was awarded the BLUE RIBBON. I burst into tears and flung my arms around Mom's neck. This was a good-sized class, by the way, with at least 15 riders (prob. more). When I was leaving the ring I spied Trainer, who was laughing and shaking her head. She came to meet me at the out gate and said, "All I can say is I guess the judge liked the way you handled that blowup, because she was definitely looking RIGHT at you when it happened." </div>
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So there, <i>finally</i>, is the story of the old blue ribbon hanging in my BR. It's special because it represents the pinnacle of my junior equitation career, and because I beat Sandra J. to earn it. :-)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>The top of the rosette reads "MC 4-H," for Monmouth County 4-H. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Navajo Saddle Blanket Girl rode a horse that was badly groomed, and badly in need of about 100 lbs. She had a permanent scowl on her face and never talked to anybody. She used her crop too much, too. She actually won a lot of ribbons but I was not alone in my disapproval of her appearance and methods. One day we were doing a class on the outside course. 4-H had a rule that if you were jumping, you had to have the chin strap on your hard hat down. All we had then was the little elastic bands, but they had to be under your chin. This class had around 10 or 12 people in it, and one by one, everyone had issues on course: refusals, run-outs, even a couple falls. It was just a mess. Amazingly, I managed to get around okay (I don't remember what horse I was riding) and the only other one who did was NSBG. Guess what?? She forgot to put down her chin strap! I was awarded first place, solely because of that. Ooooooh, she was mad! I think she would have liked to bash <i>me</i> a good one with her crop, never mind her poor horse.</span></div>
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Our goal for the county season, which consisted of three or four shows, was to qualify to show at State during the NJ State Fair. I actually did qualify two years, in at least two classes (Hunter Pleasure for sure, I think Sr. Equitation on the Flat, and some over-fences class as well) - but wasn't able to attend the State shows due to timing and cost. It's okay, I still feel lucky that I was able to participate in 4-H at all!</div>
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P.S. Something possessed me to try Googling the name of my 4-H club and to my astonishment, I found a digitalized newspaper article from Nov. 18, 1980 that mentions the club. The officers are listed and I was the Secretary! I have ZERO recollection of that so it's pretty funny...</div>
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RiderWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05679157278313699794noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703454697604324515.post-82439391719373004432012-12-04T18:01:00.001-06:002012-12-07T17:10:34.316-06:00Wait - What Was THAT???This past weekend we experienced freakishly warm weather here in Missouri. When I saw the temperature was supposed to be 70 or above, my thoughts immediately turned to riding. Hmm, where could I go? I got in touch with my friend and hurrah, she wasn't busy and said I could come over and swing a leg over LiRoi! Even though I knew we'd only be walking, I was very glad I could go. "Leafy" is the Giant Warmblood guy I wrote about <a href="http://mylifeasarider.blogspot.com/2012/03/im-feeling-short.html">here</a>. I volunteered to help if he needed clipping, which I had a feeling would be necessary; he's always been hairy, but with the development of Equine Metabolic Syndrome he has really turned into a yak. Last winter was so mild that he had to be completely body-clipped at least twice and he's <i>never</i> blanketed.<br />
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I turned onto my favorite road going towards my friend's farm and felt my spirits lift. As usual, my head was on a swivel taking in all the properties that I pass on the way. One is my old H/J lesson barn, and the others are private establishments, but all have pastures with horses in 'em so I like to check things out.<br />
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I was zipping past this one place when I suddenly caught sight of Something Different. This farm had been for sale for a long time, and it's really gorgeous: you can see the <a href="http://www.shawrealtors.com/images/hwy_dd1796.pdf">real estate listing</a> here (those of you on the East or West coasts feel free to laugh yourselves silly over the price.... I know what this place would run in your neck of the woods!). At any rate, the For Sale sign was missing and instead someone new clearly had moved in. Because guess what I thought I saw grazing???<br />
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One of these:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbeOl51ll-gG-C5SHml35833k7-44u7acYovfsrcH8utvYDVje2C-I-7K5cpRTYppfsrZO_dje1JLatDfAtjL7Wt6yPt3E3y5FNg1EyTDNhC6NBhetkZJE-WB6MpxQItXJ2AC_PsWiQ/s1600/ZORRO-the-Gypsy-Vanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbeOl51ll-gG-C5SHml35833k7-44u7acYovfsrcH8utvYDVje2C-I-7K5cpRTYppfsrZO_dje1JLatDfAtjL7Wt6yPt3E3y5FNg1EyTDNhC6NBhetkZJE-WB6MpxQItXJ2AC_PsWiQ/s320/ZORRO-the-Gypsy-Vanner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Well, okay, maybe the horse wasn't rainbow-colored but it sure as heck looked like a Gypsy Vanner. :-) I did not have time to stop and investigate, but planned to do so immediately upon leaving my friend's farm...<br />
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Sure enough, we found poor LiRoi sweating all over his shaggy and curly self. His leg hair gets so long he practically has feathers and the rest of him is not far behind. My friend broke out her two pairs of Oster A5 clippers and a half-dozen freshly-sharpened blades and we went to work. Oy! I should say <i>tried</i> to go to work... it was slow going. The damp, thick hair was not very cooperative. I managed to get his chest and between his front legs done but my arms got really tired and the clippers really hot. All we wanted to do was maybe a little trace clip; he's really not being ridden and we just wanted to give him a bit of relief as the weather is not supposed to cool down for another 10 days at least.<br />
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We gave up and threw a bareback pad on Leafy, and I climbed aboard for a little walking "trail ride" around friend's farm. She saddled up her other horse. I hoped that the dear boys would behave themselves as I'm not exactly in riding shape, and all I had was the leather loop on the front of the pad if things went south (it's a western-cinched Parelli bareback pad - no stirrups - actually very nice). Fortunately, the horses were fine and we had a nice little ride.<br />
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As soon as I left I made a beeline for the driveway of the suspected Vanner home. Sure enough, while LiRoi has fake feathers, these horses have real ones and they are indeed Gypsy horses!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcTfGHMg1GHNJjuTrAwF-W8fErNIVAAC04aycULdUQyx2SgTYWFqd-rtFG4Ebbilir2e2tYMIS7JGgLvVqtT0DTY1OKWJEYxox3oLKJ0jJIFTy_nenVvEwRV_ZVIEMqkTz1Wmm5s7ew/s1600/AllVanners.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcTfGHMg1GHNJjuTrAwF-W8fErNIVAAC04aycULdUQyx2SgTYWFqd-rtFG4Ebbilir2e2tYMIS7JGgLvVqtT0DTY1OKWJEYxox3oLKJ0jJIFTy_nenVvEwRV_ZVIEMqkTz1Wmm5s7ew/s320/AllVanners.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"> Pasture to right of driveway - mares and youngsters</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxfVes8W_8OSPQFjds6LAzEDWwGUq5vAoz7d8VK0wpqneocyc3Pp2kShqQ0NrRY5trfyKbPCqPouvP4A4Z-NsWk0SSXg4rxWvfuEAPTWG699BInc8iOze6ixSTeJneG-s3MD9Gl-EKBw/s1600/vanner3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxfVes8W_8OSPQFjds6LAzEDWwGUq5vAoz7d8VK0wpqneocyc3Pp2kShqQ0NrRY5trfyKbPCqPouvP4A4Z-NsWk0SSXg4rxWvfuEAPTWG699BInc8iOze6ixSTeJneG-s3MD9Gl-EKBw/s320/vanner3.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Well, hello little fuzzball. Can you even see where you're going?</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I've only ever seen one Gypsy horse before, so I was very intrigued. I know that the Brits are laughing all the way to the bank over the stupid Americans who think dime-a-dozen hairy cart horses are The Coolest Things Ever, and the fact that some of us are willing to pay astronomical prices for them, but I must admit, they <i>are</i> pretty neat.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdYmVH55aS8d90-Q0YLFANk1RkpFBlGlESBTNxMtb0WhdrVmtwlvFY5Hxa1Wa27OtMc03plxAoFqJSaL2lALcxSzmTcNxUYmTiPxfyQ-N1f6MxQ9MA7IIsQzKFl0dMduSH7qJsDYMIAA/s1600/vanner5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdYmVH55aS8d90-Q0YLFANk1RkpFBlGlESBTNxMtb0WhdrVmtwlvFY5Hxa1Wa27OtMc03plxAoFqJSaL2lALcxSzmTcNxUYmTiPxfyQ-N1f6MxQ9MA7IIsQzKFl0dMduSH7qJsDYMIAA/s320/vanner5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
There was another bunch of horses in the left-hand pasture:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5boiqkucuSlFJMKNtEuQMd-tx1FUxdAHxheJm8vwqpQ6Vv975ltnB2djfLYQ0FKakWvxYbFCFKVNx9TsdeUhTknua_qcxthHmt3cgbnuoe502aCHR6_qNwYrbslcBojmRUizpW_rSg/s1600/vanner4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5boiqkucuSlFJMKNtEuQMd-tx1FUxdAHxheJm8vwqpQ6Vv975ltnB2djfLYQ0FKakWvxYbFCFKVNx9TsdeUhTknua_qcxthHmt3cgbnuoe502aCHR6_qNwYrbslcBojmRUizpW_rSg/s320/vanner4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
All told, I counted 18 horses, a pretty sizeable herd. I hope that the owners know what they're doing and aren't planning to make a million bucks riding the new trend. I was curious to see some prices so found <a href="http://www.equinenow.com/gypsyvannermissouri.htm">this page</a> on Equine Now:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCI-6sn1fmMM1rEAug0nFvJvXEYzR90pOW5nwM5ranfdqHNOq2t_-zAwJhd_3LiFUPlA7cRoO9FVR5tRETjHqncxq9lO3VHIgvz7MPf-E-rCkJuXhLHB59d0na5xgzB54pZ5VJyrCLQ/s1600/MOVannner.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCI-6sn1fmMM1rEAug0nFvJvXEYzR90pOW5nwM5ranfdqHNOq2t_-zAwJhd_3LiFUPlA7cRoO9FVR5tRETjHqncxq9lO3VHIgvz7MPf-E-rCkJuXhLHB59d0na5xgzB54pZ5VJyrCLQ/s400/MOVannner.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
None of these are from this farm as the city is wrong, but yep, they're definitely up there compared to what, say, AQHA babies sell for around here (not much). Like I said, I hope the farm does well and I don't see a herd sell-off some day. Regardless, it was a lot of fun to see these horses!RiderWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05679157278313699794noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703454697604324515.post-22595972214220810672012-11-28T17:48:00.005-06:002012-11-30T08:55:14.453-06:00These Boots Were NOT Made for Ridin'Note: In case anyone is waiting with bated breath, yes, I'm going to continue the "Better Barns" story very soon. I just felt the need to write this post first!<br />
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I'm sure it has not escaped your attention that "equestrian style" is a very prominent fashion trend right now. Ralph Lauren has always catered to the horsey set, and puts out lovely equestrian-ish garments and accessories all the time, so that company must really be laughing all the way to the bank this winter. I have a gorgeous RL blouse in a print with fairly authentic bridle pieces and bits all over it that I got a few years ago so it will be seeing a lot of action.<br />
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The biggest trend seems to be "riding boots." Everyone from Payless<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiUX7_yFCgtcC0mspevPYJzmEi4Ibu7GD31EmnJ-Pm7VxXd_tI3SOhtnTpUgRTEtAhRLeOoHwp1AruO7dfqhq-saAyDEDN5GHHsWteI0nikkHgGuTcXg0x0LTRHH4YZFRenThaGH9IvA/s1600/payless+boots+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiUX7_yFCgtcC0mspevPYJzmEi4Ibu7GD31EmnJ-Pm7VxXd_tI3SOhtnTpUgRTEtAhRLeOoHwp1AruO7dfqhq-saAyDEDN5GHHsWteI0nikkHgGuTcXg0x0LTRHH4YZFRenThaGH9IvA/s320/payless+boots+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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to Macy's<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDByauNw167mJFXoVUthyb8vWAEahGUVTeMn4ymvdUFNgoujW40__olJbZmKogitiYCa3T0ll1eX_6UCLOrS4GsQDORPu9MXEQAoC65_N8SHJkU8TLMtn33m83TQAXjNDzgknPjYw4JA/s1600/macy's+boots+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDByauNw167mJFXoVUthyb8vWAEahGUVTeMn4ymvdUFNgoujW40__olJbZmKogitiYCa3T0ll1eX_6UCLOrS4GsQDORPu9MXEQAoC65_N8SHJkU8TLMtn33m83TQAXjNDzgknPjYw4JA/s640/macy's+boots+.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
has tons of these in stock, and I'm seeing them being worn a lot, too.<br />
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You could spend $375 on these:<br />
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$100 on this pair,</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFk_zTTN_X1wq41vG698hJ_E0MFGn8TtK890gJkAj_yJJ2V8DNWhgBQSB4uEEVUhGEE6uD_wNSk9S6cus0IAEFknqrnvJt7-YDZxoSzPEJlkg7z-OgHsFs13Cgot9ZoXDQ8rgklRvsw/s1600/dsw+boots.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFk_zTTN_X1wq41vG698hJ_E0MFGn8TtK890gJkAj_yJJ2V8DNWhgBQSB4uEEVUhGEE6uD_wNSk9S6cus0IAEFknqrnvJt7-YDZxoSzPEJlkg7z-OgHsFs13Cgot9ZoXDQ8rgklRvsw/s320/dsw+boots.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">I really, really liked these but the foot wasn't that comfy and they didn't have my size in stock at DSW.</span></i></td></tr>
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<i>lots</i> more on another designer brand (my online favorites were Pradas @ $850, hah), or about $50 on the ones from Payless.</div>
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Some of these boots look a lot like the "real deal," and some are only semi-related to actual boots you could use to ride a horse. Regardless, I am finding it increasingly funny to see women who wouldn't know a horse from the back end of a bus walking around looking (kind of) like they just came from the barn. Is it horribly snobby of me to say I think they should be reserved only for people who actually know how to ride? ;-) How can I tell? Horsey sixth-sense, I guess...<br />
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Of course I'm just kidding, but the people I actually know who I've seen wearing these at the office are definitely NOT horsewomen.<br />
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At any rate, I decided that I would be the first real horsewoman I know to sport this style of boot. So I went to the closet and got out my ca. 1978 tall boots, put them on with tights and a miniskirt, and sashayed out the door.<br />
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Again, I'm just kidding! My boots still fit and I <i>could</i> wear them, but all the black coating is worn off the insides of the calves, the ankles are thoroughly broken down, and they probably have manure embedded in the treads that will never come out. Not really the fashion trend you want. No, it was time to brave the crowds at the mall and try to find some <i>real</i> fake riding boots. My mom offered to buy them for my birthday present so the hunt was on.<br />
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I knew this was going to be a difficult task, for one simple reason: my calves are about half the size of the average American woman's. 98% of boots flop around on my legs when I walk, even with pants tucked in, and would look especially ridiculous with the tights/short skirt look. I think this is extremely unfair. Everybody makes Wide Calf boots - what about us poor chicken-legged gals? Accordingly, I hit the Internet and tried to figure out which styles might work for me. This was also dependent on the boots a) not costing more than $150 and b) them having my size. And, for the icing on the cake, if my narrow calves aren't bad enough, I have narrow feet to go with them, so most shoes and boots flop around for that reason, too!<br />
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Would you believe I actually found some that worked? Yeah, me, neither. I got these, but in black (can't find a non-.gif photo to share):<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yes, that's a mix of leather (although they're actually "pleather") and fabric on these. Kind of reminds me of the old Newmarket boots some people still wear for hunting, with the canvas uppers.</span></i></td></tr>
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I like them because they are definitely riding boot-themed, but not exact replicas (frankly, since I'm not riding right now, those would make me sad :-(). The buckles at the top are *gasp* functional, so I tightened them up and voila, very little flopping. They have extremely narrow ankles, too. The fact that these fit me pretty well probably has something to do with them being marked down 50% at Macy's - nobody else wants them! ($75, a deal) Hurray, their loss is my gain. Chicken-legs of the world unite! For the record, these are Aigner Celinas, in case any of my dear readers also sport unusually small calves (more to like - I've always favored the horseshoe Aigner logo and have had their accessories before).</div>
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To wrap this up, I'll share with you two items from the current Ralph Lauren collection. If I ever see one of these things actually being used, I think I will have to smack the owner for sheer stupidity. I mean, REALLY, who blows that kind of money on a dog leash??? I love my dog but that's just nuts!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wRG6UEKTu_ciK20pFR5vE0WSBfeVNKAAp1b8hOD_fc5Kw1QhXT4447X_8ATDFcgwhpWigznxBkCIGl67uPgnZlh33UtYX8oAMFkG-B0nicqdETVXa7Pbjw_cmBIouH1EB6zv6NsNog/s1600/RL+Leash.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wRG6UEKTu_ciK20pFR5vE0WSBfeVNKAAp1b8hOD_fc5Kw1QhXT4447X_8ATDFcgwhpWigznxBkCIGl67uPgnZlh33UtYX8oAMFkG-B0nicqdETVXa7Pbjw_cmBIouH1EB6zv6NsNog/s320/RL+Leash.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dog Leash: <b>$495</b></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFr-_Dpr3IHl6yNZnb7OVQeLdy8g-YQ75VssoiFnmKcBCis96GxRq7RsUO5LtJBVxx_OSdVNUcfWZD5_Nx2YTTqDDq_QAa99mIozm-hO-NvtecyCyQn1VG3wWTnmxN293BK3PHLzLNxg/s1600/RL+purse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFr-_Dpr3IHl6yNZnb7OVQeLdy8g-YQ75VssoiFnmKcBCis96GxRq7RsUO5LtJBVxx_OSdVNUcfWZD5_Nx2YTTqDDq_QAa99mIozm-hO-NvtecyCyQn1VG3wWTnmxN293BK3PHLzLNxg/s320/RL+purse.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Purse: <b>$1500 </b>(Cool stirrup, but I'd rather have Bow-Balances on my saddle if I'm spending a lot on stirrups!)</i></td></tr>
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RiderWriterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05679157278313699794noreply@blogger.com0