Last week we had yet another wonderful lesson. Miss Satin was in perfect hunter pony mode, which helps make for a great lesson. I had taken her on a trail ride the day before and getting a good run out of her system calms her down for the lesson.
She was a bit lazy at the trot to start, but after a few minutes she got into a good pace. Renee has me a do a lot of two point at both the trot and canter. She is on a mission to give me legs of steel. We also did some work on the walk, since at the show she did more of a prance than a walk in the flat class. Of course, because we were at home, which is much less exciting, she didn't do the prancing. We worked on some things to help anyway, like a change in seat position and the proper way to adjust the reins.
We started jumping with our usual green vertical warm up jump, which we did at the trot a few times. Renee wanted the focus of this lesson, other than two point, to be release. At the show I rode with basically no release, which Renee said was most likely due to nerves, so she decided to work on lots of release. After a few practice jumps, I had the release right where she wanted it and for the right amount of time.
Then we started working on some hunter courses. The first course started with this bending line that had been a problem for me in the past. Usually the problem is because the mare and I both have this weird thing about the second jump in the line so she sometimes stops. That wasn't the problem this time though. In our lesson in the indoor the week before we had a bending line as well and I had a hard time getting her over the second jump. Several times she cut out and if I went to the jump on its own she was fine, but for some reason I could not make the line work. I never had a problem with bending lines before, but apparently my bad luck in the indoor had carried over.
The same thing happened with this bending line. She cut out at the second jump, but when I went to it again on its own she went right over. It obviously was a mistake I was making, and we found out it was in my focus and sometimes my hands. At first I was moving the right hand too much, then I had my hands nice and still, but my focus wasn't steady enough. In the second course we did, the bending line was the last line of the course. We had the same issue our first time doing this course, but on the second time through the course I made a declaration to Renee that this was going to be the best and steadiest focus she had ever seen. Sure, enough when we came down to that final bending line she cantered right through it perfectly, without even a second thought! I was quite happy with myself as was Renee.
The rest of the courses went very nicely. She jumped everything gamely and at a nice calm and steady pace. After we had that perfect bending line, we did a third course and this time Renee made it a short course. We hadn't practice many of those and I think after my victory with the bending line, she figured that was a good point to end on with that line, so left it out of the short course. We had one or two long spots on this course and one line that was a bit quicker and ramblier which caused us to take a rail. I collected her up and our final attempt resulted in a just about perfect course, so Renee decided that was a good point to call it quits. I was quite happy with us both, as was Renee, so it was a quite a successful lesson.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Monday, March 5, 2012
Our "Big" English Debut
Well, big is a bit of an exaggeration. It was big for us in terms of it being our first English outing, but size wise the show was just the opposite.
Yesterday Satin and I attended what I knew would be a small schooling hunter jumper show at a local farm. I chose this because I figured it would the perfect situation / environment for our first time jumping off the property. I expected it would be quiet, not a lot of people, and low stress. I also wanted to get Satin jumping somewhere other than home or my trainer's farm before the hectic atmosphere of our local schooling series. I also figured she could get some energy out here, as she tends to be a bit hyper at the first show of the season.
I was right about all of these things. I did not predict just how low the numbers would actually be. Our partners in crime, Kayla and her horse Smokey, came to the show with us. They intended to compete in the Baby Green Hunters as well. According to the pre-entries posted the day before, there was to be 4 in the division including us. Perfect. Just what I was looking for. Well, one scratched and one didn't show up so it ended up being just the two of us. This was just fine with me though because it made it even quieter for us and gave us all the time in the world to school.
Both horses were a bit snorty, but their usual quiet reliable selves. Two of Kayla's school friends came along, as well as, my friend Rob and of course Daryl, the ultimate pony chauffeur / show assistant. This kept things light and fun. Achieving the big girl trot was no problem as I knew it wouldn't be. She trotted right out from the beginning. Her canter was perfect and she was overall her usual self.
The jumps were a bit scarier than your typical hunter jumps. They were all colorful for one, which was no big deal. One oxer had a dead Christmas tree underneath, another was narrow with trees tied to the standards, and another had the "liver pool" (which was really a blue tarp) under it from the jumpers. The liver pool was taken out at my request before the actual class started, but we did school over it anyway. She stopped at it the first time, mostly from my hesitation, but popped right over the second time. She stopped at both tree oxers on the first approach, most likely a combo of her and me, but popped right over both the second try and each consecutive attempt. I must say she was quite adorable on the first approach to the oxer with the tree beneath it. It was the second jump in a line that started with just a plain vertical. She jumped the vertical no problem and cantered on down to the oxer. Then she got sight of the tree and had "What the hell is that moment?" stopping dead in her tracks and giving it a good once over. But, she very gamely jumped on the second try without another thought. She is a very brave mare for the most part, luckily.
Anyway, we schooled over all the jumps a few times, until we were both comfortable and then the classes began. Overall, I was quite happy with her performance, especially for her first time jumping off property. She went over everything in the courses without hesitation. She did get a bit quick in some of the lines and we cut some corners in areas of the ring we should have used more of because of it. She also had a few long spots, but all in all she was a very good girl. Some of these issues could have been fixed with some better riding on my part, which I learned upon viewing the video and discussing it with my trainer. I brought back some of my old bad habits, such as not using enough hip angle or release, which Renee says is normal when people get nervous.
The other thing we need to work on is our entrance into the ring. As we entered for all three courses I attempted to start in a trot and pick up the canter as we had practiced with Renee. Satin had other ideas. She reverted to barrel horse and immediately took off upon entering the ring. I tried to pull up and start the canter over, but she was a bit too head strong. I was, however, able to bring the pace back a notch or two before we got to the first jump, luckily. When watching the tape with Renee, she said the hip angle issue we had already discussed would help with this, as would really riding her before I even entered the ring instead of waiting until we were already in to organize and prepare her.
As far as the flat goes, she was very good. Her trot was nice and her canter perfect. I could have had her a little rounder at the trot, or at least more consistently round, as she got distracted in certain parts of the ring and would spring her head up. We also had a difficult time with the walk. Difficult, as in, she preferred to jog. She often does this at home too. When I have her on a loose rein she will walk easily, but if I pick up the reins and begin to collect them and ask her to go on the bit, she anticipates being asked to trot or canter. This anticipation leads to her beginning to prance or jog. This is exactly what happened in the class, often during the walking portion she would break into a jog and I would have to bring her back. This also make her walk a bit stilted and short, when she is actually walking. Renee said she would work with us on this in the next lesson, as we had discussed it before but never addressed it.
Smokey is a more experienced hunter horse and has shown over fences before, as has Kayla. He was calm, cool, and consistent through all of the classes so it was no surprise that he brought home the blue ribbons. Satin and I can still say we were Reserve our first show though! LOL!
All in all, it was a successful day and we got what we wanted to get out of the experience. The jumps at our usual schooling series are all plain natural gates and poles, so if she could jump these scarier jumps, the other show will be no problem. I was very happy with her on her first outing as a hunter pony. Renee was very happy with both of us and now we have some things to work on for next time.
Kayla and I with our ribbons.
Yesterday Satin and I attended what I knew would be a small schooling hunter jumper show at a local farm. I chose this because I figured it would the perfect situation / environment for our first time jumping off the property. I expected it would be quiet, not a lot of people, and low stress. I also wanted to get Satin jumping somewhere other than home or my trainer's farm before the hectic atmosphere of our local schooling series. I also figured she could get some energy out here, as she tends to be a bit hyper at the first show of the season.
I was right about all of these things. I did not predict just how low the numbers would actually be. Our partners in crime, Kayla and her horse Smokey, came to the show with us. They intended to compete in the Baby Green Hunters as well. According to the pre-entries posted the day before, there was to be 4 in the division including us. Perfect. Just what I was looking for. Well, one scratched and one didn't show up so it ended up being just the two of us. This was just fine with me though because it made it even quieter for us and gave us all the time in the world to school.
Both horses were a bit snorty, but their usual quiet reliable selves. Two of Kayla's school friends came along, as well as, my friend Rob and of course Daryl, the ultimate pony chauffeur / show assistant. This kept things light and fun. Achieving the big girl trot was no problem as I knew it wouldn't be. She trotted right out from the beginning. Her canter was perfect and she was overall her usual self.
The jumps were a bit scarier than your typical hunter jumps. They were all colorful for one, which was no big deal. One oxer had a dead Christmas tree underneath, another was narrow with trees tied to the standards, and another had the "liver pool" (which was really a blue tarp) under it from the jumpers. The liver pool was taken out at my request before the actual class started, but we did school over it anyway. She stopped at it the first time, mostly from my hesitation, but popped right over the second time. She stopped at both tree oxers on the first approach, most likely a combo of her and me, but popped right over both the second try and each consecutive attempt. I must say she was quite adorable on the first approach to the oxer with the tree beneath it. It was the second jump in a line that started with just a plain vertical. She jumped the vertical no problem and cantered on down to the oxer. Then she got sight of the tree and had "What the hell is that moment?" stopping dead in her tracks and giving it a good once over. But, she very gamely jumped on the second try without another thought. She is a very brave mare for the most part, luckily.
Anyway, we schooled over all the jumps a few times, until we were both comfortable and then the classes began. Overall, I was quite happy with her performance, especially for her first time jumping off property. She went over everything in the courses without hesitation. She did get a bit quick in some of the lines and we cut some corners in areas of the ring we should have used more of because of it. She also had a few long spots, but all in all she was a very good girl. Some of these issues could have been fixed with some better riding on my part, which I learned upon viewing the video and discussing it with my trainer. I brought back some of my old bad habits, such as not using enough hip angle or release, which Renee says is normal when people get nervous.
The other thing we need to work on is our entrance into the ring. As we entered for all three courses I attempted to start in a trot and pick up the canter as we had practiced with Renee. Satin had other ideas. She reverted to barrel horse and immediately took off upon entering the ring. I tried to pull up and start the canter over, but she was a bit too head strong. I was, however, able to bring the pace back a notch or two before we got to the first jump, luckily. When watching the tape with Renee, she said the hip angle issue we had already discussed would help with this, as would really riding her before I even entered the ring instead of waiting until we were already in to organize and prepare her.
As far as the flat goes, she was very good. Her trot was nice and her canter perfect. I could have had her a little rounder at the trot, or at least more consistently round, as she got distracted in certain parts of the ring and would spring her head up. We also had a difficult time with the walk. Difficult, as in, she preferred to jog. She often does this at home too. When I have her on a loose rein she will walk easily, but if I pick up the reins and begin to collect them and ask her to go on the bit, she anticipates being asked to trot or canter. This anticipation leads to her beginning to prance or jog. This is exactly what happened in the class, often during the walking portion she would break into a jog and I would have to bring her back. This also make her walk a bit stilted and short, when she is actually walking. Renee said she would work with us on this in the next lesson, as we had discussed it before but never addressed it.
Smokey is a more experienced hunter horse and has shown over fences before, as has Kayla. He was calm, cool, and consistent through all of the classes so it was no surprise that he brought home the blue ribbons. Satin and I can still say we were Reserve our first show though! LOL!
All in all, it was a successful day and we got what we wanted to get out of the experience. The jumps at our usual schooling series are all plain natural gates and poles, so if she could jump these scarier jumps, the other show will be no problem. I was very happy with her on her first outing as a hunter pony. Renee was very happy with both of us and now we have some things to work on for next time.
Kayla and I with our ribbons.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Party of the Year aka SPHO Banquet
This past Sunday, was the banquet I look forward to the most every year, the SPHO-NJ year end awards banquet. As you all know, I am the proud owner of a Quarter Horse, but have become a very active member of the Standardbred community, especially the SPHO-NJ. It started through friends that owned Standardbreds that I spent a lot of time showing with and now has spread to showing some very nice Standardbreds myself. Along the way I have had the opportunity to show friends Standardbreds, such as Valiant Legacy and Don Dinero, and this year I was lucky enough to show the ever wonderful JB, whose rock star capabilities are often written about on this blog.
Anyway, the Standarbred community has always been very kind and welcoming to me and they know how to throw one hell of a party. At this event, you not only see people who ride Standardbreds, but you also see many very well known and highly respected members of the harness racing community, such as Bill Weaver, an owner who attends this event every year and donates quite a lot of money. Jeff Gregory, well known driver, and husband of my friend Helene, assists with MC-ing the event. Many trainers, owners, and drivers also attend such as Julie and Andy Miller, Lou Pena, Tony Alagna, Donna and Jim Marshall, George Brennan, Steve Smith, Dan Dube, and many more. It is great to see such support from the harness racing community at this event.
The main focus of the evening is the year end awards earned by hard working Standardbreds and their owners / riders. Riders came from as far as Maine and Kentucky to accept their awards and celebrate their achievements. This was the first year out of the four or five years I have been attending this banquet that I was going home with an award, and several at that. JB and I had received the award that had been our focus all year: Grand Champion in Model for both the state and national awards! We also received some thirds, fourths, and fifths in the various riding divisions.
The SPHO-NJ gives out gorgeous and very different awards. Instead of a wooden or plastic trophy like most associations give, they give gorgeous, big year end ribbons and very creative trophies. My friend Rob, who chooses most of the awards also tries hard to make the trophies different each year, beautiful, creative, and personalized when possible. For instance, for my year end trophy for the State Grand Champion in Model I received a gorgeous plate in my favorite color.
This is Jeff Gregory and I with my plate for Grand Champion in Model for NJ, as well as, our fifth place ribbon for Showmanship.
JB also proved himself in his many endeavors with Helene. He was Grand Champion is just about every division in which they competed this year and was Horse of the Year for both State and National.
I have to take a moment to thank Helene for lending me the extremely talented JB for the show season and giving me the opportunity to participate more fully in this wonderful organization. She has given me basically free rein with him, as far as his western training, given up days she could have been riding him so I could practice western with him. She also ships him all over for us both to show and is very encouraging and helpful in my goals for him as a western horse and he has proven himself every time.
Anyway, back to the banquet. Besides, the awards, the event also includes a Chinese auction, 50/50, and live auction items. I assisted with selling the 50/50 just as I do every year, which brought in a nice amount of money. The winners, who own the famous race horse Hands Off My Cookie, were kind enough to donate the money back to the club. The Chinese auction always includes fabulous prizes, such as lessons, gift certificates, baskets full of supplies, and much more. I won a basket full of very useful veterinary supplies, such as electrolytes, wormers, arnica cream, vet wrap, and much more.
This year the live auction was expanded beyond previous years. It included a beautiful canvas print done by Vicki Wright, a favorite photographer among NJ Standardbred people. She is very talented and has done work for me, as well as, becoming a friend and go to source for photography questions. Two beautiful framed photos taken by Vicki were auctioned, as well. Two veterinary gift certificates, one for the famous Patty Hogan, and one for Barry Danvers, were included in the auction, as well. Two new items this year were a harness donated by Finn Tack and a race bike donated by Brodeur. All of these items brought the club several thousand dollars!
Helene pulling me around in the race bike as it was being auctioned off
After the awards, Chinese auction, and live auctions comes the dancing! This is the favorite part of just about everyone in attendance. Attendees of all ages hit the dance floor and party like rock stars! It always promises to be a good time and everyone goes home with sore feet from hours spent on the dance floor. Everyone enjoys themselves, has a great time, and gets to drink, dance, dress up, and celebrate with each other outside of the barn (which doesn't happen very often LOL).
This year they added a red carpet to the event, which made it even more special. They also had a back drop with their logo, just like the awards shows do.
Rob and I posing on the red carpet
Many people commented to me and I agree that this year's banquet was the best yet. The SPHO-NJ has out done themselves yet again! It was a fabulous event, with beautiful trophies to recognize the hard work and accomplishments of all the riders. It included something for everyone, and raised funds for the club. There is not one person that did not have a great time and enjoy an evening of celebration, dancing, and smiles. I can't wait until next year!
Anyway, the Standarbred community has always been very kind and welcoming to me and they know how to throw one hell of a party. At this event, you not only see people who ride Standardbreds, but you also see many very well known and highly respected members of the harness racing community, such as Bill Weaver, an owner who attends this event every year and donates quite a lot of money. Jeff Gregory, well known driver, and husband of my friend Helene, assists with MC-ing the event. Many trainers, owners, and drivers also attend such as Julie and Andy Miller, Lou Pena, Tony Alagna, Donna and Jim Marshall, George Brennan, Steve Smith, Dan Dube, and many more. It is great to see such support from the harness racing community at this event.
The main focus of the evening is the year end awards earned by hard working Standardbreds and their owners / riders. Riders came from as far as Maine and Kentucky to accept their awards and celebrate their achievements. This was the first year out of the four or five years I have been attending this banquet that I was going home with an award, and several at that. JB and I had received the award that had been our focus all year: Grand Champion in Model for both the state and national awards! We also received some thirds, fourths, and fifths in the various riding divisions.
The SPHO-NJ gives out gorgeous and very different awards. Instead of a wooden or plastic trophy like most associations give, they give gorgeous, big year end ribbons and very creative trophies. My friend Rob, who chooses most of the awards also tries hard to make the trophies different each year, beautiful, creative, and personalized when possible. For instance, for my year end trophy for the State Grand Champion in Model I received a gorgeous plate in my favorite color.
This is Jeff Gregory and I with my plate for Grand Champion in Model for NJ, as well as, our fifth place ribbon for Showmanship.
JB also proved himself in his many endeavors with Helene. He was Grand Champion is just about every division in which they competed this year and was Horse of the Year for both State and National.
I have to take a moment to thank Helene for lending me the extremely talented JB for the show season and giving me the opportunity to participate more fully in this wonderful organization. She has given me basically free rein with him, as far as his western training, given up days she could have been riding him so I could practice western with him. She also ships him all over for us both to show and is very encouraging and helpful in my goals for him as a western horse and he has proven himself every time.
Anyway, back to the banquet. Besides, the awards, the event also includes a Chinese auction, 50/50, and live auction items. I assisted with selling the 50/50 just as I do every year, which brought in a nice amount of money. The winners, who own the famous race horse Hands Off My Cookie, were kind enough to donate the money back to the club. The Chinese auction always includes fabulous prizes, such as lessons, gift certificates, baskets full of supplies, and much more. I won a basket full of very useful veterinary supplies, such as electrolytes, wormers, arnica cream, vet wrap, and much more.
This year the live auction was expanded beyond previous years. It included a beautiful canvas print done by Vicki Wright, a favorite photographer among NJ Standardbred people. She is very talented and has done work for me, as well as, becoming a friend and go to source for photography questions. Two beautiful framed photos taken by Vicki were auctioned, as well. Two veterinary gift certificates, one for the famous Patty Hogan, and one for Barry Danvers, were included in the auction, as well. Two new items this year were a harness donated by Finn Tack and a race bike donated by Brodeur. All of these items brought the club several thousand dollars!
Helene pulling me around in the race bike as it was being auctioned off
After the awards, Chinese auction, and live auctions comes the dancing! This is the favorite part of just about everyone in attendance. Attendees of all ages hit the dance floor and party like rock stars! It always promises to be a good time and everyone goes home with sore feet from hours spent on the dance floor. Everyone enjoys themselves, has a great time, and gets to drink, dance, dress up, and celebrate with each other outside of the barn (which doesn't happen very often LOL).
This year they added a red carpet to the event, which made it even more special. They also had a back drop with their logo, just like the awards shows do.
Rob and I posing on the red carpet
Many people commented to me and I agree that this year's banquet was the best yet. The SPHO-NJ has out done themselves yet again! It was a fabulous event, with beautiful trophies to recognize the hard work and accomplishments of all the riders. It included something for everyone, and raised funds for the club. There is not one person that did not have a great time and enjoy an evening of celebration, dancing, and smiles. I can't wait until next year!
Racehorse Training at its Finest
Helene and I have started on yet another new project with Standardbreds. We began taking her racehorse CC Mister C (aka CC) out on training trail rides. Helene rode him one time at home and the very next day we took him out to the Assunpink with miles of trails, large fields, and hills for what some consider to be a bit of an unconventional training method for a harness racer. Riding racehorses is very popular in Europe, especially Sweden, and is growing in popularity in the U.S. as well. It switches it up for them and gives them a break and some variety.
CC was a total champ the first time we went out. Helene rode CC and I rode JB. CC acted like a seasoned trail horse. He was very brave and willing. We trotted a few miles through the cross country fields and up and down the hills. We all got our workout in! It helps CC, builds muscle for me, and gives JB lots of extended trot practice. He has been doing the most gorgeous extended trot, flicking out his feet and everything. Well, I should say it feels gorgeous to me and Helene confirms it is since she can see it LOL. We also went to the lake, which JB loves. He wades like in a hippo and splashes us all. CC was a bit skeptical at first, but after a few minutes followed JB in and stood quietly as JB splashed him over and over. This is the reason people own Standardbreds! You could never take your still on the track or just off the track Thoroughbred out on trail and have them be perfect on the first time.
He raced two weeks ago shortly after our first trail outing and came home a winner! After that Helene's husband, Jeff, a well known catch driver, who of course drives CC, jumped on board and encouraged the riding to continue. We went twice last week, increase our trotting time, which gives the boys quite a work out and has been great for me too. It helps me build my legs with all the miles of posting and two point, which is something Renee and I have been working on. I even rode JB English for one of the rides to build me up even further.
We rode the boys in the Assunpink today, but CC races tomorrow so we kept it to a leisurely walk, with just a short spurt of trotting up one hill, when JB decided it was necessary to stretch a bit. Fingers crossed CC brings home another win tomorrow! He is up a class and coming from the 7 hole, but Helene and I still have faith!
CC was a total champ the first time we went out. Helene rode CC and I rode JB. CC acted like a seasoned trail horse. He was very brave and willing. We trotted a few miles through the cross country fields and up and down the hills. We all got our workout in! It helps CC, builds muscle for me, and gives JB lots of extended trot practice. He has been doing the most gorgeous extended trot, flicking out his feet and everything. Well, I should say it feels gorgeous to me and Helene confirms it is since she can see it LOL. We also went to the lake, which JB loves. He wades like in a hippo and splashes us all. CC was a bit skeptical at first, but after a few minutes followed JB in and stood quietly as JB splashed him over and over. This is the reason people own Standardbreds! You could never take your still on the track or just off the track Thoroughbred out on trail and have them be perfect on the first time.
He raced two weeks ago shortly after our first trail outing and came home a winner! After that Helene's husband, Jeff, a well known catch driver, who of course drives CC, jumped on board and encouraged the riding to continue. We went twice last week, increase our trotting time, which gives the boys quite a work out and has been great for me too. It helps me build my legs with all the miles of posting and two point, which is something Renee and I have been working on. I even rode JB English for one of the rides to build me up even further.
We rode the boys in the Assunpink today, but CC races tomorrow so we kept it to a leisurely walk, with just a short spurt of trotting up one hill, when JB decided it was necessary to stretch a bit. Fingers crossed CC brings home another win tomorrow! He is up a class and coming from the 7 hole, but Helene and I still have faith!
Rock Starrrrrrrr!!
JB proves himself to be a rock star, yet again! We got back to western work a week or two ago, after a few weeks off from it. We used the shank bit once again and he proved his limitless talents.
He started off jogging like we just had worked on it yesterday. He kept the perfect pace, perfect headset, and all. Last time we had practice I had started working on riding with one hand. He is fine with the neck reining, keeping the pace and headset while using one hand was what needed work. In our last sessions he had done well, but I had only done short spurts of jogging with the one hand and not holding the reins the proper way to make it easier to go back to 2 hands if necessary. He had done very well with that and we also did a lot of neck reining work at the walk.
Now back to our last session. I decided to try some more one hand work since his jog was so nice. I again started with shorter spurts and not holding the reins properly, in case I had to switch back to two. He did so well I decided to try going longer and hold the reins the way I would in a horse show.
Well once again JB proved himself and had me smiling in disbelief at what appears to be limitless natural ability. He jogged several times around the ring, one handed, loop in the rein, keeping a beautiful jog, and perfect head set. The one or two times he sped up I corrected him and he came right back, responding perfectly.
This is when Helene said, "Show me some turns and circles." Well, there is nothing I like more than a challenge. JB accepted that challenge effortlessly. We did several turns, serpentines, figure eights, and circles. He neck reined like a champ and again held a perfect pace and headset throughout.
We plan to have another western session this week, so I look forward to another rock star moment from the handsomest Standardbred in town, who never ceases to amaze me or put a smile on my face. I look forward to next show season more and more each ride!
He started off jogging like we just had worked on it yesterday. He kept the perfect pace, perfect headset, and all. Last time we had practice I had started working on riding with one hand. He is fine with the neck reining, keeping the pace and headset while using one hand was what needed work. In our last sessions he had done well, but I had only done short spurts of jogging with the one hand and not holding the reins the proper way to make it easier to go back to 2 hands if necessary. He had done very well with that and we also did a lot of neck reining work at the walk.
Now back to our last session. I decided to try some more one hand work since his jog was so nice. I again started with shorter spurts and not holding the reins properly, in case I had to switch back to two. He did so well I decided to try going longer and hold the reins the way I would in a horse show.
Well once again JB proved himself and had me smiling in disbelief at what appears to be limitless natural ability. He jogged several times around the ring, one handed, loop in the rein, keeping a beautiful jog, and perfect head set. The one or two times he sped up I corrected him and he came right back, responding perfectly.
This is when Helene said, "Show me some turns and circles." Well, there is nothing I like more than a challenge. JB accepted that challenge effortlessly. We did several turns, serpentines, figure eights, and circles. He neck reined like a champ and again held a perfect pace and headset throughout.
We plan to have another western session this week, so I look forward to another rock star moment from the handsomest Standardbred in town, who never ceases to amaze me or put a smile on my face. I look forward to next show season more and more each ride!
Lessons like these....
Lessons like this week are the reason I love my mare and give me hope for show season. We got to ride outside as it was another unseasonably warm 60 degree February day. We did a lot of work on her trot, which has been coming along quite nicely. We have the pace up to a good spot, now working on getting her to round up at that pace without slowing down.
We did a few trot jumps to warm up, then Renee had us play horse show and exit the ring, re-enter, and do a course. The first course went pretty nicely, with just one of two slightly tight jumps. Then we did a second course that had an extra line in it, as well as, a broken line. This course went pretty well, but not as nice as the first course. She had 2 really big / long jumps and got quick in a few spots.
For the third course, we repeated our first course and she did it even more beautifully than the first time. Then we repeated the second course where we had two chips from tight distances due to her getting a bit speedy and a 2 stride break during a long canter to a single diagonal from me trying to slow her too much. Overall, Renee and I were both happy with the course, those simple mistakes aside.
Overall, I was very happy with both my mare and myself, for that matter. She was very brave over all the fences, had a lot of really nice jumps, and kept a good pace for the most part. Renee was quite pleased with both of us as well. Lessons like these remind me why I call Satin the wondermare and give me hope for us in the hunter ring this season!
We did a few trot jumps to warm up, then Renee had us play horse show and exit the ring, re-enter, and do a course. The first course went pretty nicely, with just one of two slightly tight jumps. Then we did a second course that had an extra line in it, as well as, a broken line. This course went pretty well, but not as nice as the first course. She had 2 really big / long jumps and got quick in a few spots.
For the third course, we repeated our first course and she did it even more beautifully than the first time. Then we repeated the second course where we had two chips from tight distances due to her getting a bit speedy and a 2 stride break during a long canter to a single diagonal from me trying to slow her too much. Overall, Renee and I were both happy with the course, those simple mistakes aside.
Overall, I was very happy with both my mare and myself, for that matter. She was very brave over all the fences, had a lot of really nice jumps, and kept a good pace for the most part. Renee was quite pleased with both of us as well. Lessons like these remind me why I call Satin the wondermare and give me hope for us in the hunter ring this season!
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Watermarking Program
When I do product recommendations here, I usually just focus on equine products. I am changing it up and doing it for a photography related service. It is a program called Batch Photo Watermarker. You can load as many photos into the program as you want. You can customize your trademark or copyright and position it appropriately. After that all you have to do is hit save and it applies it to all of the selected photos. This is great for me as a photographer with a Facebook page, as well as, a website.
I am doing this for two reasons:
1. I like the program. It is easy to use efficient and a time saver.
2. If you link this program to your blog or website they give you a free registration code :)
So here is the link (Photo Watermarking Software), fellow photographers be sure to check it out!
I am doing this for two reasons:
1. I like the program. It is easy to use efficient and a time saver.
2. If you link this program to your blog or website they give you a free registration code :)
So here is the link (Photo Watermarking Software), fellow photographers be sure to check it out!
Satin Update
My super senior has been fabulous as usual. In last week's lesson, she was the perfect little hunter, except for a few stops. She tends to rush at the jumps and often takes the long spot. The day before the lesson, however, I decided to try and get some of that out of the way by cantering ground poles and an 18 inch cross rail. This seemed to work, because while she was rushy doing this work, she went around nice and quiet on lesson day.
We were able to ride outside because February 1st was unseasonably warm at 63 degrees, so we were able to work on courses. The fact she was going around like a quiet hunter was an added benefit. However, I am still not completely comfortable at the slower pace. While, yes I enjoy it and it is ultimately what I am aiming for, I tend to get nervous that she will stop. When she is rushing at least I know she is going to go over. This nervousness on my part translates quite easily to my mare, through the subtle cues I am not even aware of. We did have a few stops and one resulted in me taking the jump without her, but overall she was wonderful. Plus, we learn more from doing it wrong than doing it right, right? It gave me hope for show season, as I am afraid we will get to the show and she will go barrel pony on me LOL.
Speaking of shows, we are aiming for March 4 to be not only our first show of the season, but also our English debut. I need to get her out before the first show of our usual schooling series, which is April 1. The show we are aiming for is at a farm so I expect it will be smaller and probably a little lower key, which is exactly what I am looking for. Plus, she is always a bit hyper at the first show of the season, so I would like to get her off the property to jump in a show like atmosphere before then.
In other news, we have recently done some beautiful stretchy work in our western saddle. She also had an awesome collected canter and counter canter yesterday. We have been doing a lot of work on flexion, as well, especially to the right. When we started she would lock her jaw on the bit and refuse to bend, but after just a few consecutive days of work on it, she was flexing softly and easily. Now her flexion at the poll to the right is even better than the left!
Our next lesson is tomorrow and unfortunately the weather forecast is not as good as last week, so we will most likely be in the indoor. Either way, some major learning will be happening, always does with Renee!
We were able to ride outside because February 1st was unseasonably warm at 63 degrees, so we were able to work on courses. The fact she was going around like a quiet hunter was an added benefit. However, I am still not completely comfortable at the slower pace. While, yes I enjoy it and it is ultimately what I am aiming for, I tend to get nervous that she will stop. When she is rushing at least I know she is going to go over. This nervousness on my part translates quite easily to my mare, through the subtle cues I am not even aware of. We did have a few stops and one resulted in me taking the jump without her, but overall she was wonderful. Plus, we learn more from doing it wrong than doing it right, right? It gave me hope for show season, as I am afraid we will get to the show and she will go barrel pony on me LOL.
Speaking of shows, we are aiming for March 4 to be not only our first show of the season, but also our English debut. I need to get her out before the first show of our usual schooling series, which is April 1. The show we are aiming for is at a farm so I expect it will be smaller and probably a little lower key, which is exactly what I am looking for. Plus, she is always a bit hyper at the first show of the season, so I would like to get her off the property to jump in a show like atmosphere before then.
In other news, we have recently done some beautiful stretchy work in our western saddle. She also had an awesome collected canter and counter canter yesterday. We have been doing a lot of work on flexion, as well, especially to the right. When we started she would lock her jaw on the bit and refuse to bend, but after just a few consecutive days of work on it, she was flexing softly and easily. Now her flexion at the poll to the right is even better than the left!
Our next lesson is tomorrow and unfortunately the weather forecast is not as good as last week, so we will most likely be in the indoor. Either way, some major learning will be happening, always does with Renee!
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
2012 Equestrian Goals
I know we are already a month into 2012, so this post is a bit late. But, hey, better late than never right?
I accomplished many things last year that were either yearly goals or on my equestrian bucket list such as winning grand champion in speed, turning JB into a kick ass western pleasure horse, riding Satin on the beach, swimming with her in the Assunpink, and trying a new discipline (aka English).
Here are some of my equestrian goals for this year:
1. Enter my first English show (Hunters and maybe eventually Jumpers)
2. Win my first English ribbon (of any color)
3. Ride on the beach again.
4. Make more trips to the Assunpink.
5. Improve my bareback and bridleless skills
6. Have JB neck reining for this show season, hopefully by the start.
7. Ride as much and as many horses as possible.
8. Keep taking my mare out to all different kinds of competitions and showing people age is just
a number!
I accomplished many things last year that were either yearly goals or on my equestrian bucket list such as winning grand champion in speed, turning JB into a kick ass western pleasure horse, riding Satin on the beach, swimming with her in the Assunpink, and trying a new discipline (aka English).
Here are some of my equestrian goals for this year:
1. Enter my first English show (Hunters and maybe eventually Jumpers)
2. Win my first English ribbon (of any color)
3. Ride on the beach again.
4. Make more trips to the Assunpink.
5. Improve my bareback and bridleless skills
6. Have JB neck reining for this show season, hopefully by the start.
7. Ride as much and as many horses as possible.
8. Keep taking my mare out to all different kinds of competitions and showing people age is just
a number!
Thursday, January 12, 2012
2011: A Photo Review
2011 had its ups and downs for me as it did for everyone, but I figured I would recap some of the highlights here on my blog (at least the equine and photo related ones, which are obviously most important anyway).
First and foremost, 2011 was the year Satin and I took grand champion in the Open Speed division at the age of 22 (for both of us LOL)
Obviously this means 2011 brought us some of our best runs:
This year was also the start of our English career:
This pic isnt me riding but she looks adorable and it was her first time 3 foot so had to include it.
Another highlight of 2011, or two highlights I should say, are with JB.
He was a total rock star in open model this year coming in 3rd against some major competition at a local show series and Champion for the year with the SPHO-NJ
JB also started his career as a western pleasure horse and was again a total rock star! He took third for the year in the Beginner Western division at our local schooling series.
2011 also introduced me to two horses that would become big parts of my riding life, as well as, give me a lot more valuable time and experience with my trainer and great opportunities.
Taz
Try
Another major highlight of 2011 was the Firecracker Fun Show. It was a huge accomplishment and a great event.
I was able to cross something off my equestrian bucket list in 2011: my first beach ride on my pony :)
I also got to go swimming with my mare, which was also on my equestrian bucket list
I have to include a picture of my year end awards from our local schooling series.
On a more personal note, 2011 was the year I graduated college.
2011 also marked 4 years with my wonderful mare <3
While 2011 did have some lows, overall it was a pretty good year as you can see from these memorable moments. Here's to some even more memorable moments in 2012!
First and foremost, 2011 was the year Satin and I took grand champion in the Open Speed division at the age of 22 (for both of us LOL)
Obviously this means 2011 brought us some of our best runs:
This year was also the start of our English career:
This pic isnt me riding but she looks adorable and it was her first time 3 foot so had to include it.
Another highlight of 2011, or two highlights I should say, are with JB.
He was a total rock star in open model this year coming in 3rd against some major competition at a local show series and Champion for the year with the SPHO-NJ
JB also started his career as a western pleasure horse and was again a total rock star! He took third for the year in the Beginner Western division at our local schooling series.
2011 also introduced me to two horses that would become big parts of my riding life, as well as, give me a lot more valuable time and experience with my trainer and great opportunities.
Taz
Try
Another major highlight of 2011 was the Firecracker Fun Show. It was a huge accomplishment and a great event.
I was able to cross something off my equestrian bucket list in 2011: my first beach ride on my pony :)
I also got to go swimming with my mare, which was also on my equestrian bucket list
I have to include a picture of my year end awards from our local schooling series.
On a more personal note, 2011 was the year I graduated college.
2011 also marked 4 years with my wonderful mare <3
While 2011 did have some lows, overall it was a pretty good year as you can see from these memorable moments. Here's to some even more memorable moments in 2012!
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