tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29620537853054405292024-03-26T23:37:14.753-07:00Racing to RideTHE ADVENTURES AND CHALLENGES OF A DRESSAGE RIDER IN THE WORLD OF THOROUGHBRED RACING AND THE HORSES THAT FILL MY LIFE.Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560432669562291616noreply@blogger.comBlogger179125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962053785305440529.post-30286166412872633292018-12-14T07:10:00.001-08:002018-12-14T07:43:56.821-08:00RRP TB Makeover-The First OutingIn my last post, I left off with having a couple of months freed up to prepare Ivan for the RRP Thoroughbred Makeover. We had worked on the basics all summer and it was time to introduce Ivan to the wonderful world of showing. <div><br></div><div><img id="id_a7c9_c4be_d37c_6500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyuC-owECeoy-QQgpLF_POmYy0l3PacK7rMdRbQhXnU43iFYpZWHOyAdaHK1FVcF2UOdJqAAZgPBjPmqwHuQKRvg0J4R0gEMnDJ6XQDaJags2PGYmCHYXp3ZILjng7Q5skmji7ee6Q9QQ/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Looking like a real show horse, obviously.<br><br><div><br></div><div>With my fingers crossed that I would not meet my early demise, we went to school at a h/j show at the National Western Complex. The trainer and I loaded Ivan and another horse into the trailer and headed on our way. </div><div><br></div><div>The other trainer at the barn told me that if Ivan could stay sane in that coliseum, he could stay sane anywhere. She said it could be very intimidating to horses. Keep in mind he only retired from racing a little over three months before this excursion and was still a bit “racey”. It would be interesting to see how things went.</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_ea36_bb7b_dfaf_2c9c" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQ9NuQPQHIaR1hKo1owCbaj8TP1Cq1_fvUTuVF9bRr3fNXhuONPNovvsjLj4pdAvwPo3Psexifd1beK87xaYjq21M9UZ-v6kbdK4KF97NwJdSfVYg_EhievE6t7Vtrptpj7LiSypfNRw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>Intimidating, but still cool.</div><div><br></div><div>She wasn’t lying about it being intimidating. It’s in Denver and right next to busy train tracks. The warmup area is small and can get hectic. The loud speaker echoes throughout the complex and it’s LOUD. I started out with hand-walking and Ivan was being pretty good, until the announcer started talking. If he’s sensitive to anything, it’s noise. After a good lunge he settled back down. My trainer rode him, I rode him. We didn’t die. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_d176_3a6_7443_1692" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijbw71GQ3DLZOvpIUYKGxyP24Tk_uSSdhOMqUpq-Vkp6SMHKOb5mHLHUXbCcDIgP8k-sBVCkurEZpHGHtVWfjfjxdrcyq7pP5SQppL1krCKS1FHZMqKRnbCD8OK17N0abEh2EdHxc3E4w/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>“So...what time do I race today?”<br><br></div><div><br></div><div>Really, Ivan was very good despite some tension. It wasn’t the type of tension that you felt like you were on a ticking time bomb or where he looked like a llama, more like Ivan was thinking that he wasn’t 100% confident in this situation. I was just happy that he kept it together in an environment that he wasn’t totally comfortable with. It was a great opportunity to be able to put him in a show setting without having the added pressure of actually showing.</div><div><div><div><br></div><div>With that out of the way, the time was drawing close to our first dressage show.</div></div></div></div><div><br></div><div><i>I had a short time frame to get Ivan exposure. Normally, I would have just shown at a quiet schooling show for his first outing. What are your favorite ways to introduce a horse to the show world?</i></div>Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560432669562291616noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962053785305440529.post-2360779744089505232018-09-11T20:38:00.001-07:002018-09-12T19:28:21.557-07:00 Meet Incremental <p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><font face=".SFUIText"><span style="font-size: 22.66666603088379px;"><i>*This post contains a graphic image of an eye injury.</i></span></font></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">Wow! It’s been a long time. No excuses, I’m not even sure why I haven’t posted. Life in general, I guess.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><img id="id_e5b4_1e1f_6c87_38" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sw1JnnFfTkU/W5iRr2oBEZI/AAAAAAAAaX4/1KkFs9cIfOQKKFP1DYC_AhSluufbaxArwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">There’s not much need to backtrack, so I’ll just start with where I’m at now and introduce you to Ivan.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">I sent in an application to be one of the trainers for the Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover. This hadn’t been something that I had completely been planning on this year, but then Incremental came along.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><img id="id_39dc_d7b8_3990_c293" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KJ7JF6pIvCY/W5nG2vCFPUI/AAAAAAAAaY0/w2fg1hSVLM0k_GY222oDMdW6XdNs9sd6gCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 307px; height: auto; margin: 4px;"><br><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">Okay, so he had been in our barn for over a year, but I didn’t own him. Last fall, Incremental (barn name Ivan), had won a race at Zia Park. He had gotten hit in the eye with a dirt clod during the race. It was clouded up and runny. Our vet spent a week treating him, but he continually got worse and the vet said to get him to a clinic. </span><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><img id="id_ac62_a60d_f5c9_c457" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uQSEtFSFNVQ/W5nG3NhLeLI/AAAAAAAAaY8/0TAc7nTEqncLgh__dz_F1FlSQGr2ndiFQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 307px; height: auto; margin: 4px;"><br><br><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">The vet at the clinic spent several days trying to save it. It wasn’t getting better. She called The Fiancé and Ivan’s owner to tell them that they could do surgery or remove the eye. Long story short, T.F. and I become Ivan’s proud new owners for the price of the future vet bill. We needed another horse like a hole in the head, but we decided to take him anyway. I’ve seen one eyed horses go on to do amazing things. Still, after talking to the vet and being given a 50/50 chance of being able to save his eye, we opted to do the surgery. She put in a corneal disc and the it gradually started to get better. After 45+ days in the clinic, Ivan was ready to come home.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><img id="id_7299_fc2_e115_27f6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UnYqFltHZG4/W5iKP_4rVlI/AAAAAAAAaXs/ITVVFUpzn-AKobKRTidijyE2U5erx40dQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Good luck trying to say “No” to that face.<br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">I guess that I should have started by saying that Ivan was T.F.’s favorite horse to train at the track. He adores that horse, even if Ivan didn’t win that often. The vet said that it wouldn’t hurt to try putting him back in training and see how he handled having not much vision (due to scarring) in that eye. We did and after a couple of days, he had adjusted like everything was normal.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">When we agreed to take Ivan, my first thought was that I wanted to do the TB Makeover with him. T.F. and I had talked about how he would make such a nice saddle horse since he’d first come to our barn. It’s something I had wanted to do for years, but wasn’t sure when I would get the opportunity. The fiancé and I agreed that we would run him once and retire him immediately if he didn’t run well, but that he would retire no matter what (even if I didn’t get accepted for the TB Makeover) once the meet in Denver started.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><br><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cKUS5XkL9ww" width="500" height="281" id="y_id_209d_bfc6_a77e_a1d8" frameborder="0"></iframe><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText";">His first race back after his eye injury. I was really proud of him from running as game as he did considering I thought that he’d need a race.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">The Fiancé sewed a special cup on Ivan’s blinkers to protect his eye while training and racing and he won his first race back at Sunland Park. Then he won his next race. Then he ran 4th in a $75,000 Stake. Then he won another race and we retired him while he was still sound and healthy.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><img id="id_ab1a_7ba7_8f3b_9683" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UObxfy0RIB4/W5nG2vF4VXI/AAAAAAAAaY4/c7jggo1L3csIgYXzi2ZxZH6nvVcwVOzRwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 307px; height: auto; margin: 4px;"><br>Ivan’s first dressage ride just after he won his first race back.<br><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">Once we were all moved in at Denver I took Ivan over to a H/J barn that I had boarded at before. While we were in El Paso, I had hauled him out to where I boarded Indy for his first dressage rides. It was pretty neat to be able to introduce a racehorse to dressage and have him win two more races at the same time! He began officially training for his second career in the middle of May, this year.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">It’s been an adventure, one that I’m loving. It’s not always easy to train a horse that has immediately left the track. Actually, it wouldn’t be that hard with Ivan if I didn’t have to aim for a deadline. I’m very happy with his progress in the last four months. It may not be enough to do extremely well in Kentucky, but it’s enough for us to go and have a great time while getting more experience. I’m just enjoying riding him.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><img id="id_7ced_e4d5_f569_d48e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h7bUrV7D-ts/W5nIWrUf4SI/AAAAAAAAaZM/luffJLj_mcUwSwtU4ZVHPAg1j10ES2FyQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 307px; height: auto; margin: 4px;"><br><br><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">I wasn’t able to get away for shows during the race meet, which we would need to do before going all the way to Lexington. It was time to move to New Mexico for the winter, but they don’t have much for horse shows down there this time of year. I also didn’t want to put Ivan through the stress of moving to Ruidoso, then to Hobbs, and then having to ship back and forth to Lexington within a few weeks. The Fiancé told me that it would be okay for me to stay in Denver until I get back from Kentucky. </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">Having basically two months where I don’t have to do anything but ride and show one horse has been a bit of a shock to my system after having 95% of my energy go to a barn full of racehorses almost every day for nearly a decade. I seriously had no appetite for a week after they all left. Not because of stress, just restlessness. I’ve adjusted now and I’m having a wonderful time with my boy. We’ve had our rough patches, but he truly amazes me.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><img id="id_18a9_e704_623f_7fd7" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYuSpKWxsDlZ1zc_c1uJNU7MT1LZmT_TZhAywt1rDZ29NLTRqFn59YTbQCbpvqDk_YRYLILLKuOSR63Xl2Arvupfrs1KMfsXkiae7troO0ywhJHYxXf2CZS1DgsuTM5yDH-Bg_W6wr5I/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">Now that I have time, I’ll post about Ivan’s first dressage show soon. </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica;">
</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 3px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Display"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><font size="5"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIDisplay-Bold"; font-weight: bold;">*</span><span style="font-family: ".SFUIDisplay-Italic"; font-style: italic;">A huge thank you to Dr. Bessire of </span><a href="https://m.facebook.com/BrockVetClinic/" id="id_b468_2aa5_cf3f_4175" target="_blank">Brock Veterinary Clinic</a><span style="font-family: ".SFUIDisplay-Italic"; font-style: italic;"> in Lamesa, TX. She is not only a wonderful vet, but was very kind and amazing about communicating with us. The care that Ivan received was amazing and he was truly happy every time I went to visit him. You could tell that he was getting groomed regularly and received a lot of attention. He became a much more affectionate horse while he was there.</span></font></p> Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560432669562291616noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962053785305440529.post-5118003000337688222017-12-26T04:26:00.000-08:002018-01-17T07:44:13.160-08:00Separation <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i>Since it's been so long since my last post, I'll start this with a quick catch up. After Turf Paradise finished in the spring, we went back to Colorado for the season at Arapahoe Park. We had a very good meet there and then opted to go to Zia Park in Hobbs, NM, instead of Phoenix, where we also had a good meet. There aren't any dressage barns there, but I found a nice western barn to board at. Little did I know, it was exactly what I needed. The barn owner/trainer is an amazing horsewoman and an even better person, now she's one of my dearest friends. I ended up leaving Hobbs with a completely different mentality about riding and now find more joy in it than I ever have before. We are currently in El Paso. I don't have much love for the city itself, but Sunland Park Racetrack is clean, nice, and feels much safer than when we were here the last time. I'm boarding at a friend's and am really happy there. The night the last load of horses arrived, Indy kicked the living hell out of Summer. At first we thought that she broke his hock, it was just horribly cut up. The vet stitched him up the best he could, saying they'd probably only hold for a few days. They lasted a week. So begins the saga...</i><br />
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<img alt="" id="id_c60d_40a7_ea55_fdf3" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbq57rDCqVe0e3TLDBLmnydiffvFyY8QC3uhniu7Zwl6Q0oB762W9aDG1bUEQN_OnijEBlaqKIDkQ2TPAuztwF3r7CXyKQub8hoNo27lnQWDOHse4rv_xB646HpoSaCWOQ2gcLLVGhtaM/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 396px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<i>This is CD. He's pretty much the coolest horse ever. The little firecracker would squeal at the flag when he started working it. He wasn't hard to ride on the flag, but he'd get down and hit it when we worked cattle. He's quick! I came really close to eating dirt a couple times and have never had more fun almost falling off!</i><br />
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
When your horse literally almost kills your other horse, it makes you angry. It was Indy's fault that I was standing there crying as I knocked on the vet clinic door at 7:30 pm on a Saturday, interrupting their Christmas party. It was because of her that my heart sunk as everyone in the clinic turned their back to me, clearly not wanting to be bothered, while Summer bled all over the place in the trailer.. None of the emergency clinics had returned my calls. This clinic was my best and only option and it wasn't looking like they were planning on helping my horse. It was beginning to look hopeless, all because of Indy.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<img alt="" id="id_fa67_8c07_c746_c13f" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeFUxpPFD0K263-4Drh0BKAupq8iXc3y94Sexv6EM0OyCsrGLevQ2_14ChBnArclSzlA3zhhaFKlSATZwgiaORVcEkftFHwuMQ6jCbVSMfEt2TVTb5movha1eLw-STuAQ9SAtESNjMHeI/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 208px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<i>
The stitches go along the inside of the hock too.</i></div>
<div>
<br />
<img alt="" id="id_6431_b244_82dc_af10" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7LI6GkqShqTTFmR5sASqRzWhzNIVQ2H_BAm7FHgD4hB9aBn5dfPIayJuhmD3Mds9nlesExu062WqbhWPjnchycVHexS5lyvqYxg-0cOk_3vBd5l2C6Bh9OYWGCX2aYh7hPMjvRseruDo/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 207px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<i>
Before the stitches ripped out.</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Fortunately, my friend showed up. Her husband had given me the vet's number and when they hadn't answered my knocks or call, he called the owner of the clinic, who wasn't in the room full of vets ignoring me at the time. The on-call vet finally opened the door and she was PISSED. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<img alt="" id="id_ad6b_f3e9_a6c2_3715" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-riWV6_7qVgk/WkGdeYwq4vI/AAAAAAAAXAA/JsQMSy0uPNwxMKFvOllnoQZ2WpFdok2WACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 392px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<i>I got to ride my friend's awesome QH jumper while she was gone for Christmas. He's 17+ hands of awesomenes and you'd have a hard time believing he wasn't a WB if you saw him in person.</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I stood there sobbing and apologizing, telling her I didn't know where else to go and that it really was a real emergency and that I certainly didn't want to be there interrupting their party. My friend stood her ground with the vet a bit more than I did, telling the vet that her husband was on the phone with the boss and that they needed to come out and help my horse. Then the owner popped his head out and saved me. We had used him when we were in El Paso before and had had a good relationship then. He's a good vet. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Even though I know I wasn't wanted there, him and another vet were very kind. He offered us food, saying there was plenty. I couldn't eat, but it made The Fiancé happy. The on-call vet warmed up and started being nicer. She was fine by the time Summer was finished with X-rays and sewn up. She had been up for an ungodly amount of hours, so I can understand the grumpiness. Long story short, they got Summer patched up the best they could and he stayed at the clinic overnight. That left Indy.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<img alt="" id="id_b531_fa15_7456_9898" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QRS8sakK87Q/WkEzIkK6lTI/AAAAAAAAW9s/Io3GrY6huoEcWGmm07_N_9VVl5GVJmcvgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 308px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<i>
I still love the heifer.</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I was a little less mad at her once I learned that Summer's hock wasn't broken. At least, I got to the point where I quit threatening to kill her. She was just being a horse. I still gave myself a day to cool off, and to recover from the mental exhaustion from the night before, before riding her. Riding exhausted and infuriated is never a good combination.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That first ride was a tough one, mentally. I was still mad, but I knew that it wouldn't be fair to ride her angry. She obviously wouldn't understand why. The entire time spent tacking her up, I drowned out any thought of Summer with what I wanted to accomplish that day. Her first ride at a new place is always a challenge, my mind stayed on what excercises we needed to do to keep her focused. It was hard to separate the past from the present. That's where maturity comes into play because ten years ago, I probably wouldn't have been able to accomplish that. Detaching myself from the personal aspect and approaching that ride from a professional perspective was the only way we were going to get through it without a meltdown. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<img alt="" id="id_cd1e_949b_c4ff_11dd" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4qoEAqZBJtsdWdZdEIjqW-Yoe0uZzxkKQyuGdI69vRyBzrEZhjKgzg5G8yMeifnxq5uAU7KP7dgRAVjqbJu28NFeDJsbc2KCs0FODOJWW9T7An_aQiWL_DIBWOn3pi1mw3GNahhv45XY/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 311px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<br />
<img alt="" id="id_8a5c_e8a2_326d_2fe9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a8GQ3x2WblM/WkEzJEOOsRI/AAAAAAAAW98/-WY0DrND_-M7lXuRJ3Cl1STQTjXG39A9gCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 310px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<br />
<img alt="" id="id_bc98_52f5_1097_a93" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmjyqWtqG5A5sW2fKRT7R9cMCr2xX1M3Ax28XsB5IAgADIKnS4EovLqjqlhIrvR98H7xEe4kyW2K-ls28ArtITN00C26Yi6i0WKPiB0k9VqCpH02NSbOFowwey6CAVu0vRCvEIIu3HKBI/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 309px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The moment I got on her, she wasn't my horse. My goals and dreams with her in the future no longer mattered. I wanted to work towards developing a horse that anyone can ride, that people would actually want to ride. One that was getting ridden hard enough to not have the energy to do nasty things. There was no more making excuses for her, absolutely no babying. She was going to work in a respectable manner. Key word WORK. I went from being the owner to being the trainer, no longer stressing over the injury that she was given way more than enough time to heal from. She became a job, not my pet. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="281" id="v_id_3044_38d2_708d_f962" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/248712255?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&badge=0" width="500"></iframe><br /></div>
<div>
<i>
Don't mind my hands. My neck injury had flared up and was bothering me really bad. I didn't have much strength in them to keep the reins from sliding some. </i><i>We're still working on her not swinging her haunches in. We have a ways to go, but she's getting a lot better about it.</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In a horrible way, she gave me the right mentality to actually accomplish what I want with her. Our rides are no longer spent with me wondering what she's going to spook at. I'm done finessing around resistance. If Indy wants to flip her head and fight me, we gallop forward until she relaxes into my hands and gets over it. There's no more baiting me into a fight. Any antic she has thrown at me gets ignored and ridden through. She's expected to give me an honest attempt the first time I ask, not whenever she feels like it. She gets rewarded for the good, and the bad results in her working harder. Everything has become much more black and white. An honest effort is all that I'm really looking for while she gains her strength. Indy is allowed mistakes, she's allowed an opportunity to process things, and she's allowed a fair chance to comprehend what I want. She isn't allowed to flip me the bird and take over.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<img alt="" id="id_b9d0_bdb4_d670_d17e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6a8XMAK9qsE/WkEzJ5qYY3I/AAAAAAAAW-E/3Ym6cgQDBgICDNi_6dsyakZyidQ8dLprQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 324px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
Being pretty helps.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My trainer in Phoenix would often say that Indy was lucky to have me as an owner because not many people would be as patient with her as I was. I'm still patient, but the days of worrying about what she might do and trying to prevent it are over. There's no more avoiding the things that piss her off just because my only goal is for her to have a "positive experience". </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<img alt="" id="id_2cff_9efa_a737_71af" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyOzeke_pE0AQQzDE12nALqzAAUZwYBh_n7V2WnKIBknpgXKHVXhCmIk0P_jR9QQUj4ETQ0kaqF47BWv4C7H6xCAqK3-6sC_YvyZR3KauDnDGpjdFjlRGBJrUXyL6ijxkb9OuDg4_jOI/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 324px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We've had nothing but good rides since she almost killed Summer. I haven't had to deal with very many behavioral issues. Indy loves the part of our warm-up where I go into two-point and let her really gallop forward. We're doing more canter work than we ever have and it's improved immensely. She's happy in her work. I'm braver and more confident on her than I have ever been.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<img alt="" id="id_4074_30aa_271d_6b53" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7k3gylKppe6YDT8qW5Fb96vloKxIHZ7jLzYAg6KcRD5tJlSa2kN3iwySLgnM9kl0vS-5Mqe_fr6RRbsFctMIRC-OVFyASB1tUkZDw9yhQjXJ6zTGtMB4WyVD3vMp-_rk8YU6AV0djL_Q/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 321px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm proud of Indy every second I spend with her. The anger at her comes back out when I'm away. It comes every time I have to change Summer's bandage because you have to change a hock bandage frequently to keep it from sliding down. It hits me when I have to ace him to keep him calm in the stall because he hates being in a stall and gets frantic. I get disgusted with her while I'm hand-walking him and he seems so grateful just for the sunlight, when he puts his head against my chest for comfort, and when he's standing there drenched in sweat from stressing. I just make sure to separate myself from that anger every second I'm around her.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Has anyone else been in a similar situation? How did/would you cope with it?</div>
</div>
</div>
Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560432669562291616noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962053785305440529.post-58452509613447730102017-10-29T15:35:00.001-07:002017-10-29T15:35:01.423-07:00Breeders' Cup Del MarI've been looking forward to going to Breeders' Cup at Del Mar for a very long time, since I knew that it would be held there, and it's FINALLY here! There are a couple of bloggers that I know are going. My plans have been a little up in the air, so if I haven't reached out to you, I will soon. If there are any other bloggers going, feel free to give me a shout. I'd love to catch up with you where the turf meets the surf!<div><br></div><div><br><br><img id="id_9231_5caa_700b_2d90" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FYv9mxgzQuE/WfZXhO-yrMI/AAAAAAAAUnA/Jwc6Doz1q9sgdUqZa1ZkOmGNDUq_gxf0ACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The day after BC at Keeneland 2015</div><div><br><img id="id_6326_f36e_4ffd_2538" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yFeoHTWSlMU/WfZXhUNQmhI/AAAAAAAAUnE/tjGyHxXyvNEUosMuFtRhgKhJfCkWZjt2ACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>BC Santa Anita 2016</div><div><br><img id="id_67de_2b5e_f26d_d7e8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fZhpKzyisAQ/WfZXhvPWadI/AAAAAAAAUnI/0B3DDRIGAw4VwfKo3T4Mx2zbSh5_KMzygCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Bourbon BC 2015. Because bourbon.</div><div><br><img id="id_5b35_8f08_e7a5_e3a5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q_huRUHX03A/WfZXiJi4_4I/AAAAAAAAUnQ/apuxlTAztEQownExDdCZcV9YWZpYCQ51wCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Freaking love Tourist! Can't wait to see how he does as a sire.</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_a87_95f1_e2f0_855b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y92KZvCjk3Q/WfZXh228XLI/AAAAAAAAUnM/OadZeaY6vHAiCFhgBjY33x_eHTZFgrvlQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Arrogate. No need to say more.</div><div><br><img id="id_4fed_36a5_9de_cde8" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipConHuocsx8qvwq-byROAzAimUiMlRsrh1FcrNr-bgly-Lmw3-pyh6srk1rJJqDtzMpWMwpqsBwxiRvYm79WjexKIn5uEnNxkvWsGwUWIczL87SajD3UZKJWxPPJ8nK-NiTg3Bfd0OQw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Gun Runner's on fire right now.</div><div><br><img id="id_86bd_476b_1160_252d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bGyk26ai7Kg/WfZXiUjowKI/AAAAAAAAUnY/iA6jyFudwmQE8z_zJcEBzhmfvf2amxmdACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Gary Stevens BC 2016</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br><br><br></div>Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560432669562291616noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962053785305440529.post-30490982889593847282017-04-13T19:41:00.000-07:002017-04-14T05:50:12.365-07:00Siegfried Winkler Clinic<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have a hard time turning down an opportunity to ride in a clinic. I LOVE them! As much as I enjoy showing, clinics are even more fun to me. So, when a friend in my barn was bringing in <a href="http://www.sjwinkler.com/Home.html" target="_blank">Siegfried Winkler</a> and needed more spots filled, I decided to sign Summer and I up.<br>
<div>
<br>
<div>
<img alt="" id="id_d21a_fcc3_258f_c1fa" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3KOXY94f5kU/WPAyWW_WaKI/AAAAAAAAJPw/pLkUKaYlGg0/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" style="height: auto; width: 392px;" title="" tooltip=""><br>
<div>
<div>
Watching us warm up.</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
I was worried how Siegfried would feel about a green OTTB, but was assured that he is very kind and gladly works with all levels of horses and riders. My main concern was over-facing Summer and everyone agreed that Siegfried would not do that. With that in mind, I figured that it was only money and my pride at risk, I might as well give it a try</div>
<div>
.<br>
<div>
<img alt="" id="id_d769_6a6_d3ef_e5b4" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYXDjr2ExYkD943s1ob28ZIHMJwQVid8MFlzVX_KDaFFktK16HbH0UDk1uHF0cKyfZe1kODh-ADftWc0-UxLOqx115n2TSSy9mLXBy3RYWVFrJ11HMsWRqDK1mPxAsPy1o8Ta95uf3Gg/" style="height: auto; width: 392px;" title="" tooltip=""> </div>
<div>
Summer was really excited about it!</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
Six weeks after his last race, Summer and I participated in our first clinic. Siegfried was amazing! He is kind and patient. He pushes, but not past your and your horse's limits. He points out everything that needs to be fixed, yet let's you know every time you and your horse do something correctly. There were lots of walk breaks in which he made sure that I understood what he was saying and why it was important. One thing that I really loved about him is that he taught everyone with the same amount of enthusiasm, it didn't matter what kind of horse the rider's had or what level they were at. It's very obvious how much he loves horses and his job.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
I had only signed up for two of the three days, figuring that three might be too much for where Summer is at mentally and physically. He's still only four and I do my best to remember that. </div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<img alt="" id="id_105e_dc2e_7075_1f16" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uXZoFG_FADQ/WPAzKsMWsJI/AAAAAAAAJP8/kpj7ZpOAgBg/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" style="height: auto; width: 392px;" title="" tooltip=""> </div>
<div>
Working in the quality of the walk.</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
The first day of the clinic was fairly easy. We just walked and trotted, as I told Siegfried that we hadn't done a whole lot of canter work yet. Here was the focus on day one:</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Keeping my lower leg closer to the girth. I ride with my stirrups shorter on Summer, which jams my long legs up into my thigh blocks more, which causes my lower leg to come back too far. I can keep it where it needs to be, but it was something I wasn't even aware I was doing until Siegfried pointed it out. Keeping more weight in my heels and not letting them come up in the transitions was also part of this. He had me do this to help keep Summer more forward (especially when he tries to pull down) and to help with him wanting to drift over a shoulder.</li>
<li>Play with the bit and supple, don't hold. Summer steers pretty well, but not great. Sometimes, I use the inside rein a bit too much to get him lined out since he doesn't quite understand the outside rein concept yet. We worked on this a lot with supplying to the left and right.</li>
<li>Turning my shoulders to weight my inside seat bone to create bend. I was keeping my outside shoulder back too much, so when I was trying to get Summer to circle left or right, my shoulders were positioned as if we were going straight. #dumbass Between correcting this and the previous two issues, Summer's steering improved immensely.</li>
<li>Keeping my shoulders back. I do this well in sitting trot, everything else, not so much. Especially, when I'm riding green horses.</li>
<li>Downward transitions when Summer wants to start pulling down.</li>
</ul>
<div>
We worked on these things in the walk and trot, doing lots of transitions and introducing some leg yielding. I had a much improved horse by the end of my ride.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<img alt="" id="id_ae85_28c_e489_be61" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GrsAbzvIhFE/WPAzKi5J-NI/AAAAAAAAJQA/RWqrycogYio/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" style="height: auto; width: 392px;" title="" tooltip=""> </div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
On day two, we worked on pretty much the same things, only we added canter work. Siegfried worked us both A LOT harder. Summer started out even better than he had ended up the day before. Having the time to process everything the evening after my ride really helped. We struggled with picking up the correct lead, especially to the right. Summer would pick it up when we were going to the left, but not when we were going to the right. Siegfried suggested that I should continue on and then change my direction to the right when he picks it up like that, just so Summer starts to associate going to the right with his right lead. I'm not too worried about it. At least he can canter on both leads, it's just a lack of understanding on something that we've barely worked on. My little guy is smart, I have no doubt he'll understand the concept soon. This is a short clip towards the end of our lesson on the second day:</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<br>
<iframe frameborder="0" height="281" id="v_id_5e5b_c2a6_74e1_6b53" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/213171142?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&badge=0" width="500"></iframe><br></div>
<div>
This video makes me want to smack myself, but love Summer all that much more.</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
Summer was so good as far as behavior. He never set a foot out of place, even when a guy was cracking his whip while free-lunging his horse a hundred miles an hour in the pen next to the arena. He gave me 100% even when he was beginning to get tired on the second day. The improvement he made in two days was incredible.</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
I am definitely looking forward to riding with Siegfried again in Colorado. I was ecstatic to find a clinician that frequently goes to both cities that I bounce between throughout the year. Riding with him was one of the best investments I've made in my riding education.</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560432669562291616noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962053785305440529.post-303036683612138792017-03-17T21:21:00.002-07:002017-03-17T21:21:35.936-07:00Love At First Ride<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Summer was trained by my good friend's husband. After the meet at Denver was over last year, his trainer decided to take a short break before Turf Paradise started. Summer had just broken his maiden and his owner didn't want to interrupt his training. The Fiancé and I ended up taking care of Summer for a few days before he was shipped down to Albuquerque to another friend of ours.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img alt="" id="id_4877_e47f_1ddc_b61c" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Wn0FjK2L_y6OIpvjBiXKjqjAS137_O_x5YJ8Ucqls8jvZQFh2Foc2BdpyrHVgj0R4G5lulsQYh73_ZlRRMfGg-h0KQTrpQhh5pXlRh3qeltrG7tDhOuaw2_hBBDt6XPh_Woyw4RBlW8/" style="height: auto; width: 392px;" title="" tooltip="" /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The Fiancé had me tack up Summer one day for him to ride. After being on him for a few minutes, TF told me to grab my helmet. I had SO much fun riding him! Afterwards, I said that I wanted this horse when he was done running. I didn't expect that would actually happen, or that it would only be a few months later, or that The Fiancé would agree to another horse (especially since I splurged on a new pony-horse the month before that). The stars aligned and now Summer is mine.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This is a very short video from that day. Summer was three years old. I wasn't planning on riding that day, so please excuse the sloppy tank.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div style="height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25%; position: relative;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/flJicfsLoAA?ecver=2" style="height: 100%; left: 0; position: absolute; width: 100%;" width="640"></iframe></div>
</div>
Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560432669562291616noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962053785305440529.post-61747600387785579802017-03-13T05:30:00.000-07:002017-03-13T06:11:02.363-07:00Six Things A New OTTB Reminded Me<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Everyone, meet Summer Meeting. He is a four year old off the track thoroughbred by Cause Ur Mine (Giant's Causeway) out of a General Meeting mare. He last ran February 22nd, ending his career with 14 starts and 4 wins. Summer was a gift, both literally and figuratively speaking.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_ba7_a21c_cd4c_95cf" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69CID3pk4VEeRuSqu8d3czRQV6CXSuYaRibH_4Df9yLlaIbQPUa9zTDN0YzcVlmasP7lKY8qydnBuhRFFwnjVHyNyv2RGtidtRY8RbtwWQ_JUOtRQuwclYqxMOIhYs6f9YNvCStXW-FM/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>Summer AKA #themaskedbandit</i></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I'll get more into the details of Summer in another post, but I wanted to talk about what it's like to be riding an OTTB straight off of the track again and how he reminds me of what is important every single time.</span><br></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">RIDING THROUGH </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">When I first started riding Beefheart after he retired, I made a lot of mistakes. I didn't use enough leg, because he was naturally sensitive and forward. I didn't keep enough contact with his mouth, because he stayed in a frame and was super light in the mouth. Doing less seemed like the kindest way to start him out, but it certainly wasn't the best way to go and created a lot of issues down the road. I left a lot of holes in his foundation.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_c291_c3c4_9f66_1015" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvIaHHaT31-tyDKnBtJ-PLIx6Rw1N99NPgRuk6AIlWAlPKuE1BDdQs-cRuZWx9CITxKPjH518jmA5h9JTSXy6ehc6odYjvXImRcltqpitjY2QTk0yDeOLEXLIu9vMX9Vj2ZAU42hMNFdY/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div>
<div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><i>Love his sweet face!</i></span></div>
<div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">My first ride on Summer, I tried to make sure to keep my leg on and to keep focusing on getting him to step up into a contact. If he wanted to drift over his outside shoulder, which is a pretty common problem with horses off of the track, I increased my aids to make sure that he stayed as in front of my leg as possible, focusing on keeping his hind end active without quickening. </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I'm lucky in that he naturally keeps a fairly steady rhythm and tempo. S</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">ummer still drifted a little on the circle, but not nearly as bad as he would have if I had taken my leg off and tried to guide him with just my hands. He didn't pull or get iron jawed and stayed in a fairly steady frame as long as I rode well enough (easier said than done). It wasn't perfect, but there is definitely a lot of promise there.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_e9e1_604a_a1a7_9399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrccXdaC6WioZOJ-KB5Hsjd7Wg10wqIyhktus7KEi6IfdJCUNPUa1_X9fG1oyNH01eEnSjBejTU7zLGXBl1ZfjVNz_IEiOEynIqwv9WUbe0CgkRWnZR36nLd0lcFiBZAK4v-PC7msESxs/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><i>After a few more rides.</i></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">TRANSITIONS ARE MY BEST FRIEND</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Here was another mistake I made with Beefheart. He did pretty good transitions from the get-go, so I didn't do enough of them. We would just kind of get into cruise control and go several minutes without doing a full transition.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">After a few rides on Summer, he started to try to pull down on me. It wasn't bad and he wasn't trying to run off, but I could feel him just daring me to pull back on him. I tried to focus on keeping his hind end active in the gate we were in, but that didn't always work, so we started doing LOTS of transitions. A quality transition along with some well-timed half halts did the trick. I couldn't do too many. Again, it is all about being very conscientious to keep his hind end active in the transitions.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">MIX IT UP</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">I was riding Summer in the arena one day and was getting way too caught up in the training aspect. The Fiancé stopped me and said, "Come on, let's go."</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> He opened the gate and Summer and I followed him onto the track that goes around the outside of the property. We walked on it, then toodled around the trail course some. I trotted him on the track a little and then we walked around on it to get back to the barn. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_f84a_a36_5552_7393" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zmw6qy29xYM/WMXYFSATF1I/AAAAAAAAIek/IcQkw7iLxN8/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div>
<div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><i>Car washes are meant for Summer.</i></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><i><br></i></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Afterwards, The Fiancé reiterated the fact that even though Summer was dead fit for racing, our dressage work is a whole different group of muscles and riding in the arena for very long is tiring for him. He said I need to make sure to do lots of serpentines (rather than too many circles), both shallow and large in the arena, and that I need to do some straight work along with some shallow serpentines on the track every once in a while too. As much as it pains me to admit it, he's absolutely right. It's not right or healthy to take a horse straight off of the track and constantly hone on their training in the arena. Especially, with a horse as kind and willing as Summer.</span></div><div><br></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">IT NEVER HURTS TO KNOW HOW TO GALLOP</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">I really don't like galloping at the racetrack. It's not the horse, but the traffic that gives me anxiety. To me, it's about like driving on a freeway with way too many idiots and jerks. Yeah, there's a lot of people that obey the rules and pay attention, but it only takes one ignorant asshole to get you killed.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">That being said, knowing how to gallop helps a lot when you're riding an OTTB. I never take a cross on one for training purposes, it could easily become too tempting to use it to force a frame instead of developing one correctly. However, knowing how to use one when things start to get a little out of control can come in handy.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_6777_b755_5a41_2aa8" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUDnZRYYYyFdM7gC7lFVKZQdylLx8oThB8727CzEcMEH0CdOm_JI_6cnsXUwJnecJfg1nWIB8SLqmqTo7P1nkzINg6p_tWooTPBI_INfYpWh3w8ZAq5txsVZ4h0Y_-UzNjGsQaXrEWXg/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><i>He's so cute! Don't worry, I bought him a better fitting girth after having to make due for a couple of rides with this one.</i></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><i><br></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Summer is pretty solid guy, he's not spooky and is rarely reactive. Still, he's only four and not entirely bombproof yet. The other day, a bird flew out of a barrel right in front of him. He ducked sideways and then bolted. I had just gotten on and was walking him on a loose rein when Tweetie decided to make an appearance. As he took off, I was still scrambling for my reins. He didn't go more than a half a lap before I got him to come back, but if I hadn't known how to take and use a cross, it could have been a lot worse. Summer had just raced less than two weeks ago and I would have never had the strength to stop him if I had just pulled back on the reins.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">ENJOY THE PROCESS</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">I was extremely blessed to be gifted a horse with such a great head on him. It keeps it fun. It can also make it easy to put too much pressure on myself. He was going so well from the beginning that I started getting down on myself if I felt like he didn't make enough progress during our ride. I'm always proud of him, I'm a HUGE hardass when it comes to me. Trying be as perfect as possible can end up putting more pressure on him too though. Once again, The Fiancé chimed in and told me there is no pressure, just have fun with him. Damn it! Another time he proved himself wiser than I ever wanted to have to admit.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_d4a5_7f3e_2ba7_b1da" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZsDVlmvTnGxymbpK4A6ROj78N1b120Q6txd7k1X8RG4T32dftppkdXp5SGMb4_Ngvi57VMo17sCcPFKNdVkvlTGOu6WSyzGVtDY4JiyIXRWrWZIkkoNGKqiPyu9p-RhOFqOtIXs2vk3s/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div>
<div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><i>It's more fun outside of an arena!</i></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><i><br></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">*On another note, TF wanted to get on Summer one day to see what he felt like. He said that I've done a good job with him. The man doesn't say anything he doesn't mean, so I glowed a little with pride on that one.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">YOU DON'T HAVE TO HAVE AN IDEAL HORSE</span></div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Summer isn't very tall. He's 15.1, yet he's broad and deep enough that my 5'11" frame doesn't look completely ridiculous and my long legs don't go down to his knees. I've never minded riding a smaller horse as long as they had some substance to them. When a lady at the barn told me that Summer was the perfect height for me, it made me chuckle a little. I just hadn't expected anyone to say that.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><img id="id_d12_56f0_8ead_8657" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2u0T8Mu0icOCXYv1u2fg4eWCF-qKqH6UuzmLbIXsPc-WqVHL02f1_437DTwcnZPxdzvfZ3bnGDqClO4N0D8WmRAOsCTREWmOaT-DRX3OWpK55QKJPfAuACWj_VHu83oIPMXt_FFBs2s/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"> <div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> <i>He thinks that turnout is the best thing ever.</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Summer may not be tall, but he is strong and athletic. He has a really good mind. He's EXTREMELY smart, but uses it in a way that makes my life easier instead of more difficult (unlike a certain elephant-horse I know). He's taken everything I've thrown at him in stride and has never lost his cool (the bird incident doesn't count since he went right back to his normal self right after). He may not have "10" gates, but he has solid gates that will be able to be improved because of all of his other good attributes. Summer is cute and he's fun. The horse is kind, willing, and forgiving. I may make a thousand mistakes throughout the training process, but he's not going to hold it against me. Summer is ideal in all of the ways I need him to be.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">As the Oh-So-Wise and honest to a fault Fiancé has said many times, Summer is a nice horse. I guess I'll have to admit that he's right AGAIN.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div>
</div>
Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560432669562291616noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962053785305440529.post-28345579431778471552017-01-23T12:58:00.001-08:002017-01-23T12:58:42.035-08:00Caution to the WindI've been pretty conservative with bringing Indy back from her injury. According to the rehab protocol, we could have started cantering a couple of weeks ago. Giving her an extra month didn't seem like such a horrible idea, so I was going to wait until early February before getting back to any canter work. How silly of me to think that I could stick to anyone's time schedule but Indy's.<div><br></div><div><img id="id_b1ac_1924_c381_7485" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z-xtGccWYH0/WIZueCvUn-I/AAAAAAAAIBI/kAOO3Anxh6U/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"> <br><div><i>What more could I possibly need?</i></div><div><i><br></i></div><div>At our lesson the week before, Indy had gone FANTASTIC and my trainer said that if she was going like that again, it probably wouldn't hurt to do a small amount of canter work. You know, because it's the elephant horse and any time she is doing things correctly and willingly, you might as well take the opportunity to do a bit more.</div><div><br></div><div> <br></div><img id="id_93ef_6fa3_5727_eaa2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig9EUKAQqcO6P_kEGd22y9LQMpSAqXsBGagkzCsUH-lQRK2DDbFzBbXvbDqmDzpa3LdUGqmXEj_PqieYLEJ6zBcKTb4w6-TIZUa0RvhplE184wOxULVEmoQwkaa40WM6n008bS1JpMj_A/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"> <div><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Blurry screenshots because YouTube hates me. I'll edit this with video if it ever uploads.</i></div><div><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></i></div><div><i>*Before anyone starts wondering why I'm taking lessons on a horse being rehabbed, you should know that the lessons are aligned with the rehab protocol. They aren't ultra long lessons and have been just walk-trot up to this point. Basically, my trainer is just helping me with managing and getting quality work from Indy through the process of building her up to full work.</i></div><div><br></div><div>A couple of days after my lesson, Indy had a ton of energy. She wasn't doing anything bad, but I could feel her just wanting to go. I'd go as far to say that she was trying really hard to be good, yet was begging to be able to get some of that energy out. I mumbled something to myself about how she damn well better not buck me off and asked her to canter.</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_8381_73b_a1a0_8fcb" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSDWu1oM6UIHUVxTP3LP8w4gY6NERGhorfeK2RPGr0coj5fxAWed3bGdH4ur8gAfHHHCkpqti_61GFebT6ib-elA3KjkI_Rv_iULXkmtttKfrNtvaVf__diAt-3Ca7jhBdoCVBkj3c2SM/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div><i>She doesn't do resting bitchface anymore!</i></div><div><i><br></i></div><div>Much to my surprise, she gave me a gorgeous transition and went on with a lovely, balanced canter. It shocked me so much that I just sat there like a dumbfounded sack of potatoes, being nothing but a passenger, and she STILL cantered around like a pro. On a circle. This mare can canter balanced for days in a straight line, yet 20 meter circles have always been a challenge for her.</div><div><br></div><div>I don't know how much I've talked about this, but I've gone through HELL with this horse and her canter work. Seriously, everything. All of it. I've had to make her gallop very FORWARD to get in front of my legs, which wasn't all that fun at the time since her steering wasn't the greatest and if I used too much hand her head would be in my face, which led to having to galloping even more forward. If we weren't forward enough, I had her ears up my nose. Then SHE decided that forward wasn't forward enough and that the thoroughbred side of her needed to be shown off. After that we went through a cantering sideways stage, which involved kicking at my leg every time I tried to get her in front of it. That was followed by drama llama canter transitions. Oh, and let's not forget the stage where she thought charging at other horses would be fun. There's more, but you get the general idea of her masterful evasions. Submission has definitely not come easily with this horse.</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_aa23_4205_7a01_a325" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mlLaPVFixvI/WIZueQUT8PI/AAAAAAAAIBM/kSFMdVWigUE/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div><i>Hopefully, I can get some canter pictures soon. Until then you're stuck with boring trot pictures.</i></div><div><i><br></i></div><div>Back to the present, Indy gave me three good circles to the left and I asked her for a downward, which she did flawlessly. Obviously, I had to canter her to the right too. The transition was decent enough. She was a little fussy and wanted to drift over her left shoulder. We went back to the trot. I let her settle and reminded myself that I might actually have to ride her instead of just sitting there. I asked again and it was better. It took a circle to get everything togther, then she gave me the same beautiful canter that she had given to the left, which was followed by another beautiful downward. What the holy hell?! </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_c84_5bd3_96e3_ef6c" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjHwSp5CpYVv6wcj_RXhrp8ixrJA8WNxSNBlYCeFQxtqr1Sf7s9qKllE_p6GyNWB8Xm720MBsSpDnKyTM4W0I41T4yJ4Fuq5umIxvxBDiIUyVAFDkNOq0vfvgm9aMjfm2COFOBabaHYIE/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div><br></div><div>So we cantered. In a respectable manner. After not cantering for almost eight months. It wasn't 100% under the terms that I had originally wanted, but maybe it was good for me to be reminded that waiting for near perfection isn't always ideal. I would love to say that we're over the hump and we'll continue to get this quality of work that we can really begin to build on. However, it's day by day with horses. With Indy, it can be minute by minute. We'll still have our good and bad days, like anyone. I'm very glad for the good moments I get from her because they bring promise to the worse ones. They remind my of why I've stuck it out with Indy for as long as I have, of why I've always maintained hope for us. And the bad moments; I know we will get through them in time. Stride by stride.</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_1504_3dd3_690a_ba24" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlw4XFSHzUpIRp7Ctn6rArJAT0sl5nFPejDs_sEd88Exfad7wsgg1lsAPYsIchdGXT_T9bKndXIc3p97wvQuIm5oHCM8oBTMrxKiTbvDO2vrc9mxCST2YN2lH6XH2hoBjER_fBDWP_Mis/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div> </div><div>Most importantly, I'm having fun with her.</div><div><br></div></div>Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560432669562291616noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962053785305440529.post-79969572724442248362016-02-15T15:26:00.000-08:002016-02-15T15:26:14.607-08:00Blog Hop: Training Excercise of Death<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have one dreaded excercise when it comes to dressage (or riding in general): turns on the forehand.<br />
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<img alt="" id="id_f082_2e4_b3d5_12a9" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPUsXGFUAjz6NiYUi7HaCvv5EvBmXOopup6X-xH9Y6umav4JOTBGzz-ez3Y9jJlvpnC5c-Fahk4RN7VSVgLdGFHeMMXzAJJ8mz2BjGXqK0WaTiIAyoYAMTX9zsEnOzw7WOnX3YEFU7LhM/" style="height: auto; width: 392px;" title="" /><br />
<div>
<i>That moment when you ask for a turn on the forehand and your horse finds attempting to piaffe backwards easier. I can't even blame her, it sounds easier to me too.</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Yes, I understand the purpose and how to ride them and how a correctly done turn on the forehand should feel. That doesn't make them any easier or enjoyable to me. I try and do them a lot with in-hand work and Indy understands them from the ground. In the saddle it's a completely different story and absolutely the best way to piss her off. They're getting better and help with the rest of our ride IF we can get them right. I still don't get any enjoyment out of doing them. </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So what are the excercises you would prefer to avoid in your lessons and daily riding? I'd love to hear about them.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<!-- start InLinkz script -->
<script type="text/javascript">
document.write('<scr' + 'ipt type="text/javascript" src="//www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=608412&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>');
</script>
<!-- end InLinkz script --></div>
Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560432669562291616noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962053785305440529.post-52182282510716233982016-02-11T19:49:00.001-08:002016-02-11T20:08:45.623-08:00Piss Off<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">No, this post isn't based on an angry rant. At least not one coming from me. Indy, on the other hand, decided to dub "Piss Off" as her own personal anthem for the Tracey Lert clinic this weekend. </span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_3f3d_4ba4_dc38_57e3" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo7KN482T4nEHlBL4AdjcihxmLCODuFtWfk9Z13X6_jzZAcAM9Eg4axJ1qmf5rfh7fIgl_Tf1RD9ZSHtjmDWXU1TUPYDP1VSDFIcliZa9IZU2Tpqj_nY9augrEyw031Js1A6OAus8PJRE/" alt="" title="" style="width: 310px; height: auto;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Saturday</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Saturday went fairly decent. Indy was a little fussy and distracted. It wasn't horrible though and I wouldn't want her to be perfect because it's the times that her attitude pops out that I need the most help. Some days she's very good. Others, not so much. Some are in the middle. Yes, this is pretty much typical of all horses, I fully understand that. However, Indy is much more extreme. One day she is a cute and furry little Mogwai that is oh, so lovable and the next I'm wondering what asshole decided to feed her after midnight (these are references from the book and movie <i>Gremlins </i>in case you weren't born between the 40s when the book was written and the 80s when the movie was made). Some days it's like someone threw water on my little darling and all her alter egos morph from her.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_1d18_5a82_6b0b_325c" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4g0zYavc8s-9MJQ3rc108XQlmv3QWSCfaIskzM3PI7_0UF7TJhZ8lnHIUERCybZOUmBGTIkR2OYSxoCY_3arNbOJ-ZApQPJOi9evDpN3V-2re5cRYol9PF5J4q5p6MZkmQXj-WaVNNZQ/" alt="" title="" style="width: 339px; height: auto;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Oh yeah, back to the clinic.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Anyway, Sunday, was not a pleasant experience, which made it a very good learning experience. It was pretty obvious from the beginning that Indy wasn't in the mood to play. Everything I asked was answered with a huge "GO AWAY!" followed by grabbing the bit and pulling it in directions that I'm still a little surprised a horse's head can go. At least she's flexible. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This is pretty much how it went:</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I put my leg on.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Indy- "Take that leg and shove it. I don't want to go forward. I think I prefer shuffling. Actually, maybe any lateral direction sounds more fun."</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_95dc_31d6_90ac_f8f9" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOLXwQ6J0iEJAOFyqkdOmASq3k1ZCynGE14LPrPE3_5deqPvJ6NIlnOMErwFP2ZyGF9Nh04FGSIKQ4na-4uacdwlT8u1Uk1Czyt6p935IWye_qUoqFVFhnkfQz7y-j7fU3qIWU7cYyL4I/" alt="" title="" style="width: 327px; height: auto;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I pick up the contact. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Indy- "OH HELL NO! You did not just touch the reins that touch the bit that is in my mouth! How's my head feel in your face?!" *flips me off*</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_48b1_7a63_548_6461" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f4r13TErs2I/Vr1WLtka8OI/AAAAAAAAGKI/dK7SwFrlaNM/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" alt="" title="" style="width: 329px; height: auto;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Tracey tells me to halt.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Indy-"You can't make me! Haha!" *flips me off again*</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Tracey has me try a turn on the forehand.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Indy-"HORSE ABUSE! CRUELTY TO ELEPHANTS! I will not stand for this! I shall fight until it stops by moving my body in every other direction than the one you want. Backwards and upwards or stomping/kicking sounds like a good defense to ward off this evil attack from your leg." *flip off number three*</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_a46f_d331_5894_5d90" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dGj3KP06mBo/Vr1WMnpzQKI/AAAAAAAAGKM/0jfgVetxUWo/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" alt="" title="" style="width: 361px; height: auto;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We eventually get to trot.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"Look at me, I'm going so pretty! JUST KIDDING!!! Since you want me to bend left, I'm just going to lean against all things left and start head banging!" *insert the double bird*</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_f03_589d_ea36_a4b5" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATXpZRf9HGX9KV-7ZqzO0-AqmHkPzu5jn4CEB92fWlFF8n0B8ZpSDWxue9PQAhBFldKTzuo5fLPsJks_cwEFp8QoKcHWR0U21cZhAaaTjw89plusCGvkKmL73c-_LNT5MsI-Z4gkHJfw/" alt="" title="" style="width: 339px; height: auto;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I wish that this conversation was a dramatized version of the story, but it's really pretty accurate.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_52fe_2959_d336_3a4b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NS-lxIwWZN4/Vr1WPa7uJkI/AAAAAAAAGKU/fuwNrxhEBUM/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" alt="" title="" style="width: 331px; height: auto;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">That moment when she finally started thinking things through.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> I like riding with Tracey. She's fair and she's not mean, but she also isn't going to take "almost there" as being good enough. Once you get one thing fixed she will immediately go to the next thing (and you're doing well if it is only one thing instead of two or three or ten) that isn't correct. She will push hard. She will call it like it is and draw attention to every mistake you're making in the present, but also the ones that you probably made in the past that have led to the issues now. She will adjust every flaw in your position, you will learn to post perfectly, the basics will be hammered into your brain until you get it. She will not baby you. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It's worth it though. If you can handle all that she throws at you, you WILL come out better. So far it seems like I did. I tried hard, I drew a line, I didn't lose my composure during the lesson. I learned to be tougher, to disconnect from the personal aspect (she's a horse being a horse, her problem, not mine, etc.), to make sure that I didn't go away no matter what fuss Indy put up. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We made it through alive. I was actually happy with what I learned. I didn't mind Tracey pushing for more or calling me on everything that I was doing wrong. It would have been way more insulting to have her think that my horse and I aren't capable of more. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">That didn't keep me from leading Indy out of the barn and bursting into tears. I don't know why. Mental and physical exhaustion? Release of tension? </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I can't remember the last time Indy made me cry. I vowed a long time ago not to, no matter what, because owning and riding her is an opportunity and that's enough to be grateful for, I'm not entitled to have good rides every time. We'll just call Sunday an exception and move on.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">I gave Indy Monday off, we both needed it. After having a day to process everything I learned, I was able to apply it better. We've had nothing but good rides since and my lesson today was full of very excellent quality work from Indy.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_2c8d_13a2_fbe_b37" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3GoPsV_Dlsg/Vr1WQpjxXlI/AAAAAAAAGKY/B3L4_1Q_txE/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" alt="" title="" style="width: 332px; height: auto;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Back when I played basketball my friend would always say, "You're the only person I know that can be upside down, backwards, and surrounded by players and you'll usually make the shot, but when you're open and in the clear, you miss it almost every time." </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">The fact is that this really relates to my riding. I needed to be pushed, to get knocked around, to have to perform better. I needed the extra pressure that day. It might not have come easily, but what I learned in that clinic will stick with me always. Like The Fiancé said, it needed to happen. It did and Indy and I are that much better because of it.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">That being said, that's what clinicians are paid for. They come, they push, they leave. I sure as hell wouldn't want that type of intensity every single lesson, just like I wouldn't have wanted that kind of pressure every time I shot a basketball in practice. Getting back to the normal grind with my trainer in my lesson today was a very refreshing experience. She still pushes me, but I get a little more time to take all that she is telling me in. Riding with her is very calming, yet still challenging, to me and that is more what I need on a regular basis. Especially with Indy. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><br></div></div>Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560432669562291616noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962053785305440529.post-32524366496570335272015-12-08T17:06:00.001-08:002015-12-09T10:45:21.667-08:00Almost FamousThe lighted horse with the dark background has always been an attractive picture to me. When a friend told me that a photographer was coming to Scottsdale that does this type of photography, I couldn't turn down the opportunity. After all, when you have a horse that is as much of a diva as Indy, professional portraits are a must.<div><br></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_fd03_d857_4021_149" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Rdya4dQtR0w/VmfB_AMKW9I/AAAAAAAAGGo/_k-sAfJMNuI/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" alt="" title="" style="width: 594px; height: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Indy in her dramatic diva pose.</div><div><div><br></div><div>The Portraitures were done by <a href="http://www.gianaterranovaphotography.com" id="id_3719_bcb0_d7c1_a4fe">Giana Terranova Photography</a> and she is fantastic! She is very patient with the horses (Indy wouldn't be a true diva if she didn't make getting a good shot at least a little bit difficult) and professional. Giana made the trip to Scottsdale, but she is in the Orange County, CA area. Her prices are very good and she does a great job. If you live in that area, I'd highly recommend her. Even if you don't, it'd be worth looking into getting enough people together to pay for her trip to come to you. Check out her <a href="http://www.gianaterranovaphotography.com" id="id_fd97_3dbe_db4b_f20b">website</a> to see all of the services that she offers. I plan on doing a photo session of Indy and I with her next time as well as another Portraiture session. I want one of Winn too.. I am also considering booking her to do some of the horses at the track as a gift for owners. I almost did it this time and am really regretting that I didn't now.</div></div></div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_d519_5843_937c_1a56" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynN5aQFbK0ESugeYycoVOJ3guXbCGjNG7fLD-lwJYh1jhBe8p_-A-NuIid4n9GkND2uT1e0MV5dd4GRtHqB3HZs5zo6vNbDMgeBdMGeHSJ5XAdS1fVUn2fZwBxEln3wY9Q-9aLmJFX6A/" alt="" title="" style="width: 600px; height: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Love this one!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_e2a6_bcfb_20fb_f778" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XHLQEneK5Yo/VmfCDJuO41I/AAAAAAAAGG4/0EeBCsXGZ9s/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" alt="" title="" style="width: 600px; height: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">My pretty girl!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_dd8d_def8_6869_d033" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mSTIvyxHBIQ/VmfCD9FNPjI/AAAAAAAAGG8/InaOW41yOA0/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" alt="" title="" style="width: 409px; height: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_fd01_e0f7_4ae0_8b0c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qainh2YFV9g/VmfCERDYWEI/AAAAAAAAGHE/ck_FvqQfOM4/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" alt="" title="" style="width: 414px; height: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_752b_17b7_a867_155f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pnY-NcuPa7k/VmfCFi0Oj0I/AAAAAAAAGHQ/UC6CotLf50k/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" alt="" title="" style="width: 605px; height: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Also, it's a pleasure to introduce Indy's boyfriend, Stewart, to all of you. And what better way to introduce him than through the the beautiful portraits done by <a href="http://www.gianaterranovaphotography.com" id="id_f4f_7df9_86b9_ac48">Giana</a>! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_cb78_95a7_854f_1045" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiziwNN6Cl8rbXdNwQmceiPRUws7WUX-eARoTdYpJj8rObVcNI_XpMCZq7xJDbZaP7R669pW59AwkXEAWXptF6N2GuRZV_GfYcJ7LSvyrwsuasAuVanv2FChp81qVmtdVZxyp4zIqUf5Go/" alt="" title="" style="width: 600px; height: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Indy definitely has good taste! She LOVES Stewart and is SO much nicer to ride when he is around.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_a5ce_1137_c141_5bd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GZgZIZCstFo/VmfCHqvFQ9I/AAAAAAAAGHg/O1Muw1PD0LE/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" alt="" title="" style="width: 589px; height: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Seriously though, isn't he beautiful? A huge thanks to his owner, Jill, for letting me post some of Stewart's portraits!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm so happy to have these pictures of Indy! Next time I will probably braid and, if she needs it, body clip. I like that I went with keeping it simple in these first ones though. She looks how I know her and there are no words that I can use to describe Indy that will sum her up as well as these photographs do. They capture everything about her. Thank you so much Giana!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm going to order a canvas of one of the portraits. Which one do you guys like?</div>Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560432669562291616noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962053785305440529.post-21451984143245769562015-12-04T21:54:00.002-08:002015-12-08T21:56:41.444-08:00November Ramblings<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_q1X4mVWptDA3-XZrH_bkgizRCNMO4zruqMApZxjzQURY4rf42A_S0IrBmrQq6p0bBbilEpxRdl_HA03HbybgS-Ny1anYmQIMqTYMExOh49etpcgCN-Hyf4jYAuOAJ5z14eiVyo-7HCU/s640/blogger-image--2097855663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_q1X4mVWptDA3-XZrH_bkgizRCNMO4zruqMApZxjzQURY4rf42A_S0IrBmrQq6p0bBbilEpxRdl_HA03HbybgS-Ny1anYmQIMqTYMExOh49etpcgCN-Hyf4jYAuOAJ5z14eiVyo-7HCU/s640/blogger-image--2097855663.jpg" id="id_3c16_a205_bdc8_d1c1" style="width: 513px; height: auto;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Key- Shapes in the left hand corner are days that I rode. I'm using the vet symbol for lessons. The ribbons are shows. I haven't quite figured out what combo of symbols to use for clinics yet. The app I am using is okay, but has a lot of room for improvement.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Anyway...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
11/1-Arrived home late in the evening from our trip to the Breeder's Cup sick.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIuHKyAV4Ebuug-0_YbK7wmq2Mtr33CyRfgA9ELHaJOX8AqB0YANYltnC1QsSuwVmyBZmzly6FE-oRaIjmDUmen8fUgUDMSZJnhHPfCWchyphenhyphenjZ6oeyDBXdeNwXRyQTfAAeDlR88FMnwOg/s640/blogger-image--439443111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIuHKyAV4Ebuug-0_YbK7wmq2Mtr33CyRfgA9ELHaJOX8AqB0YANYltnC1QsSuwVmyBZmzly6FE-oRaIjmDUmen8fUgUDMSZJnhHPfCWchyphenhyphenjZ6oeyDBXdeNwXRyQTfAAeDlR88FMnwOg/s640/blogger-image--439443111.jpg" id="id_7728_618c_840c_1c0a" style="width: 360px; height: auto;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We flew in and out of Louisville because it was way cheaper than flying to Lexington. Can you see Churchill Downs in the picture? Seeing it made me want to go to the Derby again.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
11/2-11/7- Full-fledged death flu. Every time I fly, I pick up some form of illness. EVERY. TIME.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
11/8- Wherein I drug my sick self out to the barn because I had a show coming up. Indy rewarded me for her nice vacation by having a tantrum and acting like she was going to throw herself on the ground. Over walk/halt, halt/walk transitions. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
11/9- Repeat of the day before.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
11/10- A much needed lesson. After the previous two days, I had abandoned all hope that it would go well. Indy suddenly decided to act all angelic right after I told my trainer how big of a hag she had been for the previous two rides. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-AJCsAjT2kAP-6EcOKFyHp_6XbEF0UL_avic_FruD5nvSlV4igFxtlXH6Lk64tsAo_5UTWqPxozjj5NhdZaCCCCX2HRI5pEutXtWUepLbGUuUI2vJ4BXWKHpkygj0nfhNpR4ykP7Df8/s640/blogger-image--237468544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-AJCsAjT2kAP-6EcOKFyHp_6XbEF0UL_avic_FruD5nvSlV4igFxtlXH6Lk64tsAo_5UTWqPxozjj5NhdZaCCCCX2HRI5pEutXtWUepLbGUuUI2vJ4BXWKHpkygj0nfhNpR4ykP7Df8/s640/blogger-image--237468544.jpg" id="id_c1cc_2a24_d975_34ab" style="width: 360px; height: auto;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">11/12- Another lesson, this time in the arena on the hill, where Indy decided to behave.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
11/13- Indy had filling in her left ankle, but was sound on it. We had a very light, quick ride.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
11/14- <a href="http://racingtoride.blogspot.com/2015/11/indy-first-show.html?m=1" target="_blank">Her first show</a>. Not great, but not a disaster. She was calm and behaved for the most part.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3UmW8yNVZtjYiiEhlJ9-XD4YlAvTR7EwHNLIC16-rHcrUpKBNHG07oAS39BRA1-oNCpfrqpS4MxITbgQwQCCkLO0tm6yeYeF2gvyQH6Bt54BaNZBX-R_isc9lvVZ0Jgl3rYqvkP8FxlM/s640/blogger-image--1480302806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3UmW8yNVZtjYiiEhlJ9-XD4YlAvTR7EwHNLIC16-rHcrUpKBNHG07oAS39BRA1-oNCpfrqpS4MxITbgQwQCCkLO0tm6yeYeF2gvyQH6Bt54BaNZBX-R_isc9lvVZ0Jgl3rYqvkP8FxlM/s640/blogger-image--1480302806.jpg" id="id_f6dc_40f2_206a_a278" style="width: 485px; height: auto;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">My trainer taking pics because getting Indy to that first show took a hell of a lot of time and effort.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
11/15-11/18- I didn't ride in hopes that the flu from Hell would finally go away.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
11/19- Another lesson. I didn't lunge and Indy was fresh from the four days off, but settled down fairly quick for her. We ended up having another good lesson.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
11/20-11/21- Two more good rides.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
11/23-11/24-Two VERY good rides.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
11/25-The lesson where Indy tried to buck me off.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
11/27-An okay ride.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
11/28-Light ride.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-zDzcfJ88ypraXCvBhqsku8BLClROnMSo1K6lFIGn1SsYxw4zxYu1PFyym3h6G5PJ2Q41pCaq0mmpqxvj2D6cSFCyy7CGhtUCo1gORQQ6NOa15NbZby5RAOTPMIZcWWrYc71Ra_UYgs/s640/blogger-image--1118571784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-zDzcfJ88ypraXCvBhqsku8BLClROnMSo1K6lFIGn1SsYxw4zxYu1PFyym3h6G5PJ2Q41pCaq0mmpqxvj2D6cSFCyy7CGhtUCo1gORQQ6NOa15NbZby5RAOTPMIZcWWrYc71Ra_UYgs/s640/blogger-image--1118571784.jpg" id="id_aa4a_6344_850e_219e" style="width: 514px; height: auto;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">11/29-Tracey Lert Clinic. No serious mishaps, learned a lot. Loved riding with her (post coming soon)!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
If you take out the days I was sick, I actually rode 15/20 days and Indy only had one day off between rides otherwise. Obviously, 15 rides a month isn't going to be enough, but I'll give myself a pass considering the ten days that I felt like I was dying. I would have liked to have gotten a lesson or two more in, four of them still helped a lot though. Add the show and the clinic to those and this turned out to be a pretty good month when it comes to learning.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I liked the three days of being ridden/one day off schedule for Indy. For the most part, it seemed to work well.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKYUpclws-HqmAVp4pNmYP_kumDb6tv4f71xJK7YNWum6YpMSSu181csItL8kGWcD73CbonS9F4jPUzxagBBCP-X5yDFz-oeoc5gFy-e78SzZOES6iWon3Hdg_9qfcfnG3yWQdjVyPtE/s640/blogger-image--1831319193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKYUpclws-HqmAVp4pNmYP_kumDb6tv4f71xJK7YNWum6YpMSSu181csItL8kGWcD73CbonS9F4jPUzxagBBCP-X5yDFz-oeoc5gFy-e78SzZOES6iWon3Hdg_9qfcfnG3yWQdjVyPtE/s640/blogger-image--1831319193.jpg" id="id_e4ac_ef8_9187_40e5" style="width: 508px; height: auto;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">This is <a href="http://racingtoride.blogspot.com/2014/03/milestone.html?m=1" target="_blank">Aggie</a>, one of the horses in training at the track, who Indy seems to be the dressage version of. Aggie ended up being worth all of the extra time and effort, hopefully Indy will too. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Plans for December riding-</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I'd like to get on a four days on, one off, three days on, one off schedule since she is getting more fit and stronger. There are no shows or clinics that I know of yet, so I'm going to try to get as many lessons in as possible.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Indy is getting laser therapy and a chiro adjustment on Saturday. We will do thermal imaging too, so it will be interesting to see what that shows. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
On Sunday, she has a Portraiture session that I'm super excited about! I was going to body clip her, but she is already starting to shed out and one of my rules is to never body clip after they start shedding because it always seems to make their coats look nasty once it starts growing again. Of course I would own an elephant that hairs up in 100°+ weather in September and starts shedding when the low gets down to 35° in December.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
What's it like to have a normal, predictable horse? I've forgotten.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<br></div>
Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560432669562291616noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962053785305440529.post-22067349872268510742015-11-25T23:17:00.001-08:002015-12-09T05:19:20.626-08:00Should Have Known Better<div>First off, Happy Thanksgiving!!!</div><div><br></div>Of course, the day after writing a post about why my horse isn't in full training, Indy would pull the worst shit she ever has.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCtWy3Zd78pGNBhbyju14e3g2VfhAMj13GPomHnRq4GsMjC9soOCy6MKL_PEGcXISwCVJ7cHk9ANE-yMgYmsvZoBAVlr8E9-QqYL8aHZzw-EWkr6QlFyLTm4IxJaPOVXhIdDLcLyJYH5U/s640/blogger-image-518490019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCtWy3Zd78pGNBhbyju14e3g2VfhAMj13GPomHnRq4GsMjC9soOCy6MKL_PEGcXISwCVJ7cHk9ANE-yMgYmsvZoBAVlr8E9-QqYL8aHZzw-EWkr6QlFyLTm4IxJaPOVXhIdDLcLyJYH5U/s640/blogger-image-518490019.jpg" id="id_e0dd_cb75_d4c4_a7b9" style="width: 466px; height: auto;"></a></div><br><div><br></div><div>I should have known that it was going to be a bad day when Hirsch made a solid attempt at dislocating my elbow which caused it to make an incredibly disgusting popping sound. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The temptation to just cancel the lesson after that was pretty high, but I have a clinic this weekend and figured that some riding wisdom was probably needed beforehand. I thought that as long as Indy was good, it shouldn't hurt too much. </span></div><div><br></div><div>I didn't get to the barn in time to lunge, so I just tacked Indy quickly and headed out. She hasn't really needed to be lunged lately anyway, so no big deal right? That was mistake #1.</div><div><br></div><div>Mistake #2 was opting to ride in the arena on the hill instead of the covered. I'm trying to be better about riding her outside of her comfort zone, so it seemed like a good idea at the time.</div><div><br></div><div>Mistake #3 was thinking that she would be pretty chill since she had been ridden hard the last couple days. I forgot that she inherited the thoroughbred stamina and not only doesn't get tired easily, but also recovers quickly if she does.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNTRLumXuGwfehezCyeiNunFrf4eIioQh-7ykwplKABCGpeqseAC6xFFdok-jQY-hY0yeG1O9kW3uaX7xJbQQ6NwX18yotP1Wruap4Ouokx_cVgZCOxIQlJmSQtXuEewXEcidy30HKu8/s640/blogger-image--483430917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNTRLumXuGwfehezCyeiNunFrf4eIioQh-7ykwplKABCGpeqseAC6xFFdok-jQY-hY0yeG1O9kW3uaX7xJbQQ6NwX18yotP1Wruap4Ouokx_cVgZCOxIQlJmSQtXuEewXEcidy30HKu8/s640/blogger-image--483430917.jpg" id="id_61ba_889c_c57f_2330" style="width: 486px; height: auto;"></a></div>This was from the night before.</div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">So I walk her around while my trainer finished her other lesson and I'm all sorts of proud of Little Miss Sweet Pea because she's gotten so much braver and more confident in the last couple of months. She didn't even spook at the guy dragging the garbage can on a cart on the hill above her.</span></div><div><br></div><div>The lesson started off well enough with some pretty nice walk work. Then we started trotting and that was pretty good too until a lady brought a horse to the barn above us. Indy got distracted for a bit, but went back to work. Then another lady came to grab her horse out of the barn and let it away. Once again, Indy got distracted but went back to work again.</div><div><br></div><div>Mistake #4 was heading towards the letter S, which my little darling decided that she should suddenly be terrified of.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvu_lb9rNCg5Y0D_pl-AjukzK2Nn0Sl2-3Wkh794h569SoQWz-G6hItty2Pu6ffxFAbF72lS3UduXW0q9UHOaKRF68CgV44iVaVW6haRh0AGXVEbOheKUJuc1entZVFpqnfIiBMnBkFw/s640/blogger-image-452874951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvu_lb9rNCg5Y0D_pl-AjukzK2Nn0Sl2-3Wkh794h569SoQWz-G6hItty2Pu6ffxFAbF72lS3UduXW0q9UHOaKRF68CgV44iVaVW6haRh0AGXVEbOheKUJuc1entZVFpqnfIiBMnBkFw/s640/blogger-image-452874951.jpg" id="id_3931_e96d_17cc_d53f" style="width: 373px; height: auto;"></a></div><br></div><div>It unfolded like this:</div><div><br></div><div>Indy spooked at the evil S.</div><div><br></div><div>Me: What the hell?</div><div><br></div><div>Indy buck #1.</div><div><br></div><div>Me: Shit!</div><div><br></div><div>Indy buck #2.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHATNTh3-YPrLTsQc6nHWGQe5l3I9B-CpY8Ij4SPyuL1g9Rlvb1BjXAdOX1d48gs5_JNawtjmvXlf9PCYGE6xTAmvj2hgBT4VfCIngo6dGX1uvTS9CM3U4fMs619hkbge3ogsH_T6AjPo/s640/blogger-image--379802878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHATNTh3-YPrLTsQc6nHWGQe5l3I9B-CpY8Ij4SPyuL1g9Rlvb1BjXAdOX1d48gs5_JNawtjmvXlf9PCYGE6xTAmvj2hgBT4VfCIngo6dGX1uvTS9CM3U4fMs619hkbge3ogsH_T6AjPo/s640/blogger-image--379802878.jpg" id="id_3607_6e4e_c05a_98b6" style="width: 404px; height: auto;"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Me: That should be the end of it, but I can't get her head back up.</div><div><br></div><div>Indy buck #3.</div><div><br></div><div>Me: That one was even bigger than the last two.</div><div><br></div><div>Indy buck #4.</div><div><br></div><div>Me: Did my always calm and collected trainer just sound worried? I'm so screwed!</div><div><br></div><div>Indy buck #5.</div><div><br></div><div>Me: At least the footing is soft out here.</div><div><br></div><div>Indy buck #6.</div><div><br></div><div>Me: If I come off today, it's going to be a full year of dealing with this crap.</div><div><br></div><div>Indy buck #7.</div><div><br></div><div>Me: I am NOT coming off!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdzCpf8xlrbjqe4im7l8WE-YO-KwfW18t3VxbzNOoQrA7WLuQL_7AuFt_I1GyVJSe-IDCyih7-5OpYoC5ZWLO7Ak00CZ1vJ77AGexD06RukDRSi-4j35jaTrSSWV6w_J59SkhRrSlP7Js/s640/blogger-image--122814123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdzCpf8xlrbjqe4im7l8WE-YO-KwfW18t3VxbzNOoQrA7WLuQL_7AuFt_I1GyVJSe-IDCyih7-5OpYoC5ZWLO7Ak00CZ1vJ77AGexD06RukDRSi-4j35jaTrSSWV6w_J59SkhRrSlP7Js/s640/blogger-image--122814123.jpg" id="id_4aab_8797_528f_9055" style="width: 502px; height: auto;"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Indy buck #8.</div><div><br></div><div>Me: I wonder if she is going to take a flying leap over the rail of the arena or turn.....</div><div><br></div><div>Indy buck #9.</div><div><br></div><div>Me: At least she turned.</div><div><br></div><div>Indy buck #10.</div><div><br></div><div>Me: There goes my stirrup, it's official: I'm going to hit the dirt today.</div><div><br></div><div>Indy buck #10.5 (because it was about half the size of the rest).</div><div><br></div><div>Me: Please! Noooo moooore!</div><div><br></div><div>End Indy's bucking spree.</div><div><br></div><div>Me: I'm gonna kill her!!! And why the hell wasn't there someone around to capture that on video?</div><div><br></div><div>Me to my trainer: "Did I at least score a ten for that?" She kind of chuckled and said that I did. "I think that I need to lunge the living piss out of her!"</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhYSAR8O-MAz_g3ahJNu3iwdUJdP9484jalup7UH53KYOTNhT0CSOs9r11-YlYfvAJnl9c9LPJFvdJFpo_FqW4JuBF1HIwOVsEAu60zsfGcHZwwhf9kb_pabbQhXaKoqcZd204-6Hgvv4/s640/blogger-image--1905048303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhYSAR8O-MAz_g3ahJNu3iwdUJdP9484jalup7UH53KYOTNhT0CSOs9r11-YlYfvAJnl9c9LPJFvdJFpo_FqW4JuBF1HIwOVsEAu60zsfGcHZwwhf9kb_pabbQhXaKoqcZd204-6Hgvv4/s640/blogger-image--1905048303.jpg" id="id_c79e_4680_ccfb_4ba" style="width: 503px; height: auto;"></a></div>Whatever.</div><div><br></div><div>Trainer asked if I wanted her to go grab a lunge and the side reins. I gratefully accepted her offer because let's face it, the chances of my riding Indy until she was tired without getting bucked off was slim to none. That bucking episode already had me exhausted. I'm not a bronc rider and I don't want to be and I find absolutely no shame in that. I rode Indy around in her "safe" area waiting until the trainer was almost back because there was no way in Hell that I was going to immediately jump off of her. Heifer is a smart one and she would have put two and two together pretty damn quick.</div><div><br></div><div>My trainer came back with the gear and then left to feed lunch while I lunged the princess. I made Indy canter A LOT. And no, I don't feel the slightest bit guilty about it. The lungeing worked in that it got her a bit tired, though most horses at her stage of training and fitness would have been exhausted. It didn't work in that not being able to escape the contact of the side reins REALLY pissed her off.</div><div><br></div><div>Trainer came back and I got back on. Indy was still looking for an excuse to get set off, but was at least tired enough that I could talk her out of it. She was a cow about contact and never really relaxed, so once we got a few good circles of trot work in, we called it a day.</div><div><br></div><div>I'm pretty pissed for several reasons. One is that I finally just got to the point where I trusted her not to do anything really bad. Another is that I can understand a spook and a buck or two from a young horse, hogging it across the arena isn't acceptable. I'm also mad because I'm pretty sure that she still wasn't tired even after that. The last reason that I'm pissed is because I'm pretty sure that I would be hurting a lot less right now if I actually had come off. Being pissed is probably a good thing in that it makes me more determined. It's better than being scared.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglwetTb4sUbp3rc_8IQ9hhWzjlOAcOUyQMo_1A9aNoubxCOcGDRWTEdP6PpfPkfrAllPcBIDIjvm0AJRYf7lpiBicb3VzvSHgt8yUWdkVgg_oaQSN5DXruNEtUbO38q_Km2BPxdYtuOr8/s640/blogger-image--1557209771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglwetTb4sUbp3rc_8IQ9hhWzjlOAcOUyQMo_1A9aNoubxCOcGDRWTEdP6PpfPkfrAllPcBIDIjvm0AJRYf7lpiBicb3VzvSHgt8yUWdkVgg_oaQSN5DXruNEtUbO38q_Km2BPxdYtuOr8/s640/blogger-image--1557209771.jpg" id="id_7514_512_f520_a828" style="width: 406px; height: auto;"></a></div><br></div><div>It feels like some one beat me with a bat and I definitely need to try to get a chiro appointment tomorrow. The elbow isn't feeling so great and now the shoulder is right there with it. On a good note, my neck seems to have come out mostly unscathed. It's stiff, but I can get out of bed so that's a good sign that I didn't injure it again. Apparently, I'm getting old or something. By the way, you would not believe the amount of ab strength that it takes to ride a bucking horse for that long. Though those being sore is probably a good thing. The gym has nothing on Indy.</div><div><br></div><div>It's not that Indy bucked super hard, kicking in the hind end and/or twisting in the body, but she bucked plenty hard enough. It was those head down between her legs, four-legged bucks. At least she stayed straight for the most part and wasn't doing the side to side crap. However, she bucked for a LONG time. It was a nasty move on her part. Indy probably could have tried a little harder to get me off, but she also could have tried a lot less. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr0mZRP15M7OzCEvkY4Cz7rkwNO4jjseZ_fCVXT3nlRf4O9m4dHXC7cEXU96ktVJloOU8yBiJZOx911wpf-bVh98Jc6IHYvjpBGzM2DYcgbkqoDmMCWi_2NThom-EaRDxWytIYRvkBHXk/s640/blogger-image-590211258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr0mZRP15M7OzCEvkY4Cz7rkwNO4jjseZ_fCVXT3nlRf4O9m4dHXC7cEXU96ktVJloOU8yBiJZOx911wpf-bVh98Jc6IHYvjpBGzM2DYcgbkqoDmMCWi_2NThom-EaRDxWytIYRvkBHXk/s640/blogger-image-590211258.jpg" id="id_e4fe_bf60_2d37_e3da" style="width: 320px; height: auto;"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>What bothered me most was her eye. Usually, it's really soft. While I was lungeing her and before I got off, it definitely was anything but. It wasn't a frightened eye either. It was a mean one. It probably sounds crazy, but I swear that she was giving me a death look for the rest of our time together that day. I've seen horses that naturally have mean looking eyes, but I've never seen that drastic of a change from soft to evil in such a short time. It was a bit disturbing. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo2HgBzoJeFtGrHJcNK9cL_PplA-WHNOhBRnAlDbS0Rf8DOroIOX4VcfH_xa8Q1nMunkfnNu59TjG0E0RUFBzEEFZXdL6Rp3gQjH-aQoWiXhRycLdR2xXjtuzV0yaWXdwPskC66_Fx1cM/s640/blogger-image--1382485200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo2HgBzoJeFtGrHJcNK9cL_PplA-WHNOhBRnAlDbS0Rf8DOroIOX4VcfH_xa8Q1nMunkfnNu59TjG0E0RUFBzEEFZXdL6Rp3gQjH-aQoWiXhRycLdR2xXjtuzV0yaWXdwPskC66_Fx1cM/s640/blogger-image--1382485200.jpg" id="id_ef10_6e66_a232_2a56" style="width: 527px; height: auto;"></a></div>Do not be fooled by her prettiness!</div><div><br></div><div>I ended up promising the trainer that I will lunge Indy before I ride for the time being. I don't like lungeing very often or for very long, but I also don't like getting bucked off. So, for now she will get lunged.<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div><br></div><div>We have a clinic on Sunday in the lower outdoor where they have the vinyl tarp-like signs that flap in the wind. Pray that it isn't windy on Sunday. I will really not be happy if I waste $150 to spend an hour just trying not to die. In the meantime, Indy is going to experience lots of flapping things in an attempt to get her over that stuff more. Unfortunately, it usually takes her a year to get over things. Wish me luck.</div><div><br></div><div>Before I go, I should say that I have a much deeper respect for those that can really ride broncs. Holy muscles!!!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560432669562291616noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962053785305440529.post-2161300352795211112015-11-17T19:23:00.001-08:002015-12-09T05:21:51.980-08:00TRM Blog Hop: 25 Questions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Thanks to Cathryn at<a href="http://thatredmare.blogspot.com/2015/11/trm-bloghop-25-questions.html?m=1#comment-form" target="_blank"> That Red Mare</a> for a fun blog hop!</span><br>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuWIpmEHIgbbWrC-pkzpMftsfdGanY9kCHCDvJJiPCJDXmVdfQo76-G35t5cx0g8vvePEh2u76CbweTIFYbZdq_AuAV76eni9q1EutWu2P1gXRLqc27RXT4gO5jpGQpnxkGUsPkOl4ckQ/s640/blogger-image-456202049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuWIpmEHIgbbWrC-pkzpMftsfdGanY9kCHCDvJJiPCJDXmVdfQo76-G35t5cx0g8vvePEh2u76CbweTIFYbZdq_AuAV76eni9q1EutWu2P1gXRLqc27RXT4gO5jpGQpnxkGUsPkOl4ckQ/s640/blogger-image-456202049.jpg" id="id_9017_15c_65b2_2a08" style="width: 411px; height: auto;"></a></div><br></span></div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">1. Mares or Geldings? Why?</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I think that the training process typically goes smoother with geldings, but that mares are really amazing if/when they start working for instead of against you. As a long term ownership and/or project, I'd go with mares.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">2. Green-broke or Fully Broke?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Green. It's easier to fix your own mistakes than someone else's. I've ridden a lot of "broke" horses that still weren't fundamentally correct.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinVOpeZSHoPQ_h-BSlyLQHDZp58dPhtx6wDdegG5RV-i73_Tp-oa2SXJT3Z3W0SjlPbAfOBg4idNwIwJiurJpxKFaFtQjlIqdhir39MZjdpKHKqNkbC-w417ucneiTkfq7tR2BVdBbWmo/s640/blogger-image-356395758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinVOpeZSHoPQ_h-BSlyLQHDZp58dPhtx6wDdegG5RV-i73_Tp-oa2SXJT3Z3W0SjlPbAfOBg4idNwIwJiurJpxKFaFtQjlIqdhir39MZjdpKHKqNkbC-w417ucneiTkfq7tR2BVdBbWmo/s640/blogger-image-356395758.jpg" id="id_b4d8_4bf_5711_6c7" style="width: 367px; height: auto;"></a></span></div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>Because this is obviously so much more fun.</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">3. Would you own a "hotter" breed (ie. Arabian, Trakhener, etc).</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Give me a hot horse over a dull one any day.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">4. What was your "dream horse" growing up?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Anything that looked like Betamax from the movie Sylvester, hunter bump and all. ;)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_oFVz0tlye4HnZWwloKlUTN6onSx9hexWFMItpBdw6Q3BIt8Vs9jNFXlhpykqKPJ6QMw2VcEhO48mSfxBn3EtfB2KbPklXchQ6cma8xfq_7FHwZPTw0zgSSEC2v9-TmkncEgAINavz0w/s640/blogger-image--1542916136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_oFVz0tlye4HnZWwloKlUTN6onSx9hexWFMItpBdw6Q3BIt8Vs9jNFXlhpykqKPJ6QMw2VcEhO48mSfxBn3EtfB2KbPklXchQ6cma8xfq_7FHwZPTw0zgSSEC2v9-TmkncEgAINavz0w/s640/blogger-image--1542916136.jpg" id="id_631e_9345_fdb5_7f1c" style="width: 431px; height: auto;"></a></span></div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>I still love a big, good looking bay. Though I prefer them without the hunter bump these days.</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">5. What kind of bit(s) do you use and why?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Both the dressage horses and the horses at the track go in some form of a Stubben or Sprenger snaffle. Winn goes in the Sprenger KK Ultra Loose Ring and I recently switched Indy from that into a Stubben Eggbutt. All of the racehorses go in Sprengers right now, though we will sometimes use the Stubben Wing Bit LR on them. I guess I use them because the horses all seem to like them and I like simple good quality. Gunner, the pony-horse, is the only one that goes in anything more severe than a snaffle and that's only when he's being ridden on the track.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Xn_Gd2-X37BeCk8f_QnoXJYi42nZtopezBo0_1dwfoYmyKQmvzXUrupiBk0Q04LglMxEeiSP-7gJF59hMrFPR-WivpBro7eQPIy81oND1FA8b8R17Xr1FZN4mKoVRP4G8Mxym4jH_gQ/s640/blogger-image-1454186485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Xn_Gd2-X37BeCk8f_QnoXJYi42nZtopezBo0_1dwfoYmyKQmvzXUrupiBk0Q04LglMxEeiSP-7gJF59hMrFPR-WivpBro7eQPIy81oND1FA8b8R17Xr1FZN4mKoVRP4G8Mxym4jH_gQ/s640/blogger-image-1454186485.jpg" id="id_2d52_6a2d_2348_dc4" style="width: 313px; height: auto;"></a></span></div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Nelson in a Sprenger.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">6. Helmets or no helmets?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I used to not be 100% strict about helmets. When my friend died from a head injury, I vowed never to get on a horse without one again and haven't. I'm not sure how that will go over the next time I go to move cows or brand with my dad, but I'll still wear it anyway.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguvrMXrB-Rh3674aKPGfI5kvHjKfJ7NkQ-qM4OkkSzfLvHO3dP7pCW26_HruJb_NbRacawwzQIMW4XojmHbAkdy5no10VnQl_nEpBhR9Qfb40IUMdIOvK9FXO9n-1WjkmFURg0XSdYw0g/s640/blogger-image--801065831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguvrMXrB-Rh3674aKPGfI5kvHjKfJ7NkQ-qM4OkkSzfLvHO3dP7pCW26_HruJb_NbRacawwzQIMW4XojmHbAkdy5no10VnQl_nEpBhR9Qfb40IUMdIOvK9FXO9n-1WjkmFURg0XSdYw0g/s640/blogger-image--801065831.jpg" id="id_6572_b501_6ab_66b5" style="width: 508px; height: auto;"></a></span></div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>Insert me wearing my helmet into this picture of my dad and his friends and you can understand how awkward I would look. Maybe I'll just stick with being ground crew....</i></span><br>
</div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">7. Favorite horse color?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Black. There is nothing prettier to me than a horse that is a true black.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">8. Least favorite horse color?</span></div>
<div>
I'm not that picky about color.</div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">9. Dressage or Jumping?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I'm a huge fan of jumping, but dressage is where my heart is.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLNqv1lMQfAxGzoCuFOeIjWA5pVQqbtAR1wXba4fOIf4XGdtf4pXQKctH7mFhtuM2wYe5ApKX44TVViW3q18tnZDX6MilQWIrcjKCvMt141YftLBUTPhe-4ITgTPOYlnxv6E27yylfaA/s640/blogger-image--1797946546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLNqv1lMQfAxGzoCuFOeIjWA5pVQqbtAR1wXba4fOIf4XGdtf4pXQKctH7mFhtuM2wYe5ApKX44TVViW3q18tnZDX6MilQWIrcjKCvMt141YftLBUTPhe-4ITgTPOYlnxv6E27yylfaA/s640/blogger-image--1797946546.jpg" id="id_bcac_abd0_c7a4_a0a1" style="width: 420px; height: auto;"></a></span></div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>Riding a horse that makes me look a lot better than I actually am.</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">10. How many years have you been riding?</span></div>
<div>
About 30 years.</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYlaMR96znxfn1ov5ZTpNwqu99ogWt1aC2giQJcxfmh6hoYavd8NtVy5_NqP5-dn9RzGH3vRcx8bcAv2qON0dCr0JpgGGs2EFGAI52SZEvLoZd8WyFCDYqtG0zL7gZyGsVS7pWqJXlKcw/s640/blogger-image--2016087235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYlaMR96znxfn1ov5ZTpNwqu99ogWt1aC2giQJcxfmh6hoYavd8NtVy5_NqP5-dn9RzGH3vRcx8bcAv2qON0dCr0JpgGGs2EFGAI52SZEvLoZd8WyFCDYqtG0zL7gZyGsVS7pWqJXlKcw/s640/blogger-image--2016087235.jpg" id="id_eaf8_c6ce_682c_85a9" style="width: 299px; height: auto;"></a></div>
<i>It was bad enough that they made me wear a pink hat, they could have at least got me one that fit.</i></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">11. Spurs/whip or no spurs/whip?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It just depends on the horse. I don't like carrying a whip or wearing spurs, but I'd rather have them on me and not need them instead of the other way around.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">12. Your first fall?</span></div>
<div>
I was 4 and it was either the time my barn-sour pony ran of with me and swiped me off on the barn door or the time he started getting attacked by ground hornets and bucked me off.</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicEFinPdeyyXCd-fHe1dZjt7bj6y4e4msQUz6UgiJS1EZ_zrSvBAi3zQcoK7w3SEt6yZG9aCQryJkDvFjEyCT0WkFJDrP4FgqB0F2P6QSwGmNsZfGxGxCP6tA0NgQ5cX61YbPFqINgYeA/s640/blogger-image-2083416372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicEFinPdeyyXCd-fHe1dZjt7bj6y4e4msQUz6UgiJS1EZ_zrSvBAi3zQcoK7w3SEt6yZG9aCQryJkDvFjEyCT0WkFJDrP4FgqB0F2P6QSwGmNsZfGxGxCP6tA0NgQ5cX61YbPFqINgYeA/s640/blogger-image-2083416372.jpg" id="id_5068_5fd9_9dea_4d86" style="width: 360px; height: auto;"></a></div>
<i>Bad pony!</i></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">13. When was the last time you rode and what did you do?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I rode Indy last Sunday in a dressage show. I normally would have ridden on Tuesday, but I have a flu that won't go away and I'm trying to rest so that I can get rid of it once and for all.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">14. Most expensive piece of tack you own?</span></div>
<div>
Custom Saddlery dressage saddle.</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3LTfRK2ZMKCVVyBu4l1cmvTkQvWmMYLdN8TbabTc8QCOueGlfP0cDKDJ7RybvM158_SezTSfgOyk8Ho6fhRPGk05PBJesgGttKQiBay20BUd_fWeoXZouC-idkytlXu-OM0WyWPDyeq4/s640/blogger-image--179449814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3LTfRK2ZMKCVVyBu4l1cmvTkQvWmMYLdN8TbabTc8QCOueGlfP0cDKDJ7RybvM158_SezTSfgOyk8Ho6fhRPGk05PBJesgGttKQiBay20BUd_fWeoXZouC-idkytlXu-OM0WyWPDyeq4/s640/blogger-image--179449814.jpg" id="id_5c80_1f37_c78d_4264" style="width: 439px; height: auto;"></a></div>
<i>My precious horse and saddle.</i></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">15. How old were you when you started riding?</span></div>
<div>
My mom would sit me in front of her in the saddle when I was an infant. I've been riding ever since.</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1T6w6EA_LWLHyhPG-eHSpeeD5a0d8c59ckI4C4RLThIC7L8SdysoxbLvNXMC4nkbc5_6rg-rJzmnQAQ4GHT6OrRtz64Cy66i3hAGqoHivR0u8hXwKVQM1QBhO7eHmAZ5OAaQC96cGWOc/s640/blogger-image-793354940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1T6w6EA_LWLHyhPG-eHSpeeD5a0d8c59ckI4C4RLThIC7L8SdysoxbLvNXMC4nkbc5_6rg-rJzmnQAQ4GHT6OrRtz64Cy66i3hAGqoHivR0u8hXwKVQM1QBhO7eHmAZ5OAaQC96cGWOc/s640/blogger-image-793354940.jpg" id="id_efdc_7eb9_462a_db54" style="width: 434px; height: auto;"></a></div>
<i>My first english saddle.</i></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">16. Leather or Nylon halters?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I typically use nylon, but love to have good leather hatters around too.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">17. Leather or Synthetic saddles?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Leather. Always leather.</span></div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">18. What "grip" of reins do you like?</span><br>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Web with grips.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">19. English or Western?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">English, but I've ridden western a lot throughout my life.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDVnbXs-79lMzpEU1Nuq1t61KcNpbin2WaSUYkKSjoBAssaNE5lqILVVlzasJlkGcy9FORssHya5XQJSvospKKkd6L6vyPkGR3Q2ah0UsXUpUQdkaadxcAtAFOqrY3K-tYjUE5pB6-bw/s640/blogger-image-1588979248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDVnbXs-79lMzpEU1Nuq1t61KcNpbin2WaSUYkKSjoBAssaNE5lqILVVlzasJlkGcy9FORssHya5XQJSvospKKkd6L6vyPkGR3Q2ah0UsXUpUQdkaadxcAtAFOqrY3K-tYjUE5pB6-bw/s640/blogger-image-1588979248.jpg" id="id_b277_3535_2d9c_b106" style="width: 475px; height: auto;"></a></span></div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>Back when I figured that I'd follow the family tradition of being a rodeo queen. Or Jr. Queen in this case, I was 13. This horse was out of the mare in the pink hat picture and he was awesome. I showed him western/english pleasure, jumped him, queened on him, barrel raced, did reining, he was broke to pull a cart, and had been roped off of.</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">20. How many horses do you currently own/lease?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">I own two dressage horses along with one racehorse. I'm half owner on another one too.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">21. Do you board your horse? Self-care/full board? Home board?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">I board.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">22. Have you ever had to put down a horse that you loved?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Yes, my OTTB, Beefheart. I'm still heartbroken over it.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg4enTuYVKX6TgP4cZpP17mGvYKxX_AmsBOrgDtjR7JZgK8-WutgwqK5kNhMM3nzPLSjJ5SkELwU3UGn4J3Yv_2ypTDvvigCVCKujbSWa-lWHNKn0YyVdW8LVEX1kFQIPDCGcRDZsSMvA/s640/blogger-image-386143341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg4enTuYVKX6TgP4cZpP17mGvYKxX_AmsBOrgDtjR7JZgK8-WutgwqK5kNhMM3nzPLSjJ5SkELwU3UGn4J3Yv_2ypTDvvigCVCKujbSWa-lWHNKn0YyVdW8LVEX1kFQIPDCGcRDZsSMvA/s640/blogger-image-386143341.jpg" id="id_7080_4f2a_89c9_2949" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"></a></span></div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">23. How many saddlepads do you have?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">About ten dressage pads and a couple of western pads.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">24. Slant-load trailer or straight haul?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We own a slant, but I prefer straight loads.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">25. Why do you ride?</span><br>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I was born into it and apparently inherited the horse addict gene. Riding means the world to me.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8HGRFkUEXzDUQbqN9ddn1-ItT79ZThnvUQ_irULmqiuFNHQwvkCjVo4-lZRc9WSu9hZ2XaB9ztrcNGUwTFqisNhTKnxEtWu-vQA5K_lN5ah79tI7MhsfVkiMs9gnTbXiYZzT4OiimRE/s640/blogger-image--1810925282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8HGRFkUEXzDUQbqN9ddn1-ItT79ZThnvUQ_irULmqiuFNHQwvkCjVo4-lZRc9WSu9hZ2XaB9ztrcNGUwTFqisNhTKnxEtWu-vQA5K_lN5ah79tI7MhsfVkiMs9gnTbXiYZzT4OiimRE/s640/blogger-image--1810925282.jpg" id="id_9bc3_215d_27b3_a781" style="width: 381px; height: auto;"></a></span></div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560432669562291616noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962053785305440529.post-597315617421539322015-11-16T15:43:00.004-08:002015-11-16T15:47:47.706-08:00Indy's First Show<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'd like to say that I just love showing, but the fact is that I NEED to show. In the sandbox in front of a judge is where I'm happiest, where I'm the most confident, and where I seem to learn the most. I don't know why, maybe it's because I've shown in one form or another since I could sit on a horse by myself. Maybe I just like to try and show off. For whatever reason, a show is my happy place.<br>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja5pEU4-KKFjwfIPrEqG897WRq2CUrDYX48u5aj9UWKvYzGPD3QaTW1-fITAcahbfzHar7b0pPAl7MU9fT67ciWc2-e4DagPZrppB9QxTRF9lt3HJB2S6FSaEtf7ud4hDBocVYfYTQMwU/s640/blogger-image-488334813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja5pEU4-KKFjwfIPrEqG897WRq2CUrDYX48u5aj9UWKvYzGPD3QaTW1-fITAcahbfzHar7b0pPAl7MU9fT67ciWc2-e4DagPZrppB9QxTRF9lt3HJB2S6FSaEtf7ud4hDBocVYfYTQMwU/s640/blogger-image-488334813.jpg"></a></div>
<i>I know it sounds ridiculous, but she seriously seems to love her bonnet.</i><br>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
When my trainer told me that a schooling show was coming up at our barn I decided that we should sign up even though I didn't feel that Indy and I were quite ready for it (my idea of being ready is being confident that we can score a 65% or higher). However, it was the best possible experience I could give her for a first show. I'd rather bring the "scary stuff" to her than take her to it in a completely new environment for her first outing. To feel like I wasn't completely taking advantage of the situation and making it too easy on us, I did only ride her twice in the arena we would be showing in beforehand. It can take dozens of rides for Indy to get over things she doesn't like, so I thought that was reasonable.</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
The beginning of the week before the show had been rough. I had a left for Kentucky and came back with the flu, so Indy had about ten days off after having a lesson where she was a raging cow. Not good. To top it off, I only had six more days <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">to get ready for the show.</span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijifIbQT_UVc3bIrR9Ro-0Z9kqvb3u-5of29lEQX743bf1mdhTPEQABrtL5qMPq10R3flRK2dod2Ww-KSOG82AcLpnWwOauuNf1ouUmEiYYboJmkGqI8QFo5P25Sf61uqDbHnECJsjVZw/s640/blogger-image-439939948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijifIbQT_UVc3bIrR9Ro-0Z9kqvb3u-5of29lEQX743bf1mdhTPEQABrtL5qMPq10R3flRK2dod2Ww-KSOG82AcLpnWwOauuNf1ouUmEiYYboJmkGqI8QFo5P25Sf61uqDbHnECJsjVZw/s640/blogger-image-439939948.jpg"></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><i>From awhile ago, laughing at her shenanigans.</i></span></div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
Fortunately, I have an awesome trainer that is very good at giving me confidence when I need it (I'm not scared of my horse, just of sucking). We had two pretty decent lessons on Tuesday and Thursday which left me feeling like I could at least make it through the tests. I prepared myself to get scores in the 40s because Indy is Indy and decided that was okay as long as she wasn't a complete psycho.</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
Then I came out the day before the show and Indy's leg looked like this:</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQ7FWpDjKgL96u-ZfBR67IXDTgKVqevYmMz_G7HK4OEdFGMx-uPGb1cCYXsKzN3EOJtKeHf3jO0YL1yumw8ysT_JpB30PLJ06tddl9yG-hqnRlidFy8XWPXKyUtyp8KeLXfcpkzQSS_8/s640/blogger-image--890287629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQ7FWpDjKgL96u-ZfBR67IXDTgKVqevYmMz_G7HK4OEdFGMx-uPGb1cCYXsKzN3EOJtKeHf3jO0YL1yumw8ysT_JpB30PLJ06tddl9yG-hqnRlidFy8XWPXKyUtyp8KeLXfcpkzQSS_8/s640/blogger-image--890287629.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtDNw-roqbsFY1ggJLo4q0iha_ewc3GCeEjagD9awNy6-NtlTN4rLymQ6QZ_uY2X4ElMzirOZl_9-CHRdevTH9nvhwJFygybVFTWdGVUqdSNYAM9gkQ4O-9AihIidqvtQEbKAqmfPWeYU/s640/blogger-image-481422506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtDNw-roqbsFY1ggJLo4q0iha_ewc3GCeEjagD9awNy6-NtlTN4rLymQ6QZ_uY2X4ElMzirOZl_9-CHRdevTH9nvhwJFygybVFTWdGVUqdSNYAM9gkQ4O-9AihIidqvtQEbKAqmfPWeYU/s640/blogger-image-481422506.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Of course it did, because Indy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
She didn't react when I pushed on it and seemed to be walking sound. I didn't have anyone there to jog her for me and didn't want her tearing around on the lunge if it was something serious, so I hopped on to see what she felt like. She wasn't sore. I decided to ice her and just wait to see what it looked like in the morning figuring I should probably scratch just to be safe. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
It was almost back to normal the next day. I decided that I might as well at least warmup and if my trainer said that she didn't look right then I would scratch. I lunged her more than I wanted to, but she was just a little too fresh. This show was all about keeping her calm and relaxed. She worked on the lunge until the kink in her tail was mostly gone and she was listening well enough to do lots of transitions, about twenty minutes, and headed for the warmup. *<i>Note: she was sound lungeing.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i><br></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3RLX9bc09UdgwURWEg3VkOPB9rshFtBLdBnbasVuUpMA2lHH98zMAv0yGSppR1KrDBP2GR6EJku2YnhOft5RCsRojsPfPVzjt_bkEHwcGjHsUCagxZug7Igu8JVF5EfdgSHwrPUVIDHc/s640/blogger-image-975515903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3RLX9bc09UdgwURWEg3VkOPB9rshFtBLdBnbasVuUpMA2lHH98zMAv0yGSppR1KrDBP2GR6EJku2YnhOft5RCsRojsPfPVzjt_bkEHwcGjHsUCagxZug7Igu8JVF5EfdgSHwrPUVIDHc/s640/blogger-image-975515903.jpg"></a></i></div>
<i>Miss Lumpy</i><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i><br></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
More than anything, I was worried about the warmup. Indy can get a pretty amped with just one or two horses working in the arena with her, I didn't know how she would react to the increase in traffic.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
She was so good! Which is a good thing since the warmup at a schooling show, especially this one, can be quite unsettling. In the words of the ring steward, the warmup was "about like trying to herd cats". Poor lady. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Indy stood quietly when I wanted her to. She looked at some things, but never did anything bad. When the psycho rider on a really short Appaloosa (Indy finds little horses quite intimidating) come barreling towards us head on, we didn't have the room or time to get out of the way. Indy jumped sideways and spun to avoid having a head on. Honestly, I froze and she saved our asses then settled down like nothing had happened. After that, she was just a bit hesitant to get too close to horses. No big deal, I didn't blame her.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/37PeAJS3juk?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>She's a little distracted, but I was just happy that she managed to control herself and her head didn't end up in my face at any point coming down the centerline or in the halt.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Our first class was Intro C. Indy was looking at some things and ducked just a bit a couple of times, all green horse stuff that was expected. I was mostly just wanting her to stay calm and she did that. She was a bit of a witch for the canter work, tossing her head to evade the contact some. That was also expected. Other than that, the bad parts of the test were my fault. I was only aiming to get around there with no serious mishaps and didn't ride for the quality that I should have. We scored a 59.7, which was probably on the generous side. I figured it was a lot better than the 40 I was expecting and was happy with the experience gained.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1g8wCz53kMU5aF4S_6_P__yFcUPV76AoG2UMvJ8-Cty9x8e_D3A3SkaehttDAj-izkLcXh64tEbaKtpgcHAAkejjvp-9Hx8Kp4pNbQKKkDHSuuHD83YwZdc_WnduTO-hvixzUkFYwjYs/s640/blogger-image-907569023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1g8wCz53kMU5aF4S_6_P__yFcUPV76AoG2UMvJ8-Cty9x8e_D3A3SkaehttDAj-izkLcXh64tEbaKtpgcHAAkejjvp-9Hx8Kp4pNbQKKkDHSuuHD83YwZdc_WnduTO-hvixzUkFYwjYs/s640/blogger-image-907569023.jpg"></a></div>
<i>Posing after her first dressage test ever.</i><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Our second test was Training 1. This one started off a lot better. Indy was more focused and I was riding better. Until I was coming out of our canter circle and some other guy was standing his horse right at F talking and making hand gestures. It distracted me, it distracted Indy, and she broke into a trot. I looked straight at him and loudly said "Damn it!" which the judge didn't hear, or at least pretended not to, fortunately. She gave me an error and I got to do the movement over again. The rest of the test went well, the canter work was a bit better, and the trot work was pretty good. We scored a 60.8 and I was happy with that.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
On my way out of the arena, a lady decided to stand literally right next to A, waiting to go in, so that we had to walk within a foot of her to get out. I told her that Indy might overreact to her being that close, but she didn't try and move until I was right next to her. Indy jumped sideways and hit the flowers boxes at the entrance then jumped forward. I just ignored the lady, accepting that the world has apparently gone stupid. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHlX02K-xNvqwblOTAYXM33L4WbxLw2nNeUr03cNjt65eOAoCx9zlxawZGwx6fpTDgIlrPTQlD8vJhegJxQxC_yHKfb20W-56SoGykxTqZSUVVeOZaT5suWNHxTTm3RsvSwqlB0utvuQ/s640/blogger-image--1651922243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHlX02K-xNvqwblOTAYXM33L4WbxLw2nNeUr03cNjt65eOAoCx9zlxawZGwx6fpTDgIlrPTQlD8vJhegJxQxC_yHKfb20W-56SoGykxTqZSUVVeOZaT5suWNHxTTm3RsvSwqlB0utvuQ/s640/blogger-image--1651922243.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
My trainer was warming up on another horse and said "You would have thought she could have at least let you out of the arena!". I readily agreed and then proceeded to ask her what kind of fucking idiot (meaning the guy) stands their horse right next to the arena while they are talking during someone's test? She said that stuff wouldn't happen at a recognized show and I agreed again.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
The fact is schooling shows are meant for green horses and inexperienced riders. Some of the other riders were excessively stupid that day (I learned that men are the absolute worst in the warmup), but all of the craziness was really good for Indy. I couldn't be happier or more proud of how well she handled everything. This is a horse that will still spook at her own shadow (she literally did that the day before the show), the dressage letters, the mounting block, short horses, etc. etc., if she isn't in the right mindset on any given day. Her behavior was extremely good for where we are at right now.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Most importantly, she seemed to enjoy the experience, approaching all of the activity with the curiosity that I love so much in young horses. It was possibly her inner diva enjoying all of the attention she was getting in her bling bonnet too, which is fine with me. Good horses like to go out there and perform. I think that Indy will be like that. For now, we'll just keep chugging along and working more on submission.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Qg0i0IvTKZ40hWlavY_4ogeKkOd4WPztDr5Q0Pf3TEfoS_pX9k5V3FYzHHlnrnEMkQpmDpJxt8AQgqFpLwz0MGcO7j6ufyooBng7F-kPNwRsaxh6OQbwdM88CIqUjYKmZjUJrPMLP9Y/s640/blogger-image--816096774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Qg0i0IvTKZ40hWlavY_4ogeKkOd4WPztDr5Q0Pf3TEfoS_pX9k5V3FYzHHlnrnEMkQpmDpJxt8AQgqFpLwz0MGcO7j6ufyooBng7F-kPNwRsaxh6OQbwdM88CIqUjYKmZjUJrPMLP9Y/s640/blogger-image--816096774.jpg"></a></div>
<i>Good girl!</i><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
My trainer said that maybe Indy likes to be a show horse. Please, let that be true because finding things that Indy likes isn't the easiest thing to do. So, our first show wasn't exactly a record setting performance. That's okay. It's a good baseline to work from.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<br></div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<br></div>
</div>
</div>Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560432669562291616noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962053785305440529.post-35531884389156626712015-11-05T15:06:00.001-08:002015-11-06T05:27:18.948-08:00BC Trip: KeenelandAfter our trip to the Breeder's Cup, I'm pretty much in love with the Lexington area. It's beautiful, horses are in the air no matter where you go, and the people are the most polite and welcoming as a whole that I've ever encountered in all of my travels. Everything about the place is charming. The cooler Autumn weather was a welcome experience to this Idaho girl that now spends fall in Arizona. I loved the colors, the grass, the crisp, clean air. Everything. In short, Lexington was everything I dreamt it would be.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTc62kwk8btTJT9mzommin18d6zSt94Pssgwe3L5hBQRhvfeFgH_VrfgmUiQESxXl0n1MzGP3qkH6j2XFlCpPxKNRqKA5NPYpQXcUYS3786Yh4I6LDLO5mfXxpieghVhRJHSY4SmbAcxg/s640/blogger-image--256206532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTc62kwk8btTJT9mzommin18d6zSt94Pssgwe3L5hBQRhvfeFgH_VrfgmUiQESxXl0n1MzGP3qkH6j2XFlCpPxKNRqKA5NPYpQXcUYS3786Yh4I6LDLO5mfXxpieghVhRJHSY4SmbAcxg/s640/blogger-image--256206532.jpg"></a></div><br><div><br></div><div><b>KEENELAND</b></div><div><b><br></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">K</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">eeneland is far from the overwhelming size and majesty of Churchill, but is just as special in its own way with a rich history. Its smaller size makes it a more intimate setting and it certainly isn't lacking when it comes to charm.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><br></span></div></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqb8ktmCA6x6PhF8Iqd0wfCj8XzAgzit10qZ33PxqWeAIMVOdhVb7ijQ_8xaCIewmlHdzKKj_BmtTmEL7HJfp1nFXMDLeRnyma9yMajo68F4cocmsEtI5yJ1xe2utxDFEj-bkCR-1EOvs/s640/blogger-image-126093347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqb8ktmCA6x6PhF8Iqd0wfCj8XzAgzit10qZ33PxqWeAIMVOdhVb7ijQ_8xaCIewmlHdzKKj_BmtTmEL7HJfp1nFXMDLeRnyma9yMajo68F4cocmsEtI5yJ1xe2utxDFEj-bkCR-1EOvs/s640/blogger-image-126093347.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>It opened as a nonprofit venture in October of 1936 with all proceeds going towards purses and improvements to the facility. Basically, this means that Keeneland was developed by its patrons over the years and all of those that supported the track can take pride in the fact that their money was used to improve it rather than filling investors' pockets. Today, The Keeneland Association (owned by Keeneland Trustees, Inc.) is listed as a for-profit company and pays taxes on all earnings. However, no dividends are paid to the few shareholders and profits are still used for supplementing purses, improving facilities, and making contributions to charities in the community and horse industry. It is everything that a racetrack should be in that aspect.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBi0TsN75HqvVdhem2LQCzyGckFMcPc2Dd51mBS4unyxD8F8Ae4npfzfVBnOQmv_JFxQPw52F4rMI8Stu_EqEHtSh_fZ6iMlRjHBxho8n6vji_6Fa2-zXsBBJOpsk_9YHL6WEP5uUMKU/s640/blogger-image--1213698997.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBi0TsN75HqvVdhem2LQCzyGckFMcPc2Dd51mBS4unyxD8F8Ae4npfzfVBnOQmv_JFxQPw52F4rMI8Stu_EqEHtSh_fZ6iMlRjHBxho8n6vji_6Fa2-zXsBBJOpsk_9YHL6WEP5uUMKU/s640/blogger-image--1213698997.jpg"></a></div><i>Winner's Circle and Grandstands. Keeneland's previous winners circle was an area outlined in chalk in the dirt on the track after the race. With Queen Elizabeth II coming for a visit on October 11th, 1984, it was decided that having her stand on a (possibly) muddy track and then have to walk across it for the trophy presentation of the Inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup would simply not do. In honor of her visit they held the race and built the winner's circle. In order to fulfill her wish to see a live American thoroughbred sale, and since there were no auctions scheduled for the time of her visit, Keeneland did a simulation of a real sale with all of the bells and whistles.</i></div><div><i><br></i></div><div><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZUun4y8-j9vHEgmAeqJZbis1nh_sV1-y-kSXPW7a2GG-mkE-Gr4w1FOrMo9gjKSWH1_u-ZhqCqjKU3v07f-vnVkLngkTR7cigQjZhfTy-Bp6Rp-oMBxr4Xjnjz4gLKElkeZJxcpOA8U/s640/blogger-image-675678598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZUun4y8-j9vHEgmAeqJZbis1nh_sV1-y-kSXPW7a2GG-mkE-Gr4w1FOrMo9gjKSWH1_u-ZhqCqjKU3v07f-vnVkLngkTR7cigQjZhfTy-Bp6Rp-oMBxr4Xjnjz4gLKElkeZJxcpOA8U/s640/blogger-image-675678598.jpg"></a></div>At least the tickets were pretty....</div><div><i><br></i></div><div>As far as the Breeder's Cup itself, I don't think that Keeneland did a horrible job handling the crowds when it came to transport, concessions, and bathrooms, but the seating arrangements weren't the best in our area. An owner had bought us our tickets as a gift and had spent a substantial amount of money. He felt bad and was extremely disappointed. We tried to reassure him that we were happy to be there no matter what, but I could definitely see where he was coming from. For the same price, we could have been sitting in one of the chalets. When a person spends hundreds of dollars per ticket they tend to expect to at least be provided with a damn seat. Instead, we were in an area where you about had to throw down for a chair and had no access to the general areas. We ended up not even sitting inside much, preferring to be trackside rather than being crammed in like sardines in a can. Needless to say, it wasn't the customer service I was expecting from a class act like Keeneland. Oh well, it was their first time hosting an event of that magnitude I'm sure they'll do better next time. Hopefully.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioe4JAEt4igPP8LQsU7_7bkTV3yyQB4sc4MLzg4OUPADAgV6-rio175fZHfmM2Qf75JPPXhJLOrtgiuscuvccnvYAgKBG8TT6LM2N6ofW6tcAtA7-9LfXpCUgVx-sROmZfbfqZ2Cx04XI/s640/blogger-image-1655679953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioe4JAEt4igPP8LQsU7_7bkTV3yyQB4sc4MLzg4OUPADAgV6-rio175fZHfmM2Qf75JPPXhJLOrtgiuscuvccnvYAgKBG8TT6LM2N6ofW6tcAtA7-9LfXpCUgVx-sROmZfbfqZ2Cx04XI/s640/blogger-image-1655679953.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Regardless, we all ended up having a wonderful couple of days and it truly was still an experience of a lifetime.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0Nf28xGHoC1lQBfDSswn4gUsO1tXLgU8geutXWObOl30bRb1Ek370ttWLshAweZKheBxFUFz5cgdbfWES_FamTuz6E3erYtCh3MzU79ajOqNYotivxqWowM0_rxVj4Bp-pvWKc_WvS4/s640/blogger-image--794006563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0Nf28xGHoC1lQBfDSswn4gUsO1tXLgU8geutXWObOl30bRb1Ek370ttWLshAweZKheBxFUFz5cgdbfWES_FamTuz6E3erYtCh3MzU79ajOqNYotivxqWowM0_rxVj4Bp-pvWKc_WvS4/s640/blogger-image--794006563.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sales Pavilion</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAO3krND7FUy1jhcr8ruZIbdXzSDUfG5eATiK5qK-kH9dGVLQqhTy_KU0jBp0q8RPrPEqUZRC2AuKjTBEGwaoDckujrNwTVTA1-9b11DXj7IGUgqdz05JfLRn-wG-gZ73o3-wc8qBt9xE/s640/blogger-image-1447887122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAO3krND7FUy1jhcr8ruZIbdXzSDUfG5eATiK5qK-kH9dGVLQqhTy_KU0jBp0q8RPrPEqUZRC2AuKjTBEGwaoDckujrNwTVTA1-9b11DXj7IGUgqdz05JfLRn-wG-gZ73o3-wc8qBt9xE/s640/blogger-image-1447887122.jpg"></a></div>Times around the world.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicjfgcOx6mE5JOAs3qsLfL3c22gt1qb5khZX5DFpUaLF0I2Yz-wHcKMtGyD4tM3pIOEQPOhfZEOz5kgSo92gJu2PlhL1EbfQdJrZwchAsYF2H4GpStDPkJeGrgNVIaOWfJlO1VJDtKptM/s640/blogger-image-1722210827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicjfgcOx6mE5JOAs3qsLfL3c22gt1qb5khZX5DFpUaLF0I2Yz-wHcKMtGyD4tM3pIOEQPOhfZEOz5kgSo92gJu2PlhL1EbfQdJrZwchAsYF2H4GpStDPkJeGrgNVIaOWfJlO1VJDtKptM/s640/blogger-image-1722210827.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Walking ring outside of the sale's pavilion</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsUCTVo06FzeOO025G_79KObXwNm_g_7_wH9VNGEH8hinPkphYCRmk65VoZ3Wkqp9zbnBo2LeDJDDogthxUfcd7Er_DmaIaRf71H5dEVOv-B54GWDndizLefwayP0X5BRwA0MRCVVpuM/s640/blogger-image--908284821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsUCTVo06FzeOO025G_79KObXwNm_g_7_wH9VNGEH8hinPkphYCRmk65VoZ3Wkqp9zbnBo2LeDJDDogthxUfcd7Er_DmaIaRf71H5dEVOv-B54GWDndizLefwayP0X5BRwA0MRCVVpuM/s640/blogger-image--908284821.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Where the horses come out of the tunnel and onto the track.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJVaWeBFlEG4aL10PGvSIcFC94zS61rD9UK88k-w6JYQcPkYzpzoSkkFyzzAcciTuVx3RCILf5FkQCHY-JbtSgg_1a0eJ7BwWkUThSTAnT3r0Opemsui-aMOzqITidA2TL5rVZH3VEjkg/s640/blogger-image--867856662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJVaWeBFlEG4aL10PGvSIcFC94zS61rD9UK88k-w6JYQcPkYzpzoSkkFyzzAcciTuVx3RCILf5FkQCHY-JbtSgg_1a0eJ7BwWkUThSTAnT3r0Opemsui-aMOzqITidA2TL5rVZH3VEjkg/s640/blogger-image--867856662.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Part of the paddock.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWj-e4LmIHtn2c-68RFZZzNI7wdbLB4RFX1UZi-ZaWM2nxPHf6BoYaWHP5XuzKZWeDQvdZ29eVttnAqrpJdUiSrjTBIPVevPXIMIhjXTjI2Uv26rv7GG3rP36KKV_aR1SFKEMPRSjS8I/s640/blogger-image-1312853779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWj-e4LmIHtn2c-68RFZZzNI7wdbLB4RFX1UZi-ZaWM2nxPHf6BoYaWHP5XuzKZWeDQvdZ29eVttnAqrpJdUiSrjTBIPVevPXIMIhjXTjI2Uv26rv7GG3rP36KKV_aR1SFKEMPRSjS8I/s640/blogger-image-1312853779.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Checking out weanlings and mares. I've been watching the sale on and off and horses are selling EXTREMELY well. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>A little about the outfits (in case anyone cares) because dressing up is half the experience:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIrRx7PAHzt6_M3Yq_YIIK6T8Hw4sY5eYA9Y0k99x7darPRzVzQlGcHOgdpGozov6edegqPLUO-Girb2RMNvtvvL1yEUgLKpzIHtlXp_cM2B_yh34sfCfTcJL360lBPVfMyBrtlQSlzo/s640/blogger-image-893452623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIrRx7PAHzt6_M3Yq_YIIK6T8Hw4sY5eYA9Y0k99x7darPRzVzQlGcHOgdpGozov6edegqPLUO-Girb2RMNvtvvL1yEUgLKpzIHtlXp_cM2B_yh34sfCfTcJL360lBPVfMyBrtlQSlzo/s640/blogger-image-893452623.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My friend and I trackside. I wanted red to go with my outfit, but couldn't find any shoes I liked in that color, so I went with blue shoes and accessories. I still fit red in on Friday with a deep red leather pencil skirt with a matching clutch, a cream tuxedo front blouse with black piping, a black blazer, and black booties with black gem jewelry, but unfortunately didn't get a picture of the whole outfit. FYI: boots, tights, and toe warmers are a lifesaver at Keeneland in October. I didn't find any hatinators or hats that I liked, other than a couple that were $350+ and I'm not going to pay that much for one, so I just skipped it. Everything else just didn't look right to me, I was being WAY too picky.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhirL-k2ff77pEh_cq0nNR6iyYIKh1dayWV16vS5oXu6u4jAVoonX9ewOasn8B4tgvtP7SAuvx6-2Vg2uSkQhDjCqYxnrLFwqpBWfEEr_zbLcbmRcEr7q7fuh_XgbflmrWKzfO3k8_qQyc/s640/blogger-image--665814616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhirL-k2ff77pEh_cq0nNR6iyYIKh1dayWV16vS5oXu6u4jAVoonX9ewOasn8B4tgvtP7SAuvx6-2Vg2uSkQhDjCqYxnrLFwqpBWfEEr_zbLcbmRcEr7q7fuh_XgbflmrWKzfO3k8_qQyc/s640/blogger-image--665814616.jpg"></a></div>BC bracelet I bought in the gift shop because of my uncontrollable jewelry habit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-g3kqulPc7kl0Jxwx2dnpjr2D_toBc4w6oIuJasi6w3Nz56NaIiIM6iHq5hxkTaBYaBBG-NsCFYtMxxQut4tg6LRUEtkarKCW-8i0ZZOY5jCQlfySOCXGNijpFZuHpbGD6oM_8faBYRo/s640/blogger-image-1811753974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-g3kqulPc7kl0Jxwx2dnpjr2D_toBc4w6oIuJasi6w3Nz56NaIiIM6iHq5hxkTaBYaBBG-NsCFYtMxxQut4tg6LRUEtkarKCW-8i0ZZOY5jCQlfySOCXGNijpFZuHpbGD6oM_8faBYRo/s640/blogger-image-1811753974.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Which is also my excuse for possibly going slightly overboard on buying accesories. The blue stuff matched my shoes though and what were the chances of me finding a clutch to match my red skirt perfectly? And a girl can never have too many jewelry options. Plus, my mostly white and black outfits needed some color. #iregretnothing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNy26-4geY-VALogulJ-vkcyveG97JB_mbZF7br-l2NLas5bCTvCvYPLf8tjqhn-YQTHaPx-Mh1HAfk5k_M91ODq0fZwNGp_q0vn5tpN6QlST-7vCT0EJWj9DxrODKcwRPsf2jI2lPXfw/s640/blogger-image--991141740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNy26-4geY-VALogulJ-vkcyveG97JB_mbZF7br-l2NLas5bCTvCvYPLf8tjqhn-YQTHaPx-Mh1HAfk5k_M91ODq0fZwNGp_q0vn5tpN6QlST-7vCT0EJWj9DxrODKcwRPsf2jI2lPXfw/s640/blogger-image--991141740.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">P.S. I don't exactly have the greatest fashion sense, so don't judge too harshly. ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Next BC Trip post will be about the farms we visited.</div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560432669562291616noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962053785305440529.post-42031342349827007122015-11-02T18:59:00.000-08:002015-11-02T19:04:35.376-08:00Breeder's Cup 2015 Trip: American Pharoah<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I don't even know where to begin on our trip to Lexington for the Breeder's Cup, so I'll just get to the best part (and probably the only part that most people care about): American Pharoah.<br>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4kbyhEqS1t3J0-klj4o3VbrYbqqtPED4SyHcc8kZVQYGmbuqEtN1pzkrVWQPgeZui98jePiS_a795Lt0vMvhAosfpJ5MQ0nKZTpTrjBe3F4HSHrFsbZAWIuZXZ2j3WfTOjrM30HKs-xE/s640/blogger-image-145484010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4kbyhEqS1t3J0-klj4o3VbrYbqqtPED4SyHcc8kZVQYGmbuqEtN1pzkrVWQPgeZui98jePiS_a795Lt0vMvhAosfpJ5MQ0nKZTpTrjBe3F4HSHrFsbZAWIuZXZ2j3WfTOjrM30HKs-xE/s400/blogger-image-145484010.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<br>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
I'm not exactly one to get mushy over Bob Baffert, but no matter how a person feels about him, no one can deny how truly amazing American Pharoah is. </div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
Let's start with his last work to prep for the race:</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wu95Sbij7f8?rel=0" width="560"></iframe>
<br>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
Yeah, when a horse of his quality works like that, in that time, that easy....well, it's a little hard to see them getting beat. Watching this put any doubts after his defeat in the Travers to rest. The Triple Crown winner was not only back to looking like his same old extraordinary self, he may have possibly looked the best he has in his entire career.</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyQhyiDdsFfV9iyE5575vHr6EpZWAtIENG1lQfpM0CEnOCKRg24SAqzcLuVg5zPPPYPUO0Pyh29MyLIs663IejrdezWk3prtYMci53OYhTHFjPgVhjIW3AXMXNK2tUU0I64zPksTzPDU/s640/blogger-image--2009195902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyQhyiDdsFfV9iyE5575vHr6EpZWAtIENG1lQfpM0CEnOCKRg24SAqzcLuVg5zPPPYPUO0Pyh29MyLIs663IejrdezWk3prtYMci53OYhTHFjPgVhjIW3AXMXNK2tUU0I64zPksTzPDU/s400/blogger-image--2009195902.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<i>Sorry about the blurry pics, I was more concerned with watching than quality pictures, so it was a point in the general direction and shoot kind of thing.</i></div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
In the post parade, even if you had no idea which horses were in the race, AP looked like the winner (I was about thirty feet away from him). He was calm and relaxed, pure class. His weight was good and his coat gleamed. Most of all, he oozed confidence. Everything about him gave the impression that there wasn't a horse on the planet that was going to beat The Champ that day, much less one in the race. </div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG9c4NFh7TyRJJq7-wO6tKTohLCpgJEdCzN6tHhms65JUhcgqzVi2xMWK4id8olFkOj2lP9QlsPAKXBqosCHKr22xQDb1Shv6epFp8EYuwM4iyo3T9TqAWEPI4UQhJzzvJUU8fMlxI-Ck/s640/blogger-image--2058774192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG9c4NFh7TyRJJq7-wO6tKTohLCpgJEdCzN6tHhms65JUhcgqzVi2xMWK4id8olFkOj2lP9QlsPAKXBqosCHKr22xQDb1Shv6epFp8EYuwM4iyo3T9TqAWEPI4UQhJzzvJUU8fMlxI-Ck/s400/blogger-image--2058774192.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
</div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">When it came to Espinoza, I got the feeling that he didn't have a care in the world. It didn't seem like he was cocky, he definitely didn't come across as nervous. More than anything, pride for the horse underneath him was shining through. Everything about Espinoza's demeanor said "I'm on the best horse in the world and he's going to win this. I'm just here </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">to enjoy my last ride on him."</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<br>
<br></div>
<div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wu95Sbij7f8?rel=0" width="560"></iframe>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">I'm sure you all saw the race. A few jumps out of the gate American Pharoah was just galloping along with his ears pricked while the riders on every other horse in the race seemed to choose riding for second rather than risk it all going hard after AP. It probably wasn't a bad decision on their part. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1Qp-1u3BMvmD4Y8-kOXnVMQQgylu0uC9ZkE6o6XYu53600eYItq91bRKKUoOOoHeXdz_AQxnMS-XjxHCZCCba1QBtTrgtceqaynM9Hn7E7bBuSFL_qOoFQz2ptsHXjnAhRn75yDnfKc/s640/blogger-image-568371073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1Qp-1u3BMvmD4Y8-kOXnVMQQgylu0uC9ZkE6o6XYu53600eYItq91bRKKUoOOoHeXdz_AQxnMS-XjxHCZCCba1QBtTrgtceqaynM9Hn7E7bBuSFL_qOoFQz2ptsHXjnAhRn75yDnfKc/s400/blogger-image-568371073.jpg" width="400"></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><i>See ya!</i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">American Pharoah winning the Breeder's Cup Classic after winning the Triple Crown was impressive. The fact that he did it so easily while setting the track record was absolutely incredible! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><i>*The value of the track record was initially questioned by some</i></span><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> because track records are reset when the track surface is changed. Keeneland went from dirt to synthetic back to dirt. When it was discovered that American Pharoah had run the fastest 1 and 1/4 mile EVER, over any of the surfaces at Keeneland, the different footings became irrelevant and his feat became even more extraordinary.</i></div>
<div>
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></i></div>
<div>
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></i><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlCMWPLa5J3d82RvaWVhS3lULa6ptFplxGqYwmlKq0ky3WjgeNzMpWtW_cvnRRZguedjDj4rVqrM-QJnxy2Jz1LqbKCyWHKYXN6OpxmdUvIfk1YfqYse7SbTU5J0hQ9ENI-pfH0SfrMeg/s640/blogger-image--1703604704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlCMWPLa5J3d82RvaWVhS3lULa6ptFplxGqYwmlKq0ky3WjgeNzMpWtW_cvnRRZguedjDj4rVqrM-QJnxy2Jz1LqbKCyWHKYXN6OpxmdUvIfk1YfqYse7SbTU5J0hQ9ENI-pfH0SfrMeg/s400/blogger-image--1703604704.jpg" width="400"></a></i></div>
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Y'all just sit back and watch while I make history.</i></div>
<div>
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></i></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">I doubt that I can ever describe what it was like to be that close to American Pharoah as he ran past me towards such an amazing victory. I don't remember the cheers of the crowd or hearing the race </span>being called. The one thing I will always remember is seeing what true perfection of a thoroughbred running looks like. Every detail of the grace and athleticism of American Pharoah as he soared by will forever be ingrained in my mind. I will remember that moment for the rest of my life.</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidToYgZvVV0VCaicQlbuXyk4eR1xnSnGuU8O-v7nReNQaR52X-KYW7POp66xdhFHTI5f1X5AeTxbkfqU26he2QkGMlWewA0d7QwQlU5yym5Cx9oSR9fCAgH7Z3CCLuVAkdZWuik-EbI_4/s640/blogger-image--1551557955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidToYgZvVV0VCaicQlbuXyk4eR1xnSnGuU8O-v7nReNQaR52X-KYW7POp66xdhFHTI5f1X5AeTxbkfqU26he2QkGMlWewA0d7QwQlU5yym5Cx9oSR9fCAgH7Z3CCLuVAkdZWuik-EbI_4/s400/blogger-image--1551557955.jpg" width="400"></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><i>I don't know if I was still high on watching AP, if it was the bourbon, or if being out of those heels and carrying a pizza, but I ended up looking like I was hitchhiking in front of our (ridiculously overpriced) crappy hotel. I was attempting to sum up exactly how awesome the day was.</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><i><br></i></span></div>
<div>
I'll cover the rest of the trip in my next post.</div>
<div>
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></i></div>
<div>
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></i></div>
</div>
</div>
Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560432669562291616noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962053785305440529.post-84689616677383193292015-10-16T19:35:00.001-07:002015-10-16T21:58:42.817-07:00Getting it BackI've talked a lot about how difficult Indy is to ride on this blog. She IS difficult to ride, but I don't mind the challenge. Yes, there are times I wish that she would be a little more agreeable. She can about make me go into spasms trying to avoid losing my temper. I wouldn't mind if she were a little braver.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRlJbdENBNvwIvD9lIwUdMPaWiH67Yfvvfzh_f_oz_oE2ZocNatIARCk1TEEM45UzGg17zyT2Z_cnRDY042STtFH-rG9aTEeTtkC4iRh9n4je25Dzvom6tBwfS8g2AQvi4wbzBc7FSLvw/s640/blogger-image-1165331969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRlJbdENBNvwIvD9lIwUdMPaWiH67Yfvvfzh_f_oz_oE2ZocNatIARCk1TEEM45UzGg17zyT2Z_cnRDY042STtFH-rG9aTEeTtkC4iRh9n4je25Dzvom6tBwfS8g2AQvi4wbzBc7FSLvw/s640/blogger-image-1165331969.jpg"></a></div>Cute little kid refers to her as "Sweetie". Indy sure has him fooled.<br><div><br></div><div>Those are the bad things. There are plenty of good. One of things that causes me so many problems is also one of her strengths: she's a fighter. While it may take 20 minutes to get her working for instead of against me, we get some good quality work. She will keep pushing through for me even when she starts getting tired. That will be very beneficial in the future as her training becomes more strenuous. Indy is a lot of things, but a quitter is not one of them.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitt1_9w1YJ2hau7CnXOUvWE_9e405Rh_cNoVc2fxsKj2Yt_IMawC3pEdWeDo6Kd6djpgkp1RJRzuyQtiZvptomFN8PlMbBb_hI5YLiuD2R6He9sIkIPDU-DyrQmyFRSrJaFwhQT-93CyM/s640/blogger-image--555043954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitt1_9w1YJ2hau7CnXOUvWE_9e405Rh_cNoVc2fxsKj2Yt_IMawC3pEdWeDo6Kd6djpgkp1RJRzuyQtiZvptomFN8PlMbBb_hI5YLiuD2R6He9sIkIPDU-DyrQmyFRSrJaFwhQT-93CyM/s640/blogger-image--555043954.jpg"></a></div>Photo from last spring. Awkward canter #1.</div><div><br></div><div>A lot of the stunts that Indy pulls are because of my weaknesses. I'm well aware of that and am not ashamed at all. No one's perfect and I'm allowed to make mistakes the same as anyone else.</div><div>All I can do is keep putting out my best effort and continue to keep learning.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFcw79oSqav_-KNsTK4YxY1a0Aa2Vj6Yw6mMkZjZOzvKA8RacL6JON4Ltiz28i_wZjBCsHmOye5DNdxoO-R3aMEXDceD43pt3pW0i36LmrfZJxobbmkZJ02BmpkznZDa15-vX0fHwxaQ/s640/blogger-image--63963592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFcw79oSqav_-KNsTK4YxY1a0Aa2Vj6Yw6mMkZjZOzvKA8RacL6JON4Ltiz28i_wZjBCsHmOye5DNdxoO-R3aMEXDceD43pt3pW0i36LmrfZJxobbmkZJ02BmpkznZDa15-vX0fHwxaQ/s640/blogger-image--63963592.jpg"></a></div>Awkward canter #2</div><div><br></div><div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">When I was younger, I was a fairly fearless rider. We didn't have an arena at my house, so a large part of my experience came from galloping across hay fields or down the ditch bank. I loved when harvest season was over so I could set up a jump made of lawn chairs and landscaping poles in the field next to our house. My mom hauled me to lessons, pony club, and 4-H a lot, but having to ride in less than desirable conditions made me bolder than anything else could have.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">As I got into my late teens, I became even braver. Riding colts never bothered me. I actually loved it. If I got bucked off, I'd just climb back on and go. The same went for if I got planted at a fence. I was pretty confident in my athletic ability to typically keep me on or to help me land safely if I did come off.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9AMxnHyQDFOO_-KXerbJKspX46ZW_0OpSLzbCAo_r2Ybfur5gcmH-eAw_AvB5apv_s9Mkr6jJxvB2CpUhWIZxYBZLJRF2rq_mY3dEXtZJwQT2zsWsBgnCHvQlQkTEQ17Pjji494wHb4/s640/blogger-image--84731119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9AMxnHyQDFOO_-KXerbJKspX46ZW_0OpSLzbCAo_r2Ybfur5gcmH-eAw_AvB5apv_s9Mkr6jJxvB2CpUhWIZxYBZLJRF2rq_mY3dEXtZJwQT2zsWsBgnCHvQlQkTEQ17Pjji494wHb4/s640/blogger-image--84731119.jpg"></a></div>Random pic of Winn because he needs more moments in the spotlight.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Now I'm in my thirties and am a lot more aware of my mortality. Every year I seem to become a little more wary. It's not really the horses themselves that worry me, it's the surroundings around me. The things that are completely out of my control. This train of thought is, to be frank, just stupid; but there you have it.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Basically, I'm not scared, yet I see something and the first thing that pops into my head is how my horse might react to it.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDApgH-D63eXKy-g8VG4tqvEaNot4JRpB5yYoy_2_qR11CI8U9MvF-b22UI9mbfxKABLjt-CT7S1omUCvFJ8KAPi3dx6MgtzqYQ4p616MsbCHdYivkX9THpPTHQbzFjPfOkY_DUuuAyw/s640/blogger-image-1758941411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDApgH-D63eXKy-g8VG4tqvEaNot4JRpB5yYoy_2_qR11CI8U9MvF-b22UI9mbfxKABLjt-CT7S1omUCvFJ8KAPi3dx6MgtzqYQ4p616MsbCHdYivkX9THpPTHQbzFjPfOkY_DUuuAyw/s640/blogger-image-1758941411.jpg"></a></div>The big guy has been a rockstar lately and cheers me up when I'm struggling with Indy.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The other night I was riding Winn. He is at a more laid back facility (which I like really well). The guy that owns it is a team roper. He was watching me ride and playing fetch with his dog. His dog would go flying to retrieve it's ball and do a quite lovely sliding stop across the gravel to grab it, making all sorts of noise. I had a quick flash of Winn having a fit over these proceedings and then quickly realized I needed to stop being so ridiculous. A) Winn isn't a spooky horse. B) If that scares him, I've done a horrible job with him. I quit worrying about it and just enjoyed my ride. While Winn found the dog playing entertaining, he certainly wasn't upset by it. Why should I be?</span></div></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Since then I've tried to transfer that attitude over to Indy. Keeping her in "comfortable" situations is never going to get us anywhere. I'll never be able to truly enjoy riding her if I'm constantly on the lookout for trouble. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_JblvCH6y7NBpHOzaqcVStHHPfRwWuUx_LnOcA-dKnMEiVOra6EamowEe_ebOMYoEUgWnDtKN5Kzi4ApAA_Kjv5OwQOcl75fOD6lsFveob-Cj99Mwoi4qxbMkLnTPDPg10E0Fue6bq8g/s640/blogger-image--417336866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_JblvCH6y7NBpHOzaqcVStHHPfRwWuUx_LnOcA-dKnMEiVOra6EamowEe_ebOMYoEUgWnDtKN5Kzi4ApAA_Kjv5OwQOcl75fOD6lsFveob-Cj99Mwoi4qxbMkLnTPDPg10E0Fue6bq8g/s640/blogger-image--417336866.jpg"></a></div>Slightly less awkward canter other than I don't know what the hell my body was doing.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The fact is that even though she can be a real brat at times, she isn't out to hurt me. There were times where I could feel Indy wanting to cut in two, but she didn't. Her spooking is usually just gawking at the offending object, a quick duck sideways, or a grabbing her ass for a couple of strides. There were a couple of times her steering was questionable until I got myself together and just sat back and rode her through it. She doesn't do anything dangerous. If she wanted to get me off, she could have. Miss Dollface can really buck and she's never done anything more than a crow-hop with me on her back. It's time to start trusting her more. So I have.</span></div><div><br></div><div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">When a lady wanted to lunge her three year old in the arena while I was riding last night and was worried about setting Indy off, I didn't hesitate to tell her that it was fine. As her horse took off, bucking and tearing around, Indy's head and tail went straight in the air while she snorted loudy to a very interesting version of passage. It didn't bother me. I didn't tense up, I didn't grab her face, but made myself relax and kept my leg on while ignoring her reaction and the horse lungeing altogether. My only focus was where we were going, the rest of the world blocked out. Within about thirty seconds, Indy was over it. She then proceeded to go better than she had been going before the lady started lungeing her horse.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdbRDR3UqTUzlyJl3wrkfDbXcpexcQxSmvI4P9NEvNQdDPpzyK-ieDqzdH1yjFeKF8eLLyQEZXaamhDIraDAgsGfIrOX8O9FjPQ5Aw2Z43Qn0hjX32tot39GvB8NW1r3-RY_j1CEsbKA/s640/blogger-image-193887884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdbRDR3UqTUzlyJl3wrkfDbXcpexcQxSmvI4P9NEvNQdDPpzyK-ieDqzdH1yjFeKF8eLLyQEZXaamhDIraDAgsGfIrOX8O9FjPQ5Aw2Z43Qn0hjX32tot39GvB8NW1r3-RY_j1CEsbKA/s640/blogger-image-193887884.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">If you haven't been reading this blog long, Indy doesn't get over anything in thirty seconds. Ever. Much less go better once something has set her off. It felt like a damn miracle!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I've learned my lesson. In trying to protect my horse (and to be perfectly honest, my general well-being too) from traumatic experiences, I've done her a disservice. How can she be confident if I'm hesitant? She can't figure things out if I don't give her the opportunity.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KGUqrdbJtDT5MhL8fvCTPVJ3kUp_SKFrViwV6y5DV8-ZnIo1KwZas-VQ4SQkfGtRUf9ZZ7tPofnni9SU0WxAV1ETYVYe-m2BDiNGDzpkMXdBqmnLglSVrrsqlA6BNEWEeJYljVx7NOQ/s640/blogger-image-760482346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KGUqrdbJtDT5MhL8fvCTPVJ3kUp_SKFrViwV6y5DV8-ZnIo1KwZas-VQ4SQkfGtRUf9ZZ7tPofnni9SU0WxAV1ETYVYe-m2BDiNGDzpkMXdBqmnLglSVrrsqlA6BNEWEeJYljVx7NOQ/s640/blogger-image-760482346.jpg"></a></div>She really can be nice to ride when she wants to.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This is something I've known all along, but seem to have forgotten about throughout the years. I won't again. The best part about riding is that the rest of the world is supposed to disappear, be left forgotten while we enjoy our time in the saddle. So, from now on it's just my horse and I and where we're headed.</span></div></div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560432669562291616noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962053785305440529.post-6988553299972721162015-10-11T18:15:00.001-07:002015-10-11T18:15:59.484-07:00One Year Later<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I don't think that I'll ever stop missing him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqLittnVxccMzI_P11bdQjiDCORvgTjriYpbyDubCpbWOEy8XNudQy2IrXHyasJqAr8WD-WOHHrPj6VLClNi5Iv2UYPLXm6xD_ZBQaqzMfADmcN2_dmDi0utq3cozzeUbh6e481l_hi-c/s640/blogger-image--1390488146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqLittnVxccMzI_P11bdQjiDCORvgTjriYpbyDubCpbWOEy8XNudQy2IrXHyasJqAr8WD-WOHHrPj6VLClNi5Iv2UYPLXm6xD_ZBQaqzMfADmcN2_dmDi0utq3cozzeUbh6e481l_hi-c/s640/blogger-image--1390488146.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both;"><br></div><i>"When you are joyous, look deep into your heart and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy. When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight."</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Khalil Gibran</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br>Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560432669562291616noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962053785305440529.post-21561217452486828622015-10-05T05:35:00.000-07:002015-10-05T07:30:13.902-07:00Back to Normal<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div>Or as normal as my life gets anyway.</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">First of all, thank you to everyone that read and commented on my last post.</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> I appreciate it more than I can say.</span></div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju1QjdV8XYx0wobn-cXL3bR45SMtvn8DwxULg8cljNLhYSIjYEPRVq5pWOfm6zsGSMqCJu-e8EeVEEyPeJ-6GGoFRx9ybk0-qnJaGlJHYduQSZGD-RrvGO8Eye36xNjz6RNa1qK4ZK9dg/s640/blogger-image-1209755232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju1QjdV8XYx0wobn-cXL3bR45SMtvn8DwxULg8cljNLhYSIjYEPRVq5pWOfm6zsGSMqCJu-e8EeVEEyPeJ-6GGoFRx9ybk0-qnJaGlJHYduQSZGD-RrvGO8Eye36xNjz6RNa1qK4ZK9dg/s640/blogger-image-1209755232.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Watching the sunset from the new boarding facility while I let Indy raise havoc during turnout.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I'm back in Phoenix after going on vacation and it's so nice to be back! My trainer moved to a new facility and I really love it. It's a little more than I was wanting to pay for board, but I'm keeping Winn at another place that is only two miles away from my trainer. It costs a bit less while he gets fit again. It's a nice place too, just not as fancy. I may bring him over to the same place as Indy once he is fit if I can get him a stall. There's a pretty long waiting list right now, so I will probably need to make that decision within the next month or two to make the move worth it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfW5W_Q-pyyuq6oYjoMtsjZFM8aBCVLUkLLaEakBDMxG7hgMoghp9fx39gNIHu9d2zZOeaGxd9QpN10Xko9OjXVkrUP9KZfDKwkqMFmS4V7Ck8chFhp1FKOhdJrRY85P7N9V5PbJZ199o/s640/blogger-image-493578241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfW5W_Q-pyyuq6oYjoMtsjZFM8aBCVLUkLLaEakBDMxG7hgMoghp9fx39gNIHu9d2zZOeaGxd9QpN10Xko9OjXVkrUP9KZfDKwkqMFmS4V7Ck8chFhp1FKOhdJrRY85P7N9V5PbJZ199o/s640/blogger-image-493578241.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAIq5XeDIzLQMW42ckv9k7cAXWA5aKzAxuSVaUG5k4oMoM6rcjRF6m3r8hX9uDMHa2IGGcMEf4vdOTE6sKVvPSiC9p1sWeD9O0dKhh1Sy-8csb5ql-dYo4ZLKa2TY1YYvl653nhxTnhe0/s640/blogger-image-1133288730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAIq5XeDIzLQMW42ckv9k7cAXWA5aKzAxuSVaUG5k4oMoM6rcjRF6m3r8hX9uDMHa2IGGcMEf4vdOTE6sKVvPSiC9p1sWeD9O0dKhh1Sy-8csb5ql-dYo4ZLKa2TY1YYvl653nhxTnhe0/s640/blogger-image-1133288730.jpg"></a></div><br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
The barns are in Scottsdale, which is a slightly longer drive from where I was last year. It really only takes about twenty more minutes out of my day. I don't mind, it's worth it in the long run. There is a HUGE covered arena and outdoor arena. The barn has a mister system and big fans which is great because it's been hotter than Hell. The arenas have great footing! There are also two large round pens with the solid siding, a six horse walker that goes both directions, and a lounge and kitchenette. The facility hosts a lot of schooling shows and several clinicians, including Jan Ebeling. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
It's like dressage heaven to me. Seriously. I want to spend all day, every day, out there. Unfortunately, I have to work my ass off to pay for it all, so I have to settle for a few hours a day. For now, the <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">fiancé takes care of the barn at the track in the evening so that I don't have to ride in the heat of the afternoon because he know that I'm the biggest wimp in the world when it comes to heat. He's cool like that.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGWB1shIWpp5bdC0gooqezSvy6SxLznMY-sPU_OSQ_xwY7z421yA0MBeS089vzVvKfzDodrc98HSd3gLo-qgapnliWpr4Gt16LJkQWlPTfZmiE4V1b75C8CQjpOVg_dQ-qmYt-nhjGOg/s640/blogger-image-686515649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGWB1shIWpp5bdC0gooqezSvy6SxLznMY-sPU_OSQ_xwY7z421yA0MBeS089vzVvKfzDodrc98HSd3gLo-qgapnliWpr4Gt16LJkQWlPTfZmiE4V1b75C8CQjpOVg_dQ-qmYt-nhjGOg/s640/blogger-image-686515649.jpg"></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Riding Winn in Ruidoso.</span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Winn's place has a large (20x20) covered stall and a good sized arena. The owner is an extremely nice guy and takes phenomenal care of the horses. All of the horses at his place look great which is always reassuring. He also will let me go ride on the trails with him if I want and even offered to let the fiancé take one of the horses on the trails with me too.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXF5PsGHX5MaqDf02UWOLekafQMTfh3q51hV8hrhAE04E1cW06VX-OAb-q05S4Q-_OBTsEksgV1_d-e_H9Qdlv_RK-_pcvoYo2EHYzhjnJSQgdrPBmNyNoOaynn4IDfSzWXWdyepEAtro/s640/blogger-image-1113796605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXF5PsGHX5MaqDf02UWOLekafQMTfh3q51hV8hrhAE04E1cW06VX-OAb-q05S4Q-_OBTsEksgV1_d-e_H9Qdlv_RK-_pcvoYo2EHYzhjnJSQgdrPBmNyNoOaynn4IDfSzWXWdyepEAtro/s640/blogger-image-1113796605.jpg"></a></div>
The fiancé and I at the Grand Canyon.<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">All in all, I'm just really happy right now. The fiancé and I may not be rich, but I feel like we have a truly great life and I'm extremely grateful for everything we do have. I'm content. Before we went on vacation, I was so burnt out and exhausted. Now that we're back, I'm feeling refreshed and more motivated than ever. The hard work isn't bothering me. I'm back to enjoying the work at the track and looking forward to the future instead of almost dreading it. Life is too short and I want to not only enjoy every minute, but make the most of them that I can.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Vacation pics if you're interested:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzaEvXF4TjqFeoQKvAeSQIYG55OINOjOfKWnLEgt_Fnc42LRaXpB9lPYb4-TBxehM_o0yUspp1_p6kC429ayXhsvgsvPWp_MXP_hB8A6DHmEJrvirPC835Z87lLy-wuXRl-ecs8BzYnks/s640/blogger-image-1266871904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzaEvXF4TjqFeoQKvAeSQIYG55OINOjOfKWnLEgt_Fnc42LRaXpB9lPYb4-TBxehM_o0yUspp1_p6kC429ayXhsvgsvPWp_MXP_hB8A6DHmEJrvirPC835Z87lLy-wuXRl-ecs8BzYnks/s640/blogger-image-1266871904.jpg"></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Always live life on the edge. Even if you're getting some serious dizziness.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTvKlyNN1LXp1E19CCNwHzS6FrciybYKffVtBwweaGshr7UwEEMgNiQBWS1xV-sFCXZC8_Yu3e1gt-_1arFC1ke5HNfsHD4J16QZmECd9s55rCG8-GSeSeTg7dXtRgn_SCAh8dnOBwP_w/s640/blogger-image--868682430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTvKlyNN1LXp1E19CCNwHzS6FrciybYKffVtBwweaGshr7UwEEMgNiQBWS1xV-sFCXZC8_Yu3e1gt-_1arFC1ke5HNfsHD4J16QZmECd9s55rCG8-GSeSeTg7dXtRgn_SCAh8dnOBwP_w/s640/blogger-image--868682430.jpg"></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Monument Valley</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8IX-cf6Jvd1uS4i1etKgaDMmjHGjf95ACG8xUMTlEHTd7rjbPrXkFB8Vq4zkub0nov_5xJFxqFjYVH__OJzw_97qU3HxxPDh61hgTFt7fnkvgh9TqhyWhxFAaoplZKrO6Sr_saKe-xSc/s640/blogger-image--175575394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8IX-cf6Jvd1uS4i1etKgaDMmjHGjf95ACG8xUMTlEHTd7rjbPrXkFB8Vq4zkub0nov_5xJFxqFjYVH__OJzw_97qU3HxxPDh61hgTFt7fnkvgh9TqhyWhxFAaoplZKrO6Sr_saKe-xSc/s640/blogger-image--175575394.jpg"></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Canyon de Chelly</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixVu9c1J34gJT6k7vY1ebd8U_D7UaotgKrFoQ-cKQdVrwwQCFVHhwkBZSxUjClVSljHa3YQH0RN5v1RortDCCrsIelF9kLCBWWSNi9FdBlrBqDA4uvQKDGUcQvehyphenhyphenYdxShCJn_Gfrd6Ec/s640/blogger-image-696956486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixVu9c1J34gJT6k7vY1ebd8U_D7UaotgKrFoQ-cKQdVrwwQCFVHhwkBZSxUjClVSljHa3YQH0RN5v1RortDCCrsIelF9kLCBWWSNi9FdBlrBqDA4uvQKDGUcQvehyphenhyphenYdxShCJn_Gfrd6Ec/s640/blogger-image-696956486.jpg"></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Cliff Palace-Mesa Verde</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI73sSIN8phg_FG1W_JhB1Ye1_kOaCZB-XDTfUrcabHbtmlOf-kpAfROstxl5Uvkj2bfJ7V47k5RaSR3WdphsKAjU-YguhgrcVQBAqANs54ecZaAWkG3ui0Epbk5_a5JM99BlhcFr7SMI/s640/blogger-image-1304567734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI73sSIN8phg_FG1W_JhB1Ye1_kOaCZB-XDTfUrcabHbtmlOf-kpAfROstxl5Uvkj2bfJ7V47k5RaSR3WdphsKAjU-YguhgrcVQBAqANs54ecZaAWkG3ui0Epbk5_a5JM99BlhcFr7SMI/s640/blogger-image-1304567734.jpg"></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Mesa Verde Kiva</span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9VsTwkLt1fjVftl4zriVPCfSPwoLNEzj6M9RVtJTs2rdWI_B15mcuPkRrvVA9w1qOpL1c4d4jnMDES_-7IsnZCy5gRWE3kZE_2Sk5Hd4WJmnY5Z3UYEcKYOQ8ucIh4LiOfub4XCHT8X0/s640/blogger-image--965713345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9VsTwkLt1fjVftl4zriVPCfSPwoLNEzj6M9RVtJTs2rdWI_B15mcuPkRrvVA9w1qOpL1c4d4jnMDES_-7IsnZCy5gRWE3kZE_2Sk5Hd4WJmnY5Z3UYEcKYOQ8ucIh4LiOfub4XCHT8X0/s640/blogger-image--965713345.jpg"></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The bunkhouse at the ranch we spent a few days at.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6gL1nkMID6j7DTzQ-u3hsNtm_0479_5hEqsCMe_OJr1_8jRQ6Kl7zXOT3XWYY7omLSkQS_hAIzC5hr2NSQi8E85GPAc_yNrjVpHT3rjhnF576ij6xTPbcadimgZ03mh8_Pq6-DxRqYAc/s640/blogger-image--1378552990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6gL1nkMID6j7DTzQ-u3hsNtm_0479_5hEqsCMe_OJr1_8jRQ6Kl7zXOT3XWYY7omLSkQS_hAIzC5hr2NSQi8E85GPAc_yNrjVpHT3rjhnF576ij6xTPbcadimgZ03mh8_Pq6-DxRqYAc/s640/blogger-image--1378552990.jpg"></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7bS1CbohxSeaEEQ73h6BbiDsNeb9GVruzkY0o3mZi9jlZgzF9diAy7UClV2zQMmIvFhjJg68v2j4z_V4Eop94VkF_6AwB7htGbf4QcDmxANVwxK2kLG5QbciSqpHDg6On6eX99u-_ZU/s640/blogger-image-224469745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7bS1CbohxSeaEEQ73h6BbiDsNeb9GVruzkY0o3mZi9jlZgzF9diAy7UClV2zQMmIvFhjJg68v2j4z_V4Eop94VkF_6AwB7htGbf4QcDmxANVwxK2kLG5QbciSqpHDg6On6eX99u-_ZU/s640/blogger-image-224469745.jpg"></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Natural Bridges National Park</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHhZVjHQRs4by8_SKtmWPJFlR5RjjdoaZb9PUeRSC6MOXSUle2v4_o03t2r1Cdny_VbGaDK1ECdugvE_hHA8eJwdFhfFcw37COMtXdCc_q660q2JHaG4kAGCzdoMMA5x2lHb6M6Pf7Ggs/s640/blogger-image--941412530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHhZVjHQRs4by8_SKtmWPJFlR5RjjdoaZb9PUeRSC6MOXSUle2v4_o03t2r1Cdny_VbGaDK1ECdugvE_hHA8eJwdFhfFcw37COMtXdCc_q660q2JHaG4kAGCzdoMMA5x2lHb6M6Pf7Ggs/s640/blogger-image--941412530.jpg"></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We rented this to go out on the trails in Sedona.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsDAWU8kq1qot71uymLrP2kJfcUe3mrZjTz1iZocX6-zgd4Q4fNxA-x7BIUZFuZDlMkRR5sLn_STgl71aL0MWd0TshSez0P_2UuviHS7rcQDm7vlg-eAQJQ6CAeTYlPtwP60e15iTDYSg/s640/blogger-image-1344500513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsDAWU8kq1qot71uymLrP2kJfcUe3mrZjTz1iZocX6-zgd4Q4fNxA-x7BIUZFuZDlMkRR5sLn_STgl71aL0MWd0TshSez0P_2UuviHS7rcQDm7vlg-eAQJQ6CAeTYlPtwP60e15iTDYSg/s640/blogger-image-1344500513.jpg"></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Shopping in Sedona.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieThU7a_o5EFdxHJR6hQYqhs8Ddd6NS-vvwApMQWQdubZC5QVWAc-u45Uo-gRAMMnF0yL5u7dOY2Zz4qkLlnPoVDjg9xXGzwX8IPZwPLViQFWfJeRSgvTwZTIwy9wshTXjFwbe88ECr5k/s640/blogger-image--700409151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieThU7a_o5EFdxHJR6hQYqhs8Ddd6NS-vvwApMQWQdubZC5QVWAc-u45Uo-gRAMMnF0yL5u7dOY2Zz4qkLlnPoVDjg9xXGzwX8IPZwPLViQFWfJeRSgvTwZTIwy9wshTXjFwbe88ECr5k/s640/blogger-image--700409151.jpg"></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Dress I bought in Flagstaff to wear to the Breeder's Cup. Any ideas everything else to wear with it are welcome. Now I just have to find one more dress. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhI85TUVgu8W_aQrg5uY2wXygAx6sYWeo_qDazqH8r9oP3ubfDwZCtCJEH4b3VSOB4PxBjMIYUwY-xGvUrWz1Fvhd4XSGRO3x6VmKuUssPW3Cz_APHcglteeeGcNy37KQhb4H56ffOd_U/s640/blogger-image-912441191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhI85TUVgu8W_aQrg5uY2wXygAx6sYWeo_qDazqH8r9oP3ubfDwZCtCJEH4b3VSOB4PxBjMIYUwY-xGvUrWz1Fvhd4XSGRO3x6VmKuUssPW3Cz_APHcglteeeGcNy37KQhb4H56ffOd_U/s640/blogger-image-912441191.jpg"></a></span></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Horse hair pottery we bought.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwW8UfM1Brl_tvmD3E4IYvTOqEtNMaiRI0fRs-PLmYBBsP38ecmjhLLHw1lWnYxyTLB1pBP6niJfN-3KMU-t2fizpielt5ECuJTww2vUTScXw_ADM3MH1nNMNRt6bDhc5PbsNWgwipx2c/s640/blogger-image--1697810836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwW8UfM1Brl_tvmD3E4IYvTOqEtNMaiRI0fRs-PLmYBBsP38ecmjhLLHw1lWnYxyTLB1pBP6niJfN-3KMU-t2fizpielt5ECuJTww2vUTScXw_ADM3MH1nNMNRt6bDhc5PbsNWgwipx2c/s640/blogger-image--1697810836.jpg"></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Grand Canyon</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmmKWJB7sVVIMU-Ta_f2BlSthIoeghS3xC0hyphenhyphenzyr87rcfF1oC3Up7iJeCHbMruDAIAHgoLzE9ij7K4v2CJqmg__wnKYhsNj6VEkjBdw_wHkgAnuDDM4ijn345Wov6gwVKvX_gA5zh4Ww/s640/blogger-image-747967664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmmKWJB7sVVIMU-Ta_f2BlSthIoeghS3xC0hyphenhyphenzyr87rcfF1oC3Up7iJeCHbMruDAIAHgoLzE9ij7K4v2CJqmg__wnKYhsNj6VEkjBdw_wHkgAnuDDM4ijn345Wov6gwVKvX_gA5zh4Ww/s640/blogger-image-747967664.jpg"></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Aztec Ruins in New Mexico.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTcK73YuUJpRb4p0eWF30dAn9yKpqh54fd2JD63TSs1fOmVZf_ve1uYh_FoXHEw_HyXQbQfzIbAEoZ1a0EGoGXoWWJDfUwmJK3rN-HFxKwYX0YroA7jaIqBl_0ESlwnSxhp2qNF9N0Sso/s640/blogger-image--155568949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTcK73YuUJpRb4p0eWF30dAn9yKpqh54fd2JD63TSs1fOmVZf_ve1uYh_FoXHEw_HyXQbQfzIbAEoZ1a0EGoGXoWWJDfUwmJK3rN-HFxKwYX0YroA7jaIqBl_0ESlwnSxhp2qNF9N0Sso/s640/blogger-image--155568949.jpg"></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The best flat bred and beef stew ever!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6e_9Q5oN8IUjpxCxy02lo2n43V72-NzAHS-AADAXaWeZcpScIo-1OisrVrzw7XV7W97rIBnTcEVx6v_EMRp8v9XY33upkykA5VJWNwXNmQWTdi0_jHxDoz3dTbtKKO9Wi3STEtTnjxNE/s640/blogger-image-1378455316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6e_9Q5oN8IUjpxCxy02lo2n43V72-NzAHS-AADAXaWeZcpScIo-1OisrVrzw7XV7W97rIBnTcEVx6v_EMRp8v9XY33upkykA5VJWNwXNmQWTdi0_jHxDoz3dTbtKKO9Wi3STEtTnjxNE/s640/blogger-image-1378455316.jpg"></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Sedona</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivhy_7Y5lhH5rFUzhTuY4pkeCJtxSclaVOIrnkGPKsUtZZVlT_gebWFJWcBz0_5tqKNlMFVHB0t7wMVI6NV2iMlhtgwdsF_gyHsZA4TM-t_wX5sU1yYSEIcibxZ3IC89ok2qdsVhHcpCQ/s640/blogger-image-1344049110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivhy_7Y5lhH5rFUzhTuY4pkeCJtxSclaVOIrnkGPKsUtZZVlT_gebWFJWcBz0_5tqKNlMFVHB0t7wMVI6NV2iMlhtgwdsF_gyHsZA4TM-t_wX5sU1yYSEIcibxZ3IC89ok2qdsVhHcpCQ/s640/blogger-image-1344049110.jpg"></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Petroglyphs at Arches National Park </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YfaEMZTyCPh_h3rKf6s94rS8Gqu4DVr3M1jJRseDIgy0Rr-KaQofGYAIkNQN3Y0yP8fQSGT4WfcFGIeRtNSH5hbQbOdYxFxBNY5Kslswn26VBuX664ueRrQR3Z3x1aLYxMRsZ5wXm14/s640/blogger-image--2037182558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YfaEMZTyCPh_h3rKf6s94rS8Gqu4DVr3M1jJRseDIgy0Rr-KaQofGYAIkNQN3Y0yP8fQSGT4WfcFGIeRtNSH5hbQbOdYxFxBNY5Kslswn26VBuX664ueRrQR3Z3x1aLYxMRsZ5wXm14/s640/blogger-image--2037182558.jpg"></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Delicate Arch- Arches National Park </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0XP5gwVRL_bom4QtefVhdoty_gNbaTKXM21ExRT5a_KyN2fQU1UFVC6RNlk_l2z78xVwaTpdJiIdPHZbet1xIVv5-RbiOxTfH2y3Y0KvqCqnntxpKso7-FVL0WcC7yqgmrqH22qV-lA/s640/blogger-image--773085628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0XP5gwVRL_bom4QtefVhdoty_gNbaTKXM21ExRT5a_KyN2fQU1UFVC6RNlk_l2z78xVwaTpdJiIdPHZbet1xIVv5-RbiOxTfH2y3Y0KvqCqnntxpKso7-FVL0WcC7yqgmrqH22qV-lA/s640/blogger-image--773085628.jpg"></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Salt water taffy in every flavor you can imagine.</span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWQXxF2TFI05t5wqlWOBWzuh_I__cdXJUzb4u7hRpTE0yF0oKyB17BHTpcSr-nc1-uuqyxN4BE0rNcckBSequwxCzyLRpfU3rNa62XQS6R6458emG54CSHyJuAMcTjJk_t71dDtj8Jg4/s640/blogger-image--1605501986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWQXxF2TFI05t5wqlWOBWzuh_I__cdXJUzb4u7hRpTE0yF0oKyB17BHTpcSr-nc1-uuqyxN4BE0rNcckBSequwxCzyLRpfU3rNa62XQS6R6458emG54CSHyJuAMcTjJk_t71dDtj8Jg4/s640/blogger-image--1605501986.jpg"></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Sedona </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2oxEzlYRZAIp5vbutEBtAA7F4yoHvaBTcB95J-Tzd6AHx2_mJgby_EC8ckCTiQBDDlqcHn-Fu4YkSiyTBehjQrx6PPAZ-Mm_ERq4Tjr4-rEvPv84sE0sADfu4rkqPYVBwi0nilxQ6p5I/s640/blogger-image--1519597229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2oxEzlYRZAIp5vbutEBtAA7F4yoHvaBTcB95J-Tzd6AHx2_mJgby_EC8ckCTiQBDDlqcHn-Fu4YkSiyTBehjQrx6PPAZ-Mm_ERq4Tjr4-rEvPv84sE0sADfu4rkqPYVBwi0nilxQ6p5I/s640/blogger-image--1519597229.jpg"></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Canyon de Chelly</span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNGL5ofkCOAWJUlT4EJc0bK3um7XBmcXj2WTC1zHoeNfHPvfTqan2wRO_yeVINXbdfDh-ICkKFBaeLVfm0k-V9YOBQ8W54TrmrXvW0vvxWEXCrFtiNyW5Y6ooiowHdBWd9NN0rRuoyHk/s640/blogger-image--670699743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNGL5ofkCOAWJUlT4EJc0bK3um7XBmcXj2WTC1zHoeNfHPvfTqan2wRO_yeVINXbdfDh-ICkKFBaeLVfm0k-V9YOBQ8W54TrmrXvW0vvxWEXCrFtiNyW5Y6ooiowHdBWd9NN0rRuoyHk/s640/blogger-image--670699743.jpg"></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">More climbing on rocks at Arches National Park.</span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMSCFCy7rSgeM-b6QfMLiZbD3R2mDfoPVv4gVYH3IjhOD8nvUZpPboAW9RPcaLG907kzW4ktFDc-0LfcRcLuTARsDZ7VUzTygO0VNOJZhDhZ_3-0HcP1xIN-mvVna6giQGH7fJ6fQdmA/s640/blogger-image-352810609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMSCFCy7rSgeM-b6QfMLiZbD3R2mDfoPVv4gVYH3IjhOD8nvUZpPboAW9RPcaLG907kzW4ktFDc-0LfcRcLuTARsDZ7VUzTygO0VNOJZhDhZ_3-0HcP1xIN-mvVna6giQGH7fJ6fQdmA/s640/blogger-image-352810609.jpg"></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Bearizona</span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLimQhGJXghuW-yU6ukvac3vvbL3UcsxJmn_SGHDZiHbd_qPBI42CowIeX1H3aqDQ_qtF6t_QkCZH7281P9kWm57N5hD03GC52c0Qr03SlW-rd3ovWWZIUeYYonx-PSMySMKdm0iYtQoM/s640/blogger-image--1662361412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLimQhGJXghuW-yU6ukvac3vvbL3UcsxJmn_SGHDZiHbd_qPBI42CowIeX1H3aqDQ_qtF6t_QkCZH7281P9kWm57N5hD03GC52c0Qr03SlW-rd3ovWWZIUeYYonx-PSMySMKdm0iYtQoM/s640/blogger-image--1662361412.jpg"></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Damage from a fire in 2000 at Mesa Verde</span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUjMBSts7Yy7gU5u4sTv22ug9ggkOFnuSVCBjeBd3sxupKm8s2t0eYGlF35uciXWnzlgwsxeU72itDlU4rQAa4NapMw35RcmWsKWbfp2DNc4TK6zSNew142LJ1cW9-5nFGe2WKkwq_Gbo/s640/blogger-image--84835629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUjMBSts7Yy7gU5u4sTv22ug9ggkOFnuSVCBjeBd3sxupKm8s2t0eYGlF35uciXWnzlgwsxeU72itDlU4rQAa4NapMw35RcmWsKWbfp2DNc4TK6zSNew142LJ1cW9-5nFGe2WKkwq_Gbo/s640/blogger-image--84835629.jpg"></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The Balcony House ruins at Mesa Verde.</span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<br></div>
</div>
Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560432669562291616noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962053785305440529.post-1756961090587672472015-08-18T11:10:00.001-07:002015-08-18T11:34:53.450-07:00All or Nothing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b><i>"I know you're tired. Keep going, keep trying. Just a little longer. You can get there. Finish strong</i></b>."<br>
<div>
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">-my thoughts that were applied as much to myself as the horses this weekend.</i><br>
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></i>
<br>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TUE4WIP54hk" width="560"></iframe><br>
<i> I watched this before Hirsch's race. It just seemed fitting, as cheesy as that may sound. The numbers and odds all said that the chances weren't great, but everything about the horse was telling us different</i>.<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></i><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></i></div>
<div>
<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></i></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Last weekend was the end of the Arapahoe park meet. It was a REALLY good one for us!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJflfYtA8Gvu7BsDDsV2xk8TNP82IG7Vnc400HYEAOXX-e75oPjuILMJF-5UKlrXyZ8LCs95gD3gHTA8hClY3qv7SX9m99f8oozCWX9Y0OgFQCAQ3gry2LfS6yEf1AkHjQRj9L9fc758/s640/blogger-image--397410746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJflfYtA8Gvu7BsDDsV2xk8TNP82IG7Vnc400HYEAOXX-e75oPjuILMJF-5UKlrXyZ8LCs95gD3gHTA8hClY3qv7SX9m99f8oozCWX9Y0OgFQCAQ3gry2LfS6yEf1AkHjQRj9L9fc758/s640/blogger-image--397410746.jpg"></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Photo credit: Coady Photography </i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">It started out with Sandy winning the 1 and 1/16th mile Spicy Stake. We had claimed her for $5,000 last year and ever since The Fiancé had been saying that we were going to win The Spicy with her this year. This is very unlike him and it still shocks me that he was so confident. The fact that it actually happened makes it all the more interesting. Positive thoughts can do amazing things, I guess.</span></div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiudkaoGACL_K2U749XVvHFUVo_Nu8oB-gF85lI4r4RxPkT8cBhS8FRRcy4uF8SXl8zXYBrKjhW5Oy-H8wQVlL4NOUp7vvJy91LJgUC013HuINe9GeNo7DPM_lRdfCFh2VCwVhwipYNdDM/s640/blogger-image-1556646068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiudkaoGACL_K2U749XVvHFUVo_Nu8oB-gF85lI4r4RxPkT8cBhS8FRRcy4uF8SXl8zXYBrKjhW5Oy-H8wQVlL4NOUp7vvJy91LJgUC013HuINe9GeNo7DPM_lRdfCFh2VCwVhwipYNdDM/s640/blogger-image-1556646068.jpg"></a></div>
<i>Photo credit: Coady Photography</i></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Sandy, who went off at 3rd choice at 5/1, won the race by a nose. Her </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">and the 2nd place horse were 11+ lengths in front of the rest of the field. She ate a lot of dirt and had to weave through some traffic to get there, but she kept digging in and I'm extremely proud of how hard she tried! Russell, her jockey, rode his ass off too. They both gave it their all and it worked!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDvms98uMMx2VkTFZZLLSViZ-bKVutZluLkKU_vpBS8C2X4f2D4kyDT71QxvRSj8iATaxlPSfDD-A0wMrLFFEkZgX6NOhbU0pP6cvL3JlxeocZdNizduqgkXULsvYB0h77y8YXZ6m3xw/s640/blogger-image-110372813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDvms98uMMx2VkTFZZLLSViZ-bKVutZluLkKU_vpBS8C2X4f2D4kyDT71QxvRSj8iATaxlPSfDD-A0wMrLFFEkZgX6NOhbU0pP6cvL3JlxeocZdNizduqgkXULsvYB0h77y8YXZ6m3xw/s640/blogger-image-110372813.jpg"></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Big Momma getting some love from her owners Neil and Roger, and jockey, Russel Vicchirilli.</i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>*Side note: Scriptonite ran 4th in a $3,200 claimer on Saturday, which I was happy with considering that he had bruised his foot so bad that he couldn't even hardly walk after the Boise race and hadn't run in 45 days. I thought it was especially good for a horse that was "finished". Apparently, people took it upon themselves to diagnose him so even though they've never so much as touched the horse. They also proceeded to inform the lady that wants Script when he retires of his doomed racing career. No, I'm not mad. It is what it is. If I worried about everyone that loves to stir shit up, I'd never get any rest. I guess it's a compliment, no one would bother with us if we totally sucked. The only thing you can do is laugh it off and keep focused on the things that really matter.</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><br></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjId-BN2vYBSvfXZFnHE2zUAm0tV0HiYA6uRahSsiA65cYlBS6j_kelc1rhnR9v72sc8i_CyumdE6Srx-rdJ56cO-Kjx-k8GFGifP1nxRZKeslAANfP-D-HDPvkwC-eBUmE-lSsZ6uUmQ8/s640/blogger-image-934892965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjId-BN2vYBSvfXZFnHE2zUAm0tV0HiYA6uRahSsiA65cYlBS6j_kelc1rhnR9v72sc8i_CyumdE6Srx-rdJ56cO-Kjx-k8GFGifP1nxRZKeslAANfP-D-HDPvkwC-eBUmE-lSsZ6uUmQ8/s640/blogger-image-934892965.jpg"></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>I love this photo, by photographer Carrie Sigglin, of Script getting bathed! Photo credit: Carrie Sigglin Photography</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><br></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i></i></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPXfJh_7VJCzIPIBDVmGM16e_vWpcueUGtEUyGBkiv_cMr9y6Yg247fTca8Kh5JpTonTQNgHe3QPgfQ3hnxbekerTq8Wp3U_7wne5v8-gmkQpA3l3Cjf9FUKeeYxDdTwx253rMLL3csY4/s640/blogger-image--129168780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPXfJh_7VJCzIPIBDVmGM16e_vWpcueUGtEUyGBkiv_cMr9y6Yg247fTca8Kh5JpTonTQNgHe3QPgfQ3hnxbekerTq8Wp3U_7wne5v8-gmkQpA3l3Cjf9FUKeeYxDdTwx253rMLL3csY4/s640/blogger-image--129168780.jpg"></a></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Photo credit: Coady Photography</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><br></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">On Sunday, we had Hirsch in the $100,000 Arapahoe Park Classic. It was a long shot after how bad he ran in Boise (I forgot that I didn't do a post on the Boise trip, he REALLY threw in a clunker), but I wasn't really deterred over that. After he got back to Denver, he flourished. He was good mentally and physically. If we were going to take a shot, now was the time to do it. We certainly didn't have anything to lose, so why not?</span></div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We knew Dennis would have to ride another horse in this race, it ran 2nd in the Classic last year, so we got the second leading rider of the meet, Dennis was leading rider (CONGRATS BUDDY!), to come and work Hirsch. Theriot fit Hirsch perfectly and in the two times he got on him before the race, you could tell that the pair was going to be a force to be reckoned with. <i>*Hirsch picks his people and if he doesn't like a rider, you might as well not bother.</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><br></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i></i></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt7brdC8W8cy7lEOQiPbDTa9Ei6YzeUljUVyeiaWarBuyO94fhdPwuHJXXvs0SoIMV2B5JGIgDzujl88-9eZ0VQ7wl8eb2kkQkTUEn31zaF11l9uOu0Tt-e_yZF-4tbIr1sB_4s6PMJE8/s640/blogger-image-1931997737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt7brdC8W8cy7lEOQiPbDTa9Ei6YzeUljUVyeiaWarBuyO94fhdPwuHJXXvs0SoIMV2B5JGIgDzujl88-9eZ0VQ7wl8eb2kkQkTUEn31zaF11l9uOu0Tt-e_yZF-4tbIr1sB_4s6PMJE8/s640/blogger-image-1931997737.jpg"></a></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Hirsch and Brian Theriot</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><br></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i></i></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSBqYVVKm6WdvSSeSsyu6D5RtE3FK7muYt8HfppLlwCmlj1O3MEKZ_vxRt72KgoLlsAxkxPEey9kvgIB-4Iq4X9QJd0Fy92V7NMsYCwQ3bD2JN51AJaM0xoWIC3L2WIaGHHH7JmWnYzII/s640/blogger-image-2053217812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSBqYVVKm6WdvSSeSsyu6D5RtE3FK7muYt8HfppLlwCmlj1O3MEKZ_vxRt72KgoLlsAxkxPEey9kvgIB-4Iq4X9QJd0Fy92V7NMsYCwQ3bD2JN51AJaM0xoWIC3L2WIaGHHH7JmWnYzII/s640/blogger-image-2053217812.jpg"></a></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>"My name is Hirsch and you seem kind of okay so I will now allow you to kiss my nose."</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><br></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The Fiancé said before the race that he doesn't want to go out there not to lose, but to win it (yes, there is a difference). He didn't want the rider to play it safe, he wanted Theriot to be aggressive. We knew that no one expected Hirsch to be able to make the 1 and 1/8 mile distance, but we had adjusted his training for it. We knew that the other riders wouldn't want to risk burning up their horse to chase a horse they would be anticipating to stop. Theriot understood that too. It was all or nothing. Hirsch was either going to run 1st, 2nd, or last. It didn't matter where we ended up, but we were damn sure not going to play it safe.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Diep0VgaWYRoNN2Dk96EliHgv2Vara9Xa4KFIrjpXqCeWtkP4iCcHTYnJihP_Qf5aUNFvKNC7OblfAfw6cOpB1PKlehyphenhyphenxpiObU3T-Sji8HDeMp1grfRdWemAYe1AX0worhNkUmLxan0/s640/blogger-image--1515287325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Diep0VgaWYRoNN2Dk96EliHgv2Vara9Xa4KFIrjpXqCeWtkP4iCcHTYnJihP_Qf5aUNFvKNC7OblfAfw6cOpB1PKlehyphenhyphenxpiObU3T-Sji8HDeMp1grfRdWemAYe1AX0worhNkUmLxan0/s640/blogger-image--1515287325.jpg"></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Photo Credit: Coady Photography </i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Hirsch is a very quick horse. I told Theriot to not be afraid to open up three or four lengths on the rest of the field, make them catch him. That's exactly what he did. They made a good run at Hirsch coming down the lane, but he had cat and moused them the whole way and held on to win by a length at 7-1 odds. <i>*He probably should have been 10-1 or higher, but his owner is very popular at the track (I often refer to him as The Godfather of Arapahoe Park because you can't sit down and talk to him for more than ten minutes without someone coming up to respectfully shake his hand and ask what he thinks about one thing or another) and when he told his friends that Hirsch could win the race, they believed him. A few of our other owners had a lot of faith too.</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><br></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i></i></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdzWc64YcAAcJ6CaWcwHDsMVOcWcHMgOzIZdUFFoUconmzKf_E4OFPsCce5_nDdzx2vdl5-aiOKmF69v2L5-7vbC0WhPS3magXRD3fjLoEJJOOn7VI-eTXa9a1JAwrEonx45LhqnEO2p8/s640/blogger-image-678019826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdzWc64YcAAcJ6CaWcwHDsMVOcWcHMgOzIZdUFFoUconmzKf_E4OFPsCce5_nDdzx2vdl5-aiOKmF69v2L5-7vbC0WhPS3magXRD3fjLoEJJOOn7VI-eTXa9a1JAwrEonx45LhqnEO2p8/s640/blogger-image-678019826.jpg"></a></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>The Fiancé and The Godfather of Arapahoe Park aka Dale enjoying the moment.</i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><br></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">This was Hirsch's first stake win. It's the biggest purse we've ever won and our second Black Type win (stakes with a purse of $50,000 or more). Sandy's stake was the third largest purse we had ever won. Yes, it was a very good weekend!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vNFgxj1H9rJeGcf8DV5pSTZjO17YA4do5YjxxYWWD4ljRdW6UOkW-nCc2ET2Lflf1fuvg8Bs_tql638HMJjaimh543Ej238O0cIsmldcE4HSCOVpf6G4N-lD8UgwRCXzlMOrO6K63ao/s640/blogger-image--1291620917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vNFgxj1H9rJeGcf8DV5pSTZjO17YA4do5YjxxYWWD4ljRdW6UOkW-nCc2ET2Lflf1fuvg8Bs_tql638HMJjaimh543Ej238O0cIsmldcE4HSCOVpf6G4N-lD8UgwRCXzlMOrO6K63ao/s640/blogger-image--1291620917.jpg"></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I can't even begin to describe how much I adore everyone in this picture with me!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I'm so extremely grateful for the horses we have and especially for our owners. The fiancé is very particular about who he will train for, he strongly believes in quality over quantity when it comes to horses AND owners. Having awesome owners has made life all that much more peaceful and we really appreciate them!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b>ARAPAHOE PARK 2015 HIGHLIGHTS</b></span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7SIVOAHe0YYurIjI275C4Bjk1jcWBpvl1awCkdI5Rzyr2FaoncOwR1JQouU24PGrmmb6oZnAepdT4zvao3LddwJpi7bcIySuWtha6P-rYPy8JQnJLATQf4oovawPPYcAnUSxnn_bkuw/s640/blogger-image-1283578823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7SIVOAHe0YYurIjI275C4Bjk1jcWBpvl1awCkdI5Rzyr2FaoncOwR1JQouU24PGrmmb6oZnAepdT4zvao3LddwJpi7bcIySuWtha6P-rYPy8JQnJLATQf4oovawPPYcAnUSxnn_bkuw/s640/blogger-image-1283578823.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><i>20 starts- 7 wins, 1 second, 2 thirds</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><i>35% win percentage, 50% ITM (1st,2nd, or 3rd)</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><i>Ranked 5th of 86 trainers with earnings of $172,447</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i><b>Ranked 11th by wins.</b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i><b>4 stakes wins, 2 allowance wins, and 1 Maiden Special Weight win. </b>(We only ran two horses in a claiming race, so I'm not too upset we didn't win any of those)</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i><b>Average earnings per start: $8,622.</b></i></div>
<br></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b></b></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWW5JBRTd1mZsuCW68CMRSWnGbPENLAQex5VLYkbhhaV3tfpnNQeaY-mjgyD1gcl4cCbK-tYWRsm7utglw-A6rOvaYbo0YMiopIYMrIN0JCgIQo2uFhgmuP1UTC7gGS8ts6aLiJ6gTYjM/s640/blogger-image--1215663575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWW5JBRTd1mZsuCW68CMRSWnGbPENLAQex5VLYkbhhaV3tfpnNQeaY-mjgyD1gcl4cCbK-tYWRsm7utglw-A6rOvaYbo0YMiopIYMrIN0JCgIQo2uFhgmuP1UTC7gGS8ts6aLiJ6gTYjM/s640/blogger-image--1215663575.jpg"></a></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b><br></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b><i>Bourbon Sense:</i></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b><i>4 starts-3 wins</i></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b><i>Ranked 1st of 508 horses with $77,400 in earnings.</i></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>1st- </i></span><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Allowance 6 furlongs purse: $13,000</i></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>1st- Allowance 5 1/2 furlongs purse: $13,000</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>4th- Front Range Stakes 7 furlongs purse : $40,000</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>1st- Arapahoe Park Classic 1 1/8 mile purse:$100,000</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><br></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><b>Colinda Dawn:</b></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><b>2 starts- 2wins</b></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><b>Ranked 5th of 508 horses with $48,000 in earnings</b></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>1st- Goeorge Wafer Memorial 1 mile purse: $40,000</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>1st- Colorado Derby 1 1/16 mile purse: $40,000.</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><br></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b><i>Sandhill Lady:</i></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b><i>4 starts- 1 win, 1 3rd</i></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b><i>Ranked 16th of 508 horses with $30,151 in earnings.</i></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>1st- Spicy Stake 1 1/16th mile purse:46,055</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><br></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b><i>Scriptonite:</i></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b><i>3 starts-1win earnings: $6,438</i></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>1st- Maiden Special Weight 5 1/2 furlongs purse: $10,000</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><br></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><b>Snow Bunny:</b></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><b>1start- 1 3rd earnings: $4,000</b></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>3rd: Goerge Wafer Memorial 6 furlongs purse: $40,000</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>*The winner of this race was disqualified for carrying the wrong weight and Bunny was moved up to 2nd. However, the trainer of the winner is trying to get the ruling overturned and she may get moved back down. The Fiancé is siding with the winner on this, the weight being wrong was more a clerical mistake than the trainer's fault, and it isn't right that he should get disqualified. It's okay if Bunny gets moved back down to third. The fiancé has helped the winning trainer out a lot with his appeal and apparently the good karma came back to us this weekend. I'm proud of Ty for standing up for what he thinks is right even though we stood to double our money (we get half of what Bunny makes) if the winner was disqualified.</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><br></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I'm not bragging or starting to get a big head or anything like that. I understand just as well as anyone that our barn could get cold at any second, which is why I appreciate how well the meet at Arapahoe went for us even more. I am very proud of the horses, The Fiancé, and even myself. We all worked really hard and I'm officially, completely exhausted. Two weeks of racing in Farmington, NM and then we get to go on a vacation for 2-3 weeks before heading to Phoenix. It will be our first significant break from the track since 2009.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><b><br></b></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><br></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><br></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><br></i></span></div>
</div>
Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560432669562291616noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962053785305440529.post-37161227138137836532015-08-05T18:38:00.001-07:002015-08-05T19:02:09.932-07:00$hit HappensOn Sunday I left Idaho for Denver. I got back to the track at about 10:30 in the morning Monday. After unloading the horses and getting them taken care of, I called The Fiancé, who was in Farmington, NM with another horse we had running.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUM8-qYCPIr6R_xdVeXqZ8xsbjZR9gWDHdeNGJc7YjWuYqJtEjZlz8zuRXClTIbDweqOFdUT8ZLqVAyenjkcxRc1B4EBs-NrP4-_p6vOQ7ir1z_ZoArm95GaxJATmN73XjzZSlfc5d40/s640/blogger-image-417864146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUM8-qYCPIr6R_xdVeXqZ8xsbjZR9gWDHdeNGJc7YjWuYqJtEjZlz8zuRXClTIbDweqOFdUT8ZLqVAyenjkcxRc1B4EBs-NrP4-_p6vOQ7ir1z_ZoArm95GaxJATmN73XjzZSlfc5d40/s640/blogger-image-417864146.jpg"></a></div><br><div><br></div><div>He asked me if I wanted to ride down with our jockey, Dennis, to watch the race.</div><div><br></div><div>Sure. Why not? I had only driven all night, what's seven more hours in a car? I said I would and informed Dennis that he would have to do the majority of the driving. We were going to take his Mustang and then decided to take our truck instead just in case the Fiance decided to ride back with us (more room, more comfort, etc.). Thank God we did. A couple of hours later, I was back on the road.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY3S44EmxHtf5jAa-2jnaWXq6eG4VUei-QtTOVHOwwLmtZ168mGXNqNHXpF-0oc04ih4VfOf2qLRy35LKFpaEiq10N2gruO0g_ysv5I9OZYpEbOZO4muqvUrcEFnE5-TSBvfh7YMsGzak/s640/blogger-image-382847791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY3S44EmxHtf5jAa-2jnaWXq6eG4VUei-QtTOVHOwwLmtZ168mGXNqNHXpF-0oc04ih4VfOf2qLRy35LKFpaEiq10N2gruO0g_ysv5I9OZYpEbOZO4muqvUrcEFnE5-TSBvfh7YMsGzak/s640/blogger-image-382847791.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>It was an absolutely beautiful drive through the mountains. The Fiancé had told me about a place on the way that he thought would be a good spot for us to get away for a couple of weeks. The place looked amazing and both Dennis and I were mesmerized by the scenery.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBEvbuZAHHFRBDypImcN6Hvi2y8KVyfkdumYAKE7dm8RyZJANzRMbQDdOvmVdbUUb3SPobkudBGD1Q6PsE3_SeQLaJFuGoPpSG35B6ZPLsQeCuejfIoXoqzvN-SyzsbN80qzDdr-bnAo/s640/blogger-image-611220372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBEvbuZAHHFRBDypImcN6Hvi2y8KVyfkdumYAKE7dm8RyZJANzRMbQDdOvmVdbUUb3SPobkudBGD1Q6PsE3_SeQLaJFuGoPpSG35B6ZPLsQeCuejfIoXoqzvN-SyzsbN80qzDdr-bnAo/s640/blogger-image-611220372.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>It began to get dark and we ended up missing a turn. After we realized our mistake and were headed back in the right direction, a car came flying around a turn with their brights on, nearly running us into the guard rail. I'm honestly not sure how we missed it.</div><div><br></div><div>I was shook up over that, but we were back on our merry way and just over an hour away from Farmington. All of the sudden I see a brown blur off to the right.</div><div><br></div><div>There was no time to react. Not even time for me to get a single cuss word out and those come pretty quickly to me. Just the beginning of a a gasp and WHAP!!! Dennis had stomped on the brakes a half a second (if that) before it hit. The hood flew up. I saw a blur of brown fur flying off to the left. That was about it. I remember thinking that seemed WAY too big to be a deer. My first thought when I saw it was "moose", which is obviously an absurd notion in New Mexico, but panicked minds can be very imaginative. We finally managed to get stopped without going off the road.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-lBM_4F-_OrnpKWJCMz3hHVnmBbw0Zrf-HSnwEsT73ycG_bY5Wj1bjCpzkmSYj2e9rUUnNd1Vl9pI4LxefPiY_y6xfuUjrnrZKdxgjLnEDNiPm5J9szVrsOmPLsNOwuMt8B0ST19DzLg/s640/blogger-image-2085216906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-lBM_4F-_OrnpKWJCMz3hHVnmBbw0Zrf-HSnwEsT73ycG_bY5Wj1bjCpzkmSYj2e9rUUnNd1Vl9pI4LxefPiY_y6xfuUjrnrZKdxgjLnEDNiPm5J9szVrsOmPLsNOwuMt8B0ST19DzLg/s640/blogger-image-2085216906.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>After sitting in silence for a second or two, listening to the truck hiss, we confirmed that we were both basically okay. I checked my phone which seemed to proudly announce that it had no service. Neither did Dennis's. At this point we both began to cuss. A lot.</div><div><br></div><div>We jumped out to check the damage to the truck. It was bad, but not as bad as I expected for how hard of an impact it was. A car came and just kept on rolling by. I wanted to cry, but figured Dennis wouldn't want to have to deal with a weeping Jodi on top of everything else. He went to check on the deer, which was really about a 400 lb cow elk (at least that's better than a 700-800lb bull elk). Yeah, it wasn't going to be going anywhere anytime soon. I was afraid that we wouldn't be either. Being stuck on a dark, mountain highway with people driving like crazies and my truck sitting out in the middle of the road was NOT a good feeling.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuo7w-7ynqG_zY78ZIY7Kr6dmJNOHlz2M9OkKW1a6Dpo94GGcxijOQYmrsASr_iOVnrrZFGzsElzkg85H_ah2MC0Y3N37m_KEW9iBKWO6eB5TsMss8IErIexdGqHbCBegCz4_gxJBceEI/s640/blogger-image--1701481193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuo7w-7ynqG_zY78ZIY7Kr6dmJNOHlz2M9OkKW1a6Dpo94GGcxijOQYmrsASr_iOVnrrZFGzsElzkg85H_ah2MC0Y3N37m_KEW9iBKWO6eB5TsMss8IErIexdGqHbCBegCz4_gxJBceEI/s640/blogger-image--1701481193.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>A nice, older couple from the nearby reservation picked me up to take me where I could get phone service while Dennis stayed with the truck. I called The Fiancé. They called the cops. The cops called the tow truck. The cop picked me up and took me back to the truck. He did his report, asked questions, gave Dennis a breathilizer (for insurance purposes) and we waited on the tow truck.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbe5rnigQPNoaMBeCi4rzsrBRJ5acB-BM7WVkfUb79O9i2lhii65TGhRl9IiCBA-O33kqvQa8stWU40z8mPWaucJsvyhLt7ClcEzjrBII3U_S0Tz0SI6r3t-IipoZU8G091s4zcqeqXcc/s640/blogger-image--898806641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbe5rnigQPNoaMBeCi4rzsrBRJ5acB-BM7WVkfUb79O9i2lhii65TGhRl9IiCBA-O33kqvQa8stWU40z8mPWaucJsvyhLt7ClcEzjrBII3U_S0Tz0SI6r3t-IipoZU8G091s4zcqeqXcc/s640/blogger-image--898806641.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>How small town, Idaho girls cheer their friends up.</i></div><br></div><div>I <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">finally got the nerve to go look at the elk. It wasn't our fault, but I still felt horrible. I'm a rancher's daughter, I was raised that hunting was just a part of life. I have never felt the need or desire to go hunting myself, I wouldn't have the heart to kill an animal unless I absolutely had to, but I'm not against other people doing it. I've eaten a lot of deer, elk, and other game in my life. However, I was also taught that hunting was for the food, you don't kill just to kill, and you certainly don't waste the life you took. This dead elk just seemed to be such a waste. Knowing that she would just sit there rotting really bothered me. I was hoping that the coyotes would at least eat it, but she didn't look like anything had touched her when we drove by today. I know how stupid it sounds to be bothered by unintentionally killing an elk (I wasn't even driving), but I was all the same.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>*deleted picture of dead cow elk here* </i></span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><i>I figured no one would want to see it.</i></font></div><div><br></div><div>Maybe it was just the shock of everything, I didn't stop shaking until I got the hotel, four hours after we hit her, and got into a hot bath.</div><div><br></div><div>The ride in the tow truck didn't help. I was sitting in the middle which, of course, ended up not having a seatbelt. The driver informed us how top heavy the tow truck was with that big of a pickup on it and then proceeded to speed through the dark and winding mountain road that is in a forrest filled with deer and elk while proceeding to light his cigarettes and play with his phone. <i>Thanks for that dude! I really needed a whole hour of being convinced I was going to die after everything else that happened. Asshole.</i></div><div><i><br></i></div><div><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjX4FvBvAvJeh3qrwneA09RQ822Fobi5ogZHwMXXonGV_Qqg49ef1EqFgCl77PMJEGqY0QlNQg9JbBOySxEykq3YIegOxDLKZHpOtRqFpKPSIGuxw330uGtygrdHTxgP0P3QgqzNDJqY/s640/blogger-image--1357370141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjX4FvBvAvJeh3qrwneA09RQ822Fobi5ogZHwMXXonGV_Qqg49ef1EqFgCl77PMJEGqY0QlNQg9JbBOySxEykq3YIegOxDLKZHpOtRqFpKPSIGuxw330uGtygrdHTxgP0P3QgqzNDJqY/s640/blogger-image--1357370141.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>To lighten the mood of this post, here is a pic of Dennis and The Fiancé sleeping on the way back today. They're both going to kill me if they ever see this.</i></div><br></div><div><i><br></i></div><div><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicK5n_ur2rFKGU2XdISyBRUDJjXk7TW7a1NI4gnxxFZ4FNlOcr1yZLEyQ5g_d2ODncM6RXq-A0cPYJ0Kb1uhKLdEGO2-RfNqjuoroZnJDSG_sXbu_SMnRaSM1TUNUpYpfFbpWSTe3Qgiw/s640/blogger-image--163297460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicK5n_ur2rFKGU2XdISyBRUDJjXk7TW7a1NI4gnxxFZ4FNlOcr1yZLEyQ5g_d2ODncM6RXq-A0cPYJ0Kb1uhKLdEGO2-RfNqjuoroZnJDSG_sXbu_SMnRaSM1TUNUpYpfFbpWSTe3Qgiw/s640/blogger-image--163297460.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I've honestly never seen a person sleep in this position before...</div></i></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Anyway, I'm rambling. The good news is that neither of us are hurt. Dennis is just a tiny bit sore and my chest, the left side of my ribs, and neck are sore. We both had our seatbelts on. The elk didn't go through the windshield. We probably would be dead right now if we had been driving Dennis's mustang and hit her, but we didn't. The truck might be totaled, but it might not be (we should know by tomorrow). All in all, we're pretty lucky.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOyUqP5jPxnk1BqH5RGJuWA9f5neSqBIrXBb5s8wBJ8v4FVxNSWwI6we38WTVMIMjByc5HW8yYnO1Fti2xt1FQGYnQJ1s9_rSfQO96tL49EwCokT2YCs0rxQzO2d0Ud3mgj6umvRKmvK4/s640/blogger-image--365522001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOyUqP5jPxnk1BqH5RGJuWA9f5neSqBIrXBb5s8wBJ8v4FVxNSWwI6we38WTVMIMjByc5HW8yYnO1Fti2xt1FQGYnQJ1s9_rSfQO96tL49EwCokT2YCs0rxQzO2d0Ud3mgj6umvRKmvK4/s640/blogger-image--365522001.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Who would have thought that Hell could be this pretty?</div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">This does prove my point that New Mexico is just a very bad place for me to be. Though, I thought it'd be safe asking as I stayed away from Hellbuquerque.</font></div><div><br></div><div><i>*Fingers crossed that the truck isn't totaled because I really need that vacation, no matter where we take it, even more now. That won't happen if we have to get a new one.</i></div></div>Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560432669562291616noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962053785305440529.post-17506427891772179502015-07-13T15:01:00.001-07:002015-07-13T16:44:59.259-07:00Filly Power<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">The fiancé and I had a good week.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGyQa0zrQsGNkcPAd4DDiZjy9qKIwp2qCU9M-CetilEvJmCRRTZdgVixhLFWUbmN8zQnrzezNFPhLU6tFJ9IhWIjNKslDnTSSb3vj1d6qdWV9_u_NaP6JfYBkwGz1dd-6A_VmR7VrQMY/s640/blogger-image-1431636772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGyQa0zrQsGNkcPAd4DDiZjy9qKIwp2qCU9M-CetilEvJmCRRTZdgVixhLFWUbmN8zQnrzezNFPhLU6tFJ9IhWIjNKslDnTSSb3vj1d6qdWV9_u_NaP6JfYBkwGz1dd-6A_VmR7VrQMY/s640/blogger-image-1431636772.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Last Sunday Colinda Dawn won the George Wafer Memorial Route and we ran third in the George Wafer Memorial Sprint with Snow Bunny (both stakes for 3 year old fillies). </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
You can watch Colinda's <a href="https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/race/USA/ARP/2015/7/5/8/george-wafer-memorial-s" target="_blank">George Wafer Memorial win here</a>.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDuEUPLu9q3cAAAIWTqTJCUHbz0Brsc_ipEy21VbTwYWhdw0dBBAsPlYSMLnwCGVAWu5861-uJLgb8z322YfYfdjj5uVuVqI855091cTQcz71mFo94sYRMo-rM6R44yG737sUai3Kk98c/s640/blogger-image-735978657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDuEUPLu9q3cAAAIWTqTJCUHbz0Brsc_ipEy21VbTwYWhdw0dBBAsPlYSMLnwCGVAWu5861-uJLgb8z322YfYfdjj5uVuVqI855091cTQcz71mFo94sYRMo-rM6R44yG737sUai3Kk98c/s640/blogger-image-735978657.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Colinda went to the lead out of the gates and ended up winning by 2 1/4. Dennis, her jockey, came back and said that she was still looking around at everything (she got herself beat by a half length in a stake in Phoenix because she was convinced she saw dragons in the infield). You can see in the replay that she is just out there screwing around. That doesn't mean I'm any less proud of her. She was barely even tired after the race and it was her first race off after we gave her a 30 day break, 85 days since her last race. I told the fiancé and Dennis that I'd rather she do it easy and be messing around than be all out to win.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicag4Oohonn_z4rnvncrlqYxSjc6eVe2DBcFF6D1RxWvKSJ5RBvghKRxznq9Do6gazOkTBksUtVMQRfMVYwiYyurX5IGR-Z_zmQ4Eqnn-m_xzzcrYLbeKiwVhSoAHp_cfb851xlYYFeZE/s640/blogger-image-623828004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicag4Oohonn_z4rnvncrlqYxSjc6eVe2DBcFF6D1RxWvKSJ5RBvghKRxznq9Do6gazOkTBksUtVMQRfMVYwiYyurX5IGR-Z_zmQ4Eqnn-m_xzzcrYLbeKiwVhSoAHp_cfb851xlYYFeZE/s640/blogger-image-623828004.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Colinda coming back with outrider and friend, Haley.</div><br></span></div></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">The fiancé decided to nominate her to the Colorad Derby for the following Sunday just in case she came out of the George Wafer really good AKA breathing fire. She did.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I was fairly certain Colinda would run well in the George Wafer as long as we had her fit enough. The Colorado Derby made me nervous because the colts and geldings she would be running against were quite a bit more accomplished than the fillies she beat. Plus, Colinda is speed and almost the entire field was speed.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">What made me feel a little better is that she trained like a monster the day before the race. That still doesn't mean we went into the race overconfident.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_eXMslpdut8Sg_pgLFDP_FmDAOXptT3J5Yy57S02-0D0Z4Jn2-Nx_cPhJwCEGoe0Zf9ryYezWa1SmipS0QRcEmyLOyohwJJI9l85BKwdx3mcRUxoWmzavrpaGZAeRbiD2hUb_fk4Uyo/s640/blogger-image-1437068839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_eXMslpdut8Sg_pgLFDP_FmDAOXptT3J5Yy57S02-0D0Z4Jn2-Nx_cPhJwCEGoe0Zf9ryYezWa1SmipS0QRcEmyLOyohwJJI9l85BKwdx3mcRUxoWmzavrpaGZAeRbiD2hUb_fk4Uyo/s640/blogger-image-1437068839.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Such a diva!</div><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">It turns out that I didn't need to worry. Colinda went to the lead and never looked back. Dennis said it felt like they were out for a two minute lick when he was on the backside and that was with her going a fairly good clip on a fairly slow track. She pulled away from the rest of the field to beat the boys by 9 lengths.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMtVTZe6CX7Cg1Cj6TqiBC5HHQLqV5XOwOzsmkzaG0md8sa3AiJT_xeqistB-1Zq1ynbkok_D6eAyfFLHlAxO6YFJ8rircKsAxhOF6L8qVenV6uhCOY9vqt5902-ah1z_FoYd9M9D357U/s640/blogger-image-969066649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMtVTZe6CX7Cg1Cj6TqiBC5HHQLqV5XOwOzsmkzaG0md8sa3AiJT_xeqistB-1Zq1ynbkok_D6eAyfFLHlAxO6YFJ8rircKsAxhOF6L8qVenV6uhCOY9vqt5902-ah1z_FoYd9M9D357U/s640/blogger-image-969066649.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Watch Colinda's <a href="https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/race/USA/ARP/2015/7/12/7/colorado-derby" target="_blank">Colorado Derby win here</a>.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Now, when you do something like win a stake with a filly and enter her back in another stake against the boys to run a week later, you're going to catch some crap. People will think you're greedy or cruel or both. They don't know Colinda and they don't know my fiancé. Colinda has fire running through her veins and she LOVES her job. The fiancé is very conservative as a trainer and he especially isn't going to risk hurting, as I refer to her, "his princess". Colinda has way too bright of a future to take an unnecessary risk or enter just to run. The fiancé thought she had a good shot at winning it, he wouldn't have bothered if he didn't.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8kYOQhd4f2yFfoRsd1qVLFRZoSaHlQ4TbSzjxlbtXLIK87QAjrvgQKD0PdNgnBZ3-NwGzEcLjbOVnR4ET3UTZNDJeYU0dgf84FwAyfEkjuEH5S8p0KLU6U6tuufpTuRrGL7fWfqN38QU/s640/blogger-image--168699278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8kYOQhd4f2yFfoRsd1qVLFRZoSaHlQ4TbSzjxlbtXLIK87QAjrvgQKD0PdNgnBZ3-NwGzEcLjbOVnR4ET3UTZNDJeYU0dgf84FwAyfEkjuEH5S8p0KLU6U6tuufpTuRrGL7fWfqN38QU/s640/blogger-image--168699278.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> PC: Coady Photography</div><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Like I told one lady that admitted to thinking Ty was crazy initially, she came out of the Wafer on tilt. It was either work her or run her, might as well run her.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Thank goodness Colinda and Dennis (who didn't doubt Ty at all) put all doubts to rest. She didn't just win, she did it impressively.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-Hs6S0Z41WmBfQlNDCjgIlZ2xOy0NiTWBdmE2nMAqICEkcXVNCQpcd4FMNU9Ydisju-BZv_UJZ9ics7jHAYMPhaGexJghnYY0f4uwp1u7BbHkUyn14_NIb1i1jfJoEH5C1txxnUy9Qg/s640/blogger-image-923599620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-Hs6S0Z41WmBfQlNDCjgIlZ2xOy0NiTWBdmE2nMAqICEkcXVNCQpcd4FMNU9Ydisju-BZv_UJZ9ics7jHAYMPhaGexJghnYY0f4uwp1u7BbHkUyn14_NIb1i1jfJoEH5C1txxnUy9Qg/s640/blogger-image-923599620.jpg"></a></div><i>Colinda and jockey, Dennis Collins.</i></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Dennis came back from this race saying that Colinda still wasn't completely focused. She did seem like she put a little more effort into this race. Dennis had to keep getting after her a little, not to keep her going, but to keep her from losing too much focus down the lane. Colinda trains well in the mornings, doesn't do anything wrong. There's not much we can do to make her more focused on race day other than let age and experience take it's course. Colinda is perfect in the paddock, post parade, and gates. She doesn't do anything wrong, just isn't 100% professional when she hits the lane on the lead yet. In the meantime, I'm still as proud as can be of her and hopefully her talent continues to make up for her distracted moments.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPzNSFNyXjUf1KmzspNxWQUBX4tItAyZI9MhrDs8BvRQ7rwhot_svcVcq5qo8Y2gs_AJS-y6AYPaPxnqQOuqmFpHS54QFjs8riPbdbZsZwY0FzRBBtdJc92Wnk-T_D9aFS0Th3dywlKQ/s640/blogger-image--184086944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPzNSFNyXjUf1KmzspNxWQUBX4tItAyZI9MhrDs8BvRQ7rwhot_svcVcq5qo8Y2gs_AJS-y6AYPaPxnqQOuqmFpHS54QFjs8riPbdbZsZwY0FzRBBtdJc92Wnk-T_D9aFS0Th3dywlKQ/s640/blogger-image--184086944.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Colinda with Dennis and owner, Eleanor</div><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">The fact that Colinda won a stake coming off of a layoff and then came back a week later to win another stake by even further against a tougher group is impressive. She gave us everything we asked of her and more. We're very lucky to have her and that she has an amazing owner!</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Thanks to Colinda the fiancé is now ranked 6th by earnings and tied for 8th for wins. That's with only 11 starts. I'm not bragging at all. Racing can be very hot and cold, I'm extremely grateful to have good horses that are running well right now.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2eeUzhCpD9G96Q_jc-NHg2ISDsumpV4h0aAy-7Ym3foqja6tGSeL73eQAbjmFhE7WlQDAttZsE721t5-EWdF-LyhX6ETqNAm9CwogPUGCrjWh64tJSVmpDriEhdRuueXVuHtH1M4HGs/s640/blogger-image--690721497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2eeUzhCpD9G96Q_jc-NHg2ISDsumpV4h0aAy-7Ym3foqja6tGSeL73eQAbjmFhE7WlQDAttZsE721t5-EWdF-LyhX6ETqNAm9CwogPUGCrjWh64tJSVmpDriEhdRuueXVuHtH1M4HGs/s640/blogger-image--690721497.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Also, Colinda is now ranked 1st by earnings. She probably won't stay there because there aren't anymore stakes for her here and there are a couple of $100,000 dollar stakes at the meet (that she can't/won't be running in), but it's still nice to have her there for the time being.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFRidvjJUaDQlzmQe2HREjKMoCxKfozorOMLOAjZR87gRZxKC1aiC3vhVifdRqKm0hr56wyo815vYqCs47EqOJeMArcgRV4FQyB1I7VCk2Z68jfRV5es71kcxYJiE7CM5PF7C86r4RZCw/s640/blogger-image-140441672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFRidvjJUaDQlzmQe2HREjKMoCxKfozorOMLOAjZR87gRZxKC1aiC3vhVifdRqKm0hr56wyo815vYqCs47EqOJeMArcgRV4FQyB1I7VCk2Z68jfRV5es71kcxYJiE7CM5PF7C86r4RZCw/s640/blogger-image-140441672.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><i>*I may have made it sound like Dennis isn't happy with Colinda. That couldn't be further from the truth. He absolutely loves her and stops by everyday to pet her. When he says she's not focusing, he isn't complaining. He's just saying that if she can do this with being distracted, just think what she can do if she isn't.</i></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div>
Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560432669562291616noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962053785305440529.post-456704804291196612015-07-06T21:07:00.001-07:002015-07-08T17:56:11.511-07:00Spastastic Fun<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I was going to write about home, but I'll just give a quick rundown and then get to the hopefully more entertaining part.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtXWKmMvXAVw54npaAbYCWb_URNHYREN_kL4hw2YFis01jW9OI6Rv2dF-fjs70LMbXelNgESH0wdHSJuwwEu8lJCM_XviPv2rG2GK7cu-U28MrhXTJten7A2hBMKQz5lBf6dksjXTe3PU/s640/blogger-image-826571899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtXWKmMvXAVw54npaAbYCWb_URNHYREN_kL4hw2YFis01jW9OI6Rv2dF-fjs70LMbXelNgESH0wdHSJuwwEu8lJCM_XviPv2rG2GK7cu-U28MrhXTJten7A2hBMKQz5lBf6dksjXTe3PU/s640/blogger-image-826571899.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtdA50BkvXOd9Bu76DZlJS1jlwu5734XOo-YnHUvqzqKiI9R1dyVvFycB9wAG5Q2sstxQPKpobI_7qT15qhvaWCWlyVjsgIutAGtBqeBu56USb-AEbtcMxcInQBbHmb6vsJXXy6s16-YI/s640/blogger-image-1374463662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtdA50BkvXOd9Bu76DZlJS1jlwu5734XOo-YnHUvqzqKiI9R1dyVvFycB9wAG5Q2sstxQPKpobI_7qT15qhvaWCWlyVjsgIutAGtBqeBu56USb-AEbtcMxcInQBbHmb6vsJXXy6s16-YI/s640/blogger-image-1374463662.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
My family and friends are still completely awesome. Obviously. They still love me even if they only get to see me every couple of years. I love the fact that I come from a horse family and have SO much support behind me!</div><div><br></div><div> I thought that people were being overdramatic when they told me how bad Les Bois (the track) has gotten. They said that the racing secretary/office was a pain in the ass, that the track surface is horrible, that the vets aren't very good, and that it basically just isn't a fun place to be anymore. They weren't totally wrong (one vet didn't seem all that bad), It certainly isn't as pleasant as it used to be. On a good note, I had heeded their warnings enough that I didn't have too many high expectations, so at least I wasn't disappointed much. The 105-110 temps that happened the entire time I was there were absolutely miserable. THAT really sucked! I still maintain that Les Bois is one of the best tracks to watch races at and it could still be a fun place to run horses. It just doesn't seem to be right now. There are some really lovely people that I adore there and it was worth the headaches just to get to see them again. The best part is that being there made me appreciate the tracks we are normally at all that much more. Except for The Downs at Hellbuquerque, it takes the cake for shitty tracks to be at.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfi2EE9L5cMB6s45weccuuewXvrMROErU8o9TB8m9mwHQpzSrM5-N3eaEj0UlXIzm0bewlPC7VDyhIiP6NKLiQhD_PZrlDyhinSK5329ndy43XydQFSjPPctBxJKakZO-EndJXr4_5wo/s640/blogger-image--1400112956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfi2EE9L5cMB6s45weccuuewXvrMROErU8o9TB8m9mwHQpzSrM5-N3eaEj0UlXIzm0bewlPC7VDyhIiP6NKLiQhD_PZrlDyhinSK5329ndy43XydQFSjPPctBxJKakZO-EndJXr4_5wo/s640/blogger-image--1400112956.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1_q4oaJWsTAy-4ShykzJrpDlNQ7mX0hitaRHtqnizQ1tQoj3P0itF95Zxm0jumxEgL2DsiyZo6hzN09ZW0OIeGk0NyJfsVfvg_w8PzKuYSk019NMhnVVs83RxUbEm3fpXwXEyZdG70M/s640/blogger-image--1995375903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1_q4oaJWsTAy-4ShykzJrpDlNQ7mX0hitaRHtqnizQ1tQoj3P0itF95Zxm0jumxEgL2DsiyZo6hzN09ZW0OIeGk0NyJfsVfvg_w8PzKuYSk019NMhnVVs83RxUbEm3fpXwXEyZdG70M/s640/blogger-image--1995375903.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
Anyway....</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
Other than seeing my family and friends, the best part was getting to take a lesson with my mom's trainer. She is a very sweet person and let me ride her horse, Sasha. Sasha is showing 4th level right now, schooling higher levels.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWlk0EuUGZMtS4nFrnDEA1Jz99fvtGUhGd3pOSjuLZvd3_A3Y_ZVtQOk9NXIHgH517amx0w7P4Tnw3UqqVdkeOTQcrE9K6eUN6bKOHOc6E5Lxs3Lwx0eRB8tFF2TOCk9pAa3JhEaU5Hi8/s640/blogger-image--1879165252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWlk0EuUGZMtS4nFrnDEA1Jz99fvtGUhGd3pOSjuLZvd3_A3Y_ZVtQOk9NXIHgH517amx0w7P4Tnw3UqqVdkeOTQcrE9K6eUN6bKOHOc6E5Lxs3Lwx0eRB8tFF2TOCk9pAa3JhEaU5Hi8/s640/blogger-image--1879165252.jpg"></a></div>No I wasn't making her fix my stirrup for me. Though I'm not sure what I was doing....</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
I was totally exhausted and cooking to death (hot weather is not something I do well with), but I sure wasn't going to miss the opportunity to ride a horse like Sasha! I messed up A LOT, but I had a hell of a lot of fun in the process.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zPQrjG1KbkARSD98XY2JrwYDo3EjY4r6x8h4FcAxxAMZnjdO1-g1nm8nyudtmwlISOXQgPgz4_BPf1yDitvoyM4XxusqEsEKyGiG0AWyHLGoVCi_5LrVMHhjSDXQtf9lOXDIVj8gx6w/s640/blogger-image-858676192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zPQrjG1KbkARSD98XY2JrwYDo3EjY4r6x8h4FcAxxAMZnjdO1-g1nm8nyudtmwlISOXQgPgz4_BPf1yDitvoyM4XxusqEsEKyGiG0AWyHLGoVCi_5LrVMHhjSDXQtf9lOXDIVj8gx6w/s640/blogger-image-858676192.jpg"></a></div><br></div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
Anyway, here's how my thinking works when I'm completely exhausted while riding a more advanced horse than I'm used to. <i>*I apologize in advance to those of you that don't like videos. I did edit them down to spare you from the several times I had to go around the arena to get something at least half way right. No need to thank me.</i></div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
"A double? When was the last time I rode in a double? Like eight years ago?"</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
"Oh wow! I am being a spaz with these reins."</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
"THIS MARE IS FREAKING AWESOME!"</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/leZ2fmb_Qo4" width="420"></iframe>
</div>
<div><br></div><div>
"Do I need to loosen up on the curb? Agh! Poor girl! I'm sorry, so sorry!"</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
"I totally want to steal this horse. Do they still hang people for that in Idaho? Eh, it'd probably still be worth....oh crap! What did C just tell me to do?"</div><div><br></div><div>"Did she say to half pass or circle? I'll just do a bit of both so that I'm covered either way."</div><div><br></div><div>"Oh yeah, she knows pirouettes. I can probably stop riding her like she doesn't now."</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TrMaETFFPK4" width="420"></iframe>
<br>
<br></div><div>"I wish I weren't deaf, because I'm pretty sure I totally just butchered whatever C was trying to tell me to do. Yeah, no. I'm positive I did."</div><div><br></div><div>"Why in the hell am I struggling so much with these reins! Ah crap! That was the curb not the snaffle. Damn it!"</div><div><br></div><div>"This horse is freaking awesome!"</div><div><br></div><div>"I hope I can get Indy to at least this point one day. This is so much fun! Oops! I almost ran over Mom. Again."</div><div><br></div><div>"Holy Hell! It's HOT!!!"</div><div><br></div>
</div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eisEgpwb9F4" width="420"></iframe><br>
<br>"I should probably just try to stay out of her way on the changes. Obviously she is much better than I am at them."</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">"Eh, circle/oval. They're basically the same thing. Close enough."</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">"When was the last time I schooled passage? Let's see, I schooled piaffe like over ten years ago...never passage though. I don't think. What are the aids again? I know that I've read about them at some point."</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">"I have to bounce more in my seat?! I've been working my entire life to not bounce!"</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9jpq3t7OnBA" width="420"></iframe></div><div><br></div>
"I actually got a few steps! How did I do that? Maybe she just got tired of me embarrassing myself and gave me some pity passage. Who cares! That was soooo much fun!"<div><br></div><div>"I hope that my mom got that on video. You know, just in case it never happens again."</div><div><br></div><div>So, there's the general just of it. C has done a very good job with Sasha, it was obvious that she had been built up from a solid foundation, there were no holes. C is also very, very patient because I was having a hard time hearing and focusing. After being able to hear what she said in the video, I understand a lot more what she wanted (it took me five minutes to figure out that C was asking me to try for passage). Hopefully, I get to ride Sasha, or any horse, with C again because I really enjoyed the lesson. Preferably when I'm not delirious <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">from hellish temperatures and long trips.</span></div>Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560432669562291616noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962053785305440529.post-88043972109444600092015-06-24T13:06:00.000-07:002015-06-24T14:02:59.834-07:00Straight Shot Metal: Good Juju<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjNuJFBOMmHa1y2uAN3wfJy7NFa_4tnVZMdeijaiqcDft4Ovh2rD5zgHlPOIlxo22tDlwovW1zHkQD2HTI_cxJk8DTe5ZcT1ek9mwAS2Avb6mp9tkz1AdGVLrpdYiaEnRPZLcC2heDEk/s640/blogger-image--430500036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjNuJFBOMmHa1y2uAN3wfJy7NFa_4tnVZMdeijaiqcDft4Ovh2rD5zgHlPOIlxo22tDlwovW1zHkQD2HTI_cxJk8DTe5ZcT1ek9mwAS2Avb6mp9tkz1AdGVLrpdYiaEnRPZLcC2heDEk/s640/blogger-image--430500036.jpg"></a></div> Thanks Beka!</div><br></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The other day, Dennis, the main jockey we use, and another jockey were at the barn. We were talking about how Dennis had a rough day the day before. He had gotten dumped off of a horse in the post parade. It got away from the pony, jumped over the rail to get off of the track, and ran off wearing Dennis's saddle. Later that day, a horse tripped after the wire and he ate dirt again (they're both okay). I told him that he needed to get some good juju.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">
<br></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">
The other rider goes "What's juju? A girl down on Colfax?". Colfax is the area of town that you might refer to as the "red light district". If you were putting it politely.</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">
<br></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">
After mentioning that they should get their heads out of the gutter, I told them that juju is like luck, that Dennis needed a good juju charm.</div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px;"><br></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCvx-tNpdO8s64cBte3y2Eoj4EJW7F8JE3qZcR1v0U8G3Mn0k2SaRVn7_ByTbwQy8pUb-Qozfw7LC6cbTgANr2ly_ZQ4LbQTsCU2zGYT_3n1AB0NbGL0iodOvasuv2zhMfnKUzIcJpGk/s640/blogger-image-1200316748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCvx-tNpdO8s64cBte3y2Eoj4EJW7F8JE3qZcR1v0U8G3Mn0k2SaRVn7_ByTbwQy8pUb-Qozfw7LC6cbTgANr2ly_ZQ4LbQTsCU2zGYT_3n1AB0NbGL0iodOvasuv2zhMfnKUzIcJpGk/s640/blogger-image-1200316748.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>That just received a couple of blank faces staring back at me.</div></div></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">
<br></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">
So, of course I had to order one of Beka's (<a href="http://www.theowlsapprove.com/?m=1" target="_blank">The Owls Approve</a>) <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/StraightShotMetal" target="_blank">Straight Shot Metal Good Juju Bridle Charms</a> just to show them I wasn't making stuff up. Plus, a little extra luck is never a bad idea for a jockey, especially the one that rides almost all of your good horses and is your friend. Right?</div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px;"><br></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02GZfO2qDqj5d3qLLc3488ysEQ1fXgwcUMl5dvMBGv-5BnA_jn-cMl97FfgVRyF3H3AuVcY1IFZ6nNhizHtb-faZNFQnBtQvN3uyd6vcD_yy-knZGJEAq33wW7Xh8B0C5oDLGB3rPNCA/s640/blogger-image--1186781678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02GZfO2qDqj5d3qLLc3488ysEQ1fXgwcUMl5dvMBGv-5BnA_jn-cMl97FfgVRyF3H3AuVcY1IFZ6nNhizHtb-faZNFQnBtQvN3uyd6vcD_yy-knZGJEAq33wW7Xh8B0C5oDLGB3rPNCA/s640/blogger-image--1186781678.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Dennis on Colinda</div><br></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">Okay, I'll admit that I'd been wanting to order a bracelet from Beka anyway, so I might as well order two things instead of one. </div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">
<br></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">
I sent Beka a message about what I wanted and she was AWESOME to deal with! She always got back to me quickly and sent sample pictures to get a better idea of what I wanted. Once she had my order, it was made and shipped within a day or two. It's pretty rare to get that kind of service on custom made items these days and I really appreciated her efforts.</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">
<br></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">
I told Dennis that I ordered him the charm and he was excited, even if he didn't know exactly what it was.</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">
<br></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">
Not going to lie, I was eagerly awaiting my bracelet too. The package arrived on Monday, but since the office at the track is closed on Monday and Tuesday, I couldn't pick it up until Wednesday. Jerks.</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">
<br></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">
Anyway, here's the goods (that I absolutely love):</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">
<br></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8Hw0Ms3McJ2f1q8goodHcSL4tmFtSXy4xIOulcU36bDt8tLnEiLXA5EnVeBNG-DM0ldNxKWmcqWuTp9RaCETGorci2vj7V0_oUjOvBzkBO7fyXuHNizQzGXvPZ9FUVf213xMzWLDLKY/s640/blogger-image--622130223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8Hw0Ms3McJ2f1q8goodHcSL4tmFtSXy4xIOulcU36bDt8tLnEiLXA5EnVeBNG-DM0ldNxKWmcqWuTp9RaCETGorci2vj7V0_oUjOvBzkBO7fyXuHNizQzGXvPZ9FUVf213xMzWLDLKY/s640/blogger-image--622130223.jpg"></a></div><br></div>
Beka sends everything in cute packaging, which is great for when you have her ship someone something as a gift.</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">
<br></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGcWttKpTTTpLoG906iv0Ur14KNY2-yWjT-LoVTRrRKEqqIdkBkj1YYVzxWbj3gwSVvaPHPt0xXiocKJYXt9Z2rzHKq3aIi85D-w4vn581tpOkjJuDKBwUJBx8Pv87kzBiFUfg4dKv6vw/s640/blogger-image--238763338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGcWttKpTTTpLoG906iv0Ur14KNY2-yWjT-LoVTRrRKEqqIdkBkj1YYVzxWbj3gwSVvaPHPt0xXiocKJYXt9Z2rzHKq3aIi85D-w4vn581tpOkjJuDKBwUJBx8Pv87kzBiFUfg4dKv6vw/s640/blogger-image--238763338.jpg"></a></div><br></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">
She even topped it off with an extra tag for me!</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">
<br></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOW_7LHVZPvszrcun7cBXXjB2Y2M0rH4IlV4gHPYc1tOYDJJJR7c6bI34UIE8nhJeqocldcjZldG_kC2j1Evdlf703HxWAJLkFV6McvHarHW3B43wXJIr4KLTIuT4SXooGR0hFLI_MsHU/s640/blogger-image--1271386469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOW_7LHVZPvszrcun7cBXXjB2Y2M0rH4IlV4gHPYc1tOYDJJJR7c6bI34UIE8nhJeqocldcjZldG_kC2j1Evdlf703HxWAJLkFV6McvHarHW3B43wXJIr4KLTIuT4SXooGR0hFLI_MsHU/s640/blogger-image--1271386469.jpg"></a></div><br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Dennis's charm in his colors and with his initials! He loved it and is going to put it on his helmet. I'm assuming he will attach it to the laces in the back? I really like it too and am going to order one (or five) for myself.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
In all honesty, I hope it isn't too good of luck since he opted to ride a different horse in the upcoming stakes race instead of Hirsch. *<i>There's nothing wrong with Hirsch, Dennis just went with a Colorado-bred that has a good shot in the race too. It provides more opportunities for stake wins because it can run in the state-bred stakes as well as the open ones, so he didn't want to lose the mount. Hirsch can only run in the open ones. We are also a little more laid back about that kind of thing than most trainers and he knows he'll most likely get the ride on Hirsch back. I'm not happy about it, but I understand. *cough* TRAITOR! I wonder if I can get Beka to make a bad juju charm for him for that particular race....</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ByMyFLeLR2HPi3WyMgjTZKjxqrfBJ8YOBCFDuxPNlT9QMxOtAeE6yBJf9Je2erjsa2JLJDLtFDsbSK_3LrLcRXvkbosx-rdj8RIwl9-ocDPCCkMU1siq7O_ngyZ96KPkanv_VBZ-TSg/s640/blogger-image-1717808762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ByMyFLeLR2HPi3WyMgjTZKjxqrfBJ8YOBCFDuxPNlT9QMxOtAeE6yBJf9Je2erjsa2JLJDLtFDsbSK_3LrLcRXvkbosx-rdj8RIwl9-ocDPCCkMU1siq7O_ngyZ96KPkanv_VBZ-TSg/s640/blogger-image-1717808762.jpg"></a></div><br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
My bracelet! And yes it is supposed to say HEADFIRST INTO DREAMS instead of HEAD FIRST INTO DREAMS. I had originally wanted to get one that said BEEFHEART, but didn't really want to have to explain it all of the time. So, I picked a line that I liked from a Captain Beefheart song to use as a personal remembrance of him. The line is perfect! It is my own way of remembering Beefs, but it also fits me well. My life has pretty much revolved around me jumping headfirst into things that I want to do. All of the dumb shit and all of the good things I've done have been because I'm that way <b>#noregrets.</b> This line of the song was just the kind of thing I had in mind and Beka's "perfectly imperfect" theme on her jewelry made it even more exactly what I wanted.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Thank you, Beka!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I know that a lot of bloggers have already done reviews on her products, but I just wanted to reiterate how great her products and customer service are. Not to mention, her prices are awesome too! If you're looking for unique, customized jewelry and/or tack accessories, check out <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/StraightShotMetal" target="_blank">Straight Shot Metal </a>on Etsy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Yeah, this was meant to be just about the things I ordered. However, I couldn't explain what I ordered without the stories to go with.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
</div>
</div>
Jodihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560432669562291616noreply@blogger.com9