It's a matter of confidence

One of the trainers I rode with always said that being a good rider is 90% confidence. I'm sure that training, talent, and dedication comes into play also. Yet, I believe that confidence is the most important due to the fact that the other three attributes can be masked by a lack of it. A rider can't completely relax and focus if they are self-conscious and/or scared.

I still struggle with my confidence every time I ride. In fact, it gets worse as I get older. It's not even necessarily that I'm scared of falling off or getting hurt. Honestly, I'm not really sure why. For some reason I am just not as comfortable in the saddle as I used to be.

Definitely not perfect....



In my own struggles, I've found things to focus on that seem to help me remember that I don't completely suck. So here they are and maybe they can help anyone else out there with the same problem.

Don't compare yourself to other riders

Watching a rider and horse that look "perfect" makes it easy to tear your own skills apart. There are too many factors in riding to compare yourself to someone else. Instead of focusing on how much better you think a person might be, try to learn from them. Pay attention to what is creating that "perfect" look. Aspire to ride like them, but don't get down on yourself because you aren't at the same level yet.

Find the right trainer

A trainer can make a huge difference in how you view yourself as a rider. Make sure you are comfortable with them. Keep in mind that their job is to make you better, not to say what you want to hear. They are going to push and correct you. Mistakes have to be pointed out to be fixed. Constructive criticism along with the acknowledgement of improvement should be expected. If you come away from a lesson feeling like one of those areas is lacking, then it's probably time to find a new trainer.

Make sure your saddle fits you and your horse correctly

There is nothing worse than fighting your position due to an unbalanced, ill-fit saddle. It is nearly impossible to sit and ride correctly. You need to be physically comfortable to be confident, as does your horse. Investing money into having a well-fit saddle is well worth it.

Remember how hard you've worked

You have probably worked your butt off to get where you are, be proud of yourself! Riding isn't always an easy sport to stick with. Don't forget how far you've already come.

Be happy with the smallest of improvements

No one gets good overnight. Make sure you pay attention to even the slightest of improvements and reward your horse and yourself. These small steps are building the foundation of your training and they all add up eventually.

Make realistic goals

When it comes to horses, things rarely go as planned. It's fine to have an ultimate  goal, but set small ones to help you get to that point. Don't put yourself on a fixed time schedule as it increases the feeling of failure if you don't meet it. Have a general idea of where you want to be at what point in the future, but be flexible.

Enjoy the ride and be grateful

Have fun! You don't have to be perfect and neither does your horse. Get out of the arena sometimes. Go for a trail ride, take off on a gallop, or do anything else that reminds you why you wanted to ride in the first place. 

Most of all, never forget how fortunate you are to be able to do what you love.

If anyone else has tips on this subject, I would love to hear them!

Posted via Blogaway Pro

Posted via Blogaway Pro

Posted via Blogaway Pro

Posted via Blogaway Pro

Posted via Blogaway Pro

Posted via Blogaway Pro

Posted via Blogaway Pro

A change of direction

After speaking to a friend who reads my blog the other day, I came away with some very useful insight. The whole blogging experience is new to me and it is definitely a learn as I go process. I appreciate her and anyone else's opinions that I can get.

My friend recommended that I make my blog less like a personal diary and I completely agree with her. I live a very unique lifestyle, but it is the stories, the people, and what I learn that is what can be intriguing. My own personal affairs are, honestly, somewhat prosaic.

So that being said, the ultimate goal is to make my blog more inspiring. I want to give my readers something that is useful to them, to brighten their day, and to enlighten them. Please bear with me while I attempt to find the best way to do this. Fortunately, I already have some pretty snazzy ideas percolating!

To those who are reading my blog already, I would appreciate any input you have. Is there anything you would like to hear about or want to know? Suggestions of any kind?

New post coming soon....

Long overdue

I've been completely slacking when it comes to blogging, so I figured an attempt to catch up should be made. My fiancé and I are in Phoenix and have pretty much settled in. As settled as two people can get when you move three times a year anyway. The weather is gorgeous, the horses are happy, and we might actually get to go on a short vacation soon. *fingers crossed*

My grandpa came to visit for a week. Even though his notice of his arrival was short (eight hours) and he about gave me a heart attack, I was glad to have him here.

Grandpa used to ride, as in a jockey, and when he got too big, began training. He hasn't trained since the 60's I believe, but now is a part of a syndicate that owns a couple of horses we train. He loves being around the backside. It makes me so happy to be able to give my grandfather that opportunity again!

As far as the business side, things are going well! The barn is full. We have some new horses and some that we have trained before that were sent back to us.

I haven't gotten much riding in on my dressage horses since Grandpa was here and then I came down with some nasty virus, but that is my priority this week. They're all pretty content and happy. Though Indy gives me this bored look that makes me feel guilty about not getting her out for a ride. I don't think Beefheart is too heart-broken about getting the summer off. He definitely needs to get back to work. Gunner is at the track to go back to his job as a pony-horse. There is a schooling show next month that I might take him to. I'd like to take Beefheart and Indy. Unfortunately, they probably won't be ready by then. There's a schooling show every month, so I'm not too worried about rushing into the upcoming one.

So that's about it for now.  Life keeps rushing by, but things are good!

Grandpa and Ty bathing Dragon

So cute! I wish Dragon hadn't run such a bad race, but he occasionally throws in a clunker and Grandpa has been around horse racing long enough to understand that happens.

Watching the horses train

Me and Trophy. I actually have the time to gallop! Now if I can just find the inclination...

Pentagram aka Berni. I might be a little too in love with him.

Ty and Question. Question is finally starting to look and feel good again. He was pretty dull when we got him back.

Woody is back!!!! This is the kindest and sweetest horse. Walking into the barn and seeing him makes my day!

Carey-all class!

Aggie deciding to break into a gallop right when I took the picture.

Grandpa tried to roll polos for me. If you don't know me, I am completely OCD about polos being rolled perfectly. I grabbed them as quick as I could and re-rolled them where he couldn't see me doing it :)

Show time

After a year and a half of not showing, it was nice to get back in the arena. There were definite highs and lows. The lows are more tolerable when you're surrounded by a great group of people. We joked about our mistakes and everyone from the barn was completely supportive of each other. It was a great time!

I schooled Gunner on Friday. Actually, it was more like tried to school. When I got on he had a HUGE hump in his back. It went away after we walked a bit, but his head was straight up in the air and his back was tense. We warmed up in the completely enclosed indoor and he was all over the place. What the hell? This isn't Gunner. He might normally take five or ten minutes to loosen up and focus, but he'd never been like this. He was almost to the point of frantic. Crap! I was THAT girl on THAT crazy horse that was going to get herself killed. There was no focus, I was nothing but a passenger.

Fortunately my trainer, Jose Luis, was there to help me. He had me step off and held Gunner for a few minutes to let him just stand there and settle down. When his wife, Marybeth, came in on one of the horses she was showing, I got back on and walked around with her. Gunner was a little better. Then he tried to kick her horse. Seriously?! He's a pony-horse!

We warmed up in both arenas and Gunner was pretty much spastic the entire time. Jose Luis was able to help me to the point that I could at least get Gunner into the frame and steering. I kind of had him listening, yet couldn't get him to relax. He pulled my guts out. I might as well have galloped a race horse for an hour. It was extremely frustrating on top of being exhausting.

After we were finished, I was pretty aggravated and about ready to cry. Jose Luis just grinned and shrugged. At this point, I began to laugh. He was right. What can you do? It's a horse and days like that happen.

I put Gunner back in his stall to give him and me time to settle down. Then I took him out and just walked all over. He got a lot better. Okay. Maybe we would be able to make it through a test. Maybe.

The next morning, I took him out and mostly just walked. Gunner was calm and relaxed so I put him back in his stall until it was time to warm up. My outlook on showing him was becoming more positive. The temptation to scratch decreased.

He warmed up really well before the first test and my confidence was coming back.

As we entered for our test, Gunner spooked and ducked sideways. My stirrup leather slipped off of the bar. That is why you should always check your tack before you ride. Oops. The judge actually got up and went into the show office to see what time I could try again. Thank goodness for second chances!

The test went well on the second try. There were a few bobbles, but it was pretty smooth for the most part. Our trot-canter transitions sucked, the tempo and connection were a little inconsistent, and our downward transitions could have been better. That's fine. I didn't care about mistakes, just that his brain was working. We scored a 61 and I was happy with it.

The second test was in the indoor that Gunner hated. Jose Luis thought he might be slightly claustrophobic in there and I think he was probably right. He'd only been in a covered arena before that, never in a completely enclosed one. The horse just wouldn't relax in there. We made it through without any serious mishaps. Gunner and I scored a 63, even though I thought it was worse than our first test.

The next morning's warm up went really well. It was probably the best he's ever gone. Then we entered the dreaded arena and the beautiful warm up became insignificant. It was back to tension and pulling. I've never asked to be excused from a test, other than when my stirrup fell off, and I was seriously tempted. However, I was ticked enough that I decided we were damn well going to finish no matter how ugly things got. The judge gave us a score of 48. Honestly, I thought it was generous. I've never scored that bad before. Not the end of the world, it happens.

When I came back to the barn, Marybeth asked me about my test. I told her about the ride and by the end we were both laughing about it. We laughed while we watched the video and laughed about the comments on the test. Once again, what else can you do but get over it and try to do better next time?

Our last test went a lot better. There were some really good parts! We scored a 62 under the judge that gave us a 61 the day before. I really wanted to improve under that judge because he was a little tougher than the other one. No matter how minimal the margin was, I was pretty pleased with the improvement.

Gunner and I both survived, I had fun, and we got that "first show" out of the way. It really was a lot to ask of him. I put five dressage rides on him in the few weeks before the show and a couple this past summer. He doesn't completely understand what I want from him yet. Really, considering the lack of training and experience, Gunner did very well. I feel pretty bad for getting mad at him. It's not like I beat him or anything, but I think I put too much pressure on both of us.

This show was just for fun and I have no grandiose dreams of Gunner's dressage career. I'm just thankful that the option to compete on him is there.

Most of all, I'm thankful that my wonderful fiancé, Jose Luis, Marybeth, and everyone else from the barn was so supportive. They kept me from getting down on myself and made the weekend fun. Thanks guys!

Why an OTTB?

“Thoroughbreds are the best. They’re lighter, quicker and more intelligent. The best of any breed is the Thoroughbred horse, the best of that breed is better than any other breed." -George Morris

Longer ago than I care to admit, I was offered a scholarship for the crew team at Washington State University. I only bring it up here because I will never forget what the WSU coach told my basketball coach. She said "I can teach her to row, I can't teach her athleticism." It didn't matter that I knew absolutely nothing about the sport, just that the ability to do it was there.

I believe in the same theory when it comes to Thoroughbreds. They are bred to be athletic. If there is athleticism, movement and form can be developed.

The horses at the track endure so much from a young age that, if they make it off of the track sound and sane, it gives you an advantage. Most of them have seen it all and aren't spooky. A rider doesn't have to spend time worrying about exposing them to everything. Usually, the focus can mostly be put into the training itself.

Obviously, I am also a fan of warmbloods, but there is just something very rewarding about taking an OTTB and moving them on to a second career. The horses I have worked with seemed to appreciate a new challenge. They had an amazing work ethic, eagerness to learn, and a desire to please. I haven't been run off with by an OTTB (the ones still in training at the track are a different story) or dumped by one, knock on wood.

Thoroughbreds are also affordable. Usually, straight off of the track, they are going to be free up to about $4,000. Those that have never raced typically are easier to sell and can cost a little bit more. Even with training, they will usually be about half the price, or less, of a warmblood at the same level.

There are tons of horses coming off the race track that have the potential to have very successful second careers, yet it can be almost impossible to find them homes. For the most part it is no longer prestigious to own a thoroughbred as anything other than a race horse. They aren't very popular in the competition world anymore. There isn't much of a demand for them outside of racing.

I've always believed that the breed doesn't matter, if the horse can do the job you want them to. For the most part I have had pretty good luck with thoroughbreds off of the track. With programs like the Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program, The Retired Racehorse Training Project, the Thoroughbred Classic Horse Shows, and several others that are now out there, I hope that thoroughbreds can make a comeback in the competition world.

Here are few OTTBs I have worked with:

BEEFHEART

Aweful name, nice horse. He was one of the horses we had in training at the track. He is smart and athletic, but isn't the type of horse a person would just look at and think "Dressage"  . At the time, he wasn't cutting it racing, so the owners wanted to sell him. I kind of figured it could be difficult to find a buyer. Beefheart was well-behaved, sound, and pretty. He was also a little long in the pasterns and not very big, only 15.2. I threw my dressage tack on him and took him for a ride out on the track. He had three good gates and didn't kill me, so my fiancé and I decided to buy him. I'm so glad I did! I bought him the winter of his four year old year, gave him about a month off, and then started riding him. After about three months of training and a couple of rides with a clinician,  I took Beefheart to his first show. He was awesome! He never spooked at anything and didn't do anything wrong. The first day Beefheart was slightly tense, but the second day he had figured out his job and scored in the low to mid sixties at training level. I wasn't able to take him to another show for a long time after that. It didn't seem to matter. The next show he scored 70's. Beefheart was definitely worth buying. And no, I'm not going to change his name.

FOLSOM

I can't really take much credit for this one because he was easy. Which is exactly the point I'm trying to make about OTTBs. Folsom had an amazing mind. He improved with every ride. An eventer ended up buying him and he went to his first event shortly after. I went to watch him a year later and couldn't believe how quickly he had advanced. He is a truly amazing horse!

GUNNER

Gunner is our pony-horse at the track. He had been turned out for about six years before we started ponying on him. So, he had a REALLY long break between being a racehorse and becoming a saddle horse. He is pretty nice as a pony, but can still get a little hot on the track. Two years ago I decided I might as well try some dressage with him. He was a natural! I put a few rides on  him here and there since then, just for the fun of it. Mostly he just ponied. My trainer needed a demo rider for an "L" judging educational seminar and my three year old wasn't ready for it. My two older dressage horses are in Phoenix, so in step Gunner. I figured I should ride him in a dressage arena at least once so he could have a chance to be ridden in a more confined area. I hauled him out to my trainer's and he was really good. A couple of days later we went to the demo ride and he was awesome! The judge would make references to the other thoroughbreds and the typical challenges they face in dressage, but never mentioned anything like that about Gunner. I'm not sure she even realized he was a thoroughbred, much less one off of the track. She did however comment on his suspension and potential. I'm going to take him to a show in a couple of weeks. If we get beat it won't be because of lack of talent, but because of lack of training. It's a lot to ask of him, but I am confident that he can handle it. No matter how Gunner does in dressage, he is still worth his weight in gold.

My 84 year old grangrandfather going for a ride on him.

Ponying the Black Nasty.

With his students, Denver and Sammy. He did pretty well teaching them.