Of all of the days I could have test-ridden a potential lease horse, Saturday was likely the worst possible day. Let's recap...Friday: 69 degrees and sunny -- in fact, I finished up the day in a sleeveless dress on a 19th floor balcony in center city with a glass of wine in my hand. Saturday: a high of 48 and windy...very windy. Gust of 50 mph! I had entertained the idea of riding my bike to the bus stop, but instead I walked which proved to be quite a challenge in that wind. I got a call from Kazi's owner en route and I was seriously concerned she was canceling on me due to the weather. I feel like there are two types of horse people -- those who only ride when everything is JUST right, and those who ride no matter what. I've always been on of the latter variety, but you can't really expect everyone to be the same way. She wasn't calling to cancel though, she was checking to see if I wanted anything from the coffee shop (remember, we haven't even met yet -- aren't I supposed to be trying to win HER over?) I decided to take the bus because I was curious just how convenient it would be for me, and if is was, it would boost any opinion I had about the horse/owner. I can literally step outside my office, hop on the bus and be at the stables in 35 minutes...from the stop, it's a 5-10 minute walk through a little cul-de-sac.
2.18.2011
How Google changed my life
It's hard to imagine life without things like cellphones (*or smartphones for that matter), the internet, and google maps. And while a big part of me yearns for those simpler times, I embrace most new technology as it arrives and try to fully utilize in my daily life -- otherwise, why am I paying for it?
In my search for instructors, horses, and riding situations of all types, I like to use Google maps to determine whether or not driving to a particular place is even "worth it". Admittedly, I am mostly using it to find out suggested driving routes and travel time, but the satellite and street view functions serve an important purpose too. Case in point:
The overhead view of the farm I am visiting tomorrow. Swoon. Look at that lovely outdoor ring (lighted) with new footing. And the path leading off to the top right is the entrance to Fairmount Park, and 56 miles of horse friendly trails. It's always amazing to me that places like this exist just a stone's throw from the busy city. I am actually going to attempt to take public transportation out there tomorrow, just for shits and giggles. I could drive (better yet, I could ride my bike there), but after checking the route it's an easy bus ride and it will confirm any doubts I have about making this place work if it goes smoothly. Who would have thought I could find a horse I would like, a place close by (manageable by a variety of transportation means), at a reasonable cost? The access to the park is just the icing on the cake as far as I am concerned.
I spoke with the horse's owner last night and she's awesome. Not only are we both photographers, but we seemed to have loads of things in common, most importantly our approach to horses. It's almost strange that she and I haven't crossed paths in this very small city at some point. I found out a little more information about the new horse. First, his name is Kazi. He is an OTTB and his registered name was Kamikaze Flyer. He was rescued from the Camelot Auction years ago by another woman who, with the help of his current owner, helped to nurse him back to health (mind and body). She said when they brought him home, he weighed 800lbs and he was a nervous wreck...poor fella! After years together, his first owner moved away and offered him to his current owner and of course she gladly accepted. She had just wonderful things to say about him, and I couldn't be more excited to meet him.
So, tomorrow at noon I will hopefully meet my new equine partner!
In my search for instructors, horses, and riding situations of all types, I like to use Google maps to determine whether or not driving to a particular place is even "worth it". Admittedly, I am mostly using it to find out suggested driving routes and travel time, but the satellite and street view functions serve an important purpose too. Case in point:
The overhead view of the farm I am visiting tomorrow. Swoon. Look at that lovely outdoor ring (lighted) with new footing. And the path leading off to the top right is the entrance to Fairmount Park, and 56 miles of horse friendly trails. It's always amazing to me that places like this exist just a stone's throw from the busy city. I am actually going to attempt to take public transportation out there tomorrow, just for shits and giggles. I could drive (better yet, I could ride my bike there), but after checking the route it's an easy bus ride and it will confirm any doubts I have about making this place work if it goes smoothly. Who would have thought I could find a horse I would like, a place close by (manageable by a variety of transportation means), at a reasonable cost? The access to the park is just the icing on the cake as far as I am concerned.
I spoke with the horse's owner last night and she's awesome. Not only are we both photographers, but we seemed to have loads of things in common, most importantly our approach to horses. It's almost strange that she and I haven't crossed paths in this very small city at some point. I found out a little more information about the new horse. First, his name is Kazi. He is an OTTB and his registered name was Kamikaze Flyer. He was rescued from the Camelot Auction years ago by another woman who, with the help of his current owner, helped to nurse him back to health (mind and body). She said when they brought him home, he weighed 800lbs and he was a nervous wreck...poor fella! After years together, his first owner moved away and offered him to his current owner and of course she gladly accepted. She had just wonderful things to say about him, and I couldn't be more excited to meet him.
So, tomorrow at noon I will hopefully meet my new equine partner!
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| *Image borrowed from Courtesy Stable's website |
2.17.2011
Shopping around
One of the benefits and burdens of essentially being my own boss at this job is that I can divide my days up however I see fit. Generally, this time of year is a little slower for us and with my new assistant being incredibly efficient, I have quite a bit of extra time on my hands for Internet "research". Admittedly, I spend way too much time reading blogs and goofing around, but who cares?
I've been feeling a bit lackluster about the mare I tried out on Tuesday, and even with my flu set aside, I'm not sure she's the kind of horse I should be getting involved with. The owner seemed very emotionally attached to the mare after going through what sounds like a pretty traumatic experience with her mystery illness last year, and although she claims she'd like to make this horse her dressage mount, I'm not sure what the future holds for her. She wasn't unfit, per se, and I am certain that muscle and fitness will ultimately reveal what her limitations might be, but without solid exercise and a 'program' I can't see this horse being much to ride. If she were MY horse, it would be one thing (ie. Pia's Mom, you do anything and everything it takes to make the horse happy and sound), but she's not. There were just so many questions that came up while I was riding her and a haunting image of what felt like a hind end that was disengaged from the rest of the horses body. I've never really felt anything like that before, and I commented on it saying, her back end felt "jiggly". It was a strange sensation. Thinking about it, I didn't ask for more out of the mare because it was unclear if she was reacting out of pain -- her body language sure suggested as much. If the owner had implied the mare was just lazy or stubborn I would have really gotten after her, but I don't think that was the case at all. So, what would I really get out riding this horse? Frustration? Certainly. A sense of accomplishment? Well, maybe. Beyond her being difficult to catch, I'm not sure the situation at the farm is something I would enjoy and although it would be nice to have an indoor to myself, riding alone is boring and potentially dangerous. It's easy enough for the horse-crazy part of my personality to want to ride anything that comes my way, but I'm not a kid anymore and my standards have gotten higher. I can assume this mare would likely be a near free lease situation, perhaps paying for shoes in the summer, but the time and effort spent on a horse with uncertain soundness and ridability make me want to reconsider.
So, in the meantime, I am still looking. There is always the potential to lease a horse from my instructor, but I have been daydreaming about riding some place a bit closer. Living in Philadelphia limits where I can ride without a substantial commute. Luckily, it puts me close to South Jersey where there are numerous options of places to ride, though only a few of them are worth investigating. Like everything else in the horse industry, word of mouth is one of the best ways to find qualified instructors and/or horses so without completely stepping on my trainer's toes, I have to do some reconnaissance on my own. In Pennsylvania my options are limited, and without trekking out to Bucks County and entering into hunter/jumper vomit-inducing world, places to ride are few and far between. I can also go back to the therapy center to volunteer and exercise ride those horses -- there truly is nothing more fun than galloping a draft horse through the woods, but again, I want one horse to bond with.
I came across a lovely gelding last night and I emailed his owner (I think) about potentially leasing him. It's a reasonable amount (there are plenty of over-priced and very green prospects out there) and better yet, the farm is in Pennsylvania, 12 miles away and just on the outskirts of the city. I could potentially ride my bike there, and/or take public transportation if I needed to. He's currently available 2-3 times a week. The place is a 12 stall boarding facility that has lessons and a full time trainer. They have a lighted outdoor ring with brand new footing and it meets up to 56 miles of horse friendly trails (part of the trail system I used at Pegasus). After May he will be available 4-5 days a week. It sounds like a perfect scenario for me and potentially a great place for me to make new horse friends. I would love nothing more than to find someone to go hack out on a trail with. So, the owner has written me back and she sounds eager for me to meet him. She and I actually have quite a bit in common (we're both photographers)!
He's a 2001, 16.1hh, TB, not sure if he was raced...has done a little bit of everything and is just starting to pick up dressage. He apparently has good manners, knows Parelli tricks (ha) and does best in consistent training with a confident rider. He sounds like he has a terrific personality and I think he's put together pretty well. Hopefully I can go see him soon!
Stay tuned for more adventures in...A Girl Without a Horse!
I've been feeling a bit lackluster about the mare I tried out on Tuesday, and even with my flu set aside, I'm not sure she's the kind of horse I should be getting involved with. The owner seemed very emotionally attached to the mare after going through what sounds like a pretty traumatic experience with her mystery illness last year, and although she claims she'd like to make this horse her dressage mount, I'm not sure what the future holds for her. She wasn't unfit, per se, and I am certain that muscle and fitness will ultimately reveal what her limitations might be, but without solid exercise and a 'program' I can't see this horse being much to ride. If she were MY horse, it would be one thing (ie. Pia's Mom, you do anything and everything it takes to make the horse happy and sound), but she's not. There were just so many questions that came up while I was riding her and a haunting image of what felt like a hind end that was disengaged from the rest of the horses body. I've never really felt anything like that before, and I commented on it saying, her back end felt "jiggly". It was a strange sensation. Thinking about it, I didn't ask for more out of the mare because it was unclear if she was reacting out of pain -- her body language sure suggested as much. If the owner had implied the mare was just lazy or stubborn I would have really gotten after her, but I don't think that was the case at all. So, what would I really get out riding this horse? Frustration? Certainly. A sense of accomplishment? Well, maybe. Beyond her being difficult to catch, I'm not sure the situation at the farm is something I would enjoy and although it would be nice to have an indoor to myself, riding alone is boring and potentially dangerous. It's easy enough for the horse-crazy part of my personality to want to ride anything that comes my way, but I'm not a kid anymore and my standards have gotten higher. I can assume this mare would likely be a near free lease situation, perhaps paying for shoes in the summer, but the time and effort spent on a horse with uncertain soundness and ridability make me want to reconsider.
So, in the meantime, I am still looking. There is always the potential to lease a horse from my instructor, but I have been daydreaming about riding some place a bit closer. Living in Philadelphia limits where I can ride without a substantial commute. Luckily, it puts me close to South Jersey where there are numerous options of places to ride, though only a few of them are worth investigating. Like everything else in the horse industry, word of mouth is one of the best ways to find qualified instructors and/or horses so without completely stepping on my trainer's toes, I have to do some reconnaissance on my own. In Pennsylvania my options are limited, and without trekking out to Bucks County and entering into hunter/jumper vomit-inducing world, places to ride are few and far between. I can also go back to the therapy center to volunteer and exercise ride those horses -- there truly is nothing more fun than galloping a draft horse through the woods, but again, I want one horse to bond with.
I came across a lovely gelding last night and I emailed his owner (I think) about potentially leasing him. It's a reasonable amount (there are plenty of over-priced and very green prospects out there) and better yet, the farm is in Pennsylvania, 12 miles away and just on the outskirts of the city. I could potentially ride my bike there, and/or take public transportation if I needed to. He's currently available 2-3 times a week. The place is a 12 stall boarding facility that has lessons and a full time trainer. They have a lighted outdoor ring with brand new footing and it meets up to 56 miles of horse friendly trails (part of the trail system I used at Pegasus). After May he will be available 4-5 days a week. It sounds like a perfect scenario for me and potentially a great place for me to make new horse friends. I would love nothing more than to find someone to go hack out on a trail with. So, the owner has written me back and she sounds eager for me to meet him. She and I actually have quite a bit in common (we're both photographers)!
Stay tuned for more adventures in...A Girl Without a Horse!
2.16.2011
Initial thoughts
While I wasn't in the best shape physically or mentally yesterday to test ride a new horse, I went anyway feeling quite optimistic about the little red mare.
The farm is about 15 miles closer than the barn I currently ride at, though it takes nearly the same aggravating route to get there (meaning, I am still stuck in traffic on weekdays on Rt. 42 South). Bonus: I am forced to pass a Wawa convenient store on the way. The drive takes me through scenic Mullica Hill which is a nice change from the barren landscape of Salem county.
The farm is really nothing to write home about...in fact, it shares a driveway with a little house (where I initially parked only to discover a grumpy woman emerging from with a Newport hanging out of her mouth telling me to move my car). It was hard to tell how much space they actually have on the property, but I met up with the mare's owner, "A" and we walked back through the turnouts. Basically a maze of paddocks with less than desirable fencing (not barbed wire, but lots of broken panels). She keeps her two ponies in the back right turnout and they both came over eagerly to come in for dinner. Immediately she told me not to be fooled and that Kayla is notoriously difficult to catch -- unless it's feeding time. Ultimately the place was fine, no glaring issues, a heated 20 stall barn which was divided into 10 stalls with the other half being used as a metal shop. The indoor connects to the barn (which is nice) but was a bit of a disaster. Each corner was filled with detritus. One corner had a pile of old hay stacked to the ceiling that was held at bay with few pieces of old metal fencing. Another corner had serious looking machinery and a third had a John Deere tractor. There were a few jumps set up across the diagonals and although the place was probably bigger than a dressage ring, there was no way to really create a 20 meter circle or cross a diagonal, or use much of the space effectively.
The mare was quite lovely to look at and had a pleasant demeanor. Not really marish at all. She tacked up fine and seemed pleased about working (this was also surprising because she had not been fed yet). A hopped on and walked her around for a bit on a loose rein. She was clearly green, but had a lovely, forward walk. She poked around with her head in the air and then A asked for a trot. She stopped. Apparently this is what she does (I have a humbled opinion of Pia's owner after this test ride, it should be noted) to evade working. She asked her to move forward and she kicked out, she finally gave her a little smack on the rump, she bucked a little and trotted on. After about 10 minutes of trotting like a giraffe, she slowly relaxed her back and dropped her head. She did some trotting in both directions, cantered her both ways (with some protest and bucking) and let me get on. It took about 7-8 tries to get her near the mounting area (the mounting block was currently being used to hold something up) and she kept scooting her hind end away when I would get her settled. A commented that it was important to see how I would handle her instead of holding her while I got on (fine, that totally makes sense). Once I got on she was fine...she stood still and let me get settled. We walked around on a loose rein, again, I thought she has a terrific forward walk. I asked for a trot and she stopped, got stuck behind my leg and I asked her to move forward...she let out a little kick but moved into a trot. We trotted around tracking left for a while and I switched direction. She slowed to a walk and then refused to move forward, I urged her on and nothing. So I turned her, I just wanted some movement. Then, to evade working she twisted her body against my right (inside leg). He face and haunches pointed toward the outside and her belly was pressed hard against my right calf. I opened my left rein and held and pulsed my right rein to encourage her to bend properly but she really gave me a fight. I eventually got her straight but could not get her to trot tracking right. I didn't want to pressure her too much, so I concentrated on forward and straight in both directions and trotted some more tracking left. I didn't even try to canter her because we were still figuring each other out. If I let her walk around on the buckle tracking right she was lovely, soft, and swinging but the second I took up ANY contact she bent her body and refused to do anything but be crooked and slow. Ugh. A told me that she resents the use of a crop but she rides with spurs -- I think I could have gotten a lot more out of her with them too. Her hind end seemed quite weak and later A explained some of this to me. Apparently, last year she got really sick, they eventually found an abscess in her abdomen and because of it her hind end, specifically her right hind, has been weakened. She is reluctant to engage that part of her body. Only time with tell if muscling and fitness will improve her willingness to move forward. I probably sat on her for 45 minutes, but I didn't get a really good sense of what she was about. Plus, since I wasn't feeling good, it was not the best test ride ever.
Ultimately, I think it would take another ride for me to know if she is the kind of horse I want to take on right now. I think she could benefit from some lunge work...and I would like to see how she goes without a rider. I think it would help her loosen up a little if she could get forward, long and low with no weight on her so she could find her own balance. Her owner mentioned that she doesn't really have time for that kind of work with her but she'd be happy if I wanted to do stuff like that with her. I am really curious if she is stubborn or just sore in that hind end.
So, we'll see...we're supposed to meet up again to have another ride in about a week, and I guess I'll make a decision then. Or perhaps, the owner didn't really like what she saw of me and that's that.
I do like that the place is a self care facility. It seems really laid back, a few show horses, two of which are the barn owner's. It would be an easy enough place to ride, but I am not sure I want to deal with something super challenging right now either. A mentioned again that even with grain and treats, getting Kayla to come in is nearly impossible...she doesn't trailer well and has to be sedated and twitched to have her mane pulled. Hm...I feel like I can pull nearly any horse's mane with some time and patience. I got the impression that this mare had a rough few years in the hands of a teenager, at least A alluded to that fact.
The farm is about 15 miles closer than the barn I currently ride at, though it takes nearly the same aggravating route to get there (meaning, I am still stuck in traffic on weekdays on Rt. 42 South). Bonus: I am forced to pass a Wawa convenient store on the way. The drive takes me through scenic Mullica Hill which is a nice change from the barren landscape of Salem county.
The farm is really nothing to write home about...in fact, it shares a driveway with a little house (where I initially parked only to discover a grumpy woman emerging from with a Newport hanging out of her mouth telling me to move my car). It was hard to tell how much space they actually have on the property, but I met up with the mare's owner, "A" and we walked back through the turnouts. Basically a maze of paddocks with less than desirable fencing (not barbed wire, but lots of broken panels). She keeps her two ponies in the back right turnout and they both came over eagerly to come in for dinner. Immediately she told me not to be fooled and that Kayla is notoriously difficult to catch -- unless it's feeding time. Ultimately the place was fine, no glaring issues, a heated 20 stall barn which was divided into 10 stalls with the other half being used as a metal shop. The indoor connects to the barn (which is nice) but was a bit of a disaster. Each corner was filled with detritus. One corner had a pile of old hay stacked to the ceiling that was held at bay with few pieces of old metal fencing. Another corner had serious looking machinery and a third had a John Deere tractor. There were a few jumps set up across the diagonals and although the place was probably bigger than a dressage ring, there was no way to really create a 20 meter circle or cross a diagonal, or use much of the space effectively.
The mare was quite lovely to look at and had a pleasant demeanor. Not really marish at all. She tacked up fine and seemed pleased about working (this was also surprising because she had not been fed yet). A hopped on and walked her around for a bit on a loose rein. She was clearly green, but had a lovely, forward walk. She poked around with her head in the air and then A asked for a trot. She stopped. Apparently this is what she does (I have a humbled opinion of Pia's owner after this test ride, it should be noted) to evade working. She asked her to move forward and she kicked out, she finally gave her a little smack on the rump, she bucked a little and trotted on. After about 10 minutes of trotting like a giraffe, she slowly relaxed her back and dropped her head. She did some trotting in both directions, cantered her both ways (with some protest and bucking) and let me get on. It took about 7-8 tries to get her near the mounting area (the mounting block was currently being used to hold something up) and she kept scooting her hind end away when I would get her settled. A commented that it was important to see how I would handle her instead of holding her while I got on (fine, that totally makes sense). Once I got on she was fine...she stood still and let me get settled. We walked around on a loose rein, again, I thought she has a terrific forward walk. I asked for a trot and she stopped, got stuck behind my leg and I asked her to move forward...she let out a little kick but moved into a trot. We trotted around tracking left for a while and I switched direction. She slowed to a walk and then refused to move forward, I urged her on and nothing. So I turned her, I just wanted some movement. Then, to evade working she twisted her body against my right (inside leg). He face and haunches pointed toward the outside and her belly was pressed hard against my right calf. I opened my left rein and held and pulsed my right rein to encourage her to bend properly but she really gave me a fight. I eventually got her straight but could not get her to trot tracking right. I didn't want to pressure her too much, so I concentrated on forward and straight in both directions and trotted some more tracking left. I didn't even try to canter her because we were still figuring each other out. If I let her walk around on the buckle tracking right she was lovely, soft, and swinging but the second I took up ANY contact she bent her body and refused to do anything but be crooked and slow. Ugh. A told me that she resents the use of a crop but she rides with spurs -- I think I could have gotten a lot more out of her with them too. Her hind end seemed quite weak and later A explained some of this to me. Apparently, last year she got really sick, they eventually found an abscess in her abdomen and because of it her hind end, specifically her right hind, has been weakened. She is reluctant to engage that part of her body. Only time with tell if muscling and fitness will improve her willingness to move forward. I probably sat on her for 45 minutes, but I didn't get a really good sense of what she was about. Plus, since I wasn't feeling good, it was not the best test ride ever.
Ultimately, I think it would take another ride for me to know if she is the kind of horse I want to take on right now. I think she could benefit from some lunge work...and I would like to see how she goes without a rider. I think it would help her loosen up a little if she could get forward, long and low with no weight on her so she could find her own balance. Her owner mentioned that she doesn't really have time for that kind of work with her but she'd be happy if I wanted to do stuff like that with her. I am really curious if she is stubborn or just sore in that hind end.
So, we'll see...we're supposed to meet up again to have another ride in about a week, and I guess I'll make a decision then. Or perhaps, the owner didn't really like what she saw of me and that's that.
I do like that the place is a self care facility. It seems really laid back, a few show horses, two of which are the barn owner's. It would be an easy enough place to ride, but I am not sure I want to deal with something super challenging right now either. A mentioned again that even with grain and treats, getting Kayla to come in is nearly impossible...she doesn't trailer well and has to be sedated and twitched to have her mane pulled. Hm...I feel like I can pull nearly any horse's mane with some time and patience. I got the impression that this mare had a rough few years in the hands of a teenager, at least A alluded to that fact.
2.15.2011
fighting off the flu
Sadly, I did not get to have my highly anticipated lesson on Sunday -- I didn't plan my transportation well and couldn't make it out there...sigh. Sunday evening I began feeling a little under the weather, and my Monday morning I was in full blown col/flu mode. Achy, fever, stuffy, and one hell of a mucus filled cough. I called out of work and slept, and slept, and slept. I moved to the couch and tried to eat. I watched a marathon of Pitbulls and Parolees. I ordered some Chinese food (including a large container of hot and sour soup -- I swear by it for healing). I knew that taking Tuesday off would be good for me even if I was feeling MUCH better, so here I am on the couch, again. I think my fever broke during the night and I am not even a little bit achy. I took a nice, long hot shower and I feel human again. I slept for 12 hours and I feel considerably better. The cough is still there, and it's pretty brutal, but overall I think I am headed to recovery!
Most importantly, the girl with the Kiki mare lookalike got back to me and I am going to see her this evening. I know that trying to ride with the remnants of a flu is probably not the best idea, but physically I feel much better and she and I have been trying to make this happen for weeks. So...I will head over there around 6 tonight and see what this little chestnut mare is all about. Let's see if I can remember how to ride. I am really looking forward to getting out of pjs and into breeches!
There's a 5lb bag of carrots sitting on my counter to bribe the little mare. Hehehe.
Most importantly, the girl with the Kiki mare lookalike got back to me and I am going to see her this evening. I know that trying to ride with the remnants of a flu is probably not the best idea, but physically I feel much better and she and I have been trying to make this happen for weeks. So...I will head over there around 6 tonight and see what this little chestnut mare is all about. Let's see if I can remember how to ride. I am really looking forward to getting out of pjs and into breeches!
There's a 5lb bag of carrots sitting on my counter to bribe the little mare. Hehehe.
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