I did it...I finally made an inquiry at another barn for a new instructor. I feel like I am cheating on my boyfriend. Ha. It's weird, this decision would be so much easier if there was something I didn't like about my current instructor/barn. The truth is, I love everything there and they have been incredibly generous with me in the year I have been taking lessons there. Christ, they knew me for 2 months before offering Kiki to me to ride as a free lease. But, deep down, something is missing. I know it, and it's been eating away at me since Kiki left for Florida. I am sure that some of it was just me feeling disorientated after she was gone and I am certain that everyone there was handling me with kid gloves for awhile, but let's face it, I am not the bread and butter of that operation. I barely fit in when I DID have a project and no I just find myself flailing around when I am there wishing I had a reason to hang at the barn all day. My lessons have been good -- split between two advanced horses that have a lot to teach me -- but I don't feel connected to them and that something I am really craving.
I have been trolling the internet night and day looking for potential lease options and nothing has really sparked my interest (*well, there was a fun looking draft/paint cross recently but I waited too long). The girl I mentioned a while back who used to ride at the advanced event level offered her two 3 year old projects to me if I am ever interested -- I honestly don't know if that would be the best thing for me right now, but a lovely offer none the less. So today, while sifting through the usual bad listings I found a girl who has a problematic mare she wants to lease out to someone. The ad is pretty simple just stating that she's a hot headed and high strung mare who can walk, trot, canter and jump 3'6" when she's in shape. The girl who owns her is looking for something easier to ride but can't afford two horses. Normally I wouldn't be interested in this kind of arrangement, but she happens to be boarding her at one of the facilities I was interested in when I was searching for an instructor a year ago. So a little light bulb moment occurred and I thought maybe I can start taking lessons over there and hey, maybe that mare and I would be a good fit? Event instructor AND a project pony? Now that sounds like a good idea.
Not to use a bad pun here but, let's not put the cart before the horse. I wrote the instructor an email and she has already responded back. I obviously didn't mention the ad about the mare, but will likely bring it up when we meet. It would be awesome to go take a look at her farm this weekend! She has a gorgeous outdoor ring and a full cross country schooling course! Woo Hoo!
Although I feel a little funny about writing to a new instructor, I know it's ultimately the best thing for me to do right now. I want to keep moving forward and I'm not sure I can where I am right now.
Phew!
1.06.2011
12.14.2010
xmas time is here...
My roommate (*see: best fake husband ever) and I decorated our lovely little fraser fir tree tonight. He helped me pick out a super cute tree -- I had an image in my mind of the perfect one this year. Hugo got involved and a wonderful evening was had by all. Take a look for yourself.
I guess I don't mind skipping a riding lesson in -5 degree weather when I get to stay in and do things like this!
**I had one hell of a time getting him near that tree. He's not scared of it, but he doesn't really want to be right next to it either -- his default reaction to scary things is to lay down...which is not helpful when you just want a seated pup next to a tree. He's such a cutie pie! The tree is missing some things (like the tree skirt that is buried away), but we wanted to get it up and decorated tonight!
I guess I don't mind skipping a riding lesson in -5 degree weather when I get to stay in and do things like this!
**I had one hell of a time getting him near that tree. He's not scared of it, but he doesn't really want to be right next to it either -- his default reaction to scary things is to lay down...which is not helpful when you just want a seated pup next to a tree. He's such a cutie pie! The tree is missing some things (like the tree skirt that is buried away), but we wanted to get it up and decorated tonight!
12.07.2010
Birthday!
Today I turn 32. It seems a bit surreal. I have a riding lesson scheduled for later today...I hope my instructor goes easy on me and we have some fun. It's alos freezing and I haven't ridden since Virginia so hopefully she'll go easy on me. Doubtful. I have a one hour semi-private...fingers crossed.
Also, I realize I have left the 30 day challenge behind, I will catch up...it would be nice if I could just finish it thoughtfully rather than try to cram it in under 30 days. I'll do my best. Promise.
Also, I realize I have left the 30 day challenge behind, I will catch up...it would be nice if I could just finish it thoughtfully rather than try to cram it in under 30 days. I'll do my best. Promise.
12.06.2010
name change
I changed the name of the blog as Kiki is no longer the main source for my adventures -- I felt a little funny writing so much about other horses etc under her title. I will make a page dedicated to her and her inspiration for chronicling my horse passion.
Hope is doesn't cause too much confusion.
Hope is doesn't cause too much confusion.
11.30.2010
birthday dress options
um...yea:
The Gallop with Glamor dress from Modcloth, or...
The Highest Accolades dress from Anthropologie.
I tried on the Anthropologie dress and even though I usually hate strapless dresses, I noticed on their site that it has detachable straps. Also, the sweetheart neckline is quite flattering. The best part about this dress is that the rosettes have little cartoon horses drawn on them that look just like my tattoo!
I probably won't end up getting either, but a girl can dream, yes? How cute would they be with a pair of red heels, or tall brown boots???
Swoon!
The Gallop with Glamor dress from Modcloth, or...
I tried on the Anthropologie dress and even though I usually hate strapless dresses, I noticed on their site that it has detachable straps. Also, the sweetheart neckline is quite flattering. The best part about this dress is that the rosettes have little cartoon horses drawn on them that look just like my tattoo!
I probably won't end up getting either, but a girl can dream, yes? How cute would they be with a pair of red heels, or tall brown boots???
Swoon!
11.28.2010
teaser and disclaimer
Disclaimer: I WILL resume my daily challenge tomorrow...I was in the middle of the woods without reception for the last four days!
Teaser: A panorama I made while car-topping during the Thanksgiving Hunt in Virginia this weekend:
Teaser: A panorama I made while car-topping during the Thanksgiving Hunt in Virginia this weekend:
11.24.2010
11.23.2010
DC Day 2- Meaning behind your blog name
This blog was inspired a little chestnut mare named Kiki, who's name grew on me as much as she did during our time together. A home bred Hungarian WB/Thoroughbred cross she flopped into this world with a mind of her own. Apparently, from B's recounting, she refused to be born on schedule. People waited day and night for her to drop but she decided she'd enter the world in the middle of the night out in a field. B ran to see her new bay colt out in the field, picked up a leg and realized her bundle of joy was a chestnut filly!
11.22.2010
30 Day Challenge
Inspired By Erin over at http://nowthatsatrot.blogspot.com/ I have decided to give this 30 day writing challenge a go. I've never, ever been good at following through with journals (in general) much less been able to keep up with something this demanding, but now that things in my work life have slowed down a bit, and I have a little more time to goof off I figured I'd give it a shot. It's been interesting and entertaining finding out more about my blogosphere friends!
Here are the topics (of which I may edit slightly here and there):
Day 1-Introduction, recent picture, 15 interesting facts
Day 2-Meaning behind your blog name
Day 3-Your first love
Day 4-Your parents
Day 5-Your siblings
Day 6-A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 7-Favorite movies
Day 8-A place you’ve traveled to
Day 9-A picture of your friends
Day 10-Something you’re afraid of
Day 11-Favorite tv shows
Day 12-What you believe
Day 13-Goals
Day 14-A picture you love
Day 15-Bible verse
Day 16-Dream house
Day 17-Something you’re looking forward to
Day 18-Something you regret
Day 19-Something you miss
Day 20-Nicknames
Day 21-Picture of yourself
Day 22-Favorite city
Day 23-Favorite vacation
Day 24-Something you’ve learned
Day 25-Put your iPod on shuffle, first 10 songs
Day 26-Picture of your family
Day 27-Pets
Day 28-Something that stresses you out
Day 29-3 Wishes
Day 30-a picture
--------------------------
So, Here goes...
Day 1-Introduction, recent picture, and 15 interesting facts:
Hi, I'm Niamh (pronounced "neeve"). I am a 31 yr old photographer living in Philadelphia. I am the head photographer for a rare book company and also have a little freelance photo business on the side. I live here with a wonderful roommate and a kick ass dog named Hugo. I started riding when I was 4 years old, instigated by my Godmother who owned two backyard horses (we still go riding together when I am in Ireland)...my journey continued throughout 4 countries learning many disciplines and after a hiatus after college (try, an 8 year hiatus) I started riding again. A friend convinced me to start volunteering at an equine therapy center, fist just working with the kids and eventually exercise riding the horses, and I caught the horse bug again. One thing is for sure, it's here to stay. I found myself a terrific trainer in South Jersey and a little family of friends and riders there that make me feel like home.
Here's a recent photo of me as I said goodbye to Kiki-
Interesting facts, hmmmm...
1. I hate peanut butter. TRUTH. I didn't grow up in the US as a child so I had no real exposure to it. The only time I can even handle being around peanut butter is to make bones for Hugo that I stick in the freezer. I can't stand the smell or getting on my skin. Blargh. (*also, see Pumpkin and Watermelon -- I know, I am not American!)
2. I have lived in 4 countries. I was born in Ireland, lived there until I was 3, we then moved to Freeport, Bahamas where I spent my childhood, we then moved to Yorkshire, England and my parents promptly split up...my Mom moved back to the US and after remarrying and several visits from my sister and I later, we decided to move here. I spent my teenage years in Daytona Beach, Florida and moved to Philly a few years after college.
3. I am naturally blond. Hard to believe because I am Irish and I have been rocking this red hair for the better part of 10 years, but it's true. Occasionally it really comes out when I can't get my feet to move in front of one another or my brain turns to scrambled eggs.
4. For the last 20 years, I have lived 4000 miles away from most of my family. It's something I have grown accustomed to but still feel sad about. I have become intensely independent because of my unique upbringing, but have somehow stayed very sentimental.
5. When I was a child I was convinced I was an alien. My older brother told me I was from another planet and would draw pictures of me as a martian. It wasn't until I was about 7-8 that his guise was exposed. My Mom and I had flown to Miami from Freeport to find a dress for my First Holy Communion and she got my ears pierced as a gift. When we got back to the island I jumped out of the car and ran up to my brother exclaiming "Owen, I got my antennas pierced" and the story was revealed to my mother. To this day he still calls me by my alien name "NOID".
6. It took me 11 years of riding to FINALLY fall off a horse. I have always been good at staying on (something I am still good at) and could cling to the side of a horse like a monkey. The first time I fell was with a barn sour pony named Sterling and we slipped in the middle of a jump course. We both fell, I was thrown clear of her, I got up, dusted myself off and my instructor handed me the pony, gave me a leg up and told me to finish the course.
7. I have the attention span of a 2 year old. I'm not exaggerating when I say I have been working on this post on and off all day. If I'm not doing three things at once, I can't get anything done. For example, I am doing real work, filling out a passport renewal form, and writing this, all while chatting online to friends. This has gotten much worse as I've aged and sometimes I feel like I need to be on medication for it. I get distracted really easily, and seem to only work well under very tight deadlines.
8. When I was little I was allergic to everything. I mean EVERYTHING. Including my Mother's milk. We had to keep goats so I could have goat's milk instead. I started to grow out of some of the allergies as I got older but when I started riding I was allergic to nearly everything related to the barn -- horses, dogs, dust, hay, grass, cats, the sun, air...so I demanded to be medicated so I could ride. It was torture sometimes, but I must have built up an immunity to most of because I am hardly bothered by any airborne allergies now, save for black cats.
9. I had a bad case of Pica when I was young due to all my allergies. Not the gross kind where you do weird things with your poo or anything. But I would eat sponges, grass, wallpaper, rugs, and my favorite thing of all time -- LEGOS!
10. I have have had some pretty interesting career goals throughout my life. I'll pull a good cross-section. As a little kid (when I thought my brother would be a pilot for TWA), he and I decided we would collect food and drop it off over poor countries with his plane. When I was a little older I wanted to Be David Attenborough (nature tv show host extraordinaire). As a teenager I wanted to be a reconstructive surgeon (I was really good at art and science). In college I started off studying forensic psychology to become a criminal profiler.
11. I tried out for Wheel of Fortune once as a teenager. I did really well in all the written portions but was told that I didn't have the "wheel of fortune" personality. Sigh. I was a painfully shy 15 year old.
12. I have four tattoos that are all very unique. One is a Shel Silverstein drawing, one is the handwriting of an artist I admire, one is a drawing of a pony that my friend (who is a toy designer) drew, and the fourth is of an owl holding two ropes, at the end of one is a mixtape and the other has a graffiti spray paint can (that ones for my sister and it's on my ribs).
13. One of my biggest hobbies outside of horses is crafting. I spend wayyy too much time on sites like http://www.designspongeonline.com/
14. Sometimes I feel as though I was born in the wrong time period. I can really see myself living in the late 1950's. My penchant for all things mid-century would suggest this and oh, the clothes!
15. I was once nearly blind. I've always been terribly far-sighted and at some point I simply refused to wear glasses anymore and my eyesight suffered because of it. By the time I was a junior in high school I was having migraines 3-4 days a week and couldn't study or read. After visiting with my eye doctor and going through a series of tests over a few months he he said my eyes were deteriorating at an exponential rate and that I currently had the vision of a 65 year old woman. He told me I would be legally blind by the time I was 25. I got a great deal of my reading for classes on audio tape and managed to get through the next two years of high school still in the top of my class. During college I made a huge shift in majors and became a photographer. Wouldn't you know that by picking this as a career I have strengthened my eyes to nearly half the prescription they were when I was 15? In fact, because my right eye is my focusing eye, It's actually significantly stronger than my left. Photography has saved my vision, and while I am still have a tough time seeing without my glasses, I am not blind!!!
Ok, fingers crossed I can keep this up...now to figure out how to make a link so people don't have to scroll through this whole damn thing.
Here are the topics (of which I may edit slightly here and there):
Day 1-Introduction, recent picture, 15 interesting facts
Day 2-Meaning behind your blog name
Day 3-Your first love
Day 4-Your parents
Day 5-Your siblings
Day 6-A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 7-Favorite movies
Day 8-A place you’ve traveled to
Day 9-A picture of your friends
Day 10-Something you’re afraid of
Day 11-Favorite tv shows
Day 12-What you believe
Day 13-Goals
Day 14-A picture you love
Day 15-Bible verse
Day 16-Dream house
Day 17-Something you’re looking forward to
Day 18-Something you regret
Day 19-Something you miss
Day 20-Nicknames
Day 21-Picture of yourself
Day 22-Favorite city
Day 23-Favorite vacation
Day 24-Something you’ve learned
Day 25-Put your iPod on shuffle, first 10 songs
Day 26-Picture of your family
Day 27-Pets
Day 28-Something that stresses you out
Day 29-3 Wishes
Day 30-a picture
--------------------------
So, Here goes...
Day 1-Introduction, recent picture, and 15 interesting facts:
Hi, I'm Niamh (pronounced "neeve"). I am a 31 yr old photographer living in Philadelphia. I am the head photographer for a rare book company and also have a little freelance photo business on the side. I live here with a wonderful roommate and a kick ass dog named Hugo. I started riding when I was 4 years old, instigated by my Godmother who owned two backyard horses (we still go riding together when I am in Ireland)...my journey continued throughout 4 countries learning many disciplines and after a hiatus after college (try, an 8 year hiatus) I started riding again. A friend convinced me to start volunteering at an equine therapy center, fist just working with the kids and eventually exercise riding the horses, and I caught the horse bug again. One thing is for sure, it's here to stay. I found myself a terrific trainer in South Jersey and a little family of friends and riders there that make me feel like home.
Here's a recent photo of me as I said goodbye to Kiki-
Interesting facts, hmmmm...
1. I hate peanut butter. TRUTH. I didn't grow up in the US as a child so I had no real exposure to it. The only time I can even handle being around peanut butter is to make bones for Hugo that I stick in the freezer. I can't stand the smell or getting on my skin. Blargh. (*also, see Pumpkin and Watermelon -- I know, I am not American!)
2. I have lived in 4 countries. I was born in Ireland, lived there until I was 3, we then moved to Freeport, Bahamas where I spent my childhood, we then moved to Yorkshire, England and my parents promptly split up...my Mom moved back to the US and after remarrying and several visits from my sister and I later, we decided to move here. I spent my teenage years in Daytona Beach, Florida and moved to Philly a few years after college.
3. I am naturally blond. Hard to believe because I am Irish and I have been rocking this red hair for the better part of 10 years, but it's true. Occasionally it really comes out when I can't get my feet to move in front of one another or my brain turns to scrambled eggs.
4. For the last 20 years, I have lived 4000 miles away from most of my family. It's something I have grown accustomed to but still feel sad about. I have become intensely independent because of my unique upbringing, but have somehow stayed very sentimental.
5. When I was a child I was convinced I was an alien. My older brother told me I was from another planet and would draw pictures of me as a martian. It wasn't until I was about 7-8 that his guise was exposed. My Mom and I had flown to Miami from Freeport to find a dress for my First Holy Communion and she got my ears pierced as a gift. When we got back to the island I jumped out of the car and ran up to my brother exclaiming "Owen, I got my antennas pierced" and the story was revealed to my mother. To this day he still calls me by my alien name "NOID".
6. It took me 11 years of riding to FINALLY fall off a horse. I have always been good at staying on (something I am still good at) and could cling to the side of a horse like a monkey. The first time I fell was with a barn sour pony named Sterling and we slipped in the middle of a jump course. We both fell, I was thrown clear of her, I got up, dusted myself off and my instructor handed me the pony, gave me a leg up and told me to finish the course.
7. I have the attention span of a 2 year old. I'm not exaggerating when I say I have been working on this post on and off all day. If I'm not doing three things at once, I can't get anything done. For example, I am doing real work, filling out a passport renewal form, and writing this, all while chatting online to friends. This has gotten much worse as I've aged and sometimes I feel like I need to be on medication for it. I get distracted really easily, and seem to only work well under very tight deadlines.
8. When I was little I was allergic to everything. I mean EVERYTHING. Including my Mother's milk. We had to keep goats so I could have goat's milk instead. I started to grow out of some of the allergies as I got older but when I started riding I was allergic to nearly everything related to the barn -- horses, dogs, dust, hay, grass, cats, the sun, air...so I demanded to be medicated so I could ride. It was torture sometimes, but I must have built up an immunity to most of because I am hardly bothered by any airborne allergies now, save for black cats.
9. I had a bad case of Pica when I was young due to all my allergies. Not the gross kind where you do weird things with your poo or anything. But I would eat sponges, grass, wallpaper, rugs, and my favorite thing of all time -- LEGOS!
10. I have have had some pretty interesting career goals throughout my life. I'll pull a good cross-section. As a little kid (when I thought my brother would be a pilot for TWA), he and I decided we would collect food and drop it off over poor countries with his plane. When I was a little older I wanted to Be David Attenborough (nature tv show host extraordinaire). As a teenager I wanted to be a reconstructive surgeon (I was really good at art and science). In college I started off studying forensic psychology to become a criminal profiler.
11. I tried out for Wheel of Fortune once as a teenager. I did really well in all the written portions but was told that I didn't have the "wheel of fortune" personality. Sigh. I was a painfully shy 15 year old.
12. I have four tattoos that are all very unique. One is a Shel Silverstein drawing, one is the handwriting of an artist I admire, one is a drawing of a pony that my friend (who is a toy designer) drew, and the fourth is of an owl holding two ropes, at the end of one is a mixtape and the other has a graffiti spray paint can (that ones for my sister and it's on my ribs).
13. One of my biggest hobbies outside of horses is crafting. I spend wayyy too much time on sites like http://www.designspongeonline.com/
14. Sometimes I feel as though I was born in the wrong time period. I can really see myself living in the late 1950's. My penchant for all things mid-century would suggest this and oh, the clothes!
15. I was once nearly blind. I've always been terribly far-sighted and at some point I simply refused to wear glasses anymore and my eyesight suffered because of it. By the time I was a junior in high school I was having migraines 3-4 days a week and couldn't study or read. After visiting with my eye doctor and going through a series of tests over a few months he he said my eyes were deteriorating at an exponential rate and that I currently had the vision of a 65 year old woman. He told me I would be legally blind by the time I was 25. I got a great deal of my reading for classes on audio tape and managed to get through the next two years of high school still in the top of my class. During college I made a huge shift in majors and became a photographer. Wouldn't you know that by picking this as a career I have strengthened my eyes to nearly half the prescription they were when I was 15? In fact, because my right eye is my focusing eye, It's actually significantly stronger than my left. Photography has saved my vision, and while I am still have a tough time seeing without my glasses, I am not blind!!!
Ok, fingers crossed I can keep this up...now to figure out how to make a link so people don't have to scroll through this whole damn thing.
life is FULL
I forgot to mention in my latest post that Kiki is officially gone. She arrived safely at her new home in Wellington, Florida to start her days as a show pony. She's settling in well and her new owner said she's been VERY quiet. If there's anything I know about that mare it's that you can't get too comfortable with her quiet demeanor. B told her that now is the time to really start working with her. She apparently dropped some weight on the trip down, so she's in a good place for the new girl to stay on top her antics. I can't wait to hear how she progresses. B offered to forward me some photos but she wanted to ask first because she wasn't sure if I would get upset. She's so kind!
I have been busy socially in a way that is a bit unfamiliar to me. So much of my spare time over the last 6-9 months was spent at the farm working with Kiki, leaving very little time for me to do much socially. I was so worried about how I would cope after my journey with Kiki ended, but thankfully things have shifted around in my life outside of horses to allow for new adventures and excitement. I haven't missed her as much as I thought I would because of so many new distractions and I am really grateful for that. It's made the transition so much less painful.
Although last week was incredibly busy at work, my two best friends (that are married to each other) and their lovely baby we here visiting. It was chaotic, but really nice to see them and I got to spend lots of time playing "Auntie Niamh" and took some cute photos of him too.
Tah-Dah! Little Radley! These were taken on my lunch break at Rittenhouse Park near my office...somehow we always make the best out of the little time we have!
My lesson on Arizona Saturday was fine. No big breakthroughs there, but we had a nice ride outside (it was gorgeous) and I rode in tiny spurs. They certainly helped and we got some really nice trot work in the end. He's a very difficult horse to keep straight and riding outside was especially challenging as we had no wall or rail to keep us from riding around crooked. Once I got him to stop blowing through my outside hand and leg tracking left, he felt great. Forward, straight and round. The girl I was having a lesson with had to get off her mare after a few minutes because she was lame, so I let her hop on Arizona and canter him around a bit. Arizona continues to teach me something every time I work with him. Saturday, it was that he doesn't like new "things" in the barn. He's not a spooky horse per se, but he does get goofy around certain things (ie. a pile of blankets in a new place in the barn). This time, it was a group of 4-H girls sitting in a circle in the dark barn as I grabbed him from turnout. About 30 yards away from the barn he started acting like a maniac. When he DOES spook, it's BIG. Beth warned me to watch my feet as he started snorting like a dragon and danced around me. We stopped near the entrance and he was just bursting out of his skin. I got nervous, which made him more nervous (good job, Niamh) and finally someone from inside the barn came out, grabbed the lead rope and walked him in, quiet as a mouse. Sigh. He also has developed a bad habit of being difficult to bridle. It's extremely frustrating, but patience seems to be the only method that will work with him. Any sign of force and he shuts down. B said he's always been a bit challenging but that it's definitely gotten worse over the last year. I just have to sit there with my hand over his poll, bit lightly touching his mouth until he's ready. We don't want to use treats because he gets pushy around food and none of the usual tricks work to get him to open his mouth. It's much like working with a horse that won't load on to a trailer, everyone wants to give an suggestion/help you when you're standing there with a horse that is being opinionated. In my experience it's often better to wait things out...I know plenty of methods of getting a bridle on an goofy horse (*see Kiki) and none of those tactics are going to work with him. It's certainly not going to help my experience with this horse if somebody else has to bridle him. B and I have talked about riding him in a hackamore to see if he prefers a leverage set up rather than a bit. He grinds he teeth constantly with the bit so perhaps he would enjoy the freedom?
I have been busy socially in a way that is a bit unfamiliar to me. So much of my spare time over the last 6-9 months was spent at the farm working with Kiki, leaving very little time for me to do much socially. I was so worried about how I would cope after my journey with Kiki ended, but thankfully things have shifted around in my life outside of horses to allow for new adventures and excitement. I haven't missed her as much as I thought I would because of so many new distractions and I am really grateful for that. It's made the transition so much less painful.
Although last week was incredibly busy at work, my two best friends (that are married to each other) and their lovely baby we here visiting. It was chaotic, but really nice to see them and I got to spend lots of time playing "Auntie Niamh" and took some cute photos of him too.
Tah-Dah! Little Radley! These were taken on my lunch break at Rittenhouse Park near my office...somehow we always make the best out of the little time we have!
My lesson on Arizona Saturday was fine. No big breakthroughs there, but we had a nice ride outside (it was gorgeous) and I rode in tiny spurs. They certainly helped and we got some really nice trot work in the end. He's a very difficult horse to keep straight and riding outside was especially challenging as we had no wall or rail to keep us from riding around crooked. Once I got him to stop blowing through my outside hand and leg tracking left, he felt great. Forward, straight and round. The girl I was having a lesson with had to get off her mare after a few minutes because she was lame, so I let her hop on Arizona and canter him around a bit. Arizona continues to teach me something every time I work with him. Saturday, it was that he doesn't like new "things" in the barn. He's not a spooky horse per se, but he does get goofy around certain things (ie. a pile of blankets in a new place in the barn). This time, it was a group of 4-H girls sitting in a circle in the dark barn as I grabbed him from turnout. About 30 yards away from the barn he started acting like a maniac. When he DOES spook, it's BIG. Beth warned me to watch my feet as he started snorting like a dragon and danced around me. We stopped near the entrance and he was just bursting out of his skin. I got nervous, which made him more nervous (good job, Niamh) and finally someone from inside the barn came out, grabbed the lead rope and walked him in, quiet as a mouse. Sigh. He also has developed a bad habit of being difficult to bridle. It's extremely frustrating, but patience seems to be the only method that will work with him. Any sign of force and he shuts down. B said he's always been a bit challenging but that it's definitely gotten worse over the last year. I just have to sit there with my hand over his poll, bit lightly touching his mouth until he's ready. We don't want to use treats because he gets pushy around food and none of the usual tricks work to get him to open his mouth. It's much like working with a horse that won't load on to a trailer, everyone wants to give an suggestion/help you when you're standing there with a horse that is being opinionated. In my experience it's often better to wait things out...I know plenty of methods of getting a bridle on an goofy horse (*see Kiki) and none of those tactics are going to work with him. It's certainly not going to help my experience with this horse if somebody else has to bridle him. B and I have talked about riding him in a hackamore to see if he prefers a leverage set up rather than a bit. He grinds he teeth constantly with the bit so perhaps he would enjoy the freedom?
11.19.2010
off radar
I realized my last post was at the beginning of November! Yikes!
Well, quick update about where I have been over the last few weeks. I've had a handful of lessons on Arizona. Some good, some bad. Our jumping lesson a few weeks ago was a complete disaster. For one thing, I am out of practice and he's a handful over fences. I was nervous and lost focus throughout the lesson which afforded some dangerous riding displays on my part. I finally got it together towards the end of the lesson, but not until B nearly pulled me off of him. Yes, it was that bad. I mean, they can't all be winners -- right? Sometimes I really need a lesson where B has to raise her voice and get after me. I can be my own worst enemy in the saddle and it helps to have someone point out that I am getting in my own way. Once I broke the task down into smaller parts I was able to ride much better and give Arizona back his job of getting over the fences. I was simply doing too much. Since that day I've only ridden him once and we had a really nice flat lesson. We worked on stretchy trot exercises and we decided that since it takes him a good 20 minutes to warm up, it might be best for me to only have hour lessons on him. We had some crappy canter work (my fault) but I was really happy with the trot work in the end. We're starting to figure each other out. I finished pulling his mane (without being stepped on this time) and only had to use the "cheater" for the last 4 inches near his ears. Hooray! I was scolded for making him look like an event pony, but I think it looks great! HA!
This is the busiest time of year for me at work (for those of you who don't know I am a photographer for a rare book company) and I've been swamped here, staying late and working some weekend hours. I hired a new assistant last month and although it was a little tough at first to acclimate her into the work flow she is proving to be quite an asset. We just finished up our lats Christmas catalog and so I am back to photographing less expensive stuff for our website and working on production projects. I can breathe a sigh of relief until the end of January when things will pick back up.
Tomorrow I have a lesson at 12, a semi-private with another girl who is silly and neurotic and we have fun together, so we'll see how I do after nearly 2 weeks off. I'll try to get some video!
Well, quick update about where I have been over the last few weeks. I've had a handful of lessons on Arizona. Some good, some bad. Our jumping lesson a few weeks ago was a complete disaster. For one thing, I am out of practice and he's a handful over fences. I was nervous and lost focus throughout the lesson which afforded some dangerous riding displays on my part. I finally got it together towards the end of the lesson, but not until B nearly pulled me off of him. Yes, it was that bad. I mean, they can't all be winners -- right? Sometimes I really need a lesson where B has to raise her voice and get after me. I can be my own worst enemy in the saddle and it helps to have someone point out that I am getting in my own way. Once I broke the task down into smaller parts I was able to ride much better and give Arizona back his job of getting over the fences. I was simply doing too much. Since that day I've only ridden him once and we had a really nice flat lesson. We worked on stretchy trot exercises and we decided that since it takes him a good 20 minutes to warm up, it might be best for me to only have hour lessons on him. We had some crappy canter work (my fault) but I was really happy with the trot work in the end. We're starting to figure each other out. I finished pulling his mane (without being stepped on this time) and only had to use the "cheater" for the last 4 inches near his ears. Hooray! I was scolded for making him look like an event pony, but I think it looks great! HA!
This is the busiest time of year for me at work (for those of you who don't know I am a photographer for a rare book company) and I've been swamped here, staying late and working some weekend hours. I hired a new assistant last month and although it was a little tough at first to acclimate her into the work flow she is proving to be quite an asset. We just finished up our lats Christmas catalog and so I am back to photographing less expensive stuff for our website and working on production projects. I can breathe a sigh of relief until the end of January when things will pick back up.
Tomorrow I have a lesson at 12, a semi-private with another girl who is silly and neurotic and we have fun together, so we'll see how I do after nearly 2 weeks off. I'll try to get some video!
11.01.2010
This post is dedicated to Klein Mare!
There's only one true draft horse at the farm and he's got a GIGANTIC personality. Anyone who has spent any time around drafts will tell you they are (quite literally) larger than life. My experience at Pegasus exercise riding Belgians and Percherons (and subsequently getting my riding "sea" legs back in a hurry 2 years ago) gave me a serious understanding of just how smart these gentle giants are.
When we played bobbing for apples on Saturday, it was clear that Major felt like he was surrounded by amateurs. He waited patiently for his turn (last -- as usual, he's very low on the totem pole in his herd) after watching the others really struggle with the task...he more or less strolled up, brushed his shoulders off and got into the game. He took a quick drink, and grabbed an apple, first try, and under 30 seconds. Maybe it doesn't seem like it's that hard to do, but let me tell you...5 horses went before him and couldn't figure it out. Not even a little bit. He might be the oldest, the chubbiest, maybe the slowest, but that horse...he is ALL heart. And, he's no dummy...he's the only horse (at this farm) to refuse a jump (**on two separate occasions) during a lesson with me...and I was bareback! Sneaky bugger.
Here's the video:
When we played bobbing for apples on Saturday, it was clear that Major felt like he was surrounded by amateurs. He waited patiently for his turn (last -- as usual, he's very low on the totem pole in his herd) after watching the others really struggle with the task...he more or less strolled up, brushed his shoulders off and got into the game. He took a quick drink, and grabbed an apple, first try, and under 30 seconds. Maybe it doesn't seem like it's that hard to do, but let me tell you...5 horses went before him and couldn't figure it out. Not even a little bit. He might be the oldest, the chubbiest, maybe the slowest, but that horse...he is ALL heart. And, he's no dummy...he's the only horse (at this farm) to refuse a jump (**on two separate occasions) during a lesson with me...and I was bareback! Sneaky bugger.
Here's the video:
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