To move forward sometimes you have to look back

If I have to make some sort of New Year's resolution for my blog it would be two fold:

*Blog more frequently/regularly.
*Set quarterly goals for Riley & I to hold us accountable.

I have a lot of inspiration for this thanks to all of you guys and I hope I can really give this blog the attention that it deserves this year (*for the record, fall/winter 2014, spring 2105 was a very rough time for me personally and many things fell by the wayside). I'm feeling energized and inspired so buckle up readers...

With that in mind, I feel as though I should use the only competitive experience we had in 2015 to help set the tone for the goals ahead. 2015 was a tough year for us competitively. We didn't really have a chance to get going with any regularity because of Riley's head-shaking. And, if I'm perfectly honest, things were looking a bit grim for any sort of future for him as a riding horse. Looking back, I believe that several things came into play that triggered his Head Shaking and this year I am planning to be extremely proactive in order to soften it's blow come spring time. Despite all of that, he remained very game to work with once we had the head shaking under control and he was more comfortable. I was able to keep up with my riding (having access to lots of OTTBs is a good thing) and we were able to get some traction in the fall. We figured it would be a good idea to round out the year with a starter trial the first week in November. At this point we had only jumped a couple of times (less than 5 times, including hopping over a few small xc jumps at a neighboring farm). Our flat work was strong enough and the jumping at the baby beginner novice level is not an issue so we just decided to go for it.

Product review -- Dubarry Clare Boot

I received these boots as a very generous birthday gift from the most wonderful SO of all time a few weeks before my birthday (so mid-November). I wanted to wear them a bunch and have a chance to ride in them before I gave a proper review!

Swoon

Truth be told, I have always wanted a pair of Dubarry's (I never wanted to try a pair on because I knew I'd end up loving them and they were something I'd NEVER buy for myself) but I've never liked the ones that seem to be so popular (the Galway boot) -- those tassels in the front would drive me absolutely mad.  Furthermore, if I'm going to have a boot of this quality, I want to be able to wear it on the street as well as at the barn... enter the Clare.

This boot really combines all the things Dubarry is so well known for... luxurious full grain leather, interesting details, fine craftsmanship and of course, they are completely waterproof (all the way to the top!!!). What I especially love about them is the interior leather piece that's made for (occasional riding).

Love the detailing in the back!

I've worn these nearly non-stop since I got them and they are now pretty well broken in. At first the leather (especially around the heel/ankle) is quite stiff. But as anyone knows with good quality leather goods, the break in period is necessary and worth it down the road! The right boot was always a bit stiffer than the left, and I think it's because my feet are different sizes. I was really nervous about them getting dirty and scuffed at first (this is why I can't have nice things) and I kept changing out of them at the barn and into my Hunter wellies but I realized quite quickly that these things can take a beating and keep on going. Even the grossest mud and rain is no match for these guys! A quick wipe down with a damp cloth and a little leather conditioner and they look good as new. These are definitely made for someone with a slim calf, which is actually something I struggle with a lot (boots being absurdly wide and unflattering around my lower leg) and I believe the opening is 15-15.5" at the widest point. Because they don't have zippers, going up a size is recommended (which I did, and I wear a 7.5), but they also have boot pulls sewn to help you out during the break in period!

Last week, I rode three horses (okay 2 horses and a pony) wearing them and they are delightful to ride in! It was really nice not having to switch into my paddock boots and half chaps and just throw my helmet on and go! I have very unstable ankles due to competitive gymnastics as a kid and so the additional support around my joints was welcomed. I was a little concerned about the foot bed being bulky in my stirrups, but they actually looked fine (with plenty of space on either side of the sole) and the thickness of the sole felt great to balance on (probably similar to riding in Blundstones).

Outside of the farm, I've been wearing them several times a week and I think they look pretty fetching with jeans, leggings, and even dresses! I've gotten quite a few compliments on them around the city. With winter just setting in, it's been so nice to have a quality pair of boots that are truly warm and waterproof!

The price point is pretty steep coming in ~$500, but at this point in my life my feet are not going to change much and I have come to understand that investing a few, quality things (especially leather goods) will last a lifetime. From what I can tell from wearing them almost exclusively for the last two months is that they are only going to look better with age. The best part is that they can go from daily wear (fashion), to the barn to the saddle! That's worth in my book!

Starting from scratch -- the project pony

So if you follow me on Facebook or Instagram, you're probably aware that there's a new pony friend in my life. For those of you who don't... let me introduce you to a little pony named Sugar:

Kinda in loooove with her.

Buzzzzz, buzzzz, buzzzz... that's the sound of inviting winter in.

We've had an unseasonably warm winter here in Philadelphia, as in... a few years ago we had several feet of snow and ice everywhere to deal with. This year, I haven't put more than a sheet on Riley (and he's being going without one on most days)!

With (another) move under our belts and new and exciting facilities awaiting us, I knew we'd be legging up much earlier than I was originally planning. I had his shoes pulled a few weeks ago, so I took his shoe allowance and spoiled myself by having him professionally clipped! Woo hoo!

Let just say, Riley was not super stoked about being removed from his best friend in the WHOLE world to get a bath.

Opinions, he has them.

I actually enjoy the process of clipping (though the hair everywhere sucks) but I don't have my own clippers and Riley's pelt (yes, it can only be referred to as such) is really weird and destroys blades no matter how sharp they are or how clean he is!!! Out of fairness to the groom, I bathed him within an inch of his life and prayed that he'd dry in time! As a thank you for my painstaking work, Riley decided to bite the ever loving shit out of me while I was checking his belly for dampness. Through my quilted vest he very nearly broke my skin (and I'm sporting a huge bruise/welt combo) -- to which I responded with a little reality check on ground manners thankyouverymuch. Needless to say, when the groom arrived he asked me if Riley behaves for clipping and I assured him that he'd be on his best behavior. As a general rule, he's great for clipping and really enjoys it, but you never know.

Look at his sheepish expression. That's what a naughty (clean) horse looks like.

I decided on a hunter clip but I had his whole face done too just for fun (and to see if anything creepy was lurking underneath).

I am so pleased with how his skin looks clipped. In previous years, he's dealt with all sorts of gross rain rot/fungus issues and once clipped he looked a bit sad. This year he's only got a few little spots of funk and the coat underneath was shiny! I think it's partially due to the mild weather, but also because I've been treating his funk with Listerine/water and grooming all his yucky spots feverishly (*honorary mention for Head and Shoulders here too).

So much hair!

But GUYS, I took out his tail braid and combed it out and WHOSE TAIL IS THIS???

It was well worth every penny, and I didn't mind helping to hold Riley when he got fidgety about his face. He looks incredible! I can't believe this is a horse who isn't in proper work yet!

What a handsome beast! Also, he looks wayyy better with a few less lbs. He's usually looking a bit rotund by now.

Best of all, I adore how his face looks clipped! He grows insane goat hair all over his chin and I think it makes him look pretty unremarkable in the winter. I think he has a very cute face when you can actually see it!

Almost palomino for the day! ps. still fuzzy inside those ears:)

I guess I should dig out his quarter sheet as winter decided to show up the DAY AFTER I CLIPPED HIM!!!!!! We haven't had consistent cold weather at all and of course now he has to go in two rugs!

Ah, well, at least cool down time will be a minimum!

3rd Annual Equestrian Blogger Gift Exchange!!!!

This year I was finally able to participate in this wonderful event hosted by Tracy. I absolutely adore my blogging family and I've met so many of you in person already that feeling like I "know" you all! Also, I hope to improve on my already good record for meeting you in real life as I have a tentative trip planed to Austin at the end of April!!!!

Thank you Carly for my wonderful presents from Straight Shot Metal!!!!!

All the pretty things!

A gorgeous decal (I cannot decide where to put it yet) of Riley and I with his tattoo number below, a bracelet with his show name and a skull bridle charm (now I feel like I fit in!) and of course candy canes for Mr. Riley himself. Btw, Carly, I ate one.

I am equally eager for my secret santa recipient to get their presents! It's super fun watching all the blogs to see what lovely and thoughtful things we were able to do for another!!!!

ps. I have lots to update, including a recent event that we competed, but life has been full and busy and I needed a small break from my own blogging (not to worry, I've been reading all of yours).

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday and happy new year!

Dusting off the cobwebs

Into the Sunset -- all smiles

In a series of unprecedented events, I was able to ride Riley 3 times in 4 days! I don't know if it's the new farm, the time off, the magnesium or what, but he feels better than I ever remember! Coming off the heels of our great (albeit short) ride on Tuesday I brought a friend out to meet the ponies and to help take some video of how he was looking under saddle on Friday. We decided to switch Riley to a hollow loose ring (single joint) because he's wayyy too backed off in the Dr. Bristol on the flat (which I already knew but my other bridle is tucked away somewhere from the move along with the bits)! I've never ridden him in a loose ring and was curious to how he would go in one. Historically, he can be a bit busy with his mouth (not in a gaping mouth kinda way) he just generates a LOT of foam but it's not necessarily because he's relaxed and enjoying/accepting contact 100%.

Long story short... he loved it. I decided to warm him up (w-t-c in both directions) before filming and now I wish I had actually gotten the warm up too, because it was the best he's ever felt! He gets a little deep here and there, but I think he was expecting to hit the same type of bit... when he realized he wasn't going to, he was soft and I could push him further into the bridle. This dressage isn't going to win us any ribbons, but I am so happy with him relaxation and tempo.

*Blogger is being a little bitch so I'll try uploading videos later (though if you are friends with me on FB you've already seen them)

Saturday was super hot and humid (perfect conditions to stimulate HS) and I thought it would be a great chance to see him go with Emily in the tack with the new bit in place.

Guys, my horse... I was all hearts-for-eyes emoji the whole time. It doesn't hurt that we were riding in the gorgeous late afternoon sunlight!

It's no wonder he pulls shoes off while riding!

Who is that guy? Emily makes him look terrific!

Right lead picked up EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.

<3 td="">

I hoped on and got the same soft, cadenced work out him. Picked up both leads without issue (though he did meet the persuasion stick, aka GETOFFMYRIGHTLEG). I was just swooning. Emily said it's the best he's ever felt and she was really impressed with his great attitude coming back into work. Looking back at how grumpy he was in late April reminds me that he was probably in more pain and discomfort than I could even imagine.

Just cantering around looking fly. *Also could I please for the love of God sit up straight?

So we'll keep moving forward under tack. Our takeaway from the watchful eye of Emily was to incorporate in lots of transitions (especially trot-canter-trot) and to reintroduce some baby lateral work to help encourage him to bend around my leg and start looking for comfort in the outside rein. We'll hack around the soybeans to break up the monotony of the ring and hopefully, we can get him our on a hunter pace soon and maybe some xc schooling. I have a feeling he is going to be very enthusiastic!

*For those of you keeping track, he's still on the same amount of magnesium and Taurine twice a day. He has only shown HS symptoms once wince we moved and I am happy he's feeling much better physically.

Nothing beats a good brain

If you've been reading this blog long enough, you know that I bought Riley because on his 3rd and 4th ride post-track I took him on paper chases. He was foot perfect both times and I was left grinning ear to ear on a horse I knew nothing about. I was sold (and so was he!). Two years later and it's that brain of his that makes me so happy and proud to call him my own...

New farm (not all pictured due to privacy)

We've settled into the new place nicely, and of course just as I was about to put a first ride on Riley he pulled a shoe! He turned out now on wayyyy more acreage and it's really hilly (which is awesome -- he looks great) but that also means a higher chance of pulling shoes AND not being able to find said shoes when they come off. Ah well, it's a trade off.

So he got a new LF tacked on and we saddled up for a first ride at the new place. I know it probably seems like I'm always going on about how my horse has hardly been ridden, but it's true. With his head shaking finally all but gone, we are FINALLY able to think about getting back into a program together. My patience has paid off and I feel better that I didn't push him when his body was telling me no. As usual, he was quiet and happy to be groomed and tacked. I texted two friends to let them know that I was getting on in a few minutes (I was at the farm alone) and that I would send another after my ride. I brought lunging gear up to the ring prior to my ride, just in case he was silly. I try, in all scenarios, to set us up for success. I listen to him. I'm not some egomaniac that will just get on and ride anything in all conditions (especially alone) -- so I try to be thoughtful about the horse I have that day. I posted the photo of the farm above to sort of show the layout of the ring in proximity to the barn. His turnout field is below the barn and goes off to the right. His buddies have dutch doors that face out that way. The driveway (you can't tell in this photo) is VERY steep as you head around the corner and up to the ring. I hopped on, he took a deep breath and off we went. Quietly into the sunshine up the grass to the ring. He did think about spooking at a bunch of kids toy cars (the kind they can drive around in) that are marked by "danger" in my picture, but nothing more than giving them the hairy eyeball, and slowing his walk. I booted him forward and we got down to business.

I forgot that I left my saddle pads at home so we kicked it old school.

He felt really, really great. No head shaking to be seen, no real naughtiness (except for not wanting to GETOFFMYRIGHTLEG) and he was light and forward. I'm sure I looked like a big idiot trotting around with a stupid grin on my face, but guys, it's been so long since I got to enjoy my horse and not see him suffering. We mostly worked on spiraling in and out in both directions, with some transitions for good measure. I was about to start some canter work when I saw something shiny in the grass...

ARE YOU KIDDING ME WITH THIS?!?

He never took a weird step (the grass footing is great) and he didn't feel lame/off at all. Yep, he pulled the OTHER shoe. You see, while the farrier was there he noticed that his LH was looking a little long (it's only been 2 weeks since his last trim) and he has a quarter crack in that hoof that he wanted to keep at bay so he rasped it a little. He left the other hind alone and wouldn't you know it was just long enough, and Riley was tracking up well enough to cleanly rip the shoe off. I hopped off and decided to save the canter work for next time. Congratulations Riley, you win... again.

Luckily, we had already put in a solid 30 minutes of quality trot work, so it wasn't a total wash. I texted my farrier the picture above and said that Riley misses him already. He'll get that tacked back on today. *Lest you worry, his feet and hoof walls look great -- I think it's just a coincidence that he lost two shoes back to back!

But other than our wardrobe malfunction, I couldn't be happier about our first ride at the new place. There was no screaming (apparently Riley screamed and screamed when his buddy was taken away for work the other day -- he was happy to work -- and that makes me very happy in return.

Because this is the best view in the entire world.

It got me thinking about where he and I have been and what we've done together (not much)... but days like that make me so grateful that I have a horse with a good brain. He is not an easy ride, or uncomplicated by any means... but he shows up for work and I can trust him. I know when I swing my leg over what kind of horse I'll have for the day.

It has not always been easy with him, for a myriad of reasons. He used to be god awful for the farrier and now he and I joke about that.

You've come a long way baby.

This is a horse who once, while being shod, freaked out so much in the cross ties that he peed, spooked, slipped in the pee while the farrier was holding his hoof and nearly fell over crushing him. Yesterday, the farrier already had him out standing quietly, and I literally held him for two minutes while he fit the shoe. Riley happily snoozed away.

Wild OTTB getting shod.

I deal with a lot of professionals these days, both horse dealers and sellers and I am constantly dumbfounded by people they have to interact with who do not appreciate the quality of a horse's mind. They think they know what they want in a horse and somehow get wooed by color, or movement, or height or pedigree overlooking the brain!

WW: Doug Payne -- from day 1 to Rolex in four years

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njj39Wpl28I

Tantrums & protesting

this can only mean one thing...

You guys remember that lovely, sweet, kind, tolerant OTTB that let me climb on him bareback a few weeks ago?

Anyone?

No? Me, either.

Mr. Irish Goodbye got his shoes back on last Wednesday and Thursday I came out to see how he looked and put him back into proper work. We've been equicising and lunging (as much as his feet could handle), so he's not completely out of work, as it were. He was great about being tacked up (though inevitably, he always gives the lunging surcingle the hairy eyeball). 

Wait. A. Second.

Buddy, the vacation is over. He felt like being lunged in the small paddock adjacent to the barn was absolutely criminal. All his friends had their heads hanging out the windows and it just WASN'T FAIR.

Oh boo hoo, Riley you expensive pet!

I'm sure I've gone on a rant about lunging before, but whether I'm being redundant or not, I like it as a tool for young/uncoordinated/unbalanced horses. Furthermore, I really like the pessoa. It really helped Riley find his balance at the canter (without his jockey flailing about) and improved his straightness tenfold. I usually start by lunging in both directions, w-t-c with no engagement from the system. Once the buttons are reinstalled and he's obedient, I engage the pessoa. I like the setting that encourages long and low, but you can set it up a myriad of ways for various things. It's always set so his nose can be several inches in front of vertical when he's not fighting himself. In the 2 years that I've owned him, I've never really had to get after him with the lunge whip, nor have I ever lunged him DOWN from exuberance/naughtiness, etc. In the past, I would simplify the task until he got his brain back and make sure I didn't fry his little soul or he would get offended and just shut down and it was useless to push him through it.

VCBH: My Cubicle

Finally participating in one of these!

Still not 100% sure how all this works, but here goes.

For those of you that don't know, I am a photographer who works for the largest rare book dealer in North America. I've been at my job TEN years (how is that even possible) -- so I am very settled into my little cube. The art department is situated in between the sales offices and the research department, so we're in a little nook, so it's not quite a cube city, just three larger cubes in the space.

Pretty easy to tell which desk is mine (for reference those prints of Riley/Hugo are 24 x 24)

Riley + me, a photo from Kate and of course a cutting mat for special projects (ahem, not work related)

More Riley, a photos of my sis and I when we were little, a cardboard sign made lovingly by my former assistant and a Gary Winogrand calendar <3 br="">

More Riley, A Wabbit, the entire cast of Homestar Runner, and a photo signed by students from when the company donated a few rare photo books to my college. *Oh and that stack of stuffed ponies is from my 10 year anniversary party here -- my coworkers are awesome!

Just a few of the silly toys on my desk (pony ducks!)

Just a dragon eating babies, nothing to see here.

And lastly, we have arguably one of the best views in the city:

The view from our balcony on the 19th floor (courtesy of my coworker Ernest Hilbert)

New kicks, new barn... take a deep breath -- here we go!

This post is brought to you by the letter "H".

As in, my horse is a hunk:

June 2015. Three months out of work.

With the head shaking taking a back seat (I don't want to jinx it), Riley gets shoes on today for the first time in months. Which means, we're back in business for riding. He's been worked lightly in the equiciser for the last few weeks to keep his brain intact and he's been workmanlike about it, but I think I'm going to have a lot of horse on my hands once he's under tack! He's lacking serious muscle in the photo above, but his topline still looks decent and he gets fit, REALLY quickly. I am beyond excited to start riding again!

Which leads me to our move. Moving again you say? Yes. This time to a farm a full 20 minutes closer, smaller barn with more turn out (and hilly fields) and a beautiful GRASS RING. The fact that the farm will be closer is huge. My current commute without any major traffic is at least an hour. On weekend mornings, I would guess I could make it to the new barn in 35 minutes!!! That means a lot more riding for me, and with a smaller barn to care for I won't be so tired after chores that I won't want to ride!

The next couple of weeks are going to be plenty hectic around these parts, organizing current barn, moving everything to the new barn and trying to leg up Riley again! Once we get settled in, if everything is going smoothly, we can set our sights on some events this fall (that is, if I ever dig myself out of the financial hole I'm in).

Stay tuned!

When things don't turn out the way you hoped...

hehehehehe I'm still "retired"

What do you do?

Well, if you're a horse-crazed lunatic like myself, you do everything you can to spend as much time around those beasts as possible. Everyone knows ponies are good for the soul.

I started making plans for Riley (shhhhh).

I booked a lesson.

I've been riding all sorts of OTTBs to keep my mind busy.

You change your blog header and background.

And when all else fails, there's the pool -- because a little R & R never hurts right?

And I am sorry for the breaks in between posts, and leaving you guys hanging with an announcement of a lesson cliffhanger, but the full report is coming right up!

Keeping a horse in Area II sure has it's advantages. I am a stone's throw from an Olympic rider in every direction. Like, True Prospect farm is a 5 minute hack. Which is great for training purposes because our neck of the woods is just littered with awesome trainers to lesson with. And with Riley still semi out of commission I thought that taking some lessons might help me get some finesse back (because boy have I lost it). Don't get me wrong, I'm stoked I get to ride all the OTTBs, but they're not doing much for my position on the flat and confidence over fences. It's been a really long time since I had a formal lesson with anyone but Emily. She's terrific and knows me inside and out, but we are super good friends and that leads to me bargaining my way out of doing things that I'm worried about and to be honest lessoning on Riley can be very challenging at this stage in his training. So I was pretty concerned I'd make a damn fool of myself. Plus, I needed to find a trainer who had a school horse or two to teach me on (again, a little bit tricky). As luck would have it, the nearby indoor that we hack to frequently, has a BNR who I've known for awhile. She competes a horse owned by the BO at our old place and she's a hell of a rider... I watched her teach a little last time I rode at the indoor and I really liked her approach so I contacted her for a lesson! She has two horses that she teaches lessons on, her former ** ISH and her former advanced OTTB! Woo hoo!