Traveling in 2019

This is the time of year everyone's new year resolutions come to die. Due to my barn move in January, adoptions picking up, and getting settled into a new routine I have finally sat down long enough to look at 2019 and come up with some goals and direction for 2019. I am so excited for what this year has in store! 

Last week I sat down, took my calendar and filled it with horse shows. I came up with my goals for each horse,and where I want to see them progress in competing this year. In years past showing has been an uphill climb. Between getting married, horse ailments (mental and physical) it has been a few years since I have felt set up well heading into the show season. I am praying 2019 is my year!  Aside from showing I am excited to take part in this year's Equifest in Buffalo representing New Vocation  with our informational table. I did this last year and am looking forward to it again. 

I was asked this year to participate in the Mid West Horse Fair in Madison Wisconsin. I was approached by Jessica Schroeder from the United States Trotting Association and asked to help them with education of Standardbred's off the track. Since this is an area I am so passionate for I of course agreed! I will be putting on a small clinic on  re-training your off the track Standardbred. Although I am a bit nervous, I am honored to have been asked by Jessica to participate.  

After my Wisconsin trip in mid April I will help out Dave Minteer with his Obstacle Clinic on May 11th.This annual clinic is hosted by the Genesee Valley Riding and Driving club at Wild Side Ranch. If you are looking for a fun informational way to expose your young or spooky horse this is a great way to do it. For more information on that event head over: HERE   

As much as I  love training and showing I am very passionate about education. I am so excited to have these opportunities to share what I have learned and continue to learn from others around me!

For all upcoming events keep your eye on my Instagram @Traintoturst and my Facebook page: Train To Trust Facebook 

Here's to a fun 2019! 

   

The Purple Ladies

We are starting to count the days down to spring here in upstate NY. Our ever loving winter weather has already graced us with its bitter cold winds and snow flurries as it desires . I have been keeping warm and keeping busy by riding, giving lessons, sending new adoptions on their way (Yay!!) and purchasing some new friends to add to my herd!

In fact this post is my introduction of our two new members to the family. You may be wondering if I've completely lost it and why on earth I would feel the need to  purchase TWO more horses making a grand total of four, yes, FOUR. 

Like every other horse person on the planet, you never stop looking at horses for sale. You love your big bay gelding in the barn but you cant help but think what it would be like if he was a 17hh grey with show miles, picture perfect knees over fences and oh yea, spend less than $3,000 for said horse. It's in our DNA to desire an upgraded model after a few years. So like just like everyone else, I stalk the Facebook market for just about anything I could justify buying. Sometimes I tell myself its for a friend but mostly, I'll be honest, I'm looking for good opportunity unicorns. I found myself in this dark hole one morning half awake scrolling through Facebook and came across an add for a bay thoroughbred mare. I quickly realized the post was made by the adoption agency I acquired my first horse, an OTTB named Simple Simon. I quickly commented and said "I'll be by to chat about her!" A few hours later when the coffee kicked in I realized I committed myself to looking at a horse I wasn't positive I needed. I had been looking to add a lesson horse to my clan but an OTTB wasn't exactly what I had in mind. Non the less, I stopped in "just to look!"

To no one's surprise she was cute and a big sweet heart. I secretly was hoping she would be a cranky mare so I could dismiss how nice her video online was and continue on my way. Deeper into the hole I dug myself. When I described to Melissa (one of the program coordinators) what I was looking for, "One a little nicer, something that I could half lease out as well as use her in my program, the second one I'm looking for is a bomb proof beginners horse." Melissa's eyes got wide and asked if I would entertain another horse.... I knew this "looking stop" was a bad idea. She introduced me to a fat hairy mare.... another mare..... without a name. She told me about how dead quiet she was and how she would be a great lesson horse. To say I was skeptical was an understatement. Sure she munching quietly in her stall and looking at us with a sweet eye, but that's how they get ya!! I agreed to come back and ride them both. Again, in hope's that they would be wild ones and I could let my ideas go. 

A went back a few days later with saddle in hand to hop on. Sweets was just as lovely as her video's.

Sweets

I was impressed with her calm behavior and "kick ride" style. I knew I was forcing myself into a decision that I hadn't stopped thinking about since I had laid eyes on her. Off of Sweets onto miss No name. Again, I was pleasantly surprised by her dead quiet demeanor amidst the craziness of the barn she plopped along just as quiet as ever. Her main motivation was to stop and get back to her hay pile as quickly as possible.

Then came the decision. Miss no name was un registered and without a name.

Willow 

Due to a conformation flaw that kept her from racing I questioned her soundness/limitations for the career path I had intended for her. Although much less demanding than racing I still had to be sure. I scheduled a pre purchase exam for the both of them and decided I would let the vet choose my fate. PPE came and went and both passed with flying colors. I was left with the decision my Facebook scrolling had brought me to. It took me almost an hour to write the check for not one but BOTH horses with every pro and con running through my mind. Eventually the pro's weighed out the con's and I decided at the least if they didn't work for me, they would be wonderful horses to work with and to place. 

Within the week I put two lovely mares on my trailer and brought them home. I am SO excited to have them in my barn and to watch them as they progress in their education. I know they are going to be exactly what I need and for the anti mare person I am.... They have won a place in my heart. Miss no name has been registered as Willow Santina with the barn name of Willow. I would like to give a big thank you to Melissa Porter and Julie Smith of Finger Lake Thoroughbred Adoption Program. FLTAP has a string of lovely horses and some are truly quiet and good minded coming off the track! Don't pass up the option of adoption when you are searching for your 17hh grey unicorn!

Stay warm with your family, friends and horses and don't lose hope..... our horses are about to start shedding!

A New Chapter

Fall is in full swing! I don't know about you but I have been LOVING these 65 degree days. All of the horses seem to be breathing a sigh of relief  from the heat and bugs! 

I have been super busy lately with my next venture! I am so excited to announce that Train to Trust has a place to call home. I am currently leasing four stall at Willow Creek Stables in Palmyra Ny. I am very thankful to Willow Creek for opening their doors to me and allowing me to work with my training horses! I have loved being a free lance trainer for years, but with traveling comes difficulties. I am so thankful for this opportunity to be even more hands on and focused with the horses I am training. 

Currently filling two of my stalls are New Vocations off the track Standardbreds. I love working for New Vocations and with the horses they send me. Keep checking my Facebook and Instagram page for updates on those horses as well as when they will be available for adoption. My other two stalls are currently filled with a lesson pony and a clients new OTTB. 

As any barn owner knows, I am keeping busy getting hay, stacking hay, feeding hay, cleaning stalls, and oh yeah... a little training!! I wanted to give you guys this update as well as let you know I am now taking horses in for training. If you know someone who is in need of trainers assistance or lessons, send them my way!  

Making Strides

Summer is in full swing and I cant believe it's been over 6 months since my last post! Where does the time go?!

A month back I had every intention to bring you an update on my new horse Roo. If you have been following my Facebook page you have been watching my journey rehabbing his back through chiropractic care. I was in full swing preparing him for a season of competition.

Roo had his first outing at Dave Minteer's. I was overjoyed with his calm mind as we worked through the obstacles we were setting up for a desensitizing clinic the following day. After playing around on the ground I took him for a short ride in which he was excellent.

A few weeks after, I was anxious for our first lesson with Carol Kozlowski. After a few uncalled for bucking bolting fits it was decided we should pursue where Roo was telling us he's uncomfortable.

I am still in the process of figuring out Roo's discomfort. I hope to have some answers soon and have my sweet Roo back on track!

On a more positive note, Roo's back has made a full rehab. Muscling took quite awhile but I am happy to say all of the muscles surrounding his back and neck are in wonderful shape! I have to say it was a bitter sweet day when I found out Roo was in such great shape Chiropractic wise but still hurting somewhere.

In other news Lollypop Farm hosted their first Obstacle clinic with Dave Minteer. I was very excited to help out with this event. It was a very successful day with many happy riders and horses! I am looking forward to future events at Lollypop Farm!














Saving the best new for last.... I have been working on a new logo for awhile and its finally making its debut!

I am so excited with Mobile Graphic's work! They brought together all my ideas while still honoring my original logo!


Although I have't been making the strides I had intended for this summer, we are always learning and moving forward! I am looking forward to getting answers and enjoying the rest of the summer!

Stay cool!

Bilingual or Bust

It has been a while since my last post and I can say I have been keeping busy with exciting ventures, new horses, and a lot of hard work. Today I want to bring you an update, talk about a breed I am passionate about, and talk about the learning curve I am beginning to understand in training the off the track Standardbred.

I have had the exciting opportunity to partner with New Vocations and retrain two Standardbreds that are looking for a new careers and new homes. My cute bay projects arrived the early part of October and I have enjoyed every second of working with them both. Brewski is a 6 year old mare and raced as a pacer. Baby Boy Grin is a 10 year old gelding that raced as a trotter. If you have followed my blog for any period of time you know, I have worked with Standardbreds in the past, but these two posed a new challenge I was excited to tackle. Although I have worked with many different breeds and horses off of the track, Brewski and Baby were my first off the track Standardbreds. Typical to the Standardbred mentality, Brewski and Baby took everything I asked in stride. Baby's work ethic was incredible to me, due to his work mentality he made nearly half a million dollars as a race horse! His lengthy track record has him so well broke to driving it was interesting to watch him question what I was asking of him as he transitioned undersaddle. He desired to please me but truly believed what I was asking was wrong! Sitting on his back and wrapping my long legs around him was like speaking Japanese to a English speaking American. I am thankful Baby picked up working undersaddle much faster than it would take me to learn Japanese! Once Baby and Brewski settled into a less rigorous schedule than they were used to at the track they both started to blossom. Brewski loved walking out on the trails and Baby even learned to herd some chickens!

Brewski and Baby were posted on the New Vocations website availible for adoption on Thursday. Brewski was quickly adopted and went to her new home Saturday! Baby is still available for adoption and would make a great horse for someone looking to pleasure ride at home, on the trails, or even compete in pleasure classes!   For more information and videos on Baby follow the link below.

http://www.horseadoption.com/horseprofiles/baby-boy-grin/

In other news, we welcomed a new member to the family this weekend. Roo is a 7 year old Sweetish Warmblood that will become my new jumper! I am very excited for his future and cannot wait to see where the two of us end up!

I wish you all a very happy and restful Thanksgiving!


 

Lend a Helping Hand

It has been a month since I said "I do" to my husband. I have been overwhelmed with excitement and joy! Since our big day, I have taken a small step back from the horse world to enjoy our wedding, honeymoon and all the changes that have catapulted me into "adulting". I am just starting to get back into the swing of things and have had a lot of time to reflect on the future and  on the grounds in which I have built my business. With that being said here are a few thoughts that have been bouncing around in my always busy mind. 

I recently had the opportunity to ride under Carol Kozlowski's watchful eye for 4 days straight. Not only were my horses tired but after a few weeks of wedding cake and vacation, I wanted a nap just as bad as they did. I was grateful for the standard that she pushed each of my rides to. We can all easily fall into a self-made grading system that cheap's us out on furthering our education. I am thankful that the next step in my riding and the next step for my horses was presented, practiced, and repeated until I could hold myself to that standard on my own. Coming home was the biggest test of boot camp. Success came to me in a form of sore muscles and tired horses, just as much as being in Carols barn the week before. I feel like the tools have been programed in me to hold myself to a new standard. To me, lending a helping hand came in the form of instruction of the next step in my training. 

Although being under Carol's eye was exactly the boost of motivation I needed I have seen some other trainer rider combinations lately that haven't been as encouraging. Its frustrating to watch in our sport, young and amateur riders being overlooked by professionals. I see professionals who think that the walk trot canter lesson they need to teach is so below them that texting through the riders lesson is acceptable. I have also seen the opposite, a professional pushing a student far beyond their capabilities to not ruin their own reputation.... after all riding walk trot isn't going to get you and your trainer to the medal finals next month. I encourage trainers, myself included, that we are not above the walk trot canter lesson we are teaching. Just like them we are all learning. The good news is...... you will never stop learning in this sport. 

Next time your out to the barn, think. Where you can lend a helping hand to someone else in this sport? Ask yourself where you can be helped and how you can help those around you!

"Success is the sum of small efforts day-in and day-out" ~Robert Collier

Equine Affair 2017

Do you ever feel like your body is attached to a squirrel? Jumping from one thing to the next to the next to the next? In our family the quote from Doug in the movie UP is a common theme..... "SQUIRREL". Lately that has been my life! I am about 2 months out from my wedding and that has created another full time job on top of my already full time job! Today I have managed to quite my squirrel mind and bring you all a much needed update.

The first weekend in April I had the chance to travel down to the Equine Affair in Columbus Ohio. If your not sure what Equine Affair is, Its basically a large convention all things horse related. There is endless shopping from every vendor you can imagine. From feed to tack to horse shampoo, you name it, its probably there! Aside from all of the shopping you can attend as many clinics as your brain can handle. This year they brought in some great clinicians like Guy Mclean, Dan James, Brandi Lyons and many others. You can bring your horses to ride in some of these clinics or you can take a  note pad and audit! Their are also open forums where you can listen to talks on horse management, mane pulling, vet care and many other topics. 

Guy Mclean breaking a Fresian Mare in 4 days.

What drew me to Equine Affair itself was not only the event itself but the organization that invited me to help along side of them at Equine Affair. I was approached by New Vocations and asked if I could come down and help ride some of their Standardbred's in the Standardbred demonstrations that took place during the event! I was very excited by the opportunity and packed my bags for Ohio!

New Vocations is an organization that takes in off the track Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds and finds them new homes.  Unlike some rescue groups they only take in horses directly off the track or horses that have been on the track with in the past year. This gives trainers and owners who have race horses the opportunity to do the right thing with their horses after they have finished their racing career. We know many horses end up in auctions with unknown fate's and this is one excellent option to send your horse to a program that will find them a great home as well as follow them for a few years in their new career. 

While in Ohio I was given Thoropedia to ride. This bay gelding with a sweet heart was a pleasure to ride! His personality was so laid back and just what we needed to navigate crowds of people and other horses.  

 We also had a petting stall for visitors to get up close with the horses. New Vocations brought with them 4 horses from the program available for adoption. We rotated each horse into the petting stall. This is Haste taking some selfies with me.

Each evening at Equine Affair their is an evening show which they call the Fantasia. They put on an amazing show, showcasing some of the animals and trainers at the event. I saw Dan James, beautiful reining horse, Guy Mclean and his liberty team of horses as well as other amazing animals show off their talents. 

Dan James

Guy Mclean

Overall Equine Affair was an amazing experience. I loved being able to partner with New Vocations and support the work they do. I hope to be able to help them again in the future! 

For more information about how you can adopt a horse through New Vocations or to learn more about the organization.: http://www.horseadoption.com/

Believe it or not Thoropedia is STILL available for adoption! He is such a lovely guy I wish I could scoop him up for myself! If you are looking for a horse check him out!

 http://www.horseadoption.com/horseprofiles/thorpedia/