Ride Time VS Ring Side: EAP Update!

Hello all! I have been meaning for months to sit down and write about my EAP experience. With all this time passed I have had so much time to reflect and apply the things I learned at EAP. I hope this belated post will give even more insight of the effects post EAP.

Where do I even begin? The week of EAP met many of my expectations but I was also surprised with the level of riding and difficulty we as riders were called to.  The clinic hosted by Centenary College was lead by Karen Healey. I did not have the opportunity to ride at a very high level at a young age. I have never ridden in a large EQ barn, watching girls win the Maclay finals or going to big shows every weekend. As much as I wish I had those experiences early on… I didn’t. EAP was an eye opener to that side of the show world. It was a privilege to ride with students of top trainers. Not only their talent was shown but their incredible horses were a treat to watch and learn from as well! This was one of the most exciting parts of this experience. I don’t have the opportunity to compare myself to top riders and it was fantastic to compare myself to students riding with top trainers every week.  We began the week with a simple (not so simple) collecting extending pole exercise. As the week progressed so did the difficulty. Day two we began jumping and jumped every day following. One of the other main points I took away from the clinic was perfectionism. I naturally like to be a perfectionist… but not consistently. Karen drilled into my mind that my consistency was lacking I can still hear in the back of my head Karen telling me to “Do it again!” she was hard on me to not ride something perfect once but over and over again. This is something I struggle with and I came home much stronger than when the week began.

As far as the barn management that seemed to be the easy part of the day. We had more of a round table like discussion with Nanci Snyder.  Again I loved being able to hear how top trainers care for their horses and was surprised at some of the simplicity that goes on in the farms. Complicated is not always better, old school is the way to go in many circumstance.

We also had the opportunity to tour the Unites States Equestrian Team Headquarters at Gladstone NJ! I was jaw dropped drooling over all of the trophy's and team apparel through Gladstone.  These pictures do not do it justice but here are just a few! 

Mclain Wards Jacket from Bejing Olympics!!!!!!

I came home from EAP full of excitement and very tired. One word that sums up EAP was intense. The riding was intensely packed and I enjoyed it! I truly felt pushed to a new level of riding and that’s exactly what I was hoping for. In weeks and months since the clinic I find I am pushing myself to an even higher level of perfectionism in all areas of my horsemanship, riding, barn management and care.  

I did not get the opportunity to move on to EAP nationals but I am thankful for the experience I was given.

  Since EAP I have a hunger for learning more and continuing my education in this sport. Three weeks ago I made a trip to Cazenovia NY and sat in a chilly arena to audit a Candice King Clinic. I was blown away by the knowledge of Candice and her ability to explain things in simple practical ways. I highly recommend riding with her any chance you get or auditing her clinics. She is amazing! Although I wish I had a horse at the clinic and could have ridden with Candice, I learned a significant ammount just by watching and taking notes. I took many of the things Candice talked about home with me and tried them on my horses at home! I believe auditing is under appreciated in this sport and is a fantastic way to learn even if you aren't on the back of a horse. It is now on mu bucket list to ride with Candice one day but I took a lot away from simply being on the bleachers for once.

In other news I would like to congratulate Lollypop Farm on the addition of their indoor arena! I had the privileged of taking part in their ribbon cutting ceremony a few weeks ago. I am excited to see the effects of having a place to train theses horses in the coming months and years. For the full story click on the link:http://www.twcnews.com/nys/rochester/news/2016/10/27/lollypop-farm-perinton-equine-training-rehab-center-horses.html 

Update on Chief!

Hello all!

Summer is heating up and I hope this post finds you all doing well and enjoying the sunshine! For those of you who follow my personal facebook and instagram you have seen a few pictures of the cute little guy I have neglected to update you on!

Chief has become quite a cool little horse. In my last post Chief had only been under saddle a few times and yesterday marks 6 months since he arrived! Chief has become fond of his schedule, brushing, treats, and riding.
Since the weather broke I have been able to take chief out on the trails and I was thrilled to find he is an EXCELLENT trail pony! From the first ride out on the trail Chief has never blinked at anything we may come across. We have experienced deer, wood chucks, turkeys, streams, bulldozers, tractor trailers, ponds and more! All of these things he has not only seen but dealt with on his own! I was so excited to have a fun guy to take out on the trails we ventured far and wide on a few hour long rides.

Chief has also learned to trot! If I didn't already mention, Chief has Standardbred pacing in his bloodlines and is not sure whether pacing or trotting is the way to go. Since day one it has been a challenge for him to learn trotting instead of pacing on and off. I am happy to say chief now 95% of the time trots! As he builds  muscle and learns where his feet are underneath him it has become easier and easier.

Chief is learning new things every day and becoming a more well rounded guy after every lesson. We still occasionally meet the "clueless-on-life Chief" when strange things are introduced like fly spray..... Yes fly spray has been an ongoing lesson and will hopefully one day be much less scary. Although Chief is green he is a pleasure to work with and truly loves having someone around to love him. His personality has change immensely since he arrived and I'm sure it will continue to change as he grows in confidence and trust.  

At this point in time we are looking to place Chief in his forever home! If you are interested in Chief or know someone who is looking for a horse please check him out! I am happy to talk all day about this little guy and Lollypop farm would be happy to help as well. For more information on adopting Chief please click here: 

http://www.petango.com/webservices/adoptablesearch/wsAdoptableAnimalDetails.aspx?id=30364706&css=http://www.lollypop.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/pet.css 

In other news, The USHJA emerging athlete program was a fantastic, exhausting learning experience I wouldn't have traded for anything! My next post will be full of EAP videos! Stay tuned and updated on my facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/ECClouieandcourtney/

Until then stay cool and enjoy what lovely days we have.... Before we know it there will be snow on the ground again.. AHH 

Flashback Friday: Equifest 2016!

Hello all! I know it has been way too long since I have posted! Equifest came and went, spring slowly melted into summer and here we are! Louie and I had a fantastic time at Equifest. The turnout was amazing! Seeings how I had never attended this event in past, I was amazed to find such a big event in my own backyard!

Louie, being the trooper that he is, settled in nicely although his neighbors, the mules, let out a belt every so often. We arrived Saturday with time for a quick ride in the schooling ring and then I had a presentation on training horses in the afternoon. Now speaking in front of large groups of people...... not really my thing...... So you could say I was a bit nervous and glad when it was out of my way. I have the presentation on video so feel free to watch! The sound is pretty quiet so I suggest turning your volume all the way up!

Sunday Louie and I were scheduled to ride in the breed parade. Now prepare yourself for a good laugh because exhibiting the quality of the Satandardbred became the least of our worries and survival of the fittest became our motto. Each breed was given approx 5 minuets in the ring where the breed was discussed and shown off. Louie and his partner Jet were the last on the list. 30 minuets before start time they call everyone in the breed parade to the schooling ring to be on standby before they entered the ring. The list of breeds was quite long. Gypsy Vanner's, Halflingers, Morgans, Warmbloods, Mules, Saddlebreds, Paint horses, Fresians, you name it, it was probably in that arena. So as Louie and I hung out in the schooling ring the walls seemed to grow closer and closer the more breeds that entered. At this point Louie was attentive but relaxed........ until it came time for the Fresians. The Fresians are a truly magnificent breed. They are ridden mostly for dressage but are better known for showing in the cart. Of course to best show off there breed, carts began entering our very small arena. Although Louie was skeptical, the other horses in the arena were not having it and mass ciaos began. After we survived the Fresian cart encounter and the numbers in the ring began to dwindle as we narrowed in on Louie's time to shine. A very beautiful Morgan exited the main arena back into our schooling area. Much to this Morgans dismay, his owner who clearly decided to pick up a monstrous horse eating jacket off the ground pulled back slipping his bridle off his face. Now with a Morgan loose in the ring the intensity rose. I turn around to see horse running full speed at Louie's butt! As everyone is slamming doors shut I hop off a rattled Louie and try to catch this loose horse. By the time we captured the wild guy, Louie (last on the list) was supposed to enter the ring. We had 30ish seconds to gather our bearings and enter the main arena that had vastly changed since our schooling that morning. I mean, who parks their car in their arena to practice on a daily basis? But sure enough, to add to the comedy I had going in my head we did our best not too spook over the very shiny Ford Mustang in the center of the arena. As we left the arena I wasn't really sure whether to laugh, cry, or hug my horse for keeping me on top.

Here is the video of our 5 mins of fame:
















All in all, Louie and I had a fantastic learning weekend. We were both given new opportunities and enjoyed the challenge set in front of us.

In updating news, Chief is becoming a fantastic riding pony! I have some news as far as my next learning adventure ;) but following that post will be an update on Chief!!

I hope this post has found you doing well and loving your horses! Keep a look out on my facebook page for my big news!

The Little Horse's Big Adventure

Hello all!

I'm bringing you exciting news from a familiar face!

Since the Comeback Challenge, Louie has been learning new things and enjoying his new home. Louie lives on a farm where I train and although I don't own him I still train him and see him every week. I have been blessed with this as well we all know, saying good bye to our equine partners isn't easy. Needless to say after the challenge Louie and I set to work on learning new things and preparing him for whatever may come next. This past November I was approached by a local Standardbred organization called ROC The Standardbred. Louie and I were asked to take part in the Western New York Horsemans Council Equifest in Hamburg NY! We will be representing ROC The Standardbreds and helping their efforts to teach people more about this breed and their versatility.

Aside from Louie's time to shine I will be giving a lecture type discussion on Starting and Restarting your Horse. I am totally nervous seeings how I wont have a horse for demonstration. I feel more comfortable with a 4 legged partner next to me but this time, its me and my computer.... AHH! As anxious as I am, this will be a great learning opportunity and a way to expand my horizons.

Louie has been working extra hard to get ready for Equifest. He will be doing a riding demonstration Sunday as well as a meet and greet on Saturday. The popular guy that he is, i'm excited for the chance to get him out and about again to show off his skills and his fun personality.








I also realized Louie's Equine Comeback Challenge round was never posted online! If you didn't have the chance to watch it live here is Louie's round!

To learn more about ROC The Standardbred: 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ROCtheStandardbred/779231612220714/?notif_t=group_activity

To find out more about Equifest: http://www.wnyequifest.com/

Dates are March 19th and 20th... Come out and visit us!!

 

Brooms, Brushes, and Bridles OH MY!

Wandering through my local tack and feed store has been much harder these days knowing that I have an adorable pony sitting in the pasture. Everything is so cute in pony size! Halters, saddle pads, blankets, I just want to spoil him! I'm around 5'10"  with two very tall parents, so as you can imagine, I out grew showing ponies before I could could begin. I now have the privileged of living my pony dreams through the newest member from Lollypop Farm: Chief. As for my spending habits, I chock it up to my pony-less past and move on. ;)

Upon meeting Chief I wondered what was in store, Asking this pony to walk from snow to the blacktop was clearly like jumping into a never ending abyss and so our journey began.

~A little history on Chief~

Chief was rescued in a cruelty case as a yearling and has spent the last 8 years in a foster home. His past is mostly unknown but as far as we know he has been a pasture puff.

After tackling the blacktop and coaxing him into the trailer Chief began life outside of his four pasture walls. The first few days were spent mostly on the understanding of life and by life I mean everything....

Walking into the barn, ("barn?.... Whats a barn?")

brushing, ("this lady has a weird obsession with my hair...")

brooms, ('I don't know what this black swooshy thing is around my feet but it might eat me")

and a stall. ('this is the greatest thing yet! Food AND water in the same place!")

Although "life" for Chief was very new and different he took everything in stride and was ready to face whatever I threw his way. I chose to take my time with these things and make sure he was confident in his new schedule. With this confident base established, we were set us up for success in the arena, and successful it has been. 

 Chief has just completed week 3 and has had 3 rides under saddle! I am so happy with his willingness in every area. His confidence has grown tremendously and he handles "life" like an old pro.

In the upcoming weeks I plan to start logging the hours in on his back. Although it takes years to make a finished horse, every horse has to start somewhere and i'm privileged to start this cutie.

Here is a video of his progress so far!:

The next post will be all about Little Louie's news!!! Stay tuned and keep your furry friends warm! :)

New year, New ventures

Hello all!

I want to bring you a short update on some exciting things coming in the near future! 

#1: I have another Lollypop horse coming in for training tomorrow! I am very excited to be working closely with Lollypop Farm again and can't wait to get my hands on this guy! I have yet to meet "Chief" but as far as I know he is not broke to ride. It will be fun teaching him from the ground up! For updates on the new boys arrival keep an eye on my facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/ECClouieandcourtney/?ref=hl  I hope to post some pictures of him tomorrow!

#2: I'm really horrible for not posting this earlier but.... my fashion blog was posted on Heels down Magazine!  To see my blog on their site click ....HERE. I was super excited to see my blog finally posted and it just looks so good on an official website! I would love to blog again for Heels Down Magazine but as of right now there are nothing in the works.

#3. That cute little horse, you know the one named Little Louie, has exciting news that he can hardly contain! Although we aren't going to tell you about his new adventure just yet, be on the look out very soon for a video update on him as well as news about his new adventure.









#4. Upon realizing I made a blog post about writing an article for Practical Horseman Magazine I realized you guys were never actually able to read my story (unless you received the magazine.)
The story has now been archived on their website! To read the story click here: http://practicalhorsemanmag.com/article/courtney-vanderbrook-horse-rescue-26968
There is also the possibility of actually seeing the interview footage we took way back at the Pennsylvania National Horse show. As of right now the video hasn't been posted but I am still hopeful that will surface.

#5. It's time for a face lift! In the very near future I hope to update the look of my blog! If you know of any tech savvy friends please comment below!

 I'm anxious and excited to see where 2016 takes me! 

Hope you and all your furry friends are staying warm! Here in upstate NY winter has met us with a blast of cold air! For all of you who hate winter, like I do.... Enjoy this video ;)

A Farewell to 2015

Hello all, I trust this blog has found you safe and sound in the new year! It has been awhile since I've had the chance to sit down to bring you an update. To be honest I've had a case of the blogging blues. I've wanted to put together a good post about 2015 for a few months now and the creative juices haven't been flowing. The other night I came across a post on the Chronicle of the Horse website written by eventer Jennie Brannigan. She, like myself didn't know how to make a chronological list of events exciting to talk about. She eventually came up with the idea of creating a letter to herself as if she's just about to start 2015. After reading her post,although it sounded weird at first, I fell in love with her point of view and decided to recreate my own 2015. (you can read Jennie's post here) Without further wait, here is a letter to myself.

2015 is going to be a tough one. You are going to find yourself in a deeper way then you have ever known. Don't worry. This year will grow you and you will come out stronger than you ever imagined.

The year will start off snow covered as usual and you will be thrilled when you are asked to go to South Carolina to break a horse for 2 weeks. Although it sounds exciting, don't be fooled. This will be the hardest 2 weeks of your life. Upon arriving you will be amazed at how years of working under Dave Minteer gets put to the test on this spunky Quarter Horse. After the first week, miscommunication between the owner and you will arise and you will part your ways with this horse. While you are down there the Lollypop Telethon with air on TV. Your story with Louie will be a success. You are thrilled. As your two weeks of work turn into a final week of vacation, you will enjoy sunning yourself while you have the chance. Your final night in South Carolina you will get news that one of your best friends has been in a horrific ski accident. Your world will be turned upside down. The following day she will pass and you will navigate the airport teary eyed and broken inside.

The next few months you won't have the desire to do much. You will find yourself at a horse show or two wondering why your passion of riding and training was no longer fulfilling.

Late summer will hit and you have the privileged of watching one of your students accomplish her first jump as well as attending her first horse show. In the sparkle of her horse crazy eyes you can see the little girl you once were. Only a short time ago dying for just 5 minuets in the barn, you realize you are living your dream.

You attend the Genesee Valley Breeders Association horse show and your baby green does well. You decide to fill the classic class and try your best. You will finish 6th............out of 6 and realize although you have much "homework" to do you are grateful for the opportunity to ride in that class.

Your form of "homework" will come from someone you watched as a child. Carol Kozlowski will start giving you lessons.Yes, Carol Kozlowski from the Erin Go Bragh video you watched until you could repeat the whole movie backwards. The one you rode every stick horse, chair arm, rocking horse or anything you could get your hands on to. You will grow in your understanding as a rider in the next 4 months more than you have all year. You will also have the privilege of taking Simon to Carol's for a lesson. You will finally see your patience and persistence pay off.
















Although this year has been tough, you begin to realize that before the foundation of the world you were designed to do exactly what your doing. No one and no circumstance will ever pull you away from what you are meant to do. The road is long and tough. You will question and you will doubt. But in the end you will be overjoyed with the life you have been given to live. Keep pressing forward.