Sit Still Look Pretty

Hello all!

I have recently been reflecting on my past riding experiences, how I ended up here, and where I see myself in the future. As I was finishing up a ride today I began thinking about all of the seemingly easy tasks I completed in my ride and how those same tasks used to be daunting to me! For example, riding a short course used to completely wipe me out. staying on was my goal for the course let alone balancing my horse through a turn. As my thoughts turned from how I used to ride to where I am today, I came across some truth's that I hope you find encouraging for your riding and your future in this sport.

1.Your equitation: "put your heels down, and thumbs on top"........"put your thumbs on top and put your heels down...... we have all been there or heard coaches say these a thousand times. It took me a long time to realize that I was so bent on my making equitation looking right (and consistently knew it was wrong) that I had lost touch of the reason why we put our heels down and thumbs up! Once I began focusing on the reasons like keeping my balance, and feeling a straight line from my hand to the horses mouth I realized.... Huh! my thumbs were on top and my heels down!

2.Your horses "head carriage": I had a fantastic teacher who taught me head carriage was an art and a formula that is ever changing. That instructor was a young chestnut thoroughbred by the name of Simon! When I got Simon off the track I practically purchased a giraffe. I began going down the list of fixes my inexperienced self knew.  Draw reins, standing martingale, running martingale, side reins, any gadget out there you name it, I tried it. Defying most odds, nothing brought his head to an "ideal head carriage".... or even close. I took me years of experimentation and some wise dressage coaches along the way to come to the realization.... my horses head and neck were not the problem! Shocker! after forgetting about his head and learning to ride him straight.... not just from point a to point b, straight between both legs and both reins, my giraffe turned into a horse, and a nice moving one at that!

3.Finding your distance: This is something I think a lot of riders struggle with, myself included! I spent years and years obsessing over finding the "perfect distance" to every jump. I thought every time I cantered into a jump I had to find it, surely it was there.... as we chipped in for the 50'th time.... I beat myself up, yet again because apparently I was too dumb to find that distance. When I attended the Candice King clinic this past fall, I over heard an on looker after a session talking with Candice about how amazing it was that once she got her students to ride their horses straight as well as keeping power through the turn the distance to the fence came up every time. Candice replied "I can't stand when I hear coaches at the ring tell their students.... find a better distance than last time... that's like trying to read Chinese to me!" Those were music to my ears.... you mean finding a distance isn't about... finding a distance? No! This is a truth I am still learning, experimenting and understanding but I had became so distance obsessed I forgot to ride my horse. I forgot about my canter, my turn, my horses adjust-ability and beat myself up every time I did it wrong.

The more I learn and attempt to understand this sport the more I realize I have yet to learn. This sport is a never ending learning process and I find that fascinating. I hope this post only encourages you in your riding that you will have an ah ha moment and it will all make sense! Continue pressing on and trying your hardest and some day you will look like all your doing is, sitting still and looking pretty!

* I will also note that I believe all the gadgets I listed above do have a time and a purpose. I understand they can be useful tools in the right hands but often they are used to speed along a process that takes time and patience!

Looking Ahead

Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and........ welcome spring? If you live in upstate New York you understand that predictable weather is NOT expected and the best plan of attack should be... 'expect the unexpected'. We were able to enjoy an almost white Christmas and currently have been experiencing much warmer temps than normal! For us horse loving addicts, who spend all day in the barn, it has come as a welcoming relief.


It has been awhile since my last post and I can say their are so many things on the horizon for 2017 that I am beyond excited about! First off  I have continued my work at Lollypop Farm. The new indoor has been a huge asset to the farm and the horses have started a working program that has transformed them tremendously already! Lollypop welcomed a new Equine Manager in November that I have had the opportunity to work closely with. Lauren is bringing great ideas and changes to the Equine program at Lollypop that will benefit the future of these horses. To find out more about  Lauren and the use of the new indoor arena check out this video.

https://youtu.be/reiOoA_SyvM





I am looking ahead to a few special events this year that I can't announce just yet but you may see a familiar face out and about in the near future.

I had the opportunity to write up a short post for ROC The Standardbred's website! I was able to relive Little Louie's early days and how much I now appreciate Standardbreds and their train ability!
https://www.rocthestandardbred.org/standardbred-testimonials









Although my blog has been 100% dedicated to the horses I work with I should announce that I will be getting married this July! It will be a crazy and exciting year but I am looking forward to every moment!

  As I 'Look Ahead' to 2017 I am beyond blessed by the opportunities I have and the people around me that support me in my endeavors. I can not wait to see what 2017 brings. I look forward to all of the people I will meet and horses I will ride! Here's to 2017 and a blessed New year!

 

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! :)