I feel like life has been breathed back into me. My horses are slowly but surely loosing their winter coats and there is short shiny coats on the way! Grass is growning, trees are turning green and I rode in a tank top today! All the horses/ponies are getting worked. This has been the first year since I have owned him that Steady has felt like he was a bonafide trained horse after so many months off. I got on and he got to work. Doing the whole dressagey thing. His canter is lovely but it has always been an issue when he is not super fit. I love that he comes back into fitness so quickly. I swear I looked at him yesterday and I felt like he was an overweight middle aged hippy and today he is looking like a stud in his prime.
My 11 year old daughter has been having a blast on the little pony we are leasing. And it has made her realize that riding is more fun when you don't have to fight a green pony every ride. It has also made her agree that selling Lily is what is best for her right now. So we will be getting Lily back into working mode then getting a sale ad together. She WILL make a great pony for someone. I jumped her today for the first time in over 7 months and it was like she never skipped a beat. She loves jumping and her canter has improve SO much over this winter it is like riding a different animal. She has amazing uphill transitions. Like more uphill than I have ever felt on Steady. She can still get down hill during the canter but for a pony that was incapable of cantering on a circle just months ago it is a whole new world.
I have my therapy back, being back on a horses back so all is right in my world. I fear that competing, clinics and even lessons will suffer this year. I start massage therapy school in just two weeks and I have no idea what to expect and how I am going to balance it all. Also I will be paying a school bill each month which will mean less excess money for non essentials. Though I tend to believe me competing is actually an essential expense, Ryan does not agree and I can see where he is coming from. But what this does mean that in just over a year I will be making money and then this money issue will not stand in my way of getting where I want to go!
We will still get out this year you can be sure of that. It just may not bet the 4-5 recognized events that I would love to do if life, money and responsibilities were not an issue. And though it seems a bit strange the idea of competing Novice this year actually sound a bit boring. Strange right!? So we will be stepping up our game this year and move ourselves along. Steady is game. I am game. Why not?!
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Thursday, May 1, 2014
The Real Rolex Rockstar
I am telling you I am obsessed.
When the obsession started: Nearly the end of the cross country day at Rolex. I had spent hours upon hours walking miles and miles. Watching horse after horse, jump, jump after jump. I saw great ones, scary ones, beautiful ones. There really is nothing like XC day at Rolex. And the weather, oh my lovely! The day was nearly over. Just two horses still on course and the day was over too soon. My two wonderful daughters and my new super cool Rolex buddy M had migrated our way to jump 25, The Kentucky Cabins. I saw about 3 horses come through and each one though they made it through looked like they were happy to be closing in on the finish line. Two even giving the question a second look but in the end were obedient and cleared the combination. Then there was Rocky! Before this moment knew nothing of this horse and the only thing I knew of the rider was that her number was 74 and it was the girl that was surely just 12 years old that we noticed as we were at the Hollow earlier in the day, walking the course. I think the conversation with M went something like, "Who is that walking on course?". "Is she a competitor?". "I don't know she looks like she is all of 12 years old." "I guess she is since she is wearing a number." "That is insane, she looks so young!".
As I watched the duo near the jump I saw something I hadn't yet seen this far into the course. The horse fighting his rider to let him run faster. Libby was obviously trying to set her horse up well to the combination. Others had come through and I had heard grunting. Seen whips swatting but none having to say, hey dude chill out. He flew over them just 2 question from the end of a 4* XC course. Not to mention he was a little dude. The next words out of my mouth after I picked up my jaw off the ground was, "That HAS to be a thoroughbred!" That's it I was officially obsessed.
On the way to the vet box we were scouring the program to learn more of this tiny but mighty horse. He was indeed a thoroughbred. Only 15.1 hands, the shortest horse out there, 16 years old and his first Rolex. The rider Libby Head was not 12 but was just 22 and her first 4* as well and she the youngest rider out there! At the vet box the little guy stood next the great Arthur which made him look even smaller. Though Arthur is truly a beautiful specimen I could not take my eyes off this amazing little ball of fire that was still doing a bit of dancing post Rolex XC run. After Libby had taken Sir Rockstar back to the barns I asked the grooms if Libby owned him and they said yes.
I have been searching the internet since and have found all I can on the feisty pair. I have friended Libby on facebook and put in a request to Eventing Nation to interview Libby. They told me they are "on it" so I am excited to see what they learn. I have looked up his race record and have read and watched all I can find on them.
Rolex is amazing! The riders are world class. But so many at the top of the list are, yes, the best riders in the world but they have their pick of the litter. Money, though often times not their own, to spare when it comes to what they ride and how they are brought along. I do not mean to discount these riders because I too am in awe of them. But when a story like Libby and Rocky comes along I think it gives hope that the sport, while an expensive one, is not entirely ruled by the one with the fattest checking account. But a 22 year old with a rescued OTTB can bring her horse up the levels. Surely a horse no one else ever saw 4* potential in and completely WOW a crowd of people with their presence and shine like stars. Proving to the world that they belong at the top!
They were one of only a small handful of people with a double clear show jumping round and ended their first Rolex experience 19th amidst some famous names. They, in my eyes, were the true rock stars of Rolex 2014. I am sure it is not the last we have heard of this dynamic duo!
If you, like me, love the thoroughbred and like to research stuffs like this here is his race record and pedigree.
USEA article about their run at Fair Hill
EN Intercollegiate article
EN Rolex Rookies article
Their XC at Rolex
When the obsession started: Nearly the end of the cross country day at Rolex. I had spent hours upon hours walking miles and miles. Watching horse after horse, jump, jump after jump. I saw great ones, scary ones, beautiful ones. There really is nothing like XC day at Rolex. And the weather, oh my lovely! The day was nearly over. Just two horses still on course and the day was over too soon. My two wonderful daughters and my new super cool Rolex buddy M had migrated our way to jump 25, The Kentucky Cabins. I saw about 3 horses come through and each one though they made it through looked like they were happy to be closing in on the finish line. Two even giving the question a second look but in the end were obedient and cleared the combination. Then there was Rocky! Before this moment knew nothing of this horse and the only thing I knew of the rider was that her number was 74 and it was the girl that was surely just 12 years old that we noticed as we were at the Hollow earlier in the day, walking the course. I think the conversation with M went something like, "Who is that walking on course?". "Is she a competitor?". "I don't know she looks like she is all of 12 years old." "I guess she is since she is wearing a number." "That is insane, she looks so young!".
As I watched the duo near the jump I saw something I hadn't yet seen this far into the course. The horse fighting his rider to let him run faster. Libby was obviously trying to set her horse up well to the combination. Others had come through and I had heard grunting. Seen whips swatting but none having to say, hey dude chill out. He flew over them just 2 question from the end of a 4* XC course. Not to mention he was a little dude. The next words out of my mouth after I picked up my jaw off the ground was, "That HAS to be a thoroughbred!" That's it I was officially obsessed.
![]() |
| Fly little guy, fly!! |
On the way to the vet box we were scouring the program to learn more of this tiny but mighty horse. He was indeed a thoroughbred. Only 15.1 hands, the shortest horse out there, 16 years old and his first Rolex. The rider Libby Head was not 12 but was just 22 and her first 4* as well and she the youngest rider out there! At the vet box the little guy stood next the great Arthur which made him look even smaller. Though Arthur is truly a beautiful specimen I could not take my eyes off this amazing little ball of fire that was still doing a bit of dancing post Rolex XC run. After Libby had taken Sir Rockstar back to the barns I asked the grooms if Libby owned him and they said yes.
I have been searching the internet since and have found all I can on the feisty pair. I have friended Libby on facebook and put in a request to Eventing Nation to interview Libby. They told me they are "on it" so I am excited to see what they learn. I have looked up his race record and have read and watched all I can find on them.
Rolex is amazing! The riders are world class. But so many at the top of the list are, yes, the best riders in the world but they have their pick of the litter. Money, though often times not their own, to spare when it comes to what they ride and how they are brought along. I do not mean to discount these riders because I too am in awe of them. But when a story like Libby and Rocky comes along I think it gives hope that the sport, while an expensive one, is not entirely ruled by the one with the fattest checking account. But a 22 year old with a rescued OTTB can bring her horse up the levels. Surely a horse no one else ever saw 4* potential in and completely WOW a crowd of people with their presence and shine like stars. Proving to the world that they belong at the top!
They were one of only a small handful of people with a double clear show jumping round and ended their first Rolex experience 19th amidst some famous names. They, in my eyes, were the true rock stars of Rolex 2014. I am sure it is not the last we have heard of this dynamic duo!
If you, like me, love the thoroughbred and like to research stuffs like this here is his race record and pedigree.
USEA article about their run at Fair Hill
EN Intercollegiate article
EN Rolex Rookies article
Their XC at Rolex
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Eventers Descend
It's that time of year
Filled with equestrian cheer
Donned in their Dubarry's
t-shirts and hats
Eventers descend like predator cats
We watch as they dance
and gawk as they prance
There's corgis galore
and store after store
by Sunday each credit card sore
Take time off of work
get help with the chores
whatever you must
It's Rolex or bust
Ok I am no poet but in spirit of the Eventers Christmas, i.e. Rolex just a week away I couldn't help it. I am quite excited and I think after the fog of horse show duties dissipates I will actually be able to enjoy the excitement. OMG I never knew what it took to organize a horse show of this size but NOW I DO! Lucky me! Anyways that is a week of posts in and of its own that I will spare you.
Let's Meet up!!!
I'd like us to plan a blogger meet up. I know there is always that creepy factor but hey we can choose a public place. Not to mention the possibility of, "what if we don't get along well and it is just really awkward?" Ok let's just make sure there is alcohol involved. Every body is friendlier with a drink in them. I am going to throw some ideas out there and those of you coming to Mecca next week respond and vote on an activity and a day.
Activities
Course walk
Dinner
Lunch
Makers Mark tent
Suggestions
Days
Friday
Saturday
Filled with equestrian cheer
Donned in their Dubarry's
t-shirts and hats
Eventers descend like predator cats
We watch as they dance
and gawk as they prance
There's corgis galore
and store after store
by Sunday each credit card sore
Take time off of work
get help with the chores
whatever you must
It's Rolex or bust
Ok I am no poet but in spirit of the Eventers Christmas, i.e. Rolex just a week away I couldn't help it. I am quite excited and I think after the fog of horse show duties dissipates I will actually be able to enjoy the excitement. OMG I never knew what it took to organize a horse show of this size but NOW I DO! Lucky me! Anyways that is a week of posts in and of its own that I will spare you.
Let's Meet up!!!
I'd like us to plan a blogger meet up. I know there is always that creepy factor but hey we can choose a public place. Not to mention the possibility of, "what if we don't get along well and it is just really awkward?" Ok let's just make sure there is alcohol involved. Every body is friendlier with a drink in them. I am going to throw some ideas out there and those of you coming to Mecca next week respond and vote on an activity and a day.
Activities
Course walk
Dinner
Lunch
Makers Mark tent
Suggestions
Days
Friday
Saturday
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Melancholy
Though I doubt my absence from the blogging world has been all that missed, I shall return, nonetheless. I can spare all the excuses and just sum it up in that I have been pouting. Let me clarify I have not been pouting when it come to regular life stuff. As for horse things I have been too melancholy to muster up anything remotely interesting or positive to write about. I don't care to come on here and whine and complain because that is not my over all attitude about my life but when you ask me about horse things that is the gist of how I come across. Great things have been happening in my life none of which I will bore you with but also none of which have anything to do with horses. It's all been more along the lines of remodeling, tropical vacations, amazing children and husband stuffs
I have been watching friends go off to clinics and lessons and south to ride. Sending in entries to shows and planning out their show season. Even being the secretary for the a large local CT and Dressage schooling show and processing and scheduling a couple hundred rides that a bunch of other people get to ride. All the while, I have not been able to do a damn thing with my horse. I try not to let it get me down but every once in a while it does overwhelm me.
Pretty much the last 5 months and be summed up into freezing, gross weather that made riding impossible. I have been feeding, carrying water buckets, breaking ice off of water buckets and that is pretty much it. My horse, has slowly but surely lost all semblance of a topline and that makes me feel like crying when I see him. He is a wooly mammoth. I did get on once about two weeks ago when finally decent weather coincided with semi dry ground. Most people in the Midwest lost much riding time and all had to deal with the treacherous winter we had so I don't think I am singled out as having a tough time with it all. It has just sucked. If I have to go one more winter without an arena I may loose my mind.
The one ride I did have I was highly impressed with the wooly beast. He was a gentleman and work hard to stay in contact and use himself correctly. It was tough for him and I only asked small amounts but when I did ask, he obliged. I did not canter. That would be cruel considering the lack of muscle tone he has. My guess, if I ever get to ride consistently again in my whole entire life(dramatic much?) cantering is a few weeks off. It may come in the near future but I don't want to get my hopes up. The weather is finally decent and then came the flooding. So daily I will be checking to see if the water subsides enough to not slip around like a slip n slide. It is soon though, it has to be. So to be continued with much more interesting reading that contain less whining and more riding!
And just because I have no picture involving horses I will add in this picture of me with an iguana wearing a hat, on my shoulder in San Juan, Puerto Rico last week. Because, well....why not?
I have been watching friends go off to clinics and lessons and south to ride. Sending in entries to shows and planning out their show season. Even being the secretary for the a large local CT and Dressage schooling show and processing and scheduling a couple hundred rides that a bunch of other people get to ride. All the while, I have not been able to do a damn thing with my horse. I try not to let it get me down but every once in a while it does overwhelm me.
Pretty much the last 5 months and be summed up into freezing, gross weather that made riding impossible. I have been feeding, carrying water buckets, breaking ice off of water buckets and that is pretty much it. My horse, has slowly but surely lost all semblance of a topline and that makes me feel like crying when I see him. He is a wooly mammoth. I did get on once about two weeks ago when finally decent weather coincided with semi dry ground. Most people in the Midwest lost much riding time and all had to deal with the treacherous winter we had so I don't think I am singled out as having a tough time with it all. It has just sucked. If I have to go one more winter without an arena I may loose my mind.
The one ride I did have I was highly impressed with the wooly beast. He was a gentleman and work hard to stay in contact and use himself correctly. It was tough for him and I only asked small amounts but when I did ask, he obliged. I did not canter. That would be cruel considering the lack of muscle tone he has. My guess, if I ever get to ride consistently again in my whole entire life(dramatic much?) cantering is a few weeks off. It may come in the near future but I don't want to get my hopes up. The weather is finally decent and then came the flooding. So daily I will be checking to see if the water subsides enough to not slip around like a slip n slide. It is soon though, it has to be. So to be continued with much more interesting reading that contain less whining and more riding!
And just because I have no picture involving horses I will add in this picture of me with an iguana wearing a hat, on my shoulder in San Juan, Puerto Rico last week. Because, well....why not?
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Wrap up and look forward.
I am not motivated to get into lengthy posts on the past year nor the year coming. I am not setting any goals at least as of this moment. We are just going to keep moving forward and make progress the best we can. Last year was a complete learning experience being the first year that my daughter's riding goals really took a good deal of effort. I mean before it was learning the basics and a couple fun things here and there. Now she has goals of her own and it requires, time, money and travel. Which takes sacrificing each of those things on my part to make it happen. I say sacrifice but it really isn't a sacrifice I happily give some of it up. I rejoice just as much if not more to watch my daughters' progress and accomplish their goals and dreams. It is especially cool when those dreams and goals involve horses. It's a win, win!
Awesome things happened this year and dreams of mine came to fruition! It was quite amazing. Top of the list was competing at KHP and killing it!!!! Then there was Leg Up that we also killed it! And then a successful move up to Novice at the end of the season. I took several lessons and focused a great deal on dressage.
There were plenty of ups and downs when it came to Elaina and Lily. Their progress was slow but sure. They did awesome at the county fair. They had a hiccup at Pony Club when she came home in a cast. She rated up to a D-2! She came off a fair amount of times, each time taking a year off my life. And she proved herself by getting back on every single time without fear and never ever getting upset with her pony.
My youngest daughter Kelcie expressed interest in riding and got her first pony Penny. She has been dedicated in caring for her and learning to ride. She is rocking the post now!
Bottom line 2013 was a happy, healthy, progressing and blessed year. I could not ask for more!
2014 holds possibilities and hope that we will keep continuing in that direction.
I want to kill Novice level at a schooling and recognized level. I want to keep focusing on "real" dressage and possibly start doing some dressage shows. Get to as many lessons and clinics as I possibly can. And keep living this dream of a life that I am in. Yes it is general but that is pretty much it. I foresee 2014 as a year of change and I will keep my riding goals vague. The first few years at this I was pushing,pushing,pushing to get better and better. And though I fully intend to keep heading in that direction it will be at a more relaxed pace. I am happy where my horse is I am happy where I am and who knows where the future may take us. I plan to start Massage Therapy school in the fall. The course will take a year and I will be certified in human Pfrimmer Deep Tissue massage therapy and also Deep Tissue Equine massage therapy. We plan to put our house on the market in the spring and moving to the Dayton/Cincinnati area will be in our near future. Yes if you are wondering we will be moving to another farm where the horses will be in our backyard. That is just a given.
Elaina will have plenty of opportunity bringing Lily along but also being able to do some Eventing with Penny who is more seasoned. Pony Club National Festival comes to Lexington and she
hopes to compete in the "quiz" competition on a national level with a team from our new club. There is fair and Pony Club clinics, meeting, rallies and camps Oh My! We will be busy. I will be working hard to keep all the plates in the air and fixing them when they inevitably come crashing down at times. It is all a part of the crazy, fun life of trying to "have it all".
Kelcie will be working towards getting off the lunge line and riding on her own. Then we will start her over her first jumps! Working towards next year getting to be a big PCer!
A few photo highlights from the year.
Annual trip to Rolex
![]() |
| I went all creepy stalker on WFP |
| I spent a shitton of money. |
![]() |
| My daughter got a picture that she will be drooling over for many years to come. |
![]() |
| This happened. |
![]() |
| Corgi goes to Florida. |
![]() |
| This |
![]() |
| and this. |
![]() |
| Not to be outdone in the cuteness department these two had to go and do this. |
![]() |
| This happened :(... |
![]() |
| But it was no time until they were doing this again! |
Oh yeah and this happened!
| And they are just freaking cute cleaning boots. |
![]() |
| We went here... |
![]() |
| and this happened. |
![]() |
| And collectively....awwwwww...this happened for Kelcie. |
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Happy Christmas, Merry New Year and all the rest of that stuff...
...from our family to yours, human and animals alike!
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Frugality at it's Finest
The title would more accurately read "Frugality at it's Ghettoest" it just didn't have quite the same ring to it. Best part of this post is I actually have pictures. Not only that, but there are even horses in some of them! Unfortunately there are no pictures of horses with people on them but baby steps right?!
I first must apologize to those of you who entered my Higher Standards give away. I did not forget about you, I was just surprised at how few people entered so I was planning to extend it out. Then I got crazy busy with Thanksgiving and didn't get around to letting everyone know what was going on. I will be extending the give away but need to create it's own post. Just know I have not forgotten about you!
Now on to the ridiculousness that is my mind. Have any of you ever taken a pile of money, lit a match and thrown it in and watched your money burn? Yeah, me either but I imagine it feels much like purchasing a high quality, grass and alfalfa mix 1000lb round bale. Then you watch as your horses within hours rip it apart. Strewing pile after perfectly good, healthy pile of hay all around them. Then proceed to see them not just refuse to eat the strewn hay but use it as their personal horse bathroom and bedding. They roll and poop and pee and deem anything that touches the ground pretty much inedible. One horse and two ponies can tear apart a massive 1000 lb round bale in about a week and a half. Wasting, in my inexpert guesstimation, about 1/3 of the round bale. That is about 333 lbs of hay that is pretty much composted back into the earth. It hurts, it really really hurts to watch your money be wasted right before your eyes. But when temperatures get at and below freezing I feel it is important to their health to have constant access to forage so though it is sad to see the waste I do it for my beloveds health.
You also run into the problem that once the bale has been pulled apart and much of it is exposed once it rains much more is even wasted because it gets soaked.
Now there are round bale feeders that can keep horses from climbing in the bale which is a good option. But they can still pull it apart then it get rained on and thus wasted. Instead I came up with my own invention to conserve my hay. I have done it for about a year now and it takes very little time and effort and no extra money because I had everything I use on hand. It keeps them from tearing the bale apart and it makes it easy to cover when the weather man is calling for rain. It is a cheap method but it probably is pretty ghetto. So here it is the Amy Round Bale Preserver.
It takes two ratchet straps and two tarps and a couple minutes a day. Cheap, ghetto but functional. For the most part it makes the horses work a hole down the center. At the end of the day I will even go collect any dry good hay that does happen do get strewn on the ground and take it to the barn to feed when the are in their stalls. The waste is extremely minimal. So there it is in all it's glory! Then when they call for rain the horses go in their stalls and one more tarp goes over the top and I use two pieces of wood to weigh down the tarp and viola! Water proof!
And for your enjoyment a photo dump of what happens when I try to go out to the pasture to get a picture of my lovely beasts actually utilizing my ghettorific invench!
I first must apologize to those of you who entered my Higher Standards give away. I did not forget about you, I was just surprised at how few people entered so I was planning to extend it out. Then I got crazy busy with Thanksgiving and didn't get around to letting everyone know what was going on. I will be extending the give away but need to create it's own post. Just know I have not forgotten about you!
Now on to the ridiculousness that is my mind. Have any of you ever taken a pile of money, lit a match and thrown it in and watched your money burn? Yeah, me either but I imagine it feels much like purchasing a high quality, grass and alfalfa mix 1000lb round bale. Then you watch as your horses within hours rip it apart. Strewing pile after perfectly good, healthy pile of hay all around them. Then proceed to see them not just refuse to eat the strewn hay but use it as their personal horse bathroom and bedding. They roll and poop and pee and deem anything that touches the ground pretty much inedible. One horse and two ponies can tear apart a massive 1000 lb round bale in about a week and a half. Wasting, in my inexpert guesstimation, about 1/3 of the round bale. That is about 333 lbs of hay that is pretty much composted back into the earth. It hurts, it really really hurts to watch your money be wasted right before your eyes. But when temperatures get at and below freezing I feel it is important to their health to have constant access to forage so though it is sad to see the waste I do it for my beloveds health.
You also run into the problem that once the bale has been pulled apart and much of it is exposed once it rains much more is even wasted because it gets soaked.
Now there are round bale feeders that can keep horses from climbing in the bale which is a good option. But they can still pull it apart then it get rained on and thus wasted. Instead I came up with my own invention to conserve my hay. I have done it for about a year now and it takes very little time and effort and no extra money because I had everything I use on hand. It keeps them from tearing the bale apart and it makes it easy to cover when the weather man is calling for rain. It is a cheap method but it probably is pretty ghetto. So here it is the Amy Round Bale Preserver.
It takes two ratchet straps and two tarps and a couple minutes a day. Cheap, ghetto but functional. For the most part it makes the horses work a hole down the center. At the end of the day I will even go collect any dry good hay that does happen do get strewn on the ground and take it to the barn to feed when the are in their stalls. The waste is extremely minimal. So there it is in all it's glory! Then when they call for rain the horses go in their stalls and one more tarp goes over the top and I use two pieces of wood to weigh down the tarp and viola! Water proof!
And for your enjoyment a photo dump of what happens when I try to go out to the pasture to get a picture of my lovely beasts actually utilizing my ghettorific invench!
| Steady- Hey guys! It's Mom! |
| Hank- We should go say hi! |
| Lily: That's a great idea! |
| Penny- SWEET! I get the bale to myself!!!! |
| Where did the pony head go??? Entire head and neck lost to the hay monster! |
| Steady- Whacha got Mom?! |
| Meh that's a camera, did you drop the good stuff? |
| Uhhh there was nuthin' down there. |
| Here let me check it out. |
| mmmm...tastes like camera. Not my favorite but I am not picky. |
| Lily back off she is mine. |
| Dirty, Sexy Butt...hmmm that comment might attract some undesirable traffic to my blog. |
| Steady- Lily I am not kidding, back off. |
| Ok, we friends. |
| Ha! He fell for it! |
| Now hurry give me all your foods! |
| Oh he is dashing... |
| so dashing... |
| and he is mine, all mine. |
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