Calm, Forward, Straight
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Friday, October 25, 2013
If you're gonna be dumb, you gotta be tough...
The trip home from Md was swift and uneventful, if supremely uncomfortable and a tad nerve wracking. I was packed and ready to leave at dawn. Val loaded beautifully, and the traffic gods blessed us. I managed to get an appointment with a semi-local ortho the following afternoon...
Doctor #3 was definitely my fave.
Not because he was handsome, funny and gentle, but because he saw no need to slice me open and insert a Plate With Six Screws - Dr. #2's solution. (Dr. #1 vet wrapped my splint so tightly that my fingers nearly burst from swelling.) While the surgical option would have given me wrist mobility the soonest, the thought of general anesthesia + invasiveness made me sick with dread.
We let gravity comfortably realign the larger bone pieces. The results are a long cast, reaching a few inches below my shoulder. Mid November brings a short cast - total of six weeks. No restrictions other than don't pick up more than five pounds, and if it hurts - don't keep doing it. Thank goodness for common sense.
So far I have managed the pain with otc anti-inflammatories. The inconvenience and worry far outweigh the discomfort. Still haven't figured out how to work an ice tray, wash my right arm and - horrors - open an oyster. Hay bale slinging is out of the question, though I can manage the rest of my jobs so far.
It wasn't all emergencies and drama up at the farm. My hosts were so wonderful. And I learned so much. The one hand typing style is getting old though, so next post - clinic write-up.
Doctor #3 was definitely my fave.
Not because he was handsome, funny and gentle, but because he saw no need to slice me open and insert a Plate With Six Screws - Dr. #2's solution. (Dr. #1 vet wrapped my splint so tightly that my fingers nearly burst from swelling.) While the surgical option would have given me wrist mobility the soonest, the thought of general anesthesia + invasiveness made me sick with dread.
We let gravity comfortably realign the larger bone pieces. The results are a long cast, reaching a few inches below my shoulder. Mid November brings a short cast - total of six weeks. No restrictions other than don't pick up more than five pounds, and if it hurts - don't keep doing it. Thank goodness for common sense.
So far I have managed the pain with otc anti-inflammatories. The inconvenience and worry far outweigh the discomfort. Still haven't figured out how to work an ice tray, wash my right arm and - horrors - open an oyster. Hay bale slinging is out of the question, though I can manage the rest of my jobs so far.
It wasn't all emergencies and drama up at the farm. My hosts were so wonderful. And I learned so much. The one hand typing style is getting old though, so next post - clinic write-up.
Monday, October 21, 2013
In the Arena # 152 - How I spent my summer vacation or When it rains it pours...
No - not a riding incident. I didn't even get to ride. Just bad judgement in the confined space of a stall with a very unsettled horse. By far my worst injuries with horses have been on the ground...
Yes it hurt like a son of a bitch. It bent backwards way too far. Choice words -"F#@& - I just broke my f#@&ing arm!" Sad face here...
Damage - all I can say is the sound was disgusting. Seriously, it felt like my bone exploded. Every medical person who looked at the xrays made that not favorable whistling sound as they shot a glance my way.
There are some choices to make in the next few days, but first I have to get myself back home. One armed trailer hauling + standard transmission...
It's not all rainbows and unicorns but I did learn a ton. More medical details, a full clinic write-up and hints on how to Do All The Chores One-Handed to come.
Saturday, October 19, 2013
In the Arena #151 - Ready or not - here we come...
The past several weeks have been overrun with travel preparations. When it wasn't raining that is. Thirteen inches in thirty six hours. Okay - I'm really sorry I complained about how dry it was, how I was tired of having to water the plants, and especially how I couldn't use the arena, because then this happened:
We did get some decent rides in before the deluge. One in particular combined an energetic, attentive horse with a balanced, focused rider. Heavenly. Actual round circles. Really nicely forward + good bend, off of light aids. Best ride all year, and it felt like we might possibly be ready for our clinic. Of course I promptly got dumped the next day following a very lateral duck and spook, the source of which was a total mystery. (wouldn't want to get over confident or anything...) No worse for the wear, I remounted and we continued working.
With no objections to getting wrapped, and after donning his protective headgear, Val self loaded and we hit the road. (love my horse!) I worried that he wasn't eating his hay, because he's such a rubbernecker when we trailer - always looking out the windows - but at our midway stop he'd finished his travel manger and promptly polished off the half bucket of soupy mash I held for him. He only got a little on me. ;D (is it weird that he pees on a moving trailer?)
After an uneventful seven hour trip, we arrived at L's farm. Val settled into his accommodations, although sadly for him he's residing in the round pen. Coming from the land of sand and no grass it didn't seem a good idea to go straight on to 24/7 grazing. Poor Val... Maybe to pay me back - he waited several hours before drinking anything. At bed check he pulled his face out of the water bucket to greet me, so all is well.
Saturday is our first mounted lesson + an unmounted bio-mechanics seminar. (!)
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| I will not walk in the quicksand... |
 |
| Somehow no wires or insulators popped... It's fun to do electric fence repairs in the pouring rain. Yes - that branch is covered in poison ivy. |
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| Not scared unless it falls on me... |
We did get some decent rides in before the deluge. One in particular combined an energetic, attentive horse with a balanced, focused rider. Heavenly. Actual round circles. Really nicely forward + good bend, off of light aids. Best ride all year, and it felt like we might possibly be ready for our clinic. Of course I promptly got dumped the next day following a very lateral duck and spook, the source of which was a total mystery. (wouldn't want to get over confident or anything...) No worse for the wear, I remounted and we continued working.
 |
| Loving you despite the sandy helmet... |
With no objections to getting wrapped, and after donning his protective headgear, Val self loaded and we hit the road. (love my horse!) I worried that he wasn't eating his hay, because he's such a rubbernecker when we trailer - always looking out the windows - but at our midway stop he'd finished his travel manger and promptly polished off the half bucket of soupy mash I held for him. He only got a little on me. ;D (is it weird that he pees on a moving trailer?)
After an uneventful seven hour trip, we arrived at L's farm. Val settled into his accommodations, although sadly for him he's residing in the round pen. Coming from the land of sand and no grass it didn't seem a good idea to go straight on to 24/7 grazing. Poor Val... Maybe to pay me back - he waited several hours before drinking anything. At bed check he pulled his face out of the water bucket to greet me, so all is well.
Saturday is our first mounted lesson + an unmounted bio-mechanics seminar. (!)
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
In the Arena #150 - Back to the drawing board + a super cool contest!
We're on a roll. Sort of.
A synopsis of events since spring:
- Val becomes three legged lame with a never pops mystery abscess. Six weeks gone.
- I learn apainful valuable lesson about girth tightening and bust my a$$. Six weeks down the drain.
- After a crazy month straight of rain every day, (source of abscess), apparently, it will never rain again. Water table historically low - my sand arena... more like a quicksand arena.
- I find L, my new trainer, who is super helpful, but located far, far away.
So now we're working towards an October 18th clinic. L's a student of Mary Wanless and Mark Rashid, specializing in biomechanics. So fortunate to have this opportunity.
The plan of action to prepare for our trip hinges on short term goals:
Daily - confirm forward, focus on contact, pick one other thing to work on for each ride.
Weekly - keep rides short but increase frequency each week. No drilling. Consistency is key.
Monthly - both of us fit, with the basics confirmed, so we can move forward while we have the benefit of several days with a trainer.
Changing trainers has provided an interesting lens to analyze my riding through. One element where there's a glaring difference, is the go button. With OT the aid was calf related. A wiggle of the ankle to lightly brush the barrel with your calf, tap, tap, tap with the whip as backup. NT - more seat/weight oriented, and straight to the whip if necessary. Thigh on, but calf has a whisper of contact. With OT I remember feeling that the motion of my leg was pulling me out of position. With NT, I'm stable.
With L's horse Tom Terrific, it definitely made a difference, because as I struggled not to nag with my leg while asking for the trot - surprise - we went straight to the canter. A bumpy little "not sure if you were asking for this - crazy lady with the spastic legs" canter. After a few tries I moderated my ask and we had a decent trot transition. Hello forward horse + light aids... it's been a while.
Anyhow - that's where we are. My seat is feeling more secure and effective. Val's been relaxed and blowing, tentatively taking contact. My aids are getting lighter, and lighter aids are all that's necessary. Every ride is a little better than the last. We've only got about a third of the arena that's rideable, but throw some cones in to make it interesting and we're cooking with gas.
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
If you haven't already, head over to Life of Riley to enter a contest celebrating her 200th post. (with really great prizes) Or don't - better chances for me that way! ;D
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
A synopsis of events since spring:
- Val becomes three legged lame with a never pops mystery abscess. Six weeks gone.
- I learn a
- After a crazy month straight of rain every day, (source of abscess), apparently, it will never rain again. Water table historically low - my sand arena... more like a quicksand arena.
- I find L, my new trainer, who is super helpful, but located far, far away.
So now we're working towards an October 18th clinic. L's a student of Mary Wanless and Mark Rashid, specializing in biomechanics. So fortunate to have this opportunity.
The plan of action to prepare for our trip hinges on short term goals:
Daily - confirm forward, focus on contact, pick one other thing to work on for each ride.
Weekly - keep rides short but increase frequency each week. No drilling. Consistency is key.
Monthly - both of us fit, with the basics confirmed, so we can move forward while we have the benefit of several days with a trainer.
Changing trainers has provided an interesting lens to analyze my riding through. One element where there's a glaring difference, is the go button. With OT the aid was calf related. A wiggle of the ankle to lightly brush the barrel with your calf, tap, tap, tap with the whip as backup. NT - more seat/weight oriented, and straight to the whip if necessary. Thigh on, but calf has a whisper of contact. With OT I remember feeling that the motion of my leg was pulling me out of position. With NT, I'm stable.
With L's horse Tom Terrific, it definitely made a difference, because as I struggled not to nag with my leg while asking for the trot - surprise - we went straight to the canter. A bumpy little "not sure if you were asking for this - crazy lady with the spastic legs" canter. After a few tries I moderated my ask and we had a decent trot transition. Hello forward horse + light aids... it's been a while.
Anyhow - that's where we are. My seat is feeling more secure and effective. Val's been relaxed and blowing, tentatively taking contact. My aids are getting lighter, and lighter aids are all that's necessary. Every ride is a little better than the last. We've only got about a third of the arena that's rideable, but throw some cones in to make it interesting and we're cooking with gas.
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
If you haven't already, head over to Life of Riley to enter a contest celebrating her 200th post. (with really great prizes) Or don't - better chances for me that way! ;D
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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| smooches for a good boy |
Sunday, September 15, 2013
In the Arena #149 - Fifty Bales of Hay...
It's been a productive week at the farmette.
A trip up the road for supplies...
Seriously - what's sexier than a full trailer?
A barn full. Yummy.
Had to de-bug first... sorry wasps. :(
My back is definitely not feeling sexy. Stacked six high... winter will be here before we know it.
And there were leftovers!
Fit in a trailer loading session... (selfie video not my strong suit, pardon the wiggles)
and a couple of very nice rides. What's not nice - this is what the footing looks like lately.
No rain for ages. I can barely push the wheelbarrow through it. A quick review of the archives reminded me that this is what we usually have to deal with in a dry summer. I've found this to be an incredibly frustrating situation, but resolve to accept it for the time being. Until funds are available for a new arena and a new water source to irrigate it with, we'll work with what we have, because we have to.
In the meantime, our goals are:
-- to implement the position changes I've worked on with my new trainer
-- to keep Val absolutely in front of my leg, requiring minimal aids to stay forward
-- to improve my focus, so that I can maintain steady, elastic contact
-- to know when to quit (holy crap this one's important!)
-- to get fit (both of us... talking about you too Val!)
so we don't make fools of ourselves - at the clinic we're going to in October! (controlled myself on the exclamation points)
I had a second (really good) lesson at L's place in July, but we both feel that lessons on Val would be ideal. (even though I'm quite fond of the other grey ottb in my life - Tom Terrific - edited to add his handsome mug)
It's such a long way to L's farm in Md - a mini-clinic is the only way to make taking Val up there feasible. We'll head up on a Friday and stay through Monday. The plan is for four mounted lessons, and hopefully an unmounted biomechanics seminar with some local riders. Should the weather not cooperate, we can trailer to an indoor. We'll cook meals and watch dvd's in the evenings. All horses, all the time. To say I'm over the moon would be an understatement.
It's a good feeling to have something to work toward again.
A trip up the road for supplies...
Seriously - what's sexier than a full trailer?
A barn full. Yummy.
Had to de-bug first... sorry wasps. :(
My back is definitely not feeling sexy. Stacked six high... winter will be here before we know it.
And there were leftovers!
Fit in a trailer loading session... (selfie video not my strong suit, pardon the wiggles)
and a couple of very nice rides. What's not nice - this is what the footing looks like lately.
No rain for ages. I can barely push the wheelbarrow through it. A quick review of the archives reminded me that this is what we usually have to deal with in a dry summer. I've found this to be an incredibly frustrating situation, but resolve to accept it for the time being. Until funds are available for a new arena and a new water source to irrigate it with, we'll work with what we have, because we have to.
In the meantime, our goals are:
-- to implement the position changes I've worked on with my new trainer
-- to keep Val absolutely in front of my leg, requiring minimal aids to stay forward
-- to improve my focus, so that I can maintain steady, elastic contact
-- to know when to quit (holy crap this one's important!)
-- to get fit (both of us... talking about you too Val!)
so we don't make fools of ourselves - at the clinic we're going to in October! (controlled myself on the exclamation points)
I had a second (really good) lesson at L's place in July, but we both feel that lessons on Val would be ideal. (even though I'm quite fond of the other grey ottb in my life - Tom Terrific - edited to add his handsome mug)
 |
It's a good feeling to have something to work toward again.
 |
| It's hard out here for a horse... ;D |
Sunday, September 8, 2013
In the Arena #148 - Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness...
I've been suffering from a persistent case of writer's block. And worse, rider's block.
Over the past two weeks I have finally climbed out of the emotional hole I tumbled into last fall. True, it has been a very difficult year. But the numerous posts I started and didn't publish, tended towards whining, complaining and excuses. So tedious and boring. And riding started to feel like a chore too. An obligation.
It's a funny thing, how much good riding and good writing have in common. Self discipline for instance. Not being afraid to make mistakes. Attention to detail. How it's usually a good idea to have a plan before you start. Intention.
Anyone can learn the rules of writing, but without something to say, without that spark - it's just an exercise in form. Many people can hop on a horse and go, but to get on the same page with one, to speak the same language, I think most of us need instruction. I don't want to get in the habit of phoning it in... at the keyboard or in the saddle. And I do want riding to bring me joy.
So that's what I've been struggling with. In the course of keeping up with my favorite blogs, I've been struck by some fine writing about some fine horsemanship. They've inspired me to organize my life so I look forward to writing about it. Inspired to make the sacrifices that will allow me to progress with my riding. Exciting news to come on that front - save this space.
There is light at the end of the tunnel...
Over the past two weeks I have finally climbed out of the emotional hole I tumbled into last fall. True, it has been a very difficult year. But the numerous posts I started and didn't publish, tended towards whining, complaining and excuses. So tedious and boring. And riding started to feel like a chore too. An obligation.
It's a funny thing, how much good riding and good writing have in common. Self discipline for instance. Not being afraid to make mistakes. Attention to detail. How it's usually a good idea to have a plan before you start. Intention.
Anyone can learn the rules of writing, but without something to say, without that spark - it's just an exercise in form. Many people can hop on a horse and go, but to get on the same page with one, to speak the same language, I think most of us need instruction. I don't want to get in the habit of phoning it in... at the keyboard or in the saddle. And I do want riding to bring me joy.
So that's what I've been struggling with. In the course of keeping up with my favorite blogs, I've been struck by some fine writing about some fine horsemanship. They've inspired me to organize my life so I look forward to writing about it. Inspired to make the sacrifices that will allow me to progress with my riding. Exciting news to come on that front - save this space.
There is light at the end of the tunnel...
✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Almost WW - Absence makes the heart grow fonder...
(Didn't I mention we were taking the summer off. No? I could have sworn...)
All good here - be back soon!
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Drum roll please - and the Liebster goes to...
[Quick clarifications about the last post:
That big 'ol branch did not land on us - I used that phrase in the title to acknowledge Val's version of events. His
I hopped on and rode right after the fall so Val wouldn't get the idea that ditching me leads to easy street. It was the last thing I wanted to do, though I was hoping it might keep things circulating, or from stiffening up. Or something. Wrong - it probably just made things worse.
It's been three weeks since the incident. Things are just now healed up enough in the area in question that I would even consider riding.]
❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀
Awards season has rolled around blogland again. I dig awards (and prizes). Pretty sure Val does too. We've been chosen for the Liebster award.
The Liebster Blog Award is a way to recognize blogs who have less than 200 followers. Liebster is a German word that means beloved and valued. Here are the rules for accepting the award:
- Thank the person who nominated you and include a link back to their blog.
- List 11 random facts about yourself.
- Answer the 11 questions given to you.
- Create 11 questions for the bloggers you nominate.
- Choose 11 bloggers with 200 or fewer followers to nominate and include links to their blogs.
- Go to each blogger's page and let them know you have nominated them.
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| Artwork courtesy of honeysuckle faire |
DIsclaimer!! Because I'm a little late to this party, I may modify the conditions somewhat. If you get nominated and don't feel like fooling with it - more power to you. Awards should be fun, not stress inducing. ;D
1. Thanks ever so to Mona from Panic and the Pony. I relate to the honest posts about struggling to learn dressage with her partner Tessa. Very inspiring. Also thanks to Allison over at Adventures with Shyloh. First of all, who doesn't love a darling, smart-alecky, haflinger pony mare? Seriously, the pictures alone are enough, but Allison's dry sense of humor keeps me coming back.
2. 11 random facts:
- I can tell what time it is from the angle of the sun - within a few minutes, every time. Ask my Dad. (not useful on cloudy days)
- There was a ten year period where I had no car or television. By choice. The no t.v. part made me smarter, but was probably canceled out by a number of head injuries due to bike wrecks.
- I have skinny dipped in the ocean at night when there were phosphorescent critters in the water... super beautiful but also scary.
- In another life I could see myself as a veterinarian... (think of the savings!)
- There's a bit of an issue with procrastination.
- I have champagne tastes and a PBR budget. *sniff* I can do a lot with a little, but hopefully things will be different one day. I likes me some County saddles...
- Fifteen years ago I moved from Brooklyn to the far hinterlands. I ♥ BKLN, but the middle of nowhere has it's good points.
- I was in a little band while living in Texas, called Fertile Crescent. I suppose we were hippies. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
- My love of gardening came from many summers of child labor on my grandmother's farm. I fondly remember the delicious smell of tobacco hanging in the curing barns. And sweating my a$$ off weeding endless vegetable rows.
- I've only ever driven standard transmissions. Now that I tow trailers regularly, I understand the virtues of an automatic.
- I have found over a hundred four leaf clovers.. maybe closer to two hundred. I don't search for them. They just stick out to my eyes. I'm saving them pressed for a future project. Hoping the luck part is true.
3. Answer the eleven questions given to you (picking from both lists)
How did I get into horses / were there horses in my childhood?
My grandma had a rank pony stallion that I braved barbed wire to get next to. I was smitten. My grandma tanned my hide. I read every horse book known to man and begged for lessons until my parents broke down.
What's the weirdest lesson / clinic you've ever done on horseback?
The clinic was with Erik Herbermann. It took place two days after I bought Val, was a week long and seven hours away. I'd ridden him two or three times, never trailered a horse before, and was absolutely petrified. A great experience nonetheless.
Do you board or keep your horse at home?
I can see Val out of my bedroom window first thing in every morning. That's the best.
What nicknames do you have for your horse?
Mr. Man, Mr. Manteo, dude-man, buddy... (slightly embarrassed now)
What scares you most about riding / horses?
Not being able to work if I get hurt. Trying to perfect my hitting the dirt technique ;D
Describe your horse in three words...
my ♥ horse
Barefoot, boots or shoes?
Barefoot baby!
What is your best skill round horses?
Wish I could say riding, but probably horse-keeping. My guy is very healthy and very happy.
What is the weirdest thing you've ever tried to feed your horse? Did he like it?
I was surprised that he liked iced (unsweetened) blackberry pomegranate green tea. The only thing he outright rejects is bute from a tube.
What other animals do you have?
Q the jack russell terrorist + three cats - Seven (possesses twenty four toes), Lucky Barnett (grumpy hunter extraordinaire and boss of the farm) and Alex (named after the hurricane he arrived with and was just about as welcome as).
What is your dream pony vacation?
Either the Spanish Riding school in Vienna, or an Andalusian farm in Spain. Or both.
4. I'm passing along the same questions I answered above... call me a cheater.
5. This award is making the rounds so I've just picked a couple of blogs that hopefully haven't gotten multiple nominations yet... in no particular order:
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