Well, this past weekend, it was all about Summer. She got back to her roots as a safety horse for the R4 NATRC Benefit ride. Besides being in season, so a bit spooky on trail, she was awesome!
Friday evening, Ronald and I made plans that he would ride Open on Saturday and I would ride Novice/CP and then Sunday we would switch. Saturday I rode with Annette Thurlow and Kristen Fisher, and Ronald rode with Donna DeYoung. Donna is an endurance rider so rode Open on both days. On Sunday, Ronald rode Novice/CP with Patsy Davis.
So I guess what I am saying is, as Safety Chair for this ride, I had a real good and capable group of safety riders.
Right out of camp on Saturday, Summer and I went after a loose horse. Once the horse ran past us, off we went. No, we do not chase, simple watch where the horse goes then try to quietly go to it to catch it. The horse stopped shortly after passing us, Summer approached it and the horse let me unlatch one side of it's reins and pony it back to the rider. That was our only excitement for the weekend, so it was a good weekend.
After a mile or so out of camp, a rider was dismounted and asked if I would hold her stirrup so she could re-mount. I dismounted Summer and told her to stand. As I walked away, Summer lowered her head to take a bite of grass. I made my "no-no" noise and her head popped back up and she just stood there while I helped the rider mount her horse. Kristen told me later she and Annette were impressed with Summer's actions while I did this. I am so happy I taught her to ground tie.
Due to no one getting hurt or not having to go after a lost rider, it felt like a pleasure/conditioning ride. Summer had to do more moving out than usual on Sunday. Since I have taught her to trot under saddle, I bet we trotted almost 10 miles on Sunday. And stupid me forgot to raise my stirrups so she ended up with a sore left loin. I must raise those things one more notch.
Okay, now why did I teach my gaited horse to trot? Because it is good for strengthening the muscles in their backs, plus it makes me exercise my legs muscles while posting. Cause there is no way to sit a TWH's trot. It is like a jack hammer. But she does know the difference in what I am asking her. We did do some racking, running walk, step pacing and some cantering on Sunday. So she used just about every muscle she had as well.
Anyway, the trails were beautiful, the weather was gorgeous and getting to visit folks I haven't seen since the Christmas ride was awesome. That is why I love riding safety, I get to ride my horse and visit with friends, but there is no pressure of the competition.
What a great weekend!
TTFN and thanks for reading!
Showing posts with label NATRC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NATRC. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
August 2011 SWTPA / NATRC
What a great show!
I FINALLY worked up the nerve to team pen. And it was AWESOME! I loved it! I love the speed of it and the action of it.
I had been wanting to try for sometime now, but just never worked up the nerve to throw my name in the draw. Well, I finally just did it. I rode with a man named Syd and Felicia's son, Coy. It was so fun! There were 14 teams and we got third place. No money as it only paid first and second, but I earned another 8 points for year end. Won't matter much tho as I only have like 14 points anyway, but now I have 22. LOL
We had 3 head on our first go. Syd and Coy got 2 head and the third one just pealed it's way out of the herd right in front of me. So I started hollering pen, pen, pen. I was the hole person and Syd and Coy were the wing and swing. One of the cows got past Coy and ran back towards the herd. It was too late to do anything so we penned the 2 we had. On our second go, Coy pealed out one good and one trash. I didn't stop the trash so had to haul butt after it down the arena wall. I finally headed it and turned it back and chased the crap out of it. Again, Coy pulled one good and one trash out of the herd. We were running out of time, so brought them both down to the pen. This time Syd was the hole and Coy was the wing and I was the swing. Coy took off after the trash and hollered at me to pen. So I penned our 1 cow and threw my hand in the air as we waited on Coy to push the trash back past the foul line. We finished the a total of 3 head and third place. Yes, I am hooked!
I sorted 3 times in the 3 class. My partners were Vicki, Mike and my draw was Katie, their niece. Mike and I got 3, Vicki and I got 4 and Katie and I busted. No short runs for me this month. But I wasn't distraught about it. The cows were tough and we did the best we could for novices. Even though I had no short goes, I was real happy with our performance. Shelby and I are starting to click. Slow as it may be, we are getting there. I am finally learning to set her back and then turn her when working the hole and we didn't let one cow get past us even though the pressure was on!
The Wednesday prior to the show, I did take a lesson with James and it was a good one. He only corrected me once. My moves were good, Shelby and I are working better as a team all the time, so I am real happy with that. James even commented on how Shelby has really calmed down. He even said again that he knew I would be good for her.
Summer is really coming along and getting fit for our job as Safety Chair for the Benefit NATRC ride in September. It is the weekend of the 10th. We do about 3 good conditioning rides a week and on the weekend we do long slow distance in the pasture with some moving out. Even if we have to hit every trail 3 or 4 times. I may get bored, but it is for her benefit and health.
I bought Hank the Hackney Pony back. Hank has dropped a considerable amount of weight. David was very upset a couple of weeks ago when he saw him. When I was leasing him from Barb, he was being fed twice a day as he is a hard keeper. I wish he was an air fern, but he isn't. When I relinquished my leash on him, Barb only fed him once a day. That wasn't working, and he started loosing weight. Then she was going to sell him. He was in no condition to sell as he needed to gain about 50 pounds. I literally wanted to be sick every time I thought about him leaving. So I talked to her about him and asked how much. She told me. I told her I wanted to buy him out right. So she cut the price in half and starting crying as she was so happy I was buying him. Even David was glad that Hank is back with us. Plus, when we get our own place, Hank will be the third horse I was planning on getting anyway as I wanted a companion horse for when Summer or Shelby had to leave for work.
Chompers has a new home. I have given him to my driving instructor Denise. Her barn isn't ready yet, but should be done in fall, then he will be leaving. I love that little pony, but she will take him somewhere as far as showing. He will be awesome in the show ring and Denise is the one that can take him there! So I am excited as they will be a good match, much like Hank and I.
I FINALLY worked up the nerve to team pen. And it was AWESOME! I loved it! I love the speed of it and the action of it.
I had been wanting to try for sometime now, but just never worked up the nerve to throw my name in the draw. Well, I finally just did it. I rode with a man named Syd and Felicia's son, Coy. It was so fun! There were 14 teams and we got third place. No money as it only paid first and second, but I earned another 8 points for year end. Won't matter much tho as I only have like 14 points anyway, but now I have 22. LOL
We had 3 head on our first go. Syd and Coy got 2 head and the third one just pealed it's way out of the herd right in front of me. So I started hollering pen, pen, pen. I was the hole person and Syd and Coy were the wing and swing. One of the cows got past Coy and ran back towards the herd. It was too late to do anything so we penned the 2 we had. On our second go, Coy pealed out one good and one trash. I didn't stop the trash so had to haul butt after it down the arena wall. I finally headed it and turned it back and chased the crap out of it. Again, Coy pulled one good and one trash out of the herd. We were running out of time, so brought them both down to the pen. This time Syd was the hole and Coy was the wing and I was the swing. Coy took off after the trash and hollered at me to pen. So I penned our 1 cow and threw my hand in the air as we waited on Coy to push the trash back past the foul line. We finished the a total of 3 head and third place. Yes, I am hooked!
I sorted 3 times in the 3 class. My partners were Vicki, Mike and my draw was Katie, their niece. Mike and I got 3, Vicki and I got 4 and Katie and I busted. No short runs for me this month. But I wasn't distraught about it. The cows were tough and we did the best we could for novices. Even though I had no short goes, I was real happy with our performance. Shelby and I are starting to click. Slow as it may be, we are getting there. I am finally learning to set her back and then turn her when working the hole and we didn't let one cow get past us even though the pressure was on!
The Wednesday prior to the show, I did take a lesson with James and it was a good one. He only corrected me once. My moves were good, Shelby and I are working better as a team all the time, so I am real happy with that. James even commented on how Shelby has really calmed down. He even said again that he knew I would be good for her.
Summer is really coming along and getting fit for our job as Safety Chair for the Benefit NATRC ride in September. It is the weekend of the 10th. We do about 3 good conditioning rides a week and on the weekend we do long slow distance in the pasture with some moving out. Even if we have to hit every trail 3 or 4 times. I may get bored, but it is for her benefit and health.
I bought Hank the Hackney Pony back. Hank has dropped a considerable amount of weight. David was very upset a couple of weeks ago when he saw him. When I was leasing him from Barb, he was being fed twice a day as he is a hard keeper. I wish he was an air fern, but he isn't. When I relinquished my leash on him, Barb only fed him once a day. That wasn't working, and he started loosing weight. Then she was going to sell him. He was in no condition to sell as he needed to gain about 50 pounds. I literally wanted to be sick every time I thought about him leaving. So I talked to her about him and asked how much. She told me. I told her I wanted to buy him out right. So she cut the price in half and starting crying as she was so happy I was buying him. Even David was glad that Hank is back with us. Plus, when we get our own place, Hank will be the third horse I was planning on getting anyway as I wanted a companion horse for when Summer or Shelby had to leave for work.
Chompers has a new home. I have given him to my driving instructor Denise. Her barn isn't ready yet, but should be done in fall, then he will be leaving. I love that little pony, but she will take him somewhere as far as showing. He will be awesome in the show ring and Denise is the one that can take him there! So I am excited as they will be a good match, much like Hank and I.
Monday, December 6, 2010
NATRC Christmas at the Ranch 2010
Well, this was my first time I have ridden this ride as I have been ride secretary a few times and a go-fer one year. So it was a different feeling being on the other side of things at this years ride. I did help decorate the barn last weekend before the ride with Alanna and Liz so that was fun as I love to decorate. But to sit and just be a competitor had a weird but nice feeling about it.
I took off Thursday to get things done that I hadn't got done during the week to get ready to leave Friday morning. Lucky me, the ride is only 40 miles or so from my barn. Anyway, Friday I got to the ranch and set up my camp site, then saddled Summer and went on a 3 mile hack. We walked mostly and cantered a bit just so I could see where her head was for the competition. She was great.
At check in with the judges she was a good girl. Not fidgety or anything like some other horses were. Some just wouldn't stand still and made me nervous when their rear ends got way to close to the judges secretaries table. I am sure points were docked for that. Anyway, after the vet judge checked her in, I was to go to a horse trailer and tie a quick release for lead ropes with the horsemanship judge.
Saturday morning was okay. We timed out the head of the CP/Novice pack but that didn't help. Apparently, someone had switched the horse I rode Friday for an evil twin. I thought it was Summer, but apparently I had been had! She was very forward, too forward for what I would call a nice ride. But, she was a gaiting machine. She was SMOOTH....My only true complaint was she seemed to me, to rush through the obstacles. But I only lost 1 point on Saturday from the horsemanship judge for backing crooked up the hill. Summer lost 1 point from the vet judge at the side pass on the hill obstacle.
On Sunday, someone had come to my trailer in the middle of the night Saturday night and switched Summer back with her evil twin. So my Sunday ride was AWESOME! I rode with Sue and her molly mule, Sugar. They paced very well together. Sugar's dam is a TWH so there were no problems with them keeping up with each other. And Summer's Sunday obstacles were just flawless. The horse I rode Saturday reminded me to appreciate the horse I rode Sunday! There are still minor things on the obstacles we still need to work on, nothing that we had to do this weekend tho, just future ones we might encounter. But mostly, I need to work on her conditioning and getting that right so that someday my girl will finally get a NATRC blue ribbon.
So I finished the weekend with a Horsemanship score of a 99 and second place out of 3 in my class. And trust me, the two ladies I was competing against are good. I just knew I was gonna get 3rd. Which I would have been fine with as long as I had a decent score on my card. Cause I try to remind myself, I am competing against myself, not the others. I really liked the horsemanship judge too. His name is Kim and was a very nice guy and eeriely looked just like my sorting instructor James. Sounded just like him too. It was just weird. But they say, everyone has a twin.
Summer however, lost 15 points from her metabolics over the weekend. The judge is a AERC judge and they are very metabolicly conscience. I was glad for her judging as it showed me what we needed to work on and how to fix some of the little issues Summer was having over the weekend. And besides, Tamara is a super nice lady. And I would like to thank her too as she is a reserve, in the Army I believe, and is about to be deployed for a year. Thank you Tamara!
Summer received 3rd with a score of an 84. But I must remember, we haven't competed in NATRC in about a year and eight months. Now we just have to get ready for the next one which is in March.
All in all, I had a great weekend. Great horse, great company, great conversation and great food.
Can you tell I had a great time! LOL
Thanks for reading!
TTYL!
I took off Thursday to get things done that I hadn't got done during the week to get ready to leave Friday morning. Lucky me, the ride is only 40 miles or so from my barn. Anyway, Friday I got to the ranch and set up my camp site, then saddled Summer and went on a 3 mile hack. We walked mostly and cantered a bit just so I could see where her head was for the competition. She was great.
At check in with the judges she was a good girl. Not fidgety or anything like some other horses were. Some just wouldn't stand still and made me nervous when their rear ends got way to close to the judges secretaries table. I am sure points were docked for that. Anyway, after the vet judge checked her in, I was to go to a horse trailer and tie a quick release for lead ropes with the horsemanship judge.
Saturday morning was okay. We timed out the head of the CP/Novice pack but that didn't help. Apparently, someone had switched the horse I rode Friday for an evil twin. I thought it was Summer, but apparently I had been had! She was very forward, too forward for what I would call a nice ride. But, she was a gaiting machine. She was SMOOTH....My only true complaint was she seemed to me, to rush through the obstacles. But I only lost 1 point on Saturday from the horsemanship judge for backing crooked up the hill. Summer lost 1 point from the vet judge at the side pass on the hill obstacle.
On Sunday, someone had come to my trailer in the middle of the night Saturday night and switched Summer back with her evil twin. So my Sunday ride was AWESOME! I rode with Sue and her molly mule, Sugar. They paced very well together. Sugar's dam is a TWH so there were no problems with them keeping up with each other. And Summer's Sunday obstacles were just flawless. The horse I rode Saturday reminded me to appreciate the horse I rode Sunday! There are still minor things on the obstacles we still need to work on, nothing that we had to do this weekend tho, just future ones we might encounter. But mostly, I need to work on her conditioning and getting that right so that someday my girl will finally get a NATRC blue ribbon.
So I finished the weekend with a Horsemanship score of a 99 and second place out of 3 in my class. And trust me, the two ladies I was competing against are good. I just knew I was gonna get 3rd. Which I would have been fine with as long as I had a decent score on my card. Cause I try to remind myself, I am competing against myself, not the others. I really liked the horsemanship judge too. His name is Kim and was a very nice guy and eeriely looked just like my sorting instructor James. Sounded just like him too. It was just weird. But they say, everyone has a twin.
Summer however, lost 15 points from her metabolics over the weekend. The judge is a AERC judge and they are very metabolicly conscience. I was glad for her judging as it showed me what we needed to work on and how to fix some of the little issues Summer was having over the weekend. And besides, Tamara is a super nice lady. And I would like to thank her too as she is a reserve, in the Army I believe, and is about to be deployed for a year. Thank you Tamara!
Summer received 3rd with a score of an 84. But I must remember, we haven't competed in NATRC in about a year and eight months. Now we just have to get ready for the next one which is in March.
All in all, I had a great weekend. Great horse, great company, great conversation and great food.
Can you tell I had a great time! LOL
Thanks for reading!
TTYL!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Oklahoma Land Run 2009
What an enjoyable weekend to be had!I took off work Thursday to get my truck and trailer ready as I wasn't home the weekend prior to do so. But your not hearing complaining from me. I am blessed that my Sergeant let me off on such short notice for the preparation of this event.
Friday morning found Summer and I on the road at 6am. It was a very nice drive and I was at camp at 10:30am. I got a great spot right near all the amenities (manure dump station, porta potties, dumpster, water, wash rack and water trough). If you are not a horse camper person, all those things would sound disgusting. LOL
Not much camp to set up and I have gotten to setting my camp up, down to a fine art. I also got my air mattress and such made up that Thursday so I wouldn't have to deal with it Friday. I am sure my neighbors thought I was nuts. LOL
Checked in with management, then went for a short ride on the yellow loop with Patti, Kim and Liz. Once I got Summer re-groomed, I checked her in with the temporary vet judge. Our judge was stuck at an airport and one of the competitors is a NATRC vet judge and was kind enough to check in Open and Novice, but couldn't do the CP class as that was the class she was in.
Friday night, I slept quite well and we were on the trail by 8am I believe. It was a beautiful trail, as usual. The weather was overcast and windy with the occasional drizzle, but nothing that got you real wet, just enough to feel good. Summer and I started out to mid/back of the CP/Novice pack, by the end of the second loop, we were right behind Liz, who started out right in the front. I know, I know Jonni...open, open, open...LOL. I was about 20 or 30 minutes ahead of time, so I lingered a little too long in camp, but nothing that made me late. It actually put me right back on mid time. During my camp break, I met a first time competitor named Susan and her little POA Sprinkles. He was little, but he did his darnedest to keep up with Summer, but he never got upset if she left him. I think it was more Susan wanting to keep up with me. So I took her on and decided I wanted to do my first mentoring job. And I really enjoyed it. She is an endurance rider with most of her rides in California and on Saddlebreds. She seemed to really have a good time and I was glad I could help her with all her questions.
The third loop really seemed to go by fast and I really did enjoy Susan's company. She was like a sponge on wanting the knowledge of NATRC and what goes along with it.
Our first obstacle of this day though, was logs placed as cavaletti. I looked down as I felt Summer was rushing a bit, so I lost a half a point, but Summer received an excellent with a plus on her card. Guess I should rely and trust my mount more like Janine said. (smile) The second was a creek crossing and I received an excellent with a plus. The third was what usually gets me with the horsemanship judge. It was a down hill, and it was a pretty good down hill too. I have really been working on those as more often than not, I usually get a "down in the saddle" by the judge and loose points. But I got a good on my card and was very pleased. The vet judge, Kay, does do trail obstacles, but mostly focuses on metabolics, and that is what it should be about, I really like that about her. And I really liked this horsemanship judge, Janine, she was a very nice lady and I can't imagine why anyone would gripe about her. Hm? Oh well. Don't know the whole story, so can't tell ya.
The next day I decided I would like to ride with Susan and Sprinkles again. After our morning off side mount and trot out. Which, BTW, I got a half point knocked off cause Summer took a step and another half point because I landed slightly heavy in the saddle. Off side mounts, don't like them. I feel like I am going to fall off the other side. (smile) Anyway, after we were standing around after everyone was finished, Susan decided to get off and put her rain jacket on. Once she was off, the jacket spooked Sprinkles and he was off like a flash. After his little speed exhibition, I walked Summer to where he was as he had already buddied with her. She was standing in the paved with gravel road (big gravel) and something he told her made her spook. She about came unglued. She was all over the place on that gravel. I lost a stirrup, my left rein, and my seat. I looked down at the ground while she was still freaking out and legs going everywhere and thought to myself, "I cannot fall off, that gravel is going to hurt like hell", so I wrapped my left arm around her neck and tried to calm her down. As fast as she started, she quit just as fast. She settled, I got my seat, my stirrup and my reins. I turned her around and everyone started clapping and cheering! LOL I stood in my stirrups, raised my arms and hollered, "Thank you!" I heard someone say that was 8 seconds, and someone else say that if the judges saw that I would have received an extra plus. LOL Summer was still shook up, so I took her to a clearing and did some bending and basic exercises to get her mind off of what just happened. I wasn't mad at her at all. I figure, they can have bad days too. At least I think that of her, because she has never done that, and she has never given me a reason to think that she is dangerous. Anyway, after about 5 minutes or so in the clearing, she was calm and ready for the day. Greg, (who's stallion reared straight up on him right after Summer settled) told me later that day that it looked like Summer was panicking, because she couldn't get her footing on the gravel after the initial spook. I imagined it like me trying to stand on marbles and trying not to fall. He said she didn't look malicious, just frightened because of the gravel rolling out from under her feet.
Anyway, our obstacles for Sunday. The second was back the length of a log. Linda Courts taught a few of us last year at the grasslands about an idea of an invisible beach ball and using it to get your horse to back. I have been practicing at home and put it to use this weekend and was very pleased that she responded. I got an excellent. I told Janine about what I had been taught and that I liked it because I wasn't jerking on the horses mouth. I think she was pleased. Summer got a very good, slt crooked. And she was slt crooked, my fault, she did exactly as she was told. This was only an 11 mile day which made it for a very nice ride and time for visiting with one of the newest NATRC members, Susan. I think she is going to be a fine asset to NATRC and she promised she would be back. Another good thing about this day, we saw several deer about 3 different times this day and 2 of the doe followed us just a short way, until Summer snorted and scared them off. LOL
There was 11 in my class and I placed 4th and Summer placed 2nd. I am real proud of her, but once again, as Patti called it, she was the bridesmaid. LOL I thought that was hilarious. I was calling it the "elusive blue" LOL. But I tell you, if/when she ever gets one, I am going to bawl like a baby! As Jonni said, "never be embarrassed by a few tears..." And I won't be.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Girl Scout Scamper CTR 2009...
WOW, what a fun weekend. Even though I woke up Friday morning nauseated and stayed that way all weekend, I still had a great time. Tracey went to town for ice and with the advice of Fran, got me some Ginger Ale to settle my stomach, it did help considerably.
What can I say about my first ride of 2009? Well, I went to have fun. To visit folks and to have a nice ride. I chased those points last year. Well, that is, after I found out in the middle of the year where Summer and I were standing for year end results. I don't know if I want to do that again this year. I don't want it to feel like a job again. I don't want to dread getting ready to go to the next ride. I was excited about going last weekend and just decided to have fun, and I did. If you remember my posts from my last two rides of 2008, Summer didn't place. I think I was getting too serious, even tho her scores were good. Anyway...
Friday, I got to the 7IL Ranch which is in Cat Springs TX, got camp set up, went and picked up my vest and got ready to check Summer in. She checked in real good except the part where she thinks a bee flew up her bum. She started moving around and acting silly. You would have thought the vet Pat Reiger was examining her and not Darlene Wehr. I got onto her and settled her down pretty quick, but not quick enough to not loose points. I lost a half of a point with Shirley, the horsemanship judge. Summer never acts like that unless it is Pat checking her. Of course she wasn't near as bad as she is with Pat, but it was still embarrassing. Little fart. Other than that, her mets were good and she was sound and cleared to start the weekend.
I rode the ride Saturday by myself. I wanted it to just be Summer and I since she does have some buddy issues. Plus her BFF Amira was there and that didn't make it any easier on her. I think she moved out so fast on Saturday because Open and Novice/CP used the same trails. The only difference is, Open timed out first and went at a faster pace. Tracey timed out at the head of the Open pack. I timed out mid to back of the pack in Novice/CP. But I know Summer could smell Amira and that is why she moved so fast. It wasn't bad or uncomfortable, just a quick 5.5 to 6 mph TWH, head noddin' walk. I was real proud of her for that. No pacing, no trying to canter, just that lovely walk. She did good on her metabolics Saturday, her P&R's were good and I thought she executed her obstacles to my liking. I only lost a half a point at the mount because my reins were uneven. Summer stood stock solid for me to mount. I didn't think about my reins being uneven. Summer lost a half a point at the "downed fence" obstacle because her last hoof to go over the fake fence, drug the fence about 4 inches. Oh well. What it was, was this...they used a yellow rope to simulate a downed barbed wire fence. You had to dismount, stand on the fence, get your horse to cross the fence with all four feet while you stood on it. Once that was complete, you had to remount. You had a minute and a half. We did it in probably 30seconds or less. I thought it was a wonderful obstacle. Due to the fact that it really happened to Tracey and I about a week prior at our barn, with 3 strands of real barbed wire. And it was Summer and I that it happened to. It was a team effort by Tracey and I to get Summer clear of it though because of all the mesquite trees around us with those big ol' thorns. Anyhoot... the other Saturday obstacle for Shirley was follow directions, stay to the left of some ribbons and go up a hill. Summer tried to rush it and I pulled her back, said walk in firm voice and she listened. I got a good and didn't loose any points because she listened.
Sunday morning ride out was a bit different. First, we did a trot by for soundness and control. I lost a half point because Summer decided she wanted to show the judges just how many gaits she really had. Silly horse! I thought it was funny, oh well. LOL When we timed out, we had to walk and you could already see an obstacle waiting for us. It was a trot through the brush and when you rounded corner, they had laid some wood in the trail for you to trot over. Or whatever gait your horse does. As for me, it was rack over. There were 4 pieces of wood, Summer's back foot hit one piece and she was dinged a half a point. But again, I was proud of her as I have never asked her to do that before. I guess we need to practice that at the barn.
The other Sunday's obstacles were approach a log, stop at it, not over it, and side pass down the side of it, go down a hill and then up the other side. Now, that would have been a breeze but...during the day, we had started riding with Candy and her TWH, Tuck and Linda and her TWH, Blue. They did the obstacle first and Summer saw her "herd" leave her. Now, she didn't throw a fit, but she didn't know what the purpose of side passing down that log was. Why can't we just walk over it and get to Tuck and Blue faster. She did do the obstacle as requested, but she paused half way through and looked at the boys and it was like she was thinking, "why am I doing this?" But I urged her on and she completed it. But, because she hesitated, she lost another half a point. She did the up/down hill part like a champ tho and didn't rush it.
The last obstacle on Sunday was pretty good. But I lost a half a point on it because once again, Summer didn't see the point in the obstacle because Tuck and Blue had already done it and they were on the other side of the pond waiting on her. It was cross the pond and walk to Mary. Once to Mary, you had to stop at a ribbon, then back your horse down the small hill as if fixing to back into the water and you had to stop with your horses front feet even with the ribbons at the waters edge. Would have been a piece of cake if not for those two hunky TWH geldings waiting for her on the other side. LOL But really, she did it great, I only lost half a point because she backed a little crooked going back to the water, other than that, it was great.
Once back at camp, we cooled down, got us a bite to eat and a drink. I let her eat and rest a bit before checking out with the vet. Now, Summer had perfect metabolics all weekend and I was crushed when she lost a point for gut sounds at check out. But after I thought about it, it was a hot, dusty, dry, windy weekend and she did great for me. 10 horses pulled from this ride for one reason or another, but she finished strong. However, at check out I am glad she listened to me during the trot out and lunging part, I forgot my lunge line and had to use my lead rope. Had she acted like her usual goofy self, don't know if I could have held the rope. LOL
At any rate. I went to have a good time, and I did. I didn't go there thinking, "what place will Summer and I end up?" Patti (Open LW rider) asked me to get her cards and awards if any. Leslie (someone I just met and who was in my division, Novice HW) also asked of me the same thing. So this weekend, if it makes any sense, I felt real comfortable and happy, not anxious at all. So they called Leslie for 4th place HMS, I went up to get her award, then Elaine told me not to sit down as they called my name for third. I was real happy with myself. I took the weekend in stride and got a bonus at the end. So I guess you would know that I was real happy when they called Summer for second place horse. Once again, being beaten by a horse trainer! LOL There were 15 horses started in my class. So again, I was real proud of her and was happy to take home that "icing on the cake."
Thanks for reading and sharing my joy...
Tammy in TX
What can I say about my first ride of 2009? Well, I went to have fun. To visit folks and to have a nice ride. I chased those points last year. Well, that is, after I found out in the middle of the year where Summer and I were standing for year end results. I don't know if I want to do that again this year. I don't want it to feel like a job again. I don't want to dread getting ready to go to the next ride. I was excited about going last weekend and just decided to have fun, and I did. If you remember my posts from my last two rides of 2008, Summer didn't place. I think I was getting too serious, even tho her scores were good. Anyway...
Friday, I got to the 7IL Ranch which is in Cat Springs TX, got camp set up, went and picked up my vest and got ready to check Summer in. She checked in real good except the part where she thinks a bee flew up her bum. She started moving around and acting silly. You would have thought the vet Pat Reiger was examining her and not Darlene Wehr. I got onto her and settled her down pretty quick, but not quick enough to not loose points. I lost a half of a point with Shirley, the horsemanship judge. Summer never acts like that unless it is Pat checking her. Of course she wasn't near as bad as she is with Pat, but it was still embarrassing. Little fart. Other than that, her mets were good and she was sound and cleared to start the weekend.
I rode the ride Saturday by myself. I wanted it to just be Summer and I since she does have some buddy issues. Plus her BFF Amira was there and that didn't make it any easier on her. I think she moved out so fast on Saturday because Open and Novice/CP used the same trails. The only difference is, Open timed out first and went at a faster pace. Tracey timed out at the head of the Open pack. I timed out mid to back of the pack in Novice/CP. But I know Summer could smell Amira and that is why she moved so fast. It wasn't bad or uncomfortable, just a quick 5.5 to 6 mph TWH, head noddin' walk. I was real proud of her for that. No pacing, no trying to canter, just that lovely walk. She did good on her metabolics Saturday, her P&R's were good and I thought she executed her obstacles to my liking. I only lost a half a point at the mount because my reins were uneven. Summer stood stock solid for me to mount. I didn't think about my reins being uneven. Summer lost a half a point at the "downed fence" obstacle because her last hoof to go over the fake fence, drug the fence about 4 inches. Oh well. What it was, was this...they used a yellow rope to simulate a downed barbed wire fence. You had to dismount, stand on the fence, get your horse to cross the fence with all four feet while you stood on it. Once that was complete, you had to remount. You had a minute and a half. We did it in probably 30seconds or less. I thought it was a wonderful obstacle. Due to the fact that it really happened to Tracey and I about a week prior at our barn, with 3 strands of real barbed wire. And it was Summer and I that it happened to. It was a team effort by Tracey and I to get Summer clear of it though because of all the mesquite trees around us with those big ol' thorns. Anyhoot... the other Saturday obstacle for Shirley was follow directions, stay to the left of some ribbons and go up a hill. Summer tried to rush it and I pulled her back, said walk in firm voice and she listened. I got a good and didn't loose any points because she listened.
Sunday morning ride out was a bit different. First, we did a trot by for soundness and control. I lost a half point because Summer decided she wanted to show the judges just how many gaits she really had. Silly horse! I thought it was funny, oh well. LOL When we timed out, we had to walk and you could already see an obstacle waiting for us. It was a trot through the brush and when you rounded corner, they had laid some wood in the trail for you to trot over. Or whatever gait your horse does. As for me, it was rack over. There were 4 pieces of wood, Summer's back foot hit one piece and she was dinged a half a point. But again, I was proud of her as I have never asked her to do that before. I guess we need to practice that at the barn.
The other Sunday's obstacles were approach a log, stop at it, not over it, and side pass down the side of it, go down a hill and then up the other side. Now, that would have been a breeze but...during the day, we had started riding with Candy and her TWH, Tuck and Linda and her TWH, Blue. They did the obstacle first and Summer saw her "herd" leave her. Now, she didn't throw a fit, but she didn't know what the purpose of side passing down that log was. Why can't we just walk over it and get to Tuck and Blue faster. She did do the obstacle as requested, but she paused half way through and looked at the boys and it was like she was thinking, "why am I doing this?" But I urged her on and she completed it. But, because she hesitated, she lost another half a point. She did the up/down hill part like a champ tho and didn't rush it.
The last obstacle on Sunday was pretty good. But I lost a half a point on it because once again, Summer didn't see the point in the obstacle because Tuck and Blue had already done it and they were on the other side of the pond waiting on her. It was cross the pond and walk to Mary. Once to Mary, you had to stop at a ribbon, then back your horse down the small hill as if fixing to back into the water and you had to stop with your horses front feet even with the ribbons at the waters edge. Would have been a piece of cake if not for those two hunky TWH geldings waiting for her on the other side. LOL But really, she did it great, I only lost half a point because she backed a little crooked going back to the water, other than that, it was great.
Once back at camp, we cooled down, got us a bite to eat and a drink. I let her eat and rest a bit before checking out with the vet. Now, Summer had perfect metabolics all weekend and I was crushed when she lost a point for gut sounds at check out. But after I thought about it, it was a hot, dusty, dry, windy weekend and she did great for me. 10 horses pulled from this ride for one reason or another, but she finished strong. However, at check out I am glad she listened to me during the trot out and lunging part, I forgot my lunge line and had to use my lead rope. Had she acted like her usual goofy self, don't know if I could have held the rope. LOL
At any rate. I went to have a good time, and I did. I didn't go there thinking, "what place will Summer and I end up?" Patti (Open LW rider) asked me to get her cards and awards if any. Leslie (someone I just met and who was in my division, Novice HW) also asked of me the same thing. So this weekend, if it makes any sense, I felt real comfortable and happy, not anxious at all. So they called Leslie for 4th place HMS, I went up to get her award, then Elaine told me not to sit down as they called my name for third. I was real happy with myself. I took the weekend in stride and got a bonus at the end. So I guess you would know that I was real happy when they called Summer for second place horse. Once again, being beaten by a horse trainer! LOL There were 15 horses started in my class. So again, I was real proud of her and was happy to take home that "icing on the cake."
Thanks for reading and sharing my joy...
Tammy in TX
Monday, February 9, 2009
NATRC R4 Mini Convention weekend
WOW! What a fun weekend I had. This was my 4th year in NATRC, 3rd mini-convention to go too and 1st time receiving year end awards. What was I waiting for!?! You don't realize how pretty they are until you earn one.Friday I drove to Becky's house in Argyle. She, Nancy and I were going to ride to Wilburton, OK together. I got there a little early, 11am. We visited, loaded her SUV with her stuff and my stuff and just hung out until Nancy got there at noon. At about 12:30pm, we were on the road. Due to us dinking around, stopping to shop at Tractor Supply and then meeting up with Amy to eat lunch, we got to the lodge at about 5:30. But the time really seemed to fly when you are riding with "two wild and crazy girls" like Becky and Nancy.
Friday night we visited and totally acted silly. Kate L. and Amy came back to our room and visited until about 11:45pm. We were so glad that we were on the end of the lodge and that the only room next to us was empty, cause we were kinda loud! Laughter is a contagious thing!
Saturday we awoke, got ready and a pounding occured at our door. Amy and Kate were there and ready to go hiking. Amy found out that there were guided tours of the caves and it was great. Becky, Nancy, Amy, Kate L, Kate K, Ginger, Mary, Katie W and myself headed to the parking lot and waited for our guide. It was absolutely beautiful. I told David that we were going to take a mini vacation up there. Our guide was Jackie. She did a great job and I got some great pictures. The big cave, Robbers Cave, was very cool. All of us ladies climbed inside to the very back and asked another tour member to take a pic, it turned out great. I will post some pictures when I get them downloaded.
We got back to the lodge and not long after, lunch was served. After lunch we sat in on the general meeting. Once that over, we headed back to our room for some chill time before the banquet and awards ceremony.
The banquet was wonderful. Good food amongst good company. And about 5 bottle of wine. LOL
The awards ended at about 9:30. I was tired as was Nancy. Becky earned a traveling trophy and was really pumped and ready to party more. She said this was her first TT. Very cool for her. I was very happy. However, very tired. The beds were pretty hard so did not get good rest on Friday night. Nancy and I grabbed a bottle of water each and just chilled on our rooms back porch. It over looked a rock ledge and the view was just gorgeous. The moon was full so you could see real well.
Next morning was getting ready, packing, loading and then to church. It was a nice service, as they always are. After our goodbyes, we headed home. Again, the time seemed to just fly by as we talked and laughed.
I got back to my barn at about 2:30pm. I had such a good weekend that I had to top it off with a ride on Summer. I saddled up and Tracey and I headed out. It was a good ride that was the perfect end to a great weekend.
Oh! D'oh...
Forgot to add, Summer received year end, third place horse. I received year end second place HMS and she and I earned second place team for our division. We placed second to Justin and Lilly and tied with George and Beau. It was a real honor. And Summer received a Novice/CP High Point TWH for 2008 award. I am very proud of her.
Also, I want to publicly thank Tracey and Patti. Thank you two ladies so much for sponsoring my awards. You both are just too kind. Thank you.
The banquet was wonderful. Good food amongst good company. And about 5 bottle of wine. LOL
The awards ended at about 9:30. I was tired as was Nancy. Becky earned a traveling trophy and was really pumped and ready to party more. She said this was her first TT. Very cool for her. I was very happy. However, very tired. The beds were pretty hard so did not get good rest on Friday night. Nancy and I grabbed a bottle of water each and just chilled on our rooms back porch. It over looked a rock ledge and the view was just gorgeous. The moon was full so you could see real well.
Next morning was getting ready, packing, loading and then to church. It was a nice service, as they always are. After our goodbyes, we headed home. Again, the time seemed to just fly by as we talked and laughed.
I got back to my barn at about 2:30pm. I had such a good weekend that I had to top it off with a ride on Summer. I saddled up and Tracey and I headed out. It was a good ride that was the perfect end to a great weekend.
Oh! D'oh...
Forgot to add, Summer received year end, third place horse. I received year end second place HMS and she and I earned second place team for our division. We placed second to Justin and Lilly and tied with George and Beau. It was a real honor. And Summer received a Novice/CP High Point TWH for 2008 award. I am very proud of her.
Also, I want to publicly thank Tracey and Patti. Thank you two ladies so much for sponsoring my awards. You both are just too kind. Thank you.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Update on Mia, NATRC 2008, and stuff...
Well, Mia is starting to act a little icky again. Must be time for another cortizone shot. Night before last she was able to get the little boot off of her foot. I felt so sorry for her that I let her go without it for that night and yesterday. When David got home, she had scratched that large scab off of the side if her cheek/face. It wasn't as bad as you would have thought though. So I let her go without the boot until about 8:30pm last night. What is odd is that she won't walk on her foot. She hops around three legged. But I check her foot and she can splay her toes and and bend her foot, she just doesn't want to walk on it and gets upset if you touch it. Anyway, I rewrapped it last night, finished getting the scab off her face, cleaned her up with the solution the doctor gave me and sprayed the cortizone spray on her. She did real good. She did eat some treats last night and I can tell she ate some hard food last night as well. But I just think it is time for another shot.
On NATRC, our mini convention is the first weekend of next month and I am a little excited. I am going to be staying with Kate and Becky, and I know I will have fun. Those two are a hoot! If you have been keeping up with my posts then you might know that awhile back I posted that I had calculated the year end points and it looked like Summer and I was going to tie in second place in the team awards with George and his horse Beau, well we did!!!!! In the individual placings, Beau came in second and Summer came in third and in horsemanship, I came in second and George came in third, but our points combined were the same which tied us. Plus Summer got Novice/CP High Point Tennessee Walker. So we will be bringing home 4 awards. I know that it is not as good as some folks accomplishments, but I am real proud of us, and that is all that matters.
I am taking tomorrow off as a vacation day. I was going to go to the Texas Trail Challenge at Parrie Haynes http://texastrailchallenge.com/ but other financial obligations came up so I am not going. On a good note though, tomorrow is supposed to be beautiful, so I am going to go to the post office in the morning, go to the DMV, then head out and go work the trails most of the day. I am excited because I enjoy working and marking trails at the barn. I like doing it alone because it gives me some reflection time and time to spend alone with Summer, which makes for good bonding time. With all the foliage in hybernation right now, you can really see the horse trails, so I want to take those and make them into riding trails. I hope all turns out like I plan, with the fuel prices back on the rise and the economy sinking, riding in the pasture may be all that we can afford in the near future, you just never know.
On NATRC, our mini convention is the first weekend of next month and I am a little excited. I am going to be staying with Kate and Becky, and I know I will have fun. Those two are a hoot! If you have been keeping up with my posts then you might know that awhile back I posted that I had calculated the year end points and it looked like Summer and I was going to tie in second place in the team awards with George and his horse Beau, well we did!!!!! In the individual placings, Beau came in second and Summer came in third and in horsemanship, I came in second and George came in third, but our points combined were the same which tied us. Plus Summer got Novice/CP High Point Tennessee Walker. So we will be bringing home 4 awards. I know that it is not as good as some folks accomplishments, but I am real proud of us, and that is all that matters.
I am taking tomorrow off as a vacation day. I was going to go to the Texas Trail Challenge at Parrie Haynes http://texastrailchallenge.com/ but other financial obligations came up so I am not going. On a good note though, tomorrow is supposed to be beautiful, so I am going to go to the post office in the morning, go to the DMV, then head out and go work the trails most of the day. I am excited because I enjoy working and marking trails at the barn. I like doing it alone because it gives me some reflection time and time to spend alone with Summer, which makes for good bonding time. With all the foliage in hybernation right now, you can really see the horse trails, so I want to take those and make them into riding trails. I hope all turns out like I plan, with the fuel prices back on the rise and the economy sinking, riding in the pasture may be all that we can afford in the near future, you just never know.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
The last Christmas at the Six-0 Ranch
Well, it is over. This was the last Christmas ride at the Six-0 Ranch in Cleburne Texas. I didn't know it was going to happen. Heck, most people didn't. But, that is okay, at least for me. I am not going to secretary anymore anyway. I want to ride. It has just been posted that the Christmas ride will be held at Parrie Haynes next year and I love riding there, so no working for me!
As for this past weekend. Summer did me proud. Barbara and her made a wonderful team, she even threatened a couple of times that she was going to sneak Summer onto her trailer and take her back to Oklahoma with her. They had a great time. Summer even took 2nd place in the largest class at the ride. Unfortunately, unless I can loose 60lbs by March, the points she earned this weekend won't count for anything. But that is okay. Barbara had a great time and she and Summer took great care of each other. Had it not been for Barbara, Summer would have sit home anyway doing nothing. It was also Barb's birthday, so that was nice that she got to enjoy a beautiful weekend on a beautiful horse. Okay, I know, I am bias! (smile) When the pictures get posted I will post one on here. Barb has also already made me promise that I will let her ride Summer in an Open class this year. I told her okay. She will have to ride Open Heavyweight as that is my division. So we will have to weigh the saddle down a bit.
I am only wanting to do 4 or 5 rides this year. Course, I liked them all and it will be hard to choose. I figure that if I go to the Land Run, I will let Barbara ride Summer there since she wouldn't have to spend any gas money to get there. I would just have to bring Summer to her. I want to ride at 7IL the Girl Scout Scamper and Deep in the Heart of Texas. I also want to do Indian Territory since I have never been there. And I want, I want, I want. AAARRRGGG....CRAP! I knew I would get too hooked. Now I don't want to do any driving events this year, I want to do more NATRC!!!! I guess I will just have to see what my finances will be. I wish I was rich and didn't have to work, then I wouldn't have to worry about it!!!!
Well, gotta go for now!
As for this past weekend. Summer did me proud. Barbara and her made a wonderful team, she even threatened a couple of times that she was going to sneak Summer onto her trailer and take her back to Oklahoma with her. They had a great time. Summer even took 2nd place in the largest class at the ride. Unfortunately, unless I can loose 60lbs by March, the points she earned this weekend won't count for anything. But that is okay. Barbara had a great time and she and Summer took great care of each other. Had it not been for Barbara, Summer would have sit home anyway doing nothing. It was also Barb's birthday, so that was nice that she got to enjoy a beautiful weekend on a beautiful horse. Okay, I know, I am bias! (smile) When the pictures get posted I will post one on here. Barb has also already made me promise that I will let her ride Summer in an Open class this year. I told her okay. She will have to ride Open Heavyweight as that is my division. So we will have to weigh the saddle down a bit.
I am only wanting to do 4 or 5 rides this year. Course, I liked them all and it will be hard to choose. I figure that if I go to the Land Run, I will let Barbara ride Summer there since she wouldn't have to spend any gas money to get there. I would just have to bring Summer to her. I want to ride at 7IL the Girl Scout Scamper and Deep in the Heart of Texas. I also want to do Indian Territory since I have never been there. And I want, I want, I want. AAARRRGGG....CRAP! I knew I would get too hooked. Now I don't want to do any driving events this year, I want to do more NATRC!!!! I guess I will just have to see what my finances will be. I wish I was rich and didn't have to work, then I wouldn't have to worry about it!!!!
Well, gotta go for now!
Edited December 16, 2008: Photo above is Barbara and Summer. I loved how the picture is in blk and wht. They made a great team.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Great weekend but bad beginning to this week
Friday night I went with David to watch him race. It was a test and tune night for him as his competition race isn't until next Saturday night in Denton.
He ran the fastest he has ever ran in that car Friday. He sounded like John Force he was talking so fast after he got back to the truck. John Force is a professional drag racer and he is full of adrenaline after a run, David sounded just like him, it was too funny. http://www.johnforceracing.com/
Anyway, he ran a 5.62 at the 8th mile. This week he is installing a new shifter which should help him even more.
Saturday was our barn cook out and trail ride. I rode Summer in my Circle Y western saddle, it was so weird not riding in my endurance and somewhat uncomfortable, the stirrups aren't turned and they hurt my thighs and feet. I think it is broomstick time for those stirrups. We had a wonderful ride and great food. Mark and Mel brought their daughter, Maddie. She is almost 6 months old, time goes by too fast. But she is beautiful, blond hair, blue eyes and a little budda belly. She is so sweet. I will get some pictures posted today of her.
During this day, I made a decision, I have been wanting to get mine and David's living will done, everything we own of course goes to Amanda, but she is not a horse person, I have been trying to find and that one special person to will her too if, God forbid, something were to happen to me. I don't want to leave that burden on David or Amanda. I was watching Mark and he approached Summer as she was tied to the round pen. He started loving on her and hugging her and talking to her. Right then it dawned on me, Mark was the person. So I asked him if he would do this for me and he said he was so honored and said there was no question, he would give her a forever home if something happened to me. I told Barb (barn owner) and David, just in case something happen to me before I got the paper work done, that Mark and Mel was Summer's God parents. Weird how something like that just dawns on you when you aren't even thinking about it. I guess cause the whole time they were there, Summer was the only one Mark loved on.
Summer is a true safety horse:
That evening we rode out again, Kelsie, Tracey, Kanisha, Deborah, Larry and myself. We got about 3/4 mile out and Larry's gelding started to spook and Larry lost his hat. He got off and bent down to pick it up, as he did this Eagle bolted. So Summer and I kicked into our NATRC safety mode and started tracking him as Eagle doesn't know the pasture that well. We tracked him into the woods and he turned and saw us and made a bee line back to us. Unfortunately, he still didn't want to be caught and bolted past me and everyone else and back tracked the way we came from and he was gone. Well, I wanted to see if Summer was a true safety horse and didn't want Larry to have to walk all the way back to the barn. Larry climbed aboard and we rode Summer double back to the barn. She took it like a pro and never balked. So now I can honestly say she tracks loose horses, ponies and rides double.
So Saturday was a pretty nice day.
Yesterday started good and ended horrible. We went to my parents and picked up Amanda and dropped a carriage box off for my dad to build a new one. Got home ate a late lunch, went to do the dishes, picked up the crock for the crock pot out of the dish washer and my back seized up! So I am sitting home right now at this computer writing this. I have to alternate between laying, standing and sitting, plus taking Naproxin Sodium and vicodin to relieve the pain, which of course is making me drowsy. I am actually droopy eyed, and head nodding as I write. I really hope to make it to work tomorrow. I hate using my benefit time for anything else other than family and horses. (smile)
Well, gotta go lay down for awhile now.
Taa-Taa
He ran the fastest he has ever ran in that car Friday. He sounded like John Force he was talking so fast after he got back to the truck. John Force is a professional drag racer and he is full of adrenaline after a run, David sounded just like him, it was too funny. http://www.johnforceracing.com/
Anyway, he ran a 5.62 at the 8th mile. This week he is installing a new shifter which should help him even more.
Saturday was our barn cook out and trail ride. I rode Summer in my Circle Y western saddle, it was so weird not riding in my endurance and somewhat uncomfortable, the stirrups aren't turned and they hurt my thighs and feet. I think it is broomstick time for those stirrups. We had a wonderful ride and great food. Mark and Mel brought their daughter, Maddie. She is almost 6 months old, time goes by too fast. But she is beautiful, blond hair, blue eyes and a little budda belly. She is so sweet. I will get some pictures posted today of her.
During this day, I made a decision, I have been wanting to get mine and David's living will done, everything we own of course goes to Amanda, but she is not a horse person, I have been trying to find and that one special person to will her too if, God forbid, something were to happen to me. I don't want to leave that burden on David or Amanda. I was watching Mark and he approached Summer as she was tied to the round pen. He started loving on her and hugging her and talking to her. Right then it dawned on me, Mark was the person. So I asked him if he would do this for me and he said he was so honored and said there was no question, he would give her a forever home if something happened to me. I told Barb (barn owner) and David, just in case something happen to me before I got the paper work done, that Mark and Mel was Summer's God parents. Weird how something like that just dawns on you when you aren't even thinking about it. I guess cause the whole time they were there, Summer was the only one Mark loved on.
Summer is a true safety horse:
That evening we rode out again, Kelsie, Tracey, Kanisha, Deborah, Larry and myself. We got about 3/4 mile out and Larry's gelding started to spook and Larry lost his hat. He got off and bent down to pick it up, as he did this Eagle bolted. So Summer and I kicked into our NATRC safety mode and started tracking him as Eagle doesn't know the pasture that well. We tracked him into the woods and he turned and saw us and made a bee line back to us. Unfortunately, he still didn't want to be caught and bolted past me and everyone else and back tracked the way we came from and he was gone. Well, I wanted to see if Summer was a true safety horse and didn't want Larry to have to walk all the way back to the barn. Larry climbed aboard and we rode Summer double back to the barn. She took it like a pro and never balked. So now I can honestly say she tracks loose horses, ponies and rides double.
So Saturday was a pretty nice day.
Yesterday started good and ended horrible. We went to my parents and picked up Amanda and dropped a carriage box off for my dad to build a new one. Got home ate a late lunch, went to do the dishes, picked up the crock for the crock pot out of the dish washer and my back seized up! So I am sitting home right now at this computer writing this. I have to alternate between laying, standing and sitting, plus taking Naproxin Sodium and vicodin to relieve the pain, which of course is making me drowsy. I am actually droopy eyed, and head nodding as I write. I really hope to make it to work tomorrow. I hate using my benefit time for anything else other than family and horses. (smile)
Well, gotta go lay down for awhile now.
Taa-Taa
Friday, May 2, 2008
A weekend Summer drive...
Well, while most everyone I know will be at the Supreme Trail Challenge in Decatur, Summer and I will be honing our driven dressage, or at least try to remember the test. I have driven her the last three nights, getting her used to blinders. I drove her the first year in an open bridle and she does just fine with that, but not too fond of the blinders. However, she is doing pretty good. For driving shows, she has to wear them, so we have no choice. I am also going to work on our wooden roadcart tomorrow and try to make it show ready. I asked Barb (barn owner) if she could get her guys to strip the old paint off as soon as possible. She said yes and that will cost me about $60, but they did a real good job on her carriages. Then I have to fix a stress fracture on a shaft, it is just cosmetic, so no harm. I need to find the back to the seat and re-attach that. So I will be busy tomorrow. I will get Amanda to help and and pay her a little bit too.
I love doing NATRC but I love driving too. To have that animal listen to you and the only control you have is the reins and bit, is pretty thrilling. Summer is already learning to trot on command. But it helps that I am learning how to que her with the reins. Being that she is a Tennessee Walker, if I hold the reins a little to tight, she will break into a running walk, pace, rack, anything but a trot. If I hold the reins up and a little loose, she will go into a trot. Which is what I want for the show. Her trot is ROUGH to ride, but looks so pretty when she is under harness and hooked to a cart. We (Barb, Paula and I) put her between the shafts of the wooden cart last night and I was disappointed that I will have to put shaft extensions on it for it to work. But at least I have a set, I just need to clean them up.
Well, gotta go to work!
TTFN
Thought for the day:
God rested after six days of work,
and the world didn't collapse.
What makes us think it will if we do?
I love doing NATRC but I love driving too. To have that animal listen to you and the only control you have is the reins and bit, is pretty thrilling. Summer is already learning to trot on command. But it helps that I am learning how to que her with the reins. Being that she is a Tennessee Walker, if I hold the reins a little to tight, she will break into a running walk, pace, rack, anything but a trot. If I hold the reins up and a little loose, she will go into a trot. Which is what I want for the show. Her trot is ROUGH to ride, but looks so pretty when she is under harness and hooked to a cart. We (Barb, Paula and I) put her between the shafts of the wooden cart last night and I was disappointed that I will have to put shaft extensions on it for it to work. But at least I have a set, I just need to clean them up.
Well, gotta go to work!
TTFN
Thought for the day:
God rested after six days of work,
and the world didn't collapse.
What makes us think it will if we do?
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Horsemaster's CTR
Well, we made it.
I left Friday morning around 8:15, got to Big Sandy and the ALERT Academy about 10:45.
It is so pretty there. Pine trees that go on forever they are so tall. And they were everywhere. Just absolutely beautiful. I parked near Mary and Kim and they saved a place for Liz cause she was coming in last. It was real nice. Pat (Mary's husband) took care of us girls. He cooked for us and made a real nice fire both Friday and Saturday night for us to sit around.
At the academy, there are shower and restroom facilites. And I don't mean a few, there are quite a few. So it sure was nice to get to take a hot shower after the ride.
There were 15 in my class. It was the biggest class. So once again, I felt like I was just there to get my completion points, no ribbons for us.
Friday we checked in. This vet is Miss Metabolics! But that is okay, Summer's mets have not been too bad. But, this vet called her "findings" out different than the other vets, so you didn't know where your horse stood on their mets. During trot out and the lounge, Summer decided to trip all over the place, but luckily she was not counted off for it. It is a sandy loom out there and she kept hitting soft spots.
Saturday morning we had a judged mount. The HMS judge gave me a good, but the vet judge said Summer took a step and gave her -1 point. I honestly do not recall Summer moving at all until I told her to. Oh well. Then we all timed out. I decided to time out right in front of the pack. I was going to do this ride alone just to see how she would act. Well, she was on booger patrol from the get go. But when the Mustang gang came up behind us fast, I could not keep Summer's mind on me. They would pass then slow down or stop and Summer and I would pass them, then they would pass me again. It got old, so Summer and I really slowed down to stay away from them. Summer fought me almost the whole ride Saturday. I just don't know what was with her. I guess she was just having "one of those days". Another observation on trail was to back up a small incline. Well, Summer and I do that all the time at my barn in the pasture, so she aced that. The vet judge did mets again and once again, I didn't understand and just hoped Summer's mets were where they should be. The HMS judge also did a hidden obstacle, which I never saw her. But I got a good on it. It was going down a steep hill. The judges check for your position on the horse and if there is any body sway from the rider. When we passed the two mile marker, there was a friendly little goat running loose in the field, well most horses (including Summer), just knew it was a horse eating beast from outer space. But we got past that with no one injured. We got back into camp and the vet judge took mets again, then told us to drop saddle at our trailers and come back when the horn blew for more met checks and a soundness check.
At this ride, it was not all flat land like I was told, it was as hilly as the last ride we just did. But this time, I used my gel pad instead of my Skito. I figured though, that will all the fighting Summer did and the hills, I just knew that she would have sore loins yet again. But I was ecstatic when I check her loins myself and there was NO soreness! Another thing that could have helped was we didn't do near as much pacing which is not good for their backs. We did more RW and racking. Anyway, I was just so happy about that, that I could care less if we placed. The vet checked her and she found no soreness either and no lameness issues. YIPPY!!!
Sunday morning we did a trot by for the vet and had to trot straight to the HMS judge. I got a good on that too. I rode out with Jenny for a little bit but Summer walks much faster than her RMH Magic. At least in the morning she does. Jenny said Magic had to want to walk that fast and he is usually a little slow in the mornings. I am sure he just didn't get his cup of java! (smile). Of course we left them and I rode with a man named David Walsh. He was on his BLM Mustang, Rocky. He gentled Rocky in that Extreme Mustang Challenge. And out of over a hundred and something horses, Rocky placed 14th in trailabilty. Very cool. But of course, Summer out walked him too. Then I caught up with George and his SSH Beau and Sue on her mule Sugar. Sugar's horse half is TWH. I rode the rest of the ride with them. Summer did great with those two. She didn't crowd them and every 10 minutes or so, we all changed places, kinda leap frogging. We only had one on trail observation and Summer blew it. But, she is just now learning to side pass to the right, so I didn't get upset with her. Had they asked us to go to the left, we would have aced it. Oh well, I got some work to do. At the two mile marker I hooked up with Liz and we tried to ride in together, but Summer out walks her APHA, Jazz. No biggy though.
We got in, dropped saddle and went straight to get in line for check out. Once again, Summer had NO loin issues!!! WOOHOO. I used my gel pad again. I guess that will be my pad of choice for these rides. I will us my Skito on more relaxed trail rides as to extend the life of my gel pad.
Well, Summer and I both received 5th place. Hey, at least I placed. With 15 in my class, I really didn't see that happening, so I was happy about that. I just know that there is some ground work I need to do with her.
This sure turned out to be a long post, so...
TTFN
I left Friday morning around 8:15, got to Big Sandy and the ALERT Academy about 10:45.
It is so pretty there. Pine trees that go on forever they are so tall. And they were everywhere. Just absolutely beautiful. I parked near Mary and Kim and they saved a place for Liz cause she was coming in last. It was real nice. Pat (Mary's husband) took care of us girls. He cooked for us and made a real nice fire both Friday and Saturday night for us to sit around.
At the academy, there are shower and restroom facilites. And I don't mean a few, there are quite a few. So it sure was nice to get to take a hot shower after the ride.
There were 15 in my class. It was the biggest class. So once again, I felt like I was just there to get my completion points, no ribbons for us.
Friday we checked in. This vet is Miss Metabolics! But that is okay, Summer's mets have not been too bad. But, this vet called her "findings" out different than the other vets, so you didn't know where your horse stood on their mets. During trot out and the lounge, Summer decided to trip all over the place, but luckily she was not counted off for it. It is a sandy loom out there and she kept hitting soft spots.
Saturday morning we had a judged mount. The HMS judge gave me a good, but the vet judge said Summer took a step and gave her -1 point. I honestly do not recall Summer moving at all until I told her to. Oh well. Then we all timed out. I decided to time out right in front of the pack. I was going to do this ride alone just to see how she would act. Well, she was on booger patrol from the get go. But when the Mustang gang came up behind us fast, I could not keep Summer's mind on me. They would pass then slow down or stop and Summer and I would pass them, then they would pass me again. It got old, so Summer and I really slowed down to stay away from them. Summer fought me almost the whole ride Saturday. I just don't know what was with her. I guess she was just having "one of those days". Another observation on trail was to back up a small incline. Well, Summer and I do that all the time at my barn in the pasture, so she aced that. The vet judge did mets again and once again, I didn't understand and just hoped Summer's mets were where they should be. The HMS judge also did a hidden obstacle, which I never saw her. But I got a good on it. It was going down a steep hill. The judges check for your position on the horse and if there is any body sway from the rider. When we passed the two mile marker, there was a friendly little goat running loose in the field, well most horses (including Summer), just knew it was a horse eating beast from outer space. But we got past that with no one injured. We got back into camp and the vet judge took mets again, then told us to drop saddle at our trailers and come back when the horn blew for more met checks and a soundness check.
At this ride, it was not all flat land like I was told, it was as hilly as the last ride we just did. But this time, I used my gel pad instead of my Skito. I figured though, that will all the fighting Summer did and the hills, I just knew that she would have sore loins yet again. But I was ecstatic when I check her loins myself and there was NO soreness! Another thing that could have helped was we didn't do near as much pacing which is not good for their backs. We did more RW and racking. Anyway, I was just so happy about that, that I could care less if we placed. The vet checked her and she found no soreness either and no lameness issues. YIPPY!!!
Sunday morning we did a trot by for the vet and had to trot straight to the HMS judge. I got a good on that too. I rode out with Jenny for a little bit but Summer walks much faster than her RMH Magic. At least in the morning she does. Jenny said Magic had to want to walk that fast and he is usually a little slow in the mornings. I am sure he just didn't get his cup of java! (smile). Of course we left them and I rode with a man named David Walsh. He was on his BLM Mustang, Rocky. He gentled Rocky in that Extreme Mustang Challenge. And out of over a hundred and something horses, Rocky placed 14th in trailabilty. Very cool. But of course, Summer out walked him too. Then I caught up with George and his SSH Beau and Sue on her mule Sugar. Sugar's horse half is TWH. I rode the rest of the ride with them. Summer did great with those two. She didn't crowd them and every 10 minutes or so, we all changed places, kinda leap frogging. We only had one on trail observation and Summer blew it. But, she is just now learning to side pass to the right, so I didn't get upset with her. Had they asked us to go to the left, we would have aced it. Oh well, I got some work to do. At the two mile marker I hooked up with Liz and we tried to ride in together, but Summer out walks her APHA, Jazz. No biggy though.
We got in, dropped saddle and went straight to get in line for check out. Once again, Summer had NO loin issues!!! WOOHOO. I used my gel pad again. I guess that will be my pad of choice for these rides. I will us my Skito on more relaxed trail rides as to extend the life of my gel pad.
Well, Summer and I both received 5th place. Hey, at least I placed. With 15 in my class, I really didn't see that happening, so I was happy about that. I just know that there is some ground work I need to do with her.
This sure turned out to be a long post, so...
TTFN
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Horsemaster's CTR...getting ready!
Well, I got new brakes on my truck. It stops on a dime and gives you 9 cents in change now!
Tuesday night and Wednesday night I have been practicing my off side mount. My girl stood like a rock the entire time. Course that could change at the ride if the judge asks me to do it. She also side passed to the right several times when asked. I am real proud of her, she is really coming along. I just worry as why we are having loin issues all of a sudden. Conditioning her may have caused a body shape change. As a matter of fact, I am positive it did. But the saddle fitter said her saddle fit fine. I just keep wondering if it is the new pad. I just know I need to get this resolved this summer. Horsemaster's is my last ride this season, my next ride (God willing) is in September. I am not going to Indian Territory as it is just too far a drive for my truck and my wallet. And I am supposed to work Cass Co., that is unless I enter it. We'll see.
Once again I am nervous. I am riding this ride by myself. I need to see if Summer's mind will stay on me and not on Cimmy. Her and Cimmy ride wonderfully together but Summer is starting to get that competitive mind going and want's to be ahead of him, which is fine cause she walks faster, but when it comes to obtacles, she gets upset if he leaves her. So this ride will tell me if I need to start riding all the rides alone. But I am sure I already know the answer. I did that Texas Trail Challenge by ourselves and she was a dream horse.
Anyway, gotta go
TTFN
Tuesday night and Wednesday night I have been practicing my off side mount. My girl stood like a rock the entire time. Course that could change at the ride if the judge asks me to do it. She also side passed to the right several times when asked. I am real proud of her, she is really coming along. I just worry as why we are having loin issues all of a sudden. Conditioning her may have caused a body shape change. As a matter of fact, I am positive it did. But the saddle fitter said her saddle fit fine. I just keep wondering if it is the new pad. I just know I need to get this resolved this summer. Horsemaster's is my last ride this season, my next ride (God willing) is in September. I am not going to Indian Territory as it is just too far a drive for my truck and my wallet. And I am supposed to work Cass Co., that is unless I enter it. We'll see.
Once again I am nervous. I am riding this ride by myself. I need to see if Summer's mind will stay on me and not on Cimmy. Her and Cimmy ride wonderfully together but Summer is starting to get that competitive mind going and want's to be ahead of him, which is fine cause she walks faster, but when it comes to obtacles, she gets upset if he leaves her. So this ride will tell me if I need to start riding all the rides alone. But I am sure I already know the answer. I did that Texas Trail Challenge by ourselves and she was a dream horse.
Anyway, gotta go
TTFN
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Deep in the Heart of Texas CTR
Well, after last week, I wasn't sure I was going to go. I was depressed but knew I needed to clear my head with a weekend with my horse and friends. I am glad I went now. I still had some crying bursts when I was alone, but that is okay. I needed those too.
Friday morning at 5am, I got out in the rain, got in my SUV and went to the barn. Hooked up my new/used trailer (in the rain, yuck!) and prayed that Summer wouldn't throw and big fit about getting into a trailer she has never been in, in the dark and, did I say rain? (yuck). Well, after about 20 seconds of twirling the end of her lead rope and tapping her butt with it, she got in. Thank you Lord. I was supposed to meet Mary at the corner of Garden Acres and I35. At that time I had a "D'oh" moment, I couldn't find my cell phone, crap! Summer and I drove back to the house, now I have my cell phone. Drive back to I35 (thank goodness I don't live that far from it), got to the "meetin'" corner and was 12 minutes late. But there was no Mary. I called, she is running late too. Once we finally hooked up, we were off.
We got there at about 10am. I got electrical hookup cause I brought a heater and 125' of extension cord, plus it is nice having water right there for your horse. I have to say, sleeping in my little trailers tack/dressing room was quite cozy.
Well, on to the ride. The HMS judge was TOUGH! I though Patsy was tough, but Cheri Jeffcoat was TOUGH! There were things I just couldn't do that she asked of us. I do not ground mount Summer. I use a mounting block or good natural terrain, which the hill she was at was very small and Summer's saddle rolled every time I tried to get on. After 30 seconds, she handed me my mounting stool. My pad is fleece as is my girth, Mary thinks that is my "rolling" problem, and I bet she is right. Anywho, at least I tried, if you pass you loose one extra point. She asked for a couple of in-hand obstacles, one of which Summer aced and one we need to work on. She asked for a few more on trail obstacles, like walking on brush and a gait obstacle. Summer and I did pretty good to my standards. I know I just need to slow down and Summer will do much better as well. But I knew that I was not going to place. But at least I would get my 4 completion points.
The vet judge was Carter Hounsel. He was the Christmas ride judge that called Summer grade 1 lame and I pulled her before she started. He is a real nice guy and really puts the horse first and will tell you what he feels even if you don't like it. To him, the horse is number 1. I really like that in him. Anyway, Summer checked in sound with good metabolics.
Well, the weekend weather could not have been any better. I know that Granny asked the Lord to give me beautiful weather. And I know she was watching me.
Summer only lost 1 metabolic point on gut sounds and 1 other for something else, I can't remember, but she lost 6 points for pain in the loins on Sunday. OUCH, 4 for her right side and 2 for her left. I felt horrible. We had a saddle fitter there that sales Specialized Saddles and he had a saddle pad that he could hook into a computer and it would show where your saddle was not doing well. Even the vet wanted me to let John (saddle rep) check my saddle. Well I did it and was shocked (as was John) that my Big Horn endurance fit Summer surprisingly well. No hot spots at all. So the vet asked me if I was having pain issues myself, I told him my back had been giving me fits all weekend, he believes that was it. I was over-compensating for my own pain, which caused her to have pain. Loosing all those points on her back, I was sure she would not place either. We had 8 competitors in our class and two tough judges. But I was truely okay with that.
I stayed for awards just to see who would place. Well, surprisingly Summer and I both place. I got 4th and she got a 5th. Once again, I was shocked. I guess that if the judges were tough on me, they were tough on everyone. I just have to figure out the loin issues with her. I told Carter that I was going to start driving her more, as she trots under harness that would strengthen her loins, he agreed. I have lost 5 pounds and have several more to go, that will help too. And I hope my back isn't hurting in two weeks, cause that is the Horsemaster's CTR and I plan on going to that too.
Well, that is my story, there was more too it, but I just don't feel like typing anymore.
TTFN
Friday morning at 5am, I got out in the rain, got in my SUV and went to the barn. Hooked up my new/used trailer (in the rain, yuck!) and prayed that Summer wouldn't throw and big fit about getting into a trailer she has never been in, in the dark and, did I say rain? (yuck). Well, after about 20 seconds of twirling the end of her lead rope and tapping her butt with it, she got in. Thank you Lord. I was supposed to meet Mary at the corner of Garden Acres and I35. At that time I had a "D'oh" moment, I couldn't find my cell phone, crap! Summer and I drove back to the house, now I have my cell phone. Drive back to I35 (thank goodness I don't live that far from it), got to the "meetin'" corner and was 12 minutes late. But there was no Mary. I called, she is running late too. Once we finally hooked up, we were off.
We got there at about 10am. I got electrical hookup cause I brought a heater and 125' of extension cord, plus it is nice having water right there for your horse. I have to say, sleeping in my little trailers tack/dressing room was quite cozy.
Well, on to the ride. The HMS judge was TOUGH! I though Patsy was tough, but Cheri Jeffcoat was TOUGH! There were things I just couldn't do that she asked of us. I do not ground mount Summer. I use a mounting block or good natural terrain, which the hill she was at was very small and Summer's saddle rolled every time I tried to get on. After 30 seconds, she handed me my mounting stool. My pad is fleece as is my girth, Mary thinks that is my "rolling" problem, and I bet she is right. Anywho, at least I tried, if you pass you loose one extra point. She asked for a couple of in-hand obstacles, one of which Summer aced and one we need to work on. She asked for a few more on trail obstacles, like walking on brush and a gait obstacle. Summer and I did pretty good to my standards. I know I just need to slow down and Summer will do much better as well. But I knew that I was not going to place. But at least I would get my 4 completion points.
The vet judge was Carter Hounsel. He was the Christmas ride judge that called Summer grade 1 lame and I pulled her before she started. He is a real nice guy and really puts the horse first and will tell you what he feels even if you don't like it. To him, the horse is number 1. I really like that in him. Anyway, Summer checked in sound with good metabolics.
Well, the weekend weather could not have been any better. I know that Granny asked the Lord to give me beautiful weather. And I know she was watching me.
Summer only lost 1 metabolic point on gut sounds and 1 other for something else, I can't remember, but she lost 6 points for pain in the loins on Sunday. OUCH, 4 for her right side and 2 for her left. I felt horrible. We had a saddle fitter there that sales Specialized Saddles and he had a saddle pad that he could hook into a computer and it would show where your saddle was not doing well. Even the vet wanted me to let John (saddle rep) check my saddle. Well I did it and was shocked (as was John) that my Big Horn endurance fit Summer surprisingly well. No hot spots at all. So the vet asked me if I was having pain issues myself, I told him my back had been giving me fits all weekend, he believes that was it. I was over-compensating for my own pain, which caused her to have pain. Loosing all those points on her back, I was sure she would not place either. We had 8 competitors in our class and two tough judges. But I was truely okay with that.
I stayed for awards just to see who would place. Well, surprisingly Summer and I both place. I got 4th and she got a 5th. Once again, I was shocked. I guess that if the judges were tough on me, they were tough on everyone. I just have to figure out the loin issues with her. I told Carter that I was going to start driving her more, as she trots under harness that would strengthen her loins, he agreed. I have lost 5 pounds and have several more to go, that will help too. And I hope my back isn't hurting in two weeks, cause that is the Horsemaster's CTR and I plan on going to that too.
Well, that is my story, there was more too it, but I just don't feel like typing anymore.
TTFN
Monday, March 24, 2008
Oklahoma Land Run CTR
Whew, what a ride!!!! My friend Liz, her step-daughter, my daughter and I, got on the rode at 5am for our 5 hour drive. We arrived right at 10am and got a good site to camp in. There were already folks there who had arrived the day before. The wind was brisk and blowing around 10 miles an hour. And right on the lake it felt cooler than the actual temps.
Well, we got camp set up. My daughter (Amanda) and Liz's daughter (Kaylee), both 17 years old, stayed with some friend's of ours named Katie and Cork in their RV. Lucky girls got a bed and we got a tent. Oh well, we brought a heater and 125' of extention cord, so we were set for the cold nights.
This is the second time I have been to Lake Carl Blackwell. The first was in 2006 at my first competition. This weekend was only my third ride ever since I have been involved in NATRC. If you have never been there, GO! It is real pretty with all kinds of wild life. During our Friday night ride briefing, a group of white tail deer, came bounding out of the woods and ran past our camp, it was so pretty.
Saturday we rode the white loop with an extra 2 miles added into it to make it 20.9 miles at 4mph. The trails were gorgeous, but I tell you, if a non horsey person saw the trails, they would ask, "are you really going to make your horse climb that!?" My friend counted approximately 14 downs and back ups. And they were steep, boggy, and contained large boulders. But they were pretty. You really had to trust your mount to get the job done. I just got off Summer's back, gave her her head, and said what I always say to her on steep hills, "up, up, up." But, they have to walk up them, if the horsemanship judge catches you trotting or running, you will lose points. And the judge this weekend, Patsy Conner, likes to hide and she is a tough judge but a very sweet lady. So there were a couple of times she was judging us on trail and we never saw her.
I rode with Liz and her paint mare and Mary on her Arab gelding. There was one hill so steep that it was kinda scarey. I am kinda a big girl, and I just prayed Summer could get me up it. She did. Mary and Cimmy went up it first and Summer second. As soon as I got up it, I turned Summer around so Liz's mare, Jazz, could see that Summer wasn't leaving her. Well, Jazz bounded up it anyway and Liz almost came off. It was pretty scary to watch. But she held on and got up the hill.
Well, needless to say, by the end of they day they had already pulled a few horses for lameness issues. Summer's loins were a little sore so the vet judge came by my camp that evening to check her again. She told me to ice towel her and get two raw eggs, beat them, and slather it on her loins and leave it over night. Weird right, but not unheard of. In NATRC, you cannot medicate your horse, and you cannot attach anything to your horse but you can lay an ice water towel on your horses back, because it is not attached. And eggs are not medication, but for some reason, they help in reducing swelling, so they are legal. By the next morning, she was much better.
That poor girl of mine is a flat lander horse, we ain't used to those kinds of hills. I can't tell you the last time she was sore in the loins. I am always light in the saddle and totally get off her back to climb. It was just those hills she wasn't used to. And there was just so many, had there only been a few, she would have had no problems.
Sunday we only had to do 10.1 miles at 4mph. Now, at ride briefing on Saturday night, we were told these trails were MUCH easier than the Saturday trails. Yeah, right! Liz, Mary and I all agreed that they were even more technical than the previous days trails. Of course, then we had the "snowy river" twosome behind use and they were right on Summer's bum. And I watched this guy and girl going 90 to nothing up these hills and I heard the guy que his horse to run up the hills. At one hill, Summer was half way up, next thing I know, I hear his horse grunting and here he comes, right up Summer's butt. I YELLED at him, "DO NOT RUN UP BEHIND ME." And most of you don't know, I have a very load voice. He backed off the rest of the ride. Now, Liz is the president of our region, so later down the trail, I asked her, should I apoligize for yelling at him, she said no, it was a safety issue.
When we finally got back to camp, we were told to untack and get in line for check out. Well, poor Summer's loins were sore again. She would give a little and take a step if you put pressure on them. But there were horses there, much worse than her. One horse was pulled only a mile out of camp Sunday morning. Sunday morn, we had a judged mount and trot by. This one lady on a blk/wht SSH, mounted, I watched that horse give to her. His croop was flat and almost concave and his legs buckled ever so slightly. I saw her talk to the vet judge, then she rode off, but did not pull from the ride. A mile out of camp was our first observation, "do you have a knife?" was the question by the judges. I was told that when the same lady turned to get the knife out of her saddle pack, the horse almost sank. The horse was then pulled. So, these hills were tough on some of these horses. But thank God, Summer's issues weren't near anything like that poor horse and rider.
Okay, I just realized how long I have made this post. So long story not so short.
8 was supposed to start in my class, 5 finished. Because of Summer's loin issues, she lost 4 points. That cost us dearly, but not her fault. She got 4th place. But I know she would have done better had it not been for that because she got 2nd place just two weeks ago out of 12 horses. So I know, she is a CTR horse, we just need to find hills to work on.
I totally knew that I would not place too well because judge Patsy is one tough cookie.
But.... I... got... MY FIRST BLUE RIBBON IN HORSEMANSHIP!!!!!!!!!!
I about fell out!!!!!! I have started losing weight, a whole 4lbs so far. But if I want to catch that blue for Summer, I need to get the weight off!
In CTR, we always want our horses to do better than us. But if Patsy Conner awarded me a blue, then I know I can help Summer catch her first blue.
Thanks for reading!
Well, we got camp set up. My daughter (Amanda) and Liz's daughter (Kaylee), both 17 years old, stayed with some friend's of ours named Katie and Cork in their RV. Lucky girls got a bed and we got a tent. Oh well, we brought a heater and 125' of extention cord, so we were set for the cold nights.
This is the second time I have been to Lake Carl Blackwell. The first was in 2006 at my first competition. This weekend was only my third ride ever since I have been involved in NATRC. If you have never been there, GO! It is real pretty with all kinds of wild life. During our Friday night ride briefing, a group of white tail deer, came bounding out of the woods and ran past our camp, it was so pretty.
Saturday we rode the white loop with an extra 2 miles added into it to make it 20.9 miles at 4mph. The trails were gorgeous, but I tell you, if a non horsey person saw the trails, they would ask, "are you really going to make your horse climb that!?" My friend counted approximately 14 downs and back ups. And they were steep, boggy, and contained large boulders. But they were pretty. You really had to trust your mount to get the job done. I just got off Summer's back, gave her her head, and said what I always say to her on steep hills, "up, up, up." But, they have to walk up them, if the horsemanship judge catches you trotting or running, you will lose points. And the judge this weekend, Patsy Conner, likes to hide and she is a tough judge but a very sweet lady. So there were a couple of times she was judging us on trail and we never saw her.
I rode with Liz and her paint mare and Mary on her Arab gelding. There was one hill so steep that it was kinda scarey. I am kinda a big girl, and I just prayed Summer could get me up it. She did. Mary and Cimmy went up it first and Summer second. As soon as I got up it, I turned Summer around so Liz's mare, Jazz, could see that Summer wasn't leaving her. Well, Jazz bounded up it anyway and Liz almost came off. It was pretty scary to watch. But she held on and got up the hill.
Well, needless to say, by the end of they day they had already pulled a few horses for lameness issues. Summer's loins were a little sore so the vet judge came by my camp that evening to check her again. She told me to ice towel her and get two raw eggs, beat them, and slather it on her loins and leave it over night. Weird right, but not unheard of. In NATRC, you cannot medicate your horse, and you cannot attach anything to your horse but you can lay an ice water towel on your horses back, because it is not attached. And eggs are not medication, but for some reason, they help in reducing swelling, so they are legal. By the next morning, she was much better.
That poor girl of mine is a flat lander horse, we ain't used to those kinds of hills. I can't tell you the last time she was sore in the loins. I am always light in the saddle and totally get off her back to climb. It was just those hills she wasn't used to. And there was just so many, had there only been a few, she would have had no problems.
Sunday we only had to do 10.1 miles at 4mph. Now, at ride briefing on Saturday night, we were told these trails were MUCH easier than the Saturday trails. Yeah, right! Liz, Mary and I all agreed that they were even more technical than the previous days trails. Of course, then we had the "snowy river" twosome behind use and they were right on Summer's bum. And I watched this guy and girl going 90 to nothing up these hills and I heard the guy que his horse to run up the hills. At one hill, Summer was half way up, next thing I know, I hear his horse grunting and here he comes, right up Summer's butt. I YELLED at him, "DO NOT RUN UP BEHIND ME." And most of you don't know, I have a very load voice. He backed off the rest of the ride. Now, Liz is the president of our region, so later down the trail, I asked her, should I apoligize for yelling at him, she said no, it was a safety issue.
When we finally got back to camp, we were told to untack and get in line for check out. Well, poor Summer's loins were sore again. She would give a little and take a step if you put pressure on them. But there were horses there, much worse than her. One horse was pulled only a mile out of camp Sunday morning. Sunday morn, we had a judged mount and trot by. This one lady on a blk/wht SSH, mounted, I watched that horse give to her. His croop was flat and almost concave and his legs buckled ever so slightly. I saw her talk to the vet judge, then she rode off, but did not pull from the ride. A mile out of camp was our first observation, "do you have a knife?" was the question by the judges. I was told that when the same lady turned to get the knife out of her saddle pack, the horse almost sank. The horse was then pulled. So, these hills were tough on some of these horses. But thank God, Summer's issues weren't near anything like that poor horse and rider.
Okay, I just realized how long I have made this post. So long story not so short.
8 was supposed to start in my class, 5 finished. Because of Summer's loin issues, she lost 4 points. That cost us dearly, but not her fault. She got 4th place. But I know she would have done better had it not been for that because she got 2nd place just two weeks ago out of 12 horses. So I know, she is a CTR horse, we just need to find hills to work on.
I totally knew that I would not place too well because judge Patsy is one tough cookie.
But.... I... got... MY FIRST BLUE RIBBON IN HORSEMANSHIP!!!!!!!!!!
I about fell out!!!!!! I have started losing weight, a whole 4lbs so far. But if I want to catch that blue for Summer, I need to get the weight off!
In CTR, we always want our horses to do better than us. But if Patsy Conner awarded me a blue, then I know I can help Summer catch her first blue.
Thanks for reading!
Monday, March 10, 2008
Girl Scout Scamper CTR...
What a weekend! Boy, are Summer and I pooped.
First thing first, we weren't even sure this was going to happen. The weather here in north TX was horrible on Thursday. Wind, rain, sleet, and snow. However, by Friday morning, almost all had melted and the sun was out and doing his job.
I loaded my SUV and headed to the barn, fed Summer and loaded more stuff. Then headed to Liz's barn to unload stuff into her horse trailer. Drove to her office, grabbed her hubby's truck, and proceeded with more loading and unloading. Whew, I was already beat by 9:30am. Liz got off at 10:30, we headed to her barn, hooked up, loaded her horse Jazz, headed to my barn, drop off my SUV and loaded up Summer and off to Cat Springs we went. The weather was gorgeous!!! The only complaint we had was the wind was strong.
(We met Mary at a store near Liz's barn and caravaned to the ride.)
We got there in about 4 1/2 hours. We finally found a place to park, unloaded the girls and set up camp.
This was a beautiful facility. It is called the 7IL ranch. Very nice, with 19.2 miles of marked trails.
I know it was 19.2 miles, cause that is what we rode both days. I am pooped! I have been involved in NATRC for 4 years and this is my second ride. Did I say somewhere in my blog I am a professional volunteer? (smile) Anyway, the first ride Summer and I did was 2 years ago and her metabolics ate her lunch. Course that ride is real hilly, but this ride was real sandy, so no matter which location, there is a lot of strain involved.
Okay, on to the story, I will make this short. The ride was 19.2 miles both days at a pace of 4.5mph. Her metabolics were MUCH better than the other ride we did. (It was the same time of year as this, so heat was not a factor at that ride). There were several obstacles, with two seperate judges, a horsemanship judge for the rider, and a vet judge for the horse. Obstacles included but not limited too were, trot bys, water crossings, backing thru trees, hidden obstacles, metabolics, trot into P&Rs, judge mounts(mount your horse in front of a judge), and a few more things.
I honestly didn't think Summer or I would place. My division was the largest class, 12 competitors (Novice Heavyweight) there and there were some good riders and some good horses. I wanted to stay just to get my score cards to see how we did and what we needed to improve on. So we stayed. I think Mary wanted to stay too and secretly I think Liz did too to see how Jazz did. This was Liz's first CTR on this new mare of her's.
Moving on...they called 6th, 5th and 4th, in horsemanship, Mary got 4th, WOO HOO, I was happy for her (she and I rode the whole weekend together and had a great time also, she and I were in the same class). I figured since Mary placed 4th, I knew I didn't place. Not the case, I got 3rd. I was really surprized and happy.
In the horse class, I was worried about Summer's metabolics. I knew she had lost 1 point at the last P&R of the weekend. (P&R means pulse and respiratory, they have to be a certain criteria or they can loose points). But that was okay, she lost 5pts at the 1st ride we did. Once again, I truly did not expect Summer to place. The vet judge called 6th, 5th, 4th and 3rd. Mary's horse, Cimmy, placed 3rd. He is a real pretty Arabian and they usually have great metabolics. I was real happy for her once again but at the same time figured Summer had not placed since Cimmy was 3rd. Then the vet judge looked at me and called 2nd place for Summer!!! Summer's first red ribbon. I was so happy. I conditioned her real hard to get her ready for the endurance ride that we didn't get to do. So maybe some of that conditioning stayed with her. Now, if I loose some weight, maybe someday, she might win a blue ribbon.
Liz competed in a class called Competitive Pleasure and Jazz placed 5th, her class was the second largest, 9 competitors. So, we all got to take home a ribbon for our ponies.
Needless to say tho, I didn't get to bed till 12:30am. I made it to work this morning, but I can't wait to go home tonight and crawl back into bed.
TTFN
First thing first, we weren't even sure this was going to happen. The weather here in north TX was horrible on Thursday. Wind, rain, sleet, and snow. However, by Friday morning, almost all had melted and the sun was out and doing his job.
I loaded my SUV and headed to the barn, fed Summer and loaded more stuff. Then headed to Liz's barn to unload stuff into her horse trailer. Drove to her office, grabbed her hubby's truck, and proceeded with more loading and unloading. Whew, I was already beat by 9:30am. Liz got off at 10:30, we headed to her barn, hooked up, loaded her horse Jazz, headed to my barn, drop off my SUV and loaded up Summer and off to Cat Springs we went. The weather was gorgeous!!! The only complaint we had was the wind was strong.
(We met Mary at a store near Liz's barn and caravaned to the ride.)
We got there in about 4 1/2 hours. We finally found a place to park, unloaded the girls and set up camp.
This was a beautiful facility. It is called the 7IL ranch. Very nice, with 19.2 miles of marked trails.
I know it was 19.2 miles, cause that is what we rode both days. I am pooped! I have been involved in NATRC for 4 years and this is my second ride. Did I say somewhere in my blog I am a professional volunteer? (smile) Anyway, the first ride Summer and I did was 2 years ago and her metabolics ate her lunch. Course that ride is real hilly, but this ride was real sandy, so no matter which location, there is a lot of strain involved.
Okay, on to the story, I will make this short. The ride was 19.2 miles both days at a pace of 4.5mph. Her metabolics were MUCH better than the other ride we did. (It was the same time of year as this, so heat was not a factor at that ride). There were several obstacles, with two seperate judges, a horsemanship judge for the rider, and a vet judge for the horse. Obstacles included but not limited too were, trot bys, water crossings, backing thru trees, hidden obstacles, metabolics, trot into P&Rs, judge mounts(mount your horse in front of a judge), and a few more things.
I honestly didn't think Summer or I would place. My division was the largest class, 12 competitors (Novice Heavyweight) there and there were some good riders and some good horses. I wanted to stay just to get my score cards to see how we did and what we needed to improve on. So we stayed. I think Mary wanted to stay too and secretly I think Liz did too to see how Jazz did. This was Liz's first CTR on this new mare of her's.
Moving on...they called 6th, 5th and 4th, in horsemanship, Mary got 4th, WOO HOO, I was happy for her (she and I rode the whole weekend together and had a great time also, she and I were in the same class). I figured since Mary placed 4th, I knew I didn't place. Not the case, I got 3rd. I was really surprized and happy.
In the horse class, I was worried about Summer's metabolics. I knew she had lost 1 point at the last P&R of the weekend. (P&R means pulse and respiratory, they have to be a certain criteria or they can loose points). But that was okay, she lost 5pts at the 1st ride we did. Once again, I truly did not expect Summer to place. The vet judge called 6th, 5th, 4th and 3rd. Mary's horse, Cimmy, placed 3rd. He is a real pretty Arabian and they usually have great metabolics. I was real happy for her once again but at the same time figured Summer had not placed since Cimmy was 3rd. Then the vet judge looked at me and called 2nd place for Summer!!! Summer's first red ribbon. I was so happy. I conditioned her real hard to get her ready for the endurance ride that we didn't get to do. So maybe some of that conditioning stayed with her. Now, if I loose some weight, maybe someday, she might win a blue ribbon.
Liz competed in a class called Competitive Pleasure and Jazz placed 5th, her class was the second largest, 9 competitors. So, we all got to take home a ribbon for our ponies.
Needless to say tho, I didn't get to bed till 12:30am. I made it to work this morning, but I can't wait to go home tonight and crawl back into bed.
TTFN
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
My friend's Mustang...
*Tracey took a picture of Peppy and here is my big booty on this 14.2 Mustang. What a lot of folks don't know is that Mustangs and Arabs can carry up to 40% of their body weight. Where as most other horses can only comfortably carry 20 to 25%. So I didn't feel bad about getting on him. His momma (Katie) said his name was Peppy Le Pu. Too cute.
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*I am feeling a little better today. The congestion in my chest is trying to break up. Hence, I am coughing a lot.
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*Tracey says it is supposed to be good riding weather this weekend and we really need to go on another conditioning ride. If I can't go somewhere, then I will be hitting the trails in our pasture for at least a 15 mile ride, which means hitting all the trails about 3 times.
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*I did forget to mention that I am the new editor of our R4 NATRC paper. It is called The Roundup. I am excited and nervous about this. I have big plans, I just hope they pan out.
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*TTFN
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Sick and tired of being sick and tired...
I am sick yet again. My hubby wants me to go to the doctor. I need to go. I hate going, but I need to go. He pointed out that I have been sick for the last month. Some days are better than others, but it is still sick just the same. If this funky weather would stay one way or the other, it might not be so bad. Then I get to work this morning and hear we have no heat in the building and it will be like that for a week. They hit a gas line in the back drive way. So, a minute to break it and a week to fix it. It is not to bad right now, the office is warm but the hallway and the first floor are cold. By tonight, after this freeze, I am sure it will be cold in my office tomorrow. I have a little heater under my desk, but if I and the investigator that is closest to my desk, uses our heaters at the same time, it blows a wall circut. Did I mention this building is almost 100 years old?
Went to the NATRC R4 convention this weekend. Well, Tracey, Ashley and I went Saturday. I got to visit with folks that I normally don't have time to visit with during a competition. So that was nice. Got to ride a couple of my friends horses since I didn't take my own. That was also nice. I can actually say I rode a Mustang now. I also rode my friends TWH who is about a whole hand taller than Summer. So that is pretty big for me. Summer is 15.3, this boy was about 3 to 4 inches taller, at least it seemed like it to me. We got back to the barn at midnight, so I was good and tired by the time I got home.
Better get back to work.
TTFN
Went to the NATRC R4 convention this weekend. Well, Tracey, Ashley and I went Saturday. I got to visit with folks that I normally don't have time to visit with during a competition. So that was nice. Got to ride a couple of my friends horses since I didn't take my own. That was also nice. I can actually say I rode a Mustang now. I also rode my friends TWH who is about a whole hand taller than Summer. So that is pretty big for me. Summer is 15.3, this boy was about 3 to 4 inches taller, at least it seemed like it to me. We got back to the barn at midnight, so I was good and tired by the time I got home.
Better get back to work.
TTFN
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