Murpy's Law

Murphy's horse laws

If you do a thorough check of your trailer before hauling, your truck will break down

There is no such thing as a sterile barn cat

No one ever notices how you ride until you fall off

The least useful horse in your barn will eat the most, require shoes every four weeks and need the vet at least once a month

A horse's misbehavior will be in direct proportion to the number of people who are watching

If you're wondering if you left the water on in the barn, you did

If you're wondering if you latched the pasture gate, you didn't

Hoof picks migrate

Tack you hate never wears out

Blankets you hate cannot be destroyed

Horses you hate cannot be sold and will outlive you

Clipper blades will become dull only when the horse is half finished

Clipper motors will quit only when you have the horse's head left to trim

If you approach within 50 feet of the barn in your "street clothes", you will get dirty

You can't push a horse on a lunge line

If a horse is advertised "under $5,000" you can bet he isn't $2,500

The number of horses you own increases according to the number of stalls in your barn

An uncomplicated horse can be ruined with enough schooling

You can't run a barn without baling twine

Wind velocity increases in direct proportion to how well your hat fits

There is no such thing as the "right feed"

If you fall off, you will land on the site of your most recent injury

If you're winning, quit.

Distracted Horse = Dangerous Horse?

Sid is a cutie patootie!

Yesterday at the barn, I rode Sid. I mentioned Sid in a previous post, but to recap, he was "abandoned" at the barn. Basically, his owner just stopped paying board, so J ended up getting ownership of him. Anyway, Sid was a very very very vocal Stallion when he was left at the barn. His previous owner thought he was Stallion quality, even though he is tiny at under 15 hands, petite and his back end is higher than his withers. Sid is cute, don't get me wrong, but he is NOT stallion quality.

Once J had had Sid's papers in hand and his ownership was transferred to her, she did a very smart thing and de-stallioned the noisy horse. Sid was, I think 12 when he was gelded. The first few months after surgery, Sid was still vocal and pompous - I lunged him many times (as he healed it was necessary), and I found that he was easily distracted and difficult to keep under control while he bellowed at mares. At some point, I saddled him up and rode him. The entire ride, he bellowed at the mares grazing in an adjacent field to the arena. Every time he bellowed he was disciplined. I kicked him, pulled him in circles, used a crop, etc, but he would not be dissuaded. He isn't terrible, he just starts to bellow and becomes very distracted; he did however give me one low frustrated rear after I scolded his blustery attempt at love...this was last Fall.

Over the winter Sid was left to simmer down. He has mellowed out immensely actually. He used to start screaming the second he left his stall, but now he rarely if ever utters a peep. I know his hormone levels have gone down the sinker, which is a very very good thing. Yesterday though, we had a moment. I was riding Sid in the indoor arena, we were working on staying on the rail - that's a story for another day. Anyway, there were two other horses in the ring, Sid was very good and mostly ignored them...though he was quite distracted. Towards the end of our ride, the other two riders dismounted and exited the arena. As the sliding doors rolled shut and Sid and I were alone, he became very agitated. Though I was carrying a Dressage Whip *to keep his attention on me* he raised his head up out of the bridle and began to bellow. I gave him a bump and a tap with the whip to get him back in focus. This did nothing to deter him, he bellowed again, but this time took off at a brisk trot around the arena, bellowing all the way. I spun him in circles and knocked him with my heels, but I was beginning to get nervous. Sid seemed absolutely out of control, he continued to race around, head up, bellowing. Frightened, I dismounted in the middle of the arena, made him back up quickly and then I clipped on the lunge line and raced him around in circles to get his attention back on me. I used a rough voice and made sure he knew I was upset. Almost immediately, he focused on me. Once I was certain he was simmered down, I got back up and jogged him a few more times around the arena with no more naugty behavior. I ended on a good note, I think.

The thing is that Sid makes me very nervous. He is a very sweet and good natured guy, he just gets very distracted and almost careless at times. He's never bucked or done anything like that, but when he's in his little bellowing craze, it is virtually impossible to get him back. He takes off and has reared and spun. The only way I was able to get him back yesterday was by dismounting, yelling at him and jerking him into reverse....did I teach him that what he was doing was alright by dismounting? Should I stay on and ride it out next time? Is there a supplement that can be added to his feed to mellow him out some?

He was shown a few years ago as a Stallion, and had to be aced to keep him under control and focused. Neither J nor I were involved in this whole debacle, but I know it to be true. Why the heck did his former owner keep him a stallion for so long? Sid would have made the cutest little Walk/trot horse (I barely even fit on him, he's that petite), now I don't know that he'll ever be safe enough. It's discusting!

Open this GAIT!

Did you know that certain Morgans can actually "gait"? I don't know much about it, but it does pique my interest. This Morgan is lovely and looks like a joy to ride. I believe their gaiting is called "single footing". Here is a website that explains it in better detail (Gaiting Morgans) very interesting indeed!




(Note: If you turn up your volume you can hear the sound of the horses' hooves on the pavement)

What's Going on Here?

I am a member of a certain Morgan Association. Anyway, every year when I fill out my renewal slip, I check the boxes that YES, I would be happy to volunteer at any event. These events include, but are not limited to: Horse shows (secretary, gate, ribbons), Expos, Clinics and Fund Raisers. Over the past 3 years, I have been asked just 3 times to volunteer. That doesn't bother me though, perhaps they don't need volunteers; who knows? What does bother me though, is that of the 3 times I've been asked (and have accepted), I was only used once. The first time, I manned (or Womanned) the gates at a class A horse show. That experience was good in that I was able to meet and talk with some of the board members on the association. I expressed my interest in getting more involved with the association and that though I didn't own a horse at the time, I still wanted to become an active member (I think it's important to support the breed in any way).

The 2nd time I was asked again to work the gates at a horse show. I agreed and waited to hear from someone regarding when they needed me and where. I waited, waited, e-mailed, waited and never heard a thing. The horse show came and went - heck, I even showed at it, but I never did hear anything. Hmmm...

The 3rd time, I was called and asked if I might be interested in standing at the Morgan booth at a Stallion Expo for a few hours. (right by my house, I might add). I agreed, and a day and time was set for me to be there. The woman I spoke with said that a few days prior to the event, someone would call me and tell me where to go in order to get my access pass. I waited, waited, waited, worried, fretted - nobody called. The event came and went, no calls, no nothing. SIGH!

Perhaps I dropped the ball on that one, but ultimately, I feel that if they needed/wanted volunteers, it was their responsibility to keep people updated and informed, especially if someone has already committed to helping out. I am a relatively new member to this association, so I really don't know what's going on here, I do know that I have a slightly bad taste in my mouth. I absolutely love Morgan horses, I don't know how it is with other breeds, but so far, I haven't had the best experience with the association. I wonder if other breed associations are like this...am I expecting too much? Don't get me wrong, I'm sure it was just a simple mistake on either my or their part, but the next time they call - I'm saying something.

Body Clipping Blues

Every Spring at the barn, we body clip a few horses. By we, I mean I. J suffers from arthritis and can't maneuver enough to get the horses' legs, belly and all the nooks and crannies. There is nobody else that knows how to body clip, or even clip at all period at that barn.

The problem arises in that the only animal I am allergic to is the HORSE! Every time I'm around horses, the back of my neck breaks out in hives and occasionally I get congested and sniffly. Body clipping multiplies these symptoms to new levels. I have learned over the years to dress for the occasion. I use face masks, wear an old turtle neck, have a hooded jacket that is impermeable to horse hair (thick is key), and I take a lot of breaks to wash my hands and brush myself off. I also bring several changes of clothes, including a bra (just in case you wondered). I have tried using hair dressing smocks, but they just get in the way for me. Rain jackets work well, but I can't cinch the hoods tight enough to prevent hair from getting in. This is what I resemble.

Add a face mask

Yesterday I clipped a Yak. Not really, but this particular horse resembled one - he's approx. 28 and had Cushings which causes him to grow a THICK wavy coat every winter. Poor Ceaser (that's his name) gets very uncomfortable this time of year, so we (note: I) shave off that parka of his to give him some relief. To clip Ceaser, I did double time. I had to clip him going in the direction of hair growth first, then I went against. The clippers just couldn't manage that forest of fur.

This isn't Ceaser, but it's an older horse that very much resembles Ceaser in the coat department.

Today, my lower back aches and I feel the beginnings of a cold, but know it's only a little bit o' Ceaser in my system. I'm beginning to wonder if I should charge for my clipping services? I have clipped MANY horses at J's, and have never charged money. I do it for the horses, but it's starting to take a toll on my body. Hmmm...it's strange how riding, cleaning stalls and lifting buckets don't bother me, but I feel the effects of body clipping for days...what's up with that?

TA-DA!!!

Aruba, Jamaica ooo I wanna' take ya!

I've been having the hardest time re acclimating back to real life here in Michigan ever since I've returned from the hot, sultry, sunny, relaxing, carefree, beautiful, coconut smelling beaches of Jamaica - whew (enough adjectives?).

Anyway, I don't have a good idea on a post, so while skimming through pictures on my computer, I decided to just go ahead and do what I do best. Pick myself apart ;). Below, I've posted a series of pictures of me riding horses.


#1. This is the way I USED to ride. I don't know if anyone can even see this, but my calves are making absolutely no contact with the horse. I used my knees and thighs for that. I also did fairly well in equitation riding this way....Anyhow, I have a sourpuss look on my face, because at this particular show, I didn't do very well. I was about 15 and had some poor sportsmanship to work out. I think my hands look good, no puppy paws! The horse is Turkey, and he was a do it all kind of guy. I used him for circuit shows, open, 4-h and equestrian team! He had poor stall manners though, he charged anyone who entered his domain!

#2. Here I am last summer on Gypsy. Look at my legs - I am now using my calves alot more. I've also gained a few pounds, but Gypsy doesn't know that. My hands look puppy paw-esque...is that bad? I need some critique of my riding. I don't take lessons, and haven't really since college, so I'm confused. In my defence, Gypsy is green and at her first show in this picture. Her steering is good, but not that good.

#3. Hmmmm....what can I change to make this a prettier picture (aside from the obvious, by which I mean my facial expression and pasty complexion).

#4. Here she blows. This is pretty much my usual leg position. Should I push my lower legs farther back? My hands are wrong, aren't they? Are my toes pointing too far out? Come to think of it, am I outgrowing my old saddle? Hmmmm....this is really how I ride most comfortably, but I also want to present a nice overall picture, so as to better impress people - LOL!

Isn't Gypsy so sweet looking? I know I've written about her before, but she is the sweetest, loveliest, most patient ex-broodmare I've ever met. There, some adjectives to get me back into the real world!

Jamaica

Here's a quick video synopsis of my trip to Jamaica. I went with B and his parents, sister and her husband. It was a great time!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Seeing Saddles

BOB: "Here we go again!"

ME: "What?"

BOB: "why don't you come up with something more interesting to write about, like me for instance?"

ME: "You gotta' give me something to write about Bob!"


Bob thinks this is a stupid post. He thinks saddles are useless and stupid.

"Real riders ride bareback," he says.

"Spoken by a true bucker," I say.



Would you look at all these saddles!



They belong to J, my trainer.



This is just a fraction of what she owns from her years with Morgan horses.



She also has Cut Back saddles, bits, bridles, halters, blankets and so much more....



The saddle above sure is ugly and old, but let me say it is COMFORTABLE! J won't let me ride in it because it squeeks and nobody can hear anything but - squeek squueeeeek squeeek when I ride by.



Anyway, J has opened up a consignment shop in her home. Here's her prized Circle Y - so pretty and classic!



Here's one of two Buford Saddles. Have you ever heard of Buford Saddlery? I hadn't, but the saddles are lovely.



Isn't this one cool? It's already been sold to a gentleman rider - I like how that sounds - gentleman rider...ha ha, I think he might prefer cowboy.

I love J's place. It's full of, well, horse stuff. It smells like leather and horses, and it's as close to horse heaven as I can get (not counting Kentucky, of course).

A Leggy Matter

When I first started showing Morgans, a major focus in my riding lessons was equitation. I took lessons in hunt seat and western seat equitation. For western, I was taught to sit on my tail bone, tucking my butt underneath to avoid the arched back look. I was also taught to suck in my breath and push my ribs and breasts out a bit. The chin was up, and I slightly stood in my stirrups to push my heels down and reduce the "bouncy" look that a jog can give the rider. This was pretty much the norm for all equitation riders in the Morgan circuit, or so it seemed to me anyway. My trainer had 2 of the World Champion equitation riders, so I assumed her way of teaching was the right way. For hunt seat equitation, it was a more forward seat. Still on the seat bones though. Back straight, chin up. The knees hugged the saddle, and the lower legs didn't make much contact with the horse. The ankles were straight as well as the toes and the heels, as far down as they could go, of course. I have scars from riding with my knees as grippers all those years.

An exaggerated example of the equitation form of my youth....

No contact with the lower legs....

In college, I joined the equestrian team. I began taking Hunter/jumper lessons with the college team coach. Giving my past equitation experience with Morgans, I thought that I would be an asset to the team. I pretty much assumed that the coach/trainer would praise my experience, or in the very least ignore me in favor of coaching the less experienced riders.

Boy, did I have another thing coming. "Where the heck did you learn to ride?!" he bellowed at me across the indoor riding ring.

Apparently, in hunter/jumper equitation, riders do not grip with the knees. They instead turn their ankles slightly so that the toes point a bit outwards. This allows the rider to have so much more contact with the horse. The heels are easier to point down in this position as well. After several lessons, I finally figured it out - I much prefer the hunter jumper method to the Morgan. The problem came when I returned home to ride Morgans again. The first time I hopped back up on a Morgan, I naturally went ride in to the grip with the calves method I had been riding. Oh boy, that Morgan, not used to contact zoomed around at a break neck speed. Try as I might to slow the horse down and collect, he was just too confused to simmer down.

The learned method ....

Now that I'm back showing with Morgans, I can't help but notice riders with their toes pointed straight forward in the equitation ring. They look nice and all, but is that correct? It seems like so much more work. I also recently read an article about equitation, it was another blog I think. The writer described correct equitation with contact in the knees. I AM SO CONFUSED!!!

For ME?

When I started blogging, my main reason was just to have a place to incessantly babble. I never expected anyone to read it (though not many do). Actually, I have an English degree, but I'm simply not a good writer. I tend to skip topics easily, and often what I am trying to say, comes across wrong. I read back on my blog at times, and I just want to erase everything and start again....but, I won't.

Because there aren't too many horse blogs, it was only a matter of time before someone ran out of blogs to nominate for awards and mine would pop up. Finally, my time has arrived. Miss Rachel from Dapple of My Eye listed this blog for the (see below)....

If you haven't already been there, you should check Rachel's blog out. I am a new follower, but I have really enjoyed following along as she embarks on her new adventures with her big and young Warm blood cross, Granite. Rachel is a young lady who really seems to have a full plate....she's inspiring and I can't wait to read about her adventures to come.

RULES: Tell 7 things about yourself and give the award to 15 other blogs.

1. I am terrified of flying (the crashing down is what really scares me). I am so frightened of it, that I have to be medicated so I don't have panic attacks on planes. I never used to be afraid of flying, it's just gradually gotten worse with age. I am flying to Jamaica on Sunday, and I am very very nervous about it. I'd rather just not go, but my husband might divorce me if I don't.

2. Though I'm not religious, I hope to have a faith in God someday. I don't know where to begin with this journey, and I'm a very skeptical person, so it's been a slow process for me. I think faith is important though - regardless of the belief.

3. My one very irrational fear is of Werewolves. I know they don't exist. I think it stems from "The Neverending Story" and that hideous wolf thing. I saw that movie at too young an age, and I've been scared of wolf things since. Sometimes if I'm walking to my car at night from the barn, I get a little panicky feeling. I always picture a werewolves running at me. It's so ridiculous, but sometimes I even run to my car in fear.

4. I am still friends with the same group of girls I was friends with in high school. I lived with them in college and we're all still very close. All of us are either engaged or married and none of us (5 of us) have kids yet. We are all late twenties early thirties - weird, huh?

5. I struggled with Body Dysmorphic Disorder in my youth. I am sure that most women are self conscious to a degree about their looks. My friends were very pretty and popular in high school. I was the one who never had a boyfriend (watching my friends with theirs) and I skipped school alot thinking that I was too ugly to show my face. I spent time in therapy and cried alot in those days, but it got better. In college, I based alot of my self worth on how many guys I could attract. I did a few things that I regret *nothing horrible*. Horses got me through those years (along with my mom and friends) I still struggle with my looks from time to time, but now realize that those things don't matter. It's hard to admit this, but what else is a blog for?

6. I have freckles. A LOT of freckles, and I do not tan. Meaning, I can't tan. I look albino, but I'm not. My mom is very bronzed, so I have resorted to self tanner. There are times where I look orange, but it's an addiction I can't quite break ;).

7. I am a guilty person. I have the guiltiest conscience ever. Anyone can guilt me in to doing just about anything - within reason, of course. I've purchased things from aggressive sales people (I am a sales person's dream), I apologize for just about everything I do that may not be the nicest, I even feel guilty for blogging - it seems self indulgent because all I do is talk about me for goodness sakes! It wears on me, I tell ya', it wears on me! Note: I probably shouldn't publicly admit that, but I also have a problem with telling people too much :).

OH BOY - there are definitely not 15 bloggers who read this, but I am going to award to my favorites anyway. - this is the best part!

Blogs I love and want to nominate - no particular order:

1. Accidental Sagacity - I love reading about this bloggers experiences in Carriage driving and riding. Her horses are gorgeous and a big bonus - lots of Morgans!

2. Cliffy's Mom's Blog - This blog is by the published author of "Clifford of Drummond Island" and others. She is a Michigan resident and Morgan horse owner (Clifford and Trudy). Her horses are a delight to follow, they are beautiful and charismatic. The blog also gets into other critters and life's adventures. Nancy is also a talented artist - check out her blog to see some of her work!

3. Equus Villa - I love this blog! This blogger is one creative lady. Follow along as she shows her beautiful American Saddlebred horses, lives life and works on her lovely farm!

4. Front Porches - Sweet Tea and Old Aprons - Shanda's blog is full of beautiful finds from shopping adventures and stories of her life in general. She and her husband have several horses but one in particular, Bug, the new show horse. A lovely AQHA mare! I hope she posts more about Bug and their show ring adventures.

5. One Coco Bean - Follow along as this blogger moves into her new home - a farm - and works on Dressage with her beautiful Morgan, Beau.

6. Pony Girl Rides Again - This is one of the first blogs that I started reading. Before I even started blogging myself. I love reading about Pony Girl's many adventures and think that she's a very talented blogger and photographer. I can't wait to read about her new adventure in Saddle Seat!

7. All Around Horses - This is a great blog full of a plethora of horse related information. I know I've learned a thing or two reading along.

8. Copper Pony's Cowgirl - A pony cousin blog! I love reading about Dusty the Quarter horse and his mom who got Dusty as her first horse. I think these two just have a sweet relationship!

9. DVM's Wife - A beautiful blog full of lovely pictures and stories of this blogger's life as the wife of a Veterinarian and mother. This blog is heart wrenching and real, but full of love and strength. My favorite is Ruby Tuesdays!

10. Five Acres Enough - This is an incredible blog! This blogger and her significant other moved to five acres in New England from Texas. Follow along as they foray into farming. The goal is to become self sustainable. This blog is chock full of information - it's an eye opening account and I find it very inspirational!

11. Foxypants - Here's another blog I've been following since the beginning. This blogger is FUNNY! She regularly has me cracking up. She writes about her difficult horse Foxy and her new adventures in Chicken rearing. It's one of my all time favorites, for sure!

12. Equine Mine - A great blog that follows the life of a horse owning midwestern girl who now lives on the west coast! She has a gorgeous horse that she is training in Parelli and Dressage.

13. Project: Saddle Sabumi - This blog is about Heather and her horse Sabumi the Arabian. Follow along as Heather works with her once difficult gelding and transforms him into a wonderful riding horse. I'm excited to see what happens next with these two!

14. For the Love of a Horse - Another blog I consider a favorite! I love reading about this blogger's life adventures with her family, life in general and about her beautiful Paint Mare, Star.

15. The Blog of Becky: How Not to Live Your Life - I recently stumbled upon this blog. Let me just say that this is one good blog. I read it from start to finish and found myself laughing more than once. I love this blogger's writing style, she is hilarious!

There we have it! Most of these bloggers aren't going to know they were mentioned. Hopefully those who read through that list take my word that those are some good reads!