Horsey New Year Goals

The beginning of the year! Resolutions are almost a cliché, however there is nothing wrong with making goals and setting the New Year out as a timeline to accomplish them. My Mom always stressed that we should make physical goals, academic goals, relationship goals and spiritual goals. Well, I’m adding to that list with my five “horsey” goals for the New Year.

   1.    Learn how to braid and clip (well)

This one is a little embarrassing because I feel like everyone in the horse industry has known how to braid and clip horses for ages. Except for me. I’ve read articles and read books on how to braid and clip but I have never taken the time practice and learn it hands on. This goal will take time and patience, not only on my part but on my horse’s as well. A fidgety horse would give me good practice right? Also, looking past my pride and asking friends at the barn who have experience in grooming to teach me will be an important step in achieving this goal.

   2.   Stop leaning when I jump

I hear this almost every time I have a jumping lesson. I forget until the horse stops, we rush the jump and especially when my coach yells at me. Making sure that I focus on not leaning, especially when practicing on my own. I have a fear of the horse stopping in front of or (even better) in mid jump. This has resulted in my lean-and-run-at-the-jump approach (I don’t recommend it). I’m planning on having friends video me so I can review my practice and hopefully see some progress.

   3.     Relax when I have lessons

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More confessions, I have this weird habit of trying so hard to get my position right that my entire body tenses up and I work against the horse. Then I add this extra movement in my post that my coach calls a “double post.” Usually, the horse picks up on my stiffness and the ride goes south. Before every ride I’m hoping to stretch or loosen up so that my lessons can be productive.

   4.     Get to Zone competitions in IHSA

I finally qualified for regionals in Novice on the flat and over fences. I know I’m not the best but I want to work at it and get better. I’m hoping my work and progress will help me get first or second place at the Regional show and get me to Zones!

   5.     Do at least 15 minutes of no stirrup work when I ride

This might be the hardest one for me to keep. Though when I think about it no stirrup work is smart, helpful and a great tool for improvement, when I get on a horse it somehow seems like something I should do tomorrow. No more! Even if I don’t get no stirrup time during lessons, I will try and make my self ride stirrupless for at least 15 minutes when I practice on my own. And not all at a walk either.

So here’s to the New Year and new goals. Hopefully, I’ll remember to revisit these come December and have improved. What are your horsey resolutions? Any tips on how to keep up with them? Comment below!

Losing a Horse

 

  Leaving a horse because you sell, move, stop leasing or through various other reasons is always hard. But, having to put a horse down is the hardest. I have had many pets and understand the grief and loss that comes with losing a pet. However, the bond that one has built with a horse through riding and working with them often brings the loss to a different level. I have known a few horses that have had to be put down, however until recently I had not actually witnessed the process. This changed when a horse I had just started riding shattered her leg and needed to be euthanized. The circumstances were extenuating and the barn managers made the decision they thought was best.             Anyways, after we spent a little time with her and gave her all the treats she wanted, the vet and barn staff took her out and put her down. As she went down I felt a sadness that I hadn't felt since my first rabbit died. Though it was a somber day, I learned a few things along the way.

                                                                                                    morguefile.com

    Don't feel like you have to hold it in

 Everyone expresses sadness differently and everyone bonds with horses in their own way. Just because someone is not openly emotional does not mean you cannot shed tears and vice versa.

 Learn but don't dwell on it

There are so many ways which you could blame yourself for the loss of a horse.  Though you should learn from any mistakes and try your best to improve, you cannot dwell on the past and what could have happened. Learn and move on to the best of your ability.

Don't try to replace them.

You may feel the need to immediately get another or and feel frustrated when you can't seem to bond with one right away. More often than not, these things take time. Comparing every horse you come across with your old one won't help with the grieving process. Appreciate each horse for what they are.

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Remember the good times

All things pass over the course of time. Every horse, show, and good experience often end in order to make way for the future. Even bad times help us grow and appreciate the good ones. The best way to handle your loss is to smile fondly on the good times and look forward to those that are ahead.

                                                                                       Devon -May 4 2015                   

Have you lost a horse that you loved? How did you deal with it? Tell me in the comments and please subscribe.

All I Needed to Know I Learned From Horses

         

    Most horse people will tell you that horses can teach you much more than just riding skills and animal care. The atmosphere, experiences and environment if the horse world is practically a breeding ground for life lessons. Here are some of the best (and sometimes hardest) lessons I have learned while pursuing my love of horses.

Try Again - Patience

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       Practice is a staple in horse riding because nothing will ever go the same way twice. You and your horse may gel one day and the next be on opposite ends of a the ring (in more ways than one). Trying again and being patient with yourself and your horse is essential to growth. In life, patience helps you get through rough days, deal with people that are on your nerves and achieve heights that others have given up on.

Breathe - Stay Calm

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      The horse world can be extremely irritating and hectic. Horses stepping on our toes, running us over, horse show bustle and everything else can overwhelm and crush us if we do not stay calm. Especially before IHSA shows or riding a sassy horse I have learned that taking a deep breathe and saying a prayer helps me to refocus and remember my true goals. Apart from the barn, there are many things that can harry us as well. Because of the calming techniques i have learned from riding, I can breathe, pray and recalibrate my thinking faster in hectic situations so that the situation cannot control me.

Getting Back On - Resilience

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      Everyone falls but not everyone gets back on. Whenever I fall off, my instructor always makes me get back on and work through my fears. If you know you can get up off of the ground and get back on a animal that is 10 times bigger than you and ride through it, it is easier to bounce back from a bad grade, bad news and other besetting events in life.

Work First, Play Later - Responsibility

                                                                             recite.com

     It is so easy to put your own wants and feelings before others and even your horse. But every good rider know that you must take care of your horse before you relax. Even in training horses you have to establish good ground work and drill the basics before you can trust your horse to play around. If you constantly put fun before work, no work will get done and the fun will quickly pass. Working on your horse, with your horse and for your horse teaches you to work hard and gives you more appreciation for the free time that follows.

Hurry Up and Wait - Flexibility

                                                           wikipedia.com

      You will hear the classic "hurry up and wait" to describe any horse show. Because of the massive amount of variables nothing will go exactly to plan. In order to stay calm and focused you have to be ready for everything and go with what the day brings. In life, there are few things that go according to our wishes. Flexibility gives us the shocks to keep going on the bumpy road of life.

Pretty Mean Horse - Don't judge the outside

                                                                          morguefile.com

    Sometimes, the prettiest horses have the sourest attitudes and the plainest ponies consistently place well. Though one can learn so much from those difficult equines, the steady horses are superheroes in a lesson program and in teaching the essential basics. Because one of our first senses that we perceive the world around us is our sight, it is difficult for us not to judge by first impressions. However, one cannot judge people or horses by their looks. Being open and ready to get to know others before labeling them will help you to get friends and influence people in a positive way. 

Sit Back and Look Up - Staying grounded and positive

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    One of the most important lessons that I have learned in horse riding that applies so well in daily experiences in to sit back and look up. Sitting back puts your center of balance in your seat and heels making you balanced and in tune with your horse. Looking up gives you direction and clarity on what needs to be done. Sometimes, when the going gets tough, the best thing to do is sit back to ground yourself in what you believe, look up at your goals and hang on.

     So, just as I told my parents when I was convincing them to let me take horse riding lessons, I learned a lot of character traits and life lessons as I rode. Of course, I am still working on learning and understanding these lessons but the horse world has given me a jump start on them. What lessons have you learned in your experiences with horses? What lessons are you working on right now? Comment below and subscribe!

Horselessness: Five Things to do if You Don't Own a Horse

                                                                                                   morguefile.com

This is a conversation that happens to me more often than I would like:

Person: I like your horse shirt! (Or some other reference to horses)

Me: Thanks, I ride horses and it is so fun!

Person: Oh really!? Do you have a horse?

Me:... No

Person: Oh

Now, perhaps this doesn't seem as sad as I think it does. But it often feels like I am being judged as someone who only has a child's "horse obsession" or casual interest in horses because I do not own my own equine. Those of you who have horses you are great and should be thankful for your four legged friends! But, for those who don't own your own horse (this includes me), your horselessness does not make you less of a horse lover. Owning a horse is a big commitment and if you are not ready for it monetarily or otherwise it is actually in a horse's best interest if you wait until you can properly care for it. But, in case you feel left out at times from the horse owning circle, here are five tips on how to get your horse fix without having to own one.

1. Volunteer or apply for a job at a barn.

We have all seen this in the movies. Girl volunteers at barn, finds horse she loves, get given the horse and wins some national competition. While you may not win a big show or given your own horse, if you show a good work ethic and a desire to learn, those in charge will notice you in a good way. As a college student, I have the energy and willingness to  take care of and ride horses but not the finances. By marketing what I did have -- energy and ability -- I was able to work for a chance to ride over the summers. Also, do not be afraid of hard work. The better you do the menial jobs at a barn, the more your instructor or whoever else will see that you really care about what you are working for.

2. Offer to show or exercise horses for their owners or barn manager.

About to exercise Splash

While this follows with the trading work for riding time tip, you need to be well established as a good rider and accountable person before you go for this one. Be careful and make sure you have all the proper liabilities signed and taken care of before you ride someone else's horse for your protection as well as theirs. However, if you can, this is a great way to get experience for yourself and the horse you ride without having to pay for show fees. Exercising horses gives you the chance to ride as well as learn how to deal with different horses. Just be sure that your riding skill matches the type of rider the horse needs.

3. Do lots of research!

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Even if you don't have a horse you can still learn all about them. There are so many books and videos out there that can teach you everything from riding skills to wrapping to braiding. When you hang out at the barn be looking for things to learn and ask questions to the vet, farrier, trainers and other knowledgable people. This will give you a window into the horse world and show others how eager you are to learn. If you get a handle on all these things now, you will be even more prepared when you do have a horse.

4. Hone your horse riding and horsemanship skills

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When you do get to be on a horse, make the best of it. Try to learn from every horse you ride, every time you ride. Watch when other people ride and learn from their successes and mistakes. Since you do not have one horse that you need to ride, you can learn from the variety of horses that you do get to ride. And have fun! Spend time with horses that don't get a lot of attention or need some extra socialization.

5. Be thankful for the position you are in

Helping teach a lesson on Jack the pony

Though not having a horse is hard at times, it gives you the opportunity to learn and experience things that you would not normally get to do. It does not mean you cannot learn about and immerse yourself in horses. Though owning a horse is still something I dream about and look forward too, being horseless is not the end of the world!

Do you own a horse? If not, what do you do to get your horse fix? Tell me below in the comments and subscribe for more horsey tips!

Ten Reasons Why Winter is Better than Most Horse People Think

           As equestrians, the bad winter weather, increased hay consumption, mud and sludge can give the season a bad name. However, there are always things that we can be thankful for. Cold, muddy horses are better than no horses! When we look at the bright side of anything from winter riding to falls to bad lessons, we can learn and be motivated to keep going back to the barn for more.

1.     If your horse is blanketed, chances are that there is little dirt on the majority of his body! (If he’s not blanketed, he’s probably an adorable, fuzzy teddy bear!)

                                                                                                stalecheerios.com

2.     Because it is not as hot, you spend less time cooling down your  horse and more time in the saddle and having fun. (Just make sure they are totally cooled out and not sweaty before letting them loose.)

3.     Trail rides are beautiful in the snow.

4.    You get to spend quality time with your horse bonding, grooming and learning about his  personality when the ring is frozen and you are stuck in the barn.

5.      You can do all the things you don't have time for when the weather is too good for staying inside! Clipping, mane pulling, fixing the stalls, cleaning the feed and water buckets, tack cleaning etc...

6.       You finally get around to cleaning out all your old tack and supplies to sell, use or give away to make room for new stuff!

7.       When it is impossible to ride, you'll be motivated to work on your own fitness, whether at a gym or at home, to be ready to ride in the spring.

8.      If you fall, your bundles of clothes and/or the snow will cushion your tumble.

9.      You won't sweat as much meaning you can skip that post ride shower, ride longer and still get to places on time! (Or maybe don't forgo the shower).

10.     Your horse will always be there for you whether rain, snow, sludge or shine!

                                   morguefile.com

How do you chase off the Winter blues? I would love to know, so, comment and subscribe!

Horses and Writing and Blogs, Oh My! An Interview with Terise Cole

                                                                  Blogger Terise Cole

       I am a college student who loves horses and writing and is just starting a blog. Terise Cole is a college student who loves horses and has written a blog called Breeches and Boat Shoes for almost two years and has more than 480 followers. Cole seemed like a great person to learn from about how to start, write and maintain a blog about college life and horses. Cole goes to college at Becker College in Massachusetts. She has two horses, rides on her college’s riding team and enjoys equestrian fashion. Though there are marked differences between her life and mine, our passion for horses and writing seemed a good place to start.

            Cole said she has always loved writing and started riding at age seven.

            “The majority of my life revolves around my horses and riding, so it seemed natural to write about them,” Cole said. 

            Cole started her blog, after she bought a new horse named Southern Axcent. She had been contemplating a blog but the new horse helped push her into the blogosphere. Her blog was originally a way for her to share progress reports on her new horse with her family and friends. However, the blog soon grew to include equestrian fashion and product reviews, training stories, interviews and “all things equestrian.” Cole said that one thing she wished she had known to establish her social media presence early and have a clear idea of where the blog was headed before starting her blog. She said that how follower’s first view a blog is hard to reestablish once you start a certain niche of posts. Cole said that, since there are so many aspects of the equestrian world, a blogger should understand the audience that they are specifically writing for.

             Social media is the main venue that Cole uses to promote her blog. Having a strong presence on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram along with encouraging reader communication through comments and email helps to point potential followers to her blog. Another way Cole promotes her content is through product reviews or including a company name in a post.

             “If (the company) likes the post, they will probably share it with their followers,” Cole said.

             Cole tries to post “every other day or at least twice a week.” She said that posting much more than that can take away from the novelty of a blogger’s posts and that posting less can leave the readers hungry for new content. However, another factor of how often she posts is her school, horses and other parts of her busy life.

            “Sometimes it is hard managing a blog and classes, so my blog can be a bit neglected at times if my workload increases from school,” Cole said.

            Inspiration often eludes writers that want to post content regularly. However, Cole has found topics in her experience, opinions and creative blog hops from other bloggers.
          These “hops” consist of topics and questions sent from one blogger to others to explore different opinions, stories and experiences along the same subject lines.

            Cole is excited about how blogging has affected the horse community.

“It was surprising to see how many horse people actually read blogs. A lot of equestrians look to others' opinions or want their views on certain topics or products before trying them out themselves,” Cole said.

            I learned a lot from Cole and hope to use this knowledge well in my blog. One of the biggest things I gleaned was that I needed to make sure I know what the purpose of my blog is. That way I will create content that both my target audience and I will enjoy.

Check out Terise Cole’s blog here! Here are some other horse related blogs that I enjoy.

If Wishes Were Horses

Regarding Horses
The Savvy Equestrian
What blogs do you like to read? What types of posts are your favorite? Tell me below in the comments!

Why Do You Ride?

                                                                                                  morguefile.com

    

  It had been a frustrating day and I couldn’t seem to let go and trust my horse over the jumps. My instructor called me over to talk about it and I explained countless memories of horse refusing, ducking out and running away with me. Then my instructor asked me a question.

“So, why do you ride?" 

     It was a simple question and one that I should have known the answer to. But honestly, I started riding because I loved horses but had never taken the time to figure out why I continued to ride.

      Of course, I still love horses but it has grown deeper than a little girl’s love for ponies. I had to ask myself a lot of questions to come to the core issue. Did I ride because of the adrenaline rush I got when I flew over a jump? Was it the possibilities of exploration that opened up when I trail rode? Perhaps it was the mystery of a horse’ mind and the constant learning that accompanies horse riding. Was it for the companionship of the horse itself, the physical challenge or health benefits? What is at the core of any passion for equines?

In reality, a list with all the reasons someone rides could go on and on. Personally, I find the joy of connecting with something outside of myself without using words one of the driving factors of why I ride. I love animals and the physical and competitive aspect of horseback riding. But, something about listening to your horse using more than just your ears keeps me coming back for more.

    Knowing why you ride helps direct you to where you truly want to go with horses. Without going to extremes, there are not inherently “good” or “bad” reasons to ride. Some might do it mainly for the competition and some for companionship. Whatever the case, finding out why you ride will help you to set goals that will fulfill you and encourage your love for horses even more.

    One way to figure out why you ride is to strip away everything else surrounding horse riding. Would you still ride if there were no health benefits? Would you continue riding if your friends were not with you? What if you never showed again? When you find the things that are irreplaceable in your equestrian experience, you have found the core of why you ride.
       You can use your reason to ride to motivate you on those days where nothing seems to go the way it ought.  And when you have a great day with your equine you will be able to define the fulfillment that you feel. Having a reason that drives your equine passion often puts things into perspective and helps to keep the joy in everyday horsemanship.

Me and my favorite horse: a thoroughbred named Flying Solo