I don't know which is more difficult to figure out....men or green horses. Hmmm, never mind, what am I thinking?
Men are so odd! I won't say more, but they TOTALLY baffle me! My daughter is beautiful, gorgeous, great sense of humor, into cars, motorcycles, looks awesome in a dress....sigh. Codi, may never get a sister! Ok, ok, will stop being a typical Mom...but the men in Ocala are IDIOTS!! Letting a good one get away.
The horses are going amazing. Went over to a friends Saturday with JJ and Maggie. JJ was his usual rocking self. Jumped a 3'9" triple like it was child's play. Knew taking our time with him would pay off.
Maggie....my girl! She was TERRIFIED of the sand area!!! Yup, she just had this look...."are you real, WTF is this?". It was hilarious to me...Melissa didn't find it near as funny!! But as soon as she got on, and gave a little push, that mare got down to business!!
The previous day, riding in the pasture, our pony went running up o Maggie. Well.......Maggie can passage.....grin. Missy was so excited! She just thought it the coolest thing ever!! Too bad it wasn't on cue eh?
Back to sand...anyway, after they rodea bit, our friend was schooling 2 foot, and Missy followed him thrusome poles, a little x....keep in mind, we have done one other jump session.
Before you knew it, we did some cutesy courses, a couple lines, an in and out, and Maggie was burning it up! The mare LOVED IT!
So she is doing amazing.
Our working student is headed home, leaving us looking for a new one. She is headed hiking with friends! Man are we going to miss her. We have a new employee, more on that a differant day!
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!
Monday, November 28, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
Wearing so MANY Hats!
Hats: Mother, Coach, Groom, friend, sponsor, landscaper, course designer, MUGA...
Some of my hats fit like a glove. I LOVE being Muga. Being a Grandmother to Codi, is absolutely, the most AMAZING expierance. She is truly an unique child. I have figured out, being a Grandparent is Gods way of rewarding us Mothers, for not killing our teenage kids! So of those hats above, this fits the best.
I can design a stadium course or gymnastic exercise with the best of them....thank you life expierances, and those grand Prix riders I rode with in the 80's. I had John Pearce brother here this weekend, helping us set up a course....John is a BNR in the Grand Prix circuit. We had fun talking about mutual friends, and horses we knew back in my day. He liked what our course was, what we were setting, the gymnastics being set. Big compliment!
I can definetly cut a yard, not one of my favorite things to do though, but when I get done, my yard and pastures look like golf courses. I had a student tell me that once, that my pastures looked as good as the golf course at thier house....hmmm...
Grooming. I remember Missy showing five horses in a one day, and having them all clean, ready, and gorgeous. I don't think I can do that anymore. I forgot to mention, construction....but that too is going by the way side as I age, and my body is getting decrepit! I have pushed hard,worked hard, my entire life. So, I can keep up with a few horses, but not five!
This leaves Mother, Friend, and Coach.
I would like to think that I have been a good Mother. My son, who is off to college, getting his third degree, was born very Ill. The fight for his life, his milestones, his education, his right to be a part of normal society, taught me a lot. I KNOW on his school records, somewhere, I am probably referred to as "Bi**h". That's ok...it's what I had to be...school systems are rough on a special needs child, and thier Mom. But I arose to that occasion. The boy that they said would never function...well, he is way smarter then I am, and I am very proud of him!
Then there is Melissa. I know people think that "I" want to be at shows. I have been called some horrible names, made fun of, called controlling. Surely, it must be true to those who call me those name....except, the fact is, most shows, I try to stay home. Being a Mom to someone who has chosen this sport, is tough! Ask Valerie Ashker...it's hard, when you love the sport too, but it's your daughter and best friend out there on course, and you can't see them...
No, I have tried to stay home....and then had her ask, who will help me, if you do not come. Dressage, stadium, whatever...she has a bad day there, it's most likely points....a bad day on xc....not just points. I worry, what if? So I go....lol. But most of the time, it's because SHE wants me there. Most of the time, in dressage warm up, I stay away. You aren't going to fix it at the show....and that's her worst phase. So for those who think my going is control, or helicoptering....shove it!
What about coaching and being Mom? So many times, you want to take your child, the one who was six, and had the skinned knee, and hug them, and say, "that mean ole judge", but the other hat, the sponsor, or coach hat? That one has to say things like "suck it up", or "what were you thinking when you rode that line." That's the hardest one of all. Because that six year old child is still in that young lady, she still needs Mom, she still needs that hug. The obvious solution, get a different coach...duh right? But budgeting for that is a bit away. The people she needs to work with want a full time student...not the once in a blue moon student.
This leaves Friend. Our life is a solitary sport. It's you, a horse, and your skills. Days are spent riding horse after horse, occasional lessons, and fund raising. None are conductive to building friendships. Through necessity, the feed store, farrier, vet become your buddies. It's very lonely at times. It gets old, seeing the same person, day in, day out. This is my hardest hat...because so often, it comes after all the rest. A friend enables a friend. A Mother says.....???? You get the idea.
So it's all an odd life...being a business partner with your daughter. You hope they know how much you love them, that you want the best, and that those may not be the same thing they think is best, but that they know no matter how big the arguments, you want them happy.
Some of my hats fit like a glove. I LOVE being Muga. Being a Grandmother to Codi, is absolutely, the most AMAZING expierance. She is truly an unique child. I have figured out, being a Grandparent is Gods way of rewarding us Mothers, for not killing our teenage kids! So of those hats above, this fits the best.
I can design a stadium course or gymnastic exercise with the best of them....thank you life expierances, and those grand Prix riders I rode with in the 80's. I had John Pearce brother here this weekend, helping us set up a course....John is a BNR in the Grand Prix circuit. We had fun talking about mutual friends, and horses we knew back in my day. He liked what our course was, what we were setting, the gymnastics being set. Big compliment!
I can definetly cut a yard, not one of my favorite things to do though, but when I get done, my yard and pastures look like golf courses. I had a student tell me that once, that my pastures looked as good as the golf course at thier house....hmmm...
Grooming. I remember Missy showing five horses in a one day, and having them all clean, ready, and gorgeous. I don't think I can do that anymore. I forgot to mention, construction....but that too is going by the way side as I age, and my body is getting decrepit! I have pushed hard,worked hard, my entire life. So, I can keep up with a few horses, but not five!
This leaves Mother, Friend, and Coach.
I would like to think that I have been a good Mother. My son, who is off to college, getting his third degree, was born very Ill. The fight for his life, his milestones, his education, his right to be a part of normal society, taught me a lot. I KNOW on his school records, somewhere, I am probably referred to as "Bi**h". That's ok...it's what I had to be...school systems are rough on a special needs child, and thier Mom. But I arose to that occasion. The boy that they said would never function...well, he is way smarter then I am, and I am very proud of him!
Then there is Melissa. I know people think that "I" want to be at shows. I have been called some horrible names, made fun of, called controlling. Surely, it must be true to those who call me those name....except, the fact is, most shows, I try to stay home. Being a Mom to someone who has chosen this sport, is tough! Ask Valerie Ashker...it's hard, when you love the sport too, but it's your daughter and best friend out there on course, and you can't see them...
No, I have tried to stay home....and then had her ask, who will help me, if you do not come. Dressage, stadium, whatever...she has a bad day there, it's most likely points....a bad day on xc....not just points. I worry, what if? So I go....lol. But most of the time, it's because SHE wants me there. Most of the time, in dressage warm up, I stay away. You aren't going to fix it at the show....and that's her worst phase. So for those who think my going is control, or helicoptering....shove it!
What about coaching and being Mom? So many times, you want to take your child, the one who was six, and had the skinned knee, and hug them, and say, "that mean ole judge", but the other hat, the sponsor, or coach hat? That one has to say things like "suck it up", or "what were you thinking when you rode that line." That's the hardest one of all. Because that six year old child is still in that young lady, she still needs Mom, she still needs that hug. The obvious solution, get a different coach...duh right? But budgeting for that is a bit away. The people she needs to work with want a full time student...not the once in a blue moon student.
This leaves Friend. Our life is a solitary sport. It's you, a horse, and your skills. Days are spent riding horse after horse, occasional lessons, and fund raising. None are conductive to building friendships. Through necessity, the feed store, farrier, vet become your buddies. It's very lonely at times. It gets old, seeing the same person, day in, day out. This is my hardest hat...because so often, it comes after all the rest. A friend enables a friend. A Mother says.....???? You get the idea.
So it's all an odd life...being a business partner with your daughter. You hope they know how much you love them, that you want the best, and that those may not be the same thing they think is best, but that they know no matter how big the arguments, you want them happy.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Shiney bits, wash stalls, mowed pasture, and nice weather.
I thought that driving to Ohio to pick up Dubai, alone, was smart! Imagine the work that would get done without me taking the crew!?! I was right about that, my house is spotless! The tack is clean. Horses look amazing, yippee. Yesterday, I spent the day mowing all the pastures, burning branches, dragging....my pastures look AMAZING! Missy was busy putting in wash stalls, which is such a blessing.
Having said that, do you know how faaaaaarrrrr Columbus is from Ocala? This old woman wont be making any mre LONG trips, hauling horses, alone! I don't know WHAT I was thinking!
We have some great horses. As I was mowing yesterday, I watched our herd. How gorgeous horses are! All of them are beautiful, and some, most of the herd in fact, just make my heart sing. Some will go on to other homes, some will give me babies, and maybe a few will reach stardom, wouldn't that be cool!
The weather is warm, the day is sunny, out to play and live the life!
Monday, November 14, 2011
Jumpers, jumpers, working student, and more Jumpers
This weekend was a blast! There is just something about competing against a clock, and knowing how you did, that just...well...rocks!
Yesterday finished up the jumper show, would have preferred being at Poplar, but just didn't have the funding this time. So we did the next best thing, and found a jumper show, with money! Yahoo!
Yesterday was another winner take all class, and at the end, Missy came home the winner. Out of six classes, 5 blues, two championships, and both classics won. ALSO she received the Jumper Style award of the show. The judge, who hadn't talked all day, had her stay in the arena, and commented that speed kills, but executing turns that no one else could or did, wins. Missy had a big grin on her face till bedtime. She said that was the best award she received. Better then the check, trophy, or ribbons. She came out and just kept saying, look what dressage has done for us. And it was true. I had so much fun, watching her have fun. Even fellow competitors, and trainers were clapping for her and saying fun things! It was way cool!
To top it of, our working student, April, in her first jumper show, took home champion! Pictures to follow soon of the girls, and their wins.
Codi also got into the action, showing Prince in walk. We don't push her to ride, and in fact hope she choose a much different path...look for Dr. Codi in 20 years. She keeps telling us she is going to be an FEI Vet! The girl definitely knows what she is all about! She took two seconds, and won the over poles class.
It's a brilliant day here in Florida, and horse family, feel free to come visit this winter!!
Yesterday finished up the jumper show, would have preferred being at Poplar, but just didn't have the funding this time. So we did the next best thing, and found a jumper show, with money! Yahoo!
Yesterday was another winner take all class, and at the end, Missy came home the winner. Out of six classes, 5 blues, two championships, and both classics won. ALSO she received the Jumper Style award of the show. The judge, who hadn't talked all day, had her stay in the arena, and commented that speed kills, but executing turns that no one else could or did, wins. Missy had a big grin on her face till bedtime. She said that was the best award she received. Better then the check, trophy, or ribbons. She came out and just kept saying, look what dressage has done for us. And it was true. I had so much fun, watching her have fun. Even fellow competitors, and trainers were clapping for her and saying fun things! It was way cool!
To top it of, our working student, April, in her first jumper show, took home champion! Pictures to follow soon of the girls, and their wins.
Codi also got into the action, showing Prince in walk. We don't push her to ride, and in fact hope she choose a much different path...look for Dr. Codi in 20 years. She keeps telling us she is going to be an FEI Vet! The girl definitely knows what she is all about! She took two seconds, and won the over poles class.
It's a brilliant day here in Florida, and horse family, feel free to come visit this winter!!
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Remembering the Fun!
Yesterday was the deadline for application to the USEF for developing riders. I don't expect much, but it's like the lottery, you can't win if you don't play! I KNOW that Melissa is someone who would be a good rider to invest some energy into...Maybe USEA and USEF will see it that way too! We will let you know, when we do.
In the quest to fund these endeavors, we look to jumpers. As many know, we came from a jumper ring, and the really nice thing about jumpers? They have money! Last night, we went to a show over at Canterbury, and they had a winner take all classic. I am always Leary about those winner take all classes. You can spend a ton, then end up in second, or worse. Here in Florida, in Ocala, those classes can be full of people like the Waters, Vales, and well, you get the picture. They are certainly NOT for the faint of heart!
Last night we gave it a shot. I think there were 22 rides. Missy went in and did a wonderful job, going clear to move into the jump off. Now, I don't know how many of you know Missy and jumpers, but when the chips ate down, that girl can get it going. She brought every ounce of knowledge, skill, and turn she knew to make. Her time ended up being almost 2 seconds faster then anyone else. So we won, and qualified to run Sunday in the bigger money class.
Yippee! I asked her on the way home, WHAT is going on? You can fly like a demon and go clear, but at events lately.....well, it's been a while since having a good stadium round. so we had an interesting discussion. That made me sad.
She told me, "I would have gotten a DR for that riding. At half that speed, I would have been given a Dr for leaving out a stride. I worry so much about getting DR'd, that I make him put in the strides, and we bring rails.". HUH???? Wait a minute, I pay how much in entries to go to an event, and my daughter is bringing rails because she is worried? STOP! Hold the Phone!
I have not been a big proponent to DR, for those who don't know, DR stands or dangerous riding. I want safety, of course, but the DR is so subjective, and can be political. Missy's horse is 17.3 hh. He isn't going to have the same stride as a 15.2 hh horse. We don't punish horses for adding, though I have seen more accidents from burying a horse in the base of a fence, then a long, flat jump. Yet, we punish horses or leaving out a stride. Something wrong here!
I told Missy to have fun last night, to just RIDE. What is the answer? Maybe to just go ride, have fun, and quit worrying about a DR. Much easier said, then done!
In the quest to fund these endeavors, we look to jumpers. As many know, we came from a jumper ring, and the really nice thing about jumpers? They have money! Last night, we went to a show over at Canterbury, and they had a winner take all classic. I am always Leary about those winner take all classes. You can spend a ton, then end up in second, or worse. Here in Florida, in Ocala, those classes can be full of people like the Waters, Vales, and well, you get the picture. They are certainly NOT for the faint of heart!
Last night we gave it a shot. I think there were 22 rides. Missy went in and did a wonderful job, going clear to move into the jump off. Now, I don't know how many of you know Missy and jumpers, but when the chips ate down, that girl can get it going. She brought every ounce of knowledge, skill, and turn she knew to make. Her time ended up being almost 2 seconds faster then anyone else. So we won, and qualified to run Sunday in the bigger money class.
Yippee! I asked her on the way home, WHAT is going on? You can fly like a demon and go clear, but at events lately.....well, it's been a while since having a good stadium round. so we had an interesting discussion. That made me sad.
She told me, "I would have gotten a DR for that riding. At half that speed, I would have been given a Dr for leaving out a stride. I worry so much about getting DR'd, that I make him put in the strides, and we bring rails.". HUH???? Wait a minute, I pay how much in entries to go to an event, and my daughter is bringing rails because she is worried? STOP! Hold the Phone!
I have not been a big proponent to DR, for those who don't know, DR stands or dangerous riding. I want safety, of course, but the DR is so subjective, and can be political. Missy's horse is 17.3 hh. He isn't going to have the same stride as a 15.2 hh horse. We don't punish horses for adding, though I have seen more accidents from burying a horse in the base of a fence, then a long, flat jump. Yet, we punish horses or leaving out a stride. Something wrong here!
I told Missy to have fun last night, to just RIDE. What is the answer? Maybe to just go ride, have fun, and quit worrying about a DR. Much easier said, then done!
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Being a Mom.
I would like to glimpse the Good Lords Dictionary...yup. First word I would look up? Mother! YUP. I want to find where the part is about watching your grown daughter, gallop at Mach 1, flying over jumps wider then I am tall, higher then my 4 foot Grandbaby, dropping off sheer cliffs, is at. The description, all the while dancing back and forth, cause I need the Porta John, not so conveniently placed opposite where I am, and grinning wildly, just in case she gets to catch a glimpse of me trying to look supportive, is located? The supportive, "I know Hon, it is just so awful to follow the days leader in dressage", I got that! BUT I just haven't quite figured out the part of defying death, and being happy about it part. Thank God for Valium, though am still working on convincing the doctor I need that script!
I am the Mother of an Eventer. God Bless all of us, who walk in those shoes! We are an odd group! More about that on a differant day, when I have that part figured out?!?
I am the Grandmother of a 7 y.o. Einstein, who has a personality, and looks that make even the crumedgenous old men smile, and swoon! Ask anyone at Fairhill Office, they can vouch for me! Spoiled, nope, she has her rules, and she cracks the whip if I don't follow them! Muga as she calls me, "Muga, you said I HAD to sleep in my own room, now that I am 7, so noooo, I can NOT sleep with you..." Drat what was I thinking? There will be lots of little stories about my charming girl.
IPADS...IH HATE IPADS. Why? Because it thinks it is smarter then I am. It changes my words to something else entirely. Just because it doesn't recognize a word...if I say DRAT, I mean DRAT! So please forgive my iPad, it truly can't be taught!
I am the Mother of a son, born with birth defects. To prophecies that he would never grow to old age, would have the brain of a kumquat, yes, I know, paraphrasing here! Know where my son is? The one without the brain? Getting his THIRD degree! At the ripe age of 23, soon to be 24!
I lost my Dad June 17! That colors my world right now. There are a lot of blues, grays, and muted colors. He shouldn't have died. Medical mistakes did it. I don't much have a kind eye of the medical field. More on that a differant day.
Add all this together? Insanity, mine, right smack dab in the middle of my life. Please join me as I poke fun! Of Myself, others, rules, unfairness, and vent at the way the world is sometimes in my corner!
I am the Mother of an Eventer. God Bless all of us, who walk in those shoes! We are an odd group! More about that on a differant day, when I have that part figured out?!?
I am the Grandmother of a 7 y.o. Einstein, who has a personality, and looks that make even the crumedgenous old men smile, and swoon! Ask anyone at Fairhill Office, they can vouch for me! Spoiled, nope, she has her rules, and she cracks the whip if I don't follow them! Muga as she calls me, "Muga, you said I HAD to sleep in my own room, now that I am 7, so noooo, I can NOT sleep with you..." Drat what was I thinking? There will be lots of little stories about my charming girl.
IPADS...IH HATE IPADS. Why? Because it thinks it is smarter then I am. It changes my words to something else entirely. Just because it doesn't recognize a word...if I say DRAT, I mean DRAT! So please forgive my iPad, it truly can't be taught!
I am the Mother of a son, born with birth defects. To prophecies that he would never grow to old age, would have the brain of a kumquat, yes, I know, paraphrasing here! Know where my son is? The one without the brain? Getting his THIRD degree! At the ripe age of 23, soon to be 24!
I lost my Dad June 17! That colors my world right now. There are a lot of blues, grays, and muted colors. He shouldn't have died. Medical mistakes did it. I don't much have a kind eye of the medical field. More on that a differant day.
Add all this together? Insanity, mine, right smack dab in the middle of my life. Please join me as I poke fun! Of Myself, others, rules, unfairness, and vent at the way the world is sometimes in my corner!
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