Embarrassing moments on horseback - we all have them. This is the story of once such time.
When I was about 19 years old, I did quite a bit of heavy trail riding on my old gelding, Woody. One beautiful afternoon in late fall, I saddled up and rode out into the hills for a few hours. I loved to ride the deer trails, so twisty and narrow and hemmed in by brush that most of the other riders in the area avoided them as much as possible. I liked the solitude and the adventure of it. The blue sky above, the green things growing all around, just me, my horse, the wild animals hiding in the bushes, and God.
But all good things come to an end and at the end of nearly all such rides I'd take Woody down to the big public arena near the farm and turn him out to roll. On this particular occasion, I arrived at the arena to find a man and his son, a boy of about 13, riding their horses. They had trailered in and they assured me that they were just cooling their horses out, and that they would be done in a few moments. While we were talking, I dismounted - only to have the underside of my bra become hooked on the saddle horn. I was wearing a thick sweatshirt and a long-sleeved thermal top underneath, and when my feet hit the ground, my boobs were set free and my clothes were holding my head and arms hostage.
The man started laughing, and I turned to press my upper body against Woody's side in some attempt at modesty. It took me several agonizingly long moments to extricate myself from my trapped clothes and then unhook the whole mess from the saddle horn. I grabbed poor, patient Woody's closest rein and angled him between me and man and his son. Woody dutifully stood while I yanked my shirt back on, stuffed my bra in my back pocket, and tied my sweatshirt around my waist. I was so embarrassed that my whole body had gone hot, my face positively burning. I glanced up at the teenage boy to find his jaw hanging open like a landed fish, his eyes still locked on my (now-covered) chest. Mortified I mumbled something polite, climbed back into the saddle, and rode back.
Looking back on it, I realize how hilarious the situation was, and how I'm pretty sure that was the first time that boy had seen a set of tits (at least in real life). I wonder now the impression it made on him, and to how many people he and his father have told their side of the story. :) But the moral of my tale is plain - always be sure that you keep a hand over the horn when you dismount!
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Monday, October 17, 2011
Finding a Good Riding Instructor. - Part 1
A recent topic over on the Fugly Blog, as well as the addition of four new students to my lesson schedule has had me thinking about how difficult it is to find a "good" riding instructor, or at least one that fits the rider's needs. For many adults looking to get into horseback riding or getting back into riding after a hiatus, or for horse-crazy kids who simply want to ride and be around horses - fancy horses, a high-end facility with all the amenities, or a trainer with a list of accomplishments a mile long are neither in their budget nor in alignment with their goals in riding or horse ownership.
In many cases, kids care less about showing and more about having fun, enjoying riding for the sake of riding; the challenges that go along with getting better - going faster, jumping higher, or exploring new trails. For older riders just starting out (or starting back), the primary goals are often to ride safely and with confidence, and to enjoy the bond with a horse, along with the feelings of accomplishment that come from little improvements and new levels of competency.
It's not uncommon for larger, well-known barns to attract some of the best trainers and instructors in the area, and that benefits both the barn, and the trainer. But it might not always be best for the rider who is just starting out. Popular instructors, or trainers who are actively showing often utilize a small army of working students, assistant trainers, and grooms - so even if a student is paying for that trainer's services, it may well be the assistants who are doing most of the training and instruction. Understandably, riders and owners who have the most invested in business with the trainer will get the most personal attention. That's not to say that the working students and assistant trainers aren't good in their own right, but it may not be quite the situation that best benefits the beginning rider.
Another thing I have noticed over the years is that many extremely talented riders and trainers aren't suited to teach beginners or riders whose primary goals don't include competition. Even exceptional riders aren't always able to translate what they would do while riding the student's horse into clear, easy to follow instructions. Effective communication with students is just as important as communication with the horse. Instruction needs to be adapted using techniques that aren't only level-appropriate but also phrased in a way the the student can understand and utilize.
Hand in hand with having an instructor who is able to an effective teacher, is one who keeps a range of lesson horses on hand. Having horses for every level of rider the instructor caters to means having horses who are safe, well-schooled, serviceably sound for the level of work they are asked to do, and who have a good balance of tolerance and responsiveness.
Of course there are other challenges presented to riders seeking a new instructor. One of the biggest being location. Proximity to home or work is often a big concern. Some riders are willing and able to drive further to take lessons or even board at a facility that meets their needs, while others may keep their horses at home and their life situation may be such that their best option is to find an instructor who can come to them. Furthermore, regional trends (i.e. some areas are predominantly English, or primarily focused on Hunter/Jumpers but low on Eventing trainers) may make it hard to find an instructor who teaches the discipline he or she is interested in learning.
From the instructor's point of view, knowing these challenges their potential clients face can mean finding new ways to connect with them and get the word out about the services they offer. On the other hand, understanding what goes into selecting an instructor can help a new rider, or the parent of a new rider, decide where to go can be quite difficult. Education, knowing what to look for and how to separate the good, the bad, and the mediocre is the first step.
Coming soon, part 2.
In many cases, kids care less about showing and more about having fun, enjoying riding for the sake of riding; the challenges that go along with getting better - going faster, jumping higher, or exploring new trails. For older riders just starting out (or starting back), the primary goals are often to ride safely and with confidence, and to enjoy the bond with a horse, along with the feelings of accomplishment that come from little improvements and new levels of competency.
It's not uncommon for larger, well-known barns to attract some of the best trainers and instructors in the area, and that benefits both the barn, and the trainer. But it might not always be best for the rider who is just starting out. Popular instructors, or trainers who are actively showing often utilize a small army of working students, assistant trainers, and grooms - so even if a student is paying for that trainer's services, it may well be the assistants who are doing most of the training and instruction. Understandably, riders and owners who have the most invested in business with the trainer will get the most personal attention. That's not to say that the working students and assistant trainers aren't good in their own right, but it may not be quite the situation that best benefits the beginning rider.
Another thing I have noticed over the years is that many extremely talented riders and trainers aren't suited to teach beginners or riders whose primary goals don't include competition. Even exceptional riders aren't always able to translate what they would do while riding the student's horse into clear, easy to follow instructions. Effective communication with students is just as important as communication with the horse. Instruction needs to be adapted using techniques that aren't only level-appropriate but also phrased in a way the the student can understand and utilize.
Hand in hand with having an instructor who is able to an effective teacher, is one who keeps a range of lesson horses on hand. Having horses for every level of rider the instructor caters to means having horses who are safe, well-schooled, serviceably sound for the level of work they are asked to do, and who have a good balance of tolerance and responsiveness.
Of course there are other challenges presented to riders seeking a new instructor. One of the biggest being location. Proximity to home or work is often a big concern. Some riders are willing and able to drive further to take lessons or even board at a facility that meets their needs, while others may keep their horses at home and their life situation may be such that their best option is to find an instructor who can come to them. Furthermore, regional trends (i.e. some areas are predominantly English, or primarily focused on Hunter/Jumpers but low on Eventing trainers) may make it hard to find an instructor who teaches the discipline he or she is interested in learning.
From the instructor's point of view, knowing these challenges their potential clients face can mean finding new ways to connect with them and get the word out about the services they offer. On the other hand, understanding what goes into selecting an instructor can help a new rider, or the parent of a new rider, decide where to go can be quite difficult. Education, knowing what to look for and how to separate the good, the bad, and the mediocre is the first step.
Coming soon, part 2.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Ups and Downs
Horse ownership can have a lot of ups and downs. The past few days have been just that.
On Wednesday, my farrier told me of a mare owned by one of his clients who was looking for a good home. The mare was in her 20s, sound, but had been diagnosed with Cushings (having grown up with Arabs, with whom Cushings is rather common, I had no issue with that). He'd thought of me because I'd told him I was looking for a quiet horse to use for a few lessons a week, and who could double as a low-level show mount for a couple of my students. I called the owner, but got no answer. Then on Thusday night I went to go watch a friend ride her horse after I got done with work for the day, and she mentioned that the lady who had been leasing one of her other horses and had been planning to buy her had had to back out of the deal after her husband put the kibosh on it. Long story short, I ended up not with an aging warmblood mare, but with a 9 year old red chestnut tb mare. I adore her and have for over a year, and I have no doubt that this horse is going to help me move up the levels in Dressage. But she's also quiet and sweet enough to tolerate my lesson kids showing her in some flat classes next season. Definitely a good deal! However, because of needing to give the barn 30 days notice as per their policy, I won't be able to bring Margeux home until the end of the month.
Fast forward to this afternoon. After teaching group riding this morning, I took Rose out and used her for a beginner lesson, in which she was a saint, then put her back in her stall and went to teach another lesson on Shay. Shay had had a heavy-ish workout yesterday, but had been reluctant on his right lead - usually his stronger lead. He hadn't been off, so I had simply figured he was a bit tired or sore, cooled him out, and rinsed him with a liniment brace just to be sure he was comfortable. Pulled him out, got the kid on, and after one walk circle it was clear that he was lame - sore/pulled muscle in the right haunch or gaskin. So I apologized to my lesson kid and went to switch horses. After giving Shay some banamine and explaining why he would later need to be cold hosed and given a few days off, I went to put him back in his pen. At that time, another student who is going to be half-leasing Rose had her in the crossties. Shay suddenly ran backwards and kicked Rose in the back of her thigh, just above the hock on her right side, leaving a shallow gash and taking off a lot of hair. It was just the one kick before Rose scooted away as far as the crossties would let her and I was able to get Shay forward. He's not usually aggressive (it was the first time I've ever seen him kick other than in play with a pasture buddy), and it left all of us stunned - it was very out of character. Shay will be fine with bute and a few days of rest, then some handwalking and a few days of walking under saddle - he needs about a week off or so. Rose wasn't terribly sore and the cut wasn't deep enough to require stitches, and I was able to get some Banamine in her almost immediately as well. How lame she'll be remains to be seen. >_< I suspect she too will be out of commission for about a week. So now I'm up one lovely new Dressage mare, and temporarily down two of my primary lesson horses for a week. >_< That's what you call taking the good with the bad.
On Wednesday, my farrier told me of a mare owned by one of his clients who was looking for a good home. The mare was in her 20s, sound, but had been diagnosed with Cushings (having grown up with Arabs, with whom Cushings is rather common, I had no issue with that). He'd thought of me because I'd told him I was looking for a quiet horse to use for a few lessons a week, and who could double as a low-level show mount for a couple of my students. I called the owner, but got no answer. Then on Thusday night I went to go watch a friend ride her horse after I got done with work for the day, and she mentioned that the lady who had been leasing one of her other horses and had been planning to buy her had had to back out of the deal after her husband put the kibosh on it. Long story short, I ended up not with an aging warmblood mare, but with a 9 year old red chestnut tb mare. I adore her and have for over a year, and I have no doubt that this horse is going to help me move up the levels in Dressage. But she's also quiet and sweet enough to tolerate my lesson kids showing her in some flat classes next season. Definitely a good deal! However, because of needing to give the barn 30 days notice as per their policy, I won't be able to bring Margeux home until the end of the month.
Fast forward to this afternoon. After teaching group riding this morning, I took Rose out and used her for a beginner lesson, in which she was a saint, then put her back in her stall and went to teach another lesson on Shay. Shay had had a heavy-ish workout yesterday, but had been reluctant on his right lead - usually his stronger lead. He hadn't been off, so I had simply figured he was a bit tired or sore, cooled him out, and rinsed him with a liniment brace just to be sure he was comfortable. Pulled him out, got the kid on, and after one walk circle it was clear that he was lame - sore/pulled muscle in the right haunch or gaskin. So I apologized to my lesson kid and went to switch horses. After giving Shay some banamine and explaining why he would later need to be cold hosed and given a few days off, I went to put him back in his pen. At that time, another student who is going to be half-leasing Rose had her in the crossties. Shay suddenly ran backwards and kicked Rose in the back of her thigh, just above the hock on her right side, leaving a shallow gash and taking off a lot of hair. It was just the one kick before Rose scooted away as far as the crossties would let her and I was able to get Shay forward. He's not usually aggressive (it was the first time I've ever seen him kick other than in play with a pasture buddy), and it left all of us stunned - it was very out of character. Shay will be fine with bute and a few days of rest, then some handwalking and a few days of walking under saddle - he needs about a week off or so. Rose wasn't terribly sore and the cut wasn't deep enough to require stitches, and I was able to get some Banamine in her almost immediately as well. How lame she'll be remains to be seen. >_< I suspect she too will be out of commission for about a week. So now I'm up one lovely new Dressage mare, and temporarily down two of my primary lesson horses for a week. >_< That's what you call taking the good with the bad.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Perceptions
It is an undeniable fact that horses are expensive to own. While it is possible to own and properly care for a horse on a limited budget (I have always believed that where there's a will, there's a way), many non-riders see horses and riding as something of an elitist sport, and to be fair it can be in some situations, especially at the higher levels.
However, I didn't have a lot of money growing up (I still don't), but I really do believe in the words of Winston Churchill, "There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man." I also believe that there is something inside a horse that is just as good, if not better, for the whole beings of the humans who love and enjoy them. And because I believe these things, I have always sought to "pay it forward" by making every effort to share my horses with others, especially horse-crazy young girls. Yes, I make my living with horses, but I try to find ways to encourage the children and adults who take lessons with me to spend time around the barn, watching, learning, working with their hands and finding the fulfillment and release that horses can provide. I've been witness to so much healing facilitated by horses, that it only serves to deepen my passion for teaching.
But yesterday I saw a scene that reminded me of what many outsiders to the horse world envision when they think of equestrians. While standing in my favorite tack shop, waiting in line to be checked out, a woman and her high-school age daughter were flitting around the checkout counter, keeping the clerks busy with last minute changes to their purchases. The daughter was dressed in top-of-the line English riding gear, and she was complaining (whining, really) about EVERYTHING. "This ear net isn't the right shade of blue - can you order another one just like it, but a little darker, and with different trim? I don't care if it costs, extra, I need it and my mom will pay for it." And "I don't like the Tailored Sportsman* breeches I bought last week. I got three pairs, but they make my butt look big - can you get me two different pairs before my big show in 5 weeks?" The big kicker, said with a totally straight face, "Yeah, I only tell my mom "thank you" when she buys me something expensive. She always complains about that."
I was rather in shock, but I suppose I shouldn't have been. The mom was there the whole time, talking about her daughter's accomplishments and the various $100k horses they were shopping for like a Toddlers and Tiaras pageant mom. This was obviously not a healthy dynamic between mother and daughter. I really do not have anything against "the rich". I know some truly wealthy people, and with very few exceptions, they are fun, enjoyable people to be around. What I have a problem with are obnoxious people in ANY income bracket to act like spoiled, selfish brats, and who give others the impression that they are truly ungrateful for what they have. THAT is what makes other other equestrians and our sport look bad. I rarely find myself thinking about what I don't have (or how my big booty looks in my $29 schooling breeches) and instead focusing on ways to do better with what I have at hand. I'm happy, my horses are happy, and "my" kids are happy - and that's what matters. I only hope that that feeling of contentment shows and will change the idea in at least one person's mind about what horse people are really like.
* For those who don't know, Tailored Sportsman breeches start at about $200 a pair.
However, I didn't have a lot of money growing up (I still don't), but I really do believe in the words of Winston Churchill, "There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man." I also believe that there is something inside a horse that is just as good, if not better, for the whole beings of the humans who love and enjoy them. And because I believe these things, I have always sought to "pay it forward" by making every effort to share my horses with others, especially horse-crazy young girls. Yes, I make my living with horses, but I try to find ways to encourage the children and adults who take lessons with me to spend time around the barn, watching, learning, working with their hands and finding the fulfillment and release that horses can provide. I've been witness to so much healing facilitated by horses, that it only serves to deepen my passion for teaching.
But yesterday I saw a scene that reminded me of what many outsiders to the horse world envision when they think of equestrians. While standing in my favorite tack shop, waiting in line to be checked out, a woman and her high-school age daughter were flitting around the checkout counter, keeping the clerks busy with last minute changes to their purchases. The daughter was dressed in top-of-the line English riding gear, and she was complaining (whining, really) about EVERYTHING. "This ear net isn't the right shade of blue - can you order another one just like it, but a little darker, and with different trim? I don't care if it costs, extra, I need it and my mom will pay for it." And "I don't like the Tailored Sportsman* breeches I bought last week. I got three pairs, but they make my butt look big - can you get me two different pairs before my big show in 5 weeks?" The big kicker, said with a totally straight face, "Yeah, I only tell my mom "thank you" when she buys me something expensive. She always complains about that."
I was rather in shock, but I suppose I shouldn't have been. The mom was there the whole time, talking about her daughter's accomplishments and the various $100k horses they were shopping for like a Toddlers and Tiaras pageant mom. This was obviously not a healthy dynamic between mother and daughter. I really do not have anything against "the rich". I know some truly wealthy people, and with very few exceptions, they are fun, enjoyable people to be around. What I have a problem with are obnoxious people in ANY income bracket to act like spoiled, selfish brats, and who give others the impression that they are truly ungrateful for what they have. THAT is what makes other other equestrians and our sport look bad. I rarely find myself thinking about what I don't have (or how my big booty looks in my $29 schooling breeches) and instead focusing on ways to do better with what I have at hand. I'm happy, my horses are happy, and "my" kids are happy - and that's what matters. I only hope that that feeling of contentment shows and will change the idea in at least one person's mind about what horse people are really like.
* For those who don't know, Tailored Sportsman breeches start at about $200 a pair.
Monday, September 12, 2011
9th annual 9/11 Western Horse Show
Yesterday I had the great honor (and equally great fun) of attending the 9th annual 9/11 Fallen Fireman's Fund Western Horse Show at Sycamore Trails Stables in San Juan Capistrano.
This was my second year attending this great event. All the fees from this show, along with the proceeds from raffle ticket sales and a silent auction went to support the Fallen Fireman's Fund. A small group of on-duty firemen from the local fire house also attended the event, complete with a beautiful fire engine. One of the firemen, who had lived in New York as a young man and who had personally lost friends and family during the 9/11 attacks spoke. His heartfelt and earnest descriptions of his thoughts and feelings, both then and now, were enough to bring tears to many an eye.
But while the sadness we all felt in remembering the tragedy that befell our great country ten years ago was present, it was overpowered by the spirit of community and friendly competition that permeated the event. Though the show was not quite as big as it had been last year, the crowd was energetic in their support for the firemen, and for each other. Competitors clapped and cheered as each ribbon winner was announced, and whooped and hollered for everyone who ran in a speed event or participated in a game.
In addition, many businesses within San Juan's bustling equestrian community - including a local Starbucks store (preferred supplier of caffeine for many a rider), provided some truly fantastic prizes for the 1-4th place winners of each class.
On a more personal note, I was able to take three lovely young ladies (all students of mine) with me to the show. (I'll refer to them as H, M, and C for their privacy). Only H was showing, but her older sister M and their friend C attended as grooms. All the girls did a lovely job, and I'm proud to say that H won 2nd in Showmanship, 4th in trot Pole Bending, and 3rd in trot Barrels. Though H has been riding for several years, she is still a rather new convert to Western riding and it was her first time showing in all three classes.
I'm also proud to say that H rode my 5 y/o blind paint mare Every Girls Dream (Rose) in all three classes. While Rose is a seasoned Halter and Showmanship competitor, she has only shown under saddle once before, and it was Rose's first time competing in barrels and poles (in fact, due to not owning a pole bending set, it was Rose's first time riding the pattern, and only her 3rd time running the barrel pattern). But all her turns were tight and clean - even though she lost a shoe on her way to the second barrel!
M and C were fantastic first-time grooms, and of course they're both looking forward to their own turns in the show ring next season!
This was my second year attending this great event. All the fees from this show, along with the proceeds from raffle ticket sales and a silent auction went to support the Fallen Fireman's Fund. A small group of on-duty firemen from the local fire house also attended the event, complete with a beautiful fire engine. One of the firemen, who had lived in New York as a young man and who had personally lost friends and family during the 9/11 attacks spoke. His heartfelt and earnest descriptions of his thoughts and feelings, both then and now, were enough to bring tears to many an eye.
But while the sadness we all felt in remembering the tragedy that befell our great country ten years ago was present, it was overpowered by the spirit of community and friendly competition that permeated the event. Though the show was not quite as big as it had been last year, the crowd was energetic in their support for the firemen, and for each other. Competitors clapped and cheered as each ribbon winner was announced, and whooped and hollered for everyone who ran in a speed event or participated in a game.
In addition, many businesses within San Juan's bustling equestrian community - including a local Starbucks store (preferred supplier of caffeine for many a rider), provided some truly fantastic prizes for the 1-4th place winners of each class.
On a more personal note, I was able to take three lovely young ladies (all students of mine) with me to the show. (I'll refer to them as H, M, and C for their privacy). Only H was showing, but her older sister M and their friend C attended as grooms. All the girls did a lovely job, and I'm proud to say that H won 2nd in Showmanship, 4th in trot Pole Bending, and 3rd in trot Barrels. Though H has been riding for several years, she is still a rather new convert to Western riding and it was her first time showing in all three classes.
I'm also proud to say that H rode my 5 y/o blind paint mare Every Girls Dream (Rose) in all three classes. While Rose is a seasoned Halter and Showmanship competitor, she has only shown under saddle once before, and it was Rose's first time competing in barrels and poles (in fact, due to not owning a pole bending set, it was Rose's first time riding the pattern, and only her 3rd time running the barrel pattern). But all her turns were tight and clean - even though she lost a shoe on her way to the second barrel!
M and C were fantastic first-time grooms, and of course they're both looking forward to their own turns in the show ring next season!
Friday, September 2, 2011
Topics
I should have said this sooner, but I am simply posting about whatever comes to mind. If a reader should happen to have any suggestions, questions, or issues they'd like me to address, you can leave a comment in response to this post, or send me an email.
New Horse Magazine!
I recently discovered a great new magazine called Horse Highways (www.horsehighways.com)
It's for recreational and trail riders, especially people who like to travel with their horses. The magazine and website cover California, Oregon and Nevada. It has directories with information on trail riding destinations, complete with trail reviews, as well as listings for vets you can contact while traveling, and even a great concept I hadn't seen before - Bed & Barns.
Bed & Barn facilities are exactly what you're thinking! They're Bed & Breakfast style Inns with stalls for overnight rental. If you like to travel with your horse as much as I do, this can be a really fun way to do it. I like to take my paint mare camping on a regular basis, and while I love camping and the peace and quiet that comes from "roughing it" - I'm thinking that it will be awesome to try a Bed & Barn! I'm going to start saving up now!
It's for recreational and trail riders, especially people who like to travel with their horses. The magazine and website cover California, Oregon and Nevada. It has directories with information on trail riding destinations, complete with trail reviews, as well as listings for vets you can contact while traveling, and even a great concept I hadn't seen before - Bed & Barns.
Bed & Barn facilities are exactly what you're thinking! They're Bed & Breakfast style Inns with stalls for overnight rental. If you like to travel with your horse as much as I do, this can be a really fun way to do it. I like to take my paint mare camping on a regular basis, and while I love camping and the peace and quiet that comes from "roughing it" - I'm thinking that it will be awesome to try a Bed & Barn! I'm going to start saving up now!
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