Errika’s first video. This was taken last week when she was being an arena sour, hot mare. Ever since we’ve moved to this barn, she’s been really arena sour. This video isn’t really examplatory of her. She’s actually a sweet mare that goes really nicely. We weren’t really “schooling” I was just trying to get her to relax and slow down most of the time, but I did throw in some things to help get her mind off of wanting to be out of the arena. Enjoy and feel free to comment with any advice!
I read two of my main daily horse-related blog stops just now. I’m still trying to get my stomach and heart to return to their place. Right now they’re sitting on the floor. I notice more and more how worse the world is getting. I know I’m not being all negative about it. I really do fear what the world is coming to. I’m almost afraid to go out in public, with large crowds because of the bad things that are happening all the time. And you know at the end of every person’s statement when they are mourning the lose of someone, they always say, “and you think it can never happen to you..” I fear that statement. Hearing that enough you really have to respect that. It really can happen to you. You don’t want it to, but you live with that fear daily. I do and it’s really worrying me. I feel that this generation and the ones following will only have it worse off. I remember being little and of course I didn’t comprehend a lot of this stuff, but it also wasn’t happening this much either.
—-
I rode Errika and Ink the other day. First Errika and she was off the wall. Is she 4 or 24? I spent a lot of time getting her to walk quietly in both directions. When I thought she was finally calmed down, I asked her to trot and we opened up another hot can of worms. Each gait has to be worked separately and consistently with her. Successful transitions can be attempted after a week of working solidly at each gait, just getting her to relax. But what I have noticed is I don’t help. I get just as amped as she does. Sure I really do want that nice canter, but then again my heart starts racing as soon as I sit in that saddle. I only get like this on her, not Ink. We start bouncing off each-other and then it’s all over. It takes time for me to relax, to stay relaxed and then I can begin working on her. Errika really ignites a fire in me. I love riding her for that reason, but it’s a lot of work to say the least.
As I was riding Errika, attempting to remain in control, I was visited by the TB trainer M*. He came out into the arena while I was working on a circle at the far end. My mom was in the middle video-taping the whole thing. I stopped to talk to him. He gave me a very nice compliment. He said that I can really sit the horse and told my mom I was a fantastic rider! I haven’t uploaded the video, but if you guys want to see our ride that day, from walk, trot to canter, please let me know.
Ink was next. I rode him in my Dressage saddle, which is sooo much more comfortable than the jumping saddle. He was pretty forward, which made for a more enjoyable ride. Normally he’s a lazy dude and I’m constantly driving him forward to keep him from slowing. When I ride Errika I can’t slow the mare down, then getting on Ink it’s the total opposite.
My mom and I went to look at another barn today. Not too far from where we are currently. It was a very nice place, but the price was too much for us. Again if it was just one horse verses two, we would be able to pick and choose a little bit. I do not want to be at any fancy place, but I would just like to have a little bit longer list. On our way home from our appointment at that barn, we passed a familiar barn on the same road. I’ve never been in, but everytime you drive this specific road, you see their sign and a glimpse, a very small glimpse of the place. I pulled in hoping to find a number to call to arrange an appointment OR just maybe to call and see if there was anyone there to ask about the place. I wasn’t expecting to have an appointment only 10 minutes later. My mom found a number on one of their signs and called. At this point however, I decided to start driving home because I didn’t think we would get through or be able to come out on such short notice. Just so happens that my mom got through to one of the owners, she was in the office working at that time. She said come on out, so I turned around and made my way back.
She gave us the grand tour. There are lots of arena’s. My two favorite were the indoor and outdoor jumping ring. Although this place is large, it’s comfortable, seems to be low-key and offers lots of riding arenas. There are lots of spaces for horses. Stalls, paddocks, larger paddock with run-in’s. The rates are reasonable and I’m really considering it.
This evening I rode Errika. Most of the time I spent trying to get her to relax and not take off down the long end. She really would put on the gas when we would round the corner. I made some progress. I was really content on working on her during that time.
I didn’t ride Ink, but Matt lunged him. He threw a few bucks, but didn’t seem very happy over-all. I think it’s because I hadn’t been out there in a few days to be with him. He’s always grumpy when that happens.
The golf tournament went well. I got over 600 pictures! I had fun driving the golf cart around the course :). I’d meet up with a group, take pictures and head off to the next hole.
Yep the beastie took a bite at me this evening:/. I went in to remove his fly sheet and mask and while turning my back to him he lifted his leg for an itch and wham, pinched a nice little piece of my thigh. He’s usually mouthy when he’s really itchy like that and I must have made him itch more when I was un-doing the belly strap. I don’t consider all that bad because it wasn’t out of aggression but it’s still not right. I felt my thigh and yelled at him, “Inky bad boy, OWWW.” I quickly grabbed his halter and made him move where-ever I asked him too. He knew he did something wrong. It’s not bad, just bruised and about three inches across. It’s my second real time being bitten, but the first was when I was young and was an accident. Something, again, didn’t feel right this evening? Lately I’ve been thinking something was going to happen. Not a fall, just something like what did.
The newspaper is saying 800 + fires are burning in CA.
I rode Ink, but mostly walked and trotted some. Not a “training” ride really. We explored the sights around the arena; a paint gelding that lives behind the arena, a peacock next door, dog rolling in the field next door, the bull and the scary fire-hose.
On Sunday Matt, my mom, Klint and I drove up to the river for a swim. I think I really over-did it as my neck was in a lot of pain that night. I need to go visit the chiropractor again. It’s a love-hate relationship because it helps me feel a ton a better and sleep better, on the other hand it’s against human instinct to have someone handling your neck and back in such a manner.
On Sunday my brother’s are having a golf tournament. A fundraiser for the race team. I’m hired on as the photographer :).
All around us there is smoke. Last time I heard the news, it said there was 200 + fires throughout Northern CA. Luckily all this seemed to have by-passed this area. Except for all the smoke, which is now surrounding us like a grey blanket. You can smell fire in the air no doubt and I wonder how this is going to effect the horses that are closer to the fires? The smoke is fairly thick here and must be un-bearable in other places.
Today was much cooler than yesterday and the day before. We battled some 100 degree weather and now it’s suddenly in the sixties. I was actually seeking out the sun for warmth while outside. I’ve heard some people blame global warming.
Ink had his shoe appointment today. It didn’t go as smoothly as anyone would have liked. I sensed something wrong with the farrier. I couldn’t put my finger on it and it wasn’t my place to ask, but something wasn’t right. Ink wasn’t being quiet. He was moving a bit and wasn’t listening to S* very well. He pulled back twice but gave to the pressure and came back without a problem. I’m not sure why he pulled back in the first place. Ink wasn’t being really bad or spooky, he was just being mischievous, like he usually is when he gets bored. Most of the time he was falling asleep, so it had me a little puzzled.
The past weeks have been filled with up’s and down’s. Having being suddenly exposed to un-familiar things has offered me the chance to observe myself and my horses in a different perspective. While looking at boarding facilities, I’ve been pleased to meet some nice people and horses. I’ve thought about the growth that Ink and I are going to do over this summer. In the last three rides we’ve already achieved a lot. What is next? Where will we go and what will we do? A far off dream is to school Ink Grand Prix, Dressage. There is no doubt that it we were to take that route to just be able to school and not worry about showing, it’d still be a long amount of years. I would like to take that route and do it slow and thorough. To think a little more current and realistic, Ink and I are surely not ready to show, but I’m not sure if we ever will. Not because it sounds like me being a downer, but because I don’t even know if I care about doing that.
I’m a pretty competitive person though. I’m driven and strong when it comes to competing in anything. I can’t be sure how I would feel with competing until I actually do it, but I’m hoping I might have a go at it sometime. I would like to thrive and grow on the surrounding of the show circuit. It’s becoming clearer now that I do in-fact believe that riding and horses are my one true “it” purpose in life. That I really want to explore the world of horses through different views and places. As I’m reading over what I’m writing, it reminds me of a kid that suddenly gets it’s first taste of chocolate. The wide-eyed wonder of the world of sweets that surrounds you. So innocent but very curious.
One thing that is for sure right now, is that I am so lucky to have these horses in my life. I’ve learned a lot about life in so many different ways through being around them.
After finally getting Errika to round the turn and re-gain some control over the situation I almost started to laugh. But I knew Errika knew what she was doing when she suddenly started to evade the aids, I had to let her know that I wasn’t happy about it. I took her into a tight circle until she stopped willingly and we stood there until I was comfortable with her focus and then we walked on.
After that we did some leg-yeilding, more trotting and halting. I should have probably continued to ask her for a good canter, but that was enough for me for that day. While doing some leg-yeilding J* returned to the arena on her mount. She had went back to the barn for something and missed watching Errika in action. But I don’t think anyone who was there, Matt, the two girls and the mom, noticed what was really going on. In a conversation to my mom that Matt was over-hearing, he heard me say that “Errika took off with me,” and asked, “she did?” In a little bit of a shock. I told him when and then he went “Ohhh.”
Anyway the whole crowd is back in the arena and one at a time J* asked us each to go around the barrels, even Errika and I. Of course we could pick the speed, but it was a fun game nonetheless. I had to take Errika around at the trot. At times Errika and I have done silly for fun gamming at home and would go around a barrel pattern. Errika knew what to do for the most part. We rounded the first barrel nice, but she started to push out in the direction of the exit as we headed for barrel number two. The last one was funny, we got up to it and Errika didn’t feel like going around it, so she jumped to the side, I really quickly corrected her and we made it around. If you’re ever in need of being able to stick to a horse, do A LOT of bareback riding!
I went around a second time, but this time mostly at the walk. Although Errika did pick up the canter on the way back (here we go again) and began to take off with me. This time I caught it before it got too much.
After hanging out on Errika’s back in the shade, I gave her to Matt and walked to Ink’s paddock to tack him up.
To Be Continued..
I tied Errika’s lead-rope under her halter and started to make my way to the arena. Matt looked at me and asked if I was going to go ahead and ride. I don’t think he was expecting me to. I wasn’t about to let humiliation possibly ruin the chance of a good time. I was un-sure if Errika was going to behave. Matt un-tied Ink and put him in his paddock that luckily is right across from the arena. Errika could see her boy easily and that might help. I became a little nervous but once I got into the arena and stood with the horse folks a sigh of relief suddenly came over me and I relaxed. The air held a friendly, fun vibe. Still however un-sure of how miss hot pants was going to be. I stood there for a second as I was introduced to the group by J*. Then M* said well get on! So Matt gave me a leg up and I started to walk Errika out.
My frisky mare was actually being quieter than I thought. We had some good trotting in there but I had flash-backs and a distant neighbor lurk into my body when we broke nicely into a canter. Yeah it started out good, until we rounded the far corner and were headed in the direction of the exit gate. Errika turned on high speed and began to take off with me. I knew then and there was she was doing. It’s that feeling like your going fast and you realize that the 1,000lb animal your sitting on has distanced itself from all recognition of what the slowing aids mean. Maybe that or maybe the wild instincts took over. But for about 20 seconds that seemed like 20 minutes, I wasn’t in control. I got that feeling I had gotten when I would know that I was most likely going to hit the ground. If you’ve ever been on a horse that has taken off or you’ve just realized that you’re not in control and along for the ride, you know what I’m talking about. Everything seems to rush by quickly. Both your mind and body try to hang on for dear life. For a second there I was ready to hit the ground, I was still stuck there on Errika’s back, but in my mind I casually thought, “here comes the ground..now…now…” And then boom something else took over and I said NO, I’M NOT FALLING OFF! I aggressively began to take control. I used my legs, hands and when Errika wasn’t going to turn for nothing, I grabbed the inside part of the lead-rope and told her were going HERE. The wild thing realized mum was still on her back and wasn’t going to have it.
To be continued..tomorrow
The famous words from a TB race trainer that I’ve had the pleasure to meet when I was taken in by the lady who owns the place where the horses are at now. But before I get into the advice from the trainer, I have to say, today was so much fun…Here we go!
I got over to the barn around five-ish. I didn’t want to get over after the horses were fed, but I wanted to wait as long as I could for the day to cool off. (By the way the weather man just said the first official day of summer is supposed to be cooler with fog, so goody, a break.) Anyway I thought I would get over there and it be another quiet day like yesterday. Maybe have a nice chat with the BO, J*. I pulled in the drive-way and see a familiar truck and trailer. The people that were over the other day. My first thought was that I was probably going to have to wait a while until they were done running barrels. Not a big deal, but I thought I would spend that time grooming the ponies. It wasn’t a surprise however, when J* can walking up on her horse and said I could come ride with them. They were just hanging out running some barrels and they would work around me. I was excited that maybe I would see some barrel horses up close and in action, so I told her that I would actually not mind watching and it wouldn’t matter to me about riding. I just didn’t want to get in their way, even though J* said it would be fine. Matt and I took the horses out and took them to the tie post.
The one tie post is located under a tree. I tied Errika and Matt parked Ink next to her. The laughs started there and we watched Ink turn into a giraffe as he scrolled the tree line above him reaching to the branches and leaves. He was being such a goober! I don’t know what it was, but there was something in his eyes. He gets this look of silly curiosity. Ink’s eyes will never leave you hanging, he will always offer something to laugh, love or wonder about. At times he would lift his head high enough that he would hit a branch that he didn’t see and in the funniest way he would move his head back to the eye-sight of that branch and look at it with utter curiosity and offense.
After brushing the two horses off, I decided I would man up and go ride with the group. I was afraid that maybe I would humiliate myself or something, but I decided why not? It might be fun afterall.. I hadn’t ridden with a group for years. I had never ridden with a group of horsey people out to have fun and not in a lesson. It was relaxing, fun and it made my confidence reach a new level. I met two younger girls, one my age and the other my younger brothers age or so and then one of the younger guys who works at the place where we buy hay was there. The girls’ mom who was great and then M* the race trainer. They were all so inviting and I felt truly welcomed. To be completely honest I have never been with a group of horse people like that before. Ever since I have been around auto-racing I’ve dreamed of meeting and becoming friends with some cool people who share a passion. I’ve never had that before. I’ve never had many or not any horse friends. I felt like finally I could socialize and actually mingle with people who are down-to-earth, love their horses and love to ride.
This is a long post and it’s late, I’m tired and need some sleep. So…
To be continued 
The day was very warm and I got over before Errika’s trimming appointment to have enough time for a decent lunging session of sorts. I thought it would be a good idea to get as much excess energy out as possible to make it easier for everyone. I have to say that lunging Errika was very pleasing. She was listening, happy and seemed content. I felt confident in the trimming to come and ended on a positive note. That note consisted of a nice ten minutes of simple ground work. Thought I’d throw that in there a little bit. Asking her to back up, stand quietly and proceed to move only when cued. I think I have some new home-work for my mom beings as Errika is just a little much for her under saddle, being in a nice place. It took Errika nearly a year to fully adjust to the place we were at. Now we’re starting all over and this is when I have to be consistent, confident and act as a leader to her more than ever. Ground-work should most certainly give both Errika and my mom something to work on, while I help with the under saddle stuff.
The appointment - went very smoothly. Errika is a mischievous mare. It’s such an interesting vibe that Errika gives off with Stanley. A good one yes, Errika loves the man, but she’s such a, mare when he’s around lately. Errika is usually focused on him. What he’s saying, doing and what else might happen. I too find myself relaxed and interested in how the old cowboy works and communicates with her. Trimming visits from Stanley are always a treat. Sadly however, I left the house with one thing missing, my camera. I promise, promise that I’ll get pictures during the next visit.
We left after the trimming, picked up my boots and later that evening went back over for a ride. The video is from then :).
What to say about the video? Ink was much better than last time. We worked on the same thing. I tried to have more contact but still remained light. I put him in the figure eight noseband to see if that would help with him evading and grabbing the bit. It did as he was much lighter and giving to the contact. The video honestly doesn’t do him justice. He was better than that all-together. That was just a portion of our riding time that mom took. You will however get glimpses of him willingly accepting the bit and moving off nicely. I have to work on his latest problem that raised. I should have jumped on this one before it snow-balled. You will notice this too in the video. Heading towards the camera, which is where the exit/entrance gate is, or going parallel to it, Ink is presistant in pushing on my leg, hands, whatever he can to try to get that much closer to the gate. I tried going by and pushed back with my leg, used my outside rein and even extended my inside rein outwards to encourage him away. I’m not sure if that was right or wrong to do, but it didn’t help. The next time around I gave him a tap, tap with the crop and tested him the next time around. That didn’t help so I gave him a harder tap on his bum and that made him go on.
All in all I was pleased with the ride. No complaints other than him being naughty and pushing on me to exit. But I’ll have to spend a little bit more focus on that whenever we go out to ride again.
Oh and yes Ink and I have a temporary leave from what we were doing and ventured around some barrels. It was fun and a good exercise :). You’ll see that in the video as well.
Please feel free to critique the video, riding, whatever else. I appreciate input and would like to know your opinion. Thanks! :)
This is my personal imood.
This is the photo eloquent pic of the week. Titled "Velvet." Errika!
