Momma’s one year Texas Anniversary

Posted on August 30, 2013 by Exechorseluver

One year ago, after a lot of planning, strategizing, and packing
We moved my 88 year old mom away from her husband of 15 years
To Texas

Nothing about the decision, the enactment of it or getting her to leave her
Beloved Jim and Colorado was easy. I will never forget sleeping next to her
That last night.

I had no idea how we would do at the airport or on the plane. Confusion was
The norm. Being afraid was all my little mother seemed to know. And fair
Enough.

I was taking her away from everyone she knew and loved. From places at least a little
Familiar and setting her on a journey to a new home with only me from whom to receive
Reassurance.

Wow! It was so scary as we made the long drive from the airport. I had always been the child
And she the mom. Now I was forced to parent my parent. What if she hated the new place or
Just wanted to go home?

Well, of course it is all alright, for the most part. She has days when she is scared and days when the regrets come slowly and smiles quick. At least I know all that happens to her and all she does
Each day.

It’s been a year. I will be richer all my life for these treasured days with her. If I only get that little
Glimpse from to time of the momma I used to know, I will hang on tightly to those memories and hope for more.

Happy first year in Texas, Momma. I love you.

Bruno and Pixie Get Adjusted-A Bruno Story

Posted on August 16, 2013 by Exechorseluver

Bruno’s areas of adjustment.

After all the high-tech, high dollar surgical intervention that has been done to get this OTTB back from an infection of the coffin bone, it is interesting that in addition to a change in shoeing, having my vet/chiropractor adjust Bruno has made more difference in his ride and movement than anything else. It is a little startling.

Eight months ago this Sunday, Bruno, a six year-old OTTB had surgery at Texas A&M Vet Hospital. At least a third of his hoof was removed including a portion of his diseased coffin bone. Then months of stall rest went by. Finally he was released to start back to work. But honestly, he wasn’t moving well. I expected him to be a little off with his hoof as the hoof walls continued to get stronger. But he was also moving stiffly in his hind end. It was a little disparaging to think you had won the battle with his foot but lost the war with him being sound throughout. We added injections to support his overall joint health.

This week we had our vet, Lynn Criner, DVM, who is also certified as an animal chiropractor come out to look at Bruno (who of course she has seen many times, but never adjusted) and also our young mare Pixie.

The picture above illustrates all the areas that Bruno had issues. Lauren said one of the most amazing adjustments, in terms of change, was in the space above his eye and below his ear. I had noticed one side seemed swollen-or had fluid. Also, it was difficult to bridle Bruno and not just because he is 17.2 hh. He did not like his head touched. Dr. Criner took his head in her hands, manipulated it and my head throwing, swollen faced horse was a thing of the past. He dropped his head down and sighed. Last night, for the very first time, he bridled easily and without issue.

His hind end was out at the hip and spine. He was also out in the shoulder. All were returned to the normal position and again, the big horse sighed in relief. It might take a couple of times for this all to hold together, as muscle memory is long and Bruno has been in bad shape for a while but we will repeat as we need to do so.

Last night when Lauren went out to ride, it was a different Bruno she rode. We have had problems trotting Bruno at all. He did not want to trot and we moved him into a canter early in each ride to keep him more comfortable. Last night, he trotted as well as he ever has, most notably was his nice, even pace and lack of a head tossing, tail swishing fight. He reminded me so much of my old horse Mac who is a hunter pro. Around he went, balanced and happy.

When Lauren went on to the canter it was again the canter of hunter, as even and methodical as could be. I even went so far as to say it looked like a hunter under saddle Quarter horse class. His head was down (okay not down that far!), his hind end moved fluidly, and his cadence was perfect. It was a far cry from the usual off in gallop, dragging his hind end, missing his leads, horse of the past. I just hope this Bruno shows up again!!

Pixie, the four year-old pony, has not liked us to tighten up her girth. She has been less than enthusiastic about me putting my leg on her and pushing her forward. In fact, she has been relcutant to really work at all. Well, that certainly began to make sense as Dr. Criner evaluated her.

Pixie’s areas of pain.

Pixie had ribs out of alignment on both sides, two on one side and one on the other. Can you imagine having someone draw a tight band around your ribs if they were out of place? Would not be a good time. I would not be very cooperative either. Her hips and top of her head (her poll) needed alignment and her little knees were sore (probably from bracing against the pain of everything above them). I had been lunging her more (to make her cooperate better under saddle) and that is the worst thing I could have done for her knees. The vet prescribed straight work for her, no twisting or turning as she starts to heal.

Dr. Criner had suggested “ponying” Bruno down the hay roads so he could also work on the straight instead of having to turn over and over in the arena. Ponying is when one horse is being ridden and the second horse is brought along in a halter (seemingly under the control of the ponying horse). At the time, I told I did not have a horse to pony him with. Mickey is an all-star kicker. Feather would just panic and run away with him. Mr. Kid would want to run away with Bruno but might have a heart attack trying.

When she suggested ponying Pixie, I started to give the same excuse-no pony horse available. Then it occured to me! Snowboy was coming home and if he hasn’t changed he will be an awesome horse to take Pixie down the hay road.

Now, Snow ponying Bruno, first, what a sight that would be! Second, I wonder if Bruno could start running really fast and just pull me and Snow into air, like we were para-sailing behind him. Oh, I wish I could draw because I totally have a visual in my mind of the big, black horse dragging the fat, white pony and the old lady into the air!

Horse show this weekend and hoping to be moving Feather up yet another division in height.

Thanks for riding along!

JUMP-A Bruno Story

Posted on August 7, 2013 by Exechorseluver

X makes the spot!

Two hundred and thirty-three days since OTTB Bruno underwent surgery to clear a long-time infection to his coffin bone, Lauren simply headed towards this X and Bruno jumped.

Regular readers will know all the trials and issues we have endured trying to get Bruno back to sound. Five months in his stall, totally. Months confined to a small area. Boring days and critical accidents that we did not think Bruno would survive. But he has and since his shoeing (with a cast, straight bar shoe and equi-thane filler) a week ago last Saturday each day he has been moving a little better and with a less of a limp. We will need to do exercises to strengthen his hind end so he does not fall so hard on his forehand. Any dressage trainer anywhere near Wharton? But we can do that. It will take some time.

Lauren usually works Feather in the morning. Then Bruno and Pixie are worked in the early evening. I have not been ready for her to ride Bruno when I am 100 miles away. But each day that he has been worked his attitude and mental state are better.

Last night, Lauren wanted to ride Feather so she would have me there as she worked Feather through the jump grids assigned by Dev as homework. I had Pixie saddled. I wondered then what would happen when Bruno got to the ring and saw the jumps. Like a lot OTTB owners we don’t know a lot about his life before us. We can chronicle and even watch some race footage. But there are big gaps for us. Questions like why did such a big, well-bred colt start racing so late (at age 4)? Did he have hoof issues all along?

We know he came here to Texas to Sherre Sims, an excellent hunter-jumper rider and trainer. But we do not have details about what work she did with him. Has he ever been jumped through a course, if so how high?

Lauren texted me early this morning that she was getting on Bruno. Just like I had with Pixie a few days ago, we set a time limit and if we have not heard from the rider within say an hour, it is time to dispatch the ambulance. We are out in an area without close neighbors (or at least neighbors would might even notice if we fell off) and we ride alone, a lot.

I kept track of the time and saw Lauren’s call come in on my cell. I was scared-was she okay? She told me I would be mad at her-heart pounds faster. “Why what did you do?” “I jumped Bruno”. The rule is no jumping when you are riding alone. Still, instead of from fear my heart started to pound with excitement. “How did he do?” I wanted to know.

She said they were just going through the paces, the X came up on the outside line. Lauren made a decision to jump. Bruno continued his even pace, rounded his back, jumped, landed athletically and continued to canter. So, he cantered. He spotted the X. He jumped the X.

And he walked off sound! I will get some photos soon. Tonight all I have is photo of what the jump must have looked like to Bruno as he cantered up to it.

Praise God!! It has been a long time coming. A new big chapter in the Bruno, My OTTB story has just started. Please keep riding along!

Hot times in the Summer

Posted on August 6, 2013 by Exechorseluver

Jp and Alice-run out of their cool tack room by Control Cat-lounge around in the cool dirt.

Some days around the barn are just catch up days. The heat index has exceeded 100 degrees for several days now and rain is no where in the forecast. I felt like I needed to strap on the Gatroade IV and just get going. Since we have made the decision to bring Snowboy back home, we will need to get moving on some neglected chores. We have two stalls devoted to hay storage-one for coastal hay and one for alfalfa. We will have to merge the hay rooms (which will reduce our winter storage capacity) to make a stall for Snow.

I started cleaning out the ‘to-be-Snowboy’ stall. There were a lot spider webs and spiders in the many things haphazardly thrown into the extra stall. I am not freaked out by spiders like my friends Gaylyn, other Lauren and Chelsie. But… I do not want them touching me or biting me. Being covered in sweat let all the webs and dust adhere to me-I was one attractive women when these chores were done.

In the past, I have brought the small mower over and mowed the bit of grass that grows under the barn roof along the fence line. I decided that was way too much work. Instead, I engaged Pixie the-cleaner-upper to work her way down the fenceline. The work got done and she got some special attention.

Pixie, the ultimate weed eater!

I threw out all the old cat food that had sat in the various feed bowls since Control Cat moved in necessitating the set up of multiple feed stations since the other cats could no longer go in the tack room. Kona and Lula were on hand to clean up all the cat food. What a helpful group of animals I have.

At one point into the hot summer morning, I saw Kona, with his long, black coat , overdue for a clipping, just hop into the horse’s water trough. He stood there for some time just languishing in the cool water. I know Kid was not going to be happy with him for getting dirt in the tank but Kona did not care. Kid only likes to drink out of clean water troughs. Water is at a premium, Kid, buck up!

I got Pixie saddled for a ride. I texted Lauren to let her know I was riding alone (always a good idea). First, I thought I would try lunging the little pony, who has recently come into heat. Boy, was she feeling like a hormonal mare! I cinched up the girth and she angrily stared at me like I was puncturing her uterus. When I got her on the lunge line, I really wasn’t thinking and immediately as we started off at a trot, she bolted off, yanking the lunge line out of my hands (must have been watching the ‘Feather bolts on the lunge line show’ of the other night) and took off out the open gate (should have shut the gate as well). I was feeling hot and stupid at this point. I went, collected the mare, tied her up, went back to the tack room for gloves and my helmet and started over again.

The gloves let me keep a firm hold on the line. The helmet protected me as she raced and kicked at my head. Fun times! But it did get a lot energy worked out of the pony, before I stepped in the saddle. She was still wanting to duck and buck but we came to an understanding pretty quickly. As Robert Earl Keen says there is nothing like a mother bucking mare! And I did not want to be the mother she bucked off.

Later, I went to visit my mom and she is deep in her own fantasy island. She told me Jim had stopped by and brought her the new outfit she was wearing (which was a pink sweat suit circa 1990). She talked excitedly about how they had gone out for brunch and what a wonderful time she had. Far be it for me to insert any dose of realty to a happy woman. I just let her croon on about Jim and being so pleased to see him. I know he misses her and would be here to visit if he could.

Hot times continue. Thank you for riding along!

Liebster Award

Posted on July 3, 2013 by Exechorseluver

I have been nominated for a Liebster Award that recognizes new blogs and blogs with a readership of less than 200. I started this blog in April, 2012 looking for a way to tell the stories of my life with family, horses, dogs and all our adventures. It has been so rewarding to see the readership that has grown and the support I garnered from you all as Bruno’s, my OTTB horse, story unfolded and continued. I got some interesting comments from friends and family that had tuned into my blog to stay updated with my family. But they told me they had kept reading the blog because of a horse that had captured their imaginations.

I learned of the nomination while on vacation in Maui and was so thrilled to have Stephanie from Ngugi’s Word (http://ngugiottb.wordpress.com/) nominate me for this award. By itself, that was a wonderful gift. I have enjoyed her blog as I have worked to find additional new blogs to nominate.

It took some work to pick which new blogs that I enjoyed most just due to the vast number and variety of blogs available. I list below an eclectic eleven blogs that range from good advice on living life, to horses, therapy poodles, and Doberman.

Here are the rules I was given and the information I was requested to present.

Here are the rules: 1. Thank the Liebster Blog presenter who nominated you and link back to their blog.

2. Post 11 facts about yourself, answer the 11 questions you were asked and create 11 questions for your nominees.

3. Nominate 11 blogs who you feel deserve to be noticed and leave a comment on their blog letting them know they have been chosen.

4. Display the Liebster award logo.

5. No tag backs.

Here are eleven facts about me:

1. Ever since I was in grade school, I wanted to be a writer and rider. My dad was an Irishman who always had a story to tell. He also owned quarter horses from the day I was born as well.

2. I am a Colorado native, but circumstances (like wanting to be employed) have led me to live in south Texas.

3. I have three daughters, three granddaughters and one grandson!

4. The best days of my life are spent with my family at the farm or on the beach.

5. I love to read.

6. I consider myself athletic although in recent years, too much food and too little exercise make me not necessarily like the reflection in mirror.

7. I cannot see myself living anywhere but on my little farm (although a condo in Maui in the winter and a Colorado ranch in the summer have a certain appeal!).

8. I cannot imagine a life without my animals.

9. My doctor once told me I was the most resilient person he knew; physically, mentally and intellectually. I think that is good.

10. I would love to ride horses in Ireland one day.

11. I am lucky in so many ways to live the life I am living.

My answers to the questions I was asked:

1) What do animals do for you? Animals create a connection to a spiritual world that I find the best of places for me to be.

2) What do you remember from 8th grade English class? Realizing I wanted to write to in some way, somehow, the rest of my life.
3) What would you change about yourself if you could? I would be less mercurial and more settled.
4) What has been your proudest moment? I do not know. I have been blessed so many times and in so many ways, from my biggest success in having a wonderful family to successes personally and professionally. I cannot pick one moment.
5) Who do you admire the most in your life and why? My father is who I always have admired most. He came from a small town, with no opportunities and yet succeeded hugely in life.
6) If you could make a soundtrack to your life, what song would definitely be on it? “I had the time of my life”
7) Do you have a favorite mantra? Live openly, love even the threat and the pain.
8) How do you define a relationship? Two people who care and support one another
9) What do you spend most of your time thinking about? Ways to do things better.
10) What scares you? Many things, finances, pain, being alone, but I have fought back against many things and won. I will always fight back again.
11) What’s your favorite thing about blogging? Sharing the stupid, nutty things that happen in my life with a sense of humor so that even the bad can be good.

Eleven questions to my nominees:

1. What caused you to start blogging?

2. What was the hardest thing you have ever walked away from?

3. What do you wish would change in your every day life?

4. If you review your blogs, what are you most passionate about?

5. If you had to start a new blog on a total different subject, or a specific subject what would it be?

6. What was the best moment of your life?

7. Where would you live if money and family were not an issue?

8. If you could be a superior athlete, what would be your sport?

9. What is one trait you wish you had more of that you don’t?

10. What is one somewhat unique ability you have that most people don’t?

11. If you had only five books to read (and re-read) for the rest of your life what would two of them be?

And now it’s my turn to nominate 11 blogs that I enjoy reading, find informative, motivating or just fun.

I want to thank all the people who tune into our blogs and hope they will take a look at these blogs I have nominated. Each of these blogs, in different ways, with different topics has been a pleasure to read. To all of you, thank you for reading Exechorseluver. To my nominees, keep writing and I will keep riding along!

Life Lessons

Posted on June 29, 2013 by Exechorseluver

Abby, Princess and Arianna, all watching the lessons intently.

In the horse world, probably like any sport, you grow your friends and “family” around those people you spend most of your time, in this case, those at your barn. At most training barns, the skill levels of the students match the various divisions in-which they compete. So, starting at the Leadline and walk/trot levels to the high jumpers, the little kids watch and learn from the older riders.

We will celebrate 13 years in Texas this month. Lauren has, in essence, grown up here. And she has grown up wanting to emulate other riders she has seen. In the early years at Whipple Tree, it was Chelsie and Kirsten, that she eagerly watched. Lauren did her first Texas show doing walk-trot on Mickey. She has come along way as well, jumping her way to 3’6″ division. But it has just been like a long, twisting road. One day you are not trotting along and the next day winning over the big fences. There is a lot of times you feel you are not getting anywhere at all. Now, it is starting low again on Feather and moving her along. We do not often stop and think about the progress she has made.

Yesterday, instead of making the long drive up to Dev’s in the heat we agreed to meet at Caroline’s Compound. Several riders who keep their horses at home (instead of a boarding barn) trailered
in with their horses. Dev set us up in a schedule, so that he could have time to work with each rider
Individually. Lauren had a good ride on Feather. She schooled 3’9″ and 4 foot fences for the first time.

While Lauren and Feather were working in the ring, another trailer pulled in. A rider, Alex, that we had last seen ride at least three or four years ago was next in the ring with her new horse. Now 13, she had ridden at the barn with us when she was just a youngster. It was great to see her and her dad. Alex stood and watched Lauren and Feather work through the jumps. I asked Alex what she thought of Lauren’s new horse. Alex said Feather was nice but it is what she said next that made our day. “Lauren was my idol when we all used to ride together!”

Certainly, no one had told Lauren that before! But it is how kids grow, develop and mature, through positive role models. Lauren and I were both very pleased to hear Alex say such a nice thing. I hope Lauren always did the right things. But I guess that’s part of learning as well. Nothing is perfect and sometimes things are harder than they look.

Like most sports, a lot of lessons are learned, in and out of the arena. I bet there are young ones that will look up to this next group of riders as Alex did Lauren. It made for a pretty special day.

Coming Home

Posted on June 17, 2013 by Exechorseluver

My vacation view from my chaise lounge in Maui.

Of course, first there was getting home which involved leaving the condo at 2:30 pm HST Saturday and finally arriving home at 10:30 am CDT Sunday. My mother used to refuse to do the overnight flight from Honolulu as she said she could never sleep. It must be like forgetting the pain of childbirth before the next baby, but I was convinced I would sleep just fine on an airplane full of people when I struggle to sleep in my own bed.

Ally, Jo Etta and I did not sleep at all, not for even a minute. Kendyll had a bad time getting to sleep and I worried about her sleeping entirely on Ally’s broken arm.

By the time we got to the farm I was just glad to be home. Texas looked like a poor Polynesia after the flowers and views of Maui. It was apparent there had been a lot of rain, my gardens were lush (and actually blooming with Plumerias-a Hawaiian flower I grow). I was so excited to see my poodle, Kona, and all the dogs. I had missed them tremendously hurrying down the beach to accost and pet any dog that ventured there with their human.

Richard, our house sitter extraordinaire, did a fabulous job keeping up with all the chores that make up our life on the farm. It is reassuring to have someone we can count on when we are gone that takes our requests (all 31 pages of them-okay it wasn’t quite that bad) seriously and tries to do exactly what we ask and then some.

After getting the dogs out except for Kona and Lula who went with us, Lauren and I headed to the barn. Still in our traveling clothes, we were immediately covered in sweat. We might have been visiting a tropical island, but the humidity and heat level in Texas far exceeded that of the tropical isle. First, I am not complaining, it worked fine, but each horse was to have a fly mask for their face. I had told Rich to use them each day but had not demonstrated exactly how they went on. It brought a smile to our faces to see Mick, Feather and Pixie with their fly masks on but strangely askew looking back at us from the pasture.

The horses and barn all looked good. Bruno had a couple of new scrapes but I think he is the type of horse that will always find a way to get hurt, just like a young boy with the perpetual skinned knees. Rich had told us Kid had been kicked and had a cut lip, but Kid cuts his lip on a regular basis so I don’t think any kicking was involved. Mickey and Pixie looked a little fatter. But Lauren and I might have as well-we were on vacation you know.

We probably spent a couple hours out at the barn, just fiddling around with things, lungeing Bruno, hosing off hot horses. Except for the incredible heat it was a nice way to spend the afternoon. We got unpacked, the washer running and beds changed-you know, the usual back from vacation stuff.

I went to see my mom. I had found her some pink shirts that were Hawaiian looking and stopped for a chocolate milk shake. She was pretty happy to see me. I, on the other hand, was overtaken with emotion upon seeing her. This was the longest time I had gone without seeing her since I brought her here from Colorado. I was hugging her tight and holding back tears. I am not sure she even really knew I had been gone. But I sure had felt her absence, especially have been somewhere she had been such a part of on so many visits to the islands.

I got to bed early. I was home.

Reflections

Posted on June 1, 2013 by Exechorseluver

Papa Rick taking care of Kendyll’s breathing treatment. On top of Ally’s broken arm, Ken has bronchitis! Rick can handle it-he was a Marine!

As the weekend is upon us again, so quickly after the short work week, I want to provide a few updates. First, a huge thank you to Luke, his mom, Dodie, and his dad, Rick who spent this entire week taking care of my daughter Ally. I do not know how she would have made it through this first ‘broken arm’ week without their love, support and 24-hour a day help.

Last night at the graduation, both in-laws appeared a little worn. Taking care of a household, two children, dogs and chores will do that to you. Lauren and I cared for Kendyll and Jo last weekend and were wiped out. Rick told me he doesn’t know how Ally does it. I think it is important for all of us to reflect on another’s life from time to time. A lot of us, me included, have done the days with small children, jobs, animals and busy lives, but we do forget the constant intensity of it all. If I choose to not do some chore at the barn tonight, I can do so. I can come in early and read a great book. With children, little ones especially, that is not a choice.

The advent of working parents, day care, and sick kids is not new. My ex-husband and I struggled with the ‘who stays home with the sick kid today’. I think it has only gotten worse as clearly most homes rely on two incomes to function. Ally clearly relies on two arms to function, especially with a baby. It is all so hard. My daughter Amber’s family has had one illness after another and has no family to call upon in Denver. I worry that one day, Amber will just collapse under the weight of sleeplessness and responsibilities.

A lot of us grandparents, are happy, eager even, to step in for an overnight visit or a long weekend, but when the days pass on and you are responsible for the full-time care of your grandchildren, it is much more difficult to not want to go home and curl up in your bed.

So, tonight, big thanks to Rick and Dodie who put their lives on hold to run my daughter’s life and care for my grandchildren. Tomorrow Ally and kids will be here and Rick and Dodie will get some much deserved time off.

Families-we are so lucky to have the thoughtful and caring members that we do. May God bless you and keep you (and heal Ally’s arm!).

Leadline Success

Posted on March 29, 2013 by Exechorseluver

Showing off her hair as she loves on Trapp’s dog, Camo.

The afternoon started with Jordyn, Lauren and I running into Razzmatazz and getting our hair done. Jordyn’s hair is short but needed to look sleek and hang in pigtails so she could show off the mandatory Leadline bows. As we headed to Katy, we received a text that the horse Jo expected to ride, Ky, was out (too excitable)and she would ride a big, red roan named Red River. By the time we got to the Equestrian Center, we had a new message, that she would ride a huge, black gelding named Heartbreaker (HB) that Caitlyn had been showing in hunters this week.

And so preparation began. Caitlyn, Kathy, Lauren, Jo and I walked over to the stall area where HB was housed. Wow-what a horse! Absolutely huge (like as tall as Bruno but stockier and sturdier) and rippling with muscle. Only five years old, but bred for a quiet temperament, beautiful movement and conformation. I doubt Jordyn will ever sit on such an amazing horse again. What an opportunity!

We took him over so the braider could start on his braids. Meanwhile, Kathy and I, attempted to come up a way to showcase the matching ribbons in HB’s mane. I have little skill in anything ‘crafty’. Kathy has deep roots to the business side of things, but perfected four bows of zebra and blue ribbon that contrasted beautifully against HB’s gleaming black coat.

The tiny braids on his broad neck with his special Leadline ribbons.

Ally, Luke and baby Kendyll got there with Kendyll decked out in a blue onesie saying she was Jordyn’s Biggest Fan. It had Pin Oak 2013 on the back. Then Ally and I got Jordyn ready to go with boots, Jodhpurs, blue show shirt, grey wool jacket, bows, helmet and gloves. Abby showed up all dressed at the same time and we got adorable pictures of the two equestrians.

Jo’s number was supposed to be 860!

Abby, Lauren and Jordyn

Lauren attached Jordyn’s entry number to her waist and we were ready to ride. When we made it to the arena, Kathy (I told you she was a number person!) realized Jordyn’s number was upside down. It was more than a little crazy.

There was a lot of activity at the in-gate as we waited (and waited) for the girls to be called. But young HB handled it all like the pro he is, and never seemed anxious or spooky. Little Princess was a trooper with Abby as well. Finally, the ring steward waved them through the gate into the massive arena. Leadline was on!

Abigail Lacombe on white Princess and Jordyn Taylor on dark Heartbreaker. What a pair!

Abigail Lacombe on tiny, white Princess and Jordyn Taylor on huge, dark Heartbreaker. What a pair!

There were four contestants in all. They were asked to walk, reverse, and halt. The judge asked Jo what her horse’s name was and she hesitated a moment, (in so much as we had changed horses three times today alone) and then answered “Heartbreaker”. The judge said “I bet this is a borrowed horse” and Jo said “yes, but I have one at home!”

All the little Leadliner’s won a beautiful Pin Oak blue ribbon and a bouquet of flowers. They were greeted by a mass of us upon exiting the arena. I heard Dev’s voice telling the girls what a great job they had done. I caught a glimpse of Trapp, Kathy and Cate’s trainer, who had been instrumental in getting Jo such a great horse to ride, raising his iPhone and snapping a shot of Jordyn and HB. It made me smile!

As a special surprise, Kathy and group from Trapp’s barn had gotten Jo a Pin Oak tee-shirt. They had all signed it and sent her well wishes. It was a perfect end to wonderful, wonderful experience. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart to all of you who made this such a special night for my granddaughter, she, and I, will never forget it!

I bet this shirt will be cherished for a long time.

Caroline, Abby and Princess finally headed back to the barn.

Horseback Riding to Get Fit

Posted on November 14, 2012 by Exechorseluver

The Taylor girls, Jordyn, Kendyll and Ally taking a photo break from their fitness routine. (I don’t think Kendyll did too much fitness work!)

Horseback riding is not the first thing you think of when you think of physical fitness regimes. People run or swim or do spin classes to get fit. Seldom do we think about what it takes-physically- to ride a horse. In fact, I cannot tell you the number of times that Lauren and I have argued with people in this town about horseback riding being a sport. It started with her physical education department at her high school.

Other school districts in the Houston area, acknowledged that horseback riding was a form of physical fitness and allowed students to do horseback riding as an offsite PE credit for their high school program. Not in El Campo, Texas was that acceptable. In fact, at the time Lauren had qualified for the USEF Emerging Athlete Program (EAP)- a national program led by former Olympic medalists and she was hoping to attend a college and qualify to ride on a NCAA Equestrian Team. But the answer in El Campo was still no. It may be a sport at colleges throughout the US but horseback riding was not a sport in little town Texas. I would challenge anyone who feels horseback riding is not something that requires athleticism and physical fitness to try to ride Mickey through a three-foot course. Good luck with that!

One of my favorite examples of riding requiring physical fitness was when one of Dianne’s riders that had ridden successfully as a youth decided to return to the show ring as an adult. John was a good and competent rider as a youth. He was riding a strong thoroughbred named Dolan donated for Dianne’s use by Dr. Lynn Criner. I remember John heading into the ring for his first round over fences. His jacket didn’t quite button anymore (and whose idea was it to ride horses in a jacket and tie?). Several years of smoking had reduced his lung power more than a little bit. Dolan took off at a quick pace, galloping to each jump and clearing them easily. After eight jumps, John headed out of the ring gasping for breath. He had stayed with Dolan but he was breathing hard and his color was not so good.

By the time John completed his third round over fences, he said he wanted to die. The jacket was completely unbuttoned, the tie was askew and John could have used oxygen. Really. It took a physically fit man to ride the big thoroughbred through his paces and John was not it. He was not physically conditioned to go along for the ride he had taken. I was vastly amused by John’s problems that day-but I could not have done any better.

Ally, four months post-baby delivery came out tonight to start her version of get fit while riding at Granny’s farm. Granny was watching Kendyll and Ally was back in the saddle. It was a windy and cool day but Ally still got in about 45 minutes of serious riding. It is said that riding improves the core muscles (those often slack after baby delivery), it helps tone the inner and outer thighs, improves posture and cardio-vascular fitness. It was fun to have all the girls (Lauren, Ally and Jo) saddled up and in the ring. It has been too long.

Still, there is little doubt that Ally will be walking carefully tomorrow. Those muscles that have not been engaged in some time will be yelling out about how they feel. Ask Ally if horseback riding requires physical fitness tomorrow, but stand back because she may come at you, swinging!

I may be on to something though and could start post-baby “recover your old body through horseback riding class”. I will let you know if I can get any takers. In the meantime, Ally will be back next week for another go with Feather.

Jo and Mick

Exechorseluver

The life and times of modern day horse woman

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