Summer Dreaming

I have always loathed summer with a passion.

I hate sweating. My hair refuses to hair. I'm terrified of thunderstorms. And in the past 5 years it has been miserably boring since I had summers off from school and nothing to do but veg on the couch and occasionally slave at work.

Now though, since I am almost a a real adult, I've noticed more hateful feelings towards winter and the obscene cold and the effects it has on my commute. My feelings towards summer have changed. I'm beginning to become attracted to idea of it. Can I deal with the heat and humidity? Perhaps with working AC maybe.

I just want to go fishing. And swim. And back roading. And drink by the river. And lay out. And spend summer nights with friends. And wear shorts. And tank tops. And go to parks. Go on walks. Be skinny. Be tan. Be warm.

But mostly, I'm looking forward to shows.

I WANT RIBBONS.

Sure, it'll be hot and gross, but I think I can deal.

I've noticed myself daydreaming about all the horrible things about shows and LOOKING FORWARD TO IT. I've caught myself wishing I was in a truck driving endless hours down a hot highway headed to a show. Braiding at the late hours of the night. Sweating profusely on XC walks. The anxiousness before our test. The endless waiting around. The cost of hotels.

I WANT IT ALL.

I also, of course, in true tack whore fashion, dream about updates to my already extensive collection. None of which  I NEED (with the exception of new tall boots. Srly, mine are ripped in half) but of course, WANT.

And my imaginary schedule is PACKED so far. XC schooling at the end of this month. Then a dressage show in April with Jessie. Then Longview at the beginning of May. Then Queeny. Then everything else. ALL THE SHOWS ALL OF THEM.

 Dying inside knowing how much these shows cost, but YOLO you know?

Want dis.

Anyone else ready for the fuckery that is the flip flop temps to end and all the mud, rain and hair shedding that is spring to turn the corner??

I know I am.

What are everyone's plans so far? Shows? Training goals?

P.S. Thank you for all the congrats-I am more than stoked :D

I Was Obsessed With TBs Before It Was Cool

Ever since my 4 year old brain knew horses existed, I have been absolutely smitten with the thoroughbred.

Before I knew what breeds were, I knew I loved those giant shiny beasts that galloped down the track. And I wanted one. Bad.

Then I got older and learned how to read. Along with Harry Potter, I read the "Thoroughrbed" series. Yes, it was a thing. Magical, if you will. It followed a girl named Ashleigh and her career as a jockey then branched off to her daughter and all their friends with the thoroughbreds.

It was decided. I would have a TB someday.

Then for my 10th b-day I got a bratty little bitch pony named Dolly and I loved her more than anything. She did anything I wanted-with attitude. She taught me everything there was to know about horses and ownership. Especially how to sit a buck. But she was no TB.

As I slowly outgrew her, I began looking for an actual horse. I begged my parents to let me get a TB, but no, they're too expensive.

One day, I found an ad in the classifieds (YES THE NEWSPAPER) for an Anglo-Arab. My horse obsessed 12 year old mind instantly snapped back to the articles and pictures I had seen of AA jumping grand prix and I latched on to the idea that he would be mine. Half a TB is better than none right?

After much begging harassing, I convinced my parents and I became the proud owner of a half TB. (Spirit, the Wonder Pony, RIP).

Soon though, as any child does, I grew. And grew and grew some more.

I sadly had outgrown my two wondrous ponies (I still owned Dolly too) for sure this time and was on the prowl for a bigger horse.

Wiser and older at 14, I schemed. This was my moment. My time.

TBs are big. I was told I could get a big horse.

THOROUGHBRED. MUST. HAVE.

But I knew my parents didn't want to spend a whole lot on a new horse, since I already had a collection and you know how horses are....expensive.

So with my little knowledge of the world wide web, I logged onto my dial up with a mission. Find. Thoroughbred.

So in this google thing I typed "cheap racehorse" and somehow stumbled upon New Vocations.

AKA HEAVEN.

I prowled. And I found.

I found the Yankee.

HE WAS THE ONE.

Instantly, and literally mean literally instantly, I was in love. Love at first sight. Head over heels. Had to own. Must acquire.

It took all of 2 days to convince my mother that this was the horse for me. Not only was he big, black and beautiful but he was CHEAP. She fell in love too. NO CONVINCING NEEDED.

We went and saw him the next day, swooned hard and came back later to pick him up.

It all happened so fast that my dad was a little confused about how and when a 3rd horse appeared in his yard.

Where is this all going, you ask?

Where my years of loving, dreaming, obsessing and riding Thoroughbreds has gotten me.

I feel like I've loved them before anyone else, and I know its not true, but the popularity of the OTTB in particular has exploded in the last 5 years. 3 girls at my barn have them now ( I blame Yankee and his charm ;)), all the event riders want them and they're all anyone seems to be talking about in my sport, especially on insta and twitter.

While in the past (after aquiring Yankee) I continued to stalk OTTBs, I have been avoiding New Vactions page as of late because I am broke.

(I JUST WANT ALL THE OTTBS OKAY)

On that fateful day in February though, I logged on and first thing I saw was an advert to become an ambassador. The deadline was in a week and I was like, UH THIS IS ME. I talk OTTB constantly to anyone who will listen...I needed this in my life.

A few of you asked what my secret video was about. I didn't want to tell anyone in case we didntt get it, but I was applying to be the 2014 National Eventing New Vocations Embassador.

Mediocre video aside, they apparently liked my submission because I WAS SELECTED TO REPRESENT THE OTTB IN THE SPORT OF EVENTING.

Whatwhatwhat?!?

I almost peed my pants with happiness because I thought I was taking a shot in the dark and didn't have a chance.

Now we get tons of OTTB swag and we get to OFFICIALLY rep the OTTB at shows around the midwest. (As well as share photos and videos on their page and write blog posts for NV)

I. Am. So. Pumped about this opportunity and cannot wait to start!

More than a decade owning my big beautiful boy and I get to brag, officially, about how amazing he really is.

GAH!

#OTTBSwag

Beastmode, Engage

I realize its taken me a coons age to update everyone on the show last friday (wow,  almost a week ago) but you know how horse show hangover goes, then add on there about a thousand hours of late night work AND moving (yes, I moved. To a house. A real one!) AND not having a real computer....

I was going to put a GIF here but I can't figure how with no computer FML I WANTED A GIF.

So. Horse show hangover was bad. Like worse than usual. And it wasn't even the normal three day show. My trailer is still packed with shit and I only rode twice this week.

And Yankee did this...

COME ON YANKEE FOR FUCKS SAKE

Awkward bell boot is awkward

Yes, that IS a coronet band cut. No, its not too horrible. Still. WTF.

But mostly horse show hangover. I do not recommend going to a show that STARTS at 5 pm. I've done it twice and both times it ends with me chugging 34oz of coffee at 11pm. Mostly I was proud though... because YANKEE WAS AWESOME SAUCE!!

Seriously though, I almost cried I was so proud of my horse.

I, of course, fucked up my first two classes because apparently I can't remember jumper courses for shit. I intentionally entered the classes with no jump offs, but apparently at this show in the "power and speed classes" the "jump off" fences in the other class are PART of your course, and they are the timed ones....what the fuck right.

Never heard of that.

So it took me two classes to get acclimated.

But then, we BEASTED. We won every class after that, including the Jumper Classic.

Yankee was on point all night. I can't even explain it. He rated when I asked, jumped with knees and galloped like the wind and turned on a dime. He even beat the quick QHs and big WBs!!

Everyone noticed him, which I think is in part to his clip, but also because (and yes I AM bragging) he is a boss.

I didn't get any pictures...yet, but I do have video of the Classic round HERE and the jump-off in the classic HERE. I believe it was only 3'3-3'6 which was disappointing since I like to win over bigger stuff, but STILLTHEMOSTHAPPY.

We even won a saddle pad! I've never won a pad before. I was super excited. Hastag horse swag.

Our next show is April 6th, dressage, then mid April we will go XC schooling in prep for Queeny in May!! Happy show season is finally turning the corner.

Much Horse. So Wow.

Yet again, another duo ride between me and German Jessie. Yankee got his butt WORKED.

"You fucking humans and your ratchet shit and saddles and riding and things and dog."

 Which is good because I mean, he is an eventer. He should be used to long schools and double disciplines.

Contrary to our last ride, he was very compliant and actually made some progress from last time. I got some stellar still shots since I am still trying to compile a video for something I am applying for (not going well by the way. I am technologically retarded on some levels).

Not only was he compliant, but he was WAY more chill for the flatwork. I was setting up the jumps and videoing so I wasn't paying too close attention but I know Jessie was working on half-pass and transitions as well as the extended trot. 2 of those 3 things I cannot get my horse to do...like, at all.

German training man.

Like...what are this? Is that...collection and impulsion?

Oh my god is that...impulsion? extended trot? Is he....not on the forehand? For once?

Oh look he's actually picking up his fucking legs

Ugh. Bitch. I kind of hate her.

Oh hai look I can flick my toes

I can sidepass too bitch

What what human  look at my legs. Look at them.

JK I LOVE HER LOOK WHAT SHE DOES TO MY BEAST HE IS PERF

Video link for her flat work with Yanks is HERE

SO thats pretty cool. I wish I could ride him that way. MUST. LEARN. BETTER. DRESSAGE. HOW. TO.

Then I hopped on to jump him and I was like....

......I did not got this.

I think we crashed through the vertical at least 10 times. And it was barely 3'3. I mean I know verticals are our nemisis but seriously, a 3'3 vertical? Yankee. How many times must I remind you, YOU ARE TWELVE. Not 4. PICK YO DAMN LEGS UP FOO'

And Yankee was like...

Please Yankee? I'll ask nicely.

Yankee was like....

I really didnt want to come down to it, but I busted out the dressage whip. And just held it there. He knew I had it but still was like...

                                                             ....Yankee get it together!

I collected his canter, came around to the vertical and then I did what I never ever wanted to ever have to do to my horse...I hit him as hard as I could on the shoulder with that whip.  And guess what. He jumped it just fine.

And the time after that.

and that.

and that.

I hate to admit, but sometimes they all just need a reminder...but I still felt bad using such a harsh reminder. But seriously, he has been jumping for YEARS and a 3'3 vertical should be no issue. What was bothering me was his intentional laziness. I wish you could see the video of him not even picking up his legs. He literally telling me to fuck off and it infuriates me!

Luckily, besides the vertical, he was jumping very well and hopefully the jumper show friday will go well.

The first is 3'9 and the second is 3'6 and he was on point over the oxers. Almost over jumping, so at least I can count on his exuberance over the bigger fences. Damn verticals.


Wish us luck Friday...supposed to snow AND I'm braving this show alone...eeek.

Video link for me jumping Yanks is HERE

Much German Training

A few days ago Yankee got the crackdown on his dressage fuckery.

Lately, he's been an asshole on the flat. Not in  a "I'm-being-a-bad-horse-because-I'm bad-and-I-hate-you" but more the "I'm-being-a-douche-because-I'm-lazy" and its been driving me bananas.

I realize he's been off for the greater part of 5 weeks, but that is no excuse to not brain and pretend you have the dumb. The newest evasive measure has been sideways dancing and head-tossing while running away. Classic OTTB.

It seems every movement, transition, or bend I ask of him is just too momentous for him.

 But instead of doing the simple task of say, a canter transition, he wastes more energy evading my aids and not doing what I ask. Horse logic.

I needed to enroll him in remedial dressage and fast. He no longer gets the benefit of me saying "oh he's just a babay and he used to race so its okay that his mind is a little wandering". He. Is. 12.

I just so happen to have the bestest riding buddies around, and my friend Jessie came to the rescue.

She is currently horseless and extremely badass at dressage (she's been in a few posts before, mostly helping me dressage), so I tend to beg her to come ride my bipolar beasty often. Especially when he's intent on convincing me he doesn't know anything.

She got on him & he immediately began with his shenanigans. I figured he would. I got it all on video. But am too ashamed to show you the crooked, head tossing, sidestepping, ewe-necked hot mess that is my stoopid horse.

While she worked his ass off (literally), I sat there mesmerized, watching the cogs in his brain turn over. Its SO COOL to SEE a horse think through the problem. He wanted to do what she asked, but he also DIDN'T want to. So conflicting. Being a horse is hard.

Exibit A, 20m circle. Simple enough right? WRONG.

Luckily Jessie has more patience than I do and worked him a solid 30 minutes just on being straight through a circle and PICKING UP those legs. She even whipped out the ole "stick as a crop" trick...

With a lot of patience and even more lateral work....

She got him to relaaaaax and step under himself like I've NEVER seen my thoroughbred step. Like...what are this. Is he a Warmblood disguised as a mediocre OTTB dressage horse?

I was like "Jessie, you can ride my horse better than me and I hate you. But. He looks amazing. That frame!! How do you do that/ LEARN ME". And her response was only "Much German training".

It made me laugh because its so true! The germans are very particular about their training but DAMN do they get results.

Ermahgherd jerhmps

For the first time in what seems like a 1000 years, I dusted (literally) off the jump standards and made my creaky bones set up a small, but fun, course in the indoor-since the outdoor was unfortunately still a hot mess.

Yankee has had about a month and half off, not consecutively, but overall quite a chunk of time. Since I've returned from my road trip I've ridden the beast almost everyday. We started off slowly with lunging and some hacks but rapidly moved right back into full training. I doubt I will do Texas Rose due to lack of funds, but I plan on riding in William Woods jumper show at the end of the month. Ver excite. 

Without T. R. I don't think our first USEA show will be until May- but that will give me some time to train, go XC schooling and save some dollhairs for showing expenses. Fingers crossed Yankee doesn't need injections or get random cancerous tumors again. 

I digress. 

My BFFFL, known as Jackie, came around, as she seems to do when we bust out the jump tack ;) Miss Isis has been off most of winter thanks to a sloppy outdoor at her barn so I happily let her hop on yanks and twerk whenever she wants. 

Our goal for the night was just to get the rust off all our jumping bones and see how he was handling it. 

Quite well it turns out. Almost too well. He was an asshole for the first 20 minutes of the ride and attempted some half hearted bucks and fence charges...

But dat tail doh 

Fast thoroughbred is fast. 

Luckily nothing fazes the Jackie and she straightened him right up with one halt in a corner, back up and canter from halt. And he was like "oh, she's serious. I guess I'll behave for human".

She put him through his paces with some nice rollbacks and kept him right on track to jumping like he's supposed to. Love her!

Rollbacks for days

Then I hopped on, uncharacteristically more nervous than usual. 

I concentrated reaaaalllly hard on not jumping ahead. Which was good for the most part..however, for the life of me, yanks usually jumps me out of the tack. Not sure if upset, or okay with it. 

Grrr! At least Yankee makes up for my fail with his boss moves. 

I don't think we jumped higher than maybe 3'6 maaaaaybe 3'9 but my dumb brain still forgot how to ride. My solution was to look at he rafters when approaching the jump. Something I DONT recommend  trying on a green horse, but Yankee knows his job and knows me and I trust him. I've jumped him many times with my eyes closed to help me with my jumping ahead issue and it's actually beneficial!

I think it helped a little, but in the long run I need to work on my muscle memory. 

I gave him the day off today to recover but tomorrow plan on either another small jump school or a flat session. 

Love being back riding! Hope everyone is thawing out :)

Facebook Official

I'm not quite sure if everyone who follows my blog knows that I art. Not only is it one of my 3 jobs (I teach painting and get people wasted), but I also art for fun! 

In college I got a minor in fine arts and specialized in drawing and paint media. I've never done anything with that (except it may or may not have made a difference in me getting hired at my place of employment) .....until now. 

...I have an announcement to make.

I am in the works of getting a business license to make and sell customized artwork. The process is halfway completed, with Etsy and Facebook pages made, but not activated. I'm still thinking on a name since I CAN and will do pieces that are not strictly equine. 

I'm hoping that this new adventure will pad my income level and thus allow me to show my damn beast. 

I know I've had requests for months building up among readers and I do apologize that I haven't finished anything. I work 70 hrs a week between 3 jobs, my horse is on self care and I have to sleep at some point. 

With this license I'm hoping it will give me time to ACTUALLY complete commissions, since my end goal is to only have two jobs, my business being one of them. 

So stay tuned!!