Reminiscing

Bacardi's second gotcha day is fast approaching (along with Yankee's "back to riding day-- FRIDAY) and it has me pondering during the slow moments in life. Driving to work. Sitting at work. Driving home from work. Laying in bed at 3AM. Running because you signed up for another tough mudder.

First time ever riding him

First off, I can't believe its already been two years. To years wit dis wild child dragon beast, and I will admit it has been challenging. I don't know how many of you have been around since I first got him, but he was troublesome from the start, refusing to load on the trailer home.

"is that a....trailer??"

He then proceeded to kick my trailer door in and panic the entire 3 hour drive home and then wouldn't unload when we actually got home.  WHOMP WHOMP. Then, I couldn't catch him for a week so he looked feral to boot.

Wouldn't come in so he got to eat out of a bucket in the field.

Don't even get me started on how hard it was to get him to gain weight. Truly a disaster. I dumped more money in this horse than I have into my own damn self for medical expenses.

One week after owning him he nailed a kick to my leg so bad I was sidelined for months from any kind of physical activity at all. Awesome right?

Top 3 months into ownership, bottom 8 months.

Then, he was horrific to ride. If you remember the days when you thought he might actually kill me, then you've heard the stories. At the time, I never saw it as scary, only frustrating as all hell. Now I'm like, WOW. Woowwwwwwwww. I literally could have been killed so many times.

Like literally every time I rode him, he was a terrible asshole. Riding in the winter was out of the question. I don't think I was truly happy with him  under saddle until after I moved him to EME which was only Sept of last year.

Right before he reared and bolted. 

Awkward jumping is awkward.

Then in the spring we travelled around a bit. He refused a lot of jumps, threw a lot of tantrums and essentially was an absolute nightmare still 95% of the time. He reared, bolted, bucked, kicked. Refused to load, stand, come when called, be pleasant at all or show any kind of affection. He spooked constantly and I'm confident he thought everything was going to kill him. One time, I thought it would be a good idea to bring him to an event as a NC and he showed me how wrong I was on that one.

See; fire breathing dragon and me dying trying to keep him from bolting

Strangely enough, I still loved and believed in him I defended him against the haters and kept working with him. I intentionally was so slow with all his training, intent on keeping it positive and reoccurring. Hey, it works with Yankee right? He's a fucking saint and also used to be a demon.

I finally had him loading on the trailer when he flipped out (literally) and whacked his face open to the bone. Cue 3 steps back in trailer training. So we did approximately nothing all summer until I moved him to EME in Sept.

The change was slow but sure.

Personally, I think the arena helped him immensely. He has this brain that is never shut down and constantly spinning in overdrive. The walls of the arena seem to channel that energy and he was slowly making improvements.

There were still tantrums, violent ones, but they were less frequent. He was learning that jumps weren't evil (usually) and seemed to learn to love it.

One of my all time fav pics

I was even starting to love riding him! I also was no longer worried i might actually die riding in an open field and even braved it a few times over the winter!

We even went to a show! IN THE WINTER. And it was fun as shit. And we got satin. 

"IS that a ...trailer??"

We worked sporadically over the winter, because of my work schedule and his ability to ...*ahem* lose focus and his shit on the reg when the mercury drops below 30*...but it was sold work. Foundational work. Little by little.

Sometimes I was incredibly discouraged. Like, wow my horse is backing up the entire length of the arena losing his shit for the millionth time this week, cool. Or goddammit B you've jumped this crossrail 76006454 times, why are you now putting the nope brakes on this one time? 

But I kept at it, because I knew he was special.

Sometimes I didn't want to. Sometimes I really hated him. Like why wasn't he JUST EASIER to deal with. Why. LIKE WHY. Even Yankee on his worst 4 year old day was not half as bad as B on a good 5 year old day. Or 6. Or 7. 

I firmly blieve in the saying that the most talented are the most difficult to work with and it won' be easy.

Yesterday though, I had such an incredible ride on him. It started off pretty shitty and I kinda slumped over thinking GOD DAMMIT WHY, again. Why is jumping so hard for him some days? But then I worked on something else and he gave me 110%.

I was asking for counter bend on a 10 m circle at the walk and he flexed like BAM and it was magical.

I know you're saying "wow, monica, counter bend how amazing *rolls eyes*"...but you don't get it.  A year ago, if I put my leg on him, he would bolt. Yes, bolt. Wildly. And rear. Fly backwards. All at once. Its possible. Now he accepts the contact, swings his ribcage over and steps under himself. Its incredible.

Then, I got a wild hair in me and practiced some canter drill work. I would asked for the canter from a walk, 20m circle then head down centerline. Really focusing on staying straight. Then, we would come to a halt through the walk. Back 6 steps and canter off on the other lead.

B executed it flawlessly. I am serious, it was amazing. I almost fell off the first time he backed neatly 6 steps, waited calmly, then canter off still on the contact and rocked forward into a perfect halt to canter transition.

Then did it 8 more times. Then jumped the problem fence with no issues. I hopped off, hugged him and cried. He just looked at me like, "wut, I waz good, cookiez now plz".

Total transformation. Every ride these last couple of months actually have been so incredibly different forma year ago, I could cry.

Sometimes I still question purchasing him, but more and more often, I feel no regret whatsoever. He comes to you in the field now, loads on trailers, no longer tries to kill vets, clips (this is a big one), trail rides, snuggles and is all around awesome. 

Training my dragon is going well.

What Do Wednesday: Admiring From Afar

I was struggling to stick with my Wednesday topic today and thought about just posting about my ride last night, but I'll save that for another day! This week's topic was inspired by none other than Sprinklerbandit, while in conversation with her regarding several horsey things. I love horse friends.

My question this week isn't exactly a "what do" but more of an opinion question. And no its not about the out of control debates I am seeing everywhere regarding eventing. Staying FAR away from that for now....

Considering I have been slowly turning away from eventing over the last several years, focusing more on regular show jumping and flat work that goes alone with that, I have been paying more and more attention to the UL Show Jumping world. COTH does an excellent job covering all sports, usually and I like to stalk that frequently. Along with that and social media, I have developed a few favorites. There are of course the classics like Beezie that I have loved forever, but theres also the up and coming outliers and famous people that many "other equestrians" (aka, us poor folks) take for granted simply because they're rich.

Don't get me wrong, any UL anything requires money and financial support, and quite a few people buy their way in with fancy horses and trainers. No one can dispute that fact. However, there is one "fancy rich person" I can actually respect and totally adore. You might know her from Big Bang Theory. Its Kaley Cuoco!

Hi I love you. & your dashing beast.

I can respect her hustle because she seems like a great horseman and her jump position is solid. Seems petty, maybe, but I have a hard time taking celebs seriously when they can barely give a release over a fence or keep their heels down. Thats just me though. I'm not perfect by ANY means, but I also don't buy 6 figure horses and win with them either.

I digress.

Kaley is a class act, in my opinion. My lil brain almost exploded when I found out that she rode horses and then was ACTUALLY good at it. I love her on BBT and it was so perfect that she was an equestrian as well. She adores her horses (follow her instagram!) and regularly rides, takes lessons and shows. I read an interview with her and she mentioned that after BBT is finished, she wants to go full time with GPSJ and competing. She recently bought a few horses as well and they are to.die.for.

Personally, I think its very cool thats someone with as much money as her is so humble about having a string of GP jumping horses on her team. Some of us could only dream of that type of lifestyle (*raises hand*), but I enjoy following someone positive that is in the limelight.

Speaking of, it is insanely funny to read tabloids about Kaley and her equestrian endeavors. And except from a Tabloid Mag, "Not only did she ride in circles on Thor, but 24-year-old Cuoco also fitted in some tricks, jumping the horse over barriers". I am dead. HAHAHA. That is great.

Kaley, I love you. Please keep being awesome and doin' the damn thang! I'll read all the tabloids about you, I don't even care.
My question is a fun one. Is there a celebrity that you follow and adore who also rides? If not, who's your favorite pro rider? I am interested to see everyone's opinion on this one!

Weekend Pony Time

First off, if you're alive, you probably have read a little about the recent events at Jersey Fresh this weekend. I'm just going to leave this article here and say no more.

My weekend was productive, despite no super exciting things like shows, it was still a good pony weekend. 

By the way, changing jobs gave me a whole new definition of "weekend", which is now Fri-Sun. SCORE for more pony time! 

I have been lunging the boys all week, I've been getting their things organized (which I oddly love to do), and it's all been going well with the exception that B has been struggling with his right lead a few times here and there. Which isn't completely odd, but not being able to keep it for more than two laps raises concerns. More on that later. 

Yankee is doing incredibly well and he is finally able to be ridden Friday, which I'm eagerly awaiting. Like you can't tell, because this is text, but I'm like screaming internally with the thought of sitting on Best Pony for the first time in two years (!!!).

Hi, I'm perfect give me cookies

I hopped on B for the first time in a month on Thursday and he indeed felt so incredibly stiff to the right at the canter it was concerning. Thinking he tweaked something in the field, I let it be for the day and reevaluated Saturday on the flat. 

In which he still felt crooked as a question mark and unable to pick up his right lead without several tries. Interesting. 

No lame steps, no head tossing, just incredibly one sided and really riding the struggle bus on right leads. 

I really can't pinpoint a problem area, but since he was showing no signs of concern from himself (as in not flailing or resisting) I kept working on fundamentals and riding at the trot and kept it to that. 

He's been brilliant by the way. Literally like a whole new horse mentally. Not sure if pro rides everyday for 3 weeks kicked his ass or he's just maturing/over winter spunks, but I'm not complaining. It's amazing to have a horse who shows up to work and I'm no longer concerned about dying when I get on his back. 

Sunday despite his weird right canteriness I opted to jump him over some low fences just to "re acclimate" myself back into jumping. I was surprisingly not sore from the previous two days of riding, which was nice. 

He was glorious. Still having weird issues with the right lead but didn't feel funky and was actively present in our session. Among, not distracted/nervous and really locking in to fences and going for it. 

Super exciting stuff guys, my horse is behaving and acting normal. 

Here;s another one of my beasts being normal, and cute.

I did contact my equine massage lady and ask her to come it and evaluate him to try and find where the issue with the leads. I'm praying it's not a chiro issue because I can't exactly swing $200 at the moment. I'm also hoping he just works out of it...

I signed up for a "jumper show" this weekend right here in town with Amy and EME, which should be fun. I plan on keeping it low key and not pushing him. Mainly I just want to work on show experiences and not refusing fences and keep the height for later. Especially if he's ever so slightly acting strange with the leads. Still super jazzed about it though, gotta love community, low cost shows for fun!

Operation Tail Revamp

Since Supertrainer just finished with B and his show training and Yankee is still "broken" (8 more days!!) I have yet to step in the irons which makes for boring blogposts. However, things have happened.

Many things.

Most notably and very exciting for a tail whore like myself, I took Amanda's tail dye tutorial and worked on revamping Yankee's very sad tail. If you know me at all, you know I am obsessed with tails...especially my own horsebeast tails. Bacardi's is gorgeous, but nothing has come close to Yankee's luscious locks when it comes to my string of horses. His tail has always been THE tail and I treat it like its made of glass. I legit SOBBED when we had to cut off part of his tailbone in 2014 and part of his tail hair went with it. I died inside a little. I love it, cherish it and care for it like it were worth a million bucks. Unfortunately due to boarding circumstances in MO, his tail got quite bleached and it made me so sad inside. I also think a lot of the hairs got pulled out due to living outside constantly which also made me more sad. Precious, precious tail hairs.

Therefore, "Operation Tail Revamp" began with me making trip to CVS to buy human hair dye. yup.

THE HORROR

Seriously, I can't look at it. It makes me ill. ORANGE. It was fucking Orange. His tail has never been ORANGE, OMG.

First step was to slather his surrounding bum hairs with the conditioner that came in the package to attempt to keep his butt from getting black dye on it. For those dying to know, I chose "soft black". I chose Garnier, because I have used that in the past with my hair and its just the brand I know. I'm sure there are better brands for dying horse tails, but thats what I chose. I hear ethnic hair dye works well, but I didn't know where to even begin with that.

Why did not one tell me my floor mats were disgusting before I took this pic

Next, I gloved up and mixed the solution and started applying it from the top down. Made sense to me. Luckily it was a cold day, so no flies...but if you do this in summer I recommend slathering horse with fly spray.

I am a messy SOB so I took extra care to not get dye on my clothes, body or the rest of his body. Shocker- I managed to get a huge streak down his butt in the red so he has a lovely black skid mark on his ass. Go me.

Then, I braided it up, with gloves on still, doubled under and stuffed in a plastic bag then vet wrapped the top for security. Then we waited.

Amanda warned against plastic bags  in your horses' tail if they are spooky, but Yanks could give a shit about nothing so I just assumed it would be fine and he was. Literally fell asleep. 

Do you guys love my old shitty barn?

I sat on the floor (safety first) and watched Yankee doze while I played on insta because addicted, and after 30 min, took his tail down and rinsed it. Per Amanda instructions I did NOT shampoo, just rinsed thoroughly and then when it dried Cowboy Magicked the whole tail. 

BAM! Gorgeous tail.

SWOON. Thats better. & I swept up the mats a bit.

Seriously, this is an amazing "trick" and I don't give a shit if anyone screams cruelty, his tail is the bomb.com again and it makes me happy as a pig in mud. JUST LOOK AT IT.

I choose not to "event" the tail at the top by pulling the hairs to give the tailbone a sleek look. I personally can't stand it and it reminds me of rat tails. But thats just me and my horses. For some it looks really nice, just too fake IMO. I do bang the ends though.

So that was that. Thanks Amanda for your wealth of knowledge and things. 

Also, Yankee moved to The Palace (EME) a week early because Braggles left for his new job.I wasn't mad about it, because I literally loathe cleaning stalls and it freed up so much time for me this week.

Mostly though, I was so so sososososososooooo happy to have my boys together at the same barn again. Yankee settled right in at EME and I think he will do great there! His lease already started even though he can't be ridden until May 20th and jumped until June 15th, but all is well and good in my little corned of the world.

PRECIOUS

What Do Wednesday: Pro Rides

I'm Looping together the Penny Oaks (PO) wrap up within a Wednesday because a) I don't have media b) I am generally curious on opinions. So cough them up!

Penny Oaks almost didn't happen, so I was incredibly grateful I wouldn't  be eating my entry fee (which as most of us know, is NOT cheap for eventing). PO cancelled the XC  phase about 3 days out from the start, due to torrential rains, and a lot of my barn thought of saying screw it and not going..

But they went and my lil nugget went right along with. I was a little upset I missed a lot of firsts. Braided for the first time, first USEA show, first dressage test, etc.

I am a little miffed no one took pics of him looking spiffy, because apparently he really did look great. I got a few FB messages from friends telling me how wonderful he looked and how good he was!

I forgave EME though, because essentially, PO organizers condensed Dressage and Stadium and ribbons into one day, with minimal planning and it was hectic as all fuck. Also Supertainer had 8 riders and 3 horses she was riding herself. Keep that tidbit in mind.

3 weeks leading up to the show Supertrainer was riding B everyday and she schooled him XC twice, which ended up not being needed, but I was happy it was done regardless (GREAT rides) She said those weeks his flatwork was really lovely and she actually adored riding him! Made me happy to hear that from my trainer. *heart sings* He was a little trickier over fences and continued with his trend of refusing everything the first time. ARGH!

Leading in to the show, out goals were 1) stay in arena 2) all four feet on the ground 3) don't get E from refusals.

A tall order for my unpredictable nugget.

From what I heard from Supertrainer, B was incredible in warm-up. Super calm, forward and easy. Then they stepped in the arena. Cue tense and not listening.

However, I got a very grainy, far away video of his test and it was...not bad.

There were two pretty ugly moments, one where he apparently tried to leave the arena and another where he picked up the wrong lead and refused to be brought back to a trot to correct.

 BUT. There were some lovely moments. I thought his first canter departure was wonderful and unexpectedly calm. Calm....I like calm. There was no free walk to be had, mostly wandering eyes, but he didn't jig. Win. NO galloping. No rearing. WIN. And he stayed in the arena. GOOOAL.

Here's a link to the video I DO have.

He earned a respectable 44, which put him in 11th out of 16. NOT too shabby big man!

Supertrainer later admitted to me she had an error in the test (I've watched it 4 times, I didn't see one) and he should have gotten a 42.

So I was MORE than happy with that. Its not great, but REALLy great for B. Overall I was floored with how well he did first time out ever. He mostly kept his wits and there was only half a mini-tantrum. Supertrainer said because of his inattentive brain, she kept his trot VERY in check which I think was a brilliant move. Asking for more would have been asking for disaster.

On to stadium, Supertrainer said he was literally perfect. We were so worried about him refusing that she rode with such concentration and determination on course, that she missed a fence completely and was eliminated on technicality... WHOMP whomp . HAHA I died. I was like, welp...whatever dude, he went clean. Good on him!

So apparently the fences were not simple and were pretty scary and he took them like a champ. Rocked the 2 stride "combo" so much that she forgot where she was!

I could only laugh. Like, whatever! I probably would have ridden so much worse and forgotten my course, so I didn't care. We came and we conquered my goals for the weekend. 1) stay in a arena 2) all four feet on the ground 3) don't get eliminated from refusals

Also, it was a good experience for him! Perhaps we will continue eventing, perhaps not. Either way I was so proud of him and SO thankful for my trainer for piloting him...even with errors :P

So thats my question. When you pay someone to ride or compete your horse, what is YOUR expectation from them?

I can tell you mine is all about the horse and NOT the ribbon. I could care less about that, I just want a great experience for the horse with a tactful and quiet rider.

ST also took the time to get to know him over 3 weeks and did some great work with him for me when I couldn't. To me, thats worth my money a million times over. Didn't win dressage? Who cares. Went off course in stadium? Whatever, we are all human. Its all good in my book. Even if it had been higher stakes, I still would have been happy given the situation. I got what I expected, which was a calm first outing.

So dear readers, what do? When you're someone to ride, especially if that someone is a pro, do you expect them to be perfect or do you give them some leeway?

Weekend Wrap-Up; Tough Mudder

So while I have the end result of the weekend at Penny Oaks, I have zero media and I am hoping I can get some before I make a post. Until then, I am updating ya'll on the Tough Mudder this weekend; it actually does relate to riding a little bit.

So if you don't know what one is, or haven't done one before, I will say it is definitely as they advertise. Not for the faint of heart or those who don't like getting dirty. I signed up with 11 other people from my Crossfit box, most exponentially more fit than myself and I was incredibly nervous. I also made the mistake of looking up the obstacles beforehand, which only increased my anxiety about it all.

Part of my incredible Crossfit family (including my parents and Bangor- who also CF)

I knew there would be heights to concur, mud to slog through, tight spaces to navigate, walls to climb and miles to run...as well as the electroshock therapy at the end. All to earn to the coveted orange headband and to say you did it.

It all sounds a little insane and cult-like, but so is Crossfit and I enjoy that. Completing a Tough Mudder is on my bucket list, but I honestly dd not believe I actually could with zero training. We had to sign up for the one in May instead of July, since some of our crew is deploying (military) which meant if I wanted to train by running it would have to be outside in the wintertime.

Moral of the story; I didn't train at all and in hindsight it was OK, but beforehand I was FREAKING out that I would actually keel over and die from rhabdo.

To describe the experience is impossible. You just have to do it. I can say that it felt incredibly surreal, like I wasn't actually doing any of it. Mostly because it was so fucking crazy I couldn't believe I was doing it. 

From start to finish, it was an incredible time. The organization was incredibly accommodating for hosting such a large number of competitors with bag drops, tape, war paint, changing rooms, hoses afterwards, beer afterwards (free), water before and after as well as snacks and energy drinks every mile or two along the race (also free) and photogs!

They got us amped with the most American warm-up ever and a loud group national anthem. I was pumped and energized and ready to go. Once we were off, we came a to a tunnel in the first 400m of the race and chanted USA all the way through it...hardcore.

Then we ran. A lot. I was dying, but then settle din a bit. having a team next to you and everyone else around motives tired legs to keep going and I just kept saying 9 more miles, 9 more miles. We came to a massive hill and climbed it in the mud and then the real fun began. First few obstacles were easy and spread very far apart. It was so much running. So. much. running. My team kept creeping away from the 3 "anchors", myself, my dad and my friend K. We eventually caught up at the first massive and daunting obstacle. 

We had to climb 15 feet up then launch ourselves onto a slingshot and try and ring the bell and drop 15 feet into water. It was terrifying and I almost didn't do it. 

I sat at the top with hundreds of eyes watching me and stuttered to jump.

But I did it. I never thought I could or would. 

Hitting the ice cold water at the bottom of my jump made me feel ALIVE and I was so proud of myself for overcoming one of my fears.

We trucked on through mud and barbed wire, rope climbs and more walls. 

Bangor and myself before the race

A lot of it was pretty standard stuff. Slog through mud here, swim through here, jump over walls here, run some more. 

The next big challenge was a team log carry- up and over walls and hills. That was truly fun to do as a team and test the teamwork!

I ran every mile up until mile 6 then tapped out. I seriously knew if I tried to push myself farther I would actually collapse. I took walk breaks on the uphill and ran when I could elsewhere. At this point, there were a fuckload of rocks in my shoes too and we taped them on, so I couldn't exactly take them off easily. 

It was getting slightly miserable.

Next was the Arctic Enema. The water in the challenges before had been cold, but nothing like this. I thought I knew what I was getting into, but I truly had zero clue just how cold water could feel. 

Thats my teammate chad and then my head to the far left , HAH

We had to slide into it and OH MY GOD it startled me awake. Luckily too, because by mile 8 I was dragging. 

It was the coldest I've ever felt in my life and it made me thankful I've never fallen in a lake in winter time. We had to climb a wall in the challenge and I almost didn't make it my hands were so numb. 

One year, a man died in there because he had a heart attack...kind of crazy.

Moving on from that, the course got much more hilly. It also started to rain and my shoes were full of rocks. If we hadn't been at mile 9, I don't know if I could have forced myself on, but I did.

It was here that I wasn't really sure what was keeping going. to say I was exhausted is an understatement and I was absolutely in agony from the knees down. Every step killed and I felt it in my soul. But I had to finish! I was so close!

I skipped Mt Everest & and the monkey bars over ice, because of my shoulder, which made me sad to not have "fully done" the whole course.

Mt Everest was more daunting in person

All that was left was the "Muddy Mile" "Cage Crawl", "Pyramid Scheme" and "Electrotherapy".

Cage Crawl

The Muddy Mile was challenging simply because the mud was sticky and the challenge was taxing. We got through it as a team though, as with everything else. Cage Crawl was my second favorite  and led up to Pyramid , which was the hardest by far to complete. It involved stacking humans end on end then pulling the chain up to the top. Its hard to describe, and took ages to get everyone through.

Muddy Mile

Pyramid

Then, our last obstacle. Electrotherapy. I was limping by this time and was ready to be done. I had been shocked by horse fences before and really thought nothing of this obstacle. Simple, walk through, be done. Then, I watched my first teammates go through and I heard the loudest pops I've ever heard in my life. So many swear words.

The rest of us were like, WTF why, and then I was like fuck it, threw my arms up and charged through.

Kind of like this (not me)

I was immediately thrown on my ass by the power of a shock across the neck and literally cried out as I shredded my pants and flailed in the electricity to get up out of the mud. Each volt I felt in my teeth and I kind of blacked out a bit. The end seemed so far away and now that I knew how powerful the shocks were, I was unwilling to move. I think I got zapped about 8 more times on the way out and Bangor escaped with not one shock. How, I will never know, but that was truly the worst thing I've ever felt in my life and I won't do that again, ever. You couldn't pay me, seriously. Luckily, Legionarie's (those who do more than one) never have to do it again and go around that obstacle. WHEW.

We weren't as muddy as we actually got in-between some of the obstacles because Pyramid involved a lot of water, but it was still a great pic. We truly earned those headbands. 

They kind of reminded me of horse show ribbons. Cheap and simple, but they mean so much!

Along that crazy 10 mile ride, I learned a lot about myself and that I can do more than I initially thought I could with this body. NO joke, the mudder is mentally more challenging than anything. When things are really shitty, like rocks in your shoes, you can't just complain and it go away- you keep going. When the mud is pulling you down and you want to stop, you keep going. When the water is so cold you feel dragged down, you keep going. When your legs are so tired they're numb, you keep going.

There are so many times in life when I feel all of that- dragged down, pulled down, exhausted, worn out, annoyed, at you end...you keep going! This weekend I learned I CAN keeping despite not wanting to. I know was crazy, and I paid to suffer, but it was worth it to me to finish something I truly had no belief that I could..

We did it!!!

We finished sub 4 hours which was the goal and I just couldn't believe we did it all. I recommend this type of thing if you're an adventure seeker or an extremist but it is definetly not for the faint of heart! I also recommend training a little bit at least beforehand. I am dead today and I'm pretty sure my legs might fall off my body. 

Catching Up

Finally a catch up post! I will try to not bore you all too extensively and I do have some media to break up the wordy words.

We are all aware I haven't been riding. I miss it terribly actually and I have contemplated screwing vets orders and riding Yankee 15 days early but I've been good, I swear it.

Mostly besides work and school, I've been doing laundry, working out, cleaning stalls and mildly obsessing about The OG. Super fun stuff.

Me when I adult for 3 weeks straight

First off; the blog name change and revamp. Its bit drastic, but I had been thinking on it for a while. I started this blog WAY back in the day about 7 years ago when my dreams were bigger than my wallet and talent. I really thought I was going to go to Rolex someday and thus "chasing the dream". Many things got in the way, mainly money, injuries (so. many. injuries. ) and losing my confidence. I literally never want to jump those jumps, to even in my dreams, and I am 100% OK admitting that. If I can just ride my horses and stuff them with cookies I am good. Competing is cool but no the end all be all (still trying to convince myself of this).

The new name actually came about from EME friends. They call Bacardi the Red Dragon because of how he acts in certain situations. For one, his tail in incredibly expressive if you haven't noticed and one of the girls commented that along with his chevron clip, he looked like a dragon. For two, he has a tendency to...explode. Not as badly anymore, but he still throws tantrums. Thus, "training my dragon". I have always been obsessed with OTTBs and retraining them is a massive passion of mine. There is nothing better than taking a psycho OTTB and turning them into a lovely creature.

So thats that.

Secondly; I've finally sat down and looked at the shows for the year offered in the area, but can't decide on a one of em'.

Kinda miss this; Circa 2009

Speaking of shows; Penny Oaks cancelled XC and my barn contemplated not even going, which had me slightly freaking out for a few days....but LUCKILY the organizers moved the remaining phases to one day so most of EME decided they would make the trip and save a hotel cost and still get some sort of first outing at a venue less than 3 hours away. Hell, we hauled 3 hours to XC school last week, so hauling for a one day CT won't be terrible. I feel bad I can't assist at all, but I won't lie saying I'm relieved they're going. I was gonna be LIT if my entry went to waste. I don't have  play money like some people do and I really wanted to get him in a dressage ring. There is still a slight possibility he may get eliminated in SJ, but I just want a good dressage ride to be honest.

Me?? Get eliminated. Noooo

Speaking of shows again though...I not 100% certain I am even going to event this year.

I know. I can't believe it either *eye roll*

Will I ever do this again? We may never know 

Considering I havent legit showed one of my own horses in an event in over 3 years, you could say I'm mildly terrified and don't know where my lady balls rolled off to. Putzing around Show jumping shows WITH payback up to 8th place seems much more fun and less stressful right now.

So that might be a little thing.

Sick skills, will def win ribbons
 (2nd time jumping; 2015)

Despite all that, my trainer adores B and thinks he has incredible potential. Obviously I do too, or I wouldn't have bought his crazy ass. So thats a plus.

Majestic potential minus hunchback potato sack on board

On the negative side, Yankee surprised me last night with a fat leg that seemed almost like a non injury at first. I almost wrote it off as stocking up because he was in a full 24hrs due to weather and that happens, but his other leg looked fine. Upon examination I found the root issue; a puncture wound.

It was pretty disgusting. Pus, ooze, grossness. Luckily, I don't think it will need stitches and I will reevaluate after I get home tonight. I cleaned, wrapped it and turned him out for the night anyways, in which he promptly ran around like an asshole in the dark and muddy field.

He has the tendency to freak me out, and has been pushing my patience this week with airs above the ground and running around like crazy in the pasture and now this. He is so fucking bored.

I've been crossing my fingers he keeps his shoes, doesn't upset his tummy and now that he doesn't lose his wrap in the night. Dammit Yanks!!!

On the plus side, Yankee looks incredible. So fat, shiny and dappling out. He honestly looks better than he ever has IMO with me or anyone else. So freaking proud.

SWOON.

March 1 to May 1

Which brings me to my next point; Yankee lease. We will call her V for now, but she's part of the EME family and I am super excited for her! Her goals are training level and Yankee can easily take her there. He basically the master of TL right now haha. That starts May 15th and he moves to The Palace then. I am so stoked. Beyond.

He will be back at this soon!

LASTLY, if you made it this far, stay tuned for a contest post coming up Monday!! By then, we will have Penny Oaks results too and  hopefully I will not have died from the Tough Mudder.

Have a great weekend ya'll!