Well, it's official.
Chester and I met two more of our goals for the 2009 show season. We were the 2009 High Point Champions in Jr. Amateur English Showmanship and the Reserve High Point Champions in Jr. Amateur Western Showmanship!
As an added bonus, we have also been named the Overall Reserve Champion Jr. Amateur. That's pretty awesome because Chester and I didn't show in any western under saddle classes and we only showed in English under saddle classes under seven out of the 18 2009 show season judges.
I am ecstatic. Now I have to pick out my awards which will be presented at the PtHA of NYS awards banquet in January. I'm thinking about getting a fleece dress sheet with our overall award embroidered on it.
Now to think of more goals for 2010...
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
2009 Wrap Up
After my last post several months ago, I was honestly pretty discouraged.
It was looking like my goals were a bit out of reach and I was doing my best in keeping my hopes up for a productive show season. Now that the season is over, I am happy to report that most of my goals were, in fact, met. Despite my doubts, Chester and I held our own this past show season. Our list of 2009 accomplishments include:
It was looking like my goals were a bit out of reach and I was doing my best in keeping my hopes up for a productive show season. Now that the season is over, I am happy to report that most of my goals were, in fact, met. Despite my doubts, Chester and I held our own this past show season. Our list of 2009 accomplishments include:
- Amateur ROMs in English Showmanship, Western Showmanship, and Equitation (Pinto)
- Amateur ROM in Showmanship (Paint)
- Earning our Amateur Pinto Champion (!)
- Points in English Pleasure, Hunter Under Saddle, Ideal Pinto, and Disciplined Rail
- Pointing out of Novice Equitation and English Pleasure
- Class wins in English Showmanship, Western Showmanship, Equitation, English Pleasure, Hunter Under Saddle, and Ideal Pinto
I'm still waiting to hear if we earned any year-end awards in NY Pinto. We didn't win any open classes, but we didn't enter any either. =) The funds were a bit limited, so we stuck to Amateur classes in 2009.
I'm in the process of thinking about goals for next year. I will most likely revise the list, but the "rough draft" includes:
- Finishing our Amateur ROMs in English Pleasure (we're just one point away), Hunter Under Saddle, Ideal Pinto, and Disciplined Rail
- Earning our Amateur Certificate of Ability (we're just one point away)
- Earning our Amateur Certificate of Acheivement (we're just two ROMs away)
- Possibly adding Western Horsemanship and Trail to our repertoire
The list is still short and I know that I will add more goals to the list as the 2010 show season approaches.
I've learned that writing down my goals inspires me to continue to push through the challenging and discouraging times. I've also learned that encountering tough times just makes me work that much harder to acheive my goals.
Chester and I are on a lighter training schedule now that show season is over for the year. I had a great session with him last night. He'll be seven in 2010 and he continues to mature in both his work ethic and his attitude. He's a hairy beast right now and enjoying some quality time outside with "his" mare and his round bale of hay. He has definitely earned some R and R this winter.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Goals and a Heavy Dose of Reality
After my ride last night, I forced myself to do some deep thinking about where Chester and I are in our training and how to bridge across to our goals. I have lofty dreams (which heavily outweigh my financial backing...but, whatever) and I needed to take a sober, candid look at what we have right now.
Chester and I were not on the same wavelength last night. His haunch and forehand turns were a mess. I just kept on getting frustrated, which does not help matters. We finally got a few good turns in each way and called it quits.
Showmanship practice was a little better. Chester's set ups are getting cleaner and I can finally set his front feet up evenly - his front left hoof has more white and thicker stripes, which causes a bit of an illusion. When I think he's square, he really isn't. I realize that I have to look at his ankles and not at his hooves to get a good set up. Like I don't have enough to think about during showmanship. **grumble grumble**
Chester's back ups have always been a struggle. He tends to curl his right hip around, resulting in a crooked back up. Last night, I checked for operator error and realized that, like most everything else that goes wrong, I was to blame. I have been turning my right shoulder in, which pushes Chester the opposite way. Now, I have to consciously remember to keep my shoulders square during the back up...and the halts...etc. etc. etc.
As for meeting my 2009 goals, I realize that I have quite a way to go. For some reason, my riding and showmanship session last night knocked me on my butt. I am humbled, frustrated, and defeated...for now.
Chester and I were not on the same wavelength last night. His haunch and forehand turns were a mess. I just kept on getting frustrated, which does not help matters. We finally got a few good turns in each way and called it quits.
Showmanship practice was a little better. Chester's set ups are getting cleaner and I can finally set his front feet up evenly - his front left hoof has more white and thicker stripes, which causes a bit of an illusion. When I think he's square, he really isn't. I realize that I have to look at his ankles and not at his hooves to get a good set up. Like I don't have enough to think about during showmanship. **grumble grumble**
Chester's back ups have always been a struggle. He tends to curl his right hip around, resulting in a crooked back up. Last night, I checked for operator error and realized that, like most everything else that goes wrong, I was to blame. I have been turning my right shoulder in, which pushes Chester the opposite way. Now, I have to consciously remember to keep my shoulders square during the back up...and the halts...etc. etc. etc.
As for meeting my 2009 goals, I realize that I have quite a way to go. For some reason, my riding and showmanship session last night knocked me on my butt. I am humbled, frustrated, and defeated...for now.
Goals for 2009:
- Finish ROMs in English and Western Amateur Showmanship (Pinto)
- Work toward finishing ROMs in Amateur Equitation, Amateur HUS, and Amateur English Pleasure (Pinto)
- Win an open HUS or English Pleasure class (Pinto)
- Earn points in Amateur Ideal Pinto and Amateur Disciplined Rail
- Receive a year-end award in Showmanship for NY Pinto
After last night's session, I'm not feeling too confident about any of these goals. That won't stop me, though, from working harder to get there. Stay tuned!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
March Madness
Chester Bean's training progresses...and it looks like six may be his best year yet. He is becoming more consistent under saddle...I generally get the same type of ride out of him from day to day. The left lead is coming along nicely, although it takes a little more effort on his part (and mine) to keep it all the way together.
The biting during showmanship has lessened...thank goodness!
Last week, I shortened Chester's mane and clipped his face. He'll be wearing his lighter turnout sheet soon, as long as the temperature stays moderate. His legs will be clipped soon, as well.
Our first show of the year is in six (!) weeks...just halter and showmanship. Our first show under saddle will be at the end of May. I can't wait!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Naughty Horse (Now)
So, even though Chester Bean was outside all day today, apparently he didn't feel like exercising. Just standin' at the round bale was all the day required, apparently.
Once the afternoon chores were done (graining, watering, bringing 17 horses in, re-watering, walking/hanging the hose, etc) in 12 degree weather, I did my usual assessment - I looked around at all 17 stalls and made sure everyone was happy. Sixteen heads were bowed, the barn full of contented munching.
Who was NOT settled in for the night?
Yup.
Chester Bean.
He stood with his head high, peering through the slats of his stall, breathing with anticipation.
I checked him...water bucket full, plenty of hay, grain bin licked clean, fresh poop in the corner. I went into the stall and rubbed my Spotted Beast's neck. He nuzzled my jacket, displeased with the lack of carrots in the pockets. He wasn't acting up...he just wasn't himself. Call me 'crazy', but when you've raised a horse from a foal to a six year old, you're pretty much in-tune to their moods.
I took The Bean out, took his turn-out blanket off, and hooked him to the lunge line. He trotted around me for two laps and then pitter-pattered around me pretending to be a world class western pleasure horse (Side Note: This will NEVER happen, no matter how much The Bean pretends to be a western pleasure horse.)
I gave up on lunging. I led Chester around, letting him sniff the footing of the indoor arena...maybe he needed a good roll. After all, that blankie can be itchy when worn for a while.
Nope. No roll. Strange for a horse who can barely wait to be unsaddled before enjoying a good post-workout roll.
I was out of guesses. Chester didn't want to trot, roll, or buck. I didn't try a good grooming...Chester HATES to be groomed. I re-blanketed him and led him to his stall. I opened the door, led him halfway in, and then he pulled back, spun on his heels, and tore around the indoor arena like the proverbial bat out of hell.
I have one philosophy about this behavior. If Horsey wants to run, Horsey will run...until I tell Horsey he can stop running. Period. Horsey needs to understand that being with Human and acting respectful is waaaaaay more fun than running and running and running.
Out came the lunge whip. Snap.
Chester ran, jumped, spun, reared, bucked, slid, and did rollbacks that would put a reining champion to shame. Until I told him he could come back and be in my presence.
All of this took less than a minute. I stopped chasing him and he turned and walked to me. I took him by the halter and led him into his stall. He mosied on in and immediately began munching his hay.
I guess all Chester really wanted was a moment of channeling a wild mustang before he could settle in for the night. Oh Kayeeee.
Once the afternoon chores were done (graining, watering, bringing 17 horses in, re-watering, walking/hanging the hose, etc) in 12 degree weather, I did my usual assessment - I looked around at all 17 stalls and made sure everyone was happy. Sixteen heads were bowed, the barn full of contented munching.
Who was NOT settled in for the night?
Yup.
Chester Bean.
He stood with his head high, peering through the slats of his stall, breathing with anticipation.
I checked him...water bucket full, plenty of hay, grain bin licked clean, fresh poop in the corner. I went into the stall and rubbed my Spotted Beast's neck. He nuzzled my jacket, displeased with the lack of carrots in the pockets. He wasn't acting up...he just wasn't himself. Call me 'crazy', but when you've raised a horse from a foal to a six year old, you're pretty much in-tune to their moods.
I took The Bean out, took his turn-out blanket off, and hooked him to the lunge line. He trotted around me for two laps and then pitter-pattered around me pretending to be a world class western pleasure horse (Side Note: This will NEVER happen, no matter how much The Bean pretends to be a western pleasure horse.)
I gave up on lunging. I led Chester around, letting him sniff the footing of the indoor arena...maybe he needed a good roll. After all, that blankie can be itchy when worn for a while.
Nope. No roll. Strange for a horse who can barely wait to be unsaddled before enjoying a good post-workout roll.
I was out of guesses. Chester didn't want to trot, roll, or buck. I didn't try a good grooming...Chester HATES to be groomed. I re-blanketed him and led him to his stall. I opened the door, led him halfway in, and then he pulled back, spun on his heels, and tore around the indoor arena like the proverbial bat out of hell.
I have one philosophy about this behavior. If Horsey wants to run, Horsey will run...until I tell Horsey he can stop running. Period. Horsey needs to understand that being with Human and acting respectful is waaaaaay more fun than running and running and running.
Out came the lunge whip. Snap.
Chester ran, jumped, spun, reared, bucked, slid, and did rollbacks that would put a reining champion to shame. Until I told him he could come back and be in my presence.
All of this took less than a minute. I stopped chasing him and he turned and walked to me. I took him by the halter and led him into his stall. He mosied on in and immediately began munching his hay.
I guess all Chester really wanted was a moment of channeling a wild mustang before he could settle in for the night. Oh Kayeeee.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Grace In Motion (Now)
Have you ever seen a horse tip over whilst itching himself?
Take it from me...it's damn funny.
Chester merely tolerates his winter blanket...which is a HUGE improvement from shredding and/or eating it. Trust me.
Anyway, he is completely itchy whenever I take the blanket off to ride. Last week, after I tacked him up for a ride, he reached around to itch his shoulder and tipped s-l-o-w-l-y to the right. He caught himself, but was on two legs for a moment.
I have no room to talk about gracefulness (or lack thereof). I tripped over my own two feet a month ago, fell of my parents' deck, and broke my arm.
I'm thinking, just like stubborness and a dislike for authority, clumsiness is something else I share with my Spotted Beast.
Take it from me...it's damn funny.
Chester merely tolerates his winter blanket...which is a HUGE improvement from shredding and/or eating it. Trust me.
Anyway, he is completely itchy whenever I take the blanket off to ride. Last week, after I tacked him up for a ride, he reached around to itch his shoulder and tipped s-l-o-w-l-y to the right. He caught himself, but was on two legs for a moment.
I have no room to talk about gracefulness (or lack thereof). I tripped over my own two feet a month ago, fell of my parents' deck, and broke my arm.
I'm thinking, just like stubborness and a dislike for authority, clumsiness is something else I share with my Spotted Beast.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
A Kick to the Stifle (Then)
My little spotted boy was growing fast. He was happy, now out of his weanling funk. While I was glad that Chester was no longer depressed, I was not happy that he was now spunky, full of himself, and, well, an annoying little pisser. He was turned out with three mares - a National Show Horse who's pinned ears told Chester all he needed to know, a chestnut pony who couldn't care less so long as there was a pile of hay to eat, and a bay Quarab who took Chester's antics as a direct threat and saw it as her job to put the little spotted monster in his place.
Chester didn't speak the Quarab's language and her not-so-subtle hints were not working. Chester kept on annoying her - biting her, wheeling around to kick her, jumping over her head while she tried to enjoy a good roll in the dirt...you name it. The mare squealed, kicked back, pinned her ears, bared her teeth. Chester just laughed in her face and kept right on with his antics. Bad weanling.
I arrived at the barn one day to find Chester oddly subdued. I went to retreive him from his paddock and found that he had been kicked in the stifle. Lovely. It looked like Little Miss Quarab had finally landed one on Chester...in one of the worst possible pieces of his anatomy.
Dr. M came out, sedated Chester, cleaned the wound, and stitched it up. The slice was about an inch in length and took only a few stitches. I was worried about the long term effects. Dr. M, a man of huge talent, but few words, didn't dare to guess.
"Wow," I worried, holding up my drunk baby horse. "The stifle. Do you think he'll suffer any long term issues with that? I'm hoping to turn him into a show horse and..."
"Don't know. Hard to say," Dr. M offered. Comforting.
The prescription...a week of stall rest and then light hand-walking.
Chester made it two days before he tried to climb out of his stall.
I opened the stall door, slipped his halter on, and lead him out of the barn. Three steps out of the barn, he wheeled and kicked me...in my stifle.
"Son. Of. A. Bitch!" I could feel my knee throbbing and growing in size. Bad weanling.
At any rate, my little horse healed on the outside, but, to this day (at age 5), Chester is still a bit stiff in that stifle. It hasn't held him back much and he is on a daily dose of a maintenence joint supplement.
And no matter what happens to him, unless it is absolutely necessary, no stall rest is prescribed. It's just safer that way...for all involved. My stifle is still not right.
Chester didn't speak the Quarab's language and her not-so-subtle hints were not working. Chester kept on annoying her - biting her, wheeling around to kick her, jumping over her head while she tried to enjoy a good roll in the dirt...you name it. The mare squealed, kicked back, pinned her ears, bared her teeth. Chester just laughed in her face and kept right on with his antics. Bad weanling.
I arrived at the barn one day to find Chester oddly subdued. I went to retreive him from his paddock and found that he had been kicked in the stifle. Lovely. It looked like Little Miss Quarab had finally landed one on Chester...in one of the worst possible pieces of his anatomy.
Dr. M came out, sedated Chester, cleaned the wound, and stitched it up. The slice was about an inch in length and took only a few stitches. I was worried about the long term effects. Dr. M, a man of huge talent, but few words, didn't dare to guess.
"Wow," I worried, holding up my drunk baby horse. "The stifle. Do you think he'll suffer any long term issues with that? I'm hoping to turn him into a show horse and..."
"Don't know. Hard to say," Dr. M offered. Comforting.
The prescription...a week of stall rest and then light hand-walking.
Chester made it two days before he tried to climb out of his stall.
I opened the stall door, slipped his halter on, and lead him out of the barn. Three steps out of the barn, he wheeled and kicked me...in my stifle.
"Son. Of. A. Bitch!" I could feel my knee throbbing and growing in size. Bad weanling.
At any rate, my little horse healed on the outside, but, to this day (at age 5), Chester is still a bit stiff in that stifle. It hasn't held him back much and he is on a daily dose of a maintenence joint supplement.
And no matter what happens to him, unless it is absolutely necessary, no stall rest is prescribed. It's just safer that way...for all involved. My stifle is still not right.
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