Happy Holidays!....
Here is what we are doing and then how I am doing.
Anna and I decided to rendevous on Christmas eve at the Ojai Inn and Resort. Anna lives in Santa Barbara so we are both in California. We are taking advantage of the spa and it's very relaxing. Steve is on call at Sawtooth Equine in Idaho for the holidays so didn't make the spa visit. He is visiting Mia next week at Lone Tree Farm and bringing Cash our "JRT" (an appreviation for Jack Russell Terrier.)
Topic; Assistant Trainer job at Lone Tree Farm
I am grateful for this job. It is truly a gift and I am learning so much about training, horses, herd management, client management, dressing right for rain, time management and generally getting along with people and staying serene. I get to ride alot. Maggie is coming along nicely and Banner is still sound and happy (knock on wood) and getting more rideable on courses, in dressage and on group trail rides. I have 3 unbroke horses to work with. Cosmo is a 3yr old Selle Francais and Lola is a 6 year old ISH. Connie and Dyan help me alot with this. Connie reminded me that each thing we expose them to is another small step. Lunging is a step, standing by a mounting block is a step, being lead from field is a large step. I'm still convinced that basic leading must be hard for a horse to grasp because it takes alot of work and training for them to lead unconditionally where ever you want to go and to remain in the correct position relative to leader. I'm getting better at it and have learned how to apply and use a nose chain properly. I don't go out to fetch any horse now without a whip to push them and a halter with chain. I learned this from leading many horses in a day. Having that equipment makes it easier. It's safer and I have better control and I run less risk of a horse getting loose or walking over me. I have a more professional outlook now.
Topic; Music. I managed to create my latest CD, "There's So Many Horses' into a marketable unit. I prepared the cover graphics on Publisher, had my brother Jay Carroll custom edit the photo. Office Max printed the cover. I gave them to my family members for Christmas. I have them for sale. Email me and I will get one to you. I recorded the 6 mostly original songs in September at Jason's place in Ketchum and Stacey Tuel joined us on guitar and vocals. It came out pretty well. I don't know if a singer song writer is ever satified with a project. I want to re record and rewrite but then I don't and just "get er done". I'm partially a perfectionist and then I'm not.
Modesto,Oakdale area continues to amaze me with depth of musicians. I attend a Wed jam thet is really fun. It's in a well lit room and runs from 5:30-9:30. Twenty or more musicians show up up. They play fiddles, banjos, lots of guitars, harp, singers etc. We take turns performing a song and we get a mic when we do. It works. Everyone is in tune and respectful. I have found some individuals that share my genre and I hope to have them out to the farm soon.
I also am a member of a song writing club. We get a theme assigned us on the web each week and write a song per week. It sure does help one become more proficient at writing and it's fun. We will get together in Jan. and share songs. It will be an amazing night. Last week's theme was "torn between" and before that "true legends."
I did write a song that incorporates both themes in one song which may be cheating? It's in a higher key to push my voice as my vocal instructor, Annette would have me do. I won't be bringing that song out til I learn to sing it presentably with Annette's help.
There is so much to "pack into this stream of life" and I am thankful.
I have changed my email adress to nocheaphorses@gmail.com
Thanks, Mia
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
November's Come and Gone
It's 52 degrees outside and 7PM. Steve and everyone in Idaho dealing with snow. This is the first winter in my life where snow is absent.
Horse Events: I rode Magnolia, Connie's 8 yr old mare in BN at Ram Tap Nov. 20th. We got 3rd. We may have won were it not for a rail at last fence in show jump. We had a solid cross canter going toward in gate to last vertical. That is a grand opportunity to pull a rail at any level. She is green for 8 and we are working on her canter. I enjoy riding her. She really is a lovely mare. TB/Draft/Qh. She is good mover and quite fancy really. Other Lone Tree riders were on hand standing out on the course cheering us on. I'm grateful for the support and assistance. My stall was bedded and water set up when we arrived. I could get used to that! Banner stayed home. He is not one to let down for winter. He likes being in training and misses me when I'm gone.
I had a great ride on him today at end of day with waning light, perfect moist footing and the mare herd gently grazing around us. The advantage to having a xc course is that I can practice the cross country without jumping. We gallop, re balance, canter up hill, down hill, keep rhythm, stay relaxed etc.
The gentle mares in pasture are not always placid with the cooler weather. They like to run from one end to the other just for fun which can get some of the riding horses fired up. It didn't happen while riding Banner today but it will sooner or later.
Music: I'm still enjoying voice lessons and playing on my own. I have not been out at all now and have had only one brief encounter with a song writer named Willy T who is a friend of boss Connie's. She graciously hired him for for some work here so we could play. He is an AMAZING song writer/ singer. I hope to mingle more but obviously have to leave farm first!
Holidays etc.: Connie took us to SF to see Cavalia. It is a very fun show with amazing, dancers, acrobats, music, sets and 52 performing horses. After the show she drove us down Lombard St in Sf and we took a city tour in her BMW. It was a great day.
I spent Thanksgiving with Aunt Priscilla Hanford and cousins at David and Sandy Hanford's in Pleasanton. I visited Anna too as she was in area and we had a great time. My friend Willy T was playing with his band the "Good Luck Thrift Store Outfit" at Cafe Nord in SF that weekend and I planned to go. Upon thought I realized after I finally found street parking I would surely get lost trying to find car after gig. I require an escort for city adventures now. Now I know....
I am tempted to close with Happy Holidays and I do wish everyone happiness. The truth is that the holidays can be very lonely for some and so I pause for the folks who suffer over the holidays. I, myself have no expectations this year so it will dandy. Another fun ride on Banner in waning light on good footing surrounded by settled mares will be more than enough.
Horse Events: I rode Magnolia, Connie's 8 yr old mare in BN at Ram Tap Nov. 20th. We got 3rd. We may have won were it not for a rail at last fence in show jump. We had a solid cross canter going toward in gate to last vertical. That is a grand opportunity to pull a rail at any level. She is green for 8 and we are working on her canter. I enjoy riding her. She really is a lovely mare. TB/Draft/Qh. She is good mover and quite fancy really. Other Lone Tree riders were on hand standing out on the course cheering us on. I'm grateful for the support and assistance. My stall was bedded and water set up when we arrived. I could get used to that! Banner stayed home. He is not one to let down for winter. He likes being in training and misses me when I'm gone.
I had a great ride on him today at end of day with waning light, perfect moist footing and the mare herd gently grazing around us. The advantage to having a xc course is that I can practice the cross country without jumping. We gallop, re balance, canter up hill, down hill, keep rhythm, stay relaxed etc.
The gentle mares in pasture are not always placid with the cooler weather. They like to run from one end to the other just for fun which can get some of the riding horses fired up. It didn't happen while riding Banner today but it will sooner or later.
Music: I'm still enjoying voice lessons and playing on my own. I have not been out at all now and have had only one brief encounter with a song writer named Willy T who is a friend of boss Connie's. She graciously hired him for for some work here so we could play. He is an AMAZING song writer/ singer. I hope to mingle more but obviously have to leave farm first!
Holidays etc.: Connie took us to SF to see Cavalia. It is a very fun show with amazing, dancers, acrobats, music, sets and 52 performing horses. After the show she drove us down Lombard St in Sf and we took a city tour in her BMW. It was a great day.
I spent Thanksgiving with Aunt Priscilla Hanford and cousins at David and Sandy Hanford's in Pleasanton. I visited Anna too as she was in area and we had a great time. My friend Willy T was playing with his band the "Good Luck Thrift Store Outfit" at Cafe Nord in SF that weekend and I planned to go. Upon thought I realized after I finally found street parking I would surely get lost trying to find car after gig. I require an escort for city adventures now. Now I know....
I am tempted to close with Happy Holidays and I do wish everyone happiness. The truth is that the holidays can be very lonely for some and so I pause for the folks who suffer over the holidays. I, myself have no expectations this year so it will dandy. Another fun ride on Banner in waning light on good footing surrounded by settled mares will be more than enough.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
No snow in the hills here
I'm getting used to my routine and feel like I belong. I am focused on the needs and training of the horses and humans. It's full immersion and I like it.
Competition results have been improving. Banner and I went to Temecula last weekend and rode in the Preliminary Rider division. Our dressage was ok and put us in 10th against over 20 riders. In show jumping, we had a smooth and fast round with no rails down. The 3rd day was cross country and we went clean! We had time penalties and I ended up 10th. It was the first clean go I have had on Banner in a while and I am really pleased. Boyd Martin had no problem going clean with Banner at Prelim in July but Boyd rides better than I. I am really encouraged about Banner and very grateful he is sound and happy. He gets to go out in a grass paddock at night adjoining his buddies. At first light he starts running around because he feels good and wants to come in and eat grain. There are few hard and fast rules here but one of them is no running around in the paddocks. We try to keep the horses settled so they don't injure themselves and churn up the hillside ground. Tomorrow I will go out in my bathrobe and bring him in very early.
Connie Arthur, has been teaching me and I am riding much better. I get to ride one of her horses Maggie in Beginner Division at Ram Tap next weekend. I jumped Liam the stallion a bit and it went fine. I am working on my release in the air over jumps and getting Banner's forehand more up for dressage. Oh and I have to learn to go faster!
I am located 40 miles west of Yosemite towards Modesto. The property is adjacent to the beautiful Tuolome River. I have a room and share a kitchen with the worker, Pat (he says hi.) and the owner and manager live on site too. I don't go to town much but for food shopping, bank deposits, voice lessons and meetings. I have no TV access and it's a very simple existence.
I will be with my Aunt Priscilla's family in Bay Area for Thanksgiving and get to see Anna too. Steve traveled by air to the Galway Downs event in Temecula to visit and plans to return here to Lone Tree Farm with Cash in Dec. when Donner summit is passable.
My voice lessons have opened up a new world for me musically. I rehearse here when I'm alone and found the venue in Oakdale for open mic night. I expect to meet some musicians soon.
I am grateful for my health and family. I feel well and practice yoga and meditation every day.
I am learning more about patience from the horses and just from being here. It's a wonderful place to work and I'm grateful I came.
PS Today was a high of 70 and this evening it's about 45. There is no wind.
Competition results have been improving. Banner and I went to Temecula last weekend and rode in the Preliminary Rider division. Our dressage was ok and put us in 10th against over 20 riders. In show jumping, we had a smooth and fast round with no rails down. The 3rd day was cross country and we went clean! We had time penalties and I ended up 10th. It was the first clean go I have had on Banner in a while and I am really pleased. Boyd Martin had no problem going clean with Banner at Prelim in July but Boyd rides better than I. I am really encouraged about Banner and very grateful he is sound and happy. He gets to go out in a grass paddock at night adjoining his buddies. At first light he starts running around because he feels good and wants to come in and eat grain. There are few hard and fast rules here but one of them is no running around in the paddocks. We try to keep the horses settled so they don't injure themselves and churn up the hillside ground. Tomorrow I will go out in my bathrobe and bring him in very early.
Connie Arthur, has been teaching me and I am riding much better. I get to ride one of her horses Maggie in Beginner Division at Ram Tap next weekend. I jumped Liam the stallion a bit and it went fine. I am working on my release in the air over jumps and getting Banner's forehand more up for dressage. Oh and I have to learn to go faster!
I am located 40 miles west of Yosemite towards Modesto. The property is adjacent to the beautiful Tuolome River. I have a room and share a kitchen with the worker, Pat (he says hi.) and the owner and manager live on site too. I don't go to town much but for food shopping, bank deposits, voice lessons and meetings. I have no TV access and it's a very simple existence.
I will be with my Aunt Priscilla's family in Bay Area for Thanksgiving and get to see Anna too. Steve traveled by air to the Galway Downs event in Temecula to visit and plans to return here to Lone Tree Farm with Cash in Dec. when Donner summit is passable.
My voice lessons have opened up a new world for me musically. I rehearse here when I'm alone and found the venue in Oakdale for open mic night. I expect to meet some musicians soon.
I am grateful for my health and family. I feel well and practice yoga and meditation every day.
I am learning more about patience from the horses and just from being here. It's a wonderful place to work and I'm grateful I came.
PS Today was a high of 70 and this evening it's about 45. There is no wind.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Humble underling here at the farm
It's a Tues night. I had a good day. The weather was amazing, cool and sunny. It's about 40 now this evening. It snowed in Idaho. I am grateful for California weather. No wonder so many people live here although where I am is very rural.
The staff and Connie here at Lone Tree have been very tolerant of me while teaching me the ropes. The days go fast and I have no time to even talk on the phone except to family. I sweep the aisle, organize tack, catch horses down the hill, ride them, groom them, prepare prize bags for hunter pace coming up this weekend, watch Connie teach, photograph babies, eat, sleep, practice voice, practice yoga, go to meetings in Modesto etc. I am not inclined to stand around and chat much. I keep moving.
I have kept my opinions to myself which has been a wonderful lesson. It is a new habit for me! My job does not call for my opinion much. My job is to follow directions and ride. The horses that I ride are going well.
Here are descriptions of some of them.
Banner is my horse that lives here with me. He is an 11 year old WB that I have owned for 5 years. He is chestnut and stands about 16.1hh. We competed our first Preliminary division event last weekend. He was fearful in the beginning of the cross country course. He refused the 3rd jump once. We recovered after that refusal and he went well. His dressage and show jumping were very good. Overall I am pleased with him and look forward to the event on November 7th at Galway Downs.
Maggie is an 8 yr old draft/Tb mare bay 16.2. She has lop ears (good jumper) and is quite athletic and willing. I will ride her in the Hunter Pace here and then at another Ram Tap event BN.
Chloe is an Icelandic pony who I ride to condition for kids who come and ride her. She is grey 13hh and the coolest pony ever . She loves to be pointed at a jump so she can head straight for it and jump it. She is kind and fun to tolt around on.
Rosie is a 10 yr old draft cross who has foxhunted for the gent that owns her. I get to ride her in the Hunter Pace. I have to rev her up at first but she goes great once she realizes that I'm serious about her moving up and fwd.. She is sweet too.
Liam is the Irish Draught stallion here. He is 16.3 chestnut. He is very compliant and polite and sweet and I like him. He is ridden in shows by Jon Michael a professional event rider who does a good job with him My employer Connie Arthur rides him here at home and has trained him .He has an impressive disposition, body and is game to run and jump any chance he gets.
I miss my friends and family and dog. I speak with my supportive husband every day and he has been great. I plan to see Anna and some other family here over TG weekend in bay area.
I have been taking voice lessons from a very capable and positive instructor in Oakdale named Annette Hutton. She giving me exercises which I practice regularly. I am already amazed at the ease and confidence I get from these lessons. It has brought a new element into singing. Also I have been rehearsing guitar, banjo with foot tambourine.
God bless you all
The staff and Connie here at Lone Tree have been very tolerant of me while teaching me the ropes. The days go fast and I have no time to even talk on the phone except to family. I sweep the aisle, organize tack, catch horses down the hill, ride them, groom them, prepare prize bags for hunter pace coming up this weekend, watch Connie teach, photograph babies, eat, sleep, practice voice, practice yoga, go to meetings in Modesto etc. I am not inclined to stand around and chat much. I keep moving.
I have kept my opinions to myself which has been a wonderful lesson. It is a new habit for me! My job does not call for my opinion much. My job is to follow directions and ride. The horses that I ride are going well.
Here are descriptions of some of them.
Banner is my horse that lives here with me. He is an 11 year old WB that I have owned for 5 years. He is chestnut and stands about 16.1hh. We competed our first Preliminary division event last weekend. He was fearful in the beginning of the cross country course. He refused the 3rd jump once. We recovered after that refusal and he went well. His dressage and show jumping were very good. Overall I am pleased with him and look forward to the event on November 7th at Galway Downs.
Maggie is an 8 yr old draft/Tb mare bay 16.2. She has lop ears (good jumper) and is quite athletic and willing. I will ride her in the Hunter Pace here and then at another Ram Tap event BN.
Chloe is an Icelandic pony who I ride to condition for kids who come and ride her. She is grey 13hh and the coolest pony ever . She loves to be pointed at a jump so she can head straight for it and jump it. She is kind and fun to tolt around on.
Rosie is a 10 yr old draft cross who has foxhunted for the gent that owns her. I get to ride her in the Hunter Pace. I have to rev her up at first but she goes great once she realizes that I'm serious about her moving up and fwd.. She is sweet too.
Liam is the Irish Draught stallion here. He is 16.3 chestnut. He is very compliant and polite and sweet and I like him. He is ridden in shows by Jon Michael a professional event rider who does a good job with him My employer Connie Arthur rides him here at home and has trained him .He has an impressive disposition, body and is game to run and jump any chance he gets.
I miss my friends and family and dog. I speak with my supportive husband every day and he has been great. I plan to see Anna and some other family here over TG weekend in bay area.
I have been taking voice lessons from a very capable and positive instructor in Oakdale named Annette Hutton. She giving me exercises which I practice regularly. I am already amazed at the ease and confidence I get from these lessons. It has brought a new element into singing. Also I have been rehearsing guitar, banjo with foot tambourine.
God bless you all
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Working in the heat and lovin' it
It is the evening of Oct. 12, 2010. I am in the bunk house kitchen of Lone Tree Farm and my employer has kindly loaned me a lap top that is connected so here we go!
Banner and I have been here for about 3 weeks. We have jumped most of the xc jumps here but still have a few left. Connie Arthur my kind employer returned from WEG in Ky. with our manager Dyan Southern so there is more going on.re
I may have been over zealous in cleaning tack room and moving stuff but they have it back where they want it now.
Banner is doing very well and thrives here. I took a xc lesson with Connie. We worked on turning. He turns much better when I look ahead where I am going and open the rein before he takes off. The opening rein before he takes off keeps my body more upright and still as well.
I am enjoying it here and meeting new friends everywhere.
Today I rode 5 horse and I am tired physically. I do yoga and meditation every morning and make time to take care of myself. I am taking voice lessons and my instructor is encouraging. We are working on the muscles for my voice to increase range without going to "face voice".
I have entered a Horse Trial on weekend of Oct 23rd in Fresno. Steve and I talk every day and he is coming to Galway Downs first week in Nov. He has been so supportive and kind.
Lots of love, Mia
I hope to figure out how to post photos on this soon.
Banner and I have been here for about 3 weeks. We have jumped most of the xc jumps here but still have a few left. Connie Arthur my kind employer returned from WEG in Ky. with our manager Dyan Southern so there is more going on.re
I may have been over zealous in cleaning tack room and moving stuff but they have it back where they want it now.
Banner is doing very well and thrives here. I took a xc lesson with Connie. We worked on turning. He turns much better when I look ahead where I am going and open the rein before he takes off. The opening rein before he takes off keeps my body more upright and still as well.
I am enjoying it here and meeting new friends everywhere.
Today I rode 5 horse and I am tired physically. I do yoga and meditation every morning and make time to take care of myself. I am taking voice lessons and my instructor is encouraging. We are working on the muscles for my voice to increase range without going to "face voice".
I have entered a Horse Trial on weekend of Oct 23rd in Fresno. Steve and I talk every day and he is coming to Galway Downs first week in Nov. He has been so supportive and kind.
Lots of love, Mia
I hope to figure out how to post photos on this soon.
Friday, October 1, 2010
October in Horseville
It's been really hot here in Waterford, Cal. I wake up at 5am..ish to complete meditation and vinyasa flow and pray and I'm out the door. First I eat breakfast. If I start the horse care without eating,I risk melting or over eating later.
There are 75 horses here. 7 or 8 of them are in training of some kind including my partner and traveling companion, Banner. They are mostly draft crosses and are well behaved and I like working with them. My employer Connie Arthur is still at WEG probably dreading the long trip home!
My work involves monitoring the herds also. There are 5 huge pastures with grass where various categories are turned out. There is the geriatric group, the mares and foals (there are some for sale and mostly RID/TB), the mare field (it's the jump field and the mares ignore us when we ride in there), the retiree field, the geldings, the tough footed geldings on river bottom etc.. The ranch hand, Pat and me work together. He works hard. There is another young man, Brandon who does the stalls. .
There is tack to clean, manes to pull, catch horses for shoer, grooming etc There is plenty to do!
I look forward to Connie's return when the stallion will come back, weaning starting, 2 year olds to work with and the fall events. The farm is next to the Tuololume River which is lovely with good fishing.
I plan to enter Ram Tap and Galway Downs this fall if I can save my money.
I go to Modesto for meetings and have made some new friends there. I went to the tack store today and hope to find some musicians soon. Mostly I hang out at the farm. I'd like to get to the ocean and to see Anna and SF soon. I look forward to Steve's visit in Nov when his schedule changes.
I love hearing from you all. I don't type well on this borrowed lap top so like to blog and type news once for everyone. There is no internet and spotty phone reception on farm so it's been difficult to stay in touch. I come to a cafe in Waterford with wifi about 3x's per week.
Boy do I appreciate the beauty of Idaho. I love that the wind doesn't blow here though! I also miss riding my bike. I have not seen a bike yet here.
LOL, Mia
There are 75 horses here. 7 or 8 of them are in training of some kind including my partner and traveling companion, Banner. They are mostly draft crosses and are well behaved and I like working with them. My employer Connie Arthur is still at WEG probably dreading the long trip home!
My work involves monitoring the herds also. There are 5 huge pastures with grass where various categories are turned out. There is the geriatric group, the mares and foals (there are some for sale and mostly RID/TB), the mare field (it's the jump field and the mares ignore us when we ride in there), the retiree field, the geldings, the tough footed geldings on river bottom etc.. The ranch hand, Pat and me work together. He works hard. There is another young man, Brandon who does the stalls. .
There is tack to clean, manes to pull, catch horses for shoer, grooming etc There is plenty to do!
I look forward to Connie's return when the stallion will come back, weaning starting, 2 year olds to work with and the fall events. The farm is next to the Tuololume River which is lovely with good fishing.
I plan to enter Ram Tap and Galway Downs this fall if I can save my money.
I go to Modesto for meetings and have made some new friends there. I went to the tack store today and hope to find some musicians soon. Mostly I hang out at the farm. I'd like to get to the ocean and to see Anna and SF soon. I look forward to Steve's visit in Nov when his schedule changes.
I love hearing from you all. I don't type well on this borrowed lap top so like to blog and type news once for everyone. There is no internet and spotty phone reception on farm so it's been difficult to stay in touch. I come to a cafe in Waterford with wifi about 3x's per week.
Boy do I appreciate the beauty of Idaho. I love that the wind doesn't blow here though! I also miss riding my bike. I have not seen a bike yet here.
LOL, Mia
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Rural California
On Wed. Sept 22nd Banner and I loaded up for the big haul to our new winter job near Oakdale, Ca.
We stopped over near Reno at the home of Red Rock hounds. Lyn Loyd was gracious and fed us and showed me the hounds and her very beautiful and fun place. I went for a ride in the mountains the next morning, jumping in and out of allotments over coops built by the hunt. It was lovely stop over and uplifting experience all around.
I arrived next day at Lone Tree Farm. Traffic going thru Sacramento is congested pretty much all the time. Lone Tree is a lovely facility with the best xc schooling course I've seen yet. There are green pastures everywhere and very inviting jumps.There are 75 horses there so plenty to do. I set up my room and settled into a new life for the winter without husband, dog, house, internet or any more than 1 bar of cell phone service. Man what a shock!
Now I sit in a cafe with a laptop that Connie (my employer) loaned me. If I have no contact with you, that is why.....I have been to town once. It's 12 miles trip to Waterford and 22 miles to Modesto and Oakdale. I have been riding her school horses, and learning where everything is. The staff has been helpful. They are used to having a 20 year old working student doing my job so I must confess that I'm feeling rather out of place! There have been tears and I talk to Steve 2x's per day. He is very encouraging.
This has been a big change and jolt to our routine. I suppose that's good in the big picture. The only constant is change. I miss Idaho, my cushy life and Steve. I should have done this when I was younger but I didn't so am doing it now anyway.
Banner has turn out and a nice stall so he is just fine. When we schooled xc yesterday he was joyful and positive. I look fwd to Ram Tap at the end of Oct. Prelim here we come.
Text is great way to contact me. I hope to hear from you. Seriously if anyone wants to come school and/or take lessons I highly recommend it.
Bye for now.....
We stopped over near Reno at the home of Red Rock hounds. Lyn Loyd was gracious and fed us and showed me the hounds and her very beautiful and fun place. I went for a ride in the mountains the next morning, jumping in and out of allotments over coops built by the hunt. It was lovely stop over and uplifting experience all around.
I arrived next day at Lone Tree Farm. Traffic going thru Sacramento is congested pretty much all the time. Lone Tree is a lovely facility with the best xc schooling course I've seen yet. There are green pastures everywhere and very inviting jumps.There are 75 horses there so plenty to do. I set up my room and settled into a new life for the winter without husband, dog, house, internet or any more than 1 bar of cell phone service. Man what a shock!
Now I sit in a cafe with a laptop that Connie (my employer) loaned me. If I have no contact with you, that is why.....I have been to town once. It's 12 miles trip to Waterford and 22 miles to Modesto and Oakdale. I have been riding her school horses, and learning where everything is. The staff has been helpful. They are used to having a 20 year old working student doing my job so I must confess that I'm feeling rather out of place! There have been tears and I talk to Steve 2x's per day. He is very encouraging.
This has been a big change and jolt to our routine. I suppose that's good in the big picture. The only constant is change. I miss Idaho, my cushy life and Steve. I should have done this when I was younger but I didn't so am doing it now anyway.
Banner has turn out and a nice stall so he is just fine. When we schooled xc yesterday he was joyful and positive. I look fwd to Ram Tap at the end of Oct. Prelim here we come.
Text is great way to contact me. I hope to hear from you. Seriously if anyone wants to come school and/or take lessons I highly recommend it.
Bye for now.....
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Horses and Music Sept 2010
On Sat. I took Banner and Jude, Jennifer Self's horse, to Gary Mittleiders near Boise to ride in an impromtu cross country clinic. The footing and jumps were excellent and instruction helpful also.
Banner went really well and seemed willing and straight. We had a resistance at one narrow after a cabin because I was not thinking ahead soon enough about preparation for the narrow. Also Gary reminded me to keep rhythm better. Sometimes I took "setting up" to extremes from too slow a pace to begin with. All in all it was a grand day with safe trip to and fro. Jennifer and I both learned alot and the weather was perfect. It was a good confidence builder for Banner and Mia's first Prelim together coming up at Woodside Oct 8,9,10th.
Now settling into packing to leave for Lone Tree Farm in Cal on Sep 22nd. But first, Steve and I are leaving for Hood River, Ore. to a family wedding.
My music partner Gerard Kelly and I have a gig at the Brick house in Bellevue on Tues the 14th so hope to go out stomping. Musicians and friends welcome. It should be a blast.
My music has evolved lately and I look forward to playing solo in Cal if I can find a place to play.
Banner went really well and seemed willing and straight. We had a resistance at one narrow after a cabin because I was not thinking ahead soon enough about preparation for the narrow. Also Gary reminded me to keep rhythm better. Sometimes I took "setting up" to extremes from too slow a pace to begin with. All in all it was a grand day with safe trip to and fro. Jennifer and I both learned alot and the weather was perfect. It was a good confidence builder for Banner and Mia's first Prelim together coming up at Woodside Oct 8,9,10th.
Now settling into packing to leave for Lone Tree Farm in Cal on Sep 22nd. But first, Steve and I are leaving for Hood River, Ore. to a family wedding.
My music partner Gerard Kelly and I have a gig at the Brick house in Bellevue on Tues the 14th so hope to go out stomping. Musicians and friends welcome. It should be a blast.
My music has evolved lately and I look forward to playing solo in Cal if I can find a place to play.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
dressage week
Hi,
I am expanding from song writing to blog writing. It was suggested by some students as a way to journal my upcoming move to California for winter. I will be working for Connie Arthur at Lone Tree Farm in Waterford Ca. The website is http://www.lonetreefarm.net/
I am taking my horse Banner and my Jack Russell, Cash. I'm not sure if Cash will be accepted but will do my best to keep him from offending anyone. He is a very kind little dog but chases and digs and jumps in cars and people's laps with out being asked.
My horse Banner is also kind and he will be coming too.
Last week, here in lovely Idaho, I took a dresssage lesson with Debbie McDonald. It was a B' Day gift from Debbie and my devoted husband Steve. We worked on leg yield, Sh. fore, inside leg to outside rein connection, self carriage where I could surrender inside rein and straightness. Banner was really good.
I learned:
1. It is necessary to ask him to stretch down during warm up to loosen his topline before work. Then his entire body is warmed up and ready for dressage. Hacking around on a loose rein is not warming up topline.
2. He tends to fall in subtley and haunches somewhere to side. Leg yield to sharpen him up to inside spur. As always not constant thumping with my legs. Leg must ask, get result and release from pressure.
Yesterday, I took a lesson with Kelly Weiss.
First he corrected my leg position, toe in spur off, thigh turned back.
He wanted Banner's back up more so he could track up, relax, be straight etc.
He asked for inside flexion, when Banner yielded to flexion we asked for 3 or 4 shorter steps with outside rein, then I squeeze him properly with my calf to go more fwd and in so doing allow an inch or so in neck so Banner knew it was safe to go fwd off leg. Kelly reminded me that we have to let horses make mistakes and use them to get to know horse better. I cannot dictate every move my horse makes. He is a partner. He can volunteer to go fwd with this sytem. he will be more self sufficent, sounder and more joyful that way. It's very important for an event horse.
Tommorrow some students and I will school at Rafter K. What fun.
I am expanding from song writing to blog writing. It was suggested by some students as a way to journal my upcoming move to California for winter. I will be working for Connie Arthur at Lone Tree Farm in Waterford Ca. The website is http://www.lonetreefarm.net/
I am taking my horse Banner and my Jack Russell, Cash. I'm not sure if Cash will be accepted but will do my best to keep him from offending anyone. He is a very kind little dog but chases and digs and jumps in cars and people's laps with out being asked.
My horse Banner is also kind and he will be coming too.
Last week, here in lovely Idaho, I took a dresssage lesson with Debbie McDonald. It was a B' Day gift from Debbie and my devoted husband Steve. We worked on leg yield, Sh. fore, inside leg to outside rein connection, self carriage where I could surrender inside rein and straightness. Banner was really good.
I learned:
1. It is necessary to ask him to stretch down during warm up to loosen his topline before work. Then his entire body is warmed up and ready for dressage. Hacking around on a loose rein is not warming up topline.
2. He tends to fall in subtley and haunches somewhere to side. Leg yield to sharpen him up to inside spur. As always not constant thumping with my legs. Leg must ask, get result and release from pressure.
Yesterday, I took a lesson with Kelly Weiss.
First he corrected my leg position, toe in spur off, thigh turned back.
He wanted Banner's back up more so he could track up, relax, be straight etc.
He asked for inside flexion, when Banner yielded to flexion we asked for 3 or 4 shorter steps with outside rein, then I squeeze him properly with my calf to go more fwd and in so doing allow an inch or so in neck so Banner knew it was safe to go fwd off leg. Kelly reminded me that we have to let horses make mistakes and use them to get to know horse better. I cannot dictate every move my horse makes. He is a partner. He can volunteer to go fwd with this sytem. he will be more self sufficent, sounder and more joyful that way. It's very important for an event horse.
Tommorrow some students and I will school at Rafter K. What fun.
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