July 29, 2011
I attended to Rebecca Farm event July 21-24 with Banner. The drive up was uneventful and the new clutch worked well. I had a grand time singing and chanting alone in my truck for 10 hours. I got to haul Misty Payne's horses Simon Says so I had 2 good travelers.
I had entered Banner in the Training 3 Day. (Note, if you plan to ride at Rebecca in 2012, I suggest entering on opening day. Quite a few riders did not get in.)
On the Wed before the event, my students Misty Payne and Janine Jaro got to school at Heron Park. This was a good confidence builder for them.
I had entered a lower level to recover from our mishaps of June. My rib injury from Ogden has almost entirely healed. The Training level 3 Day is a a big deal with lots of prizes and prestige which is fun. My dressage was disappointing with 35. He was "sluggish."
For the endurance day we did phase A Roads and Tracks, Phase B, Steeplechase,Phase C, a second R's and T's and finally the xc course after a 10 minute cool out, inspection in vet box. Phase A went well, it was a brisk morning and we were both feeling very energetic. Steeplechase was exciting and we came in 20 secs early which is good since the speed was only 500 mpm. Banner is hard to rebalnce at speed. My coach JM Durr advises to bring his shoulders were up by squeezing hind end under himself during prep before fence with my hands down. It worked well. It is physically demanding on me, the rider though but worth it to get the balance we need to jump well. On to phase C! They had changed the exit, I became confused and I almost missed a flag which would have been elimination. David O Conner directed me and saved my day. I had to back track which is using up my horse and I don't like doing that because I cannot find a flag! It's not his doing!
When I came to first Kilometer marker on C, I was 1m 18 secs late. So Banner never got to walk very long after the chase. We cantered through most of C to catch up. Suggestion, do not lolly gag on Roads and Tracks unless you know you are very early. I came in the box about 30 secs early, JM met me there.
We cooled him off. JM suggested bigger sponges.
Banner got released from box and off we went. I consciously kept my hands down and rode how I was instructed. The jumps went well. I had more spur contact than in June. JM said my hands were up a few places so I'm not fixed yet.
21 out of 22 jumps were met well and he was very straight. About 2/3rds on, I decided I could take my foot off accelerator and let him breath more. Then I saw I could be late and I had to speed up at end and incurred 1.2 time faults. One can take foot off, but do it at the end of the course.. Another lesson was learned. No lolly gagging.....
Next day we had horse inspection, trot up at 8AM It requires braiding, dressing up.Some had every hair in place. Most of our hairs were in place. It takes me 1.5 hours to accomplish this grooming, dressing. Banner does not trot so regularly on pavement so we were held for re inspection. The attending vet could not find anything wrong with him so she advised me to trot faster next time. We went fast and the judge passed him. Whew!
Show jumping was the most exciting part for us. We were in Arena 1 with giant horses statues, about 500 spectators, lovely, magnificently decorated, fancy jumps and all the fanfare of Rebecca Farms event.
I was sitting 4th at this point having moved up from 7th with clean rounds on A,B,C,D phases.
Upon entering the stadium, my tired horse saw the giant statue and it terrified him. He is a trooper and wonderful partner. He knew he had a job to do and he did not focus on the statue when I asked. I love him for that. Other horses in the higher divisions came undone by that statue.
Banner jumped clean and we remained in 4th. I rode well.
My students both went clean on xc and Janine had a lovely jump round on Legacy.
I drove home Sunday night uneventfully.
I rested Banner for 4 days. I was a bit worried about him. Thankfully, he is sound and feels powerful and motivated. I am grateful. The Training 3 Day was a rich experience for us.
Next event? I do not know. I need money so am selling my lovely mare... (www.miaedsall.com), saddles, banjos etc. August is busy with music gigs and lessons are increasing. I hope the work keeps up. It's tempting to enter the Caber Event at Prelim level because Banner is ready to go again.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Back to back Horse Trials and a New Clutch!
I've had better trips, better rounds. I like the principle that I'm right where I'm supposed to be.
Banner, Cash and I left for Ogden (Golden Spike) on Friday morning July 17 and arrived fresh enough to partake in a practice Show Jumping round. Banner jumped very well and willingly.
Saturday featured the dressage and show jumping events. We got a 30.9 in dressage at Prelim. That's a personal best for us. The weather was good, footing good due to rain at night and we were confident going into jumping. Fence 4A was a one stride oxer to vertical combo off a turn. I don't know what happened but he stopped at the very last minute, piled into rails and his neck or head hit me in my ribs hard, knocking out my wind and injuring my rib cage.
I stayed on and continued only to stop again at 9A because I was not in the game. No one was willing to comment on my riding but I'd bet that I jumped ahead slightly and was not waiting enough which caused him to stop when he looked at 4A.
That evening I begged the President of the Ground Jury and organizer to let me go xc. Off we went and had a wonderful round until a double up bank at 13 which I wimped out at. When one is an eliminated rider they must leave the course after one stop. I was thrilled with our ride up til then however. The bank caused problems. An Intermediate horse struggled up it and one young rider doing her first Prelim fell there. I don't think it's a good jump.
So back home we went and stayed for 2 days to depart for Inavale Event in Philomath, ORE. on Wed.
I had a student with me, Janine Jaro. We loaded up and had a smooth trip until Hood River where I heard a noise from clutch. I suspected my clutch needed to be replaced so was acutely interested in the sound. We made it to the event and Janine took the truck to town to stay in a motel. I camp in my modest living quarter's trailer on grounds. I love doing that. Janine found a good shop in Corvallis called "Phil's Clutch and Transmission Repair" close to her hotel. It was the perfect shop and they had it done by Friday no sweat. It felt great and I was excited and relieved to have gotten it done without breaking down.
Inavale Event had 385 entries. The weather and grounds were stunning. The courses were huge. It's a destination event.
Our dressage was tense. My rib was injured and I didn't ride well. I decided to demo a Hit Air Vest for xc.
I rode in a Devoceux saddle too so I was all geared up. Matt Brown warmed me up and it's funny to say that Banner won the warm up! He always does by showing off, fast, clean, forward and brilliant.
The first 3 fences on xc were great and then we got to 4A (same number as Ogden). A 3 stride bending line of narrow roll tops. He stopped and piled again. Air Vest deployed and it's mandatory retirement. My first thought was ...Gee I didn't get far. Anyway, we are ok none the worse for wear and the vest came in handy. I bought one.
Janine got around her first event in 30 years and is on the path with a very willing TB mare named Legacy. She plans to go Novice at Rebecca.
Monday we stayed over so Matt could school Banner around the course. He is an excellent rider and horseman and they both enjoyed Inavale's big prelim jumps. Having Matt ride him was fun to watch and gave Banner confidence. They made a good pair.
After my demise on xc, some of my old friends told me "Stop going prelim. you are so good at bringing up green horses Novice, Training, you could be doing that". So, I have switched Banner's entry down a level toTraining 3 Day at Rebbeca Farms. It will be a blast.
We packed up and left next morning. The new clutch failed in a construction zone outside Hood River. A one lane consruction zone is a scary place to be stuck. AAA came and towed the truck and trailer. The horses were transported to Marie and Don Hansen's place in Lyle, WA. I enjoyed visiting my buddy Marie, riding with her and spending time with my brother Jay who was very helpful. Hood River is a good place for me to hang. I hung quite a while because the first mechanic it went to was clue less and it had to be re towed to the Dalles to another transmission specialist. Phil, remember Phil from Corvallis shop? He backed up his work and paid for it all. Wow, what a trip. I'm still recovering. I'm wondering why I event and whether I should sell my lovely, scopey horse, Banner. I have a lovely 15.3 hh mare now too and she is coming along well. I take it one day at a time and today am concentrating on "First Things First." One first thing was to write this blog. Happy Summer everyone.
Banner, Cash and I left for Ogden (Golden Spike) on Friday morning July 17 and arrived fresh enough to partake in a practice Show Jumping round. Banner jumped very well and willingly.
Saturday featured the dressage and show jumping events. We got a 30.9 in dressage at Prelim. That's a personal best for us. The weather was good, footing good due to rain at night and we were confident going into jumping. Fence 4A was a one stride oxer to vertical combo off a turn. I don't know what happened but he stopped at the very last minute, piled into rails and his neck or head hit me in my ribs hard, knocking out my wind and injuring my rib cage.
I stayed on and continued only to stop again at 9A because I was not in the game. No one was willing to comment on my riding but I'd bet that I jumped ahead slightly and was not waiting enough which caused him to stop when he looked at 4A.
That evening I begged the President of the Ground Jury and organizer to let me go xc. Off we went and had a wonderful round until a double up bank at 13 which I wimped out at. When one is an eliminated rider they must leave the course after one stop. I was thrilled with our ride up til then however. The bank caused problems. An Intermediate horse struggled up it and one young rider doing her first Prelim fell there. I don't think it's a good jump.
So back home we went and stayed for 2 days to depart for Inavale Event in Philomath, ORE. on Wed.
I had a student with me, Janine Jaro. We loaded up and had a smooth trip until Hood River where I heard a noise from clutch. I suspected my clutch needed to be replaced so was acutely interested in the sound. We made it to the event and Janine took the truck to town to stay in a motel. I camp in my modest living quarter's trailer on grounds. I love doing that. Janine found a good shop in Corvallis called "Phil's Clutch and Transmission Repair" close to her hotel. It was the perfect shop and they had it done by Friday no sweat. It felt great and I was excited and relieved to have gotten it done without breaking down.
Inavale Event had 385 entries. The weather and grounds were stunning. The courses were huge. It's a destination event.
Our dressage was tense. My rib was injured and I didn't ride well. I decided to demo a Hit Air Vest for xc.
I rode in a Devoceux saddle too so I was all geared up. Matt Brown warmed me up and it's funny to say that Banner won the warm up! He always does by showing off, fast, clean, forward and brilliant.
The first 3 fences on xc were great and then we got to 4A (same number as Ogden). A 3 stride bending line of narrow roll tops. He stopped and piled again. Air Vest deployed and it's mandatory retirement. My first thought was ...Gee I didn't get far. Anyway, we are ok none the worse for wear and the vest came in handy. I bought one.
Janine got around her first event in 30 years and is on the path with a very willing TB mare named Legacy. She plans to go Novice at Rebecca.
Monday we stayed over so Matt could school Banner around the course. He is an excellent rider and horseman and they both enjoyed Inavale's big prelim jumps. Having Matt ride him was fun to watch and gave Banner confidence. They made a good pair.
After my demise on xc, some of my old friends told me "Stop going prelim. you are so good at bringing up green horses Novice, Training, you could be doing that". So, I have switched Banner's entry down a level toTraining 3 Day at Rebbeca Farms. It will be a blast.
We packed up and left next morning. The new clutch failed in a construction zone outside Hood River. A one lane consruction zone is a scary place to be stuck. AAA came and towed the truck and trailer. The horses were transported to Marie and Don Hansen's place in Lyle, WA. I enjoyed visiting my buddy Marie, riding with her and spending time with my brother Jay who was very helpful. Hood River is a good place for me to hang. I hung quite a while because the first mechanic it went to was clue less and it had to be re towed to the Dalles to another transmission specialist. Phil, remember Phil from Corvallis shop? He backed up his work and paid for it all. Wow, what a trip. I'm still recovering. I'm wondering why I event and whether I should sell my lovely, scopey horse, Banner. I have a lovely 15.3 hh mare now too and she is coming along well. I take it one day at a time and today am concentrating on "First Things First." One first thing was to write this blog. Happy Summer everyone.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Riding alone and the equine herpes lock down
We riders have semi quarantined our horses since the first news of the highly contagious EHV two weeks ago. I am grateful that my 2 horses, Banner and Isadora are healthy. They are hanging out at home and being ridden by me in my arena. I love my arena and the footing is excellent.
I have scratched from events, and shows have been postponed. Since my husband Steve is a treating veterinarian, I am privileged to have a private consultant on the matter. I refrain from entering events until June 5. I don't haul anywhere but trail rides where there are usually no other equines around.
It's been down time and time to reflect on training and where I am with these two. I have been helping Mary Kimball work her WB's and gotten several good dressage lessons in a row.
Dressage is, "harmonious development of horse and rider".
Music has been fun too. I rehearse just about every day for 1 hour or more and have gotten some summer gigs. Please visit my new website at http://www.miaedsall.com/
I have scratched from events, and shows have been postponed. Since my husband Steve is a treating veterinarian, I am privileged to have a private consultant on the matter. I refrain from entering events until June 5. I don't haul anywhere but trail rides where there are usually no other equines around.
It's been down time and time to reflect on training and where I am with these two. I have been helping Mary Kimball work her WB's and gotten several good dressage lessons in a row.
Dressage is, "harmonious development of horse and rider".
Banner has a big muscle underneath his neck and his topline could be stronger. Now that there is time and I don't worry about 3 day events ahead, I concentrate better on his roundness, looseness, harmony, engagement etc. He increases his stride length off my seat much better. It makes him much more fun to ride and my feet and legs are staying in position more effectively.
Isadora is new and fun to train. She has been a trail horse but not a good one because she jigs. She is tense when I first mount up, so we use the time to walk, trot do transitions so she relaxes. She is coming along well and does not pull. She has the personality of an event horse and thinks highly of herself She is 3/4 TB, 1/4 Clydesdale, so she is bred well for eventing. She is 15.2 hands high. I like athletic small horses.
Isadora is new and fun to train. She has been a trail horse but not a good one because she jigs. She is tense when I first mount up, so we use the time to walk, trot do transitions so she relaxes. She is coming along well and does not pull. She has the personality of an event horse and thinks highly of herself She is 3/4 TB, 1/4 Clydesdale, so she is bred well for eventing. She is 15.2 hands high. I like athletic small horses.
I look forward to each training day and make riding them a priority in day's good weather window when the wind isn't wailing.
I ride alone here which some people think is not wise. I always have. If I didn't, my horses would not get trained/ ridden. I use common sense and don't get on them until they are ready. They must be relaxed and focused on me first. I lunge them to achieve that.
Music has been fun too. I rehearse just about every day for 1 hour or more and have gotten some summer gigs. Please visit my new website at http://www.miaedsall.com/
Happy riding, even in the quarantine!
Banner and Boyd Martin at Rebecca Farms 2010
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Getting Settled
4/10/11
It's nice to be back home in the beautiful, cold Wood River Valley of Idaho and catch up with friends and family. Steve and I drove to Bozeman, Mt. for Mother's Day weekend and visited his family. I got to particiapte in a string band workshop put on by the Montana Fiddlers group in historic and beautiful Pony, Mt.. I hope to attend Weiser, Idaho fiddler extravaganza the week of June 22. I love the jams and hot licks I find at these festivals.
Banner is doing really well. I am brushing up on dressage and conditioning once per week. He is fit and happy. I have entered the Woodside Event and plan to leave for Cal on May 23rd.
There is not much work or music gigs for me here. I have a new student tommorrow at Rafter K's cross country course and am confident there will be more.
I am riding and working Mary Kimaballs WB's for her. She has lots of them ages 3-7. I get dressage lessons from her which I need.
I'm most content to be riding lots of horses.
No Cheap Horse's Band lives on. Gerard and I are getting gigs for summer with our drummer, Jason. I am enjoying the rehearsals very much.
Happy spring if we ever get it!
It's nice to be back home in the beautiful, cold Wood River Valley of Idaho and catch up with friends and family. Steve and I drove to Bozeman, Mt. for Mother's Day weekend and visited his family. I got to particiapte in a string band workshop put on by the Montana Fiddlers group in historic and beautiful Pony, Mt.. I hope to attend Weiser, Idaho fiddler extravaganza the week of June 22. I love the jams and hot licks I find at these festivals.
Banner is doing really well. I am brushing up on dressage and conditioning once per week. He is fit and happy. I have entered the Woodside Event and plan to leave for Cal on May 23rd.
There is not much work or music gigs for me here. I have a new student tommorrow at Rafter K's cross country course and am confident there will be more.
I am riding and working Mary Kimaballs WB's for her. She has lots of them ages 3-7. I get dressage lessons from her which I need.
I'm most content to be riding lots of horses.
No Cheap Horse's Band lives on. Gerard and I are getting gigs for summer with our drummer, Jason. I am enjoying the rehearsals very much.
Happy spring if we ever get it!
Monday, April 25, 2011
The Need for Speed
I am back home at Derby Road. There is a new snow storm on the way. It has been the coldest April in 25 years.
Banner and I won Ram Tap Preliminary Rider Division on the weekend of April 16th in Fresno, Cal.
I am eligible to ride in Preliminary Rider because I have not ridden at a higher level than Prelim in 2 years. This is a cozy, appropriate division for me because the California super stars like James Alliston, Jennifer Wooten and other advanced riders are not eligible for this division. I found the Prelim Rider Division to be challenging anyway. Californians have the opportunity to compete alot and they want to win in addition to giving their horses a good experience as do I.
Gene Lewis said "there are only two things you can do wrong when jumping, go too fast or too slow".
in
Preliminary level's optimum cross country speed is 520 mpm. Banner has a better experience when I allowed or asked him to go faster. He jumps better by coiling and proping off the ground in a bascule when I'm not holding him off the fence or going too slow. He lands lighter and the jump requires less effort. I am not advocating running down to a fence. I mean keep coming, re balance and maintain balance to jump. A couple of my coaches said I had a good eye. I am grateful they think so.
I learn by experience and here are some of them I had in my journey to riding Prelim level successfully and confidently.
I had to change body position, lower hands, fall off alot, study videos, get lots of time penalties, become stronger in core (yoga), have access to good galloping track and facilities, have a eye on the ground most of the time (Connie) and refuse jumps at competitions and home. I rode multiple horses every day and I was immersed in horses training. It was a fabulous winter. Thank you Connie and the staff at Lone Tree Farm for tolerating and supporting me.
At Ram Tap I also got to ride "Charming Waltz" a 14 hh Haflinger mare owned by Kim Fischman. What a gem she is! She has immense power and desire to jump and is fun to be around as she is always knickering at us and adoring us with her soft brown eyes. She has lots of potential to be a super star. We placed 9th as our dressage placing was 10th in Beginner Novice division. She was clean in cross country and jumping and it was a blast to ride her.
I was slated to ride Mary Morris "Otter" in his first event and was very much looking forward to it as he jumps superbly also but alas he stepped on a nail. He is ok now I hear.
What now? I plan to attend some HJ shows and Golden Spike then Rebecca farms. Not much work here in Wood River Valley. It gives me time to write and rehearse music.
I'm working on my solo performance. Played last night with Jim Paisely and Keith Waller and it was very fun.
When I get the Ram Tap video from Ride On productions, I will post on Facebook.
Thanks for reading this.
Gratefully, Mia and Banner
Banner and I won Ram Tap Preliminary Rider Division on the weekend of April 16th in Fresno, Cal.
I am eligible to ride in Preliminary Rider because I have not ridden at a higher level than Prelim in 2 years. This is a cozy, appropriate division for me because the California super stars like James Alliston, Jennifer Wooten and other advanced riders are not eligible for this division. I found the Prelim Rider Division to be challenging anyway. Californians have the opportunity to compete alot and they want to win in addition to giving their horses a good experience as do I.
Gene Lewis said "there are only two things you can do wrong when jumping, go too fast or too slow".
in
Preliminary level's optimum cross country speed is 520 mpm. Banner has a better experience when I allowed or asked him to go faster. He jumps better by coiling and proping off the ground in a bascule when I'm not holding him off the fence or going too slow. He lands lighter and the jump requires less effort. I am not advocating running down to a fence. I mean keep coming, re balance and maintain balance to jump. A couple of my coaches said I had a good eye. I am grateful they think so.
I learn by experience and here are some of them I had in my journey to riding Prelim level successfully and confidently.
I had to change body position, lower hands, fall off alot, study videos, get lots of time penalties, become stronger in core (yoga), have access to good galloping track and facilities, have a eye on the ground most of the time (Connie) and refuse jumps at competitions and home. I rode multiple horses every day and I was immersed in horses training. It was a fabulous winter. Thank you Connie and the staff at Lone Tree Farm for tolerating and supporting me.
At Ram Tap I also got to ride "Charming Waltz" a 14 hh Haflinger mare owned by Kim Fischman. What a gem she is! She has immense power and desire to jump and is fun to be around as she is always knickering at us and adoring us with her soft brown eyes. She has lots of potential to be a super star. We placed 9th as our dressage placing was 10th in Beginner Novice division. She was clean in cross country and jumping and it was a blast to ride her.
I was slated to ride Mary Morris "Otter" in his first event and was very much looking forward to it as he jumps superbly also but alas he stepped on a nail. He is ok now I hear.
What now? I plan to attend some HJ shows and Golden Spike then Rebecca farms. Not much work here in Wood River Valley. It gives me time to write and rehearse music.
I'm working on my solo performance. Played last night with Jim Paisely and Keith Waller and it was very fun.
When I get the Ram Tap video from Ride On productions, I will post on Facebook.
Thanks for reading this.
Gratefully, Mia and Banner
Monday, April 11, 2011
Expect a Miracle
Today is April 11th. My mother, Louise Loening turned 80 yesterday. She is growing gracefully in Kennett Square, PA.
I plan to return to our Idaho home on April 19th after another attempt at the Ram Tap prelim course with Banner. I also get to compete a very fun Haflinger Pony named Heidi who jumps brilliantly. She is 14 hh, beautiful, sexy and cheerful. She has a very bushy mane and her tail drags on the ground. Her owner, Kim Fishman politely resisted my pleas to pull her mane. I've come around to appreciating her shaggy look now. It's hard to even part it for a bridle. It's really thick!
My experience at Lone Tree Farm for the last 7 months has been rich and rewarding. I extend my thanks to my husband, Steve for his support. It has been a dream of mine to immerse myself in horse training and that is exactly what happened here. Connie Arthur, the owner and her manager Dyan Southern taught me so much by example. The horses here taught me even more. The job involved lots of catching, leading, handling. I'm proud of the way they have improved under saddle and on the ground.
I rode an average of 4 to 5 horses per day 6 days per week. I rode draft crosses, arab crosses, haflingers, tb's, warmbloods and Liam, the Irish Draught stallion. I jumped most of them in group lessons with Connie.
I fell off my horse Banner 5 times in one 30 day period. Miraculously, I was not hurt. My regular AM yoga practice must have helped me sustain those falls without injury. So far I have not fallen off any LTF horses but I could. If you ride, you fall off! I didn't teach much formally and rather missed that. I was able to sneak in some teaching with the working student young riders, Mary and Amber. I lunged them and they got stronger.
I learned about turning my shoulders in for shoulder in, letting the jumpers sort themselves out with less help from me, keeping my hands down and different warm up techniques for different horses. I learned that that a young horse cannot sustain a rhythm on a lunge line because he lacks the strength and that one must wash and dry Banners legs after being in water or he could get vasiculitis from scratches. I learned how slow I go and how fast I need to go at Prelim. I learned how to drive around LA and SF. I learned about trailer bearings, air filters and clutch parts. I learned how to ride with my spine/ back in mind and to be super tall. I learned to walk up hills on foot with good posture.
I learned that I am uncomfortable with surprises and most family visits and that I am the common denominator/ problem and it hurts too much. I learned that people like my dog Cash but won't be sorry when he leaves. I learned that I am employable at a horse barn. I learned the gift of not blaming those around us and accepting everything. (I got that from Connie and Dyan, thanks ladies) I learned to set boundaries.
Music....I learned how to sing higher. I learned that the G note is where my chest voice ends and face voice starts and how to practice the transition to make it all sound like the same voice. I learned to appreciate a good jam session. I learned not to be so afraid of heavy drinkers. I learned more about harmony, violins, dobros and auto harps. Guitar or banjo riffs are an important key element to create an appealing song.
I made lots of new friends here in the Central Valley of California which in itself is truly the land of milk and honey. What an incredibly habitable climate! I will miss the Tuolome River and the geese, herons and bobcats that reside here. I will miss the birds of prey, the flowers, the grass and the footing.
When I get back to Idaho I plan to rehearse 2 hrs per day each day to work up good musical solo. I plan to write songs and letters too. I also get to organize the upcoming jump clinic with Nick Karazissis and get back online with my students. Of course there is always yoga and connecting with important friends and mentors. I look forward to jamming with musicians there and getting out to see live music.
Thanks for reading this I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Cheers and Happy Spring!
Mia
PS. Banner and I won the Prelim. Combined Test at Woodside last weekend so we are confident for Ram Tap!
I plan to return to our Idaho home on April 19th after another attempt at the Ram Tap prelim course with Banner. I also get to compete a very fun Haflinger Pony named Heidi who jumps brilliantly. She is 14 hh, beautiful, sexy and cheerful. She has a very bushy mane and her tail drags on the ground. Her owner, Kim Fishman politely resisted my pleas to pull her mane. I've come around to appreciating her shaggy look now. It's hard to even part it for a bridle. It's really thick!
My experience at Lone Tree Farm for the last 7 months has been rich and rewarding. I extend my thanks to my husband, Steve for his support. It has been a dream of mine to immerse myself in horse training and that is exactly what happened here. Connie Arthur, the owner and her manager Dyan Southern taught me so much by example. The horses here taught me even more. The job involved lots of catching, leading, handling. I'm proud of the way they have improved under saddle and on the ground.
I rode an average of 4 to 5 horses per day 6 days per week. I rode draft crosses, arab crosses, haflingers, tb's, warmbloods and Liam, the Irish Draught stallion. I jumped most of them in group lessons with Connie.
I fell off my horse Banner 5 times in one 30 day period. Miraculously, I was not hurt. My regular AM yoga practice must have helped me sustain those falls without injury. So far I have not fallen off any LTF horses but I could. If you ride, you fall off! I didn't teach much formally and rather missed that. I was able to sneak in some teaching with the working student young riders, Mary and Amber. I lunged them and they got stronger.
I learned about turning my shoulders in for shoulder in, letting the jumpers sort themselves out with less help from me, keeping my hands down and different warm up techniques for different horses. I learned that that a young horse cannot sustain a rhythm on a lunge line because he lacks the strength and that one must wash and dry Banners legs after being in water or he could get vasiculitis from scratches. I learned how slow I go and how fast I need to go at Prelim. I learned how to drive around LA and SF. I learned about trailer bearings, air filters and clutch parts. I learned how to ride with my spine/ back in mind and to be super tall. I learned to walk up hills on foot with good posture.
I learned that I am uncomfortable with surprises and most family visits and that I am the common denominator/ problem and it hurts too much. I learned that people like my dog Cash but won't be sorry when he leaves. I learned that I am employable at a horse barn. I learned the gift of not blaming those around us and accepting everything. (I got that from Connie and Dyan, thanks ladies) I learned to set boundaries.
Music....I learned how to sing higher. I learned that the G note is where my chest voice ends and face voice starts and how to practice the transition to make it all sound like the same voice. I learned to appreciate a good jam session. I learned not to be so afraid of heavy drinkers. I learned more about harmony, violins, dobros and auto harps. Guitar or banjo riffs are an important key element to create an appealing song.
I made lots of new friends here in the Central Valley of California which in itself is truly the land of milk and honey. What an incredibly habitable climate! I will miss the Tuolome River and the geese, herons and bobcats that reside here. I will miss the birds of prey, the flowers, the grass and the footing.
When I get back to Idaho I plan to rehearse 2 hrs per day each day to work up good musical solo. I plan to write songs and letters too. I also get to organize the upcoming jump clinic with Nick Karazissis and get back online with my students. Of course there is always yoga and connecting with important friends and mentors. I look forward to jamming with musicians there and getting out to see live music.
Thanks for reading this I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Cheers and Happy Spring!
Mia
PS. Banner and I won the Prelim. Combined Test at Woodside last weekend so we are confident for Ram Tap!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Winter Eventing Tour Continued
What a tour! There is one more event to go before I return to Idaho.
Febuary 5th was Galway Downs in Temecula, CA., Feb 19 was Ram Tap in Fresno and March 5th weekend was Twin Rivers Ranch in Paso Robles.
When I walked the course last weekend, I thought it was the hardest course I have ever attempted in my life of eventing. I wondered why, at age 58, I do this sport? How is it that I would leave home and and husband to work my butt off like a young woman at a horse farm and sacrifice my cushy life so that I could go eventing?
The Preliminary level course seemed large, long and there were many combinations and related distances. I was reassured by the fact that Banner is a very good jumper. My employer, Connie Arthur, has taught me to ride him better. Banner will jump happily if I ask him in a way that he understands. If it's a tough question, however, I must ask! Early on in the course, he can be timid. I am riding well most of the time but can still slip into old bad habits if I lose focus.
Back to the why......I meditated and actually prayed for guidance. I realized then that I have the" freedom to sing, dance, praise and love". This riding and jumping is the dance part.
I enlisted an Advanced rider that I admire very much, James Alliston, to walk the course with me. He was gracious and gave me simple instructions for every fence (I told him I was terrified.) When I got the tools and plan, the course started to look feasible. I walked it a total of 5 times.
We left the start box at 9AM and it rode great! Wow! The coffin ditch was deep, wide, black and new to Banner. He stopped for only a second then jumped (when asked). Since this is a recognized event, the judge recorded a stop. I put it behind me and forgot about it. We sailed over everything else and I was only 30 seconds slow which for me is ok. Unfortunately, we withdrew from show jumping due to Banner's scratches (a skin condition), that made him lame. We are safely back home now and he is being treated and getting better. Steve is doing his very best treating him from afar. Estrella Equine looked at him also.
Ram Tap and Galway Downs were successful also not in terms of placings but in terms of confidence gained.
It's the journey and the dance that we enjoy. I've seen lots of California in my travels, have watched some very good riders and made new friends.
So I'm back to work hard and make up for the time I have missed here even though I got paid anyway. Connie has been very supportive and generous.
I currently have in my group of Lone Tree horses: Maggie (getting ready for Connie to ride Novice at Ram Tap April 16), Cosmo, (a 3 year old WB, quiet, sensible, sound and athletic. I just started riding him around a bit.) Lola, (a 6 yr old ISH that has not yet been ridden but is spirited and fun), Kaylie, (A 3 yr old Liam baby who is quite easy to train), Otter a 8yr old TB, good jumper but green at being out of an arena. I will ride him BN at Ram Tap). I ride Sierra, a 1/2 Arab once per week also. She is positive, athletic and fun.
I used to ride the wonderful old Hanoverian, Bodie also. We will all miss you Bodie. It was a pleasure knowing you. Thanks to the owners of these horses and Connie for entrusting me to train them.
I plan to return home on April 18th and kick start my training business and music jobs upon my return!
Respectfully submitted,
Mia
Febuary 5th was Galway Downs in Temecula, CA., Feb 19 was Ram Tap in Fresno and March 5th weekend was Twin Rivers Ranch in Paso Robles.
When I walked the course last weekend, I thought it was the hardest course I have ever attempted in my life of eventing. I wondered why, at age 58, I do this sport? How is it that I would leave home and and husband to work my butt off like a young woman at a horse farm and sacrifice my cushy life so that I could go eventing?
The Preliminary level course seemed large, long and there were many combinations and related distances. I was reassured by the fact that Banner is a very good jumper. My employer, Connie Arthur, has taught me to ride him better. Banner will jump happily if I ask him in a way that he understands. If it's a tough question, however, I must ask! Early on in the course, he can be timid. I am riding well most of the time but can still slip into old bad habits if I lose focus.
Back to the why......I meditated and actually prayed for guidance. I realized then that I have the" freedom to sing, dance, praise and love". This riding and jumping is the dance part.
I enlisted an Advanced rider that I admire very much, James Alliston, to walk the course with me. He was gracious and gave me simple instructions for every fence (I told him I was terrified.) When I got the tools and plan, the course started to look feasible. I walked it a total of 5 times.
We left the start box at 9AM and it rode great! Wow! The coffin ditch was deep, wide, black and new to Banner. He stopped for only a second then jumped (when asked). Since this is a recognized event, the judge recorded a stop. I put it behind me and forgot about it. We sailed over everything else and I was only 30 seconds slow which for me is ok. Unfortunately, we withdrew from show jumping due to Banner's scratches (a skin condition), that made him lame. We are safely back home now and he is being treated and getting better. Steve is doing his very best treating him from afar. Estrella Equine looked at him also.
Ram Tap and Galway Downs were successful also not in terms of placings but in terms of confidence gained.
It's the journey and the dance that we enjoy. I've seen lots of California in my travels, have watched some very good riders and made new friends.
So I'm back to work hard and make up for the time I have missed here even though I got paid anyway. Connie has been very supportive and generous.
I currently have in my group of Lone Tree horses: Maggie (getting ready for Connie to ride Novice at Ram Tap April 16), Cosmo, (a 3 year old WB, quiet, sensible, sound and athletic. I just started riding him around a bit.) Lola, (a 6 yr old ISH that has not yet been ridden but is spirited and fun), Kaylie, (A 3 yr old Liam baby who is quite easy to train), Otter a 8yr old TB, good jumper but green at being out of an arena. I will ride him BN at Ram Tap). I ride Sierra, a 1/2 Arab once per week also. She is positive, athletic and fun.
I used to ride the wonderful old Hanoverian, Bodie also. We will all miss you Bodie. It was a pleasure knowing you. Thanks to the owners of these horses and Connie for entrusting me to train them.
I plan to return home on April 18th and kick start my training business and music jobs upon my return!
Respectfully submitted,
Mia
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
California Winter Event Season
Banner and Mia drove to lovely Galway Downs for Winter Event Feb 5-7th. The weather was perfect if a bit cold at night! Saw some Idaho/ Utah friends and had a blast. Banner ended up 6th in Prelim.
The 8 hour drive home seemed long with LA and freeway traffic but was uneventful. The following morning while unhitching the trailer, the clutch on the truck went slack. How blessed am I to have broken down at home! and......it was only a $15 clutch part! I missed that sinking feeling of one's clutch going to floor loose while climbing a pass out of LA.
This weekend is Ram Tap with a full Lone Tree Contingency attending. I will be riding Banner and Magnolia. John M Durr will ride Liam and Mia Finn and Mary Morris will be there too. Maybe it will not rain?
Music is going well. My voice lessons are fun. I've been working on show tunes. I'm going to sing in a recital for the school, a COMPLETE departure from any performance I have ever done. My instructor, Annette Hutton will accompany me on piano.
Stacey Tuel came down and we gigged at Most Wanted Winery, great fun. Everyone is raving about their wine. Visit www.mostwantedwinery.com
The 8 hour drive home seemed long with LA and freeway traffic but was uneventful. The following morning while unhitching the trailer, the clutch on the truck went slack. How blessed am I to have broken down at home! and......it was only a $15 clutch part! I missed that sinking feeling of one's clutch going to floor loose while climbing a pass out of LA.
This weekend is Ram Tap with a full Lone Tree Contingency attending. I will be riding Banner and Magnolia. John M Durr will ride Liam and Mia Finn and Mary Morris will be there too. Maybe it will not rain?
Music is going well. My voice lessons are fun. I've been working on show tunes. I'm going to sing in a recital for the school, a COMPLETE departure from any performance I have ever done. My instructor, Annette Hutton will accompany me on piano.
Stacey Tuel came down and we gigged at Most Wanted Winery, great fun. Everyone is raving about their wine. Visit www.mostwantedwinery.com
Saturday, January 22, 2011
January 22nd with sun back
Today we had fog in morning and sun in the afternoon. We have had sun for 2 days now and the footing is back to being excellent here at Lone Tree Farm. We had a long bout of rain in December and then grey, grey tule fog for about a month. People asked me if was depressed from the greyness. I replied "No, I'm fine as I was crying on my horse while approaching a jump." I'm thankful for the sun.
Some highlights of the month regarding horses were a school at Ram Tap with Mary, and another woman named Mia. I brought Banner and Maggie. Weather and footing was great and I only fell off twice. We are just fine and wiser too.
Today I got to ride with clinician Don Sachey. He comes around Lone Tree periodically.
I learned how to move Banner's rib cage and ride more with one rein to soften him up when he gets too high. It relaxes him and improves submission. Don says we had a "compromise" before learning this. and we Banner wasn't really doing what I asked. A cross country rider must be able to revert to dressage in an instant even when galloping to achieve the harmony we want. To be safe and have fun means having the option of slowing down anytime we want or even do a 10 meter circle without an argument. Moving the rib cage accomplishes this submission. I liked the lesson.
I have more horses to ride and start. I work every day pretty much taking only blocks of time off some days for my voice lesson, meetings, food shopping etc. I'm busy.
Music is a blast. I played a gig last night at a little wine tasting room in Oakdale. I had some new friends join me and we really got it going. John Gwinner played dobro and mandolin, Tina Gwinner played auto harp (she is one of the best auto harpists in world competitions), also we had Fred Stepp on violin. He calls it fiddle...it sounds like a violin to me. The music was so good at times I would close my eyes and just bask in it. It was wonderful.
My voice lessons have made me so grateful to be a singer. I love the high notes now. I appreciate my vocal options and increased range. I am able to be more creative and expressive. I have been singing show tunes as assignment. What fun.
Thanks friends for reading my blog. Best, Mia
Some highlights of the month regarding horses were a school at Ram Tap with Mary, and another woman named Mia. I brought Banner and Maggie. Weather and footing was great and I only fell off twice. We are just fine and wiser too.
Today I got to ride with clinician Don Sachey. He comes around Lone Tree periodically.
I learned how to move Banner's rib cage and ride more with one rein to soften him up when he gets too high. It relaxes him and improves submission. Don says we had a "compromise" before learning this. and we Banner wasn't really doing what I asked. A cross country rider must be able to revert to dressage in an instant even when galloping to achieve the harmony we want. To be safe and have fun means having the option of slowing down anytime we want or even do a 10 meter circle without an argument. Moving the rib cage accomplishes this submission. I liked the lesson.
I have more horses to ride and start. I work every day pretty much taking only blocks of time off some days for my voice lesson, meetings, food shopping etc. I'm busy.
Music is a blast. I played a gig last night at a little wine tasting room in Oakdale. I had some new friends join me and we really got it going. John Gwinner played dobro and mandolin, Tina Gwinner played auto harp (she is one of the best auto harpists in world competitions), also we had Fred Stepp on violin. He calls it fiddle...it sounds like a violin to me. The music was so good at times I would close my eyes and just bask in it. It was wonderful.
My voice lessons have made me so grateful to be a singer. I love the high notes now. I appreciate my vocal options and increased range. I am able to be more creative and expressive. I have been singing show tunes as assignment. What fun.
Thanks friends for reading my blog. Best, Mia
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