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!
Monday, April 11, 2011
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
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Christmas with Anna and Dec wrap up
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
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
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.
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