I started this space in response to a couple of things. One of my online peeves is to find a blog that I really enjoy reading, which fizzles out and dies, leaving the story unresolved. Also, websites that have clearly had a lot of time and thought put into them, just not since 2012. Then, I read a call from a wise old trainer for horsemen to write about their experiences and knowledge, to keep their minds fresh and to demonstrate their engagement.
In researching 'how to blog', I took the advice of 'Write like nobody and everybody is reading it'. I am pretty sure no one reads this, but that's okay because someday it might help me connect with a new friend or client that I share common ground with. If not gifted with the fabulousness of great talent or unlimited wealth, I do demonstrate dedication for the long haul.
My commitment is to write here at least once a month. I'm still going strong with ideas, and I enjoy sitting down to flesh them out. When you visit my site, I want you to see something fresh and be able to get to know me a little better, if you wish.
I have a big season coming up. I've gotten the boys' paperwork nearly completed to make them eligible show ponies, I carry a show schedule on me at all times, and we're running through test movements at home to look for gaps. We have a couple of clinics planned for mid-spring to get the guys out for dress rehearsals. I have no idea how all this will pan out. One silly spin could spell disaster, lost entry fees and embarrassment. "There's never a good time to bring out a young horse." as the saying goes.
I think it's important to get out there and show folks that I 'walk the talk'. I'm still new in this community, and the boys' training is all mine. This is contrary to the whispers I'd sometimes hear about DiMaggio being 'already trained', as if he volunteered two-tempis to anyone who climbed aboard him. It's been over 6 years since I put Third Level together with Andy, and my beautiful old friend is retired from that now.
In researching 'how to blog', I took the advice of 'Write like nobody and everybody is reading it'. I am pretty sure no one reads this, but that's okay because someday it might help me connect with a new friend or client that I share common ground with. If not gifted with the fabulousness of great talent or unlimited wealth, I do demonstrate dedication for the long haul.
My commitment is to write here at least once a month. I'm still going strong with ideas, and I enjoy sitting down to flesh them out. When you visit my site, I want you to see something fresh and be able to get to know me a little better, if you wish.
I have a big season coming up. I've gotten the boys' paperwork nearly completed to make them eligible show ponies, I carry a show schedule on me at all times, and we're running through test movements at home to look for gaps. We have a couple of clinics planned for mid-spring to get the guys out for dress rehearsals. I have no idea how all this will pan out. One silly spin could spell disaster, lost entry fees and embarrassment. "There's never a good time to bring out a young horse." as the saying goes.
I think it's important to get out there and show folks that I 'walk the talk'. I'm still new in this community, and the boys' training is all mine. This is contrary to the whispers I'd sometimes hear about DiMaggio being 'already trained', as if he volunteered two-tempis to anyone who climbed aboard him. It's been over 6 years since I put Third Level together with Andy, and my beautiful old friend is retired from that now.
No one else has ridden Ludi, ever. His idea of inside bend, contact, shortening & lengthening are based completely on the language I've taught him. I love the idea that all the other horses I've ridden are a part of that.
I'm nervous about putting the youngsters into busy warm up rings, and how they'll react to riding over to the show ring, taking one good look at the judge's booth before we start, and if they'll get to work when I ask them to. I remind myself that it's nothing new for me, I've done my fair share of showing. I've taken horses to their first outings before and been just fine. I am competitive, and am comfortable performing in front of people. What draws me back to the ring is the simple, if not naive, feeling that I have the best horse and I want to show him to everyone. Some horses seem to feel the same way, and if our excitement matches the sensation is hard to find elsewhere in life.
For now, pre-season, we're just ticking along. The stalls are full for a little while with the addition of a new boarder in training, and we're all punching our cards in the indoor. "Miles make manners." There is always a new exercise to play with on Ludi & Ehren. Amazing Andy is in light work, teaching a new student the finer points of dressage riding, and even sweet Belle is increasing her fitness under saddle, in case the right match comes along to ride her gently.
On Saturday March 12, we hosted 'Ottawa's Favorite Judge', Anne Galt for an "Introduction to Dressage". Many friends came out on an absolutely gorgeous day and we rode our horses gently and correctly under Anne's guidance and spot-on insights. We also lolled around in the sun, chatted and ate too much good potluck food! When's the next one?
I'm nervous about putting the youngsters into busy warm up rings, and how they'll react to riding over to the show ring, taking one good look at the judge's booth before we start, and if they'll get to work when I ask them to. I remind myself that it's nothing new for me, I've done my fair share of showing. I've taken horses to their first outings before and been just fine. I am competitive, and am comfortable performing in front of people. What draws me back to the ring is the simple, if not naive, feeling that I have the best horse and I want to show him to everyone. Some horses seem to feel the same way, and if our excitement matches the sensation is hard to find elsewhere in life.
For now, pre-season, we're just ticking along. The stalls are full for a little while with the addition of a new boarder in training, and we're all punching our cards in the indoor. "Miles make manners." There is always a new exercise to play with on Ludi & Ehren. Amazing Andy is in light work, teaching a new student the finer points of dressage riding, and even sweet Belle is increasing her fitness under saddle, in case the right match comes along to ride her gently.
On Saturday March 12, we hosted 'Ottawa's Favorite Judge', Anne Galt for an "Introduction to Dressage". Many friends came out on an absolutely gorgeous day and we rode our horses gently and correctly under Anne's guidance and spot-on insights. We also lolled around in the sun, chatted and ate too much good potluck food! When's the next one?
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