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Tattered-Dreams In reply to ??? [2012-01-17 00:15:50 +0000 UTC]

I'm sure you can relate to the insanity of an exam - but a car accident? XD - someone fishtailed around a corner and slammed into the side of my mom's car. No one was hurt, but the bumper took a beating.

He was blind? Wow. You can always trust a horse to know the way home, though

Yes! I like that -- "Either be encouraging, or don't, but stop trying to make of it what it isn't!" <-- better words never spoken

I've never heard of a horse with brain damage that honestly went for someone. I know a chestnut TB off the track who lashes out, but he's not *dangerous* It is a shame if they were once amazing horses, though. Patrick was a real trooper and I saw his owner at the yard, collecting some of his things; it was so clear she missed him.

I think some of my favourite horses are the ones that know their job and have the basic schooling/foundation but are just spunky, want to test you and need encouragement to learn new things. I've ridden horses that haven't even been schooled properly and I just find it so frustrating at times (especially in lessons with the aforementioned biased teacher ) when they just can't compute what you're asking. I always want to take it back to basics, but I can't do that in lessons.

I suppose if he was sensitive then any of those things would have been more than enough have him bouncing off walls for a while. Sounds like you were exactly what he needed; just a friend who was a regular visitor into his day, who didn't ask anything of him and just allowed him some time .

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Zephyrra In reply to Tattered-Dreams [2012-01-17 00:44:59 +0000 UTC]

Wow, that's a bit intense. Glad you didn't get hurt!

Yeah, they had such a good bond though. It was so cute.

LOL! That's actually pretty funny... I might use that!

Yeah, it was pretty scary. Our vet even had no idea what was going on, but she could tell he was just in that much pain that he needed to be put down. I hate it when the young ones go though, it's just so awful. We once had a gelding that just had a seizure in the middle of the pasture and died, and his owner was sitting by him for so long, just hugging his body and sobbing... it was honestly heartbreaking.

Oh, I hate it when you have to ride a badly trained horse in a lesson. The funny ones are the fun ones, they're sassy and smart, but they know what they're doing and you have to figure them out.

Yeah, he actually is super sensitive, I swear he can pick up the vibe of a room in seconds. Cue-wise, I have to use the mildest bit on earth with him, just because he's so sensitive in his mouth, and he reacts so badly to being punished that you can't beat him repeatedly or he'll have a grudge for good. He loves attention though, I swear at shows he would just sit there with his head over the top of the door all day.

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Tattered-Dreams In reply to Zephyrra [2012-01-17 01:36:02 +0000 UTC]

Thanks Though I'm pretty glad everyone was okay, too. We have to report it, though - the other car just took off, didn't even stop.

His owner was crying in the field over him? That's truly awful; I definitely would have been heartbroken just watching. With Patrick, once he was found they had to act fast --they didn't know how long he'd been out there and when the shock would wear off. The last thing anyone wanted was for him to be in complete agony if he was going to go. They just had to contact the owner to get permission, but he was moved before she got there (there was also the problem of students that may react badly so they had to be shielded from it).

Exactly my thoughts. Finding the right triggers to get something out of a capable but spunky horse is great for you as a rider, and I always feel like I've accomplished something if I manage to get the right triggers

Arabian's are sorta famous for their sensitivity and the way they bond with humans, so it'd make sense that he can scope out the vibe and personality of a room in moments. And have you ever thought of trying him in a hackamore? Though he may be too sensitive for the nose/poll pressure...?

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Zephyrra In reply to Tattered-Dreams [2012-01-17 01:44:58 +0000 UTC]

That's awful, the stupidity of people...

Yeah, it was so sad!I had to go sit in the barn just because it was so hard to watch. That's definitely never a good feeling though, I'm sorry he had to go so suddenly.

I know, it's so much more valuable than a blue ribbon! That's why I love experimenting with different training methods.

Yeah, he's actually so good at that he makes me wonder sometimes... Psychic pony! I did try him in a bosal once, he got behind the vertical and would not let me steer for my life, not even with my legs. He's best in a French link D-ring, nothing more, nothing less. He's so picky, makes me wonder if he'd be a vegetarian or something if he were a person...

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Tattered-Dreams In reply to Zephyrra [2012-01-17 23:20:00 +0000 UTC]

I know - there are som real idiots on the road.

I'd have been hiding in the barn, too. No worries. Even hearing about it sucked; I'm kinda glad I wasn't there to see it first hand.

Completely agree. I love seeing different people's methods, and I love the idea of mixing traditional and natural horsemanship, too.

Yay a psychic pony! But it sounds like bosals aren't for him XD. Our superstar pony I mentioned is ridden in a jointed D ring cherry roller (madness) but he loves that. If you've found a bit that works then that's the way to go . And lmao - picky horses. I've known my share of them too. One would definitely go all the way to vegan if she were a person - she gets mix but she'll work around the bits she doesn't like. Getting her medicine is a pain

(And a quick question about your show - In the liberty class, horses have to have loose manes and be free running. All good. But can they have leg wraps/field boots on their forelegs - and headcollars on/off? Just want to be sure )

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Zephyrra In reply to Tattered-Dreams [2012-01-18 02:59:42 +0000 UTC]

Totally agreed...

Yeah, not a fun day. Not at all...

Oh, I know, right? It's so fun! My friend got me hooked on a couple of Clinton Anderson's methods, so I combined it with my normal training and VOILA!

Hahaa, I love how picky some horses are. I'm actually really glad Mo takes meds really well, I can just dissolve some bute for him and pour it on his grain, and he eats it right up.

(Normally Arab classes are completely tackless, so I'd prefer no tack. Handlers can have whips and helmets but that's about it for equipment.)

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Tattered-Dreams In reply to Zephyrra [2012-01-18 22:31:01 +0000 UTC]

Haven't heard of Clinton Anderson. I'll have to look him up He worked for Mo well, then?

I have read that horses have this innate ability to tell what can help them. I'm guessing he knows the Bute's good. Sadie - who eats everything but the medicine - is either a little dense or feels the taste of it isn't worth the help XD.

(And thanks - I did see a liberty video with a grey horse who was wearing the padded field boots on his forelegs, but I couldn't remember if he had a headcollar on. No worries - mine will enter completely tack-free And I'll avoid whips with Aphie - she's a little sensitive )

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Zephyrra In reply to Tattered-Dreams [2012-01-19 02:48:03 +0000 UTC]

Yeah, he's amazing. He's a natural horsemanship trainer but a lot of his stuff can apply to conventional stuff too.

I know, it's rather frihgtening sometimes too... That sounds A LOT like my sister's horse though, he has this uncanny ability to spit out any and all medication put into his mouth, especially dewormer, so you have to stick his head in the air and hope you don't get splattered...

(Gotcha! And hahaa, I can relate about the whip...)

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Tattered-Dreams In reply to Zephyrra [2012-01-19 11:16:08 +0000 UTC]

That sounds like a really interesting way of training. I used to be into Monty Roberts, but I went off him a little and lately Pat Parelli's techniques have interested me. I just prefer the more laid back approach to the trainers that go for more straps, stronger bits, bigger spurs etc.

Oh - wormer is definitely the worst time at the college yard So many of them hate it and try to spit it out that the guy who usually gets tasked might be better off coming to work in a hasmat suit

(Had whip issues yourself? lol. And sorry for another question, but Do horses have to be a certain age to do liberty? like 3, or can they be younger?...just trying to work out if my filly isn't old enough )

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Zephyrra In reply to Tattered-Dreams [2012-01-19 11:27:45 +0000 UTC]

Yeah, I really like it. I've never used spurs at all, and I only ever used draw reins for a teensy period of time to strengthen Mo's neck, but usually all I use is some cheapo western tack, a noseband, and a martingale. That method works pretty well for what I do too, so I love it.

Hahaa! That's funny, lol. Our deworming schedule is so out of wack, since we always have horses coming in and leaving, and they're all on different schedules, so my trainer just keeps track of who needs it when. It can get a little chaotic...

( You could say that, LOL! But nahh, anything above probably a weanling is good.)

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Tattered-Dreams In reply to Zephyrra [2012-01-19 11:41:43 +0000 UTC]

I've never ridden in spurs, either. Though my teacher is trying to get us to use them regularly. So far, I've managed to avoid it It depends what horse I'm thrown on, but in general, just a GP saddle, snaffle bridle with a cavesson or flash noseband. 'Course, I do occasionally get a nutter of a horse that has a stronger bit, and I've used a dressage saddle once or twice - I really love them.

I bet that can get a bit mad, lol. Your trainer must be really organised! But I get it - all our horses get wormed when they arrive but I think they adjust it so that they can manouver all of them onto the same day. Its part of the insurance and the yard policy that horses are treated the day they arrive.

(Ooh, do tell XD. This sounds epic! And thanks -- Just have to get my act together, do the sketches and I'll note you my entries )

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Zephyrra In reply to Tattered-Dreams [2012-01-19 20:24:24 +0000 UTC]

Hahaa, yeah, I hear ya. But I've only ever gotte to sit in a dressage saddle in a tack store, it was SOOOO amazing. My barn trains in western saddles, so the only dressage saddle we have is my trainer's and NO ONE uses it.

Hahaa, oh, we're FAR from organized. She's just good at remembering what needs to be done and when. I know the owners are in charge of worming the boarded horses, but the lease horses and barn-owned ones get wormed by us.

( Let's just say I carried a crop into a pleasure class, got dead last because of a huge freakout, and then ditched it and won second of 12 in an eq class. FAIL. Thanks, I'll keep an eye out for it. )

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Tattered-Dreams In reply to Zephyrra [2012-01-19 21:23:33 +0000 UTC]

Dressage saddles really are comfy. At least you've gotten to sit in one The head of the college equine department used to keep her Grade A showjumper on the yard, and she had this gorgeous close contact jump saddle that was just like your trainer's dressage one It was practically worth its weight in gold and kept high on the wall in the corner so it wasn't messed with.

Good memories make up for organisational skills, then? XD. It runs different to us; any owners who want to keep their horses on the yard agree to have them adjusted to the worming schedule already in use. We have to keep records and papers and everything - never trust our yard staff to get it right based on memory

(Yikes! Sounds like a little pony I used to ride, lol. He's a tubby flaxen chestnut called Toby, and he has phobias of everything. Gymkhana games with him is just asking for a trip to the hospital A and E He doesn't like cups of water, he doesn't like jumps, or potatoes (yup, you read that right) plastic hoops or riding crops. He can do drill rides (just) that's about it XD).

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Zephyrra In reply to Tattered-Dreams [2012-01-20 02:56:04 +0000 UTC]

Oh, I know, they're amazing! I'd love to ride in one someday, even a cheap one. That sounds like ours too, lol, except we keep ours in the trailer, hidden away for show hack classes and Arab sporthorse shows.

I guess so, hahaa! We keep track of who's stall is done, and who cleaned it, but other than that and the lesson schedule we're pretty low-key when it comes to organizing.

AWHH, he sounds adorable! That's hilarious, sounds like a trail class I did with Mo once... I had to drop a bucket because he started FREAKING and I just couldn't do it one handed, then he knocked the gate over, scooted to the side when I went to reach for the mailbox, and tried trotting AROUND the poles instead of over them. That class was a fail...

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Tattered-Dreams In reply to Zephyrra [2012-01-20 12:38:50 +0000 UTC]

We have about three trailers on the yard, but they're all kept empty. They're easier to break into than our tack room, plus its the students' job to wash out trailers and do general upkeep now and then -- couldn't risk it getting damaged

I like the sound of low-key organisation. I'm going to have to move to the States... But it makes sense - as long as the essentials are taken care off, other schedules can just be a waste of paper.

Toby. Adorable. Hmm... I guess he can be, in his own way. Mostly he's just a cheeky tyke. I'm convinced he isn't afraid of half of this stuff, he just doesn't want to do it, but because he truly fears some of it, he can get away with faking. Clever little twit.

And Yes - if buckets don't have food, they must have teeth. I find that quite often . Mo sounds like great fun for gymkhana games (Sai used to do a nice leg yield and half-pass around trotting poles, too). We have a little gate for the disabled riding group to experiment with, but I've seen a huge cob look at it and have no idea what do do when it swung open. Good times.

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Zephyrra In reply to Tattered-Dreams [2012-01-20 20:42:54 +0000 UTC]

Yeah, that's true. Our trailers are kept in a locked shed though, so it isn't as big a problem for us.

Hahaa! Awwh yeah! *fist pumps* Exactly, as long as things get done we operate pretty well. Our barn 4-H club communicates by email, and we take care of stuff at meetings, but other than that and minutes for the meetings we really aren't all that organized.

That's hilarious. My friend has a mare like that, she is such a pain in the butt. Strongest mouth I've ever experienced!

LOL, because that's definitely the most logical conclusion! I've been debating trying some mild barrel work with him, but he is older so I can't push it too far. He used to do dressage though, he still remembers how to half pass at the trot and canter! And that's too funny, LOL!

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Tattered-Dreams In reply to Zephyrra [2012-01-20 21:19:12 +0000 UTC]

Our yard staff always have a ton of meetings - official and just ones in their little office. I have no idea what minutes or records they keep of those, but considering they have one ancient PC that tends to overheat, constantly disconnects itself from the internet and prints things sideways...I'm betting electronic records aren't top standard

I can deal with horses with strong mouths - just as long as they don't snatch the reins or fix. But I bet your friend's horse is a bundle of fun

Bless him! Yeah, Sai didn't technically know how to do half pass - not when you asked him - but he could do a pretty good job of it if he was avoiding sunlight, shadows, poles and even mounting blocks.
Yeah, you might have to take it a bit easy on Mo, but he might enjoy having a go at barrels. It'd be something different for you to try

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Zephyrra In reply to Tattered-Dreams [2012-01-20 21:21:16 +0000 UTC]

LOL! We actually don't even have a staff, we have the trainer whose mother owns the barn and that's it.

Yeah, she'll just stick her head down and PULL. It's quite annoying actually, but she does a great job with her, so...

Hahaa! Amateur half-pass, that's epic. Yeah, I was considering trying it tomorrow, we'll see what we have.

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Tattered-Dreams In reply to Zephyrra [2012-01-20 21:43:02 +0000 UTC]

Wow, that sounds so quiet compared to our crazy yard! There's always at least 20 or so students milling about on weekdays, plus about 6-7 members of staff and the 2 yard managers. I like the sound of yours better Do you work at the barn, then, or just ride and keep your horse there?

And I used to ride a horse like that! Yeah, I'm not good with them either - I keep getting caught off guard and hauled out the saddle XD. There was this gelding (who's probably passed now, coz he was old when I was 12 (yikes - 8 years ago))who I used to ride. A fleabitten grey part Arabian called Polo. It was his trademark that whenever the ride stopped, he'd duck his head and rub his face on one of this forelegs. He was really spindly, though, with not a lot of shoulder, so I watched so many kids practically pitch forward and shoot down his neck like a slide

And good luck with your attempt Hope it works out well!

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Zephyrra In reply to Tattered-Dreams [2012-01-20 22:03:32 +0000 UTC]

Wow, that's crazy! We're lucky to have 5 people at the barn at once normally! I technically could do stalls if I wanted, but the pay kinda sucks and I have NO time. So I just lease there.

Oh, I HATE that! And LOL, my sister's gelding used to do the head rubbing thing, but in the middle of a ride. He still does sometimes!

Hahaa, thanks!

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Tattered-Dreams In reply to Zephyrra [2012-01-20 22:12:07 +0000 UTC]

5 is nothing, lol. Like I said, it sounds much nicer than the manic atmosphere I'm used to. Course, it doesn't help that some students have no experience at all, so you have to be very patient.

I don't blame you for not wanting to work if the pay's bad. I guess thats the good thing with a college yard - because they anticipate the stress, the pay is really good.

Yeah - it can get a little agravating XD. I'm guessing your sister hasn't slid off the front, though?

And I'm finally getting around to registering for your show! woohoo. One entry's half done

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Zephyrra In reply to Tattered-Dreams [2012-01-20 22:21:55 +0000 UTC]

Yeah, it can be pretty nice and relaxing. Patience definitely is key when you're working with inexperienced horse people though, I agree.

Yeah, I can see that. I will be getting a job soon though, I just have to wait until all my afterschool activities are over.

Nope, but she has been dropped on her head by my trainer, who overestimates how much push it'd take to give her a leg up...

YAYY!

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Tattered-Dreams In reply to Zephyrra [2012-01-20 22:37:52 +0000 UTC]

Tell me about it . Though, four years ago, I was one of them; so I've been there. Just makes it easier for me to appreciate where some people stand, I guess.

I'm lucky, coz I still live with my parents, they're supporting me til I finish uni - then I have to get a job.

She was launched over? It should have been taped and sent to You've Been Framed! I've never seen that happen in person - just videos.

And question - One of my handlers is only ever referred to by her nickname, Twitch. Does she need a real name for registering?

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Zephyrra In reply to Tattered-Dreams [2012-01-20 22:44:58 +0000 UTC]

Me too, hahaa! I remember the days...

Yeah, that does make it easier. I'm only going to have to get a job because I need some way to pay for riding, at least in June.

LOL, she was! It was HILARIOUS, I was so mad I didn't have my camera on me that day!

Nope, that's fine. As long as we don't have to call her Person McPerson.

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Tattered-Dreams In reply to Zephyrra [2012-01-20 23:09:35 +0000 UTC]

Fond but sometimes painful memories XD - when I think of things I did horrendously wrong, or really slowly.

Ah; yes. Riding is worth the work

I bet! £250 right down the drain But you could always get him to do it again...

And thanks - note all sent now

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Zephyrra In reply to Tattered-Dreams [2012-01-20 23:18:39 +0000 UTC]

I know, it was bad... I used to take a full half hour just to tack up, not counting grooming!

Oh, of course it is!

I hear ya! That coulda been a $10,000 winner on America's Funniest Home Videos... I might, LOL! Next time she rides bareback, I'll hide the mounting block and bring her into the arena right as she's getting on...

Got it, thanks!

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Tattered-Dreams In reply to Zephyrra [2012-01-20 23:34:39 +0000 UTC]

XD - beat ya. 45 minutes. On a good day. Actually, for the first month or so, I couldn't work out how to get a bit in I remember the first time I did it on my own, and I was so thrilled with myself

I get so into YBF that I forget there's other out there. I watch America's Funniest sometimes, though. It would have been pretty awesome in there Sounds like you have a plan underway, though.

And I've got your return note with my numbers and just coz I'm dense - Do I need them in the art anywhere, or in the comments?

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Zephyrra In reply to Tattered-Dreams [2012-01-20 23:55:57 +0000 UTC]

LOL! I had to get help for, like, the first year.

Hahaa! Never seen that one... I may, though!

Hahaa, on the art is awesome, but for liberty it's only necessary if you're showing the handler and it's on their back.

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Tattered-Dreams In reply to Zephyrra [2012-01-21 00:14:29 +0000 UTC]

Yeah, I didn't start to get the hang of things until around a year, either. I did 6 weeks of work experience as part of the course between my first and second year, and after that time on a proper yard, I came back to college and was like "Yikes. This place is easy. And really slow " Guess I never realised until I had something to compare it to XD.

You've never seen You've Been Framed? you haven't lived! Essentially, its similar to America's funniest, I think. But its British and It's been running since I was tiny. longer, I think.

And I gots it I'll edit in numbers where possible

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Zephyrra In reply to Tattered-Dreams [2012-01-21 00:43:19 +0000 UTC]

Hahaa! I know, I finally started getting used to it once I started showing.

Nope, ahaha! I don't think it plays in the US. I might have to look it up...

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Tattered-Dreams In reply to Zephyrra [2012-01-21 09:55:03 +0000 UTC]

I suppose showing would throw you in the deep end a bit. You either get used to it or fall apart, I guess XD.

And yes - look it up I grew up on YBF. My mum always flinches if she sees a clip that looks painful, but I literally don't stop laughing for the entire show.

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Zephyrra In reply to Tattered-Dreams [2012-01-21 14:33:19 +0000 UTC]

Hahaa, yeah, it's a bit do-or-die. This year I finally found out I have a bit of a talent for French-braiding manes and tails!

OH MY SWEET LORD, that is hilarious! Hahaa, that's how I am with the show Wipeout, I could watch it ALL day!

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Tattered-Dreams In reply to Zephyrra [2012-01-21 15:26:39 +0000 UTC]

Oh, it took me months to understand how to braid tails. Now I can do it, I can't stop! I love it so much - I braid my cousin's hair, my model ponies...everything I can get my hands on I like Arabian running plaits and lattice/diamond plaits, but I'm not so fond of tradtional 'golf ball' ones.

Yus - really funny stuff. And I love Wipeout, too! I find that hysterical - especially if Richard Hammond commentates. Sadly my mum really doesn't like it, so I rarely get to watch more than 20 minutes

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Zephyrra In reply to Tattered-Dreams [2012-01-21 15:28:34 +0000 UTC]

Hahaa, I know, right? I'm tempted to braid my horse just for a normal ride one day! I loooove French braids too, that's why I'm glad my barn had Arabs! I was never a huge button braid person, though.

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Tattered-Dreams In reply to Zephyrra [2012-01-21 16:23:01 +0000 UTC]

XD I frequently just do running plaits on the little ponies at my riding stables (not the college yard) if I'm standing waiting for others. I get carried away far too easily. But there was one instructor there who used to hate the manes or tails being plaited -- I got told off a couple of times...

Have you heard of Rosette or scallop plaits? Some of them can look really cool, too

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Zephyrra In reply to Tattered-Dreams [2012-01-21 16:32:19 +0000 UTC]

Hahaa! I did that at camp once, we were grooming the horses and there were no brushes left, so I just started braiding this one mare's mane and everyone stopped to watch, because they all had little to no experience with horses and it was my 2nd year showing, and they thought it was cool.

But no I haven't, I'll have to look them up!

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Tattered-Dreams In reply to Zephyrra [2012-01-21 18:37:58 +0000 UTC]

That's really cool. I remember we used to do that -- our whole course group would get on the yard and have to stop and watch the 2nd years plaiting, or riding or even just hosing down legs XD. We were constantly in this state of awe...then it was our turn. I did get several first year students hovering over stable doors asking how I learned to plait and was it difficult

And yeah, lookie them up Not my favourites, but still interesting.

(And my first show entry is nearly done Did you want me to note you or just send a link when it is?)

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Zephyrra In reply to Tattered-Dreams [2012-01-21 19:37:46 +0000 UTC]

That's so funny! I love it when people do that, I had people at our county fair that were astonished that I could braid without having the horse tied up, it was hilarious!

I love the scallop ones, very cool!

(Just a link would work, hahaa. BTW, I have NO idea why I wasn't watching you before, so I watched you and now it should pop up in my inbox.)

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Tattered-Dreams In reply to Zephyrra [2012-01-21 19:47:26 +0000 UTC]

Without tying him up! what outrage To be fair, most of the college horses wouldn't bat an eye at being plaited loose on the yard, but because students there have to be taught the 'correct' 'BHS' way, everything has to be done meticulously - if our horse isn't tied, we get an earful!

Yus; scallop braids are cool I love the way they weave and that they look kinda intricate.

And I'll get you a link asap It's done and I'll post in about 15 mins (I'm being dragged outta the house momentarily XD). Thanks for the watch, too, lol; greatly appreciated

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Zephyrra In reply to Tattered-Dreams [2012-01-21 19:52:10 +0000 UTC]

Too funny! We usually tie up the crazy horses, but the older ones who we can trust are usually good without. My trainer doesn't care, as long as we get them braided without dying.

I love that, it's so fun!

Hahaa, I feel your pain, I was just dragged to my bro's basketball game so I know the feeling. I'll keep an eye out for it!

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Tattered-Dreams In reply to Zephyrra [2012-01-21 21:30:47 +0000 UTC]

braided without dying I love that. But so true.

At my work experience yard, it was a shock to the system, coz they didn't care if you tied the horse up, if you led from the wrong side, if you had gloves on - as long as you were safe, not stupid, there was a lot more freedom.

I concur Its just addictive, once you know how.

A basketball game? Ouch XD. I switch off for things like that. I used to play Lacrosse (lax) at my secondary school, and that was brutal, but I could just tune it out if I was watching. Mostly it was a great excuse to hit someone you didn't like with a huge stick But your sympathy is appreciated XD

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Zephyrra In reply to Tattered-Dreams [2012-01-22 01:40:43 +0000 UTC]

Of course! I love being able to do what I want with my horse, it's so much less stressful. I'm actually gonna try and do barrels tomorrow, depending on how many people are there. Maybe, just maybe...

Yeah, not fun... 5th grade basketball is far from exciting. But LOL, hitting people you can't stand with a stick is definitely a good way to take anger out! I played volleyball for a year, I was TERRIBLE. And thus, my riding career began!

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Tattered-Dreams In reply to Zephyrra [2012-01-22 10:14:32 +0000 UTC]

Don't want spectators if if goes up the wazzoo? XD. comes back to that whole 'Don't like to be watched riding' thing, I guess.

And yeah, away from college its definitely less stressful. It sucks for those of us on the yard who've been there a couple of years, know the horses and know where we can take liberties, but aren't allowed. We have to set examples Occasionally, we get a little leeway if we're doing weekend shifts, though...

5th grade? lol, I'm useless, does that make your brother 10? Are you the oldest?

And I actually want to try volleyball! I'd be bad at it too, though. Me and most sports - not so good
Lax, though, you don't need a lot of talent for Just look kinda mean, run quick and use aforementioned stick to bat people away from the ball. Done :lamo: Hence why I quickly discovered it was sorta violent. Makes people's heads turn if they see you with the stick and have no idea what the game is, though I think some people thought my friend had just buried someone...

As for my riding career...I just decided - I think I was 9 - that I wanted to learn. My parents looked around, found the nearest stable and I started lessons. For a whole year I refused to ride a horse other than a black gelding called Tommy. I still think they couldn't have given me a better horse to start on

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Zephyrra In reply to Tattered-Dreams [2012-01-22 14:07:25 +0000 UTC]

LOL, very true! That, and our indoor is TINY. Like, smaller than a little dressage ring. We deal with it, but it makes stuff with patterns hard in the winter.

Of course, the whole "set the example" thing... I hate that, honestly. It's why I'm glad most of the riders at my barn are in sorta the same age group/skill level, although my friend and I are the oldest riders so we still have to "set the example"...

LOL, hahaa, yeah, he's 10. I'm the oldest, my sister is a little younger than I am.

That did NOT go so well for me, LOL. Hahaa, I tried lacrosse in gym class, it's pretty popular in the US so a bunch of people in my gym class knew how to play, I just CANNOT catch or throw to save my life. But LOL, that thing with the stick.... that's too funny. I have a whip, that's about it. And it's illegal to use that on people.

I was... ehhh, 10 when my parents finally let me ride. I joined 4-H when I was 11 and started showing at 12. But that little pony sounds SO adorable!

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Tattered-Dreams In reply to Zephyrra [2012-01-22 14:50:53 +0000 UTC]

You did say your school was tiny. I bet that makes it difficult -- we have enough near collisions in ours!

You have to be an example setter too! Yeah, I don't love it. Sorta makes me glad I'm not on the yard as often with the 1st years any more. You just get scrutinised.

I was the oldest sibling, too. 'Course being an only child has it's perks. I'm the oldest of my family's generation - I have 2 cousins. It's a fairly small close family; its the extended cousins and aunts that are hard to keep track off

Yeah, I was pretty bad at lax, too. Though...there was a girl in the class who was really bad and didn't like it at all. She was stood on the pitch, stick just held loosely and not paying any attention. There was a huge yell and the ball came flying at her - she threw up the stick from reflex, to defend herself...The ball went straight in and caught. About half the team came flying at her and she screamed, lost her head and hurled the ball as far as she could.

It went straight in the goal, took the goalie by surprise and they fell into the net, too. Pretty much everyone stopped on the spot, speechless. You couldn't write stuff like that. Funnies thing I'd ever seen

Moving on...I have a really cool schooling whip that I never take to college in case it gets damaged. I'd love an Indiana Jones style coil whip

You started showing really early I barely show or compete, still. I guess I'm just happy pottering about behind the scenes, as it were. And yeah, Tommy was epic. A real confidence booster and he always was so sweet. I always thought he was this huge horse, but looking back, he must have been barely 14 hands

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Zephyrra In reply to Tattered-Dreams [2012-01-22 15:16:54 +0000 UTC]

Yeah, it's tough when there's a bunch of people riding at once. Although with two, three horses, you're usually good.

Yep, unfortunately. I hate it when people criticize my riding and horsemanship when they're not supposed to, unless I asked them of course.

LOL!!! That must've been SO FUNNY!

I have a bright blue lunge whip, I bought it for $2 at a tack sale and I love it. Scared the heck out of them though, I don't even have to hold it up! Indiana Jones-style whips rock though, lol!

Haha, yeah, my barn is big on showing so I started early. I usually do about 6 4-H shows, 2 open Arab shows, one big 4-H show, and one big, A-rated Arab show a year. So about 9 or 10 shows. Awwwh, he sounds adorable! I love how the small horses always seem so big when you're on them, especially as a beginner.

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Tattered-Dreams In reply to Zephyrra [2012-01-22 16:02:43 +0000 UTC]

Tell me about it! Literally every time you ride there's other students watching, or staff members saying things about how you ride and what to change. Again, its a different environment, and you're supposed to learn, but on the occassion you get to just do a bit of schooling on your own terms, it really sucks having hundreds of opinions flying at you.

And yes - it was hilarious. We just stared for ages - even the teachers weren't sure what had happened - and then everyone just started laughing. The poor girl didn't even know she'd done something amazing - she was just terrified of getting the ball back.

That's a wicked sounding whip - and for $2! I've had mine so long I don't know how much it cost any more. But it's black and burgundy with a leather and sueude handle. Like I said, I love it so much, I barely use it -- schooling whips go missing on the yard like ships go missing in the Bermuda Triangle

Are you an Indiana Jones fan? Or you just like his whip XD?

Do you compete on Mo for all these shows? It sounds manic, but a lot of fun What is it you do for them? Reining/saddleseat/pleasure?

Yeah - perspective of a child, lol. Second horse I ever rode("rode" ha! balanced on) (years before Tommy - I think I was 4) I thought was a shire horse. In fact, my mom tells me he was closer to 14 hands too and of course now, the 14 hand ponies at college look miniscule!

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Zephyrra In reply to Tattered-Dreams [2012-01-22 16:47:38 +0000 UTC]

That sucks! I actually haven't had a lesson in months, I'm way overdue for one. It's been kind of a hot mess lately...

LOL!!! That rocks. I honestly would pay money to see that.

LOL, yep, it's awesome! A little beat up, but it does the trick! Your whip sounds AWESOME though, the most we can get here for cheap is a fiberglass shaft and rubber handle. Our whips go missing a lot too, so we label things like there's no tomorrow.

Hahaa, nahh, I just love the whip. I'm not really a huge movie person.

Yep, I do! It's crazy, but I love it. I ride Arabian-style hunters on him, but I want to do one or two low-level dressage classes this year.

Oh, yes. I totally agree, I rode this 12hh pony in the 3rd grade, I could have sworn she was way bigger when I look at photos! Mo is actually just half an inch higher than pony height, he's 14.2 and a half. And he seems tiny!

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Tattered-Dreams In reply to Zephyrra [2012-01-22 17:06:51 +0000 UTC]

I used to get lessons weekly. For the last few years, though, I've cut to fortnightly. It's expensive, considering I'm not working at the minute...

Yes - I coulda got money for it! If only I'd had a camera

I love my whip Tis precious But yeah, a lot of the ones we use are simple fibreglass. And apparently labels mean nothing to college students If it works for you, that's a good way to go about it, though

Not into movies? Blasphemy! lol. Do you like reading?

As long as you love it and have fun -- that's why we should ride. Its not about the winning, just about the enjoyment Good luck doing dressage! Some low level stuff shouldn't be too demanding and you might find it fun. Did you hear about a woman who did yoga, and her Arabian gelding picked it up? He's able to do several 'yoga positions' and apparently its been great for his joints and got him supple again..

I got put onto a 17.3 hand horse for one of my riding lessons at college a long time ago, and since then, a lot of horses feel small XD. One of my current favourites - a little chestnut thing called Blue who I may have mentioned - is around 13 hands. It feels like you could reach the ground either side of him sometimes!

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Zephyrra In reply to Tattered-Dreams [2012-01-22 17:20:00 +0000 UTC]

Yeah, it really is. I don't have to pay for my habit until the beginning of June, but I do pay for all my own tack and stuff. But still...

LOL! If only! HELMET-CAM!

Fiberglass is actually really nice for whip shafts, but the handles... they're just awful. They slip and slide all over the place, it's SO annoying.

Hahaa, I usually have no time to sit down and watch a movie, whereas with a book I can pick it up and read little parts of it throughout the day. I'm a HUGE bookworm!

Hahaa, words from the wise! He actually used to be a pretty awesome dressage horse, after he raced - quite a few top 3 placings! He still remembers quite a bit of it too, which rocks.

Yoga? How cool is that!!

WHOA, that's huge for me! I'm used to those teeny-tiny Arabians! That pony sounds too cute though, LOL!

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