Time to Heal

One of the toughest situations for a horse owner to go through is when an injury strikes and the only bit of hope lies in the recovery. Whether it's a matter of a quick stall rest or a potentially career ending injury, it's never an easy thing for you or your horse to deal with. From the beginning, the news from the vet is exactly what you dreaded hearing. As you look at the X-rays, your eyes inevitably fill with tears and you're forced into the mindset of the 'future'. However, the not-so-wonderful thing about horses is that they are unable to tell you where it hurts, and worse yet, every time you ask the tell-all question: "on a scale of 1-10, how would you rate the pain?", they don't exactly deliver the answer you're looking for. Against your wildest dreams, your horse has yet to reply by stomping his hoof in correspondence to his level of pain, therefore leaving a constant air of uncertainty in the recovery process. Is he feeling better? How long is the perfect amount of time to cure his lameness? These are questions often answered by professionals, however, when it comes to horses, the 'perfect' amount of time is never an absolute surety.

I am currently in a situation with a recovering gelding. A torn check ligament at Regionals brought our show season to an abrupt halt, but he is definitely on the mend. Although it hasn't been ideal for me, the worse part is how 'Will' is dealing with his sudden lifestyle change. He looks at me with big, sad eyes, which I imagine to be wondering why I never ride him when I come out to barn anymore. He whinnies and stares endlessly into the pastures outside his window, longing to feel the grass under his hooves and grinding between his teeth. I wish I could explain that soon, he will be able to go outside and work hard like he used to, but I'm afraid he doesn't speak English very well (that's next on the list).

He and I both long for the day that I can put my saddle on him and ride like we do in the show ring. Until then, it's hand walking, treats galore, and lazy summer days with my 'recovering' horse.

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Just a Girl and her Horse

A girl and her horse share a bond like no other. It's an indescribable relationship unique to every pair. Here are a few inspirational photos that show how special that bond can be.

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Life After Youth

For those of you who have recently graduated from the youth division, I have some words of wisdom to keep you from spiraling into a "post-youth mourning phase" where you lament in your seemingly hopeless situation. Stay strong--I know what you're feeling. You already miss Youth Nationals, you know that aging out is the first step toward 'growing up,' and hey let's face it, you just don't like the way 18-39 sounds. I get it. But I have good news, my newly 'adult' friends. So here's your chance to get off the couch and put that pint of Ben & Jerry's Chunky Monkey away, because guess what... There is life after youth! Your horses will still be there for you next year, and I promise, riding doesn't automatically get 'serious' or less thrilling outside the youth division.

I've been in the adult division for 3 years now, and I assure you that my love for showing hasn't died down in the least. I still look forward to every show I'm able to go to, and nothing is better than a summer day spent at the barn. These are the things that growing up with Arabians has instilled in me for the rest of life--something that getting 'old' will never take from me.

Even though your years as a youth slowly fade away, your love for horses will never fade. Your memories of showing with your friends, spending time with your lovable Arabians, and of course, Youth Nationals, will become memories to hold close to your heart for the rest of your life.

Saddleseat Equitation: Calm on the surface

My favorite class as a youth was definitely Saddleseat Equitation. To me, it was everything. Challenging, exciting, fun, and prestigious. I loved putting on my tux, loading my face with show make-up, and sticking my nose in the air like I would never do in real life. It was almost like living a dress up fantasy where I acted like the best rider with the best horse, someone who wasn't going to let anything get in the way of a rose garland. It's a class where attitude, position, and poise mean everything, and these are the things that make it one of the toughest classes of a horse show. Saddleseat Equitation seems glamorous and effortless, but the flawless picture it paints is far different than the pain and difficulty that the position presents. The old saying: Calm on the surface, but always paddling like the dickens underneath is a perfect description of what Saddleseat is like. An Eq. rider keeps their head up,actively looking around the ring, shoulders cranked back, arms soft looking, yet straining in their horse's heavy mouth, seat acting as a shock absorber in order to keep the appearance of ease, knees glued to the saddle (hence the appearance of oh-so glamorous saddle sores), lower leg behind the knee and away from the horse, feet pointed forward and on the inside of the stirrup, heels down, and hey, they can't forget to keep a pleasant look on their face!

 

Just think about these things when you sit up in the stands, judging Saddleseat Equitation riders. They work their tails off to present a picture-perfect Saddleseat position, and they deserve appreciation. What you see is beautiful, but they didn't achieve that beauty without a bit of pain.

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All Flowers in time bend toward the Sun...

In a society fueled by the internet and a constant up-to-date connection with all things happening in the world, it's no wonder that patience has become a rare commodity. Instant gratification runs rampant in most all facets of our life, and as of late, this has led to impatience with all things that are more than a mouse-click away. I've come to notice that this is has even transferred into horses, especially in today's youth. This generation cannot fathom a life without internet or a cell phone, and I hate to say it, but they've grown to expect the same ease and quick results to translate into achieving perfection with their horses. I'm not ragging on the kids of today, it's really not their fault; I'm just here to point out that horse riding is a sport that cannot be fazed by modern convenience. A horse and rider need the old-fashioned factor of time. It's inescapable. But time is also what keeps horse riding pure and honest--if it was easy and quick, winning would be an everyday occurrence, and what fun would that be? The fun of horses is in the journey, and this road to the top isn't short or consistent, but you'll be a better rider because of it. Horses can be tough animals to get on the same page with, and your relationship with them shouldn't be rushed. You and your horse will evolve together, but getting to know your horse, both in and out the show ring takes time. The time you spend with your horse will turn into trust, love, and will help you grow as both a person and rider. And the end product will make everything worth it!

Just keep in mind a few key words. Patience. Persistence. Purpose. Everything is not going to come together in a few months or even a year. But as long as you stay patient with yourself and your horse, practice with persistence, and ride with purpose, keeping your goal in mind, you can stay on the right track. I will say that the horses I've won with took years to get to that "winning" point, but it makes the win that much sweeter knowing that all the hard work paid off in the end. I wouldn't change a thing about the lengthy, arduous process from first to last ride on any of them. Each one gave me experiences and memories that haven't faded in the years since I last rode them. One of my favorite song's lyrics read "all flowers in time bend toward the sun," and I believe this couldn't be more fitting. Don't ever give up hope on your horse because time will allow you and your horse to bloom and grow towards the light of trust and oneness.

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Youth Nationals V: An Ode to the Groom

"Get Your Groom On"

I've been home from Youth Nationals 2011 for a few days now, and let me tell you... It was an experience. I know that it may "seem" like a good idea to experience my first grooming trip ever at the longest show of the year, but I'm thinking the opposite might be true. It's not that I wasn't aware of the amount of work that show grooms are expected to do, but man! There is literally always something to do. No matter what, horses always need three meals a day and a constant eye on their extracurricular stall activities to make sure they aren't rubbing their tail or doing anything outrageous. Not to mention the long list of -ings that were on the to do list day after day. You know, the sanding, picking, dumping, watering, feeding, sweeping, bathing, moisturizing, walking, wiping, spraying, brushing, massaging, wrapping, clipping, cleaning, tacking, hurrying, waiting, untacking, rinsing, icing, saddling, show-sheening, bridling, running, and very little sleeping. Whew! I'm tired just reading through that list again. I know what you're thinking--"Well what were you expecting when you agreed to have your first groom trip at Youth Nationals, crazy girl!" Yes, yes, I know--I had it coming. Don't worry; the purpose of this is not to complain or invite you to my Pity Party, I assure you.

This grooming experience was eye-opening, and I, in no way, regret doing it. In fact, I am now a firm  believer that every youth exhibitor should groom at a show for a minimum of one day. But I know that's a long shot, so I offer my experience to take in and treat as your own. I never realized just how much the grooms are responsible for until I experienced it myself, and I will never again take for granted all they do. From getting my horses ready, to waiting for me afterwards, to finally putting my horse away until the next time (and everything in between)--they keep the trainers happy and the horses clean and ready for every class, multiple times a day, horse after horse!

I guess you could say that after being thrown in the deep end of the grooming pool, I have a new-found appreciation for floaties. The floaties I'm referring to, in case you're unaware, are the people that do little things to help grooms out on occasion. From this point on, I vow to be the best floatie I can be for the show grooms. I will try to help their sore feet and tired eyes in any way I can. The underrated groom will forever have my appreciation and countless high fives for the rest of my show career. 

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