*Cowboy Status*

My first experience with a not-so graceful dismount happened when I was 8 years old. My very first horse Justi and I were in the outdoor arena, and all was business as usual. However, the lesson soon took a different track when my "trusty Justi" spooked at something and bucked his way across the arena. Needless to say, I wasn't quite prepared for this behavior from my usually predictable purebred, and the inevitable happened. The episode sent me flying through the air and then spiraling down into the hard dirt. I shed a few tears, but in those days I was a bit of a renegade, so without hesitation, I got right back on my trusty steed. Once back inside the barn from my lesson, my trainer Deb went on to share the benefits of falling off a horse. In an attempt to raise my spirits, she went on to ask "do you know how many times you have to fall off to be a cowboy?" I perked up and shook my head with curiosity. "Nine times! So you have eight to go until you're a real cowboy." I smiled at Deb and my mom, and decided from that point on, falling off didn't mean was a bad rider, it simply meant I was that much closer to *Cowboy Status*.

It turned out that this fall resulted in a fractured pelvis, but I could still ride, so it was only a minor setback. Since this first plunge, I have fallen off four more times, on four different horses. Luckily I haven't sustained any major injuries, but I was close one other time.

Jump ahead to 2008- My handsome Half-Arabian country horse, Will, and I were practicing trotting without stirrups a few weeks before my final Youth Nationals. At the time, he had issues keeping his front end and back on the same page and going in the same direction, which is not an ideal scenario for riding without stirrups. After a few solid laps around the indoor arena, we burned around the corner when Will's rear shifted quickly over to the wall, and that threw off my balance just enough to send me sliding underneath of him. One of his Half-Arabian-hefty hooves stepped on the inside of my right calf, leaving a half-dollar sized hole. Will stopped immediately, turned around, and looked at me with sad, sorry eyes. I wasn't seriously injured, but there is still quite the scar and limited feeling as evidence of the fall.

I must say that I am both relieved and slightly disappointed that I've only fallen off five times on my journey toward *Cowboy Status*. Just four more dismounts to go- we'll see if I ever make it. If I do, I'll make sure the world knows about it. I will most likely change my entire wardrobe, career choice, and lifestyle to accommodate for this monumental event in life.

Yup, someday... That could be me.

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Youth Nationals II: The Roses

"I Dream of Latte"

It was Youth Nationals 2003, and I was riding in the 13& under Half Arabian Hunter Pleasure class with my mare Cafe Latte. We only made it into one final that year because Latte, in a bout of unpredictability, decided to kick out at a horse and break from the canter in the other section's cut class. Funny how mares can be isn't it? But luckily we made it into this final and all was well so far. I kept a considerable distance from all other horses in an attempt to keep my tempermental mare from blowing a gasket. My head was a swivel, constantly scanning the ring in all directions. 

The announcer called for the last trot and then, finally, for the horses to line up. Whew! We made it through the entire class blow-up free, an excellent feat at the time. The judges completed their final tallying and the class of half Arabian hunters were excused from the arena. Waiting in the paddock, my nerves were at their peak, anxiously waiting for the coveted "call" of results from Tingley to the outside announcer. My heart skipped a giant beat when the loud ring jingled with intensity, and every rider's eyes glued to the paddock announcer as he picked up the phone and jotted down the lucky numbers who would be receiving a top ten. Trainers sped over to the list, hoping to see if their rider on the elite list of the class. My trainer, Deb, took part in this mad rush, and upon scanning the list, her facial expression had no change. This had me prepared for bad news, however, when she looked up at me, she gave me a big smile and two thumbs up in approval. I let out a huge sigh in relief and patted my chestnut mare's neck in appreciation and awe.

The top ten horses formed a line in numerical order outside the arena, preparing to reenter and receive their top ten ribbon. When the announcer called my number, I came in proud, hearing the resounding cheers of my family and friends yelling from the stands. Upon reaching the far end of the arena with the rest of the top ten, I parked in the middle so I could get a good view of the reserve and champion when they got their picture taken. The announcer's booming voice overpowed all other sounds in Tingley as he called out the reserve champion. A big, striking bay took the title and trotted to get his roses. And then it was time for the champion. I glanced around at the other horses, placing bets inside my head on who would take home the roses. But, then something unbelievable interrupted my thoughts. A very, very familiar song started playing: "the Feather Song" from the movie Forrest Gump- MY pattern song. I couldn't believe my ears! In complete and utter shock, I threw my arms around Latte's neck and began to cry in pure astonishment.  And as I shakily rode over to the picture area, I could see everyone was crying in amazement and joy- my family, friends, and trainer. I had won my first National Championship, a moment that I had dreamt of since my first Youth Nationals 4 years before. I rode out of the arena on top of the world, trying to take in every detail of the moment, as I knew it would be something I would never forget. 

Cafe Latte

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Top Ten Horse Movies

There's just something about a good horse movie. Even if you've never ridden a horse in your life (blasphemy), they are still so incredibly inspirational and powerful. You can almost feel the bond between owner and horse on screen, and even when the movie tends to fade over to the cheesy side- you always end up loving it and going back for more! All ten of these movies are must sees!

10. Black Beauty (1994)

9. Hidalgo (2004)

8. Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (2002)

7. Dreamer (2005)

6. National Velvet (1944)

5. Seabiscuit (2003)

4. Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken (1991)

3. Flicka (2006)

2. Horse Whisperer (1998)

1. Secretariat (2010)

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Peace, Love, and Anxiety

Horses are incredibly intuitive animals. We've all heard that horses have the ability to sense fear, which is entirely true, however, what about their ability to sense other feelings? From past experiences, I believe that horses are very keen in reading all sorts of emotion, both on the ground and while you're riding them. Perceptiveness of a horse doesn't just come and go with certain emotions, it resonates into all aspects of human emotion.

When I'm feeling blue, I know where to go. I don't call my friends; I don't eat a pint of ice cream; I just go to the barn and visit my horses. Even the nostalgic smell of the barn helps speed up the process. Upon entering the far corner of my horse's stall, he eagerly spins his neck around to see who's stepped in. His welcoming ears pop forward, and with his neck down and relaxed, he saunters over to me. I caress his face with my hands as he searches my sweatshirt and jean pockets for treats, only to come up empty hoofed. The vibe is different between us today, and we can both sense it. He isn't nipping at shirt or shoving his head into me playfully, he is simply listening to my down emotion, letting me hug his neck in understanding.

And over the years, something really amazing has happened. Not only are my horses able to sense and feed off my emotion, but I can also reciprocate the favor. Often times, before a class or just during a taxing workout, I'll feel my horse start to brace in bridle, tighten in the poll, and tense up in his body. He is feeling anxious and on edge, and I need to do something before he has a full blown panic attack. The last thing he needs is a nervous wreck behind the wheel, so I loosen up my body and mind as much as possible. I comfort him slow and consistent cues, attempting to relax his tense, pre-show jitters. I picture his mind running with hundreds of wind-up toys that simply need a few moments of tranquility to wind down and clear out. And usually, my quiet confidence makes peace of the stressful situation and puts everyone involved at ease.

Whether it is the best of days or the worst of days, my horse has always been there for me, and no matter his condition, he always responds to me the way I need him to. And now that I find myself identifying with my horse's emotions more than ever, the least I can to do is pay it forward. I will forever offer my horses the same sort of solitude and understanding I have received from them over the years, because the relationship between horse and rider should be a mutual one, after all!

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Youth Nationals I: The Memories

In the very first blog post for The Arabian Horse Times, I'm going to begin with an entry on a major upcoming event: Youth Nationals. This will be the first installment of a series of everything about YN leading up to the big showcase.

With Youth Nationals 2011 only a few weeks away, we all know what time it is. It's the time of year when you're out at the barn every day with your horses, preparing for the epitome of the show season. It's the show that has the best youth riders in the nation and their trainers coming together to prove what kind of work they've put in over the year. Youth Nationals is the best of the best in the Arabian youth industry, and everyone is definitely "in it to win it." But even in the spirit of competition, the exhibitors always leave Albuquerque with a smile on their face, beaming from how much fun they had at Youth Nationals. I'm convinced that the show will never lose its zeal,  always live up to the hype, and most importantly, be the ultimate test for young riders across the nation.

My first Youth Nationals was in 1999, and that's all it took. I was officially hooked. Every year since, I've been lucky enough to attend with my supportive parents at my side. In those first few years, ribbons were hot commodities, and not to be taken for granted. I was lucky to get any sort of cut ribbon, but most the time, my below average purebreds just weren't cutting it (literally). But I barely remember how unsuccessful the showing aspect of YN was for me and my horses. What I remember most are the friendships and experiences I had. Every minute that I wasn't preparing to show or actually riding, I was over at a friend's stalls, playing with Breyer horses in an entirely closed off stall that was devoted to such play. It was a 9 year old horse lover's dream. We played "horse show" for hours and thought it was just the best time possible. Oh, to be a kid!

What Youth Nationals brings forward is simply the pure love and appreciation of showing horses- something that seems to flee as we enter the adult side of showing. When I was a kid, it was never about winning a National Championship or having the best, most expensive horse in the class; it was about bonding with my horse and show friends, enjoying the opportunity I had to be showing such amazing Arabian horses. And that's a beautiful thing! I think we could learn something from the nonchalant, cool attitudes of youth who simply want to go to Nationals to have fun. What a thought, huh!

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Welcome to the Arabian Horse Times Blog

Just a Girl and Her Horse(s)

I've been riding Arabians since I was six years old, and needless to say, they have changed my life. They hold a special place in my heart, giving me friendship, roses, love, and memories to last a lifetime. In an ode of gratitude to the amazing breed, this blog will serve as a chronicle of my experiences with the Arabian horse over the years. Through sharing what I have learned from them and the times we have had together, you can live vicariously through a true Arabian horse girl. Read to laugh, to reminisce, and to further appreciate the amazing and unsurpassed Arabian horse. 

 Me and the late Governor Ghazi

Youth Nationals 2008

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