Getting Back in the Saddle

With work and school at the forefront of the general inconveniences of 'growing up', showing my horses has become very tough since aging out of the youth division. See, the one thing they forget to mention in the brochure on Growing Up is that you acquire these things called 'responsibilities'. These, in my opinion, are simply the equivalent to trading in your freedom for a sustainable, reliable, and therefore boring lifestyle. Boo. But there is one sort-of positive in a more minimal horse show schedule, and I've come up with a hypothesis to back it. "If attending horse shows causes strain on your usual schedule, making the frequency of your attendance at these shows decline, then you will learn to truly appreciate your horses and the feeling you get once you're back in the show ring." (My apologies, I was a Biology major for 3 years.)

After a couple years of testing, I have significant data to prove this hypothesis correct. I was on a horse show hiatus after Regionals in June, and the time off definitely had me itching to get back in the show ring. I was finally able to show again this fall at the Iowa Gold Star with my English horse, Taco. It was so amazing to be back in the show ring. The minute I got back into my blue suit and into the spacious arena, I realized how much I love my horses and being able to show. There is no better feeling in the world. When I'm on my horse in the show ring, I feel more confident and true to myself than I do in any other situation in my life.

I am also very pleased to announce that I will be showing this upcoming weekend at Minnesota Fall Fest with my new boy, Ames Celebration. I've only ridden him twice, but I'm just happy I get to practice before U.S. Nationals. Yes, I know what you're thinking. "Yeah right, girl. You had one brief hiatus, but get to show all the time!" My critics, I can assure you I've never been able to show into September before, and this will be my first time at U.S. Nationals. I am so lucky to have these opportunities and the unmatched support of my family. My horse show quota is finally being filled, and I couldn't be happier!

http://ahtimes.com/

The LIST

I've been victim to the Show Ring since the age of 8, and in those 13 years, I've gone through more horses than I can believe. Time after time, I've attempted to write a simple piece of notebook paper "the list" of Arabians I've owned and shown over the years, but I think it's about time I really reflect on each horse on a personal level. Every horse, good or bad, taught me things that shaped me into the rider I am today and brought me one step closer to understanding just how special the Arabian horse is. So here it goes. Something I've been meaning to put into words for a very long time.... It's The List.

1. Justin Kitabask (Justi)

2. Toi Rodgers (Toi)

3. Protege (Tucker)

4. Klassic Al Kool (Kool)

5. Cafe Latte (Latte)

6. Action Packed (Alex)

7. Captain N King (Captain)

8. EA Jam Session (Jam)

9. HF Park Avenue (Parker)

10. Ames Supreme (Supreme)

11. LLC Versyn

12. Governor Ghazi (Gov)

13. Lady Lorraina (Layla)

14.WSW Iron Will (Will)

15. Mistifyer (Bam Bam)
16. Ghazpacho (Taco)

17. Ames Celebration

Through this exclusive list, I will share stories from each memorable mount starting with my very first horse, Justin Kitabask, and ending with the most recent purchase, Ames Celebration. Sharing them in chronological order will give you the feel of my journey with the Arabian horse and where I am today. The days of "The List" are upon us... Enjoy!

http://ahtimes.com/

Photos: Equine Personality

As we're all well aware of, horses have personalities like you wouldn't believe. They can be fun, moody, sad, spunky, angry, anything a human can be! Here's some horses showing off their personalities for the camera. Enjoy!

There's Just Something About Mares

I've always been more involved in the performance aspect of horse shows, but I must say that one of my favorite classes to watch at a show is a Purebred mare halter class. I would prefer it to be a class of mares 3 years old or better, just so they're past that "still growing into themselves" age. These girls are just so enjoyable to watch. It's like witnessing a work of art in motion. I love their spunky attitudes, free spirits, and just the fact that they are girls is somehow endearing and makes them seem all the more beautiful. 

 The special ones are flawless. I love watching a class full of beautiful mares and searching for the one that has ideal Arabian conformation. She comes complete with a small muzzle, dished face, expressive eyes, clean throat-latch, long, perfectly shaped neck, smooth shoulder, correct legs, good withers, proportional back, well-angled hip, flat top line, and high tail carriage. It's a long list indeed, but when you stop thinking about these nit-picky aspects of conformation, you can start to appreciate how her femininity shines through. Then you're able to view her as a pretty girl trotting around the ring with pride, power, spunk, exuberance, and effortless beauty. That's what it means to be an Arabian mare. 

 http://www.ahtimes.com

Horse Songs

 Oftentimes in music, horses are portrayed as the picture of freedom that we strive for in our lives. Being familiar with the pure spirit and strength of the horse, it's easy to identify with this powerful image. Here are some songs centered on our good friend, the horse.

 http://www.ahtimes.com