Ready For Spring

I know we can't really complain about winter here in the south, but I am glad to see the sunshine and warm weather!  The horses are starting to let go of their winter coats, and the little ones walk away looking like kid-shaped lint rollers when they finish grooming...a sure sign of spring around here.

Thank goodness we don't have to break ice in the water tubs anymore, and numb fingers are a thing of the past - at least for a while.  I truly don't know how horse people up north cope because I would pull my hair out.  They are obviously made of tougher stock than I am, and I salute them!

One of the best things about training in the summer is that it takes WAY less time to get to the bottom of a frisky horse.  The shorter the time spent spinning one endlessly on the lunge, the better.  It is less stressful on horse's joints and the rider's state of mind.

So, bring on the heat and the sweat because I am ready.  I will slap on my big silly looking hat and some sunscreen and be good to go!  Oh yeah, if you hear me complain bout how hot it is, just remind me of this past winter come August.

Important Lessons Outside the Ring

Several of the students and I took advantage of the great weather to go for a hack the other day.  The kids loved it, of course, because they weren't having to hear my voice constantly telling them to correct this or that.  However, they were also reminded how functional correct riding is and why they have it drilled into them until it is second nature....hopefully.

The horses, who usually plod around the ring and are very predictable, came to life a bit with the change of scenery and open space.  The two that have a dull walk in the arena, suddenly had more spring to their walk and were interested in life again.  You could almost see the relief in their faces that they wouldn't have to do any circles or leg yields this lesson.

Things got even more exciting when several wild turkeys flew up from their hiding place in the woods.  Two of the quietest horses spun like reining horses and were ready to flee the scene.  One of them was my horse, and thankfully I stayed on.  It is rather difficult to offer instruction and be taken seriously when you have just been deposited on the ground!  My other student demonstrated that she too had Velcro on her bottom and a tight leg position even if her eyes were as big a saucers.

That was a great time for me to point out that the position we work so hard to achieve in the ring serves us well in all situations.  Many people can look pretty over eight fences in a totally flat, well maintained arena, but not biting the dust on hilly, hard ground is just as important!

With spring on the way, I'm sure we will be able to get out and have a little fun.  It makes for happier horses,braver riders, and is always eventful!

Times When I Should Have Paused for Thought

Most people involved with horses have experienced times when an idea that seemed so great in the beginning proved to be less than brilliant after the fact.  When we were kids, we were dropped at the barn, with no supervision, to enjoy a day with our horses.  The only way any of us survived, and there were about five of us under thirteen years old, was because we had very forgiving horses that had seen it all.  Our supplies included a lunch and a box of Band Aids.  Those left able to walk at the end of the day were definitely wiser for the experience.  It seemed some of the early lessons were forgotten as I got older and thought that I knew everything.  As a twenty year old fresh out of riding school, there were many occasions when the horses showed me that they knew better than to do what I was asking of them.

One of many really bad ideas happened at the first horse job I had as a camp counselor.  Some of the camp horses knew how to jump, so we were game to give it a try.  One pony, who had a head like a goat, and the jumping talent of a cat, gave me a rather rude awakening.  Since he was fairly unsuitable as a lesson pony, we decided to have a little fun seeing how high he could jump.  He stood about 13.2 or so, but over a two week period we jumped him first 3'6", then 4', and even 4'6".  The little guy was lion hearted, and could jump from any distance!    For the grand finale, we decided to jump him over about a 4'9" or 5' vertical.  Unfortunately for me, we only had one set of standards and two poles.  So, that meant a single pole on the top of the standards and a ground line....not smart. 

We cantered down to the mammoth vertical with gusto, and he quickly ducked under the jump!  I found myself galloping to the end of the ring with a 12' jump pole in my lap.  In trying to get rid of it, I ended up in a heap at the end of the arena.  My co-workers and even the farrier were doubled over with laughter.  As I hobbled back to the barn, I had time to re-think the wisdom of such an undertaking.  The pony was fine, and I'm sure he was laughing inside because he was way too smart for me!

During my adventures as an exercise rider on the track, my boss had the great idea to teach one of his seasoned race horses to WALK out of the gate.  I'm not sure what purpose this skill would serve since getting out of the gate FAST is what most trainers are working toward.  The boss' ideas were usually one of a kind. 

The plan was for my employer to stand in front of the gate, open half, then the other half, and step out of the way.  Said horse and I would walk quietly out...or not.  All went according to schedule until the first half of the gate opened.  The horse then reared, and I kicked my feet free of the stirrups and dropped the reins in an effort to bail.  That's when the orchestrator of this disaster opened the second half of the gate and jumped out of the way!  The horse broke from the gate at racing speed with me clinging on for dear life without reins or stirrups.  I quickly found out why jockeys ride so short in the irons!

Eventually we pulled up and trotted back to the seen of the crime.  I announced through clinched teeth that "we are never trying that again"!  After a year of being an exercise rider and remaining accident free, I decided that I had used up all my "get out of jail free" cards and quit.

Hopefully, with time and experience I have become a more sympathetic trainer and am better able to consider what I am asking of the horse.  If we all get a little better at listening to what they are telling us, we find that the horses are usually right.  They can do some pretty amazing things if we are just still, quiet, and stay out of their way.

It's Not Just About Riding

Most of us got involved with horses because we love them and enjoy riding, but it doesn't take long to figure out how much more goes into the sport than just swinging a leg over the saddle.  For those who grew up with horses in their back yards or have been in the business awhile, it is easy to forget how special it is to be able to care for and spend time with the animals.

The workdays at QRF, like the one this past Saturday, remind me of how great it is to be able to learn horsemanship from the ground up. (Which is more fun than from the ground looking up..ie. after a fall!)  As usual, we had a great group of young people to help with barn duties ranging from mucking and scrubbing buckets to cleaning tack.  They get to spend a little hands on time to appreciate what goes into running a barn, and we get a slight breather from the same old grind.

The horse business is definitely not a nine to five undertaking, and it certainly isn't boring.  To keep horses happy and as close to natural as possible when they would much rather be fat, shaggy, and turn out twenty four hours a day is a juggling act.  Hopefully, the kids who come through our program learn that becoming a horseman isn't something that you can do for an hour once a week, but takes a lifetime of work.

Rain Didn't Dampen the Winter Carnival Show

Despite the steady downpour Friday that lasted into the evening, the Winter Carnival show was a success.  A big thank you to all the riders and trainers who were game enough to brave the elements ( and mud) to make it happen! 

The ring drained really well, so jumping wasn't a problem.  We just had to be a bit creative with the parking so that the day didn't go from a horse show to mud bogging adventure.  Good job to everyone who trailered in without getting stuck!

Payne kept everyone well fed, and his chicken was a hit once again.  Fortunately for my waistline, we sold out of most of the items.  I like left overs, but after the fourth day it gets to be a bit much.

Our beginner divisions were the largest with about seven riders in both the A and B sections,  many of which went on to show over crossrails.  We were happy to see two riders battling it out in the three foot division and hope to offer more competition at this height in the future.

Thanks again for all of the competitors and volunteers who made it possible.  We certainly couldn't do it without the support of our QRF clients and the local horse community.

New faces...old lessons

I was sorting through old pictures, some of which were taken at horse shows, during lessons, and at summer camps over the years.  I was amazed at how quickly the students grow up and at how long I've been at this.  There were quite a number of photos of six, seven, and eight year olds wearing pigtails or curls who are now driving or off to college.  Most are on trusty lesson horses  like Acorn, Brownie and Midnight, who are still working, while a few were on Tea Time who has since passed away.

When the parents are in the horse show pictures, I can almost see their progression from first time "greenies" to seasoned show moms and dads.  The parents who are clean and put together with the "I can't believe I'm here in ninety-five degree heat" look are just starting out, while the ones sporting boots, a muck rake, or maybe a boot rag and brush are old pros.  It doesn't take them t

oo long to get used to the hurry up and wait routine, and to know that asking exactly when their child shows is pointless.  In short, they learn to go with the flow....usually.

I hope they have all had as much fun over the years as I have.  It can be frustrating, it can be hot, it can be  trying and exhausting, but it is always rewarding. 

I'm sure the lessons such as patience, determination, and humility that horses are so good at teaching will take them well into adulthood.

Gearing up for the Winter Carnival Classic Show

We are excited about the upcoming Winter Carnival Classic show at Quail Ridge and are busy with final preparations.  Hopefully we didn't use up all of the nice weather last weekend and will have a sunny day on the 5th.
As usual, the show is also collecting donnations for a worthy cause.  This time it is to help a very special family that is close to our hearts.  Many in the horse community know Sherry and Alexander Abrams, expecially those in the Athens area.  Alexander is the son of Warren and Linda Abrams, who own Pegasus Place Riding School in Milner.  I taught Sherry, daughter of Eddie and Kathy Wilson of Moreland, when she was a teenager.  Yes, I do have former students who are grown with children of their own!  Sherry and Alexander have two sons.  Aidan is six, and Bailey is four.

Alexander is in need of a liver transplant due to damage caused by an extended illness.  He was recently placed on a waiting list, and now he and his family are faced with the task of raising a portion of the cost.

We are taking both monetary donations and donations of horse and pet related items to be offered at an auction and BBQ at the UGA Animal Science arena on Saturday, March 5th.

You can view items for the auction at http://www.alexanderstransplantfund.weebly.com/ or contact kathywilson226@gmail.com.

Those who donate $25 at the QRF show will receive a mug, and those who donate $50 or more will receive T-shirt.  Please help support the Abrams family and this very worthy cause.

We look forward to seeing you at the show on the 5th.

Thanks,
Scott