I had the pleasure of seeing WarHorse a week ago on the first night of previews of it's run on Broadway at Lincoln Center. If you love animals and in particular if you love horses you can't help but be moved by this drama. The music is beautiful and stirring and the equine puppetry is more breathtaking in person. It was a full house and I had gotten great orchestra seats. We were sitting close to the aisle. At one point in the play, the horse Joey is led up the aisle and away from the stage - he walked right past our seats! How cool to see him so close!
By the end I was crying. I was one of the first in our section to stand up for the ovation and here I am clapping and tears are streaming down my face. I had dreamed of seeing this show from the very first times I'd heard about it. It was magical to finally have that wish come true! I'm planning on buying tickets for after the show officially opens to compare what I saw in previews to the "official" performance.
And the mare that On The Bit and I checked out? She's getting her spring shots and a coggins pulled. As soon as all that is cleared from her vet, she will be coming here for a pre-purchase trial. I am happy and yet scared, too. It's getting closer...
Showing posts with label Horse Shopping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Horse Shopping. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Maybe, Maybe Not.
I have been having a bit of a rough patch. Had a nasty headache and just all over body aches. I was worried it might be the flu but I felt a little better when I got up this morning.
I have been checking in on and working with Diego all week, Wednesday I lunged him and he was what I expected. With the ground just thawing out, he felt the soft yet not muddy footing and he bucked, and bucked and BUCKED. Any time he went into a canter, it just became a bucking canter, so I'd gently soothe him back to a trot and keep him trotting off the head of steam. I always prefer a horse trotting themsleves tired than tearing around on the line and working themselves up even worse.
Friday, we did the same thing. Today, I took him out, lunged him about 15-20 minutes and as soon as I noticed he wasn't so intent on whizzing around, I mounted up. I did a lot of walking just to settle him and feel him out. Then we picked up a trot. It's obvious he needs lots of basic dressage. He's not really balanced but he is good to the leg, not overeactive. He's a lot of horse. I can handle him, but if I choose him I understand the level of work he will need. I have to think if it's for me. Also, his asking price is more than I feel comfortable paying. With all this doom and gloom economic forecast, if the price can't meet me in my comfort zone, unless he is the reincarnation of my Monty, I also don't think it will happen.
One thing did irk me. I was informed that he walks his stall, a lot. This is no surprise as his owner told me that even before he came in. He doesn't do it all the time and not enough to work himself into a sweat, I'm guessing it's mainly at mealtimes and when horses are coming in and going out. He still needs to adjust to the vibe of the place. It was suggested that he be given "something" to "settle" him in the hopes this would stop it. That upset me. I will not do that and if it becomes an issue then I guess this isn't going to work out. I think a work program will help him to find his "inner peace", but he has to be given the chance.
I'm looking at another horse tomorrow. Maybe something will come of this next one. Why is it so damn hard to find a horse?
I have been checking in on and working with Diego all week, Wednesday I lunged him and he was what I expected. With the ground just thawing out, he felt the soft yet not muddy footing and he bucked, and bucked and BUCKED. Any time he went into a canter, it just became a bucking canter, so I'd gently soothe him back to a trot and keep him trotting off the head of steam. I always prefer a horse trotting themsleves tired than tearing around on the line and working themselves up even worse.
Friday, we did the same thing. Today, I took him out, lunged him about 15-20 minutes and as soon as I noticed he wasn't so intent on whizzing around, I mounted up. I did a lot of walking just to settle him and feel him out. Then we picked up a trot. It's obvious he needs lots of basic dressage. He's not really balanced but he is good to the leg, not overeactive. He's a lot of horse. I can handle him, but if I choose him I understand the level of work he will need. I have to think if it's for me. Also, his asking price is more than I feel comfortable paying. With all this doom and gloom economic forecast, if the price can't meet me in my comfort zone, unless he is the reincarnation of my Monty, I also don't think it will happen.
One thing did irk me. I was informed that he walks his stall, a lot. This is no surprise as his owner told me that even before he came in. He doesn't do it all the time and not enough to work himself into a sweat, I'm guessing it's mainly at mealtimes and when horses are coming in and going out. He still needs to adjust to the vibe of the place. It was suggested that he be given "something" to "settle" him in the hopes this would stop it. That upset me. I will not do that and if it becomes an issue then I guess this isn't going to work out. I think a work program will help him to find his "inner peace", but he has to be given the chance.
I'm looking at another horse tomorrow. Maybe something will come of this next one. Why is it so damn hard to find a horse?
Sunday, March 1, 2009
No New Jersey Trip Today
Weather looks to be progressively worsening today. Called the lady with the horse in NJ and she totally agreed that it was not a good day to take the drive to see him. We rescheduled and in the meantime she said she was trying to dig up some video footage of him. That would be great!
Still waiting to hear back from barn owner if I can bring Diego in. If not today, then will just wait until the weather gives us a break.
Still waiting to hear back from barn owner if I can bring Diego in. If not today, then will just wait until the weather gives us a break.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Yes, I'll Take Your Horse
My husband and I drove out to see my friend, Ms. E. She moved into this house almost 2 years ago and this is the first time I've seen it. (I am a lousy friend, "blush")
Ms. E demanded I come out and try her horse, Diego. She bought this lovely horse shortly after she got her new home and the way it's worked out she never had enough time to properly work with him. So, he's been just kind of hanging out with her other horses and cow, doing nothing but being a horse.
Her new home is lovely, she's so happy to have her own barn and animals. Farmer girl, LOL! She took me to meet Diego and she was right, even in the worst of winter he is a nice looking horse. He's a papered Thoroughbred, bay and big - like, just my size, 17 hands big!
I tacked him up, she lunged him for 20 minutes and I mounted up. Though the ground was sloppy and not good for more than a slow trot, I like him. I especially liked when I put my leg on him, he didn't react. It took a good squeeze to push him on. I love a horse that's a little slow to the leg. She told me to take him! Take him home, put him in my empty stall and give him a trial! We'll work out the details if I decide to keep him. Wow, just like that.
With permission from the barn owner, I may have a horse in my stall tomorrow morning.
Now, there still are other horses I'm committed to look at, the one in NJ and 3 at the farm in upstate NY. But how cool if Diego is the one?
Ms. E demanded I come out and try her horse, Diego. She bought this lovely horse shortly after she got her new home and the way it's worked out she never had enough time to properly work with him. So, he's been just kind of hanging out with her other horses and cow, doing nothing but being a horse.
Her new home is lovely, she's so happy to have her own barn and animals. Farmer girl, LOL! She took me to meet Diego and she was right, even in the worst of winter he is a nice looking horse. He's a papered Thoroughbred, bay and big - like, just my size, 17 hands big!
I tacked him up, she lunged him for 20 minutes and I mounted up. Though the ground was sloppy and not good for more than a slow trot, I like him. I especially liked when I put my leg on him, he didn't react. It took a good squeeze to push him on. I love a horse that's a little slow to the leg. She told me to take him! Take him home, put him in my empty stall and give him a trial! We'll work out the details if I decide to keep him. Wow, just like that.
With permission from the barn owner, I may have a horse in my stall tomorrow morning.
Now, there still are other horses I'm committed to look at, the one in NJ and 3 at the farm in upstate NY. But how cool if Diego is the one?
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Horses, Horses Everywhere!
I am once again back to horse shopping and this time I have lots of offers! Hopefully there will be a special one among them. I spoke with a woman I knew from years ago on the show circuit. We used to compete against each other and now she's a friend of a good friend of mine. She owns her own riding school and has 2 or 3 horses I might like. The friend who gave me her phone number also has a horse for me to try and my blog buddy, On The Bit has given me a lead to a nice looking horse in her neck of the woods! Guess what, On The Bit? I'll be in Jersey on Sunday!
I'm kind of blue about the TB colt, though. He really deserves a nice home. If you want to see him or think someone might want him who has the space and time to let him grow up to see who he will be, just email me (look for my contact info at my profile) and I'll send you the link where he is.
I'm kind of blue about the TB colt, though. He really deserves a nice home. If you want to see him or think someone might want him who has the space and time to let him grow up to see who he will be, just email me (look for my contact info at my profile) and I'll send you the link where he is.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Rant - No, it is NOT a buyer's market
It's ranting time. I am frustrated, stressed out and actually, rather pissed off, no nice way to say it. I don't think it's going to work out with the colt. I have mulled over all the vet exam info and asked other professional's opinions of the findings. I'm starting to feel there is a risk level here I can't afford to take.
Everyone seems to think it's a buyer's market out there when it comes to horses. I'm telling you, that may be true if you just want "a horse". As soon as you get specific in what your equine needs are, your prospective choices drop to 0.
Just try to find a horse 16.2 hands tall or taller for example. They are out there but not in my price range. I am 5'9" tall with a large frame. Do the math, I need the size of the animal to be fair to both of us.
I only have a certain price I can comfortably work with. I cannot justify spending above that amount. I have other responsibilities and my conscience holds me from doing something stupid. There are many horses out there for that price or less but they are usually lacking in other areas of importance to me.
Most promising horses are many miles away. I don't have more than weekends to drive to see prospects and the last time I did it it was almost 400 miles round trip. An entire day spent on one go-see. I have a family and work full-time. In this economy, taking time off from work to go horse shopping is not going to garner anyone's sympathy. Driving all over to look at horses on my already busy weekends is already getting old.
Internet ads suck. Sorry, no other way to say it. Locally, there are either two kinds of sellers, ones who only sell high end stuff and ones who can only sell horses to people who have no idea what they are looking at. And if I go to someone asking $15000 for their horse, try it and then offer them my measly $5000, do I honestly expect them to take that offer? More wasted time.
Somehow in the past, all my horses just came to me. My first was a lesson horse at the barn I started riding at. My second was bought from the owner of the lesson stable for my dad and then turned out to be a nice show horse for me. My third was an OTTB that the same lesson barn owner was selling for one of his friends at the track. Monty was brought in by my trainer as a horse for one of his other customers and he turned out to be a better match for me. Now I am tring to go this alone and it's just crappy.
So no, the market is not flooded with horses for me.
Everyone seems to think it's a buyer's market out there when it comes to horses. I'm telling you, that may be true if you just want "a horse". As soon as you get specific in what your equine needs are, your prospective choices drop to 0.
Just try to find a horse 16.2 hands tall or taller for example. They are out there but not in my price range. I am 5'9" tall with a large frame. Do the math, I need the size of the animal to be fair to both of us.
I only have a certain price I can comfortably work with. I cannot justify spending above that amount. I have other responsibilities and my conscience holds me from doing something stupid. There are many horses out there for that price or less but they are usually lacking in other areas of importance to me.
Most promising horses are many miles away. I don't have more than weekends to drive to see prospects and the last time I did it it was almost 400 miles round trip. An entire day spent on one go-see. I have a family and work full-time. In this economy, taking time off from work to go horse shopping is not going to garner anyone's sympathy. Driving all over to look at horses on my already busy weekends is already getting old.
Internet ads suck. Sorry, no other way to say it. Locally, there are either two kinds of sellers, ones who only sell high end stuff and ones who can only sell horses to people who have no idea what they are looking at. And if I go to someone asking $15000 for their horse, try it and then offer them my measly $5000, do I honestly expect them to take that offer? More wasted time.
Somehow in the past, all my horses just came to me. My first was a lesson horse at the barn I started riding at. My second was bought from the owner of the lesson stable for my dad and then turned out to be a nice show horse for me. My third was an OTTB that the same lesson barn owner was selling for one of his friends at the track. Monty was brought in by my trainer as a horse for one of his other customers and he turned out to be a better match for me. Now I am tring to go this alone and it's just crappy.
So no, the market is not flooded with horses for me.
Stressing...
This horse buying process is stressing me bad. After speaking with the vets, and yesterday getting the actual printed report of the findings, I did some more research on my own and now I am really stressing. I am calling to speak to the vet who performed the actual exam and ask him about what I have noticed.
What they found, if it is what it's described as, should produce lameness. The horse isn't lame. In fact, the vet told me after he saw the x-rays he went back with the hoof tester and really worked the hoof - nothing. I had blood pulled to run a drug screen. But I held it, I didn't have them run it. My vet said to save money, I should have it pulled, but have it stored. If something came up, then I still had it to run. I think I need to run it now. I want to know if this horse is being "helped" along, even with something as common as bute. A two year old should not need any meds, especially if he's never seen the track. I feel like it's all taking too much time.
Sigh, maybe I should just buy a bicycle.
The boyz finally had their riding lesson this past Thursday after about 2 months off. They were great! Harrison showed no signs of the tension he had in the saddle after his fall! He was back to posting and very relaxed. Time lessened the fear from that one. I enjoy watching them ride. I hope things work out with the black colt. I think he'd grow up to be a wonderful horse for my boys after I finish his training.
What they found, if it is what it's described as, should produce lameness. The horse isn't lame. In fact, the vet told me after he saw the x-rays he went back with the hoof tester and really worked the hoof - nothing. I had blood pulled to run a drug screen. But I held it, I didn't have them run it. My vet said to save money, I should have it pulled, but have it stored. If something came up, then I still had it to run. I think I need to run it now. I want to know if this horse is being "helped" along, even with something as common as bute. A two year old should not need any meds, especially if he's never seen the track. I feel like it's all taking too much time.
Sigh, maybe I should just buy a bicycle.
The boyz finally had their riding lesson this past Thursday after about 2 months off. They were great! Harrison showed no signs of the tension he had in the saddle after his fall! He was back to posting and very relaxed. Time lessened the fear from that one. I enjoy watching them ride. I hope things work out with the black colt. I think he'd grow up to be a wonderful horse for my boys after I finish his training.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Spoke with the Vets
I discussed the findings of the pre-purchase exam with both the vet who performed it and my own vet who reviewed the results. Each vet called me individually but they hadn't yet been able to catch up with each other by phone. Buying a horse long distance is quite a process! I can't imagine how someone goes to Europe to buy a horse.
I asked both vets to look into the two things I noticed about him. The first is one of his front feet has a "clubby" tendancy. He is sound, but has a higher heel to toe ratio and I wanted to be sure it is not something that would be a deal breaker. Monty had a very similar set of front hooves, one was very narrow, with a somewhat contracted heel and frog and the other was a nice round hoof with a big soft frog. Yet in all the years I owned and rode him, he never had any problems from it and only wore basic steel shoes. So, as long as there were no changes going on that could be seen in X-rays that would be of concern, I could handle that.
The second thing is he's very "butt-high" He only measures around 16 or 16.1 hands at the wither but he's got a 16.2-3 rear end! He looks really big in the picture because the trainer is only 5'3" or so inches tall! I'm 5'9" so it's a big difference. This downhill conformation makes for a very different ride from what I'm used to. I asked the vet if he felt this colt would at least even out if not be an "uphill" horse. He told me,"he's a gangly kid right now. He needs time to fill out and to gain muscle. I think he could at least make 16.2 but you don't know". Which is pretty much how I felt about him when I first looked him over.
It's his personality that keeps coming back to me. The vet told me that all through the X-ray session, as he moved the plates around and even had baby stand on them to get pix of his hooves, the colt patiently did everything he was asked to do and was relaxed about it! He said most horses are not fond of putting their feet on the plate for the hoof X-ray but this little guy just cooperated!
Today I start calling to look for a horse transport who can bring him home. I have no idea what that is going to add to the cost. Hope I'm not blown away. :/
I asked both vets to look into the two things I noticed about him. The first is one of his front feet has a "clubby" tendancy. He is sound, but has a higher heel to toe ratio and I wanted to be sure it is not something that would be a deal breaker. Monty had a very similar set of front hooves, one was very narrow, with a somewhat contracted heel and frog and the other was a nice round hoof with a big soft frog. Yet in all the years I owned and rode him, he never had any problems from it and only wore basic steel shoes. So, as long as there were no changes going on that could be seen in X-rays that would be of concern, I could handle that.
The second thing is he's very "butt-high" He only measures around 16 or 16.1 hands at the wither but he's got a 16.2-3 rear end! He looks really big in the picture because the trainer is only 5'3" or so inches tall! I'm 5'9" so it's a big difference. This downhill conformation makes for a very different ride from what I'm used to. I asked the vet if he felt this colt would at least even out if not be an "uphill" horse. He told me,"he's a gangly kid right now. He needs time to fill out and to gain muscle. I think he could at least make 16.2 but you don't know". Which is pretty much how I felt about him when I first looked him over.
It's his personality that keeps coming back to me. The vet told me that all through the X-ray session, as he moved the plates around and even had baby stand on them to get pix of his hooves, the colt patiently did everything he was asked to do and was relaxed about it! He said most horses are not fond of putting their feet on the plate for the hoof X-ray but this little guy just cooperated!
Today I start calling to look for a horse transport who can bring him home. I have no idea what that is going to add to the cost. Hope I'm not blown away. :/
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Playing Phone Tag
The vet and I have been playing phone tag to discuss the results. I'm sure things went fine as he had told me he would call me if he saw anything that would cause concern. Will hopefully get in touch tomorrow.
Now I'm looking into a horse transport company to pick the colt up. I could drive up with my 2-horse bumper pull trailer but he's never gone such a long distance and I'd rather he travel in a bigger trailer for this trip. It's a 4 or so hour drive down here, maybe longer with traffic. I want baby to get here safely and with as little stress as possible.
I had gone on Sunday to try 2 other horses, locally. I had made the appointment as a follow up just in case baby didn't work out. Both horses were bay appendix geldings. The younger one was very quiet but at 6 years old, he was a little too stiff in the back end for my liking. The other horse was older and definitely more finished but needed a lot of weight and was not quite fit. If I wasn't in love with the baby he might be a consideration but he was a fixer-upper.
Now I'm looking into a horse transport company to pick the colt up. I could drive up with my 2-horse bumper pull trailer but he's never gone such a long distance and I'd rather he travel in a bigger trailer for this trip. It's a 4 or so hour drive down here, maybe longer with traffic. I want baby to get here safely and with as little stress as possible.
I had gone on Sunday to try 2 other horses, locally. I had made the appointment as a follow up just in case baby didn't work out. Both horses were bay appendix geldings. The younger one was very quiet but at 6 years old, he was a little too stiff in the back end for my liking. The other horse was older and definitely more finished but needed a lot of weight and was not quite fit. If I wasn't in love with the baby he might be a consideration but he was a fixer-upper.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Pre-purchase Exam Today
Fingers crossed. Vet is coming around noon. Wish I could be there but will have to participate by phone.
Since I'm at this point in the sale, I'll share a bit more, here's a picture of the colt and the trainer from the trainer's website.
He's a Thoroughbred, black, white star, 2 white coronets, 2 yrs old going to be 3 next month.
Since I'm at this point in the sale, I'll share a bit more, here's a picture of the colt and the trainer from the trainer's website.
He's a Thoroughbred, black, white star, 2 white coronets, 2 yrs old going to be 3 next month.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Blown Away
Here in NY the wind has been crazy! It's all over the news today of wind-related issues. Some of the gusts have been over 50 MPH. Hope everyone is safe and sound out there.
My boyz were supposed to have their riding lessons tonight but it doesn't look good with the windy conditions. Trainers don't want the ponies spooking at the strange noises in the indoor with the wind.
And we're progressing with the pre-purchase exam for the colt. Should happen some time next week.
My boyz were supposed to have their riding lessons tonight but it doesn't look good with the windy conditions. Trainers don't want the ponies spooking at the strange noises in the indoor with the wind.
And we're progressing with the pre-purchase exam for the colt. Should happen some time next week.
Monday, February 9, 2009
My Secret
Thanks to all who are sending well-wishes and good luck my way! I know many of you want to see this mystery colt. Believe me, I want to share, I have video of the trainer working with him and a snippet of me on him. I can pull still photos, too. But the reason I'm being very vague about him is this is a public forum and if I gush about him, I'm afraid he may get snapped out from under me by another buyer.
After the vet check, if all is good and we agree on the price and some money changes hands, I will post like crazy.
In fact, if he doesn't work out for me, then I'll still post him. Maybe in some way I could help him find a home, even if it's not with me.
I have a call in to my vet to recommend a vet in the area where this colt is to do the exam. We have to be sure it's not a vet the trainer uses or there will be a conflict of interest and I'm back to square one. I just want to move on this so she knows I'm serious.
I know my long time trainer (the Master) is wondering why I want to get involved with a greenie baby. I asked myself the same thing. It will be almost 2 years before we can pursue serious jumping work. The next year would be spent with lots of lunging, light, short riding sessions and just a lot of time to grow up. There will be no hunter paces or long trail rides in that time. I need his back and joints to close correctly and try to ensure him a long sound career as a riding horse.
And I feel I'm okay with it. To create something special, if all the right stuff is there from the start would be wonderful. With the busy schedule I have right now with my work and family, a young horse who only needs a few days a week of saddle work and just basic handling on the other days will be okay. I don't see it as a step back but as a step in another direction that can pay off well for the long term.
After the vet check, if all is good and we agree on the price and some money changes hands, I will post like crazy.
In fact, if he doesn't work out for me, then I'll still post him. Maybe in some way I could help him find a home, even if it's not with me.
I have a call in to my vet to recommend a vet in the area where this colt is to do the exam. We have to be sure it's not a vet the trainer uses or there will be a conflict of interest and I'm back to square one. I just want to move on this so she knows I'm serious.
I know my long time trainer (the Master) is wondering why I want to get involved with a greenie baby. I asked myself the same thing. It will be almost 2 years before we can pursue serious jumping work. The next year would be spent with lots of lunging, light, short riding sessions and just a lot of time to grow up. There will be no hunter paces or long trail rides in that time. I need his back and joints to close correctly and try to ensure him a long sound career as a riding horse.
And I feel I'm okay with it. To create something special, if all the right stuff is there from the start would be wonderful. With the busy schedule I have right now with my work and family, a young horse who only needs a few days a week of saddle work and just basic handling on the other days will be okay. I don't see it as a step back but as a step in another direction that can pay off well for the long term.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Could You be Loved...
...and be loved?
It's late. It's been a long day of traveling to and from going to see the young horse for sale I found.
But I had to post, because this time there was a connection.
It felt like love at first sight. Within minutes after handling him he snuggled his head into my chest and his big eyes warmed my heart. He knows voice commands, he long lines and is starting to longe. I watched his trainer ride him and then I mounted up. It's been a loooong time since I rode a greenie, but he was a nice surprise under tack. Very green but not spooky and very willing. The woman who trained him knows her stuff. He's been given a good, solid start.
He is at an awkward stage in his growth, he's two and will just turn three in March. There are some things that need to be discussed in the vet check that I want to be sure if they will work out as he matures.
Though I am trying very hard to keep my heart guarded, he melted me. I'm hoping the clouds are starting to lift. On to step two, vetting him out.
It's late. It's been a long day of traveling to and from going to see the young horse for sale I found.
But I had to post, because this time there was a connection.
It felt like love at first sight. Within minutes after handling him he snuggled his head into my chest and his big eyes warmed my heart. He knows voice commands, he long lines and is starting to longe. I watched his trainer ride him and then I mounted up. It's been a loooong time since I rode a greenie, but he was a nice surprise under tack. Very green but not spooky and very willing. The woman who trained him knows her stuff. He's been given a good, solid start.
He is at an awkward stage in his growth, he's two and will just turn three in March. There are some things that need to be discussed in the vet check that I want to be sure if they will work out as he matures.
Though I am trying very hard to keep my heart guarded, he melted me. I'm hoping the clouds are starting to lift. On to step two, vetting him out.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Maybe...
I have found another young horse. He's different from the others I've mentioned before in that he's much younger. This weekend, weather permitting, the family and I are taking a long drive to see him. I so very much want him to be the one. Without having seen him in the flesh, just from a short video and chatting with his trainer, he's got me. I am afraid to jinx myself by saying more, just send me as much luck as you can that this handsome colt and I have a connection.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Foul Mood
Had my first "official" horse shopping experience yesterday. Quite simply, it stunk. It wasn't what I expected, I never even got to try any of the horses. The young horse, according to the owner, is being vetted out by one of her students so she wasn't really able to offer him for sale until that deal didn't work out and the more schooled horse was quoted in a price range that is above what I am comfortable in paying. Aside from that, neither of the horses showed any connection with me even in getting to pet them and interact with them. So it was a wasted day.
Call me a pessimist. I know what's ahead for me. Nice horses I can't afford and horses with "issues" that I can. Go ahead, call me spoiled, too. I am. After Monty, I know what I want and what I don't want.
I guess you could say I'm in a very dark place right now. Watching everyone else out riding and enjoying their horses in this little break from the bitter cold is ripping my heart to shreds. I've found it hard to even browse through most of the blogs I always enjoyed reading because I can't handle the happiness between the writer and their horse. People here are complaining about the ice and having to take care of their horses in the cold. Right now, I'd give anything to slip on the ice with a bucket of water and to have to warm my hands under a furry horses' blanket.
It sucks.
No - it ƒ@¢#ing sucks.
It's been too cold and my usual routine has been disrupted by all the business travel I've had to do lately so my boyz haven't been taking their horseback riding lessons. I'm hoping this week puts us back on schedule. I'm also hoping watching them ride puts me in a better mood.
Call me a pessimist. I know what's ahead for me. Nice horses I can't afford and horses with "issues" that I can. Go ahead, call me spoiled, too. I am. After Monty, I know what I want and what I don't want.
I guess you could say I'm in a very dark place right now. Watching everyone else out riding and enjoying their horses in this little break from the bitter cold is ripping my heart to shreds. I've found it hard to even browse through most of the blogs I always enjoyed reading because I can't handle the happiness between the writer and their horse. People here are complaining about the ice and having to take care of their horses in the cold. Right now, I'd give anything to slip on the ice with a bucket of water and to have to warm my hands under a furry horses' blanket.
It sucks.
No - it ƒ@¢#ing sucks.
It's been too cold and my usual routine has been disrupted by all the business travel I've had to do lately so my boyz haven't been taking their horseback riding lessons. I'm hoping this week puts us back on schedule. I'm also hoping watching them ride puts me in a better mood.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Home Again
I'm back from my business trip to Houston. Now to pick up the pieces around here.
On a good note, our new costume and accessory lines were very well received and the costumes I submitted to the fashion show were some of the stars of the show! I thought our Humpty Dumpty "egg-on-the-wall" costume was the most entertaining out of all our competitor's offerings!!
And now I am back to my quandry about finding a new horse. Thanks to all who have expressed concern for me. Part of my distress with all this is I need to find a horse quickly in order to keep my stall at the barn where I board. I can pay another month's board to keep the stall, and hopefully find an occupant in that time.
Around here on Long Island, we have a dwindling number of boarding barns left. Development has been steadily swallowing up farm after farm and now this economy will probably eat up most of what's left. There isn't another place like this close by my home and with my kids and job, this location is just perfect to fit a horse into my busy life mix.
Losing this stall and taking a stall in someones back yard or another boarding barn in the same area is not an option for me. I need the freedom of the flexible hours, familiar boarders, the security of this stable's level of quality horse care and the location.
The owner has a waiting list of people to get in. I have to pay full board to keep the stall, even if there is no horse in it to feed or clean after because that's what he would get for the stall anyway and he has people wanting in. I can't take the chance of losing my stall, and then there being no openings months later if it took that long to find a horse.
So I'm stressed, bad. I don't want to get just any horse, then be stuck with problems I didn't know about because I rushed it. This horse has to fit my riding needs and pass a vet check for the riding career I want for it. But I AM rushed, and I hate it. The frigid weather is not helping me.
Someone had asked why I wouldn't consider Belle. She's a nice horse, and I appreciate her owner's generosity in letting me ride her but knowing horses as I do, I don't think she's what will work for me in the long run. And I know better than to grab the first horse that comes along.
My friend E.W. bumped into my dressage trainer Miss D at the local tack shop that Miss D's mother owns and told her what happened with Monty. According to E.W., Miss D was very upset and said she wanted to help me find a nice horse. I'm going to call her this weekend.
On a good note, our new costume and accessory lines were very well received and the costumes I submitted to the fashion show were some of the stars of the show! I thought our Humpty Dumpty "egg-on-the-wall" costume was the most entertaining out of all our competitor's offerings!!
And now I am back to my quandry about finding a new horse. Thanks to all who have expressed concern for me. Part of my distress with all this is I need to find a horse quickly in order to keep my stall at the barn where I board. I can pay another month's board to keep the stall, and hopefully find an occupant in that time.
Around here on Long Island, we have a dwindling number of boarding barns left. Development has been steadily swallowing up farm after farm and now this economy will probably eat up most of what's left. There isn't another place like this close by my home and with my kids and job, this location is just perfect to fit a horse into my busy life mix.
Losing this stall and taking a stall in someones back yard or another boarding barn in the same area is not an option for me. I need the freedom of the flexible hours, familiar boarders, the security of this stable's level of quality horse care and the location.
The owner has a waiting list of people to get in. I have to pay full board to keep the stall, even if there is no horse in it to feed or clean after because that's what he would get for the stall anyway and he has people wanting in. I can't take the chance of losing my stall, and then there being no openings months later if it took that long to find a horse.
So I'm stressed, bad. I don't want to get just any horse, then be stuck with problems I didn't know about because I rushed it. This horse has to fit my riding needs and pass a vet check for the riding career I want for it. But I AM rushed, and I hate it. The frigid weather is not helping me.
Someone had asked why I wouldn't consider Belle. She's a nice horse, and I appreciate her owner's generosity in letting me ride her but knowing horses as I do, I don't think she's what will work for me in the long run. And I know better than to grab the first horse that comes along.
My friend E.W. bumped into my dressage trainer Miss D at the local tack shop that Miss D's mother owns and told her what happened with Monty. According to E.W., Miss D was very upset and said she wanted to help me find a nice horse. I'm going to call her this weekend.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Call Me Catch Rider
Yesterday I went back to the stable where I kept Monty. I chose the time of day most of my friends would be there. It was great. They were my best support group (thanks guys! and thanks to all who gave me great support here on the blog as well!). Even seeing Monty's empty stall didn't affect me in a bad way. Sure it was a little melancholy but nothing overwhelming.
My goal was to take my friend D. up on her offer to ride her big Thoroughbred mare, Belle. She told me that I could ride the mare anytime and I was doing her a favor as the mare wasn't getting much work. Belle has been a sale horse for awhile now. The first time I saw her under saddle, I thought she looked like she would make a great field hunter. She's a big girl, about 17 hands and a color I like to call a "basic" bay - which means all brown, no white markings and black mane, tail and points.
I lugged my tack from my locker down to the barn at the other end of the property and saddled Belle in the stall. I was pleasently surprised that all of my tack fit her with no adjustments, even the bridle! She's a real quiet, friendly mare. I didn't know what to expect but everyone who has ridden her in the past said she's a sweet girl. The part I found amusing was as I tightened the girth, she made a cranky face and turned her head to me. I laughed and called her a rookie, I knew that move. My old mare, Alta had that move down (and in addition, would have tried to take a chunk out of my arm faster than a shark). I gently pushed her head back and told her don't try it. She tried once more as I tightened the girth another hole, I pushed her cheek away and she gave it up after that.
It was frigid cold yesterday. All I managed to do was walk Belle around in the plowed driveway as none of the other areas for riding were any better. I liked that she wasn't overly sensitive to the leg and seat as some Thoroughbreds are. We just did some bending and stretching at the walk. It was a weird feeling to be on a different horse but she was a good first "catch ride". After about 20 minutes my thighs were so frozen they were stinging. I had to quit.
I packed up my gear after tucking Belle in. As I was leaving, I had a bittersweet moment where out of habit I started for my jar of horse cookies to give Monty a few more before I left and I stopped myself. That was my routine, after packing my tack back in my locker I always topped him off with a few cookies to say goodbye. I would have walked a few horse cookies down to Belle but I don't yet know what D.'s policy is on treats with her.
"sigh" I need a horse.
Today I was supposed to go see a horse about 15-20 miles away in my county here in NY. But it was snowing this morning and I cancelled due to the roads not having been cleared well yet. Instead, the whole family piled into the SUV and went close by to the town park to go sledding! The snow was perfect, the hill was awesome and my kids had a blast with their plastic snow saucers. I think the wipe-outs made them laugh more than the zooming down the big hill! Good times.
Tonight I should have video of a Thoroughbred gelding I found on horse.com. I came across his ad last night and can't explain it but I got very excited over him. I spoke with the wife of the farm owner where he is at and liked the vibe I got from her. My husband spoke with her husband today and they are looking through their video of him to send me the best of what they have. He's stabled about 4 hours away from me. If the video keeps me interested, I want to see this horse when I return from my next business trip, which is this coming weekend in Houston, TX. I hope he's what I'm looking for.
My goal was to take my friend D. up on her offer to ride her big Thoroughbred mare, Belle. She told me that I could ride the mare anytime and I was doing her a favor as the mare wasn't getting much work. Belle has been a sale horse for awhile now. The first time I saw her under saddle, I thought she looked like she would make a great field hunter. She's a big girl, about 17 hands and a color I like to call a "basic" bay - which means all brown, no white markings and black mane, tail and points.
I lugged my tack from my locker down to the barn at the other end of the property and saddled Belle in the stall. I was pleasently surprised that all of my tack fit her with no adjustments, even the bridle! She's a real quiet, friendly mare. I didn't know what to expect but everyone who has ridden her in the past said she's a sweet girl. The part I found amusing was as I tightened the girth, she made a cranky face and turned her head to me. I laughed and called her a rookie, I knew that move. My old mare, Alta had that move down (and in addition, would have tried to take a chunk out of my arm faster than a shark). I gently pushed her head back and told her don't try it. She tried once more as I tightened the girth another hole, I pushed her cheek away and she gave it up after that.
It was frigid cold yesterday. All I managed to do was walk Belle around in the plowed driveway as none of the other areas for riding were any better. I liked that she wasn't overly sensitive to the leg and seat as some Thoroughbreds are. We just did some bending and stretching at the walk. It was a weird feeling to be on a different horse but she was a good first "catch ride". After about 20 minutes my thighs were so frozen they were stinging. I had to quit.
I packed up my gear after tucking Belle in. As I was leaving, I had a bittersweet moment where out of habit I started for my jar of horse cookies to give Monty a few more before I left and I stopped myself. That was my routine, after packing my tack back in my locker I always topped him off with a few cookies to say goodbye. I would have walked a few horse cookies down to Belle but I don't yet know what D.'s policy is on treats with her.
"sigh" I need a horse.
Today I was supposed to go see a horse about 15-20 miles away in my county here in NY. But it was snowing this morning and I cancelled due to the roads not having been cleared well yet. Instead, the whole family piled into the SUV and went close by to the town park to go sledding! The snow was perfect, the hill was awesome and my kids had a blast with their plastic snow saucers. I think the wipe-outs made them laugh more than the zooming down the big hill! Good times.
Tonight I should have video of a Thoroughbred gelding I found on horse.com. I came across his ad last night and can't explain it but I got very excited over him. I spoke with the wife of the farm owner where he is at and liked the vibe I got from her. My husband spoke with her husband today and they are looking through their video of him to send me the best of what they have. He's stabled about 4 hours away from me. If the video keeps me interested, I want to see this horse when I return from my next business trip, which is this coming weekend in Houston, TX. I hope he's what I'm looking for.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
What I Want
It's frigid cold here. Not much to do but surf online and play with the kids. My head is spinning as I look at sale horse after horse on the internet.
I want to put out an ad that goes something like this;
"Are you looking for the perfect home for your horse? I could be the owner you've been hoping for. With over 35 years of horse riding/owning/care/handling experience, I can give references from vets, barn owners, friends and trainers. If you have the perfect horse for me, he will have found his forever home. If your horse is a gelding (although a level-headed mare will be considered), over 16.2 hands tall, almost any color but gray, broke to ride, 3 good gaits and a willing jumper, sound, sane, well handled and not older than 10 years - let's talk. I have a set amount of money I can spend and while I know I can easily find a horse with all the qualities I have listed at a high price (and well worth it I'm sure) I am looking for the one who's seller is more interested in him going to a forever home than trying to turn a big profit."
It's like it's easier for me to put my qualifications out there than search through endless ads, hoping the information hasn't been "embellished" and the horse I'm taking the time to see because he's listed as 16.2 hands isn't actually 15.3. Believe me, I'm a tall, big-boned gal. I really need that big horse, and not just to fluff my ego!
I want to put out an ad that goes something like this;
"Are you looking for the perfect home for your horse? I could be the owner you've been hoping for. With over 35 years of horse riding/owning/care/handling experience, I can give references from vets, barn owners, friends and trainers. If you have the perfect horse for me, he will have found his forever home. If your horse is a gelding (although a level-headed mare will be considered), over 16.2 hands tall, almost any color but gray, broke to ride, 3 good gaits and a willing jumper, sound, sane, well handled and not older than 10 years - let's talk. I have a set amount of money I can spend and while I know I can easily find a horse with all the qualities I have listed at a high price (and well worth it I'm sure) I am looking for the one who's seller is more interested in him going to a forever home than trying to turn a big profit."
It's like it's easier for me to put my qualifications out there than search through endless ads, hoping the information hasn't been "embellished" and the horse I'm taking the time to see because he's listed as 16.2 hands isn't actually 15.3. Believe me, I'm a tall, big-boned gal. I really need that big horse, and not just to fluff my ego!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Back in the Saddle
The focus of this blog was about Monty - "a good horse" and chronicled our recent adventures and the fun a good horse can give you. It was also a way, as his melanoma condition worsened, to keep the memories of our time together alive. I think, moving forward, it also applies to my search for another good horse.
So, starting this weekend, I'm going to be writing about the horses I try, and what it's like to ride many different horses again. I have ridden Monty exclusively for the last 7 years. Before him, I was a "catch rider". My old mare was retired with her lameness injury and I wanted so bad to keep riding and showing so I would ride whatever was offered to me. I was a wise rider, I wouldn't get up on just anything. I chose what was safe but never turned down a challenge. I rode greenies, showed sale horses, and competed with a lovely, highly trained mare for a lady who's kids no longer competed but she still liked to go to the shows and schmooze.
That was before Monty came along. Back then I was also much fitter, thinner, and didn't have a family to think about. I'll be honest, I am working to suppress some fears about getting on strange horses to try and find "the one". But I have to do this, and now. The longer I wait, I think the worse it will be for me.
I have never been in this situation before. Every horse that came after the one before overlapped it's time in my possession. My first horse was a QH/Morgan given to me by my parents (who had no idea what they were getting into) on my 10th birthday. Two years later my dad got a western broke TB/QH for himself to trail ride with me. He stopped riding when his business picked up and I then rode his horse and found out he was a really good hunter/jumper. Then my mare, Alta came along and I bought her by trading those two horses with the dealer who was handling her sale.
I owned her for over 20 years. Monty came along in the last 2 years of her life, when she was no longer rideable. As I said, I was riding other people's horses at that time, but at the end of the day, when I had to give them back, or had to do what their owners told me they wanted done with them, I always had MY horse to come to and groom and fuss with as I saw fit.
Monty was brought in as a sale horse for another customer at the barn where my mare was. I'll never forget the Master calling me at work and telling me to leave now and come ride this new horse. I wasn't even looking for another horse. I had a horse. He told me the horse was too green for the client but would be a perfect project for me.
So, being a sucker for a good ride, I went right after work and tried him. He was so calm, steady and willing. After my super hot TB it was a breath of fresh air. I didn't know how I was going to juggle 2 boards and pay for him but I did it. The Master and the barn owner were good enough to let me take up teaching the beginners to earn enough money to cover the second board. And sometimes, though I hate to admit, my animal loving parents helped me out.
Then, when I lost my mare to colic, it was just Monty and me. And my life changed. I met the man who became my husband, changed to a better job, got married and started a family. Horse shows became less important but the horse never lost his place in my life. Many times my husband talked me out of selling him when the rest of my life kept demanding the time I would have used to go to the barn.
And here I am, horseless for the first time in almost 35 years. My kind friends have already begun offering rides. This weekend, E.W. has asked me to help her with the new horse she is fostering with option to adopt from a local rescue and another of my friends has offered me the chance to ride her thoroughbred mare sale horse.
I have been living on the internet looking and looking at horses. I found one locally I'm going to see on Sunday. I need to start somewhere and NY local is as good as any with this nasty cold weather.
So, we shall see. Let the journey begin.
So, starting this weekend, I'm going to be writing about the horses I try, and what it's like to ride many different horses again. I have ridden Monty exclusively for the last 7 years. Before him, I was a "catch rider". My old mare was retired with her lameness injury and I wanted so bad to keep riding and showing so I would ride whatever was offered to me. I was a wise rider, I wouldn't get up on just anything. I chose what was safe but never turned down a challenge. I rode greenies, showed sale horses, and competed with a lovely, highly trained mare for a lady who's kids no longer competed but she still liked to go to the shows and schmooze.
That was before Monty came along. Back then I was also much fitter, thinner, and didn't have a family to think about. I'll be honest, I am working to suppress some fears about getting on strange horses to try and find "the one". But I have to do this, and now. The longer I wait, I think the worse it will be for me.
I have never been in this situation before. Every horse that came after the one before overlapped it's time in my possession. My first horse was a QH/Morgan given to me by my parents (who had no idea what they were getting into) on my 10th birthday. Two years later my dad got a western broke TB/QH for himself to trail ride with me. He stopped riding when his business picked up and I then rode his horse and found out he was a really good hunter/jumper. Then my mare, Alta came along and I bought her by trading those two horses with the dealer who was handling her sale.
I owned her for over 20 years. Monty came along in the last 2 years of her life, when she was no longer rideable. As I said, I was riding other people's horses at that time, but at the end of the day, when I had to give them back, or had to do what their owners told me they wanted done with them, I always had MY horse to come to and groom and fuss with as I saw fit.
Monty was brought in as a sale horse for another customer at the barn where my mare was. I'll never forget the Master calling me at work and telling me to leave now and come ride this new horse. I wasn't even looking for another horse. I had a horse. He told me the horse was too green for the client but would be a perfect project for me.
So, being a sucker for a good ride, I went right after work and tried him. He was so calm, steady and willing. After my super hot TB it was a breath of fresh air. I didn't know how I was going to juggle 2 boards and pay for him but I did it. The Master and the barn owner were good enough to let me take up teaching the beginners to earn enough money to cover the second board. And sometimes, though I hate to admit, my animal loving parents helped me out.
Then, when I lost my mare to colic, it was just Monty and me. And my life changed. I met the man who became my husband, changed to a better job, got married and started a family. Horse shows became less important but the horse never lost his place in my life. Many times my husband talked me out of selling him when the rest of my life kept demanding the time I would have used to go to the barn.
And here I am, horseless for the first time in almost 35 years. My kind friends have already begun offering rides. This weekend, E.W. has asked me to help her with the new horse she is fostering with option to adopt from a local rescue and another of my friends has offered me the chance to ride her thoroughbred mare sale horse.
I have been living on the internet looking and looking at horses. I found one locally I'm going to see on Sunday. I need to start somewhere and NY local is as good as any with this nasty cold weather.
So, we shall see. Let the journey begin.
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