Solid

 On my last post Linda shared her trainers belief that if you leave something solid the horse will pick it right back up after a break. And she's right. I have been able to ride a few times since getting back and it's proving itself to be true. 

My plan with Quaid was to review everything before riding for the first time this year. I told myself to not push and it was okay if it took a couple weeks/ multiple sessions before he felt ready.  It took literally 4 sessions. I probably could have got on during the third session but it was cold and windy and I decided to not. But when I got on it was literally no big deal.  He stood very still and seemed to be saying 'finally'. 

his forelock is out of control

Quaid is going to be 5 this year and I've been seeing some signs of feistiness. I've been expecting some 'you're not the boss of me'.  He got a little resistant earlier this week. When we were walking up to the ring  he kept wanting to graze and got a little pissed off when I wouldn't let him. Then during our ride he protested going past the gate after a bit. Nothing major, just baby horse stuff. Yesterday I was doing groundwork and he was really relaxed so I took off his halter to put on his bridle and he pulled away and started running around the ring playing 'can't catch me' . 

I was annoyed but not. If that makes any sense.  Most of my annoyance was directed at me for not recognising that he wasn't fully engaged in the groundwork. On the other hand I had the sense of 'ah there it is' and I'd much rather deal with this on the ground than in the saddle. After he had careened around and got his sillies out I was able to go up to him and put the halter back on and  we did more ground work.  Then I got on and we went to work. It was our longest session but he was really good under saddle. 

let me break up this wall of text with 
the most adorable photo of Cordelia
and Raven sharing a moment

Quaid has definitely grown and feels more substantial when I'm riding. The stuff that was solid when we stopped is right there and the stuff that wasn't is still wobbly. I need to make sure that I don't keep thinking he's still a baby and treat him like a horse. 

I've been having some really good rides on Carmen too. When we left off last year we were still working on keeping a steady rhythm. Clearly it was not solid and it shows. So I've been focusing on keeping her straight and rhythmical. It's been interesting because while she initially was not a fan of me rating her paces I notice that she relaxes a lot sooner in our rides. 

I have left her largely unblanketed this winter and
she has learned to love the mud. Sigh. 

What I've been really happy with is that, no matter what her mood, I've been riding her the same. We're not hiding from any part of the ring and I'm not worried. It felt like I was much steadier in keeping contact but not holding. I also seemed to be more aware of how she's carrying herself. 

Yesterday I had our first lesson of the year. I decided it would be Carmen and I was excited. It was late afternoon and, while the morning had been sunny and calm, the clouds rolled in and the breeze picked up before our lesson. Carmen is also not a fan of late afternoon rides (neither am I if I'm honest).  All that to say that even last year, this would have guaranteed a spicy ride. Instead she was right with me. Jane had us do this exercise to help her get off the forehand: a turn on the forehand at the walk. We're on the circle and, without stopping, we turn around the forehand and go the other way. At first both Carmen and I were like 'what is this' but I loved how it made me stay very aware of each hand and leg aid and where she was in space. We had some lovely transitions and really good work. Even though it was probably the hardest she's worked since getting back to it she didn't really try anything. Instead she just tried to figure it out and stayed with me. 

Jane commented that I doing really well with my hands and elbows. She also noted that I have much better body control and it's paying off. I also feel that and it feels great. 

It feels like we have a lot more trust in each other these days. 

Such a good girl

I'm Back (and in the Saddle)

 Ed and I just got back from our vacation.  It was a lovely time, with the first part just the two of us in Sedona.  It was a bit cold and we ended up hiking in light snow. Which was kind of hilarious.  Fortunately, it didn't stick around (which is what happened there later in the week). 

the sun came out later

After Sedona we headed south of Phoenix and stayed with Ed's brother and his wife. They were lovely hosts and it was wonderful to spend time with them.  It was an 'easy' vacation with hiking and other activities but not go-go-go. I was able to hike in the desert and enjoy time in the sun.  It's amazing how moving south and to lower elevations makes a difference in temperature. 

After 10 days away we headed home feeling rested and recharged. I was happy to see that, while we were gone, all the snow and ice had disappeared. And even happier to see that my ring was in great shape.  I've been able to work with the horses twice since we arrived home on Thursday. This is the longest time I've spent not riding. Usually I can get a few rides in over the winter. 

Carmen was absolutely filthy. It took a long time to change her colour from mud to yellow tinged with some darker splotches. I didn't mind though. When Carmen first came she hardly ever rolled. I believe that she's feeling happier and confident so comfortable to roll and get muddy (don't burst my bubble). 

I lunged and did groundwork with Carmen first and she was fine but it was clear that she felt a bit tense. I found myself feeling fine about mounting though. So I got on and, while she thought about things, I was able to be calm and clear and she was fine. It was a short workout because we're just starting. 

Me: yay!
Carmen: Oh. this again. 

It felt so good to just settle in the saddle. 

I've done a lot of thought about getting Quaid going again and I decided to review his training before getting back on. Not to take the same amount of time but I want to review his knowledge and not just jump on. Sort of like a back-to-school review.  He really enjoyed the grooming. When I was lunging he got quite excited so we needed to work through that.  But then he was very responsive and when I brought out the mounting block he  was all 'I remember this! and lined right up. I finished up with that. 

Cordelia: horse training is boring

Quaid is definitely filled out over the winter. I think he's just at 15'2. I'd like him to be a bit taller but it doesn't matter. I'm not going to get all hung up that I need a taller horse. 

my handsome baby genius

I gave them Saturday off so I could go to my bootcamp and karate classes. I had already missed when I was away.  Today, Sunday, was another lovely spring day. Carmen was a lot more settled and we had a nice ride. I think that my confidence in my riding is really making a difference. 

After I put her away I felt like I was being watched. I turned around and there was Quaid in the stall looking at me. It's my turn!  I got him ready and we went back to the ring.  He was a lot more settled. I put on his bridle and we worked a little on responding to steering. It was pretty easy to be honest. 

Quaid: this is best way to use the ring

It was a lovely way to get back to work.  I'm hoping to get a lesson next week. Fingers crossed that the weather cooperates. 

Marking the Days

 February continues to be its not-so-charming self. I wonder how many times on this blog I've written "I hate February"? Maybe it could be a drinking game. Lord knows it might help. 

Not the only blogger to share this. 

The last time I rode was New Years eve. It's the longest riding 'draught' I've had due to winter. This year we never got the January thaw that gives the glimmer of hope.  This past week we've had two storms that included significant freezing rain. The last one has Quaid's door locked in ice. So I've been taking him in and out through Carmen's stall.  At least there's enough snow that the paddock is not ice and both are being very sensible. 

On the plus side we could skate or have a curling 
match on my riding ring. 

Between the weather and the news, it's hard to stay positive.  

suddenly we're the enemy. honestly, it's 
a little heartbreaking.

But it's not all doom and gloom.  Cordelia had her first birthday this month. 

she's growing into a beautiful girl 

Cordelia is sweet and smart and loves to just be where the people are.  I can let her be free around the farm and on our walks and she stays close. 

She's the nosiest dog I've ever known. Like whatever you're doing she's got to be right in there.  Ed has been renovating our bathroom. We took out a tub surround and are putting in a soaker tub (yay! I can't wait).  He also raised the floor to be even with the rest and put down flooring. It's going to be great. When he would start a power tool Cordelia wanted to be right there to see what he was doing. 

Just a sec, I need to check this out.

no work, only play

Soon we'll be heading south for our vacation. I'm looking forward to seeing family and hoping that it's just politicians that dislike Canadians. Either way, it might be our last trip to the U.S. for a while. Until the politicians can sort themselves out. I'm looking forward to the warmth. 

Mostly though, I'm counting off the days until things start to thaw and I can start riding again. I've been keeping up with my fitness goals. I'm getting stronger and able to increase the free weights. I can hold a plank for 2 minutes. I'm hoping to get to 3 but we'll see. It also turns out I'm really enjoying the karate class. The instructor has been teaching us the beginner katas (sequences of movements, in case you didn't know. It's all new to me).  Last week he said "don't get in your head and think too much. Just flow with it and it will be easier". Sound familiar? Turns out, once I did that it felt a lot easier. He also apologised for all the repetition of the katas and movements. Me, this is my jam. I'm well used to repeating movements with the aim of improving and learning.  So while I can't ride, I still feel like I'm working towards positive changes in my riding. 

What about you? Are you counting the days until spring (and mud)?  Has winter been bad for you this year or relatively mild? 

Polar Vortex: A Dramatic Short Story

 I make my way across the frozen tundra clutching the chicken waterer to my chest. The hot water feels good on my hands as the air forms ice crystals on the bits of hair sticking out from my toque. 

I wrestle open the frozen lock to the run, carefully placing the waterer down (careful, don't spill it). Along with the feed I sprinkle sunflower seeds in the run to help keep them fed and warm.  I slide open the door to the coop and listen to grumbles inside 'who let the draft in?! Doesn't she know what time it is?'

Turning I make my way across the expanse towards the barn. The air feels like it's peeling the skin off my face. Maybe it is. I slide open the door and turn on the lights. I am greeted by two faces peering at me over the stall doors. 

Good morning! I say, trying for a cheery warmth that I am not really feeling. 

Carmen pins her ears. you're late. She stamps her hoof impatiently. 

Quaid looks at me out of mournful brown eyes. yeah, we almost died. 

Muttering I give them their feed and hay. I check on their water. I then turn out the lights and head back towards the house. As I pass the chickens are grumbling. 

This water is almost frozen. It's definitely cold. 

It's like she doesn't even care. 

Henry: don't worry my lovelies. Look I have found these lovely sunflower seeds just for you. 

Handsome Henry, our HERO!  they chant. 

I enter the house, peel off my layers and wrap my frozen fingers around a warm cup of coffee. 

Cordelia nudges me with her nose. Don't worry I love you. 

And you will feel much warmer when we're out on our walk later.....

Midwinter Quiet

 The ground is frozen and riding is off the table. I used to hate this time frame. It seemed like it was dark when I headed to work and dark coming home. Now that my time is my own it seems easier.   The horses are definitely enjoying the break. 

OMG Carmen living her best life means she's filthy

I've been taking time to bring them in and groom. It's nice to just spend the time with the goal of brushing without the aim of tacking up.  If I take Carmen first Quaid stays out in the field. But when I'm done he's waiting for his turn with the cutest face. I used some Christmas money to purchase a new bridle for him and it fits nicely.  The brow band is a bit blingy so I might use it for shows. 

I've been going to the gym regularly. My goal is to go five days a week doing a mix of cardio, core and strength. Karate so far is a lot of fun. When riding re-starts it will go down but it's good to keep me Right now I've not been able to go because I've come down with a cold. It's irritating the heck out of me and I'm trying to not be whiny.  

When I looked at my tack room with the aim of organising it was a bit overwhelming (so much stuff in one small room!)  so I decided to break it into chunks. I tackled this plastic 3 drawer storage unit. It turns out that I have far more gloves than I realised. Also a whole bunch of singles, but just the left hand (like why?). I was strong and threw those out. Also a variety of bits (anyone want a bit?), every single saddle fitting tracing since the dawn of time, ear bonnets I never wear and other useless bits and bobs that I threw in there thinking that they might come in handy. Spoiler alert- they never come in handy. 

is it wrong that I feel I need some white ones in here? 

In the end the cabinet ended  up being almost empty.  Next up, random pieces of tack stuffed in a rubbermaid tote......

I've been doing a lot of reading which is great. My library app tracks my reading history. In 2022 I read 77 books, 2023 & 2024 I read 137 and 132. So far in 2025 I've read 7 (sitting on the couch hacking up a lung helps).  Two recommendations: When Women were Dragons by Kelly Barnhall and Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame by Olivia Ford. Both are touching and well written. 

Lastly, Ed and I have been planning a vacation to Arizona in early March. I'm excited for the warmth and a chance to revisit Sedona. 

Time flies so it will be riding time again soon enough. In the meantime I can choose to chafe against the restrictions or I can use the time to explore other things and take the time to enjoy the quiet. Not sure how I'll do but I'll try. 

Quaid- taking it easy is a good thing

New Year/New Plans: 2025 Goals

 After the few warm days, winter reasserted herself and the weather is back to being cold. I know lots of people love winter. I am not one of those people but I make the most of it. 

With riding being out of the question it seems like a good time to think about my horse goals for this year.  

Carmen:

1.  Maintain an even rhythm in all three gaits. And when we lose it, get it back within a stride or two. This will take a lot of focus and awareness on my part. I've gotten so used to her that I don't always notice when she shifts. 

2. improve our ability to adjust the length of stride within the gait while maintaining the rhythm. 

3. keep her attention on me and don't accept her giving me half-assed responses

4. Improve our turn on the haunches. She tends to step wide with her hind leg and my ability to feel this needs to improve. 

Cordelia doesn't mind the cold

Quaid

1.  have a more consistent canter, including the transition

2. decrease his separation anxiety when we're away and I take Carmen away. 

3.  improve his acceptance of contact. 

4. Be ready to show him at Training Level this year. 

Me: 

1. Use self-assessment instead of judgements to improve my riding/horsemanship. Emma referred to this in her last post and it really intrigued me so I looked into it. The basic concept is that assessment lets us look at things objectively while judging is labelling yourself based on a standard. An example would be, Carmen is a spooky horse, vs Carmen has difficulty focusing when not given direction.  

2. continue to improve my fitness level. I am enjoying the process and I can see a definite and positive impact on my riding. I actually signed up for a karate class so we'll see how that goes. 

3. Be consistent in taking lessons and riding. Not that I'm bad at this but I do waffle a lot about clinics. I'd like to take a couple dressage clinics. I'd also like to find some horsemanship/ Working Equitation or Obstacle clinics. 

4. Figure out how to show 2 horses and not be kill myself. I think this will come down to fitness and organisation. Possibly bribing others to help. Maybe with cupcakes. 

5.  Do some fun activities involving horses and horse people. 

6. organise my tack room. It needs a good clean out and re-organization. I keep procrastinating on this but there's really no excuse for it with the winter weather. 

These seem like good goals to start.  I'm rather excited for 2025. 

2025 here we come! 

 

2024 Over and Out

 Happy New Year everyone. I hope that you had a wonderful holiday filled with friends, family and food. I sure did. Like so much food. But I have zero regrets because sometimes you just have to enjoy the moment and not ponder how many calories are in a peanut butter ball and how many you've had that day. 

We actually had a white Christmas! 

I made hot chocolate cookies. They were delicious

We had two snow storms right before Christmas which delayed my daughter and her partner from coming until Christmas morning. It's been rare that we've had snow for Christmas. It was pretty but that and the bitter cold kept me from my usual Christmas morning ride. That was okay, we had a great time anyway. 

actually had to break out the snow shoes

I really enjoy the time we spend with family just low key hanging out and enjoying each other. There were board games and tv shows and food. When I was a kid I was excited about the presents. Now it's all about the time together. And none of the magic is gone. 

Cordelia: I don't know what's going on but I like it! 

I *might* have made too much food....

A few days after Christmas the weather started to improve. The snow stayed soft and fluffy and Julia was able to come on Sunday for one more ride before she leaves (I mean there's a chance she may come again but I doubt it).  The last time I rode either horse was December 16th.  Carmen was a bit spicy. I did a lot of ground work with Quaid but he kept wanting to canter in the snow and I didn't want him to strain something. So after a bit to settle him I got on. He was low key pissed that I wouldn't let him roll. Then got a little attitude about steering and just walking. 

Quaid: Imma gonna trot

Me: no, not yet. You have never carried anyone in snow before, let's not get hurt. 

Quaid: but this is so booooring

In the end we did a little trot but mostly walking. 

Julia and Carmen 

The footing was quite good really. In the end no one died and it was all good. 

The next day the weather was even warmer but it was too slushy to ride and the day was foggy and drizzly. We had rain last night and this morning the snow was gone. I figured that the ring would be a soggy mess but it was in great shape.  I did a quick drag and then tacked up Carmen. My friend, Paula came for a visit while I was riding. 

Carmen gave a couple small spooks but nothing major. Then when I was trotting her down the long side she gave a big spook and took off. Okayyyy I said and settled into the canter. After a couple circles she doubled down and gave an even bigger spook and tried to take off and shake me off.  She tried to pull the reins out of my hands and, when that didn't work, tried to get her tongue over the bit and when that didn't work gave a couple bucks. I laughed and rebalanced put my leg on to urge her forward. We settled into a 20m circle and after a bit I could feel her tire. So I brought her back to trot and returned to the original exercise of trotting down the long side. Funnily enough the super scary monster was gone. Go figure. 

But other than that it was a good ride.  Paula brought a double bridle she had for sale to try on her and we think it's going to work. I'll have Jane take a look and, if it's good, I'll buy it. Not that we're ready for a double but I've been keeping my eyes peeled for a good used one and this one is lovely leather. 

are you not done torturing me? 

After, Paula and I had a coffee and caught up and then we went for lunch. It was delicious. I had fish and chips because, well, why not? We came back and Paula encouraged me to ride Quaid to. So I changed and got him ready. As I expected, he was a very different horse. Still forward and a little irritated that I try to regulate his pace but we had a lovely little schooling session.  

look at my ring compared to 2 days ago! 

Ed and I barbecued steak for supper and I'm not sitting her in my PJs typing this post. I will not see midnight (unless I get up to pee!) but that's okay. It was a great day to end what was, overall, a good year. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!