Don't Give a Thoroughbred a Vacation, And Other Useful Pointers

In this land of wind and rain, we got an unexpected snow storm. Then an ice storm, followed by a wind storm. With the power knocked out for four days, and no way to get to the barn, Gracie got a 7 day vacation. I don't know if it was being cooped up, feeling forgotten, the unexpected cold and then high winds, or a mixture of all of the above but Gracie developed a bit of an attitude. Bucking, spooking, bolting...she was the poster child for a fresh OTTB mare if I've ever seen one. And this made me really nervous. I managed to stay sticky in my seat for the 20 or so spooks we encountered, though I did lose my stirrup one one of the bigger ones. Nonetheless, this behavior only 20 days before our first show started causing me some anxiety.

4 rides, a lesson, a practice show lesson, and a talking to from her owner, and we are slowly getting back to where we were, except my trust still isnt where it was. She had never spooked with me, never bucked with me. Though a little stubborn, I felt like she had been taking care of me. Now the "what ifs" are hanging around. What if she does this at the show, what if she does this when we're riding alone, what if the calm schoolmaster Gracie doesn't return?

While trying to push my doubts aside, I did realize that, though my equitation may not be getting a lot of practice, my riding is indeed getting stronger while dealing with these issues. I'm learning to handle a hotter horse than I'm used to, and learning to move past my fears for the love of my sport.

We've also decided to continue the lease for a year...I must have some hope that this story ends well somewhere in the depths of my doubts.

Gracie and the Trailer

It came about time to re-introduce Gracie to the trailer. I knew this was going to be no easy feat, and that lately with her being a bit sassy, she was going to rebel. And rebel she did.

The trailer arrived while I was grooming her, and she saw it pull in. I think she sensed it was there for her, because she got antsy, and kept looking back at it. After lunging, her owner (who is also our trainer) took the lead and brought her to the back of the trailer. Her poor legs were shaking, and she was breathing pretty heavily. She sniffed it, then pulled back, reared a few times and trotted around and around. He lead her to the trailer again, this time she took a step in. Then backed up, reared and trotted around again. This went on for about 30 minutes. Finally, she was brave enough to enter the trailer. And then turn around and rush out.

After an hour, she had successfully entered the trailer three times. I was so proud of her, knowing how scared she is of them.

With a mouthful of liquorice she headed into the arena for a well deserved free run. I'm feeling hopeful that we may possibly make it to the show next month!

The Year of the Horse

Happy New Year! My grandmother used to believe that what you did on New Years day sets the mood for the entire year. It was no mistake I started my morning out in the barn. It was a slow lazy morning ride. The sun was out, but the winds were really up and Gracie was on alert for anything that might appear on the wind. We walked/trotted for about 45 minutes with our friends; a bay Quarter Horse and her owner. It gave me time to contemplate my horse future, and where exactly I want to go with my riding.

After a good grooming and a few New Years cookies for Gracie, I left the barn with a plan for the year.