Fun at Lesson Day

Get over the idea that only children should spend their time in study. Be a student so long as you still have something to learn, and this will mean all your life. ~Hcenry L. Doherty

Saturday was lesson day here at the farm. Janice Behrik is a local Dressage instructor who I truly respect as an educator and mentor. My friend Karen introduced me to her a few years ago, and I am so thankful for that introduction.

I have encouraged the girls on my collegiate team and my boarders to seek instruction with Janice when she is here. I am fairly certain they have enjoyed every moment of it. I know my daughter, Morgan relishes every moment with Janice.

Below are pictures from the day. Jess brought a really cool camera out to use. Most all of the pictures were taken by her friend Jean. A few by Jess and a few by me. It was just a gorgeous day to be out riding.

From left to right: Janice, Jess on Romey and Jean on Buck.

Chris on Sky. Is he not just the cutest thing?

Romey, my soon to be 6 yr. old mare.

Morgan and Romey. A new team this year.

Quest, an OTTB and Nicole

Jean took this picture of Quest and Nicole. There is such a story here with this pair. One day I will tell it.

Quest and Nicole

Elizabeth and Kammie
Elizabeth is my rider who is heading to Nationals this week. Kammie is owned by another rider on the team, Becky, who was kind enough to offer up her mare for Liz to practice on.

Jess and Romey. I met Jess about 3 years ago. She rode on the IUP english team. She started coming down to ride in her off time after classes, and has been such a huge help to me in getting horses ridden. She is such a lovely rider, with quiet hands, confidence and dedication. She graduates this year and then will soon be married to a wonderful man who complements her well. I will miss her not being here throughout the week, but she promises to come and visit.

Jess and Romey

Jean and Buck

Romey and Morgan

Romey and Morgan. She is blossoming into such a nice rider. Lesson day was her 4th time on Romey. Romey is so different then the other horses Morgan has ridden. Romey is much softer and more willing to come to the bit. Morgan is still in her mind riding her other horse, Ripley, who is so vastly different than Romey. It will take time, but this pair I think will be riding and showing for years to come.

Jean and Buck

Buck

Kelly and Buck. Kelly is a rider on my collegiate team. She has really improved her skills. I also am thankful she has taken lessons with Janice, because it gives me an oppourtunity to just sit back and watch just her and see things I might not necessarily see during team lessons when she rides with three other riders.

Elizabeth and Kammie. Wish her luck for Nationals!

Elizabeth and Kammie

Chris and Sky. Chris is fairly new to horse ownership. It was a bumpy road at first for her and her husband, Ron on horses. A couple bad deals, and then with help, they found the perfect horses for them. Sky is a 6 year old Tennessee Walker, who has a been there, done that attitude. Chris and Sky enjoy trail riding, but even though she has no plans to get in a show ring, the benefit of lessons has been fantastic in helping Chris to have a secure seat and softer hands.

Kelly and Buck

Tracker taking a nap. I'm sure at the end of the day everybody felt like this.

So What’s Your Story

This fun little quiz was on Brown Eyed Cowgirl's blog a couple of days ago...Feel free to play along!

1. How old were you when you first started riding? My first time on a horse, I was three. Consistent riding did not happen until I was eight when Borr came into my life.

2. First horse ridden? A friend of my mother owned a gorgeous Clydesdale cross. She would put me in front of her to ride him.

3. First horse trotted on? The same horse as above.

4. First horse cantered on? My first horse, a Polish Arabian, named Sky High Mr. Borr.

5. First Horse fallen off of? That would be Borr as well. It happened quite often the first year I had him.

6. Most recent horse fallen off? IRS, two summers ago. She picked up the wrong lead, so I put her on a small circle to encourage her to switch, which she didn't and I realized she was going to lose it and I was adamant she was going to switch, so I got my feet out of the stirrups and tried to help her, and instead she fell on me. Then she just laid on my leg, like she knew once I got up we were going to do it again. It took a few minutes to get her off my leg. She finally did get the lead. We were both fine.

7. Most terrifying fall? Nine years ago when I blew my knee out. Not really terrifying, more like an "oh shit" moment.

8. First horse jumped with? Borr

9. First horse that ran away with you? Borr

10. First horse that scared the crap out of you? Borr. Are you beginning to see a pattern here? We had a whole lot of scare the crap out me moments, but I would not have traded that horse for the world.

11. First horse shown? BarBNite Trouble (Glory). She was a beautiful bay Quarter horse mare who my Dad bought for me when I was 11. We found out soon after that she had done lower level eventing. So of course I had to try that out.

12. First horse to win a class with? Glory. It was a Hunter Hack class.

13. Do you/have you taken lessons? Yes. I never had taken a formal lesson though until I was in my twenties. Prior to that, my thoughts were, as long as the horse stayed between me and the ground, all was good.

14. First horse you ever rode bareback? Borr

15. First horse trail ridden with? Borr

16. Current Barn name? SkyBar Farm. I came up with that when I was twelve. It uses the first three letters of my first two horses' names. Sky High Mr. Borr and BarBNite Trouble. It has been my farm name ever since.

17. Do you ride English or western? I only rode English for years and then began riding Western later. Now I rode both.

18. First Horse to place at a show with? Glory

19. Ever been to horse camp? No

20. Ever been to a riding clinic? Several.

21. Ridden sidesaddle? No, but I give anyone who has a lot of credit.

22. First horse leased? Never leased one for myself. I have leased a few of my horses to people. I leased Avalon to a fellow boarder when I was pregnant with Zared.

23. Last Horse Leased? Same as above.

24. Highest ribbon in a show? Champion. Glory, then Avalon and several since.

25. Ever been to an 'A' rated show? Yes. Some Arabian shows and Hunter/Jumper shows, years ago. Looking to go to a few this year.

26. Ever competed in pony games/relay races? No, but they always sounded fun.

27. Ever fallen off at a show? Not technically. It was in a warm-up ring the night before the show and a friend asked me to jump her horse. She neglected to tell me the mare had never jumped before. She tried to duck the jump and I pushed her straight, she got over the jump (not pretty) and promptly began bucking. I bailed.

28. Do you ride Hunter/Jumpers? Yes

29. Have you ever barrel raced? Yes

30. Ever done pole bending? Yes

31. Favorite gait? Depends on the horse. I loved to canter Borr and Avalon. They were just so smooth. Malarky has a fantastic jog, but an equally nice canter. Same with IRS. Romey has a nice jog, but the canter is finally getting better. (Only took four years) So I guess it just depends on the horse I'm riding.

32. Ever cantered bareback? Yes. Used to a lot as a kid.

33. Have you ever done dressage? Yes.

34. Have you ever evented? Yes. I used to love it. Had my kids though and lost my guts so to speak.

35. Have you ever mucked a stall? I am a stall technician professional!

36. Ever been bucked off? Yes, a few times.

37. Ever been on a horse that reared? Yes. Dummy me trained Borr to do it on command. He learned to do it fairly easily, and then would do it to get out of stuff.

38. Horses or ponies? Horses. My daughter has had a few ponies that have been invaluable to her learning, but I will always prefer horses.

39. Do you wear a helmet? Not regularly, but I do when I show, or when I'm on a horse I think might give me trouble.

40. What's the highest you've jumped? 4+ feet.

41. Have you ever ridden at night? Yes. We have done some moonlight trail rides.

42. Do you watch horsey television shows? Not really. Movies though, like Seabiscut, Hidalgo, The Black Stallion, Phar Lap etc…

43. Have you ever been seriously hurt/injured from a fall? Yes, when I blew my knee out nine years ago. Ten months of living on the couch.

44. Most falls in one lesson? Never had a fall in a lesson. Came close a time or two.

45. Do you ride in an arena/ring? Yes. I have an indoor and an outdoor. I used to only ride on trail, but as I get older I do a lot more in the arena.

46. Have you ever been trampled by a horse? A few times.

47. Have you ever been bitten? Yes

48. Ever had your foot stepped on by a horse? A few times, with the mashed toes to prove it.

49: Favorite riding moment? Oh this is tough. I have had a lot. With Borr, it would have been trying to reenact the scene from the movie, The Man from Snowy River, where the horse and rider leap off the side of a mountain and go running down. With Glory, it would have been our second Cross country course. She sailed through it and was just a dream. Avalon, it would have been on a ride in Missouri and we were doing tempe changes through a field of flowers. Malarky, the first time we went into a pleasure class and for the backup he stretched hi whole body back, but never picked up a foot. The judge came up to me and was laughing, and said that was the nicest back he had ever seen without it ever being a back. So many more I could go on about.

50. Most fun horse you've ridden? Hands down, Avalon. I had him for almost twenty years. He was just enough of a challenge to keep life interesting. He could do things that some people only dream about doing. He always was ready to go for a ride. He could go from babysitting my kids to turning a barrel. He was probably the best trained horse I ever had.

Okay, so not the most interesting life, but it's been fun thus far. I think this was more an ode to my shortcomings and accidents. LOL I continue to strive to improve though

Now for Something on the Funny Side

Humor is the great thing, the saving thing. The minute it crops up, all our irritation and resentments slip away, and a sunny spirit takes their place. ~Mark Twain

I felt things needed to lighten up for a bit, since the loss of Kody. There is still a hole there, but each day gets a bit easier. I also felt I better get some humor on here before my next post that is in the works, which gets a bit serious and political.

So without further ado...


Now is that not just fun? I could definitely picture doing this to Malarky or IRS. Flash would be appalled. Dell would be saying "Aww Mom! Why me?" The others probably would not let me get near them with the flippers.

Farewell Good Friend

A goodbye isn't painful unless you're never going to say hello again. ~Author Unknown

Farewell Good Friend
Your road has been long,
For me, the journey to brief.

From the moment of your first breath,
You belonged with me.

You've guided me and protected me,
Always, have you been loyal to me.

Your heart always pure,
Your soul endlessly deep.

Know you were so loved,
and forever, your memory I keep.

You were and always will be,
such a huge part of me.

Go now and sleep,
and feel no more pain.

Find beloved Kish, and both of you,
wait there for me.

Godspeed and find your well deserved peace,
My dear loyal friend, a part of my heart, you will forever keep.

SkyBar's Kodiak Bear
December 28, 1997 ~ March 23, 2009

Kody and Kish playing Tug-O-War, 1999

Kody 2nd from the right, 1999

Kody (in back) with his half sister, Akira in 2000, at a GSD Specialty Show, 2000

Kody during the summer of 2005

Kody, January 2009

Kish ~ Kody's ever loyal Dam 1994-2000

Dearest Kish, protect him and love him, till I'm there with you both.

Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose. ~ From the television show The Wonder Years

IUP Western Team Spring Show and Regionals Update

You can teach a student a lesson for a day; but if you can teach him to learn by creating curiosity, he will continue the learning process as long as he lives. ~Clay P. Bedford

Last weekend was our IHSA Spring show, hosted by West Virginia University. I know I have said it before, but I want to say it again. The WVU team did a great job of hosting. I always enjoy their shows.

Liz, Becky, Me and Becky's Mom, making a game plan as to how to ride the square in their pattern.

My girls made me proud as always.

Results are below.

Beginner Western Horsemanship

Courtney placed 4th in both shows. I really liked this outfit on her. Courtney is the rider that just makes everything fun. She graduates this year, and I will miss her. I will miss her whining, her laughter and her twist on life. I know my daughter, Morgan, will feel like she has lost her soul mate.

Danielle placed 3rd in the morning show and second in the afternoon show. She should have been first in the afternoon. I and the two other stewards were blown away at the first place pick. I won't say anything more about it.



Kelly is brand new to showing IHSA and she did fantastic at her first show. She dealt with crowding and with a young man riding his horse right in to her. She made me proud with how she just took it all in stride. Kelly placed 5th in the morning show and 6th in the afternoon.

Intermediate Horsemanship II

Carrie showed as well this past weekend. She was in a tough class. Carrie and I have some work to do on body position. She performed her pattern well under pressure. She placed 6th in the afternoon class.


Novice Western Horsemanship

Amy is one of those riders who makes a coach think hummmm..... I have watched her riding improve steadily over the last few years. She has all the tools she needs to be a great rider. Occasionally, though she does not believe in herself even when others do. Her morning ride was tough. It was a testament as to how important it is to go into the ring with the thought in your head that you are the best in there. Amy unfortunately had other thoughts I believe. Her afternoon class was better, but she still had doubts about her abilities. I was proud though, she improved from her morning ride and as a Coach that is all I ask of My Girls, to continue to improve and achieve their own personal best.

Lark also is new to IHSA, but not to showing. I watched her this past summer show her Appy at some local shows and do a great job with her. When I found out she would be attending IUP, I asked her to consider joining the team. She surprised me in her abilities this weekend. I was not sure how she would take to riding a horse she knew nothing about, nor have the chance to really see what she had in a horse before going into the ring. Imagine my surprise when she took to it like a duck to water. She looked confident and comfortable. She placed 3rd in the morning show. She did not place in the afternoon. I'm still scratching my head on that, but I felt she had a great ride.

Open Western Horsemanship

Becky is one of those riders that you just know is going to make it to the top. When she classed up from Novice, I bumped her up to the Open Horsemanship Class, skipping Advanced Western Horsemanship. I have done this once before with great results. Becky is in a class where the competition is fierce, riding against some of the best riders in the country. This was only her 2nd and 3rd time in the Open Class. I could not have been more proud. Watching the confidence in her as she learned to maneuver a horse she had never ridden was awe inspiring. I know she will become a rider others will envy.


Open Reining

This was Becky's first time competing in IHSA Open Reining. I was extremely happy with both her rides. She placed 5th and 6th against those same riders in her Open Horsemanship class. Very respectable places when your in that type of company. We have a few things we need to work on to improve her, but she is a stellar student and I know she will shine next season.

Class 13 Regional Class

This was a heart breaker for me as well as Becky. She showed a tough horse who can be difficult at times. Becky executed not only her rail work, but her pattern flawlessly and she knew it. Unfortunately, the judge felt differently and placed her 4th which kept her from moving on to semi-finals.

The video below shows her rides.

Alumni Horsemanship

Before I go much further, I have to give a big thank you to Anna and Sara. Without them, Elizabeth would not have been able to ride this weekend. They had already qualified for Regionals and didn't need to ride on Saturday. Ride, they did though and without them Liz would not have been able to accumulate enough points to compete at Regionals. Thank you girls.

Liz bought a brand new outfit, something I had not so secretly been hopeful for. Her old outfit, although nice, hid her from the judges. She is a very accomplished rider and needed to show herself and her abilities. I was not disappointed. She recieved two second place ribbons this past weekend and earned enough points to ride in the Regional show Sunday morning.

Regionals Alumni Horsemanship

Sunday was our Regional show and the air was thick with excitement. Liz entered the arena poised and confident. She rode extremely well and performed her very difficult pattern with ease. I knew she had it just based on her rail work. I was so nervous for her I couldn't watch her pattern. I had the girls tell me how she was doing because I just couldn't look. A coach from another team told me she had a perfect pattern. Only when they called her the Reserve Champion did I finally take a breath. She was moving on to Semi-Finals.

The video below shows her Regional Ride.

We just found out yesterday that there will only be 4 riders at Semi-Finals in Alumni Horsemanship, so Liz is automatically qualified for the 2009 National Championship Show, which will be held in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, at the Miller Colliseium, April 23-26. Looks like we're heading to Nationals! Wish her Luck!

Part of my IUP Western Team