2012 Aspirations + Actions = Success!



Cathy and Valie are dressed for success in the Hunter ring!

"....sorry, unable to give photo credit because I can't read the artist's name, ugh, that's fine print for ya!"

It never fails, every year at this very time, in the wee hours of the morning, a week or so after the ball has dropped in Times Square, I think of these words, spoken by some unknown author, "The opportunity of life is very special and it moves very quickly.".  And, just as fast as I think about the meaning behind those words, I promise myself that the year ahead won't be spent thinking about last year's missed opportunities or any unfulfilled goals that were left in my wake.  The promises I make to myself, my animals and my wonderful family and friends are important to me and there has to be a creative yet fundamental way to keep my word and still have a shot at meeting my own expectations! 

I often burden myself with the task of trying to do too much.  In other words, my goals, plans, aspirations, hopes, etc., would be impossible to reach even if I were "Wonder Woman" so; this time, I must approach achievement in a very different manner!  The first step is to make certain that I only
focus on one project at a time.  In other words, whatever it is I am planning to do, decide on a goal and reach for it by getting it started and actually getting it done!  I need to wear blinders so that I see only one task with only one outcome and only then will I go on to the next!  The is the very first baby step of not doing anything to sabotage or overwhelm myself - yeah me! 

So, in the interest of keeping with the premise of my blog, I will begin this new year by focusing on getting Valie and I to a clinic or a show, in the Spring or the Summer!  So, where do I begin?  I shall begin with getting him groomed to perfection every time I am at the barn.  In the past, I typically used the cold, unfriendly Winter months as an excuse to ease up on the kind of grooming that gets him show-sheen clean!  But, even though it's a ground task, not mounted work, it's just as important to begin the process  of getting his coat ready to transition from Winter to Spring.  I shall pay close attention to his mane and his abundant, beautiful tail and with patience and love, I will help him obtain a gleaming sheen so rich that come Spring and then throughout the Summer, his "blood" bay coat will cause people to stand up and take notice! 

After I fall into the routine of being in consistent grooming mode, I will get back to being consistent with lessons for me and training rides for Valie and........will do that with my talented and ever patient Instructor, Caitlin O'Neil.  She better be up for the task (lest she pass out when I begin with such a fervor) because I am diving headlong into doing whatever is necessary to help Valie and I continue to develop as a team of two!  So, while my hands, my back, my seat, my legs, etc. are being scrutinized and worked during lessons and schooling days on our own, my focus will become second nature!  And when I finally begin to feel that cadence, the feeling between him and I that whispers, "we are in synch with one another", I will then be able to get into the "fun stuff"!  What is the "fun stuff" you ask? Well, that's getting down to the business of re-vamping and adding to my clinic/show wardrobe!  And that my friends will consist of assessing what I already have and deciding what I will need and then....the shopping!  Oh boy, what fun I'll have while the wallet opens and closes.  My plan is to do as much comparative browsing in online and in-person tack shops before buying and........maybe I'll even blog about my "finds" as they happen!

"....and lastly, tonight, I will fall asleep with "visions of Tailored Sportsmen Breeches" dancing in my wee little head or better yet, maybe I should dream about wearing the "riding habit" that's pictured above!  Ahhhh, what would George Morris say!"                                                                    

Holiday Gift Giving at the Barn






*a cute, equine inspired Christmas card from the great "Just Horse Gifts" website www.justhorsegifts.com



"....sitting here tonight amidst a lots of bows, ribbon, wrapping paper, etc. has me thinking that it's time to visit the subject of Holiday Gift Giving at the Barn!  And, when I think of this subject I reflect on the various barns wherein I've boarded over the years and the truth is that every single barn had a different way of handling the holiday season!

We will begin our expose' by talking about the standard barn party.  The menu calls for either potluck or the barn owners provide the food, you bring a bottle of "bubbly" and spread good cheer all around!  In addition to the dinner portion of the barn party, you may have been called on to participate in some type of gift swap!  And, the posted-on-the-barn-bulletin-board invitation states that you should not spend over $10.00 - $20.00, etc. on this gift swap!  Then there's the age-old dilemma of how said gift giving will proceed - will it be the simple task of picking a name out of a hat, keeping your pick name a secret and come party night, discreetly placing your gift under the tree?  Or........will it be "The Yankee Swap".  The last time I was involved in a "Yankee Swap" was at a Dressage Club Christmas party and although my memory isn't serving me well on this particular subject, I will do my best to explain how it's done; 

but first, please allow me to digress for a moment because I want to tell you that, in my humble opinion, I honestly believe that this type of exchange breeds feelings of low esteem about the gift you have chosen for the swap!  In other words, you begin with the fact that everything is cloaked in secrecy - you pick a name out of a hat but don't tell anyone whose name is on the little slip of paper, you buy a gift and rush to get it under the tree so no one will see how it's wrapped (gosh forbid that someone watched you and then you've been caught, they know it's your gift by taking note of the wrapping paper) or if it's the "Yankee Swap"; well, that can be confusing and even confrontational.

*Participants draw numbers from a hat (here we go again with the "hat"!) to determine their swap order from one up to the total number of participants,

*The person who picks the first gift opens it and shows it to the rest of the guests.  Then the number two participant picks a gift and chooses to either unwrap it or swap it for an unwrapped gift.  If the gift is swapped, the person who had their gift taken from them gets to unwrap the chosen gift and the turn passes,

*When all the gifts have been opened, the "ol' Yankee Swap" is over.  Afterward, you might find some people trying to trade and I guess that's considered an acceptable practice.  However, the end result is supposed to be that everyone goes home with a gift they are happy with but that's not a true rendition of what is going on behind the scenes or at least in my opinion (see my opinion in red)!

*Another variation to the swap is that after all gifts have been unwrapped, it's ok to allow the number one swapper to choose a gift from any of the unwrapped gifts and that means you are taking a gift away from someone!  So, in essence, the item in your possession is not yours until the game is over and even then you're not sure; apparently, until you get in your car to go home with your "swap" gift firmly in tow!  It appears as if the secret Gift Giving or the Yankee Swap can have some extremely different outcomes and from what I've heard has even caused tension at some parties (could this really be true????).

Now, it's time to give you my take on what's really happening and my take has absolutely nothing to do with how the game is played but here goes anyway:

....you breathlessly watch your gift out of the corner of your eye, when someone finally chooses your gift, you make certain that you don't stare too much lest someone figure out that it was you who brought said gift!  Your stomach crunches as you watch that person open your gift and the moment of truth has arrived!  Is your gift a winner, is the person happy that he or she has chosen it and if not, as in the rules of "Ye ol' Yankee Swap", does the unsatisfied person find themselves, at the end of the swap, frantically trying to trade with someone whose gift they like better than yours?  Now, can you see how this activity can lend itself to feelings of low self-esteem or tension - hmmmmmm!

Now, on to the important issue of buying holiday gifts for your barn owner, your trainer, your instructor, the vet, the farrier, the barn help, ahhhhhh, what to do, what to do!  My personal rule of thumb is if I am at a barn for a year and I am happy with the care my horse has been given, I want to take the holiday season to show how grateful I am (in other words, I'm grateful that my horse gets good care) so, in this case, I will purchase a gift for the barn owner.  And since I am not usually at my barn when the barn workers are there, I normally don't even know who they are; so, that brings me to trainer, instructors, etc. and that's a big "YES"!  Ohhhh, my instructor is a saint (yup, that's you Caitlin O'Neill) and quite honestly, she deserves more than money can buy.  She has put up with my disabilities, my fears as a result of my disabilities, my inability to prevent my family from getting in the way of consistent lessons, my horse (although he is usually not the problem, I'M the PROBLEM) and in addition to her expertise as an Instructor and Trainer (sometimes just a few simple words from her help me adjust so well that my ride becomes effortless), the mere fact that she is always and I repeat the word, always calm, cool and collected (which is exactly what I need), she deserves a gift not only at Christmas time but at every other USA holiday throughout the year, even Flag Day, for that matter!

I don't know my new Vet very well and I have not yet met my new Farrier but if I did know my Vet, it is doubtful that I would him a gift.  However, the Farrier is one person who puts up with a lot, in one way or another; so, if next year at this time, Valie still has the same Farrier, he will most surely get a token of my appreciation!

So, now it comes down to what my readers think, what do you do at this time of year and/or what don't you do?  Also, I think it would be equally interesting to hear what gifts you received from your barn owner.  When I arrived at my present barn in November of last year, I never expected to give anything or receive anything.  However, I was delighted to find a gift in my cubby and it was a great looking, long sleeved, sport jersey (inscribed with the Barn Logo on the front, the back of the jersey identified me as a member of the Four Winds Farm Equestrian Team and finally, on the sleeve was my first name)!  I really love the jersey and along with a Christmas stocking filled with peppermint treats for Valie, this gift actually did make me feel like "part of the team", a nice way to welcome me to the farm!  I immediately sent my barn owner, the wonderful Jamie Blash-Arsenault, a thank you note because I was really touched by her gesture!"

Better Rested equals A Very Alert Driver

My boy, Valie, shows me what I should do before driving to the barn - as seen here, he wakes up from an afternoon siesta, on an unusally warm winter's day!

Early last week I made my way to the barn and although it was late afternoon and it was still "daytime", it quickly began to get dark and the story goes downhill from there!  When I began the drive, I was exhausted and by exhausted I mean that I was probably in danger of dozing off behind the wheel on the way home.  However, imagine my surprise when I found myself nodding off on the way there and as such, I then knew that traveling to or from anywhere had been a mistake!  But, on the other hand, I know that had it occurred to me prior to leaving the house, my desire to be with my horse would have been stonger than my inner voice of reason.  I know that isn't a responsible way of looking at the situation but being that he lives quite a distance from me, a 50 mile round trip, it's hard to get to him as much as I want and many times, during the course of a week, I find myself missing him so much that it hurts - as for my non-horsey friends, they tell me that they just don't understand how I can miss him that much! 

The truth is that, from time to time, I envision moving him closer to home but I always worry about creating change for him.  What I mean is that Valie is happy, he's never looked as good as he does right now and has several equine buddies that he truly depends on.  In other words, I would worry about how he would adjust as he is truly a creature, errr, I mean a "horse-of-habit, he thrives on a schedule and unsettling that schedule would surely cause a mood shift but there's also something to be said about being in closer proximity to him and that would mean more "face" time for both of us!   But, in the past, prior to moving him, I always worried about such things and he always surpirsed me by settling right in to his new home! 

In the interim, I have made a promise to myself and that is to be better rested before I drive to the barn.  In the scheme of things, that's a small task for me to accomplish if it means keeping me safe and my horse happy -  better rested equals a very alert driver!

George Morris Mark III Helmet by Pegasus



 

 

Presenting the Pegasus George Morris Mark III Helmet

 

 


"...in a recent post I talked about being a winner in the Riders4Helmets "Helmet GiveAWay" Contest.  In my humble opinion, this contest increased "helmet awareness" and it was also one of the many ways this group continues to illustrate the importance of wearing safety headgear.  Furthermore, donations by many top name helmet companies, such as GPA, Samshield, Troxel, Tipperary, etc., aided in making the contest a success!  In addition to these top name brands, a relative newcomer to the helmet market, Pegasus Helmets, also donated quite a few helmets to benefit the cause!  And, as one of the winners, I was the lucky recipient of their George Morris Mark III show helmet!"

I was excited to be a winner but more so because I was looking forward to trying a new brand of helmet and I have to report that Pegasus helmets did not disappoint!  So, without further adieu, please allow me to give you my personal review of this "classy" helmet!

First and foremost, George Morris actually endorses this helmet!  Now, I don't know if that means anything to you but none-the-less, it does have a seal of approval from this well known, top notch rider!  And, as for my endorsement (I may not be well known or be a top notch rider) but I like to think I'm well versed on what makes for quality equestrian gear and clothing)! 

Upon arrival, I opened the box to find a very beautiful helmet!  It has such a classic look that it actually brings back memories of days gone by, days when we called a "riding helmet" a "hunt cap"!

This helmet is so light and comfortable that you actually forget it's on your head and as for me, I know that I have a better ride when my helmet isn't giving me a headache!  I researched the Pegasus website and then talked to the creator of the line, Ron Friedson, a long time horse person who really makes an consistent effort to maintain customer satisfaction.  It was then I discovered that the company's use of 17 different head molds make for a custom-like fit!  For example, the very first time I put it on, there were no "pinch" spots nor were there any "loose" spots, just a comfortable fit, right out of the box! 

As for the actual outward appearance of this helmet, the velvety exterior, the classic bow sewn in on the back of the helmet plus a decorative braid across the top of the brim, adds even more elegance to the classic design of this model!  Also, the skin-colored, leather harness system offers a myriad of adjustment possibilities.  I especially like the fact that the beauty and form of this helmet doesn't negate its function as a necessary piece of equestrian safety gear!"

If you are in the market for a show helmet or even a schooling helmet, you might want to take a look at the Pegasus website.  You will then be able to see their entire collection and if my helmet is any indication of how the other helmets fit, I'm quite sure you'll love your helmet as much as I love mine! 

*I have not and will not receive any compensation for my glowing review, the purpose of my post is merely my way of letting my readers (and anyone else who happens along) know what I think of this new-to-the-market helmet!

Behind The Bit - Bling Browband Giveaway

"....many of you have already trotted on over to Stacey Kimmel's blog, "Behind the Bit", http://behindthebit.blogspot.com/, to get the specifics for an opportunity to win a "gorjus" bling browband.  However, if not, let me give you the information if you choose to go direct to the designer's site!  Her name is Kimberly and the company name is Enter At A Jewelry 
http://enteratajewelry.com/.  Her designs are beautiful and of course, you can create your own; so, go on over a take a look!  However, in order to enter the contest you must "like" her facebook site, Enter At A, and also, write a little bio about you and your horse and why the two of you should win the "bling" browband!

Lastly, if you are an equine/equestrian blogger and you help to promote the contest on your blog, you will get $30.00 off and free shipping on a custom browband!"
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              




a beautiful, custom browband made by Kimberly of Enter At A Jewelry
 http://enteratajewelry.com

  

Gucci & The Equestrian Fashionista

"....please allow me to post my personal disclaimer before delving any further into the world of equestrian fashion!  In other words, I want ya'll to know that even though I was browsing riding gear on eBay, I wasn't, am not now and never will be interested in this helmet! 

But hey, who knows, since it "is" a Gucci and many of us do follow the trends, then there MUST be someone who will buy it!  So, if this helmet "speaks to you", for a mere $3,499.00, you will be able to show your fellow barn buddies that in addition to your riding prowess, you also posses a keen fashion sense!

*the below captioned excerpt was copied directly from eBay (insignificant parts were removed to save space)

Brand New 100% Authentic Gucci Leather Equestrian Riding Helmet - Size 57

Limited edition, was purchased in Europe. Less than 50 was made, very hard to find piece. Newer been used, original tag still attached, comes with plastic cover, dust bag and original Gucci box.
* Made in Italy
* Condition: Brand new, perfect condition, no damage or discoloration!

So, guys, come on, any takers or, at a minimum, any comments?"

Cross Country - The X-Rated Way!

"....Michael Matson (we all know who he is, right?) just posted this video over at the "Barnmice" site and since I wanted to "brighten up" the Sunday doldrums for myself and anyone else that needs a lift tonight; well then, watch this controversial video and have yourself a giggle!"

Riders4Helmets



The George Morris Mark III Helmet

I am a big fan of Riders4Helmets and have been since Lindsey White and Jeri Bryant introduced their website.  It seems as if these two people got together when the stark realization of how important helmets are hit the "horse world" and that was when Courtney King Dye had her accident.  From the beginning, I have loved their goal, it's short, sweet and gets right to the point, "To get more riders wearing helmets ... period"!  Furthermore and I quote their idea on the purpose of their website, "To educate equestrians on the basic facts of wearing a helmet; to promote a helmet wearing campaign on a National level by involving leading equestrians in various disciplines that will encourage an increased use of helmets; and to provide important links/resources to enable riders become further educated on the importance of wearing a helmet."  ....don't you just love their purpose????

I don't have access to statistics but I really feel that their website and subsequent campaigns have really paid off and that more people than ever realize the importance of wearing a helmet.  I must say that I felt a chill when I first saw some of the top Dressage riders wearing helmets rather than top hats in competition and although I attribute part of that to Ms. Dye's accident, I believe that Riders4Helmets was the catalyst for the push that was needed to inspire change!

On a personal note, when the R4H website was in its fledgling stages, Valie and I were featured, along with many other other equestrians and their horses, in a pictorial that showed us with our horses and wearing our helmets, along with a little blurb as to why we do so!  I was quite proud to be part of that but wait........it gets better!  Along with selling wonderful merchandise such as cute t-shirts, they have spear headed several contests and one of those contests was a huge helmet give-a-way!  On one of my visits to the website, I  randomly entered the contest and lo and behold, I was shocked to find that I was a winner!!  Many different helmet manufacturers were sponsoring this contest, every one from the new Samshield, to the GPA, Charles Owen, the new helmets made by Pegasus and many others.  And as a winner, I was the lucky recipient of a brand new Pegasus George Morris Mark III Helmet and although it has not arrived yet, after viewing it on the Pegasus website http://pegasushelmets.com/, it is one beautiful show helmet and features a very unique approach to custom fitting as well as comfort.  After I try it on and use it a bit, I will review it right here on my blog!

Well anyway, that's it for tonight, it's way past my bedtime and I have a full day ahead of me beginning tomorrow morning at 6:30 AM.  I will be visiting your blogs very soon and will return to mine to write again - Goodnight!