Windows are rolled down

_________________________

We abandoned the sandbox over the weekend and instead went trail riding & camping in southern Indiana. A few of my Indiana friends were there. (and Hamptons former pasture pals. He very clearly remembered JJ and there was a relapse of his annoying bromance). 

Good enough excuse for me to go!

Hamps

Rear view 

Hamps, again.

We rode out Sunday evening for a little over an hour. I would classify these trails as fun, but not for the chicken. There were certainly some steep hills and rocky terrain. There were times when I was really nervous that Hampton may fall down on me again, but it became clear that he has really grown up in a year. The boy has started to really THINK about where to put his feet. By the end of the ride I was riding on the buckle and totally trusting him to get us down (or up) the hills.

Are we lost?

Union break.

Monday morning we rode out to a treehouse. Hampton stood trying to untie himself and get into trouble mostly obedient while I climbed to the top. Sorry but I don't get to climb treehouses very often. :)

In the tree house with former barn owners from Indiana

I love reading people's scribbles! Although
one person had wrote "I love Justin Bieber." ... Gross.

the tree house

view from the tree house

Camp

Despite the 90 degree weather, both the horse and I held up really well. I made sure to pump us both full of electrolytes and Hampton was really awesome about drinking whenever we came across a creek. The trails were mostly shade and I did do the pinch-test frequently to make sure he was staying hydrated. There was really only one time that he started blowing pretty hard because of the hills. He will probably be somewhat muscle sore so he'll get a couple of days off. The hills were no joke, even for a somewhat fit dressssaaaaage pony like the Hamper.

The Evil Loudly-Tweeting Bird

At one point we came upon the above bird. This little bastard DID NOT MOVE. I thought for sure he would fly away. Nope. He stood there even as Hampton almost touched him nose to nose! And this bird was not just tweet tweeting away, he was all puffed like like "TWEEEEEEEET!!!!" and standing his ground! I was laughing hysterically. Anyone know what kind of bird this is?

This guy lives on the property I think. He is abut 70% wolf.

I got up at 5:30 am to watch the sun rise and check on the horses.

Camp firrrrrrre. (Use a Nelly accent)

Some of the farm property

I had never been to this place before to ride. It's FREE (perfect for cheapskates like me!), plus there are stalls for your horse, picket lines, camper hookups, a couple of arenas, roundpens. Just a really nice place to camp and ride. There were some drunk rednecks hillbillies hicks cowboys? on the other side of the property. One offered me a beer - then called me sweetcheeks - but I decided to go ahead and decline that offer. Ew. But mostly they stayed away from our camp.

More of the main property

the old crew.

Monday morning I was out riding a little early and came upon a group of teenagers taking a jumping lesson in the arena. Hampton and I watched for a bit, both of us secretly wanting to join in on the fun. Eventually the instructor took pity on us and invited us in!! The lesson had already worked up to jumping 2 verticals in a line. (about 2'3"). The kids in the lesson were making it an awkward 3 strides (these were, uh, beginners who maybe should not have been jumping but ... not my problem. Not a single one had any sort of solid lower leg. It was actually sort of frightening), but Hamps and I marched in there and cruised through in a solid 2 strides. I only went down the line maybe 4 or 5 times and only 1 time we hit an awkward distance. No biggie. Mostly he made me look good. Like maybe we knew what we were doing? I actually have no issue staying back with my upper body when I jump in my dressage saddle. Weird.

Weeee blurry.

You suck, iPhone

Some of the wider trails.  I guess some people bring mules and
carts and drive these.

This view was GORGEOUS. 

Yes. This exists.

One of the trails we took on Sunday led us out to what I can only describe as fodder for a horror movie. Some guy has built himself a bunker, you know, for when the world ends. There was so much random and creepy stuff in this part of the woods. His little compound was even creepier. It looked like a scene out of "Wrong Turn." However when I spotted the above van, I had to appreciate the awesomeness.

:)

I spent the drive home blasting country music (and some Paula Abdul in there. Whatevs! I still love "Rush Rush" and "Straight Up." Don't judge me!!!!). A damn good weekend. Except when I realized I forgot to turn in my time card at work. So after I dropped Hamps off, I had to go into the office (after camping and riding in 90+ degree weather). My gut was hanging out because I had just downed 44 ounces of Dr. Pepper. I looked like hell on wheels. Filthy, dehydrated, exhausted. In gym shorts and cowboy boots and a tank top. Keep it classy! Thank God I was wearing a hat. Helmet hair + humidy + my own genetics = hair that would survive a nuclear holocaust.

Back to dressage this week! I'm also checking out another barn and instructor on Friday.

Louisville - home!!

And also, Amos Lee, I love you.

A is for Apesh*t

Potential Barn A

• Indoor arena. OK footing, large enough to work in.
• Outdoor "arena" is bumpy grass pasture with some jumps scattered about.
• Some questionable fencing.
• A few of the horses looked rangy thin. Not skinny, but just lacking that "bloom."
• Plenty of turn out. About 25 horses in the property.
• BO supplements with hay when grass gets grazed down.
• Only full board is offered, no pasture board.
• Affordable.
• Stalls are 10x10. Yes I know this was the standard at one time but Hamps would probably be a little cramped in that. If that makes me a DQ to say that, then fine.
• Seems to be a pretty laid back barn. Easy parking. Trailer parking, too.
• Same distance away from home as Current Barn.

... and then I talked to the BO.

"I'm a FOURTH-LEVEL rider!!" she bellowed at me as we were discussing instructors in the area. Boy did I have to bite my tongue and not say, "Well LA DEE FUCKING DA! What do you want, a damn cookie?" I mean seriously if you are going to wave that kind of crap in my face, I don't want to be around you. I have ridden horses trained through the FEI movements but I do not consider myself an FEI rider. No way. Anyway, the BO just sort of rubbed me the wrong way but she did seem like she takes good care of the horses.

I do have to say that she was a stickler about safety and for that I do give her credit.

I labeled Barn A as a big "maybe."

... to be continued.

The Great Went (to a new barn, maybe)

I've been barn shopping again. It's not my favorite thing to do in the world. I spent a quarter of a tank of gas today driving around Lville and I only saw 2 farms. I have emails in to a few more. Oh, goodie.

Here's the thing about our current barn. It is absolutely gorgeous. The grass is so lush that Hampton is now borderline fat. I stopped feeding him grain as soon as we got here. Hamps looks probably the best he ever has. He lives in a massive field with plenty of shade, a run-in, a friggin pond, his own flock of geese and other horsie friends. The trail riding is unbelieveable. We are literally next door to other eventing facilities. There is a nice dressage arena and pleasant jumping field.

Our hack back to the field. Oh boo hoo.

... BUT. Here's the part where I sound like a spoiled brat.

Because I chose pasture board (for financial reasons, and because Hamps likes living outside. Plus he is a PIG in his stall.), we are banished at least a quarter of a mile out away from the main barn and arenas. When I want to ride, I drive my truck out and park next to Hampton's field. If I'm lucky, the horses will be somewhat close. Some days, I can't even find them and have to start hiking.

To tack up, I tie him to the fence. Fine and dandy, no biggie. But there is no hose, NO source of water at all, no electricity. A minor annoyance, really. But what really bothers me is that should I get hurt (kicked in the head or otherwise unable to call for help), NO ONE would find me for HOURS. Possibly days. From Hampton's field, you cannot even see the main barn due the hills. The day Hamps almost got stuck in the fence scared me because no one would hear me scream for help. I felt helpless.

I know, I sound spoiled. It's a gorgeous farm and I should feel lucky. But frankly, riding alone like that is stupid. It takes us a good 7-8 minutes to walk from the field to the arenas to work. I have encountered numerous deer on this walk. Again - what if I get dumped? Most mornings I am the only one riding (the barn is mostly weekend warriors).

 I dunno. Maybe I am turning into a spoiled DQ.

So I started looking around for other barns.

Ugh is all I have to say.

... to be continued.

Who made cross country their beeeotch? BLAMO!

I've been waiting on the photos to be posted before I spilled the beans. :)

We. schooled. cross country.

The farm across the street has a cross country course (they hold horse trials, too) so we hacked over there and had a blast. I'll let the photos tell most of the story.

We jumped barrels!

Crappy scenery huh?

we jumped the rolltop in the background, too!

We had ... uhhh ... a few of these.

Splashing through the water!

Ok this jump was NOT a pussy jump thanks!

Little house after the water

We jumped logs!

just cantering my horse in Kentucky heaven!

A bench with brooms.

Hamps was such a good boy. We had a few stops, but all at scary jumps and because I need to grow some balls and kick him to the fence. At least he doesn't stop dirty. He's pretty honest about the whole thing.

I still jump ahead pretty badly. I need to ride in 2 point and develop a more stable lower leg, too. I think that will help. Otherwise, we had a total blast and I feel it was a positive experience for both of us. We did not do the banks because they were Novice height and I just didn't even want to go there. 

Tomorrow we have another dressage lesson with James Houston. I LOVE Kentucky!!

2012 Schedule & goals

Yeah, I know, it's mid-May and I am just now making up a 2012 pony schedule.

The whole moving thing prevented me from laying down solid plans.

2012 still remains the 'Year of Education' and my primary goal is to learn, learn, learn. I want to take this year to move us up a level and come out in 2013 and show Second Level. A lofty goal? Maybe. Maybe not. I think we can do it.

BUT ... let's face it, I LOVE HORSE SHOWS.

... this was after the test where Hampton spooked at his own feet
and bucked through canter transitions.

So I am going to try to keep it to one a month. And for now, I am sticking close to home. I would love to venture back to some old Indiana stomping grounds, but perhaps next year. Although I WILL be returning to the Hoosier Horse Park in the fall.

I considered Dressage at Lexington (that's the big show in Virginia people, not KY). It's a 6-hour trip and would by far be the most prestigious dressage show I will have ever shown at. (I did show T-Bone at Lamplight one year, but I think it was one of their smaller shows). I thought and thought about it. Maybe next year. I need to save my money for training this year and so I can do shows at home. A trip to Virginia would wipe out my budget for almost 2 months. And that's if I only enter 2 classes. Yikes.
Here is what I've planned out so far.

June 8-10: FHF Adult Dressage Camp: 3 days of intense training and learning with one of my favorite instructors as well as Susan Peacock and Pam Lifton Banckner, who will also be giving lessons. I just need to find a place to stay for those 4 days ....

July 8: Antebellum Farm (KY) Schooling show. Dressage and Combined Test. First Level and watch out we are going to do the STARTER combined test!!

August: TBA. Several options to choose from. Prefer a rated show. Ohio or Kentucky

September: Harmony in the Park Dressage (rated show); POSSIBLY another show this month. My goal for this season is to get my first 2 scores for my USDF bronze medal (2 scores at First Level. About 62% I think? Will have to double check. Must be from 2 different judges, 2 different rides)

October: TBA
* I'd really like to find a schooling show in the fall and show Second Level test 1. I MIGHT do this at Harmony in the Park. Depends how the summer goes. We can do the test movements, but the quality can sometimes be .... uh .... "winging it."

November: Maybe squeeze in one last show?

And of course in between shows as many lessons as I can afford. I know this summer will also be a little bit about instructor shopping. I learn a lot from James Houston, but I just want to know what else is out there. Someone who can give me lessons inbetween trips to see JH.

Quickie: Sexy and I Know it

I did not expect this nerdy musician to take this popular song and NAIL IT. But he did.

Getting more Peter.

;)

Another sunny, beautiful day in Lexington watching horses. BOO HOO!!

I found Amy and Steady at the Peter Atkins clinic. Steady looks FABULOUS by the way. My camera loved him. Make sure and check out Amy's blog for more details and photos I took from Saturday.

I hope they come down to Kentucky more to visit and play. :)

I also hung out with Kelly from Dressage Pony and Amy (yes, another one), who rides Moose. I didn't get any photos of them with my own camera, but took some of the pair with Amy's awesome camera. Check her blog to see those. LOVE this pair as well!

I of course wish I had been riding in the clinic, but chilling out with awesome friends and horses is the next best thing. OF course Peter is wonderful to watch and learn from. Here are a few photos I took:

Steady smells Peter's butt. Oh Steady. No shame!

Peter's speech. He gives one every lesson.

This horse was very tense, sucked back and on the verge of explosion. Peter talked this rider through it and even gave her extra time at the end of the lesson.

Dear Hampton, here is how you lower your haunches and work those hocks.

Amy and Steady. 

This rider was very timid and fearful, but she pushed through it.

I love Steady's feet in this photo.

Stretch.

I love how wise Steady looks here.

Peter did not let his broken foot stop him from helping riders.

Love the shirt.

Amy shows us how to kick up, stand up, look up.

Very cool to see this rider conquer some fears.

Another clinic rider.

Oh hei camera lady!!