12 questions blog hop

Hey-o! Borrowing this hop from Go Big or Go Home.

Q1:  What hobbies do you have outside of riding?

via GIPHY

Q2: What is your boarding situation?  Are you happy with it?

Hampton lives outdoors 24/7 at a smallish barn with a handful of other super awesome boarders and my coach on site (she's also the barn manager). There's zero drama, the horses are well taken care of and there is both an outdoor and a covered arena. I've got zero complaints except I wish we had hot water.

Q3:  What's on your horsey-related wish list?

My current list of wants include a Total saddle fit stretch girth, brown Mountain Horse Boots, and Sarafina breeches. Probably going to need a new set of DSB boots soon, too.

Q4: What is your most expensive horsey-related item?

The horse trailer. Which my dad bought for me. Because he is the best.

Q5: What was the hardest horsey-related decision you've had to make lately?

Thankfully I have not been faced with any super difficult decisions lately. *knock on wood* Mostly just battling with self doubt and if I should be making my horse do FEI dressage. He answered that question for me already and says he will gladly keep working!

Q6:  What's something you feel you can't live without in your routine?

Probably my routine itself. I really love structure and routine, and Hamps and I have our time in the mornings where we both know what to do, and what is expected. When my routine gets changed significantly, or without warning, I can sometimes get flustered and start forgetting things. haha

Q7: What's on your horsey-related calendar for the rest of the summer?

Pretty busy!

• volunteering as a fence judge at the AECs (I think I'm doing BN on Saturday - shout out if you are going!)
• Dressage chairperson/coordinator for Flying Cross Farm horse trials in Sept.
• KDA Fall Classic horse show in Oct. with Hampton

Q8:  What is one thing you would willingly change about your horse?

I would make him uphill. That's it, he's pretty perfect other than that.

Q9:  What is something you most want to improve on with you and your horse?

Creating a better uphill balance and more engagement in the dressage ring. It's so difficult fighting again his conformation, but it's not impossible. And he is teaching me so much!

This is from first level so we've already made huge improvements!

Q10:  What has been your [current] horses most severe injury?

*knocking on wood* .... hmmm could be a rather nasty case of cellulitis a few years ago, or if you want to count his navicular changes.

Q11:  What do you feel your biggest downfall is as a rider?

Like many of us, probably self doubt. I remind myself often that we are all doing the best with what we have. Some may have more money, more opportunity or better luck. But that doesn't make anyone better than anyone else.

Q12:  What feeds your motivation?

The day-to-day training is what I really enjoy. I love how if you just aim for a itty bit of progress each day, then after 30 days you have made significant improvement. I have enjoyed watching Hampton change and gain strength and balance. I do enjoy showing, and like to use that as a marker for progress as well, but the daily work is where it's at.

... I mean some days we don't really work tho.

Show recap x2. Dressage makes me go bipolar

Thanks Jen for all the photos!!!

First off. 

Someone out there was beyond incredible to me last week. Making it possible for me to enjoy this show at the Hoosier Horse Park even more than I normally would, and really giving me a solid kick in the pants that I have so many supporting me and clearly some extraordinary friends.

I know you read this blog and THANK YOU!! :)

--

I decided not to school Hampton on Friday in an attempt to save his energy. He has been to this facility multiple times a year since he was 4 years old so it's not like he needed to see the show rings anyhow. Liz and I somehow got to bed at a decent hour, which was good because I had an 8am ride for the PSG on Saturday.

Saturday morning Hampton warned up fine. We marched in and had a respectable test, I thought. We did have a mistake in the fours, and the left piro got sticky. But otherwise, I was not disappointed. I didn't think we would get a 60 since we made mistakes, but I would not call the test a disaster.

I went to get my test and was pretty discouraged to see a dismal 55%. Youch. Things we normally get 7s on, this judge was giving us 5.5s and 6s. She REALLY did not think Hampton and I should have dared to go down centerline at PSG because her comment was "Totally on the forehand and inappropriate for this level."

Welp, ok then.

However, this judge was scoring so low all day that people actually filed complaints.

There were even scores in the 40s. Hampton was high point PSG horse for the day with a 55!
I mean good grief. (That's us at the very top)

For the record, I think it is poor sportsmanship to complain about a judge's scoring. You are paying for their opinion, and sometimes you ain't ganna like it. So no, I did not complain to management. I DID bitch to Liz and Jen though hahaha! That is totally allowed.

And I was pretty bummed as this was the second judge in a row to make such a comment.

Did I need to take the hint? Should I throw in the towel and take up basketweaving? Showing hamsters? I was at a loss on how to proceed. I knew that after two judges tell you that you shouldn't be showing this level, you really start to question yourself.

We spent the rest of the day drinking and lounging by the stalls which was really nice. For dinner I hung out with Jen and her hubs who cooked yet another amazing meal. Yum yum!

I spy Jen and a certain pony in the background

Sunday I had the I-1 test to do and figured at this point I might as well go balls to the wall because I had nothing to lose. I knew I needed to keep Hampton's poll UP and him firing off the ground. And that was probably going to require pissing him off a little.

So that's what I did.

Our warm up was not classical dressage by any means. I was sick of Hampton bullying me and throwing his neck down and croup up to get out of work. NO SIR. So the very moment he tried to do that, I floated his teeth with that curb. Yep. Yes I did. It was most certainly not soft, harmonious dressage.

I went into the test telling myself to ride him no matter what. If the judge says I am too rough, then I'll know.

the I-1 ended up going quite well. We only missed ONE two-tempi, and the canter piros def still need work. BUT I rode the ever living snot out of him and had some really great moments.

This judge (NOT the same lady as Saturday THANK FUCK) rewarded us with a fabulous 64.3%!!

Our highest score at the FEI levels to date!
Our only second time doing the I-1
A score toward my GOLD medal
And we qualified to do a I-1 freestyle!!

The judge did not comment one time about my riding. And there were a number of times I smacked him behind my leg, or did a mild teeth floating with the curb.

And another high point for the day!!

Please excuse my saggy breeches. #DQfail

I'm very encouraged. And while I would still like to improve my PSG scores, I think the I-1 really suits us because there is literally no time for me to let Hampton bully me. It made me ride stronger and more aggressive. And since I meant biz-nass, Hampton was like "YES MAAM" (ok more like "ok you slave driving wench')

We've still got a lot to work on, but I'm going to keep pushing on. Hampton proved he CAN do this and is willing. I need to add more positive tension, and ask more of him now.

May or may not do one more show this year. I'm leaning toward one in Oct, when it's a bit cooler at least.

And now I need to start thinking about a freestyle!!!

Show recap. A tack malfunction and reflection

Photos by my friend K. Young

 It was great to be back in the show ring after taking most of the summer off. We haven't shown since May which seemed like forever.

We ventured up near Cinci to Majestic Farm over the weekend. The drive is usually about an  hour and a half but thanks for construction and awful Cinci traffic it took us more than three hours to get there Friday. This made for some hot and tired horses and humans.

I very lightly schooled Hampton Friday evening and he felt fine, but I could tell he was a bit tired.

We had early ride times of 8 am for the I-1 and 9:12 for the PSG so we were up at the buttcrack of dawn. I much prefer early rides because you beat the heat and bugs, and then you can chill out drink heavily the rest of the day and cheer on your friends.

Jello shots. Warning the pre-made ones from the store were ROUGH.

First test was the big I-1 and Hampton warmed up fine, but I could tell I didn't have much horse. I just never really got him razzed up and hot off the leg. Even so, our first time doing this test was a decent and respectable attempt.

In the video, you will see our first extended trot he broke (I see now it's because he was never straight and I let him start off crooked, so he lost his balance). As I went to try and correct it, we ended up in a slight pulling match and it is then I believe my tack malfunction happened.



I noticed a piece of leather flapping about when I started my canter work. I thought it was my throat latch at first, and continued on my merry way. Hampton was very cooperative, and did what I asked. We missed the twos, but he just wasn't hot enough and also again got crooked.

As I did my final salute, I looked down and realized it was my BRADOON HANGER that was no longer attached. I mean Jesus H. Christ.

The judge even waved me over to see what had happened. I thought for a sec I would get eliminated but he said I was good and I could tell he was probably laughing at my incompetence.

I'm not sure what the heck happened but I am guessing the hook just wasn't all the way latched in the loop hole and came undone. I had ridden with it that way when I schooled the day before, too.

True redneck dressage here. A total mess.

Anyway, we nabbed a 59% and some change. A very fair score, and just fine for a first attempt at the level for both of us. I think we would have gotten a 60 without the mistakes.

We did a PSG about 45 minutes later, and while Hampton was very obedient and cooperative, I knew that the days of doing two tests the first day were over. He struggled a bit in the left canter piro and I think we made a mistake in the 4s. Still, we squeaked out a 60%.

I let him rest and eat all the hay and alfalfa cubes he wanted the rest of the day. And he had a good roll during our evening walk and graze. hahaha nerd.

Sunday we had a 7:57am ride time for a PSG. He felt MUCH better warming up, more snazzy and well rested. This test was probably the BEST PSG test we have ever done. I was really pleased because it was the first time I felt comfortable doing the test! It was mistake free except for a very small bobble in the change after the counter canter.

For this extended trot in the PSG the judge remarked  "lacks suspension"
OK. IF YOU SAY SO.

I thought for sure we would be over a 60%.

wrong.

A mere 59% for one of our best tests ever.

Talk about discouraging.

His hind end really motors and I need to learn  how to get his front end up and out of the way

I realize Hampton's conformation and way of going are not FEI quality. Those two things are extremely difficult to overcome.

The thing is, he is so CAPABLE. He does the movements, is obedient and seems happy to keep doing this job. He has not said no to me yet. He just smartly figures out what I want, and somehow figures out how to make it happen even with the limitations of his body.

Is it fair to this horse to make him keep doing the FEI? Am I going to cause injury because his body is not made for this?

This is now our second full season at PSG and there has been ZERO improvement in scores. NONE. Has Hampton topped out? Is it fair to MYSELF to keep spending money to keep getting 58s and 59s? At what point do you say, ok, this horse has done great but this is as far as he can go?

I literally sold my own blood (well, plasma) to pay for these two shows. I love showing, and enjoy the entire experience not just the 5 minutes in the ring. But I'd like to see some improvement. That's kind of the point of competing.

hahahaha that's my horse.

I don't have the answers right now. Just a bunch of questions.

But gotta push those to the back burner since we have another show this weekend and another attempt at the I-1. Let's get those twos this time!!

... and another thing! *hiccups*

F.F.S.

My stance on SafeSport has not changed. 

Unless you live under a rock, you probably know that THE George Morris has been banned for life from USEF for a SafeSport violation.

From USEF website.

Yes, that would be sexual misconduct with a minor.

Here's the definition if you need clarification:

Sexual misconduct (Source: USLegal.com)

• Intentional touching without consent;
• Exposing his or her genitals under circumstances likely to cause affront or alarm;
• Having sexual contact in the presence of a third person or persons under circumstances likely to cause affront or alarm;
• Having sexual intercourse or deviate sexual intercourse in a public place in the presence of a third person;
• Soliciting or requesting another person to engage in sexual conduct under circumstances in which he knows that his requests or solicitation is likely to cause affront or alarm;
• Forcing a victim to touch, directly or through clothing, another person's genitals, breast, groin, thighs or buttocks;
• Vaginal or anal intercourse;
• Fellatio or cunnilingus;
• Sexual penetration with an object without consent.

I stayed up WAY too late the night this news broke. Reading hundreds of comments on various sites regarding this news.

It was horrified. Left in disbelief.

The number of people supporting Morris, and damning SafeSport made my jaw drop.

I don't know the specifics regarding the victim and what happened. But, if you have educated yourself on how the SafeSport process works, and do just a little bit of digging, you will find that this case has been under investigation for at least a year. A lifetime ban does not just happen out of the blue.

I read hundreds of comments about how awful it was to ruin someone over something that "happened decades ago." ... Do you listen to yourself when you talk? How do you think the victim(s) feel? They FINALLY have a way to safely report abuse. I cannot imagine the guts it takes to come out against someone like Morris. He is the epitome of this toxic culture of trainer worship.

I got news for you, he isn't any more special than the rest of us. I respect his contributions to the equestrian community, and respect him as a horseman. But I have NEVER thought highly of him as a teacher, and now it seems he is pretty gross human. I guess since it happened decades ago the victim should just forget about it?

Also I love the "Well, it was a different time back then. Things that were fine in the 70s are considering assault these days.". Way to minimize this victim's trauma. It used to be legal to rape your wife, too, back in the day.

And then the people yelling about "due process" and how SafeSport is a "witch hunt."

Did you know that USEF is, at it's basic core, just a club. A club of privilege at that. It is FEDERAL LAW that it follows the rules of SafeSport. If you can't play by the rules, don't join.

There is actually due process, see below chart. But no it isn't the same thing as due process in our court system. Two different things.

And the witch hunt thing is just mind boggling. All USEF did was post Morris under a listing of those banned. It was SOCIAL MEDIA who blew up. And I frankly haven't seen a witch hunt for anybody but the SafeSport process itself. Most people seem to be defending Morris. Saying nothing about the victim(s).

What is stomach turning is that other top riders are defending him. One particular very well known dressage rider has been pretty vocal. Interesting, as he is probably next. Abusers defend one another.

I bet a lot of powerful abusers are getting PRETTY nervous right now.

Their security is being threatened.

My view seems to be the minority which is REALLY SCARY.

This situation reminds of of Bill Cosby. Of Michael Jackson. Harvey Weinstein. Donald Trump. Kevin Spacey. Matt Lauer. SHOULD I GO ON.

Powerful men. Victims not believed.

What the actual fuck.

Just because you are a pop star, movie star, President, top horse trainer DOES NOT MAKE YOU IMMUNE from the consequences of your terrible, creepy, ILLEGAL, nasty behavior.

I have said before SafeSport is not perfect, it could use some tweaks. But society has a real problem. As I read all of these comments it is no wonder victims suffer in silence.

Look what happens when they come forward.

I support SafeSport. I believe victims. I'm glad victims are finally getting what little justice is left for them to be had.

A friend had a great statement she said to me.

This is like watching a graveyard flood.

All the bodies will come up.

___


... and now I'm off to a horse show where I plan to live in first-world bliss for a couple of days where my only worry is if I can actually get the two tempis in our first I-1.

Over and out!

Into the hollers

Soooo we are not at a horse show I see.

The barn gals loaded up last week for an adventure camping at Mammoth Cave in the boondocks of Kentucky.

We pulled in - 3 rigs, 6 horses, 4 dogs and  7 ladies (LOL ladies. that we are not) - to a lovely campground featuring a little store, sturdy stalls, plenty of shade and well groomed trails.

The guy who greeted us was named Bubba. And we were literally in the midst of hollers. The full KY experience, people.

Little creek crossing

And somehow we totally lucked out and it did not rain on us while we rode. It rained overnight, the leftovers of the hurricane, but we had great weather otherwise!

We went on a long ride Tuesday. I think we were on for about 3 hours and covered about 7 miles give or take. The trails were so well kept. There were some rocky parts which were a little hard on the barefoot horses, but everyone did ok and we only walked.

My dressage horse looking like a drunk mule.

Royale behind us being a perfect trail pony!

Once we got back and made sure the horses were hosed off and fed, we walked over to the campsites and ate dinner and drank too much. As one does. I slept in the tent all night. It's probably been 10 years since I have slept on the ground like that. Let's be real, camping pads do jack shit. I was feeling it in the morning but it's all good. I wasn't eaten by a bear so I consider that a success.

campsites

The second day we went for a shorter ride, covering maybe 5 miles.

All of the horses were foot perfect. We had 4 OTTBs, Hampton and a saddlebred - one you may know - Mr. Royale! - along. Quite the crew! Hampton at one point decided to kick the shit out of Royale and nailed him right in the chest but thankfully he was fine. I was mostly happy he did not get Liz because he fired like he meant it and it came out of nowhere. Or, at least I missed the body language that led up to that.

Hamp and Royale discuss world issues

Easy trails

But other than Hamp's murder attempt, all the ponies were just super. Long, slow walks along trails with terrain are one of the best things you can do for your horse. Trail riding is so great for mind, body and soul. I mean, maybe not for my butt bones, but still.

But now it's back to dressage land for a bit! Mammoth Cave is a great option for trail riders if you are ever in the area. Pretty sure we will be back!

A quiet moment with a porkchop

One decade

Photo by Jaclyn Fox Photography July  2019

10 years ago July 2009

July 2009.

My dear friend/mentor/second mother Susie calls me and asks if I know anyone who might want a 2 year old colt. Sort-of handled. At the time I had just sold my Morgan, and was financially destitute because I was forced to take one week furloughs every quarter at the time. #yayjournalism

I really had no business owning a horse.

So I said I would come and look at the horse.

And I did.

Just turned 2. 

He was at the end of the aisle. We made eye contact I knew immediately he was smart. He checked me out just as I checked him out. And he let me run my hands all over him, watching everything I did. I knew he wasn't handled all that well, but he was thoughtful, not over reactive and had a kind eye. I remembered him as I had foaled him out when I was working for Susie in 2007. But 52 foals were born on the farm that year and he was just another one to me then.

We let him run around a bit in the arena. His movement was nothing special. He was goose-rumped with a short neck. He bucked a few times.

First day wearing a saddle.

He cantered right back over to me and stood to be caught. Dammit.

I asked for a price, Susie said "Well, I'd like to get $500 for him."

I said I would sleep on it. And Susie cracked a smile. She knew.

First time with a rider on his back.

A few days later she and another friend dropped him off.

I knew right away I could get him started and make a well-rounded citizen out of him. And then my plan was to sell him. He was incredibly easy to start under saddle. In fact he was quite pleasant to ride straight away. Hmm, ok maybe I'll keep him another year and maybe with more training and I can ask more for him.

So I did.

First time trotting under saddle. Oh dear god look at us.

The more miles and training I put into him, the better he got. He had his green moments but rather quickly turned into a reliable solid citizen I could do just about anything with.

I kept asking a little more of him and he kept saying "Yep, ok." This continued on bit by bit until suddenly I had an FEI dressage horse with a long list of awards and accomplishments, a solid veteran trail horse that goes over, under, through anything, a smooth and adorable jumper that packs around BN novice height no problem, he will give pony rides to beginners, he packs around friends, he teaches others dressage movements, self loads in a trailer, trailers to new places and works his tail off for me without question, gives confidence to green horses, ponies other horses, rides bareback in a halter, and enjoys back scratches with the pitchfork when you clean his stall at shows. He also awkwardly loves his sheath cleaned.

In case you think he is perfect, let's not forget he needs drugs for the farrier, will NOT permit any sort of clipping of his ears or bridlepath and has picked up cribbing for fun. Also he has a weird phobia and obsession of mini horses and donkeys.

3 years old. 

Don't get me wrong, he has made me work for it and be a better rider.

s

He can certainly be tricky and snarky at times.

And he LOVES to be filthy.

But he makes me happy.

TEN YEARS. A DECADE!

What a ride it's been. I've been around horses long enough to know that horses like Hampton don't come around often. I once told Susie that I wish I could clone him. I'm glad I got the chance to thank her for what she basically gave me. It was far more than a horse.

3 years old. I love this photo of him.

I know Hampton isn't fancy by dressage standards. But that's not what makes a good horse.

He is a good horse. A good riding horse, a good buddy. A heck of a teacher.

A good friend.

Happy ten years together Hampton! Way to outlast every boyfriend I've ever had. hahahaha

One of my proudest moments.

A plug for Whole Horse Equine flyspray

I don't normally plug products on this blog, unless I truly believe in them.

This is my own review of this product.

This fly spray is Porkchop approved!

Kentucky has been a humid, hot, NASTY environment for over a month now. Like relentless 90+ degree days, 80%+ humidty, a variety of flies THAT BITE ME THROUGH MY SHIRT AND MAKE ME BLEED.

Hampton is not a sensitive skin dude, he is pretty average. But after constant applications of fly spray, his skin started to flake and scurf. I will say the worst is that SmartPak brand flyspray. One application and Hampton's skin is basically falling off the next day. No bueno.

So I tried Whole Horse Equine flyspray.

Full disclosure, the owner and founder of this company is a friend. She is an awesome person, incredibly nice and hilarious to boot. Even so, if the product was crap I wouldn't use it and most certainly would not promote it on my blog.

Guys, this stuff WORKS. Not only that, but I can BOMB Hampton with it and NO SKIN SCURF. I mean I soak him in it before he goes back outside for the day.

Even better, I mist it on myself before rides so that these little F-ing flies do not bite me through my shirt. I am serious the bastards are blood thirsty.

Recent shot from schooling at Flying Cross. So much sweat,

Plus, it's all natural so I don't have to worry about inhaling weird chemicals when I am dousing myself and Hampton in it. And it smells nice. ;) And it's supporting a local company.

Whole Horse Equine offers other products, too, like a fungicide and fly spray wipes. I have not tried those yet, but plan to as soon as my MTG runs out.

Check out the Whole Horse Equine website here and she is even running a sale through July 23!

Ready to work. Small ya later you blood sucking bastard flies.