Welcome to all of our new horses!

We have welomed quite a few new horses to the farm this month. We have 8 horses there!

Emily Lago and her pony Hillcrest moved in July 1. We are so excited to have them!

Judi Kuhl brought a old friend of mine, Forest, to the farm for some RandR. I rode Forest for her when I was a teenager, so i've got a soft spot for him :) He and Hillcrest are quite cute together in our back field!

A few weeks ago we started a search for a new pony for Allison. One that she coudl gain confidence on and move forward in her riding. Thru a mutual friend we found Rapidash, or "Dash" as we are calling him. They are a perfect fit and we love having him, although he will be leaving once school starts!

We will also say goodbye to Rufus at the end of the month. We all love him so (and Nicole) so we will be sad to see them go! Andi will especially be sad with no more play time with Bently!

We hope everyone has been enjoying their summer, and trying to get some riding in! As I am writing this it is downpouring, but I am so excited for the rain!

Until next time

- Angela

One Step Forward.....Lots of Steps Back....

VW Perry Photos
Buddy at Spring Bay HT Novice

So it has been a while since my last post, and with good reason! I have been eating, sleeping, and breathing wedding planning and lessons. Since April 14 I have had a wedding or event, and I keep going until July 21. Well, every weekend but May-Daze HT, but more about that later. On top of that I have had two students catch the showing bug, and my days off from my real job were spent at horse shows with the girls. They all did fantastic, and learned a ton. Here is a breakdown of the shows we went to!

      Morris Farm Schooling Hunter Show: Allison and Lucy placed 5th in both poles classes, and 2nd in the flat class
       Lakeside Arena May H/J Show - Allison and Lucy - 2 4ths and a 2nd in the poles
                              and flat classes; 2 5ths and a 3rd in the crossrails
                     Sydney and Godiva- 2nd and 3rd in the cross rails, and 1st in the flat class
      Ballyhigh H/J Show - Allison and Lucy - 1 and 2nd in the poles, 1st in the flat for champion of the division! 5th in cross rails and 4th in the flat class against a ton of older riders!
        4-H Districts - District 4 - Allison and Lucy- 2nd in showmanship; 2nd in hunter under saddle, 1st in equitation
                      Sydney and Godiva - 1st in Showmanship, 1 in Beginner Horse Over Fences, 4th in Equitation over fences, 1st in Hunter Pony under saddle



Bourbon County 4-H Horse Show - Allison and Lucy - 2nd in Showmanship, 4th in Equitation under saddle, 2nd in hunter under saddle
                                       Sydney and Godiva - 1st in Showmanship, 5th in Beginner Hunter over  fences, 3rd in hunter under saddle
                                       Callie and Scooter - 4th Showmanship, 4th Hunter under saddle

State 4-H Horse Show - Sydney and Godiva - 7th Showmanship, 7th Over Fences, 8th Under Saddle


So needless to say it has been busy. Unfortunately, I haven't had to worry about riding Buddy during this time :( We were all set for our move up to training at May-Daze. After Spring Bay I gave him a couple of weekes to chill and just work lightly. He always comes back so happy to be back in full work, and he definitely did. His canter was improving by leaps and bounds, and because of this his stadium was also improving. Gone was the horse who decided everything, and he was replaced by a horse who could add or take out striding. We decided to attend the first May XC schooling at the horse park. Man, was it insane! Horses galloping everywhere. Buddy isn't one to get frazzled on the XC course, dressage yes, but give him solid jumps and he is a happy camper. Because of the craziness I couldn't let him really go to the jump, as there were people cutting in front of everyone all the time. Buddy wasn't happy with the start and stop of the whole thing, but he got really happy once we got to the water. Jumps in and out, no problem. Then we attempted to school the drop into water. I came in at a trot and Buddy jumped down no problem. Upon landing though, it felt like he just got stuck in the water with his front legs, and my whole balance shifted forward and BAM, my pelvis hit right on the pommel of the saddle. At that point I was ok, and went right back down the bank and stayed back even more no problem. We went on to school a couple training jumps and stopped with that. That Saturday at work, I started to experience the same piercing pelvic pain I had last year. Unfortunately, the pain persisted for weeks, and much to my despair, I ended up scratching from May-Daze.

 I was really upset with the whole thing, and I still am. All my friend are out competing, and I'm stuck watching Buddy torment the others because he has nothing to do. Lindsey rode him for me when we had hopped I still might be able to ride, but since I have yet to get back on him, we stopped working him as it was pointless. I've just started riding again, and its been very controlled. I'm back on all my medications I had weaned myself off of, and trying to stay on a strict diet.

Right now all competition plans are on hold once again. I may try for an event in the fall, but we will see. A move-up this year isn't likely, as I don't have one weekend off for the fall events. So it looks likes dressage boot camp for a while, and maybe some jumpers this fall, since most of the local shows are on Sundays.

Its been hard, but once again I am valuing my time in the saddle and with my horse. Its nice to be able to relax and have no pressure, just enjoying each other's company. Don't get me wrong, I desperately want to be out on the cross country course, but I'm not going to push it. So we will look towards a spring season, and possibly getting south a few times depending on my schedule and funds :)

I will try to update more, especially on the girls and their progress. If you want to keep up with my "real job" check out my blog on the Opera House's website http://www.winchesteroperahouse.com!

1. - Angela

March Wrap-Up

Wow! What a month! The beginning of the month saw my equine population almost double with the addition of 3 horses! We welcomed Nicole and Rufus, who as boarding with us. Its so nice to have Nicole and Rufus at the farm to have someone to talk to and ride with. Parker also came back to the farm, after not working out with his owner. After a few weeks of some TLC (and some tough love) Parker quickly turned back into the superstar that I know he is. He was quickly scooped up by a friend's client and is now living in Auburn, Alabama. I couldn't have imagined a better home for him. Katie is awesome and loved him before she even set eyes on him. I can't wait til they get out and start competing together!

At the end of the month Lucy, Allison Fink's pony, came to the farm for 2 weeks while they were on Spring Break for a little jumping boot camp. Over the two weeks she has turned into a jumping machine. I can't wait for Allison to get home and see what her pony can do!

For Buddy the month of March was all about getting him ready for Spring Bay Horse Trials this past weekend. On the 31st of March we went to the Paul Frazer Combined Test and competed in Novice and Training. In the Novice he scored a 36 in dressage and jumped double clean to just finish out of the ribbons on his dressage score. In the training he scored a 34 (shock to me) but had 2 rails (totally my fault) to finish 6th in our first training CT. I was very shocked when I heard the placings, but super proud of my pony. We will get the kinks worked out of the jumping and find the middle ground between whoa and go.

At Spring Bay this past weekend we competed in a Novice Rider division. I pre-rode him Saturday morning to get all of his nerves out. This worked well, as I had a calm horse for my actual warm up. The dressage is slowly coming together; every time he goes out he slowly gets better and more consistent, which is all that I can ask. A few points were lost on my part from not being accurate. I'm going to take him to Masterson to ride in their dressage rings so that I can get my marks on accuracy better. I think I get so focused with riding the horse I've got I just go thru the movements of the test not paying attentions to specifics. O well, this is only our 3rd competition in over a year and a half, so we will just continue to practice and improve.

Our division was the last to stadium jump, and I was 3rd to last to go. He warmed up a little nervous, but that's always the case. Lindsey does a great job of warming us up just enough, and then getting us out of warm up. Unfortunately the rider before me took a long spot to number 7 and went their separate ways. The horse decided to leave the ring as well.. Great way to start my round. But Buddy kept his cool and we went in and jumped a double clear round. Lindsey has been working hard in getting me to make decisions, and minus the last jump I think it went pretty well.

Sunday was XC day, and I've always been a little leery of Spring Bay XC. I've had a couple bad experiences. But never fear with Buddy...he ate the course for lunch. He didn't bat an eye at anything and was much more rideable then at Full Gallop. I had to have him be more rideable, as the course was wheeled really long. The optimum time was 6:09, and we came in at 5:02. I'd rather be a little fast then slow right now. We finished the weekend tied for 7th, but because of my fast time we lost the tie and ended in 8th.

Buddy was great all weekend and is really showing improvements! We have gotten the go ahead to enter training at MayDaze! Finally! The next 7 weeks or so leading up to the show will be spent in dressage boot camp, as well as lots of stadium lessons and a few XC schoolings. Wedding season kicks into high gear starting next weekend, but since I will be working Saturdays I'm going to be taking Mondays off so that I can have a day off that isn't spent recovering from a wedding!

So we will continue to work and improve over the next few weeks. After having 2-3 horses to ride a day for the month of March I will be back down to just Buddy, which will be a very welcomed change. Lots of lessons with my 3 current students to get ready for a few shows for them in May. It will be a busy month, and hopefully the weather will cooperate.

Until next time!

A Weekend of Highs and Lows

This post isn't about me, but rather two people who have shapped the rider I am today.

This past weekend was Pine Top Advanced Horse Trials. My current trainer/best friend, Lindsey Solorzano, took Taylor to contest her first advanced horse trial. Over the past 6 years that I have known Lindsey, I have always promised that I would be at her first advanced. So when I had a bride wanted to book their wedding on February 25th, I felt terrible that I couldn't go with her. Luckily, Kristin, a new friend for me, was able to go with her. I'm very happy to say that Lindsey completed her first advanced in style among some of the biggest riders and horses in the world. I am incredibly proud to be her client/friend, and I am so happy that all of her dreams are finally materalizing, and her hard work is paying off. To top off her great run on Taylor, Ramsey finished 7th in a strong prelim group. She bought Ramsey a year ago, and he has quickly become a fantastic upper level horse for her.

On a somber note, in the middle of my wedding Lindsey called me. She had already texted me that she had gone clean, so I knew that everything was ok with her. The call was followed up with a text message that shocked me. Lindsey and I first met when we were both riding with Megan Moore. Lindsey's text message read that Megan's horse, Hopper, had suffered a brain aneurism on course and had passed away. Megan purchased Hopper right before I started riding with her, and I was fortunate to watch his first event ever at River Glen, his first intermediate, and his first one star. I would never wish this sort of heart break on anyone. I know how much Hopper meant to Megan, and I extend my deepest condolensense to Megan and her Dad, Howard. I wish I could find the pictures that I took of him at his first event.

On a happier note, things have been quite busy around the farm...well as far as my phone is concerned. Spring has sprung here so my phone has been ringing with all my 4-H girls ready to start lessons again! Allison brought Lucy out for a lesson today and had the maiden voyage in their new trailer! The Finks are taking a vacation on Spring Break, so Lucy will be coming to the farm for some jumping boot camp to prepare for 4-H Districts. Kim, another client, will be bringing Chocolate the pony for some training in hopes that another student will lease him out! I also received a message from a friend that I had class with in school, and she may be bringing her Thoroughbred Rufus to board with us. And on a final note, one of my favorite horses I have trained is returning to the farm tomorrow. Parker is now a 9 year old, and he isn't quite working out for his current owner. Parker is best in a program and he thrived when I had him at Jenna's while I was working with her. So Parker is coming back for some training and work, and hopefully we can find an adult amateur that he can have some fun with!

Parker at May-Daze HT in 2008, where he finished 1st

I'm done with weddings until the 24th of March, so my weekend are going to be taken over by my horses, and I wouldn't have it any other way! The 10 and 11, Buddy will be going to Lakeside to do some jumpers, and Chocolate and Parker may go play in the Hunters. The 17th Parker and Buddy are going to Snowbird dressage, and the 31st Buddy and Parker will be competing at the Paul Frazer Combined Test.

Go give your horses a kiss and an extra carrot, I know I did today!

Motivation at its Finest

Since today was such a cold and nasty day, I spent the majority of the day on my computer looking at event calendars and filling out entries. Here is my event calendar for the year (tentatively)

March 11-12 - Lakeside KHJA
March 17 - Snowbird Dressage
March 31 - Paul Frazer Combined Test - Novice and Training Combined Test
April 7-8 - Spring Bay Horse Trials - Novice
April 15 - MET Jumper Show
May 25-26 - May Daze Horse Trial - Training
May 28 - Lakeside KHJA (students)
June 9 - District 4 4-H Show (students)
July ?? Antebellum CT - Training
July 21-22 - Gemwood HT - Training
August ?? - Summer School Combined Test - Training
August ?? - Antebellum CT - Training
August 31 - September 1 - KY Classic - Training
September 28 - 30 - Jumpstart Horse Trial - Training
October 18-21 - Hagyard's Midsouth 3-Day Event - Training 3-Day

Hope to see some of you all there!!!!
   

One Amazing Day

Well...we did it! Buddy and I are back! I just got back home from an incredible trip to Aiken. The show was a one day event at Full Gallop Farm. I found us a place to stay right across the street from the farm. The farm had individual turnouts for the boys, which was great for Buddy, as he is used to being out all the time. Once we arrived we settled the boys in we went across the street to walk our courses. After we were done we worked the boys a bit. Buddy was wired, but with Lindsey's help we got him to focus.

Lindsey rode Taylor in the Open Intermediate first thing Wednesday morning. She and Tay finished 3rd in the division. After that it was all about Buddy! Lindsey is not only one of my closest and bestest friends, she also doubles as my trainer. Dressage is Buddy's least favorite phase. Its not because he isn't good at it or can't do it, he actually is quite fancy. He just lacks the focus at times. He probably has the horse form of ADHD. But he tried really hard, and I was very proud of him for not being in a dressage arena for two years, nor being in a competition setting. O well, the dressage work will continue to improve as he gets out more.

Since this was a one day event, we were to do stadium first and then go straight to the cross country. Because of my issues with a previous horse, Stadium has been my most nervous phase. I originally walked the course when it was set at the Advanced level, so by the time it was put down to Novice, its looked incredibly doable. Buddy was cool and calm in the warm up until we started jumping. The footing in the arena was chewed up and deep to the jumps, so he was taking quite a pull to the jumps. After some reassurance he would be better in the arena, we went into the arena for our course. Buddy was spot on. After learning to ride him forward to the jumps the last couple of weeks, he got every distance and finished the course with no rails and no time. YAY!

Off to the cross country course! The course wasn't very technical, but rather big and gallopy, which is exactly what we needed. We set off on the course and Buddy ate it up. He took everything forward and once again out of stride. The course took us through some woods and over bridges, so that caught him slightly off guard. We finished the course still going strong. When we crossed that finish line all I could do was envelope Buddy in a big hug! He was absolutely amazing.

We capped off the day with dinner at my favorite Aiken restaurant, Takosushi. We left this morning and got back early this evening.

Next for Buddy and I is training at the Paul Frazier CT at the end of March. Until then we will keep working on the dressage. I am so excited to officially be back in  the ring. Best part is that I had no pain after the day. Tomorrow its back to work! Thank you to everyone for your support and thoughts!

It all started...

If you ask my dad, the horse bug kicked into full on sickness at the 1997 Rolex 3-Day event. I believe this was the first one that I ever went to. We were walking around the trade fair, and there in all its glory was a hot pink hoof pick. I didn't have a horse to use it on, but I just had to have that $.99 hoof pick.


Now we go to 2009. My friend Nicola called me and asked me if I would be interested in taking her horse, Buddy, and selling him for her. Prior to this I had been dabbling in the hunter/jumper world and had has success selling a few ponies for a friend. Nicola was going back to England and was hoping she could sell her other horse, Cruiser, before she left, leaving her with Buddy to find something to do with. Funny thing is, I actually really wanted Cruiser, not Buddy. I told her I would try him out and see what we could do. To this day Lindsey and I don't know why I took him on. He was a complete mad man....Nicola couldn't even remember the last time he had jumped. But after a pow wow with Lindsey and her confidence that I could do something with him, I agreed to take him on to sell for Nicola. Nicola dropped him off at the farm on December 23, 2009.

Buddy and I worked hard that winter, and he helped me get my mojo back. There was nothing that horse wouldn't jump. We took 5th place at our first combined test. I took him to FENCE HT with Lindsey, and we took 5th place at that as well. I had slowly started falling in love with this crazy, blue eyed, half saddlebred horse who would do anything for me. While at FENCE, Lindsey and I went schooling and she had us schooling all of the novice xc, and some training, without even batting an eye. Upon completion of the lesson, she looked straight at me and said "You need to buy him."

The negotiations started. I honestly did not need to be taking on another horse just graduating college, but I knew he was special. My grandfather somehow caught wind of me wanting this horse. While I was at work her called me as asked me about Buddy. That day he told me he was giving me the money to buy Buddy. I started crying at work. I couldn't believe it...best graduation present ever.

Buddy and I have been riding a crazy roller coaster since that time. We were going strong until a minor tendon issue set us back in the Fall of 2010. 2011 started with a minor abcess. Finally able to start back into work in February, I thought we were golden. In March, I started having immense pain in my pelvic and abdominal region after riding. I had experienced this pain before, but never to this degree. I stopped riding and due to doctor's orders I did not get back on until the end of June. No one could diagnose what was wrong with me. During this time Lindsey rode Buddy a couple times of week to keep him in shape. One day she called me up and said he wasn't feeling right. We decided to give him a week and then call the vet if he didn't feel better. He didn't get better so I called the vet. Buddy was diagnosed with a mild case of EPM, a disease that affects his balance and coordination. So now Buddy was on crazy amounts of medication (like me) and told not to work (like me). We both slowly got better and tried to come back again at the end of June. My good fortune lasted about a month, and then I was sidelined by the pain again. I was in pain for a month straight, until we finally sought out the help of a specialist 2 weeks before my wedding. Finally a doctor had answers for me. I was diagnosed with a combination of problems, but the good news was that there was a cure and a way to get back in the saddle.

After another 2 months out of the saddle, I started riding again. And today I am happy to say that Buddy and I was back in full training!!! No more problems for either of us!

Next Tuesday we will be traveling to Aiken for our first event together in almost 2 years. I started this blog for my friends and family to follow our comeback to eventing. It has been a bumpy road, but I am so excited for the year coming up. Our overall goal for the year is training at Maydaze HT, but I am just happy to be back in the saddle!

Until Next Time,

Angela