tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43188427703641050672024-03-12T19:31:02.075-05:00Eventing Saddlebred StyleEventingSaddlebredStylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610596082916022402noreply@blogger.comBlogger484125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4318842770364105067.post-71059495443123889392022-07-05T03:00:00.001-05:002022-07-05T03:00:00.230-05:00Sludge<p> I have moved quite a few times as an adult and this last move was by far the hardest. It was the first time that I wasn't really excited for the move, because I didn't want to move. Downside of being over educated is the limits in the job market. Then add in the pandemic and not having a horse community and it was a recipe for struggling.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQcUjXugEeeEfiswo_w1oR0EtMNVTpRdU7jmGvkmLHlPD4_fVoOkGR7HaLBJ7iv95mqqyoj3-mwG7XuhaKr7PP4caq_BMRV2OLzSELdcqpyUMVb7rNJlu3bqyV6hVU-MvEZUcBZK6gaSE88zgvEj33-5F44UVvixZdfaMV_4tS_9RX_a74KIsu1u4XQ/s4032/IMG_1319.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQcUjXugEeeEfiswo_w1oR0EtMNVTpRdU7jmGvkmLHlPD4_fVoOkGR7HaLBJ7iv95mqqyoj3-mwG7XuhaKr7PP4caq_BMRV2OLzSELdcqpyUMVb7rNJlu3bqyV6hVU-MvEZUcBZK6gaSE88zgvEj33-5F44UVvixZdfaMV_4tS_9RX_a74KIsu1u4XQ/s320/IMG_1319.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bob is like me and thinks summer is too hot</span></div><p>Things improved once I got the trailer and started doing virtual lessons, but as time wore on I was still feeling discontent. I knew I wasn't riding as well as I could, but I didn't really know how to fix it. Despite not being the most social person, I was determined to start trying to make connections in the dressage community. While scribing isn't the best position to meet people, I was lucky to connect with the one judge.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XTgAplkkhcG8YvTYhHaWELd8Dre85IjDmOU9Ih_hTfFmaoni6cPURJ28mku1tCxUgQ6iWKFs30bgvI05YndAvfuF9sdWFSWN9sNwUVTPubMh6hhHd4FGMFCHTf_YGMosdCrJXozcB2xGsoU9_R0ntK7EnylIbxKaKAl_IWIj0JqXonaYf8CWEupXnw/s4032/IMG_1292.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XTgAplkkhcG8YvTYhHaWELd8Dre85IjDmOU9Ih_hTfFmaoni6cPURJ28mku1tCxUgQ6iWKFs30bgvI05YndAvfuF9sdWFSWN9sNwUVTPubMh6hhHd4FGMFCHTf_YGMosdCrJXozcB2xGsoU9_R0ntK7EnylIbxKaKAl_IWIj0JqXonaYf8CWEupXnw/s320/IMG_1292.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The outdoor ring</span></div><p>I have had four lesson with her and she has given me the boost I needed to get out of the sludgy plateau I had felt mired in. Like most things with dressage, it isn't anything revolutionary but it was the kick I needed. It is also extremely refreshing riding with someone that doesn't know the Stinker baggage (I may dig into this in a future post) but she also didn't see very green Karma. So its fresh eyes evaluating us right where we are at.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFANTRjD69Abs9mv6jCo0o-DNbUKAGO77MjOqYkBFKCRYbzZUid-LBgVm3-XGGi9wHbWGzoE2t6nwJePj-n7-SX6uGSuI_lIYA71Q_Sfk2pPdQZRCXaGUygWl7v5G4Zf_TTvBxRrnkGjtP2rRj22dqExupK4e9K6UKtmoJh4ikMSA-knovQoVhP1rrzw/s2806/IMG_1342.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2139" data-original-width="2806" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFANTRjD69Abs9mv6jCo0o-DNbUKAGO77MjOqYkBFKCRYbzZUid-LBgVm3-XGGi9wHbWGzoE2t6nwJePj-n7-SX6uGSuI_lIYA71Q_Sfk2pPdQZRCXaGUygWl7v5G4Zf_TTvBxRrnkGjtP2rRj22dqExupK4e9K6UKtmoJh4ikMSA-knovQoVhP1rrzw/s320/IMG_1342.heic" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">He is the cutest and I think Bob pictures are better than no pictures</span></div><p>I am sure we will hit other rough patches, but for now I am greatly enjoying the jump we've had in progress. And maybe I will get actual media and do a comparison over time, because Karma has come so far and I am very proud of her. She has been a major bright spot in the last couple of years.</p>EventingSaddlebredStylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610596082916022402noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4318842770364105067.post-76543560678564937372022-06-28T03:00:00.001-05:002022-06-28T03:00:00.194-05:00Moving<p> After my impulse lesson, I impulsively asked if there were any open stalls and the cost. Quick mental math made me realize that if I moved, the cost of not hauling in for lessons would make up the board difference fairly easily. So I am officially in a dressage barn for the first time ever.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoq7uoTLrk_je2bU7nqUbef9V851IVxLnvUXIkBYhq3RQRuvEF2K6FE4N2Qx21qTS9BzdOBb6BX0e1Ca_jmiXawP576eTTocn01FzruShPw4XBIRffO3P10t7lr2JYliRrACWoVqo1IzEZ3_GBrjCgg2hUPyC_ERKcKNJaz63RV2SvFR05uYI9elnG3g/s4032/IMG_1213.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoq7uoTLrk_je2bU7nqUbef9V851IVxLnvUXIkBYhq3RQRuvEF2K6FE4N2Qx21qTS9BzdOBb6BX0e1Ca_jmiXawP576eTTocn01FzruShPw4XBIRffO3P10t7lr2JYliRrACWoVqo1IzEZ3_GBrjCgg2hUPyC_ERKcKNJaz63RV2SvFR05uYI9elnG3g/s320/IMG_1213.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Happily hanging out in her stall</span></div><p>Karma made the move quite easily. I adore how adaptable she is. Her requirements are "Am I fed?" and "Can I see horses?" if those are met she is just fine. I feel bad because we have bounced around a bit, but I think this place is going to stick (unless I get a wild hair and move again).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJs-TyvR5RVnujcm4e6oUmoMmpM4aeY7nl4AkUQ66s16z7Gk0wvPiL_FQ63bOstGzHxXT5ZsY1s3cdO8sHJN9tl6fIquORfMwFN-6TGhImiVxAGr0q6RctASXxTE3uIr3i2Qo9qgeW2ZJp_nFaHHhAByqbU_0cqrupFqiZkr_Jsm8LMqr5NwNtCZu0XQ/s4032/IMG_1237.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJs-TyvR5RVnujcm4e6oUmoMmpM4aeY7nl4AkUQ66s16z7Gk0wvPiL_FQ63bOstGzHxXT5ZsY1s3cdO8sHJN9tl6fIquORfMwFN-6TGhImiVxAGr0q6RctASXxTE3uIr3i2Qo9qgeW2ZJp_nFaHHhAByqbU_0cqrupFqiZkr_Jsm8LMqr5NwNtCZu0XQ/s320/IMG_1237.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">More Bob pictures because I don't have Karma pictures</span></div><p>It is a nice small place. There are 8 or so horses on the property. The indoor is the size of a small dressage court and the outdoor is a large dressage court. There are letters in both and a booth with flowers at the letters in the outdoor. The BO has great attention to detail and communicates well.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6SN6ImDsreXdkGcoUB5YD4xUQ3mrwIJAzsU57FToQkhunLhS9Feec9lEgB8A8R2Dc758bSMguEPlTmSHHn1W1bjdlTxduvXDiZCOFWcvuGMjtcSBkSVmwMrJQgG9vP6wkx_E_OAGkP3fbR2ZsHyqE9lATFs3OB7_KVG5eZ6dK4KAk2MbiVuYGQqmmA/s4032/IMG_1288.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6SN6ImDsreXdkGcoUB5YD4xUQ3mrwIJAzsU57FToQkhunLhS9Feec9lEgB8A8R2Dc758bSMguEPlTmSHHn1W1bjdlTxduvXDiZCOFWcvuGMjtcSBkSVmwMrJQgG9vP6wkx_E_OAGkP3fbR2ZsHyqE9lATFs3OB7_KVG5eZ6dK4KAk2MbiVuYGQqmmA/s320/IMG_1288.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I had no idea what was planted in my yard so I get pretty surprises</span></div><p>So now I am getting regular in person lessons, my virtual lessons, and I have two more trips planned to virtual trainer this year. All the lessons, but I desperately need them. So much of my time with Stinker was spent addressing managing him/his brain/his reactions that I developed some terrible habits. Then starting Karma without guidance let me solidify them. The great thing about her is while she tattles on me, all reactions are within a normal range and so we can just carry on while I figure out how to get my body to cooperate.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6geDfxEiQQiFZ_2k_BcL35Y9SY1EQZunLzFgMxQt1yAkzvpXImsgzHBY2CVvPdw56GKkIvGjURQ8qT66SnRd2ju5tRYcMoUN-VsWdibBtr3lCmztIzkpyMQBmD_W81NsPY3sxCYMvIOaJGkuDANrEWGNtqhxp3mdMjCL-Tpkv4AjTsbYg4vvP8q4-uA/s1966/E7570FF9-9FE2-4481-9586-F9FCD1071E6E.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1966" data-original-width="1966" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6geDfxEiQQiFZ_2k_BcL35Y9SY1EQZunLzFgMxQt1yAkzvpXImsgzHBY2CVvPdw56GKkIvGjURQ8qT66SnRd2ju5tRYcMoUN-VsWdibBtr3lCmztIzkpyMQBmD_W81NsPY3sxCYMvIOaJGkuDANrEWGNtqhxp3mdMjCL-Tpkv4AjTsbYg4vvP8q4-uA/s320/E7570FF9-9FE2-4481-9586-F9FCD1071E6E.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">This picture of his psycho-ness makes me laugh</span></div><p>I was toying with the idea of doing a schooling show this fall, but I think I am going to keep my focus on getting myself in a better place and not immediately slumping back into bad habits. I think it will set Karma up for success. And honestly I am not too worried about her, I have more concerns about myself at shows vs Karma.</p>EventingSaddlebredStylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610596082916022402noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4318842770364105067.post-69921697832336573782022-06-09T03:00:00.001-05:002022-06-09T03:00:00.182-05:00Impulse Lesson<p>I scribed for a schooling show a couple of weekends ago and due to some last minute changes I ended up scribing for a semi local judge. After sitting with her all day (and only seeing intro and training level tests) I finally realized what farm she went with. After some googling on breaks, I realized that the farm was a very reasonable distance. I didn't want to be weird and pester her at the show, so I waited until the following Monday and messaged her asking if I could haul in for a lesson.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgidYEUmGjjcU-qkM6pET4NJXDDZQaXj1pgoQddsZwm_C_YdHqcYHSXWV6C-5wmkaOYaKmpStyEVLqrYlAPfWLWlo63oDlG-3VoEl0hRdF4dzxzD6bhY1oTuPBzk_pFSWeZ_Eq5yA_x6H-Kiqt7ocOsHeiJMsKByh45iZanHsb3HtCQ52yFFqKWXiZyXw/s4032/IMG_1061.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgidYEUmGjjcU-qkM6pET4NJXDDZQaXj1pgoQddsZwm_C_YdHqcYHSXWV6C-5wmkaOYaKmpStyEVLqrYlAPfWLWlo63oDlG-3VoEl0hRdF4dzxzD6bhY1oTuPBzk_pFSWeZ_Eq5yA_x6H-Kiqt7ocOsHeiJMsKByh45iZanHsb3HtCQ52yFFqKWXiZyXw/s320/IMG_1061.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bob pictures because I am a terrible blogger and don't have media</span></div><p>We set it up for last Sunday, so I popped Karma on the trailer and drove on over. The farm is lovely and the outdoor is complete with flower boxes at the letters and a judge stand. It has been a really long time since I rode in a fully set up dressage ring. I think virtual trainer's ring is slightly bigger than regulation (I have not asked or measured it, but it always feels big). Anyway, I managed to get tacked up and hadn't forgotten anything. Everything was pretty disorganized because I hadn't really unpacked or reorganized things after the long trip.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXffFyEASlyC71eOryRJDsGwgrqn4XTikOQwVBjrYxTHk7CN9ilcSA4nsxT8vUuiu2bkIbixliY8WUyVjL-ToYf_Yn5TQgbTk94BSSTfUbxp0PaCNMyG64ABQTf6-14VCvax3HEOxbcUQgDHD8O47Fg6WtJd4XC57qdjE-dAiN-_pRp8Zka9gDZiIRhQ/s4032/IMG_1072.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXffFyEASlyC71eOryRJDsGwgrqn4XTikOQwVBjrYxTHk7CN9ilcSA4nsxT8vUuiu2bkIbixliY8WUyVjL-ToYf_Yn5TQgbTk94BSSTfUbxp0PaCNMyG64ABQTf6-14VCvax3HEOxbcUQgDHD8O47Fg6WtJd4XC57qdjE-dAiN-_pRp8Zka9gDZiIRhQ/s320/IMG_1072.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I had to have a bunch of electrical work done so Bob and I hung out on the screened in porch and worked</span></div><p>The judge loved Karma, I mean everyone loves Karma because she is adorable but it is still nice to hear. It is also nice to hear that we are progressing nicely and that I have done a decent job with Karma's training. While, she has a slightly different style of teaching from Virtual Trainer, the message was the same. And some of the things clicked better in my head. Mostly we worked on getting and maintaining connection. The two biggest take aways were getting the feeling into my triceps and getting my hamstrings to fire.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdWGVtzoiTamAFRH7MH_TKiFZF9wX0oFDBRkXYtImtWkB9wVMQ7f2eul_TqRchpHvmxj_XeyuLsBFKMqQj0UuvWPZI17zNJY1NO3IthlRfS9ZYNMt_Hq7liEWBWiKz3SlwQxd0eahMEmi3JJ4WQQPE7AWqTxbljhcTmd1lyHDafBL55T5hco2O0y4dg/s4032/IMG_1076.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdWGVtzoiTamAFRH7MH_TKiFZF9wX0oFDBRkXYtImtWkB9wVMQ7f2eul_TqRchpHvmxj_XeyuLsBFKMqQj0UuvWPZI17zNJY1NO3IthlRfS9ZYNMt_Hq7liEWBWiKz3SlwQxd0eahMEmi3JJ4WQQPE7AWqTxbljhcTmd1lyHDafBL55T5hco2O0y4dg/s320/IMG_1076.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bob was very interested when the guys were working in the kitchen</span></div><p>It was a really good lesson and I am looking forward to getting more, because I think having more regular in person lessons will compliment the virtual lessons really well. She also said if I cleaned up the transitions, we could do a lovely training level test. I tentatively put an August schooling show in my calendar. Even if showing in August sounds absolutely awful.</p>EventingSaddlebredStylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610596082916022402noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4318842770364105067.post-23448910715598445742022-05-31T03:00:00.005-05:002022-05-31T03:00:00.192-05:00Kick In The Butt<p> This spring I have really been struggling with my motivation. It has been a bunch of little things, but I have really been dragging my feet about going out to the barn and then I feel guilty and so on and so forth. Thankfully, before I really started losing my motivation I scheduled a trip down to my trainer's place for this past weekend.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHR1PGn1gFY6Q0IP9ULfnznyyU7YWtPbBxLVEv-wlptPLkqtkTXL7GlFttSywWEEoAHc5wZn1qPdIfffku2aa8Hwky2qsqfEvTccpab_A6_CRSyblRAhw2XrBkoKQ8o006u4GTLcESjkF-sW2XDibVoC4lgjuOt53QMC7ftuWgh9cgDkSe4gJsO0POQ/s4032/IMG_1026.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHR1PGn1gFY6Q0IP9ULfnznyyU7YWtPbBxLVEv-wlptPLkqtkTXL7GlFttSywWEEoAHc5wZn1qPdIfffku2aa8Hwky2qsqfEvTccpab_A6_CRSyblRAhw2XrBkoKQ8o006u4GTLcESjkF-sW2XDibVoC4lgjuOt53QMC7ftuWgh9cgDkSe4gJsO0POQ/s320/IMG_1026.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Settling in</span></div><p>So bright and early on Friday Karma and I headed out. The drive isn't terrible it is about 4.5 hours and it didn't rain nearly as much as I anticipated. We arrived a couple of hours before my first lesson, so she had time to eat and drink and settle in before I rode. I was really pleased with how well she travels. She ate all of her hay in her hay bag on the trailer, unloaded drank, and immediately started eating.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-MjF2MFqCOyxONAJhes3IfabNfqvP_91gbolm3si_htnD2sz-dp1qNgF7hQfB44IttkuwkztdW9bhr7apN1l6zUUE_5k2cnGBpeXG8uK75kqdNqb6P-RQvIpTSl84oOFZ8PefdHHApmtjo7p3EkDNz9bhSUHtA0_hVmSBm9migE2jXMfFMaD0NIKyQA/s4032/IMG_1029.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-MjF2MFqCOyxONAJhes3IfabNfqvP_91gbolm3si_htnD2sz-dp1qNgF7hQfB44IttkuwkztdW9bhr7apN1l6zUUE_5k2cnGBpeXG8uK75kqdNqb6P-RQvIpTSl84oOFZ8PefdHHApmtjo7p3EkDNz9bhSUHtA0_hVmSBm9migE2jXMfFMaD0NIKyQA/s320/IMG_1029.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mirror selfie from the first ride</span></div><p>Our first ride was a lot of fiddling to see where things were at. We played with some bits. The last time I was down there she was locking her neck so we swapped her to a bit that helped me unlock her. Now she is curling and hiding behind the contact, so we were looking for something that she wanted to go into without me losing all communication.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB6aJ1oOviJ1qdaV4Udacj7WjdnOdX39GbkIq6cF9i_nqZBODnsqhLnlBLrVYVoDdA3TFJnq7LWNsNJn25dR0xjzXtPN85Z5oYcPqeFWIJAaOI7BtP4vead-UOwtw2vQ60gUsYtP4maaD7QRZAhhFnEivta2NLl2Ej8kbaC87PVuTr4hUEd-D50BUibw/s4032/IMG_1043.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB6aJ1oOviJ1qdaV4Udacj7WjdnOdX39GbkIq6cF9i_nqZBODnsqhLnlBLrVYVoDdA3TFJnq7LWNsNJn25dR0xjzXtPN85Z5oYcPqeFWIJAaOI7BtP4vead-UOwtw2vQ60gUsYtP4maaD7QRZAhhFnEivta2NLl2Ej8kbaC87PVuTr4hUEd-D50BUibw/s320/IMG_1043.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">She got breakfast at the trailer because I was feeding earlier than the rest of horses and I felt bad taunting them</span></div><p>Our second ride was more playing with bits and really working on getting her steady. Sometimes I swear she manages to have every leg going in a different direction. Getting her packaged and straight is a challenge, but that is pretty standard baby horse problems. You get a 2x4 or going in 20 different directions.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiugoXM5HZ6Rc_Da4EbYFGc8_gk5yfYUbFpqBKtOoNnZbOhzcv-5Hee18vgyOwx94dYZ2OTCDqzhGIijmLyxFEskERRh-iUyPifdcBeDybjFc_QbolSsG8sXsCkPPgtZfqofR9mAjGKs_QySg4WgHuONvacB8bYSNoojFvjJ4QaGNuOmNeOZxhuAvuX2g/s869/IMG_1054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="485" data-original-width="869" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiugoXM5HZ6Rc_Da4EbYFGc8_gk5yfYUbFpqBKtOoNnZbOhzcv-5Hee18vgyOwx94dYZ2OTCDqzhGIijmLyxFEskERRh-iUyPifdcBeDybjFc_QbolSsG8sXsCkPPgtZfqofR9mAjGKs_QySg4WgHuONvacB8bYSNoojFvjJ4QaGNuOmNeOZxhuAvuX2g/s320/IMG_1054.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Screenshot from the video of the third ride</span></div><p>The third ride we finally managed to get things dialed in (my riding included). Once my trainer got me riding correctly, I swear Karma went oh thank god and she settled right into a nice steady contact. It is amazing what she is like when she has a steady place to go. One of these days I will be able to keep more than three riding instructions in my brain at a time.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/13d08oU-Byc" width="320" youtube-src-id="13d08oU-Byc"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">30 second trot video (pivo struggles in the ring)</span></div><p>I am so proud of how well Karma did. She handled being stalled for 48 hours really well despite not having been in a stall since our last trip last fall. She really stepped up to the plate work wise. I really adore how solid and willing she is. And now I am feeling much more motivated.</p>EventingSaddlebredStylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610596082916022402noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4318842770364105067.post-75128268867093529122022-04-30T12:07:00.001-05:002022-04-30T12:07:25.259-05:00April Updates<p> I am way behind this month. It hasn't been tediously boring on the Karma front, but at the same time it also wasn't ground breaking omg must blog now work either. I have started riding her and while there have been some hiccups along the way she is coming along.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xNBY5zgowzzwmkoOLJHfRohGDgEb_0PxJw42aIXbaBbtitsz_B7uRW6K27LCtGcyVnNOtmS9jpYycVj8x9mN-ncWdoXpZv6wjjlF9I3jNXLftAb4d5MqLNDLak4aZIqW30pvKRFppdqWpAtQ8Gg8PnYuP7tqYaY92mkLs41UkDk70PxaK471hm3Aqg/s4032/IMG_0813.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xNBY5zgowzzwmkoOLJHfRohGDgEb_0PxJw42aIXbaBbtitsz_B7uRW6K27LCtGcyVnNOtmS9jpYycVj8x9mN-ncWdoXpZv6wjjlF9I3jNXLftAb4d5MqLNDLak4aZIqW30pvKRFppdqWpAtQ8Gg8PnYuP7tqYaY92mkLs41UkDk70PxaK471hm3Aqg/s320/IMG_0813.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Karma enjoys being a crusty muffin during mud season</span></div><p>Her favorite way of going is what I call her cart horse trot. She leans her chest forward, lets her hinds kind of trail along behind, and I'm left floundering because I can't feel anything. So alot of the focus has been getting her balance rocked back where she is powering from behind and not just pulling from the front.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzisqnP-1CwYI0QFgcmD6kx3l9EQGKxL-AozMtyaSApnLRm5usSXCpw1m3VJWF8PrTHuh7znN9HBUzEWSBQOZbfytSnSGZXaGZjAT30dFN4TbGySYQtE_ZQeBbBUpsJFM8BaVtR1c_3I_am0QvRTR3F4BfV8ydwiq3X464_XzAT1CXVOhzQt25MXVpEw/s2047/IMG_0810.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1457" data-original-width="2047" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzisqnP-1CwYI0QFgcmD6kx3l9EQGKxL-AozMtyaSApnLRm5usSXCpw1m3VJWF8PrTHuh7znN9HBUzEWSBQOZbfytSnSGZXaGZjAT30dFN4TbGySYQtE_ZQeBbBUpsJFM8BaVtR1c_3I_am0QvRTR3F4BfV8ydwiq3X464_XzAT1CXVOhzQt25MXVpEw/s320/IMG_0810.heic" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">My little psychopath is enjoying the nicer days</span></div><p>The other tricky thing has been contact. I have a long history of chucking contact away and she has me very well trained in that area. The combination of us is a bit of a struggle, but when I trust my trainer (I do but some times my brain lies about what is happening) Karma looks great. And no there is no media because she looks feral and I look homeless 90% of the time. Maybe I will actually put an outfit together once she sheds out and everything isn't mud anymore and get updated riding video.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDMP2sA3RbH5VObrGR8G4_yDLAgO5HdUacaWXy-_D53JzD6BTJ2C2MMw5d4Qri1TkngP6VCqQZl3vAS62iXjL2lL8qaP7Rhpx6xNadpxG8cKj0xyEBDN9C_eV0A5dVmPUVdFYQBHgrz0RFCrXSobB8EMSjKz-Y1W04JaouOghXydk_BDJ8dOIsmBp2A/s2303/23D1B4B7-0B2F-474E-A9DE-9695EC7D29E4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2303" data-original-width="2303" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDMP2sA3RbH5VObrGR8G4_yDLAgO5HdUacaWXy-_D53JzD6BTJ2C2MMw5d4Qri1TkngP6VCqQZl3vAS62iXjL2lL8qaP7Rhpx6xNadpxG8cKj0xyEBDN9C_eV0A5dVmPUVdFYQBHgrz0RFCrXSobB8EMSjKz-Y1W04JaouOghXydk_BDJ8dOIsmBp2A/s320/23D1B4B7-0B2F-474E-A9DE-9695EC7D29E4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I know this is supposed to be a horse blog, but I seem to only take pictures of Bo</span></div><p>It is kind of funny, our best lessons tends to be when I don't focus on my "homework" and spend the week mostly working on her posture. I haven't blogged about the posture things, because I haven't fully wrapped my brain around it. I might get around to it, I might not, because it sounds so kooky. But it is working so I will roll with it.</p>EventingSaddlebredStylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610596082916022402noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4318842770364105067.post-1422363621541494862022-03-31T21:40:00.004-05:002022-03-31T21:40:54.066-05:00Whoops March Happened<p>I totally lost track of time and I don't know what happened to March. It's been a pretty quiet month. Karma and I are plugging along. There isn't a whole lot to write about, but we are adding a bit of riding back in. She's looking much stronger and more mature. I am so over the midwest winter and desperately want to get back to the outdoor. We are in the wonderful mud season and the tease of good weather.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_4tJuIujArHq_TWrI0xOgBtnEK2ax7lnrKPWWDmDiL8ysHvduO-tTlBaDpcrwnV5B5_sGMJhpvJaXpioEMwuI0BcN5nGPUn961EnHxrsAmNvFRBDPSL-N8BeOhP_Y1HJ9jEMsh9r478aLhMIMgf25sr9kS5ugWB0wMp9bo8CtP-CAG5OXEHREqfJVA/s3203/4E74E085-5897-4063-86B1-353B7D65491A.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3203" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_4tJuIujArHq_TWrI0xOgBtnEK2ax7lnrKPWWDmDiL8ysHvduO-tTlBaDpcrwnV5B5_sGMJhpvJaXpioEMwuI0BcN5nGPUn961EnHxrsAmNvFRBDPSL-N8BeOhP_Y1HJ9jEMsh9r478aLhMIMgf25sr9kS5ugWB0wMp9bo8CtP-CAG5OXEHREqfJVA/s320/4E74E085-5897-4063-86B1-353B7D65491A.JPG" width="302" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Very redneck set up. Karma is fussy with her mouth so I am riding off the flat halter and she just carries the bit</span></div><p><br /></p><p>Last weekend it snowed and I couldn't summon the energy to go out to the barn. It was cold and gross. Currently it can't decide if it wants to rain or snow which just results in me being cranky and sulky. Bob demands his walks so while I whine he at least gets me out of the house.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiso1kN4UEYrAOJGMF7admbkzEroNjf_jdiecIgYuBvWTcmZD1b5ZMxutnDBVCtH0I7MVqvKJT-Al0rh2sKJefsLe54lWl9-z0uWOReBpTCaJNIqnLYMtOEZXasrFXfQP8gIvMzrVjXJq-0rFyhj32Q4iXuJytwLb2D-UrzYF_RcE5BudKqJJ8RgHzRw/s3034/CF8E06D7-497B-4DD6-B721-0F98C6DA930A.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3034" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiso1kN4UEYrAOJGMF7admbkzEroNjf_jdiecIgYuBvWTcmZD1b5ZMxutnDBVCtH0I7MVqvKJT-Al0rh2sKJefsLe54lWl9-z0uWOReBpTCaJNIqnLYMtOEZXasrFXfQP8gIvMzrVjXJq-0rFyhj32Q4iXuJytwLb2D-UrzYF_RcE5BudKqJJ8RgHzRw/s320/CF8E06D7-497B-4DD6-B721-0F98C6DA930A.JPG" width="319" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Why can't we go walk?</span></div><p><br /></p><p>I am super excited for better weather and hopefully some time on the trails, which always improves my mood. I spent half the winter with the truck in the shop. I ended up having to replace the turbo, which wasn't an uncommon problem. At least everything is in good working order now and I have found a decent diesel mechanic. I am hoping to make a few trips to trainers this summer. Currently only set to three because I was worried about diesel prices and how much wiggle room I have in my budget.</p>EventingSaddlebredStylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610596082916022402noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4318842770364105067.post-84579628785015193982022-03-08T03:00:00.001-06:002022-03-08T03:00:00.163-06:00Full Circle<p> Everything came a full circle last week when Stinker arrived at his previous owner's place. Over the last seven years she has periodically reached out to me saying that she would always take him back if I ever wanted to let him go. I always told her that I would keep that in mind if I ever decided to make that move, not thinking that it would happen.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhp3DCyhx4MLcuUe6fYRRhOEXeiSr11rM2M4RRVMH6H1GQ7y-h4nkkPOpyajXaPww6F26VUywrwDqI38Cn3RXSsEzq4Qq0M9mhFwwal2_lHgpwPQjk52EEN0--87qqhwJyij-ykGFZw3BJrCgGLaB9Sy0XxmZbIY7bQv34RQn8FrtiWt97jmJtYYzum3w=s3456" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhp3DCyhx4MLcuUe6fYRRhOEXeiSr11rM2M4RRVMH6H1GQ7y-h4nkkPOpyajXaPww6F26VUywrwDqI38Cn3RXSsEzq4Qq0M9mhFwwal2_lHgpwPQjk52EEN0--87qqhwJyij-ykGFZw3BJrCgGLaB9Sy0XxmZbIY7bQv34RQn8FrtiWt97jmJtYYzum3w=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">PC: <a href="http://iamthesprinklerbandit.blogspot.com/">SB</a></span></div><p>But after I took the new position here, I knew that I would have to make some changes. It was one thing to have my mom caring for him when she was riding and when it was supposed to be on a temporary basis, but I didn't think it was really fair to have it be permanent situation. Especially since she made the decision to not ride any more.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgplXEd3nPtaZ7N41Rc6JK1q7xhrMU3AY1o3_K4P3P-OLLmV88hhnHSGYmFwhu4b1w7CJIUbejKkdsZJys9vKgPQYE1Wo62grMvugTKpC_IWanHjGa1_j0bS1AQ1hzFKUnzD1Q3SItmEUBXXhhfdK7iGkZkRrIX9P8og5Xk2ePQRHQDZN8kgH6Z3f42KA=s3018" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3018" data-original-width="3018" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgplXEd3nPtaZ7N41Rc6JK1q7xhrMU3AY1o3_K4P3P-OLLmV88hhnHSGYmFwhu4b1w7CJIUbejKkdsZJys9vKgPQYE1Wo62grMvugTKpC_IWanHjGa1_j0bS1AQ1hzFKUnzD1Q3SItmEUBXXhhfdK7iGkZkRrIX9P8og5Xk2ePQRHQDZN8kgH6Z3f42KA=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p>My original plan was to find a small bit of acreage, but I have been priced out of the market since it is pretty much a necessity to have an indoor in this area. I was hoping to find the just right cheap place where I could dedicate a good portion of my budget to a small indoor, but it wasn't meant to be. I thought about boarding two, but he is such a pest without a job so I decided to reach out and see if his previous owner was still interested.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiI2ERFahm92-9ZVFx1kKzatVT_ya_h6oZnLGyKJkJq-QmMg32yDiLA48ScQ_RKjJkCLcI_s2nbZILD6p2ML1Fmql7U6dj2wbhYJtnmOV_VovI-r8cPpBeAYWvVpdmAnd4OU3lrBK_LoZpUudxHp6GYtX0bK-camXw9QU_UXdSbsoFcNVIR_zvnJxAfQg=s2386" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2386" data-original-width="2386" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiI2ERFahm92-9ZVFx1kKzatVT_ya_h6oZnLGyKJkJq-QmMg32yDiLA48ScQ_RKjJkCLcI_s2nbZILD6p2ML1Fmql7U6dj2wbhYJtnmOV_VovI-r8cPpBeAYWvVpdmAnd4OU3lrBK_LoZpUudxHp6GYtX0bK-camXw9QU_UXdSbsoFcNVIR_zvnJxAfQg=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">PC: <a href="http://iamthesprinklerbandit.blogspot.com/">SB</a></span></div><p>Things fell into place much faster than I was hoping, but thankfully I was able to have the magical blogger weekend and see him one last time. Not to mention Leah badgering me into taking the photos (even if I did almost start crying when we were doing them).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1A_v-OjIy2Mze9LsOYX2MkIGF3_bRhN31higNyWYeVuz-tlqv4KCGgHup_YqM-Wn6cFw0VDT222ej2mH277-WFeuDGVOrVGfwIT24TpGVBuO0JzkLDNCs0E9R_nAahsFH6DpUEZD9cqs9wUOaHRhvDAPZgn0vXyLUlPN5IF5Xp0trvhn6ITUueIQReQ=s1440" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1440" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1A_v-OjIy2Mze9LsOYX2MkIGF3_bRhN31higNyWYeVuz-tlqv4KCGgHup_YqM-Wn6cFw0VDT222ej2mH277-WFeuDGVOrVGfwIT24TpGVBuO0JzkLDNCs0E9R_nAahsFH6DpUEZD9cqs9wUOaHRhvDAPZgn0vXyLUlPN5IF5Xp0trvhn6ITUueIQReQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">PC: <a href="https://www.trainwreckinteal.com/">Leah</a></span></div><p>He will always have a special place in my heart and thankfully I can creep on how he is doing on Facebook. He is settling into his new/old home well and she's absolutely delighted to have him back. In the long run it's the best I could have hoped for even if it was a hard decision.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjg8DZMeHmhM5F7le6g6Hd9JlPwLSY-4SSQim66kSERUroyXW7HI1xtzPOSIENtK_eD1WQuzOwYxZ2eUkTtt4vASvYcQDfF20eE0l0WdxrX4x4XJjgmmnlSHbrm2o28eVO-ejxgESdlWIPovFtJBF5EHcW_Ine8cg1PuAp72wnkQ9T9ElC-VP3aYQxhCQ=s699" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="699" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjg8DZMeHmhM5F7le6g6Hd9JlPwLSY-4SSQim66kSERUroyXW7HI1xtzPOSIENtK_eD1WQuzOwYxZ2eUkTtt4vASvYcQDfF20eE0l0WdxrX4x4XJjgmmnlSHbrm2o28eVO-ejxgESdlWIPovFtJBF5EHcW_Ine8cg1PuAp72wnkQ9T9ElC-VP3aYQxhCQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>EventingSaddlebredStylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610596082916022402noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4318842770364105067.post-21076426839178802662022-02-15T03:00:00.003-06:002022-02-15T03:00:00.178-06:00New Addition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxFec6FGvQiAGQiqyB93Vb6sFrTvPiWX7qh5kGQBsobnYj77L-3oWLfmXI1jjXtmX44mDVH06vpqjmUoBtqosCZ8swhohS6z6Rj3UiMMLVNtsOdPmn9SUDfuohN7f-zinD5YLt5ENfdoRkaebmr1_5UAB3ON7ggCcq6oMSvvKX1DV7pnKvi5MwHCw-Wg=s1440" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxFec6FGvQiAGQiqyB93Vb6sFrTvPiWX7qh5kGQBsobnYj77L-3oWLfmXI1jjXtmX44mDVH06vpqjmUoBtqosCZ8swhohS6z6Rj3UiMMLVNtsOdPmn9SUDfuohN7f-zinD5YLt5ENfdoRkaebmr1_5UAB3ON7ggCcq6oMSvvKX1DV7pnKvi5MwHCw-Wg=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Meet Bob</span></div><p> I have been dogless for pretty much the entirety of this blog. I mean Socks was around, but he is very much my mom's dog. After I had to put my old dog to sleep shortly before I started blogging, I didn't want a new dog. About the time I was ready to start looking I was helping with my dad's care and there was just too much on our plates to throw another dog into the mix. When I first moved here, I was in an apartment with a no pet policy but once I got into my house I kind of sort of started looking so it was a matter of time.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiUOAPt5VxfAc7xoPi5Yg9KAp5pqzK1UFBq9SOABIwiwhxiPyA9ueEoDYZ3MYIi4qenYPA3jzow5RBA-SA6QQTfoc_00YW45sYG_G-qs7AbwK12r3I9FPpEnSO4SYQR7VippAXVHjomMVAu0lZBBk4Wb-7gyWssV1CTT_AhJ7BHccvohntBlQlqr-8KA=s701" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiUOAPt5VxfAc7xoPi5Yg9KAp5pqzK1UFBq9SOABIwiwhxiPyA9ueEoDYZ3MYIi4qenYPA3jzow5RBA-SA6QQTfoc_00YW45sYG_G-qs7AbwK12r3I9FPpEnSO4SYQR7VippAXVHjomMVAu0lZBBk4Wb-7gyWssV1CTT_AhJ7BHccvohntBlQlqr-8KA=s320" width="292" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I mean look at this face</span></div><p>I had applied to a few rescues (I really wanted something that was house trained so I was looking for dogs in foster situations) without hearing anything back. Heaven forbid I have a full time job so I can afford the care of my animals, but I digress. Anyway, I stumbled across Bob and he was nothing like my list. I was looking for something more mature, kind of lazy, 35 ish lbs, and probably some other things I ignored.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXWKQm9v9GcWqEou7pmq9lJQzwFmUIOn-y2ldcHrTuGqkKMhODyy8Du9sGz36Jz0tURsjBqcTC6uAIqXIAFheBTRlNgl7qkOXwarUMUpwSHdenX74WbqQHy4cCz10tSFwOV_NndDJj4PZMDbgEjKSOpN6TnDqLkNY8r3P9LURZMaJXkDXdAh0uwrtHyg=s1637" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1637" data-original-width="1262" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXWKQm9v9GcWqEou7pmq9lJQzwFmUIOn-y2ldcHrTuGqkKMhODyy8Du9sGz36Jz0tURsjBqcTC6uAIqXIAFheBTRlNgl7qkOXwarUMUpwSHdenX74WbqQHy4cCz10tSFwOV_NndDJj4PZMDbgEjKSOpN6TnDqLkNY8r3P9LURZMaJXkDXdAh0uwrtHyg=s320" width="247" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjp8ABdFRzq1nRXsmea52yxCtIDri9Fo7UfwS3f66CAQOBRlXMs4AWLiZ1LbMiOlN4I5RZdAimqP98AJEcz06755bkzrVuUtGIXXHx6T_yS7tDmoLy2yi_3wQiq2MKvUQNDZDLTaGJiltJu9BCf47mXg9dPfW5mEKHGEu6SlsfkxmWez-L13FrrnPkp6g=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjp8ABdFRzq1nRXsmea52yxCtIDri9Fo7UfwS3f66CAQOBRlXMs4AWLiZ1LbMiOlN4I5RZdAimqP98AJEcz06755bkzrVuUtGIXXHx6T_yS7tDmoLy2yi_3wQiq2MKvUQNDZDLTaGJiltJu9BCf47mXg9dPfW5mEKHGEu6SlsfkxmWez-L13FrrnPkp6g=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">His favorite indoor activity of staring and barking out the windows</span></div><p>He is the most ridiculous creature and we are still getting to know each other (he came home two weeks ago), but I think we are both settling in quite well. He's most likely a boxer mixed with something that has wiry hair, approximately 1-2 years old, needs to be snipped, 45 lbs, and is just my kind of weird.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0P3_l2KO1mjHzCyX77rfFmgiSpJq4kyq_HDNMH79x9uPjBysTtW1syMPfByDSALSdZTzorsxmJjxWSotr0ltiI6EKCl98zeF4g2r6xwl6OpgEcn4QjG_-iAT8nvazP1TIS73UJtFkrFC0icAVQPF2WPxClcMCROwquCSeCjyKX8glvtfsKTdnnXN-lA=s3088" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0P3_l2KO1mjHzCyX77rfFmgiSpJq4kyq_HDNMH79x9uPjBysTtW1syMPfByDSALSdZTzorsxmJjxWSotr0ltiI6EKCl98zeF4g2r6xwl6OpgEcn4QjG_-iAT8nvazP1TIS73UJtFkrFC0icAVQPF2WPxClcMCROwquCSeCjyKX8glvtfsKTdnnXN-lA=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Even rocks a solid judge face when he's over my bullshit</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtLrbd5pla0uLM3JVsgi2HtxcZ69FXQF6rLzUk5iopEReVh3sba2qM-8XUGrIdBV7twge_ojNBdVs9ujSals_AYE1s11T3RKnr6nZ-wL3Uxjrd1agU7biZ4tgmmdPgNHxtyzmYXi2nJPt-bMUsgHhBSII18KOAAg-C1IsrDMfCdNVND7XZfJWUYS9Spg=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtLrbd5pla0uLM3JVsgi2HtxcZ69FXQF6rLzUk5iopEReVh3sba2qM-8XUGrIdBV7twge_ojNBdVs9ujSals_AYE1s11T3RKnr6nZ-wL3Uxjrd1agU7biZ4tgmmdPgNHxtyzmYXi2nJPt-bMUsgHhBSII18KOAAg-C1IsrDMfCdNVND7XZfJWUYS9Spg=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMGy7OXbZszMOdRlU6CMMpGLbo_Nj9Kji7Wcjef6y3Lm8jhX12LrzenZtui60c5mEigjW7d_E01Sbrr1Giv06EjE21O0rjrvVX0Lyecgnvr9HshAHWa7Exai4NK3AG2c_lYPXpaPOeI0ysBWVzYmqeqiHb0NvQCgBZBIUtBcZn9N9hTCNwYAf_E3WQ0A=s533" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="465" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMGy7OXbZszMOdRlU6CMMpGLbo_Nj9Kji7Wcjef6y3Lm8jhX12LrzenZtui60c5mEigjW7d_E01Sbrr1Giv06EjE21O0rjrvVX0Lyecgnvr9HshAHWa7Exai4NK3AG2c_lYPXpaPOeI0ysBWVzYmqeqiHb0NvQCgBZBIUtBcZn9N9hTCNwYAf_E3WQ0A=s320" width="279" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Snow Zoomies!!!!</span></div>EventingSaddlebredStylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610596082916022402noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4318842770364105067.post-662563949717157652022-02-08T05:00:00.000-06:002022-02-08T05:00:01.680-06:00Most Magical Weekend<p> It all started when <a href="http://grainbeforegroceries.blogspot.com/">Renate</a> was going to be heading south this winter. I convinced her to lay over at my old place (aka where my mom, Gatsby, and Cowboy are) and she convinced me I needed to come visit while she did that. Of course we laid on the peer pressure and had excellent timing with it and convinced <a href="https://www.trainwreckinteal.com/">Leah</a> to come along.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZfs6PBa8A3QPcSdg-jSs1FALuq-FE4kr6SSoAjNhzQqTE1s049m1UTIf0RCdH89T9wtD27dN1j_zJo6Dtu5ylrKNS1uE0-PrgDtXbnBDZg54QB4B0lHkOkZwDxTrwgywwnLNp5HUyDuBobLOX8QHK3e3SnY3OEAZXr2vvL0ixW9jSeKlxAFb7G7yNvQ/s3088/IMG_0135.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZfs6PBa8A3QPcSdg-jSs1FALuq-FE4kr6SSoAjNhzQqTE1s049m1UTIf0RCdH89T9wtD27dN1j_zJo6Dtu5ylrKNS1uE0-PrgDtXbnBDZg54QB4B0lHkOkZwDxTrwgywwnLNp5HUyDuBobLOX8QHK3e3SnY3OEAZXr2vvL0ixW9jSeKlxAFb7G7yNvQ/s320/IMG_0135.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The most impressive part is we are all mounted in this photo</span></div><p>Pretty much as soon as I got off the plane Renate asked if I wanted to go for a ride before we had to go back and get Leah. Of course I said yes, because I adore those trails and miss them all the freaking time. And because we are assholes we took a bunch of pictures to send to Leah knowing that when she hit her layover she would be so mad at us.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHl76L8_NWzeNapE_zxvJxuZTyvdW1FvlR-u-qcAl1vg92A9pg4-m2Kpr-NvKhT-6pOUObf3qp16Jd98dsVDQgu_VFJCnJXMYkoAXlN-GX1yff7GcSMYbxhn0Hmg8VPdN39PZSbLOFBAaWCX1n2c1gmp6d7QMxp6QwPcBJ0-0svgAxNkbNzqcU49b7Q/s4032/IMG_0045.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHl76L8_NWzeNapE_zxvJxuZTyvdW1FvlR-u-qcAl1vg92A9pg4-m2Kpr-NvKhT-6pOUObf3qp16Jd98dsVDQgu_VFJCnJXMYkoAXlN-GX1yff7GcSMYbxhn0Hmg8VPdN39PZSbLOFBAaWCX1n2c1gmp6d7QMxp6QwPcBJ0-0svgAxNkbNzqcU49b7Q/s320/IMG_0045.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Most magical mascot came along for non-horse adventures</span></div><p>I was crashing so hard by the time Leah got in, because I was at about 23 hours of being up at that point due to my early flight and the three hour time difference. Unfortunately for Renate and Leah that did not translate into me actually sleeping in so they started getting messages from me whining about being all by myself. I am kind of a pest when I am left unattended for too long.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5my0_g5Z3kk1eHFvpyao5Zs7XHcuqK1FvwqqLSsbw0OBPiSPzdQrm5OG4aTr62Phq9RqtSBNgxKhIgenHYEWjgUw15gMzHKq3RUeIcDNX6yUUxA0LzRgs1qNW8NjSoDTYEsrfgko_Kt-us_L4RWUqBxVfs7E1SuzXgod1GYQduRGXyopkI32KKBk9gQ/s1280/IMG_0073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5my0_g5Z3kk1eHFvpyao5Zs7XHcuqK1FvwqqLSsbw0OBPiSPzdQrm5OG4aTr62Phq9RqtSBNgxKhIgenHYEWjgUw15gMzHKq3RUeIcDNX6yUUxA0LzRgs1qNW8NjSoDTYEsrfgko_Kt-us_L4RWUqBxVfs7E1SuzXgod1GYQduRGXyopkI32KKBk9gQ/s320/IMG_0073.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I really miss this backyard</span></div><p>We played tourist and then took a short ride down to the lake. If you want actual details go read Leah's blog. She's a lot less lazy than me. The following day I made Leah have a meltdown because we had talked about doing a photoshoot on the beach and I brought no appropriate clothes. Seriously my better breeches had a hole in them from running into brush the previous day. I was riding in half chaps and tennis shoes. I couldn't decide if Leah was going to cry or try to strangle me. I was hoping for the strangling because I am not sure she's tall enough to reach my neck. After much scrounging, she managed to put together a "passable" outfit and off we went. Her pictures were absolutely stunning.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBs7T6_1FbfhVgXsWsT3JYvCwbxojmIEs1VuwuK34aNuh0ZdgXPHV8-EbpRLV4MFCThPTlgbSZfjtiIUHYyHsxQnTHSdj9wA3thxxLe5Y8odumslHn1IYKtwvaMaTsDb_uDfMyKztrP_iDz_IyW4L99-JRjDZAcWhp-MYfv2uRpEukkSoG_hrQQ7M55A/s5184/IMG_2814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBs7T6_1FbfhVgXsWsT3JYvCwbxojmIEs1VuwuK34aNuh0ZdgXPHV8-EbpRLV4MFCThPTlgbSZfjtiIUHYyHsxQnTHSdj9wA3thxxLe5Y8odumslHn1IYKtwvaMaTsDb_uDfMyKztrP_iDz_IyW4L99-JRjDZAcWhp-MYfv2uRpEukkSoG_hrQQ7M55A/s320/IMG_2814.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Look how adorable Leah made the hot messes look</span></div><p>The poor boys were very out of shape and Cowboy was a bit sore, so we opted to give them the next day off and played with Vesta aka the unicorn. On our final full day, I had to take Leah up into the hills since she hadn't been yet. Renate requested that we avoid rocks because she had a nightmare about a stone bruise. So I took them on the sand hill trail, which thankfully the side we climbed wasn't the sandy side since that would have been too much for the boys. They were very thankful for the break at the top while we took pictures.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_uL2jd1vvG27212VshJ6AgxluuoJIB-egyIEVT5bwKDvlbsDrDWlBcwcM2Oh07rop5S4302PfpPeMyvHlp6C6MkgPiSqVaqivuXHTXyMiFMmMByhiZOvzqHp4iNpKEo-3EVH7eGBubawBx6pp-tNmGjkR8xscaL46-tjoYv9xbX483AyhbxNFvMZUyg/s1280/IMG_0080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_uL2jd1vvG27212VshJ6AgxluuoJIB-egyIEVT5bwKDvlbsDrDWlBcwcM2Oh07rop5S4302PfpPeMyvHlp6C6MkgPiSqVaqivuXHTXyMiFMmMByhiZOvzqHp4iNpKEo-3EVH7eGBubawBx6pp-tNmGjkR8xscaL46-tjoYv9xbX483AyhbxNFvMZUyg/s320/IMG_0080.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Such a fun weekend</span></div><p>Sadly, I had an early flight out the next morning and missed out on the final ride of the weekend. But I did manage to shove my new ogilvys into my backpack, while Leah ended up having to check two bags. I unloaded a lot of crap on her. And that might also be why she had outfits and I was wearing ratty breeches all weekend. Then when I arrived home I was greeted with the winter storm and 11" of snow, but at least I had pictures to look back on.</p>EventingSaddlebredStylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610596082916022402noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4318842770364105067.post-785108695761309492022-01-25T03:00:00.001-06:002022-01-25T03:00:00.173-06:00January Updates<p>I honestly don't know what to say about January. I've made some tough decisions that I'll talk about when things are finalized. I have some exciting news, but again waiting until things are finalized. I know I am being that pain the ass hinter. And I have a super fun adventure coming up.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgG0FW1hugHlfEhiT_GO2DKCF3F-t-9hizq06LCfkU0YuUd_TTlyY3XVvO6Z-LT4bFQanmuXE_1b4RQpRFB-IBtywehslsvSINguHi_Pcd6ec0xEawdzGQmSfuJJHReJIt1FBx_01lUalMQsQeXVkQpLC5Gld-zLFmxyxEl-adTrtwp_r7NF6Sq5EaE8Q=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgG0FW1hugHlfEhiT_GO2DKCF3F-t-9hizq06LCfkU0YuUd_TTlyY3XVvO6Z-LT4bFQanmuXE_1b4RQpRFB-IBtywehslsvSINguHi_Pcd6ec0xEawdzGQmSfuJJHReJIt1FBx_01lUalMQsQeXVkQpLC5Gld-zLFmxyxEl-adTrtwp_r7NF6Sq5EaE8Q=s320" width="240" /></a></div><p>So yeah, January has been a bunch of half things and nothing finished enough for an actual post about it. Luckily Karma is still adorable, so I will throw some pictures of her in and salvage the post. Mostly, January has been cold and snowy.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiw0nzZMAb6qGpHLYcBoDXjkuJqrbTkzZ1WC0kZS2hG0hoDC7FsGY0EZlBfilim6skgDz1sazb7f347DUM9NUrl3RXf_J31QeKuBMzcVs3gADM4DBUu-AJhmDJDCAt5CQR-Mcp1Yun5nCGKizGb_RSPfI1Gi-FMPV6c-BcCo7aTXH-AC9qn5Q9g5zbukg=s3088" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiw0nzZMAb6qGpHLYcBoDXjkuJqrbTkzZ1WC0kZS2hG0hoDC7FsGY0EZlBfilim6skgDz1sazb7f347DUM9NUrl3RXf_J31QeKuBMzcVs3gADM4DBUu-AJhmDJDCAt5CQR-Mcp1Yun5nCGKizGb_RSPfI1Gi-FMPV6c-BcCo7aTXH-AC9qn5Q9g5zbukg=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>EventingSaddlebredStylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610596082916022402noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4318842770364105067.post-88803147295595314312021-12-28T03:00:00.001-06:002021-12-28T03:00:00.180-06:00Slow and Steady<p> Sometimes I forget how far Karma has come. When I see her all the time the little bits of progress get swept under the rug until I go back and look at her.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKteZuXJUcM9V8D_Hhe49OFsa4hj2x37XCJBvOhDzTrpl8m45UrDvoyYvM-EnWGBBm9jxLThjxrd0u6p9EXgdWb8GJrKl6MfOinJvjG6TZ9Dfg5-2MZnIf6aCwuafVDpZaiLvRzfAmrSwhZ4RFoR8ipRRp3eMB4ZGLBN6BYhHBh5J7ANUFJ7pysF1APw=s2636" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2636" data-original-width="2636" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKteZuXJUcM9V8D_Hhe49OFsa4hj2x37XCJBvOhDzTrpl8m45UrDvoyYvM-EnWGBBm9jxLThjxrd0u6p9EXgdWb8GJrKl6MfOinJvjG6TZ9Dfg5-2MZnIf6aCwuafVDpZaiLvRzfAmrSwhZ4RFoR8ipRRp3eMB4ZGLBN6BYhHBh5J7ANUFJ7pysF1APw=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">June 1, 2020 wee little almost 3 years old</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlwDS_BTCPk2AzEuTUmKpCpsQpSDCa4QRD8sdOCw-jRNE-Rz_oBU6hTb2K2KNHM8b8w4IrtG8YL46f3lpKU4cNtboZUt1v8z8-suoM_38DZuEGv81Z-uWymU9z1oZAIZ2ewpj5K0jtkKbegmQxvBKLMU8r_MsXrkMeUHJB64t8-INbvaAj3cTFMe5Dag=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlwDS_BTCPk2AzEuTUmKpCpsQpSDCa4QRD8sdOCw-jRNE-Rz_oBU6hTb2K2KNHM8b8w4IrtG8YL46f3lpKU4cNtboZUt1v8z8-suoM_38DZuEGv81Z-uWymU9z1oZAIZ2ewpj5K0jtkKbegmQxvBKLMU8r_MsXrkMeUHJB64t8-INbvaAj3cTFMe5Dag=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">July 3, 2021 just over 4 years old</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCYB9WJrxy6ddCsuvybQD2-x5mypmsw0VvLNZR-NGJ7JQsZwZhmqY4GklJa5MnSRRP8bQ2TERWjoEtARTpYW2YgK67aHYaRHrY7ah10GMLNHx8HoBiB8D3jma8Pngl-jU5Hk_LY0whF-ISSNKTuAhwga4m2hHCTss9ZfkO1_-3lq1cmkx0rGVtVSTXwA=s2635" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="2635" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCYB9WJrxy6ddCsuvybQD2-x5mypmsw0VvLNZR-NGJ7JQsZwZhmqY4GklJa5MnSRRP8bQ2TERWjoEtARTpYW2YgK67aHYaRHrY7ah10GMLNHx8HoBiB8D3jma8Pngl-jU5Hk_LY0whF-ISSNKTuAhwga4m2hHCTss9ZfkO1_-3lq1cmkx0rGVtVSTXwA=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">November 6, 2021</div><br /><p>Even in the month and half since I grabbed that picture in November she has changed. Part of that is I do think she had a bit of a growth spurt in October/November and things are balancing back out now. And the other part is getting her to use herself more correctly with the ground work. Here's to seeing more progress in the coming years.</p>EventingSaddlebredStylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610596082916022402noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4318842770364105067.post-73899368107998874082021-12-16T03:00:00.001-06:002021-12-16T03:00:00.206-06:00Goals<p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> I discovered the other day that I did in fact set goals for the year. I vaguely recalled making a goal of posting twice a month (something Iâve barely squeaked in) so I decided to go back and look.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">I set myself very reasonable goals and did a pretty good job of meeting them despite the lack of actual effort.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjf0VGMAA3u6qFQQBEZM6dJB__x1hAY3OKr0SiaGbOdCtHbWr7h0s2kUCB7ZOLcdTQwb5EPOh0gJ2jI0gh6cJr-tgI50ZV7LAF4Sgj-8JFMajfbXC95TcfuVYMMVIh1OTtl9VHiUC5DCBNTV0T-d_jRifhf5TM3SbrPH67SLSyLJKwN9-e_c_a_ofMkjQ=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjf0VGMAA3u6qFQQBEZM6dJB__x1hAY3OKr0SiaGbOdCtHbWr7h0s2kUCB7ZOLcdTQwb5EPOh0gJ2jI0gh6cJr-tgI50ZV7LAF4Sgj-8JFMajfbXC95TcfuVYMMVIh1OTtl9VHiUC5DCBNTV0T-d_jRifhf5TM3SbrPH67SLSyLJKwN9-e_c_a_ofMkjQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>For Karma I had the following goals</p><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 15.84px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1) Keep walking on the hills</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 15.84px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2) As the weather improve and crops go in, work on road safety so we can graduate to road riding and I don't go insane because I got spoiled out west</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 15.84px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3) Baby leg yields and shoulder fore</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 15.84px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">4) Increasing neck length</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 15.84px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 15.84px;">She really improved her muscling from 3 year old Karma to 4 year old Karma and a lot of that had to do with all the walking we did. Iâm pretty confident in her road riding skills. I feel safe walking her along busy roads. I still donât have enough trust to ride her on them but on slower less busy roads she is good to go.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 15.84px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2ERXg82g3kjbI4fdzEQmTN3s9H7m3ioZh7epwi8QrBjiypeFfekIHUFLL-R5gOGg_Y1BrVweRV6bRRE5yREcRjwVDFf5TtlJiNrX9Gn9GMO80VWUaMSmtN3Sd8oMx-BFjQo3hosqEoba6REp6nGrFDDQ6-TXHyoRlP-qrIQGNVum4ikH01Pt6FtEvZQ=s702" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="702" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2ERXg82g3kjbI4fdzEQmTN3s9H7m3ioZh7epwi8QrBjiypeFfekIHUFLL-R5gOGg_Y1BrVweRV6bRRE5yREcRjwVDFf5TtlJiNrX9Gn9GMO80VWUaMSmtN3Sd8oMx-BFjQo3hosqEoba6REp6nGrFDDQ6-TXHyoRlP-qrIQGNVum4ikH01Pt6FtEvZQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 15.84px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 15.84px;">Her leg yield is pretty solid both on the ground and in the saddle. She is reluctant to move her shoulders at my whim but we are working on that. Finally, I think the neck is always going to be a work in progress. She is pretty noodle neck and uses it against me but itâs something we are working with on the ground and progress is happening.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 15.84px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 15.84px;">For me, I didnât do quite as well but I did hit 3 out of the four.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 15.84px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 15.84px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1) Actually use vacation days this year (I have 5 floating holidays, 3 weeks of vacation time, plus 5 roll over days from this year)</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 15.84px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2) Maintain a basic level of fitness</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 15.84px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3) Move into a permanent position</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 15.84px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">4) Blog at least 2x a month</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 15.84px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 15.84px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIin15TMG5sTHB_BWh0uU50wYdb97Ul08nA96NsDXwxxzr64fPjAn8vGiNPypVJB6bDEVFGlBfHBwWC1qTQLdn2VM9xmhR2ocG99jY9HWK0aVWIElK58HmSE-owvcAEjYyTtGAvPB8fegXWmla9qUvCf7IGWSIlr-sDmS6irRzavUlbUbscuLRYQMTXg=s463" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="463" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIin15TMG5sTHB_BWh0uU50wYdb97Ul08nA96NsDXwxxzr64fPjAn8vGiNPypVJB6bDEVFGlBfHBwWC1qTQLdn2VM9xmhR2ocG99jY9HWK0aVWIElK58HmSE-owvcAEjYyTtGAvPB8fegXWmla9qUvCf7IGWSIlr-sDmS6irRzavUlbUbscuLRYQMTXg=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 15.84px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I am only rolling over 12 hours of vacation, which considering my history of not taking vacation Iâm doing quite well. This year I get another week and have lots of plans so I should be able to do I again.</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 15.84px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 15.84px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The fitness is not great. Work opened the gym again but masks are required and my asthmatic lungs canât do exercise in a mask. Iâve been using my treadmill some but I need to add in more, especially since Iâm not riding.</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 15.84px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 15.84px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I did move into a permanent position and it didnât require another move which was a concern for me. I donât particularly love where I am especially in the winter but I also really didnât want to deal with moving yet again. Seriously as an adult Iâve never had to renew a drivers license because I keep changing states.</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 15.84px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); clear: both; color: #333333; font-size: 15.84px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcp4KcQlf-1siHeNpP38N-DIdMItrkHkz13lRVHlNcjsIN6KOW3r5A5U-9jhb2ks4_Pj2ZbjMu26JkR69hqKc8rRXcaY-bHMo9LSUBnQFQRzpe_sVw7D6YItybC94i_2Kk3q9usg1NICqGg-To-t7Ajnq2wppuTfLokCp2ctCrTYnUWcJjVfQtzrsqNA=s1440" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcp4KcQlf-1siHeNpP38N-DIdMItrkHkz13lRVHlNcjsIN6KOW3r5A5U-9jhb2ks4_Pj2ZbjMu26JkR69hqKc8rRXcaY-bHMo9LSUBnQFQRzpe_sVw7D6YItybC94i_2Kk3q9usg1NICqGg-To-t7Ajnq2wppuTfLokCp2ctCrTYnUWcJjVfQtzrsqNA=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">All my favorites and the best spontaneous purchases</span></span></span></div><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.84px;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 15.84px;">Thankfully I did remember my blog 2x a month goal because I barely scraped it in a couple of months. Hopefully with fun adventures planned plus regular work I can increase my postings next year.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 15.84px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 15.84px;">A couple of things happened this year that werenât even on the radar. Like raiding my house down payment fund to buy the most delicious trailer ever. A weekend trip across the country to get the truck so I could pull said trailer. I also really like having a job that I enjoy in a company that appreciates their employees.</div>EventingSaddlebredStylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610596082916022402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4318842770364105067.post-19405893771301612412021-11-30T19:49:00.000-06:002021-11-30T19:49:00.494-06:00Winter Has Arrived<p> I have some things sitting in the draft folder, but they all require more coherent thoughts than I can muster tonight. Things are pretty steady with Karma, I think we are both getting a bit bored with the indoor already. Although that might just be me projecting.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00M4DQojS8evd9ItK1Kw0nn7azMgfF5Gd9PRQu9akYd8hM_xe-P-9ZL_dwKww_CSS4WPZp4zK3KSB_r2D4Hg8-4Rv4iXcu9lLhMtW4FNl-u7N9QuqR6c7GX_JBSWWRdtST9T3hDFriWQL/s2048/IMG_9613.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00M4DQojS8evd9ItK1Kw0nn7azMgfF5Gd9PRQu9akYd8hM_xe-P-9ZL_dwKww_CSS4WPZp4zK3KSB_r2D4Hg8-4Rv4iXcu9lLhMtW4FNl-u7N9QuqR6c7GX_JBSWWRdtST9T3hDFriWQL/s320/IMG_9613.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><p>I am not sure if I mentioned that I moved out of the apartment I had been in and now have the most fabulous windows. The one plus of all the snow has been how pretty it is out the windows.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikKXCZkVCjmylhDDNZGeDhyeszRvvCxaWqsaJSWwaXsJqCBGfr8hrdMmJEHTtN9tc6tGNDo09RAJXwwcInGRDsutM0GE-GhlvH0sWkPBSTjqtu7PK61DIJqecJ2j4DqhG_WKt0tMquleW-/s2048/IMG_9674.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2045" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikKXCZkVCjmylhDDNZGeDhyeszRvvCxaWqsaJSWwaXsJqCBGfr8hrdMmJEHTtN9tc6tGNDo09RAJXwwcInGRDsutM0GE-GhlvH0sWkPBSTjqtu7PK61DIJqecJ2j4DqhG_WKt0tMquleW-/s320/IMG_9674.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Unfortunately, the snow usually starts as rain or turns into rain. So there has been lots of wet pathetic pony or disgustingly muddy pony. But I am happy that she is living out and has a round bale to stuff herself with.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptz6rtwmM9BznWg_Quandw1h8rlVhKlOA-f5YWkq__0YS1UGlsO4iXbY8KYhHR6ofP7LLhc9feNk5Uwfb91aaG_Pq7fjIyli1IFAQtL1Iaw2EoJDPAk72Mw6TDz9hsbARJ0ETL83o1EAR/s2048/IMG_9685.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1888" data-original-width="2048" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptz6rtwmM9BznWg_Quandw1h8rlVhKlOA-f5YWkq__0YS1UGlsO4iXbY8KYhHR6ofP7LLhc9feNk5Uwfb91aaG_Pq7fjIyli1IFAQtL1Iaw2EoJDPAk72Mw6TDz9hsbARJ0ETL83o1EAR/s320/IMG_9685.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br /> Hopefully I will be able to muster the energy to write some better content next month. Although it might just be more snow. We got 10 inches in November and the winter is supposed to be a wet one.<p></p>EventingSaddlebredStylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610596082916022402noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4318842770364105067.post-85792870427576641842021-11-19T07:28:00.002-06:002021-11-19T07:28:29.892-06:00The Good The Bad And The Ugly<p>I finally got to see my new trainer in person. And the weekend covered all the emotions. To start off with, I was really nervous. It is a 4.5-5 hours haul and I wanted her to have some time to relax before our first lesson. For whatever reason the virtual lessons have less pressure for me than an in person lesson. My last in person lesson was about two years ago. So between the travel, rednecking it out of the trailer, and in person lessons I was too anxious to be excited.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmYc6BfmX8b_64EoVOT8T3Ey2YSHRBMb-CObsjGA2-jabMsvdwzP1-nkXcDwxmKrA8eoeYMdCqDaNgNevqumrJKROFw5em6uY8ilOUnZ9-ZpX5ecBgXi5_fdo2rZgBi23rLmV-3nVGhgVc/s2534/IMG_9602.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1241" data-original-width="2534" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmYc6BfmX8b_64EoVOT8T3Ey2YSHRBMb-CObsjGA2-jabMsvdwzP1-nkXcDwxmKrA8eoeYMdCqDaNgNevqumrJKROFw5em6uY8ilOUnZ9-ZpX5ecBgXi5_fdo2rZgBi23rLmV-3nVGhgVc/s320/IMG_9602.heic" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Fall has turned into winter, but I am in denial and still looking at fall pictures</span></div><p>Karma traveled like a champ. She ate hay in the trailer, promptly drank water, and settled into her stall with zero issues. She hasn't been stalled for more than overnight pretty much ever and has lived out except for bad weather her entire life. But she handled being stalled quite well, although that might have had a lot to do with having a very big weekend and being tired.</p><p>The first thing trainer said to me was "OMG SHE IS EVEN CUTER IN PERSON" and then promptly drug out the bit bag so we could play with some bits. After a couple of tests, we found one that Karma liked. Trainer is relatively tall and when she walked over to Karma, she said "oh wow Karma is taller than I expected." Followed by "oh wow you are TALL" when I hopped off. It is kind of funny meeting someone in person when you have been working with them regularly, but you don't have any frame of reference for sizes.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSM8rz7P84q7yYajDSRbKeC5I2VoOLPaoQAt4kWvQeBYbmtz5lIZ66YDNQqZwqWPXXp_rJRUTrq21ZPzH1K6by69czswmECsrzhvsqlZZQ0m5Dh5YTsNxQ_VHuo-jTHCBTcP23wOzI-pb3/s2048/IMG_9611.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1147" data-original-width="2048" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSM8rz7P84q7yYajDSRbKeC5I2VoOLPaoQAt4kWvQeBYbmtz5lIZ66YDNQqZwqWPXXp_rJRUTrq21ZPzH1K6by69czswmECsrzhvsqlZZQ0m5Dh5YTsNxQ_VHuo-jTHCBTcP23wOzI-pb3/s320/IMG_9611.heic" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">It was cold and windy but the lake is still beautiful</span></div><p>The first lesson was quite good. With the bit sorted we were able to get down to working on the contact issues. I love to throw away contact and Karma loves to sit just behind the contact. It is a bad combination. I was informed that I am probably the only student in the history of students that I need to think pull. I grew up riding hot horses in curbs and I always want to default back to super light touches. Most of the ride was spent focusing on me not throwing the contact away and letting her sort through her feelings about that.</p><p>The next day lesson two forced some issues. When I don't let Karma hide behind the contact, she flips and braces with her underneck and tries to run through things. Without someone telling me to keep pushing I back off too easily. So there were some ugly moments while I convinced her that she could do it. The great thing about Karma is after you show her what you want, she lets you keep accessing it. Sometimes you have to work through some stubborn pony mare moments to get to that place.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil1raLteevdRe1D4pjccoqr6cb-rtaf9k8jQeNX71ilyKu9sIC8Aq1ZjvNUokrVpD4pwzCuO8YkhW14bhdHrOjnsiG1_5blj0v-0xcbuyqUcGEJAu700AgpbJfre0e8QcxULmQQrBj5jMo/s463/IMG_9624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="463" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil1raLteevdRe1D4pjccoqr6cb-rtaf9k8jQeNX71ilyKu9sIC8Aq1ZjvNUokrVpD4pwzCuO8YkhW14bhdHrOjnsiG1_5blj0v-0xcbuyqUcGEJAu700AgpbJfre0e8QcxULmQQrBj5jMo/s320/IMG_9624.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">You can see how she is getting more reach in the front than with the hind</span></div><p>The third day things went down hill. She felt tired. Trainer asked to get on and I let her. The good was trainer said Karma has had a really good start and in terms of ridability she feels like a 5 year old. The bad was she felt really weak behind. After getting off and doing some tests trainer was concerned about EPM.</p><p>Which of course sent me on a huge spiral. Thankfully the diagnostics came back completely negative for both EPM and Lyme. After much dithering and pestering people for their opinions (thankfully I have an excellent group to bounce ideas off of), I decided to go with a conservative approach.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsAic5ZfbpvwL6HuhOAar26Z-eC_CBqDYFQw-QFRuDLIbBz5pttxT4tDIiXlsP-SoTagejRqWEYDorBgZis6zdXH3jrNSby-aW25nWuWYwZt_5s89TuMeq1kF15lUWd21gfLDmYhPYotHW/s373/IMG_9625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="252" data-original-width="373" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsAic5ZfbpvwL6HuhOAar26Z-eC_CBqDYFQw-QFRuDLIbBz5pttxT4tDIiXlsP-SoTagejRqWEYDorBgZis6zdXH3jrNSby-aW25nWuWYwZt_5s89TuMeq1kF15lUWd21gfLDmYhPYotHW/s320/IMG_9625.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">She is heavy on the forehand and just not getting the reach and push with the hind</span></div><p>I didn't go down the diagnostic rabbit hole trainer would have preferred. I get it, but I don't have the funds to chase down something that may or may not be there and I have ruled out the diagnoses that rapid treatment is important. I also decided against carrying on as I have been.</p><p>The plan is to back off of saddle time and use groundwork to help build up her topline. This will also let her mature more. She's not quite 4.5 yet, she has a longer back, and I add a significant amount of weight. There aren't any negatives to not riding and there are potential benefits, so despite my disappointment to my grand plans I am taking the conservative approach and backing off a bit.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39IV8IvfMb8jpnOqj-BA8-NxLWMOe-GwZCyygvg7VrNBK-957KOo-gVcBoO97c1RmIyq3NcXb1Ow67QCUV8Je51pcGDFLbWb6Mo_2l-ExcnVIriJp_nS2p92uWU579pmG7mX51kZRRyT-/s809/IMG_9626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="458" data-original-width="809" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39IV8IvfMb8jpnOqj-BA8-NxLWMOe-GwZCyygvg7VrNBK-957KOo-gVcBoO97c1RmIyq3NcXb1Ow67QCUV8Je51pcGDFLbWb6Mo_2l-ExcnVIriJp_nS2p92uWU579pmG7mX51kZRRyT-/s320/IMG_9626.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hopefully we will be able to shift her balance and get her back to moving more correctly</span></div><p>I have felt her struggling with her right hind and she has been expressing some anxiety about riding. So while it is cautious and might not be necessary I do feel like it is the right move for ensuring she doesn't lose faith in her rider. I also got further insight from the a new lady I tried for body work.</p><p>The scan showed very little (a tiny bit of reaction on her left front hoof point), but when she went to work on the hind it was a different story. The right hind was much much tighter than the left. Karma was a bit protective of it, but she also gave some really big releases and by the end of the session the right hind was much looser.</p><p>Hopefully by keeping on top of it and releasing the big restrictions she will start using it more and we can get the strength built up. That way when spring rolls around Karma will be feeling good and we can hit the ground running. But at least now I am feeling confident in my decision instead of slightly crazy.</p><p><br /></p>EventingSaddlebredStylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610596082916022402noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4318842770364105067.post-91199106058394649432021-10-27T04:00:00.001-05:002021-10-27T04:00:00.264-05:00Media!!!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bjMGIG4LUJrGE9NkLt_Lbq_qhaWAxD-TVEl4iWgQpoOQC4H-CMnLmcWjQ0mYhcf3xFRMWA-sUZLsECBkI2x-5H5YaWPdTY8CNxYnPmR4lFfKlIJIqLRp0-iCsvBJ2mTiNcwsbe9wqUaS/s640/23Oct+Karma+Canter.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bjMGIG4LUJrGE9NkLt_Lbq_qhaWAxD-TVEl4iWgQpoOQC4H-CMnLmcWjQ0mYhcf3xFRMWA-sUZLsECBkI2x-5H5YaWPdTY8CNxYnPmR4lFfKlIJIqLRp0-iCsvBJ2mTiNcwsbe9wqUaS/s320/23Oct+Karma+Canter.gif" width="320" /></a></div>We have a ways to go with the canter, it isn't as good as I have seen her give, but she's young and has time to develop strength and balance.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihk1kjyiJa0CwTm75tQY_kdMNAkMBA0RIMDdsYlbWseDtGf94hvMSNSW4WUAPX_-inFMiPEAtBkLmM0TdDK6kqDf7nTz98z4QVAsskr1dyYbKME0mnBWTSE_GN8lzT2snMUNnFbU5Bjdn7/s640/23Oct+Karma+Trot+1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihk1kjyiJa0CwTm75tQY_kdMNAkMBA0RIMDdsYlbWseDtGf94hvMSNSW4WUAPX_-inFMiPEAtBkLmM0TdDK6kqDf7nTz98z4QVAsskr1dyYbKME0mnBWTSE_GN8lzT2snMUNnFbU5Bjdn7/s320/23Oct+Karma+Trot+1.gif" width="320" /></a></div>She is still curling, but I am able to get a bit of contact. I think that with strength and balance I will be able to generate the power that will bring her nose out.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFtaLOpWdZZQ4yMkMoZrdy75mpG5V7e7J-qmyBylvQNmfBUkXLbfonB3abDipCbafswjvG7WYC9z8UalnmZhMXaR2aF-QjGLw7UpzHpW_eYGxQC4X_1Aw-GPzvmnsPhohdJOovom3usp89/s640/23Oct+Karma+Trot+2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFtaLOpWdZZQ4yMkMoZrdy75mpG5V7e7J-qmyBylvQNmfBUkXLbfonB3abDipCbafswjvG7WYC9z8UalnmZhMXaR2aF-QjGLw7UpzHpW_eYGxQC4X_1Aw-GPzvmnsPhohdJOovom3usp89/s320/23Oct+Karma+Trot+2.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>EventingSaddlebredStylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610596082916022402noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4318842770364105067.post-88533783892591175782021-10-26T04:00:00.001-05:002021-10-26T04:00:00.191-05:00October Update<p>Things have been pretty quiet of late. I am plugging away with virtual lessons and trying to work through the contact issues. I've been taking Karma out on more trail rides. I actually took a vacation to spend some time with my mom and work through her honey do list.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4EnX0PHw_VbZnH4B1JSA-j0GvZKCPWL2Nj58LEgqRljKWmna97TkpwIx2lqDxm6QAhfUkd4tZUCLK9YIQvEtOpeDAXhcggCPcalgR0KwpeN5ulSUR6SyHEHOPK3y4qsKP_XacFW-CvesC/s2048/IMG_9436.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4EnX0PHw_VbZnH4B1JSA-j0GvZKCPWL2Nj58LEgqRljKWmna97TkpwIx2lqDxm6QAhfUkd4tZUCLK9YIQvEtOpeDAXhcggCPcalgR0KwpeN5ulSUR6SyHEHOPK3y4qsKP_XacFW-CvesC/s320/IMG_9436.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Super helpful Stinker</span></div><p>I haven't said much about the contact problems because young horse, but I am coming to the conclusion that Karma is always going to be a bit tricky in the contact for me. It is a combination of her plus my own habits. Little mare isn't dumb and takes full advantage of my weaknesses. Hopefully with time and consistency we will work through it, I just can't slack off and let my old habits creep back in and let her convince me that should be status quo.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0Hx_q-9IsHqEzlNvp3aFl8NhdMyxt9LyLU5tB2Rx0eMZ8TXSqnRhwyIq4QrwbVbzuiWRYDETxzNmUCYK7SAseQu01K8Xm9mxHQt42YpIDwji4syTU3MemRnWtFDoke_7wHmbyNpVj3UV/s2048/IMG_9440.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0Hx_q-9IsHqEzlNvp3aFl8NhdMyxt9LyLU5tB2Rx0eMZ8TXSqnRhwyIq4QrwbVbzuiWRYDETxzNmUCYK7SAseQu01K8Xm9mxHQt42YpIDwji4syTU3MemRnWtFDoke_7wHmbyNpVj3UV/s320/IMG_9440.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">So very helpful boys (I was changing out the valve for the auto waterer)</span></div><p>For the most part the long rides have gone smoothly. I might have gotten off trail on the one (only to discover after the fact that there is a gps map of the trail, which would have been nice to know prior). Everyone survived. Karma was not pleased with me and basically said screw the stupid human and started plowing her way back towards the trailer. On the plus side if we do get lost she will get us back to the trailer. On the downside if I ever come off I am probably walking back. Gotta love a smart mare.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLkZ7VvgYiV3ZCPuQLcrE7MYLkoyCunht0Jb0NHsZUsD1pvjwruIWuaX727RiveCv2DznwxKh0f9kwrApy3FqsK-X9qnDfimgY05m_bPdqNObgPvkWE3qoLqmCE8-yuWnVT1DelWYLVKEF/s2048/IMG_9433.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLkZ7VvgYiV3ZCPuQLcrE7MYLkoyCunht0Jb0NHsZUsD1pvjwruIWuaX727RiveCv2DznwxKh0f9kwrApy3FqsK-X9qnDfimgY05m_bPdqNObgPvkWE3qoLqmCE8-yuWnVT1DelWYLVKEF/s320/IMG_9433.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I got to restack hay to make room for the new hay</span></div><p>It was good to see my mom and the boys. I didn't end up riding, but I did learn how to change the heater and control valve in the nelson automatic waterers. I also had the fun job of restacking the hay so we could buy the hay for the rest of the year. I got my mom to buy some early before prices really jumped, so only have the hay was stupid expensive. It has never been cheap, but this year was rather vomit inducing. Hopefully next year will be better.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfz9uFq6HxNAIVTq0MuNfEJO2wOgu8O-5GIPCg9xbC2a19wvnK3hzlqsvtVBwE8fVwLgN8r_-Uaz0g5sSXCmLyvXHDFxZrUKk5PuqmZ4TVWNJkQ_zweQIxi0aCVW6vPvWZw54-0tsjGOqB/s2048/91DA2EAC-F2E6-43C8-8D4B-EB851BB37ED2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfz9uFq6HxNAIVTq0MuNfEJO2wOgu8O-5GIPCg9xbC2a19wvnK3hzlqsvtVBwE8fVwLgN8r_-Uaz0g5sSXCmLyvXHDFxZrUKk5PuqmZ4TVWNJkQ_zweQIxi0aCVW6vPvWZw54-0tsjGOqB/s320/91DA2EAC-F2E6-43C8-8D4B-EB851BB37ED2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I did get out and go for a short walk the one day</span></div><p>I had previously been on a fixed term position with the intent to move back after my two years were up, but I ended up being offered and taking a permanent position here. So it looks like I will spend a bit more time in the midwest. I miss being out west, but the job options for my overeducated self are basically the bay area or other major cities which don't hold a lot of appeal to me.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyyfnqYB2xUKKgo9OkomS7pKFDqCEFtEAmHV2mh__Y6MKmwNHiXG62f-dErJ16N5Ko2lh7oxBzUbyfzg8p2XtsZuTYtfaoySTlLXQALdQZ_zrkB8fXUjIwl27vo7GmEJx6IxbREgomjM2E/s2048/E08C4ABC-A893-44B3-9EB8-873CE8A152A9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyyfnqYB2xUKKgo9OkomS7pKFDqCEFtEAmHV2mh__Y6MKmwNHiXG62f-dErJ16N5Ko2lh7oxBzUbyfzg8p2XtsZuTYtfaoySTlLXQALdQZ_zrkB8fXUjIwl27vo7GmEJx6IxbREgomjM2E/s320/E08C4ABC-A893-44B3-9EB8-873CE8A152A9.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Fall has been very slow coming</span></div><p>Moving barns and getting the truck/trailer has made me enjoy my off time a lot more. The barn I was at had an amazing barn owner and fantastic care, but I was there for 1.5 years and I didn't know any of the other boarders and it felt very lonely. Karma seems very happy at the new place. I see people (I don't talk a whole lot, because awkward turtle, but I see people) and it's only about 20 minutes to great trails.</p>EventingSaddlebredStylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610596082916022402noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4318842770364105067.post-41925877810530781372021-09-28T03:00:00.001-05:002021-09-28T03:00:00.272-05:00Adventure Time!<p> I know I say this all the time, but I can't get over what a good little mare Karma is. After jumping through all the DMV hoops I was determined to go some where. Originally, I planned on going to a park that is about 30 minutes from where I live. But I discovered that they were having a campout for the group that maintains all the horse trails in the park. I think they were still letting day riders in, but that just seemed like too much for a beginning adventure and I really want to set her up for success.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzkCFhR4g5IPLLU7uLIDGHekdNbPSrTs62nsQGSe7HFdpa5aQj70nbOw2-caCRffXEUwjPKuyocd_JdfI0cM8ug9i1DqwbWkUPIKBB5C2c5GP06qAgMi4Yrdu1FDPpxo-Tu6FNnVJ7s6o6/s2048/IMG_9350.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1767" data-original-width="2048" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzkCFhR4g5IPLLU7uLIDGHekdNbPSrTs62nsQGSe7HFdpa5aQj70nbOw2-caCRffXEUwjPKuyocd_JdfI0cM8ug9i1DqwbWkUPIKBB5C2c5GP06qAgMi4Yrdu1FDPpxo-Tu6FNnVJ7s6o6/s320/IMG_9350.heic" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Out of food and staring at other horses</span></div><br /><p>So I decided to head to another one (it's only about 20 minutes from the barn but 45-50 minutes from where I live). This turned out to be a fabulous decision. I didn't realize that the horse trails are only horses. Hikers have their own trails and I think bicyclists do too, but I don't think the horse trails even cross with the bicycle trails. So it was a great way to get her out without having to worry about many of the things you run into on the trails.</p><p>I gave her a snack as soon as I unloaded her and she dove right in and didn't even really worry about the new surroundings until she ran out of food. There was a bit of pawing and calling for other horses when I was over looking at the maps and trying to figure out the whole self registration for the pass thing. But overall she was quite good and really good for a 4 year old with about 6 months of consistent work and no buddy.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_MdSYKyUegIYIpB1yATjNEjgMmTqtEFsUE9tSgYJGj6uCS5X-YH1CGEE9g1lk3pDNoqq7bf1R4NHAydeO5ROF_UqILX0ouK4wQTKKylGvfgXnoMRaKlk1Kn9OboRvV3zDGaZMhoYFAZ3a/s2048/IMG_9352.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_MdSYKyUegIYIpB1yATjNEjgMmTqtEFsUE9tSgYJGj6uCS5X-YH1CGEE9g1lk3pDNoqq7bf1R4NHAydeO5ROF_UqILX0ouK4wQTKKylGvfgXnoMRaKlk1Kn9OboRvV3zDGaZMhoYFAZ3a/s320/IMG_9352.heic" width="240" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>I decided to try the "technical" loop first, which was supposed to be about 4 miles and would run me into the 6 mile loop. The technical loop was not what I would call technical, but I might have a skewed view of what is technical. Either way it was a nice variety and did require her to pay attention to where her feet went in places. There were some ups and downs which is one of the reasons I wanted to do that loop.</p><p>Once we hit the intersection of the two loops I decided that she was feeling good and since we were just walking, the longer distance wouldn't over tax her. I saw more riders on that section of the trail, but there was plenty of places to pass and she was very well behaved. I even stopped and chatted with a couple of ladies at one point. They didn't know where they were and didn't have a map. I knew I was getting close to camp and the trails had been well marked so I wasn't worried about getting lost so I gave them my map.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGAcD1bfKjFtSnIEWyCvb02LLhvHlO0VY-DrhIeT0tv93wRSIN3ooKhpe60dTGS7JBr-1iNn1YbORwWgW9FZAbU0eh65MSDs-7nu0HI29NpK2O7W6Lsh_lzdU_d6ovcXJNLNplnj7GfPyX/s2048/IMG_9354.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGAcD1bfKjFtSnIEWyCvb02LLhvHlO0VY-DrhIeT0tv93wRSIN3ooKhpe60dTGS7JBr-1iNn1YbORwWgW9FZAbU0eh65MSDs-7nu0HI29NpK2O7W6Lsh_lzdU_d6ovcXJNLNplnj7GfPyX/s320/IMG_9354.heic" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Not super technical</span></div><p>She started to get a bit pokey on the next to last mile to camp, but she has an excellent sense of direction and got perky when she realized we were headed back towards the camp. I was very surprised that at every trail option, she would pull towards the one that headed back to camp. Good news is I shouldn't be able to lose the trailer if I am on her. The bad news is if I ever come off her I bet I am walking all the way back to the trailer đ</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqWi_96WAfG-n2JuDhYKh60Y-ttuEDLWQYsVEy5_mpL8-4JVL_B1_uTJTHhCzZN9hhhQCYgTDR9GYwLK1yf6Hf4bH5yzg5Nojv3P_F_Zb2HzZOqXdVs5dFftCj1yHtLZeA1pkAemoH9gF/s2048/IMG_9358.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqWi_96WAfG-n2JuDhYKh60Y-ttuEDLWQYsVEy5_mpL8-4JVL_B1_uTJTHhCzZN9hhhQCYgTDR9GYwLK1yf6Hf4bH5yzg5Nojv3P_F_Zb2HzZOqXdVs5dFftCj1yHtLZeA1pkAemoH9gF/s320/IMG_9358.heic" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>She was a bit sweaty when we got back to the trailer and much to my dismay she wouldn't touch the water or alfalfa I offered her. She happily took treats and was trying to eat the weeds so I wasn't worried about her. Mostly annoyed that I hand pumped a bucket of water and she wouldn't even touch it. Once we got back to the barn she promptly drank and then wandered off to eat, so clearly not out of sorts.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1fX6ikVdvgxIPugiRWZnD3EXCqwwWZo8GfF8AlgwH3krZ7YklBtTGOWzmmdHD4BUBN9IvocmBA73Z-lkLwRPDHuvoQLxqrBOQdluzgiVjZr5o19MVRvxIeS5o5fDM8yus3Z40Z5AmEsa/s2048/IMG_9356.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1fX6ikVdvgxIPugiRWZnD3EXCqwwWZo8GfF8AlgwH3krZ7YklBtTGOWzmmdHD4BUBN9IvocmBA73Z-lkLwRPDHuvoQLxqrBOQdluzgiVjZr5o19MVRvxIeS5o5fDM8yus3Z40Z5AmEsa/s320/IMG_9356.heic" width="240" /></a></div><p>Overall, I was really impressed with her. She was a bit nervous in the beginning but settled in well. She was quite skeptical of freshly cut logs and wasn't too sure about the tiny water crossing, but there were no big dramatics. I was very happy that she didn't ever try to pull towards other horses when we passed them going the opposite direction. I guess I have done enough with her by herself that she is ok walking away from horses.</p>EventingSaddlebredStylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610596082916022402noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4318842770364105067.post-58831427456646445812021-09-23T03:00:00.001-05:002021-09-23T03:00:00.256-05:00Adulting Is Hard<p> After jumping through I don't even know how many hoops, I finally have the truck and trailer licensed and registered. The lady I bought the trailer from, discovered she didn't have an actual title on the trailer because she never registered it. So I had to wait for her to get the title, sign it over to me, and then get an appointment with the DMV. The first available was late October, but I was busy with moving and didn't have the stuff to register the truck yet so I rolled my eyes and said whatever I will just wait.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmM6M3O8fyocVIWEqdMCgA3zVNWQxT5QX4dOkAmXn9sqXnDW-dHTxGsz5O5pcFkFSmL36bMpeUOoqmKAfZcwXJongjdkJhLX7UPnpsIhh5mRtIxOJFj0t8fb3AuA0LsEqBYLZPp9Pvtk1I/s2048/IMG_9245.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmM6M3O8fyocVIWEqdMCgA3zVNWQxT5QX4dOkAmXn9sqXnDW-dHTxGsz5O5pcFkFSmL36bMpeUOoqmKAfZcwXJongjdkJhLX7UPnpsIhh5mRtIxOJFj0t8fb3AuA0LsEqBYLZPp9Pvtk1I/s320/IMG_9245.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><p>Then I discovered that the state parks weren't letting residents pay for day use and you had to have the yearly pass, which meant I needed to get the truck registered in this state in order to get my pass so I could go ride. I finally got all my ducks in a row and managed to score a same day appointment. The trailer was fine. The truck was not.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyg-chHsRib_AnZJ0Izb9ZCCxY11pL93k2-Gtm98Ka3j-upjHb-3k1HOtyEMyEAhR8XNtJ1TKE9UFXGnexouJ9-To336AxBcl1XHwKsnYeWNLy8WpSRqi9a5VCAbhF59e2IfZOWC3s5DhR/s2048/IMG_9187.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyg-chHsRib_AnZJ0Izb9ZCCxY11pL93k2-Gtm98Ka3j-upjHb-3k1HOtyEMyEAhR8XNtJ1TKE9UFXGnexouJ9-To336AxBcl1XHwKsnYeWNLy8WpSRqi9a5VCAbhF59e2IfZOWC3s5DhR/s320/IMG_9187.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The PROBLEM child (it was registered in three other states just fine)</span></div><p>When the VIN is put into the system it comes up as and incomplete vehicle because it came off the factory line with just the chassis and the dealer added the flatbed. After much discussion, I had to verify it was a complete vehicle. I thought I was going to get it done, but then the previous title didn't have an empty weight on it, so I had to go get it weighed. Which of course meant I had to get another appointment. Thankfully the guy took pity on me and snuck me in and I didn't have to set alarms to remember to check as soon as the appointments were released.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeV5spfqrV625Rm6tvCF5R8kkFGopj-Vn6aw3unZNAU0L6RRjuE75QiDpnJxZpZyzKMqJdYVEITiLL1OT9HQfW0iDO9FGzw2TKbu9mZSbUuoFzvgk6pXNkhl96DoEGrAtm_8kmB9DBMFtM/s1440/0C70B759-5BD1-455D-9BD3-E386BA921EB2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeV5spfqrV625Rm6tvCF5R8kkFGopj-Vn6aw3unZNAU0L6RRjuE75QiDpnJxZpZyzKMqJdYVEITiLL1OT9HQfW0iDO9FGzw2TKbu9mZSbUuoFzvgk6pXNkhl96DoEGrAtm_8kmB9DBMFtM/s320/0C70B759-5BD1-455D-9BD3-E386BA921EB2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We just want to go places and do things</span></div><p>Off I went to get it weighed, apparently the sucker weighs 7,740 lbs. Which was much heavier than I thought it would be, but so be it. Back to the DMV I go for my appointment. I got another lady and she was looking so confused about things that the guy that had previously helped me took me off her hands. Then we ran into the problem that it weighs so much that it requires a special license plate. Thank god I know the weight limits on the trailer and my DL, because he was concerned I would be over the limit and need a CDL.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJO35FASITplPqtkQ-T3LwR0833JyEc9Zb9yYruWpBYd7TluInCM69R3HDGJLkuAS8Eqk2rthB1OoKV5-QFxooGmTh2G2l8mi3uonpSFPM6a2eJY3gNpr18rk6GRRynOZkNtI7SWKKmqL9/s2048/87E7DD12-F25B-4787-8AE3-320CFE8F72B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJO35FASITplPqtkQ-T3LwR0833JyEc9Zb9yYruWpBYd7TluInCM69R3HDGJLkuAS8Eqk2rthB1OoKV5-QFxooGmTh2G2l8mi3uonpSFPM6a2eJY3gNpr18rk6GRRynOZkNtI7SWKKmqL9/s320/87E7DD12-F25B-4787-8AE3-320CFE8F72B1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>I finally got it registered only to learn that because it has the special license plate, they can't do the park pass (you know the whole reason I was trying to get the thing registered instead of just leaving it in my mom's name with me "leasing" it). At this point I was about ready to cry because all I wanted to do was get into the parks so I could ride my pony.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZUhdXPKGgmQfFQk0DitW9AdkkHDQMy_WptLUA06laJDSbHREfeTP9YrfHCTQxz6J_oPcjfVKWCdVPg9JYM4XRPkbMA5MW7hWcJswdmHC_UW_aL6pQrH7YA7xI_P5Qb34T8tIsRI16ZezQ/s2048/8D21BF44-97C2-4181-8DFA-CC69BCCEF574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZUhdXPKGgmQfFQk0DitW9AdkkHDQMy_WptLUA06laJDSbHREfeTP9YrfHCTQxz6J_oPcjfVKWCdVPg9JYM4XRPkbMA5MW7hWcJswdmHC_UW_aL6pQrH7YA7xI_P5Qb34T8tIsRI16ZezQ/s320/8D21BF44-97C2-4181-8DFA-CC69BCCEF574.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Luckily, between when I first looked into this (August) and now, they had changed the COVID restrictions and it now said you could purchase the yearly passes at the park. Which was a whole other comedy of errors, but hopefully I will get a park pass in the mail at some point and not get fined. Oh and I couldn't actually put the plate on the trailer because it has the star screws and all of my star screw drivers are across the country. But come hell or high water (or maybe just some fines) I am not going to miss the fabulous fall weather or the colors.</p>EventingSaddlebredStylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610596082916022402noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4318842770364105067.post-38728776974995400662021-09-21T03:00:00.002-05:002021-09-21T03:00:00.238-05:00All The Changes<p> At the end of the month I someone how managed to make it so I was moving myself and Karma all in the same week and because I am an idiot, I didn't take time off of work. I didn't even really try to get help because the only thing I couldn't move by myself was the base of my treadmill. Once that was the only thing left I begged someone to come help me load it on the flatbed. It was the easiest move ever (also the only one where I wasn't moving 8+ hours so that might factor into it).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrbr6mcXQD4mU_tyPfOLQBbwwUVsS9d7uEuUzuH2f6MUHAT74yzPIlhrQT3PZ6hK0Ob77hkEe6OEBohnxslPghlxe16wLWF7M6xCiWXQvga0ArBKtKkjDs0hK6W4GNZnua7Isws2_HYf_0/s2048/A4AD0F55-64D0-441D-95E3-56B462C4FD5E.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrbr6mcXQD4mU_tyPfOLQBbwwUVsS9d7uEuUzuH2f6MUHAT74yzPIlhrQT3PZ6hK0Ob77hkEe6OEBohnxslPghlxe16wLWF7M6xCiWXQvga0ArBKtKkjDs0hK6W4GNZnua7Isws2_HYf_0/s320/A4AD0F55-64D0-441D-95E3-56B462C4FD5E.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>While I adored my old barn Karma and I had out grown it a bit. The ring was perfectly fine for baby horse that was learning to steer and was only being ridden for 20 minutes or so, but it was really too small for cantering or doing much dressage work. And looking at another winter of no indoor was quite depressing. Not to mention it was a super quiet barn and I very rarely saw another person much less had the opportunity to get her used to being ridden with other horses.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRD8gxlyP7Z8n4E_uuCNpS9YAjjKnpaOlU4OGY2EHPaH_Vzf2Meds4yFAr8YRcjqyLPKn5Q1NDJKJ90keZKZFfhE9vnShJeK4jzSPxobZUnwYzLfP1rA9TpjXL3KxkJsPPhVuLvK3lfIQ/s1440/90067318-C770-4143-A9B3-197F7667949A.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRD8gxlyP7Z8n4E_uuCNpS9YAjjKnpaOlU4OGY2EHPaH_Vzf2Meds4yFAr8YRcjqyLPKn5Q1NDJKJ90keZKZFfhE9vnShJeK4jzSPxobZUnwYzLfP1rA9TpjXL3KxkJsPPhVuLvK3lfIQ/s320/90067318-C770-4143-A9B3-197F7667949A.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">More cows to torture her with</span></div><p>The new barn has a large outdoor and a small indoor. The horses stay out the majority of the time and Karma is in a small paddock with one other mare. Originally she was in with two other mares, but Karma decided she was the bossy bitch and got booted after about a week. She is settling in quite well. There are places to get shorter milage in outside the ring (that don't involve a pig farm). I actually see people and they are quite friendly and Karma is getting exposed to more things.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjItV9n-bfNb2jE6gTZinYOb8zAMN0Rz698AH8IWTn0CqSS0VWzMY83216r9xtjbKhpGSVeD43CZGVy2BBfJsxzNC02zw8HWXhllixtt8LCAJc3MubFBo1VAfQ8phnNEBNc6b9d1KUe5vnG/s1930/IMG_9284.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1268" data-original-width="1930" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjItV9n-bfNb2jE6gTZinYOb8zAMN0Rz698AH8IWTn0CqSS0VWzMY83216r9xtjbKhpGSVeD43CZGVy2BBfJsxzNC02zw8HWXhllixtt8LCAJc3MubFBo1VAfQ8phnNEBNc6b9d1KUe5vnG/s320/IMG_9284.heic" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Before she got the boot</span></div><p>Overall, I think all the changes have suited us well, even if my place still looks like it has been ransacked. Apparently, actually putting things away has been very low on my list. I am unpacking the kitchen stuff as I need it, and I really like to use the same three things so most of it is still sitting on the floor. I am great at adulting.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ypyFr9cmdBEnzyEblcM7wDLksAVQzBArSFmL0QGhfpti5IxsLa0wGZeJcN34BM6ZugmdE-snbtL6qSx706qjuZr-bzX6Do82GAyBAbfeagL2Yo6iAwwkY4luHD7LCzHvSyN0FKXSJUzC/s1440/6F125C27-897B-48D1-A05A-31A940F7AB29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ypyFr9cmdBEnzyEblcM7wDLksAVQzBArSFmL0QGhfpti5IxsLa0wGZeJcN34BM6ZugmdE-snbtL6qSx706qjuZr-bzX6Do82GAyBAbfeagL2Yo6iAwwkY4luHD7LCzHvSyN0FKXSJUzC/s320/6F125C27-897B-48D1-A05A-31A940F7AB29.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I have wanted a screened in porch for so long and now I finally have one</span></div>EventingSaddlebredStylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610596082916022402noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4318842770364105067.post-56702995102553183832021-08-17T03:00:00.001-05:002021-08-17T03:00:00.228-05:00Obsessed<p> It probably comes as no surprise that I am completely and totally obsessed with my trailer. The obsession with this brand started a few years ago, after I happened to stumble across their page trying to get a feel for "dream trailers."</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5EfyDwCPROMGjRHMirb3WkLSoyTwbj1crKVptKAva-w4pdy3_JQ6no37N8jZ9GNOSz4r7rgt_LmooVU5vGsXpFP6DjtAtOQOC88AfVhr8dZ6azgH8eZovTuCtU4UUJFnctUlmkBQd7gZS/s2048/IMG_9226.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5EfyDwCPROMGjRHMirb3WkLSoyTwbj1crKVptKAva-w4pdy3_JQ6no37N8jZ9GNOSz4r7rgt_LmooVU5vGsXpFP6DjtAtOQOC88AfVhr8dZ6azgH8eZovTuCtU4UUJFnctUlmkBQd7gZS/s320/IMG_9226.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I did not have purple on the dream trailer but I absolutely love it</span></div><p>As some of you recall, for the life of this blog (I don't know how it has happened but I have been blogging since April of 2015) I either haven't had a trailer or was using the 20+ year old stock trailer affectionately known as trusty rusty or rusty bucket. It was still solid but you could hear it coming from miles away (especially when Stinker was standing on two legs and banging on it with the other two) and it lacked some amenities (like tack storage, smooth ride for the horse, etc).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_p9UZQHmsVjki1VXUKihhyNRZqdAZPxh8Br_4KjlM6BgMbGLRWeX7CN2wJvwVgU3g5siuXEN2J0zXjlgLE0tJ8apXNmg8fBbgRo7jKkmq6Bs69hTp1dnsuNiFdJHG7xG1WQCBjM25TED/s1440/0C70B759-5BD1-455D-9BD3-E386BA921EB2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_p9UZQHmsVjki1VXUKihhyNRZqdAZPxh8Br_4KjlM6BgMbGLRWeX7CN2wJvwVgU3g5siuXEN2J0zXjlgLE0tJ8apXNmg8fBbgRo7jKkmq6Bs69hTp1dnsuNiFdJHG7xG1WQCBjM25TED/s320/0C70B759-5BD1-455D-9BD3-E386BA921EB2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">From our field trip to the vet for bodywork</span></div><p>So me being me spent a lot of time poking around on the internet to a) try to figure out how much I needed to budget and b) what options were available. Most trailer sites SUCK. They don't tell you what options are available, don't give you prices, and generally make it hard to find all the information I wanted. This is when I stumbled across <a href="https://doubledtrailers.com/">Double D Trailers</a>. They let you configure things, see prices for the additions, and lots of fun options (fair warning you will get sticker shock).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14cR16-gqTxWTNnPpeJvuw-jhTrGNuXnJa3J6b-SnVP1wh5x-r3cQvfpdZhyiQSTckvVrp3LJXPPHRelbK4HbKOHndq7qRXYkXSwLsDnO4ptyPz8hpulOkYvUnitzZwMEK948FoabuPx4/s2048/IMG_9245.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14cR16-gqTxWTNnPpeJvuw-jhTrGNuXnJa3J6b-SnVP1wh5x-r3cQvfpdZhyiQSTckvVrp3LJXPPHRelbK4HbKOHndq7qRXYkXSwLsDnO4ptyPz8hpulOkYvUnitzZwMEK948FoabuPx4/s320/IMG_9245.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Oh look another terrible picture of both the trailer and Karma đ</span></div><p>I quickly realized that new was not going to be in my budget for a very very very long time and also quickly realized that these do not get advertised for sale very often. But they have an excellent reputation and I saw an older model in the state park one day when I was riding (so sorry to the owner if you saw me repeatedly circling your trailer I am just a creeper not a thief) and it was in great condition despite the age.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDS7aqTHE5g2PzfONJPCZ6I_hL5SMVECo3uqu2IIV_BlGa2IRND2L09YbOGQdsIwe79NuSqgrtOfXjnuP6MZv1iZe3lqn8XsnNw25DBDx39i2RmRGLIjMdWEZwA6d6VnY_mdXy16RXp-2/s1440/00615804-0823-47B8-B76B-9C7C077A0E17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDS7aqTHE5g2PzfONJPCZ6I_hL5SMVECo3uqu2IIV_BlGa2IRND2L09YbOGQdsIwe79NuSqgrtOfXjnuP6MZv1iZe3lqn8XsnNw25DBDx39i2RmRGLIjMdWEZwA6d6VnY_mdXy16RXp-2/s320/00615804-0823-47B8-B76B-9C7C077A0E17.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Where did you take me" - Karma probably</span></div><p>The other thing that really hooked me on the brand was the safe tack. There are two things I have never liked about slant loads. The first being trying to squeeze around the tack room and the second being hassle of bribing reluctant loaders past the narrow openings. With the Double D trailers all of the rear tack is attached to the door and swings outwards so there is a very nice big opening.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUBbJ6oMR0LujwYnHzDth8xXv13Ss5h1uReFtfGBUE5UYctiFK0V2lA7894cK7m7d6Y-NC5lRQTxAhLsxUYwc18bfrhsQvs5NdIvevX2EezpK7Ir_ms0PKqq-F6bV9BxM1Dy59yLzJkaTy/s999/IMG_9211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="999" data-original-width="828" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUBbJ6oMR0LujwYnHzDth8xXv13Ss5h1uReFtfGBUE5UYctiFK0V2lA7894cK7m7d6Y-NC5lRQTxAhLsxUYwc18bfrhsQvs5NdIvevX2EezpK7Ir_ms0PKqq-F6bV9BxM1Dy59yLzJkaTy/s320/IMG_9211.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I love how open it becomes</span></div><p>So far I absolutely adore this trailer. There are a couple of little quirks because of how the previous owner designed it, but I can easily deal with them considering the price I paid for it. And the best part is Karma seems to like it too. Both trips she has had so far, she has come off the trailer sweaty so I was worried about nerves, but she promptly loads back up and doesn't rush to get off either.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1X5hh1aLs_VEC0XZKcpteU7uq5yQFPBe36EupzSgKHjC5XWG37M5cNXeqDOKpvJ1lNF6iqJ5eQAvIOZABjJS09jJ7Q42L3BPTQGdRLihzBjFrmZYMDftm7btMk3dk2HI7aF3afn2r0zmF/s1348/IMG_9257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1348" data-original-width="753" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1X5hh1aLs_VEC0XZKcpteU7uq5yQFPBe36EupzSgKHjC5XWG37M5cNXeqDOKpvJ1lNF6iqJ5eQAvIOZABjJS09jJ7Q42L3BPTQGdRLihzBjFrmZYMDftm7btMk3dk2HI7aF3afn2r0zmF/s320/IMG_9257.jpg" width="179" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Roomy rear tack</span></div><p>Eventually, I think I will get her to self load, but for now I am totally content with her walking quietly onto the trailer and backing off politely. It is much better than Stinker (who had to wear a bumper because he would back to the edge and then FLY and throw up his head) or Cowboy who would load and unload reliably 95% of the time (but that other 5% would be 30-45 minutes of him having a meltdown that I could never figure out a trigger for).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivzB5HaILUvvksjWALhjrthiUXB5TZ2HDvdPaj_x-dPGK_GZqT2w2Q5AAtGJPvzvddfmHcfo7qvK5Q_OVKQuSqUlCfEw7YdAxOnvS6tN4oAifGgEzGlIRLaL2F_yHYqvY1ivcsrlv5vaC0/s2048/IMG_9197.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivzB5HaILUvvksjWALhjrthiUXB5TZ2HDvdPaj_x-dPGK_GZqT2w2Q5AAtGJPvzvddfmHcfo7qvK5Q_OVKQuSqUlCfEw7YdAxOnvS6tN4oAifGgEzGlIRLaL2F_yHYqvY1ivcsrlv5vaC0/s320/IMG_9197.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Adventure ready</span></div><p>Hopefully there will be a lot more adventures to come. I am still trying to get it registered, because the earliest appointment I could schedule with the DMV wasn't until the end of October. Once I get my life more lined out in September, I will start stalking the DMV website and try to score one of the same day appointments that get released. I am looking forward to fall trail rides and other fun adventures!</p>EventingSaddlebredStylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610596082916022402noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4318842770364105067.post-39271068742525913812021-08-03T03:00:00.001-05:002021-08-03T03:00:00.246-05:00Oops I Did It AgainThis story requires a bit of back story. Back in 2019 when I was funployed I stumbled across an adorable little mare. Of course I did the responsible thing and sent this message<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfE9yvdCW3cuYcEhtBSmJpYpngPrRcwzHby35LAasF0wMoQRbg-MS4sz2qfmQ5aYT0Ykkk8wMZvQiUq747ETibzuDMj3KSvP8p8PQ90FTuHXbxcFEy_V-zcEEo_N8IIXNELD2CblTrFhf/s1073/Image+7-19-21+at+8.36+PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="523" data-original-width="1073" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfE9yvdCW3cuYcEhtBSmJpYpngPrRcwzHby35LAasF0wMoQRbg-MS4sz2qfmQ5aYT0Ykkk8wMZvQiUq747ETibzuDMj3KSvP8p8PQ90FTuHXbxcFEy_V-zcEEo_N8IIXNELD2CblTrFhf/s320/Image+7-19-21+at+8.36+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Well despite the professed love, Megan did not act and I couldn't get the little mare out of my head. Of course I talked to Aimee about it and since she was between me and the horse this happened</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkibHd7oFHfB6Q81_kmMbNVfQB3w8vYWrXUOifym0-JZ8ezPeNND7R1i5z3g-Z-tJgh9iImESW7HSb2G-qxqJx1UgGJRmkFL3eR6MdEbPdKNQgebDzb9d3CXZd7pRMlqs_-oFZdJv_JNHw/s892/IMG_9166.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="892" data-original-width="827" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkibHd7oFHfB6Q81_kmMbNVfQB3w8vYWrXUOifym0-JZ8ezPeNND7R1i5z3g-Z-tJgh9iImESW7HSb2G-qxqJx1UgGJRmkFL3eR6MdEbPdKNQgebDzb9d3CXZd7pRMlqs_-oFZdJv_JNHw/s320/IMG_9166.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7JGdKQn30lzqCixblCEawj_rvFzo0xyJQvLSRUR0p0Tw7Xjx2tvwsmtlyMdn1GryF6jQCzHqk79qoUr59o3Ps508ULxrPSpBRDPfB_xaWdN8X0IG7q3HRpYnqHagjrTM_tUrQwtMHR4Q/s821/IMG_9167.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="821" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7JGdKQn30lzqCixblCEawj_rvFzo0xyJQvLSRUR0p0Tw7Xjx2tvwsmtlyMdn1GryF6jQCzHqk79qoUr59o3Ps508ULxrPSpBRDPfB_xaWdN8X0IG7q3HRpYnqHagjrTM_tUrQwtMHR4Q/s320/IMG_9167.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Which of course was the road trip that led me to getting Karma.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well a couple of weeks ago I was poking around on the internet trying to get a feel for trailer prices and I stumbled across this gem. I mean it is a purple trimmed trailer, so of course I did this.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2SL-2uB6NHajQQeAgFbSuCHCOkO0qSrrKy-hWfPdQQeH86G_n4caqyQCcqL_k-aUYG5k5XdEeIvCxZb8BBZd3kW7v0vVWRsltOJ2PhaA4c7TDIij3ytlbbuN-uHiVFeVvOUBFuKYxWoM/s828/IMG_9168+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="587" data-original-width="828" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2SL-2uB6NHajQQeAgFbSuCHCOkO0qSrrKy-hWfPdQQeH86G_n4caqyQCcqL_k-aUYG5k5XdEeIvCxZb8BBZd3kW7v0vVWRsltOJ2PhaA4c7TDIij3ytlbbuN-uHiVFeVvOUBFuKYxWoM/s320/IMG_9168+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Which led to</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCsWuOeJT6INjRgVtqqEIOtbzxflzfAGQxaSTZDcH8y5UpvEfCuQ4reKEJlSjwang6J6gHzB1z1ohTXikznDcZL_KOyvme8JZnuFywmcmLMl1mwSrmitLhaeqBJyzBbE-aW2tlB-nKmms/s828/IMG_9169.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="828" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCsWuOeJT6INjRgVtqqEIOtbzxflzfAGQxaSTZDcH8y5UpvEfCuQ4reKEJlSjwang6J6gHzB1z1ohTXikznDcZL_KOyvme8JZnuFywmcmLMl1mwSrmitLhaeqBJyzBbE-aW2tlB-nKmms/s320/IMG_9169.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And then left me with the problem of I now owned a gooseneck trailer and a truck in Nevada.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At first I was going to ship the truck out, but I couldn't get the companies with decent ratings to call me back and the ones with shitty ratings wouldn't stop calling me (I used the house phone not my cell phone, but my mom was not happy with me #whoops #sorrynotsorry).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Which led to the next impulsive decision. A one way flight and a long weekend to cover over 2000 miles and 8 states in a very basic manual diesel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnhNz2pwesD_ZmHJ61s4kTF5569okH_VBi8jw9UMjAHweRCBGrNUY40FNcfhHzppzDLvKojBYR76Q4kSCHp3VSPu6NX2hHEaUqceSP5ngMyVgWq-5H9IjyYLGXuMJTP5vKEUTdkDYMlR63/s2048/IMG_9187.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnhNz2pwesD_ZmHJ61s4kTF5569okH_VBi8jw9UMjAHweRCBGrNUY40FNcfhHzppzDLvKojBYR76Q4kSCHp3VSPu6NX2hHEaUqceSP5ngMyVgWq-5H9IjyYLGXuMJTP5vKEUTdkDYMlR63/s320/IMG_9187.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It started off with an email saying my first flight had been delayed. And it wasnât a oh a few minutes delayed. It was like we canât be bothered so itâs now three hours later which of course meant that my two connecting flights werenât happening. And the ârebookâ options had me flying all over the freaking country and getting in at 10:30 pm. Which is not conducive to start drive at 6 am the next day especially with the time changes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So in my annoyance with much searching I found a second ticket that I could take the first leg of my original flight, then skip covering all corners of the country and get in at 6:15 pm. Not as nice as my noon arrival I originally had but a lot better than 10:30.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwrf1YPIyWrL0EIXtcH_SWIssS2MFEuA2eEDgZnfVydb56YX5bCwrMXIfQ62bPB94c3mqcgZqgw6Oa-iuahSs4q9dleS6-D0_II1fTojFc-ZN7Wda7WFF8grDWcVMsFXwTTxpGPv__KG4g/s2048/IMG_9195.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1073" data-original-width="2048" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwrf1YPIyWrL0EIXtcH_SWIssS2MFEuA2eEDgZnfVydb56YX5bCwrMXIfQ62bPB94c3mqcgZqgw6Oa-iuahSs4q9dleS6-D0_II1fTojFc-ZN7Wda7WFF8grDWcVMsFXwTTxpGPv__KG4g/s320/IMG_9195.heic" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thankfully, the drive went much smoother. The first day I did 13 hours, the second day 14 hours, and then it was another 5 by the time I went picked up the trailer. It got dropped to get new tires (it still had the original 2012 tires on it and they had lots of tread but I wasn't going risk running on almost 10 year old tires. Now I have five brand new tires and a trailer!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And that is the story of how I try to get Megan to buy things and then I buy them. Also known as the story of how I spent a good chunk of the money I saved for a downpayment on a house on a trailer.</div><br /><div><br /></div>EventingSaddlebredStylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610596082916022402noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4318842770364105067.post-3280261982130165682021-07-29T21:06:00.001-05:002021-07-29T21:06:35.466-05:00Adventures<p> Because I don't actually have pictures, I am going to be the worst tease. I made a mumble mumble mumble dollar impulse purchase and that led to an impulse road trip. And because I was so exhausted from said road trip, I didn't actually take pictures. Which I am sure <a href="http://www.dressagebarbie.com/">Leah</a> will STILL be giving me crap about when we are old and grey. But there are going to be some very fun adventures in the future.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQDLxs0QK4JeyxETFap72id-nPZgE7apmhr9cYUJDhFndHsYxw38hc7-1GeqkVot7ug9YfFDkWZhB68LoZj6Gsd_wh3LMixqqz5003rD6JedDmcfrR_6nbfPdBCLCUd1fe7nJWalk42_S/s828/IMG_B27A0A80659C-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="828" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQDLxs0QK4JeyxETFap72id-nPZgE7apmhr9cYUJDhFndHsYxw38hc7-1GeqkVot7ug9YfFDkWZhB68LoZj6Gsd_wh3LMixqqz5003rD6JedDmcfrR_6nbfPdBCLCUd1fe7nJWalk42_S/s320/IMG_B27A0A80659C-1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><br /><p><br /></p>EventingSaddlebredStylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610596082916022402noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4318842770364105067.post-24067095161797751072021-07-20T03:00:00.001-05:002021-07-20T03:00:00.242-05:00I'm In LoveOne of my biggest frustrations has been my inability to take lessons. Last year it was only mildly frustrating because Karma was just getting started and most people weren't really doing outside lessons anyway. This year Karma is to the point where I am creating problems and I know my riding is slipping. I tried taking some lessons at a hunter barn, but the just weren't working for a variety of reasons.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZahG_-6g0AgD_kT_X9mQ6lVB9InShUaR320bVZBymYymBl0k8k4b2kdvEjJZ7WD1OAlX36ttSjit-Zg7A3iINQgfR7iIflpYRKqxrzLwsPmgHq24vuHgRxPLIie4Kv8EhP-xYp9YlXYK/s702/Image+6-28-21+at+9.17+PM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="702" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZahG_-6g0AgD_kT_X9mQ6lVB9InShUaR320bVZBymYymBl0k8k4b2kdvEjJZ7WD1OAlX36ttSjit-Zg7A3iINQgfR7iIflpYRKqxrzLwsPmgHq24vuHgRxPLIie4Kv8EhP-xYp9YlXYK/s320/Image+6-28-21+at+9.17+PM.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I am recycling old images because I am terrible at remembering media</span></div><div><br /></div><div>So, after much pondering and getting my ducks in a row. I FINALLY got a virtual lesson scheduled with Trainer J. I do appreciate the Pivo and the fact that the pandemic has increased the popularity of virtual lessons, because otherwise I would still be floundering.</div><div><br /></div><div>I had never ridden with J, but I had met her in person and I had briefly seen her teaching style and I was pretty sure that my brain would click with her instruction. But you never truly know until you try it. We chatted for a few minutes so she could get a better feel for where I am at and where Karma is at and what we are hoping to achieve.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3riKgn6mq8ltRFjD7wsrm3G2hR9epbeWAtl7bq6OTuCkVzmQ5NL5kUL3agqQ_E_p4KUdqCCxkNODgN53bic-byMlxPS1Bsp402aIejDm0n1VgpuyKO4F36B7Bbk9FJjdbEU1Cps29Rj9J/s2048/3B5F66DB-D7B3-4BDE-B768-376EDE271820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3riKgn6mq8ltRFjD7wsrm3G2hR9epbeWAtl7bq6OTuCkVzmQ5NL5kUL3agqQ_E_p4KUdqCCxkNODgN53bic-byMlxPS1Bsp402aIejDm0n1VgpuyKO4F36B7Bbk9FJjdbEU1Cps29Rj9J/s320/3B5F66DB-D7B3-4BDE-B768-376EDE271820.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We started trotting a few circles and I have been feeling inconsistencies that I have been chalking up to green horse, balance issues, contact issues, and out of shape rider. Trainer J immediately identified that Karma was stepping short and stabbing behind. So I hopped off, pulled the saddle, checked along her spine for any soreness. Then we methodically started testing things for the cause. There was a tiny bit of soreness at the end of the panels (which are out of balance and my new ones arrive tomorrow).</div><div><br /></div><div>J asked if I had a lunge, I was worried I would lose audio if I ran up to my car to grab it so I went with the short answer of no, but I can make one. And proceeded to use a combo of the lead rope and reins to make myself a lunge #keepingitclassyfortheGPtrainer. Thankfully Karma trotted lovely both directions which pretty much ruled out stifles and SI (thank god. I would cry if I had another young horse prone to SI issues).</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUHsCKA-5yQWB8cQTjlAHZKYFk7lNOtJ50ChugZxoi6_8bQPi2gNhKY6SS0DYfIQR8j0xE5Yx9jPN7lpbQkIZ5Ln4vv9iEdNfAjRPYQGdb41VuYtfUJj8J8Ozk3owe1adLr6nSabEsWBS/s2048/7E03C862-DAD4-430D-BCAF-5C282EC7B493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUHsCKA-5yQWB8cQTjlAHZKYFk7lNOtJ50ChugZxoi6_8bQPi2gNhKY6SS0DYfIQR8j0xE5Yx9jPN7lpbQkIZ5Ln4vv9iEdNfAjRPYQGdb41VuYtfUJj8J8Ozk3owe1adLr6nSabEsWBS/s320/7E03C862-DAD4-430D-BCAF-5C282EC7B493.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>When I put the saddle back on, she was a tiny bit short traveling to the left. Then J started looking at her butt and sure enough the left side isn't quite as developed as the right. The conclusion we both felt comfortable with is that Karma needs some body work, but in the mean time I can work on balancing her out and keep forcing her to push with that left hind.</div><div><br /></div><div>By thinking haunches to the left and alternating diagonals we able to get her trotting much more consistently by the end. It felt so good to have a lesson again. And as an added bonus I got to hear someone else say how darling Karma is.</div>EventingSaddlebredStylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610596082916022402noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4318842770364105067.post-14691055533677149632021-06-29T03:00:00.001-05:002021-06-29T03:00:00.248-05:00Karma's Very Bad Day<p> Poor Karma had a very bad day awhile ago. I have been getting her out more for longer walks to help her start building a bit of fitness. She has been doing really well handing traffic, motorcycles, mailboxes, screaming children, screaming children on motorized vehicles. But we managed to find her one true fear.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-zqvmAXScQrZ3i357SuLzQF2UIxr0nDAU1FUVyyagPbGTnY3DaDE8h21cy1-JCyzWXiXJQYlBgnrrwgdSNu7KSpP7bdHJMxKevevxSNW1aepYYUtiH5k5lL9GBajMP4iGONUwk86d-LM/s750/Image+6-28-21+at+9.14+PM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="483" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-zqvmAXScQrZ3i357SuLzQF2UIxr0nDAU1FUVyyagPbGTnY3DaDE8h21cy1-JCyzWXiXJQYlBgnrrwgdSNu7KSpP7bdHJMxKevevxSNW1aepYYUtiH5k5lL9GBajMP4iGONUwk86d-LM/s320/Image+6-28-21+at+9.14+PM.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>We were probably about 30 minutes from home and there is a place that looks like a junk yard. It started with her stopping to stare. I asked her to move on and she got a bit balky. Sadly this attracted the attention of some very scary dairy calves. They are at the terribly curious age, so when we caught their eye, they raced up to the fence line.</p><p>I quickly discovered her fear of cows is very much still there despite being ok with the cows around the barn. I am honestly not entirely sure what all happened, but there was spinning, jumping, trying to fall down when we went off the road into the drainage ditch, and a small rear. Thankfully, I was still firmly in the saddle, but I did decide I really didn't want to be there. I got her paused enough for me to hop off and she immediately tried to bolt for home. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJO35FASITplPqtkQ-T3LwR0833JyEc9Zb9yYruWpBYd7TluInCM69R3HDGJLkuAS8Eqk2rthB1OoKV5-QFxooGmTh2G2l8mi3uonpSFPM6a2eJY3gNpr18rk6GRRynOZkNtI7SWKKmqL9/s2048/87E7DD12-F25B-4787-8AE3-320CFE8F72B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJO35FASITplPqtkQ-T3LwR0833JyEc9Zb9yYruWpBYd7TluInCM69R3HDGJLkuAS8Eqk2rthB1OoKV5-QFxooGmTh2G2l8mi3uonpSFPM6a2eJY3gNpr18rk6GRRynOZkNtI7SWKKmqL9/s320/87E7DD12-F25B-4787-8AE3-320CFE8F72B1.JPG" /></a></div><p>I pulled her up and she then tried the other direction. When that didn't work either she did her best saddlebred impression. I decided that there was not going to be any learning in the moment and our best option was to continue on down the road and wait for the brain to turn back on. Needless to say a couple of minutes later she was walking like nothing happened.</p><p>I wasn't feeling ballsy so I waited to get back on until after we turned around and walked back past the calves. Walking back she was much better event hough I made her pause and waited until they came wandering back up to the fence line. I am hopeful that a few more trips and some positive reinforcement will help her to learn that calves will not murder her.</p>EventingSaddlebredStylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610596082916022402noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4318842770364105067.post-6533465634338638502021-06-22T03:00:00.001-05:002021-06-22T03:00:00.231-05:00June Things<p> I had these grand plans about blogs to write because I actually did things. But I haven't gotten around to actually doing it. And I can't even do the tease of just dumping photos because I uhhhh didn't take pictures.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBtV9QJ2_i6R0jmSUvRRoyPqx6Y2fs2dugd0NUOkzRazInybWjeEWFHMLSli1XTxrz-mk0YbRp4oiG77Rnpic3Mf9qI_LJAceLQGtR9Afbj5zlQNV2n3u4Dq2VyWEPl7hEhBK2hTCQAXl/s2048/9AE82850-3796-4A22-B37C-F80FBFAC5BA3+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBtV9QJ2_i6R0jmSUvRRoyPqx6Y2fs2dugd0NUOkzRazInybWjeEWFHMLSli1XTxrz-mk0YbRp4oiG77Rnpic3Mf9qI_LJAceLQGtR9Afbj5zlQNV2n3u4Dq2VyWEPl7hEhBK2hTCQAXl/s320/9AE82850-3796-4A22-B37C-F80FBFAC5BA3+2.JPG" /></a></div><p>First up, over the long weekend at the end of May I drove to Leah's and stole Cinna for a couple of trail rides. It was a fabulous time and I only horrified her husband a few times. Like when I calmly told him I only fell off five times. I didn't but he had been very worried about me riding Cinna and I couldn't resist the chance to tease in the moment.</p><p>Another weekend Jen was showing and I drove over and got to meet Connor. I had a very enjoyable afternoon hanging with them. I think I redeemed my lack of pictures by taking video for her.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUL5V4GhBast_QGgrJlyMR0uSMiIKM0lRyEfBtCUYNGbDv7BXweUwjmUc05wIma4QQlyXWPR_jwtWe6ECJNJHfMFC3VO7bgr4uqZ9UzFMcgtuMMqGZ7l3DrQoh7DgUz0QkMWsyrjqs0L3/s2048/8D21BF44-97C2-4181-8DFA-CC69BCCEF574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUL5V4GhBast_QGgrJlyMR0uSMiIKM0lRyEfBtCUYNGbDv7BXweUwjmUc05wIma4QQlyXWPR_jwtWe6ECJNJHfMFC3VO7bgr4uqZ9UzFMcgtuMMqGZ7l3DrQoh7DgUz0QkMWsyrjqs0L3/s320/8D21BF44-97C2-4181-8DFA-CC69BCCEF574.JPG" /></a></div><p>I've been riding Karma on a more regular schedule the last couple of weeks. It is a toss up on who hates the heat and humidity more. Most of our rides are pretty short, but I have been trying to get her out for longer walks to help build up some baseline fitness. I miss my trails so much on those days.</p>EventingSaddlebredStylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610596082916022402noreply@blogger.com2