tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46017390959112672412024-02-19T04:03:50.490-06:00This Cowgirl's JourneyOne cowgirl.One horse.One dream to compete in AQHA's Versatility Ranch Horse Classes. The journey and challenges to be read here.Emily J. Peakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05514678662043656478noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601739095911267241.post-37431602773741141962011-02-06T13:49:00.019-06:002011-02-06T14:29:55.426-06:00Cold Weather Didn't Slow Me Down!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0LIPSvNe4tzdB6OCUxMkuxvUczki9SZ35F3om0yIjGufIDpgnzsHHMuq1ACESkaKON6nKeVWzSI62G8_IqWjdfd9qCkZJrksEP-C4b-5-9SazJu5qDlBf7Nt5eg_hT-OopB5FAzUOA3T/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_0424.JPGpencilgrayscale.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0LIPSvNe4tzdB6OCUxMkuxvUczki9SZ35F3om0yIjGufIDpgnzsHHMuq1ACESkaKON6nKeVWzSI62G8_IqWjdfd9qCkZJrksEP-C4b-5-9SazJu5qDlBf7Nt5eg_hT-OopB5FAzUOA3T/s400/Copy+of+IMG_0424.JPGpencilgrayscale.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570672954311877954" /></a><br />(Getting ready to sit in the ALQHA Booth during the Alabama Horse Fair)<br /><br />January was busy to say the least! <br /><br />Day to day activities such as going to the gym and doing schoolwork with the boys were challenging as they faced the tiredness of previous weekends and the preparations of the following weekends. The phrase “burning the candle at both ends” comes to mind! But what a blessing to be able to do all that I get to do! I love being able to stay home with my boys! They are fun to be with and teach me to be a better person on a daily basis! I am also blessed to have a hubby that understands my crazy lifestyle and hectic schedule and in laws that absolutely love being able to have the boys with them as much as they do!<br /><br />New Years was celebrated at about 9pm and we tried to “bank” sleeping hours for the following month!We're such exciting people! HA!<br /><br />On Monday the 3rd, I loaded Hayden up and went to ride at Mr. Tom’s who had another trainer there visiting. For 3 days I had the honor of riding and hanging out with Louis Hufnagel who currently resides in Texas! We worked on getting Hayden to move up under himself but in a relaxed way. I have had his head trapped at his knees so much that he hasn’t been able to do anything well but especially move his shoulders, stop and carry himself over poles. After 3 days we had made a lot of progress but we still have a long way to go! The biggest improvement was being able to feel that “hop” while he was loping signifying he was indeed carrying himself as well as moving up under himself the way he should. Louis also pointed out the same suggestion that Tom had a few months prior, to have Hayden’s hocks looked at. Both veteran trainers felt he wasn’t using them properly and that he may be hurting. Wonderful.<br /><br />On Saturday the 8th, I took Hayden down to the Foley arena and rode before the action started for the first Boots and Bridles Show (http://www.bootsandbridlesclub.com)of the 2011 show season. I had a fun time shooting there show and made the decision to stand in the arena so as not to miss any of the action! Of course this meant that I had the opportunity to BE the action if I didn’t watch was going on as I missed getting run over by mere inches! But what a fun group of people! It was the first time I had shot their show and I really enjoyed the grass roots feel to it! Took me back to my childhood! Here are a few of the shots from that day!<br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiflIL45yzGH0wMn9ead6OnK9Cdllg1NfJItifF0KUvTMZFzdyRAV1HzBHl4Ea89xiLG2j9ReZNPgCfCDORjaHs8YzXugpXee9WTIzYhv0BItDoGvnhyphenhyphene2BTegArM2sUdDGLA5QRe45wkRF/s1600/Copy+of+Boots%2526Bridle+Jan+152.JPGsigned.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiflIL45yzGH0wMn9ead6OnK9Cdllg1NfJItifF0KUvTMZFzdyRAV1HzBHl4Ea89xiLG2j9ReZNPgCfCDORjaHs8YzXugpXee9WTIzYhv0BItDoGvnhyphenhyphene2BTegArM2sUdDGLA5QRe45wkRF/s400/Copy+of+Boots%2526Bridle+Jan+152.JPGsigned.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570667323158549266" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3i0lInS9vqa9zS_ZUW5z4om4nMT0kAie-6Il6QpxmVTnpLXEeuuv3R6wVB0OQday8tsKImvrrz-CMTpq8gcDKmoFgtgMHubz6Tq4II41OZVPfWfVObi2F4WlRjzP7Sfx47c-CS0X-3zun/s1600/Copy+of+Boots%2526Bridle+Jan+177.JPGcroppedsigned.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 296px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3i0lInS9vqa9zS_ZUW5z4om4nMT0kAie-6Il6QpxmVTnpLXEeuuv3R6wVB0OQday8tsKImvrrz-CMTpq8gcDKmoFgtgMHubz6Tq4II41OZVPfWfVObi2F4WlRjzP7Sfx47c-CS0X-3zun/s400/Copy+of+Boots%2526Bridle+Jan+177.JPGcroppedsigned.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570667558680607106" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjql_gcCaqSYWYd5jqlxcxHYnlsLkmTCvTJxJfZDc1JdU8eieIJGw5Lh5nW_ypVD3JANaW2hz5P3du2oQLH0T3i4YZwaJFeOtoMOUYqjAyu1CYb1fKfwU5_zm1yYvfGCpuJa4CiErTTcKd7/s1600/Copy+of+Boots%2526Bridle+Jan+483.JPGsigned.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjql_gcCaqSYWYd5jqlxcxHYnlsLkmTCvTJxJfZDc1JdU8eieIJGw5Lh5nW_ypVD3JANaW2hz5P3du2oQLH0T3i4YZwaJFeOtoMOUYqjAyu1CYb1fKfwU5_zm1yYvfGCpuJa4CiErTTcKd7/s400/Copy+of+Boots%2526Bridle+Jan+483.JPGsigned.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570667949052650274" /></a><br /><br />That Sunday I was supposed to shoot the Sandstone Equestrian CTC Show in Mobile but with the prediction of a bad super cold rain they moved it to Saturday and so I wasn’t able to do it. <br /><br />The following week we saw record low temps and SNOW all over the state! But luckily by the weekend it was a bit milder as I was shooting the ACTHA ride at Golden Pines Equestrian Center in Perkinston, MS. Hosted by affiliate Toni Christopher it was an OUTSTANDINGLY well run 2 day event! (http://www.examiner.com/horses-in-hattiesburg/perkinston-golden-pines-actha-ride-results) The first day I shot as the riders were coming down a small incline. They also had an Ultimate Equestrian Challenge that I shot and was able to get a few decent shots there. The second day I shot at the first obstacle while folks were getting ready as well as the last obstacle, a jump up the bank! Half the battle of shooting these events is knowing where to be for the best shot. I am still learning this skill and appreciate the patience and encouragement from all the riders! Here are some of my favorite shots from Golden Pines.:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkj7tGtjEfNfzO7Sr8dqf2VugCslXpVJv2N4jx0NPUyX5j1exYEUndJroGWG8xJSnhXuO8dJPQRmhd265pjK_JLn2rojO7Nt5aiN7v_WG4BifJnB-7h8-S9kX7UZ_hpGLaUXSL1dwIXFBG/s1600/Copy+of+Golden+Pines+Day+2+071.JPGsigned.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkj7tGtjEfNfzO7Sr8dqf2VugCslXpVJv2N4jx0NPUyX5j1exYEUndJroGWG8xJSnhXuO8dJPQRmhd265pjK_JLn2rojO7Nt5aiN7v_WG4BifJnB-7h8-S9kX7UZ_hpGLaUXSL1dwIXFBG/s400/Copy+of+Golden+Pines+Day+2+071.JPGsigned.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570668515724765506" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_u27fXXExmiwIKSj6TZcEXPKcXPXup2a_JBCmuYo1Fi1dlMI9fK1iN7TyAMQB5oT6g400FE-vNdvkguTi1I06a3WHuSs7saDniHOvM3QIs5GDe86AwgO6S_EXrlQy6vlvbX_ut2D_nxH/s1600/Copy+of+Golden+Pines+Day+2+039.JPGsigned.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_u27fXXExmiwIKSj6TZcEXPKcXPXup2a_JBCmuYo1Fi1dlMI9fK1iN7TyAMQB5oT6g400FE-vNdvkguTi1I06a3WHuSs7saDniHOvM3QIs5GDe86AwgO6S_EXrlQy6vlvbX_ut2D_nxH/s400/Copy+of+Golden+Pines+Day+2+039.JPGsigned.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570668912644589858" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKvoS6l1HqR7dxVh5h9I0qpMzS3YzfnMJshw0lnWmsYbxc7ACP-fVOTnzfybhlo_jk-J0_qyTi4mSNgPBTl9Dl6GQYXe6Oz5MJkSyuTK8DibVTZWCj-pPVwqn9EubhypzLSO0jd6R1lJyR/s1600/Copy+of+Golden+Pines+Day+2+249.JPGsigned.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 373px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKvoS6l1HqR7dxVh5h9I0qpMzS3YzfnMJshw0lnWmsYbxc7ACP-fVOTnzfybhlo_jk-J0_qyTi4mSNgPBTl9Dl6GQYXe6Oz5MJkSyuTK8DibVTZWCj-pPVwqn9EubhypzLSO0jd6R1lJyR/s400/Copy+of+Golden+Pines+Day+2+249.JPGsigned.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570669230436521090" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippyrTU6lbVTFbTGnF2E9zyOxhrRep6eoSWdc1i6h3Y-MYU2LVwrPZU-vj70-5g_Jau1Upoi_kcY4CSSyPtc4uVadt00xEfhegRuviGw_qgOylINz7G6pNPuy4rIocxGnENJlV-80czXkp/s1600/Copy+of+Jan+Golden+Pines+511.JPGsigned.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippyrTU6lbVTFbTGnF2E9zyOxhrRep6eoSWdc1i6h3Y-MYU2LVwrPZU-vj70-5g_Jau1Upoi_kcY4CSSyPtc4uVadt00xEfhegRuviGw_qgOylINz7G6pNPuy4rIocxGnENJlV-80czXkp/s400/Copy+of+Jan+Golden+Pines+511.JPGsigned.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570669636111060738" /></a><br /><br />The third week was spent getting ready to ride on Friday with one of my favorite clinicians, Craig Cameron! You may already know he has his own show on RFDTv, “Ride Smart” and was the 2010 Road to the Horse Champion! Regardless of what he has accomplished though, he is a super genuine guy who loves horses, people and America! He’s a true American Cowboy! His clinic was easily the most entertaining, fast moving one I have ever had the privilege to ride in! (http://www.craigcameron.com/)<br /><br />For preparation for the clinic on Friday and then the Alabama Stock Horse Show on Sunday, Lisa and I took Hayden and Scout down to Steve Foley’s to work the flag that he has rigged up to move all the way around the pen. After working the flag and riding for a few hours, I noted that Hayden WASN’T stopping the way he should nor was he turning to the right very well or changing leads well that way. Panic set in and I decided since we were half way to Pensacola already that we might as well go on to Howard Finley’s to have them looked at. Howard is a very knowledgeable Equine Chiropractor and he has saved me a lot of time and money over the years! I told him what I had felt and seen that day with Hayden and what 2 knowledgeable trainers have told me. He proceeded to go over Hayden’s pressure points and told me that Hayden was NOT showing signs of Hock pain but DID show signs of Stifle pain. Wonderful. But he said that could also be related to TMJ issues in the mouth and sure enough when he tested the points he was clearly positive for that. How do we fix that? With an Equine Dentist. But not just any Equine Dentist; Dr. Tyler Dees DVM CEqDT. Appointment was set up for the earliest date: 2/4/11.<br /><br />For more information on Performance Horse Dentistry complete with VIDEOS! : https://www.facebook.com/PerformanceHorseDentistry?ref=ts)<br /><br />Knowing that my horse was not comfortable in his mouth, it made it challenging to be excited for the show. I debated pulling out of the clinic and the show but after a call to Dr. Dees decided not to. He said Hayden has had this going on for years. YEARS! I have owned Hayden for 3 years now in which time my regular vet has looked in his mouth 2 x a year for the last 3 and has NEVER indicated there was a need for dentistry. Common from what I understand since they only teach about 10 hours of dentistry in Vet School.<br /><br />The clinic, as I mentioned before was fun and educating. We then followed Craig’s desire for Mexican food and all 30 of us caravan to a restaurant that would hold all of us. What a great time we all had!(Photos by Jamie Jordan!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_RWz5cPGgTf6CpRDEUCmZ-Dz9zTQfcU_Yby_TrKrm8vVTGJyI27l-PdxValZWM-kBxmecMy6AoUPPmPKxzgCfWTwWb-WuB-9MNT6J8OX42VMcd8-_v9mFpxvJYoRCoKY3JE2AI-PuW1n/s1600/164166_1263240156821_1704261547_461894_5950773_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_RWz5cPGgTf6CpRDEUCmZ-Dz9zTQfcU_Yby_TrKrm8vVTGJyI27l-PdxValZWM-kBxmecMy6AoUPPmPKxzgCfWTwWb-WuB-9MNT6J8OX42VMcd8-_v9mFpxvJYoRCoKY3JE2AI-PuW1n/s400/164166_1263240156821_1704261547_461894_5950773_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570671383938812434" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlU73zZX_cFWy395PVichG781qASP6qMdOv3AnhwFs7bCG3091gSBt4-JhtHCEQa7LycQh_Op-oqSor0cGVxQaXD7ib8HxDW40Tr2n4ieWZlZhMkvdf6ZBjMEP85tfQkkSO7ANBS5MtX_4/s1600/167904_1265116603731_1704261547_463532_7973023_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlU73zZX_cFWy395PVichG781qASP6qMdOv3AnhwFs7bCG3091gSBt4-JhtHCEQa7LycQh_Op-oqSor0cGVxQaXD7ib8HxDW40Tr2n4ieWZlZhMkvdf6ZBjMEP85tfQkkSO7ANBS5MtX_4/s400/167904_1265116603731_1704261547_463532_7973023_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570671622679747010" /></a><br /><br />Since I am a second year Director with the ALQHA, the next day was spent in the Alabama Quarter Horse Booth during the Annual Alabama Horse Fair put on by the Horse Council. It was great fun to see old friends and meet new ones! The evening was spent at the Alabama Stock Horse Banquet where I was asked to take pictures of the year end award winners receiving their awards from special guest, Craig Cameron!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmi1aQO96Qm3Yd9FILYHKTKgjbjwAimk8mMd2NdKYWULQjujQW_bAkNTgI3qjPcSrtdOezfsaQPJnXJM4s1jfLMQWGQGp_-pnhguu_fOexaC9aVXH8VdybCudR1nMMEREFxcR06UMyiX7H/s1600/Copy+of+ALSHA+Banquet+042.JPGcropped.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 356px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmi1aQO96Qm3Yd9FILYHKTKgjbjwAimk8mMd2NdKYWULQjujQW_bAkNTgI3qjPcSrtdOezfsaQPJnXJM4s1jfLMQWGQGp_-pnhguu_fOexaC9aVXH8VdybCudR1nMMEREFxcR06UMyiX7H/s400/Copy+of+ALSHA+Banquet+042.JPGcropped.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570672047415517762" /></a><br /><br />Sunday was show day and I already had it in my head that no matter what Hayden and I were going to do the best we could do that day! I knew his mouth was bothering him, I had not slept but maybe 4 hours in 2 nights and it was COLD and muddy! I’ll save you the play by play but our Reining class was our worst one ever (we did get our Flying Lead Changes though!), our cow work was FUN and we got the job done, our Pleasure and Trail was the best we’ve EVER done! (Thanks Louis!) Regardless, we now know what our home work is! But the best part of the entire day was the PEOPLE! I love the folks involved with the ALSHA! Plus all the friends that stopped by that were there for the Horse Fair! It was great to see everyone! I was surrounded by friends and THAT made the day!<br /><br />(Taken by Toni Christopher)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Rij6PFAjN3T-A1v79mGNwhxjnDmfWqMP9-xhT0jCZL7Y3IMSa15hwllJo33l8R0p4DtfDDgN2SU09ypophNWXRnS-htDHQEbdjb3hVs1suwwDwvM5tO2dd6s5AX6-WNLNm6Yvd4OwJJa/s1600/163208_1729497111137_1049758392_1917202_1852951_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Rij6PFAjN3T-A1v79mGNwhxjnDmfWqMP9-xhT0jCZL7Y3IMSa15hwllJo33l8R0p4DtfDDgN2SU09ypophNWXRnS-htDHQEbdjb3hVs1suwwDwvM5tO2dd6s5AX6-WNLNm6Yvd4OwJJa/s400/163208_1729497111137_1049758392_1917202_1852951_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570672467439645362" /></a><br /><br />(Taken by Susan Stack)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQzIoo4jzd-MIpLrwtfNpMHaXwNYpG86qM3TuMEupeKROpHw5Df4rbAXYU9qyOTcKy1bzReM7GkylWgHF2qU30jZBd7VAzes_ZakGGHhsSVwKBorH-q9yLIpjeOLim4Sw2pt6CKJXAmyai/s1600/179423_10150123103750733_326459810732_8229947_2037900_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQzIoo4jzd-MIpLrwtfNpMHaXwNYpG86qM3TuMEupeKROpHw5Df4rbAXYU9qyOTcKy1bzReM7GkylWgHF2qU30jZBd7VAzes_ZakGGHhsSVwKBorH-q9yLIpjeOLim4Sw2pt6CKJXAmyai/s400/179423_10150123103750733_326459810732_8229947_2037900_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570672622489650850" /></a><br /><br />The last Saturday in January I left at lunch to go to our Annual Meeting/Banquet/Awards night for the Alabama Quarter Horse Association. That was a lot of fun! I love brainstorming ideas to make an organization better! Of course that means I sleep less because I can't sleep when my brain is running 100mph. but that’s ok! Lots of good things are happening for ALQHA this year!<br /><br />Well! That was my January in a nut shell! February looks to be a little slower but definitely will be fun filled since the 14th-20th I will be in Jackson,MS. for the Dixie National AQHA Show!Emily J. Peakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05514678662043656478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601739095911267241.post-7266198111132092532010-12-28T19:08:00.028-06:002010-12-28T22:01:48.022-06:00*BEST OF* and "Year in Review"I have wanted to do a *Best of 2010*/"A Year in Review" blog to kill 2 birds with one stone so to speak! I have needed to update this blog but have been just a little busy.I have been blessed with my photography business taking off and I have had the privileged of working with so many AUsome people that have made this year AMAZING! Below are a few of my *Best of 2010* favorites from different photo jobs mixed in with my "Year in Review". Let me tell you it was no easy task to pick these out either!<br /><br />"Amber&Drop" (Oct.'10)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaFa10WkHCbkNNTDhRKYiCEcBdNpIgYBZ6YdHL_6TK63E9-gcTMujQOl9CtqnDJXWCjZpQjExnG40DagCd8gp4sfg47u-3cRKrknFiXoXSYagmJIThFU0lQYRdasXDjeG3OiO5Mp70fn04/s1600/Copy+of+Copy+of+Amber+Williams+219.JPGsigned.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaFa10WkHCbkNNTDhRKYiCEcBdNpIgYBZ6YdHL_6TK63E9-gcTMujQOl9CtqnDJXWCjZpQjExnG40DagCd8gp4sfg47u-3cRKrknFiXoXSYagmJIThFU0lQYRdasXDjeG3OiO5Mp70fn04/s400/Copy+of+Copy+of+Amber+Williams+219.JPGsigned.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555939398992801522" /></a><br /><br />First I have to tell you,I went to get my truck's oil changed a week or so ago and we had been 16,000 miles since our last oil change in June! WOW! That's A LOT of miles!So you know I have had one busy year! And yes-I know that's slightly over the mark of what they suggest for changing the oil in a diesel!:)<br /><br />"The Jacket" (Feb.'10)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zM1_WJGrvHf6gFSZ3N0JdWUC3tuiKWhHjVrfrUmYjME70OerM7QI-L_oz1Wde-k1gD_7Styw7AcbKOJv8GF_nJgZkE7ndd1DhEkAVlQrSWyRTwAxON9rF3_2qMubXb7n57vqrQi0qJHF/s1600/TMc+Sale+001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zM1_WJGrvHf6gFSZ3N0JdWUC3tuiKWhHjVrfrUmYjME70OerM7QI-L_oz1Wde-k1gD_7Styw7AcbKOJv8GF_nJgZkE7ndd1DhEkAVlQrSWyRTwAxON9rF3_2qMubXb7n57vqrQi0qJHF/s400/TMc+Sale+001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555916678810607682" /></a><br /><br />Since my last check-in here,Hayden and I haven't shown any but have schooled quite a bit including a trip back to Mr. Tom's. We also did a Working Cow Horse clinic with Daniel Hill that was very helpful with the "big picture" of how to do that class! In fact,since August(when I reached 500 hours in the saddle with Hayden,I have put about 110 more hours on him and only about 15 of those are trail hours!<br /><br />Hayden and I at Daniel Hill's Working Cow Horse Clinic (Oct.'10)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMailQ69oID_5tHj2ELn8VpZeRX989YRIYIR1JhkNA03nSJBQkK-plOs5GBYUEUVAQlspyF7xyTgoIj7nlwUFNb5tEXgGY-XERGyLgiP4CgzhM7ehja5OxzoPgQoKPHgBzvPQAfR5-t9iA/s1600/Copy+of+Daniel+Hill+Clinic+279.JPGsignedKE.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 331px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMailQ69oID_5tHj2ELn8VpZeRX989YRIYIR1JhkNA03nSJBQkK-plOs5GBYUEUVAQlspyF7xyTgoIj7nlwUFNb5tEXgGY-XERGyLgiP4CgzhM7ehja5OxzoPgQoKPHgBzvPQAfR5-t9iA/s400/Copy+of+Daniel+Hill+Clinic+279.JPGsignedKE.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555930073042764322" /></a><br /><br />"No Split Decision" starring Lacy Childress 2009 NBHA World Champ (July'10)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaVVK4VY6sfwAWUCEpyg29POYtUouNCGXPb2rtDWgaARk5cF3N_RS4AiWSOtpGJyom5jqxp3cErDZlYX2qmVa_pAM32wgZOyeti2-00Xqm3dSCb_WGFq3oCA05Tu8oXOe13Hgdb2ZMKms9/s1600/Copy+of+Lacy+Childress+396.JPGcroppedsigned.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 359px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaVVK4VY6sfwAWUCEpyg29POYtUouNCGXPb2rtDWgaARk5cF3N_RS4AiWSOtpGJyom5jqxp3cErDZlYX2qmVa_pAM32wgZOyeti2-00Xqm3dSCb_WGFq3oCA05Tu8oXOe13Hgdb2ZMKms9/s400/Copy+of+Lacy+Childress+396.JPGcroppedsigned.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555917461555458450" /></a><br /><br />Although I haven't reached some of my riding goals YET, I HAVE accomplished a lot in another area! Since July 1st,I have lost 20+ lbs. and 2 sizes! The gym and the trainer there have been super supportive! They don't even mind that I have the horse trailer hooked up most of the time when I park in their parking lot! I know Hayden appreciates having 20 less pounds to carry too!I am hoping that 2011 will see another 20lbs. dropped and maybe that will help us even more with our riding goals!<br /><br />"Francesca" (July '10)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHAlY-DypAm8MENH_TgnZGGkhYmMF9QiZqmrDCvrXstb2eeISouzTV5JdUpGoSCaCm5idAMWQ2dd1IE1nXGppU__2n2_k-PAPg-hyVzZPEWSH4ic8CKQ_ZEM2CqQBXxkelQ36jonk8XFFR/s1600/Copy+of+Francesca+206.JPGsigned.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHAlY-DypAm8MENH_TgnZGGkhYmMF9QiZqmrDCvrXstb2eeISouzTV5JdUpGoSCaCm5idAMWQ2dd1IE1nXGppU__2n2_k-PAPg-hyVzZPEWSH4ic8CKQ_ZEM2CqQBXxkelQ36jonk8XFFR/s400/Copy+of+Francesca+206.JPGsigned.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555919500662501026" /></a><br /><br />Speaking of riding goals,I KNOW it takes YEARS to get a horse finished. But sometimes I need a healthy reminder of this! I want it now! But when I look back to where Hayden and I were last year in our training compared to now-IT IS AMAZING!I am so grateful to those that have helped us this year! Maybe with a commitment of monthly visits to Mr. Tom's, we can really improve in '11! You would think,right? We will see!<br /><br />"Hello Pretty" (Nov.'10)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dHvWVStmLCA1HNv0yGkIOqVe2x5nnr-K3e5ABOx2NNpcKl6f6MtubBN3uN5papzKULJAOr1452xytcV90CBuCbj1mR0hyphenhyphenjLj07zdRe3I-KmCgmn1D-G0lWqTec6r9bxZOlOC1-BwUtEb/s1600/Copy+of+challenge+card2+064.JPGsigned.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dHvWVStmLCA1HNv0yGkIOqVe2x5nnr-K3e5ABOx2NNpcKl6f6MtubBN3uN5papzKULJAOr1452xytcV90CBuCbj1mR0hyphenhyphenjLj07zdRe3I-KmCgmn1D-G0lWqTec6r9bxZOlOC1-BwUtEb/s400/Copy+of+challenge+card2+064.JPGsigned.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555920862526550466" /></a><br /><br />I am really excited to get back in the show pen in '11 too! I am wanting to go for Year End points with the Alabama Stock Horse Association. So my goal is to hit the 4 qualifying shows for that! I may even try my hand at a reining class or 2 at an AQHA show! Whew! Scary! So much to work on!<br /><br />"Cow Horse Morning" (Nov.'10)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9JpBKyjOOhGK9yLsooQeT4Hmxr4o-zKo-bh3WLAekuQL3VI9WF0cM0uoQAqKJiIKemxRnf1UubXoquZsuWm2su6DmpN3XYYTTgkgtJum4kcqLL0sW7JrDrL8xxFoeT0KPYadIyRX99K9F/s1600/Copy+of+ALSHA+Nov.2010+054.JPGsigned.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9JpBKyjOOhGK9yLsooQeT4Hmxr4o-zKo-bh3WLAekuQL3VI9WF0cM0uoQAqKJiIKemxRnf1UubXoquZsuWm2su6DmpN3XYYTTgkgtJum4kcqLL0sW7JrDrL8xxFoeT0KPYadIyRX99K9F/s400/Copy+of+ALSHA+Nov.2010+054.JPGsigned.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555923670603683730" /></a><br /><br />Besides riding Hayden and homeschooling the boys,I have also been ring stewarding AQHA shows pretty regularly as well.For me,it's like getting a clinic plus I get to meet such knowledgeable people!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghChRy7pvTG9BEgo_XVuP7o20XVIF5-LREFNExpjVlX3hrs8z1EEe_ptxCyw61hZG9shq3sZOD1qvir_YsvWTRjDGU7MF5AnxXu2UFCHwh02vAglr2xdMEH4PfmwtnQlM89HDi5txSV3gx/s1600/IMG_0003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghChRy7pvTG9BEgo_XVuP7o20XVIF5-LREFNExpjVlX3hrs8z1EEe_ptxCyw61hZG9shq3sZOD1qvir_YsvWTRjDGU7MF5AnxXu2UFCHwh02vAglr2xdMEH4PfmwtnQlM89HDi5txSV3gx/s400/IMG_0003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555946698172167506" /></a><br /> <br />Between photo gigs,shooting horse shows and rides,riding in a few shows and clinic and going to Mr. Tom's seems like every weekend I had something somewhere! I was starting to almost feel important!I love being busy especially with horses and horse people!<br /><br />"Cowgirl Buckaroo" (Nov.'10)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmZY8jsgveuVVRFNO-BC2sMMWZghifloEVGS4rar84zs51RtBwUwlkmdyU5rQkLORJZC6ovEFP4r-18yV-DdseHaXMHmM75VkyQcZU33N7x_lm_mTccC0B-Ws2pQ3XEWohzXXD_gJmyLj/s1600/card1+216.JPGsigned.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmZY8jsgveuVVRFNO-BC2sMMWZghifloEVGS4rar84zs51RtBwUwlkmdyU5rQkLORJZC6ovEFP4r-18yV-DdseHaXMHmM75VkyQcZU33N7x_lm_mTccC0B-Ws2pQ3XEWohzXXD_gJmyLj/s400/card1+216.JPGsigned.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555922812483246786" /></a><br />"Chinks On The Grey" (Feb.'10)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZJ-IU5cX9GOjxvR1SimXuRKvuav6LslNd23B97T8dIAwu4Ntnkrtf61bEFG0Zp5-YpVY91XZ3BinoNZarxzf5kcfcQubl3iUYBcoafqYK8Icb2_1HDZ0dpki36VytQuxN2SHVTS5Siaq/s1600/TMc+Sale+047.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZJ-IU5cX9GOjxvR1SimXuRKvuav6LslNd23B97T8dIAwu4Ntnkrtf61bEFG0Zp5-YpVY91XZ3BinoNZarxzf5kcfcQubl3iUYBcoafqYK8Icb2_1HDZ0dpki36VytQuxN2SHVTS5Siaq/s400/TMc+Sale+047.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555915893195494770" /></a><br />"The Bride&The Soldier" (July '10)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACqQW0syUca8UMzzQ8oBXVDsaCRhHHB4IuHgrFTKUptiq6WHg7XjawvBmn5O8na1CdTcYu-gaWEiKE2cYMj31aOvQGRc1QN139HzFDlBfj-X7gmTSNG7lcuNSGmQUuJu5lw9_KfWNrvpd/s1600/Copy+of+Neese+Wedding+3+401.JPGsigned.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACqQW0syUca8UMzzQ8oBXVDsaCRhHHB4IuHgrFTKUptiq6WHg7XjawvBmn5O8na1CdTcYu-gaWEiKE2cYMj31aOvQGRc1QN139HzFDlBfj-X7gmTSNG7lcuNSGmQUuJu5lw9_KfWNrvpd/s400/Copy+of+Neese+Wedding+3+401.JPGsigned.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555924733296846658" /></a><br />Kathryn&Richard (July '10)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDItkoqCoW8dfg2q-7nf4hmKgLYqHVBuQMWhMzSnmInGR6Cg_-QY1Msb3HiGlAwiuOm-g9X4tciv2gqFZirPQVCElj1PqMi3U1KudIZK-rGNJVV0FYGI6G_oyApCB2j30EhXI8hQTcdTnD/s1600/Copy+of+Neese+Wedding+3+417.JPGsigned.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDItkoqCoW8dfg2q-7nf4hmKgLYqHVBuQMWhMzSnmInGR6Cg_-QY1Msb3HiGlAwiuOm-g9X4tciv2gqFZirPQVCElj1PqMi3U1KudIZK-rGNJVV0FYGI6G_oyApCB2j30EhXI8hQTcdTnD/s400/Copy+of+Neese+Wedding+3+417.JPGsigned.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555926385019676994" /></a><br />For 2011 I think it goes without saying that I HOPE to improve my horse and myself! I hope to also work with many more fascinating people and families!I want to distinguish myself as a Western Lifestyle Photographer!I want to master those lead changes! Ha! It gets me so excited to think about the possibilities and what the future holds!<br />Good luck to all of you in 2011! I hope it is prosperous,filled with passion and warms you from the inside out!<br /><br />"Ring Around the Rosie" (June'10)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6hvAXZvkxZ4tswVp6RdPhTMElBM-iDNCw7B-IOP__7u30dQRBO1TPJ2Lc79gsLFTUhvYDJr4mcyLbwM_k24w-sHhOHmEga2mSAVnBc8Ba7gH7KN8nSVDBMJRQZ-VfP4y4D0XbsPuXTAzI/s1600/Copy+of+Abbott+family+247.JPGsigned.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6hvAXZvkxZ4tswVp6RdPhTMElBM-iDNCw7B-IOP__7u30dQRBO1TPJ2Lc79gsLFTUhvYDJr4mcyLbwM_k24w-sHhOHmEga2mSAVnBc8Ba7gH7KN8nSVDBMJRQZ-VfP4y4D0XbsPuXTAzI/s400/Copy+of+Abbott+family+247.JPGsigned.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555944189138745554" /></a><br /><br /><br />Until a later date-Keep a leg on each side!Emily J. Peakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05514678662043656478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601739095911267241.post-27073869883584411172010-10-01T19:44:00.007-05:002010-10-01T20:40:16.366-05:00It's been a LONG time,I know!Wow! Where to start! So you may or may not have noticed that my last entry was WAAAAAAY back in June after our first show! It's been a busy summer though full of photographing,riding,hanging out with family,working out at the gym and ring stewarding.<br /><br />So I thought I would update you on mine and Hayden's progress since the last entry!<br />We still have not mastered the flying lead change BUT he's got one when it counts! We went to our 2nd Stock show and got both changes no problem! Spins and lope overs? Well we're still working on those! We are better but at the show,mmm...not so much!<br />At the last show we did the working cow class for our second time EVER and with one hand since we are in the bridle! It was so much fun! Notice in the pictures to follow that I am smiling the entire time! Evidently that is my happy place!<br /><br />I mentioned that I have been going to the gym. Since the first show back in June,I committed to at least 4 days a week in the gym and have lost 16lbs since May! I am down in inches too! I feel so much better and my core is so much stronger! I feel like it's helping my riding tremendously!<br /><br />The 29th of August marked a mile stone of sorts as well! I hit 500 AQHA hours on Hayden! Then after spending 4 days riding with Mr. Tom and then doing a clinic and show, I now have nearly 550hours!<br /><br />Oh you want to hear about what we worked on at Mr. Tom's? Well-boring stuff really but super important stuff too! We worked on getting Hayden to not lean on the bridle aka ME HOLDING HIM! This takes a lot of me driving him into the bridle and then releasing so he can find where he needs to be. We also worked on moving his hip over and getting him to relax when we did this. After 4 days the result was a much more relaxed horse that was balanced and actually had Rhythm and Cadence at all 3 gaits and wasn't leaning on my hands! We also were able to nail the lope overs a few times!<br /><br /> The other huge thing we were working on was getting Hayden to stand up in the bridle and not drop his shoulders. This will help our lead changes and spins especially! He's slowly getting more and more broke and I love being able to ride and learn from someone who is not about rushing to finish a horse! Mr. Tom knows it can take years to finish a horse to where the horse actually likes his job! <br /><br />How about some pictures from our second stock show?! Thank you to Briana Belskie for taking these!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuKGl9V7Vn_1OJkAzR__F4zRFb_fTAY77Wt2B7x_jTrDYX4trEFNKvqZerAr96AxoWuJu2Yqmhtmbe4H66Rb8FJmm_d7pvlAgwhxH7LWMZqdy4UZvifTg9BQAV6AuSzLxdGmEWDXmwWZdT/s1600/working+cow+4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuKGl9V7Vn_1OJkAzR__F4zRFb_fTAY77Wt2B7x_jTrDYX4trEFNKvqZerAr96AxoWuJu2Yqmhtmbe4H66Rb8FJmm_d7pvlAgwhxH7LWMZqdy4UZvifTg9BQAV6AuSzLxdGmEWDXmwWZdT/s400/working+cow+4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523253737468998370" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsj86rqja_eMQb_jxwLHLDxShXzAamvGQFJU6sp8EoileFh1aJKnXW-fQn1kN7-pXO8jzKcfn71GkPxYgem1USiuU_qtcdyr02RZixUNRLTeTcmBfObLsQ3raSuEe1GiT8XFDMuDCeNbEG/s1600/working+cow.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsj86rqja_eMQb_jxwLHLDxShXzAamvGQFJU6sp8EoileFh1aJKnXW-fQn1kN7-pXO8jzKcfn71GkPxYgem1USiuU_qtcdyr02RZixUNRLTeTcmBfObLsQ3raSuEe1GiT8XFDMuDCeNbEG/s400/working+cow.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523253935691005586" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZugxipbU2WUsroSZhnbHAzl19ocNFK6sU8rLujuNRnKDC7exSw8_UhjdLC0eLfpDY5oUbgZCYWRrWbi3TKi2b5ZRj025XB1zTD9-bPSdDq1B1fayptMCKtXa9AaxSlaz57jRR-6NW1rC/s1600/working+cow+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZugxipbU2WUsroSZhnbHAzl19ocNFK6sU8rLujuNRnKDC7exSw8_UhjdLC0eLfpDY5oUbgZCYWRrWbi3TKi2b5ZRj025XB1zTD9-bPSdDq1B1fayptMCKtXa9AaxSlaz57jRR-6NW1rC/s400/working+cow+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523254152346356274" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljzgqFqV412eYV7L8PuGOuyjljX30-Geu64HPAFS1cErY2JeQmJf-7TDtdM1eIv-Pc3yXe_gwCQOl5c1Mpmt6rzpvUmzc8TDRZcDLYDk1K5bKna3Lwx6Wu0qNvTQtmZFIGiCoQ2s6iMGn/s1600/Montgomery+cow+horse.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 322px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljzgqFqV412eYV7L8PuGOuyjljX30-Geu64HPAFS1cErY2JeQmJf-7TDtdM1eIv-Pc3yXe_gwCQOl5c1Mpmt6rzpvUmzc8TDRZcDLYDk1K5bKna3Lwx6Wu0qNvTQtmZFIGiCoQ2s6iMGn/s400/Montgomery+cow+horse.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523254487377911778" /></a><br /><br /><br />Until next time=keep a leg on each side!Emily J. Peakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05514678662043656478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601739095911267241.post-63935233655444232762010-06-28T14:51:00.015-05:002010-06-29T21:46:01.436-05:00Long Trip for Our First Show!Since the weekend of Quarterfest,(6 weeks ago) I have been trying to diligently ride at least 5-6 days a week at the arena. We had been slowly introducing more leg yields at the jog and lope and working on moving the hips over in hopes that Mr. Tom would work with us on getting a spin and a flying lead change by the end of the summer. We also started riding with one hand (the proper way with one finger between the reins,too!) as well as lope overs and jog overs. The latter by the way,never did get really clean and always felt like Hayden was imitating Bambi on ice.<br /><br /> Along with riding him as much as possible I was also trying to put weight on him in the form of fat. Remember when I hauled him to Quarterfest (7 hours away) he came off looking like a race horse!? We have been pouring Nutrena's XTN,SafeChoice and Empower to him. The last week before I hauled him I added Alfalfa hay to his diet too! He looked good! He had also been separated from the herd in his own paddock and then the last week was pretty much secluded to his stall and the grassy round pen in hopes that he would be used to being by himself and would haul better. Another precaution we did was to give 10ccs of Banamine to him IV before he loaded onto the trailer (as per a vet's recommendation) and put a full hay bag and a bucket of feed and salt in his front of the trailer slot.<br /><br />WEDNESDAY (6/23)<br /> At 4pm we were about to find out if the efforts were going to pay off! That's when he would be unloaded after a 3 hour bumpy 2 lane trip to Meridian where I was going to volunteer at the 4-h show.<br /><br /> After finally getting to Meridian up the mostly 2 lane,middle-of-no-where road,I unloaded and set up Hayden in a nice cozy stall right by the arena where all the action was going to be for the next 2 days during our stay. He actually didn't look too bad! He started to eat and drink immediately which was also a relief!<br /><br /> While he settled in,I went to check into a hotel room and unload my stuff. On the way back to the arena it was starting to get BLACK in the sky as a quick but heavy storm blew in.If I was going to ride,I was going to have to hurry up since I would have to saddle him at the trailer that was not out of the pending storm. As I pulled him out of the stall,I noticed he was in a cold sweat. Mind you it was easily 90 degrees and high humidity. A cold sweat was foreign to me so I chalked it up to nerves and went ahead and saddled him. We actually got into the arena before it started raining but as the temperature dropped and the wind blew the now hard,loud rain in sideways,Hayden was feeling suddenly energetic and I wondered if the ground and I were going to meet face to face!<br /><br /> Thankfully Hayden responds well to bending and flexing and understands that an energetic horse will see himself do many squares at the lope and rollbacks if he doesn't calm down soon! He was soon the mindfully,willing horse I loaded onto the trailer! As I walked him around to warm up though,he had actually DRIED off from his nervous sweat only to get all sweaty again after a pretty good hour and a half schooling session.<br /><br /> After his liniment rinse he was ready for bed but it was only about 7:30-8pm and people were still milling around getting their horses settled in. He wasn't sure what to think of all the activity. A before bed check at 10:30pm proved he wasn't too terribly concerned as he was out of feed,hay and water! Me:"Refills?" Hayden: "Yes please!"<br /><br />THURSDAY (6/24)<br /> The next morning at 7:30 he was saddled and we schooled until 9am when the 4-H roping was supposed to start. We were fortunate enough to be asked to help with the calves and steers so we scored them all out of the box and ran through the stripping chute a few times. Then we acted as honorary hazer and back up for any maverick steers or calves that failed to find the out gate in a timely manner. By 11:30a.m. we were in a full sweat and asked to go bathe (Hayden,not me!)for the next task of the day...<br /><br /> We then posed as a Pleasure Horse for the 4-H Horse Judging Contest. Hayden and 3 pleasure horses...hmmmm...interesting. But ya know what? I don't care what anyone says! He felt good! Sure he could have worked more from the hind end,but his head was down and we didn't pass anyone or run anyone over! We took all our leads and guided around in one hand like we've it done before! HA! We "survived" it is what we were told...<br /><br /> By the end of the day we had 8-9 hours in the saddle! We were both tired from it all and the heat didn't help.Gold Bond would be our friend the next day for sure!<br /><br />FRIDAY (6/25) <br /> Hayden was found passed out in his stall not caring about the hustle and bustle of the halter and pleasure classes that all the kids were getting ready for. He had eaten all his feed and had drank plenty of water so I just let him sleep without concern.Wonder why he was tired? LOL!<br /><br /> Personally I was envious.While Hayden was snoozing,I was called to duty as Ring Steward and worked with Glen Wells,an AQHA judge from GA. They couldn't have picked a more patient judge for those kids. He was great! He and I sweated gallons as we walked around kids,horses,ponies,and miniatures in the halter and showmanship in that arena.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1tc2LEf_3OAs5r8h8Bc-NOT2-m5X0Eaplto51g2NIWerwFL3jJorCjn6nfQ0QZ96n8CVY6fojqj7V73JSxH53zG681AoNLDJNL5hfXZKh71CKeq-bMjLx4Wd_SrTFhehvF4LMRxxuobFS/s1600/off+the+phone+024.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1tc2LEf_3OAs5r8h8Bc-NOT2-m5X0Eaplto51g2NIWerwFL3jJorCjn6nfQ0QZ96n8CVY6fojqj7V73JSxH53zG681AoNLDJNL5hfXZKh71CKeq-bMjLx4Wd_SrTFhehvF4LMRxxuobFS/s320/off+the+phone+024.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488388494182092658" /></a> We broke for lunch at 1 or so for 20 minutes and then did the Pleasure,Trail and Western Riding.By 6pm,I handed the reins (clip board and radio) over to someone else since it was time for Hayden and I to make our way to Fayette,AL. for our first clinic and show with the Alabama Stock Horse Association!<br /><br /> After a 2 and a half hour drive on even more of Alabama's back roads,(thanks Garmin)we arrived mostly unscathed to the Agri-center in Fayette by 9pm and once again get unloaded and settled,trailer unhooked.Due to the bad roads and probably still recovering from the day before,Hayden was drawn up a bit.I went ahead and gave him another shot of Banamine just to be on the safe side and then headed to the only place open for dinner-McDonald's. Found our nifty,retro-without-even-trying,roadside inn and crashed after a shower and phone call home.<br /><br />SATURDAY<br /> The clinic started at 8sm so most of us were all mounted by 7-7:30 and were ready to "get our learn on"! We were split into the Novice and the not-so-Novice groups with the latter partaking in the Reining Clinic hosted by Ed Wilson and the Novice's hanging out with Flo Nix to learn the Pleasure.<br /><br /> In the reining clinic,Ed asked right off the bat what it was we wanted to learn or work on. I of course,not being the shy one in the bunch,responded that my goals were to have a spin and a flying lead change by the end of the SUMMER.So we immediately started doing exercises for the spin. Turns out I haven't opened my opposite leg enough for Hayden to move into.What?..Rider error? No way! Ha!<br /><br /> Then we started the exercises for the lead changes. Simply put,Ed showed us how to leg yield to the left as we lope left then on the straight away,swap legs and lift the right rein. Hayden accomplished this our first time and even swapped in the rear first! Ed asked me how this was accomplished and I simply told him I had moved his hip over! I guess all that slow work has paid off! I was super stoked!<br /><br /> After the reining class we swapped and I went to learn how the Pleasure Class goes.This is less exciting than the reining for sure but definitely important! <br />After lunch we schooled the trail course out in the sun and nearly died of heat stroke! Ok! Maybe that's a little drastic but it was definitely hot out there!<br /><br /> We finally made our way back into the arena to practice on the flag for the Working Cow Horse and then worked a live cow on the fence briefly. Hayden remembered everything from last summer with the Hydrabull and the refresher course at Quarterfest with Mike Major. Now if only we had worked on how to make the cow go down the fence and do circles! Those parts remain a mystery to me!<br /><br /> The worst electrical storm came through with lightening hitting close and often all around us! This made getting to the trailer to untack and back to the barn a lot more interesting! Nothing like making a mad dash and sliding stop on the lake of slick,red clay at your trailer! As I swung off I nearly slid to the ground! Normally I would tie up my latigo and girth before taking off Hayden but in this circumstance with lightening hitting,I just threw that 40lb. saddle into the trailer to clean up later! Hayden wouldn't be getting bathed until later either! <br /><br /> After 8 hours in the saddle during a hot,sticky June Alabama day, I was ready for a cold shower and dinner!Luckily I was asked to join Chad and Anna Smith for Mexican and we made our way to the air conditioned eatery in town.<br /><br /> Dinner was filled with great conversation and not so great Nachos Supreme.But I digress since this isn't a food review blog is it?!<br /><br /> Hayden was fed and bathed which meant it was time for me to get back to the hotel and shower before getting a good night's sleep! I was going to need it!<br /><br />SUNDAY (6/27)<br /> The show was scheduled to start at 9am with the Open Cow Horse Class first. Although I have seen the class before and have even scribed it a few times,I have NEVER actually done it! Not even in a lesson! So I figured I would watch a few of the other Open riders first....NO SUCH LUCK!<span style="font-weight:bold;"> I</span> was drawn to go first! Great! So I asked around to some of the veteran Cow Horse Class folks for a brief synopsis of what to do!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqbT-55drEzhl-AJKEtWxGAhtMyWO11CRymMzXo5e4rGW-5C7POr3CWRx3ZR1C8BSj2LzGVCnV_R879AxQtYHjASyYcPrqP-jEqNtspADp15wI0a10oNLqUHYVyBmY5o_-rWFcRyV9lAL/s1600/ASHA+show2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqbT-55drEzhl-AJKEtWxGAhtMyWO11CRymMzXo5e4rGW-5C7POr3CWRx3ZR1C8BSj2LzGVCnV_R879AxQtYHjASyYcPrqP-jEqNtspADp15wI0a10oNLqUHYVyBmY5o_-rWFcRyV9lAL/s320/ASHA+show2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488389203077684946" /></a><br /> My first cow comes out and it's the slow cow from the day before and it wasn't moving any faster today. So after trying to get it to move this time with no success,I asked for a new cow. The second cow shot of out of the pen like it had just been shot out of a cannon! I felt like we boxed it no problem, and then it shot out off the fence towards the middle of the arena! Not having ANY experience I thought the right thing to do was to make it look like we were taking it down the fence.It turned to go back towards the herd and we raced it back before it could make it to the fence. So then I worked it down the other side of the arena,turned it back and proceeded to circle one way and then the other. This is when I heard someone yell from the outside the pen and I thought they were yelling at me. I stopped since I thought I had worked the cow enough...turns out the yell wasn't for me!Great.No whistle was blown and I had no idea how I did at all...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumQRihqPZQArc6g-GUHM7yGL4gcM-8jV9KfRY-Q65GfL8Kbs9Hy-ZAavWxRG-zGFCm2jHLpektu8YfXvjOuON9wnQqB4DpPdT_jXtmWNk9b74ZjLdI2ZHEhmKfGW-wA4XsUQnpNqU_vI4/s1600/ASHA+show.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumQRihqPZQArc6g-GUHM7yGL4gcM-8jV9KfRY-Q65GfL8Kbs9Hy-ZAavWxRG-zGFCm2jHLpektu8YfXvjOuON9wnQqB4DpPdT_jXtmWNk9b74ZjLdI2ZHEhmKfGW-wA4XsUQnpNqU_vI4/s320/ASHA+show.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488385305597572322" /></a><br /> Thanks to Stack/Belskie for the photo!<br /><br /> Next was the Trail and Pleasure Class that were run in the same pen;the Trail Course set in the middle of the pen and the Pleasure was done on the rail around it. The Trail course consisted of the following obstacles/maneuvers: gate,jog serpentine,bridge,side pass,back through L,jog overs,lope overs and figure 8 drag. Hayden did them all but could have been a little smoother in his approach to the drag.<br /><br /> In the Pleasure it's all transitions on the rail from extended walk,jog,extended jog,lope,stop,roll back,lope,extended lope,trot,stop and back. Hayden wasn't bad but could have been smoother in his transitions...<br /><br /> Finally the last class for us was Open Reining! We were to execute Pattern I from AQHA. It had been 15 yrs or more since I had competed in reining and Hayden had never done it! We just learned how to do a Flying Lead Change the day before where we used 2 hands. Today we would have to adhere to the rules and use one hand. Gee. No pressure!<br /><br /> We went in and jogged to the center. Hayden didn't like the thought of being in there by himself and I could feel him want to drift back to the gate where everyone was. We came to a stop and paused. Spun 3 times to the right.Paused.Spun 3 times to the left.Paused.Picked up right lead and circled 2 fast circles.Took a deep breath and cued him for a leg yield to the right then asked for the left-and GOT IT! At this point it was ALL I could do to not squeal in delight and make a high five motion! Circled to the left 2 large fast circles.Cued for the leg yield to the left,then cued for the right lead-AND GOT IT!!!! Yes ma'am! Took a deep breath and blew it out getting ready to run and slide and roll back.Executed perfectly,picked up left lead run down the other side of the rail,slide stop and roll back right. Right lead to the other side,sliding stop and back up at least 10 ft. and then paused to show completion. WHEW! We got our flying leads! We stayed on pattern! YAY!<br /><br /> At this point I am on cloud 9 and shaking from the excitement! I got off Hayden and hung around to watch a few more runs and then text Mr. Tom to share the news!Texting is so hard when you're shaking!<br /><br /> The results would not be posted for a few more hours so I had plenty of time to bathe Hayden down and get hooked up and start getting ready to go. I also had time to visit with some of the great people that are apart of the AL Stock Horse Association. The group is small but growing fast and I hope the family atmosphere continues to stay the way it is! Everyone was so supportive of one another! I have not felt that kind of camaraderie in a long time!<br /><br /> Finally just before 4pm after the horse trailer was hooked up and loaded,I found out that I had actually placed 3rd in the All Around for the Open Division! Our FIRST show! I was dumbfounded! It made the trip home that much easier since I was on this natural high!<br /><br />RECAP for the trip<br /><br />660 round trip miles<br /><br />3rd in the Open Division All Around<br /><br />15 bottles of Gatorade<br />20 bottles of Water<br /><br />24.5 hours in the saddle<br /><br />20 new friends made<br /><br /> Granted this is just our first show of many but I feel like we have come so far since we've started this journey! And just in the last 6 weeks our focus and drive has paid off! No doubt the trips to the gym doing ab workouts the last 4-5 weeks has also helped! Just learning how to focus and block out everything else has been a huge help to get this far! Learning how to relax and breathe has proved important too!<br /><br /> I think it's safe to say Hayden and I have entered a new level to our journey and I am super excited to see where the next level will lead us!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhExU9ZTb1Hfhe3Yml2h3BVT-yiCC2hqNVDolSzYWLKukzlGSz5jhWZqgETiMA7NZM7s2oic2f71Z5LSguYO3raWH_TTUcepecj4P3Pan2z9Eq4xKPaI61ssXHRO0gIurxyg3vW_SJgYmp_/s1600/Copy+of+hayden+027.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhExU9ZTb1Hfhe3Yml2h3BVT-yiCC2hqNVDolSzYWLKukzlGSz5jhWZqgETiMA7NZM7s2oic2f71Z5LSguYO3raWH_TTUcepecj4P3Pan2z9Eq4xKPaI61ssXHRO0gIurxyg3vW_SJgYmp_/s400/Copy+of+hayden+027.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488390919663093842" /></a>Emily J. Peakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05514678662043656478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601739095911267241.post-41123245775351001552010-05-13T11:19:00.012-05:002010-05-13T12:36:05.007-05:00Progress!The first weekend of May, I was fortunate enough at the last minute to take Hayden to AQHA's Quarterfest and ride in a few clinics with Mike Major!But first let me tell you about our trip up!<br /><br />Murfreesboro,TN. is about 6-7 hours north of us. No problem. Hayden has been hauled from Canada to Arizona to Colorado to Alabama and all over this state! However,in all of those travels that I am aware of,he comes off the trailer looking like a greyhound with a drawn up heave line. He still eats,drinks and poops with no change. Doesn't holler and carry on and seems fine except for that one detail. No matter how filled out I get him at home,he looks thin by the time I get him to where he's going! Going to Quarterfest was no different. We even popped him every am with a tube of electrolytes to no avail.<br /><br />Thursday afternoon after we had him settled in, I rode him around in the outdoor arenas where our clinic would be. Hayden rode around and worked great! No issues and he seemed to be comfortable and relaxed. Even with blowing banners on fences!<br />Friday morning was our first clinic with Mike Major,Working Ranch. There were 13-15 of us and we worked on boxing cows for the 3 hours, with Mike stressing that your horse be soft in the face and responsive to the Whoa cue and be able to back up willingly and straight! Hayden does this no problem so this clinic was pretty easy. The cow part I was worried about since we hadn't worked the hydrabull since Oct. and haven't worked live cows since September! But Hayden was great! All the hydrabull practice was the key!I was tickled to death!<br /><br />The awesome and amazing Mike Major:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqpZhXGyLTZuhDhj4IGdvALjJf17cwUoweRtEYqePtEk-eE5mBwVLcEF_dx9cEI_TJXUnBj_jYqYWaJkWAdSbKgzfOsWwWlJwmC-1zwgp2k2K2PesGIeVMXBKKP91WuVaszS81WnH8NtbC/s1600/quarterfest+and+buford+069.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqpZhXGyLTZuhDhj4IGdvALjJf17cwUoweRtEYqePtEk-eE5mBwVLcEF_dx9cEI_TJXUnBj_jYqYWaJkWAdSbKgzfOsWwWlJwmC-1zwgp2k2K2PesGIeVMXBKKP91WuVaszS81WnH8NtbC/s320/quarterfest+and+buford+069.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470803347621434834" /></a><br /><br />After lunch was Ranch Cutting. Although we've done the one Ranch Cutting in Sept., it was ONLY one! But Mike was patient and a great teacher! He had us rotate around and work at herd holding as well as turn back positions! Hayden was SUPER again! We were able to work 3 sets and unfortunately Chuck only got a few pics of our 3rd set when Hayden was sore and tired and the cows were DONE! But that's ok!<br />I was tickled that Hayden did so well! He really wanted to work those cows!<br /><br />Hayden during our 3rd set of Ranch Cutting (BHC Photo credit):<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiowPpawUyp-rBRmXHBav_auHliknTtV64tss4DMzLDBy88TwnNlFPshqVW5x6EuF-Nv90MVuHixU_eRIJxNxnHmUkv4Yw_yigywbREUOLTN-aIaWooDLgiHk_yftepivnjyVVr3wFJtuaA/s1600/quarterfest+and+buford+100.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiowPpawUyp-rBRmXHBav_auHliknTtV64tss4DMzLDBy88TwnNlFPshqVW5x6EuF-Nv90MVuHixU_eRIJxNxnHmUkv4Yw_yigywbREUOLTN-aIaWooDLgiHk_yftepivnjyVVr3wFJtuaA/s320/quarterfest+and+buford+100.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470804011861608306" /></a><br /><br />I was able to talk with the very talented and personable Ken McNabb while there.I asked him about Hayden's traveling habits and the drawing up.He suggested I put him on Nutrena's Empower and see if I could get him fatter than I think he needs to be so that when I haul him he has a little in reserve so to speak. We picked up a bag the next day! Photo credit:BHC)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2CVA0qSKqpqkdbE1LClKNWiSWJZ9Wr9fjS_T1LizmqL3nWygwKZYM4qByDSJSPySLrvpIN7QZagu-YFxUgJxNyYxbfUfXQYVnVAmDINB3hBxTdnI-zNQRoA1Q_y3OpJFI58bjYLSymHb/s1600/off+the+phone+054.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2CVA0qSKqpqkdbE1LClKNWiSWJZ9Wr9fjS_T1LizmqL3nWygwKZYM4qByDSJSPySLrvpIN7QZagu-YFxUgJxNyYxbfUfXQYVnVAmDINB3hBxTdnI-zNQRoA1Q_y3OpJFI58bjYLSymHb/s320/off+the+phone+054.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470804671189891810" /></a><br /><br />I let Hayden have Saturday off and I hand walked him in the am and pm.Of course this was also the day the heavens fell open and flooded Nashville and surrounding areas! All the clinics were moved indoors and sessions were cut to one hour.<br /><br />Sunday morning I was able to warm him up in the coliseum but he hated the rail and could not get real comfortable. He really likes the outdoor pens better!<br />Our only clinic that morning was Ranch Riding. We were supposed to be working on extending and shortening the jog but Hayden was not settled and Mike suggested I just lope him around to help him get settled. And lope we did for what seemed like forever. But we guided around there with no problems. Didn't run over a soul!<br /><br />Mike and I talking before the Ranch Riding Clinic (Photo credit:Dee Goodwin):<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfCN2qXGAO3dmKjpoyF7zFIxLzzfsLz6y_xDh3rg1zOcobWLUmP5q3-E_SrJ2HcVLqY85bCVnstXnZRbOj81MefIxwyrDd85TWL65J1lpeV3tRNaoLNlGYn3wwGfgaT_oyZn8QR8YIOF6/s1600/off+the+phone+066.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfCN2qXGAO3dmKjpoyF7zFIxLzzfsLz6y_xDh3rg1zOcobWLUmP5q3-E_SrJ2HcVLqY85bCVnstXnZRbOj81MefIxwyrDd85TWL65J1lpeV3tRNaoLNlGYn3wwGfgaT_oyZn8QR8YIOF6/s320/off+the+phone+066.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470805114997720482" /></a><br /><br />Next was the Stock Horse Competition with Curt Pate and Mike Major judging. It was just for fun so I tried not to feel pressure but when they said we had to ROPE the CALF,OMG! Panic set in! Hayden hates ropes and I have not roped anything but the dummy off of him.<br /><br />First we had to open and shut the gate,trot a figure 8,lope right lead circle,box cow,track cow,stop cow,then rope it. No problem,right? HA!<br /><br />Hayden didn't want to by himself in that pen so he tried going back out the gate.<br />Then,I failed to close my figure 8 and only made it a serpentine.Followed by not closing my circle.But my cow work was excellent,(they said) and we were commended on our STOPS! (YEEHAW)<br /><br />I have never handled one of those 50ft. ranch ropes before (with a breakaway honda) so my attempt was an honest one but with no experience to back it up we didn't catch! BUT HAYDEN did GREAT! So the little roping of the dummy helped but probably not as much as helping de-rig steers for Homer and Kaston did! Thanks Homer and Kaston!<br /><br />So Quartefest was a success for us in my opinion and I hope to attend next year too!<br /><br />This week the boys and Chuck were gone so I was able to really put some hours on Hayden! We rode 2 hours on the trail on Sunday with Lisa. An hour and a half of schooling at the arena with Jane on Monday,a 4 hour ride at Blakeley with Deb and her sisters on Tuesday am and then 4 hours of working the roping pen later that night. LOVED it!<br /><br />We received a "curriculum" from my riding mentor last week too so Monday's session was devoted to introducing some lateral exercises to Hayden in hopes that we will be ready to start our Spins and Lead Changes when we go up to ride with Tom again. He did great! We worked on moving his hips while at all the gaits while still keeping a relaxed forward motion and keeping his face soft. Did I mention he did great!? LOL! We even had a great little stop where we ended the day's session! BTW-does anybody else get excited to see big ole' sit down spots in the dirt!? I go so far as to take a pic of it with my phone and post it on FB! I'm crazy like that! I can't help it!<br /><br />At the roping pen,we worked the de-rigging chute,tracked steers,pushed steers back up,and then Kaston and Homer worked Hayden on the skid dummy! He did pretty well for his first time. Then I sat on him and roped the skid steer. It went. Homer sent a calf dummy home with me to practice on so next week we are hitting it hard!June 26th is our clinic and then show with the Alabama Stock Horse Association. My goal is to comfortable enough with the rope to actually rope the calf instead of circling there. We will see!<br /><br />This weekend we are working at the Hangout Music Festival so Hayden gets the weekend off. But Monday-IT'S ON!<br /><br />PS-Hayden had a birthday this week! He turned 6 on the 8th!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-rkktJkNkHaBo0tJxVj3Xm3qe17Uf2SLSKMIouOs1cdKtNFPxO6TbEYpD461xR944QVIUraFXVLjn3itgUAG4qaHuir4p0QR5d4OhanBqwdvqNGK_ZlP0wA9lFhHhMUmA8lHHiP_G7Q9/s1600/Copy+of+hayden+021.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-rkktJkNkHaBo0tJxVj3Xm3qe17Uf2SLSKMIouOs1cdKtNFPxO6TbEYpD461xR944QVIUraFXVLjn3itgUAG4qaHuir4p0QR5d4OhanBqwdvqNGK_ZlP0wA9lFhHhMUmA8lHHiP_G7Q9/s320/Copy+of+hayden+021.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470807449084936194" /></a>Emily J. Peakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05514678662043656478noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601739095911267241.post-5480861859182564362010-04-17T14:08:00.005-05:002010-04-17T14:48:42.622-05:00What's Been Going OnSo it's been over a month since my last post. A LOT has been going on around here!<br />For starters I've been taking a few pictures for some beautiful girls and their families! Second, American Poet,Tena Bastian and I have been conspiring to work on a few projects together! And finally, I made a HUGE decision to sell 2 of my horses!<br /><br />Last year at this time I had 5 horses boarded and only owned 3.I had a few lesson clients as well. This year,I only had 2 boarders and inherited a horse and with the rainy weather,lessons were WAY down. I had more expenses than income and I wasn't able to feed let alone care for the horses I had! I HATED that feeling! Not to mention the guilt that went along with it! Was I putting my family in danger? I knew I was adding more stress to myself for sure! And I hated the feeling of owing my feed store money! That's not how I roll!<br /><br /> So I made the HARDEST decision I have had to make and decided to sell both Winter and Bullseye. Both who I have started myself and raised here. Winter who was 9 had been here since he was 18 months old and was bought and boarded here by my OB/GYN.He was the horse we knew we could put anyone on! He was the one who my non horsey hubby would saddle up and go out and ride by himself on! I trusted him with my 4yr. old! He was just the best horse ever! Then Bullseye of course,I waited 3 yrs. for him to be born! He'd been here since he was a month old and when it came time to wean and halter break,it was the non horsey hubby who took it upon himself to bathe and clip for the first time and begin the leading process since I was on bed rest.He was my oldest son's horse and was fun to ride!Beautiful bay tobiano to boot! I decided to enter them both into my friend's registered horse sale in Meridian,Mississippi and I had 2 weeks to get them ready,i.e.,hair coat better,in shape and riding tuned up. Having 4 geldings to ride was hard for me to decide who to ride and I always would rather ride Hayden so these guys were put on the back burner.<br /><br />Sale time came,April 3rd,2010.I have never cried so much as I did the 2 weeks leading up to the sale and then the day of the sale there were more water works. I hated being put into this situation but I know a lot of other people are worse off than I was so I kept trying to look at the positives! Bullseye went to Arkansas to work on a cattle ranch and winter went to someone in MS. to be a trail horse. Hopefully they will be enjoyed and loved as much as they were here. Hopefully they will be used to their potential and given opportunities I wouldn't be able to afford to give them here.Hopefully the love and training they received from me will keep them safe and loved for years for years to come...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitepp0eMI3-Cno4s7k-LvyJuMDBfSHINQ-u7LzfTA-TFraM4pEm6v_skT0NpOf13_Ki8e6zVi8cVCcGmJQIgqIBtqKhEFhfyeJdOMaqP67AWhnEuhKxA61636NvHRiSObST_BmoUZax_Z_/s1600/Copy+of+DSC_0497.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitepp0eMI3-Cno4s7k-LvyJuMDBfSHINQ-u7LzfTA-TFraM4pEm6v_skT0NpOf13_Ki8e6zVi8cVCcGmJQIgqIBtqKhEFhfyeJdOMaqP67AWhnEuhKxA61636NvHRiSObST_BmoUZax_Z_/s320/Copy+of+DSC_0497.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461194658739305458" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDbpjbKBYQDH5eGMR4oV7oUxIBxUGy8NBI5EjtkWxmEveXgD3ljRY39XGSyzLH4JAeqhZJkK27XnPN35LAtBDABcBurz7xxTLE5fbXrZJr2HFWdoDVdQ_ttNYjZBBTAubfTpxTXclmPSuG/s1600/Lesson+and+horses+May12th2008+073.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 206px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDbpjbKBYQDH5eGMR4oV7oUxIBxUGy8NBI5EjtkWxmEveXgD3ljRY39XGSyzLH4JAeqhZJkK27XnPN35LAtBDABcBurz7xxTLE5fbXrZJr2HFWdoDVdQ_ttNYjZBBTAubfTpxTXclmPSuG/s320/Lesson+and+horses+May12th2008+073.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461195561092934706" /></a><br /><br />The highlight of the sale was having Tom McBeath,my riding mentor and super trainer friend, ride Bully for the first time in over a year. When he had seen/ridden him last (Jan. 09) Bully was in a snaffle and not guiding real well and pulling through the bit. This year I had started riding him in the correction at the beginning of March and he was guiding super well and handling great! He would stop on a dime and lope off with his head down and was light and soft in the face. Tom seemed impressed with his progress and it made my day. Bitter sweet but sweet none the less.<br /><br />Now that I am down to only 2 horses here,I am hoping to be able to not only continue to train Hayden with out the guilt of having to ride two others,but be able to afford to show and do clinics with him! I also am excited and relaxed in the thought that now I can give Jay the retirement he deserves! So far I have been able to ride Hayden quite a bit more and have been lunging Jay to slowly bring him back into riding shape.<br /><br />Last week I found out I was going to be able to ride in a stock horse clinic with Mike Majors at the 2010 Quarterfest in Murfreesboro,TN in a few weeks! Also found out that there's going to be roping involved! HAYDEN HATES ROPES! So Tuesday night, I took Hayden to my new friend's Homer and Brenda Colman's place and Homer helped me get Hayden used to the Buford. I then had the job of using Hayden to de-rig all the steers that he and Kaston roped all night! By the end of the night, Hayden felt like he had a job and he was a lot more relaxed with the rope!<br /><br />Today I lunged him for 20 minutes and then we just walked around throwing the rope in front of him and recoiling it.He finally was more relaxed about it all and I felt like we have accomplished quite a bit! Now for me to start roping the dummy!My goal at Quarterfest is to simply NOT make a fool out of myself!<br /><br />Until next time-keep riding and blazing those trails!Emily J. Peakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05514678662043656478noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601739095911267241.post-66308644802725759742010-03-11T11:58:00.005-06:002010-03-11T13:36:49.591-06:00Alabama Stock Horse ClinicDon't hate me because I was able to sneak off yet again to do something "cowgirly"!<br /> <br /> Monday my friend Lisa and I took off with my 2 boys in tow at 6am in hopes of being in Montgomery by 8.We almost made it on schedule and got there at 9 by the time we stopped for fuel and a bathroom break!<br /><br /> When we arrived,we saw that there were about 20-25 riders and two clinicians riding under the covered pen of the W.O. Crawford arena.Pretty good turn out for a Monday! It was chilly under the pen's cover so everyone was bundled up in layers and the warm breath from the working horses could be seen in the cool air.<br /><br /> B.F. Yeates and Brian Sumrall,both from Texas were the clinicians and although I couldn't hear them since there were no microphones,they looked to be having the students jogging slow circles all around the pen. <br /><br /> Soon I met the man in charge of the whole thing,Tommy Fuller. I have previously never met the man except for being his friend on Facebook! He came right up to me and said he knew my entire name!He said he's been keeping track of me... Scary huh?<br /><br /> Tommy is the president of the Alabama Stock Horse Association which is an affiliate for the American Stock Horse Association.This was my first time to attend anything they have put on and I was intrigued. I had planned on mainly watching and listening but Tommy heard that I had taken my camera and asked that I send anything I took to him for promos. Hmmm....how about pics for exchange for the next clinic? And thus I became a working girl rather than just a spectator!<br /><br /> Tommy said I could have full run of the place and stand where ever I wanted so that i could both hear and take pics.But to be honest-I was scared to get in the way of B.F.! He was near 80 but I think he wouldn't hesitate to run a girl over!<br /> <br /> Soon the riders split into groups with half of them staying with Brian to work on reining and the other half going out to work with B.F. to work on Ranch Pleasure. I followed the latter because the lighting was much better out in the outdoor pen!<br /><br /> The boys were turned loose for the most part and Carson attached himself to AL ASHA director Tony. (I can't remember his last name and he's not on FB!)<br /><br /> Anyways,I was super excited to be able to listen to both of these fine horsemen! They taught all the same stuff that I grew up listening to as well as what my most recent mentor (Tom McBeath) teaches: "Slow down.Slow your thoughts in order to slow your movements.Don't spur just to spur or yank just to yank.Guide your horse rather than pull.Lift rather than pull.Ask and wait...Set your horse up for success....Ride them to places rather than on the rail..."<br /><br /> All great stuff and it was very validating to hear it from these experts!<br /><br />Sadly I was not able to stay for the entire clinic since I had to trek back home 2 hours and do barn chores but what I was able to watch was great!<br /><br />For a great article on what the Alabama Stock Horse Association is all about:<br />http://www.alafarmnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1851:stock-horse-association-promotes-easy-safe-and-affordable-riding&catid=1:news&Itemid=23<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYIXeOPlm18bqY3Tx9Udl_phWmuC4yD-XpkYPEN2VyP4QE0b8UPwi2TRUBDNywpoK3iCgRn20_qrrD4QAAwiMqp3oUeWXgIlcqj2iBrRvOUxVbzzod7TsfXrRHD2FUs7_jilsBjTLSHj25/s1600-h/stock+horse+clinic+100.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYIXeOPlm18bqY3Tx9Udl_phWmuC4yD-XpkYPEN2VyP4QE0b8UPwi2TRUBDNywpoK3iCgRn20_qrrD4QAAwiMqp3oUeWXgIlcqj2iBrRvOUxVbzzod7TsfXrRHD2FUs7_jilsBjTLSHj25/s320/stock+horse+clinic+100.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447457795982785938" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIhfHAqTRod_vKI8Avh9g6VQcUWzue5MQdR1LMnF_2ptPFl6haoUJxeYsXtJlFSUSU57X64py1Vi8XL_CQnZp-DOvPgLMHKD3S6n-R6VsT1wJfCwr_wRxJCotoAtqLXBg9E5MK446QPjzG/s1600-h/stock+horse+clinic+121.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIhfHAqTRod_vKI8Avh9g6VQcUWzue5MQdR1LMnF_2ptPFl6haoUJxeYsXtJlFSUSU57X64py1Vi8XL_CQnZp-DOvPgLMHKD3S6n-R6VsT1wJfCwr_wRxJCotoAtqLXBg9E5MK446QPjzG/s320/stock+horse+clinic+121.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447458586165467090" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR4OzNwGB5tbFXtQ-IR-5Y-vZnMF7PEHAEgAfSZ-mAoNsVdrF2QKltW4n0rMtmduPgsypqtzH8BdplfiswdE1uhe_7UV2xeFjBzPf-OpY6TRJdCKT87msS5o9GFAjmxZVQqxuAmnQ99BbR/s1600-h/Copy+of+stock+horse+clinic+025sepia.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR4OzNwGB5tbFXtQ-IR-5Y-vZnMF7PEHAEgAfSZ-mAoNsVdrF2QKltW4n0rMtmduPgsypqtzH8BdplfiswdE1uhe_7UV2xeFjBzPf-OpY6TRJdCKT87msS5o9GFAjmxZVQqxuAmnQ99BbR/s320/Copy+of+stock+horse+clinic+025sepia.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447459268450374050" /></a><br /> <br />To see more pics from that day:<br />http://emilypeak.smugmug.com/Equine-Portfolio/Clinics/ASHA-Clinic-March-8th2010/11473403_Ai8A2#807116068_78VB6Emily J. Peakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05514678662043656478noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601739095911267241.post-26688054676963061152010-03-03T04:38:00.015-06:002010-03-03T07:06:22.276-06:00For the GirlsHave you ever wanted to ditch your life just for a little awhile? You know, the life where you're being driven to the point of insanity by the sound of kids yelling "Mommy!" and tattling on each other? Or maybe it's the intellectually challenged co-workers that are driving you nuts? Or maybe you always dreamed of what it would be like had you taken that job working on the horse farm after getting out of high school...<br /><br />When you dream of ditching that life do you also dream of working with AQHA trainers or working AQHA shows? OK? Maybe it's just me....but if it's not just me, then I spent 2 weeks away from my life for you! That's right! You can live vicariously through me!<br /><br />Are you ready to hear about our adventure away from home? Here goes!<br /><br />I left home on the 8th of February headed for Jackson,MS. My "trusty" 2003 F250 packed for 2 weeks away from home! Keep in mind the planned activities were as follows:taking pictures,riding,and ring stewarding. So besides having 2 weeks of clothes for those activities in 30 degree weather, I also had to have my lap top,camera,displays,numerous pairs of footwear and hat cans! The back seat was full and I am pretty sure lifting the suitcase that was 100lbs.into the back seat is the cause for the pulled muscle in my back! But no worries-that's why God made Naproxen!<br /><br /> So the 5 hour drive up there went smoothly.Got checked into my hotel room and ate at Whataburger with the event coordinator(Thanks Lana!) of the show I was shooting the next day and then went to bed. Such a waste of the suite I was given too! No wild parties that it definitely could have handled! Bummer.<br /><br />So the next day I reported to the Fordice Equine Center to take pictures of the Special Needs Horse Show/AQHA Equestrians with Disabilities Show.Wow! What a blessing and fun day! If you ever get to watch or volunteer for such an event,do so! It was a great day for sure!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDSd7wqt7yI46UHi3ZdsSU8xIcspjgsTA8Qosp5V8uCxmyxZUCIT6eKKFjaI9tfgQnfqpxuIjDA8bAgSKVeSXWcYeKH1F19LCrB9cWEICKoLAG5Tx9HaWXIn8Dr7YsoKAl7iBM0Q13GZ3d/s1600-h/Copy+of+special+needs+showmanship+069signedbw.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDSd7wqt7yI46UHi3ZdsSU8xIcspjgsTA8Qosp5V8uCxmyxZUCIT6eKKFjaI9tfgQnfqpxuIjDA8bAgSKVeSXWcYeKH1F19LCrB9cWEICKoLAG5Tx9HaWXIn8Dr7YsoKAl7iBM0Q13GZ3d/s320/Copy+of+special+needs+showmanship+069signedbw.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444359673487948066" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5nGQk0IiBM28Ii4z8dz6elTjvPKREj6kvt9_P9XU6bseak36mOgx4K0hyLT6IKXeec4RmXNboUqmUJlfbgYnXSl-sh0bhPCj3-7Uhs0c6OBqq9HLEn1jTSFX7zb0E5T5lb_AR9GJx5RCV/s1600-h/Copy+of+special+needs+showmanship+002signed.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5nGQk0IiBM28Ii4z8dz6elTjvPKREj6kvt9_P9XU6bseak36mOgx4K0hyLT6IKXeec4RmXNboUqmUJlfbgYnXSl-sh0bhPCj3-7Uhs0c6OBqq9HLEn1jTSFX7zb0E5T5lb_AR9GJx5RCV/s320/Copy+of+special+needs+showmanship+002signed.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444360065663203634" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg57yLg3_Q8Hq5M52vy38l9xN0_LTiJ5mS-RRlNF6ASQ6x581qgdZ-fybnBJvf424R3gnAnFYrL4iH_gizGgzHjFlAeO402-Tt_wfcUo6A7ZilDa0zbS9wFRjBLQIGAmr7FDTzFKSyIVQXW/s1600-h/special+needs+performance+II+044.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg57yLg3_Q8Hq5M52vy38l9xN0_LTiJ5mS-RRlNF6ASQ6x581qgdZ-fybnBJvf424R3gnAnFYrL4iH_gizGgzHjFlAeO402-Tt_wfcUo6A7ZilDa0zbS9wFRjBLQIGAmr7FDTzFKSyIVQXW/s320/special+needs+performance+II+044.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444360910746847666" /></a><br /><br />So after the day was over and 600 some odd photos were taken it's time to hit the road 20 minutes up the interstate to Reunion Farm. But first I check into another hotel! Upon arrival to the farm I was greeted by Shon,Tom's assistant trainer. She gets wide eyed with excitement that I am going to be there 6 days and help them get horses ready for the Dixie National Quarter Horse Show! Either that or her expression showcased her bewilderment of why anyone would want to be away from home that long and to work your butt off for someone else! Who knows but this is my working vacation so let me live it! LOL!<br /><br />Getting there at 5pm that night didn't leave me much to do except help tack and untack a few and then help with blanket check in two barns. Then it was off to find something to eat and call it a day!<br /><br />The next 2 days were pretty much identical.Get to the barn at 7:45-8am and start saddling and riding horses. I was fortunate enough to ride 3 a day while I lost track of how many Shon and Tom had to ride! But I know it was a lot! I also started vacuuming the horses that were going to the show. With the temperatures in the 20's and 30's it was too cold to bathe so between grooming,vacuuming and spraying Hair Moisturizer (By Dr. Groom) on them we were able to make all the show horses fairly presentable! Both days ended around 7-7:30 that night and dinner with the McBeath family. (Thanks Holly,Suzy and Jeff!)<br /><br />Friday am we were blessed with 4-5 inches of snow! It's not supposed to snow in Jackson! It was pretty but boy was it messy! I was asked to get to the barn early that morning to be sure to get pics of the snow at the farm.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy7_2Ltk32wEa_rAXuCfSCYRN0I10PqxuAAzVmdTvUMp5ZjkfOWOLiV4cnfti5DTeJuM2VvJ_e8U10OjsVIb7PZfvD_fXcRdI88bav3jNHXrnUJXIWyaXA_VpbielH3IEwJUwakOruX_X-/s1600-h/Copy+of+Copy+of+special+needs+performance+II+074diffusedsigned.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 235px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy7_2Ltk32wEa_rAXuCfSCYRN0I10PqxuAAzVmdTvUMp5ZjkfOWOLiV4cnfti5DTeJuM2VvJ_e8U10OjsVIb7PZfvD_fXcRdI88bav3jNHXrnUJXIWyaXA_VpbielH3IEwJUwakOruX_X-/s320/Copy+of+Copy+of+special+needs+performance+II+074diffusedsigned.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444366215039019394" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNVKZfSBhBvJXWB3bYAqRrqLswczpCXV9vgM-4ZlwVmsmlkIirfGQy9Oq2BHFjnQ3Na7Q2gXU1WkKLbLKDcjkX1Poj6ESwPTwMxXMFE9lcybNicbLvo1Ax0nb8MhXvmrzlanu2lqo0V-ks/s1600-h/Copy+of+special+needs+performance+II+073signed.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNVKZfSBhBvJXWB3bYAqRrqLswczpCXV9vgM-4ZlwVmsmlkIirfGQy9Oq2BHFjnQ3Na7Q2gXU1WkKLbLKDcjkX1Poj6ESwPTwMxXMFE9lcybNicbLvo1Ax0nb8MhXvmrzlanu2lqo0V-ks/s320/Copy+of+special+needs+performance+II+073signed.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444366723723143970" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9GTGhS3SvA9-tr0AzEqJ-Kq3DOP_rMCVndwqJoIWvvAaphzEsxHp6O7RWqZgc6vBU9h2upYHBrhEH1HlB5IxzjnU44vo3_3dA6_5JG65FBqY3Cs-jZAn07Jn5cc2vH24myzsc6rMmt5N/s1600-h/Copy+of+special+needs+performance+II+075signed.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9GTGhS3SvA9-tr0AzEqJ-Kq3DOP_rMCVndwqJoIWvvAaphzEsxHp6O7RWqZgc6vBU9h2upYHBrhEH1HlB5IxzjnU44vo3_3dA6_5JG65FBqY3Cs-jZAn07Jn5cc2vH24myzsc6rMmt5N/s320/Copy+of+special+needs+performance+II+075signed.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444367165329978978" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBryKXQXS6aITcZOKEKG3YkKUVNi_oyX6JJhURmETChOsW9O3WXNd_WDWbfiCAI3dfQzY6zITnhDmiv4uPEdqgEKCZIKvpwI6HMzl0ELTSPVMWP9aWaYBSwlgsLtvpn5PU2-1j9NU4Nzap/s1600-h/Copy+of+special+needs+performance+II+096signed.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 224px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBryKXQXS6aITcZOKEKG3YkKUVNi_oyX6JJhURmETChOsW9O3WXNd_WDWbfiCAI3dfQzY6zITnhDmiv4uPEdqgEKCZIKvpwI6HMzl0ELTSPVMWP9aWaYBSwlgsLtvpn5PU2-1j9NU4Nzap/s320/Copy+of+special+needs+performance+II+096signed.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444367512880661458" /></a><br /><br />After taking pictures of the snow,Tom,Suzy,Holly and I went to watch Holly's fiance Jeff Chapman rope in the rodeo at the Dixie Nationals Rodeo. That was a lot of fun! Calf roping is always exciting and I was also able to say "Hi!" to Zeb Chapman, an old college buddy who was also roping that day.(And yes it's weird to say "an old college buddy".)<br /><br />By late afternoon when we returned to the barn,it was time to ride and vacuum a few and then a late dinner to end the day.<br /><br />Saturday was a big lesson day for Tom and Shon with all the clients coming in for last minute guidance on Showmanship,Western Riding and Pleasure. I was doing good to stay out of the way and not get run over! It takes a lot of talent and coordination to maneuver a horse in a pen with 12 people riding and 3 horses lunging!I felt safer to just sit on "my" horse next to Tom and absorb as much as possible!<br /><br /> All the clients who were there that day washed there own horses' tails and legs and coated them with Show Sheen so it would be easier for us to clip on Sunday. Of course there were still a few that we had to wash but it was still a lot easier with the help of the clients! Shon and I thought about ending that long day at dinner at Red Lobster (to celebrate my birthday a few days early) but then ended up going back to the barn to clip a few horses so we'd have less to do on Sunday! It was great to have some girl time even if we did work late that night! It was fun stuff!<br /><br />Sunday was an easy day! A few lessons for Tom and Shon with the folks who weren't there on Saturday and then Shon and I clipped the remainder of the horses. It was nice to be able to help Shon and hopefully take a load off of her.We tag teamed the horses with her doing their faces while I did legs. I gots skills! This was also the day that we had to make sure the trailer was loaded with all necessary items to set up stalls for 28 horses. That's right! 28!!!! Tack,grooming supplies,buckets,hay bags,hay,feed,supplements,BLANKETS AND HOODS, etc.for that many horses is no easy chore to pack!<br /><br />It made things easier too that Sunday was when Suzy,Jeff and Holly went to the fairgrounds and got all the stalls ready.All the stalls had to be cleaned out and re-bedded,buckets hung,etc. The backs of all the stalls were wrapped in plastic in order to block the wind.It was supposed to be in the low 20's at night!Plus they had to hang the red drapes,signature color of the TMc barn! <br /><br />Monday morning was, well a Monday morning! Shon,Suzy and I loaded the first trip of 4 horses at 7am headed for the fairgrounds.Got them there,unloaded and then Suzy and I headed back to the barn for another load only this time I had planned to follow in my truck so I would have it.Well my truck had other plans.It wouldn't crank. Dead battery.After Suzy jumped me off, and I let it run for awhile I figured all was good.I ran an errand for Suzy in Madison and then headed to get fuel.Noticed the gauges weren't working.This can't be good.I left the truck running while I went into the store to pay for my fuel and it shut down. I asked someone for a jump,had it running while I called hubby (5 hours away) and it shut down again!Nice.Aren't you glad you're living vicariously through me?<br /><br />Through this whole ordeal,I kept thinking about how Tom the "Master of Whoadom" would react.I am pretty sure it would be calm so that's how I tried to stay. "It's no big deal" I kept telling myself, which is what Tom says a lot! So I picked up a book that needed starting after calling hubby again and letting him decide what he wanted me to do.Calm and rational works every time! Long story short,Chuck's company had a crew of guys working in Jackson. They came and took me to get new batteries and ended up taking my truck home that night. Well almost home.It had to be towed the last 100 miles or so.I ended up using Tom's truck and hubby sent his truck up to me via another co-worker so it all ended ok! Calm and rational. Remember that....No.Big.Deal. I was back to the fairgrounds and lunging and vacuuming horses at lunch!<br /><br />Tuesday was much better than Monday and it involved taking one of Tom's help to the Urgent care to have her feet looked at. Plantar Fasciitis diagnosis and some new shoes and we were back to the fairgrounds for more chores,lunging and blanketing. This might be a good place to point out that there were 28 horses.All of them wore at least 3 blankets and 2 hoods! The owners wouldn't be there until Wednesday and Thursday so it was up to us to check all the straps and make sure everyone was warm enough but not too warm!After helping with 28 my six at home seemed pretty easy!<br /> <br />Wednesday (Happy Birthday to me)I was able to leave my post as assistant stable girl and became "Ribbon Girl"! Sadly there's no superhero suit to go along with this as there should be! This position is highly underrated on the responsibility pole! But alas it was just for the Working Cow and Roping events and most ropers could care less about a silly old ribbon! I know. Shocking! But it was a super fun day and I was able to hang out with some cool chicks! (Monica and Christy- you girls rock!)Later that night Kim,Mary and Robert (part of my peeps at home!) were at the show and took me to dinner for my birthday! That was more special to me than they will ever know!Thanks again guys!<br /><br />Thursday was the beginning of my Ring Stewarding responsibilities. I worked with 2 guys who are super good at this role,George Kane and John Crabb. They wired us up like Secret Service! I know! Cool,huh!? I was able to work with fine AQHA judges and individuals like Gene Parker,Joe Carter,John Dean,Russ Smith,Pam Scott (whom I love!) and Carla Wennberg.I was in horse knowledge heaven!And the fellow ring stewards were fun to work with! I feel like I made lots of new friends at every turn,from all the committee people and MQHA directors!Everyone was great to work with!Fellowship with other horse enthusiasts is great for the soul!<br /><br />Friday night was the Freestyle reining! Sitting on the back gate was my perch of choice and although my butt was sore for many days afterwards it was worth it to be that close to all the excitement!<br /><br />Saturday I ditched the horse show for Tom and Suzy McBeath's last sale at the Dixie National.It was an emotional day for the family for sure.After helping get buyer numbers assigned,I helped run tickets to the sale office from the block for Monica and Laura.Fun girls to work with! Anyways,between running tickets,I was persuaded to take pictures! It was a beautiful day outside for sure! Here a few that I snapped!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjAgrHn7BB-l3IbYpOxoUsOGa8nzL8uesJwBiDuHvBrCZZkidlo12CQkx5qsxnvIW9vwKO7owoLJv22D5EeJswd-ydpjhAYNCVKSW7IQ0FrTIg420ynOnJ6pTLDIvEw1FIBhTwr-_g7s5/s1600-h/TMc+Sale+047.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjAgrHn7BB-l3IbYpOxoUsOGa8nzL8uesJwBiDuHvBrCZZkidlo12CQkx5qsxnvIW9vwKO7owoLJv22D5EeJswd-ydpjhAYNCVKSW7IQ0FrTIg420ynOnJ6pTLDIvEw1FIBhTwr-_g7s5/s320/TMc+Sale+047.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444385398624314658" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlzDkoztovMMdftvDoSYMsvEm61-7dxxT6Xic0Eui6dzqskymJMkyfiQLTAQ5Je5S_22j5x-z0E0luSywfbK_PW02GOUYrnXW-0H_mYLgKjzylaKxDZxttcg8_1MDtdoXTBXO5BP-Eqn9/s1600-h/cowboy+life+collage.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 233px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlzDkoztovMMdftvDoSYMsvEm61-7dxxT6Xic0Eui6dzqskymJMkyfiQLTAQ5Je5S_22j5x-z0E0luSywfbK_PW02GOUYrnXW-0H_mYLgKjzylaKxDZxttcg8_1MDtdoXTBXO5BP-Eqn9/s320/cowboy+life+collage.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444386403820078802" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_CjWGu4aBmIJ1GNBvrLt7WK5OhLQBhyGr4mAUW7M-nEDlRxw6HIt1c2Y2Pqo_pyZ9EsAP251zXhKo8m1qW7Q1V4PDqKQADH8n8MqMzX38EKo1LLFL9MJYQRDyeO8t3XYXxjl8uhmeotYu/s1600-h/TMc+Sale+009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_CjWGu4aBmIJ1GNBvrLt7WK5OhLQBhyGr4mAUW7M-nEDlRxw6HIt1c2Y2Pqo_pyZ9EsAP251zXhKo8m1qW7Q1V4PDqKQADH8n8MqMzX38EKo1LLFL9MJYQRDyeO8t3XYXxjl8uhmeotYu/s320/TMc+Sale+009.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444386982596868626" /></a><br /><br />By Sunday,after stewarding in the morning, I was just about ready to go home except for that DRIVE home.Two weeks is a long time away from the ones you love.It was an amazing experience to be able to work next to some of the best in their fields of expertise.I was sad to have to say good bye to my new friends but thank goodness for Face Book!<br /><br />I hope you enjoyed reading about my adventure! It helped me in my journey to compete too since not only did I get to school with Tom and Shon but I got to watch and hang out with the folks I am going to eventually compete with...hopefully!<br /><br />Keep smilin',ridin' and dreamin'!<br />EEmily J. Peakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05514678662043656478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601739095911267241.post-8383960543020517402010-01-17T14:13:00.008-06:002010-01-17T15:53:34.402-06:00Living the Dream.Well Part of it anyways!November and December were filled with training on the trails with my girls,photography shoots, a trip to Vegas and of course the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays!<br /><br />Now it's January 2010. This month has been amazing already and it's only half way through! I shot an ACTHA ride in MS on the 2nd. Met some amazing folks! Just returned from the Annual ALQHA Banquet last night and although I couldn't stay for it's entirety, it was a lot of fun too! Of course I met even more amazing folks there as well!<br /><br />For a moment, let's flashback to 1985 when I lived in California from the ages of 10-18,my bedroom was covered in horse pictures from the AQHA Journal,and other stock horse publications. I hung out with Quarter Horse owners and finally bought my own AQHA gelding,a red dun by the name of Mateo Buck.I never showed in the registered shows. I was lucky enough to show in 4-H and a few Open shows in the timed events, but it was difficult to do much at all without the support of show parents. So I quietly worked in the background and soaked up all I could from the people I looked up to.They were quite a handy bunch for the most part too! But the point is, I have always loved the AQHA. The history, the grit,the versatility and the people. Sure I owned and showed Arabs a little bit as well but the AQHA was still near and dear to my heart.<br /><br />Fast forward to the year 2000. I found myself working for Bartlett Ranch fitting sale fillies and halter breaking. I LOVED it! I was in heaven! Even managed to get a mention and picture in the 2001 May issue of America's Horse,AQHA's exclusive member magazine! I though I had hit The Big Time!<br /><br />Present Day: I have married my sweet heart and gave birth to 2 boys. I have joined ALQHA to log my hours in the saddle,ridden on a few AQHA rides,ring stewarded under 6 AQHA judges at 3 AQHA shows,ridden with an AQHA Professional Horseman a few times,and have set goals to eventually compete in AQHA's VRH classes. Whew! And now ladies and gentleman, I am officially doing something I never dreamed would have happened: I AM ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS for ALQHA!<br /><br /> It's strange! I didn't want this position but have been asked for over a year to do it by officers and other board members. On the way home last night I had 2 hours in the truck by myself to think about this.What was I scared of? FAILURE! I hate failing and so many times I just refuse to try. I don't like this characteristic in others so why was I willing to accept it in myself? Time for me to BUCK UP! <br /><br />My grandparents were great at serving! I always admired this trait in them and so did many others. They were passionately involved in a few organizations and made a difference. I always wanted to emulate that! It's such a great example to my boys and maybe,just maybe I CAN make a difference!<br /><br />To the ladies who PUSHED me into this position I am grateful for the opportunity to TRY! To the others on the board and members of the ALQHA I hope I do not let you down.To my hubby and boys,thanks for understanding why I may be gone a little bit more often...and to the 10yr.old me: LOOK what we're doing!!<br /><br />So I will end this entry with this: In 2010 if you hear the sound of opportunity knocking or feel that nudge from God,JUST DO IT!<br /><br /><br />PS-I also have been published for the first time! My picture "Fancy Cowgirl" starring Miss Lena Hernig is on page 140 of the Jan/Feb issue of the Palomino Horse Breeders of America magazine! She's also Miss August in their calendar! Go 2010!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwXcnrGG6WGx0LUiNej2jeTwf5kCejgKDHPG4HidPusL9MXjEuUVi4d1MnKMuNnHs43vXANmLo4Xl2GldCmy27njMDyz9vlN0ZSaWdPaiZ8OtqXHc7oRU54YYHmDPzavs-FTCQ49ezGoOv/s1600-h/Copy+of+Copy+of+Andalusia+Candids+050contrastsigned.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwXcnrGG6WGx0LUiNej2jeTwf5kCejgKDHPG4HidPusL9MXjEuUVi4d1MnKMuNnHs43vXANmLo4Xl2GldCmy27njMDyz9vlN0ZSaWdPaiZ8OtqXHc7oRU54YYHmDPzavs-FTCQ49ezGoOv/s320/Copy+of+Copy+of+Andalusia+Candids+050contrastsigned.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427828921552917778" /></a>Emily J. Peakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05514678662043656478noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601739095911267241.post-49937008840747636222009-10-25T19:33:00.007-05:002009-10-25T20:58:02.048-05:00Getting and Staying MotivatedI hear banjos! Oh wait. Hubby is watching Hee Haw on RFD! Whew! I was worried there for a minute!<br /><br />So it's been raining...deja vu? No. Alabama! Hopefully the rainy season is about over! Of course it's now deer season so that means limited trail riding. With all the rain, my lessons have been more of a miss than a hit and therefore my extra funds are non existent. Hydrabull practice on Wednesday nights is a distant memory! I miss it too!<br /><br />With the rain,economy,lack of funds,and other life things that take a priority over riding,it's difficult to stay motivated to ride let alone focus on a goal! But there's hope!<br /><br />I am fortunate to have 2 boarders that ride and want to better their horses. They don't know it but they keep me motivated to ride. It's nice to have folks to ride with! We have decided (although poor Jane hasn't been informed yet!) that we are going to try and keep each motivated through the fall and winter to not only ride but to make our horse better each time we ride. How are planning on doing this? We have a list and a chart! Lists/charts make the world go round right? Ours is a list on the dry erase board located in the hall way of my barn. On it we have obstacles,listed and 4 horses listed. (Hayden,Scout,Pari and Bullseye) After each obstacle is safely completed and the horse and rider feel super confident on it we can check it off! <br /><br />What do we win? Well we haven't decided on a prize but we know for sure that our horses will be more broke for it and our confidence levels will have greatly risen as well! I think that's prize enough!<br /><br />Today Lisa and I got SERIOUS! Even before "THE CHART" was made! She had a see-saw and brought it out to add to our bridge, back through L, serpentine, side pass log, drag, gate, car wash, and water/tarp obstacles. We also added a big scary tarp on the fence with (Carson behind it), a feed bag full of AIR to be drug, and a baseball on top of the cone, as well as a rain slicker to be taken off the post, put on and place back on post. In all we had a total of 11 obstacles to work!<br /><br />We decided to start slow and go back to basics first. We started on the ground and instilled into the horses the WHOA!(Thanks KJ!)We introduced all the obstacles while on the ground first and really worked on them reacting in place! Seemed to work well! After 20-30 minutes of that we mounted up (Lisa even did it from the off side for the first time!) and started with the familiar obstacles first. All went great!<br /><br />Hayden and I did have a tap or 2 on the back though L but we tried to make up for it by at least doing a decent turn on the haunches out of it! Other highlights for Hayden and I included walking though the serpentine without reins and using seat and leg cues only,successfully putting on and taking off the slicker for the first time, successfully picking up and placing ball on cone for the first time (Hayden is 15.2 so I though this was going to be difficult),traveling over the see-saw no problem! We did drag the log with no problem but Hayden still doesn't like the rope! So our home work is to do more rope work! (YAY!) Our other new obstacle, the "Bag Drag" is scary to Hayden so we will also be having play dates with it!<br /><br />Lisa and Scout had a great day too! They're planning on competing in the ACTHA Competition at Blakeley in Nov. so I am trying to help her get ready for it. Scout did great on everything but just need more practice in side passing over a log and dragging the log. He did great with the "Bag Drag" but I think the weight of the log and the rope he's not real fond of.<br /><br />After we rode and had the horses put up, Lisa and I went over "The Chart"! It was fun to check off some of the obstacles and make notes on the ones we need to work on. We also have a list of obstacles we need to make and some that we'll have to travel to a few different facilities to accomplish! Jane is going to be shocked when she sees "The Chart" tomorrow!("The Chart" is pictured below)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqQfLPtqDCnL0EFzXR1eH5iHW9e4V9a4RKHFxwPFEiofiglsYZW3bGuwGjjFisPEMjCSSwtaYQIUWFJhAVO9uAbSH0IHqWgKrZoeacXUGeumzrhUGnwVM-ADLwmUuFNi_mJAAVa6mnFQpR/s1600-h/board+003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 287px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqQfLPtqDCnL0EFzXR1eH5iHW9e4V9a4RKHFxwPFEiofiglsYZW3bGuwGjjFisPEMjCSSwtaYQIUWFJhAVO9uAbSH0IHqWgKrZoeacXUGeumzrhUGnwVM-ADLwmUuFNi_mJAAVa6mnFQpR/s320/board+003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396718266508337474" /></a><br /><br />Speaking of tomorrow-I am finally going to be able to ride with my BFF! First time in FOREVER! We are going to Magnolia Branch Wildlife Reserve with a few others. I really want to ride Mr. Perfect aka Hayden but after looking at my logged hours and knowing that Bullseye has some wet blankets waiting with his name on them, I will probably take Bully. He has issues with entering creeks, and hills with erosion! He balks,refuses and turns for the hills! It's not fun to ride him when he's like that and I don't feel safe letting 6 yr. old Carson ride him on the trails with holes like that in his training. Of course I did actually look at my logged hours on him and Hayden and WOW what a difference! Hayden has 315 since 10/07 and Bullseye has maybe 100! Hmmm...who's my favorite? So it's not a wonder Bully has some holes in his training! I have been taking advantage of his good nature and expecting too much out of him when he hasn't had the same amount of time under saddle. Not fair of me at all! One of my goals for this fall and winter is to get more hours on him. That's not going to be easy since I so very much LOVE riding handsome Hayden but it's got to be done! I will have to think of it as a journey inside The Journey! <br /><br />~Get that pony rode and I'll write again soon!~<br /><br />PS-<br />Yesterday,Lisa,Jane and I rode at Historic Blakeley State Park. We saw this and had a good laugh.Bullseye was severely disappointed though as he was really hoping to finally get some privacy while going to the bathroom.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaxBouOhIuEd_enpylfw2dacEeGHno48kzgyTpv4BxrHXKEs3qqEr2t4fWfdWxguTDrYcUOr0egsbLkEU2SeZ6QgODyY84fj3G_Lo3J-xjeJVQUzjiL-dKi2-nsL92eFlFFyPg1TW3Ndu0/s1600-h/board+002.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaxBouOhIuEd_enpylfw2dacEeGHno48kzgyTpv4BxrHXKEs3qqEr2t4fWfdWxguTDrYcUOr0egsbLkEU2SeZ6QgODyY84fj3G_Lo3J-xjeJVQUzjiL-dKi2-nsL92eFlFFyPg1TW3Ndu0/s320/board+002.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396719236845351330" /></a>Emily J. Peakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05514678662043656478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601739095911267241.post-17063068584799055802009-10-08T21:01:00.007-05:002009-10-08T22:03:41.159-05:00Yeah I know...It's been forever long since my last blog but WOW I have been busy with this "journey". Well sort of with this journey....<br />3 weeks ago we took the boys to the beach for the weekend. Sounds fun huh? Well it's fun but to go on vacation around here is NOT fun! First you have to find someone who will come in and feed the horses.That's the easy part! We also have 2 English Bulldogs so that means we have to have someone come in and let them outside,feed,and water them,etc. The horses are actually less of a handle! But it was the beach and the boys had a great time!I worked on my journey by catching up on all my horse magazines and studied intently on different training points! That's my kind of vacation!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB72ZWL14iPO6LjWiRgDvG0c4lNKRaeZFggEEvzaGYwDl7HGwtuvkkj7Me3tK12-4uTtF87j5tsTxouLnKGs3UNPd5Fb_AS72E5AGop765GnBnCZcZbHtAPZFgMmceLJyUGWUEttpELL1T/s1600-h/Copy+of+beach+club+094.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB72ZWL14iPO6LjWiRgDvG0c4lNKRaeZFggEEvzaGYwDl7HGwtuvkkj7Me3tK12-4uTtF87j5tsTxouLnKGs3UNPd5Fb_AS72E5AGop765GnBnCZcZbHtAPZFgMmceLJyUGWUEttpELL1T/s320/Copy+of+beach+club+094.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390426103595849474" /></a><br /><br />So just to catch you all up,the last few times I have ridden Hayden on the Hydrabull he has done AMAZING! He's stopping hard on his own,starting to want to turn over and thru his hocks on his own (which we are correcting until he listens to my cue) and even starting to get after the bull QUICKLY on his own! YAY! He's felt really good and it's amazing!<br /><br />But now I have several new questions since we've reached this level: When do we start on REAL cows? And when do I start another discipline? Remember-I am not on a ranch! I am a stay at home mom! My horse is not exposed to ropes,cows,chutes,gates,etc. on a daily basis!<br /><br />I did take the opportunity to visit a certain other cutting trainer that I KNOW can help me but have not heard back from him yet....I have not resorted to stalker stage yet but believe me-for this trainer I might just have to! I am blessed to have this caliber of a trainer in the area and I would be STUPID to not ride with him if given the opportunity!<br /><br />It's been raining like we're in the South or something here...hahaha and riding has been a hit-and-miss thing.Really more of a miss thing,actually.I know there are things I could and SHOULD work on even when it's muddy but it's difficult to convince myself of that! Things like roping the dummy,walking,side-passing,doing the gate,ground-tying,etc. But no,I've been taking care of things in the house.(Sure I have!)<br /><br />I was appointed to be in charge of gathering items for a silent auction benefiting Storybook Farm in Auburn,AL. for the ALQHA. Little did I know that this was actually going to be a very fun and rewarding experience! Here's a link that tells a little bit about that:http://americashorsedaily.com/twy-this-twail-ride/<br />That's right! Yours truly was in Americas Horse Daily! I was so flattered and honored and excited! I was even more excited that my donors were able to get so much free advertising! Cool huh!?<br /><br />So the AQHA Ride/Silent Auction is this weekend! I have been finishing up last minute details for it,packing and trying to convince Hayden that the 7 hour trip up there really won't be that bad! Nor will all the hills and creeks we have to climb and swim through...I guess I need to convince myself first huh!? It won't be that bad and it's all for such a great cause!<br /><br />Last weekend I had the opportunity to ring steward a 3 day AQHA/PHBA show with some awesome women judges!I love meeting cool,strong women like that! They were a lot of fun and of course I learned more than I thought ever possible! Considering going to a ring steward seminar if it would help my chances of "going pro"! I need the money! This is one expensive dream! Maybe I need to look into getting some sponsors!Hmmm...<br />Here's me with the fun judges:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDaJD1iASk6BmHNKDTn7eOYuYqrkgtvTKBgOnEObLCmwu-Sd82Zs4k2XFLwuBP3brSBOUOLXE8SlIZe8KmC6WWOTKda1P6929RlFK8Huzg-WRXqyjgW_NNzqaoxJmoEnK3j6pNa4rAC5A8/s1600-h/sept102009+001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDaJD1iASk6BmHNKDTn7eOYuYqrkgtvTKBgOnEObLCmwu-Sd82Zs4k2XFLwuBP3brSBOUOLXE8SlIZe8KmC6WWOTKda1P6929RlFK8Huzg-WRXqyjgW_NNzqaoxJmoEnK3j6pNa4rAC5A8/s320/sept102009+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390424738822056274" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYMtbvrV-X1EQmLBFBdvKunIddKnvVxHBzRqJYFacIpQ4_4OyspWKkoSZU9vGngW8Jid78npH4uX3ieYeRxZDhcmBwmqEyQGXs79GRRWjJpLcTg4VPQeJMGlJCq5CVn6VbTK1DitEBO_d3/s1600-h/10323_145269579719_768519719_2427103_6824406_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYMtbvrV-X1EQmLBFBdvKunIddKnvVxHBzRqJYFacIpQ4_4OyspWKkoSZU9vGngW8Jid78npH4uX3ieYeRxZDhcmBwmqEyQGXs79GRRWjJpLcTg4VPQeJMGlJCq5CVn6VbTK1DitEBO_d3/s320/10323_145269579719_768519719_2427103_6824406_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390425033216948370" /></a><br /><br /><br />So you see? I have been busy! I haven't had the chance to ride as much as I would have liked but I have been filling my head with plans and strategies and trying to meet the right people to help along the way.<br /><br />I did receive some great words of encouragement from my sweet friend Tena Bastian today! She told me:"It's not the results that measures the success but rather the effort you put forth." I really liked that! I think it might make a good tattoo! :) Maybe...<br /><br />Until I write again-stay motivated and "get that pony rode" as Templeton Thompson's song goes...Emily J. Peakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05514678662043656478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601739095911267241.post-80781958280860036012009-09-13T17:33:00.011-05:002009-09-13T22:47:18.934-05:00Mean Girls and Fractured Toes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCtzXNCa1vNWvt44nqo98ReOHk_x1Tp0ILmUa_-0TMwzIGJd1PG2GkeTLOps2L7x1d_7xNLcwbff45pU3sONeOsGhoQANr5L-paZKeInJJvJKajUv1IBfT0gKbU2CVs4Y63BDmoqkEpsH-/s1600-h/Copy+of+sept92009+079.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCtzXNCa1vNWvt44nqo98ReOHk_x1Tp0ILmUa_-0TMwzIGJd1PG2GkeTLOps2L7x1d_7xNLcwbff45pU3sONeOsGhoQANr5L-paZKeInJJvJKajUv1IBfT0gKbU2CVs4Y63BDmoqkEpsH-/s320/Copy+of+sept92009+079.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381095665045308978" /></a><br /><br />Remember my last blog entry on "Balance"? Well that also means balancing the good with the bad! Since my last entry I have worked the Hydra Bull twice with Hayden and have managed to ride him a only handful of times in between.<br /><br />On the night of the second I was starting to feel "blah" with a sinus infection.By the following Wednesday night I was on a Z-Pack that made feel even sicker.Plus the night before,Hayden decided to spook and do the splits on to my toes in the concrete hallway! My toes were so pretty! I might add that you don't know how much you use your toes while riding (especially in the stops)until it hurts very much badly when you do! WOW! But all is well and I think my toes are maybe only fractured. But enough negativity!<br /><br />So let me tell you about our Hydrabull runs! The week before last (sorry no pics!) we managed to do 4 runs. He got better and better each time and the 4th go I even went to one hand for the last couple of turns! It felt great! Just before we went in for that last go I had been loping him around working on trying to get comfortable riding him in one hand. He did awesome! Head was down, and he was relaxed and stopping nicely on his hind end. Probably the best he's felt at the lope to me!I think I was more excited about the loping in one hand than I was with his Hydrabull work!<br /><br />The way we've been working with 8-10 riders is everyone works the Hydrabull 5-10 minutes each time and going 3-5 times.We all go in the same order each time.I wish I could watch all the gos of everybody but even standing on the fence off of Hayden's back, he would get stiff before my go.So I try and watch at least one of everybody's just to be supportive and try and learn new things.<br /><br />There were no pictures taken of my practice session from the 2nd but this last Wednesday night my dear (non horsey) hubby joined Miss Dee,Miss Lisa and I for the evening and took pics. He did a heck of a job!<br /><br />This week I tried a new strategy. I warmed him up longer before our first go which Steve lets us go slow for. He was more settled and his stops were great! After Steve told us to quit,I would get off of him (which I have been doing all along) and watch the person who goes after me. Then I would get back on him and walk him out then work him on bending and flexing,stops,90 degree and 180 degree turns. When the person that goes just before me is starting their go,I lope and add a few stops.My new strategy seemed to work well! We had a pretty decent 2nd run but our 3rd run was super fantastic! Hayden was stopping so hard he was throwing dirt onto Steve in the Hydrabull! He was doing most of it himself and the most I had to do was lift his inside shoulder up to remind him he had to back up first before turning.Even that only had to be done a few times and when Steve bumped the speed up a notch, Hayden was more ready than I was! He felt awesome! When Steve said that was good and probably the best he's seen Hayden do,we stopped for the night on 3 runs! Made hubby happy since that meant leaving an hour earlier (9pm) than I usually did!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7ybHiZVknjk_ZpYacdkzIfafqpmVtz0OCQfeBONbD5jtomVGjCBWOqFZa2_QPRliycaOvtGHih9xjy7AIeHGyr87xMgwxQmYMiIionyLS1UAbLy0XxiE9-o2I_0JzCNuMhZ9GqUyhFuo/s1600-h/sept92009+018.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7ybHiZVknjk_ZpYacdkzIfafqpmVtz0OCQfeBONbD5jtomVGjCBWOqFZa2_QPRliycaOvtGHih9xjy7AIeHGyr87xMgwxQmYMiIionyLS1UAbLy0XxiE9-o2I_0JzCNuMhZ9GqUyhFuo/s320/sept92009+018.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381092846287541826" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVo1SW0SJ9wnU22ehnJ5itHlbeJ9cp5u2EMTFsUyEuoHZoclJOz__NMenP_w6ZjXZFE8LJd3zFc4TODmmK2BlvZqBHXi9VVfDYSMUiAnNuYd-EkpUnGfcQFVRlJOkHVYHLGHYZKz0bsoER/s1600-h/sept92009+098.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVo1SW0SJ9wnU22ehnJ5itHlbeJ9cp5u2EMTFsUyEuoHZoclJOz__NMenP_w6ZjXZFE8LJd3zFc4TODmmK2BlvZqBHXi9VVfDYSMUiAnNuYd-EkpUnGfcQFVRlJOkHVYHLGHYZKz0bsoER/s320/sept92009+098.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381093492144385618" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPw-ok4b4rwIav5hPkoGaTEVmv9pCT2-0bAFfjCEHm2RKhJ-20DrMHGMw-BaxS6qO7xi3Pg2epooV0KijhVFnlHpiFt5tpVG3DAcewU1LWVjX-a3-hwiX4YlyaV_36FoRLJu1E6mmcKnGh/s1600-h/sept92009+101.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPw-ok4b4rwIav5hPkoGaTEVmv9pCT2-0bAFfjCEHm2RKhJ-20DrMHGMw-BaxS6qO7xi3Pg2epooV0KijhVFnlHpiFt5tpVG3DAcewU1LWVjX-a3-hwiX4YlyaV_36FoRLJu1E6mmcKnGh/s320/sept92009+101.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381094016333141282" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-r-FyjJ_WeSd9w6xYFJMufrDbH-iAwmmfnHd32Bjx7ocQ2e8-4KTk_2R0jOuJAgR6QN8yETxahWWxih-b3zVsDyCQVbdZuR_hopNbrT-tZma7i3jTcJZJTZTMshHbF7Vzkkwp06e35Lq/s1600-h/sept92009+118.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-r-FyjJ_WeSd9w6xYFJMufrDbH-iAwmmfnHd32Bjx7ocQ2e8-4KTk_2R0jOuJAgR6QN8yETxahWWxih-b3zVsDyCQVbdZuR_hopNbrT-tZma7i3jTcJZJTZTMshHbF7Vzkkwp06e35Lq/s320/sept92009+118.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381094373775119746" /></a><br /><br />Remember I mentioned earlier that you have to balance the good with the bad? Well that translates around here into that I need to ride my other gelding,a 4 yr. old APHA gelding at times. He's really not a bad horse.In fact he's pretty good considering he really doesn't have that many hours under saddle.But he's not as fun to ride as Hayden is,so I don't ride him as much! So when I do ride him,usually just on trail rides,he will resist doing basic things like going down a hill or up a hill or into water.I know with more time and practice he'll be great but I am so focused on Hayden that it's hard for me to switch gears and ride this "other" horse.I know-poor poor pitiful me! I hear you playing your violin!<br /><br />On Thursday I rode him ("BullsEye" aka Sharp Shootin Peppy) with some wonderful women at the Magnolia Branch Wildlife Reserve in Atmore,AL. I should have ridden Hayden since he's just been schooling and working in the arena but he'll get his trail time next month at an AQHA ride!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSWWS1z_nNk1KZMSLsXg_7_kx5RqXxgXS6kiqyaHbMZWEacG6Q_Y17o7mhv9_OB0eEpMrp1vucHUg9d0EPqSrJ3MKNh7ivSUvtkFaU7moJNDLL9PWrAaCuwJoaHKM61aeqGXhLpQOau3wL/s1600-h/sept102009+016.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 167px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSWWS1z_nNk1KZMSLsXg_7_kx5RqXxgXS6kiqyaHbMZWEacG6Q_Y17o7mhv9_OB0eEpMrp1vucHUg9d0EPqSrJ3MKNh7ivSUvtkFaU7moJNDLL9PWrAaCuwJoaHKM61aeqGXhLpQOau3wL/s320/sept102009+016.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381100384124042866" /></a><br /><br />So what have I learned these last few weeks?<br />1.) Work my horse smarter-NOT harder!<br />2.) Mean girls suck!<br />3.) A supportive husband is gold!<br />4.) Not everyone is going to like you or support you but for every person who tries to pull you down,there are at least 2 others who who will lift you up!<br /><br />This quote came to my attention this week and it seemed fitting although I am not sure who said it:<br />The road to success is not straight. There's a curve called failure, a loop called confusion, speed bumps called friends, red lights called enemies, caution lights called family. You will have flats called jobs. But if you have a spare called determination, an engine called perseverance, insurance called faith, a driver called Almighty GOD, you will make it to a place called SUCCESS.Emily J. Peakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05514678662043656478noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601739095911267241.post-63563682789973095222009-09-04T07:25:00.006-05:002009-09-04T08:38:09.266-05:00Let's Talk About BalanceI'm not talking about balance in the saddle(although that IS important!)I am talking about balance of LIFE! <br /><br />At one point in time, all I wanted to do was horses! I thought if I could just be around horses day in and day out that life would be perfect!<br /><br />When I graduated college and finally left the "loveliest village on the plains" aka Auburn University, I went to work for Bartlett Ranch in Montgomery,AL. As a single girl,I absolutely LOVED working there!I got up at the crack of dawn and went out to feed all the horses,cleaned stalls,worked with the weanlings and yearlings,helped with the AI process of breeding mares, and just did general ranch stuff!I got to bed late, was paid nearly nothing but I was in heaven!<br /><br />The short version of what came next is best described as "fell in love with a non horsey guy and got married and started a family." Suddenly there was more to life than horses! Who knew? There was traveling for a non horsey job,vacations not surrounded by horse activities and hanging out with people that generally didn't know the difference between each end of the horse!<br /><br />Somewhere in the lifestyle change, horses became almost a challenge to do at all! Not because I didn't have support! On the contrary I had A LOT of support! It came in the form of "Sure! Buy that horse if you think you can make money on it!" At one point in the last 8 years we had at least one child and owned 6-8 horses as well as boarding others! Then soon we had 2 boys and several horses! It was crazy! Not to mention I was spending all my time cleaning stalls and all my money feeding them! Not having any energy to actually ENJOY them! Something had to change! My scale was tilted all the way to one side and I was NOT happy! I had no time for anything and no energy to do anything anyways!My balance of LIFE was WAY off KILTER!<br /><br />So one day, my dear,sweet husband came to the conclusion that horses,no matter who owned them, were a lot of work! Years later I finally came to that same conclusion!<br />When I did, I decided it was just as easy to take care of a barn full of horses that I DIDN'T own as it was to own them! Actually it was easier since boarded horses didn't HAVE to be RIDDEN by ME or GROOMED by ME or best yet PAID FOR by ME! And with finally selling all but 3 perfect geldings, I could finally afford to DO things with my own horses as well as have the energy to do them! The scale of LIFE or at least barn life was starting to finally balance out!<br /><br />With being married to a non horsey husband (NHH) and having two kids,comes activities that DO NOT revolve around horses. There are beach trips,going out to eat,church life,going to concerts,and just general low key everyday family life that take up time.If I CHOSE to not recognize this and instead say:"Ya'll have fun! I have a horse to ride or a show to go to or some other horse thing I have to go to," I would not only be pretty lonely but I'd end up dividing myself away from my family and undoubtedly end up in divorce! Of course the upside (maybe the ONLY upside) to that might be that I would end up being a decent rider and considered the top of my field. <br /><br />The picture I just painted is scary for me to even think about! I know a few people that their lives DO revolve around the horse business.Their lives were/are lead from the barn or the truck on the way to a horse show.No non-horsey vacations were taken, no lessons were canceled, no horse shows were skipped in hopes to spend quality family time together.Meanwhile they missed out on their kids lives and the life they could have had with their spouse. The marriage,if it's still in tact,is full of resentment,anger, and lost hope.Good times. Of course they ARE at the top of their field. They're looked upon and regarded with the utmost respect by their peers and even some clients.When I think of what these friends have missed out on it makes me sad for them.<br /><br />By witnessing such imbalanced lives, it has made me strongly focus on the balance of my life! I love God,my family,horses,friends and photography.I love to read,learn,taste and discover new things(especially about myself!)I have goals with my horses but even more so I have a goal to be a huge part of my children's lives and be the spouse my husband deserves and needs!In order to be "ALL THAT" I have to learn how to divide my attention and energy accordingly.When I am with my boys, I give them my full attention. The same goes when I am with my husband, horses, and friends.<br /><br />I have learned too that LIFE is composed of MOMENTS.Sounds cliche I know but since I have "decided" to truly enjoy each moment, I get out of my comfort zone and try new things,I find JOY in little things like getting my boys dressed or even saddling up my horse.(Still looking for the joy in doing things like unloading the dishwasher!)<br /><br />So with today's blog-if the only thing you get out of it is:"Emily is more than just a cowgirl", YOU ARE missing it! GET OUT THERE AND ENJOY ALL LIFE HAS TO OFFER! ENJOY THE LITTLE MOMENTS! And yes balance is more than keeping a leg on each side of your horse!<br /><br />Below are some of the things I am super glad I DIDN'T MISS!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlgkoCXTR5YMKAg2QW0MoPzVu8GaZhonvMyOeDXCjAj-2YadOe_4ybeZ1W7tFGhV5wq5MHO9F7SjSIOkx2rfouRpQFIk77C1H36YCbU2g8O4LM80n81GdW8mFQLqoz1pBbb3iTKtDCLjy4/s1600-h/Copy+of+May+17th+and+18th+459.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 282px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlgkoCXTR5YMKAg2QW0MoPzVu8GaZhonvMyOeDXCjAj-2YadOe_4ybeZ1W7tFGhV5wq5MHO9F7SjSIOkx2rfouRpQFIk77C1H36YCbU2g8O4LM80n81GdW8mFQLqoz1pBbb3iTKtDCLjy4/s320/Copy+of+May+17th+and+18th+459.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377604070277292738" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNyBF7VnJxQsZLgIrzXLeaWnrrQg24gjflBmapCebWHvYWsO2WC14_0NYNVloH7XBspx2KY1rykjAjymwreQjY7MqPUwZRzR7B6WAj7CQJMGtf5y-FpSNd-BqL0VZyOiIF1ueh0lPZ7Rd/s1600-h/Superbowl+weekend+09+358.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNyBF7VnJxQsZLgIrzXLeaWnrrQg24gjflBmapCebWHvYWsO2WC14_0NYNVloH7XBspx2KY1rykjAjymwreQjY7MqPUwZRzR7B6WAj7CQJMGtf5y-FpSNd-BqL0VZyOiIF1ueh0lPZ7Rd/s320/Superbowl+weekend+09+358.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377604390031882594" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs3iX78de5ZfYO653awFvibMJDBl8SeLPH2-sYvr29wHOBUnRTayGw0eiEEPMwyZd7bXOQwjzuehFcNjL7OZ2jhSoLsdpwQwNiderr2gCGu17O3y_guXZCtyitq55Lt5g7OcTrez2RqCzH/s1600-h/Copy+of+fun+times+053.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs3iX78de5ZfYO653awFvibMJDBl8SeLPH2-sYvr29wHOBUnRTayGw0eiEEPMwyZd7bXOQwjzuehFcNjL7OZ2jhSoLsdpwQwNiderr2gCGu17O3y_guXZCtyitq55Lt5g7OcTrez2RqCzH/s320/Copy+of+fun+times+053.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377604937593861954" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg34db1WAbQ3-9H4rd9NBwBngHVFmk4Slb6vMuWxNeZNyFznE963Op5kaAuJuz9lI_PGjh7dOqGoWRNvSJq9gMsH_QjpV7Rd99pDAe37zDRmwLyTX9xZIJXVbPtNYZPghMzxmT7lHwKvXz2/s1600-h/zoo+252.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 307px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg34db1WAbQ3-9H4rd9NBwBngHVFmk4Slb6vMuWxNeZNyFznE963Op5kaAuJuz9lI_PGjh7dOqGoWRNvSJq9gMsH_QjpV7Rd99pDAe37zDRmwLyTX9xZIJXVbPtNYZPghMzxmT7lHwKvXz2/s320/zoo+252.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377605740431074594" /></a>Emily J. Peakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05514678662043656478noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601739095911267241.post-44158225934277204022009-08-27T21:36:00.012-05:002009-08-27T22:19:45.642-05:00I Have A New Friend!How many of you know what a Hydrabull is? Don't worry-I didn't know what it was either until yesterday! But OMG! It is my new best friend that is going to help me and Hayden accomplish our goals!<br /><br />Briefly,a Hydrabull is a 3-wheeled cow simulator that moves like a zero-turn lawn mower! It can go forward and back and move like a cow with great speed and agility! It saves trainers big bucks too as they don't have to spend as much money on fresh cows! Also it helps young and novice riders go slower so they can "get it" faster!<br /><br />Luckily, Steve Foley has one and was kind enough to suggest a group lesson for all who wanted to better themselves and their horses for cutting,penning and other cow events!We had 5 of us working it one at a time for about 4-6 minutes a piece. For several of us it was the first time our horses had ever seen such a device! But each run we did,our horses got better and better each time! It was fun to watch everyone have a go and to hang out with folks that have similar goals with their horses.I can't wait to do this every week as my lesson! Plus to be able to see other's progress as well is rewarding too!<br /><br />I told Steve before we started that my goal last night was to ride Hayden in the bridle (vs. the snaffle)and to keep him soft and relaxed.If that meant just walking the whole night then so be it. But as it turned out, in our first go he was loping after the Hydrabull and was relaxed and doing great!<br /><br />By our 4th time he felt so confident and relaxed that I was giddy! He far exceeded my expectations of him especially in the bridle! At one point I felt like I could have ridden in one hand! Not "drop my hand" one hand but still! I tried for a few seconds but had no idea what to do with my free hand! Pushing on the horn didn't feel natural yet either so I just concentrated on keeping my hands together and low on his withers. Seemed to work! He was stopping on his own except for me cuing with my seat and legs. It was an awesome feeling!<br /><br />Here are some pics that Miss Shannon took! Thanks Shannon!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpsR8eR5Z2HyomxvklAsYBUbh2I5CVFHlzutWZ-0-PlOcdMKF2pn2uvcH0IW9nUvAjOGFsdrQzTQXOamngyxFS4NHVv2trq8v99-iAGuMyLUEz0OcSxlR5-NUyB0QcymzXqvz31xCCf9Mb/s1600-h/hydrabull3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpsR8eR5Z2HyomxvklAsYBUbh2I5CVFHlzutWZ-0-PlOcdMKF2pn2uvcH0IW9nUvAjOGFsdrQzTQXOamngyxFS4NHVv2trq8v99-iAGuMyLUEz0OcSxlR5-NUyB0QcymzXqvz31xCCf9Mb/s320/hydrabull3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374842872947228562" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia6QvAfJHuvkN3mdGfTRdEvJv3So8waj5M0k5FgC5RdoOlHE572UilBia-Vg07v6Brz-_YFylWVQ3-ZmyWhcakepcPOAjNIX0-_TwqCXXmTyunt3uHc3_x-GgndGSKNMzJSBiJatQZWkwY/s1600-h/hydrabull4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia6QvAfJHuvkN3mdGfTRdEvJv3So8waj5M0k5FgC5RdoOlHE572UilBia-Vg07v6Brz-_YFylWVQ3-ZmyWhcakepcPOAjNIX0-_TwqCXXmTyunt3uHc3_x-GgndGSKNMzJSBiJatQZWkwY/s320/hydrabull4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374847978977480466" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwSLmhlnKyldOVGAS00FmDEZx4DgklDL5Zu_yOwBvuCcxmNN88F8QKjh_rGsIvrnnxqNvOZSzfzKmpHRi7NmPfdDaTV6Vq_MntGgX8AB8is_U9HEbUOO4ct6NmzxC1MTz-5Tz3XuG-185f/s1600-h/hydrabull5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwSLmhlnKyldOVGAS00FmDEZx4DgklDL5Zu_yOwBvuCcxmNN88F8QKjh_rGsIvrnnxqNvOZSzfzKmpHRi7NmPfdDaTV6Vq_MntGgX8AB8is_U9HEbUOO4ct6NmzxC1MTz-5Tz3XuG-185f/s320/hydrabull5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374843030980798610" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAHyPMGdY9Eyx5j46DoFNRb-6W8jTm7mCwUQKZ9CApxmIReXdrlKrV___eddSGlRk0MP497UpdoDNsUD3idTvKBAySI0y6vRjuAxWBBkkCHVsHX161Fy05gPB0gniXFE_eY-izPUsU4iF/s1600-h/hydrabull6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAHyPMGdY9Eyx5j46DoFNRb-6W8jTm7mCwUQKZ9CApxmIReXdrlKrV___eddSGlRk0MP497UpdoDNsUD3idTvKBAySI0y6vRjuAxWBBkkCHVsHX161Fy05gPB0gniXFE_eY-izPUsU4iF/s320/hydrabull6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374843361337695506" /></a><br /><br />For more info on the Hydrabull:http://www.hydrabull.com/<br /><br />It's still pretty hot here in Alabama even in the evenings. We all had small coolers filled with water,sodas and ice.On the way to the arena from the trailer I put my little 6 pack cooler over my horn and Hayden carried it no problem. By 9:30p.m when we were headed back to the trailer I put the cooler back over the horn.Well the ice had somewhat melted and there was more room in the cooler minus 2 waters so it was making a racket as well as dripping water all over Hayden! I am not sure what he hated worse-the water or the noise but he went ballistic on me! He was headed to highway if I had let loose of the reins! I was talking to him,telling him "Easy", but it wasn't until I said,"Hayden-WHOA!" that he stopped and planted his feet! Thank you Karen Jones! I have been working on him with his ground tying a little bit (not like I should mind you) but I have been trying to get in the habit of saying,"Hayden Whoa.Hayden Walk.Hayden Ok.",etc. so that he'll get it. Well last night was a good test!He got it and it saved our tail!<br /><br />Happy riding everyone! Keep reaching for those goals!Emily J. Peakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05514678662043656478noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601739095911267241.post-63636829716964314262009-08-23T17:12:00.010-05:002009-08-23T18:44:35.732-05:00First Ranch Cutting Under Our Belt!Wow yesterday was a looooooong day! But a fun one!<br /><br />But first I have to tell you about Friday night and how it effected my Saturday!Friday night Chuck attended a conference in Mobile at Dauphin Way Baptist Church. So I took the boys to a friends house (whose husband was working late) along with another friend whose husband went with Chuck. All 6 kids had fun playing while us moms hung out and talked about girl stuff! The boys and I got home around 10:30 and Chuck arrived home around midnight.Of course I waited up for him,so we didn't get to sleep until 1 am or so.The alarm went off at 5:30am. Some of you are probably thinking something along of the lines that I need to buck up and perform fine on 4.5 hours of sleep.But let me just tell you-this girl needs all the beauty sleep she can get! I need 8 to function normally!(Normally? What's that?)<br /><br />Being that this was the first time I have shown in a long time, I wanted Chuck to go and watch (and take pics).But he's really not the horse show type."Show hubby/dad"is NOT a title he longs to have.I knew he'd be more comfortable if he had a place to get out of the scene...like a trailer with a living quarters(LQ-for all my non horsey readers)in it.I happened to have a very sweet friend who offered hers to me for the day! (Thanks Lisa G.!)<br /><br />8:00 a.m.-Luckily Chuck (and the boys) went with me to get this trailer. It's a beautiful 44ft. 3 horse Sundowner,complete with bunk beds,dinette and a queen-size bed. It had all the amenities like fridge,microwave,stove,bathroom,shower,mud room,etc.Even had flat screen TV with DVD player. We packed a cooler,picnic stuff,and DVD's and Playstation for the boys.(Mind you the show was only maybe 4 hours long...)<br /><br />8:45a.m.-Trailer and truck are hooked up.Lights work but brakes are locking up.Great.<br />Call numerous neighbors around to find out who has an adapter that works. Decide to just go to parts store in town to get an adapter.<br /><br />9:15a.m.-First parts store doesn't have the right adapter.Wonderful.<br /><br />9:30a.m-Second parts store doesn't have the right adapter either.Call the neighbor who we think has the right adapter that we can borrow.Wait in parking lot.....tick,tock,tick,tock. My grand plan was to have everything loaded by 10:30 so I could start to load the horses up a few minutes early since this trailer had a ramp they had never seen.Not looking good,but we kept the faith!<br /><br />10:10a.m.-The neighbor with right adapter shows up! Yay! We now have lights and brakes!<br /><br />10:30a.m.-Arrive home.Load up stuff for 2 horses.(saddles,pads,bridles,brushes,buckets,hay bags,leg wraps,etc)RUN in and take the fastest shower known to this cowgirl! Run back out with show clothes,make-up and camera! Load up horses! Neither of them thought twice about the ramp! I love horses that load!<br /><br />11:15a.m.-Down the road!:) This would have been a great time to take a nap but it didn't happen.<br /><br />11:45a.m.- Arrive at show barely missing a power pole with the trailer as we drive in! Whew! Unloaded,went and signed up,paid. Chuck settled into the LQ and made sandwiches! Yum!<br /><br />12:40p.m.-Tacked up and headed out to arena.Get in the arena that we have had lessons in for the past 3 weeks and there's a new fence with a scary sign and 2 herds of cattle in a holding pen that wasn't there the last time we were there. Hayden wanted nothing to do with that general area! Great.How was I supposed to ride into the herd when he wouldn't go into that scary,horse-eating area? But we loped around and seemed to settle in finally.He had me worried there for a minute!<br /><br />1:00p.m.-The show started with the Open Class (these are professionals and folks who have won the big $$)There were 12-13 entries.I sat on Hayden and watched and chatted with my new cowgirl friends and of course the friends that rode with me there,Miss Dee and Miss Lisa A.! That was the best part!<br /><br />3:00-ish:My class started around 3 and there were 12-15 of us I think.I warmed him back up after sitting on him and suddenly he's not stopping great or backing the way he should! OH no! My name is called and we enter the pen.(We start with a score of 70 and one can go up or down) Our goals at this point:"Keep the horse between you and the ground!",BREATHE,Don't embarrass anyone (namely myself!)Thankfully there were 4 sweet guys called "turn back riders" in the arena with me and one of them,"Les" coached me right along.(Thank you sir!) My first cow out ran us and got back to the herd.(Minus 5 points). The second cow quit on me and Les told me to go get another one. I heard the announcer say we had only 30 seconds left. This cow worked well for us! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbFcJrX1cqMl_3uhSZFPqVtdGbuW2ix4XrY4ne6rM1myESc6_ZkrOWJjridiCo_WE3OcNSR3SZmcFLws8wdcbwLFs5_m8zpJBhxIVk4tBYLtPlYklmFEHSAim7GNrddr2MbphI61gDU5T/s1600-h/cutting+and+pool+017.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbFcJrX1cqMl_3uhSZFPqVtdGbuW2ix4XrY4ne6rM1myESc6_ZkrOWJjridiCo_WE3OcNSR3SZmcFLws8wdcbwLFs5_m8zpJBhxIVk4tBYLtPlYklmFEHSAim7GNrddr2MbphI61gDU5T/s320/cutting+and+pool+017.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373303778211531826" /></a><br /><br />I ended up with a score of 61.We did let a cow back to the herd and I was having to rein Hayden the entire time since this was our first time and we've had only 3 lessons on the flag.Overall I was happy with our go! (Is it time for a nap yet?)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-9qrwVZMdsU9QML5noDWXLoeFgGRWN5SQN9SY0aYEdhHtSOOAMGN6TwWL8uX2FBtNxCz4MShby0LMBhPmlKsRVWzbJymAv_iOOzdQ7bR3wJp1bGgM49yWOASuK4dKARB8X1RJPXQ1SR8/s1600-h/cutting+and+pool+028.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 217px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-9qrwVZMdsU9QML5noDWXLoeFgGRWN5SQN9SY0aYEdhHtSOOAMGN6TwWL8uX2FBtNxCz4MShby0LMBhPmlKsRVWzbJymAv_iOOzdQ7bR3wJp1bGgM49yWOASuK4dKARB8X1RJPXQ1SR8/s320/cutting+and+pool+028.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373304348855486770" /></a><br /><br />4:00p.m.At this point I get the motion from Chuck that it's time to GO! We have a birthday party in Bay Minette at 6pm! After untacking,saying good byes,exchanging phone numbers with a few folks,hugging a few necks and loading up the horses it <span style="font-style:italic;">was</span> time to go!<br /> <br /><br />4:45p.m:Arrive home! Unload horses,tack,hay,clothes,picnic stuff,etc.! Rinse and feed horses! Run into house and change into pool clothes for birthday party!<br /><br />5:15p.m:Stop by McDonald's for dinner to go! Take the trailer back to Lisa G.! (Thanks Lisa!)<br /><br />6:30p.m: Arrive at party.Nearly fall asleep in lounge chair.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Ye5koedyOpfJ_CvXNkihiLQV3oajEDr-AMb6YfdqYKAMN2fTogslVrqeF9Y4kn0TKTmKdWTYaO87Yj_3wOR1gmYOcvf-O0Y0cTIt8VLfxlAogYLt9_bZ6HOjLODHh132G7drfjRO0uMY/s1600-h/cutting+and+pool+057.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Ye5koedyOpfJ_CvXNkihiLQV3oajEDr-AMb6YfdqYKAMN2fTogslVrqeF9Y4kn0TKTmKdWTYaO87Yj_3wOR1gmYOcvf-O0Y0cTIt8VLfxlAogYLt9_bZ6HOjLODHh132G7drfjRO0uMY/s320/cutting+and+pool+057.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373305904832087250" /></a><br /><br />8:30pm: Leave party<br /><br />9:00p.m. Arrive home.Let dogs out,get boys ready for bed,check email,take shower.<br /><br />10:00 p.m. In bed and too exhausted to sleep. But finally do dreaming of working cows and continuing the journey.<br /><br />So I am reflecting today.I have made a list of changes for next time. I think that's the smart thing to do;to look back and see what one can do to make the next time better,smoother,faster!<br /><br />1.)I may leave the men folk at home.Or maybe they can just drive down for my class!<br /><br />2.)I will take my own trailer! All my stuff is in it,it's familiar.Of course there's no bathroom or AC but I was on my horse the whole time!<br /><br />3.)Next time I plan on getting there and letting the horse stand at the trailer! I will stand and watch or get a chair! I think sitting on him got him stale and stiff.Part of this competing thing is figuring out how and when your horse works best.I think Hayden would do better with warming up closer to the class.<br /><br />4.)Don't schedule something else after the show!<br /><br />5.)SLEEP THE NIGHT BEFORE!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVUL5zaRaortPAHS9FjdWC1CdUO_KAhHbnCN_LSV49prUiRSClAXfKF0x3bBiP96S302KH5BJ3IG5bF9X_fj_SFKbqkY_Q051CMGXX1qSOQIXcAfH3WGS3kPGg7XGzIx07YHXZ1oKO9irw/s1600-h/Copy+of+cutting+and+pool+087.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 218px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVUL5zaRaortPAHS9FjdWC1CdUO_KAhHbnCN_LSV49prUiRSClAXfKF0x3bBiP96S302KH5BJ3IG5bF9X_fj_SFKbqkY_Q051CMGXX1qSOQIXcAfH3WGS3kPGg7XGzIx07YHXZ1oKO9irw/s320/Copy+of+cutting+and+pool+087.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373304933053556034" /></a>Emily J. Peakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05514678662043656478noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601739095911267241.post-8438112863718665142009-08-19T18:56:00.005-05:002009-08-19T19:12:30.236-05:00OMG! OMG! OMG!So this is a rarity to post twice and don't expect it very often but I have to share this update!<br /> Today when we got to Steve's (it was NOT actually raining!)he needed some turn back riders for himself and another gentleman who is getting ready to show in a Ranch Cutting there Saturday.My friend Lisa G. had ridden down there with me and so she rode my APHA gelding "Bullseye" and we turned back for them. (Of course on the walk to the arena it DID start to pour!)<br /><br />Well I was asked by the visiting rider when I was going to have a turn at cutting one of the calves out! I answered that I would whenever Mr. Steve said we were ready! Steve answered WE WERE READY for a try! <br /><br />Long story short we made 2 cuts and Hayden was awesome both times for never having done this! He'd only worked the flag 2 times before! Well,Hayden ended up staying flat and even got low a few times! He had his ears back and was working off that butt.Of course I was having to rein him but he was still doing great! What a great feeling!<br /><br />Before we left,I told Steve I was going to try and make it to at least watch on Saturday,maybe even bring Hayden to sit on and watch,it all depended on whether or not I would need to bring my boys since Chuck had a prior engagement. He said I needed to COMPETE in the Novice Division! OMG! "Really?" I answered? He said it was a great time to get Hayden and I started! Alrighty then! I asked him if he was aware of my panic attacks!He said he'd be there to keep me straight and aware of the time.No worries.I'll still be sure to take my meds that day for sure!<br /><br />So I guess I am going to SHOW on Saturday! How cool is that? Now what to WEAR?Emily J. Peakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05514678662043656478noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601739095911267241.post-50512333882555395662009-08-19T11:42:00.010-05:002009-08-19T12:39:04.423-05:00It's Raining! Now what?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrpfm-R_0IkAFPCeDAOY5XFFqY87txkPkrwRg0rI0bfXZAGfyMalsJFEKr9HhHCdVc4lM8IptXmWRzeUwY2-Qsvi6ZArBfnlojxPhHVcB15K0IPDVRhV-zFe15fw6P0xHaG52BIxR5SJp/s1600-h/n768519719_1413556_4852142.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrpfm-R_0IkAFPCeDAOY5XFFqY87txkPkrwRg0rI0bfXZAGfyMalsJFEKr9HhHCdVc4lM8IptXmWRzeUwY2-Qsvi6ZArBfnlojxPhHVcB15K0IPDVRhV-zFe15fw6P0xHaG52BIxR5SJp/s320/n768519719_1413556_4852142.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371716888295816194" /></a><br /><br />So it's raining here. It actually rains A LOT here! I have heard it rains more here than in Seattle!I believe it! It makes doing any routine thing outside a real challenge!It also throws me off with trying to ride or work my horses regularly.The only consolation about that is that most horse people in this area are in the same boat (no pun intended) as me! Unless of course they are blessed to own or have access to an indoor arena or covered pen.<br /><br />Later today I am scheduled to take a my 3rd lesson on the flag at Steve Foley's place. HE has a covered pen so I am in luck!Of course I will have to load,drive and tack up in the rain but we're just about used to that since every time I go to Steve's it is RAINING!<br /><br />I thought today would be a good time to fill you in on the some of the riding I HAVE been able to do this year that I feel is helping me to reach my goal.<br /><br />In January of this year,my best friend Kim and I drove up to Madison,MS. to ride with Tom McBeath.No not the Tom McBeath from Stargate or The Watchmen,the horse trainer! He's a card holding judge for AQHA,APHA,and NSBA and has traveled around the world to judge the big shows.He's also trained several horses and exhibitors to the top level of their disciplines. Here's a link to his place:http://reunionfarms.net/index.html. Anyways we picked THE COLDEST week of the year to ride with him! We all were bundled up in 5 layers from head to toe and rode ALL DAY long! At 11 am it was maybe 30 degreesF! Crazy! At any rate it was a great experience! Excluding of course the first evening I rode and I felt I had no riding experience,and had no reason to be on a horse! But after that it was much better!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgueIgNAuqkHZCoPurN6j4-fsP4WsyRmsJR7iptDqmlNIgzh-hJeRVHu12wcM7D_mjuI215B1-CZaOUg9BR8KQf0ahkH1dXV93NA-hj-4o-uzIxPAXxyfOpRlnZe-hQyBeOTYZbYzc-ZyAJ/s1600-h/At+Tom%27s+078.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 218px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgueIgNAuqkHZCoPurN6j4-fsP4WsyRmsJR7iptDqmlNIgzh-hJeRVHu12wcM7D_mjuI215B1-CZaOUg9BR8KQf0ahkH1dXV93NA-hj-4o-uzIxPAXxyfOpRlnZe-hQyBeOTYZbYzc-ZyAJ/s320/At+Tom%27s+078.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371724832107530706" /></a><br />We worked on getting Hayden to be soft and SLOW, which meant I had to slow my movements and thoughts WAY down! Tom kept telling us: "It's not a timed event!" What Kim and I tried to explain to him was that we were MOMS! Everything is a timed event!<br />And this was all over just picking up our reins, not even about walking!In fact we didn't get to jog until the second day!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Jaja5hoqF-aQrnuF-lRfv8n7O_ChAFRThzguZ1EiyAiwaDSxPoxM3I7lp13HEThCKkbmmairqzjbHZJl4UgEU2fcrdg7rUmB1vclgsh3s3sMbXMOXQn3b0NMkm-dAAxOVZUFCWmVOSMu/s1600-h/At+Tom%27s+095.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 310px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Jaja5hoqF-aQrnuF-lRfv8n7O_ChAFRThzguZ1EiyAiwaDSxPoxM3I7lp13HEThCKkbmmairqzjbHZJl4UgEU2fcrdg7rUmB1vclgsh3s3sMbXMOXQn3b0NMkm-dAAxOVZUFCWmVOSMu/s320/At+Tom%27s+095.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371725642982116034" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0uyl2wZRC1307NA92M6E98SIASGPs2HpQa_1oQma6FYo_vAiUUvtb2GojgcbxYSVkDi-sWArDZWqV-GxAdBvwxydIxFET33J9CTPgZz0OHojyNwmWFclXetHDfkeN0MgL4sGp2Sy6N4O3/s1600-h/At+Tom%27s+103.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 263px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0uyl2wZRC1307NA92M6E98SIASGPs2HpQa_1oQma6FYo_vAiUUvtb2GojgcbxYSVkDi-sWArDZWqV-GxAdBvwxydIxFET33J9CTPgZz0OHojyNwmWFclXetHDfkeN0MgL4sGp2Sy6N4O3/s320/At+Tom%27s+103.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371725990361000082" /></a><br /> We had the most fun picking on Tom when he wasn't around. Giggling back at the hotel as we repeated in our best Tom voice:"SLOWWWWWWWW. EASYYYYYYY." And our favorite: "Whooooooa." Writing this really does it NO justice whatsoever!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxo_MYglEluBQkmiVsLb7JkZDf8waNh9T-5gDxIEbodeZnf9qhug7MvatZ4sooqGwmximlKaAx-IBflfVfZpgB8_pMc8Cw3XK40deOzmj0tFVg44S5J6FMweKGrwss0KCaO7YqKsmdO-79/s1600-h/At+Tom%27s+114.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 296px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxo_MYglEluBQkmiVsLb7JkZDf8waNh9T-5gDxIEbodeZnf9qhug7MvatZ4sooqGwmximlKaAx-IBflfVfZpgB8_pMc8Cw3XK40deOzmj0tFVg44S5J6FMweKGrwss0KCaO7YqKsmdO-79/s320/At+Tom%27s+114.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371726966634995266" /></a><br />By the 3rd day,Hayden and I were jogging around great with head down like we were ready for a pleasure class! Ok maybe not that slow or consistent but we had great improvement! We even managed a few quiet walk to canter transitions withOUT catapulting into the air first!But we were far from great.We were destined to return to the land of "Whoooa-dom".In my own little dream world I think if we could just stay for several months in a row we might have half a chance of speeding this whole process up. But then I remember that I have a life back home and realize that will never happen...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZg5CjT24RZi6sWFBu06urreTWKOSEOv5O5BKWfKNnboa3qBdl2fvECdw98fYqgyTFeyx95LvftCZekJ2qnpmrYYb26TsKj5HMGWtHWLPBjrB4wwuLj3X4tXM2dy6I0YgFkOrGuG2iRo6n/s1600-h/At+Tom%27s+061.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZg5CjT24RZi6sWFBu06urreTWKOSEOv5O5BKWfKNnboa3qBdl2fvECdw98fYqgyTFeyx95LvftCZekJ2qnpmrYYb26TsKj5HMGWtHWLPBjrB4wwuLj3X4tXM2dy6I0YgFkOrGuG2iRo6n/s320/At+Tom%27s+061.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371726601606891282" /></a><br /><br />I returned for a few more days in July of this year. Probably the HOTTEST days of the year there. This time I went by myself and so no one was able to get pics of me riding.But it was another great time and we showed some improvement from the last visit! We even bumped Hayden up into a shanked snaffle and are working towards riding in one hand. Baby steps. Our finesse is what Tom said we were working on!<br /><br /> If you ever get to ride with someone like Tom whose timing and "feel" are so much better than your own,you will be amazed and humbled. I love riding there and having the opportunity to learn so much! Lord knows I still have A LOT to learn!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRkzSd9gMmxiVAJIuxiUCovwHfr_3-DRbyn0W7PgcOuBgbmgq1Pkb-9ZGqe5VA3PtCvphLWThxiKRByhJ0_jcM-V59Nf0RfRfaGW1XfFOvB37XFfWi-zHmFESrx2Q7zWH9b0UYM3WVoGn/s1600-h/tom's+071.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 234px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRkzSd9gMmxiVAJIuxiUCovwHfr_3-DRbyn0W7PgcOuBgbmgq1Pkb-9ZGqe5VA3PtCvphLWThxiKRByhJ0_jcM-V59Nf0RfRfaGW1XfFOvB37XFfWi-zHmFESrx2Q7zWH9b0UYM3WVoGn/s320/tom's+071.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371729843950183842" /></a>Emily J. Peakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05514678662043656478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601739095911267241.post-88254004151754807122009-08-16T21:09:00.001-05:002009-08-16T22:15:01.317-05:00So What's VRH Anyways?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaz6L8SHOTFwVmmbM4tSTY1Pxvjspxs4ShLdJoRoNOu0S-eytNbXYfOzhptfZAk33jnaOK_5LuLsKgsYuCgf-YdVcbpmzh6VtD9to_RxMI0kksmu7dObN74JggVbq50KldO_wdOVwFngXs/s1600-h/june26-27th+128.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 242px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaz6L8SHOTFwVmmbM4tSTY1Pxvjspxs4ShLdJoRoNOu0S-eytNbXYfOzhptfZAk33jnaOK_5LuLsKgsYuCgf-YdVcbpmzh6VtD9to_RxMI0kksmu7dObN74JggVbq50KldO_wdOVwFngXs/s320/june26-27th+128.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370763233643289170" /></a><br /><br />Two days into this blog and I figured you might want to know what it is that I am actually trying to do! So let's identify THE GOAL!<br /><br /> The competitions were started unofficially on ranches all over the country centuries ago but the AQHA started with organized competitions in 2002.They were developed to show the wide range of usefulness and handiness of a ranch horse.<br /><br /> Versatility Ranch Horse Competitions are made up of 5 classes that are all done with one rider on one horse.The classes are as follows:Ranch Riding,Ranch Cutting,Ranch Trail,Working Ranch and Conformation.<br /><br /> Ranch Riding is judged on the horse's movements in natural working speed at all gaits (walk,trot and lope)in both directions.Contestants are also asked to reverse on the rail,stop and back.The extended trot and canter may also be asked of the contestants.Think of it as Western Pleasure before they were asked to put their noses on the ground and go super slow!I'm not too worried about this part.Seems pretty basic and in 5 years-heck we'll be pros at this part!<br /><br /> Ranch Trail is made up of at least 6 obstacles that may be found on the ranch.Three of these are mandatory(opening and shutting a gate,dragging a log in a straight line or a pattern,dismounting/removing bridle/re-bridling/picking up all 4 four feet/mounting).Optional trail obstacles might also include crossing a water hazard,being hobbled or ground tied,and crossing a bridge. Hayden is pretty good at most of these especially the mandatory ones! He may question the water depending on how it's set up...<br /><br /> Ranch cutting involves the rider/horse combo to cut or separate a cow from the herd and pen the cow.They have 2 and half minutes to demonstrate the horse's natural ability to work the cow. Reining the horse will not be penalized.This is where it starts to get tricky. Remember I don't live on a ranch! No problem! We have started to implement the help of a local cutting trainer! And the best part is that he said Hayden has a lot of "cow" to him! That's good to know! I thought he was just ultra sensitive!<br /><br /> Working Ranch Horse combines 3 sections:reining,cow work and roping.The contestant first performs a set reining pattern.After the reining pattern is complete the rider calls for a cow to be turned out in the arena.They then show they can control/contain the cow in a set area of the arena for a set time.Next they would take the cow down the fence,making a turn each way on the fence. After reining and working the cow,the rider then ropes the cow and stops it.5 point reduction for not catching!-Ok! So remember-I do NOT live on a ranch,so I am just going to have to implement the help of yet another local trainer who does rope! Don't worry! It's all in the 5 year plan!<br /><br /> Finally there is Ranch Conformation. This class is based on balance,structural correctness,degree of muscling,breed and sex characteristics. Horses are to be shown in a working halter! No SILVER! No clipping of ears! (Hayden is SOOOO happy about this!)I think we have this class down. Hayden will stop and square up and stand there all day and I have an excellent source that says Hayden is pretty easy on the eyes and the conformation to back it up! Yeehaw!<br /><br />So do I sound like I know what I am in for?<br /><br />To help get me prepared I have read the book "Training and Showing the Versatility Ranch Horse" by Laren Sellers. I have read and printed out the AQHA Rules on the class as well as the judges guideline sheets for each class.Yeah I'm a nerd I admit it.But wait! There's more! I have also bought AQHA's educational video on the classes! Told ya I am a nerd! But that's ok! I won't suck because I wasn't educated!<br /><br />So where are we now? Well today it was raining and I took the day off to be with family.But tomorrow is a new day and I will fill you in on the training we have done since January to get us where we are presently!<br /><br />In the meantime, here's a picture of me on Hayden at the local covered arena.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPWBKq1S98DdI82y5IuEF1pd_c8VZfq2Kpr1n37EY4uecPSSSvxbs6Y1AIuzhMcNbF0j3AYr-ZICp3aiTjqgRklBX2hLnx8NW98aNb3rBTwN91UCsnxykDX3v5toh2x6XGCQ-kVt-YfV4X/s1600-h/june26-27th+113.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 255px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPWBKq1S98DdI82y5IuEF1pd_c8VZfq2Kpr1n37EY4uecPSSSvxbs6Y1AIuzhMcNbF0j3AYr-ZICp3aiTjqgRklBX2hLnx8NW98aNb3rBTwN91UCsnxykDX3v5toh2x6XGCQ-kVt-YfV4X/s320/june26-27th+113.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370762922895122642" /></a>Emily J. Peakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05514678662043656478noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601739095911267241.post-28079675322409065022009-08-15T21:16:00.000-05:002009-08-15T22:10:47.866-05:00Success with THE TARP!Let me just tell you what has been at the top of Hayden's "Hate List":THE TARP! <br /><br /> In March of '08, we competed in a local extreme cowboy competition. One of the only obstacles we practiced at home was THE TARP.I had it hanging in his stall,laid outside his stall,made him walk over it,etc.During the competition THE TARP was the only obstacle out of 16 that the silly horse wouldn't go over! Frustration doesn't even begin to describe what I felt!<br /><br /> So anyways,during these Versatility Ranch Horse Competition(VRH)there may possibly be a slicker involved.You know the type;big,loud,yellow,long,horse eating slicker! So I figured that if he can handle a tarp he can handle a slicker right?<br /><br /> So a month ago I started just messing around with THE TARP and had it laid over a fence.I was on him and side passed over to it,took it off the fence,rode around with it,etc,and it never seemed to bother him! I was excited! Next day I attempted the same thing only when I took it off the fence he acted like he'd never seen it before! What's up with that? Only difference was that the day before we had done THE TARP after a 2 hour trail ride. Hmmm....<br /><br /> So for the past 3 weeks or so I have been seeking the advice of others who have more experience than me in this sort of thing. I am Facebook(FB)friends with an extraordinary horsewoman,Karen Jones(http://www.karenjonesmedia.com/) so I emailed her and asked her advice! She was so sweet and answered back diligently with a lengthy and helpful tutorial on what to do. I followed it to the tee as much as possible. I won't go into all the details but it involved MORE GROUND WORK! So that's what we have been doing A LOT of and tonight it paid off! For the past few weeks I have been instilling "WHOA." for ground tie training and so with that I have been sacking him out with the tarp. Every night I have been dragging it around his feet,over his back,pull over his neck and head, all while making sure he stood still! If he moved,I put him back where he was and said "WHOA." Sounds pretty basic huh? Some nights it was no big deal and others it was like it he'd never seen THE TARP before!<br /> <br /> The last several nights he's been super great, so I wanted to do something different with him and THE TARP. Tonight I saddled him up and put him in the round pen and set up THE TARP on the ground next to the rail with my 3 step mounting block acting like a wing to help guide him. We lunged quietly and slowly over THE TARP for 20 minutes. Sometimes he'd jump it and other times he would try and skirt past it on the rail. Going to the left he'd stay near the mounting block.Going to the right he'd stay on the fence. He only avoided it one time in the 20 minutes so I thought that was pretty good!<br /><br /> So after 20 minutes I decided he was pretty calm and relaxed so I thought it was a good time to mount up. He wasn't sure I really wanted him to go OVER THE TARP with me on him but we went slow and easy and ended up walking right down the middle.After changing directions several times and making him stand in the middle of it,I felt that he had passed for the evening!<br /><br /> The next step I did in achieving our TARP goal was to place it on the fence and make him walk by it without me on him. I again used the mounting block to make him a lane to travel through and squeeze him closer to THE TARP.After several passes both directions at the walk, I would make him stop next to it and even walk past it and back up past it. He did this with flying colors and continually looking at me as if to say,"Really? You didn't think I could handle this?"<br /><br /> So then came THE TARP TEST. After moving the mounting block out of the way,I mounted up and rode him in both directions past the tarp hanging on the fence. Then we would stop next to it and side pass to it if needed. Stop. Rest. Pat good boy.Walk on. After doing this in both directions, we then would walk to it,"WHOA." and take it off the fence! He stood still! So then I would walk around to the other side of the pen and lay THE TARP over the fence, and walk off only to come by and pick it up and lay it over the fence on the other side of the pen again. We repeated this at the walk,jog,and lope both ways and called it night! SUCCESS with THE TARP! YAY! <br /><br />If anyone actually does read this,you may be one of several different types of folks. If you're a non-horse person, you're probably thinking:"What's the big deal about THE TARP?" If you're a horse person that has never had to deal with this type of issue you may be thinking the same thing as the non-horse person! However,if you're a horse person that has had or are now dealing with this type of issue,then you're probably just about as excited as I am right now! Cheers!<br /> Below is a picture of me on Hayden practicing for that extreme cowboy race I mentioned earlier.My great friend Amy Boddie took the picture!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiybHhyTDMqKaLWAJtqmNaZAkg81I2NAe4y_lerwvcXuGz2N5C-MMLadFxzuUEZxIvgC4sOvb71rFIyQQ4KPFKEPSjt9DsDe69GGHg2x5iwxQ54TJw6gj_c6rdD30rp1EBAp7nrPDh20n0v/s1600-h/n768519719_491242_2609.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiybHhyTDMqKaLWAJtqmNaZAkg81I2NAe4y_lerwvcXuGz2N5C-MMLadFxzuUEZxIvgC4sOvb71rFIyQQ4KPFKEPSjt9DsDe69GGHg2x5iwxQ54TJw6gj_c6rdD30rp1EBAp7nrPDh20n0v/s320/n768519719_491242_2609.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370392618413651730" /></a>Emily J. Peakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05514678662043656478noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601739095911267241.post-91321014291589235482009-08-14T14:30:00.000-05:002009-08-15T22:37:52.226-05:00Really? Another Blog?So I thought I might blog this journey,not really for anyone but myself,but if it happens to inspire or otherwise motivate someone else with a similar goal then GREAT!<br />Let me begin by introducing myself.I am a 30 something year old mom of 2 boys.But before I was a mom-I was a wife,a friend,a sister,a daughter,dreamer and a horse owner! Many titles and labels.Blah to labels btw! <br /><br />Well I have always,deep down in my soul loved ranch horses. Growing up in Salinas,CA. wherever I went there seemed to be a good looking rope horse or cutting horse that was always catching my eye and making my heart skip a beat.Their calmness,willingness and loyalty never seemed to tire or waiver.Jump ahead 20 years.I STILL have that admiration for such a horse! Agile,athletic,cowy,and an all around hand and partner to get the job done.<br /><br />This blog is about my journey to make my horse a better horse,the training he and I will have to do in order to make him good enough and myself good enough to compete in AQHA's Versatility Ranch Horse classes and the NVRHA classes as well.<br /><br />I am giving myself 5 years to get to an actual competition! Nothing like long term goals!<br /><br />We've already started our journey before this blog was even an inkling of an idea. I know that makes you feel better! Like I said earlier,the journey began with a dream as a young girl in Salinas.More recently,almost 2 years ago now,I bought a horse that I fell in love with online.He was bred at Foothills Ranch(http://www.foothillsranch.com/user1/index.asp) in Canada and raised in AZ and CO by a good friend. I was lucky enough to buy him as a 3 year old and he had already been started under saddle and had had a rope thrown off of him and at least seen cattle.<br />But now my horse ("Hayden") and I don't live on a ranch.No we live on what some might call a ranchette! 3 acres of pasture,house,and pool. (Pool's for us not the horses!)Not a cow/steer/or buffalo in sight.Not even an arena.But we will NOT let those small details deter us! Oh no! We have the cowgirl spirit and those minor details we will just toss aside into our hurdle pile and conquer on!<br /><br />Here's a picture of my trusty steed.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqaSBC-5c6KlGW0OFAEvGT4TdOm9n_H8r0BOV0ddjWI5x4zKsvLQMzfrsM0THfgA69LgoNPshRDjhtg8wefHuZy8rVTfGaHvEgFd6yQdY386KOzOudETmFMo3mXXOmRVhQEcdcxCScJoEq/s1600-h/after+rain+098.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 244px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqaSBC-5c6KlGW0OFAEvGT4TdOm9n_H8r0BOV0ddjWI5x4zKsvLQMzfrsM0THfgA69LgoNPshRDjhtg8wefHuZy8rVTfGaHvEgFd6yQdY386KOzOudETmFMo3mXXOmRVhQEcdcxCScJoEq/s320/after+rain+098.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369911066881475906" /></a><br /><br />Well,this will be fun! I will try and update tomorrow and catch this blog up to where we presently are in our quest for this personal challenge but right now I have to go out and do barn chores and work with Hayden on an obstacle or something...until then,happy riding and stall mucking!<br />EEmily J. Peakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05514678662043656478noreply@blogger.com0