A Horse is a Horse

A Horse is a Horse

Monday, January 25, 2016

Stuck in the Middle With You

Ah those Winter Woes.


Sorry, really, my sympathies for those with real winter weather.

I mulled over posting this. Its kinda whinny. Be forewarned.

2 weeks ago, I was pretty frustrated with my horse and myself. She was jumpy, I was super reactive and letting it all get the best of me. I have zero confidence these days.

Perusing horse ads became a little more than idle time killing. I was curious what else was out there. Not that I totally expect to find a unicorn, lets be real the #1 thing my mare has been spooking at is other horses spooking. That hasn't been lost on me.

I told trainer come spring I would heavily be thinking of selling Holly, and if someone came out to lok at barnmate's sale horse, she could show Holly (insert instant guilt). She's damn pretty, smart, trained, and could take some serious ribbons, but I'm not sure what my 2016 goals are anymore.

 I rode a few times in a beautiful but absolutely wrong for us dressage saddle (Thanks N!). We don't need anything helping push me forward. It did feel pretty good to open my really really defensive hip angle. I relaxed a bit and focused on feeling the newness of the change in position. Then returning to my CWD I realized what I needed to do with my hips to ride her canter better. Now my knees hurt after riding in the jump saddle. NOT telling hubby my $$$ saddle causes me discomfort, he's already a little miffed at my wanting a dressage saddle too.. (poor hubby).




Not dying in the scary corner
Our last few rides have been good. I've taken less shit, she's given less. And that's the rub, she needs a regular, confident rider to shine; neither of which I am currently. I'm not quite ready to downgrade to the old plow mule, but something that mellow sounds kinda nice. I kinda want to have the steady horse of the pack. Most likely in a few years, that will be her, she has to acknowledge that QH side eventually.

Sorry this post is kinda scattered like my thoughts. I've looked back through my blog and realized we've pretty much struggled every winter and things generally get better as the weather warms. That feels a long time away, even in Cali.

Decision decisions... guilt guilt guilt....saddle shopping?






Ugh, chin straps are not attractive


Finally riding w/ Karley

Holly's opinion of work, such a lady ;)





11 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Lol, eventually... or maybe the right thing will bonk me over the head.

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  2. You're doing great and you'll know what the right thing to do is. They're all a little up in the winter, and yes she may mellow with age, she may not. Just because she's pretty doesn't mean you can't find something else lovely down the road that isn't as spicy as her. But, just because it's tough right now also doesn't mean it won't get better. Good luck finding your dressage saddle and glad mine gave you a little clarity about what you need!

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    Replies
    1. thanks and thanks. I do have to remember that there are other pretty horses out there, and that if I do sell her, its not like I'm leaving her on the side of the road, I'll do my best to place her well.

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  3. Winter is always hard to navigate with horses. You've done great work with your gorgeous girl, whatever you decide she has been set up for success ☺

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    1. Thanks. I still wanna come ride Nancy every time I see your pics.

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  4. Winter is tough on ALL of them. Miles gets grumpy and Moiya gets crazy. I feel your pain <3

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    1. I don't get why they all get so nuts, I mean really, any horse living in Cali, its not that big of a temp difference, its better than being 106F out, chill ponies.

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  5. Moving on from my pretty mare to Felix was the right decision for me 100%. Good brain, pretty bomb proof is way more important to me at this point than fancy. I gave Savvy 2 solid years of training, lessons, different trainers. She is who she is and a better fit for someone else. Don't feel bad, feel excited for new possibilities!

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    1. Thanks, I was so happy to see you found Felix, because Holly reminds me a lot of Savvy (although I think you had a much tougher ride). It made me realize there are more chill rides out there. If she was the perfect horse for anyone, she wouldnt have been sold to me.

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  6. good luck figuring it all out!

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