Looking back, moves me forward

I was looking back at some videos from shows last summer and realized that while I was doing two divisions most of last season, the lower one for warmup since most of the places didn't have warmup rings, even from my very first show I was already jumping 18" from the start.

I'm glad to have done 18" at my first show this year, but I guess I forgot that I was competing that all last year. I knew I had not made my goal of 2'3" at the end of the summer, but I didn't realize how far off I was from it. Need to push more since the only thing holding me back is mental. My riding is ready to move up. And secretly, I think my horse wants me to move up since he tends to just keep trotting right over the 12"ers now.

So, my trainer and I have started incorporating 2' verticals...UGH. Visually they are intimidating for me. Jumping them, they are easy. But even though it's all super smooth, afterwards I'm always like, 'whew, that was scary'. Sometimes I say it out loud too :)

Here's a short video of me from Friday, no lesson, by myself (hubbie videoing) and it's my second pass at it since he missed shooting the first one. I usually only have enough guts to take it once. Glad I went again, as it was a perfect distance to the vertical. No way I was going to go a third time ;)

Looks so easy watching on video... good picture to keep in my head. I've done it, it was easy.

A new schedule

Today in my jump lesson my trainer and I discussed a plan to incorporate some longline days into Sam's schedule (my least favorite activity) to help his fitness.

Of course there will be days off, as the bullets at the bottom suggest it's only a 5-6 day work week. But I've put what I am able to do on each day, longline on the days I have less time. If life gets in the way, that will be day off and I'll just pick back up on the next day. If I fill the week with every day at the barn, then we'll take the next Sunday off so we max out at 6 days for that week.

October 2012

Schedule

Sunday          ride

Monday         longline/lunge

Tuesday         jump lesson

Wednesday    ride

Thursday        longline/lunge

Friday             ride

Saturday         jump lesson

Minimum Requirements

•    Longline/Lunge 1-2x week

•    Jump lessons 2x week

•    Flat/jump rides 2x week 

A wee foray into jumpers

This past weekend Sam and I entered a low key jumpers schooling show. We jumped an easy 18" and had clean rounds. We got to try gamblers in which I learned I should circle tightly to the left on Sam, not to the right, his stiffer side because otherwise we overshoot the next jump.

I knew going into the weekend that we were not in top form having reduced our ride days these past 3 months of winter. But we went well until class 6 which was a W/T/C Equitation and the judge was vicious by making us trot forever posting, then sitting and right into 2-point, each several large arena laps - in both directions. My legs were both burning and jello at the same times. By the time we got to the canter segment, of which we had a break since they divided us into two groups and my group got to rest first (THANK GOODNESS) I was wiped and so was Sam.

We cantered his easy way first to the left, including a few laps of extended canter (at noobie rider level?!). When we went right, a few strides after I asked, Sam put up a little fit and tried to run out left in the big curve while humping a bit nearly pinning a large grey horse and his rider into the wall. Sam was breathing quickly and loudly... I didn't blame him, I was too! We managed to regroup and finish, but I knew we definitely were going to have be penalized for the outburst. We took 4th out of 10 riders.

Sam was sweaty around his ears (he rarely ever sweats) and we were both kaput. We scratched our last 7th class which was a gambler round at a larger height.

We had fun, was late for the first time to a class (Sam had a muddy potty escapade) and I managed to feel in control even though Sam was strong to all the jumps. :D

Here's a video of one of our rounds. I thought we were going a pretty good clip while I was riding but watching the video, I can see why we do hunters and not jumpers :)

I'm too sexy for my boots

Tredstep Donatello Field Boot
Available @ SmartPak

Show season is nearly here and this year I've finally invested in tall boots. I seem to have short legs from knee to ankle but wider calves, so based on measurements I could never find anything off the shelf. But recently, based on outstanding reviews, I ordered Tredstep Donatello Field Boots.

At most, I thought they might be too tall. But with the lifts that come with them and some breaking in that will drop them a bit, I think they might be just fine. :D  So don't be afraid to take a chance, esp with SmartPak's awesome return policy. I never would have guessed an 18" tall boot would work on my measured 16.5" - so something's not perfect about the system. I thought maybe they measured from the spanish top, but it's 18" from the inside.


I plan to start riding in them this week since my first show is only 2 weeks away. They are fabulous walking around in my house. The leather is very nice and I'm a leather snob. I can also tell they will break in very easily which must have something to do with that flex area build into the ankle. Love them already - but riding will be the real test :)

Kensington SmartBlue® Boot Bag

Best part is I used a gift certificate I got for Christmas to help defray the cost. But even so, they seem well worth the price point. Two boot bags should arrive this week. I'm hoping the Kensington SmartBlue® will be tall enough, reviews weren't specific on the exact height but it should be a close fit.

Update: The Kensington bag was a perfect fit for my boots, which was awesome because it matches the rest of my 'travel bags' for shows.

Got Tack?!

The following is a list of about 98% of my tack and horse clothes. I have other random items like whips and spurs, or like surcingles that I've had since my first horse but haven't used since.

I had to start keeping a list on my phone so I knew what sizes to buy or not buy stuff and what stuff I actually already owned (!). It actually comes in handy often and I try to keep it updated when I buy/sell or just retire stuff. It does make it easy to run through the list and decide I don't need some items and should sell them.

My new Black Country saddles

Without the list I would forget I ever owned them and they'd sit around until I found them at which point they'd be obsolete. Precisely why I'm going to sell my Equifit boots since they ended up being big on my horse. Technology/designs change (there's new Equifits coming out next month) and to recoup the most, I need to sell while it's relevant. I was going to save for a future horse, but that could be years.

I'll probably keep my phone list current and at some point this one will be dated, but it will be interesting to see how I swap out my stuff. I've already changed saddles in Sept 2012.

Interesting fact: I used to own the domain, tictack.com

---

This is 99% of my tack. Updated 8/20/14

ME - items specifically sized to me

• Charles Owen 6 7/8 AYR8 black/black, velvety straps 2010
• Grand Prix leather halfchaps, 16"x15", black
• SSG gloves, 7 - Technical 8500, Digital 2100, All Weather 9000, Hybrid 4200 for shows
• SSG safety glasses, clear/yellow/smoke, many pairs

ME - shows

• Ariat Covington Half Chap, Black, MS (med/short)
• Mountain Horse Richmond Field Boots, 39 Short/Regular, black
• Ladies RJ Classics Xtreme Collection Washable Show Coat, 14 Regular, navy solid w/ navy lining

SAM

—Jump/Daily--

• Loxley Jump LX, 17.5, MW, cocoa brown with red welting, antique printed flaps
• MDC Ultimate irons 4.5, silver
• Arc De Triomphe calfskin leathers 48", brown
• Arc De Triomphe girth, 'shaped' anatomic, brown, 44" (measures 45)
• SmartPak Harwich bridle, padded fancy stitch w laced reins, cob, brown
• Pessoa Magic Copper Moon Dee Bit, 5 1/4" x2
• Veredus Olympus open fr boots, small
• Davis bell boot, Med, black
• Ogilvy Jump MemoryFoam halfpad, large, black w/ green trim
• SmartPak Lite AP white pads: royal 'Sam', royal circle monogram, burgundy diamond monogram
• Joules AP pad: purp/pink/blue
• Lettia AP pad: baker plaid, baker tartan plaid, turquoise w pink crown
• Lettia CoolMax Pro Series AP pads: royal, red, hunter
• Lettia CoolMax ICE AP pad: teal, electric blue
• Padded Ponies custom pad: gray/yellow/aqua floral, red/black/grey dragon, navy/orange/aqua paisley

--Bareback & Lunge--

• Parelli Bareback Pad, tan
• Classic Equine Alpaca Cinch, natural, 24”
• Lettia cotton AP pad: orange tie-dye, brown tie-dye
• Camelot Web Training Surcingle, natural/green, full size
• Cotton web lunge line with donut, 35' long, ice green
• Happy Mouth shaped mullen king Dee Bit, 5.5"

--Dressage--

• Black Country Eloquence, 17.5, M, black
• MDC Ultimate irons 4.25, black
• Arc De Triomphe calfskin leathers 54", black
• Delfina anatomic leather girth, black, 22"
• Stubben 1700 dressage bridle, cob, black (no reins)
• French link bit 5.25"
• Browband 14.5-15, Pink Equine Pony size
• Arc De Triomphe calfskin, hidden stop, reins - 2 sets, black
• Lettia coolmax dressage pad: purple
• Lettia baby pad: white w/ FH logo
• PRI pads, dressage: red/yellow/royal

--Show specific tack--

• ADT Gazelle fancy stitched bridle with plain laced reins, cob, dark brown
• Black Country girth, anatomic, brown, 46" (measures 45.5)
• Fleeceworks FXK Halfpad with Plain Edge, white, size reg (FWXK-6/B)
• Quillin leather halter, mare size, black/silver ‘Samoa Star'

• Stanley 37 in. Mobile Job Box - Model # 037025H
• Kensington SmartBlue® Plaid
• Grooming Tote 
• All Purpose Saddle Bag
• Halter Bridle Bag
• Helmet Case
• Boot Bag
• Garment/Chap Bag
• Tote Bag (daily use)
• Steffen Peters Dressage Show Pad: white

--Stablewear--

• Quillin leather turnout halter, mare size, black "SAM"
• Rambo mesh scrim, 75" - navy
• Rambo stable sheet 75" - navy whitney stripe
• Rambo stable blanket 75" - navy whitney stripe
• Rambo fleece cooler 75" - navy whitney stripe
• Rambo fleece qtr sheet, large - navy whitney stripe
• Rambo waterproof qtr sheet, large - navy, gray trim
• Kensington catch flymask, black, large, x4
• Rambo Fly sheet 72" oatmeal w/ neck
• Rambo Supreme lite (nofil) blk/gold turnout  w/ neck 75"
• Rambo Supreme medium (200fil) turnout w/ neck 75" - blk/blk x2
• Rambo Liner, 75” 100fil, navy

--Spare tack--

• Arc De Triomphe Imperial bridle w reins, cob, brown - NWT
• Arc De Triomphe Imperial bridle w ADT calfskin hidden stop reins, cob, brown
• Courbette x-fine high raised bridle with reins, cob, berber brown F6675 - used 6 times
• Arc De Triomphe calfskin stirrup leathers 54", brown
• Wintec dressage girth, 22", 24", 28"
• Weaver nylon halter, avg 800-1100lbs, matching leads - red, royal, pumpkin, lime
• Weaver Jeremiah Watt halter, avg 800-1100lbs, no leads - red, royal
• Happy Mouth Shaped Mullen loose ring bit, 5.5"
• Korsteel kimberwick mullen, no holes, 5.5"
• Cashel flymask Horse size
• Kensington Natural flymask, black, large - velcro needs fixing
• Davis bell boots Med, red/hunter/royal/black/silver glitter/teal/orange  (bottoms trimmed to the velcro) - for use with no pads
• Centaur XL pull on boots blk x1.5
• Moxie Racing Techno-Sheet, 75" - black, NEW
• Dover wool dress sheet, blk with royal trim and white piping, 74"
• MDC irons 4.5, 1.75 silver (older spare set, rubber is cracking) - lent to Amy
• Black/Blue dressage bridle, cob, black
• white unicorn horn with black browband

--Spare Pads--

• Back on Track AP pad, white, NEW
• Lettia CoolMax BABY AP pad with wither relief, white NEW
• Lettia CoolMax BABY AP pad with wither relief: black
• Lettia BABY AP pad: navy w green trim & whale
• Fleeceworks FXK Halfpad with front & rear rolls, white, regular (FWXK-6/C/RG)
• Fleeceworks FXK Halfpad with plain edge, amber brown, large

--Spare other items --

• Rambo Supreme surcingles only (from 75" sheet)
• Amigo navy/red cooler 75” (cats using it)

2013 Show Schedule

Listing of published shows selected for my barn
2013 H/J Show Schedule - Local, C&B rated

Date/Day	Event/Location	Organizer/Contact	Notes
OCTOBER 5 Saturday	Quarry Ridge Friendship Series Battle Ground, WA	Julia Richard 360-909-8605 info@quarryridgefarm.com	See Prizelist below Online Entry
OCTOBER 26 Saturday	Quiet Rein Holcomb Hills Equestrian Center Oregon City, OR	Jill McGrady or Kathy Kerron 503-544-7999/541-420-9711 Jill@QuietRein.com Kathy@QuietRein.com http://www.quietrein.com	Entry & classes
Fall show TBD	Emerald Valley Stables Ridgefield, WA	Trilogy Farms Sara Nastri 360-977-3518 saratrilogy@q.com www.trilogyfarmsllc.com	Outdoor Ring 1. Register Online 2. Mail in completed entry & check to: Trilogy Farms 403 SW 24th Ave  Battle Ground, WA 98604 Prizelist

Class lists/info of some of the shows listed above

Quarry Ridge Friendship Series Prizelist - MAY 4

Avalon Shows Prizelist

Team NW Bedrock Show Prizelist

Trilogy Show Prizelist

Green

Happy St. Patrick's Day!