tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50171906183581535172024-03-19T06:16:35.216-04:00Laine Ashker's Competition JournalThe ins and outs of competition riding.Laineyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940356657004521258noreply@blogger.comBlogger130125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5017190618358153517.post-10504897098951417142018-04-07T04:19:00.000-04:002018-04-07T04:42:01.963-04:00<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.2pt;font-family:Arial'>good evening Laineyashker<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.2pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.2pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.2pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.2pt;font-family:Arial'><a href="https://bit.ly/2EoblCh">https://bit.ly/2EoblCh</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.2pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.2pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.2pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p></o:p></span></p></div>Laineyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940356657004521258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5017190618358153517.post-23679018638512034822017-08-25T06:02:00.001-04:002017-08-25T06:02:07.203-04:00Hello Laineyashker
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<br>JasiaLaineyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940356657004521258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5017190618358153517.post-44551734140466875862016-05-08T19:10:00.000-04:002016-05-08T19:15:26.724-04:00Hi laineyashkerHiya laineyashker
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<br>jamasolLaineyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940356657004521258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5017190618358153517.post-86742558723736969452014-04-17T15:54:00.000-04:002014-04-17T15:54:02.551-04:00Keep Calm and the Countdown Begins<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
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While most people look forward to the flowers, the longer days and the closer proximity to the summertime that Spring brings with her, ask any event rider with a pulse and he or she will tell you the true meaning of the spring time: Rolex! Yes our nation's only four star is finally here and I'm lucky enough to once again have the chance to compete in one of the world's most prestigious events amongst the riders who are commonly seen in magazines and on my mighty little OTTB Anthony Patch (patriotism at its finest). <p>This year's Rolex will be "Al's" fourth four star which still stuns me considering it was nearly twelve years ago I bought the scrawny little bay horse bred and trained by Tom Swales of New Jersey, USA. <p/> <p>As many of you know, Al and I have been teammates for over a decade and have been fortunate enough to have represented our country abroad, competed at the highest level of our sport and most recently won the American Eventing Championships and Gold Cup Series in the fall of 2013 in Tyler, Texas. </P> <p>With all the experience (as a team) under our belts, my priority in getting Al to Rolex this year was to have him happy, healthy and sound. Being that Al isn't a spring chicken anymore, my coach and I made the decision to run him lightly in the preparations leading up to Rolex with our focus primarily being in "quality" over "quantity." After a good stretch of the legs at Rocking Horse at the intermediate level, Al and I entered Red Hills CIC *** (one of my personal favorites) in hopes of obtaining a positive and conditioning round. With an unforgettable dressage test in the monsoon-like conditions placing us in fifth in a hefty field of horses, we finished in the pink ribbon position and simultaneously re-qualified ourselves to compete in Kentucky at the end of April.</P> <p> Our next show and final outing before the big day was held in Norwood, NC...which also is home to Kellie Pickler (any first year American Idol fans out there?) and of course lots of calamari (you'll have to have watched A.I. first season to get that joke). The Fork Horse Trials is notoriously known to be the preview event for what's to be expected at Rolex. However, It also happens to fall only three weeks before the first trot up which can pose a risk for any eventer. </p> <p>Now every other year that I have entered Rolex I have chosen to run Al across the difficult advanced track that The Fork offers. However, due to his slightly elevated age, the ground being a little on the hard side and the fact that Al is seriously a jumping freak of a butterfly horse, the decision was made to save him for the big day....which is actually ten days away. Gulp! </p> <p>I have to admit that were it not for the fact that I trained Al from beginning novice to four star or the fact that I've had the pleasure of owning him since he was a four year old, I may not be driving into the Kentucky Horse Park with utmost confidence. However, there's just something about the long arduous journey that beings with training your horse to successfully complete a twenty meter circle without falling out of the canter and slowly turns into galloping through the finish flags at Rolex beaming from ear to ear that really adds the "pep" to my step. I'm a firm believer that a course, no matter the level, is only as tough as the relationship you have with your horse and when push comes to shove Al will have my back the same way I will do my best to protect his. After all who needs Red Bull....Al gives me wings!</p> <p> To Rolex and beyond! See you guys outside the galloping lanes! </p>Laineyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940356657004521258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5017190618358153517.post-50946571737152668582013-12-06T00:18:00.000-05:002013-12-06T00:18:54.579-05:00Unfinished Business <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtjRGgynoDx-b2L-Kc8vXI0d1cU16DSHvoLrHh-nhiUTZRnIYPSHTFh7khJ_PFzb2a8B4t50o8vUoc68STEI99vR3YBtie_k7LmXUga7zjgjf-ipG7kInPqhQ0J76oN23PCkbXqzF1VYM/s1600/6430_10100814196315866_675162369_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtjRGgynoDx-b2L-Kc8vXI0d1cU16DSHvoLrHh-nhiUTZRnIYPSHTFh7khJ_PFzb2a8B4t50o8vUoc68STEI99vR3YBtie_k7LmXUga7zjgjf-ipG7kInPqhQ0J76oN23PCkbXqzF1VYM/s400/6430_10100814196315866_675162369_n.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSJ4no0WLQmP_eA4rD3mFb5nbI5c1HTeRxY9q51BTFpa4fS-afstC0aGvLFHgn5eE7rlMKkI72qRUpT3eZy3GUhrU4pncm1C-AjzLOf3Ym3pmUacMyp7rmwcBtlTOQn-hGLrEfU1WeHs/s1600/1384316_10101207108521656_565606766_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSJ4no0WLQmP_eA4rD3mFb5nbI5c1HTeRxY9q51BTFpa4fS-afstC0aGvLFHgn5eE7rlMKkI72qRUpT3eZy3GUhrU4pncm1C-AjzLOf3Ym3pmUacMyp7rmwcBtlTOQn-hGLrEfU1WeHs/s400/1384316_10101207108521656_565606766_n.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixBTka3ODHkDAkBzwmOt9KySp1YlNEzI88wrCfBWUKLhjbeFVY89ZHzXaE9Q1yr8W2ERmGFbgSeQyjpjD58FrcXR5PmGS5CCDlnEWQVFFK3FTFyVicay-A0W8tc1QGCVYJ-X4O3z4RT5M/s1600/1396069_10101168398696456_564349198_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixBTka3ODHkDAkBzwmOt9KySp1YlNEzI88wrCfBWUKLhjbeFVY89ZHzXaE9Q1yr8W2ERmGFbgSeQyjpjD58FrcXR5PmGS5CCDlnEWQVFFK3FTFyVicay-A0W8tc1QGCVYJ-X4O3z4RT5M/s400/1396069_10101168398696456_564349198_n.jpg" /></a></div>Many feelings come to mind when reminiscing about the happenings that occurred this year in 2013. Truth be told that when I really sit down and reflect on the difference this one year has made in my life, I keep coming back to the same nagging notion: 2013 was a year of “unfinished business.”
That isn’t to say that I am unhappy with the wins with Al this year, it’s just that the success was so short-lived, being that I only had three advanced runs with him before his season was over. I feel like I have so much to prove and that I am finally beginning to ride the horse the way he always should have been ridden and I only hope to be able to pick up in Florida where we left off following our most honorable performance to date at the American Eventing Championships. Winning the Gold Cup aboard Al was not only a dream-come-true for me but for my closest supporters, ahem my mother and my grandparents, it was a time where we ALL shared the spotlight. Coming back from my accident in 2008 was obviously difficult to face on a personal level, but I have a sneaking suspicion that it took even more guts for my family and friends to watch me fall and WANT to try again.
My unbridled passion for horses has been apparent ever since I was a small child chasing after my mom alongside the abandoned rail road tracks in Shingle Springs, California. Despite tossing me into every other sport in addition to persuading me to join the theater and acting class, nothing could trump that need to gallop across the countryside on horseback. I had to learn at a young age (as every horse lover learns sooner than later) that falling is a frequent occurrence when dealing with horses and in order to be the best, I had to push through those fears and mental struggles and just RIDE. And that’s what I love so much about the sport of eventing. The very thing that nearly took my life is what actually GIVES me breath by providing me the internal strength and motivation to succeed. “Eventing” doesn’t care about what level you participate, what breed your horse is and how much your saddle costs...rather, it’s sole focuses are grit and determination: the two ingredients that separate us event riders from the rest of the sane and financially stable world.
The sudden loss of my Lyle (aka: The Big Island) is another reason why 2013 left me with sense of incompleteness. Lyle was an off-the-track Thoroughbred that towered over his counterparts standing eighteen hands tall. After bypassing him three times, my mother was guilted into buying him when he would not stop following her around his pasture. After having him only a month, mom flew me out to California where I competed him at novice level at his first event at Woodside. Immediately it was love at first ride. Fast forward two years and Lyle was dominating the intermediate level as a six year old long-legged steed with a heart as big as his stature (and in a loose ring snaffle I might add). Losing him didn’t only create a void in my eventing horse arsenal, it dislodged a large piece of my heart as a part of it died with him on that damp and misty Ocala morning in February.
My mother has always reminded me that “when one door closes another one opens” and that I should always be ready with a backup plan. Losing Lyle was a door I was not ready to have slammed in my face, however welcoming my four year old Jockey Club registered homebred, Calling All Comets to my east coast farm was one door I could not wait to open! I am so lucky to have a youngster as talented and eager to learn as he and the fact that he is bred by my mother AND that he’s full Thoroughbred is only icing on the cake! Although mom and I have believed in him from day one (literally), it’s always nice to hear that reaffirmation from someone as all-knowing as William Fox-Pitt. I am now eagerly awaiting the moment I get to canter down the centerline with him at Rolex, most likely competing against Mr. Fox-Pitt...now if only I could fast forward another four to five years!
2013 might have not been my banner year to date, but it’s left me with a taste of victory and a yearning for more. I am hopeful that both Al and I can finish what we started this year at Rolex in 2014 and after that...well that’s for the eventing gods to decide. Until then, sit back, gobble up and enjoy the downtime with your family and friends. Enjoy the holidays, the desserts (sans the extra lbs) and the awesome movies that celebrate the festive season. I hope you have the “hap hap happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny (bleep) Kaye”. Thank you Clark Griswold. Thank you. See you in the gallop lanes in 2014!Laineyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940356657004521258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5017190618358153517.post-72571730953681395242012-12-10T18:46:00.000-05:002012-12-10T18:46:14.052-05:00USEA Convention High Performance Meeting NotesDec. 6 2012 High Performance Meeting (Am Session)
The ROAD TO EXCELLENCE
What does it take to get to the top?
-our sport is different, not a lot of education through the levels. Very systematic. How do they talk about their coaches, plans, progressing an athlete? We need to pay more attention to this. We aren't any more special....the horses is just something that we do.
-do you study like a professional? How much time do you spend in a classroom? Football, basketball, hockey spend a TON of time in the classroom!
-we all need to have a unilateral sense of vocab (ie: impulsion---> if you ask four riders they have differing opinions as to what “impulsion” is)
*HOW GOOD DO YOU WANT TO BE?
-do you want to be an olympian? what does that mean to you?
-do you want to be number one in the world? What does that mean to you?
-Motivation is KEY. These things have to be out in front of you to keep that motivation!
-team player? Good? Teacher? instructor? WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE?!
-being an olympian isn't enough. If you’re number one in the world then you’re going to be an olympian (these are not the same)
-10,000 ppl at the olympic games. only 250 gold medals! The process of being an olympian is key which makes the motivation part HUGE ---> constant struggle
-Out of the struggle comes the theoretical process
WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO GET TO THE TOP?
ambition-the unwillingness NOT to be good. Ambition is the DRIVER
Intelligence/emotional control-you have to beat the game. Your horse has no idea so you have to be able to get them there and when the game changes, you need to be able to change
technique-how it is received in an instinctual moment
selection appropriate horses-they’re the athlete on the day. In training it’s 80% rider/20% horse....the opposite on competition day
Horse Management/Time Management-have to be able to allot your time appropriately. Is Michael Jordan answering a phone call mid practice? Need to take a section of your day to be realistic and train for YOURSELF! This is respect!
talent- the least important part.
***The Talent Code-Good book to READ!!!! (10,000 hours it takes to become successful)
DO YOU “GET IT”?
do you understand the sacrifice it takes to be the best? This game is about winning, being the best
are you willing to invest everything you have in that process? In a quiet time in your season go back and re-assess....evaluation time
TWO WORDS FOR IMPROVEMENT:
1.Awareness-awareness of the time and your weaknesses, the awareness of what’s happening to you at the moment. Do you notice what’s happening underneath you at the time?? Are you reacting to the thing that actually happened underneath you.
a.Perceiving things as they actually are
b.Self awareness is recognizing those internal factors that distort the ones own perception of reality
2.Responsibility- the correct action is taken in a moment. Has to be repeatable.The correct action to set up everything
LEVELS OF LEARNING: (5 levels)
Technique-legs, seat, hands, voice, opening reins, what are their actions? Very important
a.use a video- watch yourself not your horse and others you want to emulate (chose someone that’s your body style)I should watch Sinead or KOC
use of Dartfish Technology-sports analysis program (visual cue for technique)
use of mirrors-make sure it’s specific
use of coaches-another set of eyes on the ground. tell them what you need to work on
use someone else’s video for imitation-watch other competitions
use of visualization-the sports psychology part
Theory-theory of exercises and the effects on horses
the step by step process that leads to competitive excellence
your position to communicate-your seat is by far the most important thing!
appropriate exercises for the level of the horse
use of aids-what are they, when do you use them? the indiv. control (core strength and core flexibility)
timing of aids-has to be an intellectual thought process
search the internet for all theoretical thought processes
g. BOOKS: The Principles of Riding and Advanced Techniques of Dressage (have to get these books asap!!!!) Both from the German school of riding
Instinct-the ability to react without thinking about it. Riding ends up being about instinct (this is the section that we have to fill)
the ability to react properly without thinking about it
technique must be perfect-what does Tiger Woods practice the most? The simplest technique so that it’s pure
in competition you must let go of thinking about technique
sport psychology-creates a trigger that gives you a mind set (What is my trigger that puts me into the mind frame that puts me back into the awareness?) Going into an environment that we don't get to practice so we need a trigger to lock out part of the world
AFTER THESE THREE THINGS THIS IS WHERE THE AMATEURS DROP OFF
Intuition/Philosophy
a.what are your most basic beliefs that are unchangeable for you that drives how you train and compete your horses? (is it all about horses instinct? Communication? The more I have communication the less I say) This is where you become a student of the sport. This is your core being of being a horse person.
Imagination
not teachable- Can you see the “field” differently? Can you make inside turns and lines dependent upon the horse you’re on?
the ability to process multiple inputs without thinking of them and setting up a plan instinctively (two sides to the equation. did you miss the moment? if not, did you get an answer?)
confidence in technique and what you can do (nobody in this country that has THIS in all three phases)
a mind set (not teachable)-you dont know what Michael Jordan or Tiger Woods was going to do when they were in their A game
a study of preparing your body and mind...
***Where am I on this scale??? Then there’s a plan forward....have to accept where I am now (be honest)
Use of Coaches:
-to achieve your goals
-to prefect technique
-put into your words the theoretical process
-step by step process of goal achievement
-creating necessary tools
-timing for tools for situations
-assessment of horses (a horse that’s suitable for you)
GOAL SETTING:
-set both long and short term goals
-look at small achievements on a daily basis, not at the total picture everyday. The pieces of the puzzle (steps in the corners, small goals) If you don’t decide that before, how are you going to judge whether you got there?!
-over a day, week, month, year, multiple years.
Dec. 6 2012 High Performance Meeting (Pm Session)
The ROAD TO EXCELLENCE
THEORY: How do we communicate to our horses?
-position-make sure the ppl that you choose to help you understand that we are doing three phases. Make sure that when the specialist ppl are understanding more than life in a box (pure dressage is aggressively more forward. With jumpers, they can be more aggressive bc of the indoor aspects they were going through)
-parts of the body (use of the weights and use of the hands)
1. below the knee-puts energy into the system
2. above the knee to ribcage-the whole thing is the seat (you can move this part without it effecting the rest of the parts) core strength and flexibility are vital
3. ribcage to top of head-turning and use of weight with your hands at the end (for turning, shoulder in, half pass etc)
-the reward to the horse is the release of the pressure. the aspect of communicating with them is some form of putting on and taking off pressure which is why the use of the hands is an important part of the pitfalls you can find with training in yours. Are you overusing your hands or is your horse ignoring you?
-dressage is supposed to be more and more subtle over time
-if there’s movement all the time you end up making horse’s mouth’s hard.
-the horses have to understand that GIVE (the soften when the horse chooses to do the thing you ask, when you soften they are willing to go back there again and again)Most important tool
-Use of Legs---> dressage vs jumping
-the ratio of your aids will change from dressage to show
-the lower leg becomes more important higher the jumping and the less the seat is important and vice versa
-Pressure and release of pressure: when I use this single aid, this is the single response I want. The idea of making it simple has to be very important to the trainer. Horses aren’t reasoning this out, this is up to the rider to solve. Timing is key in the release of the pressure.
5 PARTS OF THE TRAINING SCALE (this is what we get judged by in dressage)
*rhythm-more about purity and rhythm of the gaits. The purity of gaits when you go to change something, does the horse lose its rhythm. Walk and canter is more prominent (stay away from a horse with a natural four-beat canter)
*looseness/suppleness-how the horse is using his whole body. Lateral suppleness behind in the ability for them to cross and engage themselves is imperative
Walk and trot are symmetrical...canter is not. Horses naturally bend to the outside so that they can give their inside hind leg more room to move so it doesn't have to bend so they can remain balanced. They use their head and neck as a counterbalance
*contact/acceptance of aids-acceptance of the bit, if there’s a change, do they change? Contact is a big issue in this country. Quality of a still and a relaxed contacts is lacking
*impulsion-willingness to go forward over their back with a looseness in their body. Is the horse taking you? “Out in front of the leg” There are different factors as you go forward.
*Straightness-it’s about pushing off evenly in their step. The physicality of a horse, we are all stiff on one side or the other
we have to be able to touch our toes so we don’t have tight hamstrings
*collection- if you have all the previous things, then the collection comes. It’s given to you then but cannot be truly collected if lacking on any of the other steps.
FRAMES
-stretching:dressage gymnastics (the lowering of the neck NOT the closing of the angle)
-helps to strengthen their back muscles (a long muscle that his skeleton hangs off of)
ex. Rembrandt changed dressage, he was the first horse that exemplified lightness and softness not just power stuff.
-harder for event horses in the canter. They need strength over their back, not FITNESS.
-strength training we talk about reps, make sure the dressage training is similar
-if not correct then we cause problems (lameness and mental)
-if you give the reins forward and the horse doesn't follow you don't have them
-show frame can be false
-by switching back from the show and long and low frame it makes the horse better and gives the ability to relax them and works on their strengthening and hones the communication that you have between your horse
-Definition of thoroughness:
THE HALF HALT
1. Have to create the half halt:
-different types based on the horse you’re riding
-on the younger horse it’s to change the length of stride
-in the end you have the rebalance
-and to help increase cadence
-body has to go first before the hands
-by changing the tempo of your posting, the horse will soon change his tempo to your posting (haven’t used the hands) the lifting of the cadence
-you have to create the tool
2.where do you use the half halt:
LATERAL WORK
leg yield-front leg and the hind leg cross, bend going away from the direction you travel. Suppleness exercise (it is the touching the toes exercise) not a weight carrying exercise, it increases engagement (4 tracks)
shoulder in-hind legs don’t cross, the hips stay square to the line and bend still similar to the leg yield. This is a weight bearing exercise! (3 tracks)
haunches in- can be on both 3 and 4 tracks (it can have more angle to show the difference in angle)
Shoulder fore-inside front leg and inside hind leg on the same line, a slight flection. Takes the outside front leg in the middle of the tracks between the hind leg and less bend through the body
Pirouette in walk-the inside hind leg steps up and down but stays in the same place. Practice 90 degrees walk out no longer so they don’t plant or get stuck (the turn on haunches allows inside hind leg to walk on a small one meter circle)
Working pirouette-the haunches are on a 5/6 meter circle, bringing forehand back over the top of the inside hind leg. Bringing the front around in a haunches-in exercise really helps to teach them collection 90 degree turns are very important
Dressage horses have more sustained elevation whereas the event horse have same collection just not as long of elevation. (big difference)
Half Pass-haunches in on a diagonal bent towards direction they want to go
-turn on the forehand is a good exercise about yielding from the leg. On a bigger circle, not in place
EXERCISES
-simple change through the trot (as horses go up the level this becomes a very very difficult exercise, huge exercise for looseness and letting go, needs to be more practiced)
-simple change through the walk (3-5 steps) make sure the walk is established
-flying changes (the position of the hindquarter is extremely important. inside hip to inside hip)
-quality of aids that ends up becoming important through the levels (if youre losing the hind quarters in simple changes youll never be able to do it in the flying changes--> practice with tennis balls)
-Halt (horses need to be more patient to stand there and not too rushed. Make sure they are comfortable....if they get nervous walk forward give them a place do it again and so on and so on)
-Rein Back-halt, relax then rein back. They need to be separate in your mind. DOC doesn't want to see the rider’s leg go back. Use the reins alternating to control the front end
-Always practice above the level in which you’re showing (4 star horses should be doing tempi changes, pirouettes)
LENGTH OF STRIDES
-gradual changes to immediate changes
-pendulum of elasticity
-working
-shortening/lengthening
-collection/medium
-passage/extension
***make sure you work on both sides of the pendulum
TEST RIDING
-use of corners (thanks KIM!)
5 steps in the corner (the coiled feeling you have in the corner that the horses are READY)
horses normally want to release the pressure by stepping on the outside in the corner (gets lost in the third step in the corner) which makes you come out of the corner RECOVERING
the deeper in the corner the more advanced the horse is in his training
watching the horses go down the centerline and turn to the corner they step out
the three lines
-use of the shoulder in
-use of the haunches in
-the use of shoulder fore
-what do horses do naturally? Straightness issue. Must realize what they do naturally and the type of straightness you need and understanding where the hind legs actually ARE!!!
DEFINITIONS
-straightness
-impulsion
-engagement
-cadence-lift in movement (has the ability strength wise to carry the weight)
-western world wants an immediate reaction to the aid and we want to change the gaits
JUMPING POSITIONS
-three positions
two point
half seat
full seat
USE OF AIDS FOR JUMPING
-more lower leg (thigh is no part of this except for creating structure of your position
-use of weight through your own back (being able to use strength of your position instead of just your hands. Use back instead of hands) Event riders are more handsy than show jumpers bc they have far more strength in back and are more consistent (when you land from a jump are you rebalancing hands or landing with them on horse’s whither?)
-important to keep hands as still as possible so the horse can pay attention to the rail
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO JUMP A FENCE?
-direction
-speed
-rhythm quality of canter (impulsion)
-balance
-timing (recognize the distance not LOOK)
-the same thoroughness as dressage in their back so they can use themselves
LINES IN SHOW JUMPING
-straight related
-bending
-accuracy not only for a single fence but also how you jump into a line or combination
(we have roll backs, straight lines, 6 stride, combination then another 6 stride....need to commit ourself into that line so we create a canter that produces a good shape) THIS IS IN EVERY COURSE! Just long enough distance to panic!
Dec. 7 2012 High Performance Meeting
The ROAD TO EXCELLENCE
JUDGING EXCELLENCE:(expectations of selection and the process of selections)
-the fight to beat the game is what determines who represents the USA in the Games, the Worlds and the Pan Ams. The FIGHT is important
***HOW DO YOU CHOOSE THOSE 5/6 PEOPLE?
The Selection Committee
Separation and independence- these ppl are judges
The selectors will not be the primary source of information-DOC will be the primary source! The selectors have to be independent so they can judge us fairly
4-5 selectors, plus 4-5 scouts (they’ve had a direct appt onto that committee)
Veterinarians
Create a vet team-more of a team that can go with us on indiv trips
No evaluations after CCIs in 2013- the evaluations will not be during training sessions so that it’s more preventive
Evaluations during training sessions
Evaluations before public money spent on you
Vet team and DOC will be in barns ALOT at competitions
Transparency has to work both ways (ex. movie GI Jane--> “Are you hurt or are you injured?” GET USED TO THIS PHRASE) If there is a horse that’s hurt, we can do something about it whereas if he’s injured we need to come up with a plan to get him better . We have to make sure that our score will BENEFIT the USA. Trust is key! Trust takes a long time to build but about 30 seconds to kill
Farriers
Steve to head the farrier team although he won’t have to be the one that has to tack the shoe on
Several farriers for trips (similar to vets) No one is going to give up their practice all the time to do as many trips as we are talking about so have to split it up and increase the team player
SELECTION TIMELINE:
-Application deadline for trips up to July 1 will be March 15 (these are soft numbers) Decisions will be made IMMEDIATELY AFTER deadline!!! Want it to be early enough so that you can plan and you have the chance to raise money (the grants will be $20,000 so will pay for horse flights and our own and that’s it.)
-Application deadline for events July 1-Nov 1 will be July 1
-2013: as above
-2014: For WEG decisions by July 1 (make the team earlier to build camaraderie and increase team morale)
-2015: for Pan Am Games decisions by June 15
-2016: for Olympic Games decisions by June 15 (we aren't going to wait until the entry deadline to name the team anymore)
SELECTION PROCESS:
-Naming the team earlier
-Subjective decision by selectors to remove someone from the squad for reasons other than soundness (human nature warning: happens to a lot with first timers)
loss of form (are you prepared?)
Not preparing horse to necessity (most likely at that time you’re not going to agree with it)
Code of conduct (Olympic fever is a TRUE disease)
If the system is challenged, then it will revert back to the older system of last minute selections (there’s some duplicity here) An intellectual and emotional change
FIRST TIME THIS HAS BEEN DONE
EXPECTATION: (THIS IS THE FIRST GOAL)
a. Better than 70% for dressage (this is a 7) WE WANT TO START HERE!
This is your body of work (national horse trials: around a 30 international horse trials: around a 45)
So when you come out of a test on your training horse, was this test around a 70%? If this horse is with you over 4 months, then you should be getting AT LEAST a 70% in your body of work at EVERY LEVEL! Would this have benefitted the USA? Put the pressure on yourself because we are an island. We are competing against ourselves and we can get comfortable. DOC isn’t just interested that we win, but he wants us to be winning well!!!!
XC-the ability to quick and clean in any situation (within ten seconds) You’ll have to tell DOC how fast you’re going to go before you leave start box so we can judge ourselves in proximity to our expectations. When you’ve made the decision, you have the ability to go quick and clean
SJ-the ability to jump clean in many situations, horse’s comfort level, surfaces and weather (never more than one rail)DO YOU HAVE A BIG DAY TEMPERAMENT?
SELECTION SYSTEM: (what are the subjective elements? Need a quantitative number to a subjective decision)
-mix of objective and subjective criteria
-can we have a sub number for sub criteria?
-can we create a guide to make this decision?
OBJECTIVE CRITERIA:
-dressage score as a percentage (ie. 7.5)
-XC score 1-10
-10 points for a clear round
-2 points off for each stop
-0 points for DNF
-1 point off for every ten seconds below fastest time of day
-as a whole the XC could get to 15
-SJ score 1-10
-2 points off for 1 rail
-3 points off for 2nd rail
-4 points off for 3rd rail
SOUNDNESS:
-1-10 ten being totally sound
-Decided by veterinary panel including treating vet
SUBJECTIVE CRITERIA: (Done as a combination of one horse and rider and only INTERNATIONAL HT not NATIONAL)
-Character: does this rider have a positive or negative effect in a team environment? (1-5) how do you handle stress? travel? How do you handle not being the primary individual anymore?
-WIll and Ability to win. BIG DAY TEMPERAMENT (1-5)
-Experience in CCIs and teams (1-5)
-Type of combination for planned event (1-5)
-Rider instinct/technique (1-3)
-Rider fitness.....our own soundness (1-3)
-going to try to have fitness evals 5-6 times per year (injury prevention)
-four star xc results will have objective criteria and soundness multiplied by 1.5
-for 4 star: 70% obj. 30% sub.
-for 3 star: 60% obj., 40% sub
-CIC system
-CCI*** system
-CCI**** system
-Used as a guide for selection decisions.
-Information could be given to rider and to owners (want to be able to hand it back to you)
-Not the actual final selection process however
Laineyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940356657004521258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5017190618358153517.post-78942955547494441612012-07-10T20:04:00.003-04:002012-07-10T20:05:03.563-04:00Post by Sally SpickardThe Competitive Advantage
I am a self-professed sore loser. Ask anyone who knows me what happens when I lose a sand volleyball (recreational, at that) game or an argument over my favorite baseball player. To me, the game of life is a competitive one. I have always believed that a sense of competition is directly related to your success at any endeavor you may attempt. This belief has never be more applicable than with my chosen sport of eventing. Now, do not mistake my competitive nature for a lack of compassion and sportsmanship. I may be a sore loser, but I will never blame my horse or anyone other than myself for finishing in a less than satisfactory standing. Eventing is the most adrenaline charged sport that I have ever experienced, and I have only competed through Novice! I have often wondered what the competitive drive is like at the top echelon of the sport so, in order to gain some perspective, I caught up with four star rider Laine Ashker, who was kind enough to give me a few moments of her time while I picked her brain and attempted to channel her competitive drive from 800 miles away.
I have always looked up to athletes who are openly competitive. In my aspirations to reach the top level of the sport, I have followed many riders’ careers closely, and Laine is no exception. However, the blatant dedication and passion that she has for the sport and her horses is crystal clear, and reading just a few of her competition blog entries will give anyone insight into just how competitive this girl is! One of my first questions to her was in relation to her competitive nature:
Sally: Have you always had the competitive drive that you have now?
Laine: Yes, I am a very bad sore loser! I’ve gotten better, but I always blame myself – it’s not about making excuses, it’s more of a self-defeating thing. Everything I do is a competition. I’m not a person who goes to even the bowling alley just to have fun! Being competitive is one thing that kept me alive after my accident. I didn’t go home with my tail between my legs… well, initially I did, but my competitive nature took over and said “learn from it!” A year later, I was back competing at Jersey Fresh at the three-star level with Al [Anthony Patch].
As a testament to Laine’s competitive nature, she told me a story about some advice that Buck Davidson gave her prior to a competition. Knowing that her mind could sometimes get in her way, he told her to “just shoot for last place” at Jersey Fresh that year. His logic was that she was so competitive that by telling her to go for last place it might take off some of the pressure that she inevitably put on herself. And his advice worked! That year, Laine placed 6th in the CCI***.
I also asked Laine who her idols were growing up, and she was quick to name Karen O’Connor:
Sally: Who was your equestrian idol growing up?
Laine: My mom went to the 1996 Olympics and brought back a poster that was signed by Karen O’Connor. I hung it on my ceiling so that I fell asleep looking at it and woke up looking at it, and I knew that’s what I wanted to do. Karen’s kind of been it for me, and even more so today because she is still out there kicking our butts! I’ve always been a fan of hers just for the sheer competitive nature that she has. Boyd [Martin] is another person that I look up to because he’s such a good sport. And Buck [Davidson] is another one – Buck can ride a broomstick! [EDIT: Buck, if you read this, I would be very interested to see you do this!]
After a few laughs and a lot of fantastic answers to my questions, I asked Laine to gossip a bit about Al, her current four-star mount. She immediately laughed and informed me that when she travels to big competitions, her other horses don’t go. Al is somewhat of a clingy type, and attaches himself very quickly to other horses, so the theory is that when he is a bit down and friend-less at shows, he focuses on Laine more, thus creating a better result in competition. She also told me that for being the spookiest horse when she is on him, she still finds that he enjoys having his head brushed by a broom and his back scratched with a pitchfork, which, in my experience, are two of the most frightening inventions for horses – go figure!
Lastly, I asked Laine for advice for aspiring upper level riders, and as much as I want to just keep it to myself (see, that’s my competitive nature coming out!), I will share it with you!
Sally: Any advice for the aspiring upper level riders out there?
Laine: Don’t let anyone tell you [that] you can’t do it. Also, go to college. I’m so happy to have had that sort of cultural advancement to be able to look beyond the spectrum of horses and see the outside world for what it is. Otherwise you have nothing to base yourself on besides horses. It’s so easy to get caught up in this lifestyle, which can be a selfish one. It can be done, you don’t need a big paycheck to do it. As long as you have a good coach to help you out, it can be done. Follow your dreams, as cliché as it sounds!
My conversation with Laine further solidified my theory that being part adrenaline junkie and part sore loser can make a pretty solid event rider! It is the humbling moments in this sport that make us realize how much progress we still have to make and what makes us keep reaching for our highest goals. The hunger and passion for the sport is what I admire the most about event riders. For Laine, her goals will constantly be growing as she continues to work for every milestone. At the same time, she is very humble and down to earth about what she has chosen as her path in life: “Have I achieved all of my dreams? No. But I am living my dream.”Laineyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940356657004521258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5017190618358153517.post-14187993663728795872012-07-10T19:56:00.000-04:002012-07-10T19:59:03.854-04:00Just Falling Short<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It’s been ages since I have last checked in so allow me to be brief when recounting the events from Rolex up until now. Please pardon my lack of emotion and brevity in dealing with the matters as I have had ample time to stew and delineate the experience as a whole and am quite frankly, over it.
Rolex was an utter disappointment, there’s no better way to word it. Al was ready, I was ready...our fate, however was not.
Jersey Fresh proved to be a half-hearted redemption for Alex and I. Although dressage and cross country were superb, I had a “crack artist” moment in the show jumping phase allowing my nerves to get to me and falling short of the clear round that Al and I constantly deliver. It just goes to show you how difficult our sport is to master, if “mastering” in that sense is even achievable. On a brighter note, I was beyond thrilled to receive the coveted Jockey Club TIP award for the highest placed OTTB and will proudly bestow my cooler to anyone who is interested. What a great program that highlights and promotes the breed and the industry on which our country is built.
Obviously my dream of olympic stardom was squelched the second my air vest deployed at Rolex. However I am very happy for those who did make the team and I can understand the sheer dedication it took for them to achieve the olympic dream...and the painful disappointment of those who just fell short.
Alex was given a light vacation and I was able to spend time teaching, clinic-ing and working on my other up and coming mounts who had been neglected the month prior due to my olympic preparations with Rolex and Jersey Fresh. I am excited to have a real formidable string of talented young OTTBs in my arsenal from The Big Island to Road Star in addition to my eager three-year old homebred by Comet Shine, Calling All Comets amongst other OTTBs my mother has up her sleeve.
Although the whole idea of fundraising for Burghley seems a little far-fetched at the moment, I have decided to continue to push forward with plans to head to the infamous venue. Why not? I can say with utmost confidence that I am sitting on a horse that could quite possibly upset the grand scheme of things in the land of British Eventing so why not go for the gusto? I guess I had better start crunching some numbers!
In the meantime I have been busily trying to catch up on sleep due to my increasingly hectic work and horse show schedule. Adding Cross-fit classes to the mix just seems to make it all the easier as I very eagerly melt into bed come nightfall.
I am very pleased to announce two new sponsorships that I have acquired to my team: Nutrena and La Mundial boots. Although one focuses on the horse’s well-being and the other is more attuned to my equestrian fashion sense, both are extremely vital components to my horses’ and my success in the event world and I am beyond ecstatic to join their teams.
As mid July is upon us I have increasingly become aware of the Olympic Games that loom ahead and I cannot begin to express my kudos and excitement for those representing our country both on and off the horse! Aside from the eventing, you can bet I will be tuned into NBC to watch Michael Phelps set yet another world record and add even more gold medals to his “super human” repertoire. Until next time folks, sit back, relax and hoist up the American flag...it’s times like these sharing it with the people we love the most that make me proud to be an American! Go Yankees!Laineyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940356657004521258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5017190618358153517.post-49308868637460937592012-04-17T22:02:00.002-04:002012-04-17T22:07:01.490-04:00Bubble wrap and Subway: The Countdown to Rolex begins!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsdjDKrHzewbRXhnZuJ-Rov89LKjLBqA7SMNqkIj6tvz7cMQiWkGhwMj8cNVe2fsGkmj-eIb7wECoI0IVOOhfe40WWJypKFUVJzmgcbzFsaa6M0qDhyphenhyphenWk3fO2WXNXZSZemHpQMZCCLEvw/s1600/photo+1.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/AVvXsEgsdjDKrHzewbRXhnZuJ-Rov89LKjLBqA7SMNqkIj6tvz7cMQiWkGhwMj8cNVe2fsGkmj-eIb7wECoI0IVOOhfe40WWJypKFUVJzmgcbzFsaa6M0qDhyphenhyphenWk3fO2WXNXZSZemHpQMZCCLEvw/s320/photo+1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732556481800040930" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj5g5tL1Ch0VrTr66h57cgatFKBKGVgG4A6J03aaYlbNmunNCI1yTR6WE1EP-soL6TqA2l5jHStS2p1kwZEXM6dpbcbdwNxwciHqdxBYlEHMnRZGqv8Btm2hMxUO9eN1lpiLcUnwyeGVU/s1600/photo+2.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/AVvXsEhj5g5tL1Ch0VrTr66h57cgatFKBKGVgG4A6J03aaYlbNmunNCI1yTR6WE1EP-soL6TqA2l5jHStS2p1kwZEXM6dpbcbdwNxwciHqdxBYlEHMnRZGqv8Btm2hMxUO9eN1lpiLcUnwyeGVU/s320/photo+2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732556476670318434" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgysuRdJn9FVLcJOevjZtoqthvwnRJ1VOuwxv7-IiAkAbZVlPVyo_4IWaNhSoEIvok4Ptp3x6oniK8p6KqZTIdsuxn6qEOQMtsEl4PWX1OeE5PeUIP62mAKFnjq2Wm4HqyPwSwYG1qefoQ/s1600/Amy-and-Poggio.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/AVvXsEgysuRdJn9FVLcJOevjZtoqthvwnRJ1VOuwxv7-IiAkAbZVlPVyo_4IWaNhSoEIvok4Ptp3x6oniK8p6KqZTIdsuxn6qEOQMtsEl4PWX1OeE5PeUIP62mAKFnjq2Wm4HqyPwSwYG1qefoQ/s320/Amy-and-Poggio.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732556474089943442" /></a><br />They say time flies when you’re having fun.....or when you’re preparing for a spring four star. Truth be told, the three and a half months leading up to next week’s championship have gone by so quickly, I haven’t yet been able to sit down, relax and take it all in....until now. <br /><br />Oh yes, the dreaded “week before Kentucky” has now happened upon us. During this week, horses preparing for the big event love to throw a shoe, get cast in a stall, maybe pull back in the cross ties and take a tour of the farm, and come up with many other ways to give their riders, owners, grooms and supporters mild heart attacks. <br /><br />Additionally during this week, the riders of these fragile beasts hone in on their technique, their physique and their mental prowess. Some of the riders will do this by taking a few intense lessons for tune up so that they peak at the right time. Some might run vigorously on the treadmill hoping to lose a quick five pounds. Others might take to a Subway diet to watch their calories (or maybe he or she has simply run out of money at this point). Or some, very few, disciplined (or perhaps desperate) individuals may engage in all the above. <br /><br />The underlying point I am trying to stress here is that the week before Rolex is the LONGEST week of them all. It makes riders question their preparedness, their fitness, the horse’s fitness, their mental fortitude, and leaves them baffled as to where all the time has gone? “Man I just KNEW I shouldn't have wasted time on practicing shoulder-ins in February when I could have been working on walk pirouettes” (Yup, we hear that all the time). But what has been done has been done and we must all as riders rest assured that the hard work leading up to Kentucky has a way of presenting itself come the final show jumping round next Sunday. <br /><br />Honestly I have been quite happy with Al’s and my schedule leading up to Rolex. I have done more with him than usual by way of horse shows (did one prelim, one intermediate, and two advanced) in order to regain any fitness that was lost due to the long vacation he had last year. His dressage is improving steadily, thanks to constant badgering from Kim. At Southern Pines I was happy with his performance although it lacked luster due to way too long a warm-up but still earned a solid score of 29. At the Fork doing a test similar to the one we will be performing next weekend, I was able to create a little more spark in his collection and ride for the bigger scores, although we had a few large mistakes but still earned a mark of 28. At this point we are just putting on the polish so that we are shiny and sparkly (Al loves sparkles just as much as his mother) come Thursday of next week! Speaking of sparkles, Al and I are very excited to be taking part in a clinic with the ever-bedazzled Bettina Hoy which I am hoping will be the final touch needed to break into the forties at Rolex, a realistic goal I think.<br /><br />In the jumping phases Al has been his normal freakish self, soaring to sky-high measures just for the heck of it leaving his rider awe-struck every time we finish a course. However, being that I have been working alone in Aiken in the jumping I [rather brilliantly] decided to make a “pilgrimage” (and yes I use this term very earnestly) to Ocala after the Fork to visit my long-time coach, friend, mentor and the-brother-I-never-had, Buck Davidson. It’s been over nine years since I had my first lesson with Buck. Since then he has seen me go from a young girl eagerly hoping to make it to the top of the sport aboard her Trans-Amaflirt look-a-like Eight Saint James Place, to a young professional maturing and settling into the four star level. There is no one (aside from my mother of course) who I would rather have coach me in the nerve-racking two weeks preceding Kentucky. It literally took Buck five minutes in the show jumping warm up at the Fork to fix my leaning through my turns which then earned Al and I a clear round. This is why I will always emphasize the power of having a long-standing and honest relationship with your coach. It’s great to clinic with other instructors but all of the information is deemed useless if you don’t have one specific person with whom you can channel it.<br /><br />Speaking of mentors, I’d like to express my deepest sympathies to the family, friends, supporters and pets of the late and great Amy Tryon. I had the pleasure of knowing Amy and riding alongside her at many a competition. Not only was she an amazing horsewoman, but Amy was also an avid firefighter who demonstrated to aspiring athletes such a myself that horses and a day job can work together cohesively. I respect her so much for staying true to herself, her job and her family and I am utterly devastated for them, for horse community, and for humanity as a whole to have lost such a beautiful person, on the inside and out. Her presence at Rolex will be whole-heartedly missed, and to honor Amy I plan on affixing a hunter green ribbon (her xc colors) to my riding coats and cross country saddle pad. I encourage and invite you all to do so as well whether you’re spectating at home or in the stands.<br /><br />And so the countdown begins my friends. Each day that passes brings us one step closer to realizing our dreams, and that goes for everyone reading this blog. Could this year be the one, or just another stepping stone toward achieving greatness? We only have seven days to wait and find out....stay tuned. Until then folks sit back, relax and enjoy the ride. See you in Kentucky!Laineyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940356657004521258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5017190618358153517.post-29308440822524854082012-02-28T22:49:00.003-05:002012-02-28T22:54:40.450-05:00Long Live the Underdog!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd2UM3vz71sYzTFAlPlvosuUUKoCrMowj46lcNT673LMgj4U2LKRyCuIkRMi5MvunQn9JzxpX9YCvjJe0zMtnpvHoH08pne3P9nqClpt48xSewwTMVKFjYgbr4BHKxzzSNzBWHrBGUWZs/s1600/photo+5.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd2UM3vz71sYzTFAlPlvosuUUKoCrMowj46lcNT673LMgj4U2LKRyCuIkRMi5MvunQn9JzxpX9YCvjJe0zMtnpvHoH08pne3P9nqClpt48xSewwTMVKFjYgbr4BHKxzzSNzBWHrBGUWZs/s320/photo+5.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714400791363350530" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJ1Vbv70jpgML2ksA5lg_0BmVFLcxv7juZxQwhuXeaR9-nU7J-jldtBD8IIWF_QpTrIPsvGcQ4bZD3Wn-zvHk9HbisNq3wOdb3HljggZfA_dUUwD6Stwr2U9KwGj5lkmLTbUc5Rm3JSs/s1600/photo+4.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJ1Vbv70jpgML2ksA5lg_0BmVFLcxv7juZxQwhuXeaR9-nU7J-jldtBD8IIWF_QpTrIPsvGcQ4bZD3Wn-zvHk9HbisNq3wOdb3HljggZfA_dUUwD6Stwr2U9KwGj5lkmLTbUc5Rm3JSs/s320/photo+4.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714400778064906418" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDH21FzEqpMC7GxhtL1q7fDKLWRiYzxKH0k1SFKnjk-Aqnv364eAJa7_L71-G7v_hwawZWIgcXiQ3kUx7P1gAoFN5-TonN9v2Eh35CUrVxWbNyPQ2xo9O_BDZ4W2rDQmbjcz6JefB6l2A/s1600/photo+3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 315px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDH21FzEqpMC7GxhtL1q7fDKLWRiYzxKH0k1SFKnjk-Aqnv364eAJa7_L71-G7v_hwawZWIgcXiQ3kUx7P1gAoFN5-TonN9v2Eh35CUrVxWbNyPQ2xo9O_BDZ4W2rDQmbjcz6JefB6l2A/s320/photo+3.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714400769231339906" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvbqnme1oDTZ_qk_d6JvFLsLLUTzcVlqvlECDEn-zFk-r__9Be-kYTTEC_QWalO9tty9DanGFIYJZ7xtRtrKl1_TNj9-zEyYu2j4tTM1Ya86l4uS4-6MMG9CL6pWF-CEKQ_YVeZaTJWE4/s1600/photo+2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 196px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvbqnme1oDTZ_qk_d6JvFLsLLUTzcVlqvlECDEn-zFk-r__9Be-kYTTEC_QWalO9tty9DanGFIYJZ7xtRtrKl1_TNj9-zEyYu2j4tTM1Ya86l4uS4-6MMG9CL6pWF-CEKQ_YVeZaTJWE4/s320/photo+2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714400767206578386" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrCPbu4ycxrKxppH1sFsTAyAHSe5fhenrqpHyPqikuvHI0KzIrlkddoXpwgx62AkpEP2ab60ebFYOIttIkm_Ie6NPpkCNu7cPvhBfhXQgKDj5fU0CozHeVOMJyrFQzZCjefFxkftpddWg/s1600/photo+1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrCPbu4ycxrKxppH1sFsTAyAHSe5fhenrqpHyPqikuvHI0KzIrlkddoXpwgx62AkpEP2ab60ebFYOIttIkm_Ie6NPpkCNu7cPvhBfhXQgKDj5fU0CozHeVOMJyrFQzZCjefFxkftpddWg/s320/photo+1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714400762588041666" /></a><br />The road to the top is an adventurous one, albeit bumpy at times. Since relocating my whole life temporarily down to Aiken in early January, the path to world domination has been just about as smooth as the wavy sand roads on which I do my trot sets. I have been blessed to have met people like Randy, Vicky and Helen Knight, who own the farm where my horses and myself currently reside and who are gracious sponsors that have helped to smooth out the rough edges of my sometimes perilous journey. It is with their help and support, and of course their spacious farm that I am able to spread my wings and strive towards the goals that once seemed so far fetched. <br /><br />Since I arrived in Aiken, I am happy to report that my schedule has been jam packed. I am literally in the saddle by eight o’clock in the morning and don’t finish riding until the late afternoon hours. Top that with cleaning stalls, feeding horses, turning out, bringing in, sweeping the endless barn aisle and cleaning tack, well folks, let’s just say I could probably make some serious dough creating a work out video based on barn chores alone! Who needs Tough Mudders when you’ve got Tough Muckers? You get the gist...and I digress. <br /><br />Speaking of working out, I must admit that my strict running and kickboxing and pole dancing regimen has taken a nose dive due to lack of time. My goal for March and the remainder of the time leading up to Rolex will be to a lot more time and focus on my own health and fitness. Sure, riding nine horses a day may seem like a lot but when you spend nearly forty two plus hours per week in a saddle, it just ain’t cutting it. <br /><br />Speaking of cutting, I had the pleasure of participating in the Ocala Make-A-Wish Charity ride for the third year in a row. My long-time partner and co-2011 Champion, Joe Harper once again pulled out all the stops (no pun intended) and brought me two VERY capable horses to try out and decide which one suited me best. After going through the dry work and chasing a couple cows down the fence, Joe made the executive decision that my best work would be done on Mongo, a horse who he won over $10,000 on in 2011 and is owned by Chris Brown (NOT the R&B artist/Rihanna’s notorious of and on ex). Following my lessons with Joe, it was my turn to divvy out the criticism. We made our way to Aaron Vale’s (who graciously offered his horses to use for the jumping phase of the event) and I yelled at, ahem, coached Joe through some rigorously twisty courses so he would be prepared for that evening’s festivities. <br /><br />When it was all said and done, Joe and I sadly finished second, just one point behind Aaron Vale. Although Mongo and I squashed the competition in our dry work, our cow was not as enthusiastic about running down the fence and opted to go THROUGH us a few times in the wet work. Finishing so close behind the leader just made us thirst for the win even more so you better believe that Joe and I will be back next year to reclaim the title that we should have won for the third time in a row! <br /><br />The show season down here in Aiken has been both hectic and exciting! First and foremost I have to thank my wonder groom Charisse Gamble who is not only new to Aiken, but also to the event world in itself. How her brain didn’t explode after Bronwyn and I listed off all her chores and duties on her first day of work I will never know! But she has stepped up to the plate and made my life practically a cake walk with her unyielding work ethic and uncanny ability to catch on so quickly!<br /><br />Probably my most exciting piece of recent news is that my long time partner and Olympic hopeful Alex is back in action. Being that he had such a long vacation last year, Buck and I opted to start him back at prelim and ease him back into top level work so as to avoid any major injury from coming on too strong. I used the prelim at Full Gallop as a cross country school since Al hadn't seen a solid jump literally since Kentucky and aside from the random spook as some brightly dressed jump judges, we crossed the finish lines beaming from ear to ear! <br /><br />Al’s most recent outing was at Pine Top where I entered him in the Intermediate class. Now I have to remind myself that last year after having him panic at the beginning of the cross country course at Pine Top due to the smell of cattle, I promised him that I wouldn’t subject him to that fear any further. But try as I might, Pine Top just fit in his fitness schedule so superbly so I figured, what the heck, why not just have a easy breezy school, at Pine Top...in a cow field. Silly me! Al would have been hard to beat in the dressage had it not been for the COW turned out in the pasture right next to his ring! It was all I could do to navigate him through the movements and stay INSIDE the ring but as soon as that last halt and salute was performed, I SWORE to myself that I would never put Al in a position to lose ever again. Having said that, I couldn't have been happier with his performances over the weekend. We had an unfortunate rail due to piloting error where I overshot a turn in the show jumping and Al jumped so high that his left foot actually touched the top of the standard therefore bringing down a rail! He was solid on the cross country despite a few too many tugs on my part into the first water but aside knocking off the rust, my little brown wonder pony is back and in full swing! Next stop for him will be in Southern Pines over the Advanced track! I had better pack my ear plugs for the “air” I anticipate getting on that track!<br /><br />On a sadder note, not all of us were able to come away from Pine Top with smiles and grins all around. My deepest sympathies and condolences go out to Megan Moore and her family for losing her mount Grasshopper on the advanced level cross country. Having lost one too many near and dear to my heart, I can attest to the emotional toil that Megan must be enduring and this is just one more reason to stop everything you’re doing at this very moment, and go hug your pony. Probably some of the best advice was administered to me from my mother in the late spring of 2008 when she told me to seek solace in my other horses who were very much alive and yearned for my attention around the barn. They are, and will always be what continue to drive and motivate me from here on out.<br /><br />I am very fortunate this year to have many horses under my tutelage who are all challenging and rewarding in their own way. One of my most exciting mounts, however, is a brand new ride for me and who I think will soon set the event world ablaze. I began teaching Road Star with his previous owner Amanda Blazkowski over a year ago in northern California. The very day I set eyes on the lanky bay gelding I could not help but ogle at his uncanny resemblance to my legendary mount Eight Saint James Place. Being that “Roadie” is not the easiest of horses to train, due to his limitless scope, buoyant trot, hot-under-the-collar personality and ability to go on daily hunger strikes, Amanda and I decided that it was in the horse’s best interest to come out east and compete under my string of eventers. Thus, the Road Star Syndicate has been formed! Lucky me! Make sure to keep an eye out for this one on the international event scene in a couple years folks, don’t let his somewhat gaunt appearance fool you! Many thanks to Amanda and her mother Val for believing in my training methods, my goals, and my ability as a horseman. And thank you to my dear mother for traversing the northern California country side helping to create yet another Crow’s Ear Champion.<br /><br />Before I bid you adieu for the evening I will leave you all with one piece of breaking news. Now, anyone who knows me also knows that I much prefer birds and horses over dogs and cats. In the past, my tolerance level for disobedient canines is about as abundant as Roadie’s appetite. However, I can attest that today I am a changed woman, all thanks to my new pup, Isis. <br /><br />On February 27, while driving back from Aiken to the barn, I noticed an emaciated tan colored dog timidly scampering down the side of highway 19. I drove past it, listening to my music and enjoying the breeze when all of a sudden my conscience chimed in. I immediately did an illegal U turn (shhhhh), and yet another illegal U turn and parked my car on the side of the highway in hopes of somehow luring this poor wretched creature into my two seater convertible with no food or harness. I was surprised at the fact that when I called to her (now noticing the bountiful of milk she was carrying in her breasts) that she didn’t immediately shy away and make a bee line for the neighboring field. Instead, she studied me rather intently, walked up to me, saw that I didn't have any food, and laid down wholeheartedly exhausted and expired of energy. I immediately phoned Charisse who very kindly found some dog food and brought it to me to feed the starving dog. After a few minutes of sniffing and becoming acquainted, the dog began to feverishly eat the kibble and Charisse was able to get a makeshift leash around her neck. Simultaneously, the animal patrolman pulled over after getting a few calls about some weird lady “dog whispering” to a distressed animal on the side of highway 19. In fact, he commended both Charisse and I for being able to catch the dog that they have been trying to pin down for over two weeks! <br /><br />Seeing that the dog was clearly nursing puppies, the three of us tried to encourage her to lead us to them but to no avail, she was simply just too scared. He promised to look for the pups later that evening and I promised from that day forward to look after their mother. On the way back to the barn I began thinking about the irony in the whole situation. I was in a quandary as to what to do regarding the puppies as it was beginning to get dark and I wanted to allow the dog to settle and trust me. I couldn't shake the feeling that this dog had somehow come into my life at the perfect time and place, and how the circumstance was somewhat magical. Being that she clearly was well endowed with milk despite her hideous condition and that she trusted me enough to not run away in addition to the fact that I have always been a fan of Greek mythology, I decided to name the dog Isis, after the goddess of fertility, motherhood, and magic. How fitting.<br /><br />I tossed and turned all night. I couldn't help but think about the puppies and where they might be and how they are dealing without their mom. Before sunrise I sprang to my feet, rallied the help of Randy and Vicki and gathered Isis into the car and returned to the place I found her. I attached the leash to her collar when we arrived and not two seconds later did that girl have her nose to the ground perusing the new environment. I followed her for over a mile, through woods, backyards, across the highway and down a sand road. We shuffled through prickly vines, made our way through trash and broken glass until we happened upon an abandoned car. I knew we had made it when Isis’ tail began to wag and she let out a whimper. In the blink of an eye eight puppies appeared from underneath the abandoned vehicle, all trembling with excitement to see their long- lost mother. I couldn't help but see the sense of relief in Isis’ solemn eyes as she peered up at me with eight yelping puppies affixed to her teats and said, “Thank you.”<br /><br />It is today that I have become a changed woman. I placed all my faith in this dog to lead me to her pups and just as I was beginning to doubt their whereabouts, Isis never lost the faith in herself, or her puppies. This dog has become so much more than just a companion to me. From this very moment on, Isis and I will be inseparable. It is our symbiotic relationship that will stand the tests of time, for I need her just as much as she needed me. I am beyond thrilled to have this new addition to Laine Ashker Eventing and I hope by the time late April comes around, I will have her looking in mint condition for all of you to see. <br /><br />So, until next time folks, heels down, shoulders back and NEVER EVER underestimate the underdog! Cheers!Laineyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940356657004521258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5017190618358153517.post-37030126986943949542012-01-10T22:54:00.002-05:002012-01-10T23:00:22.683-05:002012: A Year of New Adventures and Fond Reunions<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBAr5_pOtucRBQry0HZfpi8a4INTVV6HwijDPVkUnkAzyWi8zSL-jDH6a8LFsPeJrv75jn5vlH-Fkl-0rWMA_ZD9MByCbQuLZEdyEA5lZBBqd7NoY9IIwrTa3Ao3Ix5qleLFiZnTq1bz4/s1600/DSC_0091%255B1%255D.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/AVvXsEiBAr5_pOtucRBQry0HZfpi8a4INTVV6HwijDPVkUnkAzyWi8zSL-jDH6a8LFsPeJrv75jn5vlH-Fkl-0rWMA_ZD9MByCbQuLZEdyEA5lZBBqd7NoY9IIwrTa3Ao3Ix5qleLFiZnTq1bz4/s320/DSC_0091%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696219333155811378" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0mFEZ3Yvp_TAW0vum9kve40K3ohD-2Po8euKXJlGgyQcNoB8W2BZ353OqzxT5en739lUXBNTLtbtEh9STvi6VJVhTCYINs-pc6dIrUN8L7TKdmLDhrOikiLDus0CoyzLQgRzqyl6ZMs/s1600/IMG_0055.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/AVvXsEjc0mFEZ3Yvp_TAW0vum9kve40K3ohD-2Po8euKXJlGgyQcNoB8W2BZ353OqzxT5en739lUXBNTLtbtEh9STvi6VJVhTCYINs-pc6dIrUN8L7TKdmLDhrOikiLDus0CoyzLQgRzqyl6ZMs/s320/IMG_0055.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696219325489184386" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwRQopDuI5lQNjjEXXRtebR9Lgp5XrdSPbfMxCoX51DxMx51piEjldsDkjK7xpszLmBTSNYrWXDWqxtjIeoe8mRLoc0jjw-GtMrd1yBclsNYkr4bIZDhtT6ndRLKfQujNew9DZQawZL9E/s1600/DSC_0018%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwRQopDuI5lQNjjEXXRtebR9Lgp5XrdSPbfMxCoX51DxMx51piEjldsDkjK7xpszLmBTSNYrWXDWqxtjIeoe8mRLoc0jjw-GtMrd1yBclsNYkr4bIZDhtT6ndRLKfQujNew9DZQawZL9E/s320/DSC_0018%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696219319766252370" /></a><br />Wow it’s finally here: 2012! The year of the XXX Olympiad in addition to the foreshadowed Apocalypse. Needless to say, we all have A LOT to look forward to in the next twelve months. <br /><br />This year I am planning to spend the winter primarily in Aiken, sprinkled with a few quick trips down to Ocala for some challenging and highly educational jump lessons from the one and only BDJ. I am very fortunate to have a wide array of competition and training horses in my barn this year which always makes me step up my game and improve my skills. Like I always tell my students, “the more horses you get on the better.” After all, experience yields wins. <br /><br />Which brings me to my next topic of conversation: my students. As my time in Virginia begins to slowly wind down my students’ apprehension and anxiety about my three-month absence exponentially skyrockets! I must admit that I am extremely spoiled and lucky to have such supportive and attentive students and plan on changing my AT&T wireless plan to “unlimited” talk and data while I am down south in case of emergency (ie: when a shoulder in becomes a leg yield or a two stride becomes one). However, I am sure they will have no problem hearing my annoyingly cheery voice yell in their head to “pick his belly up with your lower legs” or “shorten your reins” or “ride the hind end forward” or my personal favorite (also stolen from the great Kimberly Severson), “c’mon...KICK him!”<br /><br />It is vital that my students and I sit down and outline a plan for their winter/spring show season so that when I return to Virginia in mid-April, we can keep the ball rolling. I continue to encourage my students to clinic with other trainers that are both local or visiting the area. Who knows? Perhaps another clinician may have a different way of explaining a turn-on-the-haunches that is easier to envision and understand and at the end of the day, my ONLY goal when it comes to my students and their horses is for PROGRESS! <br /><br />In addition to training in the saddle, I would like to express the importance of improvement outside of the barn. Being that the winter can be brutal up north, I want my student’s to focus on personal fitness before his/her equine’s. Come mid-March the footing will begin to dry which allots plenty of time to work on the horse’s fitness regimen so why not use this time to really focus on yourself? Go ahead, log onto Groupon and Living Social and buy a package of classes at your local CrossFit Gym. Kickboxing is pretty awesome and a insanely intensive workout. I mean, who WOULDN’T want to take out their day’s aggressions on an unsuspecting punching bag...or innocent kickboxing partner (ahem...Beth)? For my more sultry diva-like students I would highly recommend Pole Dancing classes. Since I started attending these rigorous upper-body workouts, I have a developed a newfound respect for strippers after just one hour of twirling, whirling AND trying to point my toes simultaneously (which always ends in EPIC failure for me). <br /><br />Regardless whether it takes place in a gym or in the barn, I feel more comfortable when I have a plan outlined and goals drawn out and knowing that I will be absent for a large amount of time, I feel as if providing my students with a consistent program from which they can base their training always lightens the pressure that the winter so easily bestows. <br /><br />On a more personal note, I am beyond thrilled to once again be united with my dear friend and former Rolex mount, Mazetto. As many of you know, I obtained the ride on “Ewics” in January of 2008 after the horrific and untimely death of my dear friend Eleanor Brennan the year prior. Although no goals for the spring of 2008 were initially set, Ewics and my relationship bloomed overnight and he carried me into the winner’s circle at the advanced level shortly thereafter. Being that it was always Eleanor’s dream to ride at Kentucky (keep in mind she did compete in four star events in the UK on her other mount Bailey Zwei as the youngest competitor), Christine Brennan, Buck and I made the decision to enter Mazetto and I at Rolex. Still to this day, I cannot even begin to tell you the emotion that encapsulated me as I sped through the gallop lanes adorned in green and gold in honor of my late friend. Ever since I met Eric I was immediately drawn to him, which I truly believe is in due part to my feeling closer to Eleanor by having this regal animal in my barn. Even after my accident I made many trips to Charlottesville to visit the big bay gelding, because he brought to me a sense of peace, which I so longingly yearned for after the loss of my Frodo. Eric was then sold to another friend of mine, Ashley Kehoe who enjoyed tons of success with him placing in the top at a CCI*** and prepping for her first four star. Being that Eric had already competed in five four stars and carried multiple wide-eyed riders through the toughest advanced level tracks world wide, Ashley decided that he had nothing else to prove and called me up to ask if I would be interested in “taking over the reins” and providing this cherubic animal with a home where he would remain for the rest of his life. I cannot even begin to thank Ashley and her family enough for I am reminded on a daily basis why it is we do this sport when I am greeted with a nicker and a paw from that roman-nosed beast. It is to have a taste of immortality, to fly with the eagles. It is to feel limitless and all-powerful, yet light as a feather and vulnerable. Eric made me feel all of these things, and if I am able to return an ounce of the happiness in which he gave me, well my friends, I will have done my job. This horse owes me absolutely nothing (although I plan on stealing tons of hugs and kisses). So Eric is moving onto his next chapter in life: from galloping across the world’s top tracks to teaching others the feeling of a big, beautiful gallop. His life has certainly come full circle. <br /><br />So it is with great anticipation and excitement that I make my pilgrimage south to Aiken with my gypsy van full of eager and talented horses and endless hope. My show season begins on Feburary 1st, with Full Gallop starting off the new year. Until then you can find me either in a truck, on a horse, or on highway 95 headed south toward the warmth! Keep cluckin’ my friends!Laineyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940356657004521258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5017190618358153517.post-25363869427749638402011-08-22T22:36:00.003-04:002011-08-22T22:47:10.474-04:00Going Back to My Roots, Cali Style<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixyXlmtcnyUCQmzOcBnAR-1xamfnpZV_lV_uFp2wHBfTbYhKyWhuBNbCXLXqhfHbpWqCIWgDkEPT5HiYpS2GYzHkre-uaqKppnk4ciKJni0x7k87dU1hKJvZf3FCHZHjVe4sttL2Jk0Ds/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-08-22+at+10.44.36+PM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 232px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixyXlmtcnyUCQmzOcBnAR-1xamfnpZV_lV_uFp2wHBfTbYhKyWhuBNbCXLXqhfHbpWqCIWgDkEPT5HiYpS2GYzHkre-uaqKppnk4ciKJni0x7k87dU1hKJvZf3FCHZHjVe4sttL2Jk0Ds/s320/Screen+shot+2011-08-22+at+10.44.36+PM.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643877337260198034" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpwCu7N5PV8D8vOxZ64uH3NnYv-oe3zi7ulpcRoYQtXG8Yc6VAmRO9AOifqsQD43n6uHP8O8CjFsDgRX-lbPqNt1iaC9283pFHcChuaXXuCo4ylQ4NqDLcitHL3-khF1HKO_yZsgjyWc/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-08-22+at+10.44.26+PM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 248px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpwCu7N5PV8D8vOxZ64uH3NnYv-oe3zi7ulpcRoYQtXG8Yc6VAmRO9AOifqsQD43n6uHP8O8CjFsDgRX-lbPqNt1iaC9283pFHcChuaXXuCo4ylQ4NqDLcitHL3-khF1HKO_yZsgjyWc/s320/Screen+shot+2011-08-22+at+10.44.26+PM.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643877330400073698" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAFfDxfAEtcaazOgkhodDMnHuUhcIyULKrYqKV_cngi3olZE3lsf39VtXeeI0ffE-wSFFtzFnzOvXgpHep_GqhkBqbeMqW181NzBnLitBSZgok1oiRskoP01Wj0E_cVkK2EfCfYRs6PBw/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-08-22+at+10.43.36+PM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 254px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAFfDxfAEtcaazOgkhodDMnHuUhcIyULKrYqKV_cngi3olZE3lsf39VtXeeI0ffE-wSFFtzFnzOvXgpHep_GqhkBqbeMqW181NzBnLitBSZgok1oiRskoP01Wj0E_cVkK2EfCfYRs6PBw/s320/Screen+shot+2011-08-22+at+10.43.36+PM.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643877327340753506" /></a>
<br /> My parents always taught me that if I didn’t have anything nice to say, then I shouldn't say it at all...hence the reasoning behind the sporadic silent stages within my competition blog. Learning from my past experiences I have found that the “silver lining” is always easier to discern when given time to reflect on past events.
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<br /> Truth be told this year has not gone as I had originally planned...but then again, what does when it comes to our equine friends or life in general for that matter? After all, there are reasons why we have black flag options and alternative routes on cross country, because “Plan A” sometimes (and more often than not) just doesn’t pan out.
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<br /> Certainly not a stranger to adversity, once again I have chosen to push forward towards my dream of Olympic rings and medals, despite the capricious nature of the timeline. Al is currently coming back in full work and within the next few weeks I am going to have to decide my plans for the fall and what’s the best path that leads to the podium in London in less than a year. Lyle has very much picked up the slack by moving up to preliminary, and very successfully I might add. Additionally, mom has sent me two more very high quality horses, Model American and Affirminator, both of whom are for sale (much to my dismay).
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<br /> Regardless where my fall season takes me, I plan on spending ample amount of time with Buck to hone in on the jumping phases, as I do believe that it was my main loop hole in my winter training when it came to my less-than-desirable results at Kentucky. Buck has always had a knack for challenging me enough to push through my nerves, but rewarding my strengths to boost Al’s and my confidence levels. Perhaps that is why I have trained with the man for over nine years...nevermind the fact that the guy could probably ride a broomstick double clear across the country!
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<br /> Additionally, Kim Severson lessons are definitely on the agenda and in fact, are underway as poor Lyle is currently learning how to carry that very large body of his!
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<br /> Diego (my dressage horse owned by my dear friend and patron Ann Wilson) and I are undergoing a complete “re-vamping” in our fundamentals, under Kim’s guidance. Before I had the opportunity to ride Diego, a 15.2 hand Andalusian gelding, I had mostly ridden Thoroughbreds with a few Warmbloods (and one, very awesomely cool Cleveland Bay) scattered in the mix. I was always used to using light aids and if I had to make a correction with my leg, a stern “kick” would usually do the trick. However, with Diego this is not so. Being that he is just “thick” (and spooky) enough, a kick with the leg doesn’t go far and the whip only makes him tense which disables me from getting his frame to drop and his nose pushed out. Although his show record has been impeccable, I know that this little creature has so much more to give, and more importantly, I know there are better means of riding him. So off to Kim we go! In one lesson, Kim taught me how to ride like “a German man” (in her own words) by using my leg as a wall and squeezing and holding it against his side for an aid instead of a swift “kick.” Needless to say, when I am not on horseback you can find me in the “legs” section at the gym doing countless squats, thigh strengthening and calf raises, and of course increasing my Wheaties intake.
<br /> She also taught me that with horses like Diego, who have an innate tendency to be dull, repetition in the dressage ring is ideal to teach them the aids correctly. It’s amazing how such small nuances that Kim pointed out have made such drastic changes in my riding! Every lesson with Kim is a reminder just how much more improvement needs to be made to my riding to be the very best, and believe me people, I am up for the challenge!
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<br /> Outside of my own circle of horses, my clinic schedule and student’s horse shows have kept me very busy! I was lucky enough to have Heidi Seigmund come at the beginning of the summer to be a working student, along with her very talented bay Oldenburg/TB mare, High Sierra. Heidi started her summer show season off with a bang, bringing home the blue ribbon in the Novice Division at Surefire HT along with a coveted pair of Royal Rider Flexible Stirrups. Whenever I have to be out and about coaching or flying across the country to teach a clinic, I am very comfortable leaving my most prized possessions in Heidi’s very capable hands. I will sure miss her as she leaves to finish up her final year at William and Mary.
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<br /> Aside from Heidi, I was very proud to coach some of my other very loyal and talented students who also achieved their personal best results. Alexus Taddonio, who also happens to own my first homebred Seajack, rocked around the preliminary course at Surefire HT to post a double clear XC (at her very first preliminary)...one of the few who added zero penalties in her young rider division. Bethany Astorino competed at her very first USEA recognized event at Loch Moy and aside from a few minor mistakes in the flat, performed the two jumping phases flawlessly to finish just outside the ribbons! Both of these girls have worked tremendously hard to achieve these results, and my grin couldn't be bigger!
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<br /> Keeping on the coach’s hat, I recently flew out west to teach a handful of my Cali students (aka: my secret weapons) including my most favorite student of all (sorry guys), my mother! As soon as my plane touched CA soil I was in a teaching whirlwind, traveling from my mom’s farm in Georgetown to prepare my students for the upcoming Woodside HT and shooting over to Loomis to teach a jump/dressage clinic at the beautiful and spacious Dragonfire Farm. I cannot begin to tell you how nervous I was to help both Earl and Jen McFall, as both were idols of mine (and remain so till this day) as I grew up watching them take on various west coasts advanced tracks on tiny Thoroughbreds and Morgans back when my dreams of Rolex involved riding a stick horse across a make-shift track in our house that consisted of my mother’s hamper and my father’s computer desk. Man how time flies...and the memories just keep rolling on.
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<br /> I arrived early at Woodside to help school my kids in the flat when yet another familiar face met my gaze: the great Yves Sauvignon. You cannot call yourself a true California event rider if you haven’t ridden with Yves, schooled near Yves, competed against Yves, or worn the infamous Oakridge XC colors of burgundy and white in which all of Yves’ students proudly display. Yves has brought many young riders along and helped them achieve their dreams of eventing grandeur such as Deanna Hines, Paul Ebersole, Earl McFall, Rainy Sealy....and the list continues to run rampant. While watching him confidently navigate a hesitant young Novice horse around the spooky show jump course at Woodside, I chuckled under my breath as it reminded me of where I learned how to properly use a “stick.” In my book, that man is one of the best coaches alive...his positive reinforcement, skills to challenge, and his uncanny ability to instill confidence in his students and their horses are what makes Yves one of the best coaches still to this day (and someone I strive to emulate). His distinguishable french accent certainly doesn’t hurt either...but I digress.
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<br /> My Cali kids certainly came back from the Woodside eventing marathon with sweat over their brow but with smiles that could light up an endless New Mexico sky. They all possess many of the characteristics that I often see in myself, and their thirst to succeed is almost contagious. Rest assured East Coasters, when my Cali kids finally make the great pilgrimage out East they will be forces to reckon with. Mark my words.
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<br /> Being back in CA again always makes me reminisce about the old days and seeing those familiar faces such as Valerie Owens, Valerie Mackey, Brian Sabo, and Derek and Bea DeGrazia makes me miss my native land that much more. Add to the fact that my whole family now resides on the west coast, well, let’s just say I am in a constant state of tug-of-war between my head and my heart. Part of me wants to move back to be closer to the people I care about the most, but the other part of me wants to remain on the east, and to continue to chase my dream. However, due to the firm grip my addiction to horses and eventing has over me, I think we all can predict the victorious side to that war...at least for now. Which leads me to my next train of thought...chasing the “actual” dream.
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<br /> We all know that this sport of eventing is a tough one, both mentally and physically, but mostly, financially. Being that I have always owned my top horses along with my mother, there is constant financial pressure and lack of funds to show and get seen. In a perfect world, I would be competing in England with a string of four star mounts that couldn’t be counted on one hand. But back to reality, and while we are not as geographically advantaged as the Europeans, we certainly have the horse and rider talent right here in America, most of whom (myself included) just need that extra “push.” That being said, I would love to increase my horse arsenal to prepare for London, Normandy and Rio, and I am vigorously searching for owners who are as avid a horse enthusiast as I. I just need a chance...and I hope that someone out there, anywhere in the world, may read this blog and grant me the opportunity to do so.
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<br /> So what shall you expect from Laine Ashker Eventing and Crow’s Ear Farm as the fall season quickly approaches? Putting BACK on my coach’s hat, I am traveling back to the west coast at least twice more to coach at Woodside and Galway in between the months of September and October. Next month I am traveling to the blue grass state of Kentucky to teach a clinic put on my Bill Kraatz. My clinic-ing season closes with a trip to Minnesota to teach the Croixside Pony Club in November. I feel like I will be riding a plane more than a horse in spanning the nation to teach these clinics, all for which I am equally amped.
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<br /> Switching to competition mode, Lyle will continue learning the ropes at the Preliminary level with Mod and Affirminator trying their hand (or hoof) at Novice. The Champ will be back in action soon, but I have not yet consulted with Buck in regards to the best plan of action that sets us on the right track to London 2012. Diego Fuego will continue at Second Level in hopes of achieving a qualifying score for the GAIG (dressage championships) in the Fall and perhaps trying to tackle a few third level movements through the interim. As I dust my britches off, slip on my boots and crack my knuckles I can’t help but feel anxiously excited for what prospects lay ahead for me in the Fall of 2011. Until next time folks, sit back, relax, take a deep breath and EMBRACE THE STRUGGLE...for it’s what shapes our bittersweet success in the future. Cheers!
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<br />-Lainey
<br /> Laineyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940356657004521258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5017190618358153517.post-65928360682919505542011-05-02T14:50:00.002-04:002011-05-02T14:52:58.545-04:00The Weekend That "Almost" Was...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKswsGB-8Z22VEmKW8JOENjM4PQEyyLgUaIDHSkdgrQe_gvUrvPPazttikud8TjGlLigHLP9TkU4YH1dP2lwqAZaFHXVFjh4rDRmfMwCqFWx4Po6BD2YGFRHP3xLsBVZyC2cmaUVAcKNY/s1600/201954_923943008656_1510625_46397644_7155779_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKswsGB-8Z22VEmKW8JOENjM4PQEyyLgUaIDHSkdgrQe_gvUrvPPazttikud8TjGlLigHLP9TkU4YH1dP2lwqAZaFHXVFjh4rDRmfMwCqFWx4Po6BD2YGFRHP3xLsBVZyC2cmaUVAcKNY/s320/201954_923943008656_1510625_46397644_7155779_o.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602193717830214754" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZzUCApUP8IY8ICsgvSkWkcKbvLRfzjf6bGk-aEY5CKPl4luBJiso46ThZ4mB_z2JS33fECcIkA-wmctG1Jgcwlh7puXNvwGRZkqGQ6CWn_tpV7dcbrON3vRX-e82hsx8LrRCG9RBAeA/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-04-28+at+10.35.13+PM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 251px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZzUCApUP8IY8ICsgvSkWkcKbvLRfzjf6bGk-aEY5CKPl4luBJiso46ThZ4mB_z2JS33fECcIkA-wmctG1Jgcwlh7puXNvwGRZkqGQ6CWn_tpV7dcbrON3vRX-e82hsx8LrRCG9RBAeA/s320/Screen+shot+2011-04-28+at+10.35.13+PM.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602193712113654050" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb68gLE7z7owr9rX67-z-TMJdvYKvpnIqBhcwc9YcJB2SpLGJ61u-2C2XnwUEchO2hvyKCZ9eMMQjHJoMM8fgfyJ5xAizmmGancna1HEIw8bRIMjSmb1f-7N8wU1djWZyl-tNdq6l_Nho/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-04-28+at+10.29.25+PM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 221px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb68gLE7z7owr9rX67-z-TMJdvYKvpnIqBhcwc9YcJB2SpLGJ61u-2C2XnwUEchO2hvyKCZ9eMMQjHJoMM8fgfyJ5xAizmmGancna1HEIw8bRIMjSmb1f-7N8wU1djWZyl-tNdq6l_Nho/s320/Screen+shot+2011-04-28+at+10.29.25+PM.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602193703612519058" /></a><br /> Anybody that knows me can automatically assume that my results at this past Rolex were certainly not up-to-par with the expectations I had going into the event. Those that know me could also assume that it would probably be better to text me rather than call being that I have a very different way of dealing with my failures.<br /><br /> Truth be told I AM very disappointed with my results this past weekend. From a few unfortunate bobbles in the dressage, to a silly mistake on XC, to one of the most surprising and unlucky rails at the last fence in the SJ, things simply did not go the way I had originally planned. I would like to call this past event the Weekend of “Almosts”. <br /><br /> Allow me to elaborate: From the very beginning of the event (ie: the actual drive out to Lexington), things began to go awry. As mom and I were hauling through Staunton, VA my truck began to shut down during the long climb up the Appalachian mountain range. Once the shifting mechanism began to fail is when I started to get worried. With the help of my friend and fellow competitor William Coleman, I began calling everyone and anyone who happened to be in route to Rolex by way of VA in hopes that they could give Al a ride to the horse park. When I thought all hope was lost and I may have to saddle up Al and ride him to Kentucky, a tiny miracle came in the form of a large lorry slowly gaining on my now feeble and sickly truck. It was Allison Springer who came to save the day! After flagging she and her groom down, we were able to move Alex from my trailer to Allison’s lorry where he happily hauled next to his newfound trailer-mate, Arthur. Thank goodness for the benevolence of Ms. Springer as if she hadn’t come to my rescue, Al and I would probably STILL be in route to the blue grass state!<br /><br /> Al seemed to settle in quite quickly at the Kentucky Horse Park with ample hacks and hand walks from the Crow’s Ear A Team (Bronwyn, mom and myself). In fact, on Wednesday following the first trot up and the surprising and exhilarating evacuation of the horses due to inclement weather, I had some of the best dressage work of my career that was met with a high five and a smile from Kim as we formulated a plan for the following day of competition. Everything seemed to have settled down and it was now up to fate and hard work to be the deciding factor come the final round on Sunday. <br /><br /> On dressage day, Al’s first warm up was spectacular as I worked on “long and low” simultaneously pushing him forward encouraging him to use his back and soften at the base of his neck. He even seemed relaxed as we meandered down to the final warm up before our test in the palatial Rolex grandstand. I was mostly happy with his final warm up except for the fact that I never really quite got through to him in moving off my leg and accepting the bridle. I believe that this was the main reason why our winning scores from the trot work in the test plummeted during the canter work. Just that slight bit of tension that I was able to use to my advantage in the trot work simply escaped me in the canter which enabled him to spook in the counter canter and pick up the incorrect lead from the rein back. At any rate, my test went from being historical to “ho-hum” within one swift mistake which made me feel pretty disappointed in the overall performance. <br /> Derek DeGrazia’s course was as big as it was technical. Every line and combination was filled with questions of straightness, precision and balance. It was a true testament of a four star course. However, I felt very confident despite the footing conditions that I could deliver a clear and confident ride...which I did (for the most part.) As I set out on course, my first goal was to keep Al relaxed and in front of my leg at the same time. After he jumped brilliantly into the first water, both he and I took a deep breath and turned our attention to the next question that loom ahead: the coffin. After a tremendous jump over the parallel oxer, I had my pace set for the coffin but before I could get Al’s attention onto the first element, he spooked at something outside the ropes, causing me to begin to pull to find my distance instead of leg him forward as a correction. As we crawled over the first jump, I was sure I could get him to jump over the ditch then quickly take the option for the C element in the coffin. However, the damage had already been done and Alex was extremely offended at my less-than-desirable decision to pull on his mouth before a serious four star coffin question....UNDERSTANDABLY so. I couldn't help but think to myself in the approach to the coffin that I should let go and that I shouldn’t pull but for some reason my reaction time couldn't follow suit. Following the stupid stop, I hopped over the ditch to the alternative C option, gave Al an “I’m sorry” pat on the neck and kicked on. The trouble with having a silly stop so early in the course is that many a time we riders get the “loser’s limp” being that we know we are out of the game so to speak. However, my initial plan following the coffin mishap was that I OWED Al a good ride around the rest of the course and to demonstrate to the selectors that even in adversity (even though it was self-inflicted), I could still keep my focus and finish even stronger than I had started. Al simply FLEW across that course, taking every direct route and making it look like child’s play. Even as we floated across the finish line I was happy to have a horse underneath me who wasn’t mired with exhaustion and fatigue. Thanks to my Crow’s Ear Crew (Abbey, Ann, B, April and mom), Al cooled out in minutes and was able to go back to the comfort of his stall to get some much needed rest. <br /><br /> The rest of the night was a gloomy one for me. Because I take this sport and my dream so seriously, I have a hard time of making light of my mistakes and simply moving on. Instead, I fill my head with self-loathing and criticisms and replay the mistake over and over in my head. Not only is it hard on myself, everyone around me feels the need to walk on eggshells so as not to say anything that may make me delve deeper into my misery. It’s just not right. In fact, that is the one thing that I have yet to learn and probably is what’s keeping me from achieving the greatness I so desperately long for: learning how to deal with mistakes in the aftermath.<br /><br /> Sunday morning I made myself promise that I would finish the event strong. I changed my attitude from self-pity to funnel vision as I walked around the twisty and massive show jumping course. After formulating a plan of striding in the combinations, it was time to turn that plan into action as I sprang aboard Alex and headed down to the Grandstand. I entered the arena confidently and organized as I turned toward the first fence. Al jumped superbly leaving all fences untouched...except one. As we landed from the last fence and crossed the finish line I looked up at the scoreboard to see if I had made the time and indeed had a double clear. I was rejoiced to see that I had added nothing to my cross country score and celebrated my round with a smile and hug to my amazing equine partner. My celebration was met with an unsurmountable cheer from the audience which raised my morale tenfold. It was only when I exited the ring that I learned of the ill-fated final jump where Al must’ve just touched it with his hind hoof. “You’re a work in progress” were the words that Captain Mark Phillips muttered as he set his attention onto another nervous rider ready to take on the tough show jumping course. Indeed, I AM a work in progress, but when will the work be over to achieve the results that I want, if ever? I knew on the XC course the mistake I made while I was doing it, but why did I even make the mistake in the first place? When will I stop having to learn things the hard way? The answer to that my friends, escapes me at the moment. Time and experience will only tell. <br /><br /> We ended our second four star sitting in 20th place and taking home the 10th place national title...a far cry from the top three goal I had originally set. The thing is, I know that Al and I have what it takes and have even demonstrated brilliance in all three phases, I just haven’t been able to connect the three at one time. Frustrating to say the least...<br /><br /> I am however, SO thankful to have above all, a happy and healthy horse while on my drive back to Virginia. My happy and healthy horse is currently being pulled by a recently fixed Dodge truck that just keeps tickin’ despite the 250,000 plus miles I have managed to accumulate on it. My amazing mother who rides with me through every course, combination, and movement and who can personally feel the disappointment in my heart when things don’t always go as planned. To my father who is slowly gaining back his faith in the event world after swearing against it over three years ago. To my steadfast grandparents who would travel to the ends of the globe to watch me achieve a dream that I so vehemently chase after. To Bronwyn for knowing when to give me my space and take Al for a graze. To my students and friends, for their devotion to my passion and my cause. To Dr. Douglas Berry, for donating his time and helpful anecdotes in order to push me along the path to success. To my friend and vet, Dr. Sarah Gold who made sure Al and I were “taken care of” despite our whereabouts and differing locations. To my farrier Ben Zook, for his open mindedness and yearn for perfection in the art of horse shoeing. To Tom and Jennifer Newton for putting my dreams before their needs. To my sponsors and supporters, for keeping both my horses and myself looking and feeling at our prime. But most of all, I want to thank my horse, Anthony Patch. It is only when I am aboard that tiny little creature that I feel limitless and unbeatable. Thank you Al for allowing me to feel like Bettina Hoy on a daily basis...one day, I WILL do you justice and your talent WILL be noticed. Until then folks, loosen your girth, undo the throat latch....and in the lyrical words of Pam Tillis, “Let that pony RUN!” Cheers!<br /><br />Lainey AshkerLaineyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940356657004521258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5017190618358153517.post-13092332760480701282011-04-13T22:41:00.002-04:002011-04-13T22:43:51.438-04:00Wake-Up Call!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEqteZ4YUymunf7jepQTOP_SVJG7QeYbqb4i4yP_4YH1nNZZ1PLp7s-kxGmvsczCeJo1rq6GAIRDD0q9ywfR81t_HQxSV_eXwt4TXQ4UqLpFz8QKjHioqL-tod4yCFjqWlibqORIWf6og/s1600/photo+4.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/AVvXsEhEqteZ4YUymunf7jepQTOP_SVJG7QeYbqb4i4yP_4YH1nNZZ1PLp7s-kxGmvsczCeJo1rq6GAIRDD0q9ywfR81t_HQxSV_eXwt4TXQ4UqLpFz8QKjHioqL-tod4yCFjqWlibqORIWf6og/s320/photo+4.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595264453120661122" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeLpiw3jWY2NkxhSC4oxYiOwpyVXVjv2G7gbUYBji8upL1-alhDLCJ6h_ACJAU2p4GZgNbrUmvYI6nIfXkmPTlYq1ieCJBpyPSDsApsBuXSmrHYb_MtqHKWvTV-m779p1ziUWyIVK4oJ4/s1600/photo+3.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/AVvXsEjeLpiw3jWY2NkxhSC4oxYiOwpyVXVjv2G7gbUYBji8upL1-alhDLCJ6h_ACJAU2p4GZgNbrUmvYI6nIfXkmPTlYq1ieCJBpyPSDsApsBuXSmrHYb_MtqHKWvTV-m779p1ziUWyIVK4oJ4/s320/photo+3.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595264450630519650" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7k7uBadvB9eNluk3tFIw-tFSc-z6XkmDUnPLPJW_RU5dfbREBdO8xJ6g9cnsjmI5EkjZk1enjnhZWzrytIAJFomXTzRhHJE09PcuITg4mymt0H1pLpzfojqbjQSCjuxC2Vd9MoAzFZM/s1600/photo+2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7k7uBadvB9eNluk3tFIw-tFSc-z6XkmDUnPLPJW_RU5dfbREBdO8xJ6g9cnsjmI5EkjZk1enjnhZWzrytIAJFomXTzRhHJE09PcuITg4mymt0H1pLpzfojqbjQSCjuxC2Vd9MoAzFZM/s320/photo+2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595264451918398242" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnk5w9rb-cBVWUC4aI7HIQLDPfMphWWNANvMKYoyiYjwcRJkVVwMTyC_75CQJRNcfrJpcfr1AmId2Jg_xJToMyJAMlPl0a122AylGDLvYGnmne9VJDPw6wFwpJRTL5cIx_5DAx-LHuP4/s1600/photo+1.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/AVvXsEjvnk5w9rb-cBVWUC4aI7HIQLDPfMphWWNANvMKYoyiYjwcRJkVVwMTyC_75CQJRNcfrJpcfr1AmId2Jg_xJToMyJAMlPl0a122AylGDLvYGnmne9VJDPw6wFwpJRTL5cIx_5DAx-LHuP4/s320/photo+1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595264442178830546" /></a><br /> There are two types of people in this world: Those who do as they’re told, and those who just have to learn things the hard way. I, my friends, am CLEARLY a member of the latter group of hard-headed characters. As many of you have probably noticed by now, my results at the Fork did not quite go as planned, but isn’t that what eventing is about after all: Knowing all of your alternate routes in case the direct line doesn’t seem to pan out? I guess it’s not only an eventing lesson, but a life lesson no doubt!<br /><br /> Dressage day at the Fork was one of mixed reactions for me. I had a wonderful warmup on Al, an even better dressage test, followed by one of the most memorable moments of my life when CMP gave me the coveted “high five,” then I was brought down to earth when Brian O’Connor announced my score of 33.0. Ahhh such is life! When you think you’re up, you’re down and vice versa. Upon later review of my test, I was ecstatic that EVERY flying lead change was clean and my corners were used and movements well executed. Whether the judge saw it the same way as I felt it is obsolete at this point: My lessons are finally starting to register! To date I believe it is the best test Al and I have ridden...the key words here being, “TO DATE.” That’s right folks, we are saving our best efforts for two weeks down the road...<br /><br /> Cross country day brought a few clouds looming overhead scattering some rain here and there but the footing held up for the horses throughout the day. I had a phenomenal round in the morning aboard my sale horse Rising Spirit, who laughed her way around the intermediate course clocking in precisely on optimum time. Being that May is such a “forward thinking” horse, she really encourages me to “settle” in my riding early in the course, as her rhythm rarely changes. When I set out on Al, I pressed myself to parallel the same feeling I had earlier aboard May. <br /><br /> As Al cantered down to the first fence, I felt nothing but confidence and wind between my Heritage gloves and Al’s webbed reins. In fact, the whole course went so brilliantly that at the final double corner combination, I softened just a bit too much to the second, thus giving Al an open door for the run out. Being that our nearly PERFECT advanced cross country record was now marred due to my overconfidence, the walk back to the barn was a very, VERY long one (Valerie Ashker can certainly attest to this)! <br /><br /> For the rest of the evening and throughout the night I replayed the run out over and over, wondering what I could have done better and why I could have let this happen? When all of my responses came back insignificant and somewhat inane, I decided to listen to my mom tell me the answer I did not want to hear. “WAKE UP CALL!” Truth be told it has been a long time since I have had a refusal on a cross country course and perhaps the Fork was the ideal time for me to learn yet another, difficult lesson: Never get too comfortable. Being that my round felt so confident and easy aboard Al, I let my guard down and softened the reins ASSUMING he would hold the straight line that I placed him on for the double corners. Tisk tisk Lainey Evion! One should NEVER soften to a corner, let alone an advanced level one! What was I thinking?! And to this I would refer my students to the old adage, “Do as I say, not as I do!”<br /><br /> The point being here is that we are all human beings. We all make mistakes. Although my mistake cost me a twenty penalty markup to my dressage score, I hope it will give me that added encouragement when the next set of double corners present themselves in Kentucky! Consider this a lesson learned!<br /><br /> The final day at the Fork was a tough one for some, including me. Although my intermediate horse jumped a flawless round to finish second in the class, I was unable to show jump Alex due to a twisted shoe on course the day prior (probably a result of my misgiving...or lack thereof). The farrier fixed the shoe just fine, but I just couldn't risk an injury being that Rolex is now so close, so I figured I would save the Phenom for another day...preferably two weeks from now.<br /><br /> I am happy to write that the horses have all been moved in and are settling in superbly to my new barn at Rockville Equestrian Center. Lynn Woychick and her lovely daughter Caitlynn have been overtly hospitable which has made the whole moving process an enjoyable one. As the clock keeps ticking my focus now turns to maintaining Alex’s fitness while snagging some last minute lessons from Kim to perfect those tiny 8 meter circles! Until then folks, tighten up those shoulder in angles and perfect that 5-loop canter serpentine! We’ve got a four star to win! <br /><br />-LaineyLaineyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940356657004521258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5017190618358153517.post-90078655283020565402011-04-04T21:19:00.003-04:002011-04-04T21:27:57.049-04:00Mind Over Matter<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYcNb7Ga7cGzXBivG0otCuUe8psXmutUOCE0itQjxahbFBvhicZgJNE0YgkqKWyMEp5sRniRb5Dphp4RVx-g_oev36bHJBP9BzvePPw7sOG_yY74HloUM_Tdx_tNKmKB4z0XxBahHNLws/s1600/USEF_032911-505.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/AVvXsEhYcNb7Ga7cGzXBivG0otCuUe8psXmutUOCE0itQjxahbFBvhicZgJNE0YgkqKWyMEp5sRniRb5Dphp4RVx-g_oev36bHJBP9BzvePPw7sOG_yY74HloUM_Tdx_tNKmKB4z0XxBahHNLws/s320/USEF_032911-505.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591904457562160386" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnME8eIJYCJ_TQwe__QsmCMj4vXP1zD_6GK_xNDkio7XwBuEHudBr43dRZ6cYYkODrKSYjb9rwOt8w13qaoSxGv6vr138Sqfaiay30J_cx0TSnMfvDYbJ6VQKc0vSlUystTSTLoEJdYaE/s1600/Ashker-L_032911-437.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 232px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnME8eIJYCJ_TQwe__QsmCMj4vXP1zD_6GK_xNDkio7XwBuEHudBr43dRZ6cYYkODrKSYjb9rwOt8w13qaoSxGv6vr138Sqfaiay30J_cx0TSnMfvDYbJ6VQKc0vSlUystTSTLoEJdYaE/s320/Ashker-L_032911-437.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591904453616084786" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTkevnpB2R_FNPOrtr942gosW1X0jO60dljXLZqYHghxpeBfpnVpXcZbdVqBDI4Oww_Ts2GSVM2-aI5Q-cRbIIdGpkDRQaDAxwsFemmfQHVCwyHcy-py6tGboJHdLKSXUa_HAn0i7qLw/s1600/ZF-10429-82543-1-002.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 155px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTkevnpB2R_FNPOrtr942gosW1X0jO60dljXLZqYHghxpeBfpnVpXcZbdVqBDI4Oww_Ts2GSVM2-aI5Q-cRbIIdGpkDRQaDAxwsFemmfQHVCwyHcy-py6tGboJHdLKSXUa_HAn0i7qLw/s320/ZF-10429-82543-1-002.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591904454477342066" /></a><br /><br /> This week’s Katie Prudant clinic was an extremely informative experience albeit a humbling one. To be quite honest, I can’t say I remember being so nervous to ride for an instructor since Buck freaked me out in Hong Kong 2007 upon the looming arrival of the infamous George Morris. After polishing my bits and bleaching my saddle pads (and my teeth), both Al and May (and their pilot) were poised to show their stuff! Thus, Day One of lessons with the Queen of the Poles began!<br /><br /> I have always been an advocate of visual learning. Lucky for me I got to watch my group partners Phillip Dutton, Will Faudree and Doug Payne tackle Katie’s tough yet educational SJ exercises. In both lessons we started with about thirty minutes of flat work, perfecting (or trying to in some cases) the flying changes from the SEAT, collection to extension work, and finding a distance over a series of poles placed on the ground. Surprisingly enough, when we began having to fit a certain number of strides in between two lonesome poles on the ground, that’s when the hard work began! Allow me to tell you from experience that it makes the exercise a whole lot harder when your horse (ahem...Al) tends to jump the inanimate pole on the ground as if it were a four foot oxer! However, after a few test runs Al finally realized that the pole really wasn't a trick question and that it was indeed just a pole lying flatly on the ground...doing absolutely nothing.<br /><br /> After we conquered the evil pole drill, we swiftly moved onto our course work. In one particular exercise, Katie set up a line of three fences across a crooked diagonal that rode in a variety of steps, which (here comes the hard part) we had to decide BEFORE riding the line. Knowing that I need to work on balancing from my seat without allowing my horses to fall behind my leg, I took on the line in a steady five strides to five strides, bending it out if I needed more room. Wallah! My plan of attack worked wonders and both my horses jumped like rockstars! <br /><br /> Day Two with KP met us with a deluge of rain! Fortunately, the wonderful Peter Barry was generous enough to donate his breathtaking farm and convenient covered arena to avoid any jumps and/or trainers floating away. My first lesson with May went spectacularly as we honed in on grid work and depth perception. My second lesson was equally as informative but was constantly being interrupted by random downpours and violent bouts of lightening and thunder. At one point in my lesson I remember adjusting my gaze outside of the indoor and seeing Matt Flynn, who also happens to board at Peter’s barn, doing a trot set aboard a talented and unsuspecting young horse literally in the midst of a downpour. Matt’s eyes squinted trying to dodge the angry rain that pelleted down on his helmet as his horse obediently kept the buoyant rhythm and frame despite the weather. I came to the realization from Matt’s act of determination and fortitude against Mother Nature of why I love this sport so much: We eventers are simply resilient...<br /><br /> Looking back on both days’ lessons, the common reminder that Katie would unhesitatingly shout was “THINK through your course.” There is never any excuse to miss a distance or approach a fence unbalanced and that although we have the tools to execute a clean show jumping round, eventers (or other normal human beings) lack the actual PERCEPTION to deliver. It’s what I keep reading over and over in Mind Gym people, MIND over MATTER. Perhaps Mrs. Prudant owns a copy of this irreplaceable competitor’s bible? Speculate as you wish for the world may never know...<br /><br /> And thus April is upon us. Which can only mean one thing...or two...or three rather. For one, April plays host to two of my favorite events, the Fork and Rolex. And finally, my time in Wagener is up. I will miss hearing the constant bickering of the hens in the morning over the premiere sun-bathing spot. Or watching Sarah feed the baby lamb his daily formula, which he is happy to remind you about once every five minutes. I will miss driving into the barn and watching all of my beautiful horses poke their heads out of their stalls one by one to greet me with nickers and neighs alike while awaiting for the start of the work day eagerly and happily. I will miss the sand roads, the random fox hunt of about ten riders who boisterously would traverse the property...I will miss my beloved Guppy toy... and so it’s safe to say guys, I will miss Shadow Lane Farm. I will miss Wagener.<br /><br /> So as I bid adieu to South Carolina, both mom and I are excited to enter the North for the Fork. The horses and I will arrive a few days prior to competition for some helpful “ringmanship” sessions with the Captain, who I am hoping will see a trend of progression in both Alex and myself. This weekend Al is set to run in the Advanced class and May in the Intermediate. Until then folks, elbows in and heels down! Here’s to some floaty trot extensions and immaculate show jumping rounds! <br /><br />-Lainey Ashker<br /><br />***Above photos courtesy of Pamela Eckelbarger of hoofpix.com. Thank you to Pamela for capturing some great moments at not only the KP clinic, but many of the other Aiken Training Sessions as well!Laineyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940356657004521258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5017190618358153517.post-9085756195578582632011-03-28T13:00:00.004-04:002011-03-28T21:18:14.285-04:00A SmartPak Cooler and A Blue Ribbon to Ring in the Month of March!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_8Q_Q04N2uDuPaeW8I4pBywNXT0D0bb3OjaIP8kHlb5M14yawJSxu8a577xowj5Bw9yJPD6_nIKBjz-uJVFvNp1jRSzoZ5Sbh8uowwSaWp6ln47nG_9Z5o-NPajYh5rLHGYPqq0qwXY/s1600/200603_836112282136_1510625_46124033_2838371_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 184px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_8Q_Q04N2uDuPaeW8I4pBywNXT0D0bb3OjaIP8kHlb5M14yawJSxu8a577xowj5Bw9yJPD6_nIKBjz-uJVFvNp1jRSzoZ5Sbh8uowwSaWp6ln47nG_9Z5o-NPajYh5rLHGYPqq0qwXY/s320/200603_836112282136_1510625_46124033_2838371_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589183180402116930" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjbaLD5HMqRlKS1oUMTeS7TKX87cBEPPOKVxPkwm84TNcL28uLdgqc3J4T0ywkuMQPViY1HQPH4MMH8D9fCdwnXPryoqDGi_h7X5cDaraAqBBGU1ig0aznOVt-9TZfYxOFZjazLNCZs4/s1600/199391_836121358946_1510625_46124277_1334263_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjbaLD5HMqRlKS1oUMTeS7TKX87cBEPPOKVxPkwm84TNcL28uLdgqc3J4T0ywkuMQPViY1HQPH4MMH8D9fCdwnXPryoqDGi_h7X5cDaraAqBBGU1ig0aznOVt-9TZfYxOFZjazLNCZs4/s320/199391_836121358946_1510625_46124277_1334263_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589183176948740082" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjloz2o9lf7gZl7lCskDcHVEHzroc41EV44H57GrQRgd2f4uS6qyuHDd9yEvoms_O-KdVkCnWVDuGugWO1zu1pq6QRbZDY0i_9_Ibx58lHbXmmKI4GsMrIc-A6UUjQkrxN_7JbExVdlaNk/s1600/IMG00744-20110325-0952.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/AVvXsEjloz2o9lf7gZl7lCskDcHVEHzroc41EV44H57GrQRgd2f4uS6qyuHDd9yEvoms_O-KdVkCnWVDuGugWO1zu1pq6QRbZDY0i_9_Ibx58lHbXmmKI4GsMrIc-A6UUjQkrxN_7JbExVdlaNk/s320/IMG00744-20110325-0952.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589183168191521506" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ml9E4-L4iCwa1ZH9vE_vxhWQT0w8vY9aituEcR1E4gcbZIRaUSJ1Nlsanbg1hd6QN6X0Zlo94nAD6Zg8XalbvZmwE1dH57S4tgk09eEoKTsuZYkj0TY8DgMXiiYoguC9nOuI1qKZWuM/s1600/IMG00753-20110325-1443.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/AVvXsEg1ml9E4-L4iCwa1ZH9vE_vxhWQT0w8vY9aituEcR1E4gcbZIRaUSJ1Nlsanbg1hd6QN6X0Zlo94nAD6Zg8XalbvZmwE1dH57S4tgk09eEoKTsuZYkj0TY8DgMXiiYoguC9nOuI1qKZWuM/s320/IMG00753-20110325-1443.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589183165738734898" /></a><br /> OK, I officially receive an “F” for updating my blog as promised. Truth be told, this past month has gone by with epic speed therefore rendering me useless when it comes to spending time alongside my laptop (unless it involves logging onto FaceBook of course!)<br /><br /> So, let’s see...where to start? In order to avoid a drab and tedious account of the past month’s happenings, I’ll provide a quick update on each horse and then jump to the most recent of shows, Southern Pines II. <br /><br /> Lyle has been improving his flat work and jumping skills tremendously. However, I must keep reminding myself that he is only five years old, as his aptitude for learning towers over most OTTBs that both mom and I have had the opportunity to train. He is a serious horse for the future, without a doubt! <br /><br /> Two weekends prior from now, Diego finally had his long-awaited opportunity to strut his stuff in DQ land! At his first recognized show, he took home the blue for his superb test in Second Level Test One and fourth place in First Level Test Four. Always a perfectionist, I still would like to get him in the seventy percentile range as opposed to the upper sixties but strength training and conditioning are always done over a long period of time...so I am very confident that they too will come.<br /><br /> As many of you know I recently was given the ride aboard Rising Spirit and since I have had the opportunity to ride this amazing mare to sell for Sarah Heffron, my confidence has paralleled that of her “Breyer Horse-like” name. She has now competed successfully at her first two intermediates, placing third in the first and fifth in the second. On the off chance that she doesn't sell immediately, I really am hoping that I will somehow stumble upon a patron who is willing to purchase the mare for me to ride...that can catapult us to international stardom!<br /><br /> Now, onto the champ himself. What I love about that little horse is his ability to make things look so seemingly easy! From the countless shoulder ins down center line that Mark makes us perform to an Advanced cross country course in the pouring down rain, Al always seems to handle the pressure with ease, despite his pilot’s decisions, or lack thereof. I was very pleased this past weekend to have led from start to finish with Al. I believe that finally, our hard work and beloved grant money (which is rapidly disappearing from my bank account) is beginning to pay off! <br /><br /> One of the biggest changes in my dressage has been my attention to detail, which both Mark and Kim have really helped me to identify. At Southern Pines, my primary goal was to perform an accurate dressage test and try to leave no stone unturned, and no corner untouched. Although my changes still need some honing, I am quite pleased with the lateral and extension work aboard my wonder boy. <br /><br /> Cross country at SoPo was a whole other scene from the sunny day of geometry tests prior. I was lucky enough to stay relatively dry on May’s spectacular intermediate XC round which I was happy about considering I was wearing white britches! However, as I began to put in Al’s studs for XC, my original small grass tips were suddenly replaced with mediums as the rain began to pour down with conviction! Soon enough, Al and I sucked it up, tightened our belt (and girth), and headed out for the start box in the midst of a deluge. After about fifteen minutes of warming up (which was really quite an oxymoron at this point), our number was called and we began to circle the start box with anticipation and excitement of what was to come. Although I knew I was lying in first place before XC, I did not plan on going for the optimum time as it was both Al’s and my first advanced back of the year, and I was wanting to provide a confidence instilling round, rather than just a fast paced one! <br /><br /> As we set out on course, my original plan to start off slowly was somewhat amped up due to the inclement weather. Being that the rain was pelleting in both Al’s and my eyes in the approach to our fences, I found that Al was a bit stickier in the beginning of the course than usual. I therefore started riding him a bit firmer after the first couple fences, to ensure he wouldn't lose confidence despite the angry weather. After fence four, we were well on our way and I was able to scale back and allow Al to settle with plenty of pats in between the jumps throughout our gallop lanes. The advanced track at SoPo was a bit “twistier” than previous years, with many opportunities to interrupt the XC flow if the rider began to ride too backwards! Being that this is one of my weak points with Al (because quite frankly, he listens to me way too intently) I am very happy to report that I am greatly improving in this area as Kentucky begins to creep closer. <br /><br /> As we crossed the finish line, I was met with a boisterously cheerful greeting squad of my mother and Sophia Zeier, who flew all the way across the country to enjoy the downpour on the east coast, as if the California rain wasn't enough! Both Al and May spent the next two hours swapping positions in the Whirlpool boots and we ended the cold and wet day with an hour or two of hand walking and grazing, much to the horses’ delight!<br /><br /> However, Saturday wasn't a great day for all...quite the contrary actually. I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to Arden, Michael and Nat with the loss of their spectacular mounts. Losing a horse is never easy; losing one that you share each day along side and on top is demoralizing. However, Mandar and Dekorum are in greener pastures now running and jumping with the likes of Frodo, Jamie, Peewee, and of course my beloved Guppy. What a sad, sad day for eventing.<br /><br /> The weather didn't help the already melancholy atmosphere at Southern Pines on Day Three. Although it was immensely colder, I think we were all relieved to finally be dry and kept our fingers crossed that Mother Nature would find it in her heart to fend off the Rain Gods for the time being. I was worried that the new SJ venue comprised of grass footing would be torn up after one prelim, two intermediate and two advanced divisions had a go of it before Al had his chance. However, when I set out over the first obstacle in Sally Ike’s tricky show jumping course, I was reminded that the Southern Pines sand is no stranger to rain and soaks it all up making the footing quite cushy without being slippery! Al jumped like his normal freak self with a classically clear round to hold onto our three day lead in the Advanced B class! My, that boy has wings!!!<br /><br /> This week will be one of the busiest as May and Al and I not only have multiple lessons with the show jumping legend herself, Katie Prudant, but we are also packing our life up to head north back to VA, by way of the infamous Fork! We will be arriving at the Fork early where we will have the opportunity to ride under the watchful eye of CMP before competition commences on Thursday. In the meantime, to avoid boredom and over grooming my horses, I will set out a plan to find Kellie Pickler and educate her on the dynamics of C-A-L-A-M-A-R-I! Until then folks, shoulders back, eyes forward, and keep your eyes on the prize! <br />-LaineyLaineyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940356657004521258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5017190618358153517.post-55885305623703467012011-02-08T21:51:00.006-05:002011-02-23T22:28:35.232-05:00The Air Up There<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj63X9WRwFK0y7PKtc9Or1H2Gavjb4-HzVnsAmWaSQuop84sILzVKDbagSZdX1yG21egWX8NSOcMCjT2qBf7eszJ0pHKEGCUfTN4tC_X12rbX31Gfw4dzweS_P1emlBK0nfa1fAdXE4-q0/s1600/photo.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/AVvXsEj63X9WRwFK0y7PKtc9Or1H2Gavjb4-HzVnsAmWaSQuop84sILzVKDbagSZdX1yG21egWX8NSOcMCjT2qBf7eszJ0pHKEGCUfTN4tC_X12rbX31Gfw4dzweS_P1emlBK0nfa1fAdXE4-q0/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577092816489994210" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwWSa5FfXnpay7UXquiIt_Zz89ET7D_snBQguAv7pfRG92o2YAlWV45cABUfYtdYkdm4p1WKZQc4ZF9W3o8fYwkZDfB-SRDKQNTmIBCJr5YtNXTQUT9hxbAL-1n6OJ0hbcwFgDPgskjM/s1600/photo.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/AVvXsEiNwWSa5FfXnpay7UXquiIt_Zz89ET7D_snBQguAv7pfRG92o2YAlWV45cABUfYtdYkdm4p1WKZQc4ZF9W3o8fYwkZDfB-SRDKQNTmIBCJr5YtNXTQUT9hxbAL-1n6OJ0hbcwFgDPgskjM/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577092604901487842" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_CULv_g1wqAPgWNdAECSBuf2kWTteoyjV5zHOhZRoKf5HGaBMKDT2Mly8BIe8h-KukOUYFItwRPdVVv9TdKnWQLI2d-61EiU2hf6QwZF6r3-7KuzSxktO_1zzaqldQA-8nI4jLvK1pcQ/s1600/CIMG5008.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/AVvXsEh_CULv_g1wqAPgWNdAECSBuf2kWTteoyjV5zHOhZRoKf5HGaBMKDT2Mly8BIe8h-KukOUYFItwRPdVVv9TdKnWQLI2d-61EiU2hf6QwZF6r3-7KuzSxktO_1zzaqldQA-8nI4jLvK1pcQ/s320/CIMG5008.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577092597729527922" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN2LcB1MZ30LsH9KLvHdfa6Fr1nQSLEFW7e3kopzSdEHRsfBrG1aXdAF3NTn5MGn0-MCCzPw_HHXU4MMjj3EvGZuQbX9E8uejzOFEZsCbA12HRyWqTrF-XiGDHP38QzGg_Mny-uprN-a0/s1600/CIMG4970.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 303px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN2LcB1MZ30LsH9KLvHdfa6Fr1nQSLEFW7e3kopzSdEHRsfBrG1aXdAF3NTn5MGn0-MCCzPw_HHXU4MMjj3EvGZuQbX9E8uejzOFEZsCbA12HRyWqTrF-XiGDHP38QzGg_Mny-uprN-a0/s320/CIMG4970.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577092584592287378" /></a><br /> "Are you able to get enough oxygen up there?" <br /><br /> This is a truly logical question that could be addressed to someone who happens to be on a plane or in a parachute. Someone could even answer this question who is attempting a bungee jump from a skyscraper. I am sure Dr. Sarah Gold could even answer this question when she easily finagles her way down slopes of the Alps via snow skis. But how can this question be applied in a jumping lesson? How can one possibly reach such high altitudes while on the back of a horse? Well, my friends, the answer comes in the form of a very small equine, dainty in stature, who's large eye and dished face makes him seem more of an Arabian than a Thoroughbred. The answer is: Anthony Patch.<br /><br /> Truth be told, the particular aforementioned question came out of Captain Mark Phillip's mouth after Alex and I completed one of the first courses he set while in the final leg of the USET Training Session a few weeks prior. I don't know if it was because I was overly focused on preparing for CMP's next course or perhaps I was too busy trying to hold on for dear life, but the humor in the question eluded my senses at that very point in time. It was only on the forty-five minute drive home from Three Runs Plantation that I realized what we had just accomplished. Al and I are officially one step closer to living a dream that once seemed a fantasy on my bedroom ceiling.<br /><br /> Aside from nearly crippling myself in trying to beat the infamous Doug Payne and Jennifer Brannigan in the squat section of our USOC Fitness Assessment (where I placed a dismal third) the whole experience, from my lessons with CMP to meeting with the USOC staff, was a fruitful and informative one.<br /><br /> The following weekend was one of transitions. This specific transition came in the form of a worn-in western saddle placed on the back of a very small unassuming red cowpony, accompanied by a rather handsome cowboy. Oh yes my friends...the annual Make-A-Wish Challenge had finally arrived. Ever since that brisk evening in February of 2010 when Joe and I finished second in the Challenge, I had been vehemently yearning to take back the title that dangled in front of our thirsty palates. Oh yes, it was time for Chuckie Waters to meet his maker(s)!<br /><br /> I arrived in sunny Ocala the Saturday prior to the Valentine's Day Challenge in order to get a few lessons from my cowboy coach, Joe Harper. Being as competitive as his eventing student, Joe graciously brought two cowponies for me to try out, Jethro and Sparky. Being that Joe won multiple classes that weekend at a Reining Cow Horse Show with both ponies, the odds were in my favor to match up with one of the two stocky quarter horses. Eventually I chose Sparky, a petite red mare standing only fourteen and a half hands tall. Where she lacked in size she made up exponentially in speed and athleticism; we WERE the ones to beat!<br /><br /> The pressure was on as Joe executed a glorious jumping test aboard Pistol (one of Aaron Vale's ex jumpers) to finish his section in second place. As I entered the ring to begin my reining pattern, I visualized the coveted belt buckle, adorned with rubies, gold and silver, which laid claim to a competitive english versus western charitable championship...oh yes...she would be mine! Aside from a big mistake made in our cow work, Sparky and I took the lead from ole Chuckie...and Joe and I never looked back! By the end of the Challenge, Joe went home with his new custom bit, and I drove back to Aiken wearing my new sparkly belt buckle! It was a pleasure to work with such a talented and knowledgeable horseman such a Joe, and to bring two worlds together that share the same passion in order to raise money for charity makes the winning all the more satisfying!<br /><br /> Soon when I got home from Ocala, I was brought back down from cowgirl heaven as preparations were in order to get Lyle ready for his second training level event, and May (aka Rising Spirit) ready for her first show of the season in the preliminary class. Being that I only had a few days to get to know May, I wanted to give her a confident ride to start her event season off on the right foot...no pun intended. <br /><br /> The weekend went by smoothly, with both horses executing solid dressage tests, jumping clear cross country rounds, and aside from Lyle's rider adding one too many before the triple combination, the show jumping rounds were relatively flawless. May finished a respectable fifth place at her first show back in a year and Lyle finished with an exuberant head shake and tail swish....my boy is starting to grow up!<br /><br /> This weekend will be Al's first show of the year. I am starting him off at Prelim, where I hope to perform a lovely dressage test, and use the jumping phases towards his fitness plan in preparation for KY. May will also try her hand (or hoof) at prelim once more before her move up to Intermediate at Full Gallop. I am very excited to be in the midst of my show season. Between the bi-weekly USEF Training sessions, weekly dressage lessons with Kimberly, earnestly working on perfecting Diego's flying lead changes, and continuously searching for the greenest bananas in the produce section of Piggly Wiggly (and to no avail), my free time has been squashed to a minimum. But all in all I'm a happy camper...I've got amazing horses, a busy schedule, a fancy belt buckle, and a cowboy hat to boot! What more could a girl wish for? Until next time folks, eyes up, shoulders back...and RIDE RIDE RIDE! Keep your eye on the cow...errr, the prize! Cheers!<br /><br />-LaineyLaineyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940356657004521258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5017190618358153517.post-10392666839279672942011-01-22T22:31:00.002-05:002011-01-22T23:44:57.448-05:00Wagener is the NEW Aiken!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8BBfxGmu0AQmEtwj_Pe7V8XlM-H24b0EmNC6B4qKgvVJ4EgJ4qpl9bPm20vHeMhRakf8I8ed_1mCx4zlpVgDrCcooHsuUZI4Br7sUXZw9r174AKzCuNVzupsvlq47C5p1BJ4Xe48j60/s1600/167102_808488739936_1510625_45594855_44350_n.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/AVvXsEgW8BBfxGmu0AQmEtwj_Pe7V8XlM-H24b0EmNC6B4qKgvVJ4EgJ4qpl9bPm20vHeMhRakf8I8ed_1mCx4zlpVgDrCcooHsuUZI4Br7sUXZw9r174AKzCuNVzupsvlq47C5p1BJ4Xe48j60/s320/167102_808488739936_1510625_45594855_44350_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565237733634260770" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAm62clPy42brg0IADg4EdG79gABuP3RAZ-3e1vBT2Bqt8fD0WjgC84-EjDh-6vAJppy_Gbe-f1WoD3PmqwmKM_4fBIjOv23DkEHpykRH6k5suOCsURSVhqTPXilLdpzlZJFfoW0gdmS4/s1600/179800_810510493326_1510625_45642963_1571026_n.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/AVvXsEiAm62clPy42brg0IADg4EdG79gABuP3RAZ-3e1vBT2Bqt8fD0WjgC84-EjDh-6vAJppy_Gbe-f1WoD3PmqwmKM_4fBIjOv23DkEHpykRH6k5suOCsURSVhqTPXilLdpzlZJFfoW0gdmS4/s320/179800_810510493326_1510625_45642963_1571026_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565237728123421474" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQ3CTz-2KUhOJxUARBn5_N2V59s4MMiOw_bCb2mTLr4gG15KG5JxsVZVwNHrAIs2a6Eu_SQdi0g8n5J8rBQoE8m5sKnq3FPlEz7_fWEa6FYzReVGWa47A67q5YajXPJAw0PJi4powPdw/s1600/163770_810455079376_1510625_45642098_5379856_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQ3CTz-2KUhOJxUARBn5_N2V59s4MMiOw_bCb2mTLr4gG15KG5JxsVZVwNHrAIs2a6Eu_SQdi0g8n5J8rBQoE8m5sKnq3FPlEz7_fWEa6FYzReVGWa47A67q5YajXPJAw0PJi4powPdw/s320/163770_810455079376_1510625_45642098_5379856_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565237716907666034" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbDG94b8KtQW1lSF-aTwqliomynvZzLYNGc7kiRfwrvWZFDnEapI0oxAWWgBUQzs3xX63eiYzY7jtS3UdKdH2FPpQHQVHUGfkCsps8DEP5xXHCusmGNvDdb-8W8Y10aNTjWEvubfHK_w/s1600/163750_810455423686_1510625_45642101_2082761_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbDG94b8KtQW1lSF-aTwqliomynvZzLYNGc7kiRfwrvWZFDnEapI0oxAWWgBUQzs3xX63eiYzY7jtS3UdKdH2FPpQHQVHUGfkCsps8DEP5xXHCusmGNvDdb-8W8Y10aNTjWEvubfHK_w/s320/163750_810455423686_1510625_45642101_2082761_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565237709709851490" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfe5j9QyXlkbjRnrNItGoDTSIoKJWH62BKdl8yHW_bxRRQD7G2j2bQa_8L7UGINdKZFN9-z1cNjJ7eqbSAO_ZJexdH29j2bpqzMGM46Q98VXlbGdUfhgfTmBjuJRFEWK5t5KtRFwYmxLA/s1600/163239_810455588356_1510625_45642102_7635632_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfe5j9QyXlkbjRnrNItGoDTSIoKJWH62BKdl8yHW_bxRRQD7G2j2bQa_8L7UGINdKZFN9-z1cNjJ7eqbSAO_ZJexdH29j2bpqzMGM46Q98VXlbGdUfhgfTmBjuJRFEWK5t5KtRFwYmxLA/s320/163239_810455588356_1510625_45642102_7635632_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565237709635252994" /></a><br /> Hmmm let's see here, where shall I begin? Between the haunted house, my mother's hospital visit, the fifteen hundred pound hogs and the endless sand roads, my perception of reality and a nightmarish fantasy somehow became intermixed...<br /><br /> Yes ladies and gentlemen the road to Aiken (ahem, Wagener to be exact) South Carolina originally started as a smooth one, for the horses that is. However, the human transport was the catalyst for the eruption of scary, slightly intrusive and extremely offensive situations of what lie ahead.<br /><br /> After spending over a day and a half hopping from airport to airport, Delilah finally landed in Richmond, Virginia; with mom in tow. Being that neither my mom or the dog had slept on any of the flights (yes, flights as in plural people...as in FOUR flights to get from SAC to RIC, all accompanied with four hour plus layovers..thanks mother nature!), I decided to delay the trip a day, so that mom could get some much needed rest.<br /><br /> On early Thursday morning, mom, D and I were "up-and-adam," making the pilgrimage from north to south with four horses in tow, one too many luggage pieces, two cell phones, and plenty of sugar-free Red Bull! Like I said before, the road trip to Wagener couldn't have run smoother, and highway 95 couldn't have been more welcoming. After eight hours of singing, chatting, NOT texting while driving, and stopping to check where Al placed his grooming halter from time to time in the trailer, the Crow's Ear crew pulled into one of our final destinations: Shadow Lane Farm! <br /><br /> What a site for soar eyes! The glorious yellow courtyard-shaped barn overlooked an immaculate cross country course and beautiful rolling pastures. On the other side an all-weather sand footing dressage regulated arena just teased me as I stood gazing at it's buoyancy and proximity next to my four-stall shed row barn. As I turned the boys out for the night in their spacious pastures, I felt so relieved to have a place as wonderful as this to train and prepare for the upcoming spring season. After a couple hours of snorting and prancing, the boys began to settle into their new winter home. All was good. NOW for the fun part.<br /><br /> Next stop: my humble abode. Now I must make a side note that I never actually SAW this house in person nor did I take the words "slightly rustic," "a little out there," or "blood-stained couch" seriously as I meandered from one sand road onto another. My bursting excitement from seeing my horses' new digs suddenly began to wane (similar to the bars on my AT&T iPhone) as I drove down Bluffwood Rd. As the door creaked open sounding like a scene from a Freddie Kruger movie, I was happily welcomed by two smiling and familiar faces, Coren Morgan and Kate Samuels who would be my roommates for the rest of the winter, if we made it out of the house alive that is.<br /><br /> "There is going to be some serious character-building," said Coren as mom and I creeped across the peeling linoleum floors and hopped over the puddle of water coming from the base of the oven, which Delilah thirstily lapped. Being that no television existed, the internet connection on my Verizon Mi-Fi was spotty at best, the microwave was unresponsive and the shower was big enough to wash off just one of my legs, I'd have to agree with Coren that some sort of building, be it character or nervousness, was absolutely in store. Nevertheless, we were finally in Aiken, and we we there for one thing: to train, train, train. <br /><br /> Now, let's just take a step back for a moment. When I say I'm in "Aiken" I don't actually mean the small town in South Carolina which plays host to fine dining such as Golden Corral or Ryans. I don't actually mean the town that has paved roads and a Kroger, Starbucks, CVS and a Marble Slab. NO WAY! When I say "Aiken" I am referring to the town of Wagener, which is nearly thirty miles east of the real McCoy. And when I say "Wagener" I mean the town that has ONE Dollar General, ONE take-out Chinese food restaurant, ONE Piggly Wiggly grocery store. When I say "Wagener" I mean the town that has ONE street light and ONE random hardware shop in case you need to buy a rope to tie up your neighboring Big Foot. Yes, my friends, Wagener South Carolina is where my horses and I reside, probably the ONE place where my coveted iPhone 4.0 clearly reminds me of my social isolation when it reads "NO SERVICE" in white bold lettering. Character building, my friends....Sheer. Character. Building.<br /><br /> After about a week in Bluffwood Shack (although Kate has a much better name for it which will remain undisclosed on account of the children), Coren, Kate and I had enough character-building and opted for the two-story lake house securely nestled in the woods of a very GATED community just five miles away from Shadow Lane Farm. I don't know whether it was the incessant howling of the hellish hounds ALL NIGHT LONG, the fumes from the leaking propane tank outside, or the heaps of possum feces spread around the entire house that greeted us one morning, but it was either the shack or me...and the shack aint feeding the horses every day. In all of about five minutes, the girls and I were packed, and speeding down the highway to our new, more sophisticated digs in the Edisto Lake community.<br /><br /> So from the start, the road to Aiken (or Wagener) has been that of a hectic one. However, as I am now starting into week two and thus becoming far more settled, I am slowly discovering why it's worth braving the cold instead of basking in the glorious sun of Ocala (where I have spent the past seven winters!) Where the endless sandy roads come in handy is for the long, arduous trot sets that lie ahead as our spring three days grow closer. Three events at which I'll be competing are all within a five mile radius of one another, and less than ten miles from Shadow Lane Farm. The kind and laid-back nature of the locals add to the tranquil atmosphere of this humble, hospitable horse community. And although it is "really OUT there," I have the honor and opportunity to live with two other fabulous horse women, who are not only great roommates, but encouraging friends when times become tough. So all in all, I'd say this has been a change for the better. Heck, I'll even venture so far as to say I think Aiken, or Wagener is even growing on me. The final word will come when I begin my show season and training sessions, which begin in a little over two weeks. Until then folks, pull on those gloves, zip up those boots, and grab a horse...we've got a trot set to explore! Stay tuned for more from the Wagener saga!Laineyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940356657004521258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5017190618358153517.post-60347291668752908662010-12-16T00:09:00.002-05:002010-12-16T00:17:03.905-05:00A Sudden End to a Bright Future<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwg0eVaLg9ZIWpnbm7RIEjY3i1RS_maO3ulcb0GWCQ4Z3teO9Fm9nBuwbvAbDnqQWGP8TVQPc7CXdwtvXFIkNZU76L5BsJ_oKiI1E_-vaaE4mhkX3YX0S-bXkDV-TflSaS2QWua0CTI0k/s1600/photo+1.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/AVvXsEgwg0eVaLg9ZIWpnbm7RIEjY3i1RS_maO3ulcb0GWCQ4Z3teO9Fm9nBuwbvAbDnqQWGP8TVQPc7CXdwtvXFIkNZU76L5BsJ_oKiI1E_-vaaE4mhkX3YX0S-bXkDV-TflSaS2QWua0CTI0k/s320/photo+1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551144774166734098" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNh2DqdqAyuDefFQ7V4_h-_yij_qwgzXIoOq1YAJzApvLOl4nB3ihygpyIMVDDs6k7EfZBzRLSY4iadGEZpaAsPkplsbvNKFuSz-2lXqoBFAlw5GDQsErUKYu8f6VNFZlxN4Mja00j7oM/s1600/photo+2.PNG"><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/AVvXsEhNh2DqdqAyuDefFQ7V4_h-_yij_qwgzXIoOq1YAJzApvLOl4nB3ihygpyIMVDDs6k7EfZBzRLSY4iadGEZpaAsPkplsbvNKFuSz-2lXqoBFAlw5GDQsErUKYu8f6VNFZlxN4Mja00j7oM/s320/photo+2.PNG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551144768648013906" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguCrp7sWKHI4YwbjvFJWwE2RiEU-UpNSAR8jLME_MxuZYDWyJMcwfMfwZjxsoPDvY2Sm7DpD4skoMcee7SSaRc3ZLenOWsKiuessZ8YSx2oXJx3p8RVajQjUvY27WLsv_ru8wK5Be2a54/s1600/photo+3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguCrp7sWKHI4YwbjvFJWwE2RiEU-UpNSAR8jLME_MxuZYDWyJMcwfMfwZjxsoPDvY2Sm7DpD4skoMcee7SSaRc3ZLenOWsKiuessZ8YSx2oXJx3p8RVajQjUvY27WLsv_ru8wK5Be2a54/s320/photo+3.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551144762377644402" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhzAigeoJs_qz_Iw8PiRnAFz_4WJTWxwSYOi_H32bFW1UbKmuIbiAN5cOFvokvDAoAoNiopDldhR6Yt1Vxnw1z_UZcfAlg4_D0zMXtHH8PJdDkIV9EviCduyASToqVQeQLceFra3nwEQ/s1600/photo+4.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhzAigeoJs_qz_Iw8PiRnAFz_4WJTWxwSYOi_H32bFW1UbKmuIbiAN5cOFvokvDAoAoNiopDldhR6Yt1Vxnw1z_UZcfAlg4_D0zMXtHH8PJdDkIV9EviCduyASToqVQeQLceFra3nwEQ/s320/photo+4.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551144757148496882" /></a><br /> While I am fully aware that it has been nearly two months since my last post, I needed some time to pass in order to reflect on recent happenings that have seriously had altering effects on my life. <br /><br /> With that in mind, I would like to provide my readers with a casual disclaimer: Yes, I graduated from UVa. Yes, I speak multiple languages. And yes, I am an avid writer that <span style="font-style:italic;">enjoys</span> keeping my friends, fans, students, and fellow horse enthusiasts updated with my eventing life. However, I was never an English major in college, nor do I dare boast about having the perfect grammar in my blog posts. I simply write from the heart, and after all, isn’ t that why you read these blogs in the first place, in order to get a real sense of the lifestyle of being an international event rider? Would you prefer a grammatically perfect blog with zero emotion or one that’s from the heart, that’s honest, and most important, recent? So, if you are truly offended by my rudimentary grammar and idiotic punctuation mistakes, then I kindly ask you to quit reading my blog, and move on with your life. If however, you want a REAL account of someone who is out there striving to achieve a life-long dream, then please proceed with caution.<br /><br /> Now, where was I? Back to recent life altering events.<br /><br /> Probably the most influential and riveting event has been the death of my dear friend and eventing comrade, Colin Davidson. Now I will never lay claim to being BFFs with Colin but shared a laugh (and a tiff) or two, and an overwhelming passion for those four-legged creatures. Colin should and will be remembered for the kind, loving soul he was. He could always be found petting Drake (his four star horse, Draco) after a good effort across country, grazing one of his horses reflecting on the day he just experienced at a horse trials, or walking the course playing with his little rambunctious dog, Badger. I am always drawn to a memory that Colin and I shared this year at the Fork CIC*** in April. Both he and I were hosing our horses off at the communal wash rack and asking how each other's show jumping round went, especially as it was the last effort before the big four star that loomed ahead. After bantering on and on about how I wish I had ridden some random turn better but thank goodness Al was his normal phenom-self and jumped a double clear, I stopped myself in mid-sentence when Colin’s gaze seemed to grow increasingly melancholy. When I asked him how his round panned out, he stopped scrubbing Draco’s legs with soap, looked at me, then began to laugh hysterically. Before I came to the conclusion that he was “off of his rocker” he told me how he had made a wrong turn in the course and ended up jumping the triple combination backwards; in the three star; and CLEANLY! I laughed so hard I spooked both of our horses which ultimately brought both of us both back to reality. We then joked how Drake was ready for Kentucky as he was able to jump a three star level triple combination backwards leaving all the rails in tact, which takes loads of talent, I might add!<br /><br /> I am so thankful that I was able to spend the night with Colin in the hospital. I was able to reassure him that his horses were well looked after and just how much of an impact he has made on so many people’s lives. I reminded him how proud I was to see him canter down the center line at Rolex and own that dressage test. I promised him that he would not be left alone, nor would he ever be forgotten, and that his loving girlfriend Mackenzie Booth was frantically on her way to his bedside from Pennsylvania. I simply was THERE, sitting by his side, holding his hand and rubbing his arm...speechless.<br /><br /> However, after seeing the horrific spectacle that lay in front of me decorated with countless tubes and IVs, I experienced the obvious flashback of a catastrophic accident that happened to me two years back, and was finally able to feel the undulating emotions that my parents had felt back in the UK hospital room. I am saddened for Colin’s mom, Lucy; for no parent should EVER have to bury their child. RIP Colin Baird Davidson. Please tell my boys Jamie, Fro-Fro, and Peewee that I love them indefinitely and keep them in my heart, on my wrists and in my medical armband when I ride.<br /><br /> On a lighter note, Al and I were pleased to make the Winter Training List Squad B. Although it has been overshadowed by my attention lying with the friends and family of Colin, I am very proud and honored to have my name posted in the same realm of legendary riders such as Karen O’Connor, Phillip Dutton, Buck and Boyd. Some up-and-coming riders such as Jennie Brannigan and Alexandria Slusher are stars for the future and I expect these guys and gals to bring forth their “A” game next year, simultaneously encouraging mine to follow suit as well. It has been three years since I was last named to the Winter Training Squad B. I remember pondering, as I was in the final days of my month-long stay at the UK hospital, if I would make it back to where I was before and what would it feel like if I had? Well folks, thanks to my trusty steeds, my relentlessly proud mother, my faithful groom and friend Bronwyn, WE have arrived back and boy does victory taste sweet! Although I can’t promise that I will bring home a gold medal at the first Olympics that I hope to compete, I can avow that my efforts will be ceaseless and glory unrestrained. I have trudged to the depths of hell and I will never ever digress back to that dark, dark state I loomed in before.<br /><br /> Al and I are also fortunate enough to have received a training grant, which we hope to take full advantage of in the winter and spring seasons with some informative jumping and dressage lessons from world-renowned instructors and clinicians. We all know that I am no stranger to criticism so please, if it makes me a better rider in the long run, FIRE AWAY Mrs. Prudant!<br /><br /> Until next time, chin up, shoulders back, and grab some mane! See you in the start box down south! Happy Holidays and have a safe and memorable (or maybe not for some of you) New Year’s! Welcome, 2011!Laineyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940356657004521258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5017190618358153517.post-26328851204881581752010-10-27T14:05:00.002-04:002010-10-27T14:07:50.755-04:00Bad Luck Comes in Three’s<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3HgtpYjyQHGLKwALgxwgn1Vofu7xZzQ6pcYqD7xTpJC6HcwvSsKU9stR_-spn4l65PDrY1jPq3y3toqKoOusWSUTQiDT8BBE0L_RMIiOQRf8ja5uI_vYzDXhVrAe13saeVSf-TakrUoQ/s1600/photo+4.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 191px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3HgtpYjyQHGLKwALgxwgn1Vofu7xZzQ6pcYqD7xTpJC6HcwvSsKU9stR_-spn4l65PDrY1jPq3y3toqKoOusWSUTQiDT8BBE0L_RMIiOQRf8ja5uI_vYzDXhVrAe13saeVSf-TakrUoQ/s320/photo+4.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532789125319487730" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcj4BaaatwqwnAojGLfBCacprIAEQxFdCjzaMrrNk3hcx8jf8P0TOjpeEw5yi1ZbjiEaMSeZnW9kyR6t-jexa0sJNfhjPc0sgMb-pJW4-3OMR455xTD3FT9Xnjl-yNwEudbcioxye0nYg/s1600/photo+3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 191px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcj4BaaatwqwnAojGLfBCacprIAEQxFdCjzaMrrNk3hcx8jf8P0TOjpeEw5yi1ZbjiEaMSeZnW9kyR6t-jexa0sJNfhjPc0sgMb-pJW4-3OMR455xTD3FT9Xnjl-yNwEudbcioxye0nYg/s320/photo+3.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532789122673431890" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg91U2W6pVial8jg5doe9nkYT3nPW9JASLRoi9xRf-ue6vApQ5Rj0U3-cB3YVI0MuJRD05yfxVcQ8qhFk6hLM9NwQ9STdknEYKfly1AGBNsIkLVeuodt-RrHszr3JpxVmXS7t8N-wjdEuQ/s1600/photo+1.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/AVvXsEg91U2W6pVial8jg5doe9nkYT3nPW9JASLRoi9xRf-ue6vApQ5Rj0U3-cB3YVI0MuJRD05yfxVcQ8qhFk6hLM9NwQ9STdknEYKfly1AGBNsIkLVeuodt-RrHszr3JpxVmXS7t8N-wjdEuQ/s320/photo+1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532789117710130530" /></a><br /> Due to my overwhelmingly competitive nature, this will be by far one of the most difficult and necessary blog posts that I have written. The matter of the fact is that this sport is hard. Hard on it’s riders, equally as hard on our horses (not to mention our wallets). My decision to pull Al from Pau was a tortuous one, as I was in a tug-of-war between my heart and my logic. <br /><br /> The road up to Pau was seemingly an easy one up until last Sunday, when I took Al to the local jumper show. Thus, the “week from hell” began. The day after he won his class, I jogged him up and lunged him and noticed a slight hitch in his step, something that I am not accustomed to seeing on such a solid, sound horse. Immediately, I called my local vet and friend, Tom Newton, who sped over to my barn, and after watching Alex trot up decided that it would be in Al’s and my best interest to make the haul up to Charlottesville, VA to see the great Dr. Coles at the Blue Ridge Equine Clinic. On Tuesday I spent the day trotting Al back and forth under the knowledgable eye of Reynolds Coles where we blocked him from the foot up. When the scans came up negative for tears or holes, we turned to the X rays, which concluded what I had feared the whole time along: Al has acute arthritis. Because of the timing of the event and the FEI rules, injecting with steroids was clearly out of the question. The only option we had was to do an Irap, which would be pulled from Al on Tuesday, processed in the laboratory overnight, and re-injected back into the joint on Friday morning. <br /><br /> I was happy to pick Bronwyn (my best friend and groom) up from the Richmond airport on Friday, horse, hope, and trailer in tow. From the airport we jetted to Blue Ridge, where Dr. Coles once again assessed his slight lameness and reaffirmed his original conclusion. We then injected Al with the Irap, and let Al do the rest of the talking. I was given strict instructions from the vet to do a long hack on Saturday, light dressage work on Sunday, then carry on with my previously scheduled plan for Pau. I remember distinctly telling Bronwyn as Al was being injected that “if this horse is not unequivocally 100% come Wednesday morning, he will NOT step foot on a plane.” Although reality was beginning to set in, there is always hope, unto which I cling passionately.<br /><br /> The last member of Team CEF arrived in Richmond on Saturday evening. I sighed a breath of relief as mom hopped into the car by my side. There is nothing like having the two closest people with you during a time as arduous and painstakingly disappointing as this. <br /><br /> Sunday morning finally arrived: the moment of truth! I held my breath as Bronwyn trotted Al in hand down the road. To my surprise, Al was 100%! Everything that had gone awry the past week (Phillip pulling out last minute, my truck randomly deciding to break down, Al’s sudden lameness) suddenly melted from conscience knowing my little horse felt miraculously better. <br /><br /> On Monday I drove up to True Prospect Farm (yet again, Al jogged perfectly sound before we headed out) and had a dressage lesson with Silva. Although the workload was tough, Al met the challenges with flipping toes and clean flying changes! I was really ecstatic that the Irap improved his soundness and I felt really confident about sending my pony across the pond for our debut international four star!<br /><br /> But, as all the top riders can attest, horses are capricious in nature, as they are in soundness. After Bronwyn trotted him up early Tuesday morning, the “hitch” showed its ugly face and the harsh reality began to sink in. Thinking that perhaps it could be from fatigue from the previous day’s dressage lesson, I decided to do a light jump school to see if he would work out of it. Prior to my lesson, I called up the great Kevin Keane to help me evaluate my horse, and come to a decisive conclusion as to the fate of Pau. Al jumped tremendously, leaving all the rails unscathed and in their rightful jump cups. I felt a wave of hope through my body that maybe, just maybe, we could pull through this. <br /><br /> Riding at the four star level is a dream only very few of us reach. Receiving a grant from your Federation and representing your country overseas makes it that much more magical! I wanted to do every thing within my power to get my horse sound, irregardless if it put me in debt until I was ninety-five or held claim over my first born child. This was MY dream and I wanted to make it happen! But wait, it’s not just my dream, it’s my mother’s dream, it’s Bronwyn’s dream, my father’s, grandparent’s, my student’s dream as well. And when I really think about it, the dream doesn't entail just winning Pau; the dream is about achieving success, being the best I can be, and bringing glory to myself and my country no matter the location of the horse show. The dream did NOT involve injuring my horse or wasting the Federation’s money. I have encountered so much heart ache from the sport and do not wish to re-live that loss ever again. I have also endured the loneliest drive home back to Virginia with an empty trailer...talk about a reality check. <br /><br /> On Tuesday evening, after Kevin evaluated Al’s condition, I decided that there was too much inherent risk in sending my horse across the pond, no matter how much it hurt me to do so. At the end of the day, the decision was up to Al, and although I was prepared to do anything and everything to make him comfortable, it was not meant to be. On the contrary, I am quite lucky when you think about it. This could have sprouted up when I arrived in France or even worse, soft tissue damage as a result of running the cross country. When it comes down the the nitty gritty, the timing was the paramount factor in my decision to scratch Al from Pau.<br /><br /> Considering Al had such a light year of competing having only done one three day (Rolex), six horse trials, and had the whole summer off intermixed with some fun-loving trail rides, I am currently assessing my maintenance schedule in order to have him in top form come next April. Next week I plan to have Dr. Coles administer his next injection of Irap and draw out a detailed maintenance schedule for 2011. <br /><br /> I am also excited to announce my new sponsorship with Choice of Champions! Al is currently on and will continue have the Super Joint Solution, Ulser Shield, and Lung Aid in his daily regimen of health and soundness maintenance and I appreciate their support through my past difficult decision.<br /><br /> Furthermore, I want to wish Boydy the best of luck and to once again, re-live his WEG success in France! I have the utmost confidence that he and Remi will do us proud! Be sure to watch him kick some butt LIVE at www.equidiawatch.fr!<br /><br /> I want to first and foremost, thank my mother Valerie and my groom Bronwyn for their undying support and understanding in such a troublesome situation. No one knows me or my horse more than these two gals, and it hurts them equally as much to witness my dismay. I want to thank the rest of my family who held off until the last minute to buy plane tickets, only to find they are non-refundable AFTER purchasing. To my students and friends who are whole heartedly sharing my long drive back to Virginia via text messages, Facebook chat, and phone calls. To the USEF, for believing in Al and I as competitive American Ambassadors. And finally, everyone who donated money, items, kind words, or well-wishes to Al’s and my opportunity to compete abroad. Rest assured your faith will not be broken and that one day, Al and I will be on top of that international podium.<br /><br /> Until then folks, sit back, relax, and go hug your pony! Get your voices ready; Boydy is going to hear our cheers all the way from the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave! Ce la vis!Laineyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940356657004521258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5017190618358153517.post-50202474595757326462010-10-18T20:23:00.003-04:002010-10-18T20:41:25.666-04:00It's CRUNCH Time!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBZQuWei7jK8SUoyZJhYf2psR4PWIl3OYtmyq-b0I0LU2vU0UeWyFiceGZuAmz61pW3I819yMNaF92i-v-u6wjE87BrL9aDp0LydKhuI-YJJMkMRpD0YeZbSL81CbcUHHIRrwwSRNMC4/s1600/photo+1.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/AVvXsEgkBZQuWei7jK8SUoyZJhYf2psR4PWIl3OYtmyq-b0I0LU2vU0UeWyFiceGZuAmz61pW3I819yMNaF92i-v-u6wjE87BrL9aDp0LydKhuI-YJJMkMRpD0YeZbSL81CbcUHHIRrwwSRNMC4/s320/photo+1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529550811158978882" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzbcTwH1Ga-9ywkdYwIFCtKXbt23SQE3IX5j66eOBo04rrkLhVyOlyP1OGhTkKrsm2Ttar86t5Qzh1iPNNjS6O4oMgozGjausVHO46XNb9LKBdmgWp8sjtLC3RcnQRioRknpW0eqe04AU/s1600/photo+2.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/AVvXsEjzbcTwH1Ga-9ywkdYwIFCtKXbt23SQE3IX5j66eOBo04rrkLhVyOlyP1OGhTkKrsm2Ttar86t5Qzh1iPNNjS6O4oMgozGjausVHO46XNb9LKBdmgWp8sjtLC3RcnQRioRknpW0eqe04AU/s320/photo+2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529550807660702402" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFpCg4W9wotzCHKYV0BQNERbyCZjYAr3jNQLOeuZ0HSrxHFECgUzFkFkwXZX3Gi2JxW2Vc_tvQLNIGasO8yeTW4J8xqwOPeA44GKqKQn3rFD3TmTJR8634dtaUoEI-2YGJNIPS5oFhZuM/s1600/photo+4.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 236px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFpCg4W9wotzCHKYV0BQNERbyCZjYAr3jNQLOeuZ0HSrxHFECgUzFkFkwXZX3Gi2JxW2Vc_tvQLNIGasO8yeTW4J8xqwOPeA44GKqKQn3rFD3TmTJR8634dtaUoEI-2YGJNIPS5oFhZuM/s320/photo+4.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529550800955517874" /></a><br /> They say time flies when you're having fun. Well I'm here to tell you it flies by equally as fast when you're stressed out too!<br />This past week has gone by like a whirlwind what with prepping Al for Pau, teaching my many supportive students, exercising my other ponies, and remaining in the loop about the standings at Fairhill and Boekelo. <br /><br /> Really quickly, allow me to digress: First, I would like to congratulate Doug, Will, Tiana, and Sinead on a tremendous performance in the Netherlands. With the US finishing in the second spot, we can all rest assured that we have some promising young talent that are both hungry and eager as they are able to win as these guys demonstrated throughout the weekend. <br />Second, I would like to send out my condolences to Jen and the loss of her amazingly talented mount, JB's Star. I have been no stranger to the loss of my four-legged friends and nothing can heal a broken heart like the simple panacea of "time and sunshine." During these rough patches in our lives as horse people, the best solace comes from the barn; that is, the feeling that you have to carry on no matter how bad you feel because you have other horses in your barn patiently waiting and seeking your guidance and assuredness. Throughout all the struggle these past few years, that's the one thing I have managed to attain and that has never led me astray. Lastly, I want to send out my regards to a dear friend and a well-respected horsewoman Sharon White and wish her a speedy recovery. I look forward to seeing the coveted orange Devoucoux fly around the course in the nearby future!<br /><br /> As our trip to France slowly creeps closer, I am feeling more and more confident as each day goes by and with each workout on Al. Because we all feel the need to "fix" everything at once and therefore "fry" our horses and ourselves, I have managed to compile a list of things I'd like to rectify before cantering down the center line in a couple weeks. I am very happy with my trot work and walk pirouettes in addition to my extended and working walks. However, I'd like to gain more consistency over Al's top line in the walk to canter transition in addition to maintaining push from behind in the canter work. As soon as I get him in front of the leg at the canter, all of the movements flow with ease...I'm very confident that Al and I will be able to fix these issues with a couple more lessons from Kim which I plan on taking this week. <br /><br /> The second issue I've had to work on is my nerves in the show jumping ring. However, just yesterday I jumped five different horses over fifteen different courses and all jumped clear bringing home a wide array of colored ribbons! Al was flawless in the modified jumpers class and bounded over the jump-off round to win the class and therefore give my confidence a swift kick in the pants!!! Who needs a warmblood when your riding a butterfly? Haha, that little horse always seems to make me smile!<br /><br /> When it comes to working on myself, I cannot stress enough how practice practice practice has made such an immense difference when it comes to being either an entry-filler or an entry-winner. As I've grown as a rider over the years, I have learned to pinpoint my weaknesses and hone in on them with a fine toothed comb until they become commonplace and casual. <br /><br /> This weekend I plan to travel up North to True Prospect Farm, where Al and I will have a light jump school and a gallop and I'll finally say "bon voyage" to Bronny and my trusty steed. Mom and I will see them three days later at the show grounds at Pau (I can tell you now that those will be the LONGEST three days while I'm apart from my main man)! For the time being, I am headed to Home Depot to stock up on bubble wrap in addition to fundraising for expenses associated with the trip across the puddle that the grant does not cover (which to my dismay is an exorbitant amount)! If you are interested in donating, you can log onto my website (www.laineashkereventing.com) and make a donation via PayPal. Believe me, any and every donation will be unduly appreciated and utilized to it's fullest!<br />So there you have it for my not-so-concise update on Pau! So far so good and all engines are a go! Until then, eyes up, heels down, and ENJOY the ride!Laineyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940356657004521258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5017190618358153517.post-77399221594129668742010-10-14T10:10:00.005-04:002010-10-14T10:41:07.385-04:00Parlez-vous français???<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-gUv0UOy22wasZ4euuHyrrhAGZYBmzuLwaOO5D9OJLNmulJGoqFfvJgD75ydMcVDZrA8p5HE_BbSGqBJwrNMOcfYZaJy3Wb9IZBi65pYUP7U_R1xeii1iXS9swm0qXux8MGlUUtZGWS0/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-09-11+at+11.14.28+PM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 222px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-gUv0UOy22wasZ4euuHyrrhAGZYBmzuLwaOO5D9OJLNmulJGoqFfvJgD75ydMcVDZrA8p5HE_BbSGqBJwrNMOcfYZaJy3Wb9IZBi65pYUP7U_R1xeii1iXS9swm0qXux8MGlUUtZGWS0/s320/Screen+shot+2010-09-11+at+11.14.28+PM.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527911515853827410" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1psFmXyG57Ijv76SJGrMfsWlP-YV4jycB6MDz08RTmi7uIbVBl8t5psjExNISy2g4DkdChIef0n1FHpvs3IPQPaa-RWB1_6G9nRTiR6WBPK6LvwbCzoXao3_wSEeNP9SBLgl0tpsCLs/s1600/Picture+330.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 306px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1psFmXyG57Ijv76SJGrMfsWlP-YV4jycB6MDz08RTmi7uIbVBl8t5psjExNISy2g4DkdChIef0n1FHpvs3IPQPaa-RWB1_6G9nRTiR6WBPK6LvwbCzoXao3_wSEeNP9SBLgl0tpsCLs/s320/Picture+330.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527911506678211570" /></a><br /> So it has happened. My wildest dreams have finally come true. According to the great Stephanie Boyer and Karen O' Connor, Al and I are "living the dream!" That is, we received the grant to represent our country at Pau CCI**** in France, November 4-7, 2010. Now that isn't to say that I would have turned down a spot on the US WEG Team, but let's just be realistic here...before we can earn that coveted Pinque Coat, we need to go out and earn our international stripes first!<br /><br /> Traveling abroad has always been a stressful experience due to language barriers, exchange rates, awkward maps and of course, driving on the wrong side of the road. Traveling abroad with horses, yeah multiply that feeling by ten! Traveling abroad with horses and doing your first international four star? Take that stressed out feeling, multiply it by another ten, then add excitement, anxiety, happiness and funnel vision all in one! Yep, that's precisely where I am... and those bundled up emotions accompanied with my incessant OCD, well folks, rest assured the barn looks nothing short of immaculate!<br /><br /> Upon hearing that I received the grant, I couldn't help but think of all the time that I have spent in the saddle just to even arrive at this point. All the thrills and spills, the happiness and heartache, the endless nights icing or doing a research paper, the sleepless nights...everything suddenly makes sense now. Sure, I have competed abroad a few times before, but nothing to this calibre and on this amazing of a horse! I truly feel that everything happens for a reason and it has been everything (and I mean everything), leading up to this point that has shaped me not only as a rider and a horsewoman, but as a human being and more importantly, as an adult. I have done some serious growing up over these last couple years and feel that this is my horse's and my time to shine, and I don't plan on allowing anything or anyone take that sense of accomplishment away from us.<br /><br /> Of course you know I could not even THINK about going it alone to France. My best friend, ROCK, and groom Bronwyn Watts will be flying with Al and accompanying him for the whole trip (and it's a long one) from JFK to the Pau show grounds. My mom, along with her puppy Delilah will be there to support along with a few other close family and friends who are eagerly are looking forward to the exciting opportunity that lay ahead. I am really happy to hear that both Boyd and Phillip are making the trip overseas as well, so that they can hopefully share their ample experience of competing at the highest level abroad with yours truly! Buck has also been great in giving me my much needed "pep" talks and keeping my eye on the target!<br /><br /> Until we jet set across the pond, Al and I will be busy getting a few more lessons from the DQ herself, Ms. Severson in addition to performing in a jumper class this upcoming weekend. I plan on heading up a few days before our flight to Phillip and Boydy's to gallop and jump a few sticks in hopes of learning a few last minute tips to achieve or most memorable and greatest performance to date! I know we've got big shoes to fill, but rest assured Al and I feel ready and eager to do our best to bring glory to our amazing country! Until then, eyes up, shoulders back, and grab those French translators people! We are taking Pau by storm!!!Laineyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940356657004521258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5017190618358153517.post-66711213500435097802010-10-05T20:33:00.006-04:002010-10-05T21:59:30.599-04:00To Fairhill or not to Fairhill? THAT is the question!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJs_DvlCnlTPtJA1MXbZ8swPZH2mjMVftt26wLtpVAjPNzVjX_cu8f4StX09_M-w8Az5LDk6zdQ05ZAX1_sGBxGdAXgbD-GoD-u1pdsF7P6l97QMg9LWvQnuUFMsZLwAjw1SQM_YDOLgI/s1600/33859_769269600406_1510625_44601491_1655150_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/AVvXsEhJs_DvlCnlTPtJA1MXbZ8swPZH2mjMVftt26wLtpVAjPNzVjX_cu8f4StX09_M-w8Az5LDk6zdQ05ZAX1_sGBxGdAXgbD-GoD-u1pdsF7P6l97QMg9LWvQnuUFMsZLwAjw1SQM_YDOLgI/s320/33859_769269600406_1510625_44601491_1655150_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524746798731905362" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9m5Z48O-T6Us0x-a_Strvr5gO47BY5_7SLROdaARMW8y3TfZXwgxyjhBp65XVU-sspgM_lZcosr4D8ioUdr6bKYWzWw8SpcUauOl4RG4UOXPl3USkKGx1h4gnBbN_tQZmXgk9vpTbC_4/s1600/62386_769267260096_1510625_44601410_8373243_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/AVvXsEh9m5Z48O-T6Us0x-a_Strvr5gO47BY5_7SLROdaARMW8y3TfZXwgxyjhBp65XVU-sspgM_lZcosr4D8ioUdr6bKYWzWw8SpcUauOl4RG4UOXPl3USkKGx1h4gnBbN_tQZmXgk9vpTbC_4/s320/62386_769267260096_1510625_44601410_8373243_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524746801713209922" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitWG-dSGHo6n2dHRXz35yXAMT5NZQvWq-ADnIcYVDDSsq-yB6JHBtoEcSzxaqbTFgRzL7PzOUBTeGd0chcVQrbv6fVSskU_t_ZfTHQNO1Kx93mTmmzTyip1f5IQNjWfqomRXDy22ZBUm8/s1600/62453_769120030146_1510625_44596773_397720_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/AVvXsEitWG-dSGHo6n2dHRXz35yXAMT5NZQvWq-ADnIcYVDDSsq-yB6JHBtoEcSzxaqbTFgRzL7PzOUBTeGd0chcVQrbv6fVSskU_t_ZfTHQNO1Kx93mTmmzTyip1f5IQNjWfqomRXDy22ZBUm8/s320/62453_769120030146_1510625_44596773_397720_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524746799308530738" /></a><br />Well quite some time has gone by since the AECs and as soon as Al and I returned home, we hit the ground running....literally! The following weekend after the AECs I signed myself up for a local jumper show in order to hone the skills that I ignorantly took for granted the previous weekend. Just as I suspected, Alex jumped two double clear rounds in addition to a beautifully performed jump off leaving us with the top spot amongst the warmbloods!<br /><br /> Jumper land, check. Next stop, DQ land! After Al and I conquered our show jumping demons, we thought it would be a great idea to slip on our ballerina slippers and try our luck at 4th level dressage! The day started off grand as both of my students, Geri Hollander (who scored a 70%) and Bethany Astorino (who was riding in her first show since her summer xc schooling hiccup which resulted in a broken ankle) had personal best dressage tests with both of their talented ponies, Timmy and Scarlett. Shortly thereafter, I tried my hand at some 1st level geometry and rode my student Ann Wilson's Andalusian gelding Diego, who very happily pranced his way to first place. Finally it was Al's turn to strut his stuff. After a quick change of tack, review of a very different and profoundly confusing Fourth One Test, and a sip of the Sugar Free Redbull, we were cantering our way down center line. Aside from two late changes early on in the test, I was pleased overall with Al's relaxation and frame in the test. Although she was away at WEG, Kim's voice seldom lay dormant in the back of my mind...from start to finish I heard her constantly tell me, "more forward" or "ride his withers up Laine!!!" Al's test consequently resulted in a blue ribbon. These warmbloods better start getting nervous!<br /><br /> We arrived at Morven Park Horse Trials full of confidence from the past two weekend's practice sessions in jumper and dressage lands. Saturday morning greeted Al and I with below normal temperatures and plenty of air in Al's gaits. Although there were many "energetic" tests throughout the morning, the cool air actually helped with our impulsion and push from behind. Although we have much more to work on before our fall three day, I was overall satisfied with Al's test which scored a solid 27.7 (tied with a true DQ, Kelli Temple) leaving us in the top position after phase one. Al jumped super in the SJ and finished our first two phases adding zero penalties to our dressage score and therefore maintaining our spot on top of the leader board. <br /><br /> Because of all of the torrential rain a few days leading up to Morven, and because I can always use the extra practice, I decided to run xc on Alex. Although I wasn't planning on going for time, I did want to use the run as a significant part of my fitness regimen for my upcoming fall three day. When we cantered through the finish flags, we were welcomed home by a proud grin and a hug from my father Michael who flew out from CA to provide some moral support throughout the weekend. Making my parents proud is by far one of the most fulfilling feelings a daughter can achieve! Happily enough, Al and my performance over the weekend was rewarded with a shiny blue ribbon, which we proudly display in our tack room at our new wonderful farm at Edgewood!<br /><br /> Which leads me to my final piece of information in this blog. Have I mentioned my fall three day yet? The fact that I do not have an actual name or place for the supposed pinnacle of my fall season is because I have no idea where Al and I are headed to next. The grant for Boekelo was not awarded to Al and I because the selectors were looking for horses who were still at the three star level, rather than those who are seasoned at the level. However, the selectors asked if I would be interested in Pau CCI**** in France this upcoming November which I anxiously answered an exuberant, "YES" (well...duh!). However, the only way Al and I would head across the pond is if one of the WEG short listers turn down the trip leaving an open spot available to yours truly. So...again, we wait. Who knows? This time next month Al and I may be perusing through our French-English translators to find the easiest route to the start box....if not, well, there is always good 'ol Fairhill which has played host the best event horses and riders of all time...a level that Al and I are all too eager to inhabit! Until next time friends, heels down, shoulders back, and be decisive!<br /><br />LEALaineyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940356657004521258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5017190618358153517.post-9799888694155227022010-09-13T21:59:00.003-04:002010-09-13T22:57:46.502-04:00Paving the Road to Success: AECs and WEG<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmWJMYXueMs1ha1ehp4fDfyQMIv-jqqqatoMz11WG8CbczJHwWcZJI6WqB3MXL0nixhTDMQ3DNL-OV81SRKkOm__kINlPtRTQ-Doe6cyoDQdistIiAScyfF2PqzW8psXYIN-ooyWHF4GU/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-09-11+at+11.14.28+PM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 222px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmWJMYXueMs1ha1ehp4fDfyQMIv-jqqqatoMz11WG8CbczJHwWcZJI6WqB3MXL0nixhTDMQ3DNL-OV81SRKkOm__kINlPtRTQ-Doe6cyoDQdistIiAScyfF2PqzW8psXYIN-ooyWHF4GU/s320/Screen+shot+2010-09-11+at+11.14.28+PM.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516597966624295442" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxcfW2KA2f2bKDu50p6Datx7GIkNGoPEkrd76qFvns03TrBhq3hDgyPp9ceuvTDiIqm5iSh-dTZ2yRNIp2C4ntiMDx6JOFgNfSHheGonl48X0oamHrmFi5Jb0LbLr0ZTSVRGyCSwrKkc/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-09-12+at+5.21.43+PM.png"><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/AVvXsEgvxcfW2KA2f2bKDu50p6Datx7GIkNGoPEkrd76qFvns03TrBhq3hDgyPp9ceuvTDiIqm5iSh-dTZ2yRNIp2C4ntiMDx6JOFgNfSHheGonl48X0oamHrmFi5Jb0LbLr0ZTSVRGyCSwrKkc/s320/Screen+shot+2010-09-12+at+5.21.43+PM.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516597949979241826" /></a><br /> So after one of the most long, tedious, grueling drives of my life, mom and I are finally home from the AECs held at Carl Bouckaert's wonderful Chattahoochee Hills facility. While the drive seemed never-ending, the actual timeframe of the show went by way too quickly! I guess our elders were right when they affirmed, "time flies when you're having fun!"<br /><br /> Seeing all the friendly familiar faces at the AECs made it an incredible time. However, having my mom fly in from the west coast to share the experience made it all the more refreshing. Since the last time mom was out in on the east coast was for Rolex, I felt a little rushed in wanting to fit as many memories and fun times in her short visit as possible! To make the experience even sweeter, my best friend and former groom Bronwyn Watts (who happens to live in Atlanta) came to help out bringing the whole CEF crew back together for a reunion which made all-the-more special.<br /><br /> As far as the whole AEC show experience, my Al certainly did not disappoint. Since we were not nearly as seasoned as the rest of our competitors who were running throughout the summer, I was a little worried that perhaps my plan to give Al some time off to relax and "be a horse" might backfire come the end of the weekend. Since I wasn't showing Al this summer, I was busy honing my dressage skills with the DQ herself, Kim Severson, which really paid off come Friday afternoon's dressage test. Even though I was hoping for a lower score than we received, I was happy that Al and I managed to chop off ten points in the same test that we rode this past Rolex! Wow, hard work really DOES pay off!!!<br /><br /> The first time I walked the cross country course, I didn't know if my indifference to the questions stemmed from road weariness or the simplicity of the questions. I decided to re-think my assessment of the XC the following day after I had a good night's rest and sure enough, I soon discovered that the lack of sleep sometimes makes you think some crazy things!!! Although the course seemed fairly straight forward, I felt a sense of nervousness since the only cross country course my horse has seen since Rolex has been the preliminary at Loudoun Horse Trials. There is nothing quite like massive table with frangible pins in the middle of the field that brings you down from "lala" land and back to reality! Wake up Al...these fences may be a tad bit bigger than what we tackled a few weeks prior. Poor guy!<br /><br /> Al answered every question with ease, proving that my plan to give him an easy summer was perfectly suitable and completely necessary. Because the footing was slightly hard (with some AMAZING work from the ground crew at Chatt Hills I might add), I chose to ride at my own speed, and listen to my partner, rather than follow my watch. To my surprise, Al galloped through the finish flags with plenty of running considering the oppressive humidity and heat. I would like to add how much I enjoyed hearing Boydy's, Nate's, Leslie's, and Jon's PRO commentary of the Advanced cross country. It is always nice to have a familiar voice cracking jokes about his fellow competitors and offering knowledgable insight about the course to help calm the pre-XC nerves. It is equally as beneficial for those who are spectating and adds a certain excitement and anticipation to the thrill of the sport!<br /><br /> I hate to sound cocky, but show jumping has always been Al's best phase of the three. With that in mind, you had better believe that when I had two rails on Sunday, awestruck would be an understatement to the emotion I was feeling as we exited the show ring. For the rest of the drive home, I pouted and pondered over the reasoning behind the rails, much to my poor mother's dismay. I just couldn't grasp why the rails fell, or what it was I could have done better. Since it's been over three years since Al and I have had more than one rail in SJ, my mind was running rampant with ideas and answers as to what it was that messed us up. <br /><br /> Finally, I came to my final conclusion: George Morris once told me that the best riders never waste time honing skills in which they're already accomplished. He told me that in order to become the best, I need to practice on perfecting my weaknesses rather than my strengths. Having said that, since dressage has become so competitive, I spent most of the summer with Al learning how to consistently achieve clean changes and better lateral work. In fact, I think I spent so much time in doing so, that I may have overlooked our training in show jumping, since that has always been our best phase. So you see...no matter the level of experience or accomplishment, we as riders and trainers are always learning how to balance our strengths and weaknesses with that of our equine mounts. It's a perennial cycle...<br /><br /> Although I was quite disappointed with our show jumping experience, I was absolutely thrilled with our overall performance at the American Eventing Championships. I would like to shout out a special congratulations to Kim and Paddy. Having spent the past two weeks with them at her farm, in addition to countless times throughout the summer, I know how hard she has worked to improve their so-called weakest phase, and to have pulled out a clear round when it matters the most really speaks volumes for Kim's motivation and determination. I also want to wish our potential WEG candidates the best of luck before tomorrow's final selection and I am very confident that we have the rider and horse power to bring in the gold on home ground this year!<br /><br /> What's in store for me next? Aside from moving to my own barn in Crozier, Al and I will be busy prepping for Morven Park Advanced Horse Trials which is the first weekend in October. I will hopefully hear from our selectors by the end of the week whether we were selected to receive the grant to ride at Boekelo in Holland this coming October as well. Until then guys, heels down, shoulders back...and keep your toes and fingers crossed for Team USA! My heart will be with them in Kentucky as they take on the rest of the world for the coveted WEG title! Cheers!Laineyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940356657004521258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5017190618358153517.post-57798646449033716202010-08-30T21:56:00.003-04:002010-08-30T22:32:23.479-04:00Planning to Plan<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYaSi948I-KzhD76cwUId9Z1XjP0Kp0xeFldxoMbwrBlLPbuafEs8GMdaFKlXTKZ841x3v_os5XXcB92m8bO9GD65GoypzTkdP2xh8YsVbdSFYgvzHVFbjkfUPaEJR5cDKHkHldB0-Bo/s1600/40205_750830257996_1510625_43997598_1534482_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 252px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYaSi948I-KzhD76cwUId9Z1XjP0Kp0xeFldxoMbwrBlLPbuafEs8GMdaFKlXTKZ841x3v_os5XXcB92m8bO9GD65GoypzTkdP2xh8YsVbdSFYgvzHVFbjkfUPaEJR5cDKHkHldB0-Bo/s320/40205_750830257996_1510625_43997598_1534482_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511396258498074514" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYUQqd491K3Ij6N0ZphFUvinvkb1tGPA618NeBb8d5buwf3Vn7cHJ0ps9aSY5R0i_zgD7yESnnhUReYPV4VAod3A_ABT0AAry0lJbqQcHbine6D6ANEpfQWI6k4YqEGxSD2akjvIq2waY/s1600/IMG_0099.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/AVvXsEhYUQqd491K3Ij6N0ZphFUvinvkb1tGPA618NeBb8d5buwf3Vn7cHJ0ps9aSY5R0i_zgD7yESnnhUReYPV4VAod3A_ABT0AAry0lJbqQcHbine6D6ANEpfQWI6k4YqEGxSD2akjvIq2waY/s320/IMG_0099.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511396246878311986" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWQMnFZTnMTLaEY4nHEClsTcS65AQaSwRVjnH2WTwaCtap7xClczzdpIJFO17wTKhGf9l4lbyGr-tw96mPVACVIjeJr2cSLmpmrU4q62zFpI0-PdhCy_Chg5SFf53S4G2ht8vSeJCwH1Q/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-08-23+at+10.50.36+PM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 243px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWQMnFZTnMTLaEY4nHEClsTcS65AQaSwRVjnH2WTwaCtap7xClczzdpIJFO17wTKhGf9l4lbyGr-tw96mPVACVIjeJr2cSLmpmrU4q62zFpI0-PdhCy_Chg5SFf53S4G2ht8vSeJCwH1Q/s320/Screen+shot+2010-08-23+at+10.50.36+PM.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511396235831906066" /></a><br /> As responsible individuals, we are constantly formulating a plan that suits our lifestyle and goals. As event riders, we also know all-too-well that life rarely goes as planned. Yea, that's kinda the story of my life right now. From my hunt to find the perfect barn suitable for my horses and I to train, to selling a horse that is literally next to perfect, to even my iPhone that frequently "goes on a vacation," well I guess you can say, I am currently weighing and utilizing ALL of my options! Yet again, another life lesson learned...<br /><br /> First things first: how are my ponies you ask? They couldn't be better. Al is finally back into tip-top form after his two month long hiatus from work, and is loving the extra attention from his doting mother (and awestruck fans). I competed him this weekend OP at Loudoun horse trials (his first show back since Rolex) where he finished with a second place and plenty of room between us and the rails! Oh Al...when are you going to jump according to the level you're being shown instead of thinking EVERYTHING is four star height? I guess that's a good problem to have! As far as my fall season goals with Al, well...there's a plan A...followed by a plan B....followed by a plan C....and so on and so forth. All I can say for sure is that our entry to Boekelo has been confirmed by both the American and Dutch Federations, so now all we need is a grant! Easier said than done...BELIEVE me!<br /> <br /> The rest of the boys are doing well. Guppy has now added three more clear prelim xc runs and ribbons to his astounding show repertoire and will soon be aiming for a CIC* in the fall with hopes to move up to the big "OI" next spring. Seajack has been consistent as they come, finishing third on his dressage score both times out at prelim and will soon be looking to move back up to intermediate come the end of september, depending on my schedule with Al. I must congratulate Kristen Gore for purchasing Seven's Wild (my favorite mare), previously owned by my student Lauren Axelle, and is currently wowing the novice judges and bringing home the ribbons! <br /><br /> As far as the rest of my life....well, that too is subject to change. When I am not riding, searching for a barn to board or rent, teaching, working on Brushfire, cursing my crazy iPhone, or torturing myself with P-90X (thanks dad!), you will either find me in California climbing mountains covered with rocks and shaded by deciduous pines on horseback with my mom, driving my car early in the morning to teach out in Chesterfield (Sugarfree Red Bull in hand), or just plain asleep. I tell you what: it's not the summer heat that's been so draining; it's finding the time to even think about complaining about the abhorrent temperatures that drives me nuts...<br /><br /> As of now, Al and I are currently enlisted in the Kim Severson School of Arduous Geometry and Yoga (aka: frequent dressage lessons) in order to get our act together come the AECs in Chatt Hills in less than two weeks. Our goal is to put in three great phases, in hopes of impressing the selectors enough to want to send us to NED to compete abroad. Since my orginal goal to make the WEG team fell short, I have now learned that there are other, perhaps more suitable options that lay ahead. Now I know what Gary Mack meant when he said "When you get to the fork in the road, take it!" (<span style="font-style:italic;">Mind Gym<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span>...where else?) Until then guys, shoulders back, heels down, and HAVE A PLAN (but always know your options!) See ya in the start box!<br /><br />LEALaineyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940356657004521258noreply@blogger.com