Hopes and Dreams, Dreams and Wishes

We all have them –those dreams and wishes we hold close to our heart. And I’m here to tell you it is OK –shoot for the stars and even if you fall short you’ll be amazed where you land.

So what are my secret dreams and wishes? 

Well I have always been envious of those going south for event season. While I am happy for my friends that can make it to Ocala or Aiken for a few weeks or the entire season, I have always wished to be among them. But with a budget so tight that it doesn’t just squeak it squeals I never thought it could happen…

And what I wouldn’t give to be a working student again. But as an adult with 2 jobs and other adult-like responsibilities (and that squealing budget) being a working student is not practical or wise.

No –Moose and I are not going to Florida for the season and no I am not taking a sabbatical to be a working student for 6 months.  But a week from today I am going to Florida. And I am riding with Peter Atkins! It still does not seem real. Pinch me! Thanks to the kindness of others, just enough frequent flier miles and a very understanding employer and husband, I will be living my dream for a week!

Wish me luck and do not be afraid to dream big!

Octoberfest Moose Tracks Style

Moose Tracks has had a very busy October. From relaxing trail rides galloping waterways and leaping yard art to cross country schooling with friends he has not been home a single weekend.

In early October, we trekked to Come Again Farm’s Fall Horse Trials to eat test our mettle at starter level. Yes, starter –as in Beginner Novice Test A –as in we are cantering in public! Yup, time to test the new hocks!

With some trepidation, we entered the dressage ring….and…wowza! Moose pulled it together and gave me his best! I left the ring thrilled and humbled by my little horse. Icing on the cake was a score of 35 putting us in second!

For full disclosure we did get “hurried tempo” on the first canter circle, “needs slower tempo” on the second and “needs to work on better control of canter tempo so not so hurried” in the comments. Poor judge –if she only knew!

On to showjumping –Lee Ann out did herself with a really challenging and fun course decorated to the nines. Moose jumped clean and even cantered most of the course! Woot!

I thought this picture was cuuute. My husband, however, felt he looked like a leaping Okapi :(

Ok...there is a vague resemblance

this. I needz it.

We tore up the cross country cantering the entire thing. I had promised Moose he could eat the popsicle they were giving at the finish flags so we were there in no time…when I went to look at the final scores we had time penalties. For speeding. Oopsie…I did not think to wear a watch-who tries for time at starter anyway? It never occurred that new hocks=speedy Moose. 

Oh well! Still thrilled with the MooseMan and his pretty yellow ribbon.

That's my Baby!

Last weekend Moose got to clinic with Peter Atkins at BeaHive Ranch…post on that coming soon (promise).

Teaser alert –Moose Tracks jumped some TRAINING level xc fences (and I did not pee my pants!).

Yes! This is a training level fence!

PS –and for the record I did actually go to CAF to event. I only dropped $25 or so at the concession stand. For full disclosure Lori ran out of food :)

Vacation (my version of it) = C A M P!!!!!

It is almost that time of year again…VACATION! A beach vacation? European backpacking? Perhaps a spa visit with hot springs and a massage?

Not for me! My vacation is spent with 40 other riders  in Indiana at Come Again Farm.
We rise with the chickens (literally) to care for our mounts and then lesson with some of the best event coaches in the country. We then clean our tack, audit, take notes, set jump poles, help and support the other riders followed by another lesson in the July heat. After that is it chore time again then on to a lecture, dinner, beer drinking and jaw wagging. We then get up and do it all again.
Though sun burnt, tired, and sore by the end of the week I would not trade this vacation for any other.

This year we will once again be instructed by Peter Atkins and Dorothy Crowell. New this year is Leslie Law. All have represented their country internationally and are considered excellent instructors.

I am hoping we make a different impression this year…

Last year every instructor said this --->“I don’t normally say this but I think you need more bit.”  

The bit I had in for camp.

And this --->  “Everyone canter! Except Amy!”

This might be why:

vroom

In Moose’s defense he was less than 2 weeks off the camp. In my defense…well I really don’t have one. 

Last years camp recap on COTH.

And a  recap from Team Taco.

From Camp Pony to...

Camp Pony!

Cross Country COLORS!

Eventers are eventers because of cross country. If we wanted to showjump or do dressage we could do just that...but eventers have a taste for galloping through the countryside splashing through water and leaping immovable objects.

And we secretly like to dress up.

The Dressage Queens have Pikeur and the Hunter Princesses have Grand Prix or Tailored Sportsman.  Eventers have cross country colors.

Lucinda Fredericks and her famous pink colors.

I have decided that my colors should be black and blue...for obvious reasons. Thus I have started the search so Moose and I can be fully kitted out in black and blue glory (gory?).

Bit Of Britain is one stop shopping for colorful xc accessories. Plus they are supporters of the AECs and USEA members get a 5% discount on online orders.

SmartPak also has oodles of colorful custom supplies including custom breeches. If your horse already gets a monthly Smartpak you can enroll in the Barn Buddy Program to get FREE embroidery on those colorful custom supplies as well as reduced shipping.

Dover has a custom selection with a variety of color coordinating tack, apparel and stable supplies.

If you don't mind springing for overseas shipping the Britts are ahead of the US in horse/rider decorating and often offer a 'virtual designer'.

My Masterpiece

CustomXC Colour Designer "Here you can design your perfect xc colours"

Nag Rags "wide range of custom, hand made horse riding clothing"

GGGear "GGGear for personalised equestrian hoodies, jackets, cross country colours, hat covers,"

Equisign "new range of XC Colours. You can design your own and there are many variations to choose from"

Treehouse Sporting Colours "specialising in equestrian safety wear, racing and cross country colours."

Jellybeanz "Colourful and Fun equestrian clothing"

Dark Horse "Cross Country Racing Colours / Clothing and accessories for horse riding"

And the real reason eventers have cross country colors...so you can find our broken bodies when we fall in the woods....

Next shall we discuss  helmet covers and matching saddle pads?