tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3843130349293043372024-03-13T09:58:02.224-07:00Being Americanized: Mail, Saddlepads and BraidsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06734998294257628263noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384313034929304337.post-3708464621337068472013-04-28T09:44:00.001-07:002013-04-28T09:44:12.061-07:00Whoa there!<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To be honest, there has been so many times that I could easily have written a new post but I didn't. No excuses..I have run out of them now!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The 2012/2012 Florida winter season was a sheer whirlwind. So much was done, as in riding/working/visiting/spectating/competing....the list is as long as my hair at this stage.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I left off after the Palm Beach leg of the World Dressage Masters that was held at the end of January. It is from here on that I really had a mind blowing time!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I spent most of February riding LC and any other horse I was told to! LC was getting better and more confident as time went on. We even took her off the farm and hacked her down the loop to another arena to work her in. It was amazing to feel how confident she has become since she first came to Foster Meadow. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">And then the best part...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I was told I was to compete and so off I went and joined both USEF and USDF</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.usef.org/">www.usef.org</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.usdf.org/">www.usdf.org</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I am deemed here as a professional (since I earn my living from horses) so I have to compete as one. Not that I care!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Under USEF and USDF with each level there are max 3 tests. As in Training Level Test 1,2 and 3. No more. Each one progressively more complex aiming towards the next level. In opposition to BD tests which have like 20million tests in each level. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Here is the breakdown of each level and which level is equivilant to BD ones:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">USA IRE/UK</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Training Prelim</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">First Novice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Second Elementary</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Third Adv.Medium</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Fourth Advanced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">PSG PSG</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Inter I Inter I</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Inter II Inter II</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">GP GP</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">You can see that they don't have an equivilant to Medium. There is a big jump in the levels here from Second to Third.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Here is a link where you can read each test from Training to Fourth. I am a big fan of the US' way of doing these tests. All progressive, all reviewed at the exact same time so no unnecessary confusion just as you start your test!</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/breedsdisciplines/discipline/alldressage/2011dressageTests.aspx" target="_blank">http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/breedsdisciplines/discipline/alldressage/2011dressageTests.aspx</a><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Pam wanted LC at a show a 5 min hack from our base in FL so we didn't have the worry of trailering in. All the better for LC anyway to be able to hack to and from a show. The norm here is that a horse does one test a day, of course it is allowed to do more, but it rare.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We entered for the Welcome Back to White Fences I for Training Level Test 3 on the friday and First Level Test 1 on the saturday, so at least she still gets her normal day off (sunday). It is a great show ground, three competition arenas, two warm ups (one with mirrors) and a large lunging arena. Lunging IS permitted at shows here in the USA provided you do it in the assigned places. Again another good idea, more so for the young horses who have never been exposed to a show before etc. Mind you, this show grounds are deemed as the "small showgrounds' in White Fences, but the show I was entered in with LC was the size of our Summer Nationals in Cavan. It was over the course of 3 days, with a schooling day on the Thursday. Go big or go home, right?!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Oh Wait!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The tues before our debut, Pam said I had to ride LC in a demo for a web based company called:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<a href="http://www.dressageclinic.com/">http://www.dressageclinic.com/</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm sorry but you have to be a subscriber to the website to watch all the online clinics. And of course I am not! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">So of course, not only was I going to get to compete that week I also got my internet debut lol. So it was really just a lesson from Pam with the founder of dressageclinic.com videotaping it. Pam used LC for anyone to know and understand what a typical 5yo in training should be doing and what is expected of that age. It was over 30degrees celsius that day. And it was late in the afternoon. I will never forget it! It was the best session I had on LC to that date. I was so syked for the show.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The show went great. She went around, did her job and did what was asked of her. Which is a seriously far cry from where she was at when we first got to FL. We placed 2nd on the first day with a 73%! The second day was not so good, she was long and flat, tired and tight! But still managed a 65.3% at a higher level. Pam was delighted, she now knows what LC is like at a show. And I was delighted to have shown in America!!</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAVt2OmN9aE">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAVt2OmN9aE</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Above is the video of the first day :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">At the beginning of March I ended up riding a clients horse a few times a week. He is a 14.1hh Lusitano stallion bred in Mexico called Tome. He trains the GP but has shown successfully at PSG. His owner Wick is fabulous and a seriously great rider. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">One lesson, Pam made me ride out all the canter and trot tour from the PSG. Sure I thought this was brilliant! I am getting to ride a sportscar of a pony AND do some cool stuff too. Turns out she was testing me as I got told a week later that I was going to compete Tome at a show the end of March. Nearly wet myself! I loved riding Tome, he taught me so much... canter pirouettes, piaffe, spanish walk, how to ride my corners and half passes better. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">He truly is a great horse. I am now bitten by the pony bug, its an addiction...I have a problem!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We were entered for the Welcome Back to White Fences II for Fourth 2 and Fourth 3. We won our first class on a 66% and we were placed in the second on a 62% :) It was my debut at that level and I am still shell shocked. </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgCak1CWMzw">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgCak1CWMzw</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Video of our winning test </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was so sad when we had to leave Florida and I could not ride Tome anymore! I had such a blast of a season and I feel so lucky to have been given a chance. This past Florida season was by far the best, we knew what it was all about this time. We met loads of new people, went out socialising more, rode more, saw more...the list is endless! (Plus I won't rub it in what with all the fun and sun we had) :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We soon after had to pack up the barn and think about the drive up north. I stayed behind again this year to get the horses on the shipper and close up the barn. Shauna and Ali left a few days earlier to get the NH place all set up and ready. Had a really bad drive back up north, stuck in traffic all through Georgia and some of South Carolina. Instead of being on the road 13 hours, I was on the road 16 for the first day. Got a few hours sleep and was on the road by 6.30am the following morning and made it back to Foster Meadow by 8pm. You have no idea how happy I was to see my little bed!! I was not happy to be back in the cold though :(</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">X marks the spot in Georgia</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So I must love ye all and leave ye all, we have clients moving in today (YAY! This place is too quiet without them all) My dearest Philip is coming back to me for another summer of torture (he really hates to see me) but I am actually happy to see him and his owner Kelly back. She really is great. And Jen is moving here from Florida for the summer with her Grand Prix horse Vito. Can't wait to see her too!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">ooooohhhhh</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">One last thing.... I am hitting Eire hard in a few weeks for a holiday! I will hopefully be back on my Irish number (087-9136900) so text me, I could be anywhere so maybe we can meet up! (p.s. mine's a pint)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">YEOW!!!</span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06734998294257628263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384313034929304337.post-36833827082660935602013-01-28T15:05:00.004-08:002013-01-28T15:05:49.043-08:00The Craziest Season so far<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Apologies for lack of correspondance, but my lord the past three months have passed so quickly!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">First of all Florida came around so fast. It was an uneventful drive down, we all arrived safe and sound. All being the horses, ourselves, Pam's dogs and our beautiful "daughter" Mischa. You all will be glad to know she still lives on! She has escaped the wrath of the NH coyotes and our resident alligator thus far. She now walks in a harness with a leash! So proud :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">December was a hairy month as we would say back home. Shauna unfortunately had to leave us for the month as she was scheduled for surgery and needed the month to recover etc. All is great now! She can smell, taste and breathe well again!! We did miss her though, both at work and outside of work!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So December was manned by Ali and I. With some help from one of the clients, Jane aka "Mom". Oh man we love that woman. She is a miller to muck out stables I can tell you!! I won't lie, December was a tough month. We worked a hell of a lot, but on the otherhand I rode a ton too. I had the two four year olds, a grey that was destined for the jumper ring and anything else that needed riding. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Ziggy was having a tough time of it, he just recovered from a really bad abcess in his right hind that had him laid up for easily 2 months. So his right side was as weak as water. As he got better, his opinion and attitude shone out a bit too much for our liking!! It was understandable... he was only pushed as much as he was physically able to take, but now he was doing much better physically and he didn't like the idea of having to go back to big boy school. He turned to bucking. And I sat all the bucks until one day.... he was being a pup, I smacked him with the crop on the shoulder and he gave me the finger basically. Well actually he made me eat dirt. I had it, until he threw in a dirty one and dropped his left shoulder and ducked out to the right. Needless to say, he didn't do that again in a hurry!! He is now going fabulously. Walk, trot, canter, leg yields, transitions up and down, centre lines. He basically had an issue with me taking a contact and getting my legs on. He is learning now that he can complain, but can't be an asshole!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">LC on the otherhand has just been a superstar. She took to Florida really well, she likes the heat and all the goings on has helped her become more adaptable. I cannot say how much I enjoy getting to ride her and learning how to ride a 4yo turning 5yo. To know what they should be doing at this age and teaching her along the way is invaluable. Everyday I am learning and everyday she is too. I always struggled at home with knowing the time to start upping the ante and why. Pam has taught me to be vigilant and having the insight to know when new things need to be introduced and what needs to be better before moving on to teaching them new things, what is age appropriate, was is not, how much to ask, what not to ask, understanding the biomechanics as to why this or that is difficult for her at this stage or that stage etc etc. Lads the list is endless!! The connection now is getting quite good. She is carrying herself really nicely - up and out to the contact. As I said before, these thoroughbred types need contact, but need to ride out and up to it. It is said for all horses that they need to be "in the box" but it is vital that you ride the horse UP INTO the box and not PULL it BACK INTO the box. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> LC</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So Remi was the jumper horse I rode for a few weeks. He actually belonged to a client of Pam's that had him as a dressage horse, but it wasn't his calling in life! So he came to us to get fit and get back into the jumper mode. I had a blast, I haven't jumped in donkeys years!! Pam taught me how to do "jumper changes" where you ask for a flying change over the jump with the aim to land on the correct lead after. So I learned some jumper things too!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> Remi and I - Christmas Day 2013</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Christmas Day was one of the best that I have ever had. All of the people at the barn that had nothing to do, converged at Jen's house (a fabulous client and great friend of ours) for the evening's festivities! It was a potluck kind of dinner, we all brought something and we also did Secret Santa!! It was a great day. We rode the horses in the morning, while listening to Il Divo's christmas CD blaring on the music system. Twas a funny day!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">January followed really closely, Shauna came back....YAY!!!!!!! We though Jan would be nicer since there were more peeps to man the barn, but with over 22 horses on 3 different properties.... I think you get the idea. Oh and yeah, we had over 18 horses in December between just Ali and I. Wowsers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The Palm Beach leg of the World Dressage Masters was on this past weekend, it also had a 3* CDI incorporated which Pam competed in. She came 4th in the PSG and 8th in the Inter 1 with Bernie. He hasn't been shown since last year and for Bernie, it was a fantastic result!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Had tickets again this year, wasn't as big a show as last year which was slightly disappointing, but then again... Edward Gal and Hans Peter Minderhoud were scheduled to compete!! But then Gal dropped out due to illness (I can confirm that he was sick, as I stalked him and saw him cough and wipe his nose a lot). The Hans dropped out of the freestyle due to soundness issues with his horse. So then there were only 7 in for the freestyle. Was pretty bad to be honest. The only one deserving to be at this supposed high level competition was Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven. She stole the show and I am not exaggerating. Her freestyle was harmonious, flowing, in time to the music, the music was perfect. She was the only one that gave me goosebumps. Last year I had goosebumps with her, Charlotte, Anja Plonkze, Stephan Peters, Carl Hester....get my drift?!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Here is the link to Tinne's freestyle of the weekend just gone</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHXw8n1R7jw&list=UUAlvTjtNGsjirRNrGggPXaQ&index=3" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHXw8n1R7jw&list=UUAlvTjtNGsjirRNrGggPXaQ&index=3</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">PS See if you can see me.... I am in the front row on the left of A as you watch :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Tinne.... talk about a really good rider. She is just amazing!! She deserved that win.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I shall try and keep this updated I promise!!!</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06734998294257628263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384313034929304337.post-66009653287826295572012-10-26T07:34:00.000-07:002012-10-26T07:34:18.584-07:00To be, or not to be, - that is the question<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Back in my Leaving Cert days studying Hamlet was the biggest mental block that I have experienced.... that is until now! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My latest block is figuring out what to do after my time here. Here in the US at this moment, I would be deemed as a professional. Horses are my profession, my job, my life etc. At home somehow I think it would be different. I often wonder could I see myself doing horses as a career at home or is that a silly notion? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Or am I better to keep horses as a side earner for myself and work part-time? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I had a chat with Mam and Dad when they were over. I will be nearly 28 when my visa expires ( I know everyone says that is still young! ) BUT I do not want to be still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up when I will already be grown up!! I need a plan. Now mind you I am not freaking out about this just yet but as ye already know I am a procrastinator - hence my lacksy-daisy attempts at keeping this blog afloat. A vague plan would be nice. :D</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I do know this much, whether I will make horses my career or not I will get myself a great horse that I can get to FEI level. My Dad said to me that I am very demanding which I was horrified at! I said am I that much of a b***h??!! He said "Of course not! I meant that whatever you want you will make sure that you get it for yourself, not in a deceitful way but in a hard-working way". Basically whatever I put my mind to I will make sure I make the best out of it, for myself. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I guess he is right? I know that this will be a long road. What was the mean age of all the dressage riders at this past Olympics? Forties. So I have some time yet. Not that I am saying I want to aim for the Olympics. Some CDIs in England would suffice!! I know my limits.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ugh. Growing up is difficult. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">On a lighter note, the horses are going great here! I am riding Bernie a few times a week which is amazing. I do the 'physical therapy days' where I have to learn how to get him more through, listening to me and ON my aids. Not easy! This week was a great learning curve, Pam told me how to get it and left me alone. She said I needed to figure it out for myself. Day 1...I got him pretty good but it took quite a while. Day 2...YURT!!! I got it really good and quicker too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">LC had a hard week, our contact has been getting much better. The weather was quite nice and mild so we worked outside for a few of the days. That was a big issue for us for a while as she was originally quite shy and easily bamboozled so I could barely get her around the arena. Then she got quite bold and attempted to stop and try and buck. Difficult as I had not got the control of her shoulders, couldn't get my legs on her etc! Now that the contact is much better this week was brilliant. No major issues outside except turning! Her paces are HUGE. We can cross the short side in 3 canter strides!! The contact was an issue because she is part thoroughbred and TBs tend to need a trusting, solid contact where they have to ride forward and take the bit forward. Because she was still growing, not able to control her own legs and getting to know herself I was finding it difficult to keep it all together! My lower back was in bits boi! But this week it all came together...yaytimes!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Here is a video of us in action....bear in mind she was tired and I was booting her around the gaf</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mi3SQM5gqn4&feature=g-all-u" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mi3SQM5gqn4&feature=g-all-u</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hope my riding has improved!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">HALLOWEEN!!!!!!</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i9gQpjTbaG8/UIqeBSp5SpI/AAAAAAAAAYE/RAIavkAKyvk/s1600/IMG_1526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i9gQpjTbaG8/UIqeBSp5SpI/AAAAAAAAAYE/RAIavkAKyvk/s320/IMG_1526.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Oh lord. We dressed Mischa up. Oh lord. I am a cat lady :'( Crap.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Sooooooooooo excited to be celebrating Halloween here. Like you have no idea. Van Guard Stables is the home of the Behind the Mask theatrical troupe, where one of our amazing clients (Katherine Dow) teaches, rides and competes and part-takes in the troupe. check this out...</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjKH4ZYNCXs"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjKH4ZYNCXs</span></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.behindthemaskfriesian.com/backstage.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">http://www.behindthemaskfriesian.com/backstage.html</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So Van Guard are having THE biggest party tomorrow night. Pictures will follow for sure! The Party is called Van Gore! They have the indoor decorated with a fire pit in the middle manned by skeletons. their viewing room is actually transformed into a viewing room....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=369376159812306&set=a.295532550530001.67857.294897363926853&type=1&theater" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=369376159812306&set=a.295532550530001.67857.294897363926853&type=1&theater</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So while I finish this post, I am also writing a last minute list for any garb needed to finish off our costumes for this partay....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">EXCITEMENT!!!!!</span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06734998294257628263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384313034929304337.post-77213071820588975042012-10-13T10:13:00.005-07:002012-10-13T10:13:40.998-07:00Way beyond procrastination :'(<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I am officially inept at keeping this going. It is now mid October and I have been here in NH since early April. Fail. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">These past 6 months have been the sun, moon and stars to me. I have laughed, learned, roared, had tears in my eyes, aches all over my body and I am still up for more. I have went from a basic elementary level rider to one who now knows how to ride PROPERLY!!!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I am still struggling with the concept of owning it, riding every stride, taking no prisoners and knowing when to stop. It is the most difficult thing for me. My parents came over to visit me September 18th. They got to see me ride Bernie, Pam's Inter II horse. Dad could not believe how much I have improved and for him to actually say that to my face made my year! He was always the one to push me at home, but I guess it is hard for a close relative to say to you, "Cop the F**k on and ride! Do something instead of just sitting there poking and praying!!" Pam, sound for calling me out on this!! "You are going TO ride not GO FOR a ride!!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">That yell will forever ring in my ears.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Back in May, a 15yr old Morgan owned by an adult amateur came for what was only supposed to me a mth....he is still here!! Kelly was so pleased on how he was shaping up she wanted him to stay for an agreeable lengthy eductation. I was the proposed jockey. He has turned me inside out. I have learned how to ride a tricky moving breed and the main part, I have learned respect. One day he was going great, and Pam said do some walk-trot transitions. Sure not only did I do some, but I tore the arse out of the poor horse doing them because they were so good! He started acting up as he is temperamental by nature, so I was hard on him. Pam called me on it, "He can be only good for so long SJ, remember that!! He can be bad all day of he wants because it is easier for him to be that way. Working good is so hard for him. Know the god damn difference!!!!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"> Filion being hand grazed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I believe it is so important to be an open book when being taught. Before I would have taken serious offense emotionally to being yelled at in such a way. Now it happens 20times a day! Would I have learned all I have thus far if I closed myself down?? Nope, I guess not.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">In June the horses Pam bought from Denmark were to be shipped here. The 2 mares had to go into 2week quarantine for CEM tests. They have to have 3 clear CEM uterine swabs before being released. Ziggy, the only gelding was able to be picked up straight away from the animal import centre in NY. Guess who the proposed jockey for this boyo was? Moi! Nearly soiled myself at the thought because riding young horses under someone else's instruction other than your father is a daunting thing. Not knowing what she wants you to do and when etc. All that aside he is a super star for a 4yo. Easy to do in everyway. He can go outside on his own and hack around. When riding young horses and breakers at home I was always just asking for the bare minimum, if they did it without a hassle I left it be and didn't push for anymore. Now I see how bad that was!! How else are you going to improve them if you are not the teacher? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"> Ziggy being led out of quarantine in the NY Animal Import Centre</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"> He wanted my ice cream!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Can you see here my trend? I am not riding and asking enough of the animal I sit on. I need to be more on the ball as the saying goes. But I think I am getting there. I have relapses quite often. You can ask Pam that! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">So my current mounts are UVM Filion ( the morgan) and the 4yo Danish mare Lucienne that Pam imported. Quite often Bernie too, as of late. He is a great one to learn ownership on! Today for example, he took over on every diagonal I rode, which I had intended in doing tempis. He is an arse on them anyway Pam says. But all the same, we went through easily ten mins of HALF HALTING and riding him forward so he got the picture that I am not one to mess with. I had to be on the ball every stride, otherwise if he was given just 1 stride, I was back to square one. Pam said that she rides EVERY STRIDE! Whats the point in just half halting and not kicking forward to the bit? He falls on the forehand and goes out behind, kicking me in the arse and ignores my leg aids to change. Guess what?? Half halt him and RIDE him forward and all peace will be restored! I had to change my t-shirt after this lesson. Whew.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">LC is a chestnut beauty. Very sweet girl, but shy unlike Ziggy. She always tries to be good even if she is scared. She has thoroughbred in her, so she is fast when she wants to be. My major worry about riding her was that I was too slow. I guess I would have to learn huh?! Oh yes I did! She has been growing all summer so to ride her varied from day to day. She has the most unbelieveable hind end I have ever seen. So much so we have her nick-named Spiderlegs. She can't get her front legs out of the way quick enough at times! She is very strong but in a good way, once you have that right side you can do anything. As we are getting into winter and she has stopped growing the ante has been upped now that she can take it. She has to accept the contact and stay on the page. She still is a little young to stay inside the lines, but we will keep asking more of her and see how it fares out. I need to be more stern with her, her shyness is leaking away.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">LC</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The summer has came and went, the trees are turning and talk of returning to Florida is a hot topic. Still have enough time to get LC where she needs to be before FL and Filion is set to go home at the end of this month. But he has been booked in here as soon as we get back from FL. I can see him becoming a regular fixture :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"> 6.30 AM Autumn Sunrise with my beloved Kobota ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">How amazing is this? I am riding up to 3 and sometimes 4 horses a day, all under constant instruction. I work with amazing people, amazing clients and amazing animals. I never have regretted making the decision to leave Ireland for a few years to learn more about riding, dressage and myself. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Next post won't be so philosophical. Promise!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06734998294257628263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384313034929304337.post-58479034597876206632012-09-09T16:47:00.002-07:002012-09-09T16:47:34.219-07:00My new home (until Flo-rida again!)<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">So as promised, here are pics of Foster Meadow in the metropolis that is Boscawen, NH! ( Please note the sarcasm intended with the word 'metropolis') Boscawen is a small town 15 mins north of Concord, NH. Concord is the capital of the NH state.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boscawen,_New_Hampshire"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boscawen,_New_Hampshire</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The most activity about Boscawen is the Dunkin Donuts and the 2 petrol stations. Woot craziness here lads!! But mind you, it is has a large surrounding farming community and there are plenty of farm stands that sell fresh produce.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">But the MOST AMAZING THING ABOUT BOSCAWEN (besides Pamela Goodrich's top class dressage training facility) is Richardson's ice cream parlour that is situated no less than a third of a mile down the road!</span><br />
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<a href="https://sites.google.com/site/richardsonsfarmnh/home"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">https://sites.google.com/site/richardsonsfarmnh/home</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Holy moly lads they have the BEST produce I have ever come across. Not only that but Jim and Sue are the cream on the sundae. I get such a kick out of them. Ever remember the couple John and Mary O'Leary in Father Ted? Mind you there are no murderous business about them as seen to the extent in Father Ted! But they are always slagging each other and everything. Pure highlight at the end of a work day. Their sundaes are killer, and their ice cream flavours are to die for. I love their coffee oreo, cookie dough, orange sherbert, peppermint oreo...the list is endless! Sue's pies and crisps are heavenly.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ok, ok I know all ye want to see are the farm pics so here you go lads!!</span><br />
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Front view of the barn <br />
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Stabling on the left side, and indoor to the right</div>
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Parking lot and indoor. Delia is still alive and kicking too!!<br />
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Barn aisle - Sixteen 12ftx12ft stables<br />
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Grooming and wash stalls on left, tack room on near right, door to our apartment by the indoor last on the right</div>
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Indoor</div>
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Outdoor view...with a beautiful backdrop and a hilly field for 'play days'</div>
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Where all the yelling at happens</div>
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Pam's house</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So here are all the pics! Not much said, but I am writing the next posts on the horses I have been riding. So the fun stuff is coming up!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06734998294257628263noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384313034929304337.post-54647208384720568792012-08-21T16:37:00.001-07:002012-08-21T16:38:44.810-07:00New Hampshire...the first days<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">After the shock of falling down through my newly appointed bed the first night and the fact that it was bloody cold up here, I began to feel a little ill in the following days.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Mind you it all boiled down to the fact that I was pretty dehydrated and wrecked tired from the packing, driving 25hours with lack of water and sleep. Once we had settled in the apartment, resurrected the Lyons Tae and caught up on sleep I was a new woman!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">All the horses travelled well, they did lose some condition but that was expected. However, the colder weather had all their backs up!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Pam was due to fly to Europe as soon as she got back from clinicing in Ohio. Her holiday was both business and pleasure as she was going to visit family in France and then on a 3 day horse hunting trip in Denmark for herself and clients. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Of course we had a list as long as my nicely grown out haircut. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We had the whole barn, indoor arena mirrors, windows and screens to clean, the outdoor arena fence to put up, our apartment and her house to clean and put order to again. Luckily, we only had max 6 horses in the barn to look after until Pam came home!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">The tack room floor needed painting</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I used to work for my mother's family business, Shanahan Paints. I was a colour consultant and assistant to all home decor needs. My Dulux dog was not happy that I was using other brands :(</span> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Nonetheless, I had stairs to sand, stain and varnish.</span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Our only way out of the apartment since the stairs were undergoing a beauty treatment. Scary.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">Finished product!! I know, I only had a circular electric sander, hence the edges are not great. I'm calling it "New England Rustic" ;)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The best thing was though, was that Shauna's family came over for Easter week. It was just so good to see them all again. They really made me miss my family, but I am thrilled that they could see how happy Shauna and I are here. They saw us ride ( I had Wyvern to ride while Pam was away). They bought us a kettle (YAY!!! No more boiling water in a saucepan!) and they fed us and all!</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">But the best part was......</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> No more falling through my bed in the dead of night!!!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">Fair play Bernard and Kevin Finneran!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The rest of April went pretty quietly and smoothly, until Pam came back and kicked my butt for letting Bernie (Wyvern) take me over ;) So I knew then my dressage education was going to take a major turn for the better!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Next post...pictures of Foster Meadow!</span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06734998294257628263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384313034929304337.post-55549903132247771952012-08-20T07:46:00.003-07:002012-08-20T07:46:44.941-07:00The big move!<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I am now royally annoyed at myself for not keeping on top of this. Consider this a mid-year resolution!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Quick few posts and pictures up to the present day methinks!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Early April was our marker date on getting up to New Hampshire. So the logistics behind it were pretty simple. Ali and Shauna leave a day earlier than the horses, driving in convoy that consisted of Pam's truck and trailer ( packed to the scut with all the barn things) and Shauna in Ali's car. So that left me on my ownsies in the Mini :D </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Ali's amount of things broke the wheelbarrow</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Packing the trailer!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It was 5am when the girlies left, so I had the barn to do myself with the help of Pam throughout part of the day. I made sure that all the horses were happy, clean and that all their belongings were all ready to go. I had to make sure that all the horses' halters had shipping fuzzies on them and that each horse had a pair of bell boots.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It was WAY too quiet that day, no Ali and Shauna, no clients just me and a handful of horses. Too weird!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">D-day approached, I was up at 4am stripping the stalls trying to make my workload a little easier once the shippers start to arrive. We had three separate shippers due to come that morning. Our own being the first, which was scheduled for around 6am to take 6 horses back to Pam's. Then Alpenkonig's was due before 8am, and Remy's around then also. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It was hell for leather getting our own guys on, as the shippers were not just taking the horses, but all the feed, hay, water and feed tubs, barn utensils etc that we needed for the past 2 days. It was easily 25 degrees celsius at 6am that morning, I was a sweaty mess before the horses even got on!! Humid and dark. Totally weird. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Shipper has arrived!!</span> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: x-small;">'Twas like looking out for the Xmas Coca Cola truck!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The last friend I made in Florida!!</span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It was a relief when our guys finally went underway, as then all that needed to be done was strip the stalls and get the last two horses gone. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">By the time all that was done, I had sweated through my shorts and t-shirt covered in a layer of shavings dust and more dust!! A shower was in dire need! There was no way that I could face driving 12hrs or more feeling stinky, itchy and icky! Quick shower, packed the mini, of course 200miles down the road I realised I left my overnight bag and all my cosmetics behind. Typical me. Don't worry folks, I got it "mailed" to me the following day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So by the time I was ready to hit the road it was just short of 10am. I dropped Pam off at WPB airport as she was travelling off to teach a clinic and I was on my way!! Next stop, North Carolina to a hotel.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I wanted to shoot myself</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Stayed in a pretty ok hotel, all I needed was a bed really and I was off again by 6am the following morning. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I handled the drive by myself quite well. I thought about nothing really, just bopped along to the music and took in whatever sights I-95 could offer me. It was amazing how much varied landscape I passed through the first day. I drove the length of Florida, into Georgia, South Carolina and then North Carolina. I drove through the palm tree scattered landscape of Florida to big leafy green hilly states like North Carolina.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I only stopped when I really needed to. I would tie in eating, peeing and getting petrol into each stop if I could!! I really wasn't too comfortable stopping regularly since I was on my own. And I stupidly drank very little the whole drive to minimise stopping which I paid for dearly a few days after I got to New Hampshire. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Second day went smoothly, drove through North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, part of Vermont and then into New Hampshire. I knocked 2 hrs off Shauna and Ali's time for that same journey. Lads, I should have gotten a million speeding tickets! That Mini Cooper S series is a fecking rocket!!! Not only that, but it only took maybe 4 tanks of petrol for the while 1500mile trip. I am in love. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Got to Pam's about 7.30pm. It was freezing cold and a major kick up the arse, as I can now say I am a soft weather person!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Hit the bed as soon as I was able, only to figure out at 1am that my bed was tied together with socks.</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06734998294257628263noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384313034929304337.post-59561868750162778012012-07-18T15:58:00.001-07:002012-07-18T16:02:36.605-07:00February and March! Settling into Flo-rida life<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Sorry for being a lazy bones in getting this post up. I have no excuse other than I was lazy. Haha!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Since January was a blur full of excitement, it was time to settle down and explore working in a dressage barn and Florida in general.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Feb and March were mainly months full of fast-paced craziness and Pam whipping me into shape. With the odd night out in West Palm Beach, a quick road trip to Miami, some Paddy's Day celebrations.....need I continue? ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">As the heat began to rise, so did my photo collection of all the horses and other animals in the barn! It is amazing how over a short period of time how you can get to know the horses that you look after. So much so, they are willing to have their pictures taken.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Peanut drinking a cup of Lyons Tae</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Amalon heard that the kettle was on to boil</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Ginger hit the town too hard last night</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Jealous? 30 degrees celsius in Feb??!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">February was a great month for me and my riding. I was finally getting going and OWNING IT with Peanut and I was having a great time. As Pam says, "You are going TO RIDE not going FOR A RIDE!!!" He is a great little horse to make you work for it, that is for sure! I perfected my half passes, my passage transitions and getting the base of the neck. It is a very different way of riding to the way I used to ride at home, but that is what I am here for! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">March came in as quick as Feb did. March is the ending month for the winter season in WPB. So it was busy month to see as much as I could before we would head up to New Hampshire until November. So, I had Paddy's Day to enjoy, a road trip to Miami, more shows to groom at and more riding to do!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> My last grooming gig for the winter season</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Alpenkonig and I (the heat disappeared)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">So of course me being a Paddy and all, St Patrick's Day HAD to be had. So the sister (here is a shout out to my older sis - Stephanie!) sent me over a St. Patrick's Day Survival Kit. It was full of t-shirts, whistles, hair ties and hairbands, hair clips and ribbons and wands. Watch out Clematis Street!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I couldn't resist the urge to dress up a few of the barn regulars...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Yankee getting into the spirit</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Care package from the Ma</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">After Paddy's Day, Cavalia was showing in Miami for a few nights. So we were Miami bound. Yurt!</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.cavalia.net/en/odysseo"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">http://www.cavalia.net/en/odysseo</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Check out the website, it surely was the best show involving horses that I have seen live. We had to cheapest tickets in the nosebleeds but we could see everything! </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8juu4U47khc/UAc7gLO8SjI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/8R9DSqwt6mI/s1600/IMG_0598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8juu4U47khc/UAc7gLO8SjI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/8R9DSqwt6mI/s320/IMG_0598.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The stage was semi-circular with a hill up the back...and the front of it flooded into a lake!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">After our Miami excursion, the three of us felt that we could re-enact something similar on the horses back at the barn. Riding bridle-less, saddle-less, on our heads etc. But I think that was due to the copious amounts of Skittles and Coke we consumed to stay awake for the trip. The next day we didn't feel so brave...Peanut...Bridle-less??!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Miami sunset with the Cavalia tent</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Towards the end of March I got to ride Pam's Inter 1 horse, Wyvern. How cool!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Shauna on Peanut and I on Wyvern</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I apologise for the mainly picture filled posts, but I truly left writing this blog too long and it really does catch up! I could write all day but I want to get up to date asap. Next blog post is on packing up the Florida barn and the drive up to New Hampshire. Then all about New Hampshire!!!</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06734998294257628263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384313034929304337.post-9900059755503520042012-06-10T08:58:00.001-07:002012-06-10T09:03:22.548-07:00World Dressage Masters 2012 - long post beware!!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">After the holidays, things got pretty busy pretty fast! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">January was a busy month competition-wise. Not only were there two major CDIs being held back to back, but the Palm Beach leg of the World Dressage Masters (Jan 26th-29th 2012) was fast approaching. Tellin' yis... excitement overload!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The most anticipated dressage spectacle that I am sure I will ever see could not have come around any sooner.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">5 CDIs were being incorporated into the The World Dressage Masters weekend, as well as separate day competitions (i.e. competitions not being run under CDI ruling). It was also a 2012 World Cup, 2012 Olympics and Paralympics qualifier! I was literally a walking sponge that whole weekend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Pam was entered to compete in one of the CDIs, and I was her groom. So not only was I there all day, I also had a wristband to get me into the CDI barns were all the top horses were stabled!! Mint.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">But wait!! There is more! Pam gave us tickets for Christmas to watch the entire World Dressage Masters. Again, I was at the show grounds all day AND I got to stay there for the night too??!! Epic. Dreams are never this good.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Between cheering on fellow barn and Paralympian hopefuls Dale Dedrick and Ellie Brimmer, grooming for Pam and watching all the top riders preparing and riding in the Masters, I was a made woman.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Admiring my plaits on Pam's La Rusch (my favourite pony)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I do have to say something. Years ago in the North Munster Dressage region (my dressage region from back home), an Irish para rider named James Dwyer competed and trained with my trainer from back home. I used to plait (not braid-I refuse to succumb to such a term!) for James a lot and I had not seen him in the longest time. He moved here to the states. Well guess what!! I got to meet him at the Masters! He was stabled the block behind us. I bumped into him a ton over the weekend and it was so good to catch up with him and see him ride again. Seeing that green coat with the Irish flag made me smile. Talk about another great thing happening on such a great weekend. He pulled out all the stops in his tests. He won all around him. His freestyle gave me goosebumps, made me miss home. But in a good way, a proud way! Stupid of me not to have gotten a picture with him. :( Next season maybe? I hope to see you James in Florida this coming season! Be prepared for a photo session :D </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> James Dwyer</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> (I stole this photo, but I do know it was taken Masters Weekend!!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Being able to stalk all the top competitors became my forte over the weekend...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I got behind the scenes photos of Charlotte Dujardin working in Valegro on the thursday. Well, when I say behind the scenes I meant behind the barriers as my wristband was a great asset. I also tried to build up the courage to jump Carl Hester for an autograph or something but reckoned that him talking into Charlotte's ear piece was more important. Oh well. My quest to meet that man continued!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Charlotte and Valegro</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Herself and himself again</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I literally bumped into Anja Plonzke (Germany) after her Grand Prix on Friday evening. We were in the show office and I was trying to get the day sheets for the next day. That woman is a GIANT. Couldn't take a picture as that would be totally obvious and a bit creepy on my part. But seriously she was well over a foot taller than me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Creeping on the famous also coincided with me actually watching some dressage. It was great to watch all the greats together working in on the thursday. It was nice to notice that each one of them rode differently than each other to match their horse-type. There were so many different types ranging from longer backed, to longer necked to longer limbed horses. Not forgetting different temperament types also. But the one simliarity between them all is the harmony each had with their horse. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Ashley Holzer (CAN) on Pop Art</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Steffan Peters (USA) was mind blowing in the Saturday's freestyle. He went from extended canter to double canter pirouettes - flawless and harmonious. I read an article in Dressage Today (a US dressage magazine) that ultimate training and harmony is achieved between a horse and rider when they can go from extreme extension to extreme collection from movement to movement. Think of a pendulum of a metronome. Extension is on the far left, collection is on the far right. If you can glide from extension and collection without stopping along the metronome harmony, balance and confidence is achieved. I am trying to find that article as we speak... I am not so good at explaining it. Anyway, it was jaw dropping. Another rider that showed great harmony between collection was Anja Plonzke on Le Mont d'Or. She rode from piaffe straight to double canter pirouettes. Perfectly!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I guess my favourite riders that I followed throughout the Masters were of course Carl and Charlotte but also USA rider Adrienne Lyle on Wizard. Check these guys out on YouTube or something. She is THE most beautiful rider. Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven (SWE) with Favourit was another favourite (haw haw excuse the pun!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Tinne and Favourit</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Tinne again</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Now due to the ultimate kindness of Dale Dedrick, she put Shauna's, Ali's and my name down on the competitors party list that was being held on the first night of the Masters. Shauna and I were grooming all day and had ten minutes to change in the toilets while dousing ourselves in perfume and putting on some make up. Another competitors party, great. Tacky, awkward and probably the only good thing there would be the food.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Dale Dedrick, her mount Erik and friend Meagan</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Dale after kicking some serious bum</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Could we have been anymore oblivious??!! First of all the address for this party did not click with us. The International Polo Club in Palm Beach. Second of all we completely misunderstood the whole affair. Pictures can only describe:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> We were greeted by these ladies</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Polo Club Poshness</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> THEY HIRED MERMAIDS TO SWIM AROUND!!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Ice Sculptures and Shrimp Table</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Take a seat!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Polo Mallets above the bar</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">FINALLY!! The celeb stalking finally paid off.....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Carl Hester himself!! (He smelt amazing and he called us lucky ducks for being here to train :D )</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Charlotte Dujardin. Wowsers, what a lovely person. She was shocked that we asked for a photo with her!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Note to self: </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Next year have the decency to at least shower before meeting some of the world's greatest dressage riders - baby wipes just don't cut it</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Find a designated driver - the alcohol was FREE </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Consider my outfit - stretchy trousers need to be worn, the food was never ending</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">All smartness aside, that weekend was a big learning aspect for me. I figured out why and how much I love this sport....you can never stop learning and you can never stop trying to be a better horse person. Plus, the tailcoat and shiny boots get me every time ;)</span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06734998294257628263noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384313034929304337.post-38116248015117872742012-06-03T09:59:00.005-07:002012-06-03T09:59:42.530-07:00Christmas Flo-rida schtyle!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This post is mainly pictures, I promise!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It was tough stuff leaving home less than two weeks before Santa was due to arrive. I was going to miss the big dinner, the family gatherings and the best nights out with my friends. :'(</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Trying to be positive, a Christmas in the sun was something I was willing to try. My visa was granted on December 7th. My flight was booked for December 13th. Talk about a rush to get packed and mentally prepared to leave for three years! Biggest devastation...the zipper breaking on my boot bag. However, things fell into place. Said my emotional goodbyes (not thinking about it, it still twinges a bit)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">All the sadness of leaving was eased a lot as I was travelling with such a great friend... Miss Shauna Finneran! We have been friends for so long and I could not be travelling and working with a better person. We have competed together as U21s, we have partied together and we share the same views and beliefs regarding ourselves being dressage riders. Plus, this girl is ACE at doing make-up ;) All in all a great choice methinks!</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Partners in crime </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We started work in Florida Christmas week. We had little time to think about the holidays as we had to get up to speed on how the barn worked as Pam was going home for the holidays. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Christmas Day itself was very easy-going mainly due to the hospitality and generosity of the Potasky family (Ali the barn manager's family). Ali herself is a really cool person and so easy to work with. We mainly spend the days laughing and joking between ourselves! Too many funny photos I could post... but maybe another time!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Myself, Ali and Shauna </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">So Ali Potasky... that money you paid me to say that about you has gone towards a new pair of breeches. Thanks!! ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Joke! Ali's family had included us in their Christmas plans before we had even arrived which to be fair is pretty nice and kind of them. So here is a shout out to Todd, Kris and Taylor Potasky who even gave us gifts! It was more than we had ever hoped for. They filled a huge hole, that is for sure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Pancake, fruit and coconut brekkie</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We had to work Christmas day, which was no craziness to be fair! The normal routine had to be kept.</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">6.30 am - Hay, clean water buckets and fill them</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">7.00 am - Grain to be fed</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Sweep barn, make rest of day's grain </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">BREAKFAST TIME!!! ( I am starting a pancake Christmas brekkie from now on...highly recommend it)</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Start to turn out some of the horses for a while, lunge a few and hand-graze a few.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">11.00 am - Hay and sweep</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">11.30 am - Lunch grain</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Then.... BEACH TIME!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Kris and Todd</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We were brought to West Palm Beach to swim and sunbathe and chill out for a few hours. Shauna and I were literally the same colour of the sand. We were the palest people on the entire beach!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The afternoon barn chores were easy going. We feed hay again at 4.00 pm and grain at 4.30pm.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The farm that Pam works from in Florida is called Double Bridle. A german couple own it and live on the property. As they were spending the day alone by themselves, Ali's parents suggested us all eating together. We had dinner in their covered garden and pool area (swit-swoo I hear ye say! And ye gods it is).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Nom nom nom</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My first Christmas away from home was quite different, but was made a thousand times easier due to the kindness of the Potasky family. So Potasky's, here is your second shout-out!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Oh yes! New Years! The night was spent out in Clematis St, West Palm Beach. Ali, Shauna and I hit the town as best we can with our neighbouring Korean grooms who did not speak one word of english. Thanks to our new nifty iPhones, the Google Translate app was our ONLY communication tool.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Ali and Cho!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Jin</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">By the way, it is not very accurate at stringing sentences together. We got many strange looks from Cho and Jin. But we partied on and saw some great fireworks at the end of the night.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">So...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">First Christmas away from home - check</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">New Years Eve in strange place with foreign non-english speakers - check</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">What next?!</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06734998294257628263noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384313034929304337.post-2845765646274276512012-05-31T16:12:00.000-07:002012-05-31T16:14:47.567-07:00Flo-rida life<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As promised I am going to get a load of posts organised. I will try to keep them short and sweet and readable ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Well now! Lads, if you are complete dressage and show-jumping fanatics you NEED to visit Wellington, FL. over the winter season. Not only will the brilliant weather tickle your fancy but also the huge concentration of horses, top riders and competition will too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Every saturday night there is Grand Prix show-jumping held in the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Every weekend there are CDIs in numerous locations, in particular the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center. Here the Palm Beach leg of the Exquis World Dressage Masters was held in conjunction with two other competitions including a CPEDI. (this will be a separate post as lads...that weekend was the highlight of my 2011/2012 Florida season)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Wellington is also HUGE for polo playing, polo loving and polo poshness. Every where you drive in Wellington you see polo fields, polo clubs and polo ponies. I also have a quick video of polo ponies getting fit in our neighbouring field in the 6am fog. Beautiful. Needless to say, money and status makes Wellington. I must figure out how to upload it... :/</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But all this delightment comes with a price.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In the center where the show-jumping is held each weekend, there is a Hermes shop. A pure white leather saddle was being advertised for sale on a maniquin horse. It was worth $30,000. Horses are worth their weight in gold here.</span><br />
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A really bad picture of the show-jumping arena at PBIEC<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My Petrie Anky boots cost me about 600e in Ireland (which for me was crazy dosh at the time but figured that I need to look the part), with currency conversion they are approx. $800. The same boots sell here through a normal seller for over $1200. I don't regret getting the boots now as I am in LOVE with them and are gorgeous to ride in (AND I didn't have to pay $1200 for them!) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It can cost over $300 dollars to shoe your horse. Thats up to every four weeks as the heat in FL makes the hoof grow at an excellerated rate. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Bags of good hard feed (or grain as the 'mericans say) can cost over $25 PER BAG!! Imagine having to pay these prices at home?! I for sure would not be in this game.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But hey, horses are a pure luxury here and are treated like kings. So each to their own I say. I just got to make sure that all clients horses are kept well and happy and safe and sound. After all they cost a fortune.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">After a rush to get on a plane to the US, get a vehicle, get a bank account and get down to Florida to see all this ,was mind blowing. But for only a short time, I soon learned to embrace it and get myself acting and looking like I belonged there ;)</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06734998294257628263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-384313034929304337.post-38686973869606835492012-05-31T07:50:00.000-07:002012-05-31T07:50:52.717-07:00Where to start!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Moi - posing</span></span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So I decided to start this blog to share all the craziness that a 3 year American work visa can bring to a Whest of Ireland gill.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The brilliance about this visa is that I and fellow westie Shauna Finneran get to train and work for Pam Goodrich, a much sought after dressage clinician here in the US!</span><br />
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<a href="http://fostermeadow.com/about-pamela-goodrich/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">http://fostermeadow.com/about-pamela-goodrich/</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Acquiring the visa took a good few months, plenty of tears, many a late night filling out forms and searching for the valid visa document requirements. I am here on an athlete visa sponsored by Pam to stay and work here for the next three years. While the visa process was tedious, drawn out and seriously upsetting at times it was undeniably worth it. It has always been my lifelong dream to be able to at least try and be the best dressage rider that I can be, and this was my once in a lifetime opportunity.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So I have been here in the US hitting on 6 months now and all the while I avoided writing a blog for the fear of actually having to start one! So I am going to give it a lash and I hope it will be easy enough reading.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">First stop on our dressage journey was meeting the Foster Meadow team down in Wellington, FL. to spend the winter season. We landed in Boston, acquired a car with the extreme help from Shauna's uncle and we pegged it down I-95. Mind you pegging it still took us over 25 hrs driving :/ But the upside is... we are the proud owners of a Mini Cooper S Series!!! (Costs enough a month but hey, at least we look the part!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Delia</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">With excitement and stiff behinds from the journey down, we hit Wellington with a bang and started work ASAP. Have not looked back since. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">View from mirrored arena of Florida barn and apartments</span><br />
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Mirrored arena <br />
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Mirrored arena<br />
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The oval arena<br />
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Barn<br />
<br /> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Here at Foster Meadow the winter season (Dec to Apr) is relocated to a base just outside Wellington, FL. in an exclusive equestrian community called White Fences. The rest is spent on Pam's Foster Meadow farm in Boscawen, NH. The two are just over 1500 miles apart!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Our apartment for the FL season</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Pam describes us as 'Assistant Trainers'. It is a very loose term as we also do all the daily barn chores and all else required in the running of the barn. However under her constant intruction we ride and train clients horses. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Pam teaches lessons daily, as well as training her staff and her client's horses. She herself rides and competes regularly. I groomed for her in numerous CDIs in Florida, which was just jaw dropping. I was in the thick of FEI rulings, great chances to spectate the top US and internatioanl dressage riders and the list just goes on! Plus spending the winter in above 20 degree celsius weather was bliss. To think I spent Christmas day sunning myself on the beach in West Palm Beach. So many stories to tell!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So therefore, I am going to enter separate entries to all the stuff we got up to in FL as it may just get too monotonous in the one entry. Plus I have to figure out someway to separate all the memories and events for myself! I am truly a disaster when organising all my photos etc. New laptop to help and I am still the biggest procrastinator</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06734998294257628263noreply@blogger.com0