Viva Carlos Blog Hop: Naivete

What horse related or equestrian related piece of knowledge did you believe was true for an extended period of time that turned out to not be true?

I guess it's time I air my dirty laundry of stupid horse knowledge that isn't real. 

I basically though Ries was the best most majykal hunter

When I first started riding "hunters" I was taught to see-saw to no end. "Get his head down! See-saw!". Also, slack in the reins was a good thing. Oh and to lunge a horse that wouldn't "get his head down" while under saddle, I was taught to take a western bridle, run the reins under the chest, bring them up and over the top of the withers, and tie them in a knot. Then lunge them until the sun sets. 

This poor dude suffered my see-sawing and poor lunging skills

Luckily, my new dressage knowledge doesn't leave me like a hopeless freak. And seeing A rated hunters ride (instead of the unrated circuit I showed on as a kid) with contact, makes me happy that hunter rider's aren't actually dumb, I was just taught to be a dumb one. 

Such a saint, hes still a happy pony today! I'll have to write more about him!

And my last ungodly stupid knowledge was related to bits. I was taught the more breaks in the bit the more severe it was. So basically, Waterfords were of the devil. When I first worked at a tack store here in Idaho, I cringed so hard at the first girl who bought one. I didn't understand why everyone wasn't buying a single jointed snaffle. Sorry girl I gave dirty looks to who bought that Waterford (in fact, this was Alyssa, and I was MORTIFIED when I found out that I was the stupidest judgmental Californian-turned Idahoan that existed when we became friends). 

Birthdays

Maybe I was around 10-11 here?

This little munchin is growing up! November 1st will be my 21st birthday. I think its safe to say high expectations for birthdays never work out.

I don't have any plans for my birthday, and if anything they will be lowkey. I know it is "normal" to have a big drinking fest, but I don't anticipate that. So tell me, what did you do for your 21st? Am I ultra lame for just sneaking a ride and buying myself a bottle of wine?

Satin Dreams

This is the last photo I have of Ries wearing satin. Yes we did win some last year, but I forgot to model it. (I'm also wondering who's bridle that is; I definitely didn't have one nice enough to put a nameplate on..) 

Last night I attended the annual meeting for our region in Idaho's dressage and eventing association. We talked about the upcoming show calendar and I couldn't be more pumped. There is something every weekend! There are 3 rated dressage shows I want to do, as well as one rated hunter/jumper show. There are also a slew of schooling opportunities I can't wait to take advantage of.

It was super reviving to see all of the trainers and other community members at this event. Even though my foot is broken and I can't do anything, as soon as I get this thing off I want to work extra hard to gain some skills and money for next show season. I'm psyched!! What are some ways you are working towards earning more miles and money for next year?

FF: Picasso

Flashback Friday/Fail Friday/Friday Funny

That one time nearly ten years ago (I was like 11?!) that I was an aspiring artist. Can't you see the natural talent? And wow that awesome scanning/picture of a picture quality.

Flash Back Friday: Seven Years

May 28th marks the 7th year I've owned Riesling. For fun I went back and found pictures from the first month I owned him. Enjoy baby Mic and gangly baby Ries.