Equestrian Journey Blog Hop: What will you not do?

I have never been so sick of sitting down. My leg hurts and my hands are bruising from sticks of death (read: crutches). 

So today I'm participating in Equestrian Journeys' first blog hop! Today she asks 'What will you NOT do?'

Firstly I will not ride with an instructor who is blatantly rude, ignorant or not listening to me. I'm paying you to learn and to have an enjoyable time and if I feel uncomfortable, unsafe or disregarded on more than one occasion then theres a problem. I took one riding lesson with an instructor on holiday once who put me on a horse she randomly selected out of the field, saying "There he looks pretty - you can ride him today" (she also never asked my ability or assessed me at all). Needless to say we left that property pretty quickly, nearly tripping over random pieces of equipment left lying around the place, generally the horses didn't look that well cared for and the two staff the we saw were extremely rude. No thanks!

Quick Update (Friday Foto)

This is has been my state since yesterday:

No it's not broken, it's actually a super bad infection from who knows where, causing bad swelling and bad, bad, bad pain (I can't walk on it, hello crutches!) By the way my leg on the left is normal, the right is the infected one :( basically if it doesn't clear up by tomorrow then I'll have to go to hospital, because it may get into my blood stream. So I had to cancel riding and volleying for tomorrow. Boooooo.

Side note; I told mum that'd I'd "cold hose it and stick it in a bucket of Epsom salts and water to draw out infection"😂

Funny how they get into our heads!

"Horse riding is easy, you just sit there!"

Ok, so I was talking a few people lately and they all had these 'misconceptions' about horse riding, horses and equestrians. So what I thought I'd do is TELL THEM THE FUCKING TRUTH. Because some of these are so blatantly ignorant, silly and just plain stupid! What I'll probably do is write about one per week/per post because I don't think I'd be able to write about more than one at a time XD

1. "Horse riding is easy, you just sit there! Also it's not a sport."

Let me try and be calm and rational here. Firstly what about horse riding looks 'easy'? The fact that we get a better workout riding for an hour than you do running for two? Riding a horse is a full body workout, it works more muscles than most other sports, also it's not just the riding, it's the grooming, tacking up, untacking, mucking out and other upkeep. Being an equestrian requires time, effort and COMMITMENT. You can't just ride once or twice and then leave, especially when you own one of the beasties :) Horse riding is also an OFFICIAL sport in the OLYMPICS, and defined by the dictionary as "A modern international sports competition, held once every four years". It's a SPORT competition, you can't compete in the olympics in a discipline that isn't a sport.

- End Rant -

Wordless Wednesy (Ok Maybe Wordless Thursday)

"Hi, this is my friend"

November's 10 Questions - From L. Williams

So, the lovely L. Williams, over at Viva Carlos has brought us yet another 10 questions post! So here we go...

1. Have you ever owned a horse?

Nope :( Hopefully soon though!

I want this 'lil nugget in my clutches

2. What is your favourite aspect of your discipline?

Well, seeing as I really don't have one specific discipline - I basically do whatever my instructor thinks is best for the day (or what she wants to work on with us) - I think that the best thing about horse riding is its not just the riding, I've made some really awesome friends through riding + I've learnt heaps from amazing people!

3. What pet peeves do you have concerning your discipline?

I don't experience this much at GV (I have witnessed this at a few other barns) but the mentality by some people of "If you don't have the latest riding clothes, the best horse and expensive tack then your obviously not a good rider". Firstly, what the fuck. I honestly can't comprehend these people!

4. Do you do barn chores?

I LOVE barn chores! Yes, I know I'm strange but I love doing anything remotely horsey, yes this does include shovelling their shit.

5. What is your least favourite barn chore?

Saddle Greasing. You try greasing 25 odd saddles in a row and tell me how it feels.

6. What do you consider the worst vice in a horse?

I'm going to have to go with rearing, I reckon its one of the most dangerous vices because once a horse is in the air it's really gravity that takes over, and lets be honest who trusts gravity?

7. What saddle brand is your favourite?

I've ridden in a Thorowgood and a Ascot  and my god they are 1000000x more comfortable than the kincade redi rides I ride on in lessons, though to be fair the kincade's aren't too bad.

8. Do you ride with a quarter sheet in the winter?

Never have, and probably never will, lol :P

9. Does your horse wear boots? What kind?

My imaginary horse doesn't :P I haven't actually ridden a horse that wears boots at all!

10. Full seat or knee patch breeches?

I've always ridden in knee patch jods, however lately (since the beginning of the year) I've been wearing through them suuuuper quick! Holes appearing in the 'seat' area in a month and completely unusable by 3 months (despite sewing up all the holes, the material is just completely worn through). So I though I'd just go and grab a pair of full seat jods, but when I tried them on in the store I couldn't life my leg up much, I'd have a hard time getting on a shetland to put it in perspective! I think its the stiffness of the full seat, tbh it feels like a thick piece of fabric tacked on, not built into the jods at all. So I was thinking of grabbing myself a pair of Kerrits Flex Tight II Full Seat, however I still don't know what these would feel like and I can't find anywhere to try them on. So instead I was thinking of buying Kerrits Flow Rise Performance Riding Tight, I've read multiple reviews on these and from what I've heard people say they're long lasting - people have had there pairs for over a year (way over a year!) despite the fact that they are a spandex material. Also added bonus is they're a fairly cool material compared to the dublin jods I've been wearing, and I live in Aus - and it gets goddamn hot here!!

The Flex Tight II Full Seat

The Flow Rise Performance Riding Tight

They both come in various colours btw.

So does anyone have any experience with Kerrits? I'd love to hear what you have to say!

Success! + Sweet and Sour News

So as you may or may not be aware I had my first 'barn training show jumping thingy' yesterday, and if I say so myself it was a success!

"Hai", Also this is not Wilfred.

My instructor swapped me onto a different horse in the morning, so instead of Biscuits I ended up riding Wilfred, very similar to Ms. Biscuits in size and shape (a few extra kilos there :') however vastly different in temperament and how he goes. It was my first time riding him, however we did do alright and managed to pull a 3rd overall! In our first round he ran out on jump 5a (8 jump course, at like 30 or 40cm) due to me not putting enough leg on him, and in our second round we knocked jump 7 because he has a tendency to forget about his back feet and I forgot to remind him they existed!

This, my friends, is Mr. Wilfred and moi. This is also proof that I actually get on a horse :')

Now I have a sweet and sour stale/news, on Thursday last week one of GV's broodmares gave birth to a gorgeous little palomino colt however late on Sunday night/early Monday morning Buffy (the mare) sadly passed away :( I don't know what caused it, or how it happened but I do know that the lovely little colt is now in a paddock separate to the rest of the broodmare herd with a surrogate mare. On the bright side the foal is doing fine, and he got is colustrum and vital first few days of nutrients from Buffy and all is looking well for him!

This gorgeous boy, is now orphaned :( That lovely golden rump was, since passed away, Buffy.

Photography credit to "F"

ABC's Equestrian Style

Am I starting to blog in some sort of fashionable pattern? 

Haha, No.

Today I bring you your ABC's... Equestrianified (It is now a word, deal with it.)

A  is for Apples, aka why your horse does anything for you.

B is for Buckets. One can never have enough buckets.

C is for "Could you *please* get off my foot, for the 1000th time today".

D is for Dressage.

E is for Equestrians. Does this need explanation?

F is for Falling, the reason the frozen peas don't actually get eaten.

G is for "GET OFF MY FUCKING FOOT NOW!!"

H is for Horse, the money eating monster.

I is for Injuries, quite common in both horses and riders.

J is for Jumping, jump all the jumps.

K is for Kewl, because I don't have anything to go here.

L is for Life. "I don't have a life, I have a horse".

M is for Money. All money may now be donated towards all le ponies.

N is for Never, often said but never adhered to.

O is for "Oh shit". A remarkably common term heard when around horses. 

P is for Ponies, though to be "Baby horses" by non horsey folk.

Q is for Quadriceps, used when riding.

R is for Riding, or as non horse folk would put it "endangering your life".

S is for Stirrupless work - the reason we're all a little bit bowlegged.

T is for Trainers, the most amazing and evil people on the planet :D

U is for "Uh Oh".

V is for Vet, "We see each other so often we might as well be best friends!"

W is for "Wheres the hoofpick?"

X is for Xylophone, because not everything can be horsified.

Y is for "Yes you will walk past it, I don't care if is going to eat you".

Z is for Zebra, a close relative of the horse.

Anyway I hope you found that at least a little bit funny, and if your lucky I might have pictures of me actually on a horse!!! Yes, the jumping day is tomorrow - and I'm not remotely prepared... Oh well :P

Also, this is what happens when a friend and I are bored in maths...

Love & Horses Blog Hop: Your other pets?

Today I came across another lovely horse blog Love & Horses, and the wonderful owner NBOHL asked us this question:

Other than your horse what other pets do you have?

Ok, so I don't own a horse *yet*, but I still feel I should introduce you all to the four legged animals of my family!

Firstly, Peanut!

No your not going insane, you have met him before! This gorgeous boy, is an 11 1/2 Wire Haired Dachshund we brought with us from Norway! We've had him since he was 2 months old, and I've pretty much grown up with him :) He's super duper handsome as you can see, and he loves his pats and treats - we had big scare christmas time last year, and he ended up spending 2 nights at the vet, and on release was diagnosed with pancreatitis, which basically means he can't have food with over 6% fat. Aka the dog eats better than most of the family :') (Cooked chicken breast, rice and veggies!)

Onto our second furry creature, Bibbles!

Yes, Bibbles is a mouse. No she does not bite, and she is not evil. This 'lil cutie joined our family fairly recently, at roughly 3 months old she is very, fat (these pics don't show her fatty little booty XD) and very, very cute! Super personable and full of life, she joined us when our old mouse passed away; leaving Likky partnerless and lonely :( Now she runs around the cage, rearranging everything and kicking all the food out of her bowl!

And last but certainly not least... Likky!

Yes, that mound in the background is the nest they've built!

"No pap plz"

This gorgeous girl is a 6-7 month old mouse, midnight black with a drop of white on the tip of her nose. We got her along with her, since passed away, sister Pippa, she is a super cute, lively bub. Unfortunately she has recently developed a lump on her back (near her neck), while we don't think its cancerous it is growing, it's not affecting her in anyway at the moment though so shall continue to enjoy her peanut butter and oats for a while longer :)

Day 6 (and 4): What's In Your Grooming Bucket? + Other things!

Well, I've done this one already... (here it is)

So instead I'm going catch up on day 4, because I kinda, maybe forgot about it. Whoops.

Day 4: Describe the important horses you've had in your life

I actually find this a really hard topic to write about, I reckon every horse I've had the pleasure of meeting, caring for and riding has helped me grow has an equestrian. Because of this I don't want to list the most 'important' horses I've met, you all know that Midge is up there and I don't want you to have to read about me explaining how special he is ;')

Onto a different topic, Christmas!

Yes, I do realise it's 44 days away, but I freaking LOVE christmas!!!

Yes, I have the timer going already. Don't judge.

Here in Aus, Christmas is flipping HOT, no snow in sight! And despite the fact that I don't *love* (read: I kinda like it but it's not my fav season) I love the christmasy atmosphere, the music, the food, the people, and the overall fun time! And let's be honest, who doesn't love the presents. Yes, we are all guilty of it!

Is this awesome, or is this awesome!

(Source: Here)

So this has been a rather interesting post, a bit all over the place really!

Continuing on that trend, I had my lesson on the weekend, and me and my instructor have decided that I will be riding Biscuits for the jumping day, which is.. Wait for it... NEXT WEEKEND (aka this coming saturday!!!) I feel as if I haven't had nearly as much preparation as I should've, I've only ridden Biscuits twice now but I feel as if I'm going to just go with the flow and hope for the best really XD. The course is going to be super, super low and it is a training day/small barn show after all, plus Biscuits is super nice, very different too Casino, but I can work with her quite nicely :)

Please ignore the weird tinge, and crappy photo - but this is Miss Biscuits!

And I promise there will be pictures of me riding soonish, hopefully I'll be buying some photo's from an awesome photographer "H" (If your reading this 'H', you know who your are!) 'cause I've fallen in love with some she took of me riding Romeo at the gymkhana thingy,  and *fingers crossed* she'll be photographer for the jumping day too!

Day 5: Your First Fall

I totally didn't forget I was doing the 30 day challenge, or that it even existed... Yeah my brains just one big mess at the moment :/

Anyway, on to the topic of this post!

Your First Fall

I can actually remember my first fall quite clearly, we were trotting around happily (as happily as a new rider can be, learning to trot :') and next thing I knew I was on my back, on the ground and staring up at Miss Avalon.

Google Images

The only thing that happened was Avalon (a gorgeous grey mare) tripped and went down onto her front knee's *for like 2 seconds* and me, being me, I went over her head. Yes my first fall was because my balance was still under my pillow. I just kinda started laughing because of her face! She was SO worried, she hadn't moved and inch and tried to push me back up with her muzzle :)

After recovering my sanity, I got up brushed off arena dirt and climbed back aboard, much to Avalon's relief I think - You should've seen her! I didn't get hurt, unless you count my pride... That was definitely brusied :P

And I promise I won't forget about this again! (Or so she says... Hold me to this!)

Also *whoop* for short posts.

Edit: I just realised I didn't do day 4 *doh*, I'll include that in the next post

59 Questions, Cause 60 is just too much!

So because I've had no time this week (can school just go away, please!) and I found this horse meme thingy on deviantART (art website :3) I shall give you a slightly boring filler post! Maybe it's kinda interesting... IDK?

Here I give you cute (but crappy pic) pony as peace offering

1. dish face or roman nose? why?

Either but with a slight leaning towards Roman noses. Um I don't know, but I'm obviously not gonna 'not like' a horse just 'cause they have a dish face!

2. mares or geldings? why?

Either, mares because I love a challenge, but geldings because they can be equally challenging and they can be chilled out. I don't think you can really choose a horse based on gender 'cause there is always an exception to the norm!

3. Do you think warmbloods are over-rated?

Not really, a horse is a horse.

4. Describe your dream horse.

Midge, he has the best personality and is a problem pony according to some people, but thats why I love him :3

5. What kind of bit do you use and why?

Normally a plain snaffle - but it depends on the horse I'm riding. I'm pretty sure all the GV horse are ridden in snaffles, correct me if I'm wrong!

6. Stock horses or sport horses?

Stock 'cause their awesome and lower maintenance, but I'm not discriminating!

7. Favorite horse colour?

Bay, buckskin, black, but then again I find it really hard to say I have a 'favourite' colour 'cause then the other ponies feel left out!

8. Least favorite horse colour?

Don't have one.

9. Dressage or Jumping?

Jumping but a solid foundation in flatwork is essential for jumping and I don't actually mind dressage, and as of late I'm starting to lean towards this dressagey bussiness :P

10. Favorite stock horse breed?

Anything really.

11. Favorite Hot-blooded breed?

Again, anything!

12. Favorite cold-blooded breed?

I'm so boring, ANYTHING!

13. Dapple grey or Fleabitten grey?

I have a thing for dapples, but flea bitten can look very, very nice too

14. Most expensive piece of tack you own?

Nothing as of yet (Soon... Sooooon)

15. When did you start riding?

I started lessons when I was 9 but I've been on pony rides since I was 3 and trail riding since 7 (or 6)...

16. Leather or Nylon halters?

Depends - Leather look smarter for shows and stuff, but for everyday Nylon, cheap and cheerful + a heap of colours.  

17. Apples or Carrots?

For horses? Apples, I guess they have a sweet tooth :'). For me? Both

18. Chestnut or bay?

Bayyyyyy (may or may not be slightly, bias ;)

19. Palomino or Buckskin?

Booottthhhh

20. Lazy horse or Hot horse?

Both - I love the challenge of working with a lazy horse and getting the best out of them, but I also love riding hot horses and getting them to actually work, not just run all over the place. I'm not picky I guess but I would tend towards a lazy horse for challenge and the enjoyment and satisfaction of getting them to move their lazy little buts!

21. Have you ever been trail riding?

Yup

22. Have you ever had to put down a horse that you loved?

No *fingers crossed*

23. How many saddlepads do you have?

0 (YET....)

24. How many bridles do you have?

0

25. Favorite saddle brand?

Kincade can actually be comfier than Wintec but I like bates for the leather and the smart look.

26. Beige or White Breeches?

Beige although I do prefer dark breeches (they hide dirt better)

27. Least favorite discipline?

In hand showing

28. Do you own a horse?

Not yet - I'm finding a job and then I'm going to buy Midge, as I'm sure I've said more than a bajillion times before :P

29. Do you collect Breyer horses?

Nope I collect Schleich Horses.  

30. Favorite color of saddle pad?

Any colour, if you haven't picked up on it yet, I'm really not a picky person (sometimes...)

31.Private barn or Boarding stable?

Depends on the facilities - to be honest I would be happy anywhere, but I would like the company and riding buddies at agistment!

32. Opinion on spoiled riders?

How come they get to buy 10 thousand horses the second they ask their dad but I'm riding once every two weeks for an hour and working my but of to get there. (and dreaming of buying midge... :) Ok, ok, might be exaggerating a 'lil. I have nothing against people with mulitple ponies btw!

33. Have you ever ridden tackless?

Ridden bareback in a group lesson - second time I fell off and sprained my neck :(

34. Have you ever stood up on a horse?

Nope, and if I buy Midge I don't think I will :')

"WHAT IS THAT ON MY BACK, WHY IS SHE SO TALL!!"

"ABORT, ABORT, ABORT"

Midge's train of though :D

35. Overo, Tobiano, or Tovero?

Anythhhiiinngggg

36. Favorite face markings(s)?

Any - I'm not fussy!

37. Why you started riding?

I've always loved horses I started saving up for riding lessons when I was 7 and finally started when I was 9, then I started volleying and now I'm so so so close to getting a job and a pony!

38. Does anyone in your family ride?

My younger sister :) 

39. Have you ever owned a horse?

No but I plan on buying one near the end of this year, or early next year!

40. Something you want to improve on?

Jumping position and lengthening and extending of strides, and leg yielding!

41. A bad habit you have?

Not bending my arms, sticking my toes out, giving too much with the reins... Should I go on?

42. A bad habit your horse has?

Do I even have to go through what Midge does? (I know he's not my horse, but still...)

43. How high have you jumped?

40-60cm I think?

44. Have you ever had a dressage lesson?

Yes! Last term I rode with school at a primarily dressage stable! It was a great experience and got me very interested in dressage, but I don't think that stable was the right fit :/ 

45. What really makes your horse spook?

Well Midge spooks at anything - He spooked at tire tracks! And he will not let you have a drink (water bottle or not) while you are on his back. Makes mounted games fun...

46. Trail riding or ring work?

Both but arena work more.

47. Indoor or Outdoor arena?

Both, depends on the day

48. Colorful or plain saddle pads?

Depends on the scenario, lessoning or showing? Showing: Plain - Lessoning/Casual: Anything!

49. Do you like horses with blue eyes?

Yup

50. Have you ever gotten into a fight with your trainer?

Nope all three of my trainers have been freaking amazing!

51. Light bay or Dark bay horses?

Both

52. What is your equestrian dream?

Tbh, learning as much as I can, and maybe becoming a vet or vet nurse... Maybe.

53. Long mane or Pulled mane?

Both depends on the horse to be honest

54. Least favorite thing about your barn?

It's far away but not too far - 40 mins - far enough that my parents won't drive me out there more than once a week, but luckily its close enough that they'll drive me out there at all.

55. Favorite thing about your barn?

The people and the horses, and the atmosphere and the fact we're all like a family :)

56. Have you ever ridden a stallion?

Not to my knowledge - LOL!

57. socks or no socks on a horse?

Both

58. Favorite horse names?

Whatever suits the horse.

59. If you could ride any horse in the world, which one would it be? why?

A schoolmaster for a lesson would be nice, but otherwise Midge :3

So congrats if you got all the way down here! I promise I'll get back into action next week!