tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52358865600458684732024-03-28T22:29:34.482-05:00The ride of my lifeStaz22http://www.blogger.com/profile/09272747030430513906noreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235886560045868473.post-77962009097956878242023-07-31T21:59:00.017-05:002023-08-01T08:38:13.510-05:00International Memoirs <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLf1iqcpsXCxkeHihHTs4sMk47JloEfFWTwCsmhFIbTqXcy0OwPjpvRk4gRqKvTjRXaCfmsetOclZYynhccGzPL2Bk9Ti0I-eVoL6ymdTN8KyBkETpxlSRRGhtNlefbjmdzWQtUNK7mt3Vp3S-3ZitKhwf2RM29OKZrShAV3z00DSh_Pm7L07kT2Eb5vU/s3082/06971254-E3B0-4AD2-A681-AF904E0FD8F7.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3082" data-original-width="2300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLf1iqcpsXCxkeHihHTs4sMk47JloEfFWTwCsmhFIbTqXcy0OwPjpvRk4gRqKvTjRXaCfmsetOclZYynhccGzPL2Bk9Ti0I-eVoL6ymdTN8KyBkETpxlSRRGhtNlefbjmdzWQtUNK7mt3Vp3S-3ZitKhwf2RM29OKZrShAV3z00DSh_Pm7L07kT2Eb5vU/s320/06971254-E3B0-4AD2-A681-AF904E0FD8F7.jpeg" width="239" /></a></div><br />What were my favorite moments of the international? The answer may surprise you. Here’s my top 10 moments for the 2023 International memoirs book. <p></p><p>10. Camper cocktail time. Ok. Maybe we really had Brie cheese and Gatorade and a few sips of wine, but by far the best moments of the week were catching up and sharing riding stories around the camper dinner table, after the show was over. Thanks Tami and Terry for all the laughter and inspiration. And, to Mariah, for sharing best practices over lunch, for a seat and hands consult. 🍷</p><p>9. Learning the definition of “shart”. Truth is, I really did know the definition. But, to hear teacher Carol seriously provide the dictionary lesson was beyond hysterical. And, yeah … don’t ask why this was even a topic! 😜 And, no, I did not shart! 💩 </p><p>8. Cake drive pickup. An early morning drive provided a bit of respite from the show grounds, but more than that, what a gorgeous day to drive along the rolling Tenneessee hills - what a view along 231 from Murfreesburo to Shelbyville and back. I turned up the music, sipped my latte and metaphorically stopped to smell the roses. ‼️ Ahhhhh! </p><p>7. Sharing a show jacket. Finally, after two years Mariah wore the “Wadsworth Incident”. Also known as the 2x RWC Jonathan jacket. My pink, silver and black show jacket. We say it’s an incident, cuz I splurged on this one so badly that I had to put it into the show jacket protection program at Stonewall, so hubby never knew (well until now, if he reads this!). Anyways, she had tagged me when it was posted for sale and she always said she would show in it one day as her finders fee. That day finally came. Btw - She wore it beautifully. 🔥</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpLeX_IyzmzQwJmpjq-vK28S3blY8hPcPqwsk6KPN2HVJGKfp5OITeaonBeXs7ZOao_jVdzBsz0brNRuFu_nYw2dUkf2ELUIoQ-QZnBPm7g97eIjN6Wu2OpdEzBCQmrKmWCa9Hs3FNk_A4lujImAxuQPjbq5P76j_ZU_rMOiy2K6QDIXC4zldSs9CELwE/s1000/FB849BAE-8608-4BB1-A7A6-9882CFF2E483.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1000" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpLeX_IyzmzQwJmpjq-vK28S3blY8hPcPqwsk6KPN2HVJGKfp5OITeaonBeXs7ZOao_jVdzBsz0brNRuFu_nYw2dUkf2ELUIoQ-QZnBPm7g97eIjN6Wu2OpdEzBCQmrKmWCa9Hs3FNk_A4lujImAxuQPjbq5P76j_ZU_rMOiy2K6QDIXC4zldSs9CELwE/s320/FB849BAE-8608-4BB1-A7A6-9882CFF2E483.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>6. English surprise. Riding English on MGK was my biggest learning this week and I experienced the magic of a curb bit. It was so different to ride him this way. I had to go from a single 10-minute practice ride to show ring the same day - and the experience was a game changer. ✅ Frustrating, but enabling. Challenge excepted and (kinda) conquered. <p></p><p>5. Slaying. The young Stonewall youth riders were gonna “slay dos hos” - aka, the competition, in the ring. Every time someone rode into a class, we had our funny cat call. Not only did it provide a sense of camaraderie and solidarity, but it takes the edge off. Why not slay. I mean. Just go for it!</p><p>4. A shower. Donning flip flops, grabbing the shampoo and heading off to the Miller coliseum showers may make some take pause, but after a few, hot sweaty days…getting to enjoy the full pressure water 💦 and no time limits placed on your shower (due to camper grey water 🚿tank sizes) makes this otherwise normal, everyday proposition, a decadent treat. You all agree, I know you do. Warm long showers-yeah!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgN4l4fEEpw891xp4vMmimM0YkF6XNsNUPwR0lYdfLHoreTIGntgM8nHZH3f-nuAGq-Rfud_1INxAIeTXgcYGlEcimrReJStjDylxSCxtJw6dBjC_mAelfMw7__wORUrRzHYzD2ZxJ4ebT_o2snXVmPHcGmxaAojOyodz_ncnb7gcjKRD7RRo-3fO01KA/s4032/D8416CC5-3006-4FA4-82A6-62F7339670E5.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgN4l4fEEpw891xp4vMmimM0YkF6XNsNUPwR0lYdfLHoreTIGntgM8nHZH3f-nuAGq-Rfud_1INxAIeTXgcYGlEcimrReJStjDylxSCxtJw6dBjC_mAelfMw7__wORUrRzHYzD2ZxJ4ebT_o2snXVmPHcGmxaAojOyodz_ncnb7gcjKRD7RRo-3fO01KA/s320/D8416CC5-3006-4FA4-82A6-62F7339670E5.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p>3. Picking up tips. You learn that you are not the only one with doubts, fears and improvements to make. But you can learn quickly from everyone around you. I’m amazed how many people are willing to share. And, they share tips, as well as their fears and hopes. You’re reminded that it’s not just me or you - we’re all on this fabulous journey, made possible by the very special walking horse. 📝 </p><p>2. Spa time. Late at night when the aisles are empty and the only sound is from horses chewing hay, I love my midnight stall visits. Just being there with them, putting my hands all over my two boys makes me happy and builds a connection I otherwise never get with my “in training” horses being so far away. It’s in that touch and quiet alone time with my horses that I whisper my personal hopes and dreams - and they’re always met with a knowing and responsive sweet eye 👁. </p><p>1. Cheering 📣. While it feels good to hear your friends cheers, encourage or call your name when you’re in the ring, I think being someone’s cheerleader and support is twice as nice. Maybe because we know. And, in that knowledge-we understand how much meaning the encouraging clap, yell or whistle holds. The big hug, being the voice in an earpiece, a smile or knowing look when you win or lose, makes a difference </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZb4aKafkLcCaG3t9PGC3dDM9-FanMzJmsISxGLAq0Uyjc1aoL9b5T2Z50CHWeu66cPpg3rtUgLvnwMI0d_QXsEUoLHl04gqL8W_4V7ro9UT8tlbgEr4yGDNrvoTpLIqYnsNMTMIqJnyhWX3zua_eNMPR73g9tn2BKVPWNlyj_i_zpvWGCdwIt_yn3wQ/s3506/F40CA863-F43C-47FD-A4EB-FB4FB8E332B7.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2629" data-original-width="3506" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZb4aKafkLcCaG3t9PGC3dDM9-FanMzJmsISxGLAq0Uyjc1aoL9b5T2Z50CHWeu66cPpg3rtUgLvnwMI0d_QXsEUoLHl04gqL8W_4V7ro9UT8tlbgEr4yGDNrvoTpLIqYnsNMTMIqJnyhWX3zua_eNMPR73g9tn2BKVPWNlyj_i_zpvWGCdwIt_yn3wQ/s320/F40CA863-F43C-47FD-A4EB-FB4FB8E332B7.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>So, yes I easily could have listed the top 25, 50, or 100 memories, but every time, these few would certainly rise to the very top. Thank you to Whoa, Stonewall, Jessica Mast and my crazy, strong and wonderful village of show friends. YOU amaze me and make this journey the fantastic adventure it was meant to be. </p>Staz22http://www.blogger.com/profile/09272747030430513906noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235886560045868473.post-42099888739113489092023-07-28T11:42:00.003-05:002023-07-28T11:46:27.926-05:00The Maiden Craze<p>The Maiden is like the debutante ball for two year old colts. The coming out party and a jackpot event for the babies that have never been shown before. It was started five years ago from an idea 💡 and a lot of bravado from Jessica Mast and Kyle Elliott - and it truly has taken the Tenneessee Walking Horse pleasure industry by storm. Just the kind of energy we needed! The first maiden in 2019 brought 15 entries and the fifth annual event this year boasts 64 colts and fillies with a pot of over $50 Gs. 😳 That’s some serious cash and the largest payout class in walking horse history. Plus this year the winner will receive a new Harris work saddle, silver bit, a pair of belt buckles plus a few more spoils. So, you can understand the major appeal. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJDiXflgOOUk2PxhmfWBQVruzN3ZXx5yrUJTXio4J5NXwl2M1MaCD96MNih2XsNpKGfV6dcRlEjOpADsjqR5h0qsNC2_NitfbnOeUXWjrImDrdgk3vudYSnpawQwC3dvNUwf36dp94IUq4IPGM4T_mY47GipgJRsZ4blExzaImngF2Gdb4z130QFUdatQ/s1060/A88AA172-D215-4A45-BDFE-ADEB455127AA.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1059" data-original-width="1060" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJDiXflgOOUk2PxhmfWBQVruzN3ZXx5yrUJTXio4J5NXwl2M1MaCD96MNih2XsNpKGfV6dcRlEjOpADsjqR5h0qsNC2_NitfbnOeUXWjrImDrdgk3vudYSnpawQwC3dvNUwf36dp94IUq4IPGM4T_mY47GipgJRsZ4blExzaImngF2Gdb4z130QFUdatQ/s320/A88AA172-D215-4A45-BDFE-ADEB455127AA.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I have first hand experience in participating in the maiden. John Wick was one of the very first 15 inaugural colts to participate in 2019, and a few years ago MGK made his debut in the Maiden too. And, believe me it is a fun and exciting way to bring a new contender into their show career. What’s most fun is that you never know what else will compete since it’s their first ever show. Most are strategically trained and kept secretly concealed among the big pleasure barns until their big reveal. The gem can emerge from anywhere. Which adds all the more awe and intrigue to this amazing event. In addition the pot is split between the owner and trainer so the team behind each colt is driven and committed to save their best colts for the maiden event, as well as promote their entry! And wowza, the photo shoots, ads, billboards, Facebook promotion and swag is everywhere this week. Every one has a story, a hope and dream, and it’s faithful entourage.</p><p>Earlier this week on Wednesday night they held the preliminaries. They split the entrants into four classes and ran four splits to select the top 6 per split and 4 wild cards to come back for the finals tonight. So the field has been narrowed to the select 28 that will return to battle it out to become our fifth maiden winner - joining: Twenty four carrots, Jose’s twist of Gin, The maiden (yep, really), and Imagine Dragons. All these horses continue to be among the top show horses today. So, you may say the the maiden challenge is the launching pad and a golden path to a lucrative show career. </p><p>Right now every trainer is making their final preparations and wrapping up their final practice ride on their contender. I’m sure horses are being checked over and triple checked, horse shoes are being tightened, bits being reconsidered, boots being polished and outfits being carefully selected to bring the final polish and pizzazz to their entry. Letting no detail go unattended. They are getting themselves in the zone and encouraging each other to ride hard among the trainer set.</p><p>Owners are posting photos, telling their stories of how they got their entry to all who ask, and giving and receiving congratulations and best luck wishes to each other. And, probably doing a lot of nail biting as they check that all is well with their trainers and 2-year olds. </p><p>The breeders and farms are talking statistics and pimping their stallion’s young contenders. Sponsors are being thanked. The publishers and editors and video crews are getting their stories and readying equipment. Marty and Jennifer are double checking camera lenses and lighting to ensure they capture all the big moments. I’m sure our organist is picking music and anthem singer is practicing vocals. And the show team behind the scenes is setting up so all goes mysteriously smoothly. Thank you to all - this wouldn’t be possible without every one of you!</p><p>Among everyone else there is a hum of static and excitement in the air. Around each corner, across the stall aisles, and inside every camper, the top personal favorites are being discussed and debated. I’m sure YOU have your favorite picked, I know I have my top choices already. I bet a few ownership papers have, are, or soon will change hands, which will set off even more excitement and ringside water cooler talk. Yep! The energy is palatable everywhere.</p><p>For now, I leave this post here. We’re just hours away from Maiden Go Time. And one little sweet faced colt or filly is just about to be crowned the maiden for 2023 and be added to the golden maiden roster. </p><p>Which one will it be? </p><p>All we know for sure is that the trainers will ride hard, and the crowd will cheer loudly. And in the end - it’s up to the judges to select the best this evening. Bless them!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Staz22http://www.blogger.com/profile/09272747030430513906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235886560045868473.post-78649461785449432252023-07-25T22:12:00.012-05:002023-07-27T15:56:28.389-05:00Girls Gone English<p>Sunday I ended up with a scratched class, as John showed up not feeling well in the warmup ring. He started pawing and fussing and looked like he was trying to lay down. In the end we think it was the heat and a tight girth that got him upset, (not colic) but I didn’t want to take any chances and risk it. So back to his stall he went. We have a few other classes coming up this week and hopefully some electrolytes and rest will do the trick. I swung by a number of times that evening and the next morning to peek in on him and he simply looked back at me and licked my hand - so all seemed back to normal. </p><p>I was disappointed we missed a ride together out in the Miller coliseum, but relieved he was okay ✅. John’s a fun ride, my elegant boy. And the class we were to be in still had over 20 entries, despite being one less without us. Always makes you wonder how we could have placed. I spent the evening hanging out, cheering on Terry for her class. We’re in the same division so it was a nice opportunity to see her ride in her class from the rail, versus being in the same class. She has a really nice new horsey this year and had a great ride. After the evening set of classes were over, we closed out the night talking over a 🍷glass of wine, appetizers and catching up on the latest news with Tami. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Pyc8HIQDVVLipO_o6ZxcrM-YGsHwqlVA1QlLAzfB5fEpIj2vOMtldQhEl9A2OphzXnEZsH_roK9gyDdT8fuBj_F0b1nUILNWsHUf6rNhVFxVO7ezQR-Yx1bStoDLrXXUosH3r-VJ08a4VVp5itcVnwpgq6vTP3uSeMYSFZ8h8oNLG5bcEWhzARzs06Y/s4032/C5B714E7-D81C-4D69-B17C-7C89A3BD3144.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Pyc8HIQDVVLipO_o6ZxcrM-YGsHwqlVA1QlLAzfB5fEpIj2vOMtldQhEl9A2OphzXnEZsH_roK9gyDdT8fuBj_F0b1nUILNWsHUf6rNhVFxVO7ezQR-Yx1bStoDLrXXUosH3r-VJ08a4VVp5itcVnwpgq6vTP3uSeMYSFZ8h8oNLG5bcEWhzARzs06Y/s320/C5B714E7-D81C-4D69-B17C-7C89A3BD3144.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>Monday the plan was to ride English. And while I used to almost exclusively ride English in the past, it’s been a year since we pulled out the English saddle and suit. I had packed my black suit with white tie and vest for a clean classic look. John got white ribbons in his mane. Together we looked like a tuxedo. Lol. <p></p><p>Mackenzie warmed John up. He started a little tight but in no time she had him looking good. So it was my turn to take a practice spin before the class. I climbed into the saddle and it felt weird to be in an English saddle, but good. I had enough suede in my jods to give me a grip, and the saddle is nice and wide with a deep seat, so I felt fairly secure. I had purchased this saddle last year (thanks Jared!) as an upgrade gift to myself. </p><p>Once I was seated, I backed up John and swung around and into the moving practice ring traffic. I walked the loop a few times and then Mack rode by and said I can flat walk him when I’m ready. No time like the present. I collected him and he went right to business. He’s a smooth operator and I felt comfortable in the saddle but my feet were floating a bit above the stirrups, so I pulled back into our barn’s area and Carol helped raise the stirrups up a hole. That was just enough to get me situated right. By that time, our class was called and off we went into the ring. </p><p>John felt good in the soft footing as I entered and went down the rail and into the curve. There would be 16 or 17 horses in the class so I slowed and then stopped to await everyone’s entry. When they closed the gate it was all business. John did his thing and I sat back and enjoyed it. Later Mariah said she could tell I knew I was having a good ride as I had a grin on my face the whole time. Well, he’s a lot to grin about, no matter the ribbon. And more than anything I was just so happy to be riding Mr Wick after him not feeling well the day before. When the ribbons were called we ended up 7th - so about in the middle. Terry got fifth or sixth — so we both got in the ribbons out of that big class. Yeah! </p><p>On Tuesday we rode western. It was another large class. As we entered the ring my ear piece went out. (I know!) All I heard was “take that line all the way down,” and then silence the rest of my class. So, I just rode and made my typical corrections etc. While I didn’t have real-time feedback during the class, I did think we had a decent ride. We had one little flub, but it was farther down the rail so I hoped we weren’t seen by a judge. When I pulled into the lineup, I slid up beside Julie. I winked at her and she laughed at me. While in the lineup we chatted and Marty took our photos. I gave her rabbit ears and Marty had us get closer and took a photo of the two of us together. I need to go find those photos. Shenanigans in the lineup.</p><p>Julie won that class and I got fourth. I was tickled, especially since I truly rode that class by myself without coaching. When I came out of the ring Mackenzie said I was the first black horse they picked, as 1st through 3rd were all white horses. Lol. I told her the ear piece was out and I couldn’t hear her and she was surprised because she said I had done everything she had said to do, right when she said it. Whoop! Maybe I am trained a lil now. 😂😂😂🙌 </p><p>On Wednesday we switched to MGK. This would be our very first time English, ever. Jessica let me do a practice ride in the morning, so I met her up in the arena. She warmed up MGK and he looked good. By the time it was my turn, the tractor pulled into the arena to groom the footing so we had to move out the the practice ring. I climbed aboard MGK and felt a bit intimidated. He’s a big mover and the saddle felt slippery under my jeans. 💩 Jessica told me he was in a curb and would feel different. She wasn’t kidding! While I’m used to taking quite a bit of hold of him in western, now the bit did most of the work and I had to hold the reins still and with no pressure. Ughh, a last minute switcharoo on me 😂. I had been pumping myself up to really, really show up to ride aggressively today, and now everything changed. Okay I can do this (maybe). </p><p>I started up and he felt like a totally different horse I tried to do what Jessica coached me to do, and get my seat, and steer through other horses, and keep him going when a dog appeared through a door, and when we passed the scary victory photo area, and when my foot slipped off the left stirrup, and when the horses in front of us stopped, and when Jessica yelled I had to go all the way around perfectly without stopping or flubbing, and when I think I stopped anyways so I didn’t run into Ryan, and when he tripped a lil and my bad hands startled him, and even though I said I could do this I desperately knew it was going to all be a crazy mess. But then, I didn’t die. 🫣 And while I fear my hands will not be soft enough tonight, I will go back to my camper and practice this riding in my head again and again before tonight. I can do this! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3QKKEfd6FS7WXHB_6WLV7W9oa-AOSBFWnlgFVFlgcoOnbF0m4K9LR8uXPdj8jvfBC2BOjKFheapkE4uLV6gDgVzOfIyMz2FuYyAnkzcbGdkB9e_v88dxqXLA_G2zppgYNUROVRSL1GQxgWLie3wqmmNum3ij1R5LVerbFa6p-4OZrzfXJZNpDaJBczxs/s4032/289B01E6-7BF9-47F6-9744-B5080D8B6E51.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3QKKEfd6FS7WXHB_6WLV7W9oa-AOSBFWnlgFVFlgcoOnbF0m4K9LR8uXPdj8jvfBC2BOjKFheapkE4uLV6gDgVzOfIyMz2FuYyAnkzcbGdkB9e_v88dxqXLA_G2zppgYNUROVRSL1GQxgWLie3wqmmNum3ij1R5LVerbFa6p-4OZrzfXJZNpDaJBczxs/s320/289B01E6-7BF9-47F6-9744-B5080D8B6E51.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>MGK’s class was after the maiden preliminaries. (I’ll cover the maiden championship in a separate post.). We went back to the camper after the maiden and I got back into my English suit. I sat and reran the practice ride in my head a few more times and then put on my derby and walked over to the warm up. I watched a few classes and once MGK was brought through DQP, Jessica was there warming him up to get him ready for our class. He’s a big mover and looked good. Scott says MGK is the best horse we’ve ever had that is a true trail competitor-that I have the tool to do well. Now, it’s up to me not to screw this dang thing up. I can do this. </p><p>Once he was warmed up, I climbed up into the saddle, and team stonewall made sure my jod bells and spurs were set and my number was on. Jessica gave me a few key instructions. She noted she had adjusted the bit a little, so it may feel better than earlier to me. After going around the practice ring a few times, I agreed, not quite as sensitive as earlier. I just might be more likely to do this thing. Lol 😂 </p><p>We lined up to go in and Jessica walked us up and released us into the ring. Plus, my entourage of Mack, Tami, Mariah, Carol and others from the barn family were with us! MGK collected and off we went. This time new batteries in my walkie-talkies ensured I would have Jessica’s company in my ear on this ride. Whew! </p><p>During our ride, Jessica asked me to move my hands up and closer. And I kept my leg on him with a bit of spur. He set himself on the bit nicely and I focused on balancing in that slippery saddle. lol. Oh! Please don’t fall off! I made the first way of the ring still in the saddle. MGK is big so I kept focusing on sitting up on him and I really tried to relax - but my mind was having none of that! On the reverse I tried to get a better seat before taking off down the rail. And pushed my feet down into the stirrups. Along the straight away I hit a sweet spot that I call MGK’s rubber-band man “feel” and for the first time I gained a little confidence that I was doing okay. Jessica continued to remind me to keep my hands up (note in western it’s the opposite-keep them down. 🤔🤦🏻♀️) and soft and to use the legs my mama gave me. After another lap around, it was line up time. For the record, I stayed in the saddle and I really didn’t have a major mistake. MGK seemed pretty consistent and all in all I think a good ride on his part. On mine, I felt kinda sloppy and I can do better. The judges honored us with a reserve ribbon! I’ll take a second place for our first ever English episode! 💁🏻♀️ I might even try this again as MGK was easier in my hands this way, just as Jessica had said. Note to self, ask for practice lessons back at barn in English every other time so I become comfortable. </p>Staz22http://www.blogger.com/profile/09272747030430513906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235886560045868473.post-26291461866847896852023-07-23T08:59:00.018-05:002023-07-23T13:51:45.107-05:002023 International ~ A Party of the 45th Kind<p>Hello. Remember me? It’s been a long time since I blogged my horsey adventures. In fact, April 2019 was my last blog entry…..it was PC (Pre COVID). Wow 4 years! A lot of crazy stuff has happened in 4 years. 😷 </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDLRogCrypQUawo54rGECWwQgYbSqfZzlThb7Ka77ArGqDs3rHILLQDqCm4oq_TX1zbtng4duE58Q0VpXY7FUMyrJ5KzY-Rdo1RuFjb2YFrCWx3wXmHk1AXZoqGCkkJYa0BWAm4SJ6toSkDLQ7KDohXkf40q9vJui_ekLpEiVT0qGH0OUq0U0oqSoscYI/s1280/54568146-6E1F-4E70-99CB-ED0219DFA94E.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDLRogCrypQUawo54rGECWwQgYbSqfZzlThb7Ka77ArGqDs3rHILLQDqCm4oq_TX1zbtng4duE58Q0VpXY7FUMyrJ5KzY-Rdo1RuFjb2YFrCWx3wXmHk1AXZoqGCkkJYa0BWAm4SJ6toSkDLQ7KDohXkf40q9vJui_ekLpEiVT0qGH0OUq0U0oqSoscYI/s320/54568146-6E1F-4E70-99CB-ED0219DFA94E.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>My last post was when I had just acquired John Wick. And this morning I rode him for practice and Jessica mentioned it’s his fifth year being here. The first time was when he made his world debut as one of the very first 15 maiden contenders!!! Time flies! The maiden competition has totally caught fire….bringing 64 entries this year! (The maiden class is for 2 year old colts that have never been shown - it’s like a debutante ball for young walking horses.) Since then, to catch you up, today John is 6 and we call him WC 2xRWC John Wick. He’s got titles. 🥰. I also have a 4yo, Machine Gun Kelly. And the “boyz” are here at Miller and the 45th International is commencing. My plan is to blog about the week’s shenanigans - so stay tuned. <p></p><p>I flew in yesterday with Terry and we moved into our fancy glamper, unpacked and provisioned. Oh and we picked up our $820M dollar lottery ticket “opportunity” - just in case. Ya gotta be in it to win it! (Reminder to self-I need to pull out my tickets and check my numbers. I heard that while the big pot is rolling forward, a number of $1M winners did win. I’d be happy with that!). Lol. </p><p>Last night, after a quick yummy mango crab dragon roll sushi 🍣 dinner, (I know, delish!) we watched a special new adp challenge, which offered a nice purse. It was very well received, with 20-some entries and a nice sized audience! Jessica and Kyle have once again breathed new life into the pleasure show circuit - first with the maiden and now the adp versatility challenge. It’ll be interesting to see what comes next. If YOU have an idea…bring it forward!</p><p>Walking around the grounds there is already tons of activity. They sold out of all camper lots and stalls and are setting entry records already as well. The Tennessee walking horse pleasure division is hot right now and it’s so exciting to see this return. AC (After COVID) era is looking great and the horses are pretty amazing too, from what I could see out in the practice ring this morning. </p><p>So, I’ll stop here. It’s the morning of Day 1 of the 2023 International. The week’s weather forecast will be low 90s and sunny skies. The center ring looks amazing, the winners circle ⭕️ looks like an envious place to land, and there’s great energy in the air. </p><p></p><p>Yeah! Let’s go do this thing!</p><p><br /></p>Staz22http://www.blogger.com/profile/09272747030430513906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235886560045868473.post-15332219779567720342019-04-15T20:52:00.003-05:002019-04-17T08:40:01.816-05:00Yeah. I’m thinking I’m back!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmZPC12EJSGUE6IZUy4dcqjlXRdtOAF1WqFoKjJO_OCwiqYtTdN2jIb_la01OGGoUYu0YyagpUsFg23F_1Z5hxolyt4pZnnmvoCbicz2MEw5wq89PphbqrgRaEs527wWzgZM4925FXAng/s1600/DC0578B1-E1C9-46CE-B630-86A22A2EA642.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="559" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmZPC12EJSGUE6IZUy4dcqjlXRdtOAF1WqFoKjJO_OCwiqYtTdN2jIb_la01OGGoUYu0YyagpUsFg23F_1Z5hxolyt4pZnnmvoCbicz2MEw5wq89PphbqrgRaEs527wWzgZM4925FXAng/s320/DC0578B1-E1C9-46CE-B630-86A22A2EA642.jpeg" width="198" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meet John Wick!</td></tr>
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It’s a new year, a new show season, and I’m so excited to announce I have a new horse added to my show string. Meet John Wick - aka John, JW, Jonathan, Wick, or Baba Yaga (aka: the boogie man.) 🔫 🖤 ✏️🐶 🚘 If you haven’t seen the first two movies yet, you better catch up....as John Wick 3 comes out in May. And he’s taking on everyone in this next film. (John Wick is a notorious assassin who got out of the business only to be yanked back in over a car and a puppy...🚘🐶...but I’m not going to give it all away - you can watch the first two films on Netflix.)<br />
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Ok, ok.....back to details on the new horse. John is a coming two year only about 22 months old when I got him and in April turns two. He’s black with a stripe that dribbles down his cute baby face. He’s bred out of the great Honors and a Dixie Lineman mare. And he’s got loooooong damn legs and is just a sweetheart. In a very strange turn of events, he was brought to me by Jessica Hlebak for my consideration. A long call, a video, a flight, and a vet-check later, I had myself a new showring possibility. He officially became mine in February - my Valentines present from Scott. 🖤❤️🖤 John Wick is at Stonewall Farm under the training of Jessica Hlebak. And now Harley Quinn is at Stonewall as well. Thus begins my double baby adventure ( a 2yo and a 3yo.....oh my gosh!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQOX4wOviAjMilDLjemUSs9DE7s0Ir8rOlVcnwVZoDxgqkS2Jyf-UOAYt9ah4sGrVIUwUIy-EXlEWRp9Z7Ri99Kxc6_u2LaUHPxnjgZjjYlPZgnYL8Xw-_LKVwFf_rmMp4uh04Nb2TCY/s1600/162FE17C-D2C2-45F0-A20E-DA2C0921EA1E.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQOX4wOviAjMilDLjemUSs9DE7s0Ir8rOlVcnwVZoDxgqkS2Jyf-UOAYt9ah4sGrVIUwUIy-EXlEWRp9Z7Ri99Kxc6_u2LaUHPxnjgZjjYlPZgnYL8Xw-_LKVwFf_rmMp4uh04Nb2TCY/s200/162FE17C-D2C2-45F0-A20E-DA2C0921EA1E.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to ride...</td></tr>
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In mid March I flew down to see how the babies were doing. I chose a long weekend in conjunction with the trainers show - so I could snuggle soft noses and watch great competition - all in one visit. I arrived early on Thursday morning and drove out to Shelbyville to see HQ and JW directly after landing at the airport. Stonewall Farm is located out in the country, a pretty drive along rolling hills. The new Stonewall Farm sign is installed and now serves as the perfect landmark to signal its time to turn right. My butterflies kicked in as I headed down the long gravel drive, drove past the big outdoor riding track and huge round pen and parked near the front porch entrance that punctuates the center of the 60-horse facility. Jessica and David just purchased the place and are actively updating it to make it their own... along with training horses. It’s a quiet and beautiful setting on lots of acreage, with even more acres of pasture to the south that is home to a herd of mares and foals. I jumped out of my car and headed on in.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you Jessica for taking on this motley crew!</td></tr>
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It was mid morning and the barn was busy. A few customers were sitting on the center deck and they all said hi when I arrived. They were watching a few horses being worked. Another customer was with Jessica receiving a lesson. I walked back to the cross tie area where Mackenzie and Brandon had more horses in the cross ties. Someone must have said something funny....or perhaps it’s just the light hearted, happy nature of the barn...because you could hear laughter. You know, that can’t stop, snorting kind of laughter, that makes you smile just because. And I smiled. This will be a good place for the babies. Which reminded me....just where were their stalls? I needed to say hello.<br />
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I knew Wick’s stall was down near the one end. As Jessica rode by on a pretty sorrel she told me Quinn was right next to him. P. E. R. F. E. C. T. Easy access to both of them. I peeked in on JW and then HQ....and since Quinn was laying down, I went back to John’s stall and climbed in. He immediately greeted me at the door for attention. Well hello little one. (But believe me when I say little - it is due to age, not height.) He’s got long legs and if he didn’t have such a baby face and skinny width ... well he wouldn’t look 2. Lol. I pet him and he nuzzled in my chest. But please note 📝 ears are not to be touched!!! Lol. Well of course I had to keep trying on the ears. It’ll take time but we’ll get there one of these years. Other than that he’s a cuddler.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdpidQIk9YBqZzcZr8FrvD0dumttVLRl-KQFRFQkKpVO2gZ3g71sBaTKQTA0-aDjEU4Ih6qZ0xf7ZL4io4F679fwrmOvpjwF_-c3AT5mJXNM3kLlIS2rnYrET05cBIQUNne-SiInfLEj0/s1600/332EFD00-6CCB-4F94-AFBE-1F8438E1E918.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdpidQIk9YBqZzcZr8FrvD0dumttVLRl-KQFRFQkKpVO2gZ3g71sBaTKQTA0-aDjEU4Ih6qZ0xf7ZL4io4F679fwrmOvpjwF_-c3AT5mJXNM3kLlIS2rnYrET05cBIQUNne-SiInfLEj0/s200/332EFD00-6CCB-4F94-AFBE-1F8438E1E918.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Rolling Hills and a new sign for<br />
Jessica & David's new place.</td></tr>
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I then snuck over by Quinn. She heard me with John and was staring at us through the bars that separated half the stall wall between the two horses. If I could read filly minds I would say she recognized my voice and decided she was jealous. She would look at us and toss her head. Then look at us and then toss her head. Lol. I mean really Quinn? And when I climbed in her stall she was so happy. I talked to her and she looked at me close with her one eye. Yeah, she did recognize me. And she followed me when I moved around to take a look over her. She looked good. Her face, neck and leg where she had been injured late last fall looked healed. I could see small scars when I really looked, but for the most part no one should really notice anything. Whew. From hole in her cheek to healed in months. Glad she heals well. Even her front teeth seemed to have come back in. I checked with Jessica to see if she feels anything off from the saddle - and she said not really. So hopefully all is clear and just a bump (wham, bam,💥 ka-pow) in the journey. We also suspected ulcers and treated her for them all month. She now gets a sweet-potato on a daily basis - and loves them. They have something in them that soothes a hind gut and also seem to be doing her well. All is good in Quinn-Ville.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOslof4IQOXrRq5C1ssJOp3_jAz1EnvLCfM3WrJU2r-U39tWJ3MDIwxdpHwLtfS9sJDHEkdRywDpRsN6a1BLauK03sNmzMWTZa2-fjob-0nvsbeOXQF3D5goYI1oE0CUAhpLZOCIts0Ag/s1600/C34273F1-CA31-482A-94AB-6722A3ABA22D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOslof4IQOXrRq5C1ssJOp3_jAz1EnvLCfM3WrJU2r-U39tWJ3MDIwxdpHwLtfS9sJDHEkdRywDpRsN6a1BLauK03sNmzMWTZa2-fjob-0nvsbeOXQF3D5goYI1oE0CUAhpLZOCIts0Ag/s200/C34273F1-CA31-482A-94AB-6722A3ABA22D.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twice the fun...</td></tr>
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On this trip I was able to see Jessica ride them both numerous times. Quinn looked good. She had off all winter, but was back strong - walking, striding, and shaking - even though Jessica was just riding lightly to get muscle back on her. Baba Yaga had definitely progressed from my last visit and you could see him going straight and settling into his lighter shoes. He’s still at the stand, stop, straight lines phase of learning, but oh boy does he show glimmers of what’s to come. He moves really cool...setting the backs way up under himself and lifts in the knees. He’s doing a lot for a 2yo....who has no idea what he’s doing yet. Just wait until he starts doing things on purpose. He’s going to be pretty cool - at least I🤞 hope.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbHLTUGGooFasHCdkqYdIUThs13atHQYGAkchY33FrACEGkrZw51CtBu7A_wFqRkCzoq0HYuYl51UyOwdpNA8ZWJFMNhJksyG7to3wvNdvBinph24F0rekTBCzGm9FlcKafT30RILvaE/s1600/BC13A5C9-71A8-4D80-B5EF-C563F7C28BB9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbHLTUGGooFasHCdkqYdIUThs13atHQYGAkchY33FrACEGkrZw51CtBu7A_wFqRkCzoq0HYuYl51UyOwdpNA8ZWJFMNhJksyG7to3wvNdvBinph24F0rekTBCzGm9FlcKafT30RILvaE/s320/BC13A5C9-71A8-4D80-B5EF-C563F7C28BB9.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mirror Honors babies. Sis and Bro keeping<br />
each other company. 🔫❤️♦️</td></tr>
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I’m pleased with everything and enjoyed my visits....which were daily over the long weekend. I spent days at the barn, evenings at the show, and bed & breakfasts with Jane. I lifted off Sunday night with my horse-fill and my heart happy. I met so many new people and caught up with many others. The Stonewall gang knows how to party....as everyone was hanging out outside on the sunny porch or inside on the observation deck...or most importantly eating the big daily buffet set up each day in the lounge. Yeah....this’ll work! (Or like John Wick says...) Yeah...I’m thinking I’m back.<br />
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Thank you Jessica (and David) for taking all of us on. I can’t even express my gratitude enough. Looking forward to getting our girl ♦️in the ring next month....and 🔫 John ready to go in later this summer.<br />
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<br />Staz22http://www.blogger.com/profile/09272747030430513906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235886560045868473.post-59741401368542779452018-08-30T23:10:00.001-05:002018-09-01T22:30:45.992-05:00Celebration 2018 - We’re bad guys. It’s what we do. Riding at The Celebration in a horse’s 2 year old season is alot like the first single warning firework that goes up before the real fireworks start. It’s Class number two, the first morning of an eleven day extravaganza and there is only one optional tack class - not Western and English classes held separately. It’s one.....and done. And, it’s over before anything really gets started. Lol. However, at least there is an opportunity to ride my crazy girl Miss Quinn, so of course I wanted to do it. Sign me up! And, on registration Tuesday, the entry deadline, it was done.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Follow your dreams.<br />
Always. </td></tr>
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For the next two weeks between International and Celebration I doubted my decision. It’s such a prestigious show. Where the best of the best horses compete in that famous ring. Ugggghhh, it’s so desperately overwhelming and intimidating. More than once I considered pulling out. Scott kept reiterating how awesome Quinn was - to give her a chance.<br />
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She is the best horse I’ve ever owned. And, possibly the best horse that I’ve personally had the opportunity to ride. And she’s only two! Joe has her going so well. Scott kept reminding me that she had two wins at the International. In those classes she’s already competed against many of the horses that would show up in my class at The Celebration. None of it convinced me. I knew all bets were off - The Celebration was a completely different animal. Finally Scott said, “ you know, you definitely won’t get a ribbon if you don’t show her. But....” (of course there is always a but.) “ But, your chances of getting a ribbon go up tremendously once you simply pass through the gate.” Two thoughts went through my head. One - well, ain’t that the truth. Two - how silly am I being - it’s simply a 2yo horse, a single class and besides who would be there to see the second class the first morning anyways!? I mean - really - why was I rethinking this. (Umm, cuz I could get no ribbon, or a low ribbon, or look stupid out there in a million different ways, or ....well, the list goes on.) But....What if? What if she does well. What if the judges love her like I do. What if she gets a ribbon. Or miraculously would win. The “what if’s” can be very inspirational. I needed to follow my dreams.<br />
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If nothing else, I decided, I was gonna look good doing it in a pretty new jacket and enjoy the chance to ride my baby girl again. Yes. Yes. Yes. I will put myself out there - come what may. So I booked an early flight and went down the weekend before so I could practice a few times and at least go in with some resemblance of confidence to ride Quinn. At this point I’ve ridden Quinn 6 times in 8 months and have only shown her twice. Not a lot to prepare for the biggest show of the year. But here we are.<br />
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I practiced three times before showing. Once each morning, between rain showers. She looked good. Was working well. And my rides went well too. I completely adore her and we get along very well. Joe has made it extremely easy to ride behind him. So my confidence was up. Her saddle fit and we rigged a head stall out of pieces from two head stalls to get something that fit her tiny head. I ordered a small headstall that was pending shipment, so we made a backup plan.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to go in our class. </td></tr>
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<b>Fast forward to Wednesday morning</b>.<br />
I woke at 6am and got right to work. Getting ready is a whole activity onto itself. I won’t even confess to how many practice runs I did to make my bun just right the night before. Lol. I couldn’t sleep fearing I wouldn’t be able to get my bun right by myself in the morning. So I spent the wee hours bun practicing. (BTW Lindy, that trick you showed me to put the pony-tail holder over the bun works!) Yes, I’m certified crazy.<br />
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I arrived at the show grounds at 8am, ready to go for the show that started at 9am. Quinn was in the cross ties and her shipping leggings were being unwrapped. I slipped her a mint and planted a kiss on her soft nose. Many clients were there getting ready too. Joe and Bailey have an air conditioned dressing room at their client suite. Which is totally awesome. And breakfast was available for all to get a bite that morning out on the deck sitting at tables under umbrellas. That is - if you could eat anything with butterflies in your belly. Maybe after my ride.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikA3SrxJIKVRKL6F-7W3H1iYbfB1cS63ZZ-0pSj-OPoRVMVctBM4-v9YqM3Kws6Xnn1r-kXRAwFSuYsuX-EuLXkG-yYCmvf0hwLRajdXepqLDQbqv1-bMkzNbydD_w0uG1v6Uz7_Kfc4Y/s1600/03EAC7DE-1F0D-49CA-8786-2958463E19AE.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikA3SrxJIKVRKL6F-7W3H1iYbfB1cS63ZZ-0pSj-OPoRVMVctBM4-v9YqM3Kws6Xnn1r-kXRAwFSuYsuX-EuLXkG-yYCmvf0hwLRajdXepqLDQbqv1-bMkzNbydD_w0uG1v6Uz7_Kfc4Y/s320/03EAC7DE-1F0D-49CA-8786-2958463E19AE.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joe Lester Stables suite and deck ready for the party. </td></tr>
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Soon, it was show time. I got my chaps on and headed to the warmup ring to catch up with Quinn. Joe was already warming her up and class #1 was entering the ring. I put in my earpiece and tested it with Joe. Then I climbed up into the saddle and took Quinn for a warmup ring spin. She felt good. Joe said she looked great - really great - way better than he expected on the hard surface. By the time I pulled back into the Joe Lester Stables corner and got my back number on, my class was lining up to go in.<br />
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Joe had me hold back and he guided me in last, as the gate closed behind us. And, we were off. The arena felt huge and there were many people moving about and taking their seats. FLAT WALK. The surface was freshly graded. It was wet in spots. Quinn tried to turn her head to take a look around at this huge arena. I placed my leg against her and kissed. I picked a spot a bit off the rail to ride. She went right to work. What a good girl. Only two years old and riding in this huge ring like a boss. Joe began talking me through the curve - right hand, left leg, good. Easy. Good Renee. RUNNING WALK. Just go a bit faster you’re already a good speed. Good. There. Good. REVERSE. Quinn turned around well and got right back to shaking the second way of the ring. I watched her crazy head shake. I tried to ride with her stride. I pushed her to stride deeper through the curves. I corrected and collected. I let her go. RUNNING WALK. I can hear her evenly timed foot fall. I can feel the rhythm of her whole body shaking. And it’s line up time. Joe talks me into the line up, compliments our ride and chats with me as we wait for the results. Quinn backs nicely for the judges and stands like an angel in the lineup. I compliment Joe on that. He must have worked with her since July 4th when she walked in circles. Now, she stood like a perfect little angel, waiting patiently.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsySjzyt_aZsZ8v85uUhcF1aeEamjH7Q_enz35KcwAMoY7ZESws_iFcBRYxhdb9nHBLAWWknJ0nfs80xaeiiu7754wbMDBU26UCdqGzntP8gpZREU_mkMEYLz9xU-A-P4fUp1-Y_mm1_A/s1600/09D06E21-47B8-498C-A121-AD189CF52CC6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsySjzyt_aZsZ8v85uUhcF1aeEamjH7Q_enz35KcwAMoY7ZESws_iFcBRYxhdb9nHBLAWWknJ0nfs80xaeiiu7754wbMDBU26UCdqGzntP8gpZREU_mkMEYLz9xU-A-P4fUp1-Y_mm1_A/s320/09D06E21-47B8-498C-A121-AD189CF52CC6.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty lil Quinn getting her show bath. <br />
♦️♦️♦️♥️🐴</td></tr>
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The announcer came on to tie the class. Pitch Perfect takes the blue. She had won the 2yo class at the July 4th show too. She’s a big, pretty black horse. Then 2nd, 3rd, 4th are called. None of them Quinn. Joe sighs in my earpiece. 5th then 6th are called and still not Quinn. Joe sighs again and says well there was something the judges didn’t like about her. Renee you rode well, you guys did a good job. I’m proud of you. 7th. 8th. Still not Quinn. My heart sinks. Oh my baby girl did so well. I think there were eleven horses in the class. Only ten ribbons. Will she be the only one to not get a ribbon? She was such a good girl. She felt good. Joe kept saying she looked good, that we did well. She shook her little head so hard. I’m getting this sinking sinking sinking feeling. Awwww. My baby girl. More importantly all of Joe’s and Bailey’s hard work. I screwed up something. 9th is called. And finally it is us. I step out and ride over to collect our ribbon. Happy that I’m getting a ribbon, but knowing we were at the bottom of the judges cards. Disappointed 😔 for my girl. She’s so talented.<br />
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Maggie greets me at the gate with a smile and Quinn is whisked away by the team once I exit. I’m left there to collect my hat box and turn my chaps up to keep them clean. I fold up my ribbon and head off to walk back to the JLS suite. Tami greets me outside the warm up. She said she heard my placement and asks what happened? I said nothing bad happened. No big mistake. Actually, she was a good girl. I thought my ride was good. Joe said we looked good and he was surprised with the placement. She gives me a hug. I smile. I dust myself off. We’re gotham girls. We’re bad guys. It’s what we do. We gotta pick up our sledgehammer, learn and come back swinging next time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZy0iEH3hQeIZdtsRXnCgtNUOLU4HnJOVO7iEM4ReJmVasEcEOkYnGVTyzprex668Ua-KV6tQ9JKYYNEcMG-IVgpAwruXOC2AuZZPZwOMtdn-eWC3tIUQLVkHrIjXNOAIbSlT3Zo6z30/s1600/351D9CEC-6D25-4726-874A-D27455FB9130.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZy0iEH3hQeIZdtsRXnCgtNUOLU4HnJOVO7iEM4ReJmVasEcEOkYnGVTyzprex668Ua-KV6tQ9JKYYNEcMG-IVgpAwruXOC2AuZZPZwOMtdn-eWC3tIUQLVkHrIjXNOAIbSlT3Zo6z30/s320/351D9CEC-6D25-4726-874A-D27455FB9130.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Us time after our class later in the week.<br />
She’s so sweet. Could have stayed forever. </td></tr>
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Sometimes Celebration feels like the roller derby of hard knocks. Pow. Bam. Kapow. All the best of the best horses come together for a showoff. Horses that win all season are now in one class together and they all can’t win. I had many people, some I didn’t know, come up to me to say they thought we looked great. Most said we were in their top 4 favorites. The five judges tied her 5th 6th 6th 7th and 9th. I was sent a few videos of our class. I watched critically - and thought she looked great. And .... all the other horses looked great too. No wonder the cards were all over the place. In fact, the following Tuesday night the 2yo open class was held and the order of the placements was completely different. Lower tied horses from my class were placing in the top 3 and past winner was fourth. Quinn wasn’t in that class but it sure would have been interesting to see how she would have faired with the judges under the direction of Bailey or Joe. I’m sure much better. And most exciting, was that Bailey won the open class on a spectacular colt, Habanero Picante. Congrats lady!<br />
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While it’s more fun to blog successes, I have promised to blog it all. Thank you to all my family and friends who’ve supported me though all the highs and lows. To a great barn family who cheers loud and raucously no matter what placement is called. You are simply the best. And to the judges.... you’ve just inspired Harley Quinn to bring on the crazy and make sure to impress you next time around. Thanks Joe and Bailey for having Quinn ready. You know I adore our crazy, spectacular and talented girl more every day.<br />
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Joe - I'm looking forward to an opportunity to rev up our Harley at least one more time this season. :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhodih9G2thyEHB00LOs8_-X1zzsYtjotwGyADr2n6AZ9XmFfy_cTLt0lZcxfh7MVZduaO4Vie31Yp5SugKxXCYCAQieh-H-u26rlAMH82-4BDWBKITiEViK27R4TNX9IwoxVghYo9jt54/s1600/AD3176CB-E267-427B-B2C6-2DA3587FD91F.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1267" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhodih9G2thyEHB00LOs8_-X1zzsYtjotwGyADr2n6AZ9XmFfy_cTLt0lZcxfh7MVZduaO4Vie31Yp5SugKxXCYCAQieh-H-u26rlAMH82-4BDWBKITiEViK27R4TNX9IwoxVghYo9jt54/s320/AD3176CB-E267-427B-B2C6-2DA3587FD91F.jpeg" width="253" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quinn's pre-Celebration Scoop ad.</td></tr>
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<br />Staz22http://www.blogger.com/profile/09272747030430513906noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235886560045868473.post-57074218377463176992018-08-11T19:36:00.000-05:002018-08-13T18:02:00.258-05:00Gotham Siren takes on the 40th International <br />
What a week the 40th International was! I was remiss in posting updates so instead I’m doing a highlights blog. And, I’m going to do it Jimmy Fallon thank you notes style. So, here goes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFjjW8rUxtgACVXwB-M6VTY5yfhyphenhyphenKm9zZkw3iu5ynGXLOPz-qTa5FuunfLsm6XUXiv7xn89nM-zVghmWxhkR6uxoG3eR7n6pXwNSHX8bRgeg02jCHJoj8s6KDMA1lDV7hVwn_CRnAeHrI/s1600/7D2D88AC-03B7-40E6-9EA7-1F2F5998E085.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1199" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFjjW8rUxtgACVXwB-M6VTY5yfhyphenhyphenKm9zZkw3iu5ynGXLOPz-qTa5FuunfLsm6XUXiv7xn89nM-zVghmWxhkR6uxoG3eR7n6pXwNSHX8bRgeg02jCHJoj8s6KDMA1lDV7hVwn_CRnAeHrI/s320/7D2D88AC-03B7-40E6-9EA7-1F2F5998E085.jpeg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joe provides instruction to me and Quinn<br />
Notice how he can’t help but pet her. 😘</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Thank you</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>.</b>..to Outdoorsey.com for setting us up with Chris and his t</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">errific camper! Staying on the grounds, literally 50 feet from my horses, was ideal. Not to mention that having an air conditioned nap getaway, meal haven and dressing room space was a luxury. While I did lock myself out the first morning in my pajamas (no not my Victoria Secrets...whew!), I also made many new friends (especially Gordon and Lindy) in the process - who came to my rescue and made sure I had my morning latte. Having a camper is the way to go. Reservation 2019; done!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Thank you</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">...to Katie, Jer and baby Gavin for keeping me company all week. Your excitement to attend your first International was contagious. Plus, I cannot thank you enough for the photo and video documentary of our week full of fun activities, horse shopping and rides. The fact that Gavin slept all night was unbelievable. What a great little travel buddy he is.... simply an angel. Now I hope you find the show horse of YOUR dreams! We certainly found you a few amazing prospects for your consideration. 🐴😀♥️</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_B6ydhtgPJlw4HFaTJmDMUOShc4f_0-BFQdgFJg3aIRn5tInRs9DrgW5GtOwLSFnKrXucibx1jzwSw2I7rcGG1ldRRjBvmZwtai0sN6fQiwSiG4_WUO6-I7693s_K9PV8SQzvc0Oh1M/s1600/FB1C2365-58EF-4041-AD2E-375C97C39C27.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_B6ydhtgPJlw4HFaTJmDMUOShc4f_0-BFQdgFJg3aIRn5tInRs9DrgW5GtOwLSFnKrXucibx1jzwSw2I7rcGG1ldRRjBvmZwtai0sN6fQiwSiG4_WUO6-I7693s_K9PV8SQzvc0Oh1M/s320/FB1C2365-58EF-4041-AD2E-375C97C39C27.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My two blue ribbon girls! Double love. ♥️♥️</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Thank you</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">...to my special friends Jane and Tami. Both of you are my lifeline and support as I chase my dreams. I’m not sure how I’d make all of this happen without either of you. Jane for your endless kindness and friendship, along with the reoccurring B&B stay and storage space - you’re my home and family away from home. ;) And Tami you’re my AOT stall neighbor and show confidant - in and out of the show ring. What amazing women and dear friends you are. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katie, Jerry and baby Gavin chillaxin by the stalls <br />
and our magic 🌴 palm tree. </td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Thank you</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">... to all the new friends I made. My show apparel sales began as a way for me to sell a few of my shirts in order to get something new. But what it has really become is an amazing way to meet so many wonder people who are on the same journey as me. I have enjoyed helping you find the perfect new outfit or complementary piece AND learning about you and your horses! I have many new memories and Facebook friends because of this week. 😉</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Thank you</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.... to the entire WHOA staff, the judges and all the generous sponsors that make the show possible. From entry booth - to ribbons and floral rings - to a magnificent winners circle, you’ve outdone yourselves once again. And, we all continue to pray for a swift recovery for Lonnie. He gave his all to judging and we wish him a quick recovery. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_WcsDZPL3NkIDCr0h_Y-r_Oer_OrAYiFOMzzGohf-qhtICJk4DP5gY3ZpoiVhwHWNfERKiaQ-QmFi8yw3jD0CDU76YNu32i8blg0oN6rCNuISSGUrY0tUmaCXRCk9Az03A3iv1ZER4w/s1600/8AE37DDD-15B5-4635-B376-BE6AFDB85E95.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_WcsDZPL3NkIDCr0h_Y-r_Oer_OrAYiFOMzzGohf-qhtICJk4DP5gY3ZpoiVhwHWNfERKiaQ-QmFi8yw3jD0CDU76YNu32i8blg0oN6rCNuISSGUrY0tUmaCXRCk9Az03A3iv1ZER4w/s320/8AE37DDD-15B5-4635-B376-BE6AFDB85E95.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quinn in the winners circle. She went two for two with<br />
Joe and me each riding a class. Thanks team JLS!</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Thank you</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.... to Marty And Jennifer Barr. You never cease to amaze me with your photo talent. You’ve captured all my babies on film - and now have brought me unbelievable photos of Quinn. There are more than a few “money shots” in the bunch. Marty I think I might agree that this just may be the best shoot yet. I will treasure them all. Having these photos of her will help keep her close to me even though I’m in Wisconsin and she’s with Joe in Tennessee. So for me they are much, much more than a picture. They are the piece of her that I have - while she’s so far away. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiaLoTlNOqpjJSWXAuSdpaCeZChyphenhyphenIXq7hnZ6Nxm1CDinlaap2kd3L4geyI7kdasShBYUssha35-Ju20_J-xFwlM5bubBJujp5TIUEldRXkE7rQNysKWhIJTPx32PWRhWF3TViMmdpR3HI/s1600/A054D821-772B-45F2-832E-D4C657FA76AB.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiaLoTlNOqpjJSWXAuSdpaCeZChyphenhyphenIXq7hnZ6Nxm1CDinlaap2kd3L4geyI7kdasShBYUssha35-Ju20_J-xFwlM5bubBJujp5TIUEldRXkE7rQNysKWhIJTPx32PWRhWF3TViMmdpR3HI/s320/A054D821-772B-45F2-832E-D4C657FA76AB.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diva finally gets a blue after 7 years of trying.<br />
Love both my blue ribbon girls this week. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Thank you</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">...to the team at Joe Lester Stables. Chris. Maggie. Ashlyn. The three of you keep everything humming like clock work. Not only did you make sure Quinn was ready for her classes but also for her practice rides and photo shoot. Including a dress change in between. I’m not sure how you do it. Being there before we all arrive, until the last class is over and we’ve all left to go to bed. You are so appreciated!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Thank you</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">...to Joe Lester and Bailey Momb. You two make a terrific team and it shows in what you put in the ring. Talented horses. And, more importantly - happy horses. I can’t thank you enough for putting me with Quinn. I love everything about her. She’s just the perfect horse for me. I’m tickled pink with her two blue wins this week - including my very first victory lap aboard her! What a thrill of a memory. Chills (and happy tears). But most of all thank you for caring for her, taking your time with her as she learns, and for the natural horsemanship you display every single day. She’s turning out wonderfully and I know it’s because of your gentle hand. I also want to thank you for the time you take with me to get me prepared for my rides so I can show Quinn to her full potential. Hugs to both of you. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyLD5JdjBrzpAhygCIyuQFJUSfXnGNCVeCB-t0-dPfdxnFG83xM3Z3luI6rKvHQuP_a7ziVrIRInuLukQYQhpfDtiZGiAomSdFasH1M2G-uhWM2E2hBWjxoOa6KN8D6z20MH50ZlRGOPQ/s1600/AE49732F-3580-4C7B-8BF8-006F22E1C3E5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyLD5JdjBrzpAhygCIyuQFJUSfXnGNCVeCB-t0-dPfdxnFG83xM3Z3luI6rKvHQuP_a7ziVrIRInuLukQYQhpfDtiZGiAomSdFasH1M2G-uhWM2E2hBWjxoOa6KN8D6z20MH50ZlRGOPQ/s320/AE49732F-3580-4C7B-8BF8-006F22E1C3E5.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">D waaaaiting in her stall. 😂 </td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Finally, Thank you</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.... to my hubby for encouraging me to follow my crazy dreams. And, for kicking me in the butt when I doubt myself. Lol. I love you to pieces. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Quinn, Diva and Bourbon I’m so proud of all of you. And Halo we hope you will get back in the ring. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now....I prepare myself for the Celebration. I’m so excited. I ride for all those who never thought they could or would. Keep dreaming because we can and will. ♦️♦️♦️🐴❤️❤️❤️</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2kcxTyGykZOQQZJ88aGJKPnO0QuMfSK0XaxW0qIPS0KLvpmeMlzpxWTTwbCEaEI3TJ53e-kfLCEXeGdlO_AuW03DA8E60slvevWPI2CGkUl7ldP-hjkIRVKtu9gilkN89IGoVGl4uuc/s1600/BDE39B65-C3EE-4531-95CD-971BCD29661B.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="1600" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2kcxTyGykZOQQZJ88aGJKPnO0QuMfSK0XaxW0qIPS0KLvpmeMlzpxWTTwbCEaEI3TJ53e-kfLCEXeGdlO_AuW03DA8E60slvevWPI2CGkUl7ldP-hjkIRVKtu9gilkN89IGoVGl4uuc/s320/BDE39B65-C3EE-4531-95CD-971BCD29661B.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Staz22http://www.blogger.com/profile/09272747030430513906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235886560045868473.post-20119959083154426552018-07-08T11:17:00.002-05:002018-07-08T12:24:51.078-05:00Honors’ Lil Monster and Me<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.41pt;">3am and I'm off to the airport for a 530 flight. By 7am I’m in Nashville and headed for Joe Lester Stables for a practice ride. Joe will show Quinn tonight, but I need the practice for tomorrow night and Joe has graciously appeased me. Quinn is now in her new place and I’m looking forward to seeing it. I drive out 24, turn onto 231 towards Shelbyville, snake through Shelbyville and out towards his new place. It’s a pretty drive. The morning sun is rising over rolling hills of green. Before I know it I see the Christmas Creek Farms sign and pull in. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnd9F5OwOF8morchO9fv2uTFPWcDSlvVb_NCw0htuGU5kmTxvq1V3L7J6di6Ojo1SS9XcJCFoKsIMBa60-yehrYFyECO29YfJSs-lkjSDoHdu3kY9IJjc8AFczo2vR2X8UX9U8LQa04Y/s1600/0B5439B0-46F3-488B-AEE7-70C2F98E726F.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnd9F5OwOF8morchO9fv2uTFPWcDSlvVb_NCw0htuGU5kmTxvq1V3L7J6di6Ojo1SS9XcJCFoKsIMBa60-yehrYFyECO29YfJSs-lkjSDoHdu3kY9IJjc8AFczo2vR2X8UX9U8LQa04Y/s320/0B5439B0-46F3-488B-AEE7-70C2F98E726F.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lil Quinn in the middle. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.41pt;">When I enter the barn everyone is busy bathing, polishing, tacking and planning. Maggie, Chris and Ashlynn are on top of things. Quinn is already in the cross ties and saddled. Joe and Bailey are out back riding. I give Quinn a hello and pat, and walk through the back door to a picture perfect scene. More rolling hills and green...and an outdoor ring set with a huge shade tree. I smile and think how much Quinn will love it here as I make my way down the hill to watch horses being worked.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv6F24nSGXdrGMzC_tbtM2wdec6hlaqCLJNoBT6zr9p1IKxwVggCpYiYEjq4stljoBe6lcwvrnvOH9lLSUtm_zkDuizMHsXaDOdDQwxdpUEcf1AqrZ4qNzDO3OiLzpZL6FvAH1Naqt6WU/s1600/476B2F53-1242-423E-82FF-15754DA983F6.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv6F24nSGXdrGMzC_tbtM2wdec6hlaqCLJNoBT6zr9p1IKxwVggCpYiYEjq4stljoBe6lcwvrnvOH9lLSUtm_zkDuizMHsXaDOdDQwxdpUEcf1AqrZ4qNzDO3OiLzpZL6FvAH1Naqt6WU/s320/476B2F53-1242-423E-82FF-15754DA983F6.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Practice rides. Success. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.41pt;">The horses look amazing. I watch a client ride a really nice horse. Wow! I find out afterwards that it was Kyle Bush on Slingblade when introductions are made. It’s already hot but where a few clients are standing in the shade of a trailer you can catch a nice breeze to make it bearable. Joe goes up to the barn and returns with Quinn. After he warms her up it’s my turn. I’m excited as I climb the step stool to get on her. Slowly, warns Joe....the stool is new for her. But other than flicking her ear as I step up she stands as I toss my leg over. I collect the reins and listen for Joe’s instructions. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9PQqnK3AnsDQBvfQIxt4dDUQuFSg5b9RdGPweEU0N9PKrRIcrieg646gsv11Nk94yO4GTkCbhjvfAP1HkKYmahdAFdpRIJUve12bPTPge0VLuid0i-zuuvQ0dGVzYmadfsuxAiT5kWJE/s1600/6C23436B-2FDB-4745-B70D-C8B8D41BC3A9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9PQqnK3AnsDQBvfQIxt4dDUQuFSg5b9RdGPweEU0N9PKrRIcrieg646gsv11Nk94yO4GTkCbhjvfAP1HkKYmahdAFdpRIJUve12bPTPge0VLuid0i-zuuvQ0dGVzYmadfsuxAiT5kWJE/s320/6C23436B-2FDB-4745-B70D-C8B8D41BC3A9.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ashlyn takes Quinn through DQP. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.41pt;">I start by walking and in no time I’m in a flat walk and getting a feel for her. It’s quiet and relaxing out here. And maybe that had a lot to do with my focus and getting a feel for her. She’s really fun to ride. Very smooth despite that head just pounding. I stop her a few times to practice my takeoffs - I’ll need to do that upon the reverse at the show. All goes well and my confidence is up. Within 10-12 minutes we’re done. And we’re </span><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.41pt;">both pretty confident that I can show her the second night for the amateur 2yo class. Yeah! </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyYTcEfJUZZDizmHOE8K0DWB89dz-_uyrP_UjQGRjud74k1OitmjAQMbkW55jqUt8kvk0HiHdWlZoOgxI7vbvx42efrbSyfXVVyDJHQ6MvEwdnzOnzCbHWDCLNkaHCfY8q7GlxEGWG2Q/s1600/8D41AE45-4FCD-4637-9BE9-B9EF1320167B.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyYTcEfJUZZDizmHOE8K0DWB89dz-_uyrP_UjQGRjud74k1OitmjAQMbkW55jqUt8kvk0HiHdWlZoOgxI7vbvx42efrbSyfXVVyDJHQ6MvEwdnzOnzCbHWDCLNkaHCfY8q7GlxEGWG2Q/s320/8D41AE45-4FCD-4637-9BE9-B9EF1320167B.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joe and Quinn get third in a huge class.<br />
They are second from right here.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.41pt;">I drive to Jane’s, spend time with her, and take a nap. Jane and I get to the show early to watch Joe show Quinn in the very first class. This is only Quinn’s second show ever. They win third, with the judges cards showing that 2nd and 3rd place horses were a tie broken by the call judge score. Awww so close to reserve. Great job by Joe and Quinn. On July 4th week some pretty awesome horses come out. It’s fun to watch both the warmup areas as well as the ring. Plus, socialize. (Who me?)</span><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.41pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.41pt;">Day 2 included another practice ride, followed by a little shopping (of course), a nap and prepping for the show. My first ever class with Quinn would be the fifth class of the night. I got my chaps on and Jane and Carlan were there for support. Quinn was taken to DQP and to the warmup area and we followed. She really looked good as Joe warmed her up. She has this pretty step underneath herself. Then I got on her and desperately tried to maneuver her through the busy warmup. Lol. Tried is the key word. Poor Joe was probably going to have a heart attack. Lol. I’m reminded how much I hate the crazy warmup ring. Soon it’s our class and Joe guides us down to the ring, provides his sage advice, tests the ear piece one final time and we’re off. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLX-cLwOOuKW9PXLJAqeOlRW_lyYOemeo4dq_C-hBJAhyphenhyphenpJh_4gkeIWepUVRtqfTdC2j2IE-KER1A7WO75_0eRT6DHHdfsi3Nk929ZeTQJnbJjqcbl4jSJ2OavB7YaCCmhPg5GqWQcQnI/s1600/230010DC-9964-4845-A0AF-F41962CE1D09.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLX-cLwOOuKW9PXLJAqeOlRW_lyYOemeo4dq_C-hBJAhyphenhyphenpJh_4gkeIWepUVRtqfTdC2j2IE-KER1A7WO75_0eRT6DHHdfsi3Nk929ZeTQJnbJjqcbl4jSJ2OavB7YaCCmhPg5GqWQcQnI/s320/230010DC-9964-4845-A0AF-F41962CE1D09.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quinn and me. Let’s do this!<br />
Thanks Joe for being there for us!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.41pt;">She walks right into the ring like a pro. I quickly assess the ring and decide to go right in the center of the track. We had a heavy rainfall right before the show started and so the rail was full of standing water. We make our first pass in front of the first judge and make the curve on the other end. We stop there as the remaining horses enter the ring. Then that takeoff practice is put to the test. She collects and starts slow and we’re right back into the flat walk. Yeah. Good girl. Joe is in my ear. “Hold your speed there. Good. Give her a little. Bring your hands up a bit. There. Good.” </span><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.41pt;">It’s constant give and take. And oops a little trip in the wet footing. We move a bit faster for the running walk and in no time we are asked to turn for the reverse. Our turn is a little clumsy but we do it. Steering it’s not yet our forte. Another loop around and as I hit the curve I decide the middle is too soft and squishy, so I head towards the rail. Oh boy that puddle is pretty big. Well, I guess we’ll see how this goes. Please don’t dump me in it Quinn. Lol. But she hits the rail and splashes right through it like a big girl. Good girl! I actually think she liked it. One more time around and they call for the lineup. It went so fast. We did it. Our first class together is in the books. Success! She was restless in the lineup but even with that she never made me feel uncomfortable. We placed 6th. Which was really the only disappointment. One of the three judges had placed her fourth. So, I’ll just hold onto that opinion. Lol. And Joe seemed pleased with our successful first class too. While I, of course, will revisit every step of the ride over and over for flaws. </span><span style="font-family: ".applecoloremojiui"; font-size: 17.41pt;">😜</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out to dinner. Katie is almost as tall as me now! </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.41pt;">I’m home now and looking back at videos of our ride. I’m pretty darn proud of her. She shook like crazy and walked a hole in the ground in that wet ring. I’m so proud of my Honors' Lil Monster. Two years old and doing it like a big girl. </span><span style="font-family: ".applecoloremojiui"; font-size: 17.41pt;">♦️♦️♦️🐴♥️</span><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.41pt;">. Your daddy will be so proud. I’m Harley Quinn you are going to be something really special. Thank you Joe, Bailey and the whole crew of JLS for getting us in the show ring this weekend. And special thanks to Kyle for the gracious use of your saddle - must have good luck in it. </span></div>
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Staz22http://www.blogger.com/profile/09272747030430513906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235886560045868473.post-66513715388495565102018-06-24T21:49:00.000-05:002018-06-24T22:37:56.048-05:00Is She Ready Yet Mistah J ?<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Display"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuidisplay";">I got the call I’d been waiting for: “When can you come down to ride her?” Having a two year old can be a practice in patience as they get broke and exposed to new things for the first time. But Quinn had turned a corner after Joe showed her for the first time at the Walking For Cancer Show. So now he wanted to get me up on her. Yippee!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just moments into my first ride ever on I’m Harley Quinn. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuidisplay";">Alas, I had business travel that delayed my trip, but I booked flights and would ride for the first time late in June. We coordinated a date that worked in conjunction with the WHOA Jamboree, so I could also see a show too. Yeah!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuidisplay";">I flew down before dawn on Friday, picked up my rental car... and was at Jane’s in time to have coffee with her. Then I logged in and worked that morning. After my final conference call I slipped on my jeans, boots and ball cap. A text came in from Joe and we set a ride time. I excitedly made my way over to Miller Coliseum after lunch. More importantly, to where Quinn had been put up in a “pretty little stall” for the next few days. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She loves starlight mints. Refreshing. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuidisplay";">It felt good to turn into Miller and drive down that familiar white fenced drive to the exhibitor area. This time for my mad new adventure with Dr Harleen Quinzel. </span><span style="font-family: ".applecoloremojiui";">😂</span><span style="font-family: ".sfuidisplay";"> LOL. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuidisplay";">HQ was in the cross ties when I arrived. I could see her silhouette along with the profile of Bailey with her trademark high ponytail and Joe busily saddling up Q. I should have stopped to take that photo, but I was too excited to be moments from my very first ride on Quinn. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuidisplay";">Once she was saddled and ready Joe and I walked over to the warmup ring with Q trailing behind us like a good girl. She was taking it all in, fazed by nothing. When Joe lunged her, her first few steps reminded me of the first seconds of video I ever saw of her. Oh my goodness...pure chills. Yes - squealing, gushing and joyous dancing feet were involved. (Who me?) You can add tears of joy to that list, when Joe started to ride her. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuidisplay";">To say I’m overjoyed would be an understatement. She’s so talented and seems to really like to do what she’s been bred to do. Joe is doing a great job. Art in motion. There is not one thing I don’t like about this filly. And there’s so much more to come. It’s real mad love.</span><span style="font-family: ".applecoloremojiui";">❤️</span><span style="font-family: ".sfuidisplay";"> </span><span style="font-family: ".applecoloremojiui";">♦️♦️♦️🐴</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJYtL3k9sx0tAkGHQQrHxNxEbeDu5DEGn0ShuZwzXUgAPRWSvP2iKeRF9MpJDAkNeQI1B8UNLdPL5K8ngTN0LctJ9_eUa8-NRmTYBFxnVT_pT6sjhUo6Xa3e_3K61tMp9l8jL9IyvVRGg/s1600/55D98AC6-4C36-4EDA-BFC0-F0C37753ABC6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJYtL3k9sx0tAkGHQQrHxNxEbeDu5DEGn0ShuZwzXUgAPRWSvP2iKeRF9MpJDAkNeQI1B8UNLdPL5K8ngTN0LctJ9_eUa8-NRmTYBFxnVT_pT6sjhUo6Xa3e_3K61tMp9l8jL9IyvVRGg/s320/55D98AC6-4C36-4EDA-BFC0-F0C37753ABC6.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for our first ride.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuidisplay";">And then... it was my turn to ride. I think I floated up onto that saddle. Joe held her while she stood nicely for me to hoist up there. Then I took the reins and began to walk with her. Well, with that much motion I’m not sure exactly what you call it (or if it’s legal...lol) — I was in perpetual motion as she moved below me. I concentrated on finding rhythm with her. I circled around Joe as he talked me through the particulars and I giggled at how she felt. Familiar, yet distinctly (or should I say -quintessentially) Quinn. Push, pull, shake, stride. Mad love. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuidisplay";">Once I gained my confidence walking with her, I nudged her into a flat walk. I focused on timing myself with her and keeping balance. I forgot how skinny 2 year olds can be. I think my knees touched as I squeezed but I still felt no horse. Lol. She stepped up and I was transported to the Quinn zone. She’s air in my hands. She’s surprisingly strong from behind for a 2yo. And that head shake. Yeah boy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuidisplay";">The next 10 minutes were magic. I think both Joe and I breathed sighs of relief as we wrapped up my “inaugural Quinn practice ride.” We did it. She suits me. Here’s to the next chapter with a crazy new team — Mistah J, Q and me. You never know how you’ll get along with a new horse. Or a new trainer. But this start was about as perfect as can be. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuidisplay";">And “Yes Joe” - she was MORE than worth the wait! </span><span style="font-family: ".applecoloremojiui";">😘</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJrZQV6lO9XSuy8VOBtqmztLQkt-Ji0HJyUko-81VzpqRwRCmkbrWKaXeJAKcCpb4vQMd2k7C7G76HkeoNp0khcw1YXSilO5W-QRslvE5HsXQdDYALGOr29y2GWCxrloSKnsxzdLERNfY/s1600/70312EF6-06C7-4CAB-B7E3-B014F151483E.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJrZQV6lO9XSuy8VOBtqmztLQkt-Ji0HJyUko-81VzpqRwRCmkbrWKaXeJAKcCpb4vQMd2k7C7G76HkeoNp0khcw1YXSilO5W-QRslvE5HsXQdDYALGOr29y2GWCxrloSKnsxzdLERNfY/s320/70312EF6-06C7-4CAB-B7E3-B014F151483E.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joe making it look incredibly easy. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuidisplay";">I rode a second time the next morning. Another great experience. This time I took her out on the rail and pushed her up to to see what she felt like. I was brutally reminded of how easy the pros make it look and at how much it really takes to ride the young horses that are still learning. And, as Joe advised, she still doesn’t completely understand what we’re doing here yet. I struggled a bit to keep her going and direct her but the lessons learned will refocus me on my balance, use of my legs and importance of my hands. Things I will practice on my horses back home to prepare myself even more. But all in all it was another success. Personally, as well as with Joe and Quinn. We’ll get there. And, when we do, it’s going to be sooooooooo amazing. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUBXFJB6acPZZ5vdW4KVX8J_reRQRrZg83PFBHYUCagRZgUGCyCGKP76lEU4mZIFrYo1lASYRVVvA4Km6rcW2oA2DF6MPFbRB7ULkgz1GYLjCE8BbuEIuQn3b2MfVa4X6TQzquLL4gcQ/s1600/54B18D99-D019-40D1-9278-DD011FE6F9CB.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUBXFJB6acPZZ5vdW4KVX8J_reRQRrZg83PFBHYUCagRZgUGCyCGKP76lEU4mZIFrYo1lASYRVVvA4Km6rcW2oA2DF6MPFbRB7ULkgz1GYLjCE8BbuEIuQn3b2MfVa4X6TQzquLL4gcQ/s320/54B18D99-D019-40D1-9278-DD011FE6F9CB.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quinn in her pretty little stall. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuidisplay";">The rest of the weekend was spent meeting the Joe Lester Stables crew and clients, catching up with many friends, contemplations over dinners, helping Tammy show and watching some awesome horses in the ring. There are some pretty spectacular new junior horses coming up. Which is so exciting to see. The pleasure trainers are totally letting us have it this year!!! In a most excellent way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuidisplay";">I also spent as much time as possible with Quinn. She is super sweet. Immensely smart. She does not like apples. She loves starlight mints (insert mad flailing here). And she will do just about anything for a good neck, ears and withers scratching! Hint hint. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuidisplay";">Our next stop will be the July 4th week. Joe will show her....and potentially it could be my first show on her. But ...we’ll see. Only if the practice ride that week goes well. (Fingers crossed). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuidisplay";">Sweet dreams Miss Quinn. Believe “the voices” that keep telling you how utterly special you are. </span><span style="font-family: ".applecoloremojiui";">♦️♦️♦️❤️🐴</span><br />
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Staz22http://www.blogger.com/profile/09272747030430513906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235886560045868473.post-61594632328364765112018-04-22T13:58:00.002-05:002018-06-25T14:01:09.792-05:00Mad Love for Harley QuinnOver the past three months I’m Harley♦️Quinn or Quinn as we call her now around the barn, has been learning the ropes. Her prior experience was assessed at about.....umm, zero. So, Joe and Bailey have been working hard to simply get her broke. Broke to stand to mount. Broke to the bit. Broke so she stops. LOL. And, so forth. Yep, the basics. But, she wasn’t even officially two those first 90 days - her birthday was April 15. What can you expect? I kinda laughed, ‘cuz the updates and reports always included emojis of a hand slapping forehead 🤦♂️ or laugh/crying😂 etc. 😜 hmmmmm. Well, she’s not even two yet. 🤷♀️ Lets take our time with her. So, slow progress was the goal.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visiting with HQ. Mad Love!</td></tr>
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I visited her in Feb and then again early April to see her progress. In Feb she was still figuring it out. However in April she seemed to be getting ahead. Joe mentioned that she really was starting to hit a nice gait the past two weeks. You could see a huge leap forward. It was really exciting to see her understand things. She was still unpredictable and learning, but the riding part was certainly progressing tremendously. Now that long stride seemed more purposeful. Me. I was simply tickled pink. Joe was thinking he may take her to a show soon if she kept advancing, he thought it might also help her get more broke.<br />
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On Friday I got a text. “We might take HQ to the walking for cancer show tomorrow, they have a 2yo class.” But it was a big IF. They would ride her Saturday morning and decide and let me know. Late Saturday afternoon, as I was walking around the Midwest Horse fair in Wisconsin, I get a photo on my phone. It’s a picture of Quinn in the horse trailer on her way to the show. She looked like a big girl. All grown up. My little baby girl going to her very first show. I had a small moment. Then my stomach started to hurt and my nerves began working over time. Omg. Her very first show. Her very first class. Her very first time. And I wouldn’t be there. 😔<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HQ going to the show.</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">The show started at five. I found out that they would be streaming the show live on reporTV. It was after 4pm and I was still at the Midwest Horse fair with Lisa, Morgan and friends watching a demo. If I left by five I would be able watch her. Obviously I wasn’t going to miss this....and by 5pm I was in my car heading back home. It would take an hour to get home, but she was in class ten so that would be about 7 pm or so. I’d make it.</span><br />
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When I arrived home Scott was waiting. He had gone that morning to pick up our new car. And it was parked out in the driveway for me to see. Of course we checked it out and I got the full tour. And then we went inside to logon to watch Quinn’s class. When I logged on, class nine was just starting so our timing was perfect. Scott got out his phone to tape the class. Then they announced Quinn’s class and opened the gate. Four 2 year olds would make the gate call. Joe riding Quinn entered last and the gate closed behind her. It was the honorable Sam Sorrell who would judge the class.<br />
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I was so proud. She came into the ring like a good girl, ears forward and alert. She looked great. Moving forward, striding unbelievably and that head nod. Up and down. Up and down. Oh. My my my. She looked really good out there! With two year olds, you never know what you’re gonna get. But she looked like she was having a great time out there.<br />
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They went flat walk and running walk. And then they reversed to go the other way. The reporTV video man did a great job showing each horse on the internet stream and included nice close up shots of each horse too. It was so cool to be able to watch her real-time during the class even though we weren’t there in person. Each time Joe and Quinn were on the screen they looked great. Nice clean passes. She was so upright and striding. I just squealed with happiness and pride. And Scott just kept saying how great she looked. We were both thrilled. When they called for the lineup I think we both breathed again for the first time that whole class. I said I think she looked great and Scott said, umm yeah! And we laughed.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby girl’s first show. And it’s a blue debut. </td></tr>
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Then the announcer came back on and called number 315 for the win. That’s Quinn’s number! Joe pulled out of the lineup and rode around to the winners circle. I screamed and cheered and couldn’t believe it. Scott grinned from ear to ear. We jumped up and down. Then we watched as Joe and Quinn made their very first victory lap. She owned that ring like a boss! Lol.<br />
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We got text messages and videos from Joe, Bailey, Julie and a number of friends. We were all on cloud nine.<br />
Scott and I replayed the class and talked about Quinn. Mad love for Harley Quinn. She certainly is something special. ♦️♦️♦️♥️♥️♥️♦️♦️♦️<br />
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<br />Staz22http://www.blogger.com/profile/09272747030430513906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235886560045868473.post-49219649008093040742018-03-04T10:58:00.001-06:002018-03-04T21:12:24.903-06:00The Adventures of Harley Quinn Begin. 2018 begins an exciting new adventure.<br />
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My Christmas present from Scott was to select a new show horse. I’ve been searching off and on for almost a year. But, I think I wasn’t ready. My hope was cemented with Halo - my perfect dream horse. And while we’ve overcome many set backs with injuries I feared undoing the progress made by putting him back into the pressures of a high performance scenario. So, I refreshed my search for a new Tennessee circuit horse. </div>
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I put my mind to it and got busy doing many things to accomplish my goal. I followed up on videos of horses posted on Facebook that caught my eye. I made many calls and PMs to let people know I was seriously shopping and to let them know my preferences. I kept updated on the progress of a coming 2 year old and kept tabs on a promising 3 year old that might be for sale. I made a trip here and there to see and ride a few prospects. It all can be fun and exciting, like a treasure hunt, but also daunting and stressful. I had to be focused on what I wanted. Specifically. One’s too old. One’s not moving like the dream horse in my mind. Another sells before I can jump on it. Prices vary so much and some are crazy high. What to do? What to do? Waiting. A lot of waiting. Hoping it’ll happen. </div>
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But, I think you just know - in the moment. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new team.</td></tr>
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It was a Friday night. We were at home watching a movie. And my phone buzzed. I ignored it. But it buzzes it’s persistent second warning and I figure a peek wouldn’t disrupt my movie focus. I reach for my phone and turn it over to look. It was a text and I could see a video was attached. I opened the text and played the clip. Seven seconds. I clicked replay. Hmmmm! I hand the phone to Scott and say, “you may like to see this one.” He takes the phone, plays the entire seven seconds, hands my phone back to me and says, “buy.” Simple. Just like that. We both knew. I text back - “call me, let’s make a deal.” The phone rang two seconds later and literally I owned the horse five minutes after that. Well, pending vet checks and paperwork. Before the movie concluded I had booked a flight and texted Jane to see if I could stay with her .....plans were set to see this new filly in person.<br />
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Hours later - my bags packed, I head for the airport. I’m so happy that Southwest has a direct flight now (right Cathy?), one hour and fifteen minutes after wheels-up in Milwaukee, we land in Nashville. Love it! In fact, I can fly down in the morning and fly back late that night if I want. But I have three days here this trip. Time to see her, get a vet check and make the final call. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quinn on the cross ties.</td></tr>
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I meet up with Carlan for breakfast on the square. At this point, neither Jane nor Carlan know I have a very specific horse to see on this trip. In fact, I have a few additional appointments set up to see some really good potential babies. Scott thinks I should get two anyways. I’m like, huh? Okay! Lol. So I’m keeping options open, and my excitement in check. Seven seconds of video could be misleading. I’m hoping not but.....so for now, I hold tight to my secret hope. After breakfast and a little shopping at Bedford Tack, we turn up the long gravel drive to my purposeful destination. As I drive along the stable, heart beating and pulse going crazy, I can see someone pull a horse off a trailer and walk into the barn. I wonder if that’s her, as she was being delivered here today. I park and turn to Carlan and say - “well hurry up, let’s go see my new Filly!” She looks at me a little confused and then I see the realization come across her face as she smiles her excitement back at me. And we laugh and jump out of the car - now both of us with renewed purpose. </div>
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As we enter the barn, Joe greets me with a grin and points to her in the cross-ties. “That’s her. She just arrived.” My eyes turn to her and I take in her unexpected beauty. I literally catch my breath and squeal,”oh my, she’s so gorgeous!” I actually had no idea what she’d look like. I had seen seven seconds of video. Maybe ten strides. I couldn’t tell if she had markings or her real color. So this was an unexpected and very pleasant surprise. She was perfect. Absolutely perfect! Well, except for that crazy pawing and wide eyed look on her face. Lol. Poor thing. Welcome girl to a new adventure. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joe takes HQ for a first ride. </td></tr>
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Joe was already busy saddling her up and we ventured out to his round pen. Probably ten minutes after we both arrived he was in the saddle and showing us her unbelievable potential. Carlan said wow, she’s nice. I agreed. Yes. Yes. Yes. Green as ever and only about 20 months old, but everything she didn’t even know she was doing was wonderful. Well, except for the head tossing and wide eyed look on her face. Lol. Motion like crazy. Stride for miles. Reach in front. Upright in the chest. Everything in those seven seconds of video, was all here in front of me again. Yes. She’s perfect. </div>
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A call to Dr Baum and a vet-check appointment was made. He even mentioned how pretty she was when he arrived. It does catch you by surprise. She’s a striking red head. She has “It” factor. She must get it from her daddy. Her daddy is none other than WGC Honors! And her mama is Ms Keeneland, another great show horse. In fact, her lineage is an amazing mashup of great show champions. This is why I keep pinching myself that this little filly happened to fall into my lap one Friday night. Thanks Joe. You outdid yourself for me. She’s beyond my dreams. Thank you. </div>
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I was lucky to get the vet on short notice as we were dealing with the New Years holiday. He rearranged a few things so he could do X-rays and give her a full review while I was in town. He also had Joe ride her. While there were a few things Dr Baum noted in his exam, the basics all looked good. X-rays good. Check. Check. Check. </div>
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The final details were to send in her DNA kit and the papers. Oh yeah, and write the check. A month later she was “officially” mine. </div>
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So, welcome 2018 and to a mad new adventure. I’m super excited to present,<b> I’m Harley Quinn.</b> </div>
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Staz22http://www.blogger.com/profile/09272747030430513906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235886560045868473.post-33713255248649041702016-10-28T18:08:00.002-05:002016-10-29T08:21:41.052-05:00Chip, chip hooray! My first ride!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDkuu_l_n9lS4NvSRVwqTmJk16XhWTMcyMNR70mrwYYPyKiui2GpqZ-wWZjqsfhScVmAC6Lk-sV9FE0QOXnrjT275XYECV7a1IxpwE_f3_PELEzlRVd3aQfzwGi0f8ybgAywcyC-nOTPE/s1600/IMG_8382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDkuu_l_n9lS4NvSRVwqTmJk16XhWTMcyMNR70mrwYYPyKiui2GpqZ-wWZjqsfhScVmAC6Lk-sV9FE0QOXnrjT275XYECV7a1IxpwE_f3_PELEzlRVd3aQfzwGi0f8ybgAywcyC-nOTPE/s320/IMG_8382.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chips spread. <br />
Dragging and rolling in progress. </td></tr>
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Many things have happened regarding the arena in the past month. First of all the footing went in. We decided on a wood chip footing and found a source that would deliver right away. The full sized semi came up our drive and I thought it would never fit in that door. He pulled in hauling 80+ yards and backed right up to the arena door. When the driver got out to assess the height I said he may not make it. He said he would make it. I had to trust him as he climbed back in his cab and put her in reverse. I held my breath as he slowly maneuvered back, up the small incline at the doorway created by the base of stone, and inched his way back into the arena. Seriously, it was barely inches of space above his trailer to that door frame. When he jumped out and grinned at Scott and I, he said he probably wouldn't make it once the footing is in. I exhaled and took my first breath in five minutes and laughed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLR2DMSu1g24NLRTfVaHBS3wepbQp4Tri2xUS66tsiRNiqWlY-85CmlXd-yk0hOXFdA-Ob_RK-qkF9KaEWJsWc9cKx0cr75Eb8lQ_yS3Cg0FjXfBXmuCFEY6RhyrsT1IhAvacYcYZA1ss/s1600/IMG_8355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLR2DMSu1g24NLRTfVaHBS3wepbQp4Tri2xUS66tsiRNiqWlY-85CmlXd-yk0hOXFdA-Ob_RK-qkF9KaEWJsWc9cKx0cr75Eb8lQ_yS3Cg0FjXfBXmuCFEY6RhyrsT1IhAvacYcYZA1ss/s320/IMG_8355.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The semi just squeezes in under the door frame </td></tr>
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The walking floor in the trailer was pretty amazing. It moved the footing out the back of the trailer into the arena. As the pile grew the driver would move the semi forward and continue to let the automatic floor push the chips out. It didn't take long and we were looking at a pile taller than we were in the middle of the arena. We thanked our talented driver John and he took off. Scott also took off, back to work. Me, I stood there, alone, and looked at the pile. Then I grabbed my wheel barrel and a fork and started spreading the pile. My progress over the next two hours was much like using a teaspoon to do a backhoe's work. And by the time Scott returned after 5pm I had maybe spread enough piles to cover 1/6th of the arena. Actually not too bad considering my manual tools. But in comparison, Scott, using the skidster, spread the rest of the footing in about two hours and about twice as thick. My job was to rake the piles to an even depth for a consistent thickness of footing that covered all the stone base. Something I did with determination. It was grueling work, but also a labor of love. My hands were blistered, my back ached, and I think I pulled something in my arm which plagued me for about a week afterwards. But it was done by 10am the next morning so that I could begin the process of dragging and rolling the whole arena multiple times to really pack and spread and even it out more. The dragging fluffed the footing, while the rolling flattened it out. The repetition eventually made it pretty consistent across the 7200 sq feet. In the end, I knew I'd be tweaking that footing for months but I had a pretty impressive start.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LoSF564tz3Q/WBPVSlGfdxI/AAAAAAAABIM/wtcdjGoJnNchDI0tw433qSqJ2z-o4MKvgCPcB/s1600/IMG_8368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LoSF564tz3Q/WBPVSlGfdxI/AAAAAAAABIM/wtcdjGoJnNchDI0tw433qSqJ2z-o4MKvgCPcB/s320/IMG_8368.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what 80 yards of wood chips looks like.<br />
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Then I did what I've been dying to do for months and months. I rode. Diva was selected for my maiden voyage. I pulled her out of the paddock, saddled her up and made the walk across the drive from the barn to the arena. I walked her in the door and out into the middle of the wood chipped space. I placed the stool next to her, tossed her reins over her withers and climbed up the two steps and swung my leg over her back. Scott was there to watch and we smiled at each other and he said, "well, go ahead, let's see this!" I walked her around the circumference of the ring and let her look around and get used to the place. Then I picked up the reins and off we went. She was way too excited and way too fast but she and I were riding in our very own place, for the very first time. And my heart burst with joy. This is going to be SO awesome. Scott asked me if this would work for me? And I said Yes!!! Of course any other answer would have been completely ridiculous.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXVwAUilabjCPvh9bCAQ0kdp_QeI9JLdNdIZn61RFJTPUaceMOa1EnmyaIWsXh6Zxe-YXNjlV2r4wl2SkNiiah390b5TiGiWsWY_j96cGMlDZSXVDyPUWkneNvcWMTyWX9_xXtalztpHg/s1600/IMG_8542.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXVwAUilabjCPvh9bCAQ0kdp_QeI9JLdNdIZn61RFJTPUaceMOa1EnmyaIWsXh6Zxe-YXNjlV2r4wl2SkNiiah390b5TiGiWsWY_j96cGMlDZSXVDyPUWkneNvcWMTyWX9_xXtalztpHg/s320/IMG_8542.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My very first ride in the arena aboard Diva.<br />
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The electricians came back about a week later and completed the electric. There were a few minor challenges, but in the end all the lights were up and in working order. They put recessed can lighting along the front outside wall - it has a great artistic effect at night along the wall facing the house. A light under the overhang lights my area where I enter. And, Scott had them put in electrical outlets all around the perimeter, including one at each window for me to place my window candles. All the window candles and outside lighting is wired to a photo-eye, so all the exterior lighting comes on and off automatically with the sunlight. So I won't have to worry about turning the lights on or off each day. That is a wonderful feature. One of my favorite electric features is the light switches for the arena lights that were placed in my main barn (as well as at the two doors in the arena). So I can actually turn on the lights from the barn, saddle a horse and by the time I walk over to the arena to ride, the lights are fully on. This will be exceptionally handy in the winter when the lights may take a few minutes to warm up and go on. Also, I can depart the arena with my horse, go back to the barn and cross tie and then turn the arena lights off from the barn without going back to the arena. A great suggestion from Scott's friend Rodney. Best idea ever!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This will work. </td></tr>
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Other little things are coming together too. I put up some halter hangers, a few cross ties and placed a nice large box in one corner to store bell boot, hoof picks, lunge ropes and other tack. I nailed a window candle in each window. And plugged them all in. Scott drilled a hole in each candle base so that the candles could be secured and never fall over or get blown off the sill. And I plugged in a radio so that I have music when I ride. I purchased a new muck bucket and fork to keep handy in the arena for clean up and I assembled it and put up a few nails to store the pitch fork. Yes, it is all coming together while I wait for the big custom front doors, that were back ordered due to window parts. The final touch.<br />
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<br />Staz22http://www.blogger.com/profile/09272747030430513906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235886560045868473.post-19313950561388699362016-09-17T09:51:00.001-05:002016-09-17T10:01:23.656-05:00Footing-o-RamaThe building is now up, with the exception of the main front sliding doors. We have been told by the builder that the doors were made in the wrong size and now they need to be remade and won't arrive until sometime mid October. Darn it! But that doesn't stop us from getting the arena footing in. And despite this being another setback and delay, I think the Lord works in mysterious ways. In this case those special doors are not here so we can get the footing placed using all the large machinery and they won't get scratched or worse in the process. The front sliding doors are our big, big splurge on this project. At 14' tall and 14' wide, they are custom made and will have divided light panels on top and cross bucks on the bottom. They will be the cherry on top of the entire project - well, more like the front center cherry, not really the top. Lol. I can't wait to have them hung and in place....but first the footing.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The arena is standing. Gable end set of sliding doors on. </td></tr>
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The first step for the footing was a day long excercise in packing sand and soil under the knee saver sections. This took hours. It had to be done so that the footing doesn't slide under the void under the kick walks later, but neatly fills the arena and stays put. Scott dumped ground all along the wall and I got the pleasure of hand pushing it under the wall. We both agreed that if we had thought this through beforehand, we could have pre-set the soil before the builders put up the kick wall. But hindsight is 20/20 and as a result I am on my knees pushing soil to fill the circumference opening of 360' X 6"X 18". Arghhh. My badge of honor comes in the form of bruises on my legs, and cuts and scratches up my forearms. Not to mention sweat and yes, tears!! Oh, and exhaustion. But the project was concluded before sunset that day. Whew. I hope to never do that again!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scott spreads TB as our base for the footing. </td></tr>
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Next was the base. Scott has been taking to the skidster on a nightly basis all week. A load of TB has been delivered each day. After work he goes out to spread the material and fill the arena, section by section. I'm so proud of him. He has become quite proficient with the skidster, and little by little the arena base is getting set. He needs to work while we still have sunlight since the electric isn't hooked up yet.<br />
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Speaking of electric, one night during the week the electrician team came to pull electric from the barn over to the arena. And because nothing on this project can be easy, we needed to run new electric lines from the house to the barn in order to have enough electric to light both buildings. The crew gets to work but in the midst of the project comes a knock on our door. They can't pull the old lines out or lace the new cable in because something must be pinched off in the tubes that run from the house to the barn. The solution is to retrench the hundreds of feet and possibly break out the cement around the barn! Omg! Scott is truly going to have that gripper he keeps threatening this project is going give him. The electricians go back in the basement and then back out to the barn. They continue to attempt to fish the wire through the tube that was in the ground. I had to walk away. I couldn't believe that we are going to face yet another huge unexpected expense. Then I began to pray a novena to St Anthony. Please help the electricians find a way through with the wire. Please!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost have the base in. More loads to come.<br />
Then we roll it next. </td></tr>
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I went out into the barn to clean stalls. And I continued to call on St Anthony. Please find a way. Please! One of the electricians walked into the barn and attempted to fish the wire from there, and all of a sudden they got it! They were able to fish the electric wire through. Oh thank you St Anthony, the patron of finding lost things, who found a way through. They think it was a 90 degree bend in the tube that provided the challenge. But we are not yet out of the woods. Now the team had to get the fishing line back through with the actual wire. After about 20 minutes they succeeded. We were home free! Whoop!<br />
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We enter the weekend with most of the base in and a new electric box put up. But more work ahead to get the arena powered up and the footing in so I can actually ride. Next week I'm on vacation. I was supposed to be hauling Diva and Bourbon to Tennessee to compete in The Nationals, but I'll be home to put in footing instead. A very good trade off. I am hopeful that I may ride in that new arena before next week ends. Fingers crossed. The light at the end of the tunnel is in sight.<br />
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<br />Staz22http://www.blogger.com/profile/09272747030430513906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235886560045868473.post-49736227642156741952016-08-31T22:43:00.000-05:002016-08-31T22:58:01.841-05:00Holy Knee Saver Batman!It's been over a week since my last blog update and much has happened! I'm so excited to update all of you about the arena! Things are getting real around here! :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I1ARZH0o9Ow/V8ebDLmtBUI/AAAAAAAABEY/jc_OecvSzywWch6VUlrUpd-noVxyxIvtwCPcB/s1600/IMG_8151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I1ARZH0o9Ow/V8ebDLmtBUI/AAAAAAAABEY/jc_OecvSzywWch6VUlrUpd-noVxyxIvtwCPcB/s320/IMG_8151.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The walking horse weather vane atop<br />
one of the two cupola. </td></tr>
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The siding is installed on all sides of the arena now - except for a few pieces around the door frames. In addition the front now has a porch section that covers the main walk-in entrance door. The 10' deep porch will protect that door from rain and snow, helping to keep it clear for entry, no matter the weather. This is located at the door closest to the existing barn and paddock. My plan is to saddle in the main stall barn and then walk over to ride in the arena. In addition all the wainscoting is now installed, the windows and corners of the building are all trimmed in cream, and the final pieces of smoked sidelights have been installed across the entire 120' front wall. This was the point where the crew ended on Friday. The arena is standing for the most part - although it looks like a few puzzle pieces are still missing. Gaps include a few pieces of siding here and there, the doors, cupolas and shutters. But it now should only be a few more days of work for the crew. Oh, it's so close to being done!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside view. The knee saver wall is starting to be<br />
framed in along the back wall. </td></tr>
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My alarm went off at 6am on Saturday morning. I woke up, made a coffee and walked down to the barn to toss hay and get my horses ready for day 2 of a horse show. I had been showing all day Friday at the Wisconsin State Fair Grounds at the Brew City Charity Horse Show. I had gotten home pretty late, well after dark Friday night, so I didn't get to see the progress made on Friday. I walked over to see the arena in the daylight. I noticed a few pieces of the knee-saver wall was installed - they had started to frame out the kickwall on the inside of the arena. Cool! As I walked across the arena to see the framing, a few trucks drove up the drive. I wonder who that is this early in the morning? Scott was walking down from the house as I came out of the arena to see who our 6am guests were. Three guys jumped out and waved at Scott. But they weren't the construction crew. I didn't recognize them. Scott had a grin on his face as he turned to me and said, "Surprise! Your electricians are here!" Oooooo, that was a surprise! I had no idea they would be here today. Yeah! More progress!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TbGhKLvUPzQ/V8echLwJQII/AAAAAAAABEo/U-zxkoKm2SsXcN3Jtg47tYULXwH9AehLQCPcB/s1600/IMG_8153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TbGhKLvUPzQ/V8echLwJQII/AAAAAAAABEo/U-zxkoKm2SsXcN3Jtg47tYULXwH9AehLQCPcB/s320/IMG_8153.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Within a day the knee saver wall is in. <br />
Lights are getting installed too!</td></tr>
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I had to leave for the show, but I was able to walk through the general lighting plans and share what Scott and I had in mind with the electricians. The lights for the outside will have photo-eyes that will be programmed to turn on at dusk. They will be recessed into the 18" overhang and will flood beams of light down the extetior walls for a cool visual effect at night. The inside arena lights will provide the<br />
option to have a single row or all rows of lights on, my choice. The location of electric plugs will accommodate fans and enable me to place window candles in each window for Christmas. Of course Scott rolled his eyes, but indulged me. It will look pretty from the house. We always put a little window candle in every window of the house and barn. Now, the arena windows will also contain this colonial holiday tradition. The plan was for the guys to run the wire this weekend and then they'd return next weekend to finish the job with fixtures. However when I went down Sunday morning to see what was accomplished so far, I saw that they had also hung all the arena lights already. No power was run into the arena, but the ceiling lights were hung. They looked like little soldiers, in perfect rows. Chills went down my spine and a few tears fell down my cheek. It's so real. It's so close to being an actual arena. Oh my gosh. I'm so, so, so excited.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The angled wall ensures my knees are <br />
protected while I ride. </td></tr>
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On Monday night I arrived home from work to find the cupolas in place - complete with my pretty walking horse weather vanes on top. I stood and looked up. They were visible against the evening sky. The breeze was lightly blowing and twirling the weathervane cups around in a circle. I smiled.<br />
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Inside all the kick walks were installed. I smiled again.<br />
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Now, we wait for the doors to arrive. There seems to be a sizing correction that needs to be made to the custom order. Arghhh! I pray that they will still arrive and the final install will happen before the holiday weekend. Fingers crossed. Literally moments left until we're done and footing can be brought in. I'm so ready to ride!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A reminder of why this project<br />
means so much. Diva wins her 1st<br />
floral ring at the Brew City Charity<br />
Show this weekend to support <br />
Make A Wish charity!</td></tr>
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Staz22http://www.blogger.com/profile/09272747030430513906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235886560045868473.post-90905918568067442752016-08-24T11:06:00.002-05:002016-08-24T11:06:15.202-05:00Siding, Windows and Rain - Oh My!Monday started the building week with a bang. The crew arrived extra early and were prepping walls as I fed horses before heading for work. Bob, the crew leader asked me to stop to confirm door and window locations. His info seemed strange so he wanted to double check. The windows are meant to be hung vertically, to match the house and existing barn windows. So, yep that's correct. But were they placed at the correct heights? Yep, after a bit of discussion, the height was determined correct too. We have wainscoting on the outside and kickwall for security on the inside and we need to clear both of those elements, plus account for the sand footing that still needs to be brought in. Check. And double-check. All is good in blueprint land, so off to work I go.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MNAhtOurtTg/V729JMUtahI/AAAAAAAABDo/uwhmggO_QT4GECLSGa7Km1DM1XtzgR6eACPcB/s1600/IMG_7995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MNAhtOurtTg/V729JMUtahI/AAAAAAAABDo/uwhmggO_QT4GECLSGa7Km1DM1XtzgR6eACPcB/s320/IMG_7995.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back wall is in. Includes smoked glass sidelights.<br />Wainscoting still to come. </td></tr>
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At work I kept wondering what was happening back home. I texted Scott - "not sure if I want to see pictures or be surprised with the unveil when I get home." No pictures came from Scott. I wasn't sure if I liked or hated that fact. All I knew is that my anticipation was high. My drive home was long. And my heart was pumping as I turned into the driveway, not sure what I'd see as I rounded the culvert today. How far would they be?<br />
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My heart sank a little when it seemed only the back wall was up. I think I had visions of all sides up. Lol. As I drove up the drive I noticed the windows were framed in and so were the walk doors and big split sliding door. Oh, I guess quite a bit got done today! The putsy work that takes more time and attention to get just right. The guys waved as I passed and drove up to the house. I ran upstairs and changed into jeans and walked down for a better inspection. The back wall was in. That included the double row of smoked sidelight that ran all along that side. We wanted a lot of light in the arena but I didn't like the white panels that seem to turn yellow over time. So we were excited to find smoked gray sidelight panels that match, camouflage the poles and won't turn yellow overtime.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_NEKj_9Iph8GQ4ECXCADGM-tbA4YEmfPtIbeD9Y7Kze2WIvDnJuYQa8hV0HJmL4KifLV3LsC86vJUFly5FH1NFIPum7F4Fs3mr9OtaU7HoDwkuFsMDYJWDhQUTBpSzmxZcG0X8AGqdTw/s1600/IMG_8001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_NEKj_9Iph8GQ4ECXCADGM-tbA4YEmfPtIbeD9Y7Kze2WIvDnJuYQa8hV0HJmL4KifLV3LsC86vJUFly5FH1NFIPum7F4Fs3mr9OtaU7HoDwkuFsMDYJWDhQUTBpSzmxZcG0X8AGqdTw/s320/IMG_8001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gable end facing paddock is in too. <br />Arena from the horse's point of view. </td></tr>
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Up close the work was impressive. Every panel was straight as an arrow and even each fastener was in a perfect line. It looked awesome and a chill ran down my spine. Yeah! Scott walked down and rested his arms on one of the framed windowsills, and watched me with a smile on his face. He has been very pleased with the workmanship of the building. And now that the footing fiasco is behind us, he's been enjoying the building process more....requiring less beer. Mostly he's enjoying my ooo's and ahhh's of excitement. I guess that's really what this is all about, right?! Getting to build dreams.<br />
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On Tuesday the crew placed the windows in their frames as I was leaving for work. That made me think the front wall would be put up next. Oh happy day - that will be super exciting to see! However, when I got home it was the two gable ends that were completed. The crew was still there and cutting and placing pieces on the front entrance<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little rain?<br />Go, go away!</td></tr>
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wall, around the window and door openings. This probably includes the trickiest cuts that need to be made on the building siding. Putsy work again. But, as a result, you can see a building standing there as you arrived on the drive.<br />
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The front main wall is next. But Wednesday brought rain....so the crew isn't here. 😕 I have off of work today and the rest of the week and I was hoping to watch the front get raised. Hopefully tomorrow. In the meantime, Rachel stopped by and we toured the arena in galoshes and umbrellas, sipping frappes.<br />
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<b>To all my friends competing at the Celebration that opens today - best of luck! I'm thinking of all of you and wishing I could be there too. My "big oval" is my arena project right now. Hope you all have safe and fun rides! I'll be monitoring the results and cheering you all on to victory!</b><br />
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<br />Staz22http://www.blogger.com/profile/09272747030430513906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235886560045868473.post-71456095101938815072016-08-19T17:48:00.000-05:002016-08-19T17:48:06.245-05:00No Longer Topless - This Baby's Got Roof!Yeah! The arena roof went on this week and so the arena space is now covered. A little breezy yet from the sides, but we're no longer topless.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raise the roof!</td></tr>
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The week began with the building crew framing out the overhangs. We wanted to make sure the rain fall would be off and away from the immediate building area, so we designed the building with overhangs on all sides, following the advice of the builder. The team blocked out the overhangs and also added soffits and wire caging to keep all nest-making critters out of the otherwise enticing nest-making spaces. (Which reminds me, I need to get some owl decoys. Lisa B has them in her barn and says they definitely keep the barn swallows out. So, I want them for the arena - to keep swooping from happening while I ride! LOL. Amazon, don't fail me now!)<br />
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Once the overhang blocking was done, the team worked a double-shift day to place the roofing. On Thursday, I left for work prior to 7am, and returned home about quarter to 7pm. The crew was working before I left and still working when I returned home that evening. Making for a 12-hour, roof-attacking day! But they got the whole thing done and even the ridge vent and bases for the cupolas were in. The roof is a weathered wood color - a brownish gray - to match our house and existing barn roofing. It also serves as an accent against the side walls, that are gray trimmed in cream. I'm glad we thought through the coloring detail so that the three buildings on the homestead match and work well together!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CPZ54jEHcxw/V7dkUtmCh3I/AAAAAAAABCo/4o111QTxRqEDl5w_wCIyM8DUxzo8sDxcACPcB/s1600/IMG_7980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CPZ54jEHcxw/V7dkUtmCh3I/AAAAAAAABCo/4o111QTxRqEDl5w_wCIyM8DUxzo8sDxcACPcB/s320/IMG_7980.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cupolas standing by. You can see how well the color<br />Matches the existing barn behind them. </td></tr>
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The cupolas were delivered to our building site this week as well. It was like Christmas. Scott and I went down to take a closer look and unwrapped them. They are great. I loved this detail when I saw it on other buildings, and I'm very glad we included them in our design. In addition, I went searching for horse weather vanes to top them off. I searched and searched - and believe it or not, I found a Tennessee Walking Horse weather vane! And it was a cool, pretty designed horse and I liked it! So, I bought one for each cupola. Like the crowning jewels on top of the arena. The weather vanes were packed with the cupolas. When we unwrapped them, we had a moment of panick when the weather vane boxes we opened up were pheasants and not the custom TWH editions I had purchased months earlier and had given to the builder. Noooooo! But, we eventually found them after a bit of digging through the crates. Whew!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R3xpBoedfcU/V7dkj3Qii3I/AAAAAAAABCs/O35WK9qnhgwxMeuhvFLRpI8FNgmLlly4gCPcB/s1600/IMG_7984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R3xpBoedfcU/V7dkj3Qii3I/AAAAAAAABCs/O35WK9qnhgwxMeuhvFLRpI8FNgmLlly4gCPcB/s320/IMG_7984.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Halo's, paddock-side view of the arena. </td></tr>
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So, we wrap up another building week with the roof in place. It even rained. So I ran out and stood in the arena to listen to the rain fall drumming on the tin roof. Why do I love that sound? It starts soft and then gains urgency as the rain falls harder....and then soft again as the rain subsides. Like waves crashing against the sand. Standing there, in the middle of my arena, I once again got choked up. My arena. My tin roof with the drumming of rain fall. Oh, Scott I'm so, so happy. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love how you indulge me and know me so well. I'm blessed.<br />
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<br />Staz22http://www.blogger.com/profile/09272747030430513906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235886560045868473.post-62284992611514789122016-08-13T18:04:00.000-05:002016-08-13T18:17:06.999-05:00What a difference a week makes!A weekend ago we were sitting waiting for the dig on Monday. Now, this weekend, I'm sitting looking at a fully framed building. It was a big week and it's totally amazing how much has happened in such a short time.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trench dug. Footing boxes set. </td></tr>
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Monday was the day of the 'Big Dig.' The excavator arrived at 730am with the large backhoe and a truck of stone. They started on one end and over the span of the day they excavated about 100' X 8' X 8' trench. Then the building team placed the stone and the frames for the footings. The width was extra wide so that the sandy soil could fall in but not cover the middle where the footings would be poured. It was evident that these guys were pros. The one crew member told me this was an easy day. They typically are digging huge ditches and doing commercial work.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRg-AGcXozPthbwFlRgrKiCClbc4gmeW2p1lo55O8vAYM3LKbbKvtYZDshIWR09RHKA6Z4lRlDal9GMbeq2pIheZBRyhyDFoMezzLDcLax7EFB2wZ-0YwUzuJ15G3hBMdMty4Pc0jxVvk/s1600/IMG_7957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRg-AGcXozPthbwFlRgrKiCClbc4gmeW2p1lo55O8vAYM3LKbbKvtYZDshIWR09RHKA6Z4lRlDal9GMbeq2pIheZBRyhyDFoMezzLDcLax7EFB2wZ-0YwUzuJ15G3hBMdMty4Pc0jxVvk/s200/IMG_7957.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three trusses in. </td></tr>
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The best news is that they hit solid soil and between the stone and footings, the posts will be extra sturdy and solid. I certainly will be able to sleep at night knowing that we won't have future issues.<br />
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Late in the afternoon a cement truck arrived and poured the footings. That completed Day 1. They left the trench open to allow the cement to cure for the posts that would be set on Tuesday. Later that night I climbed down into the trench and sat on my footings. Just to touch those babies. I knew I'd never see them again - but I wanted to always have that special moment.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aT4G57-tAVY/V6-ch0YaLWI/AAAAAAAABBc/phd88ObAKXE9tuk9dRXaOxqT4UOZWLp0gCPcB/s1600/IMG_7954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aT4G57-tAVY/V6-ch0YaLWI/AAAAAAAABBc/phd88ObAKXE9tuk9dRXaOxqT4UOZWLp0gCPcB/s200/IMG_7954.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My footing moment.</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">I had to go out of town for work - so the rest of the week's arena progress came to me in the way of photos. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">On my drive to Indianapolis the first photo arrived. The guys had the first three of 13 posts set on the footings and they were beginning to back fill the trench. By the time I arrived at the Indianapolis office, I had a photo showing all the posts set and the ground was pushed back in place. No more trench. Day 2 was complete and we were back in business. The builder had said it would take about two weeks for them to do our project. Of course, due to issues, it's taken much longer. But we are now back on track after our footing snafu. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Posts set and ground back filled. </td></tr>
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Day 3 was all about cross bracing and prep for the trusses that would happen on Day 4. The trusses arrived and were dropped off arena-side for the team. On Day 4 the real excitement began. By the time I had my morning coffee in Indy I received a photo from Rachel, who was taking care of my horses this week. She snapped a photo from the paddock as they hoisted the first truss and set it into place. Omg! I couldn't believe it. Soooooooo, exciting!!! ( Thanks Rachel!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_wYWIJyAZnEMG3NUWsOXg1-Q-PvRitPmDC02vNscduyUr13bl_cA284DhghB7TUGw9k53L9y6Nndq_zA6g2UMCwwp7URic6LUL8w1dR1DRMNctTLM0sIwBqvH5chspmeyY1cuZ8DrQ0/s1600/IMG_7941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_wYWIJyAZnEMG3NUWsOXg1-Q-PvRitPmDC02vNscduyUr13bl_cA284DhghB7TUGw9k53L9y6Nndq_zA6g2UMCwwp7URic6LUL8w1dR1DRMNctTLM0sIwBqvH5chspmeyY1cuZ8DrQ0/s200/IMG_7941.JPG" width="112" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Truss #1 goes in. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Later in the day another message and photo arrived from Scott showing more than half of the trusses were up. Wow! It was all happening pretty fast now. Then late in the day a photo showed all the trusses in place and the cross bracing started for the roof. I couldn't believe it. I called Scott to check in with him between the work day of meetings and before going out for dinner. He told me the entire truss roof was up and the next step was the actual roofing. That would happen next week. They want to allow the trusses to rest over the weekend just to ensure no movement or issues.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5VHCuI1yD2k/V6-PlRTh2FI/AAAAAAAAA_w/ELDUlbGgGXgmDzgt6kA44n2v7WHdZxxpACPcB/s1600/IMG_7956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5VHCuI1yD2k/V6-PlRTh2FI/AAAAAAAAA_w/ELDUlbGgGXgmDzgt6kA44n2v7WHdZxxpACPcB/s200/IMG_7956.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view coming up the drive. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zaM79V71KJs/V6-Px5CsRKI/AAAAAAAAA_w/LEjQnGMoLo8_26OBX3e6EdAwk_EoVor1ACPcB/s1600/IMG_7955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zaM79V71KJs/V6-Px5CsRKI/AAAAAAAAA_w/LEjQnGMoLo8_26OBX3e6EdAwk_EoVor1ACPcB/s200/IMG_7955.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trusses all in. Cross bracing on roof. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I drove home from Indy on Thursday. It was a long drive but I had the good company of my colleague, Lindsay, as well as texts from Shannon to make the time pass faster - with a few laughs as well.<br />
<br />
I couldn't wait to get home to see the arena in person. After more than a six-hour drive to Madison, and an additional hour home from there - I finally pulled into my driveway. It was dark so I knew I wouldn't see too much but my heart was pounding anyway. I drove slowly. From the entrance of my drive I couldn't see anything but trees. I slowed at the culvert and stopped. Once I go over the stream and through the tree line I would get my first glimps. I took a deep breath and pulled through the opening and around the corner - and my headlights hit the building. Oh my gosh!! I started to cry. There it was. It was really there. And, it's really, really big. I can't even see the main barn behind it now. But you can see the house to the left. I realized I was holding my breath and exhaled. I slowly drove up the drive and watched as more of the building appeared as I came closer and drove alongside it. I stopped and peered into the main doorway before turning to head up the driveway to the house. So cool. My dream sitting there, fully framed out.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcCDguIvuqnSVVJesBxvKcWyNhd7Tx_pYYfWBOLrRF1YVvA1zGuudHFZnWJTPCnHc-ztYPXj2-Cfqsv5levbYJpO0ddkJvvwBAtuUE5-TU2-UEvETMP8sk_vS8xK7CdttJ_EanKDm1MUI/s1600/IMG_7953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcCDguIvuqnSVVJesBxvKcWyNhd7Tx_pYYfWBOLrRF1YVvA1zGuudHFZnWJTPCnHc-ztYPXj2-Cfqsv5levbYJpO0ddkJvvwBAtuUE5-TU2-UEvETMP8sk_vS8xK7CdttJ_EanKDm1MUI/s400/IMG_7953.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panoramic view from the main door. Love. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I drove up to the house, parked, pulled my luggage out of the trunk and entered the house. I could hear Scott snoring. Darn, it's too late and I didn't have the heart to wake him. So, I snuck out to take a closer look at the arena, alone, in the moon light. Wow! I couldn't see much but I could see it was all up. I turned a few times as I walked back up to the house. And I looked out the window of my bedroom just before I jumped into bed. That night, I slept soundly in my own bed and dreamed of my rides. <br />
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All I could think was - what a difference a week makes! <br />
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Staz22http://www.blogger.com/profile/09272747030430513906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235886560045868473.post-48352738469013923422016-08-04T22:59:00.001-05:002016-08-04T22:59:14.867-05:00Ho. Ho. Hoe. No Back-Hoe twelve. Arena zero. That's the score this week. I guess it wasn't Christmas in July after all. We're now into August and the posts aren't even in yet.<br />
<br />
It's been more holes, more digging and more project holds, than progress. In fact after a very unsuccessful attempt at digging to put footings in last Friday, we've been at a complete stop on the work all week long. (Insert sad face here. Or if you're Scott , make it a very very crazy mad face with fire coming out the nostrils.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1DMSG5xN81ZvSprtxccpVv8_OLXYinrbqjcdgX_Gk-AsKLR_XLv1nL7p6nlCRoY8qe99yRkArYI_oqlpLCPheKzbj7ognGhM8GN00xIZmX8HSrW2E6-eFFodFsg2pB5KlZBlYXD7TdXQ/s1600/IMG_7756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1DMSG5xN81ZvSprtxccpVv8_OLXYinrbqjcdgX_Gk-AsKLR_XLv1nL7p6nlCRoY8qe99yRkArYI_oqlpLCPheKzbj7ognGhM8GN00xIZmX8HSrW2E6-eFFodFsg2pB5KlZBlYXD7TdXQ/s320/IMG_7756.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This project requires Two Women.<br />You can see some cross braces on side walls. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I'm not going to go into details here, but suffice to say a poor plan typically results in a poor result. Therefore, there has been a retread on the assessment and planning....and thankfully we're now engaged with pros who have experience and have done what we need to get done. Better still, we're scheduled to get it done next week Monday - bright and early. I'm saying prayers for this to go smoothly. Based on the dialogues with the excavation contractor, he seems to be very knowledgable and both Scott and I feel pretty confident he'll get it right.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, we'll spend another weekend looking at the piles of lumber and siding....or what Scott has come to not-so-endearingly refer to as "The Big Sandbox." He always says it in a not so flattering way.<br />
<br />
On a good note, there are enough poles up now that I can imagine the building standing there. When I drive down my driveway each morning I know I'll be looking right at that beautiful split door with the windows. I have also practiced the walk from my barn across the paddock and into what will soon be my main arena entrance with the over hang. I know I'm crazy, but I'm just so excited. I'm trying to be patient but enough is enough for this girl. I'm ready. If things had gone as originally scheduled the entire arena, including kick walls, would be up and finished by now. I'd be getting sand placed next week. But, instead of being built in two weeks, were still two weeks away from that point. I remain hopeful that I will be riding in it by September. Pleeeease!<br />
<br />
Until Monday, here's a little reminder from Cinderella.<br />
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<br />Staz22http://www.blogger.com/profile/09272747030430513906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235886560045868473.post-81662814645276779122016-07-28T17:34:00.000-05:002016-07-28T17:34:53.179-05:00P. R. O. G. R. E. S. S. I'm so excited. The building crew showed up Wednesday and re-started. Whoop! One by one they began to dig the holes for the posts. The engineer told them to move ahead as planned and flag any spots where they were concerned and we'd address those spots specifically. After some research the engineer uncovered that there was a erregation ditch 50 years ago that ran on the farm property, so that is probably why some holes are fine and others we see a bit of wet. Now we know and now we have the fix.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0SMYM2U0O2Q/V5o-4ZujzbI/AAAAAAAAA94/MDzwnvKZL7Qfbqp2uF6wN-wLXWEaLtgTwCKgB/s1600/IMG_7742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0SMYM2U0O2Q/V5o-4ZujzbI/AAAAAAAAA94/MDzwnvKZL7Qfbqp2uF6wN-wLXWEaLtgTwCKgB/s320/IMG_7742.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The front wall of posts are in. This is the<br />
view from my barn. A ride only 60' away. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It continues to be a roller coaster ride for each hole. Is it good? Yep dry. Pack and post it. Again and again. Like a nail biter of a movie. But at least I'm home on vacation to watch. :). In the morning they were able to get the entire front side posted. All just fine. After lunch they got the south end in. At this point I can see where the big sliding doors will be and can visualize the peak on the end. Exciting! Late in the afternoon they hit the first hole that showed a bit of wet. Not bad, but we flagged it. Better safe than sorry. They then moved around on that length of wall and made a few more holes. We all determined we'd hold on that wall. Finally on to the north wall. Will it be fine? Yep...and that peak is set and up. The engineer will come back to make the final directive. We'll probably need to dig deeper and either put in footings or stone. But at least it is only one wall.<br />
<br />
By the end of Wednesday they had all the posts up for three of the walls and on Thursday they were back and begin to tie all the walls together. I'm glad as I kept having nightmares all night that those posts would fall over into my paddock. I'll sleep better knowing those posts are connected and reinforced now.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5JOsBCRkDCY/V5o_HXlIn9I/AAAAAAAAA98/1VgVn8maIl4FIbsaCcDNc9cH70CqrmsBgCKgB/s1600/IMG_7745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5JOsBCRkDCY/V5o_HXlIn9I/AAAAAAAAA98/1VgVn8maIl4FIbsaCcDNc9cH70CqrmsBgCKgB/s320/IMG_7745.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My view from the porch over coffee. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It's fun to watch the building materialize right in front of you. I'm drinking my morning coffee, the clouds are fluffy and the temperature broke so it's really comfortable. I think I just may sit here on the front porch and watch my dream appear. Little by little. Board by board. The crew consists of three guys. Two of them definitely are seasoned. The third guy is still learning. I can tell the two are doing the work of the three. Lol. And those two aren't too pleased about it. They have the music going. Must be classic rock. The Stones, The Family Sledge, lots from the 80s. They have set the grade boards and are now setting the wall boards every four feet in preparation of where the siding will be attached.<br />
<br />
The horses could care less. They hardly pay attention, despite the ongoing sounds of hole diggers grinding, skidsters moving piles of wood, hammers hammering, and circular saws sawing. They eat their morning hay and glance up to munch and watch. Or just go on about their loafing business as usual. The dogs are much more alert and attentive. Both sitting monitoring every move. A little muffled bark now and then just to remind everyone that they are on the case. The kittens are inside right now. They mewed yesterday to be let in as soon as the digger started up. Not fans of the noise. A little finch has made a nest in a hanging bird house in the crabapple tree between me and the arena. She comes and goes. Maybe her baby has hatched and she's feeding it. Ahhhh....this is perfect. I can't believe it.<br />
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<br />Staz22http://www.blogger.com/profile/09272747030430513906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235886560045868473.post-92088887413619304712016-07-24T08:52:00.002-05:002016-07-24T08:52:10.916-05:00A few HOLES in our planFriday is finally here. Both Scott and I wake exhausted. Not a very restful night's sleep last night. Tossing and turning, not knowing what today will bring. And it thunder stormed all evening and over night which we're confident won't help matters. It's been dry as a bone for two weeks and the day before the big dig it rains like cats and dogs. Really? Grandma is that you up there who thinks this is funny? Lol.<br />
<br />
I toss off the covers and swing my feet onto the floor and pitter patter downstairs to get the espresso machine going.....trailed by two scampering kittens. Mmmmm, that tastes good. And I sigh. I make an iced coffee for Scott and bring it to him on the porch. He's up and watering the hanging flower containers and I can see the circles under his eyes as I hand him his coffee. No words needed. A few minutes later we glance up to the sound of a vehicle coming down the driveway. It's Larry with his backhoe. Scott puts down the watering can and walks down to greet him. The engineer and builder aren't far behind.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qx2BQ-GhMIk/V5K3KHI7bGI/AAAAAAAAA8k/KG4k5fqCM4wG8xTZY7icUoQ-4UveNiVLgCKgB/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qx2BQ-GhMIk/V5K3KHI7bGI/AAAAAAAAA8k/KG4k5fqCM4wG8xTZY7icUoQ-4UveNiVLgCKgB/s320/image.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let the digging begin. Scott hands on hips. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I sit on the porch drinking my coffee and watch as the day's events are about to unfold. Larry is getting the back hoe into position. Scott is loaded for bear and I can tell he's already having words with the builder. I'm thinking maybe I should get down there and break the tension. Let's just get the hole dug and see what we see before we all jump to the worst conclusion. <br />
<br />
The digging begins. Scoop, scoop, chug, scoop. Slowly but surely a hole appears. The soil is, well, soil. Sandy, surprisingly dry. We keep going. Measure...only 6', keep going waves the engineer. Seven feet, eight feet. We hit a hard clay. Bingo. That's good. Lots of looking, more digging, more measuring, more feeling soil as it comes up. Some head scratching. All dry. Even with all that rain. It's dry. Can I breath yet? Nope. Let's make another huge hole. Over here this time, near where that wet hole was last time. Argghhhh. So we all move over to watch it all happen again. My heart is thumping. Will this one be bad? Scoop, scoop, scoop. Dry. Dry. Sand. Clay. As we get down it gets a little wet, but hard. It seems we have good news. Some dialogue transpires that I can hardly hear through the thumping of my heart - but I decipher in the conversation that maybe we had hit an old farmer's drain tile last week. But, things look good in these two gapping holes today. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6jOfKMGqdHtvzb4iokDlv1apMHYu0T_CUW2tPKumTgoyOx-wAwsLXgEtCg-69NFjwLHkHWGJKCq9ePgoUpzXLrPusIRlamJnRspunHdOULJvC7VcfWtrX0wHgOMqsXgrX-tX4i_3luHA/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6jOfKMGqdHtvzb4iokDlv1apMHYu0T_CUW2tPKumTgoyOx-wAwsLXgEtCg-69NFjwLHkHWGJKCq9ePgoUpzXLrPusIRlamJnRspunHdOULJvC7VcfWtrX0wHgOMqsXgrX-tX4i_3luHA/s320/image.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you Larry for your help!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Can I breath yet?<br />
<br />
Pictures are taken, the engineer and builder recheck the weight loads, plotting and planning happens and in the end everyone sighs a bit of relief. We may have to be prepared for special handling should we hit wet holes in a few cases here, but we can move ahead. I think it's the first color I've seen in Scott's face in weeks. And could it be? Yes, I believe, even a glimmer of a smile.<br />
<br />
So when can we start again? Monday? Ummm....well the crew is on another job now. He'll check and let us know next week when they can come back. Arghhh. And double arghhh. I was supposed to be in Tennessee at the International this upcoming week but cancelled my plans due to our project delays. I had hoped I'd at least be able to spend my vacation watching my new arena being built. But, that doesn't look promising. Darn. Well, at least our project seems to be back on track. So, I'm going to take that positive news and be thankful.<br />
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<br />Staz22http://www.blogger.com/profile/09272747030430513906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235886560045868473.post-22969839723388249452016-07-24T07:12:00.002-05:002016-07-26T07:34:46.924-05:00I'm Waaaaaaittting!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fkcp-lqRePQ/V5SsCIpU_PI/AAAAAAAAA9c/T2-dI9NxHC4bdq6VcWWpUsnwYhqLpkRfQCKgB/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fkcp-lqRePQ/V5SsCIpU_PI/AAAAAAAAA9c/T2-dI9NxHC4bdq6VcWWpUsnwYhqLpkRfQCKgB/s320/image.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's five o'clock somewhere. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AJOCqSWXzWs/V5SsC0TMHEI/AAAAAAAAA9c/YHUVKxLvDowWHqaqBUcjiwsnZSob50oIACKgB/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AJOCqSWXzWs/V5SsC0TMHEI/AAAAAAAAA9c/YHUVKxLvDowWHqaqBUcjiwsnZSob50oIACKgB/s320/image.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hmm, wonder when this arena thing is going to get<br />
started? I'm ready for the show. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Well, not much to report yet on the arena. Not anything progress-wise. However, much frustration-wise. Okay I'll take that back, we have a dumpster now.<br />
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Just days after the materials were delivered the crew arrived with the post digger. I had to go to work so I passed them on my way down the driveway I was so excited. Finally this little party was going to get started. My excitement was hard to contain - I imagined what would happen today and how far they would get as I drove west to Madison. When I got to work Scott began to send me photos. Post number one. Photo. Post number two. Photo. Post three and four. Photo. The corner posts were in. I went into a team meeting. Buzz. Photo. Another post in. And at lunch I texted, "more photos please!" But no reply. Maybe the guys had taken a break for lunch. A little while later Scott called. The building inspector was there, looking in one of the holes. Scott watched from his office window as the contractor folded his arms and the building inspector continued to look in the hole. Even from the second story window, that was a few hundred feet away, he could tell it was bad body language. Something's wrong.<br />
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And ten days later here we sit. The question is regarding the sandy soil that got wet at a deeper point when they dug the hole. The concern - will the soils shift or fail to bear the load of the facility appropriately? This could potentially cause settling that could lead to rippling in the siding or sliding doors to be uneven or stick, etc. Urghhhh. After all the changes of where to site the building ....and the soil at this location that the county selected is the issue!? The good news - there are solutions. The bad news - let's bring in an engineer to tell us what the right solution should be. Cha-Ching. Footings bigger? Posts deeper? Reading between the lines....it's only time and money. Urghhhhh.<br />
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And ten days later here we sit. Now they want to dig more holes to decide what to do. What? We did that last week. Yeah, but we want to go deeper this time. Maybe three feet deeper than last time and see, assess, calculate. Cha-Ching. But Scott has a lot of connections. He was able to get a back hoe lined up to do the required. The guy who plants our fields hooked us up.<br />
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So now we wait for Friday. A new hole. And the engineer's recommendation. And the building inspectors agreement. Stressed-out is an understatement for how we feel right now. While we want it done right and not have issues in the future, we also are very ready to get on with it. It was supposed to be a straightforward project. Four sides, a roof, some doors, some windows and sand. It's turned into much much more. Six months of planning, moving sites, waiting for permits....and now this.<br />
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So now we wait for Friday. And I once again think ....I won't believe I'm getting this arena until I'm sitting on a horse riding in it for the first time. And I pray my dream of getting this Christmas present can still come true. Scott just keeps saying I'm gonna get this...he's going to make it happen. At this point I just love this man who is working so so so hard to make my dream come true. No matter what Friday brings, I know he'll move mountains (or in this case, make holes) to get this done!Staz22http://www.blogger.com/profile/09272747030430513906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235886560045868473.post-47064525576706324622016-07-03T10:01:00.003-05:002016-07-03T10:46:45.276-05:00Never dreamed it would happen2016 began a new chapter and a new plateau for my horse craziness. Scott surprised me with a special gift for Christmas. It wasn't a 'wrapped in a bow under the tree' kind of present - it was a card with a note (actually a poem) that stated a new indoor riding arena would be forthcoming and built this spring for me. I couldn't believe it. Whatever I wanted. Omg! A dream come true! My mind swirled with the possibilities. My arms squeezed around this man. The thought that I would have my own place to ride, no matter the weather or time of day or night made me dance for joy. I literally welled with tears of excitement and more love for my hubby (if that's possible) who knows my heart so well and does all he can do to make my dreams come true. I'm a very very lucky girl. Period.<br />
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So the planning began. First a tour through the who's who of riding arena builders in the area, then the thinking and assessing, or more specifically, obsessing over the design. A window here, no here...a big door here, yeah with a big window on top. Dimensions and wall height. What? How much? Okay maybe not. But can we do this? Or that? Porch, overhangs, cupolas, inside kick walls, roof pitches, lighting, venting...the list of things to consider are endless. I separated the items into lists of the must haves and nice to haves. I spent hours on websites playing with 3D design apps, which were pretty cool to help visualize, even colorize, the design. I surfed the web for door options and just the right weather vane (a TN Walking Horse, of course - and found one!) I read blogs of others who had built arenas and offered tips and hints. I called friends about sand, read two great university white papers on sand technology and dreamed about sand and sand supplements for weeks. I visited a few arenas and tried my best to think which features were most important to me and what I needed to accomplish with walking horses. And I sweated the details on how it would look on the property - I wanted to ensure it blended and complimented the existing house and barn. It had to. It all had to be perfect. And Scott - he just shook his head and tried to keep everything moving forward and within some resemblance of a budget.<br />
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We picked the builder, designed the plan, signed the paperwork and we're ready to go by early March. Then it happened. "The permit incident." And, for the next four months we moved the site twice, and redesigned the building again and again to fit the new site location. Our property has water setbacks and environmental conservancy restrictions....so we had some alterations to make to satisfy and comply with the county for land use. In April I was hopeful, in May I started to doubt, as June began I just knew the dream was coming to an end. As we considered the last option we got a call from the builder that they gave the nod and we'd be getting the permits! Whew. (Insert little dance here!). Through the whole emotional roller coaster ride, I decided that I wouldn't believe I'd actually get an arena until I was sitting on a horse and riding in it for the first time. In the end, I truly believe God works in mysterious ways. I also think someone had his hand in this from above to ensure this was actually placed in the right spot on our property. Scott and I agree that this final spot is actually the best of all the others sites we had considered.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas in July! The materials are delivered. </td></tr>
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Today, I am sitting on my porch staring at the building pad and the piles of building materials on the site where my new arena will soon be built. The builder is set to begin right after the July 4th holiday weekend and I'm told it will be standing within a few weeks. My hubby said I'd better get back on that little sand project and make my final decision on that now too. So sand dreams are sure to be back with me again for the next few weeks. I still cannot believe this is happening and I keep pinching myself. But I confess I keep playing the rides again and again in my mind.Staz22http://www.blogger.com/profile/09272747030430513906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235886560045868473.post-22277355402184418042015-08-05T21:34:00.002-05:002015-08-05T21:43:34.485-05:00The 2015 International Wrap-up<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Diva from our photo shoot this week.<br />Thanks to Jennifer Barr for <br />capturing this moment.</td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">So, its a wrap on another year, the fifth time I’ve ventured into middle Tennessee to compete at the WHOA Colt and Pleasure Walking Horse International. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">And, the fifth year of my blogging, with over 50 blog stories posted, hundreds of followers and thousands of views.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I promised at the beginning to take you with me and relay the stories, good or bad - success or defeat.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">That has been hard at times, especially in the defeat, when I’d just prefer to quench my sorrows in a nice big margarita.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">But, that’s a different story.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Most of all I’ve enjoyed hearing from all of you through it all - cheers, congrats, concerns and more.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">So, thanks to all of you for being with me through it all.... so far.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">And I hope you stay with me as my journey continues.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">As I exited the ring on Diva from my very last class of the 2015 International with my yellow 3rd place championship ribbon, it was a little bitter sweet. I was exhausted, but I was sad that it was over. I scooted off of Diva and gave her a pat - I was fairly sure, she was happy it was over. She was tired too, and it was a long, hard week for her - 15 hours in the trailer, stitches in her tongue, and a good girth rub to show for it all. Poor girl. Although, she’s a trouper, and her tail swung back and forth as we walked back to the stalls.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">It’s been a great week - and I am very proud my horses have received a ribbon in every class. The final tally for my show string - a first, 2 reserves, five 3rds, a 4th and a 6th. What’s even better is that Halo is doing well, I have a great photo shoot of B and D, and I had a great timing seeing Carlan and the girls, Tami, Jane, Hannah...and the entire HP team. I’ve also met a few new people - many on the same type of journey as me - learning, competing and trying to improve their riding acumen. And, I’ve certainly learned a few new things about my horses, my riding and about myself. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wisconsin competitors, <br />Eileen and Bruce hang by the stalls.</td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: center;">Once Diva and I reached the stalls, it was pack-up time. Carlan, Emily and Katie helped me organize, pack up what we could and get things that were not needed put in the truck or trailer. I’ll leave before 6am tomorrow - so I only want to be wrapping legs and grabbing water buckets and fans in the morning. In no time, we were done, and headed off to have dinner. Mexican. Again. Of course. After dinner (and the most fab guacamole), there were many hugs and good-byes. I headed back to Miller on my way back to the hotel to check water and tuck in B and D for the night. Once at the hotel, I spent some time packing my bags and after a quick shower I jumped into bed for a fast sleep.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diva resting in her stall.</td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Bzzzz. Bzzzz. Bzzzz. 4am came quickly. By 5am I was leaving the hotel and heading back to Miller. By 6am the trailer was hooked up, fans and buckets packed, legs wrapped, and horses loaded. I walked the perimeter of the trailer and truck to double check tires, and jumped in and started the truck. I rode down the white fence-lined Miller driveway, and glanced back once before I pulled out and turned right to head to the freeway and back to Wisconsin. Ten hours later, I turned left into my driveway and drove along the corn field to my home. It always feels good to be home. Fashion was waiting in the paddock, and greeted Diva and Bourbon as I pulled them off the trailer. Scott drove down to the barn on the four-wheeler with a smile on his face. He greeted me with a hug - and it felt good. We spent the evening recounting my rides and I needed to describe every detail of Halo’s win. I showed him the winner circle photo and medallion, and a smile spread across his face and he looked at me - we smiled at each other. All I could think was that I was a lucky girl to have him support me in this dream. Thanks babe. I love you.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Next stop will hopefully be the Celebration. I’ll stay in touch with Hannah over the next few weeks to see if Halo continues to do well. Fingers crossed. </span></div>
Staz22http://www.blogger.com/profile/09272747030430513906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235886560045868473.post-14645447538335160222015-08-04T21:30:00.002-05:002015-08-04T21:53:48.593-05:00Unanimous Win for Halo<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Maybe its best to have no expectations.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Then you can’t be disappointed.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">When it came to Halo, I was simply excited to see him this week, and get a few rides in on him.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">We had no plans to show.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">It’s been a very busy week for Hannah, as she has 22 horses at the show - but I’ve been hoping to ride Halo once she’s done working the horses that will be shown each day.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">On Thursday, Hannah set a noon sharp appointment for Halo and me -</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">no matter what - we’re to ride at high noon.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Yippee!!!!</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I can’t wait.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bourbon gets a slurpee at center<br />
ring during warm-up time.</td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">That morning, I quickly got to work riding Bourbon as soon as we could get into the ring. This way he’d be worked, bathed, and his tack all set for tonight, before I went to ride Halo. That way I could focus and enjoy it - instead of stress about getting through it and onto getting ready for the evening competition sessions. I got B into the ring and rode. And then quickly ran down to the wash stand to give him a good show bath. I kept checking my iPhone for the time...and I figured I’d be right to the minute for getting back to ride Halo at noon. At 11:52 Hannah texted me - “you comin?”....arrghhh, I’ve got to squeegee off B and get him back to his stall. I hung up the sprayer, squirted Show Sheen all over B, and ran a wet wash cloth over his ears and nose. There, that should be good. I tied up his tail, and unknotted the lead rope. We walked back to his stall and I hung up his halter and lead and headed back to the coliseum. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Hannah was already sitting on Halo, and ready to go. I looked down at my phone - it was 11:59, and then it clicked 12:00. Whew. Perfect. I watched as Hannah rode. Halo looked good. He was reaching and striding and best of all, he was shaking with his stride. In fact, he looked very relaxed - comfortable and happy. It made me so happy to see him his way and I got this overwhelming sense of relief, like weight lifting off my shoulders. Like windows opening and fresh air coming in. I watched as he floated around the ring. And my heart floated too. He has such a pretty way of going - its light and smooth. So different than B, who’s big and freight-train like. Which is great for me - as I get to learn another different ride and keep learning more.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Packers Gone Wild<br />
Outfit for B.</td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Next it was my turn. I climbed up into the saddle as Hannah lowered the stirrups. Then I moved him off. It took me a few minutes to get a feel for him, but all of a sudden I felt it. I glanced up and over to Hannah for confirmation and she said there, there, you got it. She coached me a bit, and I could feel when I fell in and out of his gait. Soon, I was more “in” then “out” - and could make a decent pass. Funnnnnnn! He’s really fun to ride - he feels completely different than he looks. And, very different than B or D. So I tried to memorize this feel and recreate the good moments. But, before I felt like I had even gotten started, my ride was over. When I pulled into the center near Hannah, we talked for awhile, and she asked if she could show him tonight. What? Really?! She had wanted to surprise me - but she really felt it would be good to get him out in the ring, and that he was doing well. Of course, I said YES! </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">The rest of the afternoon was busy getting all my show prep accomplished. Which outfit to wear, changing bits, wiping saddles, changing conchos. My class with B was the 4th or 5th of the night - and Halo would be ridden much later. I pulled on my new yellow and green western shirt - my Packer’s gone wild look, like a good Wisconsin girl should wear! Bourbon wore a matching golden saddle pad. Once the DQP was open, I pulled out B and got my way through and onto the warmup to saddle up and get ready. I was warming up B and walking around when they called my class up next. As I was resting near the entrance, Tami walked over and asked me if I was going to put on my western hat or go in the ring in my baseball cap. I reached up, and sure enough, I had my baseball cap still on. We laughed, and I scurried over to my tack cart. But, I didn’t even have my hat box there - darn it was in the trailer. Margo Urad ran out the door and in a minute was back and I was putting on my hat. The prior class was just coming out, and so I was just fine. Always a new way to find stress at the show. LOL. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">B moved toward the ring and we picked up our gait and rode into the ring for our class. He felt good and I could feel him roll in the front. And, his ears snapped forward as we approached the rail and the straight away in front of the first judge. I sat back and enjoyed the ride. It was fun to hear a few cheers from the stands from some of he folks from Wisconsin, and I smiled at them as I came through the curve where they were sitting. It was a fun class, we were in a fun crazy outfit, and B seemed like he was enjoying it too. We lined up and backed well when the judge walked down the line. The wait for the results is always the longest - but when they called the cards, number 434 was called for the reserve! A second reserve for B at the show - so proud of him. As I exited I pat B’s neck and let him know I was proud of him. Wow! What a great show for B so far....2 reserves! I broke down his tack, rolled the cart back to our stall area and put B back in his stall - he was then happy too! </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Halo in the Winners Circle after Hannah's ride<br />
- joined by the gang from HP Stables. So exciting!</td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The next few hours rolled by extremely slowly. I watched classes, and exhaustion started to set in. I wish I had a nice place to lie down and take a nap...but I didn’t want to go back to the hotel - since Halo was riding tonight too! So, I carried on - and the sweet tea helped! I walked out to see how Halo was doing, and watch him get warmed up and ready to go for his class. When his class came, a whole entourage from Hannah’s barn joined me to watch the class from the rail. As the class unfolded, you could see Hannah was working to maintain Halo in his gait for such a long class. But he looked awesome as he passed in front of us, or as you watched him pass through the curve on the far end. I was getting excited, he looked really good. And, everyone was commenting how great he looked, and looking at me to see what I was thinking. My heart was beating - maybe so loud everyone heard it. LOL. And as the class went on, I started to think he could place really really well - could he even win this class? I pushed the thought out of my mind - no expectations, remember. But certainly, he made a great showing...and that alone pleased me. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The prize is a winners photo and frame<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I held my breath as they lined up and the cards were turned in. Then they called Number 133 for the win - Hannah Pulvers and Joooooseee’sss Haaaaaaloooo! (I love how Tommy Hall makes the horses names sound so exciting!) Hannah pulled out of the lineup and was taking her pass over to the winners circle with Halo. There was screaming and yelling and cheering - and most of it coming from me. The entire HP gang were all cheering and looking at me and yelling for me to run out there and greet Hannah in the winners circle. My feet couldn’t run fast enough. As I headed out, I caught up to Jason who was already on his way to help Hannah - and as I passed him, I said this one was mine, and he started laughing at me. I met Hannah and Halo as they arrived, and Hannah had a tear in her eye. Yes, it was a tear jerker of a win! And all the work, and hope and belief all met us at this particular moment. Yippee! I reached up to give Hannah a hug and kiss, and then I got a high-five from Marty Barr, the photographer, who smiled at me, cuz he knew this one was a long time in the process. I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face, and my little feet were doing a little dance in my flip-flops. And they danced right back and into the winners circle for the team photo. Everyone was giving me hugs, and congratulations. It felt good - so many people have been so supportive of Halo and me. And none more than Hannah. Believe. And here we are - I can’t believe it. I watched as they walked Halo back to the DQP and then back to his stall. I smiled as I watched his skinny little butt and tail swooshing along. What a pretty boy! Another proud moment of the night. Both my boys with great ribbons tonight! </span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">All I could think of next was calling Scott - but no answer. I dialed again - no answer/it buzzed busy. I texted him “Halo Unanimous Win!” Finally I called and I got him - he thought I was kidding. Nope, I wasn’t...and we talked and laughed. Hannah walked by, and I handed the phone to her too. It was a great moment. And, my flip flops were still dancing, all the way back to my hotel, into shower and eventually right into bed that night. Sweet Halo dreams tonight! </span></div>
Staz22http://www.blogger.com/profile/09272747030430513906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5235886560045868473.post-7112313300248623142015-07-31T08:46:00.000-05:002015-07-31T08:53:20.587-05:00The Good. The Bad. And, The Awesome!<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emily and B are ready<br />for the Youth Trail class</td></tr>
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<i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">So, as usual, I start out with best of intentions to blog each day...and then the show happens.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I’ve been up at dawn and not back to my hotel until way past midnight - so the blogging has been minimal.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">For most of you, I apologize for leaving you hanging regarding Diva.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I’ll start there, with an update, in this posting. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span></i><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Diva is a tough cookie! I’m very proud of her. Only a day after her 5 stitches, I decided to try the bit on her to see if she’d even accept it. And she did. The stitches were over an inch down from where her bit rested - and she took the bit right away. I had wrapped it up with a latex bit wrap, so it was soft and squishy. She tested it a little and then let it be. Next, I lunged her. I thought I’d start slow, and see if she’d react in any way. She lunged fine. So, I put a saddle on her, and walked/rode her around a bit. My finger tips just lightly holding the reins. She walked just fine, bit in mouth. In fact, she turned towards the ring, which was filled with riders practicing between the morning and evening competition sessions, and went right in. Once she hit the ring, she went right to work. I was totally amazed - she wanted to go out there and do what she came to do. And so we rode a practice ride. She didn’t miss a beat - and my only indication that anything was not completely normal - was that she was a little more soft in her mouth than normal when I squeezed on the reins. But, honestly, it was slight. I couldn’t believe the luck. I rode her for only a short warm up and then put her back in her stall. My plan was to try her the next day again and see if this was a fluke or if there was possibility that we’d be able to show after all. I won’t hold you in suspense - we showed! (Whoop!!!) And she was a solid ride every time - consistent and shaking. She took a 6th of 15 in the western class, a 3rd in her English class of about 9 (I think) and a 4th of 14 or 15 in another western class. What a rock star! What an awesome mare! My baby girl! :)</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary from Wisconsin<br />sang the National Anthem.</td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Bourbon has been in two classes so far. His first was a youth class with Emily Cotten for a 3rd place ribbon on Tuesday night. I didn’t ride him until Thursday, and that big boy pulled out a reserve ribbon in a large class of about 12 or 13 nice horses. He came in second behind a renown World Grand Champion horse, Suiza, and in a class of great contenders! I was tickled pink on his ride!!!! And, he pulled out a great ribbon as well. To celebrate, we jumped in the winners circle and took a photo - and I was joined by Annette & Mike Weber and Mary who were here from Wisconsin, the beautiful trio of Carlan, Emily and Katie Cotten, and my dear friend Tami Steinbrecher. We all went out to the trailer and tipped a few Wisconsin beers in celebration afterwards.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Next an update on Halo. He’s on the grounds. Hannah brought him so I could see him, plus to keep him on his training schedule. Ironically, his stall is back to back to Bourbon’s and the two of them keep glancing over the stall walls to meet each other and make friends this week. I think Bourbon looks over the stall wall when he hears me in Halo’s stall - and visa versa. On Wednesday, I trailered Halo over to the vet’s to have a follow up visit. Some X-rays, hoof tests, and walking maneuvers - and the assessment is VERY VERY GOOD NEWS! Couple this news with the experience Hannah has been having from the saddle and everything points to great and awesome news. Now, its all up to the training and our Mr Halo getting the light to come on for his timing. Huge sign of relief...we’re on our way now.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprise bridal shower for<br />Hannah and Jason.</td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">There is a big crew from Wisconsin here this year. Many ribbons have been collected - and the youth are getting a huge experience watching and riding at the show. I’ve had so much fun hearing their stories of their rides, and seeing a few of them show. there have been cheers and tears - but everyone is learning and having fun riding in that huge ring. I’ve had to convince Owen to go into a class no matter how many horses go in. And he had a great ride yesterday - securing a reserve/2nd place ribbon ride himself!!! I think he’s more hooked now then ever! The youth are also meeting a few folks - like Connie Waldo, Hannah and Emily - who either have done or will do a Zoom session. They like meeting them in person, and have picked up even more tips and hints on showing and riding while here. They have also shopped at Bedford and seen Nashville.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">For me, the days have been filled with show prep, show baths, and lots of practicing and socializing. It’s been exhausting but fun and the weather has been hot (over 100 degrees F a few days!). One evening the Hannah Pulvers crew threw a surprise bridal shower for Hannah - who has plans to get married this Fall. It was crazy and fun time. I also had a photo shoot with Diva and Bourbon with Jennifer Barr, who did the shoot of Halo. I can’t wait to see the results. Hopefully will see the proofs today.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating Bourbon's Reserve<br />ribbon ride.</td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Unfortunately, I continued a string of bad luck with the trailer tires! In fact a second tire was found flat one morning, and I had to change that one. That provoked Scott to go have me change ALL the tires - just in case. Seems when one tire goes, they all soon follow. So, now I have 5 brand new tires - 4 on the trailer and one spare. I also had to have the truck jumped one night at about midnight. We think it was bad diesel or some air in the line - but via FaceTime Scott was able to walk me and Tami through the processes and we got the truck started successfully. Somehow I have acquired about a million bruises from packing, swinging saddles, and changing tires. War bruises, I guess. I hope that the “bad” is over - and only good stuff like good rides, good health, and fun times lie ahead the rest of this week.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I have a few more classes, and potentially will go into a Championship class, before heading home on Sunday. I slept in a bit today, and then had time to write this blog. But, now I think its time to head over to Miller and get back to it.</span></div>
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Staz22http://www.blogger.com/profile/09272747030430513906noreply@blogger.com0