LOCK ME PLEASE C:

[eventing.]

@ tiny- Thanks

Here are some videos! its not me though.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kglRy5fyDjQ Thats jumping
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5s8xtNA ... ure=relmfu and this is ground work

[classi]

Woop de doop! Wonderful day at camp, it was so much fun. And I got to see Riley, although I got reprimanded by some girl a little older than me for petting him. I'll just have to sneakily pet him now. Normally I don't break rules like that... but I don't know how I'd be able to live without petting my baby!
My ride was really great, and I washed Winnie so now she's sparkling! xD

[Dolphinlover~]

@Happy The Cat: Wow, Rosie is gorgeous! Is she yours? She is a wonderful jumper, I enjoyed watching the videos of her so much (:

@rain: That's great that camp went so well. That's weird that you aren't allowed to pet Riley...huh. Being sneaky sounds good though xD

_______________

I had a fantastic hack on Mully today <3 My horse is just so adorable, when I call his name he comes over to greet me at this stall door. What a love bug ;D It was overcast again today, but it was soo nice and cool outside! I took some pictures of Mulligan today, but it looks really dark since the sun wasn't out and is was really cloudy and because my camera isn't great lol xD I will upload those and the ones from yesterday soon.

Anyways, once I finished grooming and tacking and went outside it was misting /: Well the other trainer and another girl were still riding in the front outdoor so I decided I would too, since it wasn't that bad and actually felt good. Warming up at the trot went well. Mulligan wasn't stiff at all and he was being a very good boy. Then I dropped my stirrups and continued my posting trot, then I went down to sitting trot without stirrups and did a TON of sitting trot without stirrups. I went around the huge ring 3+ times and did a bunch of circles. After that I took my stirrups back and cantered. Wow our transitions were perfect today! Mulligan stepped right into the canter from a walk :3 Lately (since I got back from vacation), I would have to give Mulligan a tap with my crop before we canter because he wouldn't step right into it and we could get a bunch of trot steps so I would have to bring him back to the walk, so this was wonderful!! With Mulligan if you don't ask him to canter exactly right then he won't step right into it. Yeah, so this was really good and it felt great. I cantered to the right and left and avoided the lead swap when tracking right by circling him and then we did a flying lead change which was awesome too.

After all of that I went into the mini dressage ring for a bit. I did more posting and sitting trot, circling, cutting across the ring, ect. Then after all that fun I wanted to canter again but this time without stirrups. It started raining harder and since we were cantering to the left the rain was blowing towards us and Mully really didn't like that so he wanted to canter really fast. I just half halted him and calmed him down and then we had a really nice canter! We only cantered once around though since he clearly didn't like the harder rain very much lol xD After that I hopped off. Since it was cool and misting Mully nor I were hot and sweating perfusly like we usually are after such hard work xD I just brushed him off and gave him some treats. I like how after I finished my hack the sun came out and it stopped raining. Oh well, I still got a good hour of hacking in so it's okay and the mist rain felt nice. Great hack today, and I am very pleased with my man <3 I am hacking him again on Wednesday and then will hopefully have a lesson on Sunday before I leave for the beach for 5 days >.<

[Bluebird22]

Happy- she's beautiful!!

Hime- glad it was an okay-ish barn day.

I want to ride so badly!!!! Two weeks from tomorrow I will be riding. I. Can't. Wait. I'm hoping I will have the same instructor from my lessons in the spring. (we'll call her A) A is the kind of person who doesn't beat around the bush. If you not doing something, you get told what it is and either to fix it righ then, or the next time around. (I'm in group lessons) So when you get a complement you know you earned it and it makes you feel really good.

I have some show clothes questions. First one is, what helmet brand do you all have? And how does it hold up? I have to get my own helmet for the shows, and so far I have only been using the barn's helmets (they supply them for you) and the other questions is, what is a good price for a show coat. I'm thinking of going with TuffRider because they don't cost at much as the R.J. Classics, but I'm wondering if I should spend the extra mony for the R.J. If it will hold up better. Thanks to anyone who reads this ;)

[Dolphinlover~]

@Bluebird: Aww I am so sorry you can't ride for a few weeks ;-; I totally understand your situation though, I was on vacation for two and couldn't ride for two weeks and it was so hard. I would suggest googling some exercises for riding so you can be semi-fit and ready to get back into the saddle, because you will lose muscle when you're not riding for two weeks, there is just no way around it, which sucks I know >.< Anyways, A sounds like a really good instructor even though she's tough on you, and she actually sounds exactly like my trainer. Even if the smallest thing is wrong she will not hesitate to let you know and make sure you fix it, and when she compliments me it makes me feel so good since I know I had to work really hard to get that "Good job", "Fantastic!", or even the occasional, "Perfect!!" When someone that is really tough compliments you it makes you feel amazing doesn't it?

My show helmet is an IRH helmet and I really like it. It has held up well, and I have shown in rain, high winds, rainstorms, ect. It is an older IRH model since it is the plain black velvet helmet. I prefer Charles Owen helmets though, they look amazing and tons of people have them. When I outgrow my helmet I definitley want a Charles Owen. If you want a CO helmet I would suggest the JR8 helmet because it looks exactly like the GR8 but it is waay cheaper (: For a show coat, I am not sure what is considered a 'good price' since my show coat was hand-me-down from my best friend who is a year older than me. I would say anywhere in the $100-$180 range should be a fair price. I think if you are paying anymore it is just too expensive and a waste, at that point you are probably also paying for brand name show coats. Hope this helped :3

[eventing.]

Happy- she's beautiful!!

Hime- glad it was an okay-ish barn day.

I want to ride so badly!!!! Two weeks from tomorrow I will be riding. I. Can't. Wait. I'm hoping I will have the same instructor from my lessons in the spring. (we'll call her A) A is the kind of person who doesn't beat around the bush. If you not doing something, you get told what it is and either to fix it righ then, or the next time around. (I'm in group lessons) So when you get a complement you know you earned it and it makes you feel really good.

I have some show clothes questions. First one is, what helmet brand do you all have? And how does it hold up? I have to get my own helmet for the shows, and so far I have only been using the barn's helmets (they supply them for you) and the other questions is, what is a good price for a show coat. I'm thinking of going with TuffRider because they don't cost at much as the R.J. Classics, but I'm wondering if I should spend the extra mony for the R.J. If it will hold up better. Thanks to anyone who reads this ;)

I have a Troxel black velvet showing helmet, and i love it. My practice helmet is in my trunk at the barn so i will edit this but i had it for a few years and it doesn't even have a scratch. I read the reviews and i saw R.J. was the better of the 2. The TuffRider was said to be too small. I will post what show jacket i have just like my helmet it last me years and i has never had
http://www.smartpakequine.com/rj-classi ... 9285p.aspx
http://www.statelinetack.com/item/tuffr ... SLT700828/

[tanner]

Yesterday, I had a flackin' awesome lesson. Doc was so good! I just love that horse. We practiced *drum roll* DRILL TEAM! I am so, so, so joining a team! It was great. and Doc enjoyed it. I also tried ribbon race! It was so fun, besides the fact that my 15.2 hh was running with a 17 hh on the inside xD But ohmigawd, I'm so excited.

That's awesome, I wish I could've gone, but I'm in Wyoming.
Did you see what I posted earlier?

Hey guys - read everything, will answer later... I should be doing homework right now haha.

Had a FABULOUS lesson today. Kat was an angel! Videos to come! C:

I'm super tired, though, as I got to the barn at 7:30 and stayed until 4:30. And now I have pages of homework to look forward to... yay.

Awesome you had a great lesson c; I would like to watch videos :3

@ happy - what a gorgeous mare! Her saddle pad matches her so well too, hah <3

I'm going riding tomorrow with a western saddle and I'm actually kind of sort of excited.
But first... I have to clean the western saddle.

It's such a pretty saddle, it's just been sitting in a barn for about twenty years. It's this really beautiful almost mahogany color when it's cleaned and it has this super intricate design (in which I have to go in with a toothbrush to get the dirt out. XD)

When I get it all cleaned up, I will take a picture and show you guys if anyone wants to see.
Also, does anyone know how to determine the brand/maker of a saddle? All it has marked on it is "Ft Worth, Texas". I've done a bit of searching on the internet but can't turn anything up.

Try a local saddle shop, or saddle/tack maker/fitter ect. Or send some good detailed pictures to a local shop or expert and see if they can help you.


*****
Woke up early and headed out for our ride today [-mind you that yesterday we called in and reserved a four hour ride, and they told us to get there at nine am, and we'd move out at nine-thirty.] and when we got there, a lady at the desk told us that we were pud down for a two hour and the four hour already left.
Anyway, it was just me and my dad, I rode a chestnut named Rodney, he had no go, but he stopped when I asked and didn't need- or want much direction. My dad rode a massive horse named Mongo, I'm assuming he was a Belgain, because he was a flax. Chestnut pangare. He was more thick and fat than tall- don't get me wrong, he was still tall, but most of them were tall. We took a trail 6000 ft up, 2000 ft from where we started, and it was amazing. It was very cold and windy once we got to the top of the mountain, and I didn't have a jacket, and the guide offered me his c:

[eventing.]

I'm slightly sore from riding earlier, but the ride was great! I been practicing 2point so i can go up to fair hill and gallop up and down the hills. Rosie was a little fast but mellowed as we keeped riding.Today she stood still while i was mounting and stood there after words. Yay!! I cantered on her and it was the best one yet and she never got fast on me and her canter into a trot was perfect. She had no head throwing today and hopefully it stays like that. So I learned today that she is a morning kind of horse!

Thanks everyone that commented of Rosie

[Flitter]

I have read every single one of your posts, and later tonight I'll probably make another super-long post with responses to *everything*.

Just posting to say I haven't vanished, and I did ride today...will share stories later. Yay for huge posts!

[Hanoverian]

Sorry for the late replies guys but school has been insane!

@Dolphin:
Oh my gosh, it sounds like you had a fabulous lesson! That dressage sounds like so much fun! Just a question, how long are your lessons? They seem pretty long, haha. Congrats on jumping 2'9 again! 8D Go Mully go!
Can't wait to see the pictures (unless you already uploaded them and I somehow missed it which is quite possible)!

Yeah, I totally understand how you can't go to the HITS this weekend, partially because you don't have much time to prepare and because it's SO EXPENSIVE! I mean, HITS shows are like $2,000 apiece, right? My shows are usually around $600 on average and I'm only able to do 3-4 a year so consider yourself lucky, lol.
I really hope you can go to the September one!

It sounds like you had a nice hack, too, even if it was in the rain. xD
You're going on vacation again? Poor you! D: At least it's just for 5 days so you'll be back to Mully in no time. <3

@Horse_Girl:
I'm sorry that your show didn't go all that well, but we all have our bad days. It sounds like you learned a ton, though, and got some experience to help you at the next event!

Do you think you'll do 2'3 at the next show, then? Or at least 2'? I'm sure your trainer would be good with it since you've been jumping her that high in lessons and stuff.
You're not a bad rider at all. Gem is a green, green horse that doesn't respect the lower jumps and yet you still manage to do great with her! It was just an off day - didn't you win like 1000 blue ribbons or something at the last show? Yeah. That's talent. ;D

Have fun saddle shopping! Tell us how it goes! I have 2 saddles for sale if you're interested, lol, they will be going up on ebay very soon if you're interested... xD No joke.

And thanks, it was a great lesson. He was much better than last time! Still difficult, still not perfect, but better, and I was proud of my little Booboo pony. <3


@Copper:
Wow, it sounds like you had a great show!! Eli is such a good guy, huh. C:


@Happy:
Wow, Rosie is beautiful! I love her boots, lol. I need to get Kat some new boots because his old eskadrons stretched out and now they're too big. >< What brand are they? I might just get Kat a pair.

@Tiny:
I'm glad that you had such a good ride with Charm, he sounds like a sweetie.
I would love to see pictures of the saddle when you get the chance! ;D


@rain:
I'm glad that you had a good day at camp! I'm jealous, I've been spending all of my time in school. xD
Wait - you got in trouble for petting Riley? o_O That's a weird rule. At my barn, we're encouraged to give the horses attention, even if it is a boarders... We're also encouraged to groom any horse that seems dirty if we have extra time, even if it is a boarder. xD My trainers are neat-freaks. Well, so am I so I guess it works, lol.


@Bluebird:
Have fun in your lesson in two weeks, lol. xD I bet it's hard to be out of the saddle for that long!

On show clothes... my helmet is an IRH ATH SSV riding helmet in black. I've had it for over a year and it has held up extremely well through falls and other mishaps. C: However, it kinda gets dusty easily, but I have CO hat cleaner that fixes it right up.

For show coats... my suggestion is to just try on a bunch of brands (in your price range) including consignment. If you find a nice coat for a decent price that has too-long sleeves or needs to be taken in a bit, it's easily fixed - just take it to a tailor and they'll fit it to you. A $75 coat that was tailored to fit your body compared to a $200 coat that fits you awkwardly will look better and more professional.
But don't buy a coat that DEFINITELY dones't fit you, as in it's tight to the point where you cant bend or hangs down over your knees. xD
And never overlook consignment! It's kinda rare, but it's possible to find some nice stuff in there for a seriously discounted price. C:

For smaller shows, however (like anything not A or B rated), a well-fitting solid polo shirt in a neutral, pastel, or dark color (like white, pale yellow, or navy) will do, as will a plain show shirt in a conservative color like white or light pink.
Or if you're doing jumpers you can ride in the loudest polo you own if you'd like - the judges don't care what you wear.