Me: "I don't know why I'm so nervous about showing this weekend!
My boss: "Imminent demise is always something to be nervous about."
***
Yes, Gia makes her dressage debut tomorrow. Our last couple of rides have been awful. I don't have high hopes :)
I would like to say I have goals for tomorrow... I don't, really. But here are some things I've thought of:
I want to do my best to make sure I stay calm, quiet, and soft. I tend to get nervous and brace against her, which makes her brace against me and get hollow and stupid. Let's try not to do that, lol.
When I get nervous, I have a tendancy to coast-- to just try and "get through it" rather than focusing on doing as good of a job as I can on the test. I really want to try not to do that. I'm going to try and remember to actually correct her if she needs it, rather than just try and float past any disobediences and get the test over with.
The only thing I can really control is my own position. Rider position and effectiveness of the aids has a coefficient of 3 so I want to try and pay attention to my ride as much as possible. That way if all else fails, maybe I'll get a good score for position :)
All in all I really don't want to overthink it (because in the long run, does this one dinky show really matter that much?) but for some reason I'm really keyed up about it. Relax, Elizabeth. It will all be fine.
Wish me luck, and I'll see you on the other side!
Friday, September 23, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Stuck on you
So, I guess I've made my decision about the Supermodel. I thought about it a LOT, I waffled a lot, I second-guessed myself a lot. I decided to sell her. I stuck to my decision until the last possible moment... then just a bit PAST the last possible moment... and then I changed my mind.
This horse is a part of me. How did this happen, I don't know. Do I need a high-maintenance drama queen of a horse? Heck no! But she's my girl, and it looks like she's going to be my girl for a long time.
Sooo... where to go from here. Since making the decision I've thought about this a lot too. I thought about taking her to the Sporthorse show but truthfully, it's kind of a waste of money. I can walk into a halter class and know exactly how we're going to place. She won't beat the warmbloods with their extravagant movement, so it depends on how many warmbloods are in the class as to where we'll place. It's a bit hard to justify for a show that will cost me more than $300.
So then what? I refuse to do the schooling shows. I have to say that being that the lower mainland is like the horse capital of the Northwest, the schooling shows I've seen have been very poor quality. Worse than the Tri-cities, I must say with shame. There must be a great divide in shows around here-- dinky little schooling shows where the same people tool around in circles or over fences accomplishing nothing, or A-level shows that only those with a lot of discretionary income can afford. I'm not interested in either at this point.
What else is there? G will never be an event horse (even the thought of her princessy butt going cross-country makes me laugh), I could do Arab circuit but the thought just doesn't do it for me. So... dressage.
Dressage is my bread and butter, and has been for a long time. I love it. I just didn't think it was G's cup of tea. But at this point... I don't care. I found out that there's a dressage schooling show on the 24th, and I started thinking that this may be the perfect solution. Get her out in public but set her up for success-- leave Moira at home (she'll be going a 2-phase the next day), no other horses in the ring with her, and get her really working and focusing (if at all possible). I'm going to enter 3 walk-trot tests so that even if she has a breakdown in the first one, hopefully we'll see some improvement with each successive test. In fact, I think that should be my goal.
We'll see what she thinks. I rode her yesterday for the first time in a couple of weeks (we just moved into our new house and it's been CRAZY!) and she was really great. I kept the longeing to a minimum (I'd love to not have to longe her every time I ride, so I am weaning us off of it) and I was so thrilled with her. Forward, swinging, round, concentrating. She got cranky toward the end as she got tired, but all in all it felt really good. There may be hope for us yet.
I did get a few pictures of Jessy riding her the other day, unfortunately no jumping pics-- she was not impressed with jumping. G didn't freak out or refuse, she just didn't care. She tried to trot everything, and if she couldn't, she'd just plow through it. After a couple of decent efforts we called it quits.
Perhaps it's a sign that she isn't meant to be a hunter :) Would she just make up her mind already??
Gotta admit, high-strung or no, the mare is freaking adorable.
This horse is a part of me. How did this happen, I don't know. Do I need a high-maintenance drama queen of a horse? Heck no! But she's my girl, and it looks like she's going to be my girl for a long time.
Sooo... where to go from here. Since making the decision I've thought about this a lot too. I thought about taking her to the Sporthorse show but truthfully, it's kind of a waste of money. I can walk into a halter class and know exactly how we're going to place. She won't beat the warmbloods with their extravagant movement, so it depends on how many warmbloods are in the class as to where we'll place. It's a bit hard to justify for a show that will cost me more than $300.
So then what? I refuse to do the schooling shows. I have to say that being that the lower mainland is like the horse capital of the Northwest, the schooling shows I've seen have been very poor quality. Worse than the Tri-cities, I must say with shame. There must be a great divide in shows around here-- dinky little schooling shows where the same people tool around in circles or over fences accomplishing nothing, or A-level shows that only those with a lot of discretionary income can afford. I'm not interested in either at this point.
What else is there? G will never be an event horse (even the thought of her princessy butt going cross-country makes me laugh), I could do Arab circuit but the thought just doesn't do it for me. So... dressage.
Dressage is my bread and butter, and has been for a long time. I love it. I just didn't think it was G's cup of tea. But at this point... I don't care. I found out that there's a dressage schooling show on the 24th, and I started thinking that this may be the perfect solution. Get her out in public but set her up for success-- leave Moira at home (she'll be going a 2-phase the next day), no other horses in the ring with her, and get her really working and focusing (if at all possible). I'm going to enter 3 walk-trot tests so that even if she has a breakdown in the first one, hopefully we'll see some improvement with each successive test. In fact, I think that should be my goal.
We'll see what she thinks. I rode her yesterday for the first time in a couple of weeks (we just moved into our new house and it's been CRAZY!) and she was really great. I kept the longeing to a minimum (I'd love to not have to longe her every time I ride, so I am weaning us off of it) and I was so thrilled with her. Forward, swinging, round, concentrating. She got cranky toward the end as she got tired, but all in all it felt really good. There may be hope for us yet.
I did get a few pictures of Jessy riding her the other day, unfortunately no jumping pics-- she was not impressed with jumping. G didn't freak out or refuse, she just didn't care. She tried to trot everything, and if she couldn't, she'd just plow through it. After a couple of decent efforts we called it quits.
Perhaps it's a sign that she isn't meant to be a hunter :) Would she just make up her mind already??
Gotta admit, high-strung or no, the mare is freaking adorable.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Update... but not really
I'm sure you're wondering about my quandary. Or perhaps not, I don't know. But I still am! I still don't know what to do. I'm stuck on this horse, I'm having a tough time letting go. And she's doing so well! (At home, that is.) She's going consistently well walk/trot/canter. I'm trying to start her over fences but she insists on trotting everything rather than actually jumping. So I'll have to raise the fences but I'm not brave enough yet... so of course I make Jessy do it. Should hopefully have pics tomorrow.
So basically, I'm still sitting and thinking, trying to decide. At any rate I intend to take her to the fall Sporthorse show, do the halter classes again and probably (gulp) try some walk-trots. I must be crazy.
Jessy and the SuperPony are looking forward to the Mary Swanson horse trials in October. Wish them luck!
More updates as they come, lol...
So basically, I'm still sitting and thinking, trying to decide. At any rate I intend to take her to the fall Sporthorse show, do the halter classes again and probably (gulp) try some walk-trots. I must be crazy.
Jessy and the SuperPony are looking forward to the Mary Swanson horse trials in October. Wish them luck!
More updates as they come, lol...
Monday, August 15, 2011
CVP Horse Trials 2011
Jessy and the SuperPony did their first Horse Trial this last weekend at Campbell Valley Park here in Langley. They were fantastic! Jessy's goal was just to finish without getting eliminated, I figured that they'd finish on their dressage score since Moira is such a jumping machine and knows her job so well. I didn't make it to dressage day (it was a Friday, I was obviously at work) but they did great with a score of 67.5%, putting her 10th out of 17. Cross-country day I got my butt out of bed at the crack of dawn, loaded up the baby and headed out to see her go at 8:08am.
She went clear, of course, not even a hesitation. And they rocketed around the course, coming in super fast (actually they came in about 40 seconds under the maximum, lol). She moved up to 8th after cross-country.
Sunday was stadium... a long day of waiting! Her division was at the very end of the day.
They dropped one rail in stadium which unfortunately put them in 9th place and just out of the ribbons... but nothing to be disappointed about, they were fantastic and in stiff competition. Can't wait for the next event!
She went clear, of course, not even a hesitation. And they rocketed around the course, coming in super fast (actually they came in about 40 seconds under the maximum, lol). She moved up to 8th after cross-country.
Sunday was stadium... a long day of waiting! Her division was at the very end of the day.
They dropped one rail in stadium which unfortunately put them in 9th place and just out of the ribbons... but nothing to be disappointed about, they were fantastic and in stiff competition. Can't wait for the next event!
Friday, August 5, 2011
Quandary
Isn't that a great word?
I always say I don't make plans, I set goals. Plans can change, sometimes because of reasons out of your control, but your goal can still stay the same. But I am learning that, with horses at least, sometimes you have to be fluid in your goals as well. For example, I had to change my focus from dressage (which has pretty much been my life for the last 10-ish years) to the expensive, competitive world of hunters because it's what Gia wants. But now, rather than having the goal of competing in hunters, I have the goal of getting my horse out in public without her having a complete mental breakdown.
Next week she is going to a friend for a bit of a butt-kicking. She is going to be taken out on trails, ridden in their busy arena, and other scary stuff like that. She's not going to be allowed to be the princess she is at home. I hope to heaven that it makes a difference, because if it doesn't, I honestly don't know what to do. Hence, my quandary.
It's been mentioned by a couple of people (and mulled over by myself) that I sell her. She'd do very well in a big Arab barn with a regular trainer, and she'd clean up at sporthorse in hand and sporthorse under saddle classes. I'd be happy to see her in a home like that, too. If I can't get her there, I'd like to see someone who can... I just don't want to show on the Arab circuit, myself.
I really don't want to sell her, though. This is the first horse I've had in a long time that I really want to work with, really want to succeed. I feel like we've come SO FAR, it's really been amazing. But we've hit a wall.
Other options include leasing her out, breeding her, or trying to tough our way through it.
Then there's me. I need to take a good hard look at what *I* want to do, what *I* want to accomplish. I don't HAVE to show hunters. I'd be just as happy showing dressage, or even eventing. But that would mean moving on to another horse.
As an adult amateur, working full-time and caring for my kids (plus husband, family, social life, et al), in a way it makes a lot more sense to have a horse who is more broke, who I can just get on and have fun with. A horse I can take to shows without worrying that it's going to flip out (or flip over). A horse who can teach ME something and advance MY ability.
But... it's Gia. Someday she's going to be a superstar. Maybe. Or, someday she's going to be a pasture ornament, or someone's pretty pet. Depends on if we can get through to her or not. I'm not willing to give up on her YET... but... I don't know what's around the corner.
I always say I don't make plans, I set goals. Plans can change, sometimes because of reasons out of your control, but your goal can still stay the same. But I am learning that, with horses at least, sometimes you have to be fluid in your goals as well. For example, I had to change my focus from dressage (which has pretty much been my life for the last 10-ish years) to the expensive, competitive world of hunters because it's what Gia wants. But now, rather than having the goal of competing in hunters, I have the goal of getting my horse out in public without her having a complete mental breakdown.
Next week she is going to a friend for a bit of a butt-kicking. She is going to be taken out on trails, ridden in their busy arena, and other scary stuff like that. She's not going to be allowed to be the princess she is at home. I hope to heaven that it makes a difference, because if it doesn't, I honestly don't know what to do. Hence, my quandary.
It's been mentioned by a couple of people (and mulled over by myself) that I sell her. She'd do very well in a big Arab barn with a regular trainer, and she'd clean up at sporthorse in hand and sporthorse under saddle classes. I'd be happy to see her in a home like that, too. If I can't get her there, I'd like to see someone who can... I just don't want to show on the Arab circuit, myself.
I really don't want to sell her, though. This is the first horse I've had in a long time that I really want to work with, really want to succeed. I feel like we've come SO FAR, it's really been amazing. But we've hit a wall.
Other options include leasing her out, breeding her, or trying to tough our way through it.
Then there's me. I need to take a good hard look at what *I* want to do, what *I* want to accomplish. I don't HAVE to show hunters. I'd be just as happy showing dressage, or even eventing. But that would mean moving on to another horse.
As an adult amateur, working full-time and caring for my kids (plus husband, family, social life, et al), in a way it makes a lot more sense to have a horse who is more broke, who I can just get on and have fun with. A horse I can take to shows without worrying that it's going to flip out (or flip over). A horse who can teach ME something and advance MY ability.
But... it's Gia. Someday she's going to be a superstar. Maybe. Or, someday she's going to be a pasture ornament, or someone's pretty pet. Depends on if we can get through to her or not. I'm not willing to give up on her YET... but... I don't know what's around the corner.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
A visitor!
Yes, we have a visitor at The World's Smallest Equestrian Center (TM). This is Juno:
Yes, she looks terrible, but it's only temporary. She's been out to pasture with a bunch of other horses and obviously got beat up a bit-- she's covered in nicks and bites (the wet-looking patches all over here is where we put some salve to help the cuts heal). She also has yellow mouth from the wormer I'd just given her.
She is a BIG GIRL (about 16hh and beefy!), and, at only 4, still very much a baby. She doesn't quite know what to do with that big body of hers. She is the polar opposite of the Supermodel-- so quiet she's almost dull. Nothing bothers her... not much even really interests her at this point. I figure that with some regular handling and TLC, she will perk up a bit, but I think she's always going to be a sensible soul.
She's here to be fit up and sold. Miss Moira has gone to a friend's barn for some heavy-duty training and conditioning before the CVP event next month, so that friend sent Juno to my place for a makeover and to be sold. She won't be a hard sell. I'll start her under saddle (won't be hard, we've already longed her with a saddle on, she didn't even bat an eye), maybe take her to the Sunnyside show next month (once she looks a little more polished) and she'll be someone's superstar. In the meantime, she'll be a fun little project.
Gia is intensely jealous which is good for her :) She's also not getting much love from Juno so hopefully her herd-boundness will calm down a bit. Until Moira comes back (sigh).
I will keep you updated!
Yes, she looks terrible, but it's only temporary. She's been out to pasture with a bunch of other horses and obviously got beat up a bit-- she's covered in nicks and bites (the wet-looking patches all over here is where we put some salve to help the cuts heal). She also has yellow mouth from the wormer I'd just given her.
She is a BIG GIRL (about 16hh and beefy!), and, at only 4, still very much a baby. She doesn't quite know what to do with that big body of hers. She is the polar opposite of the Supermodel-- so quiet she's almost dull. Nothing bothers her... not much even really interests her at this point. I figure that with some regular handling and TLC, she will perk up a bit, but I think she's always going to be a sensible soul.
She's here to be fit up and sold. Miss Moira has gone to a friend's barn for some heavy-duty training and conditioning before the CVP event next month, so that friend sent Juno to my place for a makeover and to be sold. She won't be a hard sell. I'll start her under saddle (won't be hard, we've already longed her with a saddle on, she didn't even bat an eye), maybe take her to the Sunnyside show next month (once she looks a little more polished) and she'll be someone's superstar. In the meantime, she'll be a fun little project.
Gia is intensely jealous which is good for her :) She's also not getting much love from Juno so hopefully her herd-boundness will calm down a bit. Until Moira comes back (sigh).
I will keep you updated!
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Birthday cupcakes!
How do I know I'm a super baking geek? When my idea of a fantastic Saturday night is diving into a complicated new cake recipe.
(That and I realized that I have four types of flour. Seriously.)
Anyway, I'd been whining about how I never had time to bake anymore, mostly because my focus has been on the horses. But since I made the decision at the last minute to pull Gia from the Willoughby show today, I found myself with some free time last night. And, since I found out that it's Jessy's mom Krista's birthday today, I figured it was exactly the excuse I needed to break out my (slightly dusty) baking tools.
I'd been eyeing up a recipe I'd seen on Sweetapolita for a fluffy white cake and frosting that interested me. It's actually not that easy to make a basic vanilla cake and frosting that isn't too heavy or sweet. In fact, in order to get the light texture, you'll see how much work went into it.
And nothing says "birthday" like a white cake and vanilla frosting! Of course, given the choice between cake and cupcakes, you know I'm going to make cupcakes. And given the choice between regular cupcakes and mini cupcakes, you know I'm going to make minis!
So, I dove in!
In order to make the cake portion, you need:
6 large egg whites, at room temperature
1 cup whole milk, also at room temperature
2-1/4 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2-1/4 cups sifted cake flour (this is important-- not regular all purpose flour)
1-3/4 cups sugar
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 cups unsalted butter, at room temperature and cut into cubes
Preheat your oven to 350, and line your cupcake pans.
In a medium bowl, add the egg whites, 1/4 cup of the whole milk, and the vanilla. When you put those ingredients together, it looks disgusting. Don't lose heart. Beat the mixture for a moment and set aside.
Next, get out your sifter. I know, sifting sucks. It's tedious and really tests your hand strength! But, if you want a fine silky batter with no lumps, it must be done.
Sift the cake flour into a larger bowl.
Once you've recovered, add the sugar, baking powder and salt, and whisk together.
Add the cubed butter to the dry ingredients...
... as well as the remaining 3/4 cup of milk, beat on low speed just until moistened, and then on high speed for 2 minutes.
Add the egg white mixture in 3 batches, beating on low for 20 seconds between each addition. The batter will look odd, I warn you... to me, even after beaten, it looked like it would separate at any moment. It didn't, it just looked that way.
Fill your cupcake liners...
... and bake for about 25-35 minutes. The toothpick test will tell you when they're done.
Gorgeous!
Let them cool, and prepare for your frosting! Now, I warn you-- this is a labour-intensive process... but it's so worth it!
You'll need:
1-3/4 cups unsalted butter, softened and cut into cubes
3 cups sifted powdered sugar
3 tablespoons milk
1 vanilla bean, scraped
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
pinch of salt
If you can't find a vanilla bean (which, sadly, I couldn't) you can use 1-1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract instead.
In a big bowl, beat the tar out of the butter. No seriously, beat it on high speed for 8 minutes. You will feel that your arm is about to drop off. I stopped every once in a while to scrape down the sides of the bowl... hey, it was a good excuse to give myself a break!
When it's been beaten that long, it looks like frosting already. (But blech, I'm sure it still just tastes like butter!) It gets very pale and creamy.
Add the remaining ingredients and beat for ANOTHER 6 minutes. Oh, and be sure to sift your powdered sugar, if you don't want lumps in your beautiful fluffy frosting.
Now that it's done, I had the hard task of choosing what colour the end result should be.
(I have too many choices in my cupboard!)
But... I'm sure no one will be surprised at what I chose...
In my defense, it's Krista's birthday! What better colour for a birthday woman??
Anyway! I frosted all the little suckers (the batter makes at least 50 minis, by the way) and when they were all laid out I thought they needed something more. I immediately thought of sprinkles (there are many situations where I immediately feel that sprinkles are the answer) but I really wanted something more sophisticated. Then I had the answer-- I still had a half-full bottle of edible glitter from my wedding cake pops. So, glittery pink cupcakes it was!
I'm in love :)
And the taste? I actually think this is one of my all-time favourite recipes. As you know, I quite often don't eat what I bake. But these are great, not overly sweet, and a wonderful texture. They also store well (Tupperware in the fridge, then pull them out for an hour and they will be soft again) so I admit to having a few more than my fair share today :)
I hope Krista enjoyed them, I think this is a recipe I'm going to pull out for a few parties in the future!
Although... I think I need to invest in a bit more edible glitter!
Ta ta! Willoughby show update to come!
(That and I realized that I have four types of flour. Seriously.)
Anyway, I'd been whining about how I never had time to bake anymore, mostly because my focus has been on the horses. But since I made the decision at the last minute to pull Gia from the Willoughby show today, I found myself with some free time last night. And, since I found out that it's Jessy's mom Krista's birthday today, I figured it was exactly the excuse I needed to break out my (slightly dusty) baking tools.
I'd been eyeing up a recipe I'd seen on Sweetapolita for a fluffy white cake and frosting that interested me. It's actually not that easy to make a basic vanilla cake and frosting that isn't too heavy or sweet. In fact, in order to get the light texture, you'll see how much work went into it.
And nothing says "birthday" like a white cake and vanilla frosting! Of course, given the choice between cake and cupcakes, you know I'm going to make cupcakes. And given the choice between regular cupcakes and mini cupcakes, you know I'm going to make minis!
So, I dove in!
In order to make the cake portion, you need:
6 large egg whites, at room temperature
1 cup whole milk, also at room temperature
2-1/4 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2-1/4 cups sifted cake flour (this is important-- not regular all purpose flour)
1-3/4 cups sugar
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 cups unsalted butter, at room temperature and cut into cubes
Preheat your oven to 350, and line your cupcake pans.
In a medium bowl, add the egg whites, 1/4 cup of the whole milk, and the vanilla. When you put those ingredients together, it looks disgusting. Don't lose heart. Beat the mixture for a moment and set aside.
Next, get out your sifter. I know, sifting sucks. It's tedious and really tests your hand strength! But, if you want a fine silky batter with no lumps, it must be done.
Sift the cake flour into a larger bowl.
Once you've recovered, add the sugar, baking powder and salt, and whisk together.
Add the cubed butter to the dry ingredients...
... as well as the remaining 3/4 cup of milk, beat on low speed just until moistened, and then on high speed for 2 minutes.
Add the egg white mixture in 3 batches, beating on low for 20 seconds between each addition. The batter will look odd, I warn you... to me, even after beaten, it looked like it would separate at any moment. It didn't, it just looked that way.
Fill your cupcake liners...
... and bake for about 25-35 minutes. The toothpick test will tell you when they're done.
Gorgeous!
Let them cool, and prepare for your frosting! Now, I warn you-- this is a labour-intensive process... but it's so worth it!
You'll need:
1-3/4 cups unsalted butter, softened and cut into cubes
3 cups sifted powdered sugar
3 tablespoons milk
1 vanilla bean, scraped
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
pinch of salt
If you can't find a vanilla bean (which, sadly, I couldn't) you can use 1-1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract instead.
In a big bowl, beat the tar out of the butter. No seriously, beat it on high speed for 8 minutes. You will feel that your arm is about to drop off. I stopped every once in a while to scrape down the sides of the bowl... hey, it was a good excuse to give myself a break!
When it's been beaten that long, it looks like frosting already. (But blech, I'm sure it still just tastes like butter!) It gets very pale and creamy.
Add the remaining ingredients and beat for ANOTHER 6 minutes. Oh, and be sure to sift your powdered sugar, if you don't want lumps in your beautiful fluffy frosting.
Now that it's done, I had the hard task of choosing what colour the end result should be.
(I have too many choices in my cupboard!)
But... I'm sure no one will be surprised at what I chose...
In my defense, it's Krista's birthday! What better colour for a birthday woman??
Anyway! I frosted all the little suckers (the batter makes at least 50 minis, by the way) and when they were all laid out I thought they needed something more. I immediately thought of sprinkles (there are many situations where I immediately feel that sprinkles are the answer) but I really wanted something more sophisticated. Then I had the answer-- I still had a half-full bottle of edible glitter from my wedding cake pops. So, glittery pink cupcakes it was!
I'm in love :)
And the taste? I actually think this is one of my all-time favourite recipes. As you know, I quite often don't eat what I bake. But these are great, not overly sweet, and a wonderful texture. They also store well (Tupperware in the fridge, then pull them out for an hour and they will be soft again) so I admit to having a few more than my fair share today :)
I hope Krista enjoyed them, I think this is a recipe I'm going to pull out for a few parties in the future!
Although... I think I need to invest in a bit more edible glitter!
Ta ta! Willoughby show update to come!
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