Friday, October 19, 2007

A New Direction

So... since the start of this blogging project I have had a problem "getting in the groove" and I think it is mainly because I don't like getting too personal on the Internet. And, since my original plan was to write about specific horses at a specific barn, if I was going to write it would have to be personal. I really don't see my attitude changing (I still don't want to put my true thoughts & feelings about individuals out there for anyone and everyone to see), I've decided to change the direction of my blog. From now on, I will give you a brief update of the horses at SMC but, for the most part, I will talk more about general topics in the horse-world - for example, the hunter-jumper world's overuse of draw reins or the benefit of riding abroad.

On a side-note, remember a couple of blogs ago when I mentioned that the NHS was up in the air? Well, it has been finalized that the NHS is definitely on and will be held in Wellington, as usual. Check out Phelps Sports for more information.

I don't have too much time to write today but watch for a blog this weekend about the benefits of riding abroad (Hint: you don't need to be a trust fund baby to spend a summer riding horses in Europe).

How are the horses at SMC? Well, let's start with Zipi. I rode him yesterday for the first time in a few weeks (he's been Melanie's project) and was pleasantly surprised. He's come miles from last time I rode him (Congrats, Melanie!) and actually rode like a real horse! He steered and trotted around the entire ring (last time I rode him, I could barely get him to walk a full circle). I'm thrilled that he's come along so nicely because, for a while, I was a bit skeptical. Tara is still off because of the abscess. Lantana was good on Tuesday but had off yesterday because of a sore back. All the other horses are doing well so hopefully some will start getting sold soon - I'm showing Zipi to a potential buyer on Sunday so I'll let you know how that goes.

Talk to you soon,
EDV

Monday, October 15, 2007

Blog Assignment

Assignment: Write a summary/review of a blog or website that is related to your topic.

I chose to review Riding through College, a blog written by Sara Gumbiner, an Equine Studies major at Delaware Valley College in Doylestown, PA. I actually spoke with Sara this past spring when I was writing an article about different options for equestrians after their junior careers are over. She was great to talk to: very well-spoken and very open about her life. That's probably one of the differences that stick out between her blog and mine: openness. I'm still getting used to putting my experiences and thoughts out on the web, where anyone can see them, while she seems totally comfortable with her blog.

Sara took the summer off from posting, but now that she is back at school she has started posting again. She rights very clearly with not a lot of "wordy-ness" that seems to plague some blogs. She details her experiences very well and writes very casually - almost like she is talking to a friend. She has posted some pictures which also brighten a blog up.

I think her blog is interesting because it's not so much about the show-circuit as it is about learning. She talks about clinics she attends and lessons she takes, etc. Her posts are also usually pretty long. Some people might not like that, but I do. To me, it means that she posts when she has something of value to say and not just to take up space.

Talk to you soon,
EDV

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Zee


Here is the picture I promised. Isn't she beautiful? I didn't ride at all this weekend, although I am going out tomorrow (Monday). Tara should be back to work this week and hopefully I'll be showing her and Lantana sometime soon.

Talk to you soon,
EDV