The End

I've decided to stop writing this blog. I'm going to leave up what I've written so far but I am just not comfortable continuing this project. Like I've said many times before, I'm just not comfortable with my thoughts being on the web for anyone and everyone to read. But first, a final note: Zeke is great. My first lesson with him went very well and it looks like we might try the hunter thing for a while. Also, remember the ancient prof. I told you about (American Elite class)... well, he started teaching at Northeastern in 1952! Seriously.

Thanks for reading,
EDV

He's Here

Zeke is now a permanent resident at Newbury Farm in Littleton, MA. How excited am I? Think about the night before Christmas when you still believe in Santa - now times that much excitement by 10 million. Seriously. However, I was so excited that I completely forgot to take pictures. I had my camera with me and everything. Sorry. I'm headed out there tomorrow and will try my hardest to remember to take pictures.

Anyways... he settled in beautifully. We let him hang out for a little while and then I rode him (just to stretch his legs). I will ride him tomorrow and probably every other day this week just because I am so excited that he is finally here. I have my first lesson on Sunday afternoon (don't worry New Englanders, the Pats game is on Saturday night). I'm a little nervous about the lesson but I am sure it will go well.

I have to go do some reading for school (ugh!) and work for my part-time job (bah!) and clean the apt (gasp!).

Talk to you soon,
EDV

Bring It On

Happy 2008!

Breaking News:

• Today was the first day of my last semester as an undergrad at NU
• I have my first interview for a post-grad job on Wed. at 4pm
• Zeke comes to Boston tomorrow (huge smile)
• It is only the seventh day of '08 and I'm already behind on laundry

Switzerland was a blast. We got back to our apt. on Saturday around 10pm and our luggage hasn't moved since (hence the laundry backup). I'm still a bit jet lagged (I was up and ready to go this morning around 4:30am) and am trying my hardest to get back in the swing of classes and homework. This semester I have:

• Art of Theatre (I have no experience in theatre, nor do I want to)
• American Elites (This class could be very interesting although the prof. is roughly 900 years old. No joke. He started teaching this class in 1970)
• Jr/Sr Seminar: Rhetoric and Poetics (So far, my only enjoyable class because the prof. is absolutely nuts - I'm talking crazy hair AND crazy eyes)
• Fiction Writing Workshop (I have this class tomorrow at 11:45 so we'll just have to wait and see but I'm guessing a lot of writing)

Just as last semester, this semester will have to be a balance between school, work, riding and friends. While I won't be spending hours upon hours riding horses I don't particularly enjoy riding, my days are still very booked. My top priority needs to be school, but my real drive will always be with the horses. Zeke will take about three hours a day (or however many days I make it out to the barn). My part-time job should take a couple hours a day (although I can do most of the work on Mondays when the barn is closed to allow extra time for other things during the rest of the week). School will take most of my time (bah!) but it is my last semester so at least there is a light at the end of the tunnel. And, there's the boyfriend, laundry and the ever-coveted "alone time" I need to keep my sanity. My "alone time" usually consists of watching the Food Network or reading trashy romance novels (although, lately my taste in books has changed. I recently read Eleven Minutes by Paulo Coehlo and I am currently reading Basic Black by Cathie Black).

So, now that you've been (somewhat) caught up on my life... let's talk about Zeke! At the moment, my mom is body clipping him (thanks, Mom!). I am meeting her at the barn tomorrow around 2 pm. Needless to say, I am SO excited. I still am undecided as to what I want to aim towards (competitively): hunters? jumpers? adult eq.? I mean, in all honesty, my heart has always been in the jumper divisions but it might be nice as a starting off point to begin in the hunters and eq. Not that the hunters and eq. are easier, but it is a little less pressure for me because I have no record in either of those divisions. In other words, if I go in and screw up big in the hunter division I will be less disappointed than if I go in and suck in the jumper divisions. Does that make any sense?

I will definitely post tomorrow and let you know how Zeke handled the move. Maybe, I will even have some pics. In the meantime, here is one from Switzerland. Enjoy!

Talk to you soon,
EDV

Dec. 28 - Jan. 5

I'll be away for the next week on a family (+boyfriend) vacation. When I get back, look forward to many new posts and pictures of my new horse, Zeke, because he'll finally be up here in MA.

Happy New Year!
Talk to you soon,
EDV

Merry Christmas

Hopefully everyone had a very merry Christmas. My Christmas was fantastic. I spent time with my family and got amazing, thoughtful presents. Getting a horse (along with several other fabulous gifts including a new GPA Speed Air and a GPS system for my car) really made me realize how lucky (and spoiled) I am. I am so grateful for my parents and appreciate all their support. We didn't always get along (yes, I was a typical teenager that thought her parents were out to make her life miserable) but, I have to say, since I've been at college my relationship with my parents has been pretty wonderful. And it's getting better every year. My mom is my best friend and my Dad is my greatest support system. Feeling stressed and need to vent? I call my mom. Have a problem and need a solution? Call my Dad. It's the best thing in the world.

Zeke has been at Victory Stables, located in Colts Neck, NJ, since last Thursday and is doing wonderfully. My mom has ridden him a couple times and another friend, Kara, rode him once. I ask my mom everyday, "How's our horse!?" I am still so excited. It hasn't really sunken in yet that I own a horse! My family and I (boyfriend included) leave this Friday on a family vacation to Switzerland. When we get back (Jan. 5) my mom will bring Zeke up to Newbury Farm. I can't hardly wait.

My hopes for Zeke (and myself): Since Zeke is only 6 years old and because he is a QH it is imperative to keep him happy and healthy (mentally and physically). One option is to show him as a hunter for a little while to get some of my confidence back before moving on to the jumpers. I'm not sure how that will work though because I'm a little worried that if I got going in the hunter divisions, I would stay there. We'll see. As of now, my short term goal is to form a personal and unique bond with Zeke and show in the Adult Jumpers (M&S to help pay some bills). My personal long term goal is to compete in the Amateur/Owner Jumpers. I would like Zeke to get me started in the Lows, but if that is not an option I would love to be as successful in the M&S Adult Jumper division as I was in the M&S Children's Jumper division.

I'll definitely keep you all updated on my (and Zeke's) progress. In the meantime, here is a picture of my new boy. My Dad captured this still from the video that my mom took when we went to try Zeke for a second time a couple weeks ago.

Talk to you soon,
EDV

Winter Riding

In an earlier post, Matt asked me about winter riding: can you ride all year long, or is it a warm-weather sport? Thankfully, many barns have indoor rings so, whether it be heavy rain or New England snow, riding can be done all year long. And, even if you don't have an indoor there a things you can do to help your horse weather the winter. For example, some horses that live outside during the winter (or even just get turned out in the snow) get snow pads. Your blacksmith can equip your horse with specials rubber pads that prevent snow build up in their hooves, making it easier for your horse to navigate the snow-covered terrain.

While riding during the winter months, it is important to take the necessary precautions to keep your horse healthy and happy. Horses can't change their wet blanket or chip the ice off their water buckets, they rely on you to do it for them.

One of the biggest changes from summer to winter riding is the way you cool your horse out after a good workout. In the summer, if you're in a rush, you can hose your horse down and turn them out to dry in the sun. In the winter, it is extremely important to make sure your horse is cool and dry before putting them away so that they can avoid getting a chill. EquiSearch has several great articles about winter horse care. One article says:

Possibly one of the most tedious aspects of riding horses in winter is the after-ride cooling-out process. Tedious though it may be, it's very important to cool your horse properly. Putting him away hot and sweaty will jeopardize his health by allowing him to catch a chill.

Even in the coldest of weather, the horse's metabolism (the burning of internal fuels to produce energy) will cause him to sweat during intense exercise. This sweating can be exaggerated by a full winter coat. For this reason, many horse owners choose to clip their horses in winter.

To cool your horse safely, you can begin while you're still riding. Following your ride or work out, walking him for ten to fifteen minutes will allow the heat built up in the muscles to dissipate.

Once you've dismounted, loosen the girth or cinch, but don't remove the saddle immediately as this will allow cold air to the muscles of his back and may cause cramping. Cover him with a cooler which may be wool or one of the more high-tech fabrics designed to wick moisture from the horse and cool him out quicker. Walk him for a few minutes like this and then remove the saddle and replace the cooler before continuing to walk him.

I can't stress enough how important it is for you, a horse owner, to remember that your horse relies on YOU, is completely dependent on YOU to take care of them all year long, but especially during the winter. Would you be comfortable standing outside, in soaking wet clothes, in below freezing temperatures? I think not.

Just something to keep in mind.
Talk to you soon,
EDV

And...

I own a horse! Yup, that's right. Zeke is the newest addition to the EDV family. I would like to thank my parents (especially my mom) for absolutely EVERYTHING.

Pre-Purchase Vet Exam

My mom is meeting the vet tomorrow at 12:30pm to do a pre-purchase exam on Zeke - check his heart, lungs, etc. Keep your fingers crossed. It still hasn't sunk in that I may very well own a horse by tomorrow evening. Or, that it will be a QH!!

Uber Excited,
EDV

If there is a will, there is a way...

I could be the proud owner of a 6-year-old Buckskin QH (gasp!) before the week is over. Or, I could not be, but... things are looking up.

Things running through my mind:
*Learning how to jump (all over again)
*Having a 'partner in crime' that's all mine!
*Taking a small (but very important) step toward my life goal (getting out of the Adult Jumpers)
*Learning how to see a distance more than three strides out
*Finding my confidence (I know it's there, it's just on vacation)
*A horse's unconditional love

Stay tuned,
EDV

Comment, Comment, Comment

So... I know there are a few of you reading my blog (StatCounter is so cool). I'm running a little low on ideas for my posts so how about you all help me out? Post a comment and let me know what you would like to read about. Or, a question that you would like my view on. Or, absolutely anything. Help....

I'm going home to NJ this weekend and I'll take some pictures and, hopefully, write a few interesting posts. But, in the meantime, I welcome your questions or topic ideas.

Thanks,
EDV

The Forgotten Tool

Have trainers and riders forgotten the importance of developing a horse's counter canter? Just because you are not an A-circuit trainer or rider does not mean you can't help your horse (and yourself) become the best possible. In a June 2007 Dressage Today article, FEI level dressage trainer Volker Brommann writes:

The official U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF) and FEI definition of counter canter: "This is a movement where the rider, for instance on a circle to the left, deliberately makes his horse canter with the right canter lead...The counter canter is a balancing movement. The horse maintains his natural flexion at the poll to the outside of the circle and the horse is positioned to the side of the leading leg. His conformation does not permit his spine to be bent to the line of the circle. The rider, avoiding any contortion causing contraction and disorder, should especially endeavor to limit the deviation of the quarters to the outside of the circle and restrict his demands according to the degree of suppleness of the horse."

We do counter canter because it makes our horses agile, straight and strong.

In counter canter, when the rider tracks right in left lead canter or vice versa, the aids must become more precise and the feel for half halts more sophisticated. Counter canter teaches the rider to control her horse, and it teaches the horse to be controlled by the rider. If you can do a counter canter with quality, then you have significant control of your horse. It is a springboard for the high-level canter movements in the horse's future training.

Developing your horse's counter canter can and will help you in all aspects of your riding and it's not just for Grand Prix horses/riders. Anyone from the 2'6" hunter to the 4'6" jumper will benefit from this underused tool. Whether it's keeping your horse balanced to a jump or developing flying lead changes, counter cantering is a great supplement to your usual training program.

Talk to you soon,
EDV

About Me

Now that the class requirement part of this blog is over with, all rules are off. I've been blogging for three months now, but I don't feel like you really know me. I found this survey online and, hopefully, it will give you a little insight into who I am.

***

When did you start riding? According to my mom, I sat on my first horse when I was 2 months old. I got my first pony, Skeeter, when I was 3 years old.
Who has had the greatest impact on your riding career? My mom and Callan Solem.
What is the best part of being an equestrian? The gratification of creating a partnership with your horse.
Favorite sport other than riding? Snowboarding and Football (only to watch, though).
Do you have a pre-show ritual, if so what is it? I don't have any rituals - I'm not very superstitious.
What is the highlight of your riding career, so far? Placing second at the Vermont Summer Festival aboard Castle Rock, "Rocky," in the NAL/M&S Children's Jumper Classic. (see picture below)


What is your most embarrassing riding moment? Last week, I got jumped off an Adult Hunter - I think that tops the list.
What is the biggest challenge you have had to overcome? Balancing doing what I love (riding) and doing what I must (college).
What is your favorite show? Lake Placid.
Who is your biggest fan? My mom and grandma. My mom is realistic and will tell me where I can improve. My grandma, on the other hand, thinks I'm pretty perfect.
What's the most important thing you've learned as a rider? It's important to "take inventory" of your horse every time you ride so that you'll notice new cuts, swelling, soreness, etc.
What advice can you give to other riders? Always be aware of your surroundings and be kind to your horse.
What are three words that describe you? Stubborn. Aware. Kind.
What is your favorite T.V. show? Two and a half Men.
What is one thing that people would be surprised to learn about you? I wasn't always in love with riding.
What is one thing you can't go a week without? An animal's love (be it horse, cat, or dog).
What is your dream job? Somewhere where I only have to work April through December. And, it must afford me enough expendable income to show at HITS Ocala or WEF from January through March.
What is your most valued possession? My photos of friends, family and horses.
What is your best non-athletic talent? Writing.
Who is your favorite musical artist? Recently, I've had KT Tunstall's CD on repeat. But, Queen will always be a favorite.
What is your biggest fear? Being an Adult Jumper for life.
What is your biggest pet-peeve? Riders who are glued to the rail.
What is your least favorite food? Scallops.
Who would you like to take a lesson from? Mike Henaghan or Mark Jungherr.
If you could ride any horse, who would it be? Rocher (dressage) or Cavalor Cumano (show jumping) or Theodore O'Connor (eventing).

Talk to you soon,
EDV

Assignment #6: Blogging Experience

I talked a little about my blogging experience in the previous post but tonight I'll touch on what I enjoyed (or didn't) about this project. And, what my blogging plans are for the future.

At the beginning, I was really uncomfortable with the whole idea of blogging. I admire people who can write witty on a consistent basis, but it's just not that easy. And my biggest fear was writing a mediocre, boring blog. Of course, I had high expectations: check out this blog or that blog for examples of hilarious, smart writing. Now, after three months of blogging, I've come to terms with my writing style and my blog. I'll be funny sometimes (if I'm in the right mood) or pissed off sometimes (if I'm in the wrong mood), but either way, I still write well (if I do say so myself). Besides being my own worst critic, I was nervous about writing my opinions for everyone and anyone to read. Sometimes I have very strong views about aspects of the horse-world and, to be honest, I don't really want someone telling me that I'm wrong. Stubborn? Yes. But I'm also acutely aware of everything I don't know about horses and the horse-world and I'm very willing to learn. So... I don't necessarily think my stubbornness (i.e. if you're glued to the rail, you're not actually riding your horse) is a bad thing. As of late, I've become more at ease with the whole idea of blogging. Although, I still ask myself: Why blog? (see previous post).

What I enjoyed most about this project was the ability to have place to rant and/or rave about certain topics. If I found a great article, I loved being able to share it with someone (hellooo... is anyone out there?), even if that someone was just my mom, dad and boyfriend.

I've decided (with a little encouragement from the anonymous commenter) that I'll continue to blog after this assignment is over. I have a lot of things going on (or about to be going on) in my life that will make for some exciting posts, so... you'll just have to keep reading!

Talk to you soon,
EDV

Why Blog?

Three days from now this Online Journalism blogging project will be officially over. After grades are in, I'll have the option of clicking the delete button or continuing to write (becoming a bona fide blogger). The funny thing is that I'm not completely comfortable with either option. At the beginning of this project I would have easily answered "delete" because I didn't want my ideas and opinions out there on the web for anyone to read. Now, after blogging for almost three months, I feel a little bit attached to what I've written - I don't want to delete the past three months, so why would I delete Breeches n' Boots? On the other hand, I'm not a huge fan of becoming a bona fide blogger. I've written, regardless of readership, because it's been a class requirement. But, should I continue blogging if no one is reading? Isn't that a little self-absorbed to think people actually care what I think? I've never jumped a Grand Prix, I've never ridden on the Developing Riders Tour and I'm definitely no professional - so why blog?

Something to think about... I'll let you know what I decide. In the meantime, here is a picture of me riding Cali, one of the other trail horses (see previous post) in NJ over Thanksgiving break. Please keep in mind that I don't make a habit of riding "spotted" western horses.

Talk to you soon,
EDV

Assignment #5: Original Reporting

Laura Smith, 25, grew up in Atlanta, GA, and began riding at age 7. She competed on the "A" circuit throughout high school, showing in both the Jr. Jumper and Equitation divisions. In 2000, Smith relocated to NJ to attend Princeton University. She graduated in 2004 with a degree in English and is currently working for a publishing company in New York City. Below is a Q&A with Smith about her experience with riding while in college.

EDV: Did riding influence your decision to attend Princeton University?

LS: I had been up in the Northeast a lot showing and I knew there were a ton of good trainers in New Jersey. I didn’t have a specific plan for exactly what I was going to do but it was definitely attractive that there were so many good shows and so many good trainers nearby.

EDV: During your freshman year you rode on Princeton's equestrian team. How did you like the team?

LS: After the indoor circuit and all the intensity of finishing up as a junior it was fun - no pressure - but it wasn’t satisfy as riding, wasn't challenging as riding.

EDV: During your sophomore year at Princeton you bought a horse and began competing as an amateur on the "A" circuit. How did your parents feel about you mixing school and top-level showing?

LS: My parents never encouraged me not to ride but they were kind of hoping I wouldn’t show too much, that I wouldn’t be away from Princeton as much as I had been away from my high school. But they were never anti-riding.

EDV: Now that you've graduated and are working in the "real world" do you have time to ride?

LS: Purely recreationally. I ride in Central Park. I’m hoping that once I get a little further along in my job that it will be easier to get out of the city on weekends and go ride.

EDV: Thank you for your time. Good luck with your job and riding.

Editor's Note: Laura Smith's name has been changed to protect her identity. Not that she has anything to hide, but it is a little strange to be part of someone else's blog. And, I didn't feel like her name was imperative to the Q&A as long as I knew her answers to be honest.

Talk to you soon,
EDV

NJ & PA Road Trip

Spending time in NJ is like a time warp for me - when it's over and I'm back in Boston, it feels like it never even happened. A couple of the reasons I love being home is because: a) it's 24/7 horses and b) there's no homework. Also, I love seeing my parents. It's amazing how much better you get along with them once you aren't living under their roof, isn't it?

While I was home, I rode a 3-year-old by L.A. Baltic Inspiration, a very talented Adult Hunter and a couple fantastic trail horses. Remember in my previous post I mentioned a "surprise"? Well, my mom and I took a road trip (one of our favorite pastimes) to PA on Saturday to look at a 6-year-old buckskin Quarter Horse (gasp!). Zeke was well worth the drive. To my disbelief, he had a very pleasant disposition and moved very correctly and even had some spring to his gait (again, gasp!). As of now, we are planning to head out to PA again sometime in December to take another look. On Saturday, we weren't able to jump that many jumps or that big because the ground was very frozen and the barn didn't have an indoor. So, the plan for December is to take him to another barn with an indoor where we can see him jump a course of 3'6". I'll definitely keep you updated.

And the award for Best Trail Horses goes to... Storm and Thunder. Storm, aka Black Velvet, is on the right, Thunder is on the left and that's my mom in the middle. In need of the perfect trail horse? Buy a Tennessee Walking Horse.

Talk to you soon,
EDV

Home for Thanksgiving

Honestly, I've been counting down the days until Thanksgiving since the beginning of September and now it's FINALLY here! I drove from Boston to NJ yesterday (Tuesday) morning and will head back sometime on Sunday. While I'm home I'll be doing lots of riding and I'll be sure to get some horsey pictures to spice up Breeches n' Boots. Also, I'll have a very interesting and surprising post for you on Saturday but it's a secret... so be sure to check back on Sunday.

Have a Great Thanksgiving!
EDV

Ride Smart, Ride Safe

When you are at a barn (riding, working or just hanging out) it is important to always be aware of your surroundings. That means that along with paying attention to what you and your horse are doing, you must ALSO pay attention to what others around you are doing. This is important for everyone's safety but it is also important for a much simpler reason. It's important to be courteous to those around you. For example, if another rider is schooling her horse over a specific jump and you have just entered the ring, it is polite (and greatly appreciated) if you stay out of the other rider's way. This doesn't mean that you can't ride your horse until the other rider is done, just be aware of you surroundings (in other words, don't stop directly in front of the aforementioned fence to tighten your girth when the other rider is trying to jump it).

Another important thing to remember is that each and every horse (no matter how well-trained) needs their personal space. What I mean is... if there are several horses being ridden at one time be careful not to ride too close to the other horses. Also, don't ride directly at another horse. In the horse world this is considered rude and a very beginner mistake (not to mention that it can be extremely dangerous to both you and the other rider!).

Just a couple things for you to think about. Remember... everyone loves a smart rider.

Talk to you soon,
EDV

A Balancing Act

My second-to-last semester at Northeastern has almost come to an end (only three weeks left) and it has definitely been one of my toughest semesters. Not isolated to just the schoolwork, it has been a balancing act between classes, riding and a part-time job. I have two classes a day Monday through Friday. I ride on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. And I spend about 10 hours a week working for my part-time job (admittedly, I do most of the work from my own living room but I manage to make it into the office every Friday). Now remember, you also have to factor in time for homework, laundry (where does it all come from?), picking up the apt., eating, sleeping and the boyfriend (for the first month...or two, he definitely got put on the back burner - luckily for me, he is extremely loving and understanding).

During the first half of this blogging project I only posted once or maybe (if you were lucky) twice a week because I was so S.T.R.E.S.S.E.D. I was still working out all the kinks in my schedule, trying to fit way too much into a 24-hour day. Fortunately, I think I've figured it out - it's called compromise. For example, if I spend eight hours at the barn then I only have 16 hours left. Take out another eight for sleeping (sorry, that's non-negotiable) and I'm left with only eight for classes, homework, boyfriend, eating and all those other annoying musts (laundry comes to mind).

So... the answer is compromise. Now, I spend four to five hours riding (including driving time) and more time on all those other, less fun tasks (except the boyfriend - he's a lot of fun).

I found this article from the Horsemen's Yankee Pedlar online. It's also about the balancing act, but from another perspective. This article focuses more on getting your riding-fix through a college equestrian team.

As this semester winds down (and I'm swamped with research papers and final projects) I have to decide the fate of the spring semester (AKA my final semester at Northeastern!). Should I cut back on one or both of my extracurricular activities to have more time to enjoy my last few months before I'm swallowed whole by the real world? Or should I keep on keepin' on? Hmmm... something to think about.

Talk to you soon,
EDV

SMC Update

I realize that I haven't mentioned SMC lately so here's a quick update:

Zipi got sold (he left last Tuesday) and Zee has a deposit on her and is waiting to be vetted (keep your fingers crossed). Fitz, Tara and Bill (among others) are still around but have a had a decent amount of interest in them. A young girl came out last weekend to try Tara and it went really well. Unfortunately, Tara has a special shoe due to the abscess she had a month ago and the potential buyers want to see her go after she gets her normal shoe back on. Also, because of the shoe I haven't been jumping her and, obviously, they want to see her jump before they buy her.

So... lately, I've been riding Tara and Bill with a couple extras thrown in here and there. With Tara, I am working on her responsiveness by doing lots and lots of transitions. Sometimes she evades me by tossing her head so I've been working on that, too. At the moment, she is probably my favorite to ride and she also has lovely ground manners (nothing irks me more than when people let their horses walk all over them).

With Bill, I've been working on getting him softer in the bridle as well as through his whole body. When I first started riding him my biggest issue was his complete lack of suppleness. It was like riding a bus (absolutely no bend through his body - not completely his fault). I have to say, he is slowly growing on me and, as of the past couple rides, is using himself much better.

Tara should be getting shod sometime around Thanksgiving so I will keep you updated and I'll let you know if any other horses get sold.

Talk to you soon,
EDV