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