I am seriously considering buying this horse http://www.equineracers.com/db/Classifieds_view.php?editid1=342.
I am totally not looking for a new horse right now but I was browsing CANTER CA (always) and stumbled upon him and fell in love. He's really young so my hope would be that (if I did end up buying him) I would just keep him in our pasture at home for a while, let him finish growing, do basic work with him and then move him to the barn in a few years and bring Gatsby home to chill out.
Who knows. Probably a stupid idea but I am obsessed and when I suggested it to George he said I should go for it. Hah! Best and worst answer.
My friend and I are probably going to go see him this weekend, I will let you know how it goes!
xoxo,
Elena
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Prep, prep, prep
Well, as Fresno seems to be rapidly approaching I have to say, I am getting less and less nervous and more and more excited! I'm sure that will change at some point but right now I am just stoked to be able to compete with Gatsby again. That horse is such a beast on XC, it's a huge privilege to get around with him.
I really want to be competitive at this show and make my money well-spent, not going for blue or anything but I want to make sure we perform the best that we are capable of. In doing so I have managed to spend even more money by signing up for some extra lessons and a dressage schooling show as well as buying some new show gear. I have to say, I am more than incredibly grateful to have such a wonderful supportive husband who totally understands that this is my passion and is fine with the time and money I spend on it.
Last weekend we had a really good jump school, worked some more on a grid and then did a serpentine exercise. Gatsby is jumping really well and I am feeling more confident on him. That's not to say that we don't have our issues though! I definitely ride better in the grid than I do to single fences and we have a really tough time getting a good spot to an airy vertical. This weekend we are going to do some XC schooling and then next week we will work on some courses to prep for the show.
On Sunday we had a dressage lesson with Ludgar. I always love riding with him, he is just so in tune to Gatsby. Unfortunately his lessons are pretty pricey so they don't happen often. We ran through my test and he gave me some really good information to get the most out of Gatsby. He said for the trot I really need to keep him moving VERY forward or else he has a tendency to look like he is not moving over his back. Also with the lengthened canter on the circle, always tough, he suggested I ride as if there's a jump on the opposite side of the circle to make sure I really keep the impulsion, this helped loads! If I get him in front of my leg during the regular canter circle and then do this for the lengthening he is spectacular. Ludgar said that his canter work is just as good as any of the horses out there which really pleased me as I have done a lot lately to get that gait to where it is. Unfortunately the same is not true of his trot work, he does go nicely but there is always going to be those warmbloods that outshine him in that area. Because of this it is really important that I not leave any points on the table with our canter and also with geometry.
Overall I think things are definitely going in a good direction! This week has been really busy for me at work so I won't get a chance to ride until tomorrow. He lives outside 24/7 now so a few days off here and there doesn't effect him like it used to which is great. We'll do some more dressage schools and a probably a conditioning day as well as an XC schooling this week.Then next week we will school courses and we have the dressage schooling show on Sunday. Really hoping that helps out with both of our nerves heading to the sandbox at the event.
xoxo,
Elena
I really want to be competitive at this show and make my money well-spent, not going for blue or anything but I want to make sure we perform the best that we are capable of. In doing so I have managed to spend even more money by signing up for some extra lessons and a dressage schooling show as well as buying some new show gear. I have to say, I am more than incredibly grateful to have such a wonderful supportive husband who totally understands that this is my passion and is fine with the time and money I spend on it.
Last weekend we had a really good jump school, worked some more on a grid and then did a serpentine exercise. Gatsby is jumping really well and I am feeling more confident on him. That's not to say that we don't have our issues though! I definitely ride better in the grid than I do to single fences and we have a really tough time getting a good spot to an airy vertical. This weekend we are going to do some XC schooling and then next week we will work on some courses to prep for the show.
On Sunday we had a dressage lesson with Ludgar. I always love riding with him, he is just so in tune to Gatsby. Unfortunately his lessons are pretty pricey so they don't happen often. We ran through my test and he gave me some really good information to get the most out of Gatsby. He said for the trot I really need to keep him moving VERY forward or else he has a tendency to look like he is not moving over his back. Also with the lengthened canter on the circle, always tough, he suggested I ride as if there's a jump on the opposite side of the circle to make sure I really keep the impulsion, this helped loads! If I get him in front of my leg during the regular canter circle and then do this for the lengthening he is spectacular. Ludgar said that his canter work is just as good as any of the horses out there which really pleased me as I have done a lot lately to get that gait to where it is. Unfortunately the same is not true of his trot work, he does go nicely but there is always going to be those warmbloods that outshine him in that area. Because of this it is really important that I not leave any points on the table with our canter and also with geometry.
Overall I think things are definitely going in a good direction! This week has been really busy for me at work so I won't get a chance to ride until tomorrow. He lives outside 24/7 now so a few days off here and there doesn't effect him like it used to which is great. We'll do some more dressage schools and a probably a conditioning day as well as an XC schooling this week.Then next week we will school courses and we have the dressage schooling show on Sunday. Really hoping that helps out with both of our nerves heading to the sandbox at the event.
xoxo,
Elena
Friday, September 27, 2013
Splurges
Just thought I'd share all my splurges from yesterday...still trying to justify them as you can see;) I also have a (fairly lengthy) wish list of new show gear that I'm going to try and slowly chip away at.
Been lusting after this coat for a while. I stupidly left some stuff up in Berkeley when I moved, including my show coat, and considering how things ended with my ex and I, I don't have high hopes for getting them returned. Sad because I had that coat since I was 11 but I'm not too upset because I wanted to upgrade my show wardrobe anyway. Found a great deal on a CO JRY8 in navy a couple months ago which will look schnazzy with this.
Got a full set of this in white (obvi). Another item I had wanted since before I moved back to SB and since my Nunn Finers got left my trainer when I moved, I did need a new set of XC boots.
I mostly got boring stuff from SmartPak (gloves, spurs, leather oil, etc.) but I decided to go for this lovely stock pin as the one I currently have is just plain and super boring.
Lastly I decided to go for one of these beautiful browbands by Dark Jewel Designs as per SprinklerBandit's review. This is one of the options I went for, I don't have a picture of the other but I am sure it will be just as gorgeous!
I was also really tempted to order a custom Frilly Fillies ear bonnet but between all my purchases, HT entry fee and hotel room I figured I should hold off for now. Maybe for Christmas or before my next show if I have some extra cash floating around.
Been lusting after this coat for a while. I stupidly left some stuff up in Berkeley when I moved, including my show coat, and considering how things ended with my ex and I, I don't have high hopes for getting them returned. Sad because I had that coat since I was 11 but I'm not too upset because I wanted to upgrade my show wardrobe anyway. Found a great deal on a CO JRY8 in navy a couple months ago which will look schnazzy with this.Got a full set of this in white (obvi). Another item I had wanted since before I moved back to SB and since my Nunn Finers got left my trainer when I moved, I did need a new set of XC boots.I mostly got boring stuff from SmartPak (gloves, spurs, leather oil, etc.) but I decided to go for this lovely stock pin as the one I currently have is just plain and super boring.Lastly I decided to go for one of these beautiful browbands by Dark Jewel Designs as per SprinklerBandit's review. This is one of the options I went for, I don't have a picture of the other but I am sure it will be just as gorgeous!I was also really tempted to order a custom Frilly Fillies ear bonnet but between all my purchases, HT entry fee and hotel room I figured I should hold off for now. Maybe for Christmas or before my next show if I have some extra cash floating around.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Ready, Set, Show
Well...it happened...I finally sent out my entry for our first horse trials since Galway in November 2011. In less than a month Gatsby and I will be heading out to Fresno County Horse Park!!
I've spent a good chunk of my morning making lists of things I have and things I need and have definitely shelled out a good amount of cash for some new show gear. I am justifying this because my old stuff is either super old or super missing. Now we just need to get ourselves ready to go! We have another jumping lesson this weekend and a dressage lesson so I am hoping to hone in on some areas that I can work to improve on over the next few weeks.
Wish us luck!!
xoxo,
Elena & Gatsby
I've spent a good chunk of my morning making lists of things I have and things I need and have definitely shelled out a good amount of cash for some new show gear. I am justifying this because my old stuff is either super old or super missing. Now we just need to get ourselves ready to go! We have another jumping lesson this weekend and a dressage lesson so I am hoping to hone in on some areas that I can work to improve on over the next few weeks.
Wish us luck!!
xoxo,
Elena & Gatsby
Monday, September 23, 2013
Back in the Swing
I think it's just time to admit that I might never be a regular blogger. Sorry guys for making you deal with all my sporadic updates!
As I mentioned last time (I think) Gatsby has had a low-key month since I've been back from England. We were waiting for my vet to get some Adequan in to start him on so we decided not to work him too hard until then. Also, I have been dealing with injuries of my own (shoulder, wisdom teeth) and then WE GOT A PUPPY!!!! So he has been taking some of my time and love up as well.
I got the call from my vet last week that I could pick up the Adequan so I decided it was time to start getting back in our groove and see what we're made of again. My schedule is still not going to be as consistent as I would like because of the pup but I think we'll be ok. Gatsby has been doing well with less work so I'm hoping we can get through the Fall like this, he can have a light Winter and by the time Spring rolls around Sirius (pup) will be old enough that George & I can leave him on his own sometimes. Unfortunately my barn has a no dogs rule which kind of sucks but I think they would let me leave him in the car if I needed to.
Friday Gats had a short but really good Dressage school. Our dressage work has been pretty basic lately but now that he's had his shot I want to start ramping him up again. I'm excited to see how he will feel after the loading dose is done! Saturday he had off because we had to take the puppy to the vet. Sunday we had a really great jump lesson with our BM. She found a great grid exercise for him that really helped us work on keeping a consistent canter. Ground pole, cross rail, one stride to a cross rail oxer, two strides to a vertical and one stride to an oxer. We kept the first two jumps small to keep him relaxed and raised the last two. After going through a few times we added a couple solo jumps to make a little course. I was really happy with how relaxed he was but I also was very aware of riding him well to keep him relaxed.
Here is a video of our grid and a couple pics of the new pup!
xoxo,
Elena
As I mentioned last time (I think) Gatsby has had a low-key month since I've been back from England. We were waiting for my vet to get some Adequan in to start him on so we decided not to work him too hard until then. Also, I have been dealing with injuries of my own (shoulder, wisdom teeth) and then WE GOT A PUPPY!!!! So he has been taking some of my time and love up as well.
I got the call from my vet last week that I could pick up the Adequan so I decided it was time to start getting back in our groove and see what we're made of again. My schedule is still not going to be as consistent as I would like because of the pup but I think we'll be ok. Gatsby has been doing well with less work so I'm hoping we can get through the Fall like this, he can have a light Winter and by the time Spring rolls around Sirius (pup) will be old enough that George & I can leave him on his own sometimes. Unfortunately my barn has a no dogs rule which kind of sucks but I think they would let me leave him in the car if I needed to.
Friday Gats had a short but really good Dressage school. Our dressage work has been pretty basic lately but now that he's had his shot I want to start ramping him up again. I'm excited to see how he will feel after the loading dose is done! Saturday he had off because we had to take the puppy to the vet. Sunday we had a really great jump lesson with our BM. She found a great grid exercise for him that really helped us work on keeping a consistent canter. Ground pole, cross rail, one stride to a cross rail oxer, two strides to a vertical and one stride to an oxer. We kept the first two jumps small to keep him relaxed and raised the last two. After going through a few times we added a couple solo jumps to make a little course. I was really happy with how relaxed he was but I also was very aware of riding him well to keep him relaxed.
Here is a video of our grid and a couple pics of the new pup!
xoxo,
Elena
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| Sirius DK |
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Worst Blogger Ever
Seriously! Even my return to blogging is failing. You guys will have to be patient with me...maybe eventually I will get back to multiple posts per week but for now every once in a while is gonna have to cut it.
I think I mentioned in my last post that we have been thinking about injections for Gats recently as he is now 16 (holy crap) and experiencing a bit of stiffness. He is never off and always works out of it but I do want him to be as comfortable as possible. Well, last week the vet came out and trotted, flexed him etc....Verdict: On a scale of 1-4 he is maybe a 1.5 so NO injections!!! I am super pleased with this as well as with the fact that my vet commented on how fit and healthy he looks. We did decide to move forward with an injectable supplement and will be starting him on Adequan as soon as it's back on the market.
Gats has had a couple easy weeks as I went to England to visit the in-laws and go to my brother-in-laws wedding. Super fun, amazing time. Hopefully pics will be up soon and I can share some!
Now I am working on healing myself:( I have an old shoulder injury that has been acting up lately so I am doing physical therapy twice a week and going in for a cortisone injection on Tuesday. With all that going on I am planning on ramping up to our normal workload a little slower than usual after a vacay. After all, we do have until November for Galway! And, before vacay, vet, shoulder, etc. we took Gats out on our little XC field to play and he was super fantastic so I am feeling good about being ready for an event.
xoxo,
Elena & Gatsby
I think I mentioned in my last post that we have been thinking about injections for Gats recently as he is now 16 (holy crap) and experiencing a bit of stiffness. He is never off and always works out of it but I do want him to be as comfortable as possible. Well, last week the vet came out and trotted, flexed him etc....Verdict: On a scale of 1-4 he is maybe a 1.5 so NO injections!!! I am super pleased with this as well as with the fact that my vet commented on how fit and healthy he looks. We did decide to move forward with an injectable supplement and will be starting him on Adequan as soon as it's back on the market.
Gats has had a couple easy weeks as I went to England to visit the in-laws and go to my brother-in-laws wedding. Super fun, amazing time. Hopefully pics will be up soon and I can share some!
Now I am working on healing myself:( I have an old shoulder injury that has been acting up lately so I am doing physical therapy twice a week and going in for a cortisone injection on Tuesday. With all that going on I am planning on ramping up to our normal workload a little slower than usual after a vacay. After all, we do have until November for Galway! And, before vacay, vet, shoulder, etc. we took Gats out on our little XC field to play and he was super fantastic so I am feeling good about being ready for an event.
xoxo,
Elena & Gatsby
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Summer Lulls
Unfortunately it looks as though I picked a bad time to return to blogging as not much has happened in the last week. Work got crazy busy and I got a little sick so Gatsby got a few more days off than usual.
Let's see...we had a lesson with Terri on Saturday which I was very happy with. As he has aged over the last few years Gatsby has developed some stiffness which he usually works out of but is getting to the point where it needs to be proactively taken care of and I am deliberating about hock injections. I personally don't think he needs them quite yet so I want to see what other options we have before we go down that route. I recently put him on Cosequin ASU which I am loving but I think he still needs a little something to go along with that. So the goal of the lesson was really to discuss our options with Terri, have her watch him go and then have her get on him and see what she thinks. All in all I was happy with what we came up with, although she did seem to enjoy riding him so much that she took up most of the lesson:) We decided to start with an inject-able supplement, she recommended Pentaussie which, from what I can see, is similar to Pentosan, so we will be having the vet out soon to get a scrip! We both agreed that hock injections are in Gatsby's future but that he doesn't need them right away. It's his right hock that seems a little stiff but, like I said, he always works through it and never seems to be in any sort of pain. She also mentioned that (while I was riding him) he was MUCH straighter that he was the last time she saw us. I was really pleased to hear that as we have been working really hard on straightness. However, when she got on him she commented that it was difficult to get him straight...perhaps a case of "You're not my mother" Syndrome?? Gats has been known to not give his all for anyone but me (this has been noticed by pretty much anyone whose ever trained or ridden him).
After that was when work got busy and I started not feeling well so Gats ended up with Sunday and Monday off and just a quick lunge before work on Tuesday. I rode yesterday after work but didn't have a ton of time and still wasn't feeling 100% so it was just a lot of leg yields and stretchiness, trying to get us both back into the idea of doing some real work.
Today I won't be riding as I am going to get a tattoo(!!!) after work but I am hoping to do a little dressage school tomorrow and then a jump lesson and conditioning ride this weekend.
Xoxo,
Elena & Gatsby
Let's see...we had a lesson with Terri on Saturday which I was very happy with. As he has aged over the last few years Gatsby has developed some stiffness which he usually works out of but is getting to the point where it needs to be proactively taken care of and I am deliberating about hock injections. I personally don't think he needs them quite yet so I want to see what other options we have before we go down that route. I recently put him on Cosequin ASU which I am loving but I think he still needs a little something to go along with that. So the goal of the lesson was really to discuss our options with Terri, have her watch him go and then have her get on him and see what she thinks. All in all I was happy with what we came up with, although she did seem to enjoy riding him so much that she took up most of the lesson:) We decided to start with an inject-able supplement, she recommended Pentaussie which, from what I can see, is similar to Pentosan, so we will be having the vet out soon to get a scrip! We both agreed that hock injections are in Gatsby's future but that he doesn't need them right away. It's his right hock that seems a little stiff but, like I said, he always works through it and never seems to be in any sort of pain. She also mentioned that (while I was riding him) he was MUCH straighter that he was the last time she saw us. I was really pleased to hear that as we have been working really hard on straightness. However, when she got on him she commented that it was difficult to get him straight...perhaps a case of "You're not my mother" Syndrome?? Gats has been known to not give his all for anyone but me (this has been noticed by pretty much anyone whose ever trained or ridden him).
After that was when work got busy and I started not feeling well so Gats ended up with Sunday and Monday off and just a quick lunge before work on Tuesday. I rode yesterday after work but didn't have a ton of time and still wasn't feeling 100% so it was just a lot of leg yields and stretchiness, trying to get us both back into the idea of doing some real work.
Today I won't be riding as I am going to get a tattoo(!!!) after work but I am hoping to do a little dressage school tomorrow and then a jump lesson and conditioning ride this weekend.
Xoxo,
Elena & Gatsby
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