Violet's Schooling Show Results!

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These photos and video are from July 10th when the lovely Emily was giving beautiful Violet training in suppleness and softness.  And you can see my red miss working hard!  But this story is from October 2nd and I am writing on October 7th.  Anyway, I got a case of the nerves at the show.  During the first course, we were doing pretty good, but for whatever reason, I took a jump from a funky distance and lost my stirrup.  I made it over the second jump without the stirrup, but couldn't regain it.  So, I stopped the course, got my stirrup and then just finished up the final outside line!  I was proud of myself because though I was a doofus on the course and Violet was bringing her best, I didn't get rattled. I just fixed where I'd left off!

Then in the second course, we had to do a roll back and I just didn't turn Violet properly and look with my eyes well enough and we took the one rollback a little wide, but still made it. And then in our final course which was the medals class, we had a doofus moment.  The course consisted of a serpentine of jumps, followed by a rollback to a bending line and then an outside line.  We did the serpentine of jumps with good energy, pivot, momentum and got every one of our leads, we did the rollback, and then as we were moving toward the bending line, I could feel Violet at three strides out tell me that she was uncertain and she was going to refuse.  And all I did was sit up to be ready for her refusal.  I didn't use my leg or voice aids at all.  She refused and we had to go around and hit the jump again before completing the outside line. And even then I wasn't unhappy because I was proud of myself for being able to read her (even if I didn't correct or encourage her) and I was proud that I didn't get flustered.  I just redid the jump and kept going.  

So, anyway, we got a third and fourth for the first and third jumping classes, but we got a second in the one where we only had trouble going wide on the Swedish oxer.  Then Violet was bright and energetic and soft for her Hunter Under Saddle, so she won that class.  And then we took second in equitation!  So, I was proud.  In her only show of the year, she took 1 first, 2 seconds, 1 third and 1 fourth -- and she was trying to be a good solid show girl!  She didn't shy at anything or give anything too much of a look.  She brought it with dedication!!! I was so proud of her!  

Violet's Big October Schooling Show!

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I wanted Violet to have a chance to compete this year -- I felt that she should have one big competition per year to keep he hoof in the game.  So, Stacey said we could register for the Schooling Show on October 2nd, managed by the BG Equestrian Team.  We were registered for five classes -- 3 jumping classes at the novice level, including a medals class, and two flat classes -- one hunter under saddle and the other equitation.  So, I had new breeches and  nice black turtleneck.  I felt very pretty and Violet, of course, was gorgeous.  Our classes were the first ones of that morning.  So, I got my first warm-up session under Stacey's direction and it was awesome.  She was so efficient and direct and good at it.  She had us walk, trot, canter and then blasted us over a cross rail and then oxer, and then she made us jump our course which had three oxers (including a Swedish oxer) and one very odd bending line.  Anyway, I was determined to be relaxed (which I know sounds weird, but there it is).  And Violet had a few days off and it was a cool morning, so she was fresh and interested and engaged.  And we were just relaxed and powerful and happy over our practice course.  We did two outside lines and then two diagonals.  Bang bang bang.  Stacey didn't even want us to practice again.  And I told her, if that was the only good thing that happened at the show that I would be satisfied!

Equine Travels with Laura! Episode 3

Equine Travels with Laura! Episode 3

Welcome to Equine Travels with Laura, our weekly Monday video cast about Laura's horse adventures.  In this weeks' episode, Laura reflects on the birth of Easy Blue Renegade and how Hailee, his dam, was such a loving solid mother!  Listen in!

Laura Loves Lessons! Episode 3

Laura Loves Lessons! Episode 3

Welcome to this week's episode of Laura Loves Lessons!  In this episode, she discusses a January 29th lesson, she and Renny shared under Jill J's direction.  During this lesson, she had an epiphany about her relationship with her pony! Listen in!

A-Circuit Banged Up Pony!

I'm writing this entry on October 7th and these photos are from the night before Renny was taken to his training facility -- his last lesson before training at Quicksilver Farm.  Anyway, as I was inspecting Renny's mud fever on my visit, I started noticing that he was banged up too!  He had a kick or bite mark on his ribs, a scrape along his jaw, a nick on his hip bone. My boy had wrestling marks!  And it just made me laugh and laugh with happiness.  At home, Renny likes to cause trouble but not be in trouble -- who wants to get whacked by a horse.  But at Quicksilver, he can start things up with the two ponies he's with and if he feels like it, he can finish it!  He obviously is having fun knocking around with his buddies in the pasture.  Made me super happy with how well he's being cared for!!

Renny's A-Circuit Scratches!

I'm writing this entry on October 7th, 2011.  Okay, so not everything is perfect for my beautiful talented pony.  When I first arrived at Quicksilver, the owner said she was worried that I'd be unhappy with the way he looked.  Turns out that they had an enormous volume of rain, just like we did, and over the past few days, he'd developed mud fever on his pasterns.  Sure enough, he had scratches on all four pasterns and his back legs were stocked up.  I was a bit taken aback, it's true.  Up until then, the only health issue I'd ever had with my good pony is a little fever one day while he was still a suckling and a wolf tooth that needed taking out.  It hurt me a bit to see him stocked up.  But Melinda said that they were assertively treating it and expected it to clear up very shortly.  And I had confidence about that.  Renny didn't seem troubled at all and most of the swelling dissipated just from the short training ride they gave me.  But I was surprised to imagine my guy with a little mud fever!!

Strong Renny at Quicksilver

Here's my  boy receiving A-Circuit training at a beautiful facility with talented people.  Let me tell you, I'm so proud that I sometimes tear up.  

Booksmart Equestrian! Episode 2

Booksmart Equestrian! Episode 2

Hello and welcome to our weekly video cast Booksmart Equestrian with Laura! In today's episode, she discusses the novel True Grit by Charles Portis, as well as weighs in on the Coen Brothers versus the John Wayne ending of the original and remake film of the same name.  Listen in!

Soft Sweet Renny at Quicksilver

Here's an October 5th video and photo of my darling boy at his first major training at the A-Circuit level.  Because he's such a good boy, the head trainer at Quicksilver said he could come back and receive more training and have a show season and that she would work with me to find him a placement with a good trainer and child for his first A-Circuit level green season.  This generosity is very good news because she said that he's valuable now, but that he will be even more valuable if I can keep him to sell as a 4 year-old green pony.  You betcha.  I would be happy to keep my little guy another year!!!

My Pony's Pretty Trot

I'm writing this entry on October 7th, 2011.  Here is a photo and video from October 5th when I visited Quicksilver Farm to see the results of my pony's first month of training.  They were terrific.  His trot was so  beautiful -- it has so much more reach and power and energy and roundness and efficiency and straightness and trueness.  I just can't wait to get on him and try him myself now.  Alyssa said that she would give me a lesson when I picked him up, so that I could learn the voice commands and aids she's been giving him to make him so solid and balanced and willing!  I just love Quicksilver Farm!

Renny's First Lead Changes!

I'm writing this entry on October 7th.  As I was visiting Renny and chatting with Melinda, we were watching Alyssa just canter the forward happy relaxed little guy.  And suddenly I noticed that she had gotten lead change transitions, but I had barely noticed because they were so unfussy, quiet, relaxed, and subtle.  He just quietly and effortlessly gave them.  Melinda said that they had just begun working on those with him and that he has an easier time going from left to right rather than right to left, but he is agreeable.  They both said that he hasn't been snarky about a single thing.  He's arrived with a good work ethic and that he has caused no trouble at all about anything.  He's truly a tremendous pony.  Melinda said that she could see him qualifying very easily for Pony Finals and having a very competitive show career, but that he might not place in the top 10 (though he might, hard to tell).  But she said that he would be great for a timid child because there is nothing intimidating about him -- he has a good quiet unworried heart.  Nothing bothers him.  He is without fear and very smart.  Anyway, listening to this talented woman say such nice things about my pony was the best!  Here is some video of Renny working on his first lead changes.  This past winter, Stacey and I had been impressed by the number of times we were able to get lead changes by accident from him and even a few over ground poles, so I was not surprised, though delighted that they were already getting some out of him in his first month of training!!

My Visit to Quicksilver Farm

I'm writing this entry on October 7th.  So, I've been missing Renny pretty badly and not enjoying his being gone for training at an A-Circuit facility.  And this week was sort of tough because I had to address some bad business that had accumulated over the year.  So, I was feeling a little ragged when I went to visit Renny on Wednesday, October 5th, during the halfway point of his visit.  I slept terribly and got a late start, but my spirit improved as I travelled.  The weather was beautiful -- sunlit, but cool, and the leaves were just starting to change in the pretty part of the country where Renny was staying.  I arrived at the barn and Melinda, Alyssa, and two young ladies were there.  Renny was looking fit and sassy in his stall and was comfortably eating hay.  He was glad to see me, but he didn't go crazy about it.  He was saddled and taken to the arena and I was so curious to see how he would do.  

He was truly awesome.  From the very second, she walked him to the mounting block, he stood quietly and sensibly and with a loose rein.  And as soon as she asked him to walk off, he was all business, stepping straight and true and forward.  I could see that his trot and canter had substantially improved and that he was much more centered, round, balanced.  He didn't have any wiggles or bulges and he kept his frame beautifully without fussing even a little bit about her right to have his face.  And he just knocks out the quietest most simple little lead changes.  And he jumped a whole course as easy as pie.  A-Circuit training is exactly that -- A quality!  I was so proud I couldn't believe it!  Here's video of Renny jumping his course for me!    

Equestrian Travels with Laura! Episode 2

Welcome to Episode 2 of Equestrian Travels with Laura!  In today's episode, Laura shows you the various bits that Violet and Renny use in their work as hunters- and dressage-ponies in training!  Listen in!

Equestrian Travels with Laura! Episode 2

Laura Loves Lessons! Episode 2

Laura Loves Lessons! Episode 2

In today's video cast, Laura discusses some troubles she's having with Violet at the gates in the indoor arena and some strategies for patiently working through this snafu.  And she talks about Team Renegade's dressage lessons this weekend -- a pair dressage activity with Mary and Fez and then some precision work on upward transitions with Janet from the University of Findlay.  Listen in!

My Jackass, My Zelia

Jackass and Zelia are 15 years old, so this summer I decided that I would take a family photo every Sunday.  Well, that lasted two Sundays!  Lol!  They were definitely not into posing for the camera.  In the first photo, we are struggling with family togetherness and I ended up yelling at them.  And in the second, we had just come into the house and they are hanging together, probably gossiping about how weird mom is!!!

Jumping Stronger and Softer!

A June photo taken in our favorite Thursday lesson by Patrick Wolff!  Happy Team Tenderness.  Namaste!

Forgiving Sweet Girl!

Here is a photo of Violet and me in a June lesson.  The photo is taken by Patrick Wolff.  We were super happy in this lesson. In fact, our Thursday lessons are our favorite ones of the week.  Anyway, Violet just loves jumping and as I write this in September, we've become so much better at getting our correct leads off of jumps and we are jumping regularly at the 3 hole.  I am hoping one day to be jumping 2'6"!!!  Stacey says that's an attainable dream!!

Booksmart Equestrian! Episode 1

In this new video series, Laura explores books she loves and what she's learning about horses from combining reading and studying with riding!  Tune in!

Booksmart Equestrian! Episode 1

Welcome to our weekly Videocast, Booksmart Equstrian!  In this first episode, Laura discusses the purpose of this Friday Video series and talks about the first book in this series, The Complete Guide to Hunter Seat Training, Showing, and Judging by Anna Jane White-Mullin.  Listen in!

Soft, Soft, Soft!

Here is a June picture taken by Patrick Woolf of my beautiful girl.  Since this photo was taken, Violet and I have worked hard to become soft and sweet together.  But even in this photo, you can see the softness coming into our relationship!

Bad Temper and Apologies!

These photos were taken June 28th and I am writing this entry on September 23rd.  Over the past two weeks, Violet and I have done a lot of growing as a team.  I had a private lesson two weeks ago and I lost my temper.  I wasn't horrible, but I used the crop to spank her forward once and I was rough and intolerant with my hands -- rotten.  So, she tossed her head and got stiff.  So, then I just felt pretty badly all week and worked on being soft.  And things were getting better because Violet is a forgiving girl who can blow things off and is happy to accept apologies.  But here's the cool thing.  On the Saturday following our Tuesday disagreement, Stacey gave me great great advice during our lesson about how to help her loosen up at the start and how to be so sweet and soft but feeling with my hands while driving with my legs.  And since then, Violet gets that I'm trying to be good to her, so we work together now.  We have really moved forward on softness!

Having Fun with Dressage

This photo is from a lesson with Stacey on June 28, 2011 and I am writing this entry on September 23rd.  Over the course of the summer, Violet and I have become interested in dressage.  I worked a summer job and purchased a Passier dressage saddle and bridle for her and got a very nice bit and pad and purchased Gay's old girth.  And we are just having too much fun riding dressage with Janet Harms and Stacey.  I just think it's so much fun to incorporate into our week!  And I can tell Violet is very proud of herself when she gives a soft collected trot or strikes out big in her extended trot or pops sweetly in her leg yields.  She's getting it!

Beautiful Gentle Violet

Here are some photos and a video from August 13th when Emily and Kelsey were having their last rides on my lovely herd.  Emily rode Violet two days in a row that weekend and she said that Violet was lovely and softer than she'd ever been.  I'm writing this entry on September 23rd and she and I have been working diligently on getting softer together.  I am trying to feel and listen without grabbing my sweet girl.  And I think we are making progress.  We will be a true soft feeling team!

Equine Travels with Laura! Episode 1

Welcome to our weekly video cast, Equine Travels with Laura!  In this episode, Laura talks about the purpose of this weekly Monday Videocast and introduces her audience to the herd!  Listen in!

Equine Travels with Laura! Episode 1, Season 1

Laura Loves Lessons, Episode 1

In this new Videocast series, Laura discusses special lessons, workshops, or clinics that helped her learn more about riding, horsewoman ship, or life in her herd!  Today she discusses Easy Blue Renegade's first lesson with the Hunter/Jumper trainer of the English Equestrian Program at the University of Findlay.  This lesson happened at St. George Equestrian Facility on January 15.  Listen in!

Laura Loves Lessons, Episode 1

Chilling with My Hunter!

Me and my much better half in mid-summer 2011....happy happy happy team...

Missing My Boy!

Here are late June, 2011 photos of Renny and me in a private lesson. These photos surprise me because they show that he is soft and supple and obliging and wonderful, even with me.  And I don't mean that to knock myself, I'm just saying that it goes to show you what a great pony he is.  Anyway, I am writing this entry on September 9th, and Renny's been off to college for 10 days.  And I miss him something fierce!

Such a Fun Show!

Here are more photos and a video from Renny's first schooling session at his second show in July 2011.  He had just arrived on a blazing blazing Friday at Hunters Run in Michigan and he was eager to explore.  But when his favorite rider and best friend showed up, he was happy to be ridden in this gorgeous well-groomed arena -- demonstrating his sweet supple athletic hunter pony nature.  I was floored, simply floored.  Stacey was satisfied by his goodness, Kelsey was calm in her skill, and Renny was the definition of unflappable.  I will never forget standing by the judge's stand, filming his sweetness!

Such Happy Training...

This photo and video were taken in mid-August, 2011, right before I went up to Rhinelander, Wisconsin to visit my family and kiss and hug my nieces and nephew.  In this photo, you see the two wonderful young women who befriended my herd and helped them develop their skills.  My thoroughbred and sport pony were so proud of themselves to show off their skills and heart -- they wanted to please these talented girls.  I will never be able to express how wonderful those Friday mornings were and the other moments here and there when these girls teamed with my favorite creatures on earth.  It was a great summer!  Renny had a chance to have a real wonderful brave start.  And Violet had a chance to show that she could be as soft and sweet and athletic as the very best in her heritage!  Yay!

Violet's August Carrots

Here is a photo and video from late summer when Violet receives treats straight from my garden!  She's a carrot lover.  Okay, so how do I even comment on what a wonderful mare she's become.  At her vet appointment on August 30, 2011, Dr. Zimmerman said that she looked great that she was a good-looking mare.  And she did look buff and muscled and trim and substantial and glowing and wonderful. And this summer, she's become so obliging about jumping courses with bending lines, diagonals, multiple overs, rollbacks, and bounces.  And she's great at exercises which expect that she changes leads over fences.  For example, I'm writing this entry on Friday, September 9th and just yesterday, in our Thursday lesson, we had to jump three fences set in a staggered serpentine.  We had to take four separate leads with three changes.  And what did Violet do.  She picked up her first lead, took a long leisurely well-paced canter to the first jump, changed her lead and rolled back to the second fence, gave a change over that fence and turned neatly to the third and then changed her lead again and cantered a smooth circle to a smooth trot.  It was breathtaking.  Quiet, sweet, athletic.  I am so lucky to be part of Team Tenderness!

A Full Happy Home!

Rock on.  Namaste.

My Comfortable Nest

Here is a photo and video taken in late summer 2011.  I love my happy little nest and the darling creature who share this space.  And I love it even more now that I worked two extra jobs this summer to earn money to buy an iPad, Macbook Pro, and iPhone.  The nest is feathered!

Grandma and Her Sweet Pony!

I am writing this entry on Friday, September 9th, and this photo was taken by Lillian in late June -- well before Renny was deep into a happy satisfying partnership with Kelsey and before his two shows, two wins, and college.  Here we are just in the midst of training and muddling and having fun.  And I already look as proud as I can be.  So, you can imagine my feelings now.  What can I say about this miracle of a pony.  A few days after his arrival at Quicksilver, I got a Facebook message from Melinda telling me that Renny was being so good -- that he was sweet and willing to learn -- that he'd already been over cross rails and had a very nice jump.  That he had a new turnout buddy who was his BFF immediately.  And that they were so enjoying him.  I was not a bit surprised -- she used all the code words I would expect from him -- agreeable with everyone, sweet, willing, enjoyable.  That's my life with him.  I have a pony that is a wonderful darling companion.  On the very day that I returned from taking him to college, someone came up to me and asked if they could lease him when he returns.  I am so proud of this darling creature!

Renny Ships to Quicksilver Farm!

All right!  I am writing this entry on Friday, September 9th and these photos are taken in the early morning of Wednesday, August 31st.  On that Wednesday, my little guy shipped to college!  I got up super early and went to the barn and groomed him and packed his belongings.  Stacey helped wrap him all pretty and we put shiny products on him.  And then the day sped by -- I don't know if I'll be able to capture all the magic of this day.  Ricky and I went to load him and Renny was as calm as you please.  He loaded quietly and let me hook him.  He didn't fuss or fight.  And off we went.

The ride was over three hours and we even got lost for a little bit and had to turn around in a factory parking lot.  We drove on I-80 and then on I-90 right through downtown Cleveland.  And Renny didn't fuss at all.  Every time we looked back, he was calm and sweet.  And he even took time to pee in the trailer.  

When we finally arrived at Quicksilver Farm, two stallions were galloping like crazy in their giant pastures, just to greet Renny and put him on notice.  When we arrived, 7 minutes early which made me super duper happy, Melinda and Alyssa were there and two other staff people.  Renny had a full krewe to meet him.  And here's where Renny kicked into high style gear.  We backed the trailer into the barn receiving area and then got out of the truck.  We had a leisurely conversation with Melinda and her staff and all the time, I could see Renny watching us calmly from the trailer.  He didn't fuss, he didn't move, he didn't paw, he didn't call.  He just stood patiently.  And then when it became time to unload him, we opened the trailer door and he just stood there.  I unhooked him and stepped under the barrier and he just stood there.  I said back in a gentle tone and he stepped quietly back to the edge of the door and then waited.  And then when I said step, step, he calmly quietly smoothly slowly but not tentatively stepped backwards off the trailer making sure his legs cleared easily and fully -- no slipping or feeling.  And then when he got off the trailer, he just stood there calmly and quietly and looked around.  He waited for a moment or two and then took a step toward the dancing stallions, but when I tugged no, he just resumed waiting, but then finally dropped his head to eat grass.

He arrived like a glorious well-behaved sweet sensible pony.  I could NOT have been more proud.  Then we walked him into the barn into his new stall and while we were unwrapping him -- Melinda, Alyssa, Ricky and I -- Renny checked his feed bin, ate his hay, and then took a long happy drink of water.  Melinda commented on what a good boy he was and how good it was to see that he wasn't fussy about the water.  And as she commented about that nicety,  Renny took a happy leisurely relaxed deep pee and looked around with satisfaction.

Then he was whisked out of his stall to stand in the aisle way and get measured.  He had four people swirling around him and Ricky and I were standing quietly to the side.  Renny was the quiet eye of these storm, standing with pride and quiet obedience in the middle of women who were measuring him and loving on his face.  His new rider gave him treats which Renny received with satisfaction.  He measured out at 14.0' and a sneeze, just as I said.

When I left, he gave me a calm sweet look.  He has a stall that has windows right into the busy aisle way and he barn has openings at either end, so he will be able to see lots of liveliness of passing people and ponies.  And he has a back window which over looks the house and also a small holding pasture for the new babies.  I hope that even as I write this entry, Renny knows I love him and is having a good time.

Violet Says Goodbye to Summer!

Here's a photo and video of my darling Violet taken in late August 2011, as we prepared for the start of the Fall semester.  I had just completed teaching two summer classes, in order to pay off my car, buy some electronic equipment, pay off a few debts, and pay for Renny's college.  And she and I were just hanging out and being happy.  She's accomplished so much this past year.  She's just wonderful at jumping courses and she's getting a bit ready for practicing flying lead changes, but she's become super great at feeling which lead I want coming off jumps.  We are just a happy team!  Plus she's learning dressage and even got her own dressage saddle and bridle (courtesy of my extra summer employment!).  All good!

The End of a Wonderful Summer

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These photos and video were taken in late August, after Renny finished training with his dear friend, Kelsey, and after he went to two shows, and completed successfully for ribbons in his first two classes at a C-rated Hunter Show, and before he left for college at an A-rated hunter pony barn.  We were just enjoying ourselves, relaxing, and feeling satisfied in our accomplishments.  I'm writing this entry 10 days after Renny left for college and though I am sad because these past days have been the longest separation I've had from him, I just could not be more proud at all this little pony has done so far.  He's been the most kind-hearted and hardworking little guy.  Everyone thinks that he's amazing and solid!

Capable College Pony!

Renny Getting Ready for College!

Here are some more photos and a little dressage video from our last lesson together before Renny left for college.  You can see our relaxation together, our happiness, and the beauty of that special evening!  I love this pony.  He's been a true gift and kind blessing in my life from the very first moment, I decided to be a part of this magic process!