Bring on the sun!

Did anyone else stand outside today with your face pointing toward the sky, letting all that sweet, warm sunshine soak into every pore?

Nope, not a sea lion, just Webbly the ram snoozing in the sun.

After some brief sun-worship, I put the new Freeform on Starlight and went for a ride.  

One wonderful thing about the Freefrom is you can put the stirrups wherever you want.  I think I had them a little too far back today. 

Treeless saddle and purple hoof  boots.  Yup.

It's a treeless saddle, and when you look at it on the horse before you mount, it looks like it would position you too high above the horse's back.  Once you're in it, however, it's a comfortable fit with as much feel as a mono-flap English saddle. 

Starlight was a little fresh today, and decided to perform a rare bolt-and-buck combination worthy of a greenie.  She wasn't serious about bucking me off, though, and it didn't take much to get her forward again, the brat.  She almost never does anything like that, and I'm wondering if the unusual feel of the Freeform, with my too-far-back stirrups, made her feel a little wiggy.   

Oh joy, to be riding in the spring sunshine!

We stopped at the mailbox and grabbed the mail before heading back to the house, handing the mail to my husband like we were the Pony Express. 

Stormkite tries on Starlight's stuff.

After I put Starlight back in the paddock, I haltered Stormkite and tried Starlight's very worn purple hoof boots on him.  I notice he has been fairly sensitive on gravel and knew these Cavallo Simple Boots would help, if they fit.  

I expected him to prance around like a park horse when I put them on, but he didn't seem to worry about them at all.  When I longed him on gravel, he stepped out better than he has since coming home, and I was very pleased to see a happy horse with happy feet.  

Much more to do tomorrow, so bring on that sunshine!

Memorializing Starlight's out-of-shape winter body for later comparison

Look! It's a Mt. Vesuvius victim!

Twin Tiers Horse Activities, March 28 - April 1, 2013

A long, holiday weekend can mean more time to have fun with your pony, so check out these activities.  A tack swap and a riding camp are on the list, plus the Twin Tiers Trail Riders are setting hooves in the woods during a camping trip in Pennsy. 

So much to do, and Easter eggs too!  Have a great weekend with your horse (You KNOW they love those Peeps)!


First Annual WNYDA Swap Night

When: Thu, March 28, 6:00pm – 8:30pm

Where: Rush, NY (map)

Description: Come shake off those Winter Blues and Shop Till You Drop Great Bargains on New and Used horse related items  Always a treasure – never know what you will find!  Rush Creekside Inn E. Henrietta Road (Route 15A) Rush, NY Admission: Free Dinner available from Creekside's adjacent restaurant Have items to sell at the swap? Contact Gail Stokoe for a table – gstokoe01@gmail.com or call (585) 245-1724 for more information. http://www.gvrdc.org/swap%20night%20flyer.pdf

 
Twin Tiers Trail Riders in Loyalsock State Forest

March 29, 30, 31: Twin Tiers Trail Riders in Loyalsock State Forest, Eagles Mere, PA - A trail ride and camping.  Contact Jeanne Root 570-596-3653 or jroot@npacc.net.  Camping permit required. You must get your permit from the State Forest Office at 570-924-3501.  Info in the directions section. The camping can fill up quickly.  This ride is weather permitting.   http://twintiertrailriders2009.tripod.com/id1.html

Spring into Riding Camp

April 1 - 5: Spring into Riding Camp - Verde Views, Harpursville.

Morning session is 9am - 11:30am; afternoon session is 12:30pm - 3pm. Cost to attend one session a day for the week: $95. Cost to attend both sessions for the week: $175 www.verdeviewec.org

Photo Update

A few of the happenings around here, in pictures:

Riding Stormkite outside of an arena.

He's still for sale!

Welcome, Toad Song Verdi!

Going treeless!  It's a Freeform Classic Shortback

Twin Tiers Horse Activities, March 23-24, 2013

It may not feel like the Solstice out there, but our line-up of shows and clinics surely means it's Spring!  Lots to do this weekend, so check it out.  And have a great weekend with your pony! 

 

Siesta Before Mexico -- Passport Horse Shows

When: Sat, March 23, 11:00am – 3:30pm

Description: March 23 2013- Siesta Before Mexico -- Passport Horse Shows, Birchtown Stables, Inc., 115 Birchtown Drive, Clifford Township, PA 18421 Great For Beginners and Green Horses! 11:00am Start ~ $10 Class. Judges: TBA; Show Manager : Jessica Polednak, 570-241-5195; Facebook: Birchtown Stables Horse Shows. http://birchtownstables.com/shows.html

 

Dressage Clinic with George Tirpko and Ride-A-Test with Lynn Burcher at Fox Run Equestrian, E. Aurora, NY.

When: March 23 - 24:

Description: For more info about the clinic, download the Flyer. To ride in the clinic, contact Jill Valint at 716-909-8835

 

If Only Farm Equestrian Center Spring 2013 Horse Shows

When: Sunday, Mar 24, 2013

Where: Freeville (map)

Description: www.ifonlyfarm.com/events.html If Only Farm Equestrian Center. Judge: Ron Bartholomew Entry Fees: $10 per class – Hunters & Equitation Jumpers: $20 per class - Pay Back - $20, $15, $10, $5, $5 NEW!! “Marshall & Sterling League” Classes - $15 for Classics Indoor Ring Start Time: 9:00 am Information: 607-347-4615, 607-227-4635

 

Jumping Clinic, October Glory Acres

When: Sunday, Mar 24, 2013

Where: 441 County Road 37, Guilford, NY (map)

Description3 stages to jumping perfection: Introduction, Finesse, Courses Emily Szabo 607 764 8378 or One_Fine_Equine@yahoo.com OctoberGlory@frontier.com

 

Skanda Equine: Understanding Your Gaited Horse with Nancy Cerio

When: Sun, March 24, 10am – 3pm

Description: Skanda Equine Clinic with Nancy Cerio --Understanding Your Gaited Horse Topics include: How to Get Horses to Gait, How to Improve the Gait, Trail Basics, Trail Etiquette, Behavior Issues Related to Gaited Horses, Care of the Gaited Horse. Participants who are able to bring their horses will receive one-on-one training from Nancy. Workshop Fee: $80 plus $15 daily board rate (bring your own feed and hay).  Auditors welcome for $30 

 

Nancy Cerio has 25 years experience as an equine professional with a focus on western riding from a dressage point of view.  For the last 15 years, she has also been training and showing gaited horses, and has developed a special expertise in the gaited horse. Nancy approaches her work with gaited horses as she would a dressage horse: she believes that only with a solid foundation (balance, suppleness, relaxation, willingness to yield to aids and the bit) can a horse find the true rhythm of the gait.   A longtime resident of Central New York, Nancy was also adjunct professor teaching western horsemanship and the Breaking and Training and Breeding Programs at Cazenovia College, where she taught for 12 years and coached the IHSA JV Western Riding Team.

 

To register, call (315) 882-5490 or email info@skandaequine.com www.skandaequine.com 4000 Mosley Road, Cazenovia,

Surprised by a Great Horse Woman

I decided to take my own advice yesterday, and made a trip to the Critical Topics in the Equine Industry program, sponsored by the NYS Farm Bureau and held at the Cortland Grange.  My husband and I made a day of it, stopping at a Mihandra tractor dealer open house in Binghamton to look at the big machines, then headed to Cortland.

Susan presents at the NYS Farm Bureau program in Cortland.



Even though I had entered the information about this program in the BIG Calendar, had shown it to my husband AND recommended it to readers, I still did not realize who I was about to see present.  Among the line up of presenters was Susan Harris.

Some of you are saying, "OK, nice.  So?"   While others of you immediately realized that Susan Harris is an internationally known instructor, clinician, illustrator and author of many well known books, including -- be still my heart -- the BIBLES of horsemanship: The United States Pony Club Manuals.

Holy Toledo! I was among greatness and didn't even realize it.  Who knew the author of these fantastic books lives in Cortland, NY?

In addition to the most recent editions of the Pony Club Manuals, Susan has written another book on my shelf: Horse Gaits, Balance and Movement.  

I bet you egghead types out there might even have a book of hers on YOUR shelf.  Here's the list: Horsemanship in Pictures, Horse Gaits, Balance, and Movement, Grooming to Win, the three U.S. Pony Club Manuals of Horsemanship, and the USPC Guides to Longeing, Bandaging, and Conformation.

She also writes a regular column in EQUUS Magazine, Commonsense Horsemanship with Susan Harris. Also, with Peggy Brown, she produced two DVDs: Anatomy in Motion™ I: The Visible Horse, and Anatomy in Motion II: The Visible Rider™. 

She is immediately recognizable as a clinician when she presents with "the visible horse," a real horse painted to show muscles, bones and tendons in great detail, thus: 

Photo credits to Susan's Webpage: www.anatomyinmotion.com

Susan's presentation yesterday focused on horse movement and how important it is for a rider to help a horse use its muscles correctly to be able to carry a rider.  She said something that helped me remember why it is important to find engagement and collection:

"It's really important for a horse, when it carries a rider, to learn how to use his body well, and no horse will move with a rider the same way he does when he runs free," she said.  "Engagement of the hind quarters switches a horse from pulling power to carrying power."

She talked about the many ways we see horses forced into the appearance of collection/engagement, including a "frame" and rollkur, and stressed that they are harmful to the horse's body and ability to move correctly.  



The program was well attended, with more than 60 people in the audience, and other presenters also offered good information, which I'll touch on in another post.  For me, Susan definitely made the trip very worthwhile!







Twin Tiers Horse Activities, March 16 - 17, 2013

If it's tack you're after, this is a good weekend for it, with sales in Horseheads and Homer.  And don't overlook the program the NY Farm Bureau is sponsoring in Cortland, as it looks very interesting.  Plus, you can start your Saturday yummily by filling your belly at the Pony Club fundraiser!  What a great weekend!

And now that we have officially "sprung ahead," you will have lots of daylight to have fun with your horse!

Newfield Pony Club: All you can eat Breakfast at the Moose Club in Ithaca

Description:  March 16, 8-11 AM. Raffle, 50-50, bake sale. $6/person; kids under 5 free. Help send kids to horse camp this summer! Newfield Trailblazers Pony Club 607-564-9375 or cbc1@hughes.net

Horseman's Fair Saturday, Used Tack Swap, New Tack Auction

When: Saturday, Mar 16, 2013

Where: Horseheads Elks Lodge (map)

Description: HORSEMAN'S FAIR One of The Area's Largest Indoor Horse Tack Swaps To Be Followed By A Large Horse Tack Auction Offering All Brand New, Great Quality Horse Tack Saturday March 16, 2013 9:00 AM -- 7:00 PM This Year Being Held at: The Horseheads Elks Lodge 6 Prospect Hill Road Horseheads, NY 14845 Tack Swap from 9:00AM -- 2:00PM Tack Auction from 3:00PM -- 7:00PM Food will be offered for purchase by The Horseheads Elks Lodge Vendor Space Offered at only $10.00 a Table For More Information or to Sign up as a Vendor Please call: 607-654-8837 Brought to you by: Twin Tiers Classic Horse Show Series Sponsored By the Chemung County Agricultural Society

Critical Topics in the Equine Industry-NY Farm Bureau

When: Sat, March 16, 1pm – 5pm

Where: NYS Grange Building 100 Clinton Street, Cortland, NY 13045 (map)

Description:  

• Dr. Karin Bump. Cazenovia College, Chair of NYFB Equine Committee, will share with participants how NYS Agriculture Law pertains to horses. She will also share the many tax saving programs NY State offers. Finally she will discuss Farm Bureau’s ongoing effort to pass Inherent Risk legislation. 
• "Horses Move"--but not all horses move equally well! Susan Harris, equine author and biomechanics teacher, explains the good, the bad and the ugly of how horses move, good and bad movement, and equine biomechanics." Susan will have her books available and she can sketch a photo that you bring to this event.
•  Stories and Unraveling the Horse’s Behavior-- Benjamin F Turner, DVM ; Mid State Veterinary Service; Ben will be telling experiences that he has attended to over the many years of in Cortland, NY practicing veterinary needs to horses and educating their owners. You won’t believe what may be told during this story time. 
•  How Green is my Farm? Amanda Barber, District  Manager Cortland SWCD Amanda Barber is a farmer and horse enthusiast. In her role as the Soil and Water NY Ag Environmental Conservation District Manager she oversees the agency’s efforts to implement Agricultural Mgt. Program Environmental Management (AEM) program on farms in the county. AEM consists of a tiered approach to environmental stewardship and is available to farms of all types and size. Learn how your farm can participate. 
• Vendors: Tack Trunk II and Country Max will be present and Refreshments available For Pre-Registration: Please contact – Sharon at CCE of Cortland County - 753-5078 or email shv7@cornell.edu. Sponsored by: Farm Bureau CCE of Cortland Cortland SWCD

Tack Auction for 4H Saddle Club

When: Sun, March 17, 1pm – 5pm

Where: Homer Community Building, 45 S. Main Street, Homer NY (map)

Description: Tack by JP North. Benefits R 4H Club of Cortland County

Bits, bridles, footwear, clothing, saddles, blankets, saddle pads and much much more

Riding Stormkite

I have been working on the ground with Stormkite since bringing him home from the trainer's in late February.  By then, I had already been given the "OK" to ride, from my surgeon, but icy conditions, temperatures in the low 20s, strong north winds and his being a very green horse all tangled together to prevent my getting on him right away.

Walking slowly in small circles. 

But I felt good, yesterday, riding Starlight, my tried and true paint pony.  My knee didn't bother me.   And Stormkite's groundwork has gone well; he is showing less resistance with tying and bridling; his longeing is good.  

No time like the present.  Time to ride him!

That spot looks like a wing on the back of the saddle.

We don't have an indoor arena, but we have a hay and equipment barn.  The equipment end is full, but the hay end is empty, awaiting the 2013 hay crop.  Today, the hay end served as a small indoor arena, as I rode Stormkite for the first time in little circles.

He was a good boy! 

PS: A knee note: As I have mentioned, my surgeon is a rider, so he gave me specific advice until my knee is farther along:  No two point, stick to the sitting trot and -- the weird one -- mount from the right to avoid putting full, unsupported/swinging weight on the left knee.   Strangely, neither Stormkite and Starlight, both of whom like to stick to rules, in my observation, seemed to care one bit that I was mounting on the "wrong" side.  And it didn't feel as odd to me as I expected, so that is definitely do-able for the next few months.  It's good training for all of us!

Back on Board

The long-awaited day arrived today with the warm spring sunshine and a flock of geese overhead.  I rode again for the first time since having my ACL reconstructed!  

Oh joy!

She was surprised to have to work, but she couldn't be too feisty on the slick footing.

Back in the saddle!

Slight Twist on Toby Keith

Under an old brass paper weight is my list of things to do today.  

Yeah, well, I'm skipping to this one:

•  Start ridin.'

That's the next thing on my list.

Twin Tiers Horse Activities, March 9 - 13, 2013

Here's your weekend line up, horse peeps!

Be it dressage, buying and selling used tack, gaining some education from an equine vet or commenting on a DEC forest trail plan, there is plenty for Twin Tiers equestrians to do this weekend.

And best of all: It's time to SPRING AHEAD!  Ladies and gentlemen, start your ponies!  The outdoor riding season is upon us! 

Michelle LaBarre Dressage Clinic

When: Saturday, Mar 9, 2013

Where: Honeoye Falls (map)

Description: Michelle LaBarre Dressage Clinic - Black Points Farm, Honeoye Falls, NY. For info about Michelle, www.labarredressage.com To ride in the clinic, contact Mary Delton at mhd@rochester.rr.com. Auditors welcome.

 

Tack Swap

When: Sat, March 9, 9am – 1pm

Description: Tack swap on Saturday March 9th at Briarstone Stables located in Big Flats NY. It will be an indoor event, with vendor spaces available in either 10 foot sections for 15.00 or 20 foot section for 25.00. Outside space is available for trailers if you would like too bring and sell out of your trailer, depending on size of trailer price may vary slightly. There is lots of parking, and lots of space available. Bring your own tables and chairs. If interested in being a vendor please contact me. We will also be holding a raffle and a "give away" The hours will be 9-1 pm for the swap, with set up available starting at 7 am.Please feel free too contact me too secure your space, great easy location only 5 minutes from the Arnot Mall, and on the main route 352. For info, email: stgx9-3612774201@sale.craigslist.org

CSI: Case Study Investigation, Genesee Valley Equine Clinic Short Course

When: Wed, March 13, 7pm – 9pm

Description: There’s no need to stay home to watch another episode of "CSI" when you could be part of the action at GVEC. Come test your deductive reasoning skills as Dr. Joan Ayers leads you through the symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatments for some common and perhaps not so common problems seen in our patients. Previous attendees and first time participants are all encouraged to join in the fun. Note:This course is appropriate for all levels of horse experience, but probably best for those 14 and over.
Genesee Valley Equine Clinic Short Course with Joan Ayers, DVM 7pm – 9pm, 925 Chili-Scottsville Rd, Scottsville, NY Contact: 585-889-1170

DEC Seeks Public Feedback on Two Draft Unit Management Plans (UMPs): Hill & Hollow and Taylor Valley

When: Mon, March 11, 6:30pm – 9:00pm

Where: Homer Central School District's Hartnet Elementary School Gymnasium located on Academy Street in Truxton, NY. (map)

Description: DEC Seeks Public Feedback on Two Draft Unit Management Plans (UMPs): Hill & Hollow and Taylor Valley WHEN: Monday, March 11, 2013, from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. 

Contact: Henry C. Dedrick Jr. Senior Forester, Region 7 NYS DEC, Division of Lands & Forests 1285 Fisher Ave. Cortland, NY 13045 Phone: (607)753-3095 ext. 218 1-800-388-8244 ext. 218 Fax: (607)753-8532 e-mail: hcdedric@gw.dec.state.ny.us