♣Ambitious♣

Zoey is a good pony, a great pony. Miss S got shoes on her a couple of weeks ago because her sale is imperative. We have another boarder coming in the spring, and Zoey is holding a stall without paying for it. Now that she's actually ride-able, Cas took a couple of lessons on her, and we were going to take pictures for her ad today, but I forgot my SD card. Nonetheless, we were saved by the iPhone which takes reasonably good videos and can be used in dire situations. Miss S is trying her in a Kimberwick because she runs through her snaffle, but she kind of got more and more irritated with it as Cas continued riding. It's looking more like she doesn't like the chain rather than the bit itself. We're trying a padded chain next. Despite Zoey's dislike for the bit, she was a super good pony and is even more relaxed since our last ride a while ago. She's slowing down a lot to fences, but she still has a good eye for her own distances. Since the bit was being b...

You bet your bottom that Annie's knows what's up. They have recently come out with a knee patch version of their signature Tiffany Blue breeches as well as adding a patch version of the Concord pair. I might have gotten the Concords during a half off sale (I did). Now I just have to find a similar top. Items In Set: 1. Rotita Fashion Woman Round Neck Pull Over 2. Bling Jewelry Purple Petal Studs 3. Crystallize White Opal Charm & Necklace Set 4. Roeckl Light and Grip Glove 5. Silver Metallic belt 6. Samshield Shadowmatt Helmet 7. Child Tiara THE SET IS NOT COMPLETE UNTIL YOU FEEL LIKE THE QUEEN YOU ARE 8. Tekna CLUB Saddle 9. Annie's Equestrienne Ladie's Concord Breeches 10. HKM Polar Fleece Bandages 11. HKM Verona Ear Bonnet 12. Horze Elisa Tallboot 13. HKM Patent Comfort Brushing Boots 14. EHA Vienna Baroque Saddle Pad

Because what else are you supposed to do when you're done with everything pertaining to college applications, but you don't want to do your homework? In my defense, I'm not home yet and can't do my homework, but my design club is light in members today, so I have a lot of free time. Most of it has been spent reading down the dash, but I've caught up with everyone, and now I am bored. I did a bird's eye view of an arena a while ago, and it ended up looking pretty nice (except for all the trees being exactly the same, but whatever, it went in the portfolios). I'm working on a shedrow which currently needs doors to be complete. Other than that, I've been looking for just general inspiration. I don't like basic barn plans. Hella Basic In the other design realms, I did my first custom charm order, and I've been knocking out some more eccentric looking . . . things. It's almost starting to look like fashion shows where the designers get...

For a while, I was one of those typical, horseless kids that got super attached to lesson horses to the point where I didn't like it when anyone else rode that horse. I loved the idea of having a horse to myself. Well, Miss S isn't using Baby in lessons anymore. That should be a yay, right? No, it's not a yay. It's not a yay at all. Baby isn't being used in lessons anymore because she has run off with too many children since November. Be careful what you wish for. Long story short, Baby was in some kind of mood yesterday. She didn't want to walk or halt, she just wanted to go, go, go, which surprises me, even with her wanting to jig all the time. The ride started out with a very clear command to stop moving her feet, and we did a lot of trot/halt transitions. She was resisting my leg, which meant a resistance to the hand as well, which meant that bending didn't really happen at all. For a thirty minute ride, the large majority of it was spent trying to get...

As I was finishing up my post from yesterday, I had already started pondering over ways that I could make it through the season with my dignity in tact and my horse not hating me. I will not show Corbin (much to my own dismay), but I will still take lessons with Miss J to make sure that I am absolutely ready to help Baby make the move up. I won't show at 3'0" until the June/July time frame, but I will have ample time to qualify for the local medal and the MHSA regionals. I've also been turning over some possible ways to expand my business past charms. I've actually got a business name now, and I'm working on a logo and a business card. At first, I was afraid of starting something that was going to be too big to handle, but I like the idea of having brand ambassadors and being able to help promote someone else's career while supporting my own at the same time. This year will be an adventure to say the least.

I'm not kidding you, the watch is ridiculous, but I needed something gold to go with the set. 1. Long Sleeve Thermal Tee     www.maurices.com 2. Noble Mount Solid Microfiber Tight     www.amazon.com 3. Piaget Polo Round Diamond Watch     www.gilt.com 4. Bling Jewelry Ritzy Black Earrings     www.blingjewelry.com 5. Baker Classic Plaid Belt     www.doversaddlery.com 6. SSG Fleece Lined Winter Gripper     www.smartpakequine.com 7. Tekna CLUB Saddle     www.equestriancollections.com 8. ECOGOLD Stabilizer All-Purpose Half Pad     www.doversaddlery.com 9. Long sleeve top     www.breeches.com 10. TuffRider Ladies Neon Knee Patch Breeches     www.breeches.com 11. Equine Couture Fleur De Lis All Purpose Saddle Pad     www.breeches.com 12. Horze Elisa Tallboot with Zipper     www.hor...

I would have rather stayed home today than taken a lesson. Romeo was so on point today, even with it being such a late lesson. I on the other hand was not. I could barely sit the trot today. My leg was pushed forward and my body was braced. When I was sitting, it wasn't a real sit because I was leaning forward and more perched than anything. The canter was also terrible. I couldn't contain Romeo's stride, nor could I push him into his corners or get him to use his butt at all. It was the same old, same old: too stiff in the back and shoulders, too loud with my upper body, hands not doing what hands are supposed to do. It was mainly a flat lesson because the ground was soaked, but Miss J did give us the chance to do the brick fence because the area around it was dry. She said to pretend that George Morris was watching and was offering us a job but that we would be hired or rejected depending on how well we did the fence. I messed it up. Twice. The first time was not enou...

I got back from WEF a little while ago. We only stayed for a couple of hours, but that's what you get with non-horsey parents. I took pictures of the hunters and the jumpers all while looking for famous people to awkwardly stare at then run from when they notice me. I got to touch a(n) Hermés bridle. That was exhilarating. I also almost got run over by a lady on a golf cart. Seriously, I wish we would have rented a golf cart because that would have been nicer than walking around the majority of the property trying to find the ponies. It was a good experience (despite the fact that I saw rolkur within 30 seconds of being there). We did get to do some shopping afterwards. My mom and I raided T J Maxx and made away with a $5 purchase cause momma knows how to use her gift cards. I only got two quarter zips—a brown short sleeve and a fuschia long sleeve. Of course I bought them with the intention of using them for riding, but I guess spending a day in 80° weather makes you f...

So, how'd it happen? How did you end up getting into horses? Was it a relative? A friend? Destiny? What's your first horsey experience that you can remember? I'm going with option C, destiny, or fate, or chance, or coincidence, whatever you want to call it. No one else in my family is into horses, but I've been horse obsessed for as long as I can remember. I'm 99% sure that the reason it took so long for my parents to give in and let me take lessons is because they thought I was just going through a phase. Ahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha hahahahahahahahahahaha hahahahahahahahahahaha hahahahahahahahahahaha hahahahahahahahahahaha hahahahahahahahahahaha hahahahahahahahahahaha hahahahahahahahahahaha hahahahahahahahahahaha No. My first horsey experience was at the farm of a friend of my dad's. His wife runs a stable, and I fell in love with their pony Gracie. I was smitten from the start. I...

Let's pretend that financial restrictions don't exist and logistics isn't a nightmare.  If you could do anything with your Ponykins, what would you do? I'd pay the bill to have Baby bred. Before downgrading and becoming the main mount of my so far modest career, Baby was a high earning HUS horse on the Paint circuit. Her previous owner and Miss S are friends, and they used to compete against each other. Not to brag, but her conformation is darn near perfect. Personally, I'd flatten out her topline, add a bit more bone, and refine her head and neck. Otherwise, she's great. She's already had two foals (which I know nothing about but want to know about). Third time's a charm? I've entertained the idea to Miss S. Baby isn't getting used as much, and, after this season, I'll be away at college, so she'll be an every once in while horse unless Miss S gets new students. Miss S isn't entirely opposed to it; it's just the usage is...

I got assigned to ride Oreo aka Cookie today. He's a little jumper pony, and he has quite the personality. Everything must go in his mouth, except the bit. The bit cannot go in his mouth, but once the bit is in, the reins are the best to chew on. To Cookie, head shaking is allowed at all times, no matter how obnoxious and meaningless it is. He can only be on the bit for a maximum of 3/4 of a lap; he must speed up when he is exactly 20ft down the long side closest to the barn. Ah, yes, the life of a cookie. "No, come back, let me bite your vest" Cookie fits into your typical jumper pony mold with a touch more weird. As with Rosie and Christopher Robin, watching other people ride Cookie has made me nervous about him. Being on the team basically guarantees that I will have to ride him at some point. I was hoping that Miss J would just keep pushing it back, but I guess today it had been pushed back far enough. It was definitely worse than riding Rosie. I wa...

Yes, it is true that I am officially done with the cold weather, but I'm not excited about driving down to Florida, never have been. I get the feeling that my parents are trying to make this a regular thing in my family as we've done it twice before in January, and we're going to the same place this time. Sneaky parents are sneaky. The reason why I'm not excited to go is 1) I'll be missing three days of school and 2) I won't be able to go to the Expo. Angelo was going to be there. Jane Savoie was going to be there. The new boarder is going to ride Peach in a Thoroughbred challenge. I was ranting to Fifi about all this when she offered to ask Miss El to get me a lesson with a friend of hers in Wellington. This is why Fifi is perfect. I didn't end up lunging Baby today; I was too lazy, and the new boarder was riding. I didn't want to disturb. I groomed Baby then gave her some hay to eat in the aisle, but apparently that isn't interesting enough for...

Well, we got booted from the show this Sunday, and it comes down to something along the lines of over booking. I'm not sure how many more shows I'll be able to do for IEA as this Sunday and a few weeks from now were supposed to get me up to the five allowed, so I'll likely end up doing two shows in February. Regionals aren't until March. I have time. I'm heading out this weekend to clean the pasture. I know it's going to take some time, and I need to get in time at work, so I'll probably lunge Baby (if she's there, there's a show this weekend, not sure if she's being taken). Her whole rushing jumps thing needs to be settled before 6" singles move up to 3'0"+ courses. She was fine last week after we did the circle a few times, but I'd rather have her slow and paying attention from the beginning, especially in the indoor. I have an IEA lesson on Sunday, too. I kind of want to ride Christopher Robin again, but I'm 99% su...

Hey, let's bring back that thing that I stopped doing a while ago for no apparent reason even though I'm still making Polyvore sets like it's my job. 1. Polo Ralph Lauren Cashmere Pullover     www.houseoffraser.co.uk 2. J Crew Blue Buttondown     sold out 3. Success Equestrian Hunter Half Pad No Slip     www.equestriancollections.com 4. MARC by MARC JACOBS Rubberized Jerrie Rose Stub     www.piperlime.gap.com 5. Samshield Shadowmatt Helmet     www.smartpakequine.com 6. Tekna CLUB Saddle     www.equestriancollections.com 7. Roeckl Sports Ladies 2-Tone Chester Riding Gloves     www.equestriancollections.com 8. Reversible Belt by Dimacci     www.justriding.com 9. Horze Grand Prix Self Patch Breeches, Women’s     www.horze.com 10. HKM Ear Bonnet     www.hkm-sportsequipment.eu 11. Vienna Baroque CC Saddlepad     w...

What is your horse's absolute favorite thing? Outside of riding! Are there treats that instantly convert your pony into an addict or liniments that leave him yawning and chewing? What does your horse just love to have? Baby goes crazy over anything. She loves all treats. Treats are the only incentive. She does have her favorites. At the top of the list would be carrots, then sugar cubes, then Ritz crackers, apples, and finally those generic treat pellet thingies that she gets most of the time because that's what's in the barn. Unfortunately, I have introduced her to the nicer things in life. Gimme treat now Outside of food, I honestly think she enjoys being obnoxious in her faces. She's a laid back type of horse, but it's never surprising to see her sticking her nose up or swinging her tongue every which way. She likes to go after the cross ties, too, and she doesn't mind being a contortionist to get at them.  

Some things are just too tempting. For example, I am tempted to buy a pair of Polo Ralph Lauren "breeches" (as they are on sale right now, and my mother doesn't oppose them too much), but the issue is that they don't work for riding. I have a pair of Polo "breeches", and, while they're great for working in, they're not suitable to ride in. It's unfortunate as they have many pockets to hold my phone, treats, gloves, and such. I used them on an even more green Zoey a few years back I haven't ridden in the "breeches" that have caught my eye recently, but I did try them on in the store, and I knew right then that they wouldn't work out. It's unfortunate. They're cute pants, and while I wouldn't be able to wear bright orange at any barn but my own (as per trainer rules), the jay blue is appropriate for more than one situation. If I knew how to use a sewing machine, I'd make my own breeches. Until then, I sh...

Here is the Sunday show recap. We head out around 7:15 on Sunday morning to the second farm. It was a much warmer day, some drizzling throughout the day, but we didn't experience sub zero temperatures, so that was nice. Unfortunately, we missed about half of the schooling because we got the wrong start time, so the horse notes and warm-up were absolutely invaluable. I pulled Charlie over fences and Cinderella for the flat, two medium ponies. Can you hear my agony? Charlie seemed uppity from the minute he came out. He wasn't really enjoying moving off my leg, which didn't help because the indoor wasn't all that big. Fortunately, he wasn't nearly as goey in the ring as he was outside, very much a push (plus lots of clucking plus the occasional kick) ride. He went around nicely, minus one seriously cut corner. We placed second. On the flat, Cinderella was even more ornery about my leg. We did not get into any of the corners, plus, she was tired, and...

We head a good two hours north to an IEA show this weekend. When we got there, They started schooling. There was a boy schooling horses this morning. He looked about 30 to me, but I didn't have my glasses this time. Mickey and I were laughing about how he looked rich - Parlantis and Tailored Sportsmans - but he was missing some (ass)ets, so I paid him no mind. It was Jacob Pope. It was cold as anything today. The temperature stayed around 30°F, and it was raining. Gotta say the mood as fairly miserable. I picked a pretty black mare named Tess for over fences. She had been quite forward with everyone else, even the other girl who rode her in my class, but she settled down with me, and it was more of a push ride. The course was okay. We had pretty good distances, minus two, but my hands and legs were moving too much. I placed fifth. I pulled a tiny, green pony named Lola for the flat. She was a bit looky and resistant to my leg. The class started out well, but, by th...

I took a New Years Day ride on Babes because I needed some critique worthy footage and a reason not to do my English homework. Fifi joined me, but she spent more time playing with the cat. I thought that I'd be able to use the Dressage letter cones that I found deep within the depths of the jump stack, but they have gone missing, along with the Stubben, so I had to use that same saddle that I hate the look and feel of. I worked on rhythm, contact, and suppleness. She was super good about the contact at the walk and trot, but she was still jigging. Oddly enough, all she wanted to do was jig. She didn't want to walk, and she was ready to go, but God forbid I ask her to move out. She just wanted to jig. She's still a lot more resistant going to the right than she is to the left. Her canter transitions weren't bad today. I still feel my upper body moving way too much, and, after watching the video, I've realized that my hands still aren't as quiet as they need t...

Let's start this blog hopping out with something simple. Who is the most influential person in your riding and why? For me, I'd have to say Miss S without a doubt. She was my first real trainer. She gave me my base in riding and horsemanship. She took me to my first show, my first clinic, my first rodeo, my first expo . . . it's a lot of firsts. First show outfit game on point Much of my technique, both the good and the bad parts, are rooted in her teachings. I wouldn't be anywhere close to where I am today without her.  I will always appreciate her help.