Thank you so much Dressage Mum - you do know your blog is excellent!!
Wednesday, 3 December 2008
Tuesday, 2 December 2008
Different points of view
We had a decent amount of frost this evening and I shared the arena with another instructor as "my" arena is being resurfaced (thankfully!). We stood in the corner chatting, contemplating the cold and I wanted to be positive so I said: "Look G., this frost is so pretty, look at all these sparkles!". He looks at me, looks at the tiny sparkles shining in the floodlights, looks at me again and says: "It's fck**ng cold!!".
Not everyone is a deep-down-romantic-soul, hey? ;))
Not everyone is a deep-down-romantic-soul, hey? ;))
Reading This Week - Dressage with Kyra Kyrklund
Here's my new reading project for this week:
I seem to be reading too many things in the same time. Typical of my greedy reading nature ;)
Off to work in a moment (please rain - don't fall) - just hope my cough doesn't get worse as my parents will give me talking to if I go over to see them being ill ;)
I seem to be reading too many things in the same time. Typical of my greedy reading nature ;)
Off to work in a moment (please rain - don't fall) - just hope my cough doesn't get worse as my parents will give me talking to if I go over to see them being ill ;)
Monday, 1 December 2008
Stage IV exam report ...or rather an attempt to write one
I set my alarm up for 5am and put my phone as far away from bed as possible so I actually had to consciously acknowledge the ringing rather than just reach for the phone and switch it off ;)
It rang obediently...
Actually, wait. Let's go back to Sunday for a moment.
I woke up on Sunday with a cold. It's not what you want when you look out of the window, see freezing drizzle coming down from the sky and you know you are going to spend all day outside teaching. I used to ride with this trainer who, every time the weather was beyond bad, sang this silly song from an old barbie-and-her-horse commercial which went something like: 'I love horses bla bla bla'.... this trainer had this particular talent to make this sweet-girls-love-ponies song into the most sarcastic concert you can imagine. Anyway, every time the situation calls for it, that song pops into my head.
So yes, 7am, Sunday morning, bad cold and a stupid song in my head, I put about 10 layers of clothing on me and go out. You may think I am mad but this morning chill, the rain, the freshness of it, still makes me feel so alive that I wouldn't swap my life for anything indoors even if you paid me ten times the money.
I got to the yard and came up with a splendid idea - one of those that you come up with when you are not quite with it and had lost all your hindsight. I cannot tell you exactly what I did as the yard owner would give me a health & safety lecture lasting a week. Either way, I ended up falling from height and hitting my head.
This is exactly what you need when you already have a headache due to cold.
Got Suzanne at the yard to inspect whether my brain wasn't leaking through a hole in my head (she did try to catch me bless her!), she reported none of such, so I continued teaching, this time with a group of builders in my head doing pneumatic drilling on my skull.
Did I say I teach some fab people on Sundays? Well, I do. They must have been a little concerned as one of my riders brought me some rather magical "cold liquid" (traditionally Greek I think) made of pure lemon juice, cinnamon sticks, clove, some other things I don't remember, and whisky. I drank it hot and it was SO tasty, warms you up in a matter of minutes. I decided to "be ill" every Sunday during this winter now ;)
Believe it or not, I think it did help!
Ok, fast-forward, back home, spent some "quality" time trying to remove dried blood from my hair! Not an easy task with my length of hair (think it's going to be chopped off next week!).
Checked if my riding hat still fitted me - it did but it was compressing my new skull design.
I very wisely decided to revise until 2am.
So, 5am this morning. Head still on (just!), stupid fever (medicines packed), stupid cough and unbelievable desire to sleep - off I popped to head to the examination centre.
I really, really wish I could tell you all about the exam but I don't remember that much! Was so cold I was shivering like mad, felt a bit dizzy too so if I did fail I am going to put all down to hitting my head the day before ;)))
My schedule of the day was: Practical 1, Theory 2, Practical 2, Theory 1. First thing, had to measure TPR (temperature, pulse and respiration) on a given horse, comment on findings etc Show the worming procedure (with a wormer but without actually releasing the paste into the horse's mouth).
Name ligaments and tendons on a given horse, assess their condition on given horse, discuss the role of each. Then, get another horse out, discuss its conformation, soundness, trot it up.
This was followed by bitting discussion (I had to choose a bit for a horse that is very strong xc and likes to carry his head low and explain my choice - went for a gag) and tacking up: had to 'tack up for cross-country but use double bridle, breastplate with martingale, overgirth, exercise bandage on one hind leg, suitable boot on the other plus apply knee bandage/dressing. Then discuss all that. Think that was it in that section.
First Theory was on feeding, fittening mostly. Didn't remember why selenium is needed in feed stuffs (so I am now going to be a blooming expert on it!).
Theory 2 was on bodily systems, breeding, grassland management from what I recall. The last theory was actually my favourite one, we got to drink hot tea (yay!!) and I even managed to stop shaking.
Forgot the name for harrow though so the examiner says: ok, so describe it. And silly me says: 'Well, you take a tractor, attach this big metal thing with spikes behind it and you go around the fields with it. Very embarrassing. I'm normally quite nervous at exams but not this time; the only thing I could think of by then was that I wanted to be back in bed sleeping.
All in all - have no idea if I passed or not. I didn't answer all the questions like I did the harrowing one, I reckon I did make sense now and then.
Arrived home around 2pm I think and fell asleep almost immediately, woke up about 8pm. Feeling a bit better!
I will be pleasantly surprised if I passed.
Ok, now I feel I almost have too much time on my hands as don't have to revise...all I have to do now is to organise my transport to the airport (what a pain!) and then await seeing my family so very soon!!! :)
It rang obediently...
Actually, wait. Let's go back to Sunday for a moment.
I woke up on Sunday with a cold. It's not what you want when you look out of the window, see freezing drizzle coming down from the sky and you know you are going to spend all day outside teaching. I used to ride with this trainer who, every time the weather was beyond bad, sang this silly song from an old barbie-and-her-horse commercial which went something like: 'I love horses bla bla bla'.... this trainer had this particular talent to make this sweet-girls-love-ponies song into the most sarcastic concert you can imagine. Anyway, every time the situation calls for it, that song pops into my head.
So yes, 7am, Sunday morning, bad cold and a stupid song in my head, I put about 10 layers of clothing on me and go out. You may think I am mad but this morning chill, the rain, the freshness of it, still makes me feel so alive that I wouldn't swap my life for anything indoors even if you paid me ten times the money.
I got to the yard and came up with a splendid idea - one of those that you come up with when you are not quite with it and had lost all your hindsight. I cannot tell you exactly what I did as the yard owner would give me a health & safety lecture lasting a week. Either way, I ended up falling from height and hitting my head.
This is exactly what you need when you already have a headache due to cold.
Got Suzanne at the yard to inspect whether my brain wasn't leaking through a hole in my head (she did try to catch me bless her!), she reported none of such, so I continued teaching, this time with a group of builders in my head doing pneumatic drilling on my skull.
Did I say I teach some fab people on Sundays? Well, I do. They must have been a little concerned as one of my riders brought me some rather magical "cold liquid" (traditionally Greek I think) made of pure lemon juice, cinnamon sticks, clove, some other things I don't remember, and whisky. I drank it hot and it was SO tasty, warms you up in a matter of minutes. I decided to "be ill" every Sunday during this winter now ;)
Believe it or not, I think it did help!
Ok, fast-forward, back home, spent some "quality" time trying to remove dried blood from my hair! Not an easy task with my length of hair (think it's going to be chopped off next week!).
Checked if my riding hat still fitted me - it did but it was compressing my new skull design.
I very wisely decided to revise until 2am.
So, 5am this morning. Head still on (just!), stupid fever (medicines packed), stupid cough and unbelievable desire to sleep - off I popped to head to the examination centre.
I really, really wish I could tell you all about the exam but I don't remember that much! Was so cold I was shivering like mad, felt a bit dizzy too so if I did fail I am going to put all down to hitting my head the day before ;)))
My schedule of the day was: Practical 1, Theory 2, Practical 2, Theory 1. First thing, had to measure TPR (temperature, pulse and respiration) on a given horse, comment on findings etc Show the worming procedure (with a wormer but without actually releasing the paste into the horse's mouth).
Name ligaments and tendons on a given horse, assess their condition on given horse, discuss the role of each. Then, get another horse out, discuss its conformation, soundness, trot it up.
This was followed by bitting discussion (I had to choose a bit for a horse that is very strong xc and likes to carry his head low and explain my choice - went for a gag) and tacking up: had to 'tack up for cross-country but use double bridle, breastplate with martingale, overgirth, exercise bandage on one hind leg, suitable boot on the other plus apply knee bandage/dressing. Then discuss all that. Think that was it in that section.
First Theory was on feeding, fittening mostly. Didn't remember why selenium is needed in feed stuffs (so I am now going to be a blooming expert on it!).
Theory 2 was on bodily systems, breeding, grassland management from what I recall. The last theory was actually my favourite one, we got to drink hot tea (yay!!) and I even managed to stop shaking.
Forgot the name for harrow though so the examiner says: ok, so describe it. And silly me says: 'Well, you take a tractor, attach this big metal thing with spikes behind it and you go around the fields with it. Very embarrassing. I'm normally quite nervous at exams but not this time; the only thing I could think of by then was that I wanted to be back in bed sleeping.
All in all - have no idea if I passed or not. I didn't answer all the questions like I did the harrowing one, I reckon I did make sense now and then.
Arrived home around 2pm I think and fell asleep almost immediately, woke up about 8pm. Feeling a bit better!
I will be pleasantly surprised if I passed.
Ok, now I feel I almost have too much time on my hands as don't have to revise...all I have to do now is to organise my transport to the airport (what a pain!) and then await seeing my family so very soon!!! :)
Saturday, 29 November 2008
Eek, another late night studying
Had a good day today but I am feeling rather rubbish this evening, can just tell the nasty cold is coming :( BUT, my dear amazing friend got me some great notes for the exam so I shall keep reading.I wish this exam wasn't this Monday, but maybe a week after. With everything that's been happening it's a bad timing.
But who is to say what a good timing is...
2010 Radio Show Episode 13 - John Deere & the Music of WEG
2010 Radio Show Episode 13 - John Deere & the Music of WEG
Happy Thanksgiving to all our United States listeners. We have a special musical treat for you that will bring back fond memories for those that attended the 2006 World Equestrian Games. Also, there is the news of the week led by the green of John Deere. Don't miss a minute...
Show Notes and Links:
- Last week for the 2010 November Games Giveaway - Register Here.
- Also, be sure to register for the two Holiday Giveaways over at StableScoop.com.
- Thanks to our sponsor - EZSignsonline.com. What a better gift than a custom sign for your barn or home. They are one of the largest makers of farm signs in the country. Check them out at ezsignsonline.com.
- John Deere was named as a sponsor for the 2010 Games. Read More...
- If you are a business owner in Central Kentucky be sure to visit Kentucky WEG for Business.
- New USEF Event Selectors names for the next four years. Read the story...
- Reported by stuff.co.nz that New Zealand Eventer Annabel Wigley will not sell Black Drum, looking toward 2010 Games. Learn more...
- Listen to the 2006 WEG Theme song on YouTube by clicking here.
- Listen to the 2006 WEG Procession music on YouTube by clicking here.
- Join us next week as we continue our "Looking at the Disciplines" series with a look at Show Jumping.
___________________________
Friday, 28 November 2008
Long evening ahead
Seeing Santa does read my blog (well some of it at least) I can be a bit more positive on here again.
Just over two days left until my Stage IV exam (or as it is now called: Intermediate Stable Managers exam) so this is what I am spending my evening and night on today:
Oh, and another household quote...Ricky to me just before I popped to the shop: 'Yea, just you get yourself some red-bulls so you can then leave empty cans around the house like a tramp!'...some sort of theme seems to be going on!
[I really do need that liquid though, fell asleep in a coffee shop today while revising AFTER having an enormous cup of coffee! Red-bull is much more effective and no, I am not involved in any advertising campaigns they run. However, if they would like to sponsor my eventing and/or dressage season 2009 I won't say No!!]. Any Red-Bull PR people reading???
Just over two days left until my Stage IV exam (or as it is now called: Intermediate Stable Managers exam) so this is what I am spending my evening and night on today:
Oh, and another household quote...Ricky to me just before I popped to the shop: 'Yea, just you get yourself some red-bulls so you can then leave empty cans around the house like a tramp!'...some sort of theme seems to be going on!
[I really do need that liquid though, fell asleep in a coffee shop today while revising AFTER having an enormous cup of coffee! Red-bull is much more effective and no, I am not involved in any advertising campaigns they run. However, if they would like to sponsor my eventing and/or dressage season 2009 I won't say No!!]. Any Red-Bull PR people reading???
Thursday, 27 November 2008
Talking to a horse
Try sometimes going into your horse's stable and sit down quietly. Choose the time when it's peaceful and no commotion around. Let him watch you, don't try to call him, just sit there. He will come and look down at you with those dark, deep, warm eyes as if to say 'what's up, you?'. He might sniff you as if to check who you are, he might blow warm air into your face, his nose soft and testing, he might nuzzle your hair, rest his head on your shoulder, nudge you, lick your hands.
He won't ask any questions. He doesn't have to.
He won't ask any questions. He doesn't have to.
Wednesday, 26 November 2008
Here's the thing with life
Here's the thing with life. You cannot always write about it on your blog. You cannot just create a little sentence and make everything turn into a happy story.
Here's the thing with writing a diary. It's not always just about the horses. It's not always about career, teaching and getting dirty in the mud.
Here's the thing with life. Sometimes it gets too much for a little post on a little blog.
Here's the thing with life. It has moments when all you can do is just say nothing at all.
So I might skip a few days until life comes back into something I can put back into words.
P.S. I'm fine by the way. It's not me who isn't. Which sucks.
Here's the thing with writing a diary. It's not always just about the horses. It's not always about career, teaching and getting dirty in the mud.
Here's the thing with life. Sometimes it gets too much for a little post on a little blog.
Here's the thing with life. It has moments when all you can do is just say nothing at all.
So I might skip a few days until life comes back into something I can put back into words.
P.S. I'm fine by the way. It's not me who isn't. Which sucks.
Tuesday, 25 November 2008
No title
I can hear myself say
This is NOT my day,
I'm sayin' What the Hey
You won't believe me, anyway
Round The Twist Theme Song
This is NOT my day,
I'm sayin' What the Hey
You won't believe me, anyway
Round The Twist Theme Song
Monday, 24 November 2008
Sunday, 23 November 2008
The Mud Paradise
Did I say I was going to mention the 'cold' word quite often? Not? Well, I will ;) It was blooming freezing today, another day when I really got incredibly wet and cold. It took me 40 minutes in a really hot bath to go back to a reasonable state ;) My circulation must be of some exotic genetic origins and it gets confused when it has to take care of me whenever the temperature drops below 20C.Day started quite nicely, cold but so pretty - it was snowing and everything was covered white.
9am
At 10am the snow changed into one of the coldest, driving type of rain I have seen for a while. And since then it had all been far from pretty...
By 11am I was wrapped in everything I could find including an exercise sheet (yes, the one for horses) with fleece lining. I sat there trying to see my riders behind the wall of rain and thought about Ricky's comment the other day: "What are those empty cans of red bull doing in the bedroom you tramp!" [I do love him really;)]....;)
I still ended up soaked.
Amazingly, due to only really committed riders making it to the arena, we did actually get some quality sessions done. I've been teaching most of them for a year now and it's such a pleasure seeing them improve and really enjoying learning more and more.
Mental note to self: make sure all your future jobs come with indoor arenas as a must number 1!
Saturday, 22 November 2008
All I want for Christmas...
Children love Christmas time don't they! I am not looking forward to it this year at all as can't spend it with my family.
I had this little girl on my lesson today and she said: 'What do you want from Santa for Xmas?'. And I couldn't think of anything to tell her. For all I want for Xmas this year is for someone really special (who made me once again believe in things I've been mega cynical about for rather a while) to find out she's healthy and well.
I also want my grandmother to cheat her illness and stay with us for as long as possible. I want to be able to see my family more often.
You can hardly share these things with a child. Ech, the joy of being 6 years old...
I had this little girl on my lesson today and she said: 'What do you want from Santa for Xmas?'. And I couldn't think of anything to tell her. For all I want for Xmas this year is for someone really special (who made me once again believe in things I've been mega cynical about for rather a while) to find out she's healthy and well.
I also want my grandmother to cheat her illness and stay with us for as long as possible. I want to be able to see my family more often.
You can hardly share these things with a child. Ech, the joy of being 6 years old...
Friday, 21 November 2008
Spending my day...
...on revising to Stage IV exam and playing about with new painting project. Actually, learnt something new today while reading on breeding: do not clear foal's nostrils until his ribs are clear out of the mare; makes sense but didn't really think about it!
Thursday, 20 November 2008
Scurry driving!
I don't really know much about Scurry Driving but my friend does it (she does all the leaning around at the back of the carriage - I should really check with her on the proper name of that!) and it seems to look fast and feisty = interesting! She's with the grey ponies and they did rather well at the recent show in Holland (video below). Official website: http://www.scurrydrivers.co.uk/
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