tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68256277907041930552024-02-19T19:26:27.195-05:00Eastview BlueChelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466967997862862914noreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825627790704193055.post-17403596426644557772013-10-01T12:49:00.003-04:002013-10-04T22:50:31.602-04:00Waredaca N3D prep<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I knew nothing about eventing until after college. For the last seven years, I have tried to learn as much as I can about the sport. There is a lot to know and I'm still trying to practice the basics correctly. When I found out that <a href="http://www.waredaca.com/">Waredaca Farm </a>offers a long format three day event for Novice I was thrilled! It seemed like a huge goal but I set it as a long term goal anyway. <br />
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Turns out I found the right horse and we have qualified and entered for the N3DE(Novice 3-Day Event)! Things happened in the last year that led me to believe entering the event was very possible. Last year I bought Sherwin (Win) in July. We completed beginner novice at Carousel and then finished second at Fair Hill. We moved up to Novice at Plantation and won! We finished the year at Maryland HT. Win and I had experience now and knew what we had to work on over the winter.<br />
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We started taking dressage lessons with Kristin Severson. Lauren Clark stayed on my case until I finally rode with Kristin and thank goodness Lauren made me! Kristin took us back to square one. Win is much more confident now. She taught me how my actions influence his movement and brain. Kristin taught me how to work with Win in a way that he builds muscle and confidence first. The fancy moves will come easily after a good foundation is laid. <br />
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In the spring, we went to MDHT not long after returning from Aiken. I was quite pleased with Win's dressage test. He is often very nervous and distracted during dressage. Stadium was perkier than I preferred but XC was a breeze. <br />
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I finally had to start spending the big bucks for recognized events because the N3DE requires novice entries to have four competitions with numerical scores. So our next event was MCTA. Dressage was quite unpleasant. I was nervous and had left my small spurs on from a jump lesson the day before. However, we did all the movements at the right time and stayed in the ring! We had time on <a href="http://www.photostockplus.com/home.php?user_id=41021&tmpl=127&event=1370139&action=viewphoto&photo_id=802683763&album_id=1370411&pcount=44">stadium</a> because I took a tour of the ring. <a href="http://www.photostockplus.com/home.php?user_id=41021&tmpl=127&event=1370139&action=viewphoto&photo_id=802683772&album_id=1370411&pcount=44">XC </a>was quite positive. Many riders had a stop at a new bank going down but Win didn't care! Granted, the road crossing was terrifying! <br />
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Yes, I'm going to recap event event. This blog is a good way for me to remember and analyze things again. It also serves as a way to document what brought me to my goal. <br />
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Fair Hill's<a href="http://www.photostockplus.com/home.php?user_id=41021&tmpl=127&event=1389019&action=viewphoto&photo_id=803719677&album_id=1389187&pcount=44"> novice course</a> didn't scare me as much as it did the year before. Dressage was greatly improved. We were in the ring by the grandstands and it went better than expected. Win was almost too slow. Show jumping was a disaster. We pulled 5 rails! Front and back legs caught rails. XC went well and we were easily under the time. Our show jumping round meant we were enrolling in Sally Cousins' boot camp. Extra lessons and extra work! Win is more likely to pull a rail than not. I know this and while I try to go clean, I accept that it may happen. One rail I can forgive, five I cannot. <br />
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Once in bootcamp, we decided that there was no reason not to enter at Plantation in early June. Sherwin likes Plantation! We were first in our Novice Rider division after dressage. I was thrilled! We were walking out of the ring and the judge yelled for Sherwin. I was so nervous that I had done something dumb. It turns out the judge was Mary Grace. Mary, or a student of hers, owned Sherwin before I did. She was extremely happy with how he went and how happy he seemed. We pulled one rail in show jumping because I didn't ride the first two jumps at all. The XC was massive and long! 21 jumps back and forth across the field in the mud. There was a brush jump from the light into the woods and other big questions along the way. Win was focused and almost made the original time set for the course (prior to the mud). Lauren and Poleon moved up to third and we finished fourth. I couldn't complain!<br />
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By this time we had 3 of our four qualifications. <a href="http://www.photostockplus.com/home.php?user_id=41021&tmpl=127&event=1449545&action=viewphoto&photo_id=807835032&album_id=1449687&pcount=44">MDHT #1</a> was next on the list. I don't do summer heat very well thanks to my extra squishiness and an air conditioned office work environment. I had heard MDHT does well with the heat and boy do they ever! Dressage was almost a bit too quiet. The judge wanted to see more out of the trot, but if I did too big of a trot, I wouldn't have anything worthwhile in the walk or canter. I'll take a 6 or 7 in the trot work for 8s in the walk and canter! I was so excited to be in the same division as the amazing Tipperary Liadnham. What a big, cool horse! We had two rails in stadium. A silly one over the smallest jump and one of the red planks! I was not happy with<a href="http://www.photostockplus.com/home.php?user_id=41021&tmpl=127&event=1449545&action=viewphoto&album_id=1449687&rank=14&pcount=44&#topimg"> the red plank faults</a>. <a href="http://www.photostockplus.com/home.php?user_id=41021&tmpl=127&event=1449545&action=viewphoto&photo_id=807835066&album_id=1449687&pcount=44">Cross country</a> was an easy course and Win did it without issue. We made the time but I felt like Win and I both had a tough time with the warm air. <br />
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We qualifed for the three day! 4 events without cross country faults and respectable dressage scores. Show jumping was improving so I wasn't as worried.<br />
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Six weeks later, mid August, we ran at Waredaca. I didn't want to compete in the heat but it would have been a mistake to pass up the opportunity to compete there before the N3D. Dressage was better for the judges than for me apparently. Win spooked at every letter. The letters were hinged pieces of wood next to the white fence. At least I know he doesn't like them now! <a href="http://www.photostockplus.com/home.php?user_id=41021&tmpl=127&event=1485360&action=viewphoto&photo_id=811684577&album_id=1485416&pcount=44">Stadium</a> was our best round up to this point. Sally was nice enough to warm us up. We did fine except for fence eight which I didn't read well. Still, we recovered and rallied through the end of the course. Unfortunately, spooky Sherwin showed up for XC. We did fine for the <a href="http://www.photostockplus.com/home.php?user_id=41021&tmpl=127&event=1485360&action=viewphoto&photo_id=811684627&album_id=1485416&pcount=44">first 4 fences</a> and then the monsters came out. <a href="http://www.photostockplus.com/home.php?user_id=41021&tmpl=127&event=1485360&action=viewphoto&photo_id=811684638&album_id=1485416&pcount=44">The pond was scary</a>, the people were scary, and the jump decorations were scary! This didn't help my confidence as it was a big, long course. We had to trot two sections and didn't make the time. I also realized we weren't fit enough. There were positives such as jumping a real corner, getting through the hardest combination (log, hard right through a swale, to another log) we had done, and simply finishing! I needed a day like that to remind myself that I can ride Win. When I ride better, he goes better. <br />
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After Waredaca, I started Weight Watchers again. Sherwin and I also incorporated hill walks into most rides and at least one fitness day around the field going up and down the big hill. I also started yoga. I did a month of classes and what a difference it makes! I feel better overall and my body isn't as tight in the tack. 10 pounds down and I feel better. Now to take a few more pounds off.<br />
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In late August I was forming my plan to make sure we were ready. I entered on opening day and <a href="http://www.waredaca.com/what-is-a-three-day/89-entry-stats/t3d-entry-stats/396-t3d-entry-stats">my entry has been accepted</a>! I talked to Sally and Lauren Gress. We decided to enter Seneca and Morven.<br />
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Seneca was mid-September. The weather was gorgeous! The dressage test went very well. I was pleased with our score. We have been between 30 and 35 since Fair Hill. I know Kristin will improve those scores but I am not at all disappointed. For the first time, we jumped clear in stadium! I was elated. Sherwin listened to me which meant we had balance and the correct speed. The ground was hard at Seneca. I went first in my division following a lunch break. Believe me, the XC fence judges deserved a break. However, the warmup was 3 trailers away from ours and Win started to be quiet antsy about Napoleon. If Win is working, he doesn't mind as much. I thought about making him work but with the hard ground, XC coming up, and a delay to the start, I let him walk circles. Sherwin came out of the start box a little distracted. The first jump was in the fence line so he had no choice. I tapped him on the shoulder anyway before it. I usually do that anyway, more for me than him. The second fence was a little red cabin. In the approach I started to think about how well the day was going and how great Win felt. Note to other riders - STAY FOCUSED ON THE FENCE IN FRONT OF YOU! Bam, we glanced off the right side of the fence for a run out. 20 points just like that. I was so mad and disappointed at Sherwin. I rode<a href="http://www.photostockplus.com/home.php?user_id=41021&tmpl=127&event=1517986&action=viewphoto&photo_id=813474958&album_id=1518210&pcount=44"> the rest of the course</a> with determination and <a href="http://www.photostockplus.com/home.php?user_id=41021&tmpl=127&event=1517986&action=viewphoto&photo_id=813474986&album_id=1518210&pcount=44">it went very well</a>. Win listened and jumped well. We<a href="http://www.photostockplus.com/home.php?user_id=41021&tmpl=127&event=1517986&action=viewphoto&photo_id=813474956&album_id=1518210&pcount=44"> easily made the time</a> and Win felt great at the finish. After crossing the finish line, I realized what I did and I was mad at myself. It was my mistake. Competition pressure is not something I am used to and it will play a part of the 3 day. I have to tell myself I want to complete the event and have a happy horse. That is my true goal.<br />
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We head to Morven on Sunday. I have never been and am excited. We had a wonderful jump lesson with Sally last Friday. I have to keep doing what I'm doing and we will be ready. Win feels good, both mentally and physically. I am doing my best to maintain him for the next three weeks. We have one more lesson with Sally and Kristin between Morven and Waredaca. Sherwin had body work done last week. I learned different ways to engage his back and stretch his body. I incorporate that into our daily routine now. Sherwin's ulcers seem under control and his overall health is good. <br />
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Sherwin and I will leave early Wednesday morning the week of Waredaca. My dad is meeting us there to help me get set up and through the horse inspection. Dressage is Thursday along with steeplechase practice. Friday is endurance day. LG and Jen will be there helping me. I couldn't ask for two better people to help us! Saturday wraps up with show jumping. <br />
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No matter the outcome, I am certain that this goal has been worth the time and money. I have had a great season so far with Sherwin. Fingers crossed it only gets better and we make it through the event in one piece!<br />
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<br />Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466967997862862914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825627790704193055.post-18116846775251453582012-08-30T17:38:00.000-04:002012-08-30T17:38:29.433-04:00Burghley Stalking 2012<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The most challenging 4* event in the world is taking place right now. After watching only a few dressage rides today while stuck in the office, maybe I should go to England next year. I can't even imagine what an adventure it would be. (Psst - Mom, we should go to England instead of going to Sea Isle City. Think about it.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's the basic information:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.burghley-horse.co.uk/default.asp">Burghley</a> </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">August 30 to September 2</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">85 international entries from 10 nations </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Only 5 mares are competing</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thursday and Friday - dressage</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Saturday - cross country</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunday - show jumping</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last year's winners, William Fox-Pitt and Parklane Hawk, are in contention again. </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This could be WFP's <b>7th</b> win at Burghley. </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">American representatives</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Erin Sylvester</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kristi Nunnick</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kate Hicks</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Allison Springer</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Will Faudree</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sinead Halpin</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Cross Country</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.burghley.tv/index.php?p=fence-guide">Fence guide </a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.burghley.tv/index.php?p=course-map">Animated XC course</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.burghley.tv/index.php?p=cross-country-preview">XC Preview with The Captain </a> </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Watch the recaps at <a href="http://www.burghley.tv/vod/portal/?sid=bsro9aho2cm2oa60p2r6pv7p14">Burghley.tv</a> (but not when the boss is around!) </span><br />
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<br />Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466967997862862914noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825627790704193055.post-29635319592773056582012-08-26T23:10:00.000-04:002012-08-27T09:23:12.282-04:00Return of the... mediocre blog posts.<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a major hiatus from writing, here is my triumphant return. Many people have been waiting for my next blog installation. For example, Rob has been texting me every day for a new post detailing every last equine moment of my weekends. Ha, I totally just lied, especially about the Rob part. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since I last wrote, a lot has happened! I ran two more 5Ks, competed in three novice events, celebrated a birthday, enjoyed the Olympics through hours of TV and internet, and bought a new horse. </span><br />
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Sitta and I.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Dad and I on the river. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My last 5K in June was the Hershey Miracle race. Amanda and Julie ran with me and the extra support was huge! I finished in 32:50. Admittedly, I haven't run much since then and it's showing! There's a run at Gravel Hill, right by my parents house, in October and I should do it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My 28th birthday was a quiet event. The folks at work took me out to dinner, which was much appreciated. M&D pitched in to help buy me a Point Two air vest! Go Safety! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Random observation - Sunday night tv is disappointing.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love the Olympics. Not everyone will agree, but I thought NBC and Comcast did a great job with the coverage. The eventing was amazing to watch. Michael Jung is outrageous! While the US didn't have the best trip in the equestrian events, the big sports had some major moments. My Olympic obsession - <a href="http://www.oscarpistorius.com/">Oscar Pistorius</a>. Oh, and he has <a href="http://lockerz.com/s/237798062">race horses</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Archie and I completed three novice recognized events - MCTA, Fair Hill, and Seneca Valley. Lauren, Amanda, and I made a weekend out of the trip to SV. Piece of advice, don't run a 5K on Saturday and event on Sunday unless you know you can. Yeesh, that weekend was a bit much. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Archie and Aileen have made such an impact on my riding this year. When at one of my lowest points, Aileen stepped in and offered me what I needed. I haven't properly thanked Aileen and I don't know how I truly could. Archie gave me a huge boost in the few months we worked together. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our last XC run did not go as I expected. Archie jumped everything but I felt like he was laboring to make short work of the course. A week later, we found out that his RF tendon was very sore. The vet told me that with a lot of time off and rehab, he could come back to the Novice or Training level. The decision is ultimately Aileen's, but I couldn't justify risking Archie's long term riding so he had a month off and has been doing light work for the month of August. I hopped on him Friday night and he feels spectacular. Archie is staying at Walnut Hill in "semi-retirement." He has a very special role in the barn for us girls as we depend on him to teach us. He is also a great babysitter for my new horse!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh yeah, I got a new horse. Sherwin Williams has proven to be what I've wanted! The timing was right. I called his owner, Jen, shortly after Archie's news to find out if she knew of a horse which might work for me. Only days before, she had decided to sell Win/Winsome/Sherwin. Two weeks after the phone call, we had a great schooling day at Carousel and I brought him home! Win is a 13 y/o Paint who has done several Training level events. He also is extremely cute, snuggles, and is just adorable. Can you tell how in love I am?</span><br />
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Day 1. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Being Lauren's back rest in between jumper rounds.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We didn't waste any time getting out and eventing. After only 7 weeks together, we tackled our first horse trial today. Dressage was better than at home, I let him roll through stadium too fast and we pulled a rail, and then I took a fence for granted and he ran to the left about two strides before it. Not exactly a great start, but I learned so much from the event that I wouldn't have learned without going out there. I am still smiling and so very excited about our future. (Sssshhhh, Fair Hill on Sept 15.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many, many thanks to Valerie (<a href="http://www.roughcoatphoto.com/">Rough Coat Photography</a>) for these fantastic photos of our first HT. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Oh, don't worry, Tyler is doing quite well. He is the same - fat, happy, and in charge. Hmm, is that the dictionary definition of spoiled? </span><br />
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Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466967997862862914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825627790704193055.post-52211791529716776882012-04-21T21:21:00.001-04:002012-04-21T21:21:49.576-04:00Change is inevitable and change is good.<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After the loss of Fred, I made some major changes in my life. Ok, primarily my equine life but the rest of it too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My very good friend Aileen made me an offer I couldn't refuse when I returned from Aiken. Until I find a horse to buy, she is free leasing her appendix gelding Archie to me. Archie and Aileen had several successful runs at Training last year. Aileen recently purchased a beautiful mare allowing me to sneak Archie away for a few months. I'm still horse shopping but very carefully and slowly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Archie and I are entered in my first recognized event on May 5, MCTA Shawan Downs. I'm nervous and excited!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Along with the new ride, I'm at a new barn. Archie moved in next to LClark and Pony at a wonderful facility in Manheim. I miss HVS but am anxious to open new chapters. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Outside of the horse life, Amanda and I completed our very first 5k today! We had both started working out around the same time. I nudged Amanda into a bit and she proved to be strong and resilient! I was really nervous if I could make my goal. I felt like three 12 minute miles was reasonable and so wanted to finish around 36 minutes. Turns out the race adrenaline helped and I ran it in 34:13!! I didn't walk and felt pretty good when I was done. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My mom, my sister, and our BFF Jackie were there to cheer us on at the finish. Ok, that was kind of freakin' cool.</span></div>
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Me and Amanda pre-race</div>
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Finish line!!</div>
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Never thought I'd have a 5K tshirt that I earned.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span>Me and Sitta "tailgating" before 8am with the Nav (work car!)</div>Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466967997862862914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825627790704193055.post-64375665109755255912012-04-21T20:46:00.001-04:002012-04-21T20:46:47.482-04:00A very delayed continuation of the Aiken blog.<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Wow, it's been too long since I've blogged. Sadly, this means I'm doing an abbreviated post so I can catch up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I traveled to Aiken with Lauren Gress again. Why she puts up with me, who knows! We also went with the mom and daughter pair of Laura and Alexa. Laura had to leave Moose at home with sore feet but Alexa brought her rockin' mare, Jewel.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The girls were spectacular! Lauren and Poleon looked great coming out of winter. They entered Sporting Days and focused on preparing all week. Alexa and Jewel were introduced to jumping Novice fences and were AH-MAY-ZING. Jewel was on springs and Alexa did her best to analyze the new challenge and adjust. It was so cool to watch them. Since Jess is green and Moose was at home, Laura and I enjoyed watching the girls and learning from their lessons.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Lauren and Poleon had a great go at Sporting Days. The dressage ring was sloppy but Poleon sucked it up. They show jumped very well. The XC course looked awesome! They had a near perfect round. Poleon has a H20 phobia and stopped at a log before the water complex. Lauren made him do it on the second try and finished the rest of the course strongly. There were a few fences, the brush and bench combo, that Lauren couldn't have done more perfectly. It was so much fun to watch them! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The pieces fell together so LClark, Gwen, Kelsea, and Antoinette were all at Sally's while we were. I love those girls! They are smart, hilarious, and supportive! We had several meals with them full of good food and laughs. I don't see any of them enough, even LClark, so I tried to make the most of the week with them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">All of the girls competed at Sporting Days and kicked ass. We had a great week training, laughing, and entertaining Snuffy. </span><br />
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Susan and Trick</div>
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Snuffy putting Martine through bootcamp.</div>
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LClark and the pony.</div>
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LClark and Scotch showing off.</div>
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Gwen and Barney</div>
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Gwen and Barney</div>
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Lauren and the track kitchen</div>
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Antoinette and James</div>
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Antoinette and James getting big air.</div>
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Laura :)</div>
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Jack (minus Kelsea) </div>
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Alexa and Jewel</div>
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Alexa and Jewel</div>
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Annemarie and Cigar</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The week in Aiken was outstanding and I'm not doing it justice. It was a sad year, too, with just losing Fred. There wasn't a better place for me. A huge thank you to everyone who helped make the trip to Aiken a success. </span></div>Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466967997862862914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825627790704193055.post-7652088719830617792012-03-08T20:33:00.000-05:002012-03-09T11:03:08.906-05:00Aiken 2012 - Part 1<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It's a big relief that February is over. Losing Fred has made my equine life very sad. I was fortunate that only days after his death, I was able to make the trip to Aiken, South Carolina and spend a week with people who truly understand what I'm feeling. I'll try over the next few days to recap the week I had in Aiken. It was good for my riding and my life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Laurie McDowell, of McDowell Racing Stables, is an extraordinary woman I have never met. She has trusted the HVS family to care for her mare, Jess. I happen to be the primary person with Jess right now. Jess is a lovely 14 year old TB mare who raced very successfully and produced four amazing foals.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Poor Jess showed up the night before Fred's death and I didn't spend more than a few minutes with her until the day before we left for Aiken. The good girl let me flat her in the indoor before our giant adventure began. We experimented with shipping boots and she took to them in seconds. By 5:30am on Saturday she was wrapped up, on the trailer, and escaping the snow for a week in Aiken.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Jess is good on the flat but green when it comes to jumping. She may be green, but oh my is she sane and brave! Her footwork is still a work in progress but she'll jump what you put in front of her. We had four jump lessons that were simple, short, and straightforward. I was majorly impressed with her. I'm not one to get on a horse I don't know and ride it around much less jump a green one. Jess was relaxed and then so was I.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQlZw15q2xdaw9v1PXk81rvAhOO-qmO4ZH3dEpOVbI-VeIs0DiomGpNAFc_Hzvgwi1eVLwrNF68aWhEi_8GVcYotbKNTwYgmydW6VfcBMdrrBgvQ07f5slBi7mHEOmm6chh4fL336RVe3n/s1600/Aiken_2012_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQlZw15q2xdaw9v1PXk81rvAhOO-qmO4ZH3dEpOVbI-VeIs0DiomGpNAFc_Hzvgwi1eVLwrNF68aWhEi_8GVcYotbKNTwYgmydW6VfcBMdrrBgvQ07f5slBi7mHEOmm6chh4fL336RVe3n/s320/Aiken_2012_001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Lesson 1 - starting with trot poles.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHm7HqZgvNpj3FkABdA2QqP1DzJLYxQcsYE53qJvAJnxh33kt1jRWLs88K2-G2eqaENMCdW-RzhCKuG7zHmBHQv5C472qBI5VEUfdMtl3RqOUFPFy1sEGNC_IcCs5VC9Gj2W6azLSvgKV/s1600/Aiken_2012_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHm7HqZgvNpj3FkABdA2QqP1DzJLYxQcsYE53qJvAJnxh33kt1jRWLs88K2-G2eqaENMCdW-RzhCKuG7zHmBHQv5C472qBI5VEUfdMtl3RqOUFPFy1sEGNC_IcCs5VC9Gj2W6azLSvgKV/s320/Aiken_2012_002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span> Lesson 1 - ending over the flower cross rail.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia3kEbiZ076ICcQUaNT1hdJdZ4bw8cFTRnFUo78oNMh73mWOgFLprpXqSLnMehWMCc5wQZJzdrPDVLwKjVK5Y5rYskk5kw9EmEk8ikgextBguDgg_fNCCRK6X0CpPVheLEKy8OzIu9FXF2/s1600/DSC_0332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia3kEbiZ076ICcQUaNT1hdJdZ4bw8cFTRnFUo78oNMh73mWOgFLprpXqSLnMehWMCc5wQZJzdrPDVLwKjVK5Y5rYskk5kw9EmEk8ikgextBguDgg_fNCCRK6X0CpPVheLEKy8OzIu9FXF2/s320/DSC_0332.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lesson 2 - Jess jumped a little vertical, the white gate, the barrels, and the yellow and blue gate WITH a rail! Now to fix my hands and chicken wings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTC5DnTdEZOvlOY1XnCMz6kWFxSHWPVdmRlLQuv3xsUGYVyCgmJxe0Ep2i7bNqTFIBjml6GBdbGLjeTtPfkW1CikCfHyl8C5CS9gouofpI8UxP-lrtDKTBgixFP6vBmTBwM8N11KD3csrh/s1600/DSC_0607a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTC5DnTdEZOvlOY1XnCMz6kWFxSHWPVdmRlLQuv3xsUGYVyCgmJxe0Ep2i7bNqTFIBjml6GBdbGLjeTtPfkW1CikCfHyl8C5CS9gouofpI8UxP-lrtDKTBgixFP6vBmTBwM8N11KD3csrh/s320/DSC_0607a.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Lesson 3 - Gymnastics! Cross rail, stride, vertical, stride, vertical. We started out small and simple and built up. Jess was very smart through the grid. We finished with a one time try at 2'6 on the end and she looks great!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPYemLB1iPVHYX4xuu3mHeXYLjoErsSHbX0iUBBzbPJk0u8XXDI6DmKeRUe01oEZ3eGu8EOHsnuHfLOQFleXx4R1dxo6OkbncPEXMhOl9CwSE93v04Q1an612bIcFptQtXl9GVZbvV_Iu/s1600/Aiken_2012_003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPYemLB1iPVHYX4xuu3mHeXYLjoErsSHbX0iUBBzbPJk0u8XXDI6DmKeRUe01oEZ3eGu8EOHsnuHfLOQFleXx4R1dxo6OkbncPEXMhOl9CwSE93v04Q1an612bIcFptQtXl9GVZbvV_Iu/s320/Aiken_2012_003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> <span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Lesson 4 - We attempted the green box at the end of lesson once and Jess was great so we called it quits. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Jess behaved perfectly the entire time we were there. Oh wait, ok, she wasn't 100% perfect. Two different nights I didn't pay attention to where I left the hay bales and she helped herself to them! At least she never escaped like Tyler did. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm looking forward to working with Jess when I get home. She's been a very pleasant surprise!</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Here's my draft plan for the rest of the Aiken blog: </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Part 2 - Lauren and Alexa and Laura</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Part 3 - Gwen & LClark</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Part 4 - Kelsea & Antoinette</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Part 5 - Annemarie</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Part 6 - horse shopping (that's right, I'm in the market!) and everything else I've missed </span> </span></span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span>Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466967997862862914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825627790704193055.post-89390443424320883882012-02-29T21:34:00.001-05:002012-11-04T22:54:44.286-05:00Rest in peace, my dear friend.<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Homemade Sin died on February 19, 2012 from an unknown neurologic disease. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I will write more about it all when I have more energy.</span>Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466967997862862914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825627790704193055.post-45993499344528353572012-02-08T23:06:00.001-05:002012-02-08T23:27:13.514-05:005K? OK!<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Odd, right? Crazy, maybe. Definitely. Yeah, this is weird. I want to run a 5K. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Back in November before Fred's twitch derailed our short term plans, I decided I had to get in shape. As it turns out, I'm having a bit of a revolution. Or growth spurt, in lifetime terms. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I like going to the gym in the morning to start the day. It wasn't easy to make that change. Now I notice a difference if I don't go to the gym. I'm probably fitter now than I was in high school. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Last week I decided I better transition from the treadmill, which I do 2 to 3 miles on 5-6 days a week, to outside. Eventually I have to run outside if I want to do a 5K race, right? There's a perfect sidewalk by the hotel that if you go to the end and back it's one mile. I told myself to go run one mile and prove that I could. Well, I did and then I ran another one. ODD! It gets weirder, the next day I ran 3.3 miles outside. Proving myself wrong was strangely satisfying. Now that I know I can do it, I want to find a run to do after we get back from Aiken. All along I remember my motivation is that I'm doing this so that when Fred can go around a XC course again I will be ready!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Another part of my revolution is learning. I'm reading a lot about what's good for my health. Nothing outrageous, just some simple ideas and practices we should all follow and I should have adapted a long time ago. Little changes and choices everyday DO make a difference. Nothing is instant and eat your peas/broccoli/green beans. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The other thing I'm reading about is horse related (surprise!) Horse people understand horse people. Non-horse people don't understand us. How could we spend so much money on the big furry thing? How can we spend so much time with them? Why is it they so important to us? What I don't understand of horse people is how do we do it all? How do we work, ride, and live? It's so much to balance! And I don't think you can ever really balance it all out. I'm also trying to learn how to be the best at what I'm trying to balance. I'll never be a great rider, but why not try to be my best? I want to be a contributor at work. I want to have a social life which results in great stories. Apparently I want a lot. Winning lotto tickets also goes on the want list. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Here's something I didn't expect out of my revolution. Exercising gives me the energy to balance. Odd coincidence? I'd like more energy and I still have to say no to things. I can now wake up on Thursday morning, go to the gym, work until 4, drive home to PA, and then ride one or two horses without sleeping in the next day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'll keep working out and find a 5K. There are more books on my Kindle list. And when Fred is ready to get out there to run and jump, I'll be ready for him. </span>Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466967997862862914noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825627790704193055.post-52946961579489015672012-02-07T09:00:00.001-05:002012-02-08T22:01:07.948-05:00I couldn't live without my iPhone Calendar.<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Busy I have been! I thought the winter would give me some down time. Apparently I have been very wrong.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">January 29th marked a year of owning Fred. What a silly horse! I wouldn't give him up for anything. He's been on phenobarb since the beginning of January for his twitch. I've been allowed to put him back into work, too! Last Friday we saw the twitch for a few minutes at dinner time. It was gone as soon as it came though and it's the only time we've seen it. The riding was going very well until he pulled a shoe off this weekend. His return to full time work will be slower than I'd like and that's all my fault. Having only 3-4 days a week to ride him limits what we can do. If Fred can go three months twitch free, we can start the slow process of weaning him off the drugs.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HzR37sFo93o/TzEpmbyqv0I/AAAAAAAABAE/4pqW0UD5ZHk/s1600/Fred%27s+Lip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HzR37sFo93o/TzEpmbyqv0I/AAAAAAAABAE/4pqW0UD5ZHk/s320/Fred%27s+Lip.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">How could you not love this face?</div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Yes, I did things that weren't completely barn related. Sorta. I made a trip to the Farm Show with Amanda for dinner one night. I hadn't been there in two or three years. I feasted. No really, I did. Beef sandwich, cheese cubes, sweet potato, and of course, a milk shake. We walked around the place and saw the usual fun attractions. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Another great weekend was when Jackie visited! We hadn't seen each other in a while. Sadly, I had to leave her alone for a few hours while it snowed at I was at the barn. We had a relaxing weekend just handing out and yet again, a feast was included. The entire family sat down for an awesome seafood dinner. Jackie is coming back in March for a dinner party! That reminds me, I need to schedule a dress shopping date.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicndadTBPXk1JhpyAUgJRHBFBiDpjraeHZYP4OGDeoTs2njGbpI-YdL4zNwQ-1FmJE7gYNy1HTJYgL6my99GzCn3vwXimLsVQ3jqxfL-cfozed4Yz_oy-vjKW5WlmEJZqK7D0Jv91cGVAx/s1600/Jackie+and+Patrick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicndadTBPXk1JhpyAUgJRHBFBiDpjraeHZYP4OGDeoTs2njGbpI-YdL4zNwQ-1FmJE7gYNy1HTJYgL6my99GzCn3vwXimLsVQ3jqxfL-cfozed4Yz_oy-vjKW5WlmEJZqK7D0Jv91cGVAx/s320/Jackie+and+Patrick.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">I didn't think I could convince Jackie to get in the saddle. St. Patrick toted her around and she had a great time! She even rocks the eventing helmet.</span></span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Saturday mornings have been packed full of riding lessons. I'm really enjoying teaching and the feedback I get. Everyone is making progress and I'm really excited for the riders. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Work keeps me plenty busy. We had a few Monday to Friday on site weeks. We're working long hours and making a ton of progress. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2ac4yTUelIZV8Tdzmf941ME-fSyxiHt0gLekFSRz3eP2QVYRemkSzcdG2gyuryDNl6ta9vRPB1UrUpZEcaCYwRlfr_eq32nrTdYxM9SIDYfQLZJYBHDSA6tfMt9YEnA6ixfN8cONJ8Oi/s1600/Sushi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2ac4yTUelIZV8Tdzmf941ME-fSyxiHt0gLekFSRz3eP2QVYRemkSzcdG2gyuryDNl6ta9vRPB1UrUpZEcaCYwRlfr_eq32nrTdYxM9SIDYfQLZJYBHDSA6tfMt9YEnA6ixfN8cONJ8Oi/s320/Sushi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Replacing our energy source.</span></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There's a lot more everyday stuff to write about, but the most important thing going on right now is preparing for Aiken! We leave on Saturday, February 25 around 4am. Lauren, Laura, and Alexa and I are making the trek to Sally's for a week. We're a little over 2 weeks until departure! The trailer is ready to go and the truck gets checked out this weekend. The vet stops by Friday to do health certifications and coggins. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Patrick and I are doing well together. I feel very comfortable taking him to Aiken. In fact, let's not lie, I'm thrilled and excited for this opportunity. Patrick will teach me a lot. If I can't take Fred, Patrick is working out to be the next best thing. We had a great lesson with Sarah. She helped me loosen him up a bit and we had a few snorts as a reward! We jump around fairly easily together which is a big, big, BIG relief for me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I can't finish this post on a happy note unfortunately. Linus, a wonderful family and barn dog, was lost on January 29. He was a Bernese Mountain dog who had such a great life and lived to be 10 years old! His kind soul always made you feel better. In the almost five years I knew Linus, I never saw a child be afraid of him. You just knew Linus was a gentle giant. No matter the weather, Linus always used the Berner ways to sit on your feet and keep you warm. I always appreciated that Linus never moved when you stepped over him in the tack room. He will be very much so missed as the big black blob, the watch dog in the back of the truck, and as the happy soul that could make you smile. His family, both immediate and extended at the farm, miss him terribly. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiG25wzPfhUMVLeb42fNQacCSbX9kK28IO08KHU8o-aU0i8Cn0x7785XFkeFgGZjTccagREd4h4FuyMEOgNiO1mliK6xjB4UlN8DgudEQg36jdaZv_kUhlf8ihyphenhyphenoE5scwhNRJefn0Sh5x2/s1600/Linus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiG25wzPfhUMVLeb42fNQacCSbX9kK28IO08KHU8o-aU0i8Cn0x7785XFkeFgGZjTccagREd4h4FuyMEOgNiO1mliK6xjB4UlN8DgudEQg36jdaZv_kUhlf8ihyphenhyphenoE5scwhNRJefn0Sh5x2/s320/Linus.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">We miss you, big dog. Linus didn't care how you looked.</span></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span>Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466967997862862914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825627790704193055.post-72044657332001028292012-01-23T18:54:00.001-05:002012-01-23T20:30:27.091-05:00Thank you, Coach.<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Penn State family lost our greatest leader on Sunday. Joe Paterno was more than Penn State's football coach. Coach Paterno strived to make an impact. I count myself as a fortunate recipient of that impact. JoePa, as he was commonly known, dedicated his life to making Penn State a high quality school while coaching a strong football team. It turns out, much to our honest surprise, that JoePa was human and made mistakes. When we remember his legacy, let us also remember his mortality. We are all mortal and so, as JoePa did, take time to contemplate and build your legacy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Paterno family has asked that <a href="http://www.gopsusports.com/">donations be made to the Special Olympics or THON</a>.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN9ZQNLTIYBK6uAGfsPSadhS9WwwfzYtws8CozdN5f4Sjir9xWSmSdupzl0FanrkdLy1Ilx0HrUbU_PIFQmB8sc3-INEnGnDbkvk0x-sQS4HdRn0NBj3O1iushjHigY0giK8kbOc80rskr/s1600/JoePa+Glases.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN9ZQNLTIYBK6uAGfsPSadhS9WwwfzYtws8CozdN5f4Sjir9xWSmSdupzl0FanrkdLy1Ilx0HrUbU_PIFQmB8sc3-INEnGnDbkvk0x-sQS4HdRn0NBj3O1iushjHigY0giK8kbOc80rskr/s320/JoePa+Glases.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b> The classic coke-bottle glasses in memorial. </b></span> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Courtesy of Penn State Football on FB.</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">(This is a serious blog. I'll do a much more relaxed one next.)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords is announcing she will <a href="http://giffords.house.gov/2012/01/us-rep-gabrielle-giffords-will-step-down-from-congress-this-week.shtml">step down from her position</a> this week. I know nothing of her political history, but I do know that she has strength few other people will ever experience. Giffords was shot in the head a year ago at the Arizona Congress on Your Corner event. She will return to the site and finish that event. Thirteen people were wounded and six were killed last January. I applaud Congresswoman Giffords for her fight to not only recover, but thrive in the future.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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</span>Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466967997862862914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825627790704193055.post-47693529715791043782012-01-10T12:40:00.001-05:002012-01-10T12:52:49.784-05:00Holy Smokes, Holidays!<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Yawn. What a crazy last few weeks! My Mama got on my case New Year's Day about not blogging recently. She's right, I need to start typing.</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> I had two weeks at home and as you can probably tell, I avoided the laptop like the plague. I use this machine every single day and sometimes I need a major separation from it. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tIus_z7gvZg/TwO_GHoOXxI/AAAAAAAAA-c/zyId4UNU09c/s1600/ChristmasEve_2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tIus_z7gvZg/TwO_GHoOXxI/AAAAAAAAA-c/zyId4UNU09c/s320/ChristmasEve_2011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Mom, Me, and MaMa</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDg548dNBXOMwIgi0u9jiAxIj-ZKu9HhOP7CMgS7OaZQMKMroL88_skGDM2bodJ80iHaCVLPXOWsa1ADMVjNqWx-HxEqqj81bHhiHLqgKqkKO6KrKogYgNs02w9zW5wG0eWo-IK22XBde/s1600/ChristmasPonies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDg548dNBXOMwIgi0u9jiAxIj-ZKu9HhOP7CMgS7OaZQMKMroL88_skGDM2bodJ80iHaCVLPXOWsa1ADMVjNqWx-HxEqqj81bHhiHLqgKqkKO6KrKogYgNs02w9zW5wG0eWo-IK22XBde/s320/ChristmasPonies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The boys. Same spot about 3 years apart. </span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We can't talk about the holidays without discussing presents. Let's be honest, I'm more about the commercial holiday. Back on Black Friday, I bought myself an awesome chrome toolbox for the back of the diesel. Then I moved all the equipment from the back seat of the truck to the toolbox and still had lots of room in it. The only solution seemed to be a chat with Dad. He told me to wait for Christmas. Holy smokes, be careful what you ask for!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYeCE44H8L57otp3GfPpseJldOw6mrGhQ0w6XE-rIyE_ln4tDqAd4foygpfIE-Rw_i2P7YvqjB0ocJS5RLxLNEOm2YS-uWP5rJhoeQWapC9GkeMrFZNBc4Py36VxTvcB0rTqkQIHcOQvxk/s1600/IMG_0835%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsrXFTb1BO5USK-san9FqGYkYT0i3QwU5U5fdxVgMb9noUVQsrayWgG2TTEpiHIEQRO5RshqmNiqTvX4XFg1ShqZBOCVAXWtMkfXFosJYIjY1owD0GOBPvZMM-rJ2TYeybU2VE8AxyC9ST/s1600/IMG_0841%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsrXFTb1BO5USK-san9FqGYkYT0i3QwU5U5fdxVgMb9noUVQsrayWgG2TTEpiHIEQRO5RshqmNiqTvX4XFg1ShqZBOCVAXWtMkfXFosJYIjY1owD0GOBPvZMM-rJ2TYeybU2VE8AxyC9ST/s320/IMG_0841%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The "starter" kit.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYeCE44H8L57otp3GfPpseJldOw6mrGhQ0w6XE-rIyE_ln4tDqAd4foygpfIE-Rw_i2P7YvqjB0ocJS5RLxLNEOm2YS-uWP5rJhoeQWapC9GkeMrFZNBc4Py36VxTvcB0rTqkQIHcOQvxk/s1600/IMG_0835%255B1%255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYeCE44H8L57otp3GfPpseJldOw6mrGhQ0w6XE-rIyE_ln4tDqAd4foygpfIE-Rw_i2P7YvqjB0ocJS5RLxLNEOm2YS-uWP5rJhoeQWapC9GkeMrFZNBc4Py36VxTvcB0rTqkQIHcOQvxk/s320/IMG_0835%255B1%255D.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span>This is all I really wanted. </div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I feel extra unstoppable in the Green Giant now! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Another crazy present story is that LClark and I took a trip on the Friday before Christmas Sunday to Park City Mall. We were expecting to die and honestly, it wasn't so bad! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In between the holidays we had the HVS party. It was at the Lawn Fire Hall. I thought it was a great success. I had a great time watching the polo wrapping relay, pin the nose on the reindeer, and Pictionary. And the food, YUM! So very good.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--IMDFdY507o/Twx0rfyhTWI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/xQdcOw5a-lM/s1600/ChristmasRat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--IMDFdY507o/Twx0rfyhTWI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/xQdcOw5a-lM/s320/ChristmasRat.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The Christmas Hulu Rat. It's my Mom's...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nH-8ZRPgWNc/Twx0RAp9edI/AAAAAAAAA_I/FH7qf29BS_U/s1600/HVS+Party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nH-8ZRPgWNc/Twx0RAp9edI/AAAAAAAAA_I/FH7qf29BS_U/s320/HVS+Party.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">The kids took revenge on me for spinning them too much.</span></span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I spent almost everyday riding and at the gym so I slept through the New Year's celebration. It was all part of my plan to start the New Year rested and relaxed. Ok, so rested anyway. Yeah, and about this gym thing. I know some of you are tired of seeing my FB posts about it already. But I also hope some of you will nag me if I start to slip. I have big riding plans this year and my fitness must improve. I'm running about 2.5 miles a day right now. I didn't think I could do it, but I am and it feels GOOOOOOOOD! Trust me, I think it's weird too. Let's just go with it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Fred is still out of commission. The test results have come back as normal on all accounts. Now we move on to a phenobarbital trial. Phenobarbs are used to treat seizures. We should know in a month or so if that addresses Fred's twitch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Cindy has very generously let me ride Patrick over the last few weeks. (THANK YOU!) He was amazing to ride almost 5 years ago when I started at HVS and now that I've learned a little since then, I think he and I are having some fun. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0KjyVSs9SZU/Twx0IutDNaI/AAAAAAAAA_A/xHxS1vpsMpw/s1600/Patrick_010712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0KjyVSs9SZU/Twx0IutDNaI/AAAAAAAAA_A/xHxS1vpsMpw/s320/Patrick_010712.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Jean, Crabby Paddy, Me, and Gadget</span></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Lauren G and I stopped by <a href="http://www.watermark-farm.net/">Watermark Farm</a> during our time off. Ellie and her mother Anne have an amazing herd of horses. They gave Lauren and I an amazing opportunity by letting us ride Oz (Wizard WF) and Lauren also rode Liam </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">(Don William WF)</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">. Oz is a 5 year old stallion and moves like nothing I have ever ridden before. Liam is a 4 year old gelding who is probably around 17.2! It was cool and such a treat. Check out Ellie's website and drool over the horses. Go on, you know you want to.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QgUi6ZH4fRc/Twx2TNwcqOI/AAAAAAAAA_k/dTmQ5-FJroE/s1600/IMG_0859%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QgUi6ZH4fRc/Twx2TNwcqOI/AAAAAAAAA_k/dTmQ5-FJroE/s320/IMG_0859%255B1%255D.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Lauren and Liam</span></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After our trip to Watermark Farm, I went to Cindy's first lesson with <a href="http://www.thewayofthehorse.com/">Kim Walnes</a>. I'm not gonna lie, my head hurt from an information overload. Kim taught everyone in attendance many things. You probably want more details, but I'm not kidding, it was a lot of good stuff and I'm not sure that I can start without covering everything. I'm glad I was on the ground for the first lesson because I would be overwhelmed in the saddle. There will be more opportunities to audit her lessons and I encourage riders to attend at least once.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ok, so that wraps up the holidays in an express manner. I'll have to talk about the new year in the next post, and Fred :( , but that will have to wait until later this week.</span>Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466967997862862914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825627790704193055.post-40002026601436416162011-12-22T11:14:00.000-05:002011-12-22T11:14:27.119-05:00Maybe I'm making them crazy.<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Apparently 2011 is the year of undiagnosed neurological diseases for my horses. In the middle of November, Sarah noticed that Fred's nose and neck were twitching simultaneously. Two days later, Fred was not himself during a jump school. A week later he had an abscess and the twitching was very intense. A week after that Dr. Kent came to look at Fred. She did a full exam of his body and x-rays of his withers. Dr. Kent couldn't find anything abnormal. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The twitch is only between Fred's left shoulder to his nose. We can't determine one trigger point. It waxes and wanes without any clear influence. It is involuntary and hasn't changed his normal routine at all. Fred seems fine to ride on the flat however jumping is not comfortable for him. I've only been on him once in the last few weeks. The video is from the day he came in with the abscess and was very uncomfortable. Stress does seem to play a role in the intensity. An interesting fact is that the facial nerves are not directly connected to the neck and chest so it is odd that the twitch is simultaneous. Also, after observing him, you'll notice that the twitch builds. If his chest is twitching, everything else is. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After massages and body work and time off, I took the vets' recommendation and we made an appointment with the neuro specialist at New Bolton. Dr. Johnson was great. Fred had a gait exam, blood work, endoscopy for his pharynx and larynx, and a spinal tap. Yep, two horses and two spinal taps in one year. We're awaiting results, which should be in early next week. The outcome could be either Lymes or seizures. I don't like either option, but both are treatable and we should be able to return to work this year. I must also say that I was very impressed with how well Fred handled the commotion. He was a trooper yesterday!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span>Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466967997862862914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825627790704193055.post-320751203879330392011-12-20T10:55:00.000-05:002011-12-20T10:55:40.278-05:00The Wal-Mart countdown says 5 shopping days until Christmas!<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">To get you in the mood:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And my favorite compilation by the group:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">DRADLE! I had Christmas down in Africa... </span>Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466967997862862914noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825627790704193055.post-75635571689125858832011-12-13T23:38:00.004-05:002011-12-14T08:42:54.561-05:00Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori.<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There is a lot to catch up on. However, this is not an equine entry. I should write about Fred's lesson with Julio Mendoza and his current hiatus, but honestly, I don't want to. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For my fellow IBMers, I ask you not share this blog with let's say, my current project PMs or my SAM. I'll do some document work for you in return.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My current project is in the DC area. Due to some schedule changes Rob and I have some extra time on our hands. (Oh yeah, Rob and I are working together again. I think he must have been on some seriously hard core cold meds when he agreed to work with me again.) Extra time for us is very dangerous. It's especially bad in DC considering Rob majored in anthropology and as much as he calls me a dork for my Mobile work he is a dork for history. I don't mind history, so off we went. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Today I told him I was picking our lunch location. It just so happened to be by the Pentagon. It really doesn't matter what landmark you pick, Rob is cool with it. We passed the Air Force monument but we couldn't stop to admire it. On the way back to the office, I decided the weather was nice and I that I was wearing the right shoes and that we should walk around the cemetery. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The visitor center is spectacular. We had a bit of time but not all day so I asked if we could see the Tomb of the Unknowns. There was a lot more to see but our field trips can't take all day. I wanted to see JFK's grave site and walk around. I thought the Milwaukee VA cemetery was big. Turns out that is nothing compared to Arlington. One of the facts Rob taught me to today is that the cemetery was once General Lee's plantation. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As we walked up to the tomb, we heard a military band and marching. A procession was coming down the hill. The band was in the front followed by rows, maybe 15 or 20, of a military branch I couldn't identify.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Then it hit me. This isn't a happy affair passing us. The formality of the situation was due to a funeral service. The cemetery does more than 20 services <u>each weekday</u>. Yes, read that sentence again. According to the details of a military funeral, an enlisted personnel earns a casket team, firing party, and bugler. This procession also included the caisson, band, and escorting troops. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The caparisoned (riderless) horse marched proudly down the path. The funeral we were watching was for either an Army or Marine Colonel or higher. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I hate that feeling when your throat closes and you feel the tears about to spill over. As the casket passed and the caparisoned horse strutted by, you could feel the sorrow, respect, and pride that thousands have felt on that sacred ground. It was hard not to mourn someone I will never know who spent most of his life saving and protecting mine and yours. The strangers around us moved on. I watched the movement turn at the bottom of the hill and go on. The moment was stunning to the eye and heart, but I felt it was disrespectful to capture it by photos. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> I put myself back in working order. We watched <a href="http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/VisitorInformation/ChangingofTheGuard.aspx">the changing of the guard ritual</a>. The tomb's setting is remarkable. On a brisk, clear December day, you can see from a top the hill out over DC. The trees were bare and sad, but stood tall in respect. Our backs were to the <a href="http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/VisitorInformation/Amphitheater.aspx">Memorial Amphitheater</a>. I've never seen the ruins in Greece, but I think this structure is about as close as I can get in the US. The amphitheater is made of marble. Above the west entrance is a Latin phrase (the title of this post) which is translated to "It is sweet and fitting to die for one's country."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">On our way back to the visitor center and ultimately to the office, I knew I should write down how I felt today. I read a quote the other day, "If you won't stand behind our troops, stand in front of them." There is not a strong military identity in my family. Both of my grandfathers served as did my dad, but I can't say we consider ourselves very loyal to one particular branch. Being in the Maximo practice I have met a lot military men and their families. What I was strongly reminded of today was that these people are not Republican or Democratic or Tea Party or Independent. The military from the past, present, and future give of themselves for the rest of us. Whether it is right to send troops into battle or not, we must support them and their families. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kiLdiORE4No/TugkI2Z8XGI/AAAAAAAAA9o/6xLEiAkMYMA/s1600/Arlington+National+Cemetery+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kiLdiORE4No/TugkI2Z8XGI/AAAAAAAAA9o/6xLEiAkMYMA/s320/Arlington+National+Cemetery+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Few of the many headstones.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8OD4J7Qo844IxduG86om11zebhiNY_7-RTNCn9X38ghSeK8u-DoF0I3mGnp7Abon28FMD5XNTXpsPoTY8nRir06mp2Hf2lR3MqUlOXrD2XVgOo1lWoX6OnhSnVIF0jAwopKFFhgdkfpM9/s1600/Arlington+National+Cemetery+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8OD4J7Qo844IxduG86om11zebhiNY_7-RTNCn9X38ghSeK8u-DoF0I3mGnp7Abon28FMD5XNTXpsPoTY8nRir06mp2Hf2lR3MqUlOXrD2XVgOo1lWoX6OnhSnVIF0jAwopKFFhgdkfpM9/s320/Arlington+National+Cemetery+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid2iDJU8VbXXUQW3Fimp1mQhLAXD3AOh8fM9TKggqMA0QH-WeeUDqmPKKABbw56-Gv1lL_v6orKLpg4H8TvcC1O6QubcaKjoZWGdD0rTUiggOvAXj25cQIztpn7D55R0bPhm3LxACSoh_r/s1600/Arlington+National+Cemetery+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid2iDJU8VbXXUQW3Fimp1mQhLAXD3AOh8fM9TKggqMA0QH-WeeUDqmPKKABbw56-Gv1lL_v6orKLpg4H8TvcC1O6QubcaKjoZWGdD0rTUiggOvAXj25cQIztpn7D55R0bPhm3LxACSoh_r/s320/Arlington+National+Cemetery+003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Tomb of the Unknowns - Changing of the Guard Ritual</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucQmg-IguzKu2l6JXEye866-we3Wq0qZDlOisyLgnLEfwKDWTow1zqdLSyXXfQun-Eyq_aUXNPQT-N3xcExde3CAG0p_iJUIeAMVQiVZ7-cg8fAkin13KItWEfg1KPyXcAQec-RKaU4su/s1600/Arlington+National+Cemetery+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucQmg-IguzKu2l6JXEye866-we3Wq0qZDlOisyLgnLEfwKDWTow1zqdLSyXXfQun-Eyq_aUXNPQT-N3xcExde3CAG0p_iJUIeAMVQiVZ7-cg8fAkin13KItWEfg1KPyXcAQec-RKaU4su/s320/Arlington+National+Cemetery+004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Memorial Amphitheater.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dVx3w9jfLsM/TugkXqRrbsI/AAAAAAAAA-I/Jn2-h5GqSBk/s1600/Arlington+National+Cemetery+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="117" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dVx3w9jfLsM/TugkXqRrbsI/AAAAAAAAA-I/Jn2-h5GqSBk/s320/Arlington+National+Cemetery+005.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.army.mil/article/70690/Thousands_lay_wreaths_at_nation_s_cemetery/">Holiday wreaths. </a></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span>Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466967997862862914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825627790704193055.post-80736929931385248182011-11-21T23:27:00.000-05:002011-11-21T23:27:48.251-05:00Snow make-up day.<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It only took me two weeks catch up on blogs. I've returned to the normal travel work week and it has severely impacted my blog. Fail! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Since we were snowed out at Plantation, I squeezed Fred into Waredaca's starter trial that was rescheduled. I had only been to Waredaca once before, maybe 2 years ago, but always liked the facility. Amanda was so very wonderful to accompany me to the event. This was her second HT and I couldn't ask for a better companion! It was a long day and Amanda made it much easier. Amanda also captured some great photos. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Dressage was fantastic. We had one small bobble during a down transition. We had a 35.5 which put us in 5th or 6th after dressage. I was quite pleased.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Stadium was a little crazy. Fred was calm and happy until warm up. Then his frisky fun side let loose. We had an energetic and clean ride through the stadium course, which rode great. We almost crashed the Ravens' oxer but somehow left it up. You'll see below what I mean.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The cross country course was a great BN challenge. There were 16 jumps and some were more than I had seen in a while. Fred was really good on the XC course until I started losing some brake control at the end. Again, see below. That was a minor complaint as I was thrilled to end our first season together on such a great note. We have lots of homework in front of us and the potential for a lot of fun.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpjrDTZsyE7ODZ3ebTb_qJNyhbeBaSRvEZWfUqmodRiEBvyHOEwOfZJ_4EW3m6zK-YJLUWz-LLEqxUpQ1nGW9mVbS3j5EFpHkdkMJdzozrcgIwSpiwp_uwUzpjWhit-DPh2CcJgFpQ2XU/s1600/DSC_0268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpjrDTZsyE7ODZ3ebTb_qJNyhbeBaSRvEZWfUqmodRiEBvyHOEwOfZJ_4EW3m6zK-YJLUWz-LLEqxUpQ1nGW9mVbS3j5EFpHkdkMJdzozrcgIwSpiwp_uwUzpjWhit-DPh2CcJgFpQ2XU/s320/DSC_0268.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Probably our only quiet jump.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigz_kMUP0dBwQfqYLOlkwMyLMKb6xEgct5Pmq-sTjYk2hiz5sa7b4J0KXQi90iMxHXx3ugxw6Z5YBFkd42geHqkn3zXLYts4SYTv3H1lAmdSdhWHgS7mq3TuLx0ToM0oKQErtbbv9tr5bG/s1600/DSC_0271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigz_kMUP0dBwQfqYLOlkwMyLMKb6xEgct5Pmq-sTjYk2hiz5sa7b4J0KXQi90iMxHXx3ugxw6Z5YBFkd42geHqkn3zXLYts4SYTv3H1lAmdSdhWHgS7mq3TuLx0ToM0oKQErtbbv9tr5bG/s320/DSC_0271.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Entering the two stride that we rode just right.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wGc4JDv2qgY/TsshoLRQdSI/AAAAAAAAA9M/hcDxONzldds/s1600/DSC_0273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wGc4JDv2qgY/TsshoLRQdSI/AAAAAAAAA9M/hcDxONzldds/s320/DSC_0273.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Yeah...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt48Xg4sQldwbxuG6D18StELQpmuYaj7zJJQupPTdCY1SQGvhi-MasINBReioVJcMmfdN_014QBc9CFNFDe9dcKyn0Gw_2PPn8LYPFQDsbwYFOBe2C5U4EzpAKBtNzbjTuQi-ljPcaN87v/s1600/DSC_0275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt48Xg4sQldwbxuG6D18StELQpmuYaj7zJJQupPTdCY1SQGvhi-MasINBReioVJcMmfdN_014QBc9CFNFDe9dcKyn0Gw_2PPn8LYPFQDsbwYFOBe2C5U4EzpAKBtNzbjTuQi-ljPcaN87v/s320/DSC_0275.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Over the last and clear.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4PmLSkgC6gwiZO6f5Ls6deCiwZA73yvx9jkuHv72H8SlRimDPssz1CQFEIQLu70D15wl7YIYtDKjIBOcuWh5p4ZAaLnm7tkv5LIgZrmslaEMxzn_ffD_ssVEhxy5KAMoT13pZI1cikJEC/s1600/DSC_0279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4PmLSkgC6gwiZO6f5Ls6deCiwZA73yvx9jkuHv72H8SlRimDPssz1CQFEIQLu70D15wl7YIYtDKjIBOcuWh5p4ZAaLnm7tkv5LIgZrmslaEMxzn_ffD_ssVEhxy5KAMoT13pZI1cikJEC/s320/DSC_0279.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> First XC jump. Fred says "la de da..."</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fTb-U9jMK_4/TsshlO5h4cI/AAAAAAAAA80/aQdOIRf5Pb8/s1600/DSC_0296.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fTb-U9jMK_4/TsshlO5h4cI/AAAAAAAAA80/aQdOIRf5Pb8/s320/DSC_0296.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span>Headed to the finish and Fred can't hear my request to half halt. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We finished third and we earned it. I can't believe Fred and I did six event this year. We had three not so great outings and three that ended better than expected. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I learned a lot about riding, maintaining, and training horses this year. The lessons about motivation, perseverance, patience, and dedication are what will stick with me for a long time. I look forward to many more good days with Fred in and out of the saddle. I also look forward to the simple visits with Tyler where I can forget about everything else and hang out with my friend. </span></div>Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466967997862862914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825627790704193055.post-53100144990595804742011-11-01T11:49:00.000-04:002011-11-01T11:49:48.429-04:00Sally's Aiken 2012 Letter<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>Sally Cousins sent out her 2012 Aiken letter. As it asks, I am passing the info along. </b></i></div><br />
When my computer was knocked off the couch earlier this year by a dog who shall not be named ( ok I shouldn't have had it on the couch) I lost all my Aiken records so please pass this information along to anyone who might be interested. <br />
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Our place in Aiken is set on 27 acres 5 1/2 miles out of the center of town. It is convenient to many hotels , stores and restaurants. We have lots of show jumps, some cross country jumps and a dressage ring. We have lots of turn out available in individual paddocks. Lessons are available daily and we go cross country schooling many times a week. Pine Top is an hour away and all the other events are within 20 minutes. There are 5 cross country courses nearby that we use to school. There are many derbies ,combined tests and some unrecognized events held in Aiken while we are down there. Hitchcock Woods is close to our place. It is a 2000 acre park that is great for trail riding. We are 25 minutes from the Augusta airport and an hour and 15 minutes from Columbia airport. Megan Papler also rents a house 5 miles from the farm and that is a great place to stay especially for the young riders. <br />
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Many people have mentioned that they are concerned that their horse is not far enough along in its training to come down, but Aiken is a great experience for greener horses. The footing is sand so we are able to school more in good footing and the environment is relaxed. I try to get my babies far enough along to be able to cross country school them while we are down there. For example, Walle was concerned about water at first and he was able to get out to many different water jumps and is now quite confident. At the time he wasn't even doing much jumping. <br />
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Costs:<br />
self care<br />
- under 30 days $15 a night per stall<br />
- over 30 days $10 a night per stall<br />
lessons $65<br />
training board $400 a week (shipping to local events and schools included)<br />
there is a discounted rate in January <br />
I will be taking a deposit of $5 per night to hold a stall. <br />
If you have any questions please let me know. Thanks, Sally <a href="mailto:sallycousins@aol.com"><b>sallycousins@aol.com</b></a><br />
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<i style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>I couldn't help but add Walle's horse trial debut video. (Wall-E, like the robot in the movie)</b></i><b><i style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Walle is one of the biggest and sweetest horses I have ever encountered. </i></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/PTv8unB5Wlw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466967997862862914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825627790704193055.post-2673340212923572392011-10-29T15:19:00.000-04:002011-10-29T15:19:32.304-04:00Starter Trials at MDHT<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sunday, October 16 was the MDHT starter trial. 2 days before closing, I decided to enter Fred in the BN division. LClark and Scotch (PB/PonyBoy) joined us for the fun.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In the week leading up to the event, Fred and I prepared every way we could. Cindy helped us through show jumping, <a href="http://lancasterequinemassage.com/">Wende</a> gave Fred a fabulous massage on Saturday, and Sarah was super patience with us during our dressage lesson. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Canter departs. GAH! My brain understands them, my body doesn't. We tackled my nemesis on Friday with Sarah. Sarah's fix is easy once I get it. We practiced, and practiced, and practiced! It's a work in progress. On a really good note, Sarah says Fred's trot work is improving.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The PB stayed over at HVS Saturday night as we left for <a href="http://www.themarylandhorsetrials.com/">MDHT</a></span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">at 5am. Fred was a smart horse and loaded on to the trailer with no issue. (Big thanks to Lauren Gress for helping Fred practice loading and unloading.) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">MDHT ran the HT in a reverse order this time, elementary to training. There were 5 divisions of senior BN and LClark was in the first one. Her dressage time was at 8:30. We left the barn at 5am. The schedule worked well as LClark was completely done before I started and we were done by 12:30. The weather couldn't have been any better.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The PB is so much to fun watch. He is cuuuuuuuuuuute! Lauren and Scotch finished third in a division of twelve.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmwLBi4xYt38zqW64TiARMws_VfL-9FlhsEkDrNvgY_qLTUZP9m81abue32oCZywqgZxQ6MtHspgM4_ZFYXYCLzjolOP7oWiiv8U2b-MR9GOSKsI6uCQaafNG0ArzvG5B5pwb4IoFfepk/s1600/DSC_0260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmwLBi4xYt38zqW64TiARMws_VfL-9FlhsEkDrNvgY_qLTUZP9m81abue32oCZywqgZxQ6MtHspgM4_ZFYXYCLzjolOP7oWiiv8U2b-MR9GOSKsI6uCQaafNG0ArzvG5B5pwb4IoFfepk/s320/DSC_0260.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Lauren and Scotch.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxwRJBumzZNLncxSpEXPXM_OeISI5rVAFWfy0rl3erjvPYLrmqD_WbWSb_kXO91kpYxkBkGChFI89mN4fWRwJPxk8yxZn76QSq2DAtfjpaqELrrGaan3xfDjPIwysBv-VVoNxcvJsSWsci/s1600/DSC_0285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxwRJBumzZNLncxSpEXPXM_OeISI5rVAFWfy0rl3erjvPYLrmqD_WbWSb_kXO91kpYxkBkGChFI89mN4fWRwJPxk8yxZn76QSq2DAtfjpaqELrrGaan3xfDjPIwysBv-VVoNxcvJsSWsci/s320/DSC_0285.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Fred was excellent the entire day. The dressage warm up was in between three dressage rings and the elementary/intro stadium course. The XC start and finish was just on the other side of the fence. Fred was all focus and lovely in warm up. He held it together until the first lap around the dressage ring. Behind the judge's booth was the concession area with lots of people and things moving in the breeze. Fred wasn't afraid but he would have rather watched those going-ons instead of doing his test. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK8lM1mhcwQJ0zVw6eyFUpAroEZ38jy-H495__f5vWDMJASDtqEgiJWv-lJHy6E1hT-VHpdQldziV8dfjGiPPA9BiaKMkJWHf0BhsQQxuHkdSB1-ojnmVA6KQI_R8DA6zUsPF9kSn3yVqv/s1600/DSC_0294-1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK8lM1mhcwQJ0zVw6eyFUpAroEZ38jy-H495__f5vWDMJASDtqEgiJWv-lJHy6E1hT-VHpdQldziV8dfjGiPPA9BiaKMkJWHf0BhsQQxuHkdSB1-ojnmVA6KQI_R8DA6zUsPF9kSn3yVqv/s320/DSC_0294-1.JPG" width="235" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Moments like this make me feel very lucky to own this horse.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LTOhJg2L_RlraAmmUaxsGTRtKkQeXNyIHc9G8bTyYcIVIYCbImD6MQQdOunM6g1N35JeH58INHFDj3FUWpV0wsj2JtMCBy0cjlHNHmuS3yECCQWCAv8WR1AEgasNBbuq23V8e_ggx6Pu/s1600/DSC_0301-1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LTOhJg2L_RlraAmmUaxsGTRtKkQeXNyIHc9G8bTyYcIVIYCbImD6MQQdOunM6g1N35JeH58INHFDj3FUWpV0wsj2JtMCBy0cjlHNHmuS3yECCQWCAv8WR1AEgasNBbuq23V8e_ggx6Pu/s320/DSC_0301-1.JPG" width="290" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> What are they doing over there? Let's go over there!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I_CoYWIk6-Q/TqxKZNDP8pI/AAAAAAAAAeI/M9M8ZYwRGrE/s1600/DSC_0323.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I_CoYWIk6-Q/TqxKZNDP8pI/AAAAAAAAAeI/M9M8ZYwRGrE/s320/DSC_0323.JPG" width="142" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK8lM1mhcwQJ0zVw6eyFUpAroEZ38jy-H495__f5vWDMJASDtqEgiJWv-lJHy6E1hT-VHpdQldziV8dfjGiPPA9BiaKMkJWHf0BhsQQxuHkdSB1-ojnmVA6KQI_R8DA6zUsPF9kSn3yVqv/s1600/DSC_0294-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Ending a great test</span>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We had two 8s in the test! The trot and canter circles to the left were 8s. The right side needs to be more supple and finesse. I like the progress we're making.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Stadium started out really well and then I let him get backed off at the fan jump before the two stride combination. We managed to leave all the rails up. There was a red fabric bag blowing through the course during our round and Fred never blinked about it. He's a good boy.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">XC was fast! The course was stunning. Great fences and room between some to actually go forward. Fred was focused and with me through the first 8 fences. By fence 9 Fred the FreightTrain arrived. Fred cruises pretty easily so it isn't scary but it makes my approach to the fences difficult. We had a few awkward jumps but nothing to worry about. The two water crossings went well. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_hsMBGkI77e1eHEEAcUxxrbBchW-amUh2cfxB0-ueR0g9fsBgc68Xxqef8kfH-cKChuFWrGQEHfMDlIP48ljM-gsMqPypwOS58qg_8Orv4juqIQSnr637S5AXjcVypwuOQ9HhKtNxdt8/s1600/DSC_0342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_hsMBGkI77e1eHEEAcUxxrbBchW-amUh2cfxB0-ueR0g9fsBgc68Xxqef8kfH-cKChuFWrGQEHfMDlIP48ljM-gsMqPypwOS58qg_8Orv4juqIQSnr637S5AXjcVypwuOQ9HhKtNxdt8/s320/DSC_0342.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mHiTHoyhj40/TqxNzdg6-3I/AAAAAAAAAfE/SixxPz_n9tc/s1600/DSC_0353-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="279" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mHiTHoyhj40/TqxNzdg6-3I/AAAAAAAAAfE/SixxPz_n9tc/s320/DSC_0353-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We also finished third in our division of twelve. I was thrilled with how well we did. Besides the small freight train run, I felt Fred and I are finally working together. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHpw1-l0sQTdHYqhaCkbqaX6vfQsWk0z_ROSvmOq7k-50M16SEwOERGQgl1RtTThWQKive4l05c_ZNO_Yp1hJEiXu0IzLQVbgAVJrNIXZIWbS836FQ50ePGpzKzd87y9-xvLXbp0zdscN4/s1600/DSC_0360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHpw1-l0sQTdHYqhaCkbqaX6vfQsWk0z_ROSvmOq7k-50M16SEwOERGQgl1RtTThWQKive4l05c_ZNO_Yp1hJEiXu0IzLQVbgAVJrNIXZIWbS836FQ50ePGpzKzd87y9-xvLXbp0zdscN4/s320/DSC_0360.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MWR6wrEFJSE/TqxN0oT_a8I/AAAAAAAAAfM/eNC0Vyy07UY/s1600/DSC_0357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MWR6wrEFJSE/TqxN0oT_a8I/AAAAAAAAAfM/eNC0Vyy07UY/s320/DSC_0357.JPG" width="176" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
In case you haven't seen enough, here are <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/larsonc.us.ibm.com/MDHTStarterTrial101611?authuser=0&feat=directlink">my photos</a> and <a href="http://www.photostockplus.com/home.php?user_id=41021&tmpl=127&event=926324&album_id=930093">GRC's professional photos</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The day before MDHT was the two and three star at Fair Hill. Here's my <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/larsonc.us.ibm.com/FairHillInternationalCIC?authuser=0&feat=directlink">link </a>to the photos I took. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It turns out going to MDHT was a good plan. We were snowed out at Plantation today. Yes, snowed out. As I type I'm trying to figure out if I can enter us in something for next weekend. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span>Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466967997862862914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825627790704193055.post-54738965507513842402011-10-14T10:25:00.000-04:002011-10-14T10:25:44.194-04:00Week recap in photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z1dR3slGdqQ/TphDYQCHiiI/AAAAAAAAASk/Q33YZXzANcM/s1600/101411+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z1dR3slGdqQ/TphDYQCHiiI/AAAAAAAAASk/Q33YZXzANcM/s320/101411+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The Herndon, VA IBM office. White room with bright orange chairs. Must be a Feng Shui thing.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZyxxZTd36s/TphDmPAcKyI/AAAAAAAAATM/erUzqduEFe8/s1600/101411+005.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZyxxZTd36s/TphDmPAcKyI/AAAAAAAAATM/erUzqduEFe8/s320/101411+005.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A souvenir as a result to my Montgomery, Alabama trip a few weeks ago. Guess I have my SEC team now. Thanks, Fitz! ;)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxosmZW7W8AKmVV2cAs97OZBSfgTRDZP8_eY5r5esiZ_hDj7o2GSHTOk97yz9xNHtOiGNg2K5wnKxVDSC_XRRXiH40RddJ6exIUjeFZ0VjmF5klH-6xWw9owdQ5r_FL7X56YBjscVHE1Q2/s1600/101411+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxosmZW7W8AKmVV2cAs97OZBSfgTRDZP8_eY5r5esiZ_hDj7o2GSHTOk97yz9xNHtOiGNg2K5wnKxVDSC_XRRXiH40RddJ6exIUjeFZ0VjmF5klH-6xWw9owdQ5r_FL7X56YBjscVHE1Q2/s320/101411+002.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Paige helped me work on Teeny Tiny's sensitive nose. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Ly9Lij95wDbbF6eUoKAWdDTvU2CoCjsh7Hr5O0-Bk7OX-1plb_mZkthev1lLWx4vZ7w4M-_fEyGs_QPxpCyaFij7F6nLTisSLnyMh-nnyPInmnlJZ6dy-8hL82HSgSoqyY5BYrTbjgLM/s1600/101411+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Ly9Lij95wDbbF6eUoKAWdDTvU2CoCjsh7Hr5O0-Bk7OX-1plb_mZkthev1lLWx4vZ7w4M-_fEyGs_QPxpCyaFij7F6nLTisSLnyMh-nnyPInmnlJZ6dy-8hL82HSgSoqyY5BYrTbjgLM/s320/101411+003.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Paige shared her anguish with Fwed and he seemed to relate to her. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DAea-3fRDFg/TphDj19Y94I/AAAAAAAAATE/GP53_4USEA4/s1600/101411+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DAea-3fRDFg/TphDj19Y94I/AAAAAAAAATE/GP53_4USEA4/s320/101411+004.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Lauren and Paige were very helpful in loading Fred. He's been in trailer training this week.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AqyT3EsDjVU/TphDetx8XbI/AAAAAAAAASs/AMWLWbYbJX0/s1600/101411+006.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AqyT3EsDjVU/TphDetx8XbI/AAAAAAAAASs/AMWLWbYbJX0/s320/101411+006.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Diesel in a Washington, DC parking garage with 6'6 clearance. I was terrified.</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQpJuvvTNM7zG0-kDrd7W7inp5t2iHJGIXuTzJxcZOh-Rp200XfJynMsuZrGDR3INrROK2AbGdJ9XE7IOSl6wWHKldCWKfRKjOwFMtAYgVWxOCkeSPXLAAfw4h58E_xAgqL1lufXrt3w0/s1600/Fred.100811.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQpJuvvTNM7zG0-kDrd7W7inp5t2iHJGIXuTzJxcZOh-Rp200XfJynMsuZrGDR3INrROK2AbGdJ9XE7IOSl6wWHKldCWKfRKjOwFMtAYgVWxOCkeSPXLAAfw4h58E_xAgqL1lufXrt3w0/s320/Fred.100811.12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Me and Fred, Lauren and Napoleon, and Paige and Bootz. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Red, white, and crazy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j3VA20uTqKs/TphD2p9_OSI/AAAAAAAAATc/FKW8MhvoZQE/s1600/Fred.100811.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgt-BnONlyCDMSe0NNQuhQr1F81SjRvHy0O_l2oy1m9Q62ewu2KIB27NdXw-wq2oYhwihym5yyimYAVhvR2VaEfUOM_k8fCeGC0mXS6FC10fLuk0BRuJCn_wFl28v-Rdi_HuMpSLSg8GE/s1600/Fred.100811.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgt-BnONlyCDMSe0NNQuhQr1F81SjRvHy0O_l2oy1m9Q62ewu2KIB27NdXw-wq2oYhwihym5yyimYAVhvR2VaEfUOM_k8fCeGC0mXS6FC10fLuk0BRuJCn_wFl28v-Rdi_HuMpSLSg8GE/s320/Fred.100811.07.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Fwed being good.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC14Eo4wPQSRppYhJHawP2eg6PTYFBy1yn_W_dOV3ryu0i36P8m6URLHWbuol6whnd5cznmMBH4ed-vxxxoVJjy0aZdla2yONu76lsvU67P9nXt0g8Lzy3ANbccbZh4CIzfNOuRJzQ_4ui/s1600/Fred.100811.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC14Eo4wPQSRppYhJHawP2eg6PTYFBy1yn_W_dOV3ryu0i36P8m6URLHWbuol6whnd5cznmMBH4ed-vxxxoVJjy0aZdla2yONu76lsvU67P9nXt0g8Lzy3ANbccbZh4CIzfNOuRJzQ_4ui/s320/Fred.100811.08.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Fwed being sassy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8S5nMqJ7Yozb980Aw6p95BCJVTyVEGF4yInGH8-9RDBHZU1vcJjylIyouvEtVRFbhdbZadnfh4Bes3McYqeGOjkV-CG9_eY5LPpg6IB-GqRKtY5bFvNek4u4TsBx3HmhzmmtqZW2HyJyK/s1600/Fred.100811.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8S5nMqJ7Yozb980Aw6p95BCJVTyVEGF4yInGH8-9RDBHZU1vcJjylIyouvEtVRFbhdbZadnfh4Bes3McYqeGOjkV-CG9_eY5LPpg6IB-GqRKtY5bFvNek4u4TsBx3HmhzmmtqZW2HyJyK/s320/Fred.100811.01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Fwed being good.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Au08UBkiPI/TphD34HXMdI/AAAAAAAAAT0/-JohE8ZNbNc/s1600/Fred.100811.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Au08UBkiPI/TphD34HXMdI/AAAAAAAAAT0/-JohE8ZNbNc/s320/Fred.100811.09.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fwed being very sassy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466967997862862914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825627790704193055.post-78777426430124658012011-10-05T22:46:00.001-04:002011-10-06T07:52:46.774-04:00Fair Hill International CCI **/***<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://fairhillinternational.blogspot.com/">Fair Hill blog</a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.fairhillhorsetrials.com/">Official Fair Hill website</a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Tickets are $15 a person for Saturday or Sunday. <a href="http://livingsocial.com/deals/121899?ctr=4&msdc_id=198">Living Social</a> has a deal! </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Fair Hill fall event is one of the biggest events on the east coast each fall. Tyler and I were outriders twice and had an amazing time. This year I plan on going to watch XC as a spectator. If you'd like to join me and a my friends, let me know! On Saturday, the two star begins between 8 and 9am and the three star runs right after lunch and goes until about 4. It is an outrageously cool event.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There will be family fun activities, shopping, dog events, pony club activities, and of course amazing eventing. Check out the links above for all the info. </div>Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466967997862862914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825627790704193055.post-59533315450959049462011-10-05T22:29:00.000-04:002011-10-05T22:29:22.444-04:00It all changes from day to day.<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Some days you need comfort food. I'm battling a cold and went driving in Herndon, VA to find some food. I'm having a great scrambled egg and ham sandwich as I think about what to blog. There's a lot to catch up on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Bad news first. Almost six months to the day, Tyler had another neuro episode. One second he was fine, the next he wasn't. There was no obvious trigger. Tyler lost control of his back end first and then his front end. He was able to balance himself until he had control again. It lasted about 30 minutes. Probably 20 minutes into the episode, he tried to move towards the stall door and lost his balance. He fell, but was up immediately and uninjured. There isn't much I can do but monitor Tyler's quality of life. I know what's coming but we aren't at that place yet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Now onto the lighter notes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My parents and I ventured to Happy Valley on Sept 24 for the game versus Eastern Michigan. I was able to visit with Jackie before the game. We were prepared for rain and left with sunburn! PSU came out with the win (it wasn't impressive but it was a win.) Our seats were 11 rows from the field and we had two touchdown plays in our endzone corner. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nnwhceq8hns/TozqC8V_RII/AAAAAAAAASI/u0uW9AsHN7Y/s1600/MeandJackie.092411.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nnwhceq8hns/TozqC8V_RII/AAAAAAAAASI/u0uW9AsHN7Y/s320/MeandJackie.092411.01.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jackie and me. :)</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-97E2IRuTcpc/TozqEYIKIMI/AAAAAAAAASM/fC60h6JVrok/s1600/Mom+and+Dad.092411.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-97E2IRuTcpc/TozqEYIKIMI/AAAAAAAAASM/fC60h6JVrok/s320/Mom+and+Dad.092411.01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Mom and Dad.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjo10W258_iEhiiNXo6OmLHx8tR6HsRKdJBwzRPiznPgSo-r1WK5WEMaLyfPhJx4dqVl27Z-_Y9TsXgYhxYcas4txFiC-zu473d7U1Kf8kENM-RqrtnQLuR-croS3T0oH4Jm2OAwPdvoq/s1600/TheLion.092411.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjo10W258_iEhiiNXo6OmLHx8tR6HsRKdJBwzRPiznPgSo-r1WK5WEMaLyfPhJx4dqVl27Z-_Y9TsXgYhxYcas4txFiC-zu473d7U1Kf8kENM-RqrtnQLuR-croS3T0oH4Jm2OAwPdvoq/s320/TheLion.092411.01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">THE LION!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The day after the game, I taught a few lessons and asked Gale to stick around the barn so I could jump Fred. I measured the fences after I jumped them. Many were about 3' and two were a little higher than 3'. It was good for Fred and I to go jump something bigger without the reassurance from Cindy or Sally. When I compete, they aren't there holding my hand through the course. Their lessons have paid off! We had a good ride.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In fact, the ride was so good I entered the <a href="http://www.burgundyhollow.com/index.html">Burgundy Hollow</a> HT at the last minute. BH offers a neat option to mix and match levels. I did the novice dressage test, beginner novice XC, and novice stadium course. But we'll get to that in a minute.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I returned from working in Herndon, VA on Friday (9/30) in time to jump with Lauren and Napoleon. It's a little too much fun jumping our crazy red heads. Cindy helped us feel ready for Sunday.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Saturday was a crazy day. I rode Fred, taught lessons, and then picked up Aileen, Stephanie, and LClark (Lauren) for our adventure to Devon. Connie, (I may get this wrong and I apologize), my mom's cousin had tickets for <a href="http://www.dressageatdevon.org/">Dressage at Devon</a>. She has offered to take me for years and I usually had to decline for other plans. I finally took her offer this year. WOW! It was spectacular. Our seats were perfect and the rain held off while we went shopping and for the first half of the freestyle rides. How about a <a href="http://www.browbandswithbling.com/pins.html">stock pin</a> for Christmas? The shopping was great and we only saw half of it. Stephanie had onion dip and chicken salad. Aileen brought champagne, cheese and crackers, and fruit. Lauren brought cupcakes in honor of Aileen's birthday. :) I brought my mom's really cute and handy picnic basket. We enjoyed a great night of wine, food, and dressage. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHoYIgf2N1DoBjsBMxfem5KqCeDh_-11g7VPWR8MaDdaWDz4pK9_t3nEADWQI6972-IJAQv3MTc5hWLHYXpX3Zpw4hihK_4KtgrSYmXaZRIYlSZjBV0m8oExsj2rHpAwKIZsvHGevfyQEB/s1600/LaurenandI.100111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHoYIgf2N1DoBjsBMxfem5KqCeDh_-11g7VPWR8MaDdaWDz4pK9_t3nEADWQI6972-IJAQv3MTc5hWLHYXpX3Zpw4hihK_4KtgrSYmXaZRIYlSZjBV0m8oExsj2rHpAwKIZsvHGevfyQEB/s320/LaurenandI.100111.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> LClark and I bundled up. It was a chilly evening.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ehgVYukaKQs/TozulctjS4I/AAAAAAAAASY/eZX8XQ8z6-s/s1600/AileenandSteph.100111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ehgVYukaKQs/TozulctjS4I/AAAAAAAAASY/eZX8XQ8z6-s/s320/AileenandSteph.100111.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Aileen, the birthday girl, and Stephanie. Life is good.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I was home by Saturday night at midnight and up at 5 to get ready for BH on Sunday. Fred, since his trailer ejection, has not been the easiest to load. He had a rough time on Sunday. Not a big surprise seeing as his owner doesn't practice loading and unloading. Fred finally loaded and we were off.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Our dressage warmup was very nice. The test went really well until I saw one of Fred's shoes laying along the chains at C. The canter departs were explosive and nervous, thanks to a mental block with the rider. At the end of the test the judge handed me the shoe and wished me luck. G</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I went asking for opinions. The footing was very soft, but it was a front shoe. Fred is a bit delicate, unlike Tyler, so I was concerned. A very nice woman came by to tell me that she had enjoyed watching Fred and I during dressage. That was a very generous compliment. The best thing she did was point me towards a man who was spectating and also happened to be a Cornell farrier. He was so very wonderful to tack Fred's shoe back on. Fred hadn't done too much damage so we returned to action.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">XC went well. It was probably only the seventh or eighth time we've gone XC. The first little log had Fred a bit confused, but we got our act together at the second fence. We had three fences that we weren't quite together but we made it. We had a moment of odd spooking between a pasture with horses and the 4wheeler. After we got past that it was smooth sailing to the end.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The novice show jumping round that followed was not as smooth. The first fence was ok and then it when down from there. Fred and I haven't been out in mud before and we learned a lot. He lost his confidence and I didn't rebuild it. He fell behind my leg and we crawled through the course. We had two rails and a technical refusal because I circled on a bending line. I'll take the 4 points to save me and the horse. However... it's been a year since I did a novice SJ course and I've had Fred for 8 months so I'm not too upset. We have accomplished more this year than I expected.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I dropped an entry for BN at the MDHT starter trial on 10/16 in the mail today. Let's hope Fred keeps himself in one piece until then. Obviously my plan to only do Plantation this fall has changed. I'm back to traveling for work again and finally have some extra funds in the pipeline. If I can go to MDHT again on Nov 12, I will. Yay for fall eventing! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Last, but certainly not least, please search for TACK Culture on FB and like the page. My fried, Annemarie, has an amazing website for equestrians (<a href="http://www.tackculture.com/">Tack, Apparel, Culture, Knowledge</a>.) Annemarie is a fellow eventer and fabulous business woman.</span>Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466967997862862914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825627790704193055.post-84334138943496781122011-09-21T10:34:00.000-04:002011-09-21T10:34:11.723-04:00These boots were made for walking.<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After I write this blog, I hope I can post it on FB. I do not like the new updates! The folks at FB are making it difficult to use and are about to cause themselves problems.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The flooding was bad but now under control. The area seems back to normal. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Last week was my first trip to Montgomery, Alabama. I wasn't kidding when I said I hoped to survive the week! Work presented me with new challenges and people. I won't lie, the worst challenge was finding out at the last minute that I was the presenter all week. I hadn't pack the right shoes for hours and days of standing! My feet still hurt. Being in Montgomery let me visit with a few people from the VA project I hadn't seen in months. It was great to catch up with them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Friday night on my way home, Cindy asked if I wanted to ride Graham at the Beaufort Hunter Trials the next day. Sure, why not!? Graham is a five year old TB gelding and such a very nice horse. I hadn't been on a horse in a week and Graham was worked once in the last week. We went out, in bad mud, and had a great day! We brought home two blues and a reserve champ ribbon! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-454qWQ7fIRA/TnnzET0zzDI/AAAAAAAAASE/5o7qdpsrsbA/s1600/Graham.091711.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-454qWQ7fIRA/TnnzET0zzDI/AAAAAAAAASE/5o7qdpsrsbA/s320/Graham.091711.01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Fred had some down time while I was away. We did flat work the last three days and jumped last night. He was a bit full of himself and it was the first time I was able to really feel capable of standing up to him. We'll go round 2 on Thursday with Lauren and Napoleon. My schedule is a little crazy right now with work and I plan on running at Plantation in October at BN. After that, we'll prep for a strong start next year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span>Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466967997862862914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825627790704193055.post-17017727210086508002011-09-09T09:58:00.000-04:002011-09-09T09:58:15.752-04:00Hello there, Mother Nature.<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Fred and I survived our first serious travel event since the trailer incident in July. It took help from Cindy to get him on the trailer, but once on Fred stayed put. It was just me and him at Carousel Park while we got ready. He was quite cooperative despite his increased height! We had a great schooling with Sally and the group. Sally kept us at BN so we would have a confidence building ride. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We had to jump up the bank a few times. Fred doesn't jump in a way that will propel me out of the tack. The more I think about it, that's probably a good thing. When we do certain jumps, I have to be strong enough to get myself out of the tack, hold it, and stay out of his way. We worked on having the correct canter to fences. It's forward, not up and down. As usual, I have to ignore Fred's celebrations and ride. We had one run out because I didn't ride him straight to a fence. Sally really got after me! It was appropriate butt kicking. After that Fred and I had several good fences, which made the last few weeks of frustration worth it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">On Monday, Paige and I started practicing for our pairs debut on Sept 25 at Twin Brooks. Watching us try to stay together must be hilarious. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">At the end of our ride Monday, the rain started. It hasn't stopped since then! Wednesday was the worst. There was horrible flooding in the Susquehanna Valley! I went out and saw cars submerged, scared parents who couldn't get to their children, and rushing rivers in places that are no where near water. My dad started pumping water out of their basement Wednesday around 2pm and is still pumping water out of the basement. At best, they were able to keep the water level at around a foot. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Wednesday afternoon and evening I went out and took photos and video of my area. A mile radius around our house in Hershey saw major damage. The area had not seen flooding like this since Hurricane Agnes in 1972. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The weather has changed some upcoming plans. Lauren and I had hoped to get our redheads back to eventing at Olney on Sept 18 but yesterday they cancelled the event. We're bummed but also relieved that all of us are safe and in one piece. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After hours of work on the ring yesterday, Cindy has made it possible for to ride in the outdoor again with Sally today. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Saturday afternoon I will be home to cheer my #23 Penn State Nittany Lions on against #3 Alabama. I hope everyone going to the game is careful and plans accordingly. The main road from Harrisburg to PSU is out due to the flooding.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sunday will be an early start. The Fair Hill horse trial moved from Saturday to Sunday. I will be there to help Sally with her rides. Her first ride is 8:04 am. I will be able to stay and see Cindy and Graham. After that, I must rush home in time to shower and head to the airport. I'm flying to Atlanta Sunday evening and then driving to Montgomery, Alabama for the week. </span>Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466967997862862914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825627790704193055.post-29772905647322258212011-09-02T10:15:00.000-04:002011-09-02T10:15:02.893-04:00Prepping for Olney and stalking Burghley.<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The new project is going well. It's a challenge, no doubt about it. I'm working with software that IBM recently bought and as usual, I have no training on it. The project sent me to Atlanta last week as a hall monitor. The client was at the IBM facility for an intro to the software. It gave me a chance to meet the people I'm working with and see the software.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I was able to sneak out to <a href="http://www.chatthillseventing.com/">Chattahoochee Hills farm</a> Wednesday night. It is about 20 miles south of Atlanta. The <a href="http://www.useventing.com/competitions.php?section=aec">American Eventing Championships</a> are held there from 2010-2012. The site is astonishing. There is a long lane that finally ends up at the top of a hill crest where you can see the beautiful stabling and rings to your left and the cross country course to your right. The weather was very nice for August in Georgia. I found a groundskeeper who gave me permission to walk the course. The XC was still undergoing work. Jumps were being set, the water complex had been drained and re-leveled, and there were sprinklers and aerators at work. Photos from my adventure are posted on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/psualum232/sets/">Flickr</a>. After being at the site, I'm hoping to win the lottery and qualify for next year's AECs. The guest stabling is nicer that my house!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Back at home, things are quiet. Quiet is always good. Tyler is happy. The latest report is that he mostly keeps to himself and grazes. He has been taking advantage of gates left open and apparently looks coordinated and healthy as he comes running back to the barn when he hears the rattle of grain.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Fred and I are trying to prepare for Olney on Sept 18. We've had a few unexpected bumps which are out of our control, but I think we're ok now. My plan is to take him to Carousel on Sunday for XC with Sally and to Fair Hill Tuesday if needed. The biggest hurdle, besides keeping the little bugger in one piece, is a work trip to Montgomery, Alabama right before the event. I'll be counting on Cindy and Lauren to help me keep him going that week. It's impossible to event without a team to help you. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3qjkXbvbtDQ/TmDktchaKUI/AAAAAAAAASA/gW-VLS2cXac/s1600/Fred.081911.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3qjkXbvbtDQ/TmDktchaKUI/AAAAAAAAASA/gW-VLS2cXac/s320/Fred.081911.01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Rumor has it that Fred and I may compete against our good friends, Lauren and Napoleon at Olney. The red heads should have a lot of fun there. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_AvBJg24t_fr_Ql1oKIp6ohdaHk70uiPFYTEOd-fS4NUaDpd49WQgwZjw8eX6GczggRULb06Tdo9XgKUpx7kpSqGy7Y_sI3nyK6jfhR83fVPGUWUipjD-MgvVKLwR5-sytLPKqcofiHyT/s1600/Fred.081611.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_AvBJg24t_fr_Ql1oKIp6ohdaHk70uiPFYTEOd-fS4NUaDpd49WQgwZjw8eX6GczggRULb06Tdo9XgKUpx7kpSqGy7Y_sI3nyK6jfhR83fVPGUWUipjD-MgvVKLwR5-sytLPKqcofiHyT/s320/Fred.081611.01.jpg" width="255" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span>Lauren and a very happy Fred out in the field at HVS.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjBOBsWzipOxm4SaENo8_4hBJ7uFIN4mKtzSc8-80l0nBTdveTZ1Q9Js7rX5W7McWQFypzNU22H7Kt-lNV3tSyrPotKkikRyhwnN_6-D9gADcsa6WSFdMxqmI30Ya6W6RJ6GNp8yfwkkf/s1600/254359_2140770845191_1423788034_32555321_1035453_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjBOBsWzipOxm4SaENo8_4hBJ7uFIN4mKtzSc8-80l0nBTdveTZ1Q9Js7rX5W7McWQFypzNU22H7Kt-lNV3tSyrPotKkikRyhwnN_6-D9gADcsa6WSFdMxqmI30Ya6W6RJ6GNp8yfwkkf/s320/254359_2140770845191_1423788034_32555321_1035453_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lauren and Napoleon over the training corner at Plantation.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Currently the biggest, baddest, and most intimidating three day event in the world is taking place. The Burghley Horse Trial is amazing. <a href="http://www.burghley-horse.co.uk/">Take a walk</a> around Saturday's cross country course with the designer, Captain Mark Phillips. (Yep, same guy I will ignore if Sally's giving me directions.) <a href="http://nicomorgan.photoshelter.com/package-show/The-Land-Rover-Burghley-Horse-Trials-2011/P0000fGVhR6IVKnE#.TmDipmrgWSo">Nico Morgan's photos</a> make me want to go out and spend a lot of money on a nice camera. <a href="http://www.eventingnation.com/">Eventing Nation</a> has many links from the event. Check out the US's best chance, Sinead Halpin, as she <a href="http://horsejunkiesunited.com/2011/09/walk-the-burghley-cross-country-course-with-sinead-halpin-fences-1-to-5/">walks the first five fences</a>. Sinead finished 3rd this year at Rolex, she was the highest placed American. The leaf pit just leaves me speechless. And if the site is holding up to the demand, <a href="http://www.burghley.tv/">watch the replays</a> of all the beautiful and crazy pairs compete. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466967997862862914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825627790704193055.post-57792418049020511192011-08-24T09:16:00.000-04:002011-08-24T09:16:42.107-04:00Video update<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I haven't made the time for an update. I have had time to write, but haven't. So for now, I'm posting this video of Fred and I.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Qy6OLHJuH0s?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Here's the<a href="http://youtu.be/Qy6OLHJuH0s"> link</a> if the video doesn't work. </span>Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466967997862862914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825627790704193055.post-6606069808169296072011-08-14T09:00:00.000-04:002011-08-14T09:00:35.853-04:00It's about to get busy.<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After 6 months of being home, I return to the traveling consultant lifestyle. I'll be driving to the DC area through October for project work. While I'll probably not keep my platinum status with Delta for next year, I'm ok with being only 3 hours away from home</span>.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Since the last blog, Fred has returned to full work. He had a lesson with Sarah on Friday. We worked on canter departs. Right now that is the most glaring issue in our dressage tests. I figure we have all winter to make us a real dressage team. While the weather's warm, we're going for the basics in order to get out and earn mileage competing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Fred also rode in my trailer Friday! He had a small bit of chemical relaxation, I won't hide that fact. He was very well behaved getting on and off the trailer and while we drove around the block. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Yesterday morning I took him outside and let him jump. Oh boy, was he happy to jump. It was a month since I last jumped him. Thankfully, I knew what to expect after the fences. I trotted a single fence and made him stop on a straight line several times. There was a lot of happy dancing/flailing on the other side of the fences. I managed to stay with him, pretty or not, and by the end we were cantering around over two jumps with normal flailing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Thankfully, Fred and I had 6 months to figure each other out and I think we can adapt to my work schedule going forward. Of course this means I've asked Lauren to ride him once a week. Yet again, she said she would. :P</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My parents' and the Susquehanna Yacht club hosted a successful <a href="http://www.syc-pa.us/4diamondsday.html">4Diamonds Boating Day</a> for the 4Diamond kids at Hershey. We all got a little wet at lunch but managed to get out on the river before the next round of weather came in. Well done, everyone! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">While I had a little break between projects this week, I did some fall planning:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">August 21: help the HVS crew at <a href="http://dvcta.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=62&Itemid=118">Carousel HT</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">August 31 - Sept 3: <a href="http://www.quentinridingclub.com/horse_show_schedule.html">Quentin Riding Club</a> fall show (helping out as I can)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">September 10: <a href="http://fairhillinternational.com/horsetrials.html">Fair Hill Starter Trial</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">September 17: <a href="http://www.stonewoodfarms.net/">Beaufort Hunter Trials</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">September 18:<a href="http://www.olneyfarm.com/OFHT.html"> Olney Starter Trial</a> (Fred is entered!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">September 24: Penn State vs. E Michigan. We have seats 11 rows from the field! You can hear the helmets crash at that level.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">September 27 - October 2: <a href="http://dressageatdevon.org/">Dressage at Devon</a>. I've never been but might go this year. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">October 2: <a href="http://www.burgundyhollow.com/">Burgundy Hollow</a> mix 'n match. Hoping for N dressage and stadium with a BN XC round.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">October 12 - 16: Fair Hill **/***. Maybe I'll spectate this year. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">October 30: <a href="http://plantationfieldhorsetrials.com/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=64&Itemid=48">Plantation Starter Trial </a></span>Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466967997862862914noreply@blogger.com0