In the Zone

My riding takes a back seat to everything else. Which is normal for moms, I think. Family comes first. Riding is my therapy.
I had to take time off in February because it rained...a lot...and the barn where I board doesn't have an indoor arena. It does have a beautiful outdoor arena but I don't ride in the rain if I can help it.  Then came March with spring break. We went on a wonderful Disney cruise around the Caribbean. The day we get back in town, my sister in law comes to stay with us for two weeks.
So I finally get out to the barn and my horse has gone lame.  Poor guy had an abscess in his hoof...from all that rain...I had planned to ride in a horse show the weekend he went lame, so quick find a horse for Charlotte.  I tried out the new schooling horse, Tilly but I was unsure that we were a good fit. She has a lovely collected canter but her jump was different from Silver. I wasn't getting it.  The next horse was Elijah. My husband really likes riding this horse. He can sit is canter. And I'll be danged if I can't sit that less than smooth, uncollected canter.  But after a couple of weeks of riding him, I was starting to have problems over fences with him. So I got to ride Gypsy. I have been a little skeptical of Gypsy because the first time I rode her, she ran off with me.  I have fallen for this mare. She is wonderful and got me to enjoy jumping again. Really enjoy jumping.

After my 6 week hiatus from riding, I was a bit intimidated about riding a full course. Even though I had been jumping at 2 feet in the fall.  I could ride one maybe two jumps at a time with some trepidation.  I was blessed to be in a group lesson with two more experienced riders. My trainer set up a grid. It scared me but I enjoyed watching Amy and Michaela jump the grid.  Kelsey offered the grid or a line of two jumps.  I decided to feel my fear and do it anyway. I was assured that all I had to do was set Gypsy up and she would easily do the rest.  And she did!  I just stayed balanced and she jumped them all.  So I did it again that lesson.

 And I did it again another lesson, another grid...I figured  I could jump 5 jumps at one time, or 5 jumps in a course, just get it over with. And the more I jumped the grid, the better I got and the more I relaxed. And then suddenly I could do courses without freaking out.

And then Silver got better and we started having fun. True he kicked his heels up after some grid work and he crop hopped after a jump but he was happy with himself! And I stayed on! And I was happy with myself. And we did some flying lead changes, he hops a bit and I feel like he's bucking but I'm starting to get used to it.  Now that I know he's not trying to buck me off, I'm good with it and I tell him I'm happy about it, instead of slowing him down we keep going forward.

Riding on the Lunge line

December riding Lessons were spent on a lunge line. I was quite apprehensive at first, even though the time I had spent with Kai Handt 25 years ago was on a lunge line.
Once I got used to not having reins to depend on for balance, she started me holding my hands on my hips, I progressed to hands on my helmet, which was annoying because the headband I was wearing to keep my ears warm in the 35 degree weather would slip into my eyes. But that's another story.
As I progressed each week, the lunge lessons grew harder, not only was I holding my arms straight in front of me (zombie arms), roller coaster arms (straight up), out to the side but I was twisting to the outside and the inside with each of those positions at the trot.

A couple of days before Christmas, she had me ride with my arms above my head at the canter and twisting inside/outside, it was the most incredible feeling. I think she thought I was petrified, but I felt like I was flying. At first, I was nervous, but I realized Silver was not going anywhere but in a circle. I wasn't going to come off. So why was I worried?  Head up, eyes off the sand, looking ahead, stay balanced, canter, hold you arms up and twist to the right, now to the left.  This has seriously been the best abdominal work out ever!  I was sore for a couple of days which has really made me more aware of my lack of abdominal strength, so I'm constantly engaging my abs instead of letting it all hang out. It's been almost 7 years since I had the twins and I'm ready to get serious with my lack of core strength.

So two days after Christmas, Kelsey has me back on the lunge line with the EquiCube - a 5 pound rubber block with handles. So zombie arms holding the Equicube in front of me at the canter - I wanted to throw it at my trainer - I'm so weak.  Then she had me hold it over my head at the canter. I wondered if my helmet could handle the weight as it crashed on top of my head from my weak arms. I don't know the answer to that because I mustered all my strength to keep it above my head, it was akin to a military press. 7 hours later I can really feel it in the top of my shoulders.
And much to my surprise, I got to ride Silver with my reins!  And over a course of a month, riding on the lunge line has developed my core and given me increased stability. He stumbled and I remained balanced.  He started off at a slow canter and increased his speed and not only did I stay on, I remained balanced in the saddle and was able to transition to a beautiful stop while remaining balanced.  I was balanced, he was balanced.

I came away with a new realization today. I know that my feet pronate and this is a problem when I ride as my heels are in contact with the horse instead of my calves. But this month has really emphasized my foot/calf/leg position. Today I realized when I really turn my toes in towards the horse, my whole leg has to work, I can really feel my thighs working to stay balanced. A long time ago, a respected horsewoman had said riders shouldn't use their thighs to hold on to the horse especially when bareback. How the heck am I going to stay on then?  I think she meant to say, the whole leg is supposed to be connected to the horse, not just the thigh.  She was talking about the "ride a buck" bareback class. It's easy to keep the buck  under your thigh when walking and in the sitting trot, but not as much posting or cantering. But I digress..

I told my trainer I hoped we could continue the lunge lessons in the future because I can really feel my core working. It also helps me get over whatever fears I might be harboring about my beautiful grey gelding. That fall in July really set me back - no pun intended - in my riding.

The Three Second Half Halt

Nothing like taking a riding lesson from your trainer while her dressage instructor hangs out at the barn. My trainer is taking dressage lessons from a notable dressage instructor, who only works with professionals. So I'm trying to ride like he is not sitting near the arena, soaking in the sunshine, watching me...he was probably watching her teach.

So I learned a new concept today. Previously, Kelsey showed me how to use my hands in a zig zagging motion, not sawing on the reins, so that the horse's head goes side to side and back and forth -- which looks atrocious and probably feels the same --  I gently squeeze the reins with my hands. Right hand, squeeze, left hand squeeze   half halts to remind him, I'm up here and hey, are you listening...don't look at the woods at the end of the arena...listen to me, no, don't speed up...

Today, we took it a little more extreme, still not see sawing his mouth, so that his head swings from side to side but that he listens to me and drops his head and engages his behind. Really listening to me. I heard her ask if I could feel anything in the reins. Why yes, and I'm gently squeezing one hand and then the other - I think I'm doing great. But she says she can't see my arms move. Why would my arms move? I'm just using my hands.

Then she says, to squeeze and pull back on the rein for three seconds, release that hand and repeat on the other side. Well, that made a big difference in our riding! He really collected himself, especially when I applied my calves to his side while doing the 3 second half halt. Total control. He was not going anywhere I didn't want him.

Then we did some canter work and it was fabulous! He really has a lovely canter. I felt like I was out cantering across a pasture at my family's farm. It was that much fun!

We are using yet another bit, the Kimberwick Uster Snaffle bit gives me a lot of leverage and control without head tossing like the Dressage-Pelham-Bits/FES-Snaffle-Elite-Pelham/ used with double reins.  The transition from canter to trot to walk was smooth and almost seamless. Wow! This is how it's supposed to happen!

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Don't judge a box by its cover

So my husband and I moved our family three days before Christmas 2015. I almost killed him for moving our household right before Christmas. The kids didn't have beds, we provided sleeping bags and pillows and they thought it was great fun, camping indoors. Our new house was piled high with moving boxes. I was able to find most of the kids Christmas gifts in time for Saint Nicholas' visit to our new home. I'm still finding gifts from last Christmas, I'll just wrap them and give them this year, right?

We've unpacked all of the boxes in the house, but quite a few remain in the garage and my new art studio. I've been missing some horse tack for what seems like months - 10 most likely -  Two weeks ago, my husband decided it was time to move the minivan into the garage. Not sure why he decided it was time, the spring thunderstorms and tornados have passed us by safely, I might add.

Although, the week between Christmas and New Year's Eve was especially scary for North Texas. We had been experiencing especially mild winter weather, when one evening the temperatures dropped about 30 degrees and we had a thunderstorm. We hadn't been in our new house a week, when the tornado alert sirens started blaring.  We stared at the tv watching the tornado's direction - coming right toward our house- My brother - in - law called us and said not to stand next to the windows. In our new house, it's hard not to stand near a window or a French door leading outside, plenty of light in this house as opposed to the ranch house cavern we used to live in. I was mentally assessing the situation, could I lower the children through the  pier and beam access holes in the kitchen or utility room faster when he called. And luckily for us, the tornado changed direction, but not so lucky for hundreds of people living in Rowlett and Garland. They lost homes, loved ones,  pets, cars, etc. We knew people who lost everything when the tornado rampaged through their neighborhood.

So my husband cleared out a spot in the garage for the minivan. He found some storage containers  labeled Lights and Christmas, so naturally I opened the boxes expecting to find Christmas lights. Much to my delight, I discovered 4 headstalls, 5 bits, 5 sets of leather braided reins, only 1 green shipping boot, 4 green polo wraps, a breast plate, a martingale, 3 sets of stirrup leathers including one set still in package, a cavasson, lunge line, bent out of shape lunge whip, various training aids but nothing in a complete set, and some western equipment. I was overjoyed to find my pelham double bridle and my first nice flat leather hunt bridle!  Today I oiled Dolly's leather halter,and 4 english bridles along with 5 sets of reins.  Perhaps next week, I will tackle the martingale, breast plate and english stirrup leathers. I told my trainer with all this equipment, I needed another horse - like a hole in the head -

What's that on my porch - it's from Dover Saddlery!

So the UPS delivery man and I crossed paths as I was rolling out of the driveway on my bicycle this afternoon. He brought me a very long and narrow package and a small, white package from Dover.
What was in my Dover package? I had totally forgotten. I had already heard from Dover Saddlery that the Charles Owen helmet did not come in my size but the Charles Owen GR8 did - only double the cost. Grr! But I must be able to tuck my hair under my helmet when I show in rated horse shows. Showing is so much more expensive than just entry fees, coaching and getting the horse to the show.
I'm also looking at purchasing custom  made to order riding breeches in show tan. Gag, $250 for show tan full seat riding breeches because so few brands carry my size - rolling eyes.
When I came back from my bike ride thirty minutes later, I took my Dover package off the front porch. Much to my delight my Ariat black and white horse shirt arrived! I had totally forgot about ordering it as I was more concerned about the Charles Owen show helmet. I'm going to a rated show in a couple of weeks and I need something other than my Tipperary schooling helmet to protect my head.

Ariat White horse shirt Fall 2016

Such a cute shirt! It reminds me of a Eagles Eye shirt, I owned back in the late 80's/early 90's.  I could get a lot of wear from this shirt. Wear it with jeans, black pants, wear it around town, to the barn, to the saddle shop if it fit.  I could get a lot of wear from this shirt if it fit. I ordered an XL, it feels like a large, I could not button it. If I wore a tank under it and wore it like a jacket, it might work...that's something to mull over.  I love Ariat products but this one runs a bit small.  Back to Dover Saddlery it goes, maybe I can get a credit for that Charles Owen helmet that does fit.

My long, narrow package contains a metal horse shoe ribbon rack. I purchased it mainly for my kids horse show ribbons. Last spring, they both competed in the Equest Spring Horse Show and brought back pretty ribbons. Nathaniel came in first place in his division - he said he would have preferred green ribbons, his favorite color. While his sister earned a second place and third place ribbon - she rides with older children in her division, so I was very proud of her accomplishment.

 Marbeth Metal Products

I originally saw an ad in Practical Horseman magazine for Marbeth Metal Products and was going to order it on my mobile device but decided I didn't want to jinx my luck (or ribbons) so I would wait until after my first show last weekend.  I was excited to find Marbeth Metal Products on Etsy, so I ordered the horse shoe show ribbon rack from them on Etsy after the show.

Currently, my ribbons are hanging in my closet.Clearly, a new place is needed to display my pretty ribbons while not getting in the way of my jewelry and belt collection. I need to find a wall to display my ribbons, as well as my children's ribbons.

Flying Emergency Dismounts among other things

I had a minor riding setback this summer, when the horse I was riding, spooked and I had to make an emergency flying dismount.  It was the best canter I had ever had while riding Silver, when suddenly the horse in front of us spooked. Suddenly I saw my feet in front of my face.  Feet should decidedly not be in front of your face when riding, so I knew it was time for a flying dismount... I landed with a thud on my back in the wet arena sand and immediately thought, "I am way too old for this crap!"  I managed to get onto my hands and knees and sorta crawl away from the horses but it took me what seemed like an eternity to actually stand up. I had to "climb" the arena fence until I could straighten up. Then it took another 20 minutes until I was able to get on Silver.
I watched the rest of my class enjoy "pony camp" and then I trotted a couple of laps around the arena, cantered over a low fence and I was done. My back was killing me!

To shorten the story, I purchased Silver in August but didn't ride him for several weeks until I felt like I could ride without pain or actually get on him without pain.  So I decided to curtail jumping, mainly because I didn't feel like I could actually canter until the sciatic pain stopped.  My trainer and I worked on dressage, suppling the horse, bending, half halts, sitting trot and posting trot. I went to a horse show over the weekend and had just started cantering the previous Tuesday. It had been over two months since I had jumped anything!

While I was recuperating from my mishap, I designed some new jewelry for my Etsy shop, vowangems

Blue Green Aquamarines on hand forged sterling silver ear wires

Copper Rutilated Quartz and Carnelian Rosary Chain Dangle Earrings

Garnet and Fire Opal Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Titanium Blue Drusy, Garnets and Bali Gold Vermeil Dangle Earrings 

and one of my favorite necklaces: 

Silver Drusy Tassel Necklace

Whoah Horse Etsy Treasury by Corky Crafts

Beth of  CorkyCrafts  was very kind to include my Ride'em Cowgirl Glass Tile Pendant in this all things horsey Treasury. Check out all the cool horse art work!  I especially like the Grey Stick Horse and the Sterling Silver Horse Earrings!
Whoah Horse! Treasury

Grey Stick Horse By Hill Country Woodcraft

hcwoodcraft

$36.00 USD

Genuine Cowgirl Peasant Top

mypocketfullofposies

$29.99 USD

Sterling silver horse earrings. Wire horseheads handmade. 'Equus...

Untwistedsister

$25.00 USD

Lightning the horse crocheted hat... Perfect for dress up, costumes, w...

Snugglebugkidz

$28.00 USD

Ride'em Cowgirl Glass Tile Pendant

vowangems

$10.00 USD

Vintage Carousel Horse Tin - Merry Go Round

TheOddOldTriednTrue

$4.50 USD

Verdigris Finish Horse Posts set of 2 OOAK dollhouse miniature in one ...

DarkSquirrel

$10.00 USD

On Sale Race Horses Stethoscope Cover

bethiefliestoo

$3.75 USD

Sterling Silver HORSE IN SHOE Earrings - French Earwires - whoa Team...

ShymaliLlamas

$34.00 USD

Bay Horse Picture Cow Pony Horse Lover Gift Photo Western Home Decor 8...

NatureVisionsToo

$20.00 USD

Toile Decorative Pillow Red Tan Beige Equestrian Horse Carriage Berrie...

squirrelonaledgetop

$83.00 USD

Horse quilt

Heatherscustomquilts

$120.00 USD

Pendant Photo Necklace Vintage Horse Hitching Post Glass Tile in Antiq...

jbfphoto

$20.00 USD

SALE Wine cork horse ornament bottle tag- custom sports teams availabl...

Corkycrafts

$1.75 USD

Vintage Equestrian Farmhouse Pillow Cover Burlap and Cotton

JolieMarche

$35.00 USD

Yin yang Horse Black and White Dangle Earrings Button1.25 inch

hotdogcrafts

Surviving as a mother of twins

I am a mother of 9 month old boy/girl fraternal twins, adjusted age 7 months.  My life is simple. I feed babies, watch and play  with babies, comfort them, put them down for naps, take them to doctors, feed them, diaper them, feed them, dress them...and so on.

My son has been diagnosed with auditory neuropathy syndrome. He is mildly deaf in his right ear, and moderately to profoundly deaf in his left ear. For a deaf child, he hears remarkably well. He also suffers from wimpy white boy syndrome. When his NICU doctor told us he was a wimpy white boy, I thought reverse discrimination.  But I have since found out, it's a real thing, baby white boys have a hard time their first year of life, they lag behind girls in many ways. His sister beats him in trunk control. She's been standing on her own for a month, and he just flops around.  After 5 weeks of occupational therapy and developmental skill through ECI we are seeing remarkable improvement. He can sit up on his own, and he rolls from front to back and back to front and kneels. He doesn't crawl, but rolls to places he wants to go and he sort of slithers on his belly. His sister hasn't figured out crawling either, she scoots on her back and screams the whole time.

I no longer where nice clothes. I feel dressed up when I wear jeans! I spend most of my time in yoga pants and whatever semi-clean shirt I can find.  Spit up doesn't seem to come out of clothes. I've tried Shout and Oxi-Clean, I'm thinking of just burning the clothes instead. On a good day, I've brushed my hair and teeth at least once, am wearing a little make up, found reasonably clean clothes to wear and had a decent night sleep.  When will my clothes stop being stained by babies? Will it ever end?

Almost every room in my house has something baby related in it, except for the master bedroom and the tack room. Did I mention my husband and I own a horse?  Royal Krew was our baby before I became pregnant.  She is now pasture art. She enjoys treats, the company of her stable mates and not being ridden. We introduced the babies to her after Easter.  She sniffed at the babies while I held them in my arms. I think she understood as she has been a mother to three foals prior to her life with us.

I find time to design jewelry. Working with beads, stones, wire, etc really helps me relax and gets the creative juices flowing. I've made a lot of earrings this year. Earrings don't take as long to design, and assemble as a necklace does.  Chaplets are easier to create than rosaries, so I've made some of those, too. I've got lots of ideas, but not a lot of time to actually sit down and make it so.

This fall, I decided to do some marketing with Out of the Box Samples. I've made a lot of pendants and more earrings the past few months.  I have to package my December samples and get the package out the door for my November 20th deadline.  I decided I needed some time off from making jewelry samples, so I'm taking January off, but will be participating in OOTBS February, March, April and May 2011. Then I'm taking the summer off from OOTBS  but will be sending in samples for October, November and December.

This is pretty much me in a nut shell:  babies, horse, jewelry designer, cooking, church choir,  bible study, my family's farm, gardening (semi-organic), mother, daughter, sister, wife, child of God, native Texan. Prior to my twins, I worked in Residential Real Estate for 14 years. Some days I really miss it and would give my coffee money if I could show houses for an afternoon, talk to an adult, negotiate an offer. Most days, I would kill for a Starbucks Grande Mocha but I'll settle for a home brewed freshly ground Sumatra coffee with vanilla syrup.