Gift's that Give

Many times I feel that gifts take up space and don't offer the true meaning they once did.  With so many people/animals in need, each year it becomes less important for me to receive gifts.  This year only a week before Christmas I stumbled upon a unique gift that gives back.  Opening my Riverwood Therapeutic Riding Center newsletter I was captivated by a unique gift that a local jeweler, Deva, had created in honor of the organization.   The silver disk necklace featured the Riverwood horse head and heart logo.  The proceeds go to help support Riverwood's terrific program.  After commenting and researching the necklace on Riverwood's website I pushed the thought aside knowing Christmas was only a week away and moved on.

Christmas morning came and the present opening commenced.  Much to my surprise when I opened a package from Jason a bright purple Deva bag was inside.  I knew IMMEDIATELY what was inside!  I opened the bag and tears filled my eyes.  Not only was the surprise of the gift heart warming and wonderful but knowing that it was unique and provided funding for an organization that is close to my heart made Christmas perfect.

If you are a horse lover and supporter, or simply love this unique piece.  It can be yours by visiting www.riverwoodtrc.org

New Home

Houston has a new home...in Davie County.  We have moved to a wonderful private farm in the Davie County country side.  He is now part of a "mature" pasture with horses his own age that while still active with their owners understand each others limits in the pasture.  He has adjusted beautifully....

College

When college arrived the first thing I was worried about wasn't where I would live, classes I would take, people I would become friends with- but rather where can I board my horse so he can go with me? 

Freshman & Sophomore year he stayed at home and I commuted for a weekly lesson and then on weekends to keep him in shape.

Junior year he moved to Farmington.  I rode MUCH more than I did Freshman & Sophomore year and we even did a few events.  One of the most exciting things we were able to do was travel to Southern Pines and train with Nancy Lindroth for a long weekend.  This was my first solo trip with the truck, trailer and Houston.  This meant we were grown ups and were embarking on a chapter in new life- just us.

Senior year we moved to Germanton.  The farm was much closer to school and allowed for more riding.  We competed in our final event in the Fall of 2007 at Hillcrest Farms in Mocksville.  Houston was brilliant and was even 3rd after Dressage- unheard of for us.  We finished 5th thanks to my stupidity in thinking we were going to fast on cross-country when in actuality we were right on target.

Here are a few photos to reminisce about our times in college and final events

Preparing for Houston's last career Dressage Test

My all time favorite picture of Houston. Taken by the talented Jason Hill.

5th Place Finish- not to shabby for a 17 year old.

Cross-Country was small but he loved it non-the less.

Senior Year at Red Bank Stables

Love & Horses

We love them for their unconditional acceptance of us as their person

      We love them for their soft necks that we can bury our faces into when we need to escape

            We love them for always lifting our spirits

This morning I arrived at the barn at 6 am to cold hose, hand walk and re-wrap Houston.  He has become very accident prone in his old age and thus has a swollen ankle from his antics in the pasture.  Not only was I exhausted when I arrived but it was a shocking 50 degrees this morning.  Since we've been in the 90's for weeks my system was not adapting well.  While I held the cold water on Houston's leg his sun kissed body served as the most comfortable pillow I've ever laid my head on.  For 15 minutes he stood like a statue in the morning sun and allowed me to pour freezing cold water on his leg and use him as a pillow.  This is just reason 100000000000+ I love Houston.

Spiders

I hope I did not jinx Houston by posting about his previous injury last week.  Friday when I arrived at the barn after work I found my sweet horse with a hock 3 times its normal size and could barely walk.

We did the usual treatment: cold hose, stable bandage, bute and phone call to the vet.  The vet couldn't come out until the next morning so Houston spent a nice relaxing night in his stall with the fan blowing on him. 

5 x-rays & 4 hours later Houston was diagnosed with a spider bite.  Thank goodness for no joint activity or poison.  Just antibiotics and some rest.  Hopefully in 5 days he will be back to normal.  In the mean time I will be de-cob webbing his entire living space in the stable.

Injured

Shortly after beginning our Training Level season I decided it might be a good idea as Houston grew older and started to show more stiffness to have his hocks injected.  Boy was that a BAD idea.  Houston felt so wonderful that he went out into the pasture the next day and pulled his stifle.  He was completely lame.

After calling the vet and having x-rays, tests and tons of stall rest I was told he probably wouldn't recover.  That was a challenge to me as an owner.  I did EVERYTHING to a T that I was ordered to do by the vet.  Houston was hand walked, stalled and treated like a king.

We had monthly vet checks and after 4 months the vet looked at me in amazement and said "he's better, and I didn't think it would happen".  I grinned from ear-to-ear.  Houston and I went from Training Level eventing to walking in the arena mounted for 10 minutes a day, 20 minutes a day, trotting in straight lines only for half the arena for MONTHS to build back all the muscle we had lost very slowly.

During Houston's unfortunate injury he managed to become a cover horse for a local magazine.  This picture was taken while waiting for our monthly vet visit.

Fire Pit

Sorry to get out of order in the Houston Chronicles.  I couldn't resist.  Houston & I  recently both moved to new homes as we continue our adult lives.  Houston has been at this home before while I was in college so it was a reunion for him.  Sunday a very scary Fire Pit appeared next to the riding arena.  Apparently this was an unforeseen object that Houston had never encountered prior.  Houston is a horse that hates for things to move or not be in the same place he thinks they should be or were the day before.  We sniffed the fire pit, walked around it, even watched Jason pick the lid up and move it around.  Nothing calmed the fears that were associated with this huge black object.

We experienced lots of side passes and random leaps into the air during Sunday's ride thanks to the pit.  I decided we would face the pit again last night but a lovely man at the farm went out and removed the threat when I mentioned Houston's dislike for it.  Houston was so thankful for the removal of the threating object that he happily went on the bit and behaved the entire time. Although he did give several glances around to assure the pit had not returned.

Wild Man

Houston & I were finally ready for our first Training Level event after being together for almost 4 years.  It takes a while to re-train a race horse and train me from the ground up. 

Our first Training posed new questions.  Dressage was more complicated and since this was not our forte it was at the top of the worry list.  Cross-Country was bigger, longer and faster- not that big of a worry since Houston thrived on Cross-Country.  And stadium was simply bigger with a few more questions, again not that big of a worry.

The morning of the event I decided Houston needed to look the part of a Training Level horse.  I braided his mane and tried to make him look super fancy.  Do you know what doesn't work on an extremely long framed, thinner boned horse with a long neck and face??  Braiding their mane!  Poor Houston looked like a mule.  We have never braided since, it didn't suit him and he was embarrassed.  Dressage went fair, we didn't get much of a lengthening- but we tried.

When Cross-Country rolled around I was prepared to make time and have an excellent run.  With Houston being an ex-racer, we have always had some issues with the start box(this small white fenced in area where you stand anxiously awaiting the count down until you can start your course).  I try not to enter the box until we are at least on 8 of the countdown from 10.  I've always made Houston walk or trot out of the start box to make sure he's paying attention to me and not in pure race mode.  Since the speed is faster for Training I decided he could canter out.  Big mistake!  We flew around our course in no-time.  Had zero problems, except getting Houston to stop when we got back to the finish line.  My trainer was very unhappy as we finished almost a minute ahead of the optimal time (this was considered dangerous).  I never felt unsafe, Houston adjusted himself for each jump and was balanced the entire time. 

Needless to say we did not place thanks to all the penalty points we received from our race track like Cross-Country course.  But we did get some amazing pictures to remember it by.

Nationals

After passing on our first qualifying rally for PC Nationals we took our next opportunity and traveled to The Virginia Horse Park to compete in Show-Jumping.  Packing for rally is hard enough, but packing for 4 days of National competition is frightful.  Imagine packaging for a week at the beach- and add 2 more people because that's how much stuff Houston has.

The first morning of competition we had jog outs at 7:30 am.  Houston was in rare form, frisky, and I thought my heart would jump out of my chest as 4 judges and a vet watched Houston trot by to be "approved" sound for competition. We passed and were clear for the day.

Our team was in the Horse II level (3'3"-3'6").   In all my years of having horses I was never concerned with dandruff in my horse's tail, until Pony Club.  Did you know that putting Listerine in your horse's tail will rid it of dandruff?  I used baby oil to cover it up until I learned this nifty little trick from a fellow team member.

We passed formal inspections with flying colors and had to saddle up for warm-ups immediately after.  Of course it was 90+ degrees, no breeze and we were required to wear our velvet helmets and coats the first day.  I unfortunately have a history of over heating and was nervous about having zero ventilation while riding.  We warmed up well and made it through our first course effortlessly.

The ring schedules were back-to-back so there was only one horse in between us and our next course.  EMT's were patrolling the rings to make sure riders were safe and not getting dehydrated.  As I entered the arena for my second round I felt light headed and weak, but what choice did I have but to keep going? 

Houston is the most amazing horse ever. Period.  He completed his course with grace and even kept me from falling off around the corners as I began to over heat and have trouble staying in the center of the saddle.  After we exited the arena the EMT came over right as I was starting to see spots.  They took me to the medical center where my blood pressure was WAY too low and they tried to hydrate me before I passed out.  I remember seeing Houston walking around the medical center looking panicked because I had left him with my trainer.

Second day of competition went much better since they decided to wave coats and velvet helmats- due to the many people suffering from heat exhaustion.

When award time rolled around Houston and I were named 10th out of 40+ competitiors with the best equtiation (judging is based on how well the riders position looks on course).  Our team finished 8th in our division, which was a big accomplishment for a first time team.

Houston's Highlights

I've always been entranced with the beauty of horses and their majestic nature.   I tried to capture a few of "Houston's Highlights".

Mixing it Up

Since Houston and I come from different backgrounds and the fact that his Thoroughbred mind often needs variety, I did my best to mix up our routine.  Our daily routine often consisted of some sort of dressage work, often lounging with side riens, and working on suppleness and bending.  Sometimes I would throw in a jump just to give him some added energy and make life more interesting- jumping in a Dressage saddle is an art with an ex-racer.

I also tried to chose events that were fun and different for both of us.  As a member of the Yadkin Valley Hounds Pony Club we often received a list of events that they were sponsoring.  One came up in the Summer that was a fun Hunter Trial, a hunter/jumper show but in an open field, which to Houston felt like Cross-Country.  He excelled in his divison and even won his jumping classes.  He wasn't quiet sure why I wasn't asking him to go on the bit during the flat classes, but he enjoyed the extra freedom.  Some might think that was confusing for Houston in his training as an eventer, but anything to help his mind settled and give him more exposure to the show world was well worth it.

Tryon Riding & Hunt Club Horse Trials, FENCE

FENCE in Tryon, NC is known for their amazing views from the cross-country course and excellent events.  Houston and I traveled to FENCE in late October for the Tyron Riding & Hunt Club Horse Trials.  This is one of my all time favorite events to attend because you get a hand addressed invitation to attend the event each year.  Most events are published in the Omibus and you map out your season accordingly, no personal contact from the actual event organizor. 

Don't judge us by this picture, please.  We were both still learning about Dressage at this point and very lucky to have a square halt and semi-round frame.  We worked with an all purpose saddle and regular snaffle bridle at this point.  We did evolve into the full Dressage turnout complete with all black tack, fancy coat and Stubben studded bridle.  When we first started competition the rules did not allow for a whip to be carried during the actual Dressage test.  Houston isn't the biggest fan of spurs and doesn't require the whip, just moves nicely knowing that I have it.  We circled the ring until the bell rang for us to enter and begin our test, dropping the whip outside the ring as we entered.  The key is remembering where you dropped it- so you can pick it back up when you're finished.

Houston was spectacular at this event and with close to 15 people in our division, Novice, that season I was very proud of our 5th place finish overall.

Back to My Roots

Growing up as a hunter/jumper changing over to Eventing was a bit of a shock. 

Dressage was never in my vocabularly before. 

I decided since Houston loved to jump we would go back to my roots and enter a hunter/jumper show that was low key and close by.   We placed, but not in the top 3, for all classes.  Houston doesn't do lead changes and we aren't the most fancy mover out there.  But can we talk about how handsome my man is?  This picture was taken at the hunter show only a year after I purchased the sunbleached ex-racer.  Amazing what high-quality grain, lots of regular training and stall rest can do.  He doesn't look like the same horse!

Rally Time

As a new comer to Pony Club I was thrilled to finally have my very own event horse to take with me to Rally.  When I had Glory I borrowed horses to take to rally, clinics and shows since she wasn't old enough to participate.

Houston and I set off to our very first Rally at Why Not An American Ark in Monroe, NC for Show Jumping.  Nerves were flowing from both of us but we had a few other horses from our farm attending as well which made it a lot easier on the horses and people. 

Inspections went well, Houston was still under weight but looked rather spiffy if I do say so myself.  We received a small deduction in points due to a not so clean sheath.  Houston and I were still working on perfecting that part of rally prep.  If anyone knows how to get a spotless sheath- let me know!

We were entered in the Horse I level jumping 3'3", we went clean, had zero time faults for both days and even moved to the jump off.  Our team received first place for the Rally in our division then Houston and I were named top qualifier for Nationals.  I was in shock and so proud of my Off the Track Thoroughbred. 

We did not attend Nationals that year because Houston still needed lots of work to assure his body was in top shape for bigger competition.

We only had one mishap the entire weekend- and that involved a Gatorade bottle.   Houston LOVES Gatorade.  I was drinking out of the bottle with the twist top and Houston began grunting and begging from his stall door.  I decided to pour some in my hand and let him try it. Bad idea!  He was so geared up about the Gatorade that the small amount in my hand just wasn't enough.  He reached up and grabbed the top of the bottle, jerking the plastic top off and into his mouth.  I of course went into panic mode so one of the girls on my team rushed over to help me pry the large, green top out of his mouth.  She opened his mouth, pulled his tounge out to the side and I reached in the long mouth to retrieve the plastic intruder that had no business being in my horse's mouth!  Crisis averted and potential colic disaster avoided.

Cross-Country Schooling

Teaching an ex-racer to be steady and maintain a constant speed through out a cross-country course isn't easy.  So Houston and I have spent lots of time schooling and perfecting the art of cross-country techniques.  Our first trip out was less than impressive, as you can tell by my face in this picture.

Houston thinks every jump is a monster that must be lept over with the utmost height.  Take off is about 3 ft away from the jump, crest 2 ft over and we land and take off.  In the beginning we focused mainly on getting over everything with ease and then worked to make it more collected and organized. 

Lessons at the farm often consisted of tying ribbons on fence posts as markers for timing.  I needed to learn what 350 mpm (meters per minute) felt like and Houston needed to mellow.  My trainer would often time us and let me know what time it was at each marker.  This was no easy task for Houston or me.  Manufactures give you watches to help track your time, trainers give you the skill set to help you navigate the courses but what it all comes down to is you, the horse and the minute they count you down to 1 in the start box.

First Event

When I purchased Houston we had major work to do.  Not only had I recently switched disciplines to Eventing, as a former Hunter/Jumper, but Houston had a past as well.  Our trainers had their hands full!  Houston and I learned Dressage together and it took close to 2 years for us to be competitive in this phase.

One thing that came naturally was jumping.  Houston cleared everything by at least 2 feet.  He was tremendous- so athletic!  And he loved it.  Every turn that led to a jump resulted in ears straight forward, head up (giraffe like) and hind quarters engaged.

We decided to enter our first event, 2 months after becoming a team, at a local farm in the "We Have Just Begun" division.  We arrived at the event and Houston traveled like a champ but when it came time to warm up for Dressage- the race horse syndrome kicked in.  He trotted sideways, head straight up in the air and called to every horse he saw.

We made it through the test, but did maintain any sort of a frame.  Houston was covered in sweat at the end of Dressage, but was less worried than he was before.  Cross- Country was phenomenal!  We were on time, cleared everything and Houston was calm, cool and confident.  Show-Jumping went equally as well and although we received 6th place in our first event- Houston and I had bonded. 

It was a huge motivator to work harder and help Houston feel loved and comfortable with me and his new home.

The Purchase

I grew up begging to be with horses.  Finally at age 7,  I was given riding lessons.  My dream was realized! I was finally content.

I purchased my first horse when I was 13.  And at age 15 learned the heart ache of selling a horse.  Glory did not mature to the height anticipated and my 5' 7" frame looked quiet awkward on the small 14.2 hand horse.  Glory was sold to a family with 3 young girls and was cherished from day one.

My next horse search began and ended in the same day in 1999.  I tried two horses at a local farm where a horse broker had two promising mounts.  The first was a WILD, refined thoroughbred mare,  not my type.  The second horse wasn't the best looking stead you've ever seen but I was very attracted to his large 16.2 hand stature.

Gizem was a 9 year old, off the track thoroughbred who came to NC by way of PA where he was a Fox Hunter. He was severely underweight, bony and his coat was badly bleached.  None the less, I took my prospect into a large open field since the farm lacked a riding arena.  Immediately I knew he was trustworthy.  He went easy in both directions, wasn't concerned with his surroundings and listened to every cue I gave him.  Then came time to jump.  Of course there was not a rail or standard in sight so we had to improvise.  A hot pink muck bucket became the hurdle of choice.  Houston trotted right up and never looked twice at the odd object I was facing him with.  I was sold!  My heart immediately went to this large, sun bleached ex-racer and I knew I had found my match.

After the vet check and lots of begging Gizem was mine.  First order of business- name change!  Not sure where Gizem originated from.  I retrieved Gizem's pedigree from the Jockey Association and searched for a new name.  Nothing fit this tall drink of water.  He needed a strong, bigger than life name,  Houston was perfect.  He's a southern gentleman and has a heart the size of Texas.

This picture was taken the first day Houston came to live at our barn.