And So It Begins...

Old man winter is finally heading out of here and I can start getting Koda and I back into riding fit!  Living up here, we really don't get a spring at all, it's more of a thaw.  It starts slowly in March when the weather decides that staying below -20C isn't the best thing to do in the world, so it warms up.  Of course it's still snowy as heck, with more than 4' in some places, but it's starting to melt.  It's a beautiful day when we don't have to plug in our vehicles to ensure that they'll be warm enough to start the next day.

Of course, during this season we have to contend with the ice and the slush.  It warms up during the day to above freezing, then turns everything into an ice rink over night.  The worst part of it is that one of the lower parts of the pasture is right by the water tank, which makes it treacherous to get to for 2- and 4-leggeds alike.  We've tossed some straw down to help give them some traction in the area, but it won't get any better until the temperatures really start to rise and the ground isn't frozen. 

Koda and I have started doing some simple easy rides in the yard.  Since the yard was only ploughed for what was needed, we have some different terrain to ride through from packed down snow (slippery!) or deep snow that goes up to his hocks.  Its kind of like a mini terrain park where I just take him around in different areas, playing with a little lateral work (leg yields, turns on haunches and forehand), backing up, and being very specific to where his feet fall. 

We had a moment the other day where backing up was the hardest thing in the world, especially going straight instead of curling around to the left.  Our exercise was to march forward 10-15 strides, back 5.  The conversation went something like this:

Me: Back, Koda
Koda: Okay!  (starts backing around in a circle to the left)
Me: No, straight back (left leg cue to move haunches over)
Koda: .....
Me: Koda, move your haunches over! (more insistent cue with left leg)
Koda:....
Me: GET YOUR BUTT OVER!!

Koda: OMG YOU'RE EVIL!!!!  WHAT DO YOU WANT?!

....

Koda moves a touch to the right with his haunches.

I checked myself to make sure I wasn't giving mixed cues, moved to a different section of the yard and went at it again.

Me: Back, Koda
Koda: ABSOLUTELY NOT (head in air, drama llama style)
Me: Koda, back up
Koda: NO!!!!! (more drama llama)
Me: *double check all cues, all seems correct* BACK!
Koda: Not. Moving.
Me: FINE, move your haunches then
Koda: sure (does a lovely half turn on the haunches)

After that point, we did some work on doing smaller back steps, emphasis on straightness and not asking for too much at a time.  Once Koda had his feet moving again, and I was asking for less steps back, we were fine.  Note to self: Bring Koda back slowly into work, he will shut down if I push him too fast, or will give me a temper tantrum.

Oh the temper tantrums...

Northern Living

When I moved up north I knew that the way of living would be different, but I didn't realize how much different it would be.  Living where I did before on the east coast and growing up in the shadow of the largest city in Canada, I was used to certain things being a given, particularly in my horse life.  Before, we always had a warm dry place to tack up and ride if we wanted, never had to worry about wind chill or ice on the ground since we always had a place to spend time with our horses out of the elements.  There was no worry at all about blanketing or if my horse was going to grow enough winter coat for the winter!  This is a true worry with Koda up here, he doesn't grow much winter coat.  This year I kept his blanket off for as long as possible, and still he didn't fluff up half as much as the other horses were.  So, Koda got to be babied all winter long and wear his blankies.  (As an aside:  between the Original Rambo and Smartex Bucas, the Bucas wins hands down).

On the way to the barn

Up here, we have winter from November until the middle or end of April depending on what you call the end of winter.  If to you that means there is no snow on the ground, then we're going into May. That is a solid six months of winter weather where the high is around -10 to -25 degrees Celsius.  Also, during that time the sun is staying down longer and the shortest days give you about 4-5 hours of week sunlight.  On top of that, we have icy roads and, in some cases, blocked roads that even if you have 4x4 you may not get through since the snow removal isn't always on time.

Ice bridge!

Keeping horses up in this area is a delicate balance between the absolute needs and the time for luxuries.  If you tried to keep horses up here like most barns that are more southern, you wouldn't really have time to work or you have a ton of money to spend to do it!  I'm so glad I found a solid and reliable place to board my horse, where the necessities (food, shelter, fresh water, safe fencing, adequate space for all the animals) are covered.  It may not be the most glamorous place to keep him, but it's safe and secure which makes me happy. 

The biggest thing I've had to get used to living up here in my horse life is that for most of the winter, it is too cold or too icy to ride outside, or it is too icy or too cold to haul to the indoor arena.  For four months during the winter, the only way I would spend time with Koda is to bundle up for -20 or lower, get in the truck and drive the 25 minutes to the barn to give him scritches and love for a few minutes before my fingers go numb and then drive home.  Last year, with all the drama surrounding the EIA situation, I almost went crazy not being able to go out and see him (at the same time our truck had died and the car wouldn't be able to handle the roads).  This winter has been better since I was out there more often, either just giving scritches, doing blanket changes when A wasn't home, or doing barn checks. 

Barn driveway

We're finally past the point of no return and things are starting to warm-up here!  People are saying we may have a gradual warm-up this spring which will be nice so that we won't get swamped or flooded like last year.  Cannot WAIT to pull the trailer out and get into conditioning mode :)

Back from the Abyss!

I have been a bad, neglectful blogger!  Sorry for falling off the face of the earth, all is well here, have just had not much to blog about when it comes to Koda or equestrian pursuits as other things have been happening up here.  The Fiance and I just got back from a mini vacation and things are starting to settle down a bit more, so there will definitely more blogging to come.  Between the past blog and this one, I've finally broken the ice and got back in the saddle in 2014.

EARS!

Hello handsome

Koda is not impressed with your selfie skills

Since it's still all ice and snow up here, Koda and I just played around a bit in the plowed and unplowed part of the yard, doing lateral work and making our way through the deep snow.  It was great getting back up in the irons and I'm happy we can still just go out and do these small things this early in the season.

Fingers crossed for the weather to keep warming up!

As I'm sure none of you know, I am a HARD CORE fan of the Olympics.  Yes, I know they have all of their issues, corruption, etc., but that still doesn't tarnish what these athletes are doing.  The drive, passion, and absolute determination these athletes show is inspiring and I can't wait for the weather to clear up to really get into schooling and training.  In the mean time, it's all about getting myself physically ready (darn winter flub...).  Hello cardio and core, how I need to do more of you.

Anyways, that's really all we have here for now, looks like this long weekend is going to be a super warm one, so I'll be spending more time out in the saddle. Stay tuned!

The Barn

While doing these picture posts, I've realized that the layout of the barn may seem a bit... wonky.  So, to help visualize the layout of the barn, I put my computer paint skills to the test to create a semi-decent layout so that you guys will have an idea of how the barn is really set.

For some idea of comparison, here are some photos to give you an idea of what is shown in the layout:

Facing north, back field with a bit of the corral visible

Facing west in the main yard, my trailer spot is beside

the green shed with the open door, quonset is to

your back in this photo

Facing north, main yard again where you can see the

shop and my old truck

It's not a really big area, but it suits us just fine for what we really need, at least for when the weather and footing are ok.  We finally had our first ride yesterday for 2014, and I'm hoping to get in 1-2 rides a week at the farm for January, then come February the trailer is going to get dug out to haul to the arena for more intensive schooling.  After our quick ride, I popped in to visit with the BO and heard that there may be a weekly cattle thing going on at the arena, so we may jump into just to get us out plus dropping us in different situations.  Also, our local PC has more riders in levels where they're having to learn to ride some cross country, so we may get to make some semi-permanent jumps along the trails by the arena!  Nothing big (2' tops), but creating an actual course would be EXTREMELY exciting!  Since none of the other instructors have done any cross country, if this course comes to light, I'll be the main contact for design of the course!!

Possibilities abound this year, but it's still early to say anything is certain.  Even though it's still early, I'm cautiously optimistic :)

Barn Blog Hop

Also known as a photo session!
Because of where I live and board, a few of these questions will overlap, so please bear with me.

1. and 2.  View of the barn and my horse's living space:

Tied to the trailer, our 'cross ties' if you will

The barn in winter (small paddock, part of the front field
and part of the yard)

North side of the back pasture

South side of the back pasture

3.  View of the tackroom:

Behind Koda and I stands the tack room... aka the trailer.
Over the winter, all liquids and gels come home along
with my leather goods, including saddles and bridles.
It makes for a cramped fit in the house, but it works and
 keeps my tack from drying out.

4.  View of where I ride:
The great thing about where I live is all the choices of where to ride, depending on what you want to do.

Rocky Lane Trails, good for conditioning and hillwork

Field roads around the farm, nice trail for hacks

Back field set up as a jumping area, perfect for schooling

The yard... again!  It has nice footing in spring and fall

Indoor arena at Rocky Lane Ag. Farm, perfect for getting
out of the weather and into some nice footing.  Those back
panels aren't usually set up unless you're working cows

5.  Favourite feature:

This one is a bit tough, since it's not something tangible that you can take a picture of.  As most of you know, living where I do is pretty tough, let alone keeping horses.  I'm so grateful to be keeping my horse with someone who has been living here for years and has had horses for all of them.  A has so much knowledge on horse keeping in this climate, and I am stress-free, knowing Koda's day to day care is in great hands.  A is a wonderful horsewoman who loves all of her equines, be it hers or her boarders

A and her gelding Mik

Now it's your turn! Several of you have already done the hop, but for those who haven't, here you go:  all you have to do is show us the five following places:

1.  The barn

2.  Your horse's living space

3.  The tack room

4.  Riding areas

5.  Favourite feature

Winter Time Questionnaire: Part 2

And to continue on from where we left off!

15.  Do you think any disciplines are cruel?  Disciplines, no, but people within those disciplines?  Absolutely.

16.  Your worst riding habit.  Getting ahead.

Case and point... although it has gotten better

17.  When you're in the show ring, what's going through your mind?  Where's my next jump/movement, is that corner correct, remember this is where we have trouble, watch your shoulders, keep your legs on, keep your eyes up and looking around, steady hands, fuzz, what's next?!?!?! Oh, yes, keep going... and breathe.

18.  If you owned a barn, would you try for a laid back casual atmosphere, or a professional fast paced one?  I'd like professional but not exactly fast-paced.  Professional and laid back can go together :)

19.  If I give you a $2,000.00 gift card to your favourite tack store/online retailer, what would you buy?  A few items for myself, but most likely a bunch of stuff needed by the camps I worked at back home that are in dire need of donations/funds.

I miss these guys!!

20.  You're riding in an arena at home with several other riders, and one of them obviously doesn't know the rules of the ring, even though they're posted.  The others are clearly annoyed, would you do anything?  I'd try to politely point them out or let them know some of the more basic rules.  If the person didn't seem like someone who would take to that, I'd continue doing my ride or head out.

21.  Worst fear riding?  Falling in an open space and my horse getting hurt/killed, particularly on a road.

22.  How old do you imagine you'll be when you stop riding, and what's the cause?  I truly hope to never stop riding, but if and when I do I think it may be out of arthritis or physical limitation.

23.  If you could own any number of horses, would they all be the same discipline or a mix?  A mix!  I like to dabble in different things :)

24.  Favourite colours for your horse?  I'm in the middle of switching from red to green, so the dressing room of my trailer looks a bit like Christmas right now.

25.  Favourite tack brand?  Stubben for saddles and their accessories, and five star tack for bridles and martingales.  I have what I want now (and too much really!) so am content in my tack inventory.  Now is the time to save money to show and clinic.

My precious (that needs conditioning)

26.  If given the opportunity, would you breeze a racehorse?  I think so...

27.  Three "You know you're an equestrian when..."

You know you're an equestrian when you refer to vegetables portions as flakes.  Example:  I only took one flake of lettuce for the salad, so we may need more.

You know you're an equestrian when you can't sit through a movie that has horses in it without pointing out either the riding, the tack, the fake horse noises, the switching of horses, etc.

You know you're an equestrian when your wardrobe is separate as follows: mucking clothes, schooling clothes, clinic appropriate shirts, show clothes, and then everything else.

Winter Time Questionnaire: Part 1

As winter is still raging outside, my blog entries have been sliding a bit!  I'm hoping to start bringing Koda back into work tomorrow with the expectation of warmer weather (com'on -15... please?!).  I was going to haul out today, but with blowing snow and colder than expected temps plus The Fiance needing help at the school, I got lucky and switched my booking from today to tomorrow.

In the mean time, I'm going to grab this quick questionnaire that's been floating around a few blogs to pass the time away.  Nevertheless, here's some more insight into the life of Koda and I.

1.  Favourite thing about riding?  That unique relationship you have with your horse.  It's a hard one to explain to people who aren't already in the know, but that feeling of flying across the field or doing that perfect transition with this animal... magic

2.  Green horse or trained horse?  I'm going to go with an in-between.  A finished horse is super nice, but I like having a hand in training my horse at least in part.  I bought Koda when he was a basic w-t-c who knew a bit of lateral work, but I started him over fences and am working on continuing his education as best I can.

3.  Have you ever wanted to quit riding?  I actually went on a hiatus when I first went to university.  I didn't have transportation to a barn and wasn't actively looking to ride until the idea of having a team for the IHSA came about.  Since then, I have never wanted to leave horses and I doubt I'll ever will.

4.  Do you prefer to ride inside or outside?  Depends on what I'm doing (and the weather!), but will ride in either space.  One thing I do prefer to have when riding alone is riding in an enclosed area, either in a large fenced field, or outdoor arena, or what have you.  

5.  On average, how many time do you ride a week?  When actively training, I ride 3-4 times a week.

After a fall ride

6.  Have you ever fallen off at a show?  How?  I've never fallen at a show, but I haven't been showing for very long (knock on wood).  I'm sure it'll happen eventually, and I hope it'll be a soft tumble when it happens.

7.  Do you have a private or group lesson?  When I took lessons, they were usually private or semi-private.  I enjoy group lessons, but the semi-privates were what I enjoyed the best.  More one-on-one time, plus little breaks to think of what you're doing.

8.  In your opinion, does it make you less of a rider if you don't own a horse?  Absolutely not.  I didn't own my own horse until I was 25, before then I was half-leasing or riding lesson and camp horses!

9.  Do you plan on having horses in your life for the rest of your life?  Yes

10.  If you could ride any famous horse (dead or alive) who would it be?  Big Ben.

11.  Does winning ribbons matter to you?  Short answer? Yes.  I usually want to go out to a competition prepared and ready to do our best.  As a competitive person, I want to do well and am always please bringing home some satin!  Yet, in all honesty, I try to keep my expectations realistic and for now, Koda and I are looking to have some solid completions as we feel our way into Alberta eventing.

At my first off-site show

12.  Worst riding experience?  One of my worst riding experiences was when I had Celtic.  At some times, she would be fine, but most of the time we were just AT each other, picking and nagging and just not good.  At the end of that relationship, I felt like I wasn't a rider and not worthy of even owning a horse.  We had devolved from w-t-c and baby jumps to not being able to do halt to walk transitions without flying across the arena.  For more insight, check out early blog entries in 2012.

Schooling ride on Celtic

13.  Describe a time when you wanted another equestrian to fail at something.
Honestly?  I've never wanted someone to fail.

14.  Describe the proudest or happiest moment you can think of in your riding career.
Completing South Peace Horse Trials last summer.  I took Koda from being a w-t-c horse to a budding eventer with just me riding him, no real training, and work. I can't wait for the snow to be gone!!!

We ended on a NUMBER!

Stay tuned for Part 2