Virtual Brush Box

Authorized Assistance

For me, the weirdest part of a saddleseat show is the yelling from the sidelines. In dressage and eventing, you get eliminated for Unauthorized Assistance (usually, see below). In Hunters, a little mild correction might occur as the riders pass the ingate. At the show last weekend, particularly at the Beginner levels, every coach andContinue reading “Authorized Assistance”

Second Saddleseat Show

Results 2nd & 1st. As with last time, I was overly huntseat in the first class, which I corrected in the second. First Class The Good: I wasn’t “busy” and I didn’t downshift until the corners. The Bad: Still leaning forward. When I do sit back, there is an near-palpable snap when I hit theContinue reading “Second Saddleseat Show”

Feeling Young

My birthday was last month. Didn’t mention it because I was trying to ignore it. Why is an zero-year no different than any other number, but so psychologically fraught? I spent the day with friends… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. … and found a goal for which I am underage, the Dressage Foundation’s Century Club, from the inspirationally cuteContinue reading “Feeling Young”

Reader Survey: Legit or Not?

As you read this (Jan 12, 2013), I will be at my second saddleseat show. I am entered in Beginner Walk-Trot. According to the rules, I am at the correct level. However. At times I find this ridiculous. I’ve been riding for how many years? On Previous Horse, I was able to check my girthContinue reading “Reader Survey: Legit or Not?”

Foto Friday: Amber Waves

Alternate titles: The Waving Wheat or The Back 40 Needs Mowed

When Safety Doesn’t Come First

The promised update: Both horses are fat and furry. Mathilda’s winter coat may be plumping her figure more than than she actually is, but overall doing well for an old lady. Using the universal horse birthday of Jan 1, she just turned 29. The biggest problem we are having with Mathilda is keeping our promiseContinue reading “When Safety Doesn’t Come First”

Is It Safe To Crawl Out From Under My Rock Yet?

Funeral, dental woes, rainbow bridge. I’ve been an off-topic basket of cheer haven’t I? Sunday: We had to take our seriously senior dog on the one-way trip to the vet. He’d been decrepit for a while but until last week he passed the bologna test. You know the one. Animal lying about marinating in ennui,Continue reading “Is It Safe To Crawl Out From Under My Rock Yet?”