Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Monday, December 18, 2006
Pretty ribbon pics.
Our year is coming to a close. I thought it was a good time to re-post some of our ribbon pictures. If you dont see one on here that you would like included just package it up in an e-mail and I will include it.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Congratulations to Vanessa and Absolute!!
First place winners in the BN division at Rocking Horse schooling show. We are so proud of you!
Welcome to Sam and Zena
Samantha (a.k.a Sam) and Zena (a.k.a Beanie, Beanie Bop, Beanstinator)
My horses name is Redwood Danger Mouse, but we call her Zena. She is a 12 year old, Clydesdale/ThoroughbredX mare, all the way from New Zealand! I've had her for the last 4 years. I don't really know much about her past but I think the lady we bought her off named her after Xena the warrior princess but didn't know how to spell it!!
The thing my horse likes about me most would probably be the fact that I give her lots of cuddles (and food!). If my horse was in a band, it would be a Punk Rock band because her mane stands on end like a mohawk. My first memory of Zena was seeing her in the yard and thinking she was really ugly!
My horse is happiest when she's eating lots and not in work! The coolest thing we have done together would be getting on the Pony Club Champs Team back in New Zealand. If my horse were a Disney character she would be a cross between Eeyore and Grumpy! The last time I fell off was, I would love to say never but it was actually last year when I was trialing for Showjumping Champs, Mum and Dad have it on tape so I can't lie, they have proof!
The trip to the USA from New Zealand was an experience for both me and my horse. My family and I actually brought over our dog, Tess and our two horses, Zena (mine) and Shoney (mums). They got put in a three horse container, which was then put on the 747 cargo plane. It was a 12 hour flight and their first time on a plane!!! They handled it very well. There was only a 48 hour quarantine for the horses because we have hardly any diseases in New Zealand. So when they arrived they were horse pin cushions because they got ennoculated for everything. Also you guys might be interested to know we don't have any snakes or poisonous spiders (except for one!) in New Zealand. So it is definitely a learning experience. But we absolutely love it over here! We have just bought a property in Groveland and are really busy setting up a new Riding School. But I am looking forward to being able to get out and join in the pony club activities.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Monday, December 04, 2006
USEA Outreach Clinic
Sara Kozumplik-Dierks and Eric Dierks were at Rocking Horse Stables this weekend helping pony clubbers with cross country training and informing them of the opportunities they have with Young Riders and the USEA instructor certification program (ICP). Both instructors are ICP level 3, A graduate pony clubbers and 4 star eventers. Ashley and Vanessa rode with Sara and have these great tips to share:
Because of the way your horses eyes are placed on his head it is very important to give them a straight approach and a good look at the jump. Look at the middle of the jump where you intend to go until you lose sight of that spot between their ears. Don't look down, just make it clear exactly where you would like them to go.
There is a cruising position which allows you and your horse to stay balanced but also indicates to your horse that he is not jumping. He can relax and not be concerned that something is coming up and your not telling him what it is. (I don't have a photo of that position but ask Ash or Vanessa to show you what they learned.) Then as you approach the jump and need to adjust your stride you get in the presentation position which is what Ashley is doing below. You raise up "like a sail' weight in your heels, hands on neck not pulling against the horse. Sara said to watch videos of William Fox-Pitt to see incredible presentation.
When going down a bank let your hands slide to the knot that you have made at the buckle. Remember that your heels need to be pressed down and your hips pressed forward (not shoulders back.)
Learn to ride with steady rhythm, balance and confidence so your horse learns to trust you.
Nice job girls...hey where did you get those nerd ropes!?
Oh I cant leave out the part about the great "follow the leader" game.
I couldn't tell who was having more fun- the girls or the ponies.
Because of the way your horses eyes are placed on his head it is very important to give them a straight approach and a good look at the jump. Look at the middle of the jump where you intend to go until you lose sight of that spot between their ears. Don't look down, just make it clear exactly where you would like them to go.
There is a cruising position which allows you and your horse to stay balanced but also indicates to your horse that he is not jumping. He can relax and not be concerned that something is coming up and your not telling him what it is. (I don't have a photo of that position but ask Ash or Vanessa to show you what they learned.) Then as you approach the jump and need to adjust your stride you get in the presentation position which is what Ashley is doing below. You raise up "like a sail' weight in your heels, hands on neck not pulling against the horse. Sara said to watch videos of William Fox-Pitt to see incredible presentation.
When going down a bank let your hands slide to the knot that you have made at the buckle. Remember that your heels need to be pressed down and your hips pressed forward (not shoulders back.)
Learn to ride with steady rhythm, balance and confidence so your horse learns to trust you.Nice job girls...hey where did you get those nerd ropes!?
Oh I cant leave out the part about the great "follow the leader" game.I couldn't tell who was having more fun- the girls or the ponies.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
