Tack n’ Talk
Just another WordPress.com weblogFor all things Rockin’ and Riding! Interview with Peace, Love, and Horses!
Story by Larissa Cox
Peace Love and Horses are a unique online tack and apparel store. They specialize in “all things Rockin’ and Ridin’” for the young and young at heart. Read more on how this company found it’s roots and plans for the future!
How did you start the company and what inspired your name Peace, Love, and Horses?
My husband and I started this company once he decided to change careers in a terrible economy! Our daughter rides (Hunter/Jumper) and has for about 5 years so “living” at the barn made us realize that there was a huge “missing link” for the young female riders. There are tons of places you can get show apparel and western tack and apparel but we wanted to be different by offering some fun and funky things to the girls.
Jillaroo Child's Tights Aqua/Pink
Would you say horses are “a family affair” for you?
Definitely….we all chip in. My daughter helps us at horse shows and keeps us up to date as to what girls her age really want. We were so excited to bring on a partner. She has two horses of her own and rides Western. This added a new dynamic and gave us a whole perspective of the true “horsey” chick!
The product lines that you stock seem to be very fun, youthful, and quite unique. How do you go about finding items ‘for the love of all things Rockin’ and Ridin’?
We scour all the trade magazines and the internet and ask our target market all kinds of questions! What do they want? What colors do you want this and that in, etc. We really try and listen to our customers and bring them exactly what they want…and surprise them sometimes!
Charm - Zebra skin (faux) cross with floating guitar
Where do you see trends in equestrian fashion for both competition and schooling wear heading?
We definitely see equestrian fashion really trying to become more mainstream in its offering. Young riders LOVE their sport and want to show off….but they do not want to compromise fashion sense. We really found this when we discovered the Jillaroo Australia clothing line!
Can horses be stylish as well as their riders?
Absolutely! We try and offer matching polo wraps, halters, saddle pads etc. to make sure the horse looks as good as the rider! We feel they should compliment each other with what they are wearing as well as working together as one.
Best Horse Ever Halter
Can you give us any details on the future of Peace, Love, and Horses?
We would love to attend some major equestrian events this year (re Kentucky!). We would also like to open our own store front where people could come and browse anytime. You might even see our very own line of clothing this year but that’s a secret!
For more information on Peace Love and Horses, and to browse their online store, go to:
Work Smarter, Not Harder .
As every Dressage rider knows , we tend to be perfectionists. The rest of the riding world watches scratching their heads as we practice endless circles of every conceivable size and are never satisfied with the roundness or the size or the something.
How many times have we each pledged to ourselves that we will try harder, work harder, ride more , ride longer , take more clinics, take more lessons, read more books etc. ad infinitum?
As I eagerly loaded my horse for the last clinic I took , I found I was more nervous than usual. This often means the ride is extremely important to me and that I know I am going to throw my mind and body into an all out effort , the energy required being truly daunting.
While I warmed up I tried to think of everything I had ever learned and how I could improve on all of it.
My thoughts on taking clinics are this: you research the clinician and believe you truly respect their work and approach. You pay your money, (more than you usually have ), leave yourself plenty of time to get ready and then when the clinician enters the ring you basically hand over your mind and body and give yourself up completely to the experience.There will be plenty of time for mulling over the details of the ride later.
This time I could not have guessed what an epiphany would transpire!
By the time the coach entered the arena I was already sweating. My horse was doing his best to cooperate with my very enthusiastic urgings by leg,seat and occasional stick for more, more, more impulsion, rythm, cadence, frame and everything I else I could huff and puff out of him.
I awaited with trepidation the command to produce far more of it all. Imagine my surprise on hearing “ you are working much too hard!”
We came back to the walk and rather than push , grind ,pump or kick I was asked to touch my horse with my ankles lightly and to do so every three or four strides. a simple and gentle reminder to keep going with energy. It worked!
As I was encouraged to keep up this light reminding I was asked to make my upper body as tall as possible. I stretched up through my abdominals and obliques. The taller I became, the lighter and softer my horse moved on,more freely and more supple with every movement. He became totally on my aids. I finally said “I can’t ask lightly enough!”The more I sat up , stretched up through my whole upper body and let go through my thighs, knees , hips and seat, the more my horse let go in his jaw until he felt like satin, the lightest whisper of an aid gaining me more response than I’d ever had before.
The clinician said to stay on purely by balance: no gripping , tensing , tightening or pinching. A state I thought I had acheived years ago but clearly this was an entirely new level of letting go. I was told I must be willing to trust my horse and my balance enough to be vulnerable. The odd thing is the more vulnerable I became , the less I protected any joints by closing them or tightening them and the more secure I felt. It seemed the horse and I were one floating creature of ease and grace.Mind you , all these concepts are things I teach every day but on this day I learned that knowing it is not doing it. All the tension we carry in our bodies day in and day out over issues too numerous to list in these busy times, go directly into our horses.Working harder and harder we increase this tension rather than release it. I could actually feel the joy in my horse! I could feel how happy he was to do his best at whatever I asked for. I could feel that so much of his stiffness was actually just a reflection of mine.
When I finally gave up my need to control my horse’s every step in the interest of trying to improve it, my horse was free of my endless nagging to share his bounce and swing and energy with me. What a gift he was giving me.
After the ride I was truly in quite an altered state of awareness for several hours. I had given myself permission to let go, to make mistakes, to stop trying to make the pair of us look perfect every stride.In that moment I had given my horse the chance to be truly submissive without having to deal with all the tension I had been sending him. I realized how very much he wanted to please me.
I am still trying to recapture that moment. It is getting easier. I try to be in a freer state of mind when I go to ride. I have a training plan for the day but have become more flexible regarding what seems right in the moment. It is so hard for me not to work too hard. To let go in my seat , my neck, my shoulders and back…hips, thighs, knees and ankles.
It has occured to me that little is said in life regards our posture. We drag ourselves here and there usually in a rush and seldom just savour the joy of movment. We get around the best we can and don’t pay much attention to tension being stored here and there in our bodies as we go.Our breathing can be rushed , our jaws clenched,our necks tight and stiff. How can we expect our horses to move loosely under such a load and not to mirror this behaviour in their way of going?
Try working smarter,not harder, think of your quiet aids and how happy you are to be riding , not where you have to be 53 minutes from now. Our horses always live in the present. There is so much we can learn from their approach. Cheers and Happy,Carefree riding. Libby Keenan
“Beyond the Homestretch” by Lynn Reardon
As the last of the festive trimmings from the holiday season are put away we find ourselves facing the long off season. Some of us will be hauling frozen buckets and longing to be out of our arenas again. Some will be lucky enough to continue training in warmer climes but most of us will be dreaming of spring and suffering a bit of cabin fever.
My solution? A superb read for those long evenings when sunset comes too early and outside is too cold! “Beyond the Homestretch” by Lynn Reardon is a marvelous journey not to be missed from start to finish.
For the novice horseman it is a vitual handbook of almost every concieveable aspect of horsekeeping and a very encouraging tale of how knowledge follows desire and determination.
For the trainer, you will recognize with fondness the long and bumpy road from starter to professional.
For myself , it took a long time to read and digest the whole book. Not because it is overly long, at 282 pages, a very comfortable read. It was because every chapter , every anecdote and adventure set off a firestorm of memories from my own journey. Lynn’s descriptions of the racetrack are so clear and real, you are there. You are there alongside of all the colourful characters every racetrack attracts. The trainers,dealers,jockeys,exercise riders,veterinarians grooms come to life vividly bringing back my own days at Woodbine racetrack in Toronto.
You will laugh and cry with Lynn all the way from an unsatisfying though successful office career to her crowning achievement: L O P E Lonestar Outreach to Place Ex-Racers.
You will find yourself in every page as she emerges from the cocoon of “novice weekend rider” to full scale trainer with the keen eye and instincts of a true horseman born only of long experience.Of necessity Lynn learns to deal with dire medical situations, dangerous riding, difficult and unscrupulous characters and more ways to stretch a dollar than you can imagine. With the purpose and gumption only a dream of the heart can produce Lynn faces down seemingly unsurmountable obstacles. In the process she finds compassion in odd places ,hope in the darkness and faith in herself and deepening respect and love for her husband Tom.
Anyone who has ever loved a thoroughbred will find them again in the pages of “Beyond the Homestretch”.
If you find yourself in tears every spring when the “Run for the Roses”, starts ringing across the airwaves this book will warm your soul.
As a child I was lucky enough to ride a great grandson of Man O War. “Valcouer”, a chestnut, small and fragile looking who had been injured before he ever raced but saw me to my first red ribbon over an 18 inch jump course. I spent over an hour, frozen in my chair, starring into space back on that jump course before resuming reading.
“Beyond the Homestretch” published by New World Library will be enjoyed and appropriate for readers of all ages from 10 to 100.The same way horses level the age gap between riders, this book’s appeal will span audiences from the city dweller who has only imagined being astride the back of the proudest of horses to the trainer who has seen it all come and go many times before.
I wish Lynn all the luck in the world for the continued growth and success with LOPE. I hope more books will follow since I have a feeling this story has really just begun. Libby Keenan
Congratulations Jenny!
Congratulations to Jenny Sweedler on winning Tack n’ Talk’s 2009 Christmas Photo Scavenger Hunt, “The 12 Horsey Days of Christmas”!
Jenny will receive a beautiful Panoramic Edition Boiselle calendar for her win!
Please enjoy her pictures of the 12 Horsey Days of Christmas below:
For the twelve days of Christmas, my true love gave to me:
twelve tasty carrots!
eleven feed buckets!
ten polo wraps!
nine hoof picks!
eight lead ropes!
seven trot poles!
six paddock boots!
FIVE SNAFFLE BITS!
four dressage tests!
three lunge whips!
two saddled horses!
and a horse in a red Santa hat!
A big thank you goes out to our contest sponsors, Edition Boiselle and Kemp Equine for all their help, as well as to all those who participated in the contest! Stay tuned for contests in 2010! 
“She Carries Me Away” – A Poem By Robin Shen
By Robin Shen
She Carries me away
From here to there
From now to then
Hours Darkened by
Hopeless Struggle
A Miserable Daily Existence
Left Heaving in her Wake
Her Victory an Effortless
Toss of Jet Rippling
On a Graceful Arch
Framing a Rising Sun
Swollen Veins
Rise on her Neck
The Tender Smell of Sweat
From Steaming Shoulders
The Scalding Warmth of her Skin
Shrinks from my Touch
Her Body Presses against mine
My Heart Falters
Closing my Eyes
I Seize the Moment
I gasp for air
Stretched nostrils
Steal my breath away
Later in Bed
I fight to stay awake
The memory of
A day with her
far better than any dream
–
About Robin Shen: Combining knowledge of classical dressage and natural horsemanship, Robin pursues the lightness, connection and harmony that comes from being an “Enlightened Horseman”. You can find out more about Robin and his methods on his Enlightened Horseman Blog.
That Was Then…This Is Now: Palomino Horses in the Tournament of Roses Parade
By Lisa Kemp
What horse lover hasn’t marveled over the all-Palomino horse troupe in the annual Tournament of Roses Parade? Prancing golden horses in shining silver-encrusted saddles, their riders bedecked in colorful costumes and waving red, white, and blue American flags; it’s a sight to stir anyone’s patriotic sentiments. Me, I just drooled over the horses, trying to decide which would be the fanciest mount for my own dream parade.
The stuff of horsey dreams for decades, the Long Beach Mounted Police’s (LBMP) all-Palomino troupe rode in their first Tournament of Roses (ToR) Parade in 1948; they’re still going strong in their 62nd year of parading, with the LBMP celebrating their 75th anniversary in 2010.
Carla Routt, granddaughter of troupe co-founder Jack Turner and the first female member and female president of the LBMP, says the all-volunteer riders are really ambassadors for the LBMP and the city of Long Beach.
“We often travel to different events, presenting gifts from the Long Beach Police to various governments. We’ve been in the Eisenhower and Nixon Inaugural Parades, and have traveled extensively throughout North and South America,” she says. The troupe also provides an average of 8,000 hours of annual service at charitable events and functions, and has a scholarship program for deserving young equine-science candidates.
While the Palominos are the true stars, every horse’s tack can certainly stand on its own in terms of glitz. Each one-of-a-kind black leather Western saddle is encrusted with handmade sterling silver created by artisan metalsmiths of the 1930s and ‘40s, and has a breast collar, bridle, and reins to match. Saddles are so heavy they often take two people to lift them onto a horse’s back!
For many horse lovers, the Palomino horses and their riders are synonymous with the annual New Year’s Day parade. Held every January 1st, the first Tournament of Roses was in 1890 in Pasadena, Calif., staged by Midwest and East coast transplants who wanted to showcase the mild winters of their new home.
Early festivals included not only marching bands and motorized floats, but also bronco-busting demos and even ostrich races! Collegiate football was added in 1902 with Stanford University against University of Michigan, but Stanford was trounced 49-0, and football was dropped in favor of Roman-style chariot races. Football bounced back in 1916, and has been a sell-out ever since 1947, according to the official Tournament of Roses Web site.
For 2010, the Tournament of Roses Parade will kick-off at 8 a.m. Pacific time, and be broadcast in the U.S. on multiple networks, including RFD-TV, HGTV, ABC, NBC, Hallmark Channel and the Travel Channel. The Parade is broadcast in more than 200 countries and territories internationally; for information on everything about the Tournament of Roses events, visit their Web site at www.tournamentofroses.com. For information about the Long Beach Mounted Police including even more photos, visit www.longbeachmountedpolice.com.
This year’s Parade theme is 2010: A Cut Above The Rest. When it comes to the gleaming glitterati of the Long Beach Mounted Police, it’s a sentiment they’ve lived daily, both past and present.
About Lisa Kemp: An award-winning writer and marketing consultant, Lisa has devoted her expertise to the equine industry through her company, KempEquine. Her writings have appeared in publications such as The Horse, Equine Chronicle, Equine Journal, Holistic Horse, USHorse.biz, Paint Horse Journal, Massachusetts Horse, Women & Horses, EQUUS, and Blaze magazine. Lisa believes a good day is one spent with horse people, horse pictures, horse information, and yes, actual horses. Lisa lives in Chicago, Illinois.
Photos Courtesy of the Tournament of Roses Archives
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
Thank you to all our readers and sponsors from this year. You have made 2009 wonderful for us here at Tack n’ Talk! We feel so blessed that we may be able to share this endeavor with you all!
Merry Christmas everyone, and have a great 2010!
With warmest regards,
Larissa and Libby
Tack n’ Talk Blog
The Divine Link…Between Horse and Photographer
By Lisa Kemp
As anyone who’s ever taken a horse’s picture knows, there’s a talent and skill to getting a decent snapshot, one that’s in focus, not distorted, and with both ears forward. However, when your quest is for equine images that could be defined as art, there’s often an ethereal bond between subject and photographer that defies logic and explanation, allowing the magic of the moment to shine through.
Equestrian photographer Gabriele Boiselle embodies that approach in her work. While she’s best known for her depictions of spirited equines at liberty in spectacular settings around the world, Gabriele’s images also showcase a wide variety of disciplines and breeds, horses running free as well as in shared moments with riders and handlers.
Watching her during a photo shoot is a study in patience and intuition: She’s never hurried, and adeptly engages the horse in a type of dance, first here, then there. She observes his emotions, always ready to catch a burst of energy or a spectacular rear, forelegs slicing the air. And the horses play with her, often prancing or posing just so for her camera. She creates a setting that allows each horse’s special qualities to come forth.
As a long-time rider and horse owner herself, Gabriele understands the special connections that are possible with horses, and feels privileged to be doing the work she does. “I feel that horses are such special angels for us, and we live in very special times, that those of us who are able to work with horses at this time are very fortunate,” she says. Both horses and humans seem to respond to this belief, drawn to her as if to the warmth of the sun.
While rapport with her subjects could be innate, her technique is grounded in practical expertise honed over decades of capturing the equine form. For each shoot, Gabriele performs a great deal of advance preparation, from organizing the horses and handlers to scoping out the best settings and light. She’ll also set aside time the night before to visualize the ideal images. It’s what she feels is needed in order to capture, via the camera, each horse’s essence and spirit in the moment, telling an entire story in a single frame. However, Gabriele says the aim of her work is more than simply producing pretty pictures.
“I try to demonstrate, through the horses and my photography, the oneness we have with all of nature. My intention and purpose, in life and work, is to help open the awareness and the inner connection that people can have, not only to horses but also to their own soul,” says Gabriele. Viewing a Boiselle image, one can catch a glimpse of the Divine, embodied in the form of a horse and captured through the lens of a camera.
About Edition Boiselle Calendars
For nearly three decades, Gabriele’s been inspiring fans of her work; 2010 is the Jubilee (25th) anniversary of her calendar line through her company, Edition Boiselle. To celebrate, she’s produced 26 different full-color equine photo-art wall calendars and daily planner books. Each is printed on premium glossy stock, in a European format and in multiple languages; wall calendars have a wire spiral binding for easy hanging. With exotic locales, and horse breeds and disciplines from around the globe, there’s something for every horse lover.
For more information on Gabriele Boiselle and her Edition Boiselle collection, please go to editionboiselle.com
The entire 2010 calendar line can be viewed here.
The U.S./DVD website for Edition Boiselle can be found here.
You can win one of these fabulous Edition Boiselle Calendars by entering Tack n’ Talk’s Christmas Photo Scavenger Hunt! Send in your best festive moments that correlate with the published 12 Days of Horsey Christmas, and you might be entering 2010 in style with a beautiful Edition Boiselle Calendar!
Check out more here!
About Lisa Kemp: An award-winning writer and marketing consultant, Lisa has devoted her expertise to the equine industry through her company, KempEquine. Her writings have appeared in publications such as The Horse, Equine Chronicle, Equine Journal, Holistic Horse, USHorse.biz, Paint Horse Journal, Massachusetts Horse, Women & Horses, EQUUS, and Blaze magazine. Lisa believes a good day is one spent with horse people, horse pictures, horse information, and yes, actual horses. Lisa lives in Chicago, Illinois.
Congratulations Winners!
Thank you all for participating in Tack n’ Talk Blog’s 2009 Literary Contest!
The winner of our Reader’s Choice Grand Prize is:
“My Heart My Horse (My Heart Broke Today)” by Shelley Sime Fossen!
Shelly received 9 votes out of 23 from our readers! She will receive a super prize from our sponsor Jillaroo Australia! Congrats Shelly!
To recap, our category winners are as follows:
For 11 and under:
“Why I Love Horses” by Shayne Butler
For 12 to 17:
“Why I love Sisco” by Felicia Laidlow
For 18 and over:
“The Whiskey Project” by Cindy B.Gray
Thanks again to all our participants and all our readers! Have a very Merry Christmas!
2009 Literary Contest – Reader’s Choice GRAND PRIZE!
Thank you everyone who entered Tack n’ Talk Blog’s Literary Contest for November 2009! Readers were asked to submit a literary work, in the form of essay, short story, or poem of why they love horses. Below please find your category winners along with their submission! All first place winners will be receiving fabulous prizes from our sponsor Jillaroo Australia!
Now it’s time for Tack n’ Talk reader’s to choose their favorite literary work! Below are our top placings in each category. Please read all submissions, and in the comments section add your vote for the grand prize winner out of the eight listed below! Be sure to include both the name of the author and the title of the submission. Each individual reader’s vote will be counted only one time. Therefore, please do not vote for multiple submissions. Please note, the grand prize winner is strictly chosen based on votes from readers. Category placings will not weigh the final vote. Therefore, any of the eight submissions listed below have equal chance of winning the reader’s choice grand prize.
Tack n’ Talk’s Literary Contest GRAND PRIZE winner will be announced December 20th! Winner will receive a fabulous prize from Jillaroo Australia!
Congratulations to all our category winners, and good luck to contestants in the running for our Grand Prize!
To all our readers: Have fun and happy voting!
11 and Under
★1st place★ “Why I Love Horses” by Shayne Butler
I’ve loved horses since I was about six years old. People said, “Oh, its just a phase, she’ll get over it.” But the truth is, I didn’t. I am eleven years old now and I am still in love with horses. My obsession began when I met my first horse. Let me tell you our story.
I was so excited! It was the day that I had been waiting for a long time to come. Today was the day of my first horseback riding lesson. I was seven years old and deeply in love with horses. I had horse posters all over my room! I practically fainted when my parents told me that I would be starting horseback riding lessons at Treeline Stables. It seemed like it took years for my first lesson to role around! But I didn’t have to wait any longer! Today was the day! When we finally got there I nearly flew out of the car. We walked into a barn filled with ponies. I heard a whinny from somewhere far away. I knew that would be my horse. He would be a tall black horse with a powerful jump and a beautiful stride. His name would be something like Storm or Lightning. I could just see us flying over logs in no time at all. My thoughts were interrupted by a friendly greeting. It was my trainer. She introduced herself as Amy Greene and showed us to another barn and told me that the horse that I would be riding is inside. I was so excited; I thought I was going to explode! We walked in and turned a corner. “Here’s George!” Amy said. In front of me was a short chubby pony that was white with tiny black dots on him. I didn’t know what to think. I wanted to ride a horse but not a short, chubby, pony. I smiled weakly and said thank you like I was taught to do. When I got on and started trotting, I realized something very important about George. He was stubborn and annoying. No matter how hard I kicked he wouldn’t move. I knew this was going to be a nightmare from the moment I saw him. When Amy saw me struggling she told me that if I put my heels down and looked up then I would have an easier time trying to get George to go. After I tried that I realized George was actually a good horse. After the lesson was over I was smiling ear to ear. When it was time to go I gave him a hug and said goodbye.
I rode him once a week for almost a year. He did everything for me. If I fell off then you could tell he felt bad. If you had to be firm with him he would forgive you. I loved George more than anything in the world and I would have done anything for him, but the one time I couldn’t, was the one time he needed me the most. One lesson I came in the pony barn and I glanced at the board that had all the riders and their horses’ names that they would be riding for their lesson. When I found my name next to it was not George but Candy Bar. The board never lies, so Amy has said, so I got Candy Bar out. As I walked by George’s stall I saw him laying down with his leg wrapped. I started to get worried. When Amy arrived I asked her what was wrong with him. She said that he was being ridden by someone else and he tripped, fell and sprained his leg. I was worried for him but I knew he would be okay. I rode Candy for a while and he was good but I still missed George. One time after lessons my mom told me something that I wish I never had to hear. She said George was going to leave Treeline and go to another barn because they couldn’t use him as a school horse anymore. I knew he wasn’t going to die but this felt the same. He was leaving. I would never see him again. I sat there for what seemed like forever crying and telling him how much I love him. He was so special to me, he couldn’t just leave me. He was my whole world. He was my best friend. Finally, it was time to go and I gave him a kiss, the last kiss I would ever give him and said goodbye. When I came to the barn the next week he was gone. I knew he was happier just being able to relax and have fun. I knew nothing would ever break that bond that he and I had together. I hope that he will live the rest of his life happy and free.
Horses are animals that leave hoof prints on our hearts. They are beautiful graceful animals that I love and will always love. So that’s why I love horses.
★2nd place★ Why I Love My Horses” by Madison Dronfield
Hello my name is Madison and I am writing about why I love my horse. Sadly I do not own a horse, yet, but I love (or loved) all of my lesson horses.
The horses I ride (or rode) were (or are) named Sneaky Pete, Kirby, Sisco, and my favorite, Ace. Here is why I love (or loved) these wonderful horses.
Sneaky Pete was the first horse I ever experienced riding on. I rode him at my Aunt’s summer horse camp for two years. He was very stubborn my first since I was very inexperienced, since he was stubborn I believe it makes him a great lesson horse. He was also sweet, and sneaky. He is a small Pinto horse and those are the reasons why I loved him.
Kirby was the second horse I ever rode, whom, I met the spring after camp at a riding barn near me, he too was fairly stubborn. He is a 16hh, Bay, Quarter Horse. He was the first horse I have ever experienced cantering on. Of course those are the reasons I loved him.
Sisco is a small chestnut, Quarter horse I rode in the 2009 summer camp at my Aunt’s. He was fairly stubborn, until he was warmed up. I don’t only love him because he taught me a lot, but because he is a very sweet horse.
Ace is my favorite. He is my Aunt’s flea-bitten gray , that she rides in shows. I love him a lot because he is very kind, mellow, and easy to get attached to. I also rode him at my Aunt’s 2009 camp. He may be small (15hh or so), but he is a big mover! His trots are large, and his canter strides are huge! He is very sweet, a gentleman I may say, and that is why he is my favorite and why I love him!
In the end, I don’t have a horse, yet, but I treat (or treated) all of the horses I ride (or rode) as if they were my very own horse!
12 -17
★1st place★ “Why I love Sisco” by Felicia Laidlow
There are so many reasons why I could love any horse, but only one stands out to me. Sisco has an amazing personality. He instantly knows what kind of mood you’re in and how to make you feel better. I do not own him but boy I wish I did ! If I show up to my riding lesson in a bad mood he knows it and some how makes my problems disappear; it’s truly amazing. Sisco is a very interesting horse with a bad background, a bright future and a big heart.
Sisco stands at 14.3 hands high (hh), and is a fourteen year old pure Quarter Horse. As I said earlier, his personality is outstanding, a lot of people don’t get or understand why he misbehaves sometimes. My riding instructor Libby, has had many other students on Sisco and no one clicks like him and I. Libby says it’s because him and I have similar personalities. If I want him to trot or work a little he might give me a dirty look or kick the wall but then he gives up because he knows I mean business. He respects me and in the end doesn’t mind the work. I have been riding for around four years; I have not been riding Sisco thats long though. Finally after two shows on a different horse, my riding teacher put me on her horse, then to Sisco because she knew I was ready to help support Sisco and I do.
All the things I have mentioned so far are all connected in a certain way. When I mentioned “Bad background” and “She knew I was ready to help support Sisco and I do” there is a story behind it all. When Sisco was at another he was abused and whipped when he did something wrong. This caused him to be really cautious around people and not trust them. It took a while to build up the trust I have with him; if I respect him he respects me. The reason why Sisco needs help from the rider is because he has a balance problem which causes him to rush whenever he gets off a beat to get it back. That’s where i come in. I help him with his balance by having a firm seat, a good connection with the mouth, lots of half halts, prasing and building his trust in me and his self esteem. Students who have ridden him don’t ride him because they think it’s his fault he gets off balance. It may be that his balance gets off a lot but if you have a connection with a horse like I do with Sisco, you know how to help him. The rider controls the horse, the horse does what you ask.
Recently, I have started to canter on Sisco. He needs a lot of help and balance in the canter. Sisco’s canter makes me feel free. Any rider who had ever cantered knows what I’m talking about. At the beginning You’re all tensed up and then after five strides you instantly relax, find a sense of happiness and freedom. I have competted in three Dressage shows, one of them on Sisco, and i feel we did really well. It was at Sunhall Harvest Fest; it was my first show on him and we were up against really good horses; we were lucky to place second, theird, forth and reserve champion. Libby and I were really pleased with my test results, and I was really proud of Sisco. I see a bright future and good tests next time we show.
After years of building up trust I finally have it and that’s all I have wanted out of Sisco. Whenever I get on I know he might be a little cranky but i trust he isn’t going to give me a problem when I ask for a decent workout out of him. There is something bout that horse that makes me smile. Whenever I go to ride after grooming and before tacking up, I give him a little back rub and I think he enjoys it because everytime I do it he opens his mouth as if he is yawning. Sisco’s owner rides whenever she is free but isn’t interested in showing so she doesn’t mind me showing him, which I am really greatful for. Next season I plan on showing him a lot and we’re going to try our best; I believe in him! As i said, Sisco is an amazing little horse with a bad background, bright future and a big heart. With only a saddle between us I feel as if I am on top of a mountain, over-looking the world, watching the minutes pass, the sun fade, and for a brief moment i have found peace, love and sense of belonging. That’s why I love Sisco!
★2nd place★ “Untitled Poem” by Amanda Diggens
Raindrops had fallen on your nose,
leaving spots for me to see.
A treat, as chocolate and vanilla were swirled for us to share.
Eyes like my own, we saw each other’s,
a door to your soul.
Your ears pointed forward,
music to mine.
Wind swept by you,
making streaks of the color on your neck,
through your long mane.
Mountains to climb on your shoulder,
strong,
yet gently kept, so I can feel it with one touch.
Your dainty front legs are those of a deer,
but they hold up both you and I together with ease.
I can feel the fur along your barrel,
and get lost in a soft, white forest with you.
Your hindquarters have harnessed the power of the world,
and that power is shared with me,
when I climb upon your back,
or simply listen to your soft nicker.
Your back legs hold up the world,
effortlessly, through the stars we are carried.
Rivers flowed through your hooves, leaving their mark,
and with every step, you make a new ocean,
waves, the sound of my heartbeat.
A sound I will always hear,
wherever I go,
and I can’t live without it.
★3rd place★ “Prince” by Sarah Crooks
If someone told me that I was getting a horse, I would have freaked out. However, I didn’t have time to. Prince was a complete surprise to me, and in the few months I’ve had him he’s already taught me so much.
He came to me with another horse. A girl at our barn had bought a new pony and while my riding instructor and the barn owner were talking, the prince was thrown into the mix, some decisions were made, and home came prince. He hadn’t been worked with in over 2 years at least, and it showed in his coat. At first, we butted heads. He said left I said right, I said bend he said canter. In the first two months if we had had to leave, I would not have looked back or regretted leaving him. But once forced to shorten his mane, trim him up, and give him a bath, I found a nice looking qh/arab cross instead of a silly looking horse. With all that frustration at him gone, a partnership began to grow. Now when someone says, “do you like him” my answer has changed from a forced smile and yes to a “yes! I love the prince”
In the little time I’ve had the prince, we’ve learned so much about each other and little life lessons. He’s taught me that you can mind friendship in some unexpected places at unexpected times, to always stay on you toes, and at the end of a ride, your horse needs to be taken care of NOW before he pulls the post out of the ground to come get a treat. Our experiences together have made me realize that that sometimes the fanciest dressage horse cant replace a beloved companion, a true friend stays by your side(thought they may annoy you a little with their antics)and that there’s a horse-a-saurs in the woods and we need to leave NOW. He has taught me that not having fear doesn’t make you strong, it’s getting over that fear (with a little help from a friend of course) that’s counts and that prince doesn’t work for free, he needs food NOW. This 18 year old arthritic horse taught that he can out jump his shadow when he feels like it, that he can make me feel and look like I’m riding a million dollar horse, and after the jump you need to sit up NOW because all the looking good means I get to have fun afterwards (even if it means you come off). I could go on and on, but the most important things prince had made me realize is that when you love someone enough, then goodbyes aren’t forever and that no matter how far apart you are, their always right there with you, but its best if you see them face-to-face. NOW.
So there you have it. I love that silly horse of mine because of what we’ve been through and what lessons I’ve learned from him. Of course, I could think of plenty of more reasons but that’s one of the prince’s main rules. Keep it simple. And maybe the prince will slow down someday and become a beginner horse and maybe a new person to this wonderful sport will get to learn as much as I do from him. But those are big maybes. I doubt the prince will ever slow down or stop loving jumping or not get into trouble and “mellow down”. Because that is what makes the prince so lovable. No, I think he’ll keep going for a while now.
Over 18
★1st place★ “The Whiskey Project” by Cindy B.Gray
One fine Friday evening in mid-July my buddy Renae said lets take a trail ride, I said sounds great, meet ya’ll at the barn at 6:00. As we rode I told Renae about the stress and drama at my office job, I told her about how I miss my mom who’d recently left for a trip around the world, and that she won’t be home until November. We chatted like we always do on our trail rides. Then Renae told me that one of the nice gals from the VEA, who we’d met at East Fork back in May, had called her and asked for help w/ a rescue. Renae told me about going to McMinnville the previous weekend and loading up a stock trailer w/ sick, starving, and abused horses. As I’ve always said, I’m so glad there are “those people” that do that, but I’d never been involved in such and honestly have led the privileged horse life thanks to my parents (I lost my dad 4 years ago, the horses are like a piece of him for me). With mom out of town, all the responsibilities of the barn and horse care now mine and I had buried myself in the duties tending to our four well cared for horses. I love them so.
That Saturday morning I could not quit thinking about the rescue that my friend told me about. I went to TSC and bought some things to donate to this VEA Rescue Barn. Then Renae called (as if she was reading my thoughts); she, her mom and daughter were going to visit the rescue horses on Sunday, would I like to join them. Perfect I thought, I can deliver these things and see for myself what she’d told me about. Why did I have this feeling inside that I needed to help? It was all new to me, but it was powerful. I remember the girls saying “there’s a really pretty palomino there”. Off we went to see the horses at Greg’s rescue farm, then onto the vet’s office where the very sick, quarantined rescues where. The experience left me almost speechless (this rarely happens). In the pasture at the vet’s office I saw Whiskey (who I named that day). He was in the back of the lot, away from the pack. His field buddy wore a face mask, I learned she had a bad eye and would be put down that next week as her eye was beyond help. Poor Whiskey, he’d loose his buddy. He let me approach him, rub him down w/ my hands, and he ate a treat from my hand. We asked Greg about his details, 8-year old gelding, he was “#2” which indicated he was one of the first horses to be caught at the rescue site. When we got in the car to leave, I had decided I needed to take him as a foster. I really had no idea what I may be getting into. Whiskey was my choice of horses to help.
In the next couple weeks, Whiskey did not get better, he got worse. I had to have knee surgery, work was a living hell, endless chores at the barn…then I called to check in w/ Greg and let him know I had a delay due to my knee. Things were not looking good for Whiskey at all, and I told Greg if he didn’t make it, I’d choose another horse to help. I hung up and cried, for 2 days. Much to my surprise, the next week or so Renae calls and has learned that Whiskey is at Jamie’s place and he’s improving and he’s well enough to go home w/ me when I’m ready! On August 29, 2009 we went to Jamie’s farm and picked him up. I could tell he’d gained some weight in the weeks since rescue day, but he still looked pitiful. This is when my son and boyfriend saw Whiskey for the first time. Our first challenge, the trailer ride home. . .
He walked right into the two horse trailer behind me like he knew he was starting a new chapter of his life. As I drove us home that day, the realization of what I was doing really hit me. I was frightened, and I was nervous about how our herd would react to him, I was nervous to take this on w/out the guidance of my natural horsewoman mother, not to mention what she’d say when she returns in November. My mind raced about everything. Time to unload, I was tense about this, I’ve seen horses come out of trailers and hurt themselves. With the help of PT (afore mentioned boyfriend, who is not a horseman but a real sweetie), I enter the trailer and attempt to back Whiskey out. He can not do it. He’d get one leg down, slowly then the other back leg. I saw his hindquarters tremble, and up he’d come again to stand in the hot trailer. He laid his sweet face against my chest and what I heard him say is “I’m sorry, but I don’t know how to do what you’re asking me to do”, or maybe it was “I just don’t have the strength”. This process went on for nearly an hour. We decided we needed to make it as easy as possible for him, the center partition had to go. He stood quietly w/ me in that small two horse trailer while PT took out the partition. Then Whiskey gently turned around and stepped out to his new home. It was near dark, we groomed Whiskey, we let him graze and I looked at every part of him like he was my child who I’d just brought home from the hospital. We turned him out to the pasture I’d prepared for him, and PT drug me away from the gate. I could have sat in his field all night just looking at him. I was back over at the barn at the crack of dawn on Sunday morning.
Sunday, August 30, 2009, was Whiskey’s welcome home party. After a trail ride w/ the girls, the welcome Whiskey festivities began. We gave him a bath, he did amazing. Ms. Margaret held him, Samantha and I scrubbed him w/ soap, Renae hosed and photographed, the 2 dogs bounced around him, Calvin (my son) and PT watched and helped. Whiskey let us all know he was happy; and quite tolerant, considering all the activity. We put salve on his scars, we used fly spray and coat conditioners. The other horses talked to him from their pastures and it seems they knew he was frail and weak. Its like a family affair, we were all so excited to be helping this guy!
Everyday after work, to the barn I’d go. Simply to handle him, feed him, let him know that I’m his new person. I think my family felt mildly neglected! Oh well—they understand. One Friday night, after having Whiskey 2 weeks, I went to feed. It was dark, but no worries as the horses always come running when they see me arrive to feed. Whiskey wasn’t at the gate waiting for me. He was no where in sight. I got the feed bucket out. He still did not appear. I don’t even remember feeding the others, but I was in a sheer state of panic. I was there alone, no flashlight, and no idea where this horse was, or if he was okay. I could hardly make one foot step in front of the other, I could hardly open the gate, and tears gushed down my face. I remember thinking, I have to find him out here, he’s down, he’s hurt, and I have to call the VEA folks and tell them what I’ve let happen to him. I was fumbling for my cell to call PT and ask him to get there asap w/ a flashlight, when I heard the thunder of Whiskey’s gallop from the back corner of the pasture. He ran RIGHT up to me and nuzzled me, and I think I heard him say “hey I didn’t know you’d come out and feed me after dark!”. At that moment, I knew he meant more than I even realized to me. And I think he knew it too. So I laid there over his bony back and cried all over him.
The month of September has to be the most rewarding time I’ve ever spent w/ a horse. To see Whiskey gain weight, have life in his eyes, and see him grow to trust me is amazing. We’ve raised our other horses mostly, and I love them all dearly and they know it. However, I do believe that the bond formed w/ a rescue is different. Every moment I spend w/ Whiskey is like a learning experience for both of us. He holds his head high now, he knows his coat is shiny and his hoofs feel good under him. He has funny little quirks and does things that remind me how far we still have to go, but I appreciate the chance to take him as my own and help a horse in such need. I can not thank the VEA enough for this experience. I guess being one of “those people” is something that I’d been missing out on for a lot of years. I’m honored to be a foster, I hope to adopt Whiskey and someday see y’all on a trail ride and say, “this is my first rescue”. The world of horses is powerful on so many levels, I thought I knew a lot about that, but it seems I’m just beginning to learn. Thank you Volunteer Equine Advocates.
★2nd place★ “My Heart my Horse (My Heart Broke Today)” by Shelley Sime Fossen
I called the herd for their morning meal.
He didn’t come and the fear in my heart was immediately real.
He was always there, the head of the herd.
The other horses didn’t come for the grain that was offered.
Those equines had a look in their eyes that something was wrong.
I knew in a moment that my pride and joy might be gone.
My heart broke that day.
As I saw Zip in the spot where he lay.
Zippos High Caliber was still beautiful, shiny, and warm.
I’d spent the night before washing and trimming in the barn.
He was silky and clean and ready to show.
All I could do was hug and hold him crying out “no!”
August 1st is a day I will never forget.
Blast the drought, the dust and the humidity that let
my best buddy fall to asthma, that dreadful disease.
I knew in my heart that I couldn’t ask “God, please!”
He was gone in his prime and loved by all.
No more trophies or championships or figuring his way out of a stall.
Zip gave his heart in whatever he did.
Be it reining, halter, trail, games, or teaching a kid.
He had almost human-like qualities like no other.
We sadly buried him right beside his dear mother.
Two beloved horses laying side by side.
Thank you to all who rode them, loved them, and cried.
The healing process has barely begun.
I’ll never forget the reining patterns that he run.
His speed and his quickness, the collection, the spins.
It was his pride, his heart, his versatility that helped him win.
Now as I stare at his retired bridle and special bit,
those horseshoes, the blankets each with a championship year on it,
I find my heart heavy and sometimes so sad.
I do have Zip’s black sister and know that I should be glad.
There forever will be a fondness in my heart
and know that our souls will never be far apart.
I’ll look up to heaven and listen for hoofbeats so fast
and know Zip and Blackie are galloping through the grass.
Rest in peace my beautiful red bay.
A piece of my heart went with you that day.
★3rd place★ “Love of Horse and Goddess Force” by Eleanor D. Van Natta
When i came by this world
my goddess danced and swirled
cried, screamed like a banshee
but quiet, hush, or stern plea
would echo black
smacking her back
once, even clouds she could pass
then shriveled she, an amoeba on glass
though she would not die
alas, only a microscope’s eye
could find her within
drowned amidst the din;
ah, but she would rise
called by my sighs
golden phoenix from simmering flames
this goddess no one tames
one day I would scream
ride in from my dream
I know you well, horse
for you are goddess force
grace and power abide in you
from me, like a bird they flew
but upon your mighty back
goddess breathes my reins slack
you, a mere appendage, now a mirror
my goddess, no more shall I fear her;
Epona, we will make you proud
as we unveil from our heart’s shroud
and claim this world
with manes and desire unfurled.
