Day 15: Thank You

This entry is just to sum up my blog about horses. My blog is about my experiences as a horse trainer and learner. I meant for my stories and thoughts to inspire and teach people. I wanted to share my life stories and thoughts to see what people think about them. I love horses, photography, and literature, these are three of my favorite things. I love that I got to put all of these components into my blogs. I love writing about my favorite animal and reliving parts of my life through words. Horses are my favorite animal because they're pure loving animals. I hope you appreciate my blog.

Reliving events through memories is so fun and interesting because you get new thoughts that you didn’t have at the time of the event. My blog has my stories recently about Frank’s farm; it also has quotes, a poem, and an interview with Miss Sweet Pea. I loved writing this blog it was fun, thank you for reading! Also this is my favorite picture of Zanzibar. :)

Day 14: My Friendship Poem

(Google images)

Pressing my knees to his sides

He understands and abides

First a walk, then galloping fast

To race the shadow we cast.

We run and run

Because it’s fun

Like rolling waves across the sea

In perfect rhythm, my horse and me

Salt and pepper

Friends forever

Riding a horse through a field at a full gallop is the best feeling in the world. All you see is open grass the feeling of freedom is like no other. The wind on your face and the rhythm of the horse is soothing. I love it when you can ride a horse and trust them to carry you without stopping.  My first time galloping through an open field was amazing and care free. When you ride you have to pay attention, that’s a fact. When you’re racing through an open field, you can be awake but at the same time trust your horse. Every time I run through the field in Tyler state park with my friends Josephine and Sabrina next to me, I feel close to heaven; like nothing else matters.  My favorite horse to ride when going through the field is Tank he’s so big and comforting. Tanks off button may be hard to find but in the right mind, he is amazing.  That’s why I love him, he’s my best friend.

This quote displays me and Tanks friendship perfectly. I feel like he understands me. We both love to go fast, whether it’s in the ring, or in the field. When I’m in the saddle I love the shadow Tank and I make. It shows any rider and their horse, the shadow so many people love. When I see me and my horses’ shadow, it’s so beautiful and mysterious. Shadows are magical, there unknown and beautiful. The poem is gorgeous and meaningful. It really speaks to me. It talks about the relationship between a human and a horse, which is the best relationship any person could have.

Day 13: A Day in the Life of a Pampered Pony

This interview is a fictional funny one. I interviewed one of my barns most famous ponies’, Sweet Pea. This adorable pony is small and smart; she is also our most pampered pony.

Sara: How is life living in a huge stall with hay and food all day?

Sweet Pea: Life is the best thing in the world. I eat to my heart’s content and I can gloat to the other ponies. I get a huge stall with a ton of hay and I let little kids ride me. How can life get any better you may ask? If my owner would quit being a cheap skate and get my hoofs trimmed, now that would be nice. My hoofs are soar and achy, do you know how it feels to walk on soar hoofs? By the way, are you new? I’ve only been in the main barn for a few weeks. I love my luxury stall and hay. I’m special.

Sara: Number one, no I don’t know how it feels to have soar hoofs, I don’t have any. Two, I’ve been here for two months. And three, you do sound snobby. Ok, Ok next question. How do you like having kids on your back?

Sweet Pea: Well here’s a secret, I don’t like it. I’m just the nice one that doesn’t complain. Plus if I plan out my grumpy days I can stay in my plush stall and eat all day.

Sara: Lazy, but smart pony. You're like me I plan out when I get cranky so I don’t have to do stuff, plus I procrastinate. Last question, how is it living with the other ponies?

Sweet Pea: They’re annoying and Jonny always pushes me out of my stall and takes my food when I’m down there. They look sweet but are sometimes mean and pushy, especially when there’s food involved. Anything else? I’m hungry.

Sara: No, but thanks for sharing. Do you like the title, “Day in the Life of a Pampered Pony”?

Sweet Pea: Sure, sure, whatever. Bye.

That was Sweet Pea the pampered pony. This is some inside information about the number one pony at Frank’s farm. Thanks for reading!

Day 12: The Barn

This picture is my favorite. Even though it doesn’t have a lot of horses in it, it shows one of my favorite places to be. This picture also has me reflected in it. I think it shows that the barn is just as important as the horses in it. The barn itself is pretty ragged and a little torn up; it’s not new and beautiful. The place where the hack horses live during the day and sometimes at night is a half barn, which is small and most of the stalls are just stations. The two horses’ behinds you see in the photo are those of our horses Rocky and Mico. Mico and Rocky are both standing in half stalls and are only clipped in where they stand for the day and this is where they eat in the morning and then again at night. Part of my job is to clean out the half barn and take care of the hack horses along with the boarder horses. Were I’m standing in this photo is one of my favorite places to be because I can see the horses inside along with the horses in the fields behind me. This barn is magical!

            This barn may not be new and pretty. Horses may be allowed to poop on a ground that’s not paved; but it’s amazing.  I think all people see is the new stuff, but when it’s old for me it’s special. I love this barn more than my prissy English barn.  The old feel for me, is always better. I like working in a place that’s old and friendly. Places where people aren’t always telling me what to do, I know my job.  Frank’s horses are hearty muscular animals’ not thin lanky jumpers. They live were horses are meant to live, outside. Horses are gorgeous tough animals and need to been seen as animals not prizes. I love working and riding. Even when it means working in an old barn.

Day 11: A Horse is Never Wasted

(Google Images)

        Horses and Wabun are the two things that define me. Horses keep me going throughout the year until I finally reach the shores of Lake Temagami. I spend about two hours a week in the saddle; I wish I could spend more. Now that I am working at Frank’s farm I work for my rides. So no minute is ever wasted when I’m in the saddle.  My rides now are spent rehabilitating and teaching horses, I never waste time if it means wasting a horse. When I’m teaching these beautiful animals it means giving them a second chance.  Life is all about second chances, because everyone makes mistakes.

                        I have made many mistakes in my life, but this one horse Mico has made many mistakes and he continues to make them. Mico is the type of horse that will buck, dance, and rear whenever he wants to.  He also has no ground manners. This woman at my barn has been working with him to make him a better future. I have ridden with her and seen what she can do with him. He is a smart horse he just choses to use his brain for the wrong reasons. When I see this woman, Shannon riding him she never wastes her time. She makes sure she is helping him. So no time is ever wasted when you are riding a horse.

Day 10: Cowgirl Quote

(Google Images)

              I wish more of this quote played into my life. Overcoming mental obstacles is my weak point, everyone probably knows this. When these obstacles are physical I can do anything. My body is my strong point I can do many things when it comes to being physical or working.  Oh and when I am around horses do not mess with me or  challenge me, because being on a horse and knowing my way around is definitely my strongest asset, nothing else competes.  I was born to ride and to be challenged. I need to take challenges more lightly and do more than my best. This quote outlines me with certain lines inserted were I can improve.  Like doing what can’t be done and soaring over obstacles. These are two things that I need to stick to more often throughout my school week, along with never giving up. This quote is inspiring in more ways than one.

            I love this quote and think it inspires many people to reach their goals and to use their horses while reaching them. Never underestimate people or girls for that matter. I think many people get the impression that English horseback riders are prissy and snobby. Actually more than half of riders are hard core horse lovers that believe horses were made for work and beauty, not just to look good. Horses look majestic but they are also rugged wild animals. I think especially for western riders, we love to ride in nature and to challenge each other. My friends and I love to challenge each other by seeing who can get to the other side of the field the fastest, it is so much fun.  I do believe that when you are a true hardcore rider anything is possible when you’re with and on your horse. This quote has so many statements and they are all true. 

Day 9: Muck out Stalls or Clean Room?

This quote is amazingly true. Every Sunday I go to Frank’s farm to muck stalls and take care of the horses. It gives me pleasure knowing that I’m making a horse comfortable and happy. My favorite part is mucking stalls. It’s my favorite because it gives me time to listen to my iPod in peace, and to think. During the week I’m constantly worrying about school and homework. At the barn I don’t have to think about that I can make up a story or think about stupid things like food or whether or not I picked up my room. And by the way, I would much rather clean a stall than my room. I can let my thoughts overtake me without having to pay attention to anything. Mucking out stalls may smell and sometimes feel disgusting, but it’s as much a stress reliever as riding. Except, you’re not having to pay attention to where you’re going, or what the horse is doing. The stalls are my happy place was I can think and be useful.

This quote speaks volumes about me. I’m hard working and will always take care of a horse but I won’t clean my room until I have to.  My room is subjective, I either leave clothes on the floor or not make my bed. Either way it gets messy and  depending on how long I wait to clean it, it can be unorganized as well. On the other hand I could not leave a horses stall dirty for more than a day, if I did I would feel awful. Horses are my passion, even when it means cleaning up after them. I might hate cleaning my room but I will always muck out a stall. 

Day 8: Help and Heart Ache

Western riding for me is a passion. But when I was younger I rode English with all my heart and soul. English was the only kind of riding I knew. I was constantly being told that I was a natural, I had a gift. Even though I had a few bad instructors along the way, I still rode. I didn't care what horse I was on or if they were big or small I just knew that I was riding and doing what I loved. When I was old enough to do horse shows, it opened a whole new door for me. Although I don’t do them anymore, they were fancy and interesting when I was 10, 11 and 12. When I turned 13 though, the reality hit me that wasting money on English riding lessons was pointless unless I showed. So in September I started riding and working at franks farm.    

Riding at Frank’s gives me a sense of freedom and closeness to the horses. These horses work so hard and when I can ride them and make a difference in their skills it makes me happy. Last night I got a text message saying that my favorite horse Tank might get sold this weekend.  I balled my eyes out for almost an hour. Soon though I came to my senses and thought; you know I’ve made a difference in this horse’s life and that’s what matters. Even though he might not be with me, he will find a good home. You can change a horse for the better and help them find a better life. I have realized this in more ways them one. I may not be able to buy Tank and save him but if someone else can, I know he will have a good life; even if I’m not the one providing it. Finding horses amazing homes and helping them on their way is awesome. Breaking the bonds that you and those horses have made is heart breaking though; and I am experiencing this loss and it totally sucks.

This picture of Tank and I my friend took while I was riding him. He may be a butt sometimes but he’s sweet and has a heart that is more forgiving than most humans, and I love him for that. I hope he stays with me.  

Day 7: A Horse is A Horse no Matter How Small

A horse is a horse no matter how small. This pony is named Dapples, isn't she adorable? She hates me but you know grumpy ponies. Dapples lives with 8 other ponies just about her size. All the ponies like to play with the big horses because they like to think that there special. Especially, Sweet pea she likes to run around and buck in the field just like all the big horses.  They know there small, because all there riders are small but you know size isn’t relevant to the ponies. We have this one pony though who is half blind and is 40years old they say she’s ten years past his expiration date. This ponies name is Buttercup and she’s chestnut with a blonde mane. All the ponies’ thought they were smart, and would sneak out of there pen, Buttercup being the veteran. But after them all getting loose Frank had to lower the gate so that the ponies didn’t run into the park.  It was fun to chase them though.

The ponies are small but just as smart as a horse, sometimes. It all depends on the day and if they’ve been fed or not. We have some ponies that just don’t have a good side like Dapples; she’s cute and cuddly until you touch her in the wrong place. All the ponies have things that set them off, unless there old and don’t care like Buttercup. Buttercups my favorite she’s the one who will actually come and cuddle with you. Ponies are also just small horses, not babies or young horses. Horses are full grown when they reach the age of three. And if you know 40 year old buttercup, she is not a baby she is just a pony. Ponies are cute and adorable, but don’t underestimate them they're smart. I LOVE PONIES!

Day 6: Horses and Greed

(The picture above of money is provided by Google images and the horse above is not Hector his name is Bandit and he is an example of a healthy, happy horse)

I have new thoughts on English riding. It’s fun as heck and I love it, but why not have fun when you ride? English is fun, but when you’re constantly being critiqued on what you’re doing wrong it not fun. After riding Tank in Tyler State Park I had a thought, English riding is overrated.  It looks like fun but when you think about it, the rider is having fun but is the horse? Think about it, they’re the ones carrying your full weight over a jump. It’s like asking your friend to take you on their back and jump over an obstacle. The horse is being pushed and trained to do stuff they have been genetically altered to do. Horses are farm animals and should not be seen as money signs. Some people who don’t pay attention to their animals and let the money get to their heads have issues, and the horse can fall into disrepair, and they’re the ones that go through the pain. It makes me sick!

There’s this horse named Hector that was bought by this messed up family who that thought he could race. But these people didn’t tell the barn manager that Hector was losing weight, and now he’s skin and bones. When people see horses as money signs,  they don’t always pay attention to the details. Now Hector is worthless until he puts on  weight.  It is beyond words how angry this makes. When I saw Hector without his blanket I wanted to go up to the owner and ask, “what the hell is wrong with you!” And rip there head off!  No wonder he looked like he was in pain, he was a walking SKELETON for god sake! Who does that to an amazing horse? Not to mention a horse that has already broken his leg racing before, he’s also only a baby at a staggering 7 years old. Hasn’t this poor animal been through enough pain. He’s just a baby! Money alters people minds when it comes to horses, and it makes me angry. All these animals want to do is love and please, but when they’re put through pain to please the owner, it makes me sad. People have no right to mistreat these gorgeous animals. They don’t deserve it. 


Here is a song that i think explains my feelings quite nicely:     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bb32pmywZyU  

Day 5: My Magical Quote

I never thought I could find a quote that applied to my life quite the way this one does. I’ve never been necessarily normal, I’ve always loved horses and how they show affection no matter what. The quote above makes me think about riding and helping horses. With the amount of work and effort I put into riding and being able to pursue my passion, the strand of my life that contains horses is long and strong and will never waver. The wind of my life blows between my horses ears. Every horse I ride I put the same amount of work into each one to make the horse and myself stronger and more improved than when we walked into the ring; this is something I’ve always done. I will also continue to pursue my passion and help my favorite horse Tank.

Tank is the horse I currently ride; I’m the only person to have ever trained him. I’m his only teacher and he’s my only student. I love that the first time I took him into the ring he was instantly there to please I had no idea he hadn’t had training. He was so smooth and strong that I was oblivious, and that was extraordinary. When I cantered him he picked up the right lead like it was natural I believe that he has been sent to me, I will take him gladly and teach him all I know. He is mine for now, and hopefully, forever.

This quote is more than just words; I feel that it really speaks to riders and horse lovers. Not just because it’s about horses, but because heaven can mean different things, and when it comes between a horse and a human it’s magical.

Day 4: Zanzibar the Old Man

I love white horses especially Zanzibar. His face is so cute the gray around his eyes and the way he wiggles his pink nose is more than adorable. The photo I have posted has an amazing story to go with it. The little girl on Zanzibar is named Shelby and the woman leading Zanzibar is named Shanon. She saved Zanzibar from having to be put down.  Zanzibar was part of the riding program at Franks Farm and when they found out that Zanzibar had a hoof issue that affected his riding ability substantially they said he was to old to save and they were going to have him put down. Zanzibar is 28 years old and is definitly a horse worth saving. When Shanon heard this she bought him and he is now retired. Now Zanzibar is just for show he makes everyone smile, I mean who doesn’t like an adorable fluffy white horse who’s and old man? He also has a nickname, Shelby and I call him Zanzy.

Zanzibar is an old man but he also has a wild side he likes to escape at any chance he gets. I left his gate closed but unlocked, and he pushed open his gate and walked out of the barn my friend Emily caught him before he got any farther, but still a runaway is a runaway. The other time Zanzy got loose he went all the way across the street, after that he was put in his stall instead of the field.  He’s still a good horse just getting old. Anyway this picture portrays Zanzibar in the best way possible he’s not trying to run away and he’s letting a little girl ride him, isn’t he adorable? He’s so sweet, the way only old men can be.
Here is a short video:
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BDkXUdsU-4&feature=related 

Day 3: Saddles and Being in the Saddle

This is a western saddle and is a lot different from an English saddle.  It’s big and bulky, but thick and beautiful. English riding and western riding are very different, Here's an example; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqUIoI0BPg0&feature=related.  But western saddles are the best things ever invented for horses and humans.  They’re so comfortable and when you’re in the saddle everything is better. Being in the saddle on a horse makes me more aware of my surroundings, but more than anything it just makes me happy.  Riding and being around horses is my stress reliever.   When I’m riding a horse, whether it’s in the ring, or out on a trail I don’t think about anything else besides my horse Tank and I.  Now I don’t own Tank, but he’s the horse I ride, and the only horse I want to ride.  He’s fast but smart.  Being smart and having a plan when you’re in the ring riding is so helpful.  Also learning about the horse and how they work is how I start my ride.  Riding isn’t as easy as it looks; it takes a lot of effort and skill to be a great rider, not to mention time and effort.

When I ride Tank in the ring I know he’s going to be fast and probably try to do something stupid.  That’s when knowing a horses quirks helps.  I jokingly say that horses are big smart animals with medium sized brains; they can be really dumb one day and really smart the next.  But even when they’re acting dumb there fun.  The saddle is only a small piece of the puzzle for horseback riding.  I mean you can ride a horse without one, which is so much fun.  So western riding is simple and fun, and riding a horse brings me joy in every way possible.

Day 2: The Beauty of Eye's and Individuality

I think this picture symbolizes something special; it speaks to me.  The eye is a very powerful part of the body and vital for horses.  This Horse is named Charlie.  I took a picture of his eye particularly because people see life in many different ways, and horses have a different way of seeing life.  Charlie’s life consists of Frank’s farm, saddles, and trail rides.  I love horses’ eyes because they can be so many colors from, brown and gold, blue and black, to violet and black.  We have 3 horses at Frank’s farm that have one blue and black eye and one black and brown eye; they look so cool!  Horses are individual in their own ways.

Horses have been a part of my life since I was two years old.  I can’t imagine my life without them.  Throughout my life I have seen many different horses.  Horses are all different in their own ways, whether it’s their eyes, their color, or their markings; no two are the same.  I love that.  There are so many different types of horses, here are some of them, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkgIFXiPIxI&feature=related. You can tell who each horse is by the way they look.  Horses remind me of children because they are playful and energetic and have their individual quirks and problems.  Take Charlie for example, he is head strong but small and fat.  Also he’s cute and lovable, even if he does something mean or stupid.  Horses can do stuff that is annoying or harmful but at the end of the day they’re still lovable and you can’t stay mad at them.  That’s when they remind me of children; no matter how old or stupid they are you can’t stay mad at them.  Charlie is a perfect example of a child.  But this picture represents him because he’s a trail leader; he sees everything first before any of the other horses.  This picture suits him well.

Day 1: Tank; How our Friendship Came to be

This picture is of a horse I love and adore.  His name is Tank.  This horse has changed my life in a way I never thought possible.  Everyone says he loves me and I love him right back.  When I first met Tank all I knew about him was that he was a huge 18 hand horse with big brown eyes, but when I ride him it’s the best feeling in the world. My first ride on Tank was nothing but magical.  I met Tank on a sunny Sunday in October when my best friend Emily and I went to the barn to ride.  I asked for a horse named Buddy but Emily was already on him.  When I was paired up with Tank there was an instant connection.  His ears went forward and I smiled.  I knew from that day on he was the horse for me.  I haven’t ridden any other horse besides him since I joined Frank’s farm.  That was a magical beginning that I will never forget.

The picture above tells a lot about Tank.  He’s big and walks right up to me when I call his name.  Tank’s size scares many people, but I’m a big girl that likes big horses.  I have never been known to go for the small horse; I ride big or medium not small.  I call Tank my big lug because he’s just a big teddy bear.  Whenever I’m around Tank I see myself in him.  He’s big, fast, and antsy as heck.  But Tank also likes and listens to everyone, and everything.  He is also unique; he rides western unlike Boomer the English horse I ride.  Tank is the perfect fit for me.  Before I met Tank, I never knew a horse could show so much affection for a person.  Now that I know the true feeling of respect and love from a horse, I feel that much closer to these big beautiful animals.  Tank will forever hold a place in my heart even though I don’t own him.  I will show him all the love and affection for as long as he is with me. 


Here's a video to show you just how much horses and there owners really bond, and love each other: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44I04GjePN0