Pictures from My Dressage Test and a Fall Picture

 I'm really happy with how many nice pictures I got from my last lesson. I even have one of me falling off! The first few are of me riding Ginger at the trot along the perimeter of the dressage court, and then there are some of my dressage test. My heels are not done in some of the pictures.

Trotting.

Notice my heel.

At A in the dressage court.

Turning down centerline.

Riding towards B to do a 20 meter circle

Here I think I am doing my 20 meter circle at B.

Now I am riding my circle at E and am heading back towards E.

Cantering!

Ouch! I'm flying over her head. I did a somersault in the air and landed on the ground pole  by Ginger.

After getting back on I did some circles at C at the trot.

Heading in the other direction. Look how much better my heel is.

Rolex OTTB Pedigree Comparison

 Because I love studying Thoroughbred pedigrees to see if I can find any names of famous horse, I decided to look into the pedigrees of the OTTBs that entered this year's Rolex, even if they didn't finish. I thought it would be fun to compare them and see what names they have in common. Click a Rolex horse's name to see the complete pedigree.

Mensa G
 I'll start with Mensa G, who placed fourteenth overall at Rolex. Mensa is by Colonial Affair and out Fire the Secretary, who is by Stop The Music, a well-known race foaled in 1970. Fire the Secretary's dam, Esdiev, is by Secretariat, who is by Bold Ruler and out of Somethingroyal. Bold Ruler. On Mensa's sire's side, we Northern Dancer and Raise A Native, two names that appear in almost every Thoroughbred pedigree these days.

Pirate
 Pirate is by Pirate Stronghold and out of Stars Heir, by Risen Star. Risen Star is by Secretariat, son of Bold Ruler and Somethingroyal. The dam of Stars Heir is Perceptive Heiress, by Vice Regent by Northern Dancer. If we trace Pirate Stronghold's line, we see his sire is Seeking Gold, by Mr. Prospector, who was sired by Raise A Native. Seeking Gold's dame, Con Game, was sired by Buckpasser.

Tsunami
 Tsunami is by Roanoke and Tsu Tsu Slew, who is by Tsunami Slew, son of Seattle Slew(by Bold Reasoning) and Barbs Compact. Tsu Tsu Slew is out of Even In Paradise,by Affirmed(Exclusive Native and Won't Tell You). Exclusive Native is by Raise A Native, and Won't Tell You is by Crafty Admiral, a descendent of War Admiral and Man o' War. I didn't find many well-known horses on Roanoke's side until I went back several generations and found Bold Ruler and Native Dancer.

Sir Rockstar
 Sir Rockstar is by Rockamundo and out of How Unusual, by Great Sun, son of Bold Ruler. Rockamundo is  by Key To The Mint, who is by Graustark and Key Bridge, the latter of which is the granddaughter of War Admiral(by Man o' War) on her dam's side. Rockamundo is out of Crystal Cup, by Nijinsky, son of Northern Dancer.

Parker
 Parker is the son of Marquetry and Hello Mom, by Caveat, son of Cannonade, whose sire, Bold Bidder, is the son of Bold Ruler. Hello Mom's dam is Road To Heaven, and is by Kennedy Road. Parker's sire is by Conquistador Cielo, by Mr. Prospector, son of Raise A native, by Native Dancer. Conquistador Cielo is out of K D Princess, by Bold Commander by Bold Ruler. When we look at Marquetry again, we see that he is by Regent's Walk, by Vice Regent, by Northern Dancer.

Irish Rhythm
 Irish Rhythm is by Vice Chancellor and Dawnsari, by Dawn Flight. Vice Chancellor is by Vice Regent, son of Northern Dancer, out of Natalma by Native Dancer. Alibi, by Birkhahn, is the dam of Vice Chancellor.

Ziggy
 Ziggy is by Ziggy's Boy and is out of Berry's Blush, by Foolish Pleasure. Foolish Pleasure is by What A Pleasure, son of Bold Ruler. Berry Blush is out of Cherry Berry, by Nice Dancer, son of Northern Dancer.

Houdini
 Houdini is by Hot Rock and is out of Nancy's Star, by Big Sal, son of In Reality, the son of Intentionally. Nancy's Star is out of Marching Star, by Marshua's Dancer, son of Raise A Native, by Native Dancer. Marching Star is out of Watch Her Go, by Riva Ridge, son of First Landing.

Shiraz
 Shiraz is by Gallapiat and is out of Bold Blossom, by Fountain Of Gold, son of Mr. Prospector, who is by Raise A Native, the son of Native Dancer. Bold Blossom is out of Blossom Deary, by Boldnesian, by Bold Ruler. Shiraz's sire, Gallapiat, is by Buckpasser, son of Tom Fool. Buckpasser is out of Busanda, by War Admiral, son of Man o' War. Gallapiat is out of Gay Missile, by Sir Gaylord, out of Somethingroyal.

Relentless Pursuit; credit

Relentless Pursuit
 Relentless Pursuit is A Lee Rover and is out of First Raise, by Raise A Cup, son of Raise A Native, by Native Dancer. Raise A Cup is out of Spring Sunshine, by Nashua, son of Bold Ruler's sire, Nasrullah. First Raise is out of Our First Pleasure, by What A Pleasure, son of Bold Ruler. Relentless Pursuit's sire, A Lee Rover, is Conquistador Cielo(see Parker), by Mr. Prospector, by Raise a Nativer, son of Native Dancer. Conquistador Cielo is out of K D Princess, by Bold Commander, son of Bold Ruler. A Lee Rover is out of Aware, by Buckpasser by Tom Fool.

Madison Park
 Madison Park is by Monaco Magic and is out of Mistress Of Mine, by Band Practice, son of Stop The Music, by Hail To Reason. Band Practice is out of Fleet Empress, out of Countess Fleet, by Count Fleet, a Triple Crown winner. Mistress Of Mine is out of Irish Lulabye, Real Top Deal. Irish Lulabye is out of Game Fleet, by Fleeting, by Count Fleet.

Collection Pass
 Collection Pass is by Collection Agent and is out of Winged Passage, by Assault Landing, by Buckfinder, son of Buckpasser and Shenanigans, the latter by Native Dancer. Assault Landing is out of Trail landing, by Solo landing, by First Landing. Winged Passage is out of Light Of Foot, by Majestic Light, who is by Majestic Prince, son of Raise a Native, the son of Native Dancer. Light Of Foot is out of Laughter, by Bold Ruler. Collection Agent, sire of Collection Pass, is by Dancing Master, son of Dancer's Image, by Native Dancer. Collection Agent is out of Contrary Brogue, by Mr. Brogann.

Here's To You
 Here's To You is by Wills Way and is out of China Sky, by Skywalker, the son of Relaunch, who was sired by In Reality, son of Intentionally. Skywalker is out of Bold Captive, by Boldnesian, son of Bold Ruler. Bold Captive is son of Captive Audience, son of Native Dancer. China Sky is out of Bolchina, son of Bolger, who was sired by Damascus. Will's Way is the son of Easy Goer, by Alydar, who was sired by Raise A Native, son of Native Dancer. Easy Goer is out of Relaxing, by Buckpasser. Will's Way is out of Willamae, by Tentam, son of Intentionally. Willamae's dam, Raclette, is out of Lauries Dancer, daughter of Northern dancer.

Expedience credit

Expedience
 Expedience is by Ayes Turn and is out of Promenador, by Cannonade, son of Bold Bidder, by Bold Ruler. Promenador is out of Hayseed Honey, by Jerry Crow. Hayseed Honey is out of Stormy Love, by Promised Land.

 If you read all these pedigrees, you may notice some similarities. For example, many have Raise A Native, Native Dancer, and Northern Dancer in them, as well as Bold Ruler. Buckpasser appeared in Here's To You, Collection Pass, Relentless Pursuit, Shiraz, and Pirate. You may also notice that Vice Regent appeared in Irish Rhythm, Parker, and Pirate. Mr. Prospector also appears in several pedigrees as well. What A Pleasure appeared in Relentless Pursuit and Ziggy, and Secretariat appeared in several. All in all, each had many names in common. Perhaps it is because those names are commonly found in Thoroughbred pedigrees, or maybe those sires and dams make great eventers.

California Chrome Wins Kentucky Derby 2014

 This year's Kentucky Derby winner is California Chrome, a Californian horse. He took a good position early on and galloped down the homestretch to win the 2 million dollar prize and the first jewel of the Triple Crown. California Chrome's dam is Love The Chase, a mare who had run poorly as a filly and was purchased for $8,000. When studying her pedigree, her owners noticed that she was a descendent of Mr. Prospector and Northern Dancer, so they decided to breed her. She was bred to Lucky Pulpit, a stallion with a $2,000 stud fee. Lucky Pulpit has won only three times out of twenty-two starts. Despite his poor racing career, he has a nice pedigree and is a descendent of A.P. Indy, son of Seattle Slew. He is also related to What A Pleasure, sire of Foolish Pleasure, and Mr. Prospector.

 So far, California Chrome has a had a great career, especially since his Derby win. Maybe this year will be the year that the racing world gets another Triple Crown winner.

Ouch! I Fell off During my Dressage Lesson + an Opportunity with Owning a Horse

 For this week's riding lesson, I worked on dressage Intro Test C with Ginger. I warmed her up with walk-halt transitions riding around the arena twice before entering the portioned off dressage court. I trotted around it several times. Ginger needed a bit of encouraging sometimes, but she was otherwise great.

Next, I went through Intro Dressage Test C for the first time on Ginger. I trotted down center line, halted and saluted, then continued toward C, turning right and riding down the long side of the arena. I rode a 20 meter circle at B, then another at A, skipping out the canter part. I then rode across the diagonal of the arena, turned left, then made two more 20 meter circles, one at E and another A. At P, I slowed to a walk and rode to H. Finally, I trotted down the long side, turned down center line, and halted and saluted at G.

After that I rode Ginger on a long rein around the dressage court to give both of us a break. When I was ready, Meghan said I could do some cantering, something I hadn't done with Ginger before. I rode toward C and began a 20 meter circle in the trot. At the S-R line, I began cantering. I did only a few times on each circle.

What Meghan noticed is that my heels weren't down, so when Ginger stopped, I would lose my balance. That is what caused the next event. When I was cantering near M, Ginger slowed down, and I went somersaulting over her head, landing on a wooden ground pole the marked the dressage court. Unlike last time, this fall hurt. The part above my right hip hurt a lot, and I knew at once that it would lead a terrible bruise. Meghan ran over to me and told me to take deep breathes and up slowly. Once one my feet, I walked over to the mounting block, limping slightly. I'll probably be very sore tomorrow.

I remounted, and Meghan led Ginger back over to C, where I began circling to the right at the walk. I trotted around once, then slowed to the walk and changed directions and trotted to the left. Then I rode Ginger out of the arena and rode around the barn and dismounted by the entrance. I untacked, brushed her out, and put her away. I'm still a bit sore, although not badly injured.

In good news, Meghan found a horse that would good for me. He is a 17.3hh warmblood, Largo, who is trained in high level dressage and can leg-yield, half-pass, and do lead changes. He is a 20 year old schoolmaster and Meghan said he would be able to win some blue ribbons. Largo would be able to teach me dressage and give me skills I will need to move on to other disciplines, such as eventing, something I want to do someday. We haven't finalized anything yet, but my parents and I are talking it over.

Kentucky Derby 2014

 The Kentucky Derby, one of the biggest horse races in the United States, is coming up this Saturday, May 3rd, and while I am not a huge racing fan, I enjoy watching the it and the rest of the Triple Crown. I decided to list the competitors for this year in case anyone is interested. One named California Chrome even comes from California. I know who I'll be rooting for.

Vicar's in Trouble credit

Vicar's In Trouble
  Entry number one is Vicar's In Trouble, a bay colt who was sired by Into Mischief and was foaled by Vibrant. Into Mischief sired a couple of the horses that ran in last year's Derby. Also in his pedigree is Bold Ruler, Mr. Prospector, Raise a Native, and Northern Dancer. As a two-year-old he raced only twice, both in maiden races. He ended his season after breaking his maiden on his second race. This year, he has raced in three races: the LeComte Stakes, the Risen Star Stakes, and the Louisiana Derby. he won both the LeComte Stakes and the Louisiana Derby, coming third in the Risen Star Stakes.

Harry's Holiday
 Harry's Holiday is by Harlan's Holiday and was foaled by Daisy Mason, an unraced mare with Stop the Music in her pedigree. Harry's Holiday also has Affirmed, Secretariat, Raise a Native, and Norhtern Dancer in his pedigree. He raced three times last year, breaking his maiden on his first race, then coming second and then first after that. As a three-year-old, he fifth in the Pasco Stakes, won a race at Turfway, came third in the John Battaglia Memorial Stakes, then second in the Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati Spiral Stakes. Most recently, he came thirteenth in the Blue Grass Stakes.

Uncle Sigh
 Uncle Sigh is by Indian Charlie and was foaled by Cradlesong, who is by Pine Bluff. He is a descendent of Seattle Slew, A.P. Indy, Secretariat, Raise a Native, and other well-known racehorses. Last year, he raced twice, coming second in his first race and breaking his maiden on the next. This year he came second in both the Withers and Gotham Stakes, and came fifth in the Wood Memorial Stakes.

Danza
 Danza, sired by Street Boss and foaled by Champagne Royale, is also racing in this years Derby. He has Damascus, Bold Ruler, and Mr. Prospector in his pedigree. In his career, he has only race four, breaking his maiden on his first go, the going on the come third in the Saratoga Special Stakes. This year, he came third in an allowance and won the Arkansas Derby.

California Chrome credit

California Chrome
 The favorite for this years Derby is California Chrome, by Lucky Pulpit and out of Love the Chase. He is related to Raise a Native, Northern Dancer, Native dancer, and Buckpasser. As a two-year-old he came second in his first race, the won the next. He came fifth in the Willard L. Proctor Memorial Stakes, won the Graduation Stakes, then came sixth in both the Del Mar Futurity and the Golden State Juvenile Stakes. Then he won the King Glorious Stakes to end the season. This year he won the California Cup Derby, San Felipe Stakes, and Santa Anita Derby.

Samraat
 Samraat was sired by Noble Causeway and foaled by Little Indian Girl. Also in his pedigree is Mr. Prospector, Northern Dancer, Secretariat, and Raise a Native. He broke his maiden on his first race, and went on to win an allowance and the Damon Runyon Stakes. This year he won both the Withers and Gotham Stakes, and came second Wood Memorial Stakes.

We Miss Artie
 We Miss Artie was sired by Artie Schiller and foaled by Athena's Gift. He is related to Mr. Prospector, Raise a Native, Northern Dancer, Damascus, and Alydar. As a two-year-old, he broke his maiden on his second race, came sixth in the With Anticipation Stakes, first in the Dixiana Breeders' Futurity, and seventh in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. In 2014 he came second in the Kitten's Joy Stakes, eighth in the Besilu Stables Fountain of Youth Stakes, and won the Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati Spiral Stakes.

General A Rod
 General A Rod was sired by Roman Ruler and foaled by Dynamite Eyes, who was sired by Dynaformer. Raise a Native, Mr. Prospector, Native Dancer, and Northern Dancer are also in his pedigree. As a two-year-old he raced twice, breaking his maiden on his first time before coming second in an allowance race. This year, he won the Gulfstream Derby, came second in the Besilu Stables Fountain of of Youth Stakes and third in the Besilu Florida Derby.

Vinceremos
 Vinceremos, sired by Pioneer of the Nile and foaled by Kettles Sister, and related to Mr. Prospector, Northern Dancer, and Bold Ruler, raced only once as a two-year-old, not breaking his maiden. As a three-year-old he went on to break his maiden, win the Sam F. Davis Stakes, come second in the Tampa Bay Derby, and fourteenth in the Blue Grass Stakes.

Wildcat Red
 Wildcat Red was sired by D'Wildcat and foaled by Racene, and is related to Mr. Prospector, Secretariat, Raise a Native, Northern Dancer, and Damascus. In 2013 he raced three times, breaking his maiden in the first race, winning an allowance, and coming second in the Juvenile Sprint Stakes. As a three-year-old, he came second in the Gulfstream Park Derby, won both the Hutcheson and Besilu Stables Fountain of Youth Stakes, and most recently came second in the Besilu Florida Derby.

Dance With Fate
 Dance With Fate, son of Two Step Salsa and Flirting With Fate, is a descendent of Seattle Slew, Northern Dancer, and Raise A Native. He broke his maiden on his second try, then came second in both the Del Mar Futurity and the Frontrunner Stakes, ending the season with an eighth in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. Next, he   won an allowance, came second in the El Camino Real Derby, and won the Blue Grass Stakes.

Chitu
 Chitu, by Henny Hughs and Sea Gift, is a grandson of A.P. Indy, the son of Seattle Slew. He also Secretariat in his pedigree. Chitu raced twice last year, winning both a maiden and an allowance. This year, he came second in the Robert D. Louis Stakes and won the Sunland Derby.

Medal Count
 Medal Count is by Dynaformer and out of Brisquette, by Unbridled's Song. He broke his maiden on his first try, the came fifth in the Bourbon Stakes and eleventh in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. This year, he won an allowance, came fifth in the Besilu Stables Fountain of Youth Stakes, won the Transylvania Stakes, and came second in the Blue Grass Stakes.

Tapiture
 Tapiture, son of Tapit and Free Spin, by Olympio, is a descendent of Secretariat, Raise A Native, Damascus, and Mr. Prospector. He failed to break his maiden, coming second, but raced in the Iroquois Stakes anyways, placing third. He came third in his next, but then won the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes to end the season. This year, he won the Southwest Stakes, came second in the Rebel Stakes and fourth in the Arkansas Derby.

Intense Holiday
 Intense Holiday is by Harlan's Holiday and out of Intensify, by Unbridled's Song. He also has Affirmed, Secretariat, and War Admiral in his pedigree. Last year, he broke his maiden second try, came fifth in the Foxwood's Champagne stakes and fourth in both the Nashua and Remsen Stakes. This year he came third in the Holy Bull Stakes, won the Risen Star Stakes, and came second in the Louisiana Derby.

Commanding Curve
 Commanding Curve is by Master Command and Mother and is related to A.P. Indy, Seattle Slew, and Secretariat. He didn't break his maiden until his fourth try, ending the season. This year he came sixth in the Risen Star Stakes and third in the Louisiana Derby.

Candy Boy
 Candy Boy, by Candy Ride and out of She's An Eleven, by In Excess, didn't break his maiden until his fourth. He then ended the season with a second in the CashCall Futurity. THis year, he won the Robert B. Lewis Stakes and came third in the Santa Anita Derby.

Ride On Curlin
 Ride On Curlin, by Curlin and out of Magical Ride, by Storm Cat, a grandson of Secretariat, broke his maiden on his second try before coming fourth in the Iroquois Stakes and third in both the Foxwood Champagne Stakes and the Street Sense Stakes. This year, he won an allowance and came third in both the Southwest and Rebel Stakes. Most recently, he came second in the Arkansas Derby.

Wicked Strong, credit

Wicked Strong
 Wicked Strong, by Hard Spun and out of Moyne Abbey, by Charismatic, is another favorite for the Derby. He has both Secretariat and Alydar in his pedigree. He broke his maiden on his second race, then ran third in the Remsen Stakes. This year, he came ninth in the Holy Bull Stakes, fourth in an allowance, and won the Wood Memorial Stakes.

Pablo Del Monte
 Pablo Del Monte, by Giants Causeway and out of One Hot Wish, by Bring The Heat, is related to Secretariat and Northern Dancer. As a two-year-old, he broke his maiden first try, won an allowance, and came fifth in the Generous Stakes. This year, he came fourth in the Gulfstream Park Derby and third in both the Hutcheson and Blue Grass Stakes.

Who do you want to win and do you think there will be a Triple Crown winner this year?

How Did OTTBs Do in Rolex 2014?

This year at Rolex, there were fourteen off-the-track Thoroughbreds competing, eight completing the competition, four of which finished in the top twenty. This number goes to show how versatile OTTBs really are and how well they can perform in their careers after racing. I decided to write a brief overview of the OTTBs competing and how each one did this past week at Rolex.

OTTBs

Mensa G credit

 Mensa G---Michael Pollard
The OTTB that did the best at Rolex is Mensa G, a 1998 gelding ridden by Michael Pollard. For those you who are interested in Thoroughbred pedigrees, Mensa G, raced under the named Merisha G, is the son of Colonial Affair and Fire the Secretary, who is by Stop the Music. He raced 41 times on the track, winning five races and earning $92,000. After outdoing many warmbloods in dressage with a score of 49.5, he was in first place.  He placed 14th overall. A knocked down rail in show jumping cost him a better position.

Pirate---Megan O'Donoghue
 The second highest placing OTTB is the 2002 gelding, Pirate, ridden by Megan O"Donoghue, who placed 17th overall. Pirate's registered name is Pirate's Gold Star, and he raced only ten times. Pirate did exceptionally well in cross country, running the course both fast and clean and earning him the 17th position of all the many horses at Rolex.

Tsunami---Sarah Cousins
 Just behind Pirate is Tsunami, ridden by Sarah Cousins. Tsunami, a 1999 mare, is registered as Tsu Tsu Ro and is the granddaughter of Seattle Slew and Affirmed, both Triple Crown winners. she raced 24 times and earned just over $35,000. At Rolex, she too ran a fast cross country time, ending up 18th overall.

Sir Rockstar---Libby Head
Sir Rockstar, ridden by Libby Head, placed 19th overall. He raced 16 times but didn't do very well as a racehorse. He ran a fast an clean cross country course, and did very well in the show jumping phase. A clean round brought him from 28th place to his final position of 19.

Parker, by Gretchen Pelham credit

Parker---James Alliston
 Parker, ridden by James Alliston, is a 2002 gelding registered as Eastside Park. he raced ten times, earning little money, but he does well at eventing. In fact, he ran the fastest cross country time that day, placing 22nd overall.

Irish Rhythm---Rachel McDonough
 Placing 25th is Irish Rhythm, a 1999 gelding registered as Daniel Alexander. He raced 43 times, earning nearly $26,000 before finally retiring. At Rolex he ran cross country fast and clean, though he didn't do show jumping without any faults.

Ziggy---Rachel Jurgens
 Ziggy, ridden by Rachel Jurgens, is a 1996 gelding who has only raced twice, winning no races and earning no money. He is registered as Ziggy's Berry Boy, and his sire is Ziggy's Boy. His dam, Berry Blush, is the daughter of Foolish Pleasure. Like most of the other OTTBs, he ran cross country fast and clean.

Houdini---Katie Frei
 Houdini, registered as Rocky Times, is a 2004 gelding sired by Hot Rock, a descendent of Native Dancer. He raced only five times, never winning or placing. At Rolex he placed 34th.

*  *  *

 There were a few others entered, but those ones were either eliminated or withdrew halfway through. Among those are Shiraz, a 1998 ridden by Colleen Rutledge; Relentless Pursuit, a 1996 gelding ridden by Dana Widstrand; Madison Park, a 1998 gelding ridden by Kyle Carter; Collection Pass, a 2002 gelding ridden by Kate Chadderton; Here's to You, a 2000 gelding ridden by Emily Beshear; and Expedience, a 1997 mare who was injured during the competition and is ridden by Kaitlin Spurlock.

Lots of Pictures from Saturday's Eventing Show

  I have lots of great pictures from the show Sarah went to Saturday. You can read the write-up here, or look at the pictures I took of Sarah and Bohemian. The following photos are from her dressage class.

 

 After hanging out for several hours once the dressage was over, I watched Sarah do cross country. The pictures are a bit far away, but you can see them more clearly when you enlarge the photo.

In Bohemian's stall before cross country.

I love this one! Notice the magenta and black cross country colors people voted for  before the show.

Warmup. 

 

 

 

Fun Day at Fresno Horse Park

 Today I spent the most of the day with Sarah from Eventing in Color at the April Horse Trials in the Fresno Horse Park. She was showing not far from where I live, like she had done last year, so I came to watch and hang out with her. This time, I watched two of her classes, dressage and cross country, which was fun. We hung out and talked in between.

 I arrived just in time to watch her dressage class and part of the one before it. I took pictures in both her classes. She and Bohemian looked nice in the dressage ring. At the end, I came over to say hi. It was nice to meet her again! After the class Bohemian had a quick exam from the vet(I'll let her tell the story) and we walked to Bohemian's stall, which was in a newly painted barn nearby the show office. While she untacked, I fed Bohemian treats for being a good boy.

 In between the dressage class and the cross country several hours later, both Sarah and I talked about all kinds of horse things, including eventing and some of the shows and clinics she has been doing lately. I told her a little about the horses I ride in lessons, Reno and Ginger. We also talked about OTTBs, and how they often do well at eventing, particularly cross country. Bohemian loves cross country. Sarah's trainer trains a lot of OTTBs for eventing, and since I want to do eventing I think one of the horse's she trains would be a nice horse to have. I've been saving for a horse and Meghan thinks I'm ready to start looking. Another thing we talked about was the food Bohemian eats since we had been talking about types of hay and I was interest in what he eats in addition to hay.

 When it was almost time for cross country, I helped Sarah get Bohemian ready by brushing out his mane and tail. Sarah tacked him, and we got a picture together before the warmup and ride. By that time her trainer, Laurie, was there, so Sarah mounted and rode to the warmup ring. I followed with Laurie. I watched Sarah's warmup with Laurie, my parents, and another woman Laurie knows. The warmup area, which is not far from the four dressage rings, is huge, so there was plenty of room for people to warmup their horses. Sarah jumped him over a few fences toward the end of the warmup before she was called to the starting box. My parents and I headed to a vantage point where we could see most of the course. I took some
pictures, but I didn't get any close up ones.

 Sarah and Bohemian looked fantastic! They finished the course in good time. It was fun to watch, and Bohemian really seemed to love his job. I went over to tell Sarah that she had looked great, then went back to the Bohemian's stall with her. She untacked and brushed him, and I gave him lots of treats because he had done so well. She then took him to a nearby pad to hose him off. I got a few pictures of Bohemian when he was being washed, and even got a couple nice faceshots. He had his ears forward in one! After placing a cooler on Hemie, Sarah let me lead her horse back to his stall. She gave him a flake of hay to eat after I put him in his stall.

 My parents and I talked to Laurie a bit before we left. I am almost done with a book I've been writing that I hope to sell to earn money for a horse, in addition to doing some work with my friends. Laurie is very supportive of me and likes that I am ready to work hard for a horse. Both she and Sarah thinks it cool that I want to do eventing. Maybe someday we'll compete at the same, except in different levels. That'd be very cool. Not long after that, I wished Sarah luck for tomorrow and went home. Before leaving my parents and I stopped by one of the tack vendors to take a look at some some very fancy saddles, just for fun. Then we went home. I have lot's of pics from today and will upload some once I get them off the camera.

 The book I'm writing is nearly through the editing phase. Then I'll get a proof, have the foreword written, and it will be ready to be published! My goal is to have it out at the beginning of summer, or hopefully even sooner. It is about Triple Crown winners, suiting because I want an OTTB, though that is not the most important thing. Some of the money will go to my horse fund and some will go LOPE, a racehorse adoption center I've been following that is located in Texas. I let you know when it comes out.

Horse Rescue Work

 I didn't do much work at the rescue today. When I got to there, all the horses were out in pasture rather than in their stalls, so Patricia and I immediately began mucking stalls. They weren't very dirty, probably because the horses had likely been turned out for several days. It didn't take long to clean all of them up. Once finished, we went to the pasture to get on the horses. Ricko was in a small pen near the gait, so Patricia haltered him and brought him to the round pen. She worked with him a bit, then handed him to me to hand graze him near the small arena. Ricko doesn't like grazing out in the pasture with the other horses. Later on, Patricia brought an older, Teddy, out to hand graze him as well. After a while, we left since all the other horses were somewhere out in the pasture.

 We went to Patricia's house after that to work with her horses, Tank and Tessa. Tank is a stocky bay mustang with a large white star on his face, and Tessa is a much small horse with an blanket marking on her rump. We saddled them(I used the Australian saddle) and rode them in the round pen for a bit at the walk and trot. Later, we exited the round pen and rode them in the yard, going around several times and traveling up and down slopes. Tessa is not used to going downhill, so we focused a lot on hills. Next, we returned to the round pen, circled several more times, and put the horses away.

 This Saturday I'll be going to the Fresno Horse Park to watch sarah from Eventing in Color ride. I had met her at a show last year, so it will cool to see her again and watch her ride. I'll make sure to take pictures. Oh, and check out Hillary's contest.

Stories from off the Track: Briana and River

 For the next addition of my Stories from off the Track series, I will be featuring Brianna and River, from Equestrian Diaries. If you don't know them, go check out their blog! 

Briana 

About River:

River (Jockey Club name Choptank) is an almost 9-year-old Thoroughbred who originally came off the Pimlico track in Maryland (I believe). Before that, he raced about 16 times; he only won once, but he was regularly placing in the second-third range. After coming off the track, he spent between a year and two years bouncing around to three different owners before I found him. I've been able to get in touch with two of those owners, but I haven't been able to contact the lady who originally got him off the track, so I don't know what led to his retirement in the first place. One fun thing is that even though he went to so many owners, I still have his registration papers, so I know his "real" birthday and even have documentation of his one and only win! 

How We Met:

Ok, this is going to be a bit long--first horse, you know... ;) I started looking for a horse after quitting a volunteer job riding off-track Arabians because the owner's standards and mine just didn't mesh. I'd already fallen in love with my coach's Thoroughbred mare, so I really wanted a Thoroughbred (though I was looking at other horses), and an off-track one appealed to me because I'd just finished riding the off-track Arabs. I went to look at several horses before I expanded my search distance and found an OTTB filly I liked. I called about her, but the lady who was selling her (A Pinch of Luck, <http://www.apinchofluck.com/> ) told me about a gelding she also had for sale, named Chops, that she thought I would like better. She e-mailed me pictures and a video of both horses, and I looked at Chops' (River's!) head shot and promptly fell in love and forgot all about the filly. My coach agreed that he sounded and looked like a better match, and I made the trip down to ride both horses, first just with my dad and then again with my coach. I didn't have any epiphany, but when I got off River, even though he was a slightly neurotic, very inward-focused, head-bobbing and weaving goose, I just felt right. I pretty much decided then that unless the vet check said he'd be unrideable in six months, I'd take him home. Needless to say, he passed and I brought him home! He is my first horse, my "boyfriend," and I adore him. :) 

Challenges:

 Our first challenge was his feet. When I bought him, even in shoes he was dealing with heel bruising and overall tenderness. When I brought him home he promptly pulled both shoes in turnout. He was a bit sore after that, but got really sore after I had someone out to trim him. It took several months (and several different trimmers) before his feet toughened up enough to go barefoot. Now he has fantastic feet though and happily goes barefoot without any problems! 

 Our second challenge, though it might seem odd, is his "try." He tries so hard to do what you ask that gets very nervous, anxious, and "shut down" if you push him too hard or don't make things clear to him. He needs me to "hold his hand" and walk him through everything, but he's also got a strong independent streak that gets rather offended and/or just shuts down if you boss him. (Don't tell, but I really think he's me in horse form!) It's still hard for me to know just how much to push him and when to back off and let him think. Also, his weight and overall muscle/body condition are always a challenge, but that's just him. ;)

What We Plan To Do:

 Rock the world with our awesomeness. ;) Okay, more realistically, jump a little bit, learn dressage, and play on the trails. Right now we're doing a lot of walking and trotting, building condition and teaching him how to carry himself. He wasn't ridden much at all in between coming off the track and when I bought him, so he still has a lot of racehorse habits that need to be un-learned!

Do you have an ex-racehorse and want him/her to be featured? Please email me at paola.pedranti@gmail.com.

Things I Want in a Horse

 Since I know that someday, even if it isn't soon, I'll be looking for a horse, I decided to make a list of things I want in horse. I think it's important to think about what you want in a horse to help you find the right one. Not only does it narrow down the list of possible horses, it keeps you from buying the wrong horse, one that is lacking in a non-negotiable trait. I of course have no experience horse shopping, so it's just me opinion. Without further ado, my list.

Non-negotiable Traits

 There are certain traits that I definitely want in my first horse, ones that I won't sacrifice. I'll divide these traits into categories, such as temperament and training level.

Temperament

Want: 

•  Fairly calm temperament, probably around 4 or 5 on a on a scale of 1 to 10. 
•  Kind, sweet personality. 
• One I can bond with and have good partnership.
• Forgiving

Don't want: 

• A high-spirited horse
• Spooks at everything
• Doesn't like people
• Is mean to other horse or people

Physical Traits

 Want: 

• Honest gaits
• Built so he can jump

Don't want:

• Conformational flaws that inhibit his performance
• Old injuries that inhibit performance, such as make him only suitable for flatwork.
• Health problems

Training

Want: 

• A good training foundation
• Leads well

Don't want: 

• Major training issues

Negotiable

 I would prefer a Thoroughbred, but breed is not as important as the other traits.

 When I actually do look for a horse, I will ask my trainers opinion too, of course. What traits do you like to look for when shopping for a horse?

Great Lesson

 I had a great lesson today. When I arrived, there were lots of trailers by the arena furthest from the barn because some western riders were practicing for rodeo events there. Ginger hadn't liked the commotion and was a little on on edge, so I rode Reno today instead. Reno had already had several lessons before mine because of this, so he was a little tired.

 He was in one of the small pastures behind the barn when I went to get him. I groomed him, picked his hooves, and tacked him, then head to the arena. After mounting I did walk-halt transitions around the outer edge of the arena, tracking left. Toward the end of the second time around, he began reaching his head down. It took a moment for me to realize that he was trying to eat the grass on the other side of the fence. I kept walking him so he wouldn't snag a bite.

 When I was done with me warm-up, Meghan told me to stay in the dressage court, which was portioned off from the other arena with several ground poles. Nearby each corner were orange cones to help me make a good turn through the corner. I began trotting and did several serpentines at the trot. Then I rode along the edges of the court while Meghan told me about Intro Test C(it's been a while since I have done it).

 Once I reached A, I began my test, saluting at X and continuing on to C, where I began tracking right. I made a circle at B, and then another one at A before heading across the diagonal of the arena to change directions. I made a circle at E, and then another one at A, slowing to the walk when I reached P. I then free walked from B to H, turning right toward C. I gathered me reins and trotted along the long side of the arena, turning down centerline and halting at G, between H and M. I patted Reno, then headed right to and walked to give both of us a short break.

 Next, I did the test with the canter parts included on half of the circle at A. Reno didn't canter right away when I asked, probably because he was tired from his other lessons earlier today. Other than that practicing the test seemed to go well, though I did make a small mistake of heading into the corner when doing one of the circles at A. After that I cooled Reno down, dismounted, and brought him back to the barn to untack and groom him.

I have excellent news! When Meghan was talking to my parents and I, she said that she would be on the look-out for a horse for me. She won't be searching for one, but if she comes across a good one for me she'll let us know. I'm really excited about this, even though I probably won't be getting one very soon. It's great to have a trainer to help you find a horse.

Working at the Rescue and Trying an Australian Saddle

 Today I went to the horse rescue to help out, something I've been doing weekly now. A seven-year-old boy I know named James also went because he takes lessons with Patricia, who works with the horses several times a week. After opening Patricia's trailer and unloading two horses, a bay mustang named Tank and a red roan with a blanket marking on her rump, Tessa, Patricia and I went into the pasture to get one of the horses for James to ride. We brought a bucket of grain and called the horses. I haltered one a dark bay Arabian named Chip and led him to the barn. Chip was throwing his head up in the air as I led him an started screaming when we got to far from the herd, so James didn't ride him. Instead, he rode Tank.

 He didn't ride very long so Patricia let another young boy ride Tank in the round pen and mucked a couple stalls while I watched the boy. Afterward, she tacked up Tessa and put an Australian saddle on Tank. An Australian saddle looks like a cross between a dressage saddle and a western saddle, with a horn, western stirrups, and a higher cantle than a typical dressage saddle. Patricia let me ride Tank in a small arena while she rode Tessa. Tessa is a rescue who has mostly been ponied(led my someone on another horse), so Patricia wanted the horse to follow Tank and I to gain confidence. Tank seems to be a kind, easygoing horse, just like Reno.

 We worked mostly at the walk, but did a little trotting as well. After about twenty minutes or so, we dismounted and Patricia began working with Serene. While she did that, I moved Ricko to another stall so I could muck his, then put him back. Patricia worked with putting a halter on and off Serene, then worked with picking up the young horse's hooves. When she was done, she returned the young horse to her stall.

 By that time it was late in the afternoon, so both of us put everything back and went home. It was fun being able to work around the rescue and I liked being able to ride. It was interesting riding in an Australian saddle, too. It was a good day.

Book Review: Jane Savoie's Dressage 101

 I just finished a great book on dressage, called Jane Savoie's Dressage 101, by Jane Savoie. It was originally published as two editions, but a couple years ago the two books were published into one. It has a lot of information in it that can help jumpers, eventers, and other riders ind addition to dressage riders.

Summary

Amazon

 The book begins by explaining what the purpose of dressage is and how it can benefit your horse. It also talks longeing and the importance of a good seat before teaching two fundamentals of dressage---forward and straight. Next, it covers several other important things: paces, gaits, and rhythm. It teaches how to evaluate the walk, trot, and canter, and also explains the different types of each gait(collected, working, medium, extended). Then it explains contact before teaching about basic flatwork and lateral movement. The book has loads more information in it and is definitely worth checking out. It is organized in several stages broken down into chapters so you can work on thing and later progress to the next one.

Would I Recommend It? 
 I would recommend this book to anyone, even if she doesn't plan on competing in dressage. Dressage 101 contains information on making your horse more in harmony with, and collection, for example, can be helpful for jumpers as well because it gives them more power as they take off. I learned a lot reading it. The author has a clear and interesting way of writing, too. It is a book well worth reading!

Riding Pictures 4/12/14

My leg is kind of bad in this picture...

Circling the standards near the corner across from the gate.

Riding a figure eight and heading toward the standards near the gate.

I like this picture.

Reno and I before his bath

Hosing him off with a shower spray

Having a nice roll.

After his roll.

Nice Day for a Ride

 The weather was warm today, with very few clouds in the sky. It was excellent riding weather. I wore my new smoke-blue TuffRider breeches today, which I had gotten for my birthday earlier, and rode Reno because Ginger had just had lesson with a girl named Olivia. Reno was having his turnout time in a pasture behind the barn. When I went to get him, I couldn't find his halter, so Meghan told me to use one of the other horse's halter. I led him around the barn and inside, tying him in the cross-ties before getting him ready. While I was picking his hooves, Meghan painted them with black hoof dressing. I then put his boots on, saddled him, put his bridle on, and led him to the arena. Before mounting, I tightened his girth a bit more.

 I warmed Reno up by doing walk-halt transitions and riding around the arena twice. When I was toward the end of the second lap, Meghan told me to ride toward the corner across from the gate, where a set of jump standards with a couple of trot poles between then stood. I circled it at a walking tracking right first. Then I began trotting around it. Reno wanted to go fast today and began trotting too fast, sometimes even breaking into the canter. Because of this I rode him a small circles and gradually made them wider. After doing this for a bit, I slowed to the walk and changed directions. I once more began trotting.

 After that, I once more changed directions and started a new exercise. I began trotting a figure eight, doing the first part around the standards I was already riding around, and riding the second around another set of standards, which were by the gate. I did this so I could get better at changing my posting diagonal. After a while, I started a new figure eight, riding to the right around the original set of standards before going around two adjacent sets that were near the middle of the arena.

 Finally, I began that last exercise. I started by turning left and circling the original set of standards. Then, I rode around to ones near the gate, and finally heading back to the starting point. Next, I began trotting around the set of standards I had started at. I did several steps of canter in each direction then cooled Reno down.

 I rode him out of the arena to the end of the barn closest to the trail(right side if you look at it from the parking lot), then dismounted. He was very sweaty at the end of the ride, and hot, so Meghan told me to hose him down after grooming him if I had time. After leading him into the barn and tying him in the cross-ties, I untacked him, groomed him, and picked him hooves. Then I led him onto the concrete wash area and tied him to the bar. I turned on the hose and let it run for a bit until it was cool. Then I began spraying his legs, slowly working my way up his body as he got used to the water. Once he was cool and I had sprayed his entire body, I untied and returned him to the pasture. As soon as I left the pasture, he began to roll and got himself very dusty. He looked liked he had fun rolling! At least I had bathed him to cool him down, not clean him.

 It was a fun ride. My leg was better than last time, which is good.

Horse Rescue

  Earlier today I went to help out at the horse rescue for a few hours. Before going there, I went with Patricia, who helps out often, to pick up a few salt licks for the horses in the stalls. Then we went to rescue and began working. We began by turning out Ricko and the small dark bay mare. Then brought Dante to the round pen, cleaned his stall, and I began working with him. He had dried mud caked over some parts of his body, so I curried him before brushing him off, then free longed him for a few minutes.

 Next, Patricia moved Serene to Dante's stall and we began mucking Serene's stall. Afterward, it was time to work with Serene. Because Dante was in the round pen and Serene was in Dante's stall, we had to play musical stalls for a bit, moving Serene into her own stall, then moving Dante into his stall. We finally brought Serene to the round pen where Patricia worked with her a bit. She took Serene's halter off and replaced it with another to get her used to being halter, then longed her on the longe line in both directions. We then left her to let her absorb what she had done.

 Patricia moved Ardonis, a very light palomino, to the neighboring stall so we could muck his. When we were done with that, Patricia worked with Serene a bit more, leading her over a tarp. She then picked Serene's front hooves. Serene struggled a bit before Patricia could lift each front foot. Next, she returned Serene to her stall. She brought Ardonis to his stall as well.

 Finally, we returned the two horses we had turned out back to their stalls. Before leaving, we shoveled shavings into a muddy part of Dante's stall, mixed it into the mud to absorb the moisture, then scooped it up. After that, I went home.

Teaser: I have a secret that you will see after Saturday's lesson, when I post the pictures. I'll keep you suspense until then.

California Chrome and Kentucky Derby 2014

 This year's Kentucky Derby is fast approaching, and will occur on May 3, the first Saturday in May. As the date draws near, racing fans begin to wonder whether this will be the year we will have the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978. With the recent Santa Anita Derby, a favorite had already been picked for the Derby: California Chrome.

 California Chrome is a chestnut colt sired by the 2001 Lucky Pulpit, a sprinter that won in mostly short races. His 2006 dam, Love the Chase, has names like Northern Dancer and Mr. Prospector in her pedigree, and other horses that suggest she may have passed stamina onto her son. For those of you who are interested, here is his pedigree.

California Chrome credit

 California Chrome has only raced ten times, but placed first in six of those races. He broke his maiden in only his second race before running a few stakes races. In the William L. Proctor Memorial Stakes, he placed fifth. He next won the Graduation Stakes at Del Mar, placing sixth in his next two races, and ending his season with a victory at the King Glorious Stakes. This year, he has won all three of his races: the California Cup Derby, the San Felipe Stakes, and most recently, the Santa Anita Derby.

The second betting favorite is Vicar's in Trouble, whose sire is the 2005 Into Mischief, a stallion who did well as a two-year-old but was injured as a three-year-old. Nevertheless, he is becoming a successful sire. Vibrant is his 2002 dam. She raced a few times, winning a short sprints. His pedigree also includes stop the Music, Affirmed, Bold Ruler, Mr. Prospector, and Secretariat.

 Vicar's in Trouble has raced five times, winning three of then and placing third in the other two. He too broke his maiden on his second race, going on to win the LeComte Stakes in his first race this year. He came third in the Risen Star Stakes, but won his most recent race, the Louisiana Derby.

 Other Kentucky Derby prospects include Wicked Strong, Samraat, Constitution, Hoppertunity, Intense Holiday, Wild Cat Red, We Miss Artie, Chitu, Midnight Hawk, Ring Weekend, and more. I'm excited to see how this year's Derby turns out.

 Also, in other news, I got a dressage book for my birthday today, so once I am done with it, I will review it on my blog.

My Day at the Rescue

I once again volunteered at the rescue. When I arrived there, I helped a regular volunteer, Patricia, muck stalls. We started with a palomino named Ardonis, leading him to the round pen before doing his stall, which was flooded from the recent rain. After mucking in, we covered some of the mud with dirt, then returned Ardonis to his stall.

 We did the other four horse's stall's one by one, taking its occupant out and doing some work with him or her before doing the stall and returning the horse. Patricia is now able to brush Serene, the bay youngster. She did that while in the round pen, and also lunged Serene and tried putting a halter on the horse to get her used to having one put on.

 After that, we worked with Dante, a bay Arabian. I lunged him off the lungeline and groomed him in the round pen before we took him to a small arena to lunge him in figure eights around two barrels. Patricia taught me how to do it, then I tried.

 Next, we worked with Ricko, the large bay horse that looks like he could be a dressage horse. I lunged him and brushed him before Patricia tacked him up. He was likely kicked and treated roughly in the past, so he was anxious when being mounted. He pulled away several times before she successfully mounted. She had me come over and lead Ricko, who was tense the whole time. After a few minutes, she dismounted.

 Finally, we worked with the last horse, a small bay mare who had shed out most of her hair. She had recently injured her left front fetlock, so I only lunged her lightly and brushed her before putting her away.

 After that, I went home. I'm likely going to be able to come once a week to help, which is cool. I really enjoy helping out, and I am grateful the Patricia can teach me horsemanship while I am there and give m,e more experience working with horses.