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Confessions From A Pretend Groom
Two years ago I helped out at a horse show and wrote about how important it is to thank the grooms. That’s still true. But I think two years ago I was only an intern, doing the most basic of tasks and just trying to stay out of the way. I didn’t even know what…
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Show Pen Prep: A Reiner’s Affirmations
I will be a good rider. I will not forget to memorize my pattern like in my sweaty dreams. I will not drink gallons of coffee to combat the aching sleep deprivation that comes with working a horseshow. Because coffee breeds butterflies and makes me have to pee when my chaps are zipped up tight.…
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The Best Way To Remember History Is To See It In Action
The second time I ever spoke to Michelle Blumenthal on the phone I was telling her that I had just got my husband’s truck (without him in it) stuck on her steep driveway and I needed help. I apologized for my city-slicker ways. She laughed and sent someone to rescue me. Country girl I am…
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It’s Not You, It’s Me
That phrase has turned into a little bit of a joke now. Overused in break ups and romantic dramadies, “it’s not you, it’s me.” Too bad because it’s such a great way to say the current situation isn’t working and you’re not going to hold the other person hostage for your happiness. Or in my…
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Bad Dirt, A Spooked Horse, Or A Fall: Blaming External Factors After A Bad Go
I’m showing again this year and have been thinking about all the things that go into that: Gangster’s training, my mindset and confidence, all of the uncontrollable factors. I found this piece I had written a few years ago and never posted. I think it fits perfectly with what I’m thinking about going into the…
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Avoiding Catastrophe With A Novice Rider And Hot Horse
Sometimes I have trouble picking titles for my blog posts. This one could also be called: How I Tortured My Brother With My Horse, in 9 easy steps I’m the youngest of five. The brother next up in age from me is 9 years older. He’s a lieutenant colonel in the Marine Corps who used…
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How to Break Up With Your Trainer
Maybe you’ve been taking lessons for a while and the professional varnish has worn off, a bit of crazy is shining through. Perhaps you’re not clicking with the trainer’s methods (getting yelled at is generally stressful for me. But maybe you’re a glutton for punishment. To each her own). Or maybe you want to try…
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Four Things You Should Know About Your Saddle
The last weekend in October I attended the Women Writing the West conference in Walla Walla, Washington. It was an amazing weekend that filled my creative cup. I met some incredibly talented women who happen to be writers, ranchers, award winners, cowboy poetry readers and many, many other things. I had so much information and…
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Receiving A Message On The Wind
Have you ever had an experience where time seemed to stop just for you? Where goosebumps prickled your skin and you just knew it was a special, spiritual moment? I had one of those moments not too long ago. Just two days before I carried the American flag, actually. Let me start in the past.…
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How To Train Your Horse To Carry The American Flag: Part II
This post is the continuation of How To Train Your Horse To Carry The American Flag in which I give you the running commentary for my journey in training to carry the American flag for the Eugene Pro Rodeo. When I last left off, I had successfully loped with my home made “flag” (an old…