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On the go…

Posted by  on 22 October 2010, 9:16 pm

that is, I have been on the go recently, judging  4 of the last 6 weekends.  Many being new places I had yet to venture for judging which is always fun and exciting.

Earlier in the month, I was honored to judge a THSA show hosted by Bridlewood Farm in Chesapeake, VA.  Bridlewood is a beautiful equestrian facility with many amenities.  The show wasn’t huge but the quality of horses and riders was definitely not lacking.  There was a great camaraderie and support for all the exhibitors which is nice to see as well.  I am grateful to Anita Anderson and Kasey Evans for requesting I be part of their show and look forward to being back often.

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of traveling to  Country Haven Stables in St. Leonard, MD to judge on Saturday.  It was  a bit windy, but sunny day.  A quality turnout of horses and riders in all the division, including the jumpers at the end of the day.  As we started back after the lunch break, there was a fun costume class, Samie, the JRT, was one of the participants. Isn’t he adorable?! 

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I had a lovely time, and am very appreciative to Marcia Kane, Linda and Ben Chaney for having me out and I’m looking forward to being back next year.

Then I trekked back to judge at Hidden Haven‘s final show the season on Sunday, and my third time judging there this season.  Carol Anne’s shows always have a good size turnout, but this probably one of her largest, being end of the year awards were on the line!  She had lovely prizes and ribbons for each division.  I was judging the Ring 2, which hosts Leadline, Pre-Short, Short Stirrup Eq & hunter, Beginner Eq & hunter classes.  I find that these can be the toughest classes to judge, NOT that I’m complaining, as I’m pleased that there are so many GOOD up and coming riders for our future.  Thanks Carol Anne and all of the Hidden Haven Show Mgmt Team for another GREAT YEAR!

Judging really keeps me on my toes as a trainer and instructor, I also to continuing my education by learning from the best in our sport.  This week, I went up to Morven Park in Leesburg, VA to audit George Morris clinic.  He is definitely one of my greatest influences next to all the horses I’ve been blessed to ride.   There were 3 groups, each with 8 riders.  I will get my notes typed up this weekend and post them soon.  It was a GREAT day, no gimmicks, no quick fixes, just GOOD riding.  Below are two videos of GM riding two different mares during the clinic.  There is good audio on the second video, so be sure to have your volume turned up.

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Busy bee…

Posted by  on 18 September 2010, 9:20 pm

that’s me, and happily so.  I had the delightful opportunity to head over to Courtland, VA to River Birch Farm to judge last weekend.  We had finally gotten some much needed rain, but due to excellent preparation and attention to detail, the show went on without a hitch or detriment to horse nor rider.  The ring was supremely groomed, jumps decorated in honor of fall, and good eats for everyone.  If you haven’t had the pleasure of visiting RBF or attending one of their shows, be sure to soon.

When not riding, teaching, grooming the ring, picking up pastures, or routine daily barn chores, I spent any spare time this left for me, some “fall” cleaning around the barn, as my great friend, Jana, recently posted in her blog, I much rather clean my barn than my house.  Spiffing up some non-routinely used tack, dusting shelves, preparing blankets for laundry day, and setting aside items that I don’t need anymore to pass along to those who do have use for them.  It was extremely rewarding.

I also spent [too much] time on the phone with Ticketmaster, planning our time at WIHS in late October.  I’m excited to have my mother joining us at the show this year, along with our newest edition to Team Brydelle, Cheerie.  We always gain such wonderful inspiration from the beautifully talented horses and riders.

Happily, Glenda is home from her several weeks of travel for work, and she was able to pop on her handsome boy this week for a quick refresher before her lesson tomorrow.

Cheerie has been steadfast in her dedication to improving her riding, and it shows in her progression.  Her muscle memory and stamina is noticeably bettered.  Over the last two session together, she has been working over small jumps.

I’m also thrilled that personalized embroidery for the farm and the Team will be ready next week.  I’m very grateful to Neysa Bryant of SewPersonal located inside of Horse and Hound in Carrollton, VA.  Pictures will be posted ASAP.  What a sight we will all be at WIHS.

Knocking on wood, we are having exquisite weather here in good’ole Virginiy, are we possibly going to have a reasonable fall season, let us all hope and pray it is so.  I was up early this AM, prepping the arena for lessons.  I waging a small war against the pine needles, though I’m very grateful to the trees for shade, often times, you do have to take the bad with the good, and this is one of those times.

Simone had a great lesson today on Miss Alley.  After warming up on the flat, with lengthening and shortening, shoulder in, and counter canter work, we moved on to practicing the three releases, short [crest] , long [crest] and automatic release over a low combination of a short 2 to 2 stride, by alternating between them, as I called them out.  They both executed this exercise beautifully.  Simone and Alley both prefer the more equitation type course, so I laid one out for them to tackle.  Off the right lead, they were to jump a natural vertical on the quarter line, roll back to the right to a vertical with bright yellow sunflowers on the outside line, around to the combination [1 stride to 1 stride] of airy verticals w/o ground lines down the long side, around to a natural gate on the diagonal riding a broken line the fence 1 the opposite direction, continue cantering around to the left, and halt on the quarter line, then counter canter outside vertical.

World Equestrian Games 2010

Go Team USA

I think that catches me up on many of the happenings here and around the farm.  As many of you are, I’m keeping a finger on the quickening pulse of WEG, as it approaches rapidly.  With lots of travel for judging in the upcoming weeks, I wasn’t able to justify being away at WEG, so I will be glued to the web and TV.  May all the horse and riders be safe and perform their very best.

“What you want to do, and what you can do, is limited only by what you can dream.” – M. Melville

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Whirlwind weekend…

Posted by  on 3 September 2010, 10:55 pm

I enjoyed a beautiful [and long] day judging in Natural Bridge, VA at Stone Bridge Farm last Saturday.  There was a great turnout, which is not surprising because the facility is lovely, easy parking, two lovely rings with quality footing and well decorated jumps, nice schooling area, and super organized due to the hard work of Katrina and her crew.  A lovely group of horses, ponies and riders brought their “A” game, every judge’s dream.

I headed home as soon as the show wrapped, and got home about 30 hrs after I had left.  I was eager to see my horses the next day, so I was up early.  I putted about the barn, feeding, grooming and picking pastures, just enjoying the serenity and beauty of my “heaven on earth”.

There was a slight kerfuffel when I tried to introduce Vinnie and Molly, which was very distressing.  Having a small herd, makes it more difficult to introduce a new edition, they are so territorial.  Everyone is back it their respective “corners” and it will stay that way until I get my nerve back to try again.

Cheerie was out on Tuesday AM for her lesson.  She was breaking in her new half chaps and britches.  She is a quick study and very aware of her body.  She is getting strong and building stamina, riding is hard if you do it right and she doesn’t want to take any short cuts, which is good, because there aren’t any short cuts offered at Brydelle Farm.

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Immediately after Cheerie’s lesson, I caught up with Sarah for her lesson.  Again, she and Alley were spot on.  After warming up, we did a few passes over a simple line of small verticals, and then went back and did some shortening and lengthening work at the trot.  Both Alley and Sarah were adequately sweaty at the end, I was pleased.

Preparations for upcoming school year and work schedule’s limited lessons the rest of the week and of course, the threat of Earl.  Though, the long weekend is definitely going to have lots of riding and lessons in it.

Happy and Safe Labor Day Weekend to All!

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One more time….

Posted by  on 29 August 2010, 2:28 pm

it is usually me saying this, but the smile and excitement on Sarah’s face that was conveying this sentiment during her lesson on Friday AM.  Alley has been a great help in keeping her riding since outgrowing Vinnie.  Sarah is now basically as tall as her mom, and I don’t think she is done.  Here is a quick video of a them both…

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Simone exercised Sugar during Sarah’s lesson.  It was so good to see the pony under tack.  She is retired from showing but needs the exercise to keep her healthy and not too heavy, and boy, does she still have spunk and athleticism.  She tried a few of her old pony antics, but happily got with the program after she realized it was easier our way.  I meant to get pics but Simone and I were giggling too much!

Had a boat load of errands to run afterward so I could then get on the road to Lexington, VA, as I was judging Saturday at Stone Bridge Farm in Natural Bridge, VA.   It was a wonderful way to start my day with both Simone, Sarah, Alley and Sug!

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A Great Day, a Great Week, A Great Life…

Posted by  on 8 August 2010, 8:27 pm

This weekend has been beautiful, we had lovely rain Thursday and Friday night which has helped cool it off slightly and has been perfect for the ring and for riding.  I groomed it Friday afternoon, and then an unexpected rain Friday night made it just that little bit better.  I made an agreement with Bryan, if I helped clean the house, he would help me set a new course.  He is so good to me.  All is set and measured, now I need some decoration, will get that completed this week.

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This morning, after getting the horses settled in under their fans, lightly groomed and fed, Terumi, Simone and I headed out to see Lynda Payne of D & L Livestock in the VA mountains in North Garden near Charlottesville.  I contacted her as I have been in search of the newest equine member of Team Brydelle, and just as I was getting frustrated with my search, she checked in with me on Facebook to see how it was going.  I told her still looking, and happily she had a few that fit the bill.  We were excited to visit with Lynda again, she is an honest and knowledgeable horsewoman, and each horse she showed us was exactly as she described.  I locked in on one bay TB mare almost immediately, I like pretty, and she is pretty!  She has a great brain and movement to back it all up, so it just got better and better.  So, we now have our newest member of Team Brydelle.  Sadly due to my schedule, I can’t get her until Friday but no worries, I know she is in good hands until then.

I was so excited, I completely forgot to take any pictures or video, despite having both camera and flip Video with me. Duh!  Simone was the first to ride her and did beautifully with her.  Lynda compliment her seat and riding several times, I was so proud of her, getting on an unknown ~16+hd horse who isn’t in a regular program, and she did with such grace and easy.

Driving away on cloud nine, we headed for lunch at a wonderful little find that Lynda had recommended the last time we visited her, Dr. Ho’s Humble Pies.  And they did not disappoint once again, the pizza is delicious!

This evening, Glenda had her do-over lesson after Friday’s wardrobe malfunction and it was a stellar one!  As said previously, she is a re-rider, and is coming along so well with her sweet, reliable partner, Fletcher.

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Just a great way to end the weekend and start the new week.  Thanks to all of my clients, horses and family for your undying support and commitment, I am so blessed to be part of all your lives.

Lots of exciting news is on the horizon for Brydelle Farm so check back often and feel free to post a comment.

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Developing horsemen…

Posted by  on 3 August 2010, 11:26 pm

is the main focus of mine as I work with my clients and what I look for when I’m judging.  I have large dreams, they may not all come true and I may never be famous which isn’t what is important to me.  What is important, is that I know that I will have imparted and shared my passion, love and never ending, growing knowledge of horses with them, so they can continue to pay it forward into the equestrian community, and community at large.

This topic came to mind as I finished up late Sunday evening, after having judged earlier in the day at Carol Anne Hasslacher’s Hidden Haven Show and lessons with Glenda, Terumi and Simone.

As usual, Carol Anne was extremely organized and had a great turnout, she does such a lovely job.  And we were all blessed with slightly overcast, cool day.  I judged her second ring which is for the youngest and least experienced riders and horses.  I enjoy seeing the future of our sport, and believe in encouraging, instilling and rewarding good horsemanship and sportsmanship skills right from the beginning.  This is were it starts and can end if we skip steps and rush.  I look forward to being back again at the end of the season, to see how all the riders and horses have progressed and improved.

Glenda came to me having some riding experience but was missing lots of hands on experience with horses, as the place she rode previously, would bring her a tacked up horse and then take it away after her lesson.  When she inquired to be able to groom him/her, she was rebuked.  This shocks me!

Jumping right in when she came to my barn, she started by just spending time in the barn, around the horses, cleaning stalls, feeding, grooming, etc.  So much knowledge is gain out of the saddle that helps you when you are in the saddle.

She has channeled that knowledge and her truehearted focus when riding to bring about steady improvement in each of her lessons.  She and Fletcher are really becoming a quality team.    He is such a good teacher for her, and she is a good student, with a focus on being his partner and improving for him, not just relying on him to do it all for her.

I look at the horse even when I’m schooling a rider and/or judging equitation, because I can tell by their expression, attitude and performance if the rider is helping or hindering them.  I’m a sucker for a bright, keen expression on a horse when doing his/her job, and as a horseman, I structure and tailor each horse and rider’s program to bring this out.

Happily, long time students, Terumi and her daugther, Simone, are able to continue this, even though they keep their horses at their home now.  This makes me so proud, they do all the day to day care, keeps up their training at home &  they couldn’t look better!

They trailer in for lessons when I can’t make it over to their place, which is what they did this past Sunday.  To think how far they have both come, and seeing Terumi drive off in her big diesel truck, hauling a trailer full of happy horses, was a icing on the cake for me after a outstanding lesson.   I had them warm their mounts up on the flat on their own, w/o specific directions from me, just critique and compliment, here and there.  It’s important I can see what they are doing at home when I’m not there to watch, though they tell me, I’m always in their head! LOL

Shelby French’s article in COTH this past week touches on the topic of encouraging true horsemanship beautifully and eloquently.  I hadn’t had a chance to read it until I was settling in for the evening on Sunday.  It was quite serendipitous.

“The first rule of good horsemanship, or the definition of horseman/woman, is the love of horses.”  -GHM

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Early mornings and late nights…

Posted by  on 25 July 2010, 11:01 pm

is the only way to beat the heat we have been experiencing here in good’ole VA.  We have adjusted the horse’s schedules slightly, in order to avoid the hottest parts of the day.

I had the pleasure of judging a Friday evening show at Four Oaks Farm a few weeks ago.  As usual, they had a good turnout.  Aileen and her crew do such a wonderful job, good footing, nice, large arena, beautiful jumps, and are extremely organized and offer a wonderful variety of classes.  Lots of lovely trips and well groomed & properly turned out horses/ponies, every judges’ dream.

Lessons are going strongly despite the heat.  All riders and horses are improving leaps and bounds, and having FUN while doing it.  Everyone continues to love the new riding ring, I’m still on the hunt a new drag…not sure what will be best.  Any suggestions, feel free to make a comment.

Luckily, we got some much needed rain.  We were worried about the pastures, it is hangin’ tough and allowing our lovely horses to enjoy it.  Here is a quick picture of Spice, Vinnie and Fletcher doing just that…

Yummy!

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Hot, Hot, Hot…Round 2

Posted by  on 7 July 2010, 6:45 pm

That breath of fresh air is gone, and advisories regarding air quality are here.  All fingers are crossed for some rain, it is getting very dusty and dry, worrying about our pastures and losing the possibility of a second cutting on the local hay fields.

Terumi and Simone had a super lesson Tuesday AM.  Simone is really clicking with Alley, her confidence is growing exponentially and she is finding she prefers horses to ponies.

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A word of warning about over doing it in this heat.  I pushed myself too hard yesterday, didn’t start early enough and ran into the heat of the day for my training rides and have been dealing with the effects since.  Be sure to avoid the hottest part of the day and drink lots of fluids before, during and afterward.

Stay cool!

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A breath of fresh air…

Posted by  on 4 July 2010, 12:22 am

this break in the hot weather has given all of us.  The horses have been a wee frisky this past week!  We had a week full of lessons, riding, mani and pedi for everyone on Tuesday with the best farrier, Adam White, and lots of barn chores and errands for me.  I made the most of each day, often starting around 7am and not ending until after 9pm.

Glenda, Simone and Terumi started the week with an evening group lesson.  It was a blast and everyone did GREAT.  We rode until the sun went down and had to stop.  Most of my lessons are private but lessoning/riding with others has its advantages, particularly the ability to learn by watching others, being confidence and comfort riding infront of others, and gaining experience riding with other horse/rider combos.

Glenda fit in two more lessons this week and a practice ride, even with the tstorms we had early in the week.  No more waiting to ride with our “new” ring, just drag and it’s ready to go.

Later in the week, after Simone and Alley had another STELLAR lesson, we headed out on our search for the newest equine member of Team Brydelle.  We made a trip out to New Kent and saw two nice TBs which I have a real soft spot.  I’m not in a rush to find him/her to ensure the right match.

Cheerie had her second lesson earlier this AM.  She is a quick study and a “doer”, which means, you tell her to do something, she does it, she doesn’t just try to do it, she gets it done.

Afterward, I promised my dear husband I would help him put the finishing touches on the fence, there were a few sections that still needed some paint.  I love how the black fence looks but getting it that way is VERY messy.  I may have very possibly ended up with more paint on me.  While we were out painting, another neighbor took the time to stop and let us know how good the farm is looking, which is always nice to hear.

Bayard has been tickled with the weather as well.  He has been exhausted each and every night.  While I’m teaching or riding, he is sure to keep busy.  Often wanting me to play with him ball with him, but if I can’t, he has to be sure, no one can play ball either, so it necessary to do his second and third favorite things, which are digging and burying.  Here are a few pics…

Got to find the perfect place

Now to cover it up

Well, it is getting late and another day will be here very soon….I wish everyone a very Happy 4th of July.

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Rain…finally

Posted by  on 26 June 2010, 11:22 pm

I started early this morning as I have been all week due to the heat.  The minute I step out the back door, I hear a symphony of nickering and see many pairs of keenly pricked ears and bright eyes, warms my heart and puts a smile on my face and makes starting the day more exciting.

I had a fantastic group lesson with Terumi and Simone.  What a duo that mom and daughter team are, in many ways, they ride very similarly but also have dramatic differences.  Both rode beautifully and smartly…we focused on flatwork and importance of being straight.  They will haul over tomorrow evening for a jumping lesson in the “new” ring.  I rushed home to meet the newest member of Team Brydelle, Cheerie, it was her first lesson with me.  She is an experienced horseman that is coming back to riding after a several year hiatus.  It is easy to tell when someone has “it”, “it” being the passion for all things equine, and Cheerie has it.  I like this, when riders want to be all around horseman and are willing to commit to the infinite number of hours in and out of the saddle it requires to become one.  We welcome her with open arms and are excited to see her reach her dreams and beyond.

After mid-morning barn chores, I jetted off to Champion Saddlery with Glenda for a quick shopping trip for some key necessities.  Their Tent Sale will be in a few weeks so I’m waiting to make big purchases then.  Be sure to go to their site NOW as there is a $10 coupon on there, that I wish I would have printed, so want to see others take advantage of it.

The farm got a nice shower that it has been needing desperately.  Bayard got soaked and then proceeded to become an absolute mess but was so happy with himself!

Dirty Dog, Happy Dog

More errands and farm work finished out my day.  I’m letting the rain soak into the ring and will drag it first thing which will make the footing perfect.  It’s going to be another blistering day tomorrow, so riding and lesson will be late in the day.

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