December 2010
Ready or not, here comes the holidays and the cold. Enjoy! Seriously, I sincerely hope that you have a
safe and happy holiday season. Lessons have slowed down because of the cold but we are still doing
lessons Monday-Friday and some Saturdays inside, of course. The clinics will start again in March on
Saturdays & Sundays this year. As always, I have a few things I want to share with you.
GOOD REPORTS
Virgil is on the mend from his fall back in September and is getting rid of his crutches one at a time.
YEA VIRGIL !!
Congratulations to Lynn Witmer & Pyro !!
Twin Brooks Horse Association 2010 Year End Reserve High Point Horse & Rider.
Check out her pictures at www.tbhsa.com
Lynn & Pyro have been to several of our clinics & lessons over the past few years.
And special recognition goes to husband Bill for his help & support.
The biggest good report has to be Dave & Tonda's new tractor shed and indoor arena. WOW!!
I hear it is pretty big, which is good because Tonda's horses are pretty big.
Larry's race horse, Harley retired from racing on Oct. 30. She is recovering and doing well here at
home. My goal is to retrain her so that she can have a happy & productive life as a riding horse. She is
doing really well.
And Speaking of Goals
“Our plans miscarry because they have no aim. When one does not know what harbour they are making
for, no wind is right.” Seneca 3BC-65AD (Roman stoic philosopher, advisor to Nero)
What are your goals for your horse or your riding? Be specific and write them down. Even
if you don't knowhow you are going to find the time, to pay for it or how it is possible. Right it down and
believe that it will happen. Meditate on your goals and then make sure you do something every day even
if it is just for 5 minutes towards reaching that goal.
For example, if your goal is to show your horse next year then start practicing! Even if it's in your mind,
it counts! Visualize it perfectly every day. Let's say you are going to show in an english pleasure class
at a fun show.
- See yourself driving to the show calm & prepared.
- Think about how excited you will be to finally "get there"
- Ride today & pretend you are being judged. Picture it perfect.
- If you can't ride today, then spend some time reading your favorite equitation book or watch a video.
- Read over the rules of the competition.
- Trim your horse's whiskers & pull the mane like you would for the show.
- Do some exercises to help you be a better rider.
If your goal is to become a better rider and just have fun with horses then do something everyday
towards reaching that goal.
- Spend some time reading your favorite equitation book or watch a video.
- Do some exercises or yoga to help you be a better rider.
- Sign up for lessons and clinics.
- Make plans to attend the expos.
Also, there are long term goals and short term goals. For example, my first short term goal with Harley
was to let her settle in, pick up weight and basically just let her learn to trust me. Another short term
goal for Harley is to have her lunge quietly, accepting the contact on the bit and a real saddle on her
back at the walk, trot and canter.. As she learns to do this her muscle tone and physical fitness will
improve so that she will be able to carry a rider more easily in our indoor. A long term goal would be
to take her out trail riding in the spring. Another long term goal is to find her her own human.
(Fancy is a little jealous). And don't forget to plan to be happy and have fun.
"Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." Abraham Lincoln.
Check this out, just for fun http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pn6Jmqs9IHQ
Fancy & I have entered a different kind of a contest. Would you like to vote for us?
http://www.arenus.com/Communities/Strong-Bonds-Contest/ViewEntry/601/sally-fancy-me
One more thing, please remember that your horses need fresh air more then they need to be warm.
A lot of respiratory problems are caused by poor ventilation in barns and horses trailers this time of
the year. Horses need fresh air more then they need to be warm. By the time we notice a smell in the
barn or the horse has started to sweat in the trailer, the damage is already done. All trailer windows
should be open all the way. In the barn make sure there is some way for new air to get in and old
air to get out.
Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas! God Bless & remember, Jesus is the reason for the season.
TTYS
Terry
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